California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Detection of Citrus Disease Huanglongbing Triggers Quarantine Expansion in Portions of San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties

    A quarantine has been declared following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in a single citrus tree in an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, near Montclair. This is the first time the plant disease has been detected in San Bernardino County. CDFA is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County agricultural commissioners on this project.

    The 93-square mile quarantine area will link up with existing quarantines in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, creating a contiguous 1,015-square-mile area. The new portion is bordered on the north by I-210; on the south by Chino Airport; on the west by Highway 57; and on the east by Ontario International Airport. HLB quarantine maps for San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties are available online at: cdfa.ca.gov/plant/hlb/regulation. Please check this link for future quarantine expansions in these counties, should they occur. Quarantines are already in place for HLB in portions of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

    The quarantine prohibits the movement of all citrus nursery stock or plant parts out of the quarantine area. Provisions exist to allow the movement of commercially cleaned and packed citrus fruit. Fruit that is not commercially cleaned and packed, including residential citrus, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and kumquats, must not be moved from the property on which it is grown, although it may be processed and/or consumed on the premises.

    Residents are urged to take several steps to help protect citrus trees:

    • Do not move citrus plants, leaves, or foliage into or out of the quarantine area or across state or international borders. Keep it local.
    • Cooperate with agricultural officials placing traps, inspecting trees, and treating for the pest.
    • If you no longer wish to care for your citrus tree, consider removing it so it does not become a host to the pest and disease.

    HLB is a bacterial disease that affects the vascular system of citrus trees and plants. It does not pose a threat to humans or animals. The Asian citrus psyllid can spread the bacteria as the pest feeds on citrus trees and plants. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure; the tree will produce bitter and misshaped fruit and die within a few years.

    CDFA staff have scheduled removal of the infected tree and are in the midst of a treatment program for citrus trees to knock down Asian citrus psyllid infestations within 400 meters of the find site. By taking this action, a critical reservoir of the disease and its vectors will be removed, which is essential to protect surrounding citrus from this deadly disease.

    CDFA, in partnership with the USDA, local county agricultural commissioners, and the citrus industry, continues to pursue a strategy of controlling the spread of the Asian citrus psyllids while researchers work to find a cure for the disease.

  • Strong Case for Upgrading Trucks: Food Distributors Realize Important Soft Benefits of Replacing Aging Equipment

    Food distributors are increasingly realizing the need to upgrade the trucks in their transportation fleet more frequently by replacing older, less efficient units that cost more to operate and produce harmful emissions.

    Without question, newer, eco-efficient trucks deliver significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs. In fact, according to the most recent truck lifecycle data index, food distribution fleet operators can realize a first-year per-truck savings of $16,928 when upgrading from a 2015 sleeper model-year truck to a 2020 model. For a fleet of 100 vehicles, the savings can reach $1.7 million.

    Fuel efficiency and maintenance expenditures, which are much lower on new trucks, account for a large portion of these “hard cost” savings. The hard cost savings are critically important to distinguish, especially when every organization is laser-focused on their bottom-line Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to be competitive.

    However, aside from these “hard cost” savings, there are also several “soft cost” benefits that contribute significantly to an organization and its bottom line when making asset acquisition decisions.

    Newer Trucks Mean Safer Trucks for the Drivers and the General Public

    More fleets are now paying attention to their trucks’ safety obsolescence in addition to their economic obsolescence – meaning it’s just as important to replace an older truck for safety benefits as it is for economic reasons.

    The advancements in heavy-duty truck safety systems have been nothing short of impressive over the last several years. From truck components that have been around for decades, such as brakes and tires, to the latest technological advancements like stability control and lane-departure systems, safety technology today has made our truck drivers and roads safer.

    According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), close to half of all two-vehicle crashes from 2012 to 2014 were described as rear-end collisions. Of these crashes, 87% were the result of drivers not paying attention to the traffic ahead. NTSB found in a 2015 study that collision avoidance systems could have prevented 1,700 fatal rear-end collisions annually.

