UC Regents authorize UC Merced to proceed with medical school planning
Two UC Board of Regents’ committees on May 14 unanimously authorized UC Merced to proceed with the next phase of planning for a School of Medicine.
As a result of the regents’ endorsement, UC Merced will begin immediately to establish an office that will encompass all medical school planning efforts. The next phase of planning for the campus involves developing curriculum, planning for the infrastructure, and seeking faculty review and approval of the curriculum and the new school. UC Merced's aim is to submit a full proposal and business plan by the end of 2009.
The proposed school will help meet health care workforce demands by training physicians through expanded professional training in medical education and research. Current plans call for the enrollment of the first class of 32 students in 2013 though factors such as approval process, funding and hiring of leadership will affect the time line. At maturity, the proposed UC Merced School of Medicine is envisioned to have a total enrollment of 384 medical (MD) students and approximately 70 graduate (PhD) students.
A projected shortfall of up to 17,000 physicians in California by 2015 will have an adverse and disproportionate impact on the rapidly growing San Joaquin Valley, where access to health care already is 31 percent lower than the state average. Access to specialists in the Valley is 51 percent lower than in the rest of the state.
In addition to improving access to health care, the UC Merced medical school is expected to generate positive economic benefits in the Valley considering that $845 million is spent annually by Valley residents on health care services delivered outside of the region.
The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley wrote a letter to the UC Regents in support of the project. Partnership Board member Luisa Medina, co-convener of the Partnership’s Health and Human Services Work Group and member of the Valley Coalition for UC Merced Medical School, was one of five medical school supporters who told the regents that the Valley's need for more physicians is a serious public policy issue that must be addressed. (Source: UC Merced news release.)
Partnership urges passage of high-speed rail legislation
The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley has written to Valley legislators urging them to support AB 3034 (Letter Supporting AB 3034), a bill to improve the high-speed rail project and the bond that will be on the November ballot.
AB 3034, introduced by Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani (D-Tracy), specifically identifies the Altamont corridor connecting the Valley to the East Bay as a priority high-speed segment eligible for funding under the proposed $9 billion High-Speed Rail Bond.
“With the changes contemplated in AB 3034, high-speed rail offers the prospect of a much brighter future for the Valley,” the letter states. “No region of the state will benefit as much from high-speed rail than the San Joaquin Valley.”
Partnership officials have noted that high-speed rail will reduce highway congestion, reduce the costs of highway expansion and maintenance, decrease use of energy and eliminate billions of pounds of CO2 emissions.
Partnership supports development of Delta Vision Plan
The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Board of Directors has expressed its strong support for the ongoing development of a Delta Vision Plan.
In a letter to members of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force, Board Chair Connie Conway wrote, “The (Task Force’s) efforts to develop a comprehensive vision, together with integrated and linked actions, are agreeably the key to success… We look forward to the strategic action plan which will identify and evaluate alternative implementing measures and management practices that would be necessary to implement Delta Vision recommendations.” (Letter Supporting Delta Vision Plan)
The Partnership’s Board of Directors has identified water quality, supply and reliability as one of the Valley’s top priorities. In 2007, the Board passed a resolution to strongly support a comprehensive water plan that includes water storage, a comprehensive Delta solution (including improved conveyance and environmental protection) and water use efficiency. (Resolution Supporting Comprehensive Water Plan)
Valley elected officials learn more about Blueprint process
More than 150 elected officials from cities and counties throughout the San Joaquin Valley discussed regional planning solutions at a Blueprint Executive Forum in Fresno in April.
Speakers at the event – Cynthia Bryant, director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research; Gregg Albright, Caltrans deputy director of planning and modal programs; William Craven, chief consultant of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water; and Marty Tuttle, former executive director of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments – urged city and county leaders to work together to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the Valley’s growth.
That strategy should recognize local control over land-use decisions as well as the need for a cooperative approach to addressing growth issues throughout the Valley, the speakers said.
“I understand that you are fiercely independent; but the challenge is so great that I don’t think you can do it alone,” Bryant said. “To remain independent, you’re going to have to work with the state, other entities and each other.”
Tuttle added, “What’s good for Fresno is good for Stockton, and what’s good for Stockton is good for Modesto.”
The Blueprint Planning process is designed to develop a cohesive regional framework that defines and offers alternative solutions to growth-related issues for the Valley. The process involves the integration of transportation, housing, land use, economic development, and the environment to produce a preferred growth scenario to the year 2050.
