POLICY & POLITICS
What does leadership look like in your community?
James Irvine Foundation
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.
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Stanislaus adds zero deaths. Four neighbors do the same Modesto Bee
● Stanislaus County will be phasing out mass COVID vaccine clinics. Here’s when and why Modesto Bee
Hay fire affecting Valley’s Northern Region
Turlock Journal
Local air pollution officials are cautioning residents in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties of smoke from a hay fire in the area of Lathrop and Manteca, at Interstate 5 and Highway 120.
Why seniors and disabled people are being forced to move from Stanislaus campground
Modesto Bee
When she received the notice in early April, telling her to leave within 30 days, Jackie Gregory thought she and her husband would pack their stuff in the motorhome and relocate to Oregon.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● ‘We have too much to lose.’ Fresno’s top doc warns lax COVID attitudes could lead to surge Fresno Bee
● Slight rise in Tulare County's case rate Porterville Recorder
New president brings renewed hope for Fresno Armenians looking for recognition of genocide
Fresno Bee
Fresno’s Armenian community will this weekend remember the genocide that took so many of their relatives, and some hope a change in the White House brings a long-awaited recognition of the atrocity.
See also:
● Valley Voices: The day is almost here for an American president to recognize the Armenian Genocide Fresno Bee
● Opinion: Biden will be the first U.S. president to recognize the Armenian genocide. That’s huge. Washington Post
Fresno leaders quietly begin work on two dozen police reforms. Here’s what they are
Fresno Bee
Work will begin next week to enact two dozen of the 70-plus recommendations made by the Fresno Commission for Police Reform.
California wells will go dry this summer. ‘Alarm bells are sounding’ in the Valley
Fresno Bee
Thousands of wells that bring water to San Joaquin Valley homes are at risk of drying up this summer, leaving families without running water for drinking, cleaning and bathing.
Opinion: Nearly 50% of GOP men say they will refuse COVID vaccines. This Fresno leader got his
Fresno Bee
When it comes to getting vaccinated for the COVID virus, one group stands out in opposition: Republican men.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern County reports 2 new deaths, 70 new COVID-19 cases Thursday Bakersfield Californian
ICU nurses paid for by county were 'blessing' for local hospitals
Bakersfield Californian
When federal COVID-19 relief money came into Kern County last year, the Board of Supervisors earmarked $12 million to help supplement ICU nurses at local hospitals, and by all accounts it was a wise move.
Bakersfield Californian
A proposed home for homeless women and children has become the center of a legal dispute involving the project’s organizers, the city of Bakersfield and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Local, regional lawmakers respond to Gov. Newsom’s drought emergency in two northern CA counties
Bakersfield Californian
Newsom declared a drought emergency for Mendocino and Sonoma counties, both in Northern California. Kern County lawmakers and farmers asked the governor to declare a statewide drought emergency two weeks ago.
State:
COVID Update:
● California’s COVID-19 vaccine supply mostly flat in April, due largely to J&J issues Sacramento Bee
● This county has one of California’s worst COVID vaccination rates. Will it hurt herd immunity? Sacramento Bee
Some of the biggest names in the California GOP are staying quiet on recalling Gavin Newsom
Fresno Bee
Recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom is a top priority for Republicans across America. The Republican National Committee has donated $250,000 to the effort, and big-name GOP leaders have offered their support and financial backing to the campaign.
See also:
● Caitlyn Jenner launches campaign for California governor in Newsom recall election Sacramento Bee
Rob Bonta is confirmed as California attorney general — the first Filipino American to fill the role
Los Angeles Times
Bonta, 49, will be the first Filipino American to serve as the state’s top cop when he takes the oath of office to head the Department of Justice at a ceremony as early as Friday.
See also:
● Bonta vows as California’s top cop he’ll be tougher on policing CalMatters
California to spend 64 cents on CalPERS pensions for every dollar paid to CHP officers
Fresno Bee
California will contribute more than 60 cents toward highway patrol officers’ pensions for every dollar the state pays them in salary next year, representing a new milestone in the state’s retirement benefit spending.
