The week started off with a trip to Mono County where I learned a lot about the issues facing Mammoth Lakes, the county, and the people there. Fortunately for now, due to good fiscal management the county is in relatively good shape. While I was there, I sat in on a presentation by USFWS on their decision to place the local sage grouse on the candidate list for threatened and endangered species, heard Mono County’s midyear budget review, and observed democracy in action as supporters of a local dog sledding company testified on behalf of the dogs and their owner. I attended a speical evening meeting in Lee Vining where the Board heard from folks and we talked about the Integrated Regional Water Management planning process, Caltrans’ policies, and more.
You know, we share a county line and similar rural issues including a pending federal scenic byway designation on Hwy 120, agriculture under pressure, resource issues, and tourism. The scenery may be different, but the west slope of the Sierra Nevada has an awful lot in common with Mono County.
Thanks to Mono County Supervisors Vikki Bauer, Byng Hunt, Hap Hazard, and Tom Farnetti and their staff who helped make it a great trip. That’s one hard-working Board – they met from 9 am through 9 pm last Tuesday! Thanks also to Mammoth Lakes City Councilman John Eastman for letting us know about the gang-of-8-for-lunch-bunch who allowed us to barge in on them for a little conversation and laughter. Finally, thanks to Stacey, Wendi, and Andy – the Mammoth media – for spending time with me.
On Thursday I spoke to the Backcountry Horsemen’s Public Lands Committee at their annual Rendezvous (in Merced this year) about how to engage their local public officials in coordination with state and federal agencies.. The Backcountry Horsemen are horsemen and women who love the wilderness and take it upon themselves to pack it in and out, leaving little trace that they’ve passed through. Our friend Fred Kelly Grant and his son Jon were there speaking, as well.
That evening we participated in the first campaign forum at Modesto Junior College with all the Republican candidates! The forum was well attended and the candidates all did well. One forum down, how many to go?
Yesterday we were in Angels Camp for a meet and greet. Thanks to those who turned out to welcome us to Calaveras County and learn more about the campaign. You rock!
And finally, we shouldn’t be surprised… That miracle we were looking for? It arrived right on time. Thanks to all of our friends who dug deep and made this a good fundraising week! We’ll get back at it tomorrow, but tonight we are thankful for each person who gave what they could afford to help get us to the Assembly.
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