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- Written by: Bureau of Land Management
In her new position, Meyer-Shields will oversee resource and sustainable use programs for 15 million acres of public lands in California.
“I am thrilled to have Liz join our leadership team at the California State Office,” said Acting State Director for BLM California Gordon R. Toevs. “Her expertise and guidance will be critical to fulfilling our mission to manage important natural resources on public lands.”
Meyer-Shields started her federal career in 2009 in the BLM Washington Office as a Presidential Management Fellow in the Division of Decision Support, Planning and NEPA, and in 2011, moved to Sacramento as a planning and environmental coordinator in the California State Office.
In 2018, she moved up the hill to the Mother Lode Field Office as field manager. In 2022, Meyer-Shields returned to the California State Office as the branch chief for lands, planning, recreation and cultural.
Meyer-Shields will oversee programs including wildlife, aquatics, special status species, wild horse and burro, hydrology, ecology, air, range, vegetation management, botany, cultural/paleontological resources, soils, recreation, lands and realty, National Conservation Lands/Wilderness/Wild and Scenic Rivers, land use planning, National Environmental Policy Act compliance, renewable energy (solar and wind), and partnerships.
Meyer-Shields grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, where she fell in love with public lands, hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping.
She attended Oregon State University, where she received a B.S. in environmental science and the University of Denver School of Law.
In her spare time, Meyer-Shields enjoys watercolor painting and spending time outside with her family.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
“My bill is about doing what’s right for people who can least afford to be ripped off,” said Sen. Dodd. “Annuities can be important investment tools but too often, there is incentive for abuse or exploitation. That’s why I’m glad to partner with Commissioner Ricardo Lara on my latest consumer protection bill, which requires insurance agents to put the best interests of their clients first — ahead of any sales incentives they might make. If they know an annuity is a bad fit, they will not be able to sell it.”
Senate Bill 263 is the latest consumer protection proposal from Sen. Dodd. Sen. Dodd is also authoring SB 278, which would hold financial institutions accountable for not protecting seniors when they are victims of fraud.
Also last year he introduced SB 478, which would outlaw hidden fees in an array of transactions, including banking.
In his continuing effort to protect our state’s most vulnerable, Sen. Dodd introduced SB 263, which would require insurance producers and insurance companies to strengthen suitability standards for the sale of annuities.
The bill would ensure California meets federal and national model standards, while providing additional consumer protections. The goal is to prevent the sale of these financial products to people who do not understand them or would not benefit from them.
The bill is sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Lara and supported by consumer advocates. It heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.
“Consumers’ best interests must always come ahead of insurance company sales,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who is sponsoring SB 263. “SB 263 will protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations like our seniors, by requiring all sales of annuities be based first and foremost on the facts of their individual insurance needs, financial situation and goals. I commend Sen. Dodd for authoring this common-sense consumer protection bill.”
Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
This milestone event, open to participants of all ages, surpassed expectations and provided an enchanting evening dedicated to fostering and celebrating the cherished bonds between generations.
A Valentine's themed extravaganza turns memorable
The dance was adorned with the theme of love, friendship, and hearts — Valentines, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.
Attendees reveled in the night filled with music, laughter and the creation of unforgettable memories.
The event featured dozens of prizes generously donated by local businesses, with Lake's Limos and Polka Dot Yogurt Shoppe (formerly known as Tutti Frutti) sponsoring a spectacular limo ride and frozen yogurt adventure for one lucky grand prize winner and seven of her friends.
Admission included a carnation flower for each child, a professional photo shoot with a souvenir photo, and a lavish box of sweet treats and refreshments. Tickets were in high demand and sold out quickly as eager participants secured their spots for this heartwarming celebration.
For those who missed this unforgettable event, mark your calendars now for the 2025 event on Feb. 15.
The Lake County Father-Daughter Dance takes place on the first Saturday of every Valentine's Day month. If you missed this year's celebration, make sure to catch us next year for another enchanting evening filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Giving back to the community
The Father-Daughter Dance team is proud to share that 100% of the proceeds from this remarkable event will contribute to post-high school scholarships for students in Lake County. For inquiries or to make a donation, please contact Allison Panella at 707-483-2383.
The committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to the community for 20 years of unwavering support, making the 20th annual Lake County Father-Daughter Dance a resounding success.
They look forward to creating many more cherished memories over the decades to come.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The workshop presentation can be viewed here, Clear Lake Information Order Compliance Workshop, and on the Clear Lake Information Order website.
As a reminder, Feb. 29 is the certification deadline.
For help with certification, contact State Water Board Staff at 916-341-5355 or