[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6244476,"mediaKeyId","3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f","parentId",3229917,"title","County officials and residents warn Assembly bill to roll back landline obligations could leave rural areas vulnerable","audioSeconds",221,"startMs",5245000,"endMs",5466000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f&start=5245&end=5466","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f/thumbnail_5245000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6244476/Inyo-County/California/County-officials-and-residents-warn-Assembly-bill-to-roll-back-landline-obligations-could-leave-rural-areas-vulnerable","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244476-08d68272ff3e0ad7bd1d61441b0d675f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773549297&Signature=UrSFsFBG~dXDWRseJGwJnBddF5HKnNUsIMmR~DCpjx0FQ2GfaXds3n2SBQwaqmUoszsnUZ5nACzxUqlG4xkHPta4abmK3XlGFp3~y0KUxHCLPCGg9r4qe1mv3n0gUP1bmarL20HGmJwBaFWsHvFNKaPgoi6c90LYdtKSkLu6kFQVpgk6lv1M-4NUMOhLjNcmojaqpR4yaJl3k4FdLhgZuzAIN2~PGUEKsceHfG2av9tDEaaKq0wsywEJrlqOoqaLYSPWqJ--V09GcIPttp6SBICq8ZOWEQ7yCIr7pPA-hineSMfz~l~nIupEuEXnXkAZ3JesGktbNCGYhW5LvSxvcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Inyo County","date","2025-05-06T00:00:00Z","article","County leaders, a local resident and a state association official discussed proposed changes to landline regulation and cautioned that removing obligations for copper telephone service could leave remote residents with no reliable way to summon emergency help during outages.

Jeff Griffiths, president of the California State Association of Counties and a board member (self‑identified), said the most immediate legislative threat is Assembly Bill 470, which would reduce the regulated obligations that require incumbent carriers to maintain plain old telephone service (POTS). \"The biggest threat is, assembly bill 470,\" Griffiths said, describing the bill and parallel regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission.

Nut graf: County and community speakers urged residents to contact state elected officials and regulators because remote areas often cannot rely on wireless or Internet services during power outages; they argued POTS remains essential for some households and first responders.

Griffiths said the legislation includes exceptions that require alternatives only where multiple alternatives — including a land‑based wire alternative — exist, and that many rural areas would not meet those conditions. He and other speakers described examples of residents who still rely on a wall‑plugged phone during multi‑day power outages and noted that wireless backups fail when the house has no power or the customer lacks compatible equipment.

A resident and other meeting participants asked county officials and staff to press state legislators and the CPUC to ensure continued reliable emergency communications for remote communities. County staff urged residents to contact their representatives and said the county is tracking the issue.

Ending: Speakers encouraged residents who rely on landlines or have limited wireless coverage to notify county staff and state representatives and to document outages or service gaps to inform advocacy at the state and commission level.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors - May 06, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A county and community discussion flagged California Assembly Bill 470 and related proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission as a threat to traditional landline service in remote communities, which residents rely on during power outages and for emergency calls.","taxTitle","Inyo County, California","taxId",26731,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244481,"Amargosa Conservancy outlines groundwater protection and restoration planning for springs corridor",254,6031000,6285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f&start=6031&end=6285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f/thumbnail_6031000.jpg","/articles/6244481/Inyo-County/California/Amargosa-Conservancy-outlines-groundwater-protection-and-restoration-planning-for-springs-corridor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244481-9f7b3fc347ef4b237ba15b55ec8056bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773549297&Signature=btJUwRhYfRn8sLn0bgIVbs1nh30GuFnRrQkniBwyUKBi7bymhpegr-noOLlVSr9dBBSmLQ~KQD-cyb2RAn80u0HpO4sheXi7UTIpYjt8KcDOe9jxGcp5v~WCY5glix92kCaLq-GpQbxIffUDAMW1Nh7WrVRfF23W0zzQ-AXwkjjFhokLTT9MQuDKpua22HC0fDt7ObPYCLnbpy22SFKylZPH5PxR3mWjoe0B2rc7i6NYdLBbqNeXVVO-1tuYeHkWuag~LvWcxNfJ2CFGU0SFsu8tjqJL-CGBpA5pcHb2v6RgPwXOUMNw2G62p7a~a5UgULgbpvuN5sbbOYE-o0pAVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Amargosa Conservancy representatives told the Inyo County Board they are pursuing groundwater protections and restoration planning across the springs and canyon corridor, and described monitoring work, post‑fire response and plans for on‑the‑ground restoration.

