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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Of the missing persons included in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs, 3.5% were identified as American Indian and Alaska Native — more than three times their percentage of the U.S. population.
Complicated jurisdictional overlaps between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies exacerbate the problem.
“The tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People is an epidemic, and jurisdictional red tape and communication breakdowns fuel this crisis. Tribes in my district have been putting in the hard work to protect their people and lead on this issue — by which I am tremendously proud of and inspired — but they can’t do it alone,” said Rep. Huffman. “My bill with Rep. Schiff will help bridge the gap between tribes and local law enforcement so they can work together to keep tribal communities safe.”
“The violence facing our Indigenous communities, particularly women and girls, is a crisis we cannot ignore,” said Rep. Schiff. “With the complex nature of government-to-government relationships, sometimes this violence against women and Indigenous people can fall through the cracks, or lead to delays and inaction. Our bill aims to bridge this gap by promoting cooperation and information sharing between tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This will not only save lives but also help keep our tribal communities safe and ensure that those who break the law are held to account.”
“Tribal communities continue to face the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people every day. Common sense reforms to support and prevent the disappearance of our people from their communities are vital to help end this crisis. Rep. Schiff’s and Rep. Huffman's bill is one of those common sense solutions which promotes information sharing between states and localities with Tribes. The National Indian Health Board is proud to support this bill which works to address the ongoing crisis of our missing and murdered Indigenous people,” said Chief William Smith, chairman of the National Indian Health Board.
The Tribal Community Protection Act would create a funding incentive through Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to states and localities that both submit written notification to tribes about restraining orders and temporary restraining orders so that they can be enforced by tribal law enforcement on tribal land, and accept and enforce tribal restraining orders and temporary restraining orders, in turn.
The Tribal Community Protection Act is supported by the National Congress of American Indians, National Council of Urban Indian Health, National Indian Health Board, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, and the Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition.
The Tribal Community Protection Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Dina Titus (NV-01).
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Caltrans will spend approximately $930 million over the next four years to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the state, according to a plan the California Transportation Commission approved.
This includes 265 miles of new and improved bike lanes on state highways and the addition of more than 1,300 safety elements by mid-2028.
The latest allocations include nearly $375 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and $276 million via Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
The California Transportation Commission also approved a series of transportation projects totaling approximately $1 billion in continuing a historic push to improve the vital transportation infrastructure through rural and urban projects throughout the state.
Those allocations include approximately $3.9 million for the construction of a left-turn lane and other roadway improvements on Highway 29 from south of Bottle Rock Road to north of Cole Creek Road near Kelseyville.
“The future of transportation relies on offering increased options for everybody, including better paths for walking and infrastructure for biking,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said. “These investments will help us build a California that fits every traveler, including those on foot, on bicycles, and on other personal mobility devices.”
The bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure spending plan is part of the 2024 State Highway Operation and Protection Program, or SHOPP.
Funding over the next four years will improve access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians using the state highway system.
Of the 265 new and improved bike lanes, 203 miles are a combination of Class 1, 2 and 4 variety, and 62 miles are designated Class 3. Safety elements featured in the plan include more visible and separated bike lanes, ADA-accessible curb ramps, better signage, and upgraded signalization.
The following projects are among those that will focus on improvements in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure:
A $36 million project in Imperial County on State Routes 115, 111 and 86 to fix existing sidewalks and add new sidewalks, Class II bike lanes, and Class IV separated bikeways. Improvements include ADA curb ramp upgrades, lighting systems, traffic signal system upgrades, and overhead sign structure rehabilitation.
A $19.6 million project on the Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) in Santa Cruz County to repair 8.3 miles of pavement, guardrail, crosswalks, sign panels, and Class II bike lanes. This project includes new bike guide striping and enhanced signage. The finished product will all be brought up to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In addition to Lake County’s project, the latest CTC-approved projects include:
Approximately $1.1 million in SB1 funding in support of allocations toward pavement repair, guardrail and ADA curb ramp upgrades and other roadway improvements on U.S. 101 from Route 1 to the Humboldt County Line at various locations near Leggett, Piercy and Cooks Valley in Mendocino County.
Approximately $10.4 million in emergency allocations toward the removal of slide material and hazardous trees, roadway repairs and the construction of rockfall barriers on U.S. 199 from Hiouchi to the Oregon State Line in Del Norte County following a series of wildfires that started on Aug. 15, 2023.
Approximately $3.2 million in emergency allocations toward debris removal, slide repair and rockfall mitigation and erosion control on U.S. 101 from north of Wilson Creek Road to south of Crescent City in Del Norte County.
Approximately $1.7 million including more than $1.5 million in federal IIJA funding in support allocations toward roadway safety improvements on U.S. 199 from the Middle Fork Smith River Bridge to near Gasquet in Del Norte County.
