The following is a monthly letter written by Mendocino County’s 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak to constituents:
The County, along with Veterans, Seniors, and many others, is concerned about threats to cut essential programs. When Congress passed their budget, it included $880 billion cuts to Medicaid. This program is MediCal in California. 47% of the residents of Mendocino Co. (41,000 people) are MediCal eligible. These draconian cuts would have a huge impact on our communities and services provided.
The annual Women’s History Gala Celebration was held on March 2. Three women were honored. One was Willits’ Saprina Rodriquez for her many contributions to the city and county. Saprina’s focus on youth issues, sports, and transportation were highlighted. Fiona Ma, State Treasurer, spoke about the impact of federal cuts on all of us. There were also performances of Chinese orchestra music and traditional Mexican dances.
Val Muchowski has been the organizer of these Women’s History events (and many other) activities for 40 some years. She has been a mentor of mine from when we were public education advocates together. Val is an icon in Mendocino County and has always been an energetic, tenacious, passionate advocate of women’s issues and community causes. Best wishes to her as she moves to Sacramento to be near family.
Chamise Cubbison is back at work as Auditor/Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector. Judge Moorman dismissed the case. I cannot say anything else since there is ongoing litigation.
The Board voted 4-1(I was the dissenting vote) to not continue pursuing an ordinance to regulate water that is sold for commercial purposes. The problem has been that people drill a well, sell the water to a water truck which heads out to the hills. Without proving that the extracted water will not impact the neighbors’ wells, neighbors are at the whims of new wells for commercial sales with no oversight. Former Supervisor McGourty and I had worked with community members from around the County on this draft ordinance. There were issues with it but that is why it was a draft. It failed due to fears of costs and lack of ability to enforce. We will see what happens when the next drought arrives.
I will be at the Brickhouse on March 13 at 10:00 for lively discussions. As always, you can communicate with me at haschakj@mendocinocounty.gov or 707-972-4214.
John
What I am curious about is if John felt like he was sold a bill of goods on the Cubbison suspension. Did the case against her end up being a lot less certain than he was lead to believe? If he knew then what he knows now would it still be the right decision? I know he can’t answer,but this is what I wonder.