April 7, 2021

07Apr

POLICY & POLITICS

 

What does leadership look like in your community?

The James Irvine Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Leadership Awards – a $250,000 grant for California leaders. Accepting nominations at IrvineAwards.org through May 7, 2021.

 

Bipartisan Coalition of Valley Legislators Request Governor Newsom Declare Water Crisis a Statewide Emergency

California Legislature

In light of the recent water allocation announcement to California farmers and growers, we are writing to share our concerns and respectfully request that your administration take steps to address this pending statewide emergency.

 

North SJ Valley:

 

COVID Update:

 

Turlock launches police advisory board. Here’s why meetings aren’t open to the public

Modesto Bee

After the Turlock Police Department’s new advisory board met for the first time last month and began giving feedback on homelessness, Interim Chief Steven Williams said he plans to request perspectives on additional issues ranging from race to use of force.

See also:

 

Central SJ Valley:

 

COVID Update:

 

Fresno leaders stand against Asian hate. New office created to serve marginalized communities

Fresno Bee

Fresno city leaders on Tuesday denounced anti-Asian hate heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and announced a new city office dedicated to connecting marginalized communities to resources.

See also:

 

Fresno County to give out $30 million in pandemic rent relief. Here’s how to apply

Fresno Bee

Low-income renters in Fresno County can now apply for help with past due rent through the Fresno County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

See also:

 

Already trashed for decades, Fresno canals worse off due to homeless crisis, pandemic

Fresno Bee

The miles of waterways in the Fresno area are homes of last resort for some of the region’s homeless — and straining resources of the Fresno Irrigation District.

 

A teachers union in Clovis schools would be ‘historic.’ Why they are trying to organize now

Fresno Bee

Teachers in one of the largest Fresno County school districts are taking steps to form a union following disagreements and tensions between administrators and educators over reopening school for in-person instruction during a global pandemic.

See also:

 

Democrats announce plans to try to take down this California Republican – again

Fresno Bee

The fundraising arm for congressional Democrats announced its 2022 Republican targets Tuesday, and it’s again taking aim at Rep. David Valadao.

 

Valadao gives donations from Rep. Matt Gaetz to Fresno domestic violence shelter

Bakersfield Californian

Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, announced that he's giving the donations that he's received from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., over the last two campaign cycles to a Fresno shelter for victims of domestic violence.

 

Six Flags over Fresno? Negotiations to bring amusement park are real

Business Journal

Sources confirm that talks have begun with the amusement park about the possibility of locating the tourist attraction to the area. Six Flags Marketing Manager Marc Merino said it is not their policy to comment on rumors.

 

South SJ Valley:

 

COVID Update:

 

Short-staffed, code compliance does its best to keep Kern County presentable

Bakersfield Californian

Landlord Frank St. Clair has watched as a property across the street from one of his rentals in southeast metro Bakersfield has gone from bad to worse over the last few months.

 

Adventist buys property in northwest Bakersfield where it earlier proposed a new hospital

Bakersfield Californian

Adventist Health Bakersfield has purchased a vacant lot near Brimhall and Coffee roads at a site the organization's former president said in 2018 would be developed into a hospital to help alleviate congestion at its downtown medical center on Chester Avenue.

 

Garces Memorial plans to offer in-person summer school for grades 5-12

Bakersfield Californian

Garces Memorial High School announced that it plans to offer in-person summer school this year for grades fifth through 12th.

 

State:

 

COVID Update:

 

Facing recall, Newsom’s political future is tied to California vaccine effort

Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he chose to get vaccinated on camera to boost confidence in the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but his long-awaited shot in the arm also symbolizes how mass vaccinations could help inoculate the governor against the pending recall.

 

31% of Californians don’t have high-speed internet, state says. How Newsom can change that

Sacramento Bee

Broadband expansion advocates are pushing California Gov. Gavin Newsom to use $2 billion in federal money to not only bring high-speed internet to communities without access, but also to have the state provide low-cost or free broadband access to low-income households.

 

Alarmed by recent mass shootings, California lawmakers push to tax guns and ammo

Los Angeles Times

Citing recent mass shootings in Orange, Boulder, Colo., and the Atlanta area, state lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a proposal for a new tax on the sale of guns and ammunition in California to boost funding for violence prevention programs.

