Situation Awareness: Recovery. San Luis Obispo. Farmers & Ranchers, and overall assistance.

Storm Information

The Disaster Recovery Center is now open! 

Need information on debris removal? 

Farmers/ranchers use this page to report agricultural related flood damages.  

Questions? Call us at 805-781-5678

Grants to Monterey One Water, Yurok Tribe for Anaerobic Digestion Projects. January 2023

Two Organizations in California Receive EPA Grants to Combat Food Waste, Climate Change

Grants to Monterey One Water, Yurok Tribe for Anaerobic Digestion Projects

 

Contact Information: John Senn, 415-972-3999, senn.john@epa.gov 

SAN FRANCISCO (January 24, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced two grants to organizations in California – Monterey One Water and the Yurok Tribe – to divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester capacity. Anaerobic digestion is a process in which microorganisms break down organic materials, such as food scraps, manure, and sewage sludge, in the absence of oxygen. The process produces biogas, which can be captured and used for energy production, and digestate, a nutrient-rich product used for fertilizer.

“These innovative zero waste projects will turn food waste into renewable energy, reduce pollution and support California and Tribal communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Anaerobic digestion projects not only cut food waste that could end up in landfills, but combat climate change by capturing methane for use, instead of having it go into the atmosphere.”

The selected grant recipients in California and anticipated award amounts are:

Monterey One Water (Monterey County, $169,000) plans a study to evaluate the conversion of anaerobic digesters at its wastewater treatment facility to equip them to co-digest sewage sludge with food and other organic wastes.

“Completion of this study and implementation of co-digestion will be key in helping Monterey One Water and our project partner, ReGen Monterey, adapt to the changing climate and enhance the services we provide the community,” said Paul A. Sciuto, Monterey One Water General Manager. “Thanks to this funding from EPA, we hope to be a model for cross-sector collaboration as we work together to meet State requirements to divert organics from landfills and increase our renewable energy production to help secure the power needs our essential, 24/7 operations require.”

Yurok Tribe (Klamath, $200,000) plans to divert food waste from a landfill by establishing a pilot anaerobic digestion facility and supporting food sovereignty by using digestate and biogas for food production at the Klamath Food Village.

“This grant allows the Yurok Tribe to establish an anaerobic digestion facility to divert the food waste generated on and near the Yurok Indian Reservation. Digestate will be utilized to support food sovereignty efforts and be added to food production spaces,” said Louisa McCovey, Environmental Director of the Yurok Tribe Environmental Department. “The grant progresses the Tribe’s mission of a sovereign food system and helps to ensure that every Yurok Tribal member has access to sufficient food to meet their nutritional and cultural needs in order to thrive, with food that is provided and procured in culturally and environmentally responsible ways.”

By decreasing the amount of wasted food in landfills, anaerobic digestion reduces landfill methane emissions, in turn reducing impacts of climate change. Methane traps 28 to 36 times more heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period than carbon dioxide. Additionally, anaerobic digestion is a strategy included in EPA’s food recovery hierarchy that is preferable to landfilling and incineration because it reclaims valuable resources, contributing to a circular economy. Keeping food waste out of landfills by transforming it into fuel or fertilizer can save money and reduce environmental impacts.

EPA is prioritizing environmental justice by ensuring nearly half of the funds announced today will be awarded to projects or recipients located in underserved communities. Specifically, EPA considered the effects of this program on people of color, low-income, tribal, and indigenous populations, and other vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children. Last year, EPA selected 11 organizations nationwide to receive a total of approximately $2 million in funding to divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester capacity nationwide.

Read more about anaerobic digestion.

24 February 2023, Opportunity to provide input to the UN International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement

 OHCHR | Call for Inputs on Upcoming Country Visit to the United States of America by the United Nations International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement from 24 April – 5 May 2023

Purpose To Collect information in preparation for the Expert Mechanism's visit to the United States of America scheduled to take place 24 April – 5 May 2023

Background

The mandate of the Expert Mechanism is detailed in resolution 47/21. The Expert Mechanism is mandated under paragraph 11 of the resolution to advance racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement in all parts of the world by, inter alia conducting country visits, inclusive outreach, and consultations with States, directly affected individuals and communities, and other stakeholders, and taking into account an intersectional approach. The Expert Mechanism is comprised of three members- Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, Dr. Tracie Keesee, and Professor Juan Méndez.

