Maddy Institute – April 14, 2020

14Apr

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

Merced County pastor cited for large gathering on Easter Sunday

abc30

The Merced County Sheriff's Tactical and Reconnaissance (STAR) team arrived at a small church on Weaver Avenue near Childs Avenue on Monday to cite the pastor for violating orders that prevent gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

● Three Southern California churches sue Gov. Newsom over coronavirus orders Los Angeles Times

● Pastors Sue California Governor For Coronavirus Restrictions 'Criminalizing the Free Exercise of Religion' NewsWeek

Auburn mayor to ‘hand the gavel’ over after sharing meme comparing Trump supporters to KKK

Modesto Bee

The mayor of Auburn is facing backlash and calls for his removal from office following posts and comments he made last week on Facebook, which appeared to compare supporters of President Donald Trump to the Ku Klux Klan amid criticism of the president’s response to the coronavirus.

Ted Howze won a chance to challenge Josh Harder, but has fallen far behind on fundraising

Modesto Bee

A Republican who wants to reclaim a California congressional district his party lost in 2018 fell far behind freshman Rep. Josh Harder, D-Turlock in fundraising for the first three months of 2020.

Central SJ Valley:

Central Valley Community Foundation donates thousands of masks to healthcare workers

abc30

Some much-needed aid came to healthcare workers in east-central Fresno on Monday. With the support of donors, the Central Valley Community Foundation has directly purchased 30,000 surgical masks for local health clinics.

● 15,000 surgical masks donated to Clinica Sierra Vista Fresno Bee

● Invitation: Thu 9am Fresno Co COVID-19 agency-CBO coordination calls

Central Valley Community Foundation

Fresno County asks Gov. Newsom to waive late property tax fees, amid coronavirus pandemic

Fresno Bee

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors sent a letter Tuesday asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to waive late fees on late property tax payments, which were due on Friday.

Almost half of Porterville has responded to Census

Porterville Recorder

As of this past weekend, Porterville was at a 47.5 percent self-response rate when it came to the 2020 Census. Porterville was just behind the state average.

South SJ Valley:

NASA chooses Kern County firm to deliver technology to lunar surface ahead of human missions

Bakersfield Californian

As part of a push to land U.S. astronauts on the moon by the middle of this decade, NASA has selected a Kern County company to deliver cargo to the lunar surface.

Bakersfield ranked near top metropolitan areas for economic resiliency amid coronavirus

KGET

Bakersfield was ranked among the top 20 metropolitan areas in the country with economies least vulnerable to job loss due to COVID-19.

State:

California governor to reveal plans for easing virus orders

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will reveal plans Tuesday for gradually releasing California from the coronavirus restrictions that have kept 40 million residents indoors for much of the last month.

● CA, WA and OR taking announce "shared approach" to COVID-19 response abc30

● West Coast states partnering to reopen economies Visalia Times Delta

● Washington, Oregon, California announce coronavirus pact Bakersfield Californian

● States Unite On Reopening Economies: 'Science — Not Politics — Will Guide' Decisions VPR

● Reopening the economy in the West? California partners on post-shutdown plan Sacramento Bee

● West Coast States Work Together On Coronavirus Recovery Strategy Capital Public Radio

● Newsom pushes West Coast pact with Oregon, Washington on reopening economy Politico

● California, Oregon and Washington to work together on plan to lift coronavirus restrictions Los Angeles Times

● What will ‘back-to-normal’ look like for California? Los Angeles Times

● Reopening California could mean masks, telecommuting and social distancing at restaurants Los Angeles Times

● California plots a coronavirus reopening. Trump insists it’s up to him San Francisco Chronicle

● States Move to Coordinate on Reopening Plans Wall Street Journal

● With No U.S. Plan to Return to Normal, Some States Are Creating Their Own Pew Trusts

● California’s response to coronavirus, explained CalMatters

● California to release plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions The Hill

● CA readies to reopen CalMatters

Critical information about coronavirus pandemic is kept secret in Calif. Here’s why

Modesto Bee

Hospital officials across the state, including those in Sacramento, are refusing to say how many patients and hospital staff have tested positive for the new coronavirus, citing the same patient privacy concerns. Even the raw numbers are considered confidential.

See how California’s battle against the coronavirus is progressing — in 6 charts

Fresno Bee

California is weeks in to a statewide stay-at-home order that Gov. Gavin Newsom says is both flattening and “stretching” the curve of the coronavirus pandemic, with a death toll that’s reached at least 542 as of Friday morning according to data from county and statewide public health departments.

● Coping with COVID-19 in California’s Cities Public Policy Institute of California

● California’s response to coronavirus, explained CalMatters

California excludes health care workers, emergency responders from federal sick leave

Sacramento Bee

Many California state workers in hospitals, prisons, parks and law enforcement are not eligible for the federal government’s recent expansion of paid sick time and family leave, according to new guidance from the California Department of Human Resources.

California orders insurance premium refunds during outbreak

Bakersfield Californian

California's insurance commissioner on Monday ordered some companies to refund premiums for March and April because of the coronavirus, issuing a broad directive that includes payments made for workers compensation, medical malpractice and private and commercial auto policies.

