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- Written by: California Department of Food and Agriculture
The board advises the Secretary on the department’s Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, which ensures fertilizing materials are safe, effective, and meet quality guarantees.
As part of the Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, inspectors and investigators located throughout the state conduct routine sampling and inspections; respond to consumer complaints; and enforce laws and regulations that govern the manufacturing and distribution of fertilizing materials.
The program is funded by fertilizer license fees and assessments.
The term of office for board members is three years. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to necessary travel expenses. Applicants must hold a current fertilizing materials license or be a representative of a licensed firm.
Individuals interested in a board appointment must submit a resume and a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ), available on the CDFA Web site at www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs by Aug. 31.
Send resume and PMAQ via email to
For more information, contact Brittnie Sabalbro at 916-900-5022 or
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
North Coast legislators Assemblymember Jim Wood and Sen. Mike McGuire said they are pleased the office is open, after having fought to have it included in last year’s budget.
“The cannabis industry is a big part of the North Coast’s economy and sending licensed farmers on a five hour drive to pay their taxes is simply not acceptable and not a good way to do business,” McGuire said. “This office will provide Northern California residents with the cannabis tax and licensing services they need all in one place, close to home. I've been grateful to work with Assemblymember Wood to get this office open and serving the public.”
The temporary office, located within the Humboldt County Courthouse, will provide residents with a one-stop shop to apply for state licenses, pay fees and ask questions.
“Humboldt has always been the heart of this industry and I am pleased that the new Eureka office will be there to support them,” said Wood (D-Santa Rosa). “The bureau needs to understand the sometimes unique issues and challenges of the North Coast cannabis industry and I look forward to them providing valuable guidance.”
The temporary office is currently located within the Humboldt County Courthouse (825 Fifth Street, Room 130, Eureka, CA) until the Bureau of Cannabis Control opens a permanent office later this year.
The office will be open Mondays, noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon.
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- Written by: California Department of Insurance
The recent revision to the Federal Tax Schedule for 2018 reduced the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.
That means that nationally insurers will now be able to retain even more of policyholder premiums as profit.
"Any savings to insurers should be passed along to California businesses," said Commissioner Jones. "This order will allow my department to examine workers' compensation insurers' savings and rates and provide transparency to the public. I urge insurers to pass these savings along to policyholders."
Jones' order will require each insurer to submit a rate filing to report the dollar amount of their tax savings by Dec. 31, 2018, and on a yearly basis through Dec. 31, 2020.
Insurers will need to provide details about how those savings impact their rates. The insurer must also provide a detailed explanation if they have determined that there is no rate impact, stating why the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate does not affect their rates.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LakeCountyWine.org is an educational resource for members of the wine trade and consumers who wish to discover and educate themselves on this up-and-coming region.
Elements of this new educational resource include specifics on what makes the area unique for grape growing, as well as in-depth information on the geology, climate and people of the area.
For example, the site discusses the area’s past vulcanism, the influence it’s had on the area’s geography and how this factor contributes to uniqueness of Lake County’s wines.
“It’s an exciting time for Lake County,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of LCWC. “We’ve seen a lot of interest from sommeliers and other industry contacts wanting more information about our region. We’re thrilled to be able to present this new online resource for the wine trade and enthusiasts.”
“This Web site is a great resource for people all around the world,” said Jonathan Walters, chairman of the LCWC Board of Directors. “It provides an opportunity to learn about our wines and high-elevation growing region.”
Detailed information on each of Lake County’s five existing appellations, or AVAs, and its two proposed AVAs explains how each sub-region is different.
New Web site features include videos and quotes from the growers and winemakers to give visitors a closer look at what makes Lake County a great place for wine.
“The Lake County wine region is a place where you can still meet the owners and wine makers while enjoying a wonderful experience and exceptional wines,” said Cindi Olof, chair of the Lake County Winery Association Board.
Andy Beckstoffer, Owner of Beckstoffer Vineyards, shares these sentiments. “In 1997, we invested in over 1,000 plantable acres in the Red Hills of Lake County, beginning the modern era of premium vineyard planting in Lake County because we knew the area had great potential. We established the Red Hills AVA in 2004 along with several other growers. For more than 20 years, we’ve been stewards to that land and have been enchanted by the results. I’m happy to see Red Hills and Lake County get the recognition they deserve and am pleased that this new website will educate the public on this wonderful place.”
The new Web site is just part of a greater program to educate the public on the wines of Lake County.
In addition to the Web site, the Lake County Winegrape Commission supported curriculum development and presentation of materials that were included in this Web site as well as in-market trade seminars and wider participation in national events.
In August, the Lake County Winegrape Commission will be showcasing wines to attendees at the TEXSOM Conference and at the San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival in November.
Wine educators or educational organizations interested in using course materials in their instructional endeavors may contact the Lake County Winegrape Commission.