SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Republicans introduced a proposal to fight additional fires
Today, Assembly Republicans introduced a proposal for $1 billion in additional fire prevention funding. This was introduced as an amendment to the existing budget proposal that is only focused on aid to Los Angeles – but provides nothing to prevent future disasters. Despite the urgent need to address California’s wildfire crisis, Democrats rejected the additional fire prevention funding, leaving communities vulnerable to future devastation.
This rejection comes as Southern California is still being ravaged by wildfires, burning over 40,000 acres and destroying 17,800 homes and businesses. The rejected funding would have been a critical step toward improving emergency response times, preventing devastating wildfires, and helping Californians protect their homes.
“Wildfire prevention is a glaring omission from the relief package being passed today,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher. “We can’t keep underfunding fire prevention and waiting to respond until after a disaster. We know what needs to be done – it’s just a matter of providing the resources and mustering the political will to protect our communities.”
Republicans have repeatedly called for additional funding for wildfire prevention. Just last year, Newsom and legislative Democrats cut $143.9 million for wildfire prevention. The rejection of this critical funding underscores the need for stronger leadership to prioritize the safety and well-being of Californians.
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SACRAMENTO
Legislators introduce legislation to crack down on arsonists
Amid California’s relentless wildfire crisis, Assemblywomen Heather Hadwick (R-Modoc) and Kate Sanchez (R-Temecula) have introduced bold legislation to crack down on arsonists with tougher penalties for those who ignite catastrophic fires.
Seven of the ten largest fires in California history have occurred within the last five years, burning a staggering 3.8 million acres. Alarmingly, an estimated 20 percent of wildfires are the result of arson, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres across the state. The 2024 Park Fire, which burned over 400,000 acres and destroyed 709 homes in Butte and Tehama counties, was ignited by an arsonist with an extensive criminal record. Moreover, arson arrests have significantly increased over the past decade, according to CalFire.
AB 297 would add a sentencing enhancement of three to five years for arsonists whose actions result in the burning of 500 or more acres of forestland.
“As a former county Emergency Manager, I have personally worked on wildfires started by arsonists and have witnessed firsthand the devastation it caused. We need more tools to enforce the law and support our communities and that includes harsher consequences for highly destructive behavior,” said Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick.
“There is zero excuse for arson. These criminals knowingly cause fires that cost people their homes and lives. Our bill provides law enforcement more tools to keep these dangerous arsonists out of our communities,” said Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez.
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LUCERNE
Lake County Continuum of Care announces the 2024 Emergency Solutions Grant for Rapid Rehousing and Emergency Shelter Programs
Lake County Continuum of Care (LCCoC) is pleased to announce the availability of a grant opportunity through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Federal Emergency Solutions Grants Program 2024 Notice of Funding Availability:
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/esg/2024-esg-nofa.pdf
These ESG funds are available for Lake County:
• Estimated Annual Funding Cycle #1 for Rapid Rehousing Programs only is $280,486,
• Estimated Annual Funding Cycle #1 for Rapid Rehousing Programs only is $262,747
• Estimated Annual Funding Cycle #1 for Rapid Rehousing Programs only is $262,747
• Total ESG NOFO Estimated Funding Allocation: $805,980
Agencies applying must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, a government agency including housing authority, or a state or federally recognized tribal that serves those struggling with homelessness or at-risk of becoming homeless in Lake County. Agency programs must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of Rapid Rehousing or Emergency Shelter. Local applicants must meet the 100% match funding requirements outlined in the ESG NOFA for the full grant allotment: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/esg/cahcd-esgmatch-policy.pdf
Applicants will apply through a two-step process: through the LCCoC through the Good Grants application process (https://my.goodgrants.com/account) and directly with HCD through the eCivis portal (https://portal.ecivis.com/#/login). They will save the application as a PDF and upload it into the attachments in the Good Grants application portal no later than Feb. 24. 2025.
The LCCoC will review the applications on Good Grants and the eCivis application and make recommendation to HCD. Recommended applicants will contract directly with HCD for funding.
In making funding recommendations to HCD, Lake County Continuum of Care shall use a process which is:
• Fair and open and avoids conflicts of interest in project selection, implementation, and the administration of funds;
• Considers selection criteria reasonably consistent with the criteria used by the Department in section 8407;
• Complies with the requirements of sections 8408 and 8409;
• Incorporates reasonable performance standards as set forth in the Action Plan based on HUD
requirements and guidance. If the applicant has not implemented the proposed activity or similar activity within the past three years, the Continuum of Care shall work with the funded applicant to ensure it meets reasonable performance standards specified in the Action Plan in the contract year;
• Complies with federal ESG requirements; and
• Considers any other practices promoted or required by HUD.
For additional background information, eligibility, forms, and other resources, go to: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-and-funding/programs-active/emergency-solutions-grants
Good Grants portal: My accounts on Good Grants (https://my.goodgrants.com/account)
eCivis Portal Link: https://gn.ecivis.com/GO/gn_redir/T/vyjsqf2kekyx
Applications must be completed through Good Grants and eCivis grant portals. A PDF of the eCivis application must be uploaded into Good Grants in the attachments. The Good Grants application must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2025.
The Lake County Continuum of Care is a HUD-designated organization that promotes communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness and provides funding and funding opportunities for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; promotes access to and effects utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families, and optimizes self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
ESG Timeline:
• Press Release January 24, 2025
• Q & A February 5, 2025
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4190113465?pwd=cE5zMnBmSTZWS2htMk0xa01hR0psUT09&omn
=82900984396
Meeting ID: 419 011 3465 Passcode: LCCoC
• Application due Feb. 24, 2025
• Interviews March 3, 2025
• Executive Committee recommendation approval 3/6/2025
• Letter of Acceptance March 7, 2025
Technical Assistance is available. For more information, contact Lake County Continuum of Care’s Scott Abbott at scott.abbott@lakecountyca.gov, or call (707) 274-9101, or Melissa Kopf at melissa.kopf@lakecountyca.gov, at (707) 730-8191
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