● California orders car insurance rebates due to coronavirus. Many carriers already cut ratesSacramento Bee

● Politicians Push Insurers to Resolve Mounting Disputes Over Covid-19 Losses Wall Street Journal

Lieutenant Gov. Eleni Kounalakis on The Coronavirus Response

Capital Public Radio

Lieutenant Gov. Eleni Kounalakis discusses the state’s preventative efforts against the coronavirus. She’s worked on the efforts to build up needed supplies and bring stranded Californians home.

California to spend extra $42 million to help foster youth during pandemic

CalMatters

The bulk of the money will manifest as $200 monthly payments to families with “at risk” children, with additional funds set to help buy protective gear for social workers and computers for children, among other things.

Amid pandemic, Newsom faces scrutiny over $1B face-mask deal

CalMatters

California lawmakers bestowed Gov. Gavin Newsom with unusual power last month before they put their legislative session on hold and left Sacramento, giving him bipartisan approval to spend up to $1 billion “for any purpose” related to the coronavirus pandemic

See also:

● California's Undocumented Seniors Need Health Care Now and Beyond COVID-19 California Budget & Policy Center.

Opinion: The East Coast, Always in the Spotlight, Owes a Debt to the West

New York Times

This disparity in perception reflects a longstanding dynamic in America politics: The concentration of media and commentators in Washington and New York has often meant that what happens in the West is overlooked or minimized.

Federal:

Trump claims he has ‘total’ authority over reopening economy

Fresno Bee

President Donald Trump claimed the “total” authority to decide how and when to reopen the economy after weeks of tough social distancing guidelines aimed at fighting the new coronavirus. But governors from both parties were quick to push back.

● New Trump panel to explore path to reopening US economy Fresno Bee

● Trump says he'll decide on easing COVID-19 guidelines, not governors abc30

● For our coronavirus future, we look to Europe, which is warily easing some restrictions Los Angeles Times

● Trump: It’s my decision, not governors’, to reopen country Politico

● A Month After Emergency Declaration, Trump's Promises Largely Unfulfilled NPR

● What’s needed to reopen US? Contact tracing and more COVID-19 tests, CDC chief says Fresno Bee

● How Contact Tracing Works And How It Can Help Reopen The Country VPR

● Amid Coronavirus, Republicans Embrace Big-Government Solutions Wall Street Journal

● Who Will Advise Trump On 'Reopening' The U.S.? White House To Set New Pandemic Council NPR

● Trump to share guidelines on reopening economy this week, Kudlow says The Hill

● Trump says his ‘authority is total.’ Constitutional experts have ‘no idea’ where he got that.Washington Post

● Trump Leaps to Call Shots on Reopening Nation, Setting Up Standoff With Governors New York Times

● Fact Check: President Trump Doesn't Have 'Total Authority' To Make States Lift Restrictions NPR

● Here’s what reopening the economy is likely to look like: More masks, fewer workers, high unease Washington Post

● Live updates: Coronavirus causing worst economic slide since Great Depression; Trump touts ‘total’ authority as states explore plans to lift restrictions Washington Post

● Opinion: The Young Will Reopen America Wall Street Journal

● John Yoo On COVID-19 And The Constitutional Roles Of The Federal And State GovernmentsHoover Institute

● EDITORIAL: No, Mr. Trump, you don’t get to decide when the economy restarts Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: Reopening the Economy, at Last Wall Street Journal

Officials want delay in nation’s head count due to virus

Fresno Bee

The Trump administration wants to delay deadlines for the 2020 census because of the coronavirus outbreak, a move that if approved by lawmakers would push back timetables for releasing data used to draw congressional and legislative districts, officials said Monday.

● Trump administration seeks months-long delay to complete 2020 census due to pandemic Los Angeles Times

● Administration seeks to delay census to summer, finish next spring Roll Call

Trump stokes up his blame game for the coronavirus

Los Angeles Times

Under growing criticism for his administration’s laggard response to the coronavirus, President Trump has upped his efforts to blame others — including the WHO, Dr. Anthony Fauci, China, governors and the media.

● Fauci calls May 1 'a bit overly optimistic' as Trump prepares to name council on reopening country ABC

Tax change in coronavirus package overwhelmingly benefits millionaires, congressional body finds

Washington Post

More than 80% of the benefits of a tax change tucked into the coronavirus relief package Congress passed last month will go to those who earn more than $1 million annually, according to a report by a nonpartisan congressional body.

● Opinion: Give Relief to Small Businesses, Not Big Banks Wall Street Journal

Have Localities Shifted Away from Traditional Defined Benefit Plans?

Center for Retirement Research

In 2018, 19% of large localities had a defined contribution (DC), cash balance, or hybrid plan for new hires, instead of a stand-alone defined benefit (DB).

House’s expected return delayed to May 4

Roll Call

The House has pushed back the estimated resumption of regular business in Washington until May 4, but with another round of coronavirus economic aid legislation in the works, lawmakers could be called back before then.