    As a result of this increased visibility, the inclusion of collision warning systems on heavy-duty trucks saw a 28% increase in 2017 and a 39% increase in 2018. Volvo was early to adopt Electronic Stability Control and equip their trucks, with updates made as early as model-year 2006 prior to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 136 Mandate in Calendar Year 2017. By model year 2018, all major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) started adding Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure to their standard package offerings.

    Confirmed by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, six out of nine carriers reported that adopting at least one advanced safety technology significantly improved safety outcomes. Therefore, prioritizing safety, along with adding advanced technologies, can have a significant effect on improving a fleet overall.

    The OEMs are all major contributors and proponents of safety. Many include safety features as a part of their standard specs and require end-users to opt-out if they are declining these safety features. OEM standards will eventually include Forward Video Monitoring, Blind Stop Monitoring, and Lane Correction (steering).

    Older Trucks Make It More Difficult to Attract Drivers

    In addition to better safety, drivers and technicians want to drive and work on newer trucks that come with advanced technology. Drivers want more comfort, less fatigue, and more home time. Newer trucks allow food distributors to entice new drivers with advanced vehicles, rather than use expensive sign-on bonuses when hiring. What’s more, the new equipment can keep drivers from leaving to go work for other companies. Aside from sign-on bonuses, it can be expensive to onboard a new driver through training costs. In a recent International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) webinar titled “Addressing Today’s Transportation Challenges,” Paul Mugerditchian, President of Dot Transportation confirmed that it can cost up to $10,000 to onboard a new driver, which is money that can go toward the bottom-line or reinvestment when a fleet can instead enjoy a higher retention rate of its drivers.

    Customer Service Improvements are Noticeable

    Newer trucks have an impact on more than just drivers, as they can also improve customer satisfaction rates through fewer delays and an enhanced corporate image. Drivers will have a better attitude when making deliveries, and there will be less freight and property damage potential due to equipment and safety technologies on board. Food distributors can also maximize their margins through reduced transport costs to the customer.

     Corporate Image and Sustainability

    In today’s world, clients want to do business with companies that emphasize the importance of reducing the overall carbon footprint and commitment to sustainability. Continuously updating a truck fleet encompasses many facets of sustainability including optimizing vehicle specification (to be more fuel efficient and aligned to the duty cycle and geographic locale), specifying lighter components and allowing for longer maintenance intervals (also reducing environmental hazmat disposal), and disposing of pre-owned equipment to a secondary market providing more fuel-efficient vehicles.

    A shorter lifecycle conserves fuel resources, reduces emissions, and provides a cleaner environment. For example, upgrading to a 2020 model year truck from a 2015 unit would reduce CO2 by 126 metric tons and NOx by 12%.

    It’s easy for food distributors to focus on hard costs such as fuel, financing and maintenance when operating their fleet of trucks. However, broadening their view to additional soft benefits will offer significant improvements to the operation of the fleet and the organization overall.

    About the Author: Katerina Jones is Sr. Director of Marketing and Business Development at Fleet Advantage, a leading innovator in truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and lifecycle cost management. For more information please visit www.FleetAdvantage.com. 

  • CAWG Elects New Board Officers and Directors

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by 28 growers in seven districts who serve three-year terms beginning Dec. 1.

    Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton, pictured above, was elected chair. He succeeds Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Ceres, who served in the role for two years. Other directors elected as officers are Tom Slater of Slater Farms in Clarksburg, vice chair; Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming in Madera, vice chair; Jeff Bitter, winegrape grower in Madera, secretary; and Gregg Hibbits of Mesa Vineyard Management in Templeton, treasurer.

    “Mike’s extensive industry experience and connections will be tremendously beneficial to CAWG and California winegrape growers,” said CAWG President John Aguirre. “The association is fortunate to have a highly engaged and motivated group of officers and directors guiding our advocacy efforts on behalf of winegrape growers.”

    Re-elected directors are John Balletto of Balletto Vineyards in Santa Rosa, Joel Maring of J. Maring Farms in Patterson, and Jeff Bitter of Madera.