 

Free banking in California? New bill tackles access and racial equity

Los Angeles Times

If it passes, the California Public Banking Option Act would create BankCal, the first state government program in the nation to offer universal consumer banking, according to financial policy experts.

 

Walters: James Mills personified a long-past era

CalMatters

Sen. James Mills, personified a long-gone era of cordiality and bipartisanship in the California state Senate.

 

Opinion: Shine some light in black box of algorithms used by government

CalMatters

If passed, Assembly Bill 13 would set forth criteria for the procurement of high-risk automated decision systems by government entities in order to minimize the risk of adverse and discriminatory impacts resulting from their design and application.

 

Federal:

 

COVID Update:

 

McConnell says companies should stay out of politics — unless they’re donating money

Washington Post

“My warning to corporate America is to stay out of politics,” McConnell said at a news conference in Kentucky on Tuesday, before adding: “I’m not talking about political contributions.”

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Biden Plan Spurs Fight Over What ‘Infrastructure’ Really Means

New York Times

Republicans say the White House is tucking liberal social programs into legislation that should be focused on roads and bridges. Administration officials say their approach invests in the future.
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Biden Rule on Covid-19 Workplace Safety Misses Deadline

Wall Street Journal

Proponents say order is needed now as economy more fully reopens, while opponents say widespread vaccine availability eliminates need.

 

Calls Grow to Abandon Regulations Eased Under Covid (Hello, Cocktails to Go)

Wall Street Journal

After state and local governments temporarily eased rules over takeout alcohol, telehealth and other services, some want the regulations gone for good.

 

Dianne Feinstein signals she’s open to abandoning Senate filibuster for voting rights

Los Angeles Times

A senior staffer to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) signaled Tuesday that the senator would support circumventing the long-standing filibuster rule to enact a voting rights bill with only 50 votes in the Senate.

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Democrats weigh reconciliation bill for immigration action

Roll Call

Another budget reconciliation bill is likely on the horizon, and Democrats are eyeing the measure as a vehicle for a policy priority long mired in partisan disagreement: immigration overhaul.

 

House to take up DC statehood, equal pay bills this month

Roll Call

The House will vote this month on legislation to make what is now D.C. the 51st state and to amend labor standards to promote equal pay for men and women performing the same job, among other bills, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced Tuesday.

 

Predatory debt collectors would be barred from government’s pandemic relief loans under new bill

Washington Post

Predatory debt collectors would be barred from collecting any more money from the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program under recently proposed U.S. legislation

 

Opinion: It’s spring, the sap is rising — and Congress turns its thoughts to taxes

Roll Call

Springtime is blossoming along the East Coast. America is setting records with as many as 4 million vaccinations in a single day. And most important, Washington is beginning a lengthy debate over the proper level of taxation of corporations.

 

Stephen Miller’s Next Act Finds a Stage in the Courts

Wall Street Journal

Trump senior adviser—and conservative lightning rod—launches new legal group to challenge Democratic policies through lawsuits.

 

Quarterly Gap in Party Affiliation Largest Since 2012

Gallup

In Gallup polling throughout the first quarter of 2021, an average of 49% of U.S. adults identified with the Democratic Party or said they are independents who lean toward the Democratic Party.

 

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

 

Sunday, April 11, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "Little Hoover Commission Report: Labor Trafficking" - Guest: Pedro Nava, Chairman - Little Hoover Commission. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, April 11, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “Labor Trafficking, Poverty and Income Inequality”  - Guests: Pedro Nava, Chairman - Little Hoover Commission; Sarah Bohn, Public Policy Institute of California. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

 

Water, climate and sustainable pest management topics at April 6 State Board of Food and Ag meeting

Lake County News

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear water and climate updates from federal and state officials as well as discuss sustainable pest management at its meeting on Tuesday, April 6.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

 

Experts warn fake vaccination cards could prolong pandemic, FBI categorizes them as crime

abc30

In a matter of clicks anyone could have access to a fake CDC vaccine card. This is what 45 attorney generals across the nation are highly concerned about. "We know people have been selling fake vaccine cards," said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.

 

After A Major Hack, U.S. Looks To Fix A Cyber 'Blind Spot'

VPR
The National Security Agency considers itself the world's most formidable cyber power, with an army of computer warriors who constantly scan the wired world. Yet by law, the NSA only collects intelligence abroad, and not inside the U.S.