Learn more about the Expert Mechanism here

During the mission, the Expert Mechanism will meet national stakeholders, including government officials including law enforcement authorities, civil society organisations, United Nations representatives, academics, lawyers, and victims. The Expert Mechanism will also conduct site visits and spend time outside the capital city to better understand the issues faced by Africans and people of African Descent in the country.

The Expert Mechanism will offer recommendations to support the Government's efforts in combatting structural and institutional racism, the excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement and the criminal justice system against Africans and people of African descent. The Expert Mechanism will present a mission report with its findings and recommendations.

Objectives

The Expert Mechanism seeks to understand the USA’s efforts in combatting structural and institutional racism, the excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement against Africans and people of African descent, in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue.

During the visit, the Expert Mechanism will study:

• Systemic racism as a root cause of excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement against Africans and people of African descent.
• Access to justice, accountability, and redress for excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officials against Africans and people of African descent.
• Alignment of domestic laws, policies, and practices on the use of force by law enforcement officials with international human rights norms and standards.
• Alignment of domestic laws, policies, and practices in the criminal justice system with international human rights norms and standards
• Good practices and lessons learned related to laws, policies and practices on racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement and the justice system.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

The Expert Mechanism would like to invite all interested individuals and organizations, including Africans and people of African descent, representatives of civil society organisations, experts, lawyers, and academics to send inputs ahead of their visit, such as:

• Recent analytical reports or surveys on Africans and People of African descent examining structural and institutional racism, excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement and the criminal justice system against them in the USA.
• Information on the policies, programmes, practices, and legal framework concerning law enforcement, the criminal justice system and Africans and People of African descent in the USA.
• Information on emblematic cases concerning Africans and people of African descent and their interaction with law enforcement or the criminal justice system including any judicial action, accountability and reparation measures taken in the USA.
• Priority issues concerns and situations that warrant the Expert Mechanism's attention in the USA.
• Suggestions on issues to examine and related places to visit in the USA.
• Suggestions on government officials and civil society actors to meet in different regions in the USA

How inputs will be used

Submission will remain confidential. They will be considered during the country visit and will be considered for the Expert Mechanism’s report on the country visit.

Next Steps

Input/comments may be sent by e-mail. They must be received by 24 February 2023.

Email address:
ohchr-emler@un.org

Email subject line:
2023 Visit to the USA

Word limit:
2500 words

File formats:
Word, PDF

Accepted languages:
English

Contribute: Cybersecurity for small businesses . Deadline: 7:00 PM EST - 25 January

 Summary: Cybersecurity for small businesses (wi-fi security)

Name: Richard Sine Spectrum Business Insights

Category: High Tech

Email: query-ev0m@helpareporter.net

Media Outlet: Spectrum Business Insights

Deadline: 7:00 PM EST - 25 January

Query:

Story on how to strengthen your small business's wi-fi security.
Interested especially in the role of the router and of the ISP.

Requirements:

Should not be from a company that competes with Spectrum, a
major telecom provider (i.e. not an ISP or telecom provider).
Spectrum is launching its own "advanced Wi-Fi" router with
boosted security but you will not need to know about it or
discuss it.

Youth Opportunity: FEMA Seeks Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council

 FEMA Advisory

FEMA Seeks Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council  

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FEMA is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council, a program that brings teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community preparedness.

National Leaders in Emergency Preparedness

Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.

During their one-year term, council members will collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will also attend the council summit in July and engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and national non-profit organizations.

Youths interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. PT, March 6, 2023. New council members will be announced in June.

To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council visit https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/youth-preparedness-council

FEMA Mission

Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

 

 

 

 

 

• FEMA Advisory FEMA Seeks Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council 20230123.pdf

 

Students: Apply for a 2023 Pathways Summer Internship The 2023 Pathways Summer Internship job announcements are now posted to USA Jobs. All announcements opened on January 20, 2023 and will close on January 27, 2023. Apply using a tailored federal resume and your transcripts quickly. This job is open to: Individuals and veterans who are students and are currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in an accredited high-school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges) or professional, technical, vocational, or trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate on a full or half-time basis. Career fields include - Legal (3), Public Affairs (1), Emergency Management (17), Accounting and Budget (7), Human Resources (1), Administrative and Office Support (18), and Information Technology (5). Locations include - Washington, DC; Winchester, VA; Round Hill, VA; Oakland, CA; Lakewood, CO; Atlanta, GA; Bothell, WA; Anniston, AL; Emmitsburg, MD; Chicago, IL