California Republican’s ‘cancel culture’ bills fail as Democrats reject 2 proposals
Fresno Bee
California Democrats this week shot down a Republican’s effort to make political beliefs a protected class under the state’s anti-discrimination laws, a bid that the GOP lawmaker described as an attempt to take on “cancel culture.”
Fact check: Is Gavin Newsom right that a majority of California schools are open?
Sacramento Bee
Speaking at an elementary school in Sonoma County last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said “9,000 plus schools, as of last month, out of 11,000 schools have firmly either reopened for in-person instruction or announced a date for in-person instruction.”
California’s population growth hits record lows
CalMatters
California’s population is growing at the slowest rate in more than a century, showcasing the contradictions of a state known for its innovation, beauty and diversity but also for its high cost of living, destructive wildfires and homelessness.
CA CRC Redistricting Basics Presentation
CA Redistricting Commission
April 20, 2021 California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) Redistricting Basics Presentation. Commissioner Turner, Fornaciari and Akutagawa. California Citizens Redistricting Commission Redistricting Basics presentation. WeDrawTheLinesCA.org
Federal:
COVID Update:
● Panel Meets on J&J Vaccine Wall Street Journal
● The US is vaccinating millions of Americans daily. But here's why Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are up CNN
House Democrats pass D.C. statehood, launching bill into uncharted territory
Washington Post
For the second time in history, the House passed legislation Thursday to make the District of Columbia the nation’s 51st state, bolstering momentum for a once-illusory goal that has become a pivotal tenet of the Democratic Party’s voting rights platform.
See also:
● D.C. statehood approved by House as Senate fight looms Los Angeles Times
● House Passes Bill Proposing to Make Washington, D.C., the 51st State Wall Street Journal
GOP Senators Release Outline of $568 Billion Infrastructure Plan
Wall Street Journal
A group of Senate Republicans released the outline for a $568 billion infrastructure plan, putting out a GOP alternative to President Biden’s $2.3 trillion plan as lawmakers seek a bipartisan compromise on the issue.
See also:
● Countering Biden, GOP pitches $568B for infrastructure Business Journal
● Democrats unimpressed by GOP’s $568 billion infrastructure plan Roll Call
● Opinion: Without a focus on maintenance, infrastructure dollars will be wasted The Hill
Senate passes bill to fight hate crimes against Asian Americans
abc30
The Senate passed a bill that would help combat the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a bipartisan denunciation of such violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
See also:
● Senate passes bill targeting hate crimes against Asian Americans Los Angeles Times
● Bill to combat hate crimes against Asian Americans passes Senate with bipartisan support Washington Post
● Senate Passes Hate-Crimes Legislation After Attacks on Asian-Americans Wall Street Journal
State lawmakers continue crusade against Roe vs. Wade with flood of new abortion bills
Los Angeles Times
Energized by the conservative tilt of the U.S. Supreme Court, legislators in Republican-led states have put forward hundreds of abortion restrictions, including near-total bans, eager to offer the vehicle to achieve a long-standing goal: the unwinding of Roe vs. Wade.
Washington Post
As the battle over a new Georgia law voting limits raged this month, Republicans in Texas knew they would be next — and acted quickly to try to head off the swelling number of corporations that had begun to scrutinize even more restrictive proposals being considered.
Senate committee to take up Biden judicial nominees in preview of potential Supreme Court fight
Washington Post
The Senate Judiciary Committee will take its first look next week at President Biden’s initial batch of judicial nominees in what could serve as a preview of the next battle over the Supreme Court.
As economy spikes, Republicans are still waiting for the ‘Biden depression’ that Trump predicted
Washington Post
Throughout last year’s campaign, President Donald Trump issued a series of increasingly dark predictions about what would happen if Joe Biden were elected.