 

Public Safety:

 

Fresno leaders stand against Asian hate. New office created to serve marginalized communities

Fresno Bee

Fresno city leaders on Tuesday denounced anti-Asian hate heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and announced a new city office dedicated to connecting marginalized communities to resources.

See also:

 

Alarmed by recent mass shootings, California lawmakers push to tax guns and ammo

Los Angeles Times

Citing recent mass shootings in Orange, Boulder, Colo., and the Atlanta area, state lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a proposal for a new tax on the sale of guns and ammunition in California to boost funding for violence prevention programs.

 

Fire:

 

PG&E faces another criminal case as Sonoma County DA files charges in 2019 Kincade Fire

Fresno Bee

Pacific Gas & Electric is facing criminal charges again following a massive California wildfire — in this case, the worst incident of the 2019 fire season.

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California to hire 1,400 more firefighters as the state braces for wildfire season

Sacramento Bee

California will spend more than $80 million in emergency funds to hire nearly 1,400 additional seasonal firefighters, ahead of this year’s peak fire season. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced the emergency fund expenditure in a statement Tuesday.

 

ECONOMY/JOBS

 

Economy:

 

California plans to fully reopen economy in June, aiming to end 15-month COVID restrictions

Fresno Bee

California will fully reopen its economy June 15 as long as it has a sufficient supply of vaccines and hospitalizations are low, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday.

 

The end is near (maybe, sort of)

CalMatters

California’s collective year-long ordeal spent shuttered and sheltered-in-place finally has a tentative expiration date: June 15.

 

Jobs:

 

California suffered the nation’s 4th-worst pandemic job loss

OC Register

California suffered the nation’s fourth-smallest job recovery and fourth-highest unemployment rate over the past 12 months of the pandemic.

See also:

 

New sick leave is available for California state workers. Here are the details

Sacramento Bee

A new allotment of paid leave is available for California state workers affected by the coronavirus, including those with children whose schools or child care centers are closed, the state Human Resources Department announced this week.

 

The Latest Personnel Changes at EEOC and How They Are Expected to Shape Policy

Ogletree Deakins

One such agency is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), where a continuing Republican majority plays a significant role in policy developments and prevents Democratic members from completely gaining control of the agency.

 

The union drive at Amazon signals a potential sea change for the labor movement. Will it last?

Washington Post

In the 1930s and 40s, a big upswing in union organizing in the United States was marked by successful campaigns at high-profile companies like GM, Ford, US Steel and AT&T. Now, organizers are hoping that the union fight at Amazon could serve as a similar bellwether.

 

EDUCATION

 

K-12:

 

A teachers union in Clovis schools would be ‘historic.’ Why they are trying to organize now

Fresno Bee

Teachers in one of the largest Fresno County school districts are taking steps to form a union following disagreements and tensions between administrators and educators over reopening school for in-person instruction during a global pandemic.

See also:

 

Newsom expects K-12 schools to be open full time in fall

Los Angeles Times

All K-12 California schools should be open in the fall for full-time, five-days-a-week, in-person instruction under guidelines released Tuesday by state officials.

See also:

 

Garces Memorial plans to offer in-person summer school for grades 5-12

Bakersfield Californian

Garces Memorial High School announced that it plans to offer in-person summer school this year for grades fifth through 12th.

 

Opinion: When does educational equity become educationally unethical?

AEI

Equity's in a gruesome place when we direct educators to shortchange students based on how they look or where they live.

 

Higher Ed:

 

UC Merced giving graduates commencement options, but traditional ceremony still on hold

Merced Sun-Star

For the second year, UC Merced won’t be having a typical in-person commencement ceremony — although graduates will have a few more options.

 

U.S. Department of Education reviewing campus sex assault rules

Los Angeles Times

The Education Department on Tuesday moved forward with plans to revise federal rules around campus sexual assault, paving the way for an overhaul of a polarizing Trump-era policy that President Biden has vowed to reverse.

