Intel Committee Releases Unclassified Summary of Initial Findings on 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/04/2018 07:48 AM
Washington, DC...Yesterday, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released the Committee’s unclassified summary of its initial findings on the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) on Russian activities in the 2016 U.S. elections. The Committee finds that the overall judgments issued in the ICA were well-supported and the tradecraft was strong. The course of the Committee’s investigation has shown that the Russian cyber operations were more extensive than the hack of the Democratic National Committee and continued well through the 2016 election.
Sacramento, CA...The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) announced the launch of its Rural County Photo Contest for 2018. The second annual contest invites amateur photographers to capture life in rural California by showcasing the beautiful, vibrant imagery found in RCRC’s 35 member counties. The RCRC Rural County Photo contest runs July 1st through August 31st 2018. The RCRC Rural County Photo Contest winner will have their image displayed during RCRC’s Annual Meeting, taking place September 19-21 in Napa County.
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration To Hold Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Meeting
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/04/2018 07:01 PM
Sacramento, CA...Anyone with ideas, suggestions, or concerns about the administration and oversight of California’s business taxes is invited to attend the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s (CDTFA) annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights meeting in Sacramento on July 11, 2018.
The Latest Taxpayer Alert TV Programs from the Calaveras Taxpayer Association
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/04/2018 07:17 PM
Here are three links to three recent Taxpayer Alert shows featuring Tim Lutz, County CAO, discussing a wide range of issues and Ken Perkins who is suing Tuolumne County over non-disclosure of past secret Economic Development activity. Also, Laurie Giannini, Fair Manager, who discusses our Calaveras County Jumping Frog Fair.
San Andreas, CA...Each year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is taking a zero tolerance stand against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks. The penalties for possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks ranges from a misdemeanor up to felony charges plus the cost incurred for fire suppression.
RCRC Joins California Delegation at SelectUSA Conference
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/04/2018 08:37 PM
Washington, DC...RCRC partnered with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and other California economic development organizations at the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit (Summit) in Washington, D.C. last week. RCRC staff participated in a number of conversations with foreign entities interested in making investments and creating jobs in rural California. More than 3,000 people attended this year’s Summit, including 1,200 business representatives from 66 foreign markets, and economic development organizations (EDOs) from 51 U.S. states and territories. Summit speakers included U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, as well as 10 Governors, and five Cabinet Secretaries.
Sacramento, CA...The 2018-19 State Budget Package allocates $1.4 billion from the state’s Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds, which is an uptick from the $1.25 billion in the Governor’s January proposed Budget due to higher than expected revenues over the past year. The final 2018-19 Cap-and-Trade Expenditure Plan includes significant investments in program areas vital to rural communities, including $160 million for forest health and restoration projects, $30 million for prescribed fire and other fuels reduction projects to carry out the goals of the Forest Carbon Plan, $20 million for Northern, Coastal, and Southern California Regional Forest Health Projects, and $25 million for local fire response.
SB 1 Funds Allow Major Improvements to US Highway 50
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/04/2018 08:49 PM
Sacramento, CA...Smoother roads and transportation improvements have been promised to Californians, and Caltrans is delivering on that promise with projects funded by SB 1. In this Caltrans News Flash, transportation officials talk about how SB 1 funds are being used to repave roads, like the US Highway 50 project in Sacramento, and how these highway projects are improving safety and the quality of life for motorists.
A July Fourth Safety Message from Stanislaus National Forest
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/04/2018 09:19 PM
Sonora, CA...With the Fourth of July upon us, Stanislaus National Forest visitors can enjoy a variety of summer recreation activities, including camping, backpacking, and picnicking. Extreme temperatures are likely, so we encourage you to be prepared for summer heat. These unseasonably hot temperatures increase the risk of fire as the ground begins to dry. Extreme temperatures can also lead to thunderstorms and lightning, which can ignite trees on the forest.
Americans Against Gun Violence Responds to Capital Gazette Mass Shooting in Annapolis, Maryland
Posted by: thepinetree on 07/04/2018 09:36 PM
Sacramento, CA...Americans Against Gun Violence extends heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends, and colleagues of the five people killed, including the newspaper editor, three journalists, and another staff member, in the mass shooting on June 28, 2018, at the office of the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland. At the same time, we agree with the statement by the late Senator Thomas Dodd of Connecticut who said in a press release and a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate 50 years ago:
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