BOARD LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Friday, December 16, 2016 12:30 P.M

BOARD LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Friday, December 16, 2016 12:30 p.m. EBRPD – Administrative Headquarters 2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, California 94605

The following agenda items are listed for Committee consideration. In accordance with the Board Operating Guidelines, no official action of the Board will be taken at this meeting; rather, the Committee’s purpose shall be to review the listed items and to consider developing recommendations to the Board of Directors.

A copy of the background materials concerning these agenda items, including any material that may have been submitted less than 72 hours before the meeting, is available for inspection on the District’s website (www. ebparks.org), the Headquarters reception desk, and at the meeting.

Public Comment on Agenda Items If you wish to testify on an item on the agenda, please complete a speaker’s form and submit it to the recording secretary. Your name will be called when the item is announced for discussion.

Accommodations and Access District facilities and meetings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special accommodations are needed for you to participate, please contact the Clerk of the Board at 510-544-2020 as soon as possible, but preferably at least three working days prior to the meeting.

AGENDA

TIME ITEM STATUS STAFF

12:30 I. STATE LEGISLATION / ISSUES A. NEW LEGISLATION R Doyle 1. AB 18 (Garcia D-Coachella) – California Clean Water, Climate, and Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 2. SB 5 (de Leon D-Los Angeles) – California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018

B. ISSUES – N/A

II. FEDERAL LEGISLATION / ISSUES A. NEW LEGISLATION – N/A

B. ISSUES – N/A

III. 2017 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES I Doyle

IV. 2017 BOARD LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR I Doyle

V. 2017 CONSULTANT CONTRACTS R Doyle 1. Houston Magnani & Associates 2. Strategic Research Institute 3. E2 Strategies, LLC

VI. ARTICLES

VII. OPEN FORUM PUBLIC COMMENT D Individuals wishing to address the Committee on a topic not on the agenda may do so by completing a speaker’s form and submitting it to the recording secretary.

VIII. BOARD COMMENTS D

(R) Recommendation for Future Board Consideration Future Meetings: (I) Information January 15 June 17 (D) Discussion February 19 October 21 March 18 December 16 Executive Committee Members April 15 Diane Burgis (Chair); John Sutter; Dennis Waespi Doug Siden, Alternate Erich Pfuehler, Staff Coordinator

Distribution/Agenda Distribution/Full Packet

District: Public: District: Public: Mimi Waluch Norman LaForce Board Members Pat O’Brien Kristina Kelchner Peter Rauch Robert Doyle Dr. George Manross David Zuckermann Afton Crooks AGMs Doug Houston (via-email) Ira Bletz Stana Hearne Erich Pfuehler Bruce Kern (via-email) Connie Swisher Judi Bank Jeff Rasmussen Elissa Robinson (via e-mail) Sharon Clay Michael Kelley Tiffany Margulici Rick Rickard (via-email) Bruce Beyaert (via e-mail) Anne Kassebaum Peter Umhofer (via-email) Mark Ragatz Sean Dougan Mona Koh Yolande Barial Knight Mark Pearson – Local 2428 Eri Suzuki – Local 2428 Xiaoning Huang – Local 2428 Tyrone Davis – POA Lobby/Receptionist

TO: Board Legislative Committee (Acting Chair Dennis Waespi, John Sutter and Alternate Ayn Wieskamp)

FROM: Robert E. Doyle, General Manager Erich Pfuehler, Government Affairs Manager

SUBJECT: Board Legislative Committee Meeting WHEN: Monday, December 16, 2016 – 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served

WHERE: Board Room, Peralta Oaks ______

Items to be discussed:

I. STATE LEGISLATION / ISSUES A. NEW LEGISLATION 1. AB 18 (Garcia D-Coachella) – California Clean Water, Climate, and Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia introduced this $3.005 billion “park” bond. The largest portion of the bond ($900 million) would be allocated to disadvantaged communities. The proposed bond contains a significant commitment of $425 million to per capita. It includes $110 million for county and regional parks. There is also a $5 million per capita allocation for entities which recently enacted revenue enhancement measures at some point between November 2012 through November 2018. There is a specific allocation of $40 million to the Bay Area Conservancy Program in addition to $95 million for the Coastal Conservancy. There is $45 million for trails. On climate and drought, there is $50 million to reduce fire risks, $30 million for the Climate Resilience Account, $25 million for storm water capture projects, and $10 million for healthy soils to improve carbon sequestration.

Staff recommendation: Support

2. SB 5 (de Leon D-Los Angeles) – California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 Senate Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon introduced this $3 billion “park and water” bond. A full half, $1.5 billion, is allocated toward clean drinking water and drought preparedness. Only $30 million is allocated for per capita and, while there is placeholder language, there is no current allocation for county and regional parks. There is $25 million for trails and $400 million for climate preparedness projects. While there is $80 million allocated for “Ocean, Bay and Coastal Protection”, there is no specific allocation for the Coastal Conservancy. A side-by-side comparison is attached (see Attachment A). It does not, however, include the $40 million allocated to the Salton Sea Authority.

