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Over the last two weeks, California Volunteers and partners have hosted a series of virtual events to welcome the summer fellows of the statewide climate corps, culminating in a pledge ceremony administered by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday.
In January, the program launched a pilot fellowship of 59 fellows who have spent the last six months advancing climate action projects such as urban tree planting, food sustainability, and wildfire resilience in some of the state’s most vulnerable communities.
The new Summer Fellowship builds on the pilot term by placing up to 200 fellows for a two-month summer of service in urban and rural communities throughout the state.
“I am thrilled to welcome this new group of energetic fellows from diverse ages and backgrounds who have joined us in service to dedicate their time to their communities,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “The Climate Action Corps Fellowship is the first of its kind in the United States and can lead the way forward as we look to harness human potential to combat the global climate crisis. Our fellows are an inspiration for others across the nation to take on climate action in their communities and homes.”
California Volunteers is supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s vision to lift up all communities in California. Fellows will mobilize and organize climate action at scale in principally front-line and low-income communities across the state.
As AmeriCorps members, the summer fellows will serve 300 hours with local governments, nonprofits, universities, and colleges to support climate action and climate education projects in areas such as edible food recovery, urban greening, wildfire mitigation, community energy, and habitat conservation.
Through project-based service work with committed community organizations, fellows will have a chance to learn real-world climate action skills.
In addition to the Fellowship program, California Climate Action Corps engages people through a variety of levels and activities, from those who have an hour to commit at home to those who can commit a year of service, and everything in between.
In partnership with VolunteerMatch, California Volunteers has launched a statewide online volunteer hub of climate-focused volunteer opportunities. Environmental and climate-focused organizations can post service opportunities for local volunteers, allowing every Californian to make a difference in their own community.
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This bill would require Social Security to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate a fairer cost of living adjustment, or COLA, for seniors.
The bill would increase benefits and ensure that cost of living adjustments in Social Security reflect the real rising costs for seniors and disabled Americans.
From 1982 to 2011, CPI-E rose at an annual average rate of 3.1 percent, compared with 2.9 percent for the methods that are currently used.
Original Cosponsors: Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Anthony G. Brown (D-MD), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ann M. Kuster (D-NH), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Ted W. Lieu (D-CA), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).
“Seniors and disabled citizens rely on Social Security benefits for a large portion of their income, and it’s about time for Social Security benefits to reflect their lifestyles,” said Garamendi. “Using a COLA that actually reflects how retirees spend their money – especially in health care – is a no-brainer that will increase benefits and make Social Security work better for the people it serves.”
The legislation has already earned broad support, with 23 original co-sponsorships and key support from leading advocacy groups and labor organizations.
“Social Security Works applauds Rep. Garamendi for championing Social Security and sponsoring the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2021,” said Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. “One of the most valuable features of Social Security is its inflation protection. However, the current method of calculating inflation under-measures the cost of living of seniors and people with disabilities who are disproportionately burdened by rising costs of prescription drugs and other essential medical care. By more accurately accounting for the costs faced by Social Security beneficiaries, this legislation better prevents the erosion over time of Social Security’s modest but vital earned benefits.”
The text of the “Fair COLA for Seniors Act” (H.R.4315) is available here.
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While Pacific Gas and Electric Co. welcomes the return to holiday gatherings, the company urges its customers to put safety first and stay alert to potential dangers.
Celebrations that involve fireworks, barbecues and swimming can increase the risk of fires, electric hazards, heat-related illnesses, and other perils. PG&E strongly recommends that citizens follow the local rules and regulations regarding fireworks.
PG&E is offering important reminders to help customers stay safe this Independence Day and throughout the summer:
Electric safety
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals.
First and foremost, know what the local regulations allow. Be aware of surroundings — stay clear of power lines, structures, dry grass, or flammable materials when using legally purchased fireworks in areas approved by local regulations.
If a firework strikes electric equipment or causes a power line to come down, stay away, keep others away and immediately call 9-1-1 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Never attempt to retrieve anything that is tangled in or near a power line.
Summer safety
Make sure everyone has proper skills to swim. Keep an eye on young children and check flotation devices for leaks.
Every child under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a moving vessel that is 26 feet or less in length.
Don't dive or jump into unfamiliar water. Shallow water or submerged trees or rocks could cause serious injury.
Don't swim or play near a dam or powerhouse; these areas can have strong underwater currents, sudden water discharges, slippery surfaces and submerged hazards.
Never use generators, propane heaters, barbecues or charcoal indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
Heat safety
Limit exposure to direct sunlight. Reapply sunscreen often.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine when temperatures are high.
During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke — hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; or rapid, shallow breathing. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Use cold towels to help lower their body temperature until help arrives.
PG&E reminds customers to update their contact information at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts so the company can provide up-to-the-minute safety and service information.
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Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.
Caltrans will suspend most work on Northern California highways from Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. However, in the case of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans crews to respond to emergency situations.
Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.
The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes unless noted otherwise.
For updates to this list check QuickMap at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).
LAKE COUNTY
Highway 20
— Core drilling 0.48 miles west to 0.32 miles east of Blue Lake Motel will begin Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Swanson Road to Garden Court on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 29
— Highway construction from Spruce Grove Road South to Hofacker Lane will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays.
— Highway construction from Route 281 to Private Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight weekdays from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Argonaut Road to Manning Creek Bridge beginning Wednesday, July 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Highway 20
— Slide removal two miles west of Three Chop Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Willits Railroad Crossing to Monica Lane on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 101
— Slide removal from Comminsky Station Road to Pieta Creek Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
— Emergency work on Ridgewood Ranch Road will continue. Lane closures will be in effect daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
— Emergency work from North Willits Railroad Crossing to Big Trails Drive will begin on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
— Moss Cove Safety Rest Area will be closed through fall 2021.
— Emergency work from Ten Mile Creek Road to Rattlesnake Summit will begin on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
— Empire Camp Safety Rest Area will be closed through fall 2021. LC#C101TB
Highway 128
— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from Hutsell Road to Boonville Fire Station on Tuesday, July 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 162
— PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from Laytonville Dos Rios to The Middle Way beginning Wednesday, July 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