See also:
● Trump’s shadow looms over Biden’s presidency and a divided nation Washington Post
● At 100 days, where does President Biden stand with the public? Brookings
Democrats Urge Biden to Keep Drug-Pricing Proposal in Antipoverty Plan
Wall Street Journal
House Democratic leaders made a last-minute lobbying push to keep healthcare provisions in President Biden’s planned antipoverty and education proposal due next week, in the face of uncertainty over the White House’s plans.
Supreme Court Cuts Federal Trade Commission Powers to Recover Ill-Gotten Gains
Wall Street Journal
The Supreme Court curbed the Federal Trade Commission’s longtime practice of seeking to recover ill-gotten gains in court from companies and individuals who cheat or mislead consumers, upending a central enforcement tool the agency has relied on for decades.
Other:
New 'Getting Connected' Resource Guide Propels Broadband for All
California Emerging Technologies Fund
Read about the new resource to accelerate broadband investment at the local and regional levels, produced by the CA Emerging Technology Fund and Valley Vision. Join us for the Launch Event, co-hosted by CA FWD, on May 14th!
Residents in Closest Allies Have Doubts About U.S. Democracy
U.S. News
Residents in European nations expressed low confidence in the U.S. as a good example of a functioning democracy in the 2021 Best Countries survey.
The threat posed by deepfakes to marginalized communities
Brookings
When we’re faced with a video recording of an event we generally trust that the event happened as shown in the video. But that may soon change, thanks to the advent of so-called “deepfake” videos.
This Ultra-White Paint May Someday Replace Air Conditioning
Smithsonian Magazine
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new ultra-white paint that reflects 98.1 percent of sunlight and can keep surfaces up to 19 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than their ambient surroundings.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Did you know? You can watch past episodes of The Maddy Report and listen to the podcasts on The Maddy Institute’s website.
Sunday, May 2, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "Redistricting 2.0: New and Improved?" - Guests: Alvaro Hernandez, Executive Director - Citizens Redistricting Commission; Pedro Toledo, Commissioner - Citizens Redistricting Commission; Eric McGhee, Senior Fellow - PPIC; Dan Walters - CalMatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, April 25, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "To Catch a Thief: Combatting Unemployment Comp and Workers Comp Fraud" - Guest: CA State Auditor Elaine Howle. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
How pandemic delivered humbling defeat for California’s struggling farmworkers union
Merced Sun-Star
The United Farm Workers had itself a win. But the celebration didn’t last long. In late January, the legendary labor union obtained a court injunction requiring Foster Poultry Farms to follow COVID-19 rules at its main chicken-processing plant in Livingston.
Almond Board of California
The Almond Board of California is hosting a FREE Irrigation Summit focused towards irrigation designers and irrigation industry members.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Retired Fresno officer booked in gun assault on ex-councilman who later led police reform
Fresno Bee
A retired Fresno police officer was booked on felony charges Wednesday night after allegedly assaulting former Fresno City Councilman Oliver Baines, who also headed the commission on police reform in the city.
See also:
● Retired Fresno police officer arrested for threatening, assaulting former city council member abc30
‘Crazy Bernie’ furniture store owner charged with felony medical fraud by Fresno County DA
Fresno Bee
Bernard Siomiak, who made a name for himself selling furniture as Crazy Bernie, is facing felony fraud charges for allegedly taking more than $23,000 in medical benefits from the state.
See also:
● ‘Crazy Bernie’ charged with MediCal fraud by Fresno DA Business Journal
Supreme Court OKs life in prison without parole for some juveniles convicted of murder
Los Angeles Times
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a life term in prison without parole for a defendant who was 15 when he fatally stabbed his grandfather in Mississippi, ruling that a sentencing judge need not decide that the young person was “permanently incorrigible.”
Fake COVID vaccine cards targeted by California attorney general
Mercury News
California’s acting attorney general is among the officials sounding the alarm about fake COVID vaccine cards being sold online.