● Congress won’t be back until May at the earliest Roll Call

Due to coronavirus pandemic, Supreme Court will allow live audio broadcast for the first time

Los Angeles Times

Responding to the coronavirus outbreak, the Supreme Court said Monday it would hear oral arguments next month over the telephone and allow a live audio broadcast of the proceeding, both for the first time.

Opinion: What it really means when Trump calls a story ‘fake news’

Washington Post

At some level, the president knows just how bad they make him look. And so, he lashes out in all directions, relying on his tried-and-true technique of trying to shoot the messengers.

Coronavirus Trackers:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California

Covid19.ca.gov

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

● Coronavirus (COVID-19) CDC

● Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic - WHO

● John Hopkins University & Medicine John Hopkins University

● Tracking coronavirus in California Los Angeles Times

● Coronavirus Tracker San Francisco Chronicle

● Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count New York Times

● How many coronavirus cases have been reported in each U.S. state? Politico

● Coronavirus Daily NPR

● Coronavirus tracked: the latest figures as the pandemic spreads Financial Times

● Coronavirus in California by the numbers CalMatters

Elections 2020:

Joe Biden Is Projected Winner Of The Wisconsin Primary

Capital Public Radio

Biden was already the presumptive presidential nominee, after Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign. Wisconsin controversially held in-person voting despite the pandemic.

● Opinion: Biden should name his VP now. And it should be Amy Klobuchar. Washington Post

● Opinion: Another lesson about context: Biden and young voters in 2020 Roll Call

● Opinion: Joe Biden fails to understand the Constitution on military matters The Hill

● Opinion: Biden’s impressive comeback AEI

Ex-president Barack Obama announces support for Joe Biden, his former vice president

Washington Post

Former president Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden on Tuesday, calling on Americans to unite in a“great awakening” in November and offering the presumptive presidential nominee a boost as he seeks to coalesce support in the Democratic Party.

● Watch Obama endorse Biden for president, criticize Trump Fresno Bee

● READ: Obama's endorsement of Biden The Hill

Bernie Sanders endorses Joe Biden for president

Los Angeles Times

Sen. Bernie Sanders’ formal endorsement of Joe Biden for president marked a major step toward unifying the Democratic party in its drive to defeat President Trump and sharply reduced the risk that Democrats will be as weakened by intraparty tensions as they were four years ago.

● Tears, anger and determination: six Bernie supporters in California on what's next The Guardian

● Bernie Sanders Endorses Joe Biden for President Wall Street Journal

● Sanders backs Biden as ex-rivals join forces to beat Trump Sacramento Bee

● Inspired by Bernie Sanders, young progressives are headed to a political seat near you Los Angeles Times

● Opinion: Bernie and Coronavirus Capitalism Wall Street Journal

Former Senate staffer accuses Joe Biden of sexual assault. His campaign says ‘it did not happen’

Los Angeles Times

A former aide to Joe Biden is accusing the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee of sexually assaulting her during the early 1990s when he was a senator. Biden’s campaign denies the charges.

Opinion; Republicans betting on a political upset in California

National Journal

House Republicans this cycle have been struggling to recruit top candidates in many friendly districts that Donald Trump carried in 2016. But the tables are turned in an upcoming special election in California that sets the stage for the fall campaign.

Democrats fear for November after Wisconsin voting spectacle

Politico

Democrats looked on in horror last week as thousands of voters in Wisconsin trekked to polling places and waited in lines for hours to cast ballots in the midst of a pandemic.

Reddit makes political ads more transparent ahead of 2020 election

Politico

Reddit will begin publicly disclosing its political advertisers and how much money they shell out in a new transparency hub, the company said Monday, offering the deepest look to date into how political actors are targeting the social media platform's users ahead of the 2020 election.

Opinion: Internet voting is not the solution to the coronavirus election challenge

Roll Call

Many states have already taken action to postpone primary voting and are considering ways to reduce crowding at polls, including voting by mail and expanding early voting. Alarmingly, however, internet voting also is under consideration by some. It shouldn’t be.

● EDITORIAL: Ignoring coronavirus election impacts risks voters’ rights and lives Los Angeles Times

Other:

Most Americans Like How Their Governor Is Handling The Coronavirus Outbreak

FiveThirtyEight

Because they have the power to institute “stay at home” orders, buy hospital equipment and coordinate other vital tasks in their states, governors have been at the forefront of the governmental response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

‘National security issue’: What Congress wants to give farmers for coronavirus downturn

Fresno Bee

Don’t let bought-out grocery shelves fool you — farmers are having a lot of trouble because of the novel coronavirus.

San Joaquin Valley farmworkers fear working — and not working - amid coronavirus

Fresno Bee

The COVID-19 illness that spread in mid-march through the central San Joaquin Valley caught many farmworkers by surprise. Already facing the rainy season and some shortages in seasonal work, the coronavirus could devastate farmworkers, many of whom go without healthcare and have no savings to fall back on.