    New directors are David Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa, Chris Lynch of Walsh Vineyards Management in Napa, and Michael Manna of Manna Ranch, Inc. in Acampo. New directors-at-large are Karissa Kruse of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Kim Stemler of Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.

    Outgoing directors are Michael Boer of Stipp Ranch in Ukiah, Diego Olagaray of Olagaray Brothers in Lodi, Bruce Phillips of Vine Hill Ranch in Yountville, and Brian Shepard of Walsh Vineyards Management in Napa.

  • 2019 Raisin Crop Offer Made to RBA Signatory Packers

    The Raisin Bargaining Association’s Board of Directors has offered their signatory packers a price of $1,600/ton for the the 2019 Natural Seedless Raisin Crop. The Board of Directors is asking all RBA Signatory Packers to accept, counter, or reject this offer by 11/22/19 at 5 pm.  The RBA Board of Directors strongly believes it is in the best interests of not only their growers, but all raisin growers to set a fixed price in this tumultuous year and hope that their processors also realize this and are willing to negotiate with the RBA as they have over the last 52 years.

  • Ryan Talley is Elected New Western Growers Chairman of the Board

    Western Growers is pleased to announce that Ryan Talley, co-owner and farm manager of Talley Farms, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Talley, who has been committed to agriculture for more than three decades, will serve as chairman for a one-year term, taking over the responsibilities of outgoing chairman, Ron Ratto, president of Ratto Bros., Inc.

    “Ryan’s successful tenure at Talley Farms and his significant personal accomplishments make him the ideal choice to be the next Western Growers’ Chairman of the Board of Directors,” said Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif. “With his stellar track record on the board, there is no doubt in my mind that Ryan, along with the rest of the Western Growers Board, is poised to truly lead the organization and the fresh produce industry to even greater heights.”

    Talley spearheads Talley Farms, a diversified family-owned farming company and grower- shipper of bell peppers, cilantro, spinach, lettuce, Napa cabbage, avocados, lemons and grapes. His passion for agriculture dates back to 1985 when he first started picking beans at the age of 12, alongside his brother, Todd, and cousin, Brian. Talley earned his bachelor of science in business from Purdue University and subsequently returned to the farm to help write the computer programs Talley Farms currently uses for production, planning, their mechanic ship and the nursery. The farm is committed to supplying consumers with the best and freshest produce that California has to offer, following the company’s vision to strive for “Excellence in Everything.”

    “Western Growers has been a staple organization in the agriculture industry for nearly a century, and Talley Farms is proud to have been a part of its legacy since 1970,” said Talley. “I am both eager and honored to embark on this new role as Western Growers’ Chairman of the Board of Directors, working with the rest of the board to further our commitment to the industry.”

    Talley was named as 2020 chairman during Western Growers 94th Annual Meeting in Maui, Hawaii. During the meeting, the Board also selected Albert Keck of Hadley Date Gardens as senior vice chairman; Stuart Woolf of Woolf Enterprises as vice chairman; Carol Chandler of Chandler Farms as treasurer; and Vic Smith of JV Smith Companies as secretary.

    About Western Growers:

    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

  • Early Bird Registration Announced for California Dairy Sustainability Summit

    Early bird registration is now open for the California Dairy Sustainability Summit taking place March 25-26, 2020, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The Summit, co- hosted by Dairy Cares, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Council of California, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and the California Dairy Research Foundation, will bring together hundreds of California dairy farmers, state officials, technology providers and other key stakeholders to promote dairy sustainability and develop new business opportunities.

    The two-day event showcases California’s world-leading achievements in planet-smart dairy farm practices and the role dairy plays in both the states’ and global food systems. Through keynote presentations, panel discussion, breakout sessions, and a packed expo hall, attendees will gain insight into technologies, practices and policies that will improve operational efficiency, boost sustainability, further improve environmental performance and create new economic opportunities for dairy farmers.

    “California’s dairy families are proud to provide consumers with nutritious and affordable foods, while continually reducing our environmental footprint,” said Charles “Chuck” Ahlem, a dairy farmer and board member for three of the hosting organizations. “We look forward to another opportunity to bring hundreds of dairy farmers together to share best practices, discuss challenges and develop proactive solutions.”