Public Safety:
Fresno leaders quietly begin work on two dozen police reforms. Here’s what they are
Fresno Bee
Work will begin next week to enact two dozen of the 70-plus recommendations made by the Fresno Commission for Police Reform.
See also:
● Most Americans support greater scrutiny of police as discrimination concerns persist, Post-ABC poll finds Washington Post
● The Sprint Toward Police Reform U.S. News
Bonta vows as California’s top cop he’ll be tougher on policing
CalMatters
In hearings, Rob Bonta offers a new direction for a state justice department that progressives say has slow-walked reforms.
Release of body cam videos varies -- from hours to months
Bakersfield Californian
In Columbus, Ohio, it took five hours. In North Carolina, it requires a court order. In New York City, police can wait up to 30 days — sometimes longer.
● See also:
You have the right to film police. Here’s how to do it effectively — and safely. Washington Post
California should close 10 prisons as inmate population falls, advocacy group urges
Sacramento Bee
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is making good on his pledge to close at least two state prisons while he’s in office, announcing plans over the past year to shut down facilities in Tracy and in Susanville.
Fire:
California ‘burn bosses’ set controlled forest fires. Should they be safe from lawsuits?
Fresno Bee
Across California, property owners and their “burn bosses” are setting fires. When the weather is cool, calm and wet enough, these planned forest fires are designed to clear overgrown vegetation that could accelerate a wildfire in dry months.
Hay fire affecting Valley’s Northern Region
Turlock Journal
Local air pollution officials are cautioning residents in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties of smoke from a hay fire in the area of Lathrop and Manteca, at Interstate 5 and Highway 120.
These maps show why California is bracing for another extreme fire season
San Francisco Chronicle
The latest map of California from the U.S. government’s Drought Monitorshows large swaths of red and orange covering almost the entire state — indicating severe or extreme drought conditions.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Around Kings County: Local governments weigh COVID relief plans
Hanford Sentinel
Most Kings County jurisdictions have yet to formulate just how they will spend millions of dollars coming from American Rescue plan funding. The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill was enacted by Congress March 10 and President Joe Biden signed the bill into law March 12.
To build a better economic future for California workers, invest in digital equity
Sacramento Bee
The “future of work” of automation and digitized workplaces is no longer decades away. It’s here now. And an increasing number of workers — mostly workers of color — are being left behind in the transition.
Stocks end lower after report on Biden’s tax proposal
Los Angeles Times
A report that President Biden will propose a hefty tax increase on the gains wealthy individuals reap from investments triggered a stock market sell-off Thursday afternoon that left indexes broadly lower.
Event: Community Economic Development Innovations for a Post-Pandemic Economy
CA FWD
Learn about alternative community economic development strategies to address post-pandemic challenges in a new virtual event series presented by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Americans Are Coming Out of Their COVID-19 Pandemic Shells
U.S. News
Americans are returning to their pre-pandemic pastimes – eating out, flying, planning vacations and buying swimsuits. That's the picture that emerges from recent reports on retail sales, which rose nearly 10% in March, and surveys of consumer sentiment.
U.S. Economic Development Administration Marks Milestone $1 Billion in CARES Act Grants Awarded
U.S. Economic Development Administration
It was nearly a year ago, March 27, 2020, that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was implemented, and $1.5 billion in supplemental funding was provided to EDA to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
AEI
After plummeting last spring, views of the country and the economy are beginning to improve. In March 2021, 42 percent said the economy was on the wrong track, down from 65 percent in May 2020 (Harvard Center for American Political Studies/Harris Poll).
Jobs:
U.S. jobless claims fall to 547,000, another pandemic low
Los Angeles Times
The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell last week to 547,000, the lowest point since the pandemic struck and an encouraging sign that layoffs are slowing on the strength of an improving job market.
