Energy Commission Says Standards Will Save Money in the Long Run
This week the California Energy Commission dusted off a more than 20‑year‑old law that had never been put into effect and voted to regulate the tires on your car.
What does that have to do with energy? The commission’s idea is to conserve fuel. Unfortunately‚ the new standards for “rolling resistance” will remove something like 70 percent of the replacement tires on the market today. This will reduce options for consumers when they need new tires — which can already hit drivers as a large‚ unexpected bill. Reducing competition drives up costs‚ which hits lower‑income Californians harder.
With high housing‚ insurance‚ utility and fuel costs – and long commutes to get from affordable housing to work – working Californians are struggling under the weight of aspirational policy that fails to consider economic realities.
The commission says drivers will ultimately save money in lower fuel costs‚ but we have heard that line over and over in Sacramento. Do Californians struggling with the cost of living believe it any more?
I am skeptical that this rule was needed or useful‚ but I always welcome hearing what my constituents think. Please take this brief survey to share your opinion.
Bill Restores Bow Hunters’ Right to Self‑Defense
For hunters who venture far out into the mountains on their own – where they might cross paths with predators‚ illegal cannabis growers‚ or other dangers – it has long been a source of frustration that‚ if they are hunting deer during bow season‚ they are not allowed to carry a firearm at all‚ even for personal protection.
I’m proud to say the governor has a bill on his desk‚ awaiting his signature‚ that would change that law.
Assembly Bill 1912‚ of which I am the principal coauthor with Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick‚ passed the Legislature earlier this month and was presented to the governor for a signature this week.
The prohibition on carrying firearms during archery season aimed to prevent illegal poaching‚ and nothing in the law allows hunters to change their minds and use a bullet when an arrow fails. Its goal is simply to allow hunters to carry a weapon for self‑defense. You never know when a bad situation can happen in the backcountry‚ where a 911 call will definitely not bring a quick response.
It’s rare to see any bill pass in California that recognizes and supports the rights of firearm owners‚ so I appreciate that this one passed both Assembly and Senate with no dissenting votes. Thanks to the outdoors groups for their advocacy and to Assemblywoman Hadwick for her work as the lead author.
New Cancer Centers in Chico and Redding
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The past two weeks have seen celebrations of the opening of two major new medical facilities serving North State patients.
On Aug. 10‚ Enloe Health’s Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chico — a project whose planning started in 2020 and whose construction began in the spring of 2024 – celebrated its grand opening.
The facility spans nearly 90‚000 square feet‚ almost three times the size of Enloe’s former cancer center‚ and represents more than $150 million in investment‚ including more than $34 million in philanthropic support. The Gonzales family gifted the land‚ and the campaign raised more than $21.5 million in cash for construction and supportive patient services.
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Then this Tuesday‚ Dignity Health’s Sierra Pacific Regional Cancer Center marked its ribbon cutting‚ which was similarly supported by a substantial community philanthropic drive‚ raising more than $11 million. The 40‚000‑square‑foot building‚ on the banks of the Sacramento River‚ represents a roughly $70 million investment.
These modern oncology facilities will bring modern‚ high‑quality care closer to home for patients around the North State‚ and help in the recruitment of new providers in Chico and Redding.
Congratulations to Enloe and Dignity both for these important investments in the future of regional healthcare.
Memorial Bridge Honors John Hughes
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This week a ceremony in Glenn County marked the unveiling of the signs dedicating the John Hughes Memorial Bridge‚ on Highway 162 at Butte City.
John Hughes spent a lifetime in bridge construction around Northern California‚ becoming a leader‚ innovator and mentor in the field. His family also has deep roots in Glenn County‚ farming the river‑bottom land that the bridge now traverses and enjoying adventures on the Sacramento River.
I was proud to work with Glenn County and the Hughes family to author Senate Concurrent Resolution 117‚ along with former Assemblyman – now‑Congressman – James Gallagher and honor this beloved builder’s memory.
Fourth‑Graders Can Visit State Parks for Free
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With schools starting in most districts over the past two weeks‚ there is a brand new crop of children entering the fourth grade – a year when they will first deeply study California’s fascinating history and geography.
In support of that learning‚ California fourth‑graders and their families can also visit more than 50 of our state parks at no charge – from Castle Crags and Sue‑meg in the north to Anza‑Borego Desert in the south. Passes are good now through Aug. 31 of next summer.
More details are available through State Parks here.