July 2018 District Report
Dear Neighbor,
As this summer continues, I hope you have enjoyed yourself, whether you cheered from the sidewalk at a Fourth of July parade, entertained friends at a backyard barbecue or spent quality time with loved ones. This is a season to relax and recharge.
Unfortunately, we’re witnessing a destructive and early start to our wildfire season with devastation striking at the heart of our district. With the threat or more fires to come, I have begun working with Senate and Assembly leaders on a comprehensive wildfire preparedness bill that will strengthen the electric utility grid while protecting ratepayers from absorbing unfair costs. Details will emerge over the next month in a series of public hearings at the Capitol. I will keep you informed.
Meanwhile, I’m pleased to say we’ve passed a landmark online privacy and personal data protection law. The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, which I co-wrote with Senate and Assembly colleagues, became the toughest law of its kind in the nation. As someone who has personally experienced data theft, I couldn’t be happier to get this law on the books.
A highlight of summer is celebrating the good work of nonprofit organizations. I was proud to name Napa Valley Community Foundation as the Nonprofit of the Year. Robust philanthropy such as theirs is a cornerstone of a healthy and prosperous society.
In this Issue:
- Disaster Preparedness
- Visit Our State Parks
- Donate Life California
- Nonprofit of the Year
- In the News
As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.
Sincerely,
Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District
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. View more Disaster Preparedness information.
State Parks in Our District
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This summer is a great opportunity to experience our region's natural beauty. In addition to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, there are many treasures that our State Parks have to offer. I've added a new section of my website where citizens can find all of the available state parks in our district.
Over 70 million people annually visit such California treasures as the redwood forests, wildlife reserves, reservoirs, state parks, state beaches, and recreation and wilderness areas. California State Parks total nearly 1.6 million acres, with over 339 miles of coastline, 975 miles of lake and river frontage, nearly 15,000 campsites and over 4,456 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.
View state parks in our district or learn how disabled veterans can receive free parks passes.
Donate Life California
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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.
For more information on registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit Donate Life.
Nonprofit of the Year
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This summer, the state Senate honored a nonprofit organization from each of the state’s Senate Districts that has significantly contributed to their local communities. The Napa Valley Community Foundation was honored as the 2018 Nonprofit of the Year for the 3rd Senate District.
The foundation has been a bridge between families and hard-working nonprofit agencies since 1994, bringing people, ideas and resources together to enhance the quality of life in our community. From Calistoga to American Canyon, it has distributed more than $50 million in grants and is the philanthropic partner to 100 individuals, family members, nonprofit agencies and corporations in the valley.
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. Of particular importance this year is ensuring that California maintains and expands our progress towards affordable healthcare coverage for all, environmental stewardship, educational opportunity, and protections for hardworking immigrants.
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.
- Dodd’s Wildfire Prevention Bill Heads to Special Committee
- Governor Signs Dodd’s Landmark Privacy Bill Into Law
- Mare Island Cemetery Moves Closer to Federal Takeover, Restoration
- Public Weighs in on Future of Sonoma Developmental Center
- Dodd: Dedicated to Fixing the Problems that Cause Wildfires