SACRAMENTO – With wildfire season off to an early start, a pair of bills advanced on Monday from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would help local government deal with preemptive electric power shutoffs and create a new office to foster emergency equipment innovation.

“The wildfire threat is not going away and we must take decisive action to protect life and property,” Sen. Dodd said. “The passage of these bills ensures our communities have adequate resources to respond when power is turned off and that we are working on new and better ways to prevent and respond to wildfire. I thank committee members for seeing the value in these proposals and look forward to approval by both houses of the Legislature.”

Senate Bill 52 follows a series of de-energizations from PG&E over the past two years that were intended to prevent fallen power lines and damaged equipment from sparking fires. It makes clear that such public safety power shutoffs are eligible for official emergency declarations, freeing financial assistance for local government under the Emergency Services Act.

SB 52 is supported by Napa County, California Fire Chiefs Association, Fire Districts Association of California, Regional Council of Rural Counties, Disability Rights California and the California Association of Public Authorities.

SB 109 Creates the Office of Emergency Technology Research and Development to study, produce and test new equipment to battle wildfires and other emergencies. Public, private and non-profit organizations and companies would join forces and become a state hub for firefighting advancements. SB 109 is supported by numerous groups including the California Fire Chiefs Association, the League of California Cities, Breathe California and the counties of Napa and Yolo.

Both bills passed the Assembly Utilities and Energy committee on Monday with overwhelming support after previously being approved by the full Senate. SB 52 heads to the Assembly floor and SB 109 goes to Assembly Appropriations.

Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. Visit his website for more information.

As part of a shared commitment to supporting those most in need, Lions Clubs International Foundation and Special Olympics International are celebrating two decades of kindness and inclusion through service as part of a growing global partnership.

Both organizations announced the milestone celebration during Lions Clubs International’s virtual International Convention in late June.

The Lions Clubs International Foundation-Special Olympics partnership began in 2001 with the international expansion of the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program, an eye health and vision screening program made available to participating athletes and people with intellectual disabilities in general at Special Olympics events worldwide.

Through the support of industry leaders, including Essilor International, Safilo Group and Liberty Sport, the Opening Eyes program provides corrective prescription eyewear, UV-protected sunglasses and protective sports eyewear.

Since the Opening Eyes program inception, more than 445,000 vision and eye health assessments have been conducted, and more than 260,000 prescription eyeglasses have been provided to athletes at no cost.

In 2013, Lions Clubs International Foundation, or LCIF, and Special Olympics expanded the partnership to include additional areas of service and inclusion, creating an expansive partnership platform, “Mission: Inclusion,” which offers family health education, inclusive sports, refugee programming, leadership and national partnership development, club creation and development and more.

Through this expansion, Special Olympics and LCIF, together with local Lions clubs and national Special Olympics organizations, work in communities in some 100 nations to improve and empower the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Together, the organizations continue to demonstrate the transformative power of inclusive development to one of the most marginalized populations in the world.

“LCIF is proud to celebrate 20 years of service in support of Special Olympics athletes,” said Gudrun Yngvadottir, whose term as LCIF chairperson came to a close June 30. “Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face deep social isolation, discrimination and stigmatization, which have regrettably deepened for many during the pandemic. Together with Special Olympics, we continue to witness the positive and transformative power that kindness and inclusion through service can have – not only on Special Olympics athletes, but on the entire community. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, Lions International encourages everyone worldwide to commit to acts of kindness and inclusion.”

Special Olympics Chairman Dr. Timothy Shriver said, “The movement of Special Olympics is immensely grateful to Lions Clubs International Foundation, and the over one million Lions Clubs members throughout the world who give of themselves to improve and enrich the lives of our athletes. For over two decades, Lions have shown the Special Olympics community what it means to serve, to make kindness the focus, and to build bridges of compassion. At a time in human history when we remain so divided and distant, Lions Clubs International Foundation and its global network of community leaders continue to empower the lives of our athletes and families for the better. ‘Mission: Inclusion’ has become a definitive cornerstone of our work across the world, and for that we extend our deep gratitude to Lions worldwide.”

LCIF and Special Olympics wish to expand “Mission: Inclusion” to all nations as part of a concerted effort to strengthen inclusive development programming for those most in need, further strengthen the urgency of service for marginalized populations including individuals with intellectual disabilities and support a shared commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org .

Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Established in 1968, LCIF provides grant funding to support the compassionate works of Lions, empowering their service and addressing the needs of their communities both locally and globally. To learn how to support LCIF, visit lionsclubs.org/WaysToGive.

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor announced the deployment of California Climate Action Corps Fellows for Summer of 2021.

Over the last two weeks, California Volunteers and partners have hosted a series of virtual events to welcome the summer fellows of the statewide climate corps, culminating in a pledge ceremony administered by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday.

In January, the program launched a pilot fellowship of 59 fellows who have spent the last six months advancing climate action projects such as urban tree planting, food sustainability, and wildfire resilience in some of the state’s most vulnerable communities.

The new Summer Fellowship builds on the pilot term by placing up to 200 fellows for a two-month summer of service in urban and rural communities throughout the state.

“I am thrilled to welcome this new group of energetic fellows from diverse ages and backgrounds who have joined us in service to dedicate their time to their communities,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “The Climate Action Corps Fellowship is the first of its kind in the United States and can lead the way forward as we look to harness human potential to combat the global climate crisis. Our fellows are an inspiration for others across the nation to take on climate action in their communities and homes.”

California Volunteers is supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s vision to lift up all communities in California. Fellows will mobilize and organize climate action at scale in principally front-line and low-income communities across the state.

As AmeriCorps members, the summer fellows will serve 300 hours with local governments, nonprofits, universities, and colleges to support climate action and climate education projects in areas such as edible food recovery, urban greening, wildfire mitigation, community energy, and habitat conservation.