● Mexican Workers Hit by U.S. Lockdowns Struggle to Send Money Home Wall Street Journal

● Webinar: Essential Labor: Farmworkers during the Pandemic Center on Race, Immigration & Social Justice

Local food companies boost workplace protections after employees test positive for COVID-19

Bakersfield Californian

Two major Kern County food producers said Monday they are taking new steps to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus after employees of theirs tested positive for COVID-19.

Coronavirus closes some meat plants, raising fears of shortages

Los Angeles Times

Some massive meat processing plants have closed at least temporarily because their workers were sickened by the new coronavirus, raising concerns that there could soon be shortages of beef, pork and poultry in supermarkets.

No, You Don't Need To Disinfect Your Groceries. But Here's How To Shop Safely

VPR

The vast majority of the country is under lockdown right now. But stay-at-home orders come with a few exceptions — like grocery shopping.

· The industry says we have enough food. Here’s why some store shelves are empty anyway.Washington Post:

● A Pound Of Flour To Go? Restaurants Are Selling Groceries Now VPR

Can California bars really serve drinks to go during coronavirus crisis? It’s complicated

Fresno Bee

In mid-March, the ABC said it would temporarily allow some establishments to do curbside sales of alcoholic beverages, with the general caveats that the drinks must be sealed and placed directly into the trunks of customers’ cars and served with food.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Fake cures, scams, phony medications and price gouging: Predators pounce during coronavirus

Los Angeles Times

They range in perniciousness, from purveyors of unorthodox medical treatments who pivoted to hawking remedies for COVID-19, to sophisticated Medicare scammers, identity thieves and fraudsters who are soliciting investment in coronavirus treatments that don’t exist or aren’t recognized by government scientists.

Kern sheriff on weekend party shooting: 'You can’t regulate stupidity'

Bakersfield Californian

Following a weekend party where six individuals were shot and several hundred people were in attendance, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood didn’t mince words. The fact the incident occurred during a period when social distancing and public gathering regulations have been stressed, time and again, simply exacerbated his point.

Public Safety:

428 walk out of Fresno jail in releases related to coronavirus. Sheriff makes a plea

Fresno Bee

With the state’s 5 p.m. Monday deadline looming for what will result in early jail releases due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fresno County cut loose a total of 428 prisoners by Monday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

● Coronavirus updates: More than 400 released from county jail; Tulare County confirms 13 deadFresno Bee

● Is $0 bail a ‘slap in face’ to victims, police? Visalia Times Delta

● $0 bail for misdemeanors, felonies to go into effect Porterville Recorder

● Far fewer than hundreds of Stanislaus inmates could be freed over coronavirus concernsModesto Bee

● Like a Petri dish for the virus: Tens of thousands of California inmates are at risk CalMatters

● Prisoner Release Orders Spur Debate, Pitting Public Health Against Public Safety Wall Street Journal

● Coronavirus and prisoners: Legal battles rage in state over inmate releases San Francisco Chronicle

● EDITORIAL: State overreach on coronavirus jail release makes Stanislaus County less safeModesto Bee

Stockton Police employee tests positive for coronavirus

Stockton Record

The Stockton Police Department reported its first case of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, on Monday.

California prison employees getting help with coronavirus gear from inmates

Sacramento Bee

Inmates are making 10,000 masks a day for use inside California’s state prisons, where the coronavirus outbreak has spread to dozens of staff and inmates.

Is Zoom safe to use? Here’s what you need to know

Los Angeles Times

Trolls have crashed meetings, flashing porn or racist slurs on screens. Security researchers released report after report on newly discovered vulnerabilities including leaked emails and bugs that might have allowed hackers to access webcams.

Fire:

What if California faces a disaster during the pandemic?

AP News

California has evacuation plans for earthquakes, floods, mudslides and, of course, wildfires, but what if one of those disasters occurs as the state is dealing with the coronavirus outbreak when everyone is being urged to stay home?

ECONOMY/JOBS

Economy:

Local SBDC offers webinar on federal assistance for small businesses

Bakersfield Californian

Small business owners including independent contractors, farmers and single-member limited-liability companies are invited to sign up for a free webinar Wednesday on financial assistance being offered by the federal government.

● Many Small Businesses Cry for Help — Some Get It. Pew Trusts

● Q&A: Get answers to your questions about the coronavirus stimulus payments Fresno Bee

America’s Job Center announces emergency hotline for businesses impacted by shutdown

Bakersfield Californian

America’s Job Center will host an emergency hotline for businesses impacted by COVID-19, according to a news release.

How Coronavirus Has Impacted The Floral Industry

Capital Public Radio

We take a look at how California’s flower industry has been impacted by the coronavirus as dozens of growers face impending closure.

Mom and pop stores need cash now. But a federal rescue is still mired in confusion

Los Angeles Times

Restaurants. Shoe stores. Dog groomers. Dry cleaners. An estimated 30 million small businesses serve customers throughout the U.S. — or did, before the coronavirus pandemic forced many to close their doors. Now they are desperate for cash and struggling with a balky rescue program.

Pockets of Rural America Are Less Vulnerable to Economic Fallout — For Now

Pew Trusts

Those places tend to be less tied to global and financial markets. With little population density, they are less conducive to virus transmission.

