WASHINGTON
Thompson applauds rehiring of tens of thousands of civil servants
On Thursday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement in response to a federal judge ordering the federal government to rehire thousands of probationary employees wrongly fired from their jobs. In his ruling, the judge slammed the Administration’s wrongful firing of employees, calling the President and Musk’s efforts a “sham”:
“A ‘sham’ is right. For months, President Trump and Elon Musk have unlawfully fired scores of federal workers who serve our veterans, support our farmers, ensure our national security, and more. Today’s ruling to reinstate tens of thousands of these essential public servants is a big win in our fight against the President’s unlawful actions.
“No person is above the law, which is why I’ve been working with my colleagues daily to fight the Administration in Congress, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion. Our efforts are working. I urge every American to keep holding the President and Musk’s feet to the fire.”
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
Winter weather advisory and storm watch – travel caution urged
The National Weather Service (NWS) Eureka has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Watch for Lake County. Local agencies urge residents and travelers to prepare for hazardous road conditions and exercise extreme caution.
Key Impacts:
- Snow levels dropping to 1,500 feet overnight with 1 to 4 inches accumulation possible; up to 7 inches above 3,000 feet.
- Wind gusts up to 35 mph, rain, and continued higher elevation snow through Sunday.
- Icy roads, reduced visibility, downed trees, and power lines may cause travel hazards.
Travel & Safety Recommendations:
- Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.
- Expect slippery roads; slow down and use caution, especially at night.
- Carry chains if traveling at higher elevations.
- Prepare for road closures or delays.
- Report emergencies, including road hazards or stranded motorists, by dialing 911.
County agencies are monitoring the weather and prepared to respond. Conditions expected to improve by Monday, March 17.
—Submitted
SACRAMENTO
Water Commission to consider potential funding options after project’s withdrawal from Water Storage Investment Program
At the March 19 meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the California Natural Resources Building, First Floor Auditorium, the California Water Commission could decide how to move forward with the utilization of more than $525 million of Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP) funding. A portion of this funding, $454 million, was initially designated for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project, if it met statutory requirements. The project’s proponent, Contra Costa Water District, withdrew the project from the WSIP in November 2024. The Commission will also consider options for the use of the $75 million made available by the voter-approved Proposition 4, the Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond Measure of 2024.
The WSIP funds the public benefits associated with water storage projects (ecosystem improvement, water quality improvement, recreation, emergency response, and flood control). Since the Commission determined the amount of funding potentially available to a given project in 2018, the local project proponents have been in the driver’s seat, each responsible for their project’s schedule. The Commission cannot award a project its final funding until it is shovel ready, which means the project proponent must complete all of the Proposition 1 requirements – final permits, completed environmental documents, contracts for the administration of public benefits, and contracts for non-program funding – before returning to the Commission for a final award hearing. The Commission considers final funding awards once project proponents are ready.
The nine-member California Water Commission uses its public forum to explore water management issues from multiple perspectives and to formulate recommendations to advise the director of the California Department of Water Resources, and as appropriate, the California Natural Resources Agency, the Governor and the California State Legislature on ways to improve water planning and management in response to California’s changing hydrology. As required by Water Code section 165, the Commission conducts an annual review of the construction and operation of the State Water Project. For more information regarding the California Water Commission, for more info contact: (916) 873-5774, or visit cwc.ca.gov.
The meeting will be live streamed at www.water-ca.com
—Submitted
