Maddy Institute – March 8, 2021

08Mar

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● More people qualify for vaccine in Stanislaus Turlock Journal

● Hospitalizations below 80 for first time since November Modesto Bee

● Stanislaus hospital count seesaws again. Deaths reach 957 Modesto Bee

● Here are the details for COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Stanislaus County for March 8-13 Modesto Bee

● Uptick in key Stanislaus hospitalization, infection data Modesto Bee

● As COVID cases ease, what is being done to help Stanislaus County children and families? Modesto Bee

● Vaccinated people can gather safely without masks, CDC says in updated COVID guidelines Modesto Bee

Merced City Schools superintendent put on paid leave ‘pending investigation,’ says board

Merced Sun-Star

The Merced City School Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to place Superintendent Richard Alan “Al” Rogers on paid leave of absence pending an investigation into complaints filed against him, according to the district.

Here’s how much Stanislaus, Modesto, other cities are getting in latest stimulus funds

Modesto Bee

The stimulus package includes $350 billion in aid for states, counties, cities, U.S. territories and tribal governments. For Stanislaus County and its nine cities, that could mean roughly $196 million in federal help.

Roadway deaths on the rise in San Joaquin Valley, including Modesto

Modesto Bee

The four people killed on Stanislaus County roadways Wednesday is reflective of a disturbing trend in fatal traffic collisions throughout the San Joaquin Valley that started last year.

Column: Stockton study shows that universal basic income can be life-changing

Los Angeles Times

The concept of universal basic income, which has received a boost from economic conditions during the pandemic, has just received another favorable vote.

Central SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● Coronavirus update: This Central Valley county is worst in the state for vaccinations Fresno Bee

● COVID-19 update: Large drop on active cases Porterville Recorder

● Fresno County expects its biggest shipment of COVID-19 vaccine coming next week Fresno Bee

● Tulare County adopts statewide vaccination booking systemBusiness Journal

● Mass vaccination clinic Tuesday at Agri-Center Porterville Recorder

Costa hails $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, says national $15 minimum wage still possible

Fresno Bee

Congressman Jim Costa — in Fresno on Saturday to promote coronavirus vaccinations — hailed U..S. Senate passage of a$1.9 trillion COVID relief package as an economic shot in the arm for the central San Joaquin Valley.

· Some Valley businesses eligible to have liquor license renewal fees waived abc30

When will ‘normal’ return? A year into COVID pandemic, we ran the numbers

Fresno Bee

One year ago Saturday, an elderly Madera County resident who had recently returned home with his wife from a cruise became the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus in the central San Joaquin Valley.

Politicians, parents blame Fresno Unified superintendent and union for keeping kids from school

Fresno Bee

Dozens of parents, teachers and students stood outside Fresno City Hall on Saturday alongside Councilman Garry Bredefeld as he called for Fresno Unified to open its doors to all children immediately — condemning the superintendent and teachers union for “a year of sheer destruction for our children.”

Angie Nguyen appointed first woman, person of color, to lead Fresno Housing Authority

Fresno Bee

Members of the board of commissioners of the Housing Authorities of the City and County of Fresno named Angie Nguyen interim CEO during a special meeting on Thursday, nine days after they failed to fill the position at a regularly scheduled February meeting.

Help coming for growing Fresno homeless camp near Highway 99 area known as ‘The Triangle’

Fresno Bee

City of Fresno officials are focusing on an area south of Chinatown for their latest effort to find housing for the city’s homeless. “The Triangle” is the area south of Ventura Street where Golden State Boulevard merges with northbound Highway 99.

Uncut video shows how Fresno man died: Face-down in dirt with police sitting on his back

Fresno Bee

Two different versions of the same body camera footage were released Friday showing Fresno law enforcement’s and paramedic’s role in the 2017 killing of a man suffering a mental breakdown.

Fresno’s Jerry Dyer joins San Jose’s mayor in supporting high-speed rail project

Fresno Bee

Despite the deep and widespread suffering of this pandemic, this crisis will pass. Other crises, however, will persist. An affordable housing shortage will continue to plague high-growth, coastal communities like the Bay Area. Many inland communities will struggle to recover from double-digit unemployment, and millions of California families will suffer on the wrong side of a deepening economic divide.