DoorDash to cut restaurants a break on commission fees

Business Journal

The San Francisco-based company said it would reduce fees on restaurants through the end of May. They estimate the savings to its 150,000 partner restaurants in the United States, Canada and Australia at $100 million, according to a press release.

Opinion: The COVID-19 Manufacturing Tracker: Responding to the Defense Production Act

AEI

The COVID-19 Manufacturing Tracker was conceived as a method for demonstrating the breadth of the private sector’s helpful response to this national emergency, while also indicating where the federal government has begun to play a larger role by utilizing the powers and authorities resident within the Defense Production Act.

● Opinion: WTH is going on with the coronavirus economy? Glenn Hubbard on the Paycheck Protection Program and the prospects for a rapid recovery AEI

Jobs:

11 employers announce at least 1,000 layoffs, bringing Kern’s pandemic-related total to 2,700

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County on Monday released additional layoff notices from 11 locally-operating companies cutting a total of at least 1,008 jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Online ordering drives local Amazon hires

Business Journal

Amazon has hired more than 80,000 people since last month to meet the demand for delivery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic — including over 1,500 people in Fresno and the Central Valley.

California insurer sets aside $50M to help essential workers with coronavirus expenses

Fresno Bee

A giant workers’ compensation insurer announced Monday that it has created two relief funds, each worth $25 million, to support the health and financial stability of California employees required to work during the coronavirus stay-home order.

Coronavirus fallout devastates job market for college grads

San Francisco Chronicle

Most schools around the country have since canceled job fairs. USF held smaller virtual events recently, with only three employers participating in one and seven in another — instead of the usual 10 to 15

Senator John Moorlach: Keep on Truckin’: Suspend AB 5

California Globe

With most Californians hibernating in their homes for “social distancing,” trucking has become even more important. Independent truckers bring us our food, water, medical supplies, clothing and, when available, the most essential commodity: toilet paper.

Democrats Say Labor Department Stiffing Workers On Unemployment Benefits

Huff Post

To prop up the economy during the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the most sweeping expansion of unemployment insurance since the program began. Now, Democrats say the Trump administration is trying to undercut the new benefits.

Understanding ‘wage theft’: Evasion and avoidance responses to minimum wage increases

AEI

We investigate how minimum wage increases and the strength of enforcement regimes affect the prevalence of subminimum wage payment.

Opinion: The employer will test you now

AEI

The intense measures and restrictions to combat Covid-19 are a necessary hardship to prevent a wider and more devastating epidemic. But even after the epidemic subsides, the virus will remain a threat until there is an effective vaccine. America needs a plan to reduce that threat, and business leaders can play a big part.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Tulare Co. officials encourage Outside Creek School to not reopen after spring break

abc30

A small K-8 school south of Farmersville has made national news. The New York Times recently reported that Outside Creek is the only public school still open in the state of California.

How coronavirus school closures could cause ‘historic academic regression’

Visalia Times Delta

Even though nearly all American children have been home from school for almost a month, their experiences continue to be wildly divergent.

What It’s Like to Teach Sixth-Grade Science Over Zoom

Wall Street Journal

Ms. Lau plans to return to her regular curriculum eventually—though the time crunch is off now that Oklahoma and most other states have canceled end-of-year tests. Meanwhile, though, she hopes to use the coronavirus pandemic as a teaching opportunity.

The opioid crisis and community-level spillovers onto children’s education

Brookings

In this report, we introduce one of the unexplored effects of the opioid crisis, the link between the opioid epidemic and the education outcomes of children in hard-hit areas.

Rural California county helps close academic and digital divides

CAFWD

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, the digital divide in rural California was creating an academic divide. Central California’s Kings County has been working to bridge that gap and in recent years providing broadband access to not only students, but their families as well.

Much shorter Advanced Placement tests welcomed by some students, criticized by others

EdSource

Brandon Tran, a senior at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, has been preparing all school year to take four Advanced Placement exams this spring. His goal was to get scores high enough to earn a semester’s worth of college credits, finish college early and save on tuition money that he could then apply to graduate school.

Higher Ed:

Fresno State will open temporary lab to process coronavirus tests

Fresno Bee

Fresno State will open a temporary lab to process coronavirus tests for Fresno County. The lab in the university’s Jordan Agricultural Research Center will not collect swab samples from patients.

CSUB professors offer scenarios for economic rebound

KGET

We talked to some local economists about the process of recovery from this most unusual natural disaster amid indications that the pandemic is at least nearing a plateau.

Would you commit to a college you can’t visit? Coronavirus upends college decisions

Los Angeles Times

On both sides of the admission process, college decisions in a year like no other are playing out in new, unpredictable and often frustrating ways.

How universities are developing COVID-19 solutions in real time

PBS

Dorms are empty and classroom lights are off at the vast majority of America’s colleges and universities, but that hasn’t stopped many in academia from jumping in to help try to meet the massive need for innovative treatments, vaccines, personal protection equipment (PPE) and medical devices in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Why is Fresno City College opting out of new online lab program?

