Hometown California

On this episode of Hometown California our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with Jim Ogsbury, Executive Director of the Western Governors Association (WGA). Together, Paul and Jim discuss the work of the WGA, who they are, and the intersection with rural California and the Rural County Representatives of California.

With membership that includes the Governors of the 22 western-most states and territories of the United States, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, WGA is largely an instrument of bi-partisan policy development, information exchange, and collective action on mutual interests.

Listen in to hear about how Executive Director Jim Ogsbury came to lead an organization of twenty-two elected Governors, how the organization operates, and how such an ideologically diverse group of members come together to develop policies that drive the organization forward, Find out about some of WGA's successes influencing federal policymaking in  the areas of forest and federal lands management, endangered species, and more. And learn what is on the horizon as WGA continues to collaborate on issues impacting the western United States,


Find out more about WGA:
On the website
Follow on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn

In the latest episode of Hometown California, our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with California State Assembly Member, Jim Wood. Learn about his path to politics-- from dentistry to the State Assembly— and how his experiences in rural California have influenced his priorities in the Legislature. Listen as Assembly Member Wood discusses healthcare, cannabis, vegetation management, wildfire, and so much more. 

In this episode of Hometown California, our host, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Rich Gordon, President and CEO of the California Forestry Association (soon-to-be retired). Aside from being at the CA Forestry Association, Mr. Gordon has a long history service in California.

Back to the early days of his political career when he was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Education, what sparked his interest in getting involved with public education and public policy making?

After 13 years on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, find out why Rich still describes it as "the best electoral job in California." And, find out what motivated him to become President of the statewide association, a sister organization of RCRC, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and hear about highlights of his leadership years.

Listen to learn how Rich fell in love with rural California, went on to serve in the California State Assembly, and so much more. His fascinating journey, from his first elected position nearly 20 years ago to his current role, will give you a glimpse of how his experiences have impacted Rich Gordon's  understanding of California’s rural counties.

Find out more about the California Forestry Association
On the Web: calforests.org
Follow on Twitter: @CalForests
Find on Facebook: @CalForestsCFA

In this episode, our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down for a conversation with Patrick "Pat" Blacklock, the new President and CEO of RCRC. Learn how Pat's journey in the county family began, what led him to RCRC, and his vision for RCRC's advocacy and support of rural counties.   At what Californians hope may be the tail end of pandemic shutdowns, in a redistricting year with new challenges brought about by the pandemic, and with a gubernatorial recall election on the horizon, hear how Pat is looking toward the future as he begins to lead RCRC in these unique times.

Having worked as CAO of both Amador and Yolo counties,  Pat shares his perspective on the similarities and differences of rural California counties. Listen in to hear what Pat sees as priorities for RCRC, his plans for setting the organization’s path for the future, and his secret to maintaining work/life balance when counties run 24/7.

Find RCRC
on the Web: rcrcnet.org
on Twitter: @ruralcounties
on Facebook: @ruralcounties
on Instagram: @ca_ruralcounties
Redistricting webinar recordings and other resources

On this  episode of Hometown California, our host, Paul A. Smith, speaks with Staci Heaton, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Acting Vice President of Governmental Affairs, about California’s perennial wildfires.

As an RCRC advocate for more than 15 years, Staci’s focus has primarily been fire and forestry issues, things involving climate change, and managing the wildfire issues of California. Together, Paul and Staci discuss factors contributing to the ferocity of the fires, and potential solutions to address this growing problem. 

RCRC has worked tirelessly on the issue of forest management and wildfire prevention for decades. This year, RCRC’s Board of Directors adopted a Wildfire Package, a multipronged collection of legislative proposals, to address the systemic needs forest management and wildfire prevention in the State.

Listen in to hear why more state leaders seem to be taking notice, how short-term needs are being addressed, and what more remains to be done.

Find Rural County Representatives of California
On the web:  rcrcnet.org
Facebook: ruralcounties
Twitter: @RuralCounties
Instagram: ca_ruralcounties

In this episode of Hometown California, recorded in Washington D.C., our host, Paul A. Smith, sits down with Sheryl Cohen and Chris Israel of American Continental Group (ACG), to give listeners a deeper look at the early days of the 117th Congress.  Together they discuss a myriad of issues, including

• the politics of the recovery package;
• the twin priorities of infrastructure and climate;
• politics under the dome: leadership, bipartisanship, and looking ahead to 2022; and
• the differences and similarities in the White House under the Biden Administration.

Find ACG Advocacy online.
Website: https://www.acg-consultants.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acgconsultants.com/

From Washington D.C., our host, Paul A. Smith, checks in on the political pulse in a conversation with Leah Askarinam of the National Journal, Editor-in-Chief of the Hotline at the National Journal.  With a new administration in the White House, a change of control in the U.S. Senate, and a razor-thin margin of control in the U.S. House of Representatives as a result of the last election, Paul and Leah discuss what’s going on in the White House and Congress.  Find out more about the politics of the American Rescue Plan, the pandemic and how things are shaping-up for the 2022 General Election - which congressional seats are up for election, who is retiring, who will be facing primary challenges, and how this impacts policy-making at the federal level.


National Journal on the Web: nationaljournal.com
National Journal's Hotline on Twitter: @njhotline

Jeremy White, co-writer of Politico's California Playbook, returns to Hometown California to share his insights about the effort to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom. Our host, Paul A. Smith, RCRC Vice President for Government Affairs, dives in to find out how a gubernatorial recall—an idea that was once seen as outlying political chatter — has become a real and present threat to Governor Newsom’s political future.

• Is this recall going to happen?
• What are the origins of the recall effort and what makes this effort feel real?
• Where is the money coming from?
• Does the Governor have a strategy for overcoming this?
• What are the political implications if the recall effort is successful?
• Is this indicative of a national trend, or is this unique to California?

Listen as Jeremy shares his insights and predictions about the recall effort.

Visit Politico on the web at politico.com
Follow Politico California on Twitter @politicoca
California Playbook: Subscribe Here

In this episode of Hometown California, RCRC Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Paul Smith, speaks with Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon about the realities of being a peace officer in rural California.  In the small and remote County of Lassen, Sheriff Growdon serves as both Sheriff and Coroner, as do many of his counterparts in other rural areas of the State.  Home to two state prisons, one federal prison, and a military base, Lassen County has some unique law enforcement challenges.
 
Hear how law enforcement in a rural county-- and particularly in a very, very rural county-- is different than other areas of the State.  Sheriff Growdon discusses the importance of mutual aid and explains how customer service and community assistance are keys for successful crime prevention.  Listen as Sheriff Growdon talks about the challenges of some state mandates and how COVID-19 has impacted law enforcement and community support in Lassen County during the pandemic.

On this episode, RCRC Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Paul Smith, speaks to State Controller, Betty Yee. Paul and Controller Yee discuss the importance of the relationship between the State and Counties of California and how the two intersect in managing and deploying state resources. 

With over 35 years in the public sector, learn about how Ms. Yee’s foray into public service began at a very young age. Hear about the role of the Controller’s Office, the audits, and role of the office in financial policy. Hear insights about the financial health of rural California counties and the factors that have influenced the evolving landscape of rural county finances. Listen as Controller Yee speaks of the myriad of pressures on the finances of counties including pension obligations, health and human services, state mandates, and more.