Opinion: Devin Nunes says voting rules are a threat to the U.S. But GOP schemes are the real danger

Fresno Bee

Rep. Devin Nunes got to enjoy a friendly outing recently when he attended the Conservative Political Action Conference in Florida. That’s the annual event sponsored by the American Conservative Union that attracts some of the reddest members of the GOP. Under the theme “America Uncancelled,” the event’s keynote address was given by former President Donald Trump.

South SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● Kern Public Health reports 61 new coronavirus cases Sunday Bakersfield Californian

● COVID-19 vaccine appointments for week open on MyTurn Bakersfield Californian

● CSUB, BC will be COVID-19 vaccination sites for Kern County Bakersfield Californian

Movement grows to revitalize Old Town Kern

Bakersfield Californian

As Bakersfield city officials begin to prepare next year’s budget, one group of residents is hoping a neglected part of the city can receive some much-needed attention.

Board hearing will pit environmentalists against local oil industry

Bakersfield Californian

The battle between Kern's oil industry and environmental groups from across the state will culminate Monday with a public hearing hosted by the county Board of Supervisors on whether to reestablish an over-the-counter system of drilling permits.

Robert Price: Valadao’s 2022 campaign started the day he voted for impeachment

Bakersfield Californian

Well, that was a brief lull. Even more brief than usual. Life in Congress plays out in 24-month installments and can therefore seem like a nonstop succession of fundraising appeals — one continuous, never-ending campaign.

State:

COVID Update:

● Coronavirus updates: Newsom says 10 million vaccines have been administered in California Fresno Bee

● Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Spring break, ventilators, second doses & more Fresno Bee

● California will reserve 40% of COVID-19 vaccine for disadvantaged areas to speed reopenings Los Angeles Times

● CVS, Walgreens challenge Newsom’s comments about unused doses in California Los Angeles Times

● California counties don’t want COVID-19 vaccine efforts run by Blue Shield Los Angeles Times

California hurtles into fastest reopening yet

CalMatters

Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading California into its largest and fastest reopening since the state first shut down nearly a year ago — even as questions remain as to whether the necessary infrastructure is in place.

● Editorial: Gov. Newsom’s COVID-rules relaxation illogical and ill-timed Mercury News

● California to start reopening outdoor concerts, sports and theme parks in April Fresno Bee

● California To Allow Limited Attendance At Outdoor Stadiums, Theme Parks Capital Public Radio

● California theme parks won’t profit at 15% capacity. Here’s why they’ll reopen anyway Los Angeles Times

Newsom, legislators strike deal to offer schools $2 billion in incentives to reopen campuses

Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders announced an agreement Monday to give school districts $2 billion to open schools for students in transitional kindergarten through second grade by April 1.

● Gavin Newsom signs school reopening deal pressuring districts to get kids back into class Sacramento Bee

● California school reopening plan gets final OK, though some lawmakers wanted more Los Angeles Times

● Podcast: California offers incentives for schools to reopen for youngest students CalMatters

Many Californians have just three days of paid leave. What if they get COVID-19?

Los Angeles Times

Millions of California workers are staring down the pandemic with no clear access to an economic safety net if they take time off, a situation that is deepening the state’s COVID-19 crisis and galvanizing policymakers to extend sick-leave mandates

Governor Newsom to Address Legislature, People of California in Evening State of the State Address Next Week

Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

Following a weeks-long tour of vaccination sites, public schools and small businesses around the state, Governor Gavin Newsom will deliver his third State of the State Address on Tuesday evening in a virtual presentation to the California Legislature from Los Angeles County.

Newsom recall leaders say they have enough signatures to trigger an election

Sacramento Bee

Leaders of the effort to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Sunday they’ve collected 1.95 million signatures a little more than a week before the deadline, a number they believe will be more than enough to trigger a special recall election.

● Skelton: Column: Newsom hits home run as the effort to recall him gets closer to making the ballot Los Angeles Times

California DA’s association asks state attorney general for probe of its own finances

Sacramento Bee

The California District Attorneys Association asked California’s attorney general Friday to open an investigation into the group’s own accounting practices, saying an internal review has determined more than $1 million in asset forfeiture funds may have been spent improperly.

California would ban boys and girls sections at big retailers under proposed law

Sacramento Bee

California’s large retailers would have to do away with boy and girl signage for toys and child care aisles, under a bill being considered by state lawmakers.

'It Really Is A Gag Order': California May Limit Nondisclosure Agreements

Capital Public Radio

Democratic State Sen. Connie Leyva, who is sponsoring the California bill, says the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter have exposed the way the NDAs serve as corporate cover for illegal behavior.

