POLICY & POLITICS
Report: Valley Cities Worst in Nation for polluted air, receive failing ‘F’ grades
Fresno Bee
Fresno and surrounding central San Joaquin Valley cities are at the top of a U.S. ranking for being the most polluted American cities, according to an annual report released Tuesday night by the American Lung Association.
See also:
● How Scientists Discovered What Dirty Air Does to Kids’ Health CityLab
North SJ Valley:
Patti avoids censure by fellow San Joaquin County supervisors
Stockton Record
Supervisor Tom Patti narrowly avoided being censured today by his fellow supervisors for comments he made to The Record several months ago advocating for the hiring of Dr. Bennet Omalu for the new county position of chief medical examiner.
City, county services hit by pallet fire
Stockton Record
A six-alarm fire that broke about 3 a.m. today in the 200 and 300 blocks of West Scotts Avenue has caused an extensive power outage in the city. Several city and county services, including City Hall, are affected.
Good, bad in recent Modesto-area news
Modesto Bee
Reflections on a few items of interest in recent issues of The Modesto Bee.
Central SJ Valley:
Shocking new details emerge in Fresno Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula’s child cruelty trial
Fresno Bee
A document filed Tuesday in Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula’s misdemeanor child cruelty trial is a bombshell, accusing Fresno police of illegally obtaining confidential records while revealing that Arambula’s 7-year-old daughter told authorities of several previous instances of cruelty in addition to the alleged crime.
See also:
● Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula in court to begin trial on misdemeanor child cruelty charge Fresno Bee
● Accusations of repeat violence and contradictory statements as trial start for Dr. Joaquin Arambula abc30
‘Carrying water for Trump’ or ‘vindicated’? What the Mueller report means for Devin Nunes
Fresno Bee
Democrats working to oust Rep. Devin Nunes in 2020 will have to make their case without any help from Special Counsel Robert Mueller III.
See also:
● Devin Nunes coming to SLO County for Republican fundraiser with ‘tight security issues’ Fresno Bee
Fresno housing commissioner apologizes, but some critics remain skeptical during tense meeting
Fresno Bee
A Fresno Housing Authority commissioner whose recent comments were criticized by some as racist apologized during Tuesday’s meeting.
Panhandling signs may be seen around Fresno, after all. But businesses would pay for them
Fresno Bee
Fresno officials want business owners to start using signage to discourage panhandling on their properties. Mayor Lee Brand and Councilman Garry Bredefeld held a news conference Tuesday to revive the “Help Us Help Fresno” initiative that failed to pass the Fresno City Council last week.