    The California dairy sector is the nation’s largest and supports about 180,000 California jobs. California dairy families are on track to achieve a world-leading goal for reducing dairy methane emissions, while working to boost additional areas of environmental performance. Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are owned and operated by local families, all working to ensure their operations remain sustainable, both environmentally and economically.

    The Summit is dedicated to promoting widespread development, investment and adoption of technologies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water conservation and protection, enhance air quality, and address rising labor and energy costs, all while optimizing cow health and comfort. The inaugural summit brought together more than 650 attendees, including 200 dairy farmers, solution providers, and California regulators and stakeholders. Cohosts and event partners look forward to expanding the event’s impact in 2020.

    “I was impressed with the number of farmers who attended last year. It shows that we are looking ahead and trying to make the most out of the decisions we are making so our farms remain sustainable,

    both environmentally and financially. We are working together, and we have a positive story to share. The California Dairy Sustainability Summit allows us to do that,” said Simon Vander Woude, a dairy farmer and chairman of California Dairies, Inc.

    Confirmed speakers for the Summit include:

    • –  Ermias Kebreab, PhD, Professor and Sesnon Endowed Chair in Sustainable Animal Agriculture, University of California, Davis

    • –  Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Dairy Farmers of America

    • –  Ashley Rosales, Program Director of Nutrition Sciences, Dairy Council of California

    • –  Phil Lempert, Founder and CEO, The Lempert Report, Retail Dietitians Business Alliance

    • –  Brad Anderson, Chief Operating Officer and Incoming President and CEO, California Dairies, Inc.

    • –  Gregory Miller, PhD, Global Chief Science Officer, National Dairy Council

    • –  Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

    • –  Frank Mitloehner, PhD, Professor and Air Quality Specialist, University of California, Davis

    • –  Susan Eggman, Assemblymember, California State Assembly

      The California Dairy Sustainability Summit would not be possible without the support of its sponsors. Confirmed sponsors include Aequion, California Bioenergy, Hilmar Cheese Company, Laird Manufacturing, Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers, DeLaval, Farm Credit, Modesto Dairy Solutions, California State Water Resources Control Board, Maas Energy Works, Save Our Planet, US Farm Systems and California Dairy Magazine.

      The California Dairy Sustainability Summit, taking place March 25-26, 2020, at Cal Expo in Sacramento, is co-hosted by Dairy Cares, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Council of California, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and California Dairy Research Foundation. Event partners include the California Dairy Campaign, California Dairies, Inc., Dairy Farmers of America – Western Area, Dairy Institute of California, Hilmar Cheese Company, Land O’ Lakes, Milk Producers Council, Producer’s Dairy, Joseph Gallo Farms, California Farm Bureau Federation, and Western States Dairy Producers Association. Learn more at CADairySummit.com.

    • Dairy Cares (DairyCares.com) is a statewide coalition with a mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s dairy farm families through strong environmental stewardship and responsible animal care. Members include California’s farmer-owned milk cooperatives, privately- owned milk processors, and trade associations.

    • For twenty years, the award-winning California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) (CDRF.org/cdqap) has worked as a partnership between the dairy industry, academia, and others to provide science-based education and third-party certifications, promoting the health of consumers, the environment, and the health and welfare of dairy animals.

    • The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) (CDRF.org) is an independent non-profit organization that leads and delivers research and science-based programs towards a more innovative and sustainable California industry.

    • Funded by California’s dairy farm families and local milk processors, Dairy Council of California (HealthyEating.org) empowers stakeholders, including educators, health professionals and communities, to elevate the health of children and families through the pursuit of lifelong healthy eating habits.

    • The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) (RealCaliforniaMilk.com), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,300 dairy families. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB promotes California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. 

  • Bears Nutrition Awards $250,000 to Inaugural Real California Milk Accelerator Winner

    Tracy, Calif. – November 8, 2019 – Bears Nutrition and its innovative, milk-based nutritional shakes for children was named the grand prize winner today of the Real California Milk Accelerator dairy startup competition. The competition, sponsored by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and powered by leading innovation consultancy VentureFuel, Inc., will provide Bears Nutrition with $250,000 in resources and funding to bring their fortified milk beverages to market.