Federal:

COVID Update:

● U.S. COVID-19 death toll tops 520,000 as Dr. Fauci cautions against reopening too soon MarketWatch

● Opinion: The media plays a crucial role in battling vaccine misinformation. But here’s what not to do Washington Post

● Vaccinated people can gather safely without masks, CDC says in updated COVID guidelines Fresno Bee

● CDC Says It's Safe For Vaccinated People To Do These Activities VPR

● Fully vaccinated people can visit with nearby grandchildren, dine indoors with one another, CDC say Washington Post

● The Safest Way to Get Your Health Screenings During COVID-19 Consumer Report

AP-NORC poll: High marks for Biden’s virus response

Mercury News

Joe Biden is enjoying an early presidential honeymoon, with 60% of Americans approving of his job performance thus far and even more backing his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

· ‘An essential service’: Inside Biden’s struggle to meet his school reopening promises Washington Post

Stimulus update: New COVID relief bill moves to House this week after Senate passage

abc30

An exhausted Senate narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Saturday as President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies notched a victory they called crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and economic doldrums.

● Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package VPR

● Biden, Dems prevail as Senate OKs $1.9T virus relief bill Sacramento Bee

● Senate passes $1.9-trillion COVID-19 economic relief bill Los Angeles Times

● Variety of last-minute changes made to Senate aid package Roll Call

● Senate Democrats announce deal on unemployment insurance, allowing Biden bill to move forward Washington Post

● ‘We need the government’: Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief plan reflects seismic shifts in U.S. politics Washington Post

● Covid-19 Aid Bill Heads Back to House After Tense Senate Vote Wall Street Journal

● Overlooked in Biden’s COVID-19 relief plan: A push to cut child poverty in half Los Angeles Times

● Senate Passes Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Covid-19 Relief Bill: $1,400 Stimulus Checks, $300 Weekly Unemployment, Child Tax Credit And More Forbes

● The business winners in Biden’s relief package: Restaurants, concert venues and airplane manufacturers Washington Post

● Opinion: The Covid Welfare State Wall Street Journal

GOP targets California’s underfunded pensions in effort to sink Biden’s COVID stimulus plan

Sacramento Bee

There’s lots of fiery Republican rhetoric these days about how the $1.9 trillion economic relief plan would help bail out ailing state and local pension systems. It won’t. It’s not supposed to.

Vaccine Passports, Covid’s Next Political Flash Point

New York Times

The next major flash point over coronavirus response has already provoked cries of tyranny and discrimination in Britain, protests in Denmark, digital disinformation in the United States and geopolitical skirmishing within the European Union.

Biden marks ‘Bloody Sunday’ by signing voting rights order

Mercury News

A new executive order from President Joe Biden directs federal agencies to take a series of steps to promote voting access, a move that comes as congressional Democrats press for a sweeping voting and elections bill to counter efforts to restrict voting access.

See also:

● Biden Signs Executive Order Promoting Voting Access Wall Street Journal

● On The Trail: GOP's tyranny of the minority The Hill

● After 2020, will Supreme Court help the Republican campaign to suppress voter rights? Sacramento Bee

● The American Dream is dying, and it’s taking democracy with it Washington Post

● Dana Milbank: Republicans aren’t fighting Democrats. They’re fighting democracy. Washington Post

Pressure grows on Biden to end the filibuster

Washington Post

Pressure is building on President Biden, a longtime backer of traditional Washington rules, to do away with the filibuster and other procedures as Democrats press him to seize what could be a fleeting moment of power to enact his agenda.

● Doyle McManus: Column: McConnell wants to use the filibuster to block Biden’s agenda. Here’s how Biden can outfox him Los Angeles Times

● Dan Balz: Will Democrats scrap the filibuster to pass big election package Washington Post

Senate Democrats ready to field House-passed bills but expect obstacles

Roll Call

House Democrats are planning by the end of the month to again pass at least 10 bills that languished in the Republican-controlled Senate last Congress, but the measures still face long odds to become law this session despite unified Democratic control.

· What the Equality Act debate gets wrong about gender, sex Politifact

· How Working Moms In Congress Are Changing Legislative Priorities VPR

Biden Will Establish A Gender Policy Council Within The White House

VPR

President Biden will mark International Women's Day on Monday by signing two executive orders geared toward promoting gender equity, both in the United States and around the world.

