Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, Sacramento
January 30
Winegrape Growers of America Leadership Luncheon, Sacramento
February 26
CAWG Board of Directors meeting, Sacramento
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We honor and appreciate all veterans, including CAWG members, who have served our country.
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Cornerstone Government Affairs Analyzes Midterm Election
CAWG's federal lobbyist,
Cornerstone Government Affairs, has produced a comprehensive 76-page analysis of the 2018 midterm election that includes a breakdown of federal and state election results, as well as analysis and implications across important issue areas (agriculture, tax, trade, transportation and more). The agriculture section, pages 14-16, highlights the future of the farm bill, trade agreements and tariffs, and changes to the makeup of key House and Senate committees (agriculture and appropriations).
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Government Relations Report
The final results of Tuesday's election won't be known for a few weeks, as mail-in ballots are still arriving at the offices of county election officials. However, it seems that Democrats have probably picked up three congressional seats in California, two seats in the state Senate and two seats in the state Assembly. This may change, as 10 races are just too close to call.
In 2019, Democrats will have a two-thirds super majority in both houses of the state Legislature. With a Democrat governor as well, industries are hopeful that the majority party will display restraint and act prudently with a keen awareness of how more and more new laws affect the business climate in California.
In the big picture, Republicans did far better than expected and moderate Democrats seem to have done well also. Several seats where Democrats were taking on high-ranking Republicans, Democrats were competitive, but fell short.
STATE WATER BOARD SEEKS CONTINUANCE - AGAIN - ON FLOW PROPOSAL
This week the State Water Resources Control Board voted to delay action until Dec. 11 on increasing flows from the San Joaquin River to the Pacific. In August, the board heard two days of public testimony on the issue and put off the vote until Nov. 7. CAWG and other ag groups are opposed due to the potentially catastrophic effect on the ag industry. In a bit of a surprise, Gov. Brown and Governor-elect Newsom signed a joint letter asking the board to postpone the vote on the proposal.
The board is also expecting to take up the waters of the state regulations in early 2019.
Dee Dee D'Adamo's editorial about the potential adoption of the board's controversial flow criteria proposal.
Modesto Bee, Nov. 4
-- Michael Miiller / michael@cawg.org / 916-379-8995
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It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Ben Drake on Nov. 7 after a long and brave battle with cancer. Ben, the president of Drake Enterprises since 1980, demonstrated his passion and energy for the winegrape industry by contributing his time to numerous winegrape and agricultural associations. He served two nine-year terms on the CAWG board (two years as chair), was past chair of the CAWG Foundation and the 2013 CAWG Leader of the Year. His state appointments included the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, Pierce's Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Board and PD/GWSS Task Force. He was also a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (Class 12).
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben's family during this difficult time.
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Select Committees on Wine to Hold Hearing in San Diego
The
Senate Select Committee on California's Wine Industry and the Assembly Select Committee on Wine have scheduled a joint hearing in San Diego on Nov. 29. The agenda (subject to change) includes a California wine industry update and experts discussing the impact of state and federal regulations.
WHEN: Nov. 29 / 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. WHERE: Shiley Special Events Suite at San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego
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Green Medal Awards: Seeking Applicants
California vineyards and wineries are encouraged to apply for the 2019 California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. Categories are Leader Award, Environment Award, Community Award and Business Award. Applications are now being accepted through Feb. 6. The awards are presented by CAWG, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and The Vineyard Team.
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APPLY
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PD/GWSS Board Recognizes John Crossland
CAWG member John Crossland, owner of Vineyard Professional Services, was recently honored for his service on the Pierce's Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board. Thank you, John!
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VINEYARDS & WINE
Wine industry lenders are keeping an eye on the likely sizable 2018 North Coast winegrape crop and smoldering concerns about wildfire smoke in wine.
North Bay Business Journal, Nov. 8
The group recently announced the certification of new vineyards and the expansion of acreage at currently certified vineyards for 2018. CAWG members mentioned.
Press release, Nov. 5
Oregon researchers slow down water loss and fight pests with food-grade product. Wines & Vines, Nov. 2
AGRICULTURE
--Climate change and California's water supply: How can we adapt?
--The H-2A guest worker program expands in California
September/October issue
Penn State and USDA researchers are looking at how to manage the pest, which can destroy grapes and other crops.
Lancaster Farming, Nov. 2
Central Valley reservoirs are running higher than normal for this time of year, while Northern California water storage is running slightly lower. Article and video.
ABC30, Nov. 2
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Webinar: Employment Law Changes in 2019
Nov. 13 / 10 a.m.
ABOUT: An hourlong webinar discussing employment law-related legislation that will take effect January 2019. Learn how this legislation will affect your operation and how best to prepare for complying with new laws.
PRESENTERS: Benjamin Ebbink, Of Counsel with Fisher & Phillips, LLP. CAWG Director of Government Relations Michael Miiller will also be on the webinar to answer any CAWG-specific questions.
TOPICS:
New sexual harassment laws, f
air employment and housing, l
actation accommodation, s
alary history inquiries, p
aid family leave uses, c
opy of payroll records and p
ort trucking joint liability.
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CAWG Members Gather at Bien Nacido Vineyards in Santa Maria
Thank you to The Thornhill Companies and Coastal Vineyard Care Associates for hosting a successful and enjoyable CAWG PAC event last night!
Major sponsors included RDO,
Vineyard Industry Products,
Dow Chemicals,
Coastal Vineyard Care Associates,
Creekside Farming
and The Thornhill Companies.
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Cal/OSHA Offers Free Consultation on Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention
Cal/OSHA Consultation Services can help your agricultural operation reduce preventable occupational injuries and illnesses through its consultation services. I
njuries and illnesses can be prevented through education and training, on-site assistance, and by implementing an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Employer-requested on-site consultations are FREE to California employers.
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Independent Contractor Roundtable Events to be Held in LA and San Jose
The
I'm Independent Coalition
is hosting Lunch & Learn Roundtable events to discuss the impacts of the Dynamex ruling on independent contractors and small businesses and to find solutions to this overreach.
The coalition -- supported by CAWG and other agricultural organizations -- is an effort of businesses and workers to urge the California Legislature to protect independent contractors.
Nov. 13 in Los Angeles / Nov. 15 in San Jose
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