ON MARCH 17TH The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 51
RECORD Alturas, California
March 13, 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
14 Pages
Assemblywoman Hadwick Champions Wildfire Safety, Insurance Equity, and Wildlife Management Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick remains dedicated to addressing key issues affecting Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas counties. She recently presented Assembly Bill 297, aimed at increasing penalties for arsonrelated offenses, a crucial measure for wildfire management in these regions. Her recent appointment to the Assembly Insurance Committee marks a significant step forward for residents in fire-prone areas, focusing on improving insurance equity, wildfire preparedness, and investments in home-hardening initiatives to enhance community resilience. Effective homehardening measures can significantly reduce wildfire damage, potentially saving homeowners thousands annually in insurance premiums and
mitigation costs. Several bills directly impacting rural Northern California communities are advancing: AB 441 – Makes the California Wildfire Mitigation Program permanent, extending wildfire research efforts until 2033. California spent approximately $1.3 billion fighting wildfires in 2023 alone; proactive prevention could substantially reduce future financial impacts. AB 442 – Proposes expanding e n v i r o n m e n t a l exemptions for critical fire prevention projects in areas with limited evacuation routes. AB 994 – Focuses on enhancing environmental hazard response programs to protect the agricultural, forestry, and tourism sectors crucial to the local economies. AB 1038 – Mandates reinstatement of non-
lethal bear hazing techniques by the Fish and Game Commission, addressing humanwildlife conflicts in Northern California. More details, including recent media coverage, are available in Assemblywoman Hadwick’s monthly newsletter. Assemblywoman Hadwick, alongside Senator Dahle, will speak at the Northern California Water Association’s Annual Meeting on Friday, March 7th, at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., discussing vital water management issues affecting the region. For an in-depth overview, including updates on bear management strategies, refer to Assemblywoman Hadwick’s monthly newsletter.
Photo by Lea Huetteman
Proposed Medicaid Cuts and Expiring Telehealth Coverage Could Threaten Modoc County Seniors’ Care By: Staff Writer House Republicans recently approved a budget proposal that includes deep cuts to Medicaid, raising concerns about its impact on California’s Medi-Cal program and rural communities like Surprise Valley and the broader Modoc County region. The cuts, estimated at $880 billion over 10 years, could lead to major reductions in healthcare funding. Medi-Cal provides coverage to nearly 15 million Californians, including 41% of the state’s children. Many seniors, people with disabilities, and lowincome workers rely on the program. If federal funding decreases, California may struggle to maintain current benefits. Rural areas, where hospitals depend on Medicaid reimbursements, could be hit hardest. Surprise Valley’s hospital and nursing home could face significant financial strain, potentially leading to closures. Seniors and long-term care residents would have fewer options for care, forcing them to travel long distances or go without treatment. Adding to the concern, Medicare coverage for telehealth visits is set to expire on March 31. In past years, lawmakers extended this coverage
before it lapsed. However, with recent aggressive cost-cutting measures, it remains uncertain whether the program will continue. Losing telehealth access would be another blow to seniors in rural areas, who often rely on virtual visits to avoid long trips for medical care. Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, which serves the entire county, could also feel the impact. The center is currently building a new 50-bed skilled nursing facility (SNF) to expand senior care. If Medicaid cuts go through, funding for long-term care services could be at risk, making it more difficult to operate the new facility as planned. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who represents Modoc County, has supported past budget cuts but has recently expressed concerns. His office, however, continues to downplay the effects of the proposed reductions. Some local residents believe consistent calls to his office could persuade him to vote against the cuts. Advocates urge Modoc County residents to contact LaMalfa’s office directly, as leaving messages may be ineffective. With critical healthcare services at risk, they argue that community action is essential. Where to write
Modoc County Supervisor – District 1 Ned Coe (530) 949-7018 nedcoe@ co.modoc.ca.us District 2 Shane Starr (530) 520-2471 shanestarr@co.modoc. ca.us District 3 Kathie Rhoads 530-233-1962 kathierhoads@co.modoc. ca.us District 4 Casey Cockrell 530-708-7079 caseycockrell@co.modoc. ca.us District 5 Geri Byrne 541-891-7518 geribyrne@ co.modoc.ca.us Unless otherwise stated on the agenda, the Board meets at the: Modoc County Courthouse Board of Supervisors Room 204 S Court Street, Suite 203 Alturas, CA 96101 The Clerk of the Board’s Office is located on the second floor of the Courthouse in Room 204. Our contact information is: 204 S. Court Street Alturas, CA 96101 (530) 233-6201 You can also email the Clerk of the Board at ClerkoftheBoard@ co.modoc.ca.us State of California Governor Gavin Newsom by mail at: Mailing address: Governor Gavin Newsom c/o State Capitol, 1021 O Street, Suite 9000. Sacramento, CA 95814.
Phone: 916-445-2841; FAX 916 558-3160. State Assembly District 1 Heather Hadwick Brian Dahle State Capitol PO Box 942849 Room 22174 Sacramento, CA 94249 Redding Office 280 Hemsted Drive, # 110 Redding, CA 96002 (530) 2236300 (530) 223-6737 fax. US Congress Representative Doug LaMalfa 506 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-
3076 Fax: (202) 225-5444, Oroville Office (530) 534-7100, Redding Office (530) 2235898. State Capitol Office State Capitol 1021 O Street, Suite 5710 P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 942490001 Phone - 916-319-2001 District Office 930 Executive, Way Suite 201 Redding, CA 96002 Phone - 530-223-6300 Senator Brian Dahle (Republican) CA Senate 01 Capitol office: State
Capitol, Room 2054, Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone: (916) 651-4001. Fax: (916) 651-4901. District office: 1320 Yuba St, 102, Redding, CA 96001. (530) 2247001. Senator Megan Dahle Capitol. 1021 O Street, Room 7230. Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone: (916) 651-4001. Fax: (916) 6514901. President Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500