Lindsey Graham: Graham deals with Trump "dark side" to "harness the magic"

Axios

Sen. Lindsey Graham told "Axios on HBO" that Donald Trump has a "dark side" but he tries to "harness the magic" because he succeeded where Republican candidates like John McCain and Mitt Romney failed.

· A Vexing Question for Democrats: What Drives Latino Men to Republicans? New York Times

· Opinion: I get the indignation. But where are the ideas, Republicans? Washington Post

Other:

New report says democracy is declining around the world, even in the United States

Fresno Bee

Democracy appears to be in decline around the world. Freedom House, a think tank founded by Eleanor Roosevelt, recently warned of an ongoing “recession” of democracy. China, Russia, and countries in the Middle East remain unfree. Major democracies such as India and the United States have stumbled. Freedom House claims that when exemplary democracies falter, anti-democratic forces are emboldened.

Opinion: Fact-Checking Facebook’s Fact Checkers

Wall Street Journal

China last winter censored doctors who shared “dangerous” misinformation about the novel coronavirus on social media. Now America’s self-anointed virus experts and social-media giants are also silencing doctors with contrarian views in an apparent effort to shut down scientific debate.

What 2020’s Election Poll Errors Tell Us About the Accuracy of Issue Polling

PEW
Most preelection polls in 2020 overstated Joe Biden’s lead over Donald Trump in the national vote for president, and in some states incorrectly indicated that Biden would likely win or that the race would be close when it was not.

Mental Health Apps Aren't All As Private As You May Think

Consumer Report

Along the way, you might be asked to complete a questionnaire on your mental health symptoms. The data you provide as you use those features might not necessarily be treated as confidential by the app developers, or by the law.

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

Sunday, March 14, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "State Legislative Agenda for 2021" - Guests: Asm. Devon Mathis; CA State Sen. Anna Caballero; Asm. Rudy Salas; Asm. Heath Flora. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, March 14, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "State Legislative Response to the Pandemic" - Guests: CA State Sen. Andreas Borgeas; CA State Sen. Anna Caballero; Asm. Rudy Salas. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Did Sun-Maid deceive raisin producers? It’s a million-dollar question for courts to decide

Fresno Bee

The former chairman of Sun-Maid’s board of directors is suing the century-old cooperative for allegedly trying to push him out of the raisin business. Longtime grower Jeff Jue is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by Melkonian Enterprises of Sanger and Lone Star Dehydrator. The amended complaint was filed on Feb. 19 in Fresno County Superior Court.

Fresno County family sues poultry giant Foster Farms over death of electrical worker

Fresno Bee

The family of a Corcoran man who died in an industrial accident at a Foster Farms plant in Fresno is suing the poultry producer for negligence. Victor Gamez, 30, died of electrocution on June 19, 2020, after coming in contact with exposed electrical wiring at the plant on 2960 South Cherry Ave.

Eager to be vaccinated, California farmworkers face obstacles

CalMatters

About 73% of farmworkers said they would get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, but vaccination clinics at farm worksites are still infrequent and reliant on scarce supply.

Will the Supreme Court overrule farmworker union rights?

Visalia Times Delta

Not long before Donald Trump’s election in 2016, the Pacific Legal Foundation filed suit against California’s farmworker access rule in federal court on behalf of two companies — Cedar Point Nursery in Siskiyou County and the Fowler Packing Company in Fresno.

These Migrant Workers Travel 1,000 Miles During Pandemic To Provide For Families

VPR
Small groups of men sit outside a Motel 6 just off Highway 99 in Delano. For more than half a year, this is their home. They sit on the stairs or on the grass. One group leans against a fence, surrounding an empty pool. They’re chatting or taking in the sun; some with phones to their ears talking to loved ones back home in Mexico.

Pesticide Precautions: What Employers Should Know

Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland Law

With the amount of produce the Central Valley grows each year, the application of pesticides presents a sizeable hazard to applicators, fieldworkers and technicians. Growers have a wide variety of steps they have to take to maintain the integrity of their operations and to protect the safety of their workers. Pesticide exposure can come in many forms, with toxicity levels and degrees of exposure varying from mild dermatitis to life-threatening doses. (Note: Ian Wieland is a Maddy Board member)

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

'I can't breathe:' Body cam video released in death of Fresno man

Fresno Bee

Fresno, California, police released bodycam video in the 2017 death of Joseph Perez, who told officers that he couldn’t breathe. His family is suing the city. The video has been edited for length.