Students & Recent Graduate Opportunities The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer a variety of prestigious scholarships, fellowships, internships and training opportunities to expose talented students to the broad national security mission. Learn more at:  Students | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) Students and Recent Grads | FEMA.gov The DHS Partnerships Center carries out the policies and program priorities of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, DHS and FEMA for faith and community-based organizations related to all-hazards preparedness, emergency and disaster response and recovery, safety, security, and human trafficking. The DHS Partnerships Center offers a variety of resources to the public at dhs.gov/faith. DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships  Have a comment, question or looking for information? E-mail us at Partnerships@fema.dhs.gov

YOUR comments needed to make the paper work simpler. FEMA Seeks Review of Revised Information Collection (January 20, 2023)

===================== 

How do you make improvements to a system or process?

Being active in both the system and the processes that serve our needs.  Being on the sidelines silent is not a remedy or solution.  That’s being an observer and only getting involved when it affects you or your family members personally. 

BE PROACTIVE.

Submit you comments.  There is so much more to gain. 

BEMA International

FEMA Advisory FEMA Seeks Review of Revised Information Collection  In support of the Paperwork Reduction Act, FEMA is soliciting public review and comment of its significantly revised information collection. These changes aim to simplify the Public Assistance applicant's experience and align with FEMA's Strategic Goals. FEMA’s Public Assistance program revised its information collection (OMB No. 1660-0017) to simplify and streamline the program, reduce administrative burden, and incorporate a people-first approach. Key improvements of the new information collection practices include: ·        Simplifying applicant forms by reducing jargon and eliminating redundant questions. ·        Implementing a risk-based approach by recognizing that not all applicants or projects require the same level of resources, documentation, or oversight. ·        Using technology to identify underserved communities to improve FEMA’s resource allocation and staffing needs. ·        Identifying all-hazards mitigation opportunities for applicant projects and reducing the burden to incorporate building codes and standards. ·        Introducing climate adaptation resources available to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters. ·        Introducing a project application that improves applicants’ ability to enforce building codes and floodplain management regulations, increasing speed of recovery. The notice is available to view here FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE (FR Doc. 2022-27082): Comments are welcomed here on or before Feb. 13, 2023. For more information about the improvements made in the revised information collection, visit https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/fema-seeks-comments-public-assistance-collection FEMA Mission Helping people before, during, and after disasters.    FEMA Advisory - FEMA Seeks Review of Revised Information Collection_20230120.pdf

 

Black Emergency Managers Association International Washington, D.C.  20020
bEMA International
Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)
A 501 (c) 3 organization “Bring structure and harmony to our communities against the chaos.”
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today.  We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.  In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late.  Procrastination is still the thief of time.  Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity.  This may well be mankind’s last chance to choose between chaos or community.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Where Are We Going From Here:  Chaos or Community’.

Public Assistance during recovery. Simplified Procedures Policy hosted by DHS\FEMA

Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

DHS.IGA@hq.dhs.gov

 

FEMA Advisory

FEMA to Host Webinars to Explain Public Assistance Simplified Procedures Policy 

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FEMA has announced it will host webinars from January 31-February 3 to explain the updated Public Assistance (PA) Simplified Procedures policy. The policy simplifies implementation of the Public Assistance program to support rapid recovery for applicants.

In August 2022, FEMA published a final rule to increase the small project maximum for the agency’s program to $1 million to reduce the administrative burden on state, local, tribal, or territorial governments and private non-profits receiving FEMA financial grants following a disaster. A small project has costs below the threshold, while a large project has costs equal to or above the $1 million threshold.

Here is the webinar schedule:

English Webinar

When: Every day, from Jan. 31 until Feb 2, 2023, 3 occurrence(s), all Eastern Time (U.S. and Canada):

    Jan 31, 2023 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

     Feb 1, 2023 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

     Feb 2, 2023 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

     Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

     Daily: https://fema.zoomgov.com/webinar/vJIsf-mvrDMiGTQNgPTLXXLnyECN7PptPQY/ics?icsToken=98tyKuiurzMqHdaduBrBeI86EMHgaOnFr3hpnpJzmy_RLxhrTg3vE8FsZYJvBOjh

Topic: Public Assistance Simplified Procedures Policy

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1618072883

Passcode: 422

Or One tap mobile:

US: +16692545252,,1618072883#  or +16469641167,,1618072883#

Or Telephone:

Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 964 1167 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 or +1 415 449 4000