    As presented by co-founders David Sheu and Kevin Yeung, Bears Nutrition focuses on helping active kids grow. The winning product is a daily milk-based beverage fortified with protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega 3’s designed specifically for children aged three and older. It was created when Yeung’s son, Bear, stopped growing when his hockey performance started to take off. When a clinical nutritionist prescribed milk, and “lots of it”, with some added nutrients, Bears Nutrition’s shakes were born. The products currently have limited distribution in Europe and China but the founders look forward to expanding throughout the U.S. with Real California Milk at the core.

    “Our mission at Bears is to help kids reach their full growth potential and we believe milk is a cornerstone to achieve that mission,” said David Sheu, CEO and co-Founder of Bears Nutrition. “With the help of the CMAB, we look forward to making milk a staple in kids’ routines again.”

    The Milk Accelerator competition was designed to inspire innovation and investment in fluid milk products, packaging and capacity within California by connecting manufacturers, producers, investors, ideas and entrepreneurs for high quality, sustainable dairy beverages. Alongside eight other finalists, Bears Nutrition was judged on taste, nutritional value, packaging innovation, sustainability, and the ability to scale by a live panel of judges from the dairy, consumer packaged goods, and investor communities including business, industry and academic influencers. Bears Nutrition was one of nine finalists that each received up to $25,000 of support to develop protocepts while receiving elite mentorship from marketing, packaging, and distribution experts.

    “The innovation we’ve seen from these nine incredible finalists has shown that we’ve barely tapped the natural goodness of dairy milk and what can be done to create products relevant to consumers today,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “Not only are we excited to provide consumers with a healthy, great-tasting new beverage option by helping to bring Bears Nutrition shakes to market, but we also look forward to seeing what the other finalists are able to achieve with the support they’ve received through this program.”

    “This collaboration between VentureFuel and the CMAB is a great demonstration of the heights that are possible when influential organizations in major industries collaborate with startups; we can accelerate growth and jump-start innovation in new ways that can not only influence consumer perception, but help redefine an industry,” said Fred Schoenberg, CEO and Founder of VentureFuel.

    More than 1,200 family dairy farms produce the milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal – which will soon include Bears Nutrition beverages. California is the number one producer of fluid milk, butter and ice cream in the U.S. and the second largest producer of cheese and yogurt.

    Additional information on the winner and competition finalists is available at: https://www.venturefuel.net/milk-accelerator.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families and is one of the largest agricultural marketing boards in the United States. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB is celebrating 50 years in 2019 promoting California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

    About VentureFuel, Inc.

    VentureFuel helps established companies around the world unlock growth by partnering with emerging startups and breakthrough technologies. Our innovation programs solve specific challenges, deliver tangible results and discover first-to-market opportunities from the Museum of Ice Cream to the latest pioneering technologies. We are 100 percent independent, sourcing from our global network of the best investors, scouts, founders and academics. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net.

  • Merced Goat Farmer Receives Highest Honor at FFA National Convention

    Willis Wolf recently won the 2019 American Star Farmer award at the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention
    held in Indianapolis in October.     He is the first Californian to win the award since 1952! The California FFA member is from the Merced-El Capitan Chapter. He was recognized for his goat production operation where he helps meet the rising demand for goat products, while also raising forage hay for their feed. The FFA organization includes 770,000 members and 8,600 chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

    Wolf said, “the two major ways farming in California differs from the rest of the country are crop diversity and water shortages.” This makes this award even more incredible since Willis is from California, which has so many issues and
    regulations     versus the entire balance of the United States.