Staff Recommendation: Watch

B. ISSUES – N/A

II. FEDERAL LEGISLATION / ISSUES A. NEW LEGISLATION – N/A

B. ISSUES – N/A

III. 2017 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Federal  Concord Naval Weapons Station Transfer  Oakland Army Base Clean Up  Land and Water Conservation Fund  Wildfire Fuels Management – FEMA  Shoreline Resiliency Permitting  Infrastructure Package – Include Parks, Active Transportation  East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy  Keeping Public Lands Public  Alameda Point Veterans Memorial  Anti-Environmental Riders  Economic Study Release

State  Statewide Park Bond  Gun Range Clean Up Funding  OHV Reauthorization  Endowments  Shoreline Resiliency Permitting  State Park Transformation Process  California State Parks Support Entity – Potrero Group Study  Water-related Opportunities  Cap and Trade / Climate-related Funding  Disadvantaged Communities Definition

Local  Measure CC Education  Oakland Bay Trail Summit  San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority  Bay Area Toll Authority Toll Increase  Measure BB implementation  Possible Contra Costa County Transportation Measure  Social Media Engagement with City Councils

* Red indicates new priority for 2017

A copy of the presentation is attached (see Attachment B)

IV. 2017 BOARD LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR Based on the State legislative calendar, staff is recommending the Committee should plan to meet January 27, March 17, April 21, May 19, August 25 (August 18 is too early the legislature is still in

recess and September 15 is the last day of session, so in order to have any impact on bills the Committee needs to meet with enough time for the full Board to act), October 20 and December 15. Staff recommends holding the Sacramento lunch June 9 the Friday before the budget deadline, so no June Committee meeting. The Committee should not plan to meet in February, July, September or November. A copy of the proposed draft Board Legislative Committee meetings schedule is attached (see Attachment C).

V. 2017 CONSULTANT CONTRACTS A. Houston Magnani & Associates Houston Magnani & Associates (previously known as the Houston Group) has represented the East Bay Regional Park District in Sacramento since 1986, and has continued to provide very effective representation for the District throughout the years. Board members and staff recognize the extraordinary time and effort Houston Magnani & Associates dedicates to the District’s issues, such as bond measures, grants, water recreation and state agency contracts. With continued uncertainty at all levels of government there is a need for strong, strategic advocacy in Sacramento. A copy of the proposed draft Board Material is attached (see Attachment D).

B. Strategic Research Institute Strategy Research Institute (SRI), headed by Dr. G. Manross, has been under contract with the District to provide consulting services. The firm has developed research methodologies, managed surveys and provided expert interpretation of results that serve the District well in providing statistically accurate predictions of voter behavior, public interests, preferences and trends directly affecting this agency.

During 2016, the District, with the assistance of Dr. Manross, updated its 2000 economic study, designed a media strategy for addressing a series of overuse challenges at Mission Peak, and fielded two Measure CC renewal support surveys.

In 2017, staff intends to continue working on these matters, including finalization of the economic study, conducting further research on public support for a possible renewal of Measure CC, and a trail user survey designed to identify such things as commute patterns, and local and statewide park bond advancement. SRI will also be tasked to work on data gathering and analysis to inform climate change policy and funding efforts, and expansion efforts for the Regional Parks Foundation. There are other significant planning efforts on the horizon for the District which could benefit from additional public research: Concord Naval Weapons Station transfer and financing, possible capital campaigns for environmental education / visitor centers, issues related to dogs and park planning, public attitudes about “sacred lands,” keeping parks open for all residents and other issues that may occur during the year. The assistance of Dr. Manross is an important element of these efforts. A copy of the proposed draft Board Material is attached (see Attachment E).

C. E2 Strategies, LLC Over the past several years, the District has utilized the services of E2 Strategies LLC (Peter Umhofer – principal), to help promote the District’s profile in Washington D.C., including the facilitation of meetings with U.S. Senate staff, House of Representatives staff and key decision makers at several Federal agencies and departments. Mr. Umhofer has been effective in advancing the District’s interests and significantly assisted the District in securing and

protecting the $10.2 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. Mr. Umhofer will also continue to provide counsel about the District’s work on permitting issues, land transfers from former military bases, as well as continued efforts on transportation policy. There is also much uncertainty surrounding the future of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and keeping public lands public. In light of his effective, ongoing advocacy, the District would like to continue to retain the services of Mr. Umhofer and his consulting company E2 Strategies LLC. A copy of the proposed draft Board Material is attached (see Attachment F).

