CCGO FACT SHEET
(download in pdf format)

The California Council of Geoscience Organizations (CCGO) is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation formed in 1997 to advocate the use of sound geologic knowledge and practice by proposing, reviewing, and monitoring statutes, regulations, and public policies. CCGO is a leader of recognized integrity in advancing programs and legislation that take into consideration California’s diverse geologic conditions, advocating knowledgeable use of resources, and working to reduce the impact of geologic hazards.
CCGO is confident that with our financial health, the support of our current group of dedicated volunteers, and the efforts of our new Executive Director, we can continue performing the activities that have given our group excellent standing in Sacramento and among local government agencies.

RECENT CCGO ACTIONS

Within the last year, CCGO has accomplished the following:

•  Met with the Department of Consumer Affairs, including Director Charlene Zettel and other members of the staff. Voiced our strong concerns regarding the elimination of the Board of Geologists and Geophysicists (BGG) and the State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB);

•  Contributed to the Governor's decision to withdraw his proposal to eliminate the BGG and SMGB;

•  Met with Paul Sweeney and George Dunfield of the BGG regarding their planned activities and recent enforcement actions;

•  Met with John Parrish of the SMGB regarding our strong opposition to the proposed California Performance Review (CPR) recommendations, and requested input from the Board;

•  Met with Senior Staff in the offices of the California Geological Survey, requesting their input as to how CCGO could help them maintain programs critical to the health and safety of our citizens, such as the Seismic Hazards Mapping Program (http://gmw.consrv.ca.gov/shmp/) and the Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (http://www.consrv.ca.gov/CGS/smip/index.htm), both of which are critical for safety planning;

•  Met with Assembly Members Joe Nation and Carol Liu, and staff in the office of Chuck Devore; Met with Senators Liz Figueroa and staff in the office of Tom McClintock, regarding important geologic, educational, and legislative topics;

•  Aggressively supported the BGG, SMGB, and CGS;

•  Sent out hundreds of emails and letters to the legislators urging support of CGS after learning of a proposal to withhold funding for their critical programs;

•  Conducted both Northern and Southern California Annual Meetings in May 2004; these are attended by representative of large geoscience organizations and businesses. We presented five CCGO Service Awards to California Geologists;

•  Currently planning the 2005 Fundraisers meetings on May 10 (Southern California) and May 12 (Northern California);

•  Presented two $250 Science Awards, jointly funded by CCGO and AIPG, at the California State Science Fair in April 2004;

•  Hired a professional website designer to redesign the CCGO website to include a fresh new image and interactive geosciences calendar. See us on the web at www.ccgo.org , and,

•  Currently in negotiations to hire a legislative analyst with an office in Sacramento.

CCGO is currently expanding its role in the legislative, regulatory, and educational affairs of California. In the next year, we will continue to advance programs and legislation that recognize the state’s diverse geologic conditions, advocate knowledgeable use of resources, and work to reduce the impact of geologic hazards. Our work is far from over, and our success ultimately depends on the support of our membership!