    Manuel Cunha, Jr., President of Nisei Farmers League, former FFA student in Vacaville, California (1974-76) and former FFA Advisor at Sierra High School said, “This is a huge honor to have someone from the Central Valley, as well as a California State University Fresno student win such a prestigious award. This is the highest award you can get. This is a big deal! Willis has worked tirelessly and put in a lot of hard work and dedication. This award is comparable to winning the Heisman Trophy!” Wolf continues to grow his herd with his brother. They started with just a few goats, but currently have 600 head of does
    that will equal somewhere between 1200     to 1500 kids per year. Wolf and his brother want to become fully integrated with goat meat production. They see a future for goat consumption in the United States.

    It is clear that the Wolf Brothers have a work ethic and vision for the future. For Willis, this has led him to be the National FFA American Star Farmer for 2019.

  • Governor Announces CA Wildfire Safety & Catastrophe Response Task Force

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of members of the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, as outlined in AB 1054, and the California Catastrophe Response Council, established by AB 111, both signed into law in July.

    The legislation created the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, a board of independent expert advisors, to advise a new Wildfire Safety Division within the California Public Utilities Commission on wildfire safety measures, including plans written by utilities, so the CPUC can more effectively regulate the safety of investor-owned utilities.

    AB 1054 also mandated that utilities tie executive compensation to safety performance, invest $5 billion in safety improvements without profit, and go through a new yearly wildfire safety review and certification process. It also requires new inspections of utility electrical equipment. Under the law, utilities must create a wildfire safety committee in their corporate board, and provide direct board-level safety reporting to the CPUC.

    The California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board will advise the Wildfire Safety Division within the California Public Utilities Commission on wildfire safety and mitigation performance, including plans written by utilities, so they can develop an appropriate scope and process for assessing the safety culture of an electric utility.

    The Advisory Board will meet at least quarterly throughout the state. Biographies of the members are below.

    California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board

    Jessica Block, 41, of San Diego, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Block has been a senior research associate and associate director of the WIFIRE Lab at the University of California, San Diego since 2011. She was a wildfire research officer at the University of Melbourne in 2010, a research associate at the University of Ballarat, Australia from 2008 to 2009, a research associate at San Diego State University in 2008, and a senior research developer at Arizona State University from 2005 to 2008. Block earned a Master of Science degree in geological sciences with an emphasis in urban ecology from Arizona State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Block is a Democrat.

    Marcie Edwards, 62, of Castaic, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Edwards has been principal of MLE Consulting Inc. since 2017. She was general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power from 2014 to 2017, city manager of the City of Anaheim from 2013 to 2014, and general manager for Anaheim Public Utilities from 2001 to 2013. Edwards was interim chief executive officer for the California Independent System Operator in 2004. She held various positions at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power from 1976 to 2000, including assistant general manager for marketing and customer service business units, bulk power business unit director, energy control center manager and superintendent of load dispatching. Edwards earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of La Verne. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Edwards is a Republican.

    Diane Fellman, 69, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Fellman was a public utility regulatory specialist at the California Public Utilities Commission from 2017 to 2018. She was vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs for the Western Region at NRG Energy Inc. from 2010 to 2017, director of regulatory and legislative affairs for NextEra Energy Resources Inc. from 2004 to 2010 and an attorney in private practice from 1986 to 2004. Fellman was legal counsel at the California Public Utilities Commission from 1983 to 1986 and a hearing officer and officer manager at the California Energy Commission from 1977 to 1983. Fellman earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Fellman is a Democrat.

    John Mader, 50, of Elk Grove, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Mader has been an electrical distribution engineer for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company since 1998. He is president of the Engineers and Scientists of California, Local 20, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE). This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Mader is a Democrat.

    Alexandra Syphard, 49, of La Mesa, has been appointed to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Syphard has been chief scientist at Sage Insurance Holdings LLC since 2018 and adjunct professor in the Geography Department at San Diego State University since 2011. She was a senior research scientist at the Conservation Biology Institute from 2007 to 2019 and a postdoctoral research scientist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, SILVIS Lab in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology from 2005 to 2007, and a geographic information system (GIS) analyst and environmental planner at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, from 1998 to 1999. Syphard earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in geography from San Diego State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master of Science degree in environmental studies from the Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Public Health degree from the Medical College of Virginia. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400 per diem. Syphard is a Democrat.