 

Podcast: What we get wrong when it comes to paying for college

AEI

In this episode, Beth speaks with Ron Lieber, a personal finance columnist for The New York Times and author of the book, “The Price You Pay for College,” about the ins and outs of the college decision-making process.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

 

Environment:

 

California took more than 3,500 actions against alleged polluters since 2020, report finds

Desert Sun

California is near the top in the country in state enforcement actions and fines levied against polluting industries since 2000, according to a new report that highlights the fragmented U.S. environmental compliance system.

 

Fact-check: Is Biden's infrastructure plan the Green New Deal?

PolitiFact

Republican opposition to President Joe Biden’s infrastructure proposal has been swift and vocal. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said that as written, the $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan released March 31 was a nonstarter.

 

What The Cherry Blossom Bloom Can Tell Us About Climate Change

VPR

Scientists warn that the blooms are just one sign of the greater looming climate crisis; earlier blooms can mean warmer springtime temperatures.

 

Energy:

 

How Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan could boost California's energy transition

Utility Dive

California's energy sector stands to gain a lot from President Joe Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan — which would set aside billions of dollars for the electric grid — as the state navigates its own clean energy goals, experts say.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

 

Health:

 

New 'double mutant' COVID-19 variant identified in Bay Area, Stanford doctor explains

abc7

There's been confirmation of the very first case of that new COVID-19 variant, found right here in the Bay Area. A Stanford team of researchers identified the strain, originating out of India.

See also:

 

COVID-19 vaccine safety, side effects, risks, and reactions

Los Angeles Times

As the push to vaccinate as many Americans as possible against COVID-19 picks up steam, questions about the shots’ safety have often hindered the campaign.

See also:

 

Health Officials Split on Rapid COVID Tests as Admission Tickets

PEW

Epidemiologists and other public health experts are debating whether to use rapid COVID-19 tests as admission tickets to schools, businesses and entertainment and sports venues.

 

Human Services:

 

With more COVID vaccines available, some counties expand eligibility to 16 and up

Los Angeles Times

Hundreds of thousands of Californians 16 and older are becoming eligible for COVID-19 vaccines this week as counties and health systems across the state expand eligibility ahead of schedule.

See also:

 

California oversight of nursing homes called ‘befuddling,’ ‘broken’

CalMatters

A CalMatters investigation reveals an opaque licensing process for California nursing homes, rife with indecision and contradictions.

See also:

 

Opinion: Vaccine Passports Prolong Lockdowns

Wall Street Journal

As tens of millions are inoculated against Covid-19, officials in places as diverse as New York state, Israel and China have introduced “vaccine passports,” and there’s talk of making them universal.

 

After year of virtual Zoom meetings, grief support group comes together in love and joy

Bakersfield Californian

More than a dozen mothers arrived at The Park at River Walk on Monday carrying framed photos and memory books containing the bright, handsome faces of sons, now gone, and the sweet, pretty faces of daughters, lost.

 

IMMIGRATION

 

'Fixing' the immigration crisis: The decisive point

The Hill

The American Dream is a reflection of the promise of a nation devoted to equal opportunity for all to achieve their full potential. Americans should not be dismayed that this promise compels people to risk everything to become part of our national community.

 

“No Good Choices”: HHS Is Cutting Safety Corners to Move Migrant Kids Out of Overcrowded Facilities

ProPublica

After ignoring signs that shelters were filling quickly, agencies are scrambling to get thousands of kids out of Border Patrol jails. But new “emergency” facilities skirt safety standards, while facilities accused of abuse are still getting grants.

 

LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

Already trashed for decades, Fresno canals worse off due to homeless crisis, pandemic

Fresno Bee

The miles of waterways in the Fresno area are homes of last resort for some of the region’s homeless — and straining resources of the Fresno Irrigation District.

 

Six Flags over Fresno? Negotiations to bring amusement park are real

Business Journal

Sources confirm that talks have begun with the amusement park about the possibility of locating the tourist attraction to the area. Six Flags Marketing Manager Marc Merino said it is not their policy to comment on rumors.

 

Adventist buys property in northwest Bakersfield where it earlier proposed a new hospital

Bakersfield Californian

Adventist Health Bakersfield has purchased a vacant lot near Brimhall and Coffee roads at a site the organization's former president said in 2018 would be developed into a hospital to help alleviate congestion at its downtown medical center on Chester Avenue.

