MAKING CONNECTIONS

CCA events connect California ranchers and policy professionals in Sacramento

by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande

In May, CCA hosted two events aimed at connecting professionals in and around California’s capitol with CCA members and staff. The first of the two events was CCA’s Steak and Eggs Breakfast, back after a three-year hiatus. The week wrapped up with CCA hosting a legislative staff appreciation luncheon serving burgers.

To kick off the week, conversation, cowboy boots and cowboy hats filled the Sutter Club in Sacramento on Tuesday, May 15 at the 42nd California Cattlemen’s Association and California Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Steak and Eggs Breakfast. The breakfast, which started back in 1978, was created as a way for the Association to educate legislators on ranching in California, connect members to those who represent their district and communicate how their support can aid in the betterment of the industry.

Due to the pandemic, 2019 was the last time the event had been held. The announcement of the breakfast’s return brought about excitement from legislators, regulators, staffers and CCA members leading to an enthusiastic and informative morning for all parties. As legislative and regulatory attendees checked in and made their way up the stairs to the dining room, ranchers greeted them and they were able to pick out their very own cowboy hat to fully partake in the western way of life.

A warm welcome from CCA President, Steve Arnold signaled the start of the breakfast. As attendees made the way to their seats, an invocation was given by Presley Phillips who participated in the event with others from Fresno Livestock Commission. CCA members and legislative staff sat among one another discussing insights into the life of a rancher while eating a breakfast spread of steak, eggs, fruit and potatoes.

This year’s event featured two guest speakers: Secretary of the California Department of Agriculture Karen Ross and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Both shared with the group their understanding of California ranching, and the value it brings to the state and all Californians.

Once finished with breakfast, CCA members reconvened and were prepped by CCA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur and CCA contract lobbyist Jason Bryant on how to make the most of the scheduled meetings with elected officials in their respective districts that they would participate in that afternoon. At these meetings members had the opportunity to share with legislators the importance of ranching in California and the obstacles they face as ranchers on a dayto-day basis. The meetings allow legislators to learn more about the ranching industry, ask questions on how specific bills would affect ranchers and communicate with ranchers on how they can each help each other out.

In addition to bringing up local issues or concerns, in these meetings members specifically spoke about the impacts of four CCA-opposed bills making their way through California’s Legislature at the time. CCA prepared members with a factsheet to take to their meetings on a trio of water rights and water rights enforcement bills, AB 460 (BauerKahan), AB 1337 (Wicks) and SB 389 (Allen). These were priority bills CCA’s government affairs team encouraged attendees to flag in meetings with their representatives.

Another factsheet members shared with officials was one opposing AB 554 (Gabriel). Current law allows Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) to assist prosecutors in prosecuting alleged violations of animal welfare laws in criminal court. AB 554 would have given SPCAs new civil standing to file these claims in civil courts and was ripe for abuse by radical animal rights groups. CCA member’s lobbying efforts paid off for on Friday, May 17, just a few days after the lobbying took place, it was announced that AB 554 is now a two-year bill, meaning that the legislation will not advance this year. CCA will continue to be ready to fight the proposal if taken up again next year.

Following the success of the week’s earlier festivities and to celebrate May being National Beef Month, CCA hosted a legislative staff appreciation day on Friday, May 19 at Empress Tavern, a restaurant just blocks away from California’s Capitol.

As the lunch hour began, the sound of laughter could be heard as legislative staffers made their way down the stairs into the dimly lit Empress Tavern to the smiling faces of CCA staff members to welcome them to an appreciation lunch. Close to 146 staffers ranging from young and seasoned staffers to new interns from both Republican and Democratic offices attended the luncheon. The hard work staffers put in to assist the Association with scheduling needs, questions and meetings is critical. Attendees were served, gourmet cheeseburgers, fries and beverages, while getting to kick back and relax with one another. As the kitchen cook line moved synchronously as burgers sizzled on the grill, buns were dressed with toppings and potatoes were fried, the underground, open floor plan of the restaurant allowed staffers to mingle with other offices from their building, CCA staff members and the Association’s contract lobbyist, Jason Bryant.

Not everyone is aware of or understands the importance of the beef industry in California. By hosting events giving staffers the opportunity to speak with CCA staff and ranchers, they are able to better understand what the Association is working towards on behalf of California’s ranching families and producers.

Thank you to the CCA members, legislators, regulators and staffers for making the 42nd CCA Steak and Eggs Breakfast and Legislative Staff Appreciation Day a success.