The San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Planning Process is a joint effort of transportation agencies in the eight-county region and the Great Valley Center. The Partnership’s Land Use, Agriculture and Housing Work Group also is involved in the effort. The Blueprint Process is funded by a $4 million dollar grant from the State Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, with an additional $500,000 of matching funds from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
Merced County Association of Governments is the lead agency for the blueprint process. For more information on the process, visit the Great Valley Center’s Web site at www.greatvalley.org/blueprint.
Meth Advisory Council meeting highlights local efforts to stop substance abuse
The Methamphetamine Recovery Project Advisory Council will hear presentations on local efforts to respond to the impact of substance abuse at its quarterly meeting in Madera on June 20.
The quarterly meeting also will feature reports on a series of community engagement meetings that have been held by the Advisory Council over the past two months. In addition, the Advisory Council will consider a draft outline for the final continuum of care report.
The Advisory Council is a critical element in meeting the Health and Human Services Work Group’s goal of developing a comprehensive methamphetamine education, treatment and law enforcement program as outlined in the Partnership’s Strategic Action Proposal. The Advisory Council is addressing the methamphetamine issue across a continuum of care that includes education, prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery.
Partnership Board to hold quarterly meeting June 13 in Madera
The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting at the Madera Center, State Center Community College District, on Friday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The board will discuss and determine the next steps needed to address the three priority issues it has identified for the Valley: air quality; water supply, quality, and reliability; and transportation. It also will hear an update on recent developments related to UC Merced’s efforts to establish a School of Medicine to help serve the Valley’s health needs. Additionally, the Partnership’s Economic Development Work Group will provide an in-depth report of their activities.
Caroline Beteta, executive director of the California Travel & Tourism Commission, will provide an update on the commission’s efforts.
For details, download the Partnership Board meeting agenda available at www.sjvpartnership.org.
Future 2008 Partnership Board meetings will be held in Merced County on Sept. 12 and in Stanislaus County on Dec. 12.
Meet the Board
Fred Ruiz, food industry pioneer at home, across country
Fred Ruiz is co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the largest manufacturer of frozen Mexican food in the United States, located in Dinuba, Calif., Ruiz Foods. The company is ranked second in the top 10 Hispanic-owned manufacturing firms in the United States and first in the top 10 Hispanic-owned companies in California.a.
He and his father Louis had a dream to establish a company that would generate $3.5 million in sales during their lifetimes. Reality surpassed the dream. Ruiz Foods celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2004 and now reports nearly $400 million in sales.
Ruiz is a leader in the frozen food industry. Most recently, he was installed in the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats, the frozen food industry’s highest honor. He was inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Tortilla Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2005. Ruiz was named California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year in 2005 and named the recipient of the Entrepreneurial Hispanic Achievement Award by Hispanic Magazine in 2006.
A leader in his community as well, Ruiz serves on the boards of directors for California Chamber of Commerce, McClatchy Company and Gottschalks, Inc., and on the board of trustees for University of California, Merced. He also serves on the Fresno State President’s Advisory Board and is a founding member and advisor for the Fresno State Institute for Family Business. Ruiz is a member of University of California Board of Regents.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2005 appointed Ruiz to the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.
“It’s been a most rewarding experience to see real progress made through the collaborative efforts of Valley communities and their leaders working together,” he says.
Ruiz is committed to the more than 2,500 Ruiz Foods team members and their communities. Employees can take advantage of a number of programs and educational opportunities for their own career and personal advancement, from health screenings to homeownership education classes, from learning vocational English or Spanish to computer operations.
This commitment goes hand-in-hand with the Partnership initiatives he feels are most important.
“It is my hope our children lead the state in meeting educational requirements and our high schools lead the state in turning out college-ready students upon graduation,” he says, “and that high school and community college graduates will have vocational opportunities so they can see a future and plan a life.”
More economic and educational opportunities and protecting our agricultural lands for the farming industry also are crucial for the future of the Valley, he says. He also has high hopes that all who call the San Joaquin Valley home have access to high-quality health care and services—and better quality air.
Ruiz Foods is doing its part to improve air quality by minimizing truck idling time, which reduces emissions into the air.
“Like many, I would like to one day see the High Sierras on any given day, from any part of the Valley, and breathe clean, healthy air,” he says.
When people think of raising a family in California, Ruiz says, he hopes someday they think of the San Joaquin Valley as the best place.