Webinar ID: 161 807 2883

International numbers available: https://fema.zoomgov.com/u/aenBKveyv6

Or an H.323/SIP room system:

H.323: 161.199.138.10 (US West) or 161.199.136.10 (US East)

Meeting ID: 161 807 2883

Passcode: 422

SIP: 1618072883@sip.zoomgov.com

Passcode: 422

Spanish Webinar

When: Feb 3, 2023 3:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Enmienda al Límite de Proyecto Grande del Programa de Asistencia Pública Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1600086704?pwd=S2ZYNlY1STd3cnhFOGdFR0Z3cGpQUT09

Passcode: 422

Or One tap mobile : US: +16692545252,,1600086704# or +16468287666,,1600086704#

Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 646 964 1167 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 or +1 415 449 4000

Webinar ID: 160 008 6704

International numbers available: https://fema.zoomgov.com/u/alWOxoY4u

Or an H.323/SIP room system: H.323: 161.199.138.10 (US West) or 161.199.136.10 (US East)

Meeting ID: 160 008 6704 Passcode: 422

SIP: 1600086704@sip.zoomgov.com

Passcode: 422

Webinar, on Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. ET, Register now: Selma and beyond: Responding to tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia

 The Jan. 12 tornado outbreak in Selma and many other communities across Georgia and Alabama left 11 people dead and a large path of destruction. 

The webinar, on Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. ET, will discuss the urgent and long-term needs of communities affected by the outbreak. Panelists will focus on the effect of pre-existing conditions such as racialized poverty, historical and systemic discrimination in housing and the differences between rural and urban communities.

Moderated by CDP’s Director of Domestic Funds Sally Ray, the panel will discuss the different immediate and long-term needs in urban and rural communities and how pre-existing inequities affect outcomes for recovery. They will also explore how grantmakers can support communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from these devastating disasters.

             

Please register and join us.  ​

Electronic Signatures. January 2023

Open if you’re still on the fence about eSignatures.

 

In today’s fast-paced world, everything is going digital. And so do our signatures. According to a study from Statistica, 754 Million transactions were signed electronically worldwide in 2017 alone. If you’re still on the fence about eSignatures, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions: What is an e-signature? - They are simply signatures in electronic form as compared with handwritten ones - It's a legal way to approve and sign the contents of a document Are eSignatures legal and safe to use? - They are legally binding virtually everywhere in the world and across different industries - They can be used as evidence in court - eSignature uses digital stamps, like an IP address, making it easy to trace each signee How does eSignature work? - Anybody can sign remotely anywhere in the world - You can type, draw, or upload a photo to create your eSignature using an app Why are eSignatures a great alternative? - Legally binding and supported by international laws in 60+ countries - Instant, documents can be signed using a computer or phone, in seconds - Paperless, meaning no more printing, signing, scanning, and sending documents back It’s not only safe and secure… it also saves time, resources, and trees, too. Go paperless and start using Signaturely for free Best, Will Founder, Signaturely P.S. Still have a few questions? Just hit reply with what’s on your mind and I’ll get right back to you. Signaturely, LLC 340 S Lemon Ave Ste 1760, Walnut, CA 91789

Know your SAA (State Administrative Agent). Grant making process to disaster declaration.

All a matter of being aware.

Do you know who your State Administrative Agent (SAA) is in the grant approval process, and when a disaster strikes your location and resources aren’t available within your state and DHS\FEMA needs to be called?

Know before any deadline approaches.  Make the call before, during, and after the grant and disaster.

Check the list for your State SAA.  Know the disaster declaration process for your State.  Voice your needs and concerns. Before and during a crisis. 

The difference may just be a CONFERENCE CALL you lead with BEMA International on the line at your invitation.  You are not alone.

1. DHS\FEMA list of SAA.
1. https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/about/state-administrative-agency-contacts
2. Disaster declaration Process.
1. Local official guide:  https://www.blackemergmanagersassociation.org/p/local-elected-and-appointed-officials.html
2. State process:  https://www.blackemergmanagersassociation.org/p/disaster-declaration-process-in-united.html
3. Federal process:  https://www.blackemergmanagersassociation.org/p/disaster-declaration-process-figuring.html

At some point in the process it may become a POLITICAL decision and the needs of disadvantaged people and communities is not a priority.

Change occurs when YOU get involved.  Get involved. 

BEMA International

Black Emergency Managers Association International   Washington, D.C.  20020 bEMA International Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P) A 501 (c) 3 organization   Change without sacrifice is an illusion.