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As the California Legislature enters the last stretch of the session, agricultural groups are marking victories with bills that have stalled or taken significant amendments to remove opposition.

The Legislature has been advancing a bill to enact new inspection requirements for public gates, while the state’s workplace safety regulator is considering rules to protect workers as well.

Interested parties are encouraged to demonstrate how their project will develop sustainable and integrated pest management practices.

The State Water Resources Control Board adopted a resolution on water conservation for urban areas after receiving consistent pushback on the rule for placing severe costs on local water providers, estimated at $4.7 billion through 2050. 

Concerns over rising costs for electricity and gas filled a hearing last week for the reappointment of Cliff Rechtschaffen to the California Air Resources Board.

The California Legislature is asking voters to approve a $10 billion climate bond in November. Farm groups are applauding money in the proposal for water and sustainable agriculture.

The California Farm Bureau elected Shannon Douglass to a two-year term as its president in December. She previously served as CAFB vice president and is the first woman to head the organization.

The American Pistachio Growers tapped Zachary Fraser as president and CEO. Before joining the associaiton, he led a career in sports media, most recently leading LEARFIELD's Fresno State athletics property. Invariant added Nathan Yanez to staff as a manager. Previously, he was a senior account executive at the California-based Lucas Public Affairs focused on biotechnology and the environment.Anna Claire Stietenroth joined the office of Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., as a legislative assistant. She will work on the agriculture, food, animals, transportation and public works portfolio areas.