Democrats shoot down Valadao's efforts to lessen drought impact

Three legislative amendments aimed at easing drought impacts on the Central Valley were voted down by Democrats in the House of Representatives.

Rep. David G. Valadao (CA-21) recently added three changes to the FY23 Energy and Water Appropriations bill while the bill was being marked up by the House Appropriations Committee. Each of these changes would help to stop the drought in California from being so bad.

“The lack of reliable, clean water in the Valley has become an issue of national security. Farmers across the Central Valley are being forced to tear up their crops to conserve water – crops that would have fed families across the United States and the world,” said Congressman Valadao.

“The three amendments I offered today would improve water storage capacity, increase operational flexibility, and provide certainty for our farmers. It is extremely disappointing that the majority rejected all three of these amendments that would help my constituents who grow food for the nation. I will not stop fighting to bring more water to the Central Valley.”

All three amendments were voted down by the Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee.

City Council honors Tulare's 3 State Farm agents

The Tulare City Council honored the city's three State Farm agents at a recent meeting, recognizing their parent company's 100th anniversary.

State Farm is the country's largest insurance provider, according to the Insurance Information Institute. State Farm holds the largest market share in policies for homeowners, auto, and property and casualty, according to 2021 data. 

Mayor Dennis Mederos called two of the three agents forward to read a Certificate of Recognition.

"Our idea would have been to have each one of them come and receive this certificate of recognition. But as it turns out, they were being recognized in a different way in Las Vegas that day, so they didn't want to come here," Mederos said with a chuckle. "Our city council appreciates the dedication and the perseverance as it relates to any organization that exists for 100 years."

Got water questions? County may have answers

If you have water questions regarding a private well, a private water source, or a community dependent on non-municipal supplies, Tulare County officials may have information to help.

Second District Supervisor Pete Vander Poel represents the southwest portion of Tulare County and represents the Board of Supervisors on the Tulare County Water Commission.

In a recent video message online, he said,"I'm here today to talk to you a little bit about water seeing is that the state is in another year of record drought. The topic of water has become a real hot issue. 

State Headlines: Lawmakers seek legislation to limit concealed weapons permits

Reacting to a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, California lawmakers are trying to pass a bill that would limit concealed carry permits. 

The number of permits given out by each county varies a lot, according to new numbers. But by making the data public, the state Department of Justice put permit holders' personal information at risk, according to a report by CalMatters.org.

Coast Headlines: Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant may get reprieve from shutdown

The Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant is the last nuclear facility in California. A bill being considered by the Legislature would make it possible for lawmakers to keep the plant open after it was supposed to close.

The energy trailer bill, which was negotiated by Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, gives the state Department of Water Resources a reserve fund of up to $75 million to keep old power plants running longer. Diablo Canyon, near San Luis Obispo and on the coast, has been getting ready to close for more than five years.

Tulare Hells Angel member found guilty of murder

A Tulare Hells Angel member was one of three men found guilty of murder following an eight-year Department of Justice investigation. 

The Department of Justice said that Jonathan Nelson, aka "Jon Jon," 46, of Santa Rosa, Russell Taylor Ott, aka "Rusty," 69, also of Santa Rosa, and Brian Wayne Wendt, 45, of Tulare, killed one of their own members and planned to kill someone else.

The Sonoma County Hells Angels club was started in 1972. Some of the money the club makes comes from selling shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and other items with the club's logo on them. They have also helped raise money for toy drives for kids.

The DOJ, the Santa Rosa Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol all looked into the Sonoma club over the course of eight years.