Legislators teaming up
State Sen. Jim Nielsen and Assemblyman James Gallagher are both angry with a judge’s decision to relocate a sexually violent predator from Monterey County to Yuba County.
When the move was originally proposed, Nielsen and Gallagher – along with local sheriffs and district attorneys – came together to convince the judge to let the convicted felon stay in Monterey County. It didn’t work.
“This is absolutely the wrong decision,” said Nielsen, R-Tehama. “Citizens of Yuba and Sutter counties must now be more vigilant than ever. There is no guarantee whatsoever that the rehabilitation treatment or security for this individual will assure public safety.”
Although Eldridge Chaney Jr. will be under constant surveillance, Nielsen is not convinced his constituents in Yuba-Sutter are safe. He invites residents to exercise caution, should they come upon Chaney.
“Yuba County and Sutter County residents should not rest assured because of the court-ordered security. Be alert and attentive in the area,” Nielsen said.
In other news, it appears Republicans and Democrats can work together after all.
Congressmen John Garamendi and Doug LaMalfa are collaborating on a bill that eliminates the requirement for all agricultural equipment to be located above the flood zone.
The current law sometimes requires farmers, especially in the Sacramento Valley, to place structures like barns and silos on raised platforms – sometimes as high as 10 feet. Both congressmen – who each represent portions of the Sacramento Valley – feel the requirement is unnecessary and impractical. They plan on introducing H. R. 2170 to solve the problem.
“Agriculture is the most responsible use of these floodplains because it keeps spaces open and limits development – both of which are essential to responsible flood control,” Garamendi said. “Current regulations on agricultural structures pave the way for less responsible development and are actually counterproductive to decreasing flood risk. That’s why I’m proud to be working across the aisle with my neighboring Congressman, Doug LaMalfa, to improve floodplain management.”
Garamendi’s district includes parts of Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties.
LaMalfa represents parts of Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama counties.
“This bill keeps the North State’s farm economy growing and lowers costs for agriculture by modernizing federal flood insurance rules that currently place the same requirements on barns and silos as on suburban housing tracts,” LaMalfa said.
“By recognizing that agricultural structures have different needs than residential neighborhoods, farmers will be able to build new barns, silos and sheds and purchase insurance at reasonable rates. I am pleased to work with my colleague, Rep. Garamendi, and our bipartisan coalition to bring some common sense back to flood insurance requirements.” Accounts Receivable......... Classified Fax.................... Accounts Receivable......... Display Fax....................... Toll Free.................