The grizzly bear is a powerful symbol of California’s history, but today’s policy decisions must reflect the realities on the ground in rural communities—not just symbolism.
SB 1305 proposes a roadmap for reintroducing grizzly bears into California, but for those of us living and working in rural regions, it raises serious and immediate concerns.
Our communities are already facing the impacts of growing predator populations, including wolves, and the strain they place on livestock, public safety, and local economies. State agencies are stretched thin, response times are long, and existing compensation and management programs are falling short.
Reintroducing another apex predator without first addressing these challenges would place additional pressure on a system that is already struggling to keep up.
I appreciate the ongoing conversations and the amendments that have been made. Our team has helped facilitate discussions with stakeholders, the author, and tribal partners, and we remain committed to continuing that dialogue.
Should this proposal move forward, we will continue to stay actively engaged to ensure rural communities are heard and meaningfully represented in every stage of the process. Decisions of this magnitude must reflect the realities on the ground, and we will remain at the table to advocate for our communities every step of the way.
I am dedicated to continuing to advocate for a practical, science-based approach that prioritizes public safety, protects working lands, and ensures rural voices are not sidelined in decisions that directly impact their way of life.
I support our tribes and deeply respect their cultural connection to grizzly bears. With Native American family members and my own efforts to be a voice for tribes here in Sacramento, this issue is personal to me. While I appreciate that this is now a study bill, I worry that California today is not the same place it was when grizzly bears once lived here.
Our wildlife management system is already stretched thin, with increasing predator populations and habitat pressures contributing to ecological imbalance and limited prey availability everyday.
Before considering reintroduction, we need clear plans for management, public safety, and long-term resources to ensure both our communities and wildlife are protected.
I want to thank everyone who came out to testify and share their voice today. I especially appreciate the time and perspective of Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher, Lassen County Sheriff Jon McGarva, Trinity County Sheriff Tim Saxon, El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue, and California Cattlemen’s Association President Rick Roberti.
SB 1305 is headed to the Senate Committee on Appropriations next. To voice your opinion, submit letters to the committee via this portal link: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/. To learn more about the advocacy portal, click here: Committee Services: Position Letter Portal (Quick Reference Sheet). Please note, the bill may not appear in the portal for 24 hours.
Your input is critical to ensuring these conversations are grounded in the real impacts facing our rural communities.