Kyle Williams, speaking for the Amargosa Conservancy, said the group's advocacy work is focused on a withdrawal in Ash Meadows to protect groundwater that feeds springs in the valley. He said a February BLM public meeting on the topic drew strong local support and that the organization has secured state grants to fund restoration and monitoring.

Nut graf: Conservationists said the work combines scientific monitoring of groundwater and springs with community engagement and three years of planning to identify shovel‑ready restoration projects, including fencing to prevent trampling of fragile spring habitat and measures to limit invasive plants.

Williams described a recent fire near critical habitat and said BLM installed protective fencing while monitoring recovery. He said the conservancy secured two grants from the California Water Conservation Board to support restoration in the California portion of the watershed, adding staff capacity for monitoring and planning. The immediate visible work will include fencing sections of the paved corridor to concentrate camping and reduce spread of invasive plants and habitat trampling.

Ending: Conservancy leaders said they will continue community outreach before implementing on‑the‑ground fencing or restoration actions and will coordinate with BLM, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and affected landowners as planning proceeds.","The Amargosa Conservancy reported on an Ash Meadows withdrawal advocacy campaign, post‑fire monitoring and a three‑year restoration planning project to protect springs, monitor groundwater and prevent invasive species spread along the springs corridor.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244485,"Local organizers say national‑monument campaign is grassroots, tribal‑focused and advancing outreach",754,4058000,4812000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f&start=4058&end=4812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f/thumbnail_4058000.jpg","/articles/6244485/Inyo-County/California/Local-organizers-say-nationalmonument-campaign-is-grassroots-tribalfocused-and-advancing-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244485-2976338a87e9410fb422fa0582ae11db/orig.mp4?Expires=1773549297&Signature=Sapqo4GG9TMNplzkRflN1BjHvQbbj7gmnAA4Xk9uZyFeGAOrAubr5mwLDhxNA4UKp6aKxza-C1Edig2vxYH05BA6LeV5wFPMV-vVAYv0b2Fws6Zk5ypSw~RQ7~BWLQQc53FBndPC-iYpxwPnBiNxfemsiYDlRXWom3g1aMdV051H-eDScQrvW-yijf3cdWMNH0gc9a4CViL5nXWRQk5jMEeCcJLMeBPttRV6izldKp9tnJqDzIWhLWfjIMej2RPpbkHZnni4COFWZ8-3F1WCahHaY46yWw-tsrt-Tj6SpFmBXEp-I31q5awXGiNtXQhBlqYOuh5MFTQ4bz0D18KN8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A volunteer organizer updating the Inyo County Board said the campaign to pursue a federal national monument designation is continuing as a grassroots, multi‑year effort focused on tribal consultation and local outreach.

The organizer (name not provided in the meeting transcript) said the effort is locally based: organizers have an office in Shoshone, have conducted business outreach across gateway communities and are engaging tribal partners. \"We are local. We're engaging at the local level,\" the organizer said, describing presentations to school districts, chambers of commerce and community organizations.

Nut graf: Organizers said the campaign is not a short process: they are working with about five tribes, seeking letters of support from local businesses and coordinating with state and federal agencies, and expect legislation or formal steps only after broad, documented community and tribal consensus.

The organizer listed recent outreach: presentations to the Bishop Chamber of Commerce and Big Pine groups; support letters from local businesses and community services districts; preliminary contacts with the State Lands Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and planned meetings with Caltrans District 9. Organizers said they are planning summer outreach in Owens Valley and continuing tribal consultation to assess tribal needs and decision processes.

Speakers at the meeting urged the campaign to continue inclusive outreach and to provide clear information about what federal designation would mean on private lands and existing rights. One landowner pressed for access to legal counsel to explain future impacts on private property rights; the organizer and county officials reiterated that the proposal covers federal lands and not private property and offered follow‑up conversations.

