Washington, DC
Thompson secures addition to bill
On Friday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05), released the following statement after his provisions on marriage and family therapists and telehealth were included in the government funding bill.
“Access to health care is essential to the wellbeing of our community in the wake of COVID-19,” said Thompson. “I’ve long supported policies that increase access to care, including expanding the number of mental health care providers to Medicare beneficiaries and extending the expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. These policies, which I secured in the government funding bill, will help our communities receive the care they need, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.”
Rep. Thompson authored H.R. 945 to provide for permanent Medicare coverage of mental health services provided by mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. This would expand the number of mental health providers available to Medicare beneficiaries, as many seniors cannot access the care they need as either they live a long way from a provider, or the providers in their area are overbooked.
Rep. Thompson also authored legislation authorizing the expansion of telehealth during the COVID pandemic. That was signed into law as part of the very first COVID-19 relief bill. That expansion was tied to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency, a declaration that is expected to expire in the coming months. Rep. Thompson has led for years H.R. 2903, the CONNECT for Health Act, which would make telehealth a permanent part of Medicare. The government funding includes this bill, except instead of permanence, it is 2 years of further coverage. This enables Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving remote services while studies are done on how and to what effect telehealth is used.
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Sacramento
Avoiding firearm tragedy
While it’s normally the happiest time of the year for many Californians, the holiday season can turn into a tragedy as firearm violence is more likely to occur than any other time of the year.
As California continues to lead the way in protecting children and loved ones from gun violence, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) wants to remind all Californians about the life-saving resources available to them, including the state’s Gun Violence Restraining Order law.
This law allows for the temporary removal of guns and ammunition from individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others. This law provides loved ones, teachers and school administrators, and employers, the opportunity to intervene and prevent someone in crisis from accessing firearms.
Californians who can file a Gun Violence Restraining Order, also known as “eligible petitioners,” include:
• Family members and loved ones related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
• Recent household members and roommates.
• A coworker who has had regular interactions with the at-risk person for at least one year, with approval from the employer.
• A teacher or employee at a middle school, high school, college or university that the at-risk person has attended in the last six months, with approval from a school administrator or supervisor.
• Law enforcement, including California peace officers .
Going into effect Jan. 1, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law to expand the list of who can file a Gun Violence Restraining Order, to now include someone who has a child in common, an individual who has a dating relationship, or a roommate.
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Sausalito
Burning man exhibit opens Jan. 14
Starting Jan. 14 and running through Jan. 29, the newly remodeled Sausalito Center For The Arts will host “Jewels of the Playa. The Photography, Art and Fashion of Burning Man.”
Meet the veterans who have created the art and memories that define Burning Man. Experience photographs from Burning Man documentarian Eleanor Preger, art from multiple honorarium Burning Man artist Laura Kimpton, and festival couture from local designer Rebecca Bruce.
This three-artist exhibit brings the images, sculpture and clothing from the Playa to downtown Sausalito.
LAKE COUNTY
Totes4Teens delivers to teens in need this holiday season all around Lake County.
Totes4Teens made deliveries to 131 teens in need this season for locations all around Lake County. This is the 18th year of providing a meaningful donation to each recipient that includes a stuffed duffle bag and Santa Bag (value $350 per recipient).
The Totes4Teens committee works on this program year long and always puts together the Monday after Thanksgiving with deliveries to the handling agencies and schools is the following day. This allows time for the donations to be distributed before the winter/Christmas break.
Many of the items donated are personally made and all items provided are new, size appropriate, and of high quality so that they can last a long time. Donations received this time of year determine the number of teens we can provide for the following season. We try annually to do between 120 and 140.
Please visit our website at www.totes4teens.org to see more information on our program.
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MIDDLETOWN
Middletown Art Center is having a holiday sale
- 10% off BELONGING exhibit artwork.
- 5% off jewelry, ceramics, books, cards, and prints in bins.
- Give the Gift of Lake Made Art this Holiday Season!
Open Thurs-Mon 10:30-5, closed Christmas Day.
Visit the BELONGING exhibit @MAC!
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LAKEPORT
Haunted Lake County Donates $10,000 to the Lakeport Volunteer Firefighters Association
Lakeport Volunteer Firefighters Association would like to thank Haunted Lake County for the amazing and generous donation. We really appreciate the Board of Directors, Fire Chief, and the Haunted Lake County Staff and Team that came out to the Check hand off ceremony that took place at Station 50 in Lakeport Tuesday December 20.
Our biggest gratitude is to the residence of Lake County that came out and supported the annual Haunted House, making “Your Worst Nightmare” another huge success for 2022. Without your support this would have not been possible.
Lakeport Volunteer Firefighters Association is currently raising funds to establish an off-road search and rescue vehicle program.
For more information on how you can contribute to Lakeport Volunteer Firefighters Association please reach out to jtyson@lakeportfire.com. For more information on how you can contribute to Haunted Lake County 2023 event please email hauntedlakecounty@gmail.com
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