Fresno Bee

Some Central Valley community college students will now have an easier time conducting lab experiments at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Opinion: Med School Needs an Overhaul

Wall Street Journal

As the number of Covid-19 infections rises and the death toll mounts, the media is doing a good job of focusing on the safety of the health-care workforce and the capacity of hospitals to deal with a surge of desperately ill patients.

Opinion: Where’s bailout for law students shortchanged during coronavirus crisis?

Los Angeles Times

My classmates didn’t pay thousands of dollars to watch lectures that our professors recorded last year. We should not foot the bill for an educational experience that we will never receive.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

Environment:

States go their own ways on environmental enforcement during crisis

The Hill

Some Republican administrations contrast with the Trump EPA's policy of discretionary enforcement, while a few Democratic governors embrace eased oversight.

Will Warmer Temperatures Bring a Coronavirus Reprieve? It’s Complicated

Wall Street Journal

If they do, hard-hit countries like the U.S., Spain and Germany could get a reprieve come summer. Countries that are generally hotter, such as Indonesia and India, might avoid outbreaks on the scale of northern Italy and New York.

EPA to leave pollution standards unchanged, against recommendations of its own scientists

CNN

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday a proposal to retain, without changes, standards for particulate matter pollution, going against the recommendations of the agency's own scientists.

Scientists say Joshua trees may warrant listing as a threatened species

Los Angeles Times

Joshua trees face the risk of extinction after decades of development, drought and more frequent wildfires due to climate change in their Mojave Desert stronghold, according to state wildlife authorities who are recommending that the trees be considered for listing as an endangered species.

Coyotes, bobcats and bears: Wildlife is reclaiming Yosemite National Park

Los Angeles Times

Wildlife is coming out of hiding now, they said, as it did during previous government shutdowns of the park — in 1990, 1995, 2013 and 2019. The difference is that this park closure is expected to be the longest on record.

Energy:

OPEC, oil nations agree to nearly 10M barrel cut amid virus

Business Journal

OPEC, Russia and other oil-producing nations on Sunday finalized an unprecedented production cut of nearly 10 million barrels, or a tenth of global supply, in hopes of boosting crashing prices amid the coronavirus pandemic and a price war, officials said.

● Trump’s oil-production pact may do little to help U.S. producers or drivers amid coronavirus Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: The Art of an Oil Deal Wall Street Journal

Energy Resiliency and Independence for Rural Cities

League of California Cities

Online Webinar, Wednesday, April 29: Learn from field experts and rural city colleagues how to address natural disasters and acquire long term, sustainable and emergency energy solutions for your city.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Fresno County reports 21 new coronavirus cases and says 14 patients are in ICUs

Fresno Bee

Fresno County has had 222 positive tests for coronavirus. Health officials said more than 30 are hospitalized including 14 in ICUs.

● Two coronavirus deaths confirmed in Tulare County, keeping its mortality rate high Fresno Bee

● First positive test of child in SJ County reported Stockton Record

● Kern County reports 50 new COVID-19 cases as total cases rises to 454 Bakersfield Californian

● Where are the coronavirus cases by city in Kern County? KGET 17

Family contacts drive COVID-19 illness in Stanislaus area. A health clinic closes

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County public health released some additional data on a recent increase in coronavirus illness, showing the respiratory illness is spreading through person-to-person contact and transmission in the community.

Over 40% of Tulare County's COVID-19 cases from Visalia nursing home

abc30

Officials say 112 people at the Redwood Springs Health Center in Visalia have tested positive for COVID-19, making up approximately 42% of the county's total cases.

● Redwood Springs spike: 6 dead, 112 infected Visalia Times Delta

● At least 2,300 nursing homes have coronavirus cases — and the reality is likely much worseVisalia Times Delta

● Will California nursing homes be forced to accept COVID-19 patients? CalMatters

● Nursing homes are coronavirus danger zones. They need more workers to help out Fresno Bee

See how COVID-19 ranks against other leading causes of death in California

Sacramento Bee

See how the death toll from the coronavirus in California compares to the average number of lives lost per week to heart disease, cancer, strokes, accidents, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other causes of death.

How Runners Can Keep Themselves And Others Safe During The Pandemic

Capital Public Radio

As coronavirus-related restrictions take hold, the number of runners hitting roads and trails outside is surging. Here are some ideas for how to minimize your risks as you log your miles.

Can survivors’ blood help others too weak to fight?

San Jose Mercury

Volunteers in a desperate new treatment strategy, Wohlmuth and other COVID survivors are donating their virus-fighting antibodies at Bay Area blood banks in an effort to save those who are less lucky. Last week, their cells were shipped to critically ill patients in California and Midwestern hospitals.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From COVID-19?

NPR

Around the world, COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to grow each day. Yet, there are also more than 440,000 people globally who have recovered to date.

● Opinion: What an infectious disease specialist learned about the virus — from getting itWashington Post

From Private Helicopters To Concierge Doctors, Inequality Is A 'Big Business'

NPR

COVID-19 attacks indiscriminately: Young or old, rich or poor, it seems like everyone is vulnerable to the virus. But New York Times economics writer Nelson Schwartz says increasing economic inequality in the U.S. means that, as a group, the country's wealthiest one percent are likely to fare better during the pandemic than everyone else.

