Business News
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- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The anticipated management response is a delay of the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in that area from Nov. 15 to Nov. 23, 2019.
Under the authority of section 8276.1(c)(1) of the Fish and Game Code, the Director may restrict take of commercial Dungeness crab if there is a significant risk of marine life entanglement due to fishing gear.
As required in Fish and Game Code, section 8276.1(c)(4), the Director is providing 48 hours' notice to the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group and other stakeholders.
"In making this determination, we considered the input of the Working Group and its advisors through a structured decision-making process in which diverse interests were represented including fishing, environmental and management agencies," said Director Bonham.
Before enacting the proposed management measure, Director Bonham will consider any recommendations or new information provided by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019. Anyone with recommendations and information related to this preliminary determination should submit it to
In addition to this preliminary determination of delay due to a significant risk of whale entanglements, additional delays are possible due to human health risks or poor crab quality.
Through the course of the crab season, CDFW will engage regularly with the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group to review scientific information and monitor and adapt to the risk of whale entanglements.
Based on that process, CDFW could take future management actions. For more information related to the preliminary determination of delay please visit CDFW's Whale Safe Fisheries page.
For more information on Dungeness crab, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The Golden State is America’s No. 1 wine producer, making 81 percent of the wine in the United States, with more than 599,000 acres of winegrapes, with an estimated retail value of over $35 billion in total sales.
While the wine industry is thriving, its most important ingredient– the winegrape – is susceptible to a range of diseases that are deadly to the vines. One of the most pervasive is the aggressive Pierce’s Disease, carried between plants by an insect called the glassy-winged sharpshooter.
To ensure that California’s wine industry can continue to conduct research, inspect for and control Pierce’s Disease, Sen. McGuire’s SB 449 was signed into law by Gov. Newsom.
This critical legislation extends the state’s existing Pierce’s Disease Control Program and the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board from 2021 to 2026.
“Pierce’s Disease is spread by a nasty little bugger and once a vine is infected – the disease will block the water system of the vine, the fruit will shrivel, and ultimately the entire plant will die. There is still no known cure for the disease, which is why it is so important that we do everything we can at the state level to stop the spread of Pierce’s and continue to advance desperately needed research,” McGuire said. “SB 449 extends the existing Pierce’s Disease Control Program to 2026 which will help keep California’s multi-billion dollar wine industry thriving for decades to come. We are grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation.”
SB 449 was endorsed by California Association of Winegrape Growers, Family Winemakers of California and the Wine Institute.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
State Fund’s Earthquake Safety Resource Center, available at SafeAtWorkCA.com, provides materials to help employers and employees learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
Visitors will find preparedness checklists, information on what to do in specific situations, and tips on how to prepare their workplace for an earthquake.
We’re also encouraging all Californians to join the Great California ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 17, to practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method, proven to be the best way to protect yourself during an earthquake.
“Given the recent earthquakes in the Bay area, we’d like to remind California businesses of the importance of preparing your workplace and your employees for the next event,” said State Fund Senior Vice President of Safety and Health Services Lauren Mayfield. “We’ve recently added to the resources at SafeAtWorkCA.com to help keep California workers safe before, during, and after an earthquake.”
To find free, comprehensive workplace safety resources, including the new Earthquake Resource Center, visit https://safeatworkca.com/.
For more information about State Fund, visit https://www.statefundca.com/.
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- Written by: California Department of Food and Agriculture
Agricultural operations can apply for up to $100,000 for projects that involve improvements to irrigation systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save water.
Projects funded through SWEEP commonly include elements such as soil, plant or weather sensors; micro-irrigation systems; pump retrofits or replacements; renewable energy; and variable frequency drives – among others.
Applications are due Monday, December 16, 2019 at 5 p.m. CDFA will hold three no-cost workshops to provide information on program requirements and the application process. Webinar participation is available, but applicants are encouraged to attend in person.
SWEEP application workshops:
Willows – Monday, Oct. 28
2 to 4 p.m.
Glenn County Office of Education
311 South Villa Ave.
Register for webinar participation at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1423354487948559883
Modesto – Tuesday, Oct. 29
10 a.m. to noon
Stanislaus County Agricultural Center
Harvest Hall, Room DE
3800 Cornucopia WayRegister for webinar participation at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3882162654329651469
Bakersfield – Wednesday, Oct. 30
9 to 11 a.m.
University of California Cooperative Extension
1031 S. Mount Vernon Ave.
Register for webinar participation at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6168234245452706317
Potential applicants should review the application materials posted on the SWEEP webpage at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep .
A list of CDFA-contracted technical assistance providers is also available on the SWEEP webpage.
These organizations are available to provide no-cost application assistance to farmers who would like to apply for a SWEEP award.
This round of SWEEP is authorized by the Budget Act of 2018 and funded through the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (SB-5).
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