See also:
● U.S. Unemployment Claims Hit New Covid-19 Pandemic Low Wall Street Journal
Biden touts jobs from tackling climate change, including some ‘we haven’t even conceived of yet’
Washington Post
President Biden expressed hope Friday that even geopolitical foes such as the United States and Russia can cooperate on climate change, as he closed out a two-day virtual summit for world leaders hosted from the White House.
See also:
● What the numbers tell us about Biden’s promise of high-paying green jobs Politifact
Farms, Freight, and Retail Support the Recovery in Central California
Public Policy Institute of California
The labor market in Central California exemplifies the striking differences in COVID-19’s impact on regional economies. A lower reliance on hard-hit industries buffered Central California from the severe declines in places like Los Angeles.
AEI
Policymakers should consider ways to increase workers’ access to leave from work for illness, childcare, or family care even when the pandemic ends, which could include a national policy.
Opinion: Break down employment barriers with training, education programs
CalMatters
If passed, Assembly Bill 628, introduced by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, a Democrat from Coachella, will build upon the Breaking Barriers to Employment Initiative by assisting individuals in obtaining the skills necessary to prepare for jobs in high-demand industries.
Opinion: Unintended consequences: Democrat’s child tax credit will cost jobs
AEI
In addition to being costlier than the sticker price, a permanent CTC expansion, a goal expressed by many Democratic lawmakers, would have the unintended consequence of reducing employment.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Is support growing for a Clovis teachers union? What both sides say is happening
Fresno Bee
Teachers backing what would be Clovis Unified’s first-ever teachers’ union say they hope to have a new contract negotiated by the start of the next school year this fall.
CUSD Grants Employees COVID Compensation
Clovis Roundup
The Clovis Unified School District (CUSD) plans to compensate its full-time employees with a one-time payment for their efforts to serve the district students during the pandemic. Approval for the compensation came during Wednesday’s CUSD Governing board meeting.
California public schools see 'sharp decline' in enrollment
Bakersfield Californian
California public schools have experienced a sharp decline in enrollment this year as the pandemic forced millions into online school, according to data made public Thursday.
After-school tutoring and mentoring program assists children affected by pandemic learning
Bakersfield Californian
The aim of the boot camp is to supplement the learning schoolchildren are getting at their neighborhood school in order to benefit young children who could use some extra help in math, language arts, confidence building and character education.
Teacher diversity, grading equity, other task force goals OK’d by Modesto school board
Modesto Bee
Increase teacher diversity and analyze teacher placement to ensure that experienced educators are placed in high-needs schools. Those are among recommendations by a Modesto City Schools Equity and Racial Justice Task Force that were approved by the school board.
Missing kindergarteners drive largest drop in 20 years in California's K-12 enrollment
EdSource
The pandemic has intensified a multi-year trend of dwindling student enrollment statewide, causing a steep drop this year. More than a third of the decline stemmed from 61,000 missing kindergarteners.
Some Poor Districts Stand to Lose Out Again as Biden Preps to Pour Billions Into Schools
U.S. News
A formula that's long shortchanged school districts with high concentrations of poverty is being used to dole out billions in federal coronavirus-relief and infrastructure funding.
Higher Ed:
California’s public universities to require COVID-19 vaccine
Fresno Bee
Two of the nation's largest university systems say they intend to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff on University of California and California State University campuses this fall.
See also:
● Fresno State among California colleges to require COVID-19 vaccinations this fall Fresno Bee
● UC, CSU to require COVID vaccines for students, faculty returning to campuses next fall abc30
● CSU and UC to require vaccinations for fall semester Bakersfield Californian
● UC Merced among California schools planning to require COVID vaccinations by fall Merced Sun-Star
● California’s massive UC and Cal State systems plan to require COVID-19 vaccinations this fall Los Angeles Times
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
At Biden Climate Summit, World Leaders Pledge To Do More, Act Faster
VPR
Calling climate change "the existential crisis of our time," President Biden announced an aggressive new plan to reduce the United States' contribution to global warming during a two-day virtual summit Thursday, and he urged other countries to do the same.
