Rural County Representatives of California

08/18/2026

AT&T is trying to walk away from its obligation to provide basic, affordable, reliable phone service to CA consumers. Residents deserve the connection they were promised — not their carrier abandoning them when service is no longer profitable.

08/17/2026

Last week, achieved a significant milestone as the California Commission on State Mandates unanimously approved a test claim related to Race-Blind Charging requirements. Prepared on behalf of Sutter County, Santa Clara County, and the City of Sacramento, with funding support from RCRC's affiliate Golden State Finance Authority. The claim requested state reimbursement, emphasizing that implementing state-mandated requirements carries real costs for local governments, including staff time and software expenses needed to comply.

The decision marks the first approved mandate under RCRC's initiative to advance test claim filings on behalf of local governments to ensure counties and cities have access to the resources needed to meet state requirements while continuing to serve their communities effectively.

08/17/2026

: Geese touching down on a pond in is 's Rural County Photo of the Week! This mesmerizing photo was captured by Anita DuPratt and submitted to RCRC’s Annual Rural County Photo Contest in 2025.

County of Butte

08/14/2026

Check out the latest edition of the Barbed Wire Newsletter! Your source for legislative & regulatory news impacting California's .

Read Here: https://conta.cc/4gzx12z

08/14/2026

A bill opposed by RCRC to study the reintroduction of grizzly bears in California will not move forward this legislative session.

SB 1305 was held on the Assembly Appropriations Committee's suspense file, effectively ending its path this year. With growing concerns about the state's ability to manage existing predator populations, including wolves, mountain lions, coyotes and black bears, lawmakers chose not to advance the measure.

RCRC appreciates the Legislature's recognition of the challenges rural communities already face in balancing wildlife management, public safety and local impacts.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/4s663wxt
The Sacramento Bee H/T Sharon Bernstein

A controversial measure to study and develop a roadmap for bringing grizzly bears back to California has effectively died for the year

08/13/2026

When crises like wildfires hit, reliable emergency communications service can save lives. That’s why opposes AT&T’s effort to eliminate its Carrier of Last Resort obligation in CA. Attorney General Rob Bonta, we urge you to keep Californians connected & stop AT&T from ending its COLR duties!

08/12/2026

"Meaningful reform requires a different approach: a genuine statewide partnership, ongoing state investment in indigent defense infrastructure and strategies to expand the pipeline of rural defense attorneys.” — Supervisor Miles Menetrey

In a Sacramento Bee commentary, Mariposa County Supervisor and RCRC Chair Miles Menetrey outlines concerns with AB 690, arguing that while the bill aims to strengthen public defense, it could create major challenges for rural counties by imposing new service requirements without providing adequate funding or workforce support. For many rural counties, flexible contracting remains essential due to attorney shortages and limited local resources.

As the Legislature weighs bills in the final weeks of session, AB 690 remains a key issue for counties. Thank you to Supervisor Menetrey for highlighting these concerns and advocating for a stronger state-county partnership to improve indigent defense across California.

Read here:

“Protecting the right to counsel is a shared responsibility, and the state must help bear the cost of fulfilling it.”

08/11/2026

This morning, President & CEO Pat Blacklock joined the Napa County Board of Supervisors to discuss RCRC’s 2025-27 Strategic Plan, advocacy priorities, and affiliated entities that support California’s rural counties. The presentation highlighted efforts to expand housing and broadband access, strengthen forest resilience, support economic development, and advance innovative solutions for rural communities.

Thank you to Napa County for the opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion about the priorities and opportunities facing California's .

08/10/2026

: Rows of orchards, green hills, and snow-capped peaks in County of Tulare is 's Rural County Photo of the Week. This beautiful image was captured by Terry Stafford in Tulare County and submitted to ’s Annual Rural County Photo Contest in 2024.

08/07/2026

Check out the latest edition of the Barbed Wire Newsletter! Your source for legislative & regulatory news impacting California's .

Read Here: https://conta.cc/4wauCAT