Human Services:

California ‘vetting’ masks it’s buying in $1 billion deal with company punished by Congress

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom brushed off concerns Monday about the Chinese manufacturer his administration is paying nearly $1 billion to make masks to protect health care workers from COVID-19, saying the state’s contract requires that the masks meet federal standards.

● Pillowcase masks and trash-bag gowns. The bleak, deadly reality in California nursing homesLos Angeles Times

● Despite promises of more masks, doctors and nurses still have to reuse N95s Los Angeles Times

Dignity Health, Adventist Health each receive $100,000 Chevron grant for PPEs

Bakersfield Californian

Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals, and Adventist Health Bakersfield, announced Monday they were each awarded $100,000 grants from Chevron to purchase personal protective equipment, according to news releases.

Kaiser, health care unions agree on child care, housing benefits

San Francisco Chronicle

Kaiser Permanente will provide additional benefits to workers battling the coronavirus outbreak through an agreement reached Monday with unions.

How Do We Exit The Shutdown? Hire An Army Of Public Health Workers

California Healthline

Last month, facing the prospect of overwhelmed hospitals and unchecked spread of the novel coronavirus, seven Bay Area county and city health departments joined forces to become the first region in the nation to pass sweeping regulations ordering millions of people indoors and shuttering the local economy.

● Opinion: How to Prepare for the Next Pandemic Wall Street Journal

● Army lab developing COVID-19 test for people without symptoms, key to ‘normal’ return Fresno Bee.

These California medical workers are signing up for Newsom’s health corps — despite risks

CalMatters

On numbers alone, Gov. Gavin Newsom's health corps shows promise, far exceeding the state’s expectation. But the reserves program also has raised concerns: Will it pull medical professionals from rural areas? And should high-risk people participate?

Competing Hospitals Cooperate to Meet the Crisis

Pew Trusts

For hospitals, among the nation’s biggest and most competitive businesses, giving up lucrative surgeries to make way for a competitor’s overflow of patients does not come naturally.

Coronavirus Fight Hinders Action Against Other Deadly Diseases

Wall Street Journal

With developing nations now engaged in commercial shutdowns and enforced social distancing measures, health services are pausing mass vaccination drives for polio, measles and other deadly diseases. Such campaigns risk spreading the new coronavirus.

EDITORIAL: California must expand medical support in coronavirus crisis

Los Angeles Times

In moments of emergency — such as the one we’re in — state law can unduly limit the availability of professional medical care.

IMMIGRATION

Detained immigrants plead for masks, protection from virus

Fresno Bee

While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has started to lower the number of detainees to reduce the risk of people getting sick, those held in immigration jails and their advocates say there’s not enough protective gear, cleaning supplies or space to allow for social distancing.

Coronavirus hunger strike at immigration lockup? ICE says no, but California detainees say otherwise

San Francisco Chronicle

When detainees at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Mesa Verde facility in Bakersfield announced a hunger strike last Friday to demand protection against the coronavirus, ICE denied any such protest was taking place and called the announcement “disgusting false propaganda.”

ACLU drops coronavirus lawsuit after clients released from immigration detention

Los Angeles Times

The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a San Diego federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit related to the COVID-19 pandemic after its four plaintiffs were released from immigration custody.

‘Dreamers’ in health care sector help save COVID patients while in legal limbo

The Hill

About 29,000 immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program work as nurses and other health care professionals - amid deportation fears.

Opinion: Our lives depend on immigrants to get us through the coronavirus crisis

Los Angeles Times

Here in California, for instance, about one-third of doctors and surgeons are foreign-born. And about one-quarter of the nation’s nursing, psychiatric and home health aides are immigrants. They mainly arrived from Asia.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

What’s Dave & Buster’s future at Modesto’s Vintage Faire Mall? Coronavirus halts work

Modesto Bee

Dave & Buster’s in particular was exciting because it would be the first in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and help fill a prominent vacant spot at the Modesto mall. But as the COVID-19 outbreak shutters businesses large and small across the country, what once looked like a sure thing is now up in the air.

Neighborhood butcher shop coming to Northwest Fresno

Business Journal

As construction of a new butcher shop in Northwest Fresno continues, the coronavirus outbreak prompted its owners to begin delivering meat and groceries before the store’s planned opening next month.

Valley hotels get resourceful as travel halts

Business Journal

It’s a situation that comes off of a record year for such activity and has been a massive shock to the hospitality business. Now, the circumstances have some in the region tightening their belts — and getting creative.

The Pandemic Could Be an Opportunity to Remake Cities

Wired

The problem with curtailing the supply of open space, though, is that it doesn’t reduce demand. People still need to go outside, some to work, others to play, all to keep their sanity intact.

Housing:

4% of homeowners stop making mortgage payments amid coronavirus shutdowns

Los Angeles Times

Almost 4% of mortgage borrowers have stopped making their payments as the coronavirus pandemic has put millions of U.S. homeowners out of work.