See also:
● Biden wanted to rally the world around his new climate target. Not all nations joined Los Angeles Times
● How Biden’s new U.S. climate target compares with those of California and world Los Angeles Times
● Summit highlights formidable challenges to climate action Roll Call
● Biden pledges international finance plan as he presides over virtual global climate summit Washington Post
● As Biden convenes world leaders, U.S. pledges to cut emissions up to 52 percent by 2030 Washington Post
● Biden ushers in a new era of climate geopolitics Washington Post
● Biden’s Pledge to Slash Emissions Would Require Big U.S. Changes Wall Street Journal
● Climate Summit’s Final Day Focuses on Technology, Innovation Wall Street Journal
● Editorial: Biden set the right climate goal. Now we have to meet it Los Angeles Times
● Editorial: Biden’s 10-Year Climate Plan Wall Street Journal
Mayors ask Biden to be included in climate migration study
Business Journal
The mayors of a dozen major U.S. cities are asking President Joe Biden to consult them as the administration studies how to identify and resettle people displaced directly or indirectly by drought, rising seas and other effects of climate change.
US Forest Service logging challenged in California lawsuit to protect endangered mammal
Sierra Star
Logging and vegetation management in the Sierra Nevada is being challenged by a lawsuit filed in Fresno by California conservation groups seeking better protections for the endangered Pacific fisher, a tree-dwelling mammal in the weasel family.
What Biden’s presidency means for California’s environment
CalMatters
The cascade of rollbacks in Trump’s last days in office left plenty for the new president to undo. The feds have an ally in their coming work: California backstops some of the regulatory unraveling with its own laws.
Championing A Multi-Pronged Approach To Improve Air Quality
CA FWD
In our latest Voices of Shared Prosperity story, we profile Kyle Rodriguez, a senior analyst with the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Clean Cities Coalition who is working to create cleaner air in disadvantaged communities.
Webinar: California's Sustainable and Resilient Climate Future
CA FWD
Join this webinar to learn how regional, state, and emerging leaders are integrating efforts to develop a powerful strategy for collective action to address climate change and the state’s energy needs from a triple-bottom-line perspective.
Energy:
'Just transition' advocates revisit anti-oil campaign after key defeat in Sacramento
Bakersfield Californian
Environmental-justice advocates, regrouping after a big defeat last week in the state Legislature, strategized a path forward Wednesday in their campaign for a "just transition" away from oil production in Kern County.
Biden Infrastructure Plan and the Energy Implications
Energy Industry Review
US officials also claim that the plan will accelerate the struggle against climate change by embracing and reinforcing cleaner energy sources but also through a less “energy-hungry infrastructure”.
Natural Gas Is Getting Cheaper. Thousands Are Paying More To Heat Their Homes Anyway.
ProPublica
In September 2020, West Virginia’s chief utility regulator told the state’s natural gas customers that she had good news: Their bills were about to drop significantly thanks to the state’s drilling boom and the declining price of wholesale gas.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Do you still need to wear your face mask outdoors? Here’s what experts are saying
Sacramento Bee
Masks have been recommended in public for more than a year now, and while some states have lifted mask mandates, several still require masks to be worn outside when social distancing isn’t possible.
See also:
● Don’t put away your face masks. We may need them even as COVID-19 fades Los Angeles Times
● Should I wear a mask outside? Experts weigh in on scenarios.Washington Post
Health officials lean toward resuming Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine — but with a warning
Washington Post
Federal health authorities are leaning toward recommending that use of the J & J coronavirus vaccine resume, possibly as soon as this weekend — a move that would include a new warning about a rare complication involving blood clots but probably not call for age restrictions.
See also:
● J&J vaccine ‘pause’ latest messaging challenge for officials Sacramento Bee
● J&J Covid-19 Vaccine Pause Over Blood-Clot Fear Is Under Review Wall Street Journal
● White House writes off Johnson & Johnson vaccine after string of production failures Politico
Kids are back in school and daycare after coronavirus closures. Is it time for play dates?
