YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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- Grants for COVID Paid Sick Leave
- New Urban Water Regulations
- WCSETF Annual Smoke Summit - June 6
- California Fire Season 'Well Underway'
- CalSavers Deadline Approaching
- CAWG Events: Regional Roadshow, Foundation Golf Tournament
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Grants for COVID Paid Sick Leave |
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In February, the legislature and Governor Newsom required employers to provide up to two weeks of COVID-related Paid Sick Leave for employees. At that time, CAWG began pushing for the state to cover the cost of that leave similar to how the federal government covered the cost in 2021.
This week, the Assembly and Senate leadership announced their proposed agreement on the 2022-23 State Budget. The good news here is that the spending plan provides $1.3 billion in fiscal relief to small businesses, including relief grants for employers to offset costs of the recently enacted Paid Sick Leave program. This won’t cover all costs for all employers, as it is capped at $250 million and is for small businesses with up to 150 employees. However, it would be a tremendous help to many employers who are already burdened with increased costs associated with responding to the pandemic.
The $1.3 billion in fiscal relief also includes the following:
- $870 million to provide full rebates of cost of repaying upcoming increases in federal Unemployment Insurance costs for the first 250 employees for every business.
- $100 million for additional COVID Relief Small Business Grants.
- $75 million for the California Small Agricultural Business Drought Relief Grant Program, to provide direct assistance to eligible agriculture-related businesses that have been affected by severe drought conditions.
The legislature has until June 15 to pass the 2022-23 state budget; which would take effect July 1.
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New Urban Water Regulations |
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Last week, the State Water Resources Control Board approved a new regulation requiring urban water suppliers to submit preliminary supply and demand assessments to the Department of Water Resources by June 1, 2022. These assessments have resulted in some local water providers limiting the use of potable water for residential lawns effective June 1.
The regulation also prohibits irrigating non-functional turf in the commercial, industrial and institutional sectors. “Non-functional turf” means a lawn that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events.
Nonetheless, the Newsom Administration has already substantially curtailed water use for agriculture and additional agricultural water restrictions are likely coming in the weeks ahead.
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West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force Smoke Summit |
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Monday, June 6 @ 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Join the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force (WCSETF) for their annual Smoke Summit, to be held June 6, 1 - 3:30 pm (Pacific). During this webinar leading researchers from OSU, UC Davis and WSU will present their latest findings and insights on smoke issue. Also, Tim Rinehart, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will review the efforts underway at ARS to launch a multi-million dollar research effort to address the many complicated challenges that can follow wildfire smoke events.
*Registration is free and open to all industry.
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California's Fire Season 'Well Underway,' State and Federal Officials Warn |
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State firefighters have responded to over 2,500 wildfire incidents so far in 2022, burning nearly 11,000 acres.
This year's fire season is "well underway," said Fire Chief Daniel Berlant, Cal Fire's deputy director of community wildfire preparedness and mitigation, during a virtual discussion Wednesday.
Berlant noted that the state has seen fire weather mostly year-round in recent years due to rising seasonal temperatures and the West Coast's ongoing drought. As a result, 18 of the 20 most destructive fires in state history have occurred in the last 22 years.
Yesterday, Cal Fire announced it would direct some $118 million in grants toward 144 local wildfire prevention projects. Cal Fire also funded 105 similar projects in September 2021.
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The Old Fire Continues to Burn in Napa Valley |
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On Tuesday, a fire sparked in Soda Canyon, about 7 miles northeast of downtown Napa. Since igniting, the Old Fire has captured 570 acres, and as of this morning, was 45% contained.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District said an air quality advisory was in effect for the Napa Valley today due to the smoke
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CalSavers Deadline Fast Approaching |
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An important deadline is on the horizon for California business owners. By June 30, 2022, employers with five or more employees are required to have a retirement plan in place for workers — either through a private-market option, like a 401(k), or through the state-run CalSavers program.
CalSavers is a completely voluntary retirement program for employees. Savers can participate through their employer or on their own. Savers may choose their contribution rate, change their investments, or opt out (and opt back in) at any time.
Size of business / Deadline
Over 100 employees / September 30, 2020
Over 50 employees / June 30, 2021
Five or more employees / June 30, 2022
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Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Illness |
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Cal/OSHA reminds all employers with outdoor workers to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to prevent heat illness, as high temperatures are expected throughout the state this week. Employers in California must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade and training.
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Receive Sustainable Winegrowing Highlights Newsletter |
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The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) puts together a monthly communication highlighting events, news, and resources about sustainable winegrowing and winemaking! Sign up today to receive this communication.
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· CAWG Regional Roadshow - LAST ONE · |
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June 27 | Lodi
Woodbridge Golf & Country
800 East Woodbridge Rd, Woodbridge
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wine Social
Guest Speaker John Roncoroni, Ph.D., Weed Specialist
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THANK YOU to our Regional Roadshow Premier Sponsors! |
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Complimentary registration for all CAWG members.
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CAWG Foundation Golf Tournament |
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The California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation 3rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, sponsored by Duarte Nursery, is scheduled for Monday, June 27 at Woodbridge Golf and Country Club. Tournament proceeds support scholarships for college age children whose parent or guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.
Tournament check-in opens at 9 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament will be played as a four-person scramble format. The day will include games, a hole in one contest, and a reception with prizes, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Following the golf tournament CAWG will host its Regional Roadshow reception at the club house, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. To register for the tournament, click here.
The 92-year-old Woodbridge Golf & Country Club is located in the heart of Lodi’s wine country and the valley’s finest wineries. The golf course features 27 distinctive holes on its three-championship course.
For information about the CAWG Foundation, please click here.
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