    Also, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins today announced the Senate Rules Committee’s appointment of Ralph M. Armstrong Jr. to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. Armstrong has held several positions with IBEW Local Union 1245 since 2007, including senior business representative and senior assistant business manager. Armstrong held several positions with Western Area Power Administration from 1995 to 2007, including occupational safety and health specialist and journeyman lineman. He was a journeyman lineman for the Florida Power and Light Company from 1989 to 1995 and held various positions for IBEW Local 349 from 1983 to 1989.

    The Governor today also announced members of the California Catastrophe Response Council, which will oversee the operations and management of the Wildfire Fund created under AB 1054 to pay eligible claims resulting from a wildfire determined to be caused by an electric utility. The Council will direct the Wildfire Fund administrator to prepare and present its operation plans on an annual basis. Biographies of the members are below.

    California Catastrophe Response Council

    Catherine Bando, 64, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Bando has served as executive director at the California Statewide Communities Development Authority since 2014 and has been principal at Bando Public Finance since 2012. She was director at Citigroup Global Markets from 2010 to 2011, partner at Greencoast Capital Partners from 2009 to 2010, managing director at J.P. Morgan in 2008 and managing director at ABC Capital Markets from 1990 to 2008. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from American University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Bando is a Democrat.

    Paul Rosenstiel, 69, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Rosenstiel has served as a special advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom since 2019. He was a member of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System Teachers’ Retirement Board from 2011 to 2019. Rosenstiel was special advisor at the Alameda County Treasurer’s Office from 2017 to 2019. He was managing director at Stifel from 2014 to 2015. Rosenstiel was managing director and manager at De La Rosa and Company from 2009 to 2014. He was deputy treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office from 2007 to 2009. Rosenstiel was policy director at Westly for Governor from 2005 to 2006. Rosenstiel was vice president of public finance at Dean Witter Reynolds from 1983 to 1986. He was an economist at Recht Hausrath and Associates from 1979 to 1981. Rosenstiel is chair of the California Budget and Policy Center. He is a board member of the Global Projects Center at Stanford University. He is a member of the Public Policy Institute of California, Planned Parenthood of Northern California, Financing the Future Working Group and the Chinese Community Health Care Association. Rosenstiel earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rosenstiel is a Democrat.

    Rhoda Rossman, 60, of Albany, has been appointed to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Rossman has been an independent trustee of the Matthews Asia Funds since 2006. She was a fixed income specialist at Cypress Wealth Advisors from 2017 to 2018 and held several positions at PMI Mortgage Insurance from 1997 to 2010, including corporate investment officer, treasurer and portfolio manager. Rossman was portfolio manager at Montgomery Asset Management from 1995 to 1996, vice president at the Wells Fargo Bank Investment Management Group from 1993 to 1995 and assistant portfolio manager at RCM Capital Management Group from 1993 to 1995. She was a credit analyst and portfolio manager at Benham Capital Management from 1985 to 1987 and assistant vice president and underwriter at AMBAC Municipal Bond Insurance from 1983 to 1985. Rossman earned a Master of Public Administration degree in public finance from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rossman is a Democrat.

    Additionally, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon today announced his appointment of former Assemblymember Richard Gordon to the California Catastrophe Response Council. Gordon currently serves as president and CEO of the California Forestry Association. Gordon served three terms (2010-2016) in the California State Assembly, where he was Rules Committee Chair for two years. Before that, Gordon was a member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and was president of CSAC in 2008. Gordon is a fourth-generation Californian born and raised in San Mateo County.

    The Council is comprised of nine members: the Governor, or his designee; the Treasurer, or her designee; the Insurance Commissioner, or his designee; the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or his designee; one member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; one member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly; and three public members appointed by the Governor.

    This action is the most recent that the Governor has taken to address the recent utility-directed Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which have left thousands of Californians without power or electricity.