Fresno Bee
In Stanislaus County, nearly all K through 12 students are able to attend some in-person school. After a year of remote learning and physical distancing from friends, the kids are excited to be with classmates.
COVID long-haulers at higher risk of developing fatal illnesses months later, study says
Sacramento Bee
A study involving more than 87,000 COVID-19 patients found that recovered patients face about a 60% increased risk of death from long-term complications of the disease in the six months after initial infection compared to people who’ve never tested positive.
Only 2 ‘breakthrough’ infections among hundreds of fully vaccinated people, new study finds
Mercury News
Among 417 employees at Rockefeller University who were fully vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna shots, two of them or about .5%, had breakthrough infections later, according to the study published on Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Human Services:
ICU nurses paid for by county were 'blessing' for local hospitals
Bakersfield Californian
When federal COVID-19 relief money came into Kern County last year, the Board of Supervisors earmarked $12 million to help supplement ICU nurses at local hospitals, and by all accounts it was a wise move.
Health Insurance For $10 Or Less A Month? You May Qualify For New Discounts
VPR
Signing up for health insurance can be a confusing headache. At the same time, the need for a financial safety net if someone in your family gets sick is incredibly important. With the ongoing pandemic and economic crunch, the stakes are even higher.
Burned out by the pandemic, 3 in 10 health-care workers consider leaving the profession
Washington Post
The doctor’s bag now sits in his closet gathering dust. He lost his stethoscope somewhere in the house — a familiar weight that sat on his neck for two decades.
State’s ‘MyTurn’ website bypassed for most vaccine appointments
CalMatters
Billed as a one-stop shop, California’s $50 million site has instead created nonstop problems. Only 27% of vaccinations booked each day use MyTurn.
Editorial: Just as Californians have to get driver’s licenses, a vaccine ‘passport’ is a good idea
Fresno Bee
If it takes getting a passport to gain entry to a Kings game or good seats at Dodgers Stadium, so be it. That will be the ticket to overcoming this pandemic.
IMMIGRATION
California shelter opens to immigrant children from border
Bakersfield Californian
A federal emergency shelter in California is starting to receive immigrant children from border facilities in what advocates hope will be an improvement in their care.
Kamala Harris ducks migrant youth border surge. Is Xavier Becerra up to the task?
Sacramento Bee
In March, Xavier Becerra returned triumphantly to Washington as President Joe Biden’s secretary of Health and Human Services. In April, it appears that the president may already be regretting the appointment.
See also:
● Editorial: The Biden administration — and Xavier Becerra — must deal better with migrant children Los Angeles Times
Lawmakers propose bipartisan bill to address border influx
Roll Call
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled legislation on Thursday to address the recent influx of migration to the U.S.-Mexico border by ramping up staffing at immigration agencies and streamlining immigration court proceedings.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
New Eagle Mountain Casino build kicks off in Porterville
Business Journal
Nearly 200 people were in attendance earlier this month for the groundbreaking of the new Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville.
2021 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update
National Law Review
With the end of the first quarter of 2021 approaching, we thought it timely to issue an update on selected recent developments and proposed changes in law and policy touching environmental, land use, and natural resource issues.
Housing:
Bakersfield Californian
A proposed home for homeless women and children has become the center of a legal dispute involving the project’s organizers, the city of Bakersfield and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Why seniors and disabled people are being forced to move from Stanislaus campground
Modesto Bee
When she received the notice in early April, telling her to leave within 30 days, Jackie Gregory thought she and her husband would pack their stuff in the motorhome and relocate to Oregon.
Housing agency ends Trump-era anti-transgender shelter rule
Los Angeles Times
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is withdrawing a Trump-era policy that would have allowed taxpayer-funded homeless shelters to deny access to transgender people.