Approximately $1.4 million in support of allocations toward the construction of ADA curb ramps and sidewalks, retaining walls and roadway and culvert improvements on Route 1 in Fort Bragg from the Pudding Creek Bridge to Route 20 in Mendocino County.
Approximately $1.3 million in support of allocations toward the construction of a left-turn lane, install lighting and other roadway improvements on U.S. 101 from the Rowdy Creek Bridge to north of Fred Haight Drive near Smith River in Del Norte County.
IIJA, known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. Since 2021, California has received nearly $38 billion in IIJA funds, including more than $27.6 billion for transportation-related projects.
In addition, SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding each year that is shared between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.
Visit this website for more information about California transportation projects funded by IIJA and SB 1.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Residents near Lake Berryessa and Indian Valley Reservoir can expect to see low-flying Cal Fire helicopters operating from dusk until midnight Monday, March 25, through Friday, March 29.
These flights are crucial for ensuring Cal Fire crews are prepared and proficient, especially during critical nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.
Pilots will practice maneuvers like water drops, while crews will sharpen their navigation and communication skills.
What to expect:
• Residents may see and hear low-flying Cal Fire helicopters during the training periods.
• The aircraft will be operating with Federal Aviation Administration approval and will adhere to all safety regulations.
• While there is potential for increased noise levels, Cal Fire is committed to minimizing disruption to the community.
Why night training matters:
• Wildfires can occur at any time of day, and CAL FIRE helicopter crews need to respond effectively regardless of lighting conditions.
• Night training allows pilots and crews to practice in conditions that closely resemble real-world emergencies.
• Regular training exercises ensure the safety of both firefighters and the communities they serve.
Cal Fire appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the community as they conduct this important training exercise.
Learn more about the Cal Fire Aviation Program here.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
As one of the 13 “California Jobs First” regions — and especially as a rural region comprising Tribal Lands and Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino counties — the Catalyst funding will help bridge the gap between planning and implementing regional economic development strategies and investments.
RISE said these funds will enable the Redwood Region to develop ready-to-go projects that can compete for funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources.
The news came earlier this month when Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the $182 million Catalyst Funds awards to jumpstart the Regional Investment Initiative, or RII, and the creation of a California Jobs First Council and operational plan focused on streamlining the state’s economic and workforce development programs “to create more quality jobs, faster.”
The council and operational plan intend to guide the state’s investments in economic and workforce development to create more family-supporting jobs and prioritize industry sectors for future growth.
“For rural and under-capitalized regions like ours, getting projects ready for implementation is often held up by the expense and workload of the pre-development phase. After a year of figuring out our planning and governance structure for Redwood Region RISE, this next phase will be where the rubber hits the road and we start to move some funding to those projects that will have the best chance to receive implementation funds from the state, or that will be attractive to other funding agencies,” said Susan Seaman, program director for the Arcata Economic Development Corp., RISE’s fiscal agent.
The awarded $14 million Catalyst funds include up to $2 million for Collaborative’s operations, up to $1.5 million towards sector investment coordinators, up to $1.5 million towards grant administration and compliance, and — arguably most importantly — up to $9 million for project pre-development activities.
It is important to note that Redwood Region RISE still needs to contract with the state before these funds are available. The Employment Development Department expects these contracts to be executed around May, after which these funds will be available to reach communities in the Redwood Region.
A 10-year grassroots vision
California Jobs First’s Regional Investment Initiative is a $600 million state-wide program designed to promote a sustainable and equitable recovery from the economic distress of COVID-19.
Redwood Region RISE is one of the 13 Regional Collaboratives in the state working together to bring good, quality jobs to the region — tribal lands and Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino counties.
In its efforts, RISE said it is actively centering the experiences and empowering voices of the priority communities that don't always participate in or benefit from economic development planning processes.
The collaborative — a broad coalition of close to a thousand community members and organizations — is working together to surface local and regional needs and opportunities through dedicated tribal, local, and sector planning tables, an equity council and a community-endorsed voting member block.
RISE currently is midway through its planning phase, at the end of which, in September, they will present a 10-year strategic vision that identifies regional investments to make a positive impact on and create good job opportunities for communities, ensure sustainable economic growth (diversifying economies), and get us closer to California’s goals for a carbon-neutral future.
How can you get involved?
The public is invited to join the public collaborative Zoom meetings every last Thursday of the month between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. These gatherings are a great way to stay informed on Redwood Region RISE's progress, dive into key research findings for our region through its Data Walks, and share your knowledge and feedback with the group. To learn more and join these meetings, visit the RISE website.
If you have a project idea you think will make a difference for communities in our region, make sure to log it in the Project Inventory Form.
For more information, email
The California Center for Rural Policy at Cal Poly Humboldt serves as Redwood Region RISE’s Regional Convener, North Coast Opportunities and True North Organizing Network are community engagement and outreach partners, and the Arcata Economic Development Corp. is the fiscal agent.
For more information, visit the Redwood RISE website.