    The Governor has declared a statewide emergency due to the dangerous weather conditions. Governor Newsom announced the launch of a new state website, RESPONSE.CA.GOV this week, which serves as a one-stop portal for tools and resources available to Californians who have been impacted by wildfires and utility-directed power shutoffs, as well as community and business partnerships to support residents impacted by the wildfires and the shutoffs.

    The Governor also announced that the state has secured Fire Management Assistance Grants to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Getty Fire, as well as the Kincade and Tick fires – for which the Governor previously declared a state of emergency in Sonoma and Los Angeles counties.

    This week and last week, the Governor met with emergency responders, volunteers, health officials, residents and state and local leaders in Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa and Geyserville, and held briefings regarding the ongoing fire threats and the need to hold utilities accountable for the consequences of their power shutoff decisions.

    The Governor has called on the California Public Utilities Commission to reform power shutoff rules and regulations as part of its investigation into the utility-led shutoffs. He has also announced a $75 million program for state and local governments to mitigate the impacts of power shutoffs and unveiled a series of new partnerships and new tools to help secure medically vulnerable populations during these events.

  • 9th Annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival

    The 9th annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival takes place Saturday, November 2, from 10:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Madera District Fairgrounds.  Admission and parking are free.  The unique, vibrant and fun event brings in visitors from all over the world to experience the best of the Central Valley’s local pomegranate and nut products.  The event is organized by the Madera Tourism Alliance, a committee of the Madera Chamber of Commerce.

    The festival features a full day of delicious pomegranate products, assorted local nut vendors, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, educational briefings on pomegranates, arts & crafts, and fun for the whole family.  Check out last year’s Pomegranate Festival Video –  https://youtu.be/ATqn5N-wwOY.

    “On behalf of the Madera Chamber, I would like to invite everyone to come out and join us for this fun-filled event. It’s a great outing for the entire family, ” Debi Bray, President/CEO, stated. “The Tourism Alliance Committee and Chamber staff is working hard to bring yet another great event to our community this year.”

    This year the festival welcomes Ohana Comic Con, featuring the world of comic book culture.  The event will be held in Women’s World, and as a part of the festival there will be no charge to attendees.  Fans often dress in costume when attending Comic Con and Ohana will host a costume contest in the afternoon.  This year’s Halloween costumes can be put to good use for this year’s festival attire!

    Ohana has also announced the participation of two featured celebrities; C. Andrew Nelson is an award-winning artist, actor, writer, consultant, and motivational speaker.  Andrew is probably best known for having played the iconic character of Darth Vader in the Special Edition re-release of the original Star Wars trilogy as well as in the Rebel Assault II and Dark Forces games from LucasArts.

    Actor Robert Allen Mukes, tops out at 6’10” and uniquely stands out from his fellow actors.  His most current projects include HBO’s TV series Westworld; the movies Coffin 2, Valentine DayZ, and Bone Tomahawk; and Showtime’s award-winning series Weeds, in which he played the memorable Alaskan bounty hunter, Abumchuk. He is most known for his role as Rufus Jr in Rob Zombie’s 2003 House of 1000 Corpses.

    This year, the live entertainment includes the Wheels Up band

    Festival highlights include:-

    • NEW this year is Ohana Comic Con. 
    • New this year Good Times Quarter Midget Race Car Show in Kids Zone
    • Pomegranate and Nut Inspired Foods and Products to taste and purchase.
    • Learn about the flavors of Pomegranates and Local Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts through live cooking demonstrations.
    • Kid Zone that includes art, activities and games, children’s stage, educational information about local agriculture and interactive displays featuring law enforcement.
    • Live music entertainment
    • Classic Car Show
    • 100 plus vendors and exhibitors featuring pomegranate and nut products as well as a variety of other items

    The momentum is building and exciting things are falling into place for this year’s Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival. The annual event celebrates what Madera does best! Agriculture is Madera’s #1 industry, and the event takes place during November, which is National Pomegranate Month. Event Chair Nicki Rincon, encourages everyone to come out and join the fun.

    To learn more about the festival, visit www.PomegranateFestival.com or www.Facebook.com/PomegranateFestival, or call the Madera Chamber of Commerce at 559-673-3563.