The third generation of his family is contributing to the success of Ruiz Foods. Fred’s elder daughter Kim Ruiz Beck is vice chairman and elder son Bryce is president and chief operating officer. Daughter Kelly Ruiz Hanchett serves on the board of directors; son Matt is in college.
Legislative Update
Legislation Consistent with the Partnership Strategic Action Plan
Land Use, Agriculture and Housing
AB 1129 (Arambula) - Housing Trust Fund
This bill would establish the San Joaquin Valley Regional Affordable Housing Trust as a voluntary organization for the purposes of fostering the regional collaboration of San Joaquin Valley cities, counties, developers, financial institutions, and community-based organizations to meet affordable housing needs in the region.
Status: Bill was amended on January 7, passed the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development on January 16, 2008. Now sits in Senate Transportation & Housing Committee. The hearing is expected on June 17.
Energy
AB 2176 (Caballero) - Energy Efficiency Block Grants
This bill requires the California Energy Commission (CEC) to administer federal funds to be received by the state pursuant to a block grant program included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Specifically, this bill:
- Requires, consistent with federal law, at least 60% of the Energy Efficiency and Block Grant (EEBG) funds to provide cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation grants to cities of 35,000 or less and counties of 200,000 or less.
- Requires, consistent with federal law, the remaining funds to be used for grants to entities eligible under the federal act-state entities, Indian tribes, or others designated in the federal law.
- Requires all grant applications to be prioritized and awarded based on cost-effectiveness.
- Limits administrative costs to 10% of program funds.
Status: Placed on the suspense file in Assembly Appropriations; hearing on May 22.
View the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization's Letter in Support of AB 2176.
Other State Issues
May Budget Revision
On May 14, the governor sent the legislature his revisions to the budget. Some highlights include:
High-Speed Rail
The May Revision includes $10 million from the Public Transportation Account to sustain current engineering and project management work and mobilize contract resources for all corridors, prior to the election. The May Revision also proposes to appropriate $8.2 million from Proposition 116 for additional environmental studies and engineering work on the Fresno-to-Sacramento segment. An additional $23 million is proposed to be appropriated from the bond fund to continue work after the election.
Air Resources Board: Financial Incentive Program for Surplus Emission Reductions
The Air Resources Board (Air Board) proposes to spend $48.7 million from the Air Quality Improvement Fund on a one-time basis to fund financing programs, including loans and loan guarantees to assist heavy-duty mobile pollution source fleets affected by the Air Board’s new emission control rules. The financing program is intended to leverage state funding at a ratio of seven to one. The program will facilitate early action on regulatory compliance, ensuring critical emission reductions are achieved in an expedited manner.
Federal Issues
Energy
Solar ITC
The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization sent a letter of support to Valley Congressional delegation in support of a long-term extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit. The House will take up a six-year extension the week of May 19 as included in HR 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act.
An e-mail was sent to Valley Congressional offices requesting their support for this provision in the bill.
Farm Bill
EQIP Air Quality Funding
After over a year of Partnership advocacy on the issue, the Farm Bill, HR 2419, passed by the House and Senate on May 14-15, included $150 million ($37.5m each fiscal year from 2009 through 2012) to “provide payments…to producers to implement practices to address air quality concerns from agricultural operations and to meet Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements.” The funds will be made available on the basis of air quality concerns in a State and shall be used to provide payments to producers that are cost effective and reflect innovative technologies.
The joint explanatory statement indicated that the funds should be "used for cost-effective methods in addressing air quality and to reduce emissions and pollutants from operations, including making improvements in mobile or stationary equipment such as engines."
A substantial portion of the new air quality funding provided through the Environmental Quality Innovation Program’s (EQIP) Conservation Innovation Grants program, is expected to directly assist farmers in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
The Air Quality Work Group sent thank you letters to Congressman Dennis Cardoza and Senator Barbara Boxer, who played key roles in preserving the program language in the final conference report.
For more information, go to Legislative Updates on the Partnership Web site.
Dates to Know
June 5
San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Joseph Gallo Farms
Livingston
June 9
Transportation Work Group Meeting
10 a.m. to noon
Madera County Government Center
200 West 4th Street
Madera
Information: Lila McIver, lila@greatvalley.org
June 13
California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Board of Directors
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
State Center Community College District
Madera Center
30277 Avenue 12
Madera
Information: www.sjvpartnership.org
June 20
Methamphetamine Recovery Project Advisory Council quarterly meeting
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Madera
Location to be determined
Information: Juanita Fiorello, jfiorello@csufresno.edu