Through project-based service work with committed community organizations, fellows will have a chance to learn real-world climate action skills.

In addition to the Fellowship program, California Climate Action Corps engages people through a variety of levels and activities, from those who have an hour to commit at home to those who can commit a year of service, and everything in between.

In partnership with VolunteerMatch, California Volunteers has launched a statewide online volunteer hub of climate-focused volunteer opportunities. Environmental and climate-focused organizations can post service opportunities for local volunteers, allowing every Californian to make a difference in their own community.

Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) has introduced the “Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2021” (H.R.4315).

This bill would require Social Security to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate a fairer cost of living adjustment, or COLA, for seniors.

The bill would increase benefits and ensure that cost of living adjustments in Social Security reflect the real rising costs for seniors and disabled Americans.

From 1982 to 2011, CPI-E rose at an annual average rate of 3.1 percent, compared with 2.9 percent for the methods that are currently used.

Original Cosponsors: Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Anthony G. Brown (D-MD), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ann M. Kuster (D-NH), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Ted W. Lieu (D-CA), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).

“Seniors and disabled citizens rely on Social Security benefits for a large portion of their income, and it’s about time for Social Security benefits to reflect their lifestyles,” said Garamendi. “Using a COLA that actually reflects how retirees spend their money – especially in health care – is a no-brainer that will increase benefits and make Social Security work better for the people it serves.”

The legislation has already earned broad support, with 23 original co-sponsorships and key support from leading advocacy groups and labor organizations.

“Social Security Works applauds Rep. Garamendi for championing Social Security and sponsoring the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2021,” said Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. “One of the most valuable features of Social Security is its inflation protection. However, the current method of calculating inflation under-measures the cost of living of seniors and people with disabilities who are disproportionately burdened by rising costs of prescription drugs and other essential medical care. By more accurately accounting for the costs faced by Social Security beneficiaries, this legislation better prevents the erosion over time of Social Security’s modest but vital earned benefits.”

The text of the “Fair COLA for Seniors Act” (H.R.4315) is available here.

July 4 brings the first major holiday since California officials lifted guidelines related to COVID-19, and that means many more residents will celebrate the country’s independence with friends, family, and neighbors.

While Pacific Gas and Electric Co. welcomes the return to holiday gatherings, the company urges its customers to put safety first and stay alert to potential dangers.

Celebrations that involve fireworks, barbecues and swimming can increase the risk of fires, electric hazards, heat-related illnesses, and other perils. PG&E strongly recommends that citizens follow the local rules and regulations regarding fireworks.

PG&E is offering important reminders to help customers stay safe this Independence Day and throughout the summer:

Electric safety

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals.

First and foremost, know what the local regulations allow. Be aware of surroundings — stay clear of power lines, structures, dry grass, or flammable materials when using legally purchased fireworks in areas approved by local regulations.

If a firework strikes electric equipment or causes a power line to come down, stay away, keep others away and immediately call 9-1-1 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Never attempt to retrieve anything that is tangled in or near a power line.

Summer safety

Make sure everyone has proper skills to swim. Keep an eye on young children and check flotation devices for leaks.

Every child under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a moving vessel that is 26 feet or less in length.

Don't dive or jump into unfamiliar water. Shallow water or submerged trees or rocks could cause serious injury.

Don't swim or play near a dam or powerhouse; these areas can have strong underwater currents, sudden water discharges, slippery surfaces and submerged hazards.

Never use generators, propane heaters, barbecues or charcoal indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.

Heat safety

Limit exposure to direct sunlight. Reapply sunscreen often.

Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine when temperatures are high.

During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke — hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; or rapid, shallow breathing. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Use cold towels to help lower their body temperature until help arrives.

PG&E reminds customers to update their contact information at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts so the company can provide up-to-the-minute safety and service information.

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif.‌‌ ‌‌ — ‌ ‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

Caltrans will suspend most work on Northern California highways from Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. However, in the case of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans crews to respond to emergency situations.
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Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌‌prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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The‌‌ ‌‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌Traffic‌‌ ‌‌Operations‌‌ ‌‌Office‌‌ ‌‌has‌‌ ‌‌reviewed‌‌ ‌‌each‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌determined‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌individual‌‌ ‌‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌delays‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌expected‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌less‌‌ ‌‌than‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌statewide‌‌ ‌‌policy‌‌ ‌‌maximum‌‌ ‌‌of‌‌ ‌‌30‌‌ ‌‌minutes‌‌ ‌‌unless‌‌ ‌‌‌noted‌‌ ‌‌otherwise. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ ‌or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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LAKE‌‌ ‌‌COUNTY‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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Highway‌‌ ‌‌20

— Core drilling 0.48 miles west to 0.32 miles east of Blue Lake Motel will begin Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Swanson Road to Garden Court on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 29

— Highway construction from Spruce Grove Road South to Hofacker Lane will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays.

— Highway construction from Route 281 to Private Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight weekdays from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Argonaut Road to Manning Creek Bridge beginning Wednesday, July 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 20

— Slide removal two miles west of Three Chop Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Willits Railroad Crossing to Monica Lane on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Slide removal from Comminsky Station Road to Pieta Creek Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Emergency work on Ridgewood Ranch Road will continue. Lane closures will be in effect daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Emergency work from North Willits Railroad Crossing to Big Trails Drive will begin on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

— Moss Cove Safety Rest Area will be closed through fall 2021.

— Emergency work from Ten Mile Creek Road to Rattlesnake Summit will begin on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

— Empire Camp Safety Rest Area will be closed through fall 2021. LC#C101TB

Highway 128

— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Hutsell Road to Boonville Fire Station on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 162

— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from Laytonville Dos Rios to The Middle Way beginning Wednesday, July 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.