See also:

● Can’t pay your mortgage? Here’s what to do San Francisco Chronicle

Some California tenants who are deferring rent payments being asked about savings

San Francisco Chronicle

California renters who have lost income because of the coronavirus shutdown are protected from eviction for 90 days after the health emergency is over, California’s courts have ruled — giving tenants tacit permission to defer paying rent for three months.

Some Shelters Shutter to Protect Homeless, Staff

Pew Trusts

The researchers estimate that 40% of the homeless population will eventually become infected — and the cost for their care will total $11.5 billion this year.

Could COVID-19 speed up gentrification in certain neighborhoods?

San Diego Union-Tribune

The shelves in Simón Limón, a small boutique in Barrio Logan, are usually filled with colorful handmade jewelry, coffee mugs of singer Selena Quintanilla and art prints of Frida Khalo.

Opinion: Legislature should declare a moratorium on new housing bills

CalMatters

The California Legislature’s decision to suspend work until May 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic was a wise move. Some want to take it a step further, urging that all non-essential legislation be postponed until 30 days after the statewide “shelter in place” order has been lifted.

PUBLIC FINANCES

Many Visalians will have to wait for stimulus check

Visalia Times Delta

People in Tulare County will have to wait a little longer than other Americans to receive their coronavirus relief checks as the pandemic pushes millions of Californians into unemployment, Internal Revenue Service data show.

See also:

● Most stimulus payments will be out Wednesday, Treasury says Sacramento Bee

● When will coronavirus stimulus payments arrive? A primer on the federal relief plan Los Angeles Times

● When will you get your coronavirus stimulus money? IRS launching new tool to tell you Fresno Bee

Coronavirus pushes annual deficit forecasts toward $4 trillion

The Hill

Economic downturn and unprecedented fiscal policy response to counteract effects of COVID-19 put annual budget shortfall in uncharted waters

Tax change in coronavirus package overwhelmingly benefits millionaires, congressional body finds

Washington Post

● Opinion: Give Relief to Small Businesses, Not Big Banks Wall Street Journal

Have Localities Shifted Away from Traditional Defined Benefit Plans?

Center for Retirement Research

In 2018, 19% of large localities had a defined contribution (DC), cash balance, or hybrid plan for new hires, instead of a stand-alone defined benefit (DB).

More than 2,100 U.S. cities brace for budget shortfalls due to coronavirus, survey finds, with many planning cuts and layoffs

Washington Post

More than 2,100 U.S. cities are anticipating major budget shortfalls this year and many are planning to slash programs and cut staff in response, according to a survey of local officials, illustrating the widespread financial havoc threatened by the coronavirus pandemic.

TRANSPORTATION

Auto insurance premiums climb in the Valley. How much may depend on where you live

Fresno Bee

If you drive a car in California, the law requires you to have automobile insurance. It doesn’t come cheap – but it’s far more expensive in some parts of the Valley than others.

Farmersville stations have cheapest gas in CA

Visalia Times Delta

It now costs less than $2 a gallon to fill up your tank at some Central Valley gas stations, as coronavirus-related business and travel shutdowns continue to send prices plummeting around the world.

Caltrans is speeding up highway projects while coronavirus keeps Californians off the road

Sacramento Bee

As state and local officials extend stay-at-home orders, road construction crews across California are taking advantage of reduced traffic to speed up projects.

High-speed rail project to work to improve air quality in California

Sacramento Bee

With asthma rates for the region being the highest in the U.S., the new California high-speed rail project will work to reduce high air pollution levels.

Border Checkpoints Discourage Travelers Between States

Pew Trusts

Americans have long held the open road as integral to their freedom. But with the coronavirus pandemic, the once unthinkable has begun to happen: States have set up checkpoints to discourage other states’ residents from crossing their borders.

How can you take care of your vehicle during the lockdown? Here are some tips

Fresno Bee

In normal times, many people use their vehicles almost every day. Now millions in the United States are in lockdown at home, in some cases for weeks, to try to curb the spread of coronavirus. That means millions of cars and trucks are sitting idle, too.

How airport control towers keep operating after workers test positive for coronavirus

Los Angeles Times

When a traffic control tower worker at Palm Beach International Airport recently tested positive for the coronavirus, the staff evacuated the tower to allow for a thorough cleaning. A makeshift tower to temporarily direct planes was then set up at the top of a nearby parking garage.

“Xtra”

How Can We Make Farm Work Healthier? (Streaming Online TODAY)

Zócalo Public Square

On Tuesday, April 14th, organic farmer and artist Nikiko Masumoto, Huron Mayor Rey León, health researcher Chia Thao, and Tania Pacheco-Werner, co-assistant director of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, visit Zócalo to consider how to make farm work healthier.

This meal charity project connects restaurants with nonprofits. It needs donations

Modesto Bee

A nonprofit found a way to simultaneously help Modesto-area restaurants and people who need meals: by serving as an intermediary. The Modesto-based AgSafe is distributing money it raises to restaurants, which then give meals to organizations supporting vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic.