This presentation, organized by the Dobbins Grange #745, will feature key discussions led by the California State Grange President and members of the California State Grange Committee on the statutory position of the Grange. They will review and discuss potential changes in the Grange’s position on state water rights, addressing current statutory issues that impact Yuba County’s small farmers. In addition, representatives from Foothill Granges, Yuba County Supervisor Jon Messick, and officials from the Yuba Water Agency will be present to answer questions and offer their support. This event aims to provide vital insights and resources for small farmers in Yuba County, ensuring they are informed and supported in navigating the complex landscape of water rights and regulations. Dobbins Grange # 745 is honored that Jon Messick is a charter member. Further, his knowledge, heritage, the positions that he currently holds, make him the perfect choice for this presentation.
Workshop Details
- Title: Water Rights
- Facilitator: Wendell Peters & John Messick
- Date: September 29, 2024
- Location: YES Charter Academy
Panelist: Jon Messick
District 5 Supervisor for Yuba County, Chairman of the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors
Jon Messick is a prominent figure in Yuba County, currently serving as the Chairman of the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors and as the District 5 Supervisor for Yuba County. His tenure on the Yuba Water Agency’s board began in 2023 following his election. He plays a key role in setting policies and making decisions that significantly impact the county’s water supply reliability, flood risk reduction, fish habitat protection, and more. A lifelong resident of Yuba County and a fifth-generation farmer, Messick has a deep connection to the region. His extensive background includes serving as a 13-year Planning Commissioner and Commander of the Yuba-Sutter Aero-squadron, showcasing his commitment to his community and its development. His professional and personal experiences have equipped him with a unique understanding of the local issues, particularly the challenges related to forest management and wildfire threats, which he has actively addressed through various initiatives. Messick’s leadership style is proactive and community-focused, often emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships and continuous improvement in county operations and safety measures. His approach to governance is centered around accountability and practical solutions to enhance the living conditions and safety of the county’s citizens.
Panelist: Wendell Peters
President of Dobbins Grange # 745, Member of the State Grange Water Policy Committee Educator, Litagator , Wannabe Farmer
I’m thrilled to share with my community a recent discovery: the Grange. I was aware of it before, as my Grandpa would gather with other wheat growers in Ferdinand, Idaho, on Saturday nights. However, it wasn’t until my time at Dobbins that I truly understood the Grange’s significant contributions to the stewardship of the land throughout history. Their tireless efforts, both big and small, to ensure that the voices of those who ensure bounty for are tables are heard in the political arena has been truly inspiring. My appointment to the Grange Commission on Water Policy has been an eye-opening experience for me! Although I’m far removed from the wheat fields of Ukraine and the Dust Bowl of the Dakotas, where my farming heritage lies, I have always had a passion for working the land. Dirt needs water and water requires stewardship also!
While it may not be a glamorous workshop, I am excited and honored to have Jon Messick sharing his expertise at the first of many Grange meetings, which reflect our commitment to the farming community.
“The California State Grange has a long history of advocating for water policy in the state. At the first annual session in 1873, delegates adopted a policy stating that:
…it is a paramount duty of our State and Subordinate Granges to keep constantly in view the best means of protecting all the rights and interests of Farmers; and to do everything in their power to co-operate effectively with our National and State Governments, and with reasonable and safe offers of capitalists to secure for California that proper distribution of her surplus waters which will insure certainty of crops and variety of productions, make our farms self-sustaining, and fill our great valleys with millions of prosperous people, where thousands by our present system of farming obtain for themselves at best but a precarious existence.
Panelist: Michael Saunders
Michael Saunders – Georgetown Divide Public Utility District Director, Chairman of the State Grange Water Committee