Ending: Organizers said the campaign will continue community meetings and tribal consultation over the coming months and asked residents to follow updates and provide input when restoration and access plans are developed for trail and habitat stewardship.","A volunteer organizer presented the county with outreach progress on a proposed national monument, saying the effort emphasizes tribal consultation, local business support and multi‑year planning, and described meetings with regional agencies and elected officials.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244490,"Volunteer fire and ambulance leaders in Southeast County push for volunteers, funding and county reimbursements",688,2589000,3277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f&start=2589&end=3277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f/thumbnail_2589000.jpg","/articles/6244490/Inyo-County/California/Volunteer-fire-and-ambulance-leaders-in-Southeast-County-push-for-volunteers-funding-and-county-reimbursements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244490-44cb8158b39928023e9bca4b0fe3c104/orig.mp4?Expires=1773549297&Signature=RP4QehxnYmrr2Ksc61Fv~0QZYvv-R4QSKdHMCltiWmlRnM7MxtkORHcjXwQySOwYhOJWSHlfjU6P~xWpa-VucPfAv11IStApriTjGAcw6AKcVHwFtneGUbSVGwCowXiPZbxZ11JIk8eJQSwgJbt2QKqKN28JpG1Ohm~3-sDLjSFQr7pBNKuuPZ8CGCj9~QJv8siGyjWr4vb0NL8Xt-LXHvf~eRr8oiGSuR7wsJENmZ9ksiYVjOzhaayCOqR1xlyxIf6Hmj5Jl311e34AYMFPhOMbf6QsQS1LS-rgOBs1OQ6BAk8LEvnQmCU0Aic3cv5tONQ9EqZ2tNN83d-oKg59HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leaders of volunteer fire and ambulance districts in Southeast County told the Inyo County Board of Supervisors that staffing shortages, aging equipment and limited operating revenue are creating strain, and they asked for assistance with recruitment, communications and county payment processes.

Bill Lehi, chief (self‑identified in the meeting) said volunteer staffing is the primary challenge. \"Currently, we have 7 volunteers, only 1 of which is the EMT,\" Lehi said, describing a rise in calls this year. He said the department averages about 50–60 runs per year and had recorded 25 by May, with most calls medical in nature.

Nut graf: Volunteers said new communications infrastructure and county reimbursement programs could help, but long‑term stability will likely require a combination of recruiting, local fundraising and potentially a voter‑approved tax increase in the district.

District leaders described recent improvements and funding: new 9‑1‑1 radio repeaters and testing of equipment to address long‑standing communications gaps, purchase of Starry Mini units to maintain hospital connections in ambulances, and training plans including a local EMT class taught by a volunteer instructor. Robin Plinkton, chair of the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District (SIPD), said fundraising has become an important revenue source and that the district raised close to $20,000 at last year's community event. She described the district's water kiosk operation and said it relies on grants and fluctuating vending revenue and that the district's daily operating budget is tight.

Leaders discussed county-level support: a county program authorized funding to reimburse volunteer districts for runs — speakers described a total allocation and said districts can invoice the county with evidence of runs to claim reimbursement. County staff present said districts should submit invoices and run documentation to receive payments. One county official described a minimum payment of $15,000 for eligible districts as part of the outreach program.

District representatives said they are considering a small increase in their local special tax that funds fire and EMS operations, noting that the tax rate has not changed in more than 20 years while costs have risen. Plinkton said the district has volunteers and public trust but that volunteers are exhausted and the community must weigh whether to approve new revenue to sustain services.

Ending: Fire and EMS leaders asked the board and residents to help with volunteer recruitment and local outreach, and to work with county staff on submitting run documentation for reimbursement. They said they will continue planning fundraising, outreach and training while exploring the prospect of a voter measure as a long‑term funding option.","Local volunteer fire and EMS leaders told the board they face persistent volunteer shortages and budget shortfalls, described recent county reimbursements for runs, and said they are considering a local tax measure and other fundraising to sustain ambulance and fire coverage.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244494,"Death Valley officials warn staffing cuts and budget uncertainty threaten park services and projects",954,790000,1744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f&start=790&end=1744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229917-2b83e542851d1d66c6b71762eccef97f/thumbnail_790000.jpg","/articles/6244494/Inyo-County/California/Death-Valley-officials-warn-staffing-cuts-and-budget-uncertainty-threaten-park-services-and-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244494-d81b5608fe6828a55ea9d6d14d985344/orig.mp4?Expires=1773549297&Signature=OVdeNK5Egf3mqs8vQnA20FMazs33I3918r-DzP~2Hr2huJwYVbROLTz9gnBlWYNMG86ESPp2k5sWg2NCxbdteXRQN623biU5prM1AFYkGvSQpUt4w9DxcZqEkC5Qi5AJYKfFJYSVhcMYfS5h57n1QQ~qvgiANVXHWGSJzEB2SCFNj95xpJAWUGOHW-HK4IbSLm-IAJ6QoBXk1diQc-Fp6Oy0a-OJsfmdhsXgTvmywbwEjZkXrYVei11T-xhZY5OnzOdJCPuPKo05cetGqkhyoyo7UNXK9SyeTdOaXMBUqFbtGX4ZDG4sm7moaWHDL3qHuJZUPi5o9Wbvg5~Qm3G8Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Death Valley National Park officials told the Inyo County Board of Supervisors at the Southeast County meeting that federal staffing cuts and budget uncertainty are already reducing park services and could delay major repair projects.

