July 2019 District Report

A Message from Senator Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you’ve been enjoying the summer and had a great Independence Day.

Here in the Capitol, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed my bill to protect seniors from abandonment during emergencies such as wildfires. He also signed a bill I co-authored to improve wildfire preparedness and response statewide. And in the coming month he’s expected approve more of my proposals including those to safeguard our wildlands and waterways, help low-income college students and build more housing in our district.

Given the need for innovation to address climate change, I was proud to honor the work of Sonoma Ecology Center as our Nonprofit of the Year.

In this Issue:

Sincerely,

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Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District

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Disaster Preparedness

The recent wildfires in Yolo County and across the state serve as an important reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness. Unfortunately, our district has experienced more than its fair share of natural disasters. Whether it’s a wildfire, an earthquake, or flashflood, families need to make sure they have a plan in place in case a natural disaster happens.

I want to make sure you have information that will help protect yourself and your loved ones.

Please take a few minutes to review some of the ways you and your family can be prepared in case there is an emergency. Disaster Preparedness information can be found here.

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Unclaimed Property

The State of California is holding over $8 billion in unclaimed property and money. Do you know how to claim your forgotten property?

California's Unclaimed Property Law requires "holders" such as banks, corporations,

California's Unclaimed Property Law requires "holders" such as banks, corporations, business associations, and insurance companies to annually report and deliver property to the State Controller's Office after there has been no customer contact for three years. Often the owner forgets that the account exists, moves and does not leave a forwarding address, or the forwarding order expires. In some cases, the owner dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the property.

I encourage you to see if you are owed money by

 visiting my website or by contacting the State Controller's office at (800) 992-4647. If there are any ways that I can assist you with state agencies or legislative matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Donate Life California

 

Did you know that only 40 percent of adults in California are signed up to be organ, eye and tissue donors? California ranks first among all states with more than 22,000 men, women and children on the organ transplant waiting list. By becoming an organ and tissue donor, you could give a second chance to tens of thousands of people in California and across the United States.

The facts are:

  • People of all ages and medical histories can be donors.
  • Your medical care and/or funeral arrangements will not be affected by your decision to donate.
  • There is no cost to you or your family for donation.
  • All major religions support or permit organ donation.

You can find more information on registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor at the Donate Life webpage found here.

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Nonprofit of the Year

This summer we recognized Sonoma Ecology Center as Nonprofit of the Year. The group has a nearly 30-year history of environmental stewardship and preservation in the Sonoma Valley, and most recently has taken leadership roles in regional wildfire recovery and the transition of Sonoma Developmental Center to local control.

Said Executive Director Richard Dale: “We've worked for decades to engage our community on critical issues, like the future of the Sonoma Developmental Center campus, and to bring people together to find the best solutions. We’re honored to be recognized for this work, and owe our successes to our community.”

Sonoma Ecology Center was founded in 1990 and focuses on addressing challenges to key resources such as water, open space, wildlife and maintaining the area’s rural character. It has worked to preserve and enhance such places as Sugarloaf Ridge State Park while fostering K-6 education programs, restoration projects and research into issues like watershed management and stream flow.

Recently, the Sonoma Ecology hosted public walks through wildfire-charred parts of the valley and Sugarloaf to study recovery. It also produced extensive wildfire destruction mapping to aid in cleanup of contaminants that could wash into creeks. The nonprofit is headquartered on the grounds of Sonoma Developmental Center and has been closely involved in community discussions about protecting the facility’s open spaces.

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In the News

While California has made meaningful progress in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done..

Here is some of the latest news coverage that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.

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