 

States' COVID-Era Budget Surpluses Could Pay For Infrastructure

PEW

While many states have made some progress with their infrastructure needs by raising gas taxes to pay for transportation investments over the past decade, they still have a long way to go, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.

 

Housing:

 

Fresno County to give out $30 million in pandemic rent relief. Here’s how to apply

Fresno Bee

Low-income renters in Fresno County can now apply for help with past due rent through the Fresno County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

See also:

 

Neighborhood segregation persists for Black, Latino or Hispanic, and Asian Americans

Brookings

The systemic racism spotlighted over the past year in the wake of the death of George Floyd has long pervaded much of American society. One enduring dimension is the neighborhood residential segregation of people of color from white residents.

 

Opinion: Upgrading low-income housing would improve public health, the environment and racial equity all at once

Ohio Capital Journal

 In my view, retrofitting low-income housing in particular is a high-leverage way to tackle some of our nation’s most pressing health, social and environmental challenges.

 

PUBLIC FINANCES

 

More than 2 million Californians may miss out on stimulus checks — but who’s at risk?

Fresno Bee

Around 2.2 million Californians could miss out on stimulus checks to which they’re entitled, according to a new report.

See also:

 

California taxpayers are hit hard by cap on state, local deductions. Will Biden repeal it?

Sacramento Bee

Serious efforts are underway in Washington to lift a limit that former President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax law imposed on how much people can deduct in state and local income taxes on their federal return.

 

Opinion: Why Aren’t Large Corporations Paying Their Fair Share of Taxes and What Can California Policymakers Do About It?

California Budget and Policy Center

Profitable corporations are contributing less in taxes that support these public services, as a share of their California income, than a generation ago. This Issue Brief shows how far corporate taxes have fallen as a share of corporate profits in California.

See also:

 

Opinion: It’s time to start thinking about roads and taxes like grown-ups

Los Angeles Times

“User fee” is how President Reagan characterized the gas tax. Not a jobs bill or liberal wish list, but a user fee, meaning we all like and use freeways so we’re all responsible for the construction and upkeep.

 

Opinion: Biden’s child tax credit has a fatal flaw

AEI

Progressives celebrate the program as an antidote to child poverty. Conservatives fret that it will give low-income parents the opportunity to avoid work.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

Bill Would Eliminate Problematic Minimum Parking Requirements

StreetsBlog Cal

One of the most effective ways planners in the U.S. have encouraged car dependency is by requiring every type of development to provide enough parking that pretty much everyone can find a place to store their car wherever they want to go.

 

GM to Make Electric Version of Chevy Silverado Pickup

Wall Street Journal

General Motors Co. GM -1.81% plans to roll out an electric version of its Chevy Silverado pickup truck, the latest in its efforts to convert its global lineup to electric vehicles.

 

Video: President Biden Says Infrastructure Includes High-Speed Rail

MSNBC

Talking about high-speed rail, that's infrastructure. Talking about making sure you're in a situation where you can re-do some of the federal buildings that are absolutely leaking energy every single day. That's infrastructure.

 

WATER

 

Bipartisan Coalition of Valley Legislators Request Governor Newsom Declare Water Crisis a Statewide Emergency

California Legislature

In light of the recent water allocation announcement to California farmers and growers, we are writing to share our concerns and respectfully request that your administration take steps to address this pending statewide emergency.

 

Third-driest year reported in California

The Hill

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has marked 2021 as the third-driest water year, a period marked from October to March, on record for the Golden State, potentially setting up another deadly wildfire season after last year's record setting blazes.

 

Study: Drought-breaking rains more rare, erratic in US West

Fresno Bee

Rainstorms grew more erratic and droughts much longer across most of the U.S. West over the past half-century as climate change warmed the planet, according to a sweeping government study released Tuesday that concludes the situation is worsening

 

“Xtra”

 

Disneyland tickets go on sale next week. Here’s what to know about park’s new system

Fresno Bee

After more than a year, people can purchase tickets to Disneyland again starting next week — but they’ll need to navigate a new system.

See also:

 

California theaters and concert halls can reopen June 15. With good news comes whiplash

Los Angeles Times

California officials shocked the performing arts community Tuesday when they announced plans to fully reopen the economy June 15 if certain vaccination and hospitalization benchmarks are met.

 

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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.

 

The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.

                                                     

This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.

 

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