● Federal Judge Orders Fresno Police Department To Release Footage of 2017 Death VPR

Saint Agnes patient data compromised in email breach

Business Journal

Saint Agnes Medical Center has experienced a cybersecurity incident that originated with a sister hospital in the Pacific Northwest.

Thousands of California marijuana convictions officially reduced, others dismissed

Los Angeles Times

With the stroke of a pen by a Superior Court judge in California, nearly 26,000 people with felony marijuana convictions on their records had them reduced to less onerous misdemeanor convictions last month.

Judicial Council to Hear Plan to Expand Digital Court

California Courts Newsroom

The Judicial Council at its Mar. 12 meeting will consider an update to its tactical plan for technology to enhance electronic access to courts and court services for litigants, lawyers, justice partners, and the public.

Commentary: Accepting Crime, Abolishing Punishment

Commentary Magazine

American liberalism is in a strong position to dominate cultural and political life in the United States for the near future, with Joe Biden in the White House and the Democratic Party in control of both houses of Congress.

Public Safety:

Community seeks solutions as violence spikes during pandemic

Bakersfield Californian

High rates of crime, shootings and homicides have plagued parts of Bakersfield for years, but the pandemic has had an effect similar to dousing a fire with gasoline. The sharp rise in recent violence has galvanized community members who say it must end as they search for ways to pull their neighborhoods out of an intractable spiral.

Litigation Continues Around Tulare County Jail’s Pandemic Response

VPR
Slowly and steadily, COVID-19 is loosening its grip on the San Joaquin Valley. New cases are dropping, intensive care units are becoming less impacted, and every day, thousands more people are being vaccinated against the virus.

Re-imagining safety, belonging, and justice in the wake of anti-Asian violence

Brookings

As fears about the coronavirus increased in early 2020, Asian Americans began to sound the alarm about a rise in anti-Asian violence.

Editorial: Biden should make gun-violence reduction a national priority

Los Angeles Times

A curious thing happened last year while the nation endured a string of COVID-19 lockdowns. Mass homicides — four or more dead — declined by a third from 2019, while mass shootings — jumped nearly 50%, according to data maintained by the Gun Violence Archive.

Fire:

San Joaquin Valley Sees Citations For ‘No Burn’ Days Nearly Double

Capital Public Radio

The San Joaquin Valley saw greater pollution during the winter months this season and that called for more “no burn” days prohibiting the use of wood-burning fireplaces.

Editorial: What caused Sierra’s Creek Fire? Forest Service’s silence is dereliction of duty

Fresno Bee

The Creek Fire destroyed 853 structures, most of them homes, and damaged another 64. It burned for nearly four months and consumed 379,895 acres of Sierra National Forest northeast of Fresno. It cost $200 million to put out, and when property damages are added in, it will be a $500 million blaze.

Editorial: California must pass emergency wildfire prevention funding

Mercury News

The Legislature’s focus on fighting the pandemic and reopening schools is understandable. But that’s no excuse for neglecting to act on what is also a pressing issue. Especially after the Legislature failed to pass a bill last August that would have provided $500 million for wildfire prevention.

ECONOMY/JOBS

Economy:

Some Valley businesses eligible to have liquor license renewal fees waived

abc30

Nearly 59,000 businesses throughout the state are currently eligible to have their liquor license renewal fees waived. This comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom passed a $7.6 billion coronavirus relief package last month.

Central Valley small businesses can apply for PPP loans

abc30

Inside Raw Fresno, a few employees help prepare fresh food almost daily at the vegan, plant-based, whole food restaurant. The pandemic and closures have been hard on the small business.

The business winners in Biden’s relief package: Restaurants, concert venues and airplane manufacturers

Washington Post

Restaurants, concert venues and airplane manufacturers all stand to benefit from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package the Senate approved Saturday.

· Underpaying workers could lead to jail time for California employers under proposed law Sacramento Bee

· America’s young people need jobs. The federal government should pay for them. Brookings

· Commentary: Pandemic exposes corporations’ true aims: Gig-ifying more jobs CalMatters

Jump in hiring fuels optimism for US economic recovery

Business Journal

U.S. employers added a surprisingly robust 379,000 jobs last month in a sign the economy is strengthening as virus cases drop, vaccinations ramp up, Americans spend more and states ease business restrictions.

