California Ag Network

Tag: Cal OES

  • Governor Newsom Announces New Flood Investment Proposals

    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Governor Newsom’s revised budget proposes another $290 million to support flood response and projects to protect communities from future floods, on top of the Governor’s $202 million proposed in January – a total of $492 million. Governor Newsom also announced that the state is providing funding to raise a levee in Corcoran that’s critical to maintaining public safety in the Tulare Basin region.

    Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his revised budget proposal will include $492 million in funding to help protect Californians from ongoing flooding impacts in the Central Valley and throughout the state. The one-time funding will support at-risk communities, including those in the Tulare Basin, respond to the impacts of this year’s winter storms and better withstand future flooding.

    What Governor Newsom said: “California is facing unprecedented weather whiplash – we just experienced the driest three years on record, and now we’re dealing with historic flooding. Our investments must match this reality of climate-driven extremes. We’re committing even more resources to support communities up and down the state as they continue responding to the impacts of this year’s storms.”

    The Governor’s May revision of the budget, which will be announced Friday, invests $290 million in new flood proposals:

    • $125 million to support preparedness, response and recovery related to the 2023 storms – funding shifted from drought contingency to flood contingency to address the weather whiplash California is facing;
    • $75 million to support local flood control projects;
    • $25 million to expand the current California Small Agricultural Business Drought Relief Grant Program to provide direct assistance to eligible agriculture-related businesses that have been affected by the recent storms;
    • $25 million for potential additional disaster relief and response costs in this fiscal year to address immediate impacts;
    • $40 million for the San Joaquin Floodplain restoration

    The $290 million is on top of the Governor’s January proposal of $202 million in flood investments to protect urban areas, improve levees in the Delta region and support projects in the Central Valley – bringing total flood investments to nearly $500 million.

    The Governor’s budget also includes proposed legislation that codifies provisions from recent executive orders that allow for the safe diversion of flood flows for groundwater recharge purposes. These provisions would make it easier to capture floodwater to recharge groundwater by setting clear conditions for diverting floodwaters without permits or affecting water rights.

    Also today, the Governor announced that the state will fund raising the Corcoran Levee in the Tulare Basin, which is key to protecting critical infrastructure, including large correctional and medical facilities, and public safety for the immediate surrounding communities. This marks the third time the state or federal government has intervened to raise the levee. Due to over-pumping groundwater, the ground beneath the levee has subsided. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) made repairs to the levee in 1969 and again in 1983. The state’s funding will allow the local flood control district to raise the levee to 192 feet.

    The state’s funding will be contingent upon on locals’ ability to meet a set of criteria to ensure the work is done efficiently and at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers.

    BACKGROUND:

    State officials have been on the ground since storms first started hitting, supporting and coordinating emergency response. California has since shifted to focus on flood prevention and recovery efforts, while continuing to respond to lingering drought impacts, and will support local response in the coming weeks, months and years.

    The state response to flooding, both in the Tulare Basin and across California, includes:

    • Over 1.7 million sandbags and roughly 21,700 supersacks distributed to help prevent flooding;
    • 12,000 feet of muscle walls constructed;
    • Over 54 million pounds of rock and sand used to shore up rivers and levees;
    • Over 60 shelters opened for folks who got displaced by flooding and snowfall;
    • Over 600 comfort kits distributed to impacted families;
    • Over 3.5 million miles of California roads plowed or maintained.

    Governor Newsom joined state and local officials and community leaders in the Tulare Basin at the end of April to survey recent flooding. Also last month, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and USACE met with county officials and emergency response personnel in the Tulare Lake Basin to help organize local flood response plans to prepare for snowmelt in the coming months.

    The state, in partnership with USACE and local entities, is prioritizing snowmelt forecasting, reservoir operations, flooding assessments and flood response support. California is also working closely with county and other local government partners to share the latest advance planning tools DWR has used to support other flood prone areas of the state and to help local agencies in the basin prepare for flooding. DWR has also launched a $5 million program to provide temporary pumps to local water districts to increase flood diversions.

    In late March, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to support the ongoing response to flooding by expediting levee repairs, floodwater diversion and other emergency response activities. California also secured a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support storm response and recovery in Tulare County and other impacted counties. Following the Disaster Declaration, Disaster Recovery Centers across the state are now open, serving as central hubs to connect community members and businesses with support.

  • CDFA To Celebrate Farmer And Farmworker Month In Virtual Meeting, October 5, 2021

    The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will celebrate “Farmer and Farmworker Month” with perspectives and presentations from the agricultural community. The Board will also hear updates on federal and state disaster assistance programs related to drought and wildfires. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. via GoToWebinar.

    Meeting Link:              https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4232674882293680908

    Webinar ID:                 959-249-291

    “With all the challenges California agriculture has had over the last year – it’s a truly a pleasure to celebrate California Grown’s Farmer and Farmworker Month,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This month gives us an opportunity to recognize and give thanks to the individuals who work on a daily basis to provide healthy and nutritious food to our tables and who are stewards to the more than 24 million acres of farmland in our state.”

