Once again, California’s infrastructure has been pushed to the brink. This time, it’s our electricity distribution system. Not long ago, it was the system that delivers drinking water to the thirsty cities in Southern California.

Fortunately, we have more electric power available to us than we did a few years ago. Power plants that were approved by the Davis Administration are online now and churning out much-needed megawatts. Nevertheless, our population is growing and our homes are using more power than they did just five or six years ago.

So far, as I’m writing this note, we’ve been able to avoid rolling blackouts, and the power grid has performed pretty well, given the unusually high demand.

But there’s a lesson in this heat wave. We need to pay attention to our infrastructure needs before they reach a crisis. If we hadn’t begun adding capacity back in 2000 and 2001, we’d have a much harder time weathering this high-demand period. We have to plan for tomorrow.

It’s true for energy. It’s true for transportation. It’s true for water supply, and school construction, and housing.

It’s also true that we soon will be facing a dramatic growth in our aging population, and we need to figure out now how we are going to meet the needs of that population in the decades ahead. Before too long, as the Baby Boom generation enters its retirement years, California will surpass Florida as the grayest state in the nation.

That’s why I’ve spent much of my first two terms in office gathering information and consulting with experts to lay out a master plan for aging baby boomers. This is no small task, and with only a limited amount of time left for me here in Sacramento, I may not be able to implement all of what this plan requires. But it’s important to get started. It’s imperative to at least set the signposts that point the way to a state that is ready and able to meet the needs of its growing and changing population.

In the coming months, I expect to release a report entitled: Building an Aging Agenda for the 21st Century. It will be the third in a trilogy of reports that explore the needs of our aging population, and it will serve as a guidebook as we develop policy in the coming years. I think it’s an important step in getting our state ready for the changes ahead. In a way, it’s like building power plants now for the hot days ahead.

Patty Berg
Assemblywoman, 1st District

Mobile District Office

This summer, I’ve been holding a number of “Mobile District Office” events throughout the district.  Mobile District Offices offer me an opportunity to bring my office to constituents who live a little too far to visit my Eureka, Ukiah or Santa Rosa district offices. 

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting with folks at Mama Llama’s coffee shop in Trinity County and at the Gualala Arts Center on the Mendocino Coast.  I always look forward to these face-to-face meetings with you. It’s a great chance to visit and discuss what you believe are the most pressing issues. 

I have two more gatherings planned for August. If you live in one of the following areas, please come out and join me for refreshments and conversation.

Friday, August 11
10:00 a.m. to noon
Healy Senior Center
456 Briceland Road
Redway

Saturday, August 12th
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Guerneville Square (Corner of 1st & Main)

GMO and SB 1056

I have heard a lot recently from people who don’t like Senate Bill 1056 by Fresno Democrat Dean Florez. As many of you already know, SB 1056 gives the California Department of Food and Agriculture sole authority over the regulation of seeds and nursery stock, regardless of local ordinances. 

I agree with the opponents of this bill. I think local residents should maintain their right to ban Genetically Modified Organisms.  I have always been a strong supporter of local GMO efforts such as Mendocino County’s Measure H.  As a master gardener and proponent of organic crops and winegrapes, I am well aware of issues such as GMOs and the necessity of local protection of non-GMO crops from contamination.

This measure is currently awaiting further hearing in the Assembly.  Please know that I will oppose this or any other efforts at the state level toward restricting the ability of local governments to protect themselves from GMO contamination.

Protecting the Elderly from the heat

As temperatures hit record highs across California, caregivers and families of frail adults, seniors, or young children need to take extra precautions. Here are a few tips to keep cool as the mercury rises:

• If your home does not have air conditioning, you can visit the local public library, shopping mall or Cooling Center. To find a Cooling Center in your area, call 1-800-510-2020.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
  
  
• Schedule outside activities before noon or in the evening.
  
  
• Close shades and curtains, especially on windows facing south or west.
  
  
• Keep lights off or turned down.
  
  
• Take cool baths or showers.
  
  
• Wear loose, light cotton clothing.
  
  
• Don't eat heavy meals and avoid using your oven.
  
  
• Don't sit in a hot car, even for a short time. Never leave a child or pet in a car.
  
  
• Check on your neighbors. Seniors can be especially vulnerable during a heat wave.
  
  

Hot weather is putting a strain on many budgets too. Households with seniors, people with disabilities, or families with young children, may be eligible for assistance with bill payments, and weatherization through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For more information, contact the California Department of Community Services and Development toll free at 1-866-675-6623 or at www.csd.ca.gov.