How Remote Work Is Reshaping America’s Urban Geography

Wall Street Journal

A year ago, just before the start of pandemic lockdowns, some 10% or less of the U.S. labor force worked remotely full-time. Within a month, according to Gallup and other surveys, around half of American workers were at distant desktops. Today, most of them still are.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Fresno parents, politicians demand school reopening at rally

Fresno Bee

Politicians, parents, students and teachers made their voices heard on reopening Fresno Unified schools during the coronavirus pandemic at the Save Our Kids rally at Fresno City Hall, Saturday March 6, 2021.

CUSD Board Discusses Grants, Vaccination Updates

Clovis Roundup

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, the Clovis Unified School District Board held a meeting regarding vaccination updates as well as new funding sources. CUSD reported they are looking to apply for a $27.5 million state funding grant.

Merced County teachers get COVID vaccines, as schools prepare for return to classrooms

Merced Sun-Star

Merced pediatrician Dr. Sima Asadi was on a tight schedule as she arrived to a vaccine clinic at Planada’s Cesar E Chavez Middle School on a Thursday afternoon.

New California law aims to put kids in class. Will it work?

Business Journal

California’s public schools can tap into a $6.6 billion school reopening plan that Gov. Gavin Newson signed into law Friday, aimed at pressuring districts to reopen classrooms by the end of March. Educators, parents and lawmakers question whether it will work.

● Newsom, legislators strike deal to offer schools $2 billion in incentives to reopen campuses Los Angeles Times

● California school reopening plan gets final OK, though some lawmakers wanted more Los Angeles Times

● Podcast: California offers incentives for schools to reopen for youngest students CalMatters

● As Many Parents Fret Over Remote Learning, Some Find Their Kids Are Thriving VPR

● Which districts in California are most likely to have open schools? Here’s what the data shows Sacramento Bee

● California teacher shortages could make reopening schools for in-person instruction difficult EdSource

State Health Guidelines Announced for Return of Indoor High School Sports

Clovis Roundup

The California Department of Public Health released an updated set of youth sports guidelines Thursday evening, allowing high school indoor sports to be played under a stringent set of rules implemented at the college level.

Higher Ed:

‘I’m still not OK.’ Many Fresno-area college educators out of work during pandemic

Fresno Bee

Due to a decline in enrollment at community colleges nationwide, hundreds of part-time instructors at the State Center Community College District are without a job this semester, according to the State Center Federation of Teachers.

Fresno State, City College announce graduation plans for this year - and last year

Fresno Bee

Both Fresno State and Fresno City College announced Friday that they would hold their class of 2021 commencement ceremonies virtually once again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fresno State’s class of 2020, which did not get a ceremony last year, will also be able to celebrate in May, university officials said.

Bakersfield College offering business certificates

Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield College is spreading the word about two non-tuition certificate offerings this spring. The online courses run for two to four weeks, and certificates are earned after a student successfully completes three to five courses that take nine to 18 hours each, according to a college news release.

Biden directs fresh review of Title IX rule on campus sexual assault

Washington Post

President Biden is directing the Education Department to review a controversial regulation governing how colleges and universities handle allegations of sexual assault, with an eye toward unraveling a new system put into place by former education secretary Betsy DeVos.

Video: A Conversation with Chancellor Joseph I. Castro

Public Policy Institute of California

PPIC’s Mark Baldassare talks with the leader of the California State University about addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as well as CSU’s efforts to increase access, diversity, and college completion.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

Environment:

Board hearing will pit environmentalists against local oil industry

Bakersfield Californian

Can the market save the planet? FedEx is the latest brand-name firm to say it’s trying.

Washington Post

Amazon, Walmart, General Motors, and now FedEx. The giant delivery company joined more than 50 other major corporations when it announced this week that it too aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040 — an effort to curb climate change.

The Civilian Climate Corps Is a Big-Government Plan That All Americans Can Embrace

The New Yorker

It was a rare case of Presidential understatement in the unveiling of a program: the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, according to a paragraph buried in Joe Biden’s long executive order on climate change, had been directed to make plans for a Civilian Climate Corps, modelled on the Civilian Conservation Corps—the C.C.C.—of the nineteen-thirties.

Energy:

Biden Faces 'Balancing Act' Advancing Clean Energy Alongside Labor Allies

VPR

The union position is that those new jobs would need to pay union-level wages, and that workers currently employed in coal mining, natural gas and related industries need to be assured that a green economy does not mean the end of their livelihood.

After blackout debacles in California, Texas, state tells utilities to bulk up for summer

Modesto Bee

First the power shortages rolled through California. Then massive blackouts crippled Texas. Now California regulators are telling the state’s largest electric utilities to bulk up for a potentially difficult summer to prevent another wave of power shortages.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

When will ‘normal’ return? A year into COVID pandemic, we ran the numbers

Fresno Bee

● U.S. Optimism About COVID-19 Situation Reaches New High Gallup

More Than 12,000 Coronavirus Cases Have Been Reported At California Child Care Centers

Capital Public Radio

Ana Bertha Ballesteros had to close her home child care in Delano for more than two weeks around Thanksgiving when COVID-19 came to her center. A child and their family were exposed and tested positive. Then Ballesteros did too.

A user’s guide to the coronavirus variants emerging in California and beyond

OCRegister

Yes, the horror story that is our lives a year into the coronavirus pandemic had already challenged us with plenty of just-when-you-let-your-guard-down twists and turns. But now health officials and infectious disease experts are keeping an eye on something that threatens all this progress: the COVID-19 mutations

Vaccinated people can gather safely without masks, CDC says in updated COVID guidelines

Fresno Bee

For those itching to return to pre-pandemic normalcy, federal health officials just released new guidance that offers some good news — but only for people who have been fully vaccinated.

● Vaccinated people can gather safely without masks, CDC says in updated COVID guidelines Modesto Bee

● Fully vaccinated people can visit with nearby grandchildren, dine indoors with one another, CDC say Washington Post

Growing Share of Americans Say They Plan To Get a COVID-19 Vaccine – or Already Have

Pew Research Center

And, as COVID-19 vaccine production and administration efforts in the U.S. continue to ramp up, a new Pew Research survey finds public intent to get vaccinated is on the rise.

· Fresno County expects its biggest shipment of COVID-19 vaccine coming next week Fresno Bee

· Tulare County adopts statewide vaccination booking system Business Journal

· Mass vaccination clinic Tuesday at Agri-Center Porterville Recorder

· Here are the details for COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Stanislaus County for March 8-13 Modesto Bee

· California just unveiled another way to get a COVID vaccine. Here’s how Modesto Bee

· California counties don’t want COVID-19 vaccine efforts run by Blue Shield Los Angeles Times

· CVS, Walgreens challenge Newsom’s comments about unused doses in California Los Angeles Times

· Kaiser Permanente, big player in state COVID-19 vaccine effort, has had trouble vaccinating own members Mercury News

· Getting the COVID-19 vaccine: Progress, and equity questions for the next phase Brookings

CDC study links masks to fewer COVID deaths

The Hill

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that mask mandates were linked to a decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The study also found that allowing restaurant dining was linked to increases in cases and deaths.

● Does restaurant dining lead to rises in COVID case and death rates? CDC finds out Fresno Bee

Meet the GOP voters who could decide whether the U.S. reaches herd immunity

Washington Post

As a result, millions of Republicans could remain unvaccinated, a potential roadblock to efforts to achieve the high levels of immunity needed to stop the virus in the United States — an irony that isn’t lost on Trump officials who worked to end the pandemic.

The Safest Way to Get Your Health Screenings During COVID-19

Consumer Report

With the coronavirus still in our lives, you may wonder whether it’s wise to get health screenings now or postpone them until you’re vaccinated against COVID-19.

Human Services:

Biden Aims to Build on Obamacare’s Cost-Cutting Measures

PEW

In the decade-plus since it became law, the Affordable Care Act has helped slow the explosive growth in health spending. But the United States still spends about twice as much per capita as other wealthy nations.

The FDA Waited 9 Months to Warn the Public on Tianeptine, a Supplement 'Worse Than Heroin'

Consumer Report

Now, emails obtained by Consumer Reports reveal that the Food and Drug Administration at the time was also looking into the dangers of tianeptine, which is used as a dietary supplement ingredient despite being illegal.

Americans are getting fewer coronavirus tests. Here’s why that’s bad.

Washington Post

Coronavirus testing sites in Los Angeles County were overrun in January. Within minutes of opening online, appointments for the entire day would be fully booked. The lines outside testing sites stretched for blocks.

'Providers Don't Even Listen': Barriers To Alzheimer's Care When You're Not White

NPR

Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American caregivers were far more likely than whites to encounter discrimination, language barriers and providers who lack cultural competence, according to a report released Tuesday by the Alzheimer's Association.

IMMIGRATION

Fresno’s undocumented farmworkers have renewed hope for citizenship path under Biden

Fresno Bee

A key piece of legislation that would create a pathway to legal status for millions of undocumented agricultural workers was reintroduced in Congress on Wednesday, offering hope to a community that is largely unauthorized to work in the U.S.

● Biden administration faces GOP outcry for saying no border ‘crisis’ Roll Call

● As more migrant children arrive, Biden faces political hurdles Roll Call

● Column: The ghosts of migrant dead haunt California. Let’s honor them Los Angeles Times

LAND USE/HOUSING

Angie Nguyen appointed first woman, person of color, to lead Fresno Housing Authority

Fresno Bee

Busting seven myths about affordable housing in Fresno County

Fresno Bee

When the board of the Fresno Housing Authority was debating a proposed 60-unit affordable housing project on Willow and Alluvial avenues in Clovis in March 2019, a commissioner opposed the plan, stating “there are more, better areas for diversity and our residents to feel like they are in the right place.”

Help coming for growing Fresno homeless camp near Highway 99 area known as ‘The Triangle’

Fresno Bee

Californians are fleeing San Francisco in droves, study says. Where are they going?

Sacramento Bee

San Francisco saw an exodus of residents during the coronavirus pandemic, with the net number of exits increasing 649% in 2020, according to a new report published by the California Policy Lab. That said, they didn’t move far.

PUBLIC FINANCES

Tax hikes and electric car fees on the table as Biden maps out infrastructure plan

Modesto Bee

President Joe Biden’s sweeping infrastructure plan could include a number of new taxes or fees — including one on electric car owners — to pay for transportation projects, according to a California Democrat who attended a meeting at the White House this week.

Who gets a $1,400 check, and other ways the COVID-19 relief bill may affect your pocketbook

Los Angeles Times

The $1.9-trillion COVID-19 economic relief package heading to President Biden’s desk directs $1,400 payouts to millions of Americans and continues unemployment checks for millions more as the country pulls itself out of the economic morass of a pandemic that has killed more than 500,000 Americans.

● Calculate how much you would get from the $1,400 (or more) coronavirus checks Washington Post

What’s in the Stimulus Bill? A Guide to Where the $1.9 Trillion Is Going

New York Times

The measure passed by the Senate, and headed to the House for final approval before going to President Biden’s desk, contains money for direct checks, jobless benefits, state and local aid, and more.

Why parents need the flexibility of cash payments more than universal child care

AEI
That’s why some view cash payments, which allow for maximum flexibility (parents can simply spend the money on day care if they choose) as a better way forward than government incentives nudging parents into work rather than being with their kids.

TRANSPORTATION

Train vs. plane: Is Amtrak safer than flying during COVID-19?

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

As segments of society reopen and the world rushes to get vaccinated, more Americans may lose their fear of flying and once again crowd airports and airplanes. But those still wary of catching COVID-19 may wonder: Is taking a train safer?

Fresno’s Jerry Dyer joins San Jose’s mayor in supporting high-speed rail project

Fresno Bee

WATER

California is bone dry. Will March bring more misery or a miracle?

Los Angeles Times

California, and Southern California in particular, is bone dry. The calendar says spring officially begins with the equinox March 20, but the meteorological winter — consisting of December, January and February — is already in the record books. In other words, the wettest months are over. Let’s take a look at where the Golden State stands.

Opinion: Save water for Visalia's future

Visalia Times Delta

In August, Cal Water’s bimonthly report to the City of Visalia revealed that our groundwater broke historic levels for a new low of minus 143 feet. This affects every one of us.

More Than 25 Million Americans Drink From the Worst Water Systems

Consumer Report

Millions of people in the U.S. are drinking water that fails to meet federal health standards, including by violating limits for dangerous contaminants. Latinos are disproportionately exposed, according to the Guardian’s review of more than 140,000 public water systems across the U.S. and county-level demographic data.

“Xtra”

Kids Day is Tuesday. Here’s how it’s changed – and how you can help Valley Children’s

Fresno Bee

Kids Day — the annual fundraiser for Valley Children’s Hospital set for Tuesday that’s sponsored by The Bee and ABC30 — is not a COVID casualty. The event continues this year with an exciting new format that carries forward the tradition.

Fresno Street Eats celebrates International Women's Day

abc30

Monday is International Women's Day and Fresno Street Eats celebrated in Downtown Fresno. In honor of the day -- the Fresno Food Truck destination spot highlighted food trucks in Fresno powered by women.