VI. ARTICLES

VII. OPEN FORUM PUBLIC COMMENT

VIII. BOARD COMMENTS

BOND COMPARISON - AB 18 (GARCIA) & SB 5 (DE LEÓN)

AB 18 (Garcia) SB 5 (De León) AB 31 Park Poor Communities Program $900 Million $600 Million Per Capita $425 Million $30 Million County/Regional Program $110 Million $0 Rural Program $40 Million $20 Million Trails $45 Million $25 Million State Parks $330 Million $100 Million $80 Million & $75 Million for Santa Conservancies $145 Million Monica Mountains Conservancy $70 Million & Funding for Specified River Parkway Program (Unallocated) $50 Million Rivers including LA Oceans and Coastal Protection $180 Million $80 Million Miscellaneous (including Wildlife Conservation Board, Cal Fire, Conservation, $600 Million $400 Million Climate Resiliency, CCC, and Natural Resources Agency) Water Quality, Groundwater Protection, Integrated Watershed Funding, and Recycled $0 $1.5 Billion Water

Based on 12/5/16 version of both bills.

2017 Draft Legislative and Governmental Priorities Legislative Committee Meeting December 16, 2016

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Federal

. Concord Naval Weapons Station Transfer . Oakland Army Base Clean Up . Land and Water Conservation Fund . Wildfire Fuels Management – FEMA . Shoreline Resiliency Permitting . Infrastructure Package – Include Parks, Active Transportation . East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy . Keeping Public Lands Public . Alameda Point Veterans Memorial . Anti-Environmental Riders . Economic Study Release Hayward Regional Shoreline State

. Statewide Park Bond . Gun Range Clean Up Funding . OHV Reauthorization . Endowments . Shoreline Resiliency Permitting . State Park Transformation Process . California State Parks Support Entity - Potrero Group Study . Water-related Opportunities . Cap and Trade / Climate-related Funding . Disadvantaged Communities Definition

Redwood Regional Park Local

. Measure CC Education . Oakland Bay Trail Summit . San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority . Bay Area Toll Authority Toll Increase . Measure BB implementation . Possible Contra Costa County Transportation Measure . Social Media Engagement with City Councils

Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve DRAFT 2017 BOARD LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES (Includes due dates for agenda Items, background materials, and attachments)

Board Executive Committee Members: Ellen Corbett (Chair), Beverly Lane, Dennis Waespi, Unknown (Alternate)

Staff Coordinator: Erich Pfuehler, Government Affairs Manager

All Legislative Committee meetings are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. in the Board Room, except as otherwise noted.

BACKGROUND LEGISLATIVE E-MAIL REQUEST AGENDA ITEMS MATERIAL AND MAIL COMMITTEE DATE DUE ATTACHMENTS PACKETS OUT MEETING DATE DUE Friday, January 27 Friday, March 17 Friday, April 21

Friday, May 19 Friday, August 25 To Be Decided Friday, October 20

Friday, December 15

All Legislative Committee materials are to be submitted to the General Manager’s Office by 12:00 p.m. on the due date specified.

Note: The background material should include the name of presenter, up-to-date background information, and recommendation (if you are seeking a recommendation from the Committee).

The Committee does not plan to meet in February, July, September or November.

*Due date reflects holiday.

Draft 12/9/16

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

f. Authorization to Renew Contract with Houston Magnani & Associates for Legislative Advocate Services (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the Board of Directors authorize the General Manager to renew the contract with Houston Magnani & Associates from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, for California legislative and advocacy services on behalf of the East Bay Regional Park District. The Board Legislative Committee reviewed this item at their December 16, 2016 meeting. This recommendation was supported by the Committee.

REVENUE/COST Total FY 2017 compensation for Houston Magnani & Associates contract shall not exceed $154, 575.84 including reimbursable expenses. This amount includes the FY 2017 base contract amount of $138,288.88 plus a .031% cost-of-living adjustment for 2017 and $12,000.00 for subcontracted advocacy services related to specific projects. Funds for this purpose have been included in the proposed FY 2017 budget, Account No. 101-2010-000-6191 (General Manager - Legislative Advocates). Compensation for FY 2018 will be negotiated in December 2017 not to exceed the FY 2017 contract plus a cost-of-living adjustment. Likewise, compensation for FY 2019 will be negotiated in December 2018 not to exceed the FY 2018 contract plus a cost-of-living adjustment.

BACKGROUND Houston Magnani & Associates (previously known as the Houston Group) has represented the East Bay Regional Park District in Sacramento since 1986, and has continued to provide very effective representation for the District throughout the years. Board members and staff recognize the extraordinary time and effort Houston Magnani & Associates dedicates to the District’s issues, such as bond measures, grants, water recreation and state agency contracts. With continued uncertainty at all levels of government there is a need for strong, strategic advocacy in Sacramento.

Per past practices, this contract amendment also includes, an additional $12,000.00 in FY 2017 for a consultant to be retained by Houston Magnani & Associates to address state legislative issues of a specified nature.