U.S. Existing-Home Prices Climb on Tight Supply
Wall Street Journal
The relentless climb in U.S. home prices and tightening supply threaten to cool the hottest housing market in 15 years, sending frustrated home buyers to the sidelines.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Biden Will Seek Tax Increase on Rich to Fund Child Care and Education
New York Times
The American Family Plan, which the president wants to pay for by increasing the capital gains tax and the top marginal income tax rate, currently doesn’t include an effort to expand health coverage.
Are Unemployment Benefits Taxed?
ProPublica
Unemployment benefits are subject to both state and federal income taxes, but it’s not always straightforward. Here’s how to avoid a surprise tax bill.
The Federal Government Will Now Give PPP Loans to Borrowers in Bankruptcy
ProPublica
Thousands of companies working their way out of bankruptcy are now eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program after ProPublica reported that the Small Business Administration had been excluding them.
Editorial: A 43.4% Capital Gains Tax?
Wall Street Journal
The one consistent theme of the Biden Presidency so far is that he nearly always chooses to side with the Democratic left. So it was again on Thursday as Biden officials leaked that they will soon propose raising the federal tax on capital gains to 43.4% from a top rate of 23.8%.
TRANSPORTATION
Biden administration proposes restoring California’s right to set car pollution rules
Sacramento Bee
The Transportation Department announced Thursday it was withdrawing part of a Trump-era rule that blocked states from setting their own tough car pollution standards, reversing actions by the Trump administration that weakened California’s ability to fight climate change.
See also:
● Biden administration proposes restoring California’s right to set car pollution rules Los Angeles Times
● Biden Administration Moves to Unwind Trump Auto-Emissions Policy Wall Street Journal
● Biden Wants to Slash Emissions. Success Would Mean a Very Different America. New York Times
● Decarbonizing California Transportation by 2045 UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
Southwest, American Say Leisure Travel Rebounding as Summer Season Approaches
Wall Street Journal
Major airlines this week reiterated confidence that the travel market, at least for leisure, is rebounding from the deep losses suffered during the coronavirus pandemic. Executives said they hope the trend will continue into the summer vacation season.
See also:
● Millions of Americans could be grounded from flying because of REAL ID deadline abc30
Bipartisan Group Backs Gas-Tax Increase as Option to Fund Infrastructure
Wall Street Journal
A bipartisan group of House lawmakers endorsed raising the gasoline tax as a possible way to pay for infrastructure spending, lending support to a measure that both Republican and Democratic proposals have avoided.
Pandemic effects still inflating U.S. rail traffic figures
Progressive Railroading
U.S. railroads reported 533,217 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending April 17, a 32.2% jump from traffic levels in the same week a year ago, according to Association of American Railroads (AAR) data.
Opinion: Will Amtrak Joe Save California’s Troubled High-Speed Rail Project?
GV Wire
Dear Joe, I should call you Mr. President, but there’s no time for formalities. You better move fast if you’re going to save California’s high-speed rail project.
WATER
Governor Declares Drought Emergency In Northwest Counties
Capital Public Radio
California Gov. Gavin Newsom today declared a drought emergency for parched water systems along the Russian River watershed that serve hundreds of thousands of Californians in two counties.
See also:
● Governor declares drought for two northern California counties Business Journal
California wells will go dry this summer. ‘Alarm bells are sounding’ in the Valley
Fresno Bee
Thousands of wells that bring water to San Joaquin Valley homes are at risk of drying up this summer, leaving families without running water for drinking, cleaning and bathing.
Opinion: What can help get us through this drought
CalMatters
With very little water available, investments in our state’s water delivery systems coupled with conservation, storage and reuse are critical.
“Xtra”
Fresno reopening mega list: From movie theaters to dinner theater, here’s what we know
Fresno Bee
Earlier this week, Fresno County moved closer to a return to normal — or a new normal — following more than a year of coronavirus restrictions that halted the majority of entertainment options in the region.