Challenge Awards, County News, CSAC News, Uncategorized No comments yet

Meeting the Challenge: Napa County’s Work Proximity Housing Program

By on June 13th, 2013

For many people, purchasing that first home is the financial equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest. The process is made even more difficult in destination areas such as Napa County where housing prices are high and homes are in demand. It’s not uncommon for a house on the market to receive numerous offers. So, what do you do if you are a first-time homebuyer who wants to live in the community in which you work, yet you have limited resources for a down payment?

If you’re smart, you take advantage of Napa County’s Work Proximity Housing Program, the brainchild of Supervisor Mark Luce. Continue reading

Agriculture/ Natural Resources, State Budget No comments yet

Deal Reached on Budget Includes Cap and Trade Loan

By on June 12th, 2013

While the Legislature has yet to officially vote on the budget package, lawmakers and the Governor announced a deal yesterday that includes the Governor’s more conservative revenues estimates and limited spending increases. The deal also includes the Governor’s proposal to loan $500 million in Cap and Trade auction revenues to the State’s general fund. The proposal came as a surprise to many when the Governor included it in his May… Continue reading

Challenge Awards, County News, CSAC News No comments yet

Meeting the Challenge: Glenn County’s Community Re-Entry Work Program (CREW)

By on June 11th, 2013

When California’s 58 counties began to tackle the challenges imposed by AB 109, the public-safety realignment of 2011, Glenn quickly became the “little county that could.” Through its Community Re-Entry Work (CREW) Program, Glenn is reducing recidivism, turning ex-offenders into contributing members of society – and saving the county money in the process.

In Glenn County, individuals now have a choice between receiving general assistance for three months or enrolling in CREW. The latter option is a 12-month program the provides ex-offenders the opportunity to receive assistance in a variety of areas, from housing and employment assistance to life skills and education. As Community Services Manager Lucy Hernandez is quick to explain, “It’s not a hand out; it’s a hand-up program.” Continue reading

Challenge Awards, County News, CSAC News No comments yet

Meeting the Challenge: Stanislaus County’s Latino Emergency Council

By on June 7th, 2013

The Latino Emergency Council was formed in early 2006 in Stanislaus County to set up an emergency response network linked to the Latino community. Today, the Council is engaging Stanislaus County’s large Spanish-speaking population on a continuous basis to prepare for emergencies and to respond when they occur. Continue reading

Challenge Awards, County News, CSAC News No comments yet

Meeting the Challenge: Riverside County’s Low-Impact Development Practices

By on June 5th, 2013

“Water water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” complains the Ancient Mariner as he recounts a harrowing voyage at sea. Here in California, on dry land, we too lament our water situation. Like the Mariner, we sometimes run short of clean fresh water for thirsty cities and agricultural crops. And just as often it seems, we have too much water, in the wrong place, all at once. Dealing with a flood can be just as harrowing as going thirsty.

Instead of merely lamenting on that sad fact, the people at the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District are putting science to work to see if they can reduce storm-water runoff, improve water quality, use less irrigation water and replenish the aquifer at the same time Continue reading