Park superintendent Mike Reynolds said the park is working on several road and safety projects after receiving federal and state grants, including a roughly $280,000 Caltrans grant for resurfacing and chevrons, culvert work on Highway 190 and a planned overlay on Giant Ranch Road. \"Our engineers are working on the final specs, and hopefully, we'll be getting out to bid it later on this year,\" Reynolds said.

Park staff described deeper, systemic risks tied to a potential reduction in force in the National Park Service and an ongoing federal hiring freeze. Abby, park staff, said the agency expects to know \"within the next 45 days what the impact will be\" from a proposed RIF and that the park's operations already face constraints. \"So our net loss is only 5 people to this point, which is 6% of the staff,\" Abby said, summarizing recent departures, rehiring and vacancies.

Nut graf: The park manages large, remote infrastructure — multiple water and wastewater systems, paved roads and visitor facilities — and staff said reduced federal capacity and delayed contract reviews threaten both routine services and multi‑million-dollar repair projects, with possible closures and reduced maintenance in the short term.

Officials outlined projects either completed or underway: a roughly $15 million Federal Highway Administration program to reconstruct paved roads and install riprap and rail at vulnerable washout points, new culverts installed by Caltrans between Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek to keep the creek off the road, solar panel installations with Southern California Edison on park housing and LED retrofits for buildings, Salt Creek boardwalk repairs, and Titus Canyon Road scheduled for construction this fall. Reynolds and Abby also said the park is working on final design for a separated pathway downtown and high‑visibility bus stops tied to a local safety plan.

Park staff said funding timing is uncertain. Abby summarized the budget outlook: the White House's outline this year included a proposal to cut the National Park Service operations account by about 30 percent; the park does not yet have a full FY25 appropriation, and the park-level purchase and contracting authorities are restricted. She said routine procurement has been constrained — purchase cards were shut off earlier this year and now only six park employees can approve purchases — and mandatory Department of the Interior contract reviews are taking months.

Staff described operational changes already in effect: Wyler Bros. Campground has been closed to water service to reduce labor; cleaning and outreach activities will be less frequent; and some projects are being deferred. Abby said water and wastewater operator availability is the park's greatest pinch point and that some campground services were curtailed to save staff hours. \"We are under a hiring freeze,\" she said, adding that an executive order currently limits hiring to one new employee for every four who leave.

Park staff asked the board and the public to communicate the local impacts to federal elected officials. Board members and county staff thanked park officials and encouraged outreach. County officials noted they had applied a portion of $70,000 in transient occupancy tax to convert a former elementary school to a community center and that federal, state and local partners remain involved in park projects.

Ending: Park leaders said many of the repairs and improvements they described are contingent on federal funding, contracting timelines and decisions still pending at regional and Washington levels. They urged local officials and residents to monitor federal budget and staffing developments and to raise concerns with elected representatives while the park assesses how federal changes will affect visitor services and public‑safety capacity within the park.","National Park Service officials told the Inyo County Board that federal staffing reductions, hiring freezes and uncertain funding could delay road, water and visitor projects and already have forced reduced services at some campgrounds and maintenance activities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County officials and residents warn Assembly bill to roll back landline obligations could leave rural areas vulnerable

Amargosa Conservancy outlines groundwater protection and restoration planning for springs corridor

Local organizers say national‑monument campaign is grassroots, tribal‑focused and advancing outreach

Volunteer fire and ambulance leaders in Southeast County push for volunteers, funding and county reimbursements

Death Valley officials warn staffing cuts and budget uncertainty threaten park services and projects