    Invited speakers include: Cherie Watte, Buy California Marketing Agreement (CAGROWN); Cole and Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou, Brisa Ranch; Cristóbal Cruz Hernández, Brisa Ranch; Chris Maher, Briar Patch Food Co-op; Blake and Stephanie Alexandre, Alexandre Family Farm; David Villarino Gonzalez, Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development (FIELD); Hernan Hernandez, California Farmworker Foundation; Ryan Buras, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES); Jacque Johnson, USDA Farm Service Agency; Carlos Suarez, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Jeff Yasui, USDA Risk Management Agency and other invited speakers.  
     
    “As a farmer, it’s the agricultural workforce that makes California agriculture what it is today,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Without the hard, dedicated, and skilled work of farmworkers we couldn’t enjoy the locally produced foods, farm-to-fork menus or the abundance of produce on our supermarket shelves. Farming requires a workforce, farmers and farmworkers, that California is blessed to have.”  

    The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

    This meeting will have simultaneous audio translation in Spanish and can be accessed at (844) 460-0074 at the start of the meeting. 

  • Governor Newsom Signs Heat Emergency Proclamation to Free-up Energy Capacity

    CDFA – As the West Coast continues to experience an historic heat wave and related energy shortages, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation designed to free up energy capacity and reduce the need for temporary energy service disruptions.

    The proclamation temporarily allows some energy users and utilities to use backup energy sources to relieve pressure on the grid during peak times during the energy emergency. The text of the proclamation can be found here and a copy can be found here.

    Over the weekend, state officials worked aggressively to bring more energy resources online, including increased generation from sources like the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the California State Water Project and investor-owned utilities. The state has also worked with industrial and commercial consumers to reduce energy consumption during peak hours and to increase public awareness around energy saving measures.

    All-hands energy meeting

    The Governor yesterday convened an all-hands meeting with California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Energy Commission (CEC), the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and senior administration officials as the state and the entire West Coast anticipates serious power shortages as the heat wave intensifies over the coming week.

    Governor Newsom demands investigation

    Following the meeting, Governor Newsom sent a letter to CAISO, the CPUC and CEC demanding an investigation into the service disruptions that occurred over the weekend and the energy agencies’ failure to predict and mitigate them.

    “I write today to express my deep concern about the broadscale de-energizations experienced by too many Californians on August 14 and 15th. These blackouts, which occurred without prior warning or enough time for preparation, are unacceptable and unbefitting of the nation’s largest and most innovative state,” Governor Newsom wrote. “Residents, communities and other governmental organizations did not receive sufficient warning that these de-energizations could occur. Collectively, energy regulators failed to anticipate this event and to take necessary actions to ensure reliable power to Californians. This cannot stand. California residents and businesses deserve better from their government.”

    Guidance to residents and businesses to conserve power

    Yesterday, CAISO issued a statewide Flex Alert calling for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Sunday and extending through Wednesday. The Flex Alerts are in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

    CAISO highlighted three simple actions individuals and businesses can take to reduce energy consumption:

    • Set your thermostat to 78° or higher between 3 and 10 P.M.
    • Refrain from major appliance use between 3 and 10 P.M.
    • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances

    Additional steps and guidance for individuals & businesses:

    • Adjust Your Thermostat
      • During peak hours or when you’re not home, remember to set your thermostat at 78° or higher. Setting your air conditioner 5° higher can save up to 20 percent on cooling costs.
      • Pre-cool your home by running air conditioning at 72 degrees in the early part of the day (when it is more efficient) then turn your system to 78 or higher during the hottest part of the day when demand is the highest.
      • Use smart or programmable features to help maintain energy savings when you’re not home.
    • Close Windows and Doors
      • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent the loss of cooled or heated air.
      • On summer nights, open windows to let cooler air in when safe. In the morning before the day starts to heat up, close windows and blinds to keep warm air out.
      • Tilt blinds up and close drapes and shades on windows that receive direct sunlight.
    • Smart Energy Use
      • Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with LEDs instead of overhead lights.
      • Enable “power management” on all computers and turn off when not in use.
      • Unplug phone charges, power strips (those without a switch) and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
    • Access and Functional Needs
      • Check in on neighbors, friends and family who may be at risk.
      • Charge medical devices in off hours and have back up plan for if the power goes out.
      • In addition to traditional community support channels, individuals with access and functional needs should reach out to local government for assistance.
      • Contact local utilities companies if you are dependent on power for assistive devices.
    • Major Appliance Use
      • Postpone using major appliances like the oven, dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer until cooler times of the day to avoid heating up your home.
      • Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full. Wait until after 9 p.m. to use these and other major appliances.
      • When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90 percent of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
    • Clean or Replace Your Filters
      • A dirty filter forces your air conditioner and furnace to work harder, wasting money, using more energy or natural gas.
    • Adjust Your Water Heater
      • Turn your water heater down to 120° or the “normal” setting. Water heating accounts for about 13 percent of home energy costs.
    • Conservation Programs
      • Consider participating in your utility’s demand response program. These voluntary programs are short, temporary measures to reduce energy consumption when power supplies are critically low and a Flex Alert has been issued. Contact your local electric utility to learn about your utility’s program and incentives they may offer to participate.