SACRAMENTO
RCRC installs 2025 officers and recognizes rural leadership award recipients
During a meeting of the Board of Directors, Congressman Doug LaMalfa administered the official Oath of Office for the 2025 RCRC Officers. Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne was installed as Chair, Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey as First Vice Chair, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Bob Nelson as Second Vice Chair, and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez as Immediate Past Chair. The newly installed 2025 Officers will lead the organization in championing policies on behalf of California’s rural counties, January 8.
“I am excited to build on the strong foundation laid by past RCRC leadership and work alongside my fellow county leaders to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural California,” said Supervisor Byrne. “Together, we will advocate for policies that support our communities and ensure a prosperous future for all residents.”
In the evening, at their annual reception in Sacramento, RCRC celebrated the new officers and presented its annual Rural Leadership Award to two public officials who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in rural issues and the unique challenges that rural communities face.
Senator Ben Allen was honored as one of the two recipients of the Rural Leadership Award. While unable to attend due to the devastating fires occurring in Southern California, the award was still presented by El Dorado County Supervisor Lori Parlin to honor the Senator’s outstanding contributions supporting rural communities. As Chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, his leadership has been pivotal in securing legislative relief, enhanced flexibility, and critical funding for rural counties, particularly in solid waste management, organic waste processing, and recycling initiatives. Additionally, Senator Allen championed substantial legislation and funding for wildfire prevention and response.
“Even though I represent a largely urban county, I have always tried hard to understand the needs of rural communities and engage with their representatives in Sacramento. I’m proud of the strong working relationship that I’ve developed with RCRC and am proud to have been honored by my friends and partners at RCRC with this important award! Our rural counties provide a vital service to so many Californians and I will always take their perspectives and positions into account as I do my policy work.” – Senator Ben Allen
Assemblymember Tom Lackey also received the Rural Leadership Award, presented to him at the event by Supervisor Nelson. Assemblymember Lackey was recognized for his unwavering advocacy on behalf of rural counties, championing issues such as local government funding, organic waste implementation, programmatic CEQA reform, public safety, and local control, while leveraging his local government experience to ensure rural priorities are addressed at the state level.
“It is a profound honor to receive the Rural Leadership Award from RCRC. Rural communities are the backbone of California, contributing immensely to our state’s economy, culture, and identity. Yet, too often, their unique challenges are overshadowed in state-level discussions. I am dedicated to ensuring that rural voices are heard, their needs addressed, and their futures safeguarded. Our rural regions deserve not just attention, but meaningful action.” – Assemblymember Tom Lackey
About Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a forty-member county service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. It is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. Follow @RuralCountie
on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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SACRAMENTO
California continues to prioritize young children
First 5 California thanks the Governor and administration for their ongoing dedication to early childhood education, infant and early childhood health, and the protection of early childhood care systems outlined in the 2025-2026 budget proposal.
“As a champion for children aged 0 to 5, First 5 California commends the Governor and Legislature for advancing a budget rooted in values that prioritize young children and families,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California. “We are grateful for the Governor’s commitment to initiatives that provide meaningful support to families, such as free diapers for newborns, smaller class sizes and expanded learning opportunities in Transitional Kindergarten, and English proficiency tools for multilingual learners. These investments, along with First 5 California’s statewide programs like Raise CA Strong to address the childcare crisis, the Fatherhood Initiative and This Is How Dads Do It podcast to support fathers, and the Dragon Song campaign to promote young children’s mental health, create a lasting foundation for California’s families and communities.”
First 5 California remains steadfast in its mission to support the well-being of children during their critical early years. The organization drives impactful statewide initiatives such as the Stronger Starts campaign, which raises awareness of toxic stress response in young children. Additionally, programs supporting maternal health, educator professional development, and parenting resources are further strengthening California’s early childhood landscape. Wong added, “While the decline in tobacco tax revenue challenges the sustainability of our programs, this budget represents a vital step in protecting and expanding essential services that reflect a deep commitment to equity and opportunity for all.”
The budget proposal underscores significant long-term investments aligning with First 5 California’s mission to deliver healing-centered, equity-focused programs. Recognizing that 90 percent of brain development occurs during the first five years of life, First 5 California provides essential services to children ages 0 to 5, including family strengthening programs, infant and early childhood mental health services, and high-quality early learning and literacy initiatives.
To maintain this momentum, First 5 California will continue advocating for robust state investments that help ensure the future of these essential programs so that all of California’s youngest children thrive for generations to come.
To learn more, visit www.ccfc.ca.gov.
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