ALTERNATIVE The Board could choose not to increase compensation to Houston Magnani & Associates and/or not extend this contract for services. These alternatives are not recommended.

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 12 -

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW CONTRACT WITH HOUSTON MAGNANI & ASSOCIATES FOR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE SERVICES

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District has a need for advocacy services on the State level; and

WHEREAS, Houston Magnani & Associates has been extremely effective in advocating for District interests relating to the District’s property tax base, as well as bond measures, contracts with state agencies, amendments to bills and related legislation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to renew the contract with Houston Magnani & Associates for legislative advocacy services on the State level for the three- year period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019 for a total FY 2017 sum not to exceed $154,575.84 (compensation and reimbursable expenses) including $12,000.00 for a subcontract with an appropriate firm, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2017 funding for this agreement is included in the proposed FY 2017 budget Account #101-2010-000-6191; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to negotiate a contract extensions for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019 for an amount not to exceed the FY 2017 contract plus cost-of-living adjustments; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of December 2016 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

CONSENT CALENDAR

Authorization to Renew the Contract with Strategy Research Institute (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION The General Manager recommends the Board of Directors authorize a renewal of the Strategy Research Institute (SRI) contract for one year, 2017, to deliver surveys and other deliverables. The Legislative Committee discussed and recommended the renewal of this contract at its meeting on Friday, December 16, 2016.

REVENUE/COST The total cost of this contract for services will not exceed $60,000. Adequate funds for 2017 have been included in the 2016 District Budget, 101-2010-000-6191, General Manager’s Other Professional Services.

BACKGROUND Strategy Research Institute (SRI), headed by Dr. G. Manross, has been under contract with the District to provide consulting services. The firm has developed research methodologies, managed surveys and provided expert interpretation of results that serve the District well in providing statistically accurate predictions of voter behavior, public interests, preferences and trends directly affecting this agency.

public attitudes about “sacred lands,” keeping parks open for all residents, and other issues that may occur during the year. The assistance of Dr. Manross is an important element of these efforts.

ALTERNATIVES The Board could direct the General Manager to seek other firms who perform this work. Due to the interest in maintaining consistent survey standards, this is not recommended.

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2016 – 12-

December 20, 2016

AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH STRATEGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR ONE YEAR

WHEREAS, Strategy Research Institute (SRI), headed by Dr. G. Manross, has been under contract with the District to provide consulting services; and

WHEREAS, SRI has developed research methodologies, managed surveys and provided statistically accurate predictions of voter behavior, public interests, preferences and trends directly affecting the District; and

WHEREAS, during 2016, the District, with the assistance of Dr. Manross, updated 2000 economic study, designed a media strategy for addressing overuse challenges at Mission Peak, and fielded two Measure CC renewal support surveys; and

WHEREAS, in 2017, work will continue on finalizing the economic study, conducting further research on renewal of Measure CC, and providing clear, professional data for policy- development forums including climate change policies, a trail user survey and statewide park bond advancement; and

WHEREAS, the Board Legislative Committee discussed and recommended renewal of this contract at its meeting on December 16, 2016;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorize the General Manager to execute a contract to retain the firm of Strategy Research Institute from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the contract will continue at the amount from the previous year, not to exceed $60,000, which will be encumbered from the General Manager’s Other Professional Services, Account No. 101-2010-000-6191; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the District and its name to execute and deliver such documents and do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of December, 2016, by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

CONSENT CALENDAR

Authorization to Renew the Contract with E2 Strategies LLC for Advocacy Services (Doyle/Pfuehler)

RECOMMENDATION The General Manager recommends the Board of Directors renew the District’s contract with E2 Strategies LLC for advocacy services at the federal level for two years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. The Board Legislative Committee discussed and recommended renewal of this contract at its meeting on December 16, 2016.

REVENUE/COST The compensation for the E2 Strategies LLC contract shall not exceed $100,000.00 per year. Funds for this purpose have been included in the proposed FY 2017 budget, Account No. 101-2010-000-6191(General Manager – Professional Services).

BACKGROUND Over the past several years, the District has utilized the services of E2 Strategies LLC (Peter Umhofer – principal), to help promote the District’s profile in Washington D.C., including the facilitation of meetings with U.S. Senate staff, House of Representatives staff, and key decision makers at several Federal agencies and departments. Mr. Umhofer has been effective in advancing the District’s interests and significantly assisted the District in securing and protecting the $10.2 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. Mr. Umhofer will also continue to provide counsel on the District’s work on permitting issues, land transfers from former military bases, as well as continued efforts on transportation policy. There is also much uncertainty surrounding the future of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and keeping public lands public. In light of his effective, ongoing advocacy, the District would like to continue to retain the services of Mr. Umhofer and his consulting company E2 Strategies LLC.

ALTERNATIVES The Board could choose not to extend this contract for services with E2 Strategies LLC, or seek other service providers. These alternatives are not recommended. EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 12-

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH E2 STRATEGIES LLC FOR ADVOCACY SERVICES

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District will continue to work to secure Federal dollars, as well as other Federal issues; and

WHEREAS, there is much uncertainty surrounding the future of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and keeping public lands public; and

WHEREAS, the District has received $14 million in LWCF funding over the years and has a vested interest in the future of LWCF; and

WHEREAS, consultant Peter Umhofer of E2 Strategies LLC has been effective in advancing Park District interests with Federal agencies and in legislative initiatives pending before Congress; and

WHEREAS, the Legislative Committee of the Board discussed and recommended approval of the E2 Strategies LLC contract at its meeting on December 6, 2016;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager renew the contract with E2 Strategies LLC for legislative advocacy services at the Federal level for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018 for a sum not to exceed $100,000.00 (compensation and reimbursable expenses) per year; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that funding for this agreement has been included in the proposed FY 2017 budget, Account No. 101-2010-000-6191 (General Manager – Professional Services); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director and adopted this 20th day of December, 2016 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Board Legislative Committee Attachment VI December 16, 2016

Meet California's newest members of Congress

By Sarah D. Wire

Fresh off their wins last week, members-elect to the 115th Congress are in Washington this week for a crash course on what it means to be a representative.

California’s five incoming House members, and two potential colleagues in races too close to call, are attending two weeks of daylong briefings on topics such as managing their office budget, how to write legislation and ethics, all while getting to know their way around and meeting their fellow lawmakers.

The races in Orange County’s 49th District and Sacramento’s 7th District are still too close to call. The trailing challengers, retired Marine Col. Doug Applegate and Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones, were still expected to make the trip to Washington in case they ultimately win.

California also has a new U.S. senator in Kamala Harris, and she’ll have a shorter three-day orientation largely led by sitting senators.

Here is a look at the newest members of the largest congressional delegation in the country.

Picture by Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Sen.-elect Kamala Harris

Link to website: http://www.latimes.com/politics/la‐pol‐ca‐california‐new‐members‐20161116‐story.html Lives in: Los Angeles Born: Oct. 20, 1964, in Oakland Religion: Baptist Marital status: married to Douglas Emhoff Education: Howard U., economics B.A. 1986; UC Hastings, J.D. 1989 Career: County deputy district attorney Political history: San Francisco city attorney, 1998- 2003; San Francisco district attorney, 2004-11; attorney general, 2011-present

California’s first new U.S. senator in 24 years is also the first Indian American to serve in the Senate, and the first black person the state has sent to the chamber. Those are the latest in a series of firsts for Harris, who was also the first woman elected as San Francisco’s district attorney and the first woman elected as California’s attorney general.

Harris’ time as attorney general included forcing several big banks to cough up $20 billion in mortgage relief, defending same-sex marriage and reducing repeat offenses among drug offenders. She has said she wants to focus on modernizing the country’s criminal justice system and civil rights, as well as protecting the environment and addressing California’s water needs.

Harris has planted an early flag as an immigration foil to President-elect Donald Trump, saying shortly after the election that she will do everything in her power to protect immigrants, including those in the country illegally, from the incoming president’s promise to deport millions of people.

Picture by Ben Margot / Associated Press

Rep.-elect Ro Khanna

Lives in: Fremont Born: Sept. 13, 1976, in Philadelphia Religion: Hindu Marital status: married to Ritu Khanna Education: University of Chicago, economic A.B. 1998; Yale University, J.D. 2001 Career: Lawyer Political history: Sought U.S. House seat in 2004; Commerce Department deputy assistant secretary, 2009-11; Democratic candidate for U.S. House in 2014.

Former Obama administration official Ro Khanna defeated Rep. Mike Honda in the second matchup for the two Democrats. So far, Honda is the only incumbent to lose.

Khanna is among the first Indian Americans in Congress and will be the new political face of Silicon Valley, representing the country’s proportionally highest Asian-majority district.

Link to website: http://www.latimes.com/politics/la‐pol‐ca‐california‐new‐members‐20161116‐story.html As a lawyer, he focused on intellectual property rights and has done work helping companies with imports and exports.

He opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which seems likely to die under a Trump administration. He has said he's interested in helping relieve student debt and raising the federal minimum wage.

Picture by Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call

Rep.-elect Jimmy Panetta

Lives in: Carmel Born: Oct. 1, 1969, in Washington, D.C. Religion: Catholic Marital status: married to Carrie McIntyre Panetta, two children Education: UC Davis, international relations B.A. 1992; Santa Clara University, J.D. 1996 Military: Naval Reserve, 2003- 11 Career: Deputy district attorney Political history: Monterey County Central Democratic Committee vice chairman, 2012-16.

Panetta replaces Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel), who is retiring after more than 20 years in Congress. Panetta’s father, Leon Panetta, previously represented the area in Congress and served as CIA director and Defense secretary in the Obama administration.

Panetta has said he wants to work with Republicans in California’s delegation on overhauling the country’s immigration system. He’s also interested in serving on the House Appropriations Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee.

While in the Naval Reserve, Panetta was deployed on a six-month tour in Afghanistan in 2007 and was awarded a Bronze Star.

Link to website: http://www.latimes.com/politics/la‐pol‐ca‐california‐new‐members‐20161116‐story.html

Rep.-elect Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) speaks with Telemundo outside the U.S. Capitol during new member orientation. (Picture by Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call)

Rep.-elect Salud Carbajal

Lives in: Santa Barbara Born: Nov. 18, 1964, in Moroleón, Mexico Religion:Catholic Marital status: married to Gina Carbajal, two children Education: UC Santa Barbara, B.A. 1990; Fielding University M.A. 1994 Military: Marine Corps Reserve, 1984-92 Career: County legislative aide; drug prevention nonprofit executive Political history: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, 2004-present

Carbajal, a Santa Barbara County supervisor, won an expensive race against Republican Justin Fareed to replace longtime Democratic Rep. Lois Capps in the Central Coast’s 24th Congressional District, which also includes San Luis Obispo County.

Carbajal emigrated from Mexico when he was 5 years old and was the first in his family to earn a college degree. He is the son of a farmworker and the first Latino to represent the Central Coast.

Carbajal is hoping to focus on immigration, energy, infrastructure, the environment, job creation and making Social Security more sustainable.

Picture by Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call

Rep.-elect Nanette Barragán

Link to website: http://www.latimes.com/politics/la‐pol‐ca‐california‐new‐members‐20161116‐story.html Lives in: San Pedro Born: Sept. 15, 1976, in San Pedro Religion: Catholic Marital status: single Education: UCLA, political science B.A. 2000; USC, J.D. 2005 Career:Lawyer Political history: Hermosa Beach City Council, 2013-15. Hermosa Beach mayor, 2015

Barragán beat Sen. Isadore Hall (D-Compton) in the race to replace Rep. Janice Hahn (D-Los Angeles), who gave up the seat to run for the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.

Barragán rallied public support to keep a Bakersfield oil company, E&B Natural Resources, from drilling in the Santa Monica Bay, the issue that drove her to join the Hermosa Beach City Council.

Her parents immigrated to the United States from Jalisco and Mexico City. Barragán was the only Latina to win an open House seat, and she points to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ fundraising political action committee, the Committee for Hispanic Causes/Building Our Leadership Diversity PAC (CHC BOLD PAC), as a major factor in her win.

Picture by Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call

Rep.-elect Lou Correa

Lives in: Santa Ana Born: Jan. 24, 1958, in East L.A. Religion: Catholic Marital status: married to Esther Correa, four children Education: Cal State Fullerton, economics B.A. 1980; UCLA, J.D. and M.B.A. 1985 Career: Investment banker, real estate broker Political history: California Assembly, 1998-2004; Orange County Board of Supervisors, 2005-06; California Senate, 2006-2014.

Two decades in state and local government make Correa the most legislatively experienced new member of California’s delegation.

Correa will replace Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Orange) in the 46th Congressional District after defeating another Democrat, Garden Grove Mayor Bao Nguyen. Sanchez lost her bid to be the next U.S. senator from California.

Correa has said he wants to work with Republican colleagues to change federal policy on medical marijuana, a major issue for neighboring Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa). Correa is also on the board of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and plans to continue advocating for the project.

Link to website: http://www.latimes.com/politics/la‐pol‐ca‐california‐new‐members‐20161116‐story.html

Too close to call

Doug Applegate

Lives in: San Clemente Born: Aug. 29, 1953, in Dayton, Ohio Religion:Methodist Marital status: divorced, three children Education: Arizona State, economics B.S. 1976 and J.D. 1979 Military: Marine Corps, 1974-2006 Career: Lawyer, Marine Corps officer, military prosecutor Political history: None

Applegate is awaiting the results of his 49th District race against incumbent Darrell Issa. On Tuesday, Issa was leading by about 4,600 votes.

Scott Jones

Lives in: Antelope Born: Aug. 10, 1967, in Los Angeles Religion: Christian Marital status: married to Christy Jones, four children Education: UC Davis attended 1985-87; Cal State Sacramento, criminal justice B.S. 1991; Lincoln Law School, J.S. 1998 Career:Deputy county sheriff Political history: Sacramento County sheriff, 2011-present

Jones is awaiting the results of his 7th District race against incumbent Ami Bera. On Tuesday, Bera was leading by about 2,500 votes.

Link to website: http://www.latimes.com/politics/la‐pol‐ca‐california‐new‐members‐20161116‐story.html Board Legislative Committee Attachment VI December 16, 2016

Republicans seek to rein in national monuments as Trump takes power

President Barack Obama speaks in San Dimas, Calif., in 2014 as he designates 346,000 acres within the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles as a national monument.

By PAUL ROGERS | [email protected] PUBLISHED: November 15, 2016 at 5:19 pm | UPDATED: November 17, 2016 at 10:42 am

From Monterey to Colorado, Hawaii to the Massachusetts coast, President Barack Obama has used his executive authority to establish more than two dozen national monuments — historic sites and scenic places where logging, mining, oil drilling and commercial fishing are often limited.

For more than a century, the ability of presidents to use that authority has given birth to a wide range of national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Muir Woods, Zion in Utah and Grand Teton in Wyoming, at times triggering raging controversies.

Now that may significantly change.

Link to website: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/11/15/republicans‐seek‐to‐rein‐in‐national‐monuments‐as‐ trump‐takes‐power/?source=email In a potential landmark shift in U.S. environmental policy, Republicans in Congress are pushing to rein in the 110-year-old law that gives presidents the power to establish national monuments without approval from Congress. The platform approved at this summer’s Republican National Convention calls for no new monuments unless Congress and state legislatures approve. And President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to roll back many of Obama’s executive actions starting his first day in office Jan. 20. Last month, Trump sharply criticized Obama during a campaign stop in Maine for establishing a new national park on 87,500 acres of land donated to the federal government in Maine’s North Woods over the objections of loggers and some rural landowners.

“This decision, done at the stroke of a pen without the support of the local community, undermines the people that live and work right here in Maine,” said Trump on Oct. 15 in Bangor.

Environmental groups say they are prepared for a battle.

“Many of these bedrock environmental laws have withstood the test of time,” said Alan Rowsome, senior government relations director for the Wilderness Society. “They are supported by the public. We will fight tooth and nail to ensure that these laws will remain for future presidents to protect special places.”

Not so fast, say Republicans. Obama and other presidents have put “Draconian restrictions” on public lands, U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Roseville, said Tuesday.

“I would expect Congress will attempt to reclaim its constitutional authority,” he predicted.

Two weeks ago, McClintock, whose district stretches from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, sent a letter to Obama, signed by three other Western GOP House leaders, urging him not to establish a new national monument in the Sierra Nevada, as has been rumored, or any other places in Oregon and California. Monuments have limited logging, which is needed to reduce fire risk by thinning overgrown forests, they said, and could block construction of future reservoirs in some national forest areas. “This abuse of power means the public is largely forbidden from enjoying traditional recreational pursuits on the public lands, including snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, shooting, off-highway vehicle use,” they wrote.

At issue is the 1906 Antiquities Act. The law, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt to reduce looting and theft of pottery and other artifacts in New Mexico and other areas, gives presidents the power to protect “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest” as national monuments by proclamation.

Link to website: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/11/15/republicans‐seek‐to‐rein‐in‐national‐monuments‐as‐ trump‐takes‐power/?source=email

Trinidad Head, a rocky promontory near Humboldt, Calif., is among six areas under consideration by President Barack Obama to be named as a national monument.

Nearly every president has used the law to establish monuments, and many eventually were upgraded by Congress to become national parks. Roosevelt used it to set aside the Grand Canyon, Herbert Hoover used it to protect Arches in Utah and Death Valley in California, and President George W. Bush used it to set aside vast areas of the remote Pacific Ocean, including the world’s deepest location, the Marianas Trench.

But many rural Western leaders have chafed at its breadth. When President Bill Clinton established the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah in 1996 on 1.9 million acres of land owned by the Bureau of Land Management, it killed plans for a huge coal mine there. Clinton ended his presidency with a flurry of new monuments, including Giant Sequoia and Carrizo Plain in California, and environmentalists are urging Obama to do the same.

“We hope with the change in administrations that we will make it across the finish line,” said Fred Keeley, a board member of the Sempervirens Fund, a Los Altos environmental group.

The group is advocating for Obama to establish a new national monument at Coast Dairies, a 5,843-acre expanse of federally owned land along Santa Cruz County’s rural north coast near Davenport. Keeley, who plans to travel to Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks to increase advocacy, said his main concern is that the Trump transition team will ask the Obama White House to halt new executive actions.

Others have wondered if Trump could revoke monuments by executive order. Legal experts say probably not. No president has ever revoked a monument. And the Antiquities Act does not contain a process for doing it. In 1938, U.S. Attorney General Homer Cummings issued an opinion stating that presidents cannot revoke monuments. But the issue has never been tested in court.

Link to website: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/11/15/republicans‐seek‐to‐rein‐in‐national‐monuments‐as‐ trump‐takes‐power/?source=email

Wilderness Volunteers cut invasive Russian olive trees along the riverbanks of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah.

Congress, however, could certainly undo monuments, said John Leshy, former chief attorney for the U.S. Interior Department.

“It’s a little early and Trump is such a wild card,” said Leshy, now a professor emeritus at the UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. “It depends on whether the hotheads or the cooler heads will prevail, and whether the general public, who mostly seem to love conserved public lands, will let their elected representatives hear from them.”

Link to website: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2016/11/15/republicans‐seek‐to‐rein‐in‐national‐monuments‐as‐ trump‐takes‐power/?source=email Board Legislative Committee Attachment VI December 16, 2016

Legislative analyst forecasts $2.8 billion budget surplus

Nov. 16, 2016

Updated 9:12 p.m.

In this Jan. 7, 2016, photo, Gov. Jerry Brown gestures to a chart that shows the unpredictability of capital gains revenues as he discusses his proposed 2016-17 state budget at a news conference in Sacramento. California’s nonpartisan legislative analyst said Wednesday he’s forecasting a $2.8 billion budget surplus next year and says California should be able to weather a mild recession without major budget cuts or tax increases over the next four years. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File), By JONATHAN J. COOPER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SACRAMENTO – California’s nonpartisan legislative analyst said Wednesday he’s forecasting a $2.8 billion budget surplus next year and says California should be able to weather a mild recession without major budget cuts or tax increases over the next four years.

Legislative analyst Mac Taylor’s annual budget outlook sets the stage for negotiations that begin in January when Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown releases his proposed spending plan.

Taylor’s office said the forecast is subject to significant uncertainty, particularly in future years, but it is the best estimate based on available economic indicators.

Link to website: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/budget‐735700‐analyst‐billion.html The projected surplus signals a likely showdown between Brown, who prefers cautious spending growth to prepare for a recession, and Democratic legislators eager to expand state services for people in need.

Brown’s administration urged caution in the face of sluggish state revenue in the summer and fall. October tax collections were $381 million, or 4.7 percent, below projections. Revenue is $1 billion below projections since the administration’s most recent forecast in May.

“With what we know now, the outlook for the upcoming budget is concerning and will need to account for this declining revenue and the significant uncertainties that the analyst has identified today,” Michael Cohen, Brown’s director of finance, said in a statement.

The legislative analyst said his projection accounts for ballot measures approved by voters, including the extension of a temporary tax increase on the wealthy. It does not reflect changes in federal spending that may come from President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican- controlled Congress.

If all spending commitments remain unchanged, Taylor projects that California would finish the next budget year in June 2018 with $11.5 billion in total reserves. Most of it would go to required deposits in the state’s rainy-day fund, but about $2.8 billion would be available for the Legislature to spend or save as it chooses.

Assuming economic growth continues apace, Taylor says California would likely have a budget surplus in each of the next four fiscal years. If there’s a mild recession beginning in the middle of 2018, he estimates that the state’s reserves would be sufficient to cover almost all deficits.

Link to website: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/budget‐735700‐analyst‐billion.html Board Legislative Committee Attachment VI December 16, 2016

No steering wheel required: Self-driving car tests

By David R. Baker September 29, 2016 Updated: September 30, 2016 6:39pm

 Photo: Uber, TNS IMAGE 1 OF 2 An Uber self-driving car. (Uber)

For the first time, automakers will be able to test autonomous cars with no steering wheels, brake pedals or human drivers on some public roads in California, under legislation signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The law does not open California’s vast network of freeways, highways and streets to robot cars. Instead, it is tailored to allowing tests in two particular places — both in the East Bay.

Link to website: http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/No‐steering‐wheel‐required‐Self‐driving‐car‐ 9459988.php AB1592 allows self-driving car tests on public roads in the former Concord Naval Weapons Station and Bishop Ranch business park in San Ramon. The old naval facility, which used to store munitions, has been converted by the county into a test bed for autonomous vehicles, dubbed GoMentum Station.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority recently acquired two self-driving shuttles made by French company EasyMile. The shuttles will first be tested at GoMentum Station, which the authority manages, before being sent to Bishop Ranch, a 585-acre business park along Bollinger Canyon Road that is home to offices for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and AT&T as well as Chevron’s global headquarters.

The bill was written by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord. She cast the rules as necessary to maintaining the Bay Area’s role as a center for research into autonomous cars.

“California has always been a global leader in innovation, and as transportation technologies evolve, so must our laws and regulations,” she said in a press release. “With the passage of AB1592 our state will prove to the federal government and the rest of the nation that California remains the leader, and that the deployment of autonomous vehicles without the presence of a driver can be done safely and successfully.”

California currently requires that any autonomous cars tested on public roads have a human in the driver’s seat — as well as the equipment to ensure that the human can take control if needed.

The new law allows for very specific exceptions.

For example, any company wishing to test cars without drivers or steering wheels on public roads within the designated areas must first prove to the county that the cars have successfully navigated similar roads on their own. The company must also give the county detailed plans for the test and obtain insurance worth $5 million.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DavidBakerSF

Link to website: http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/No‐steering‐wheel‐required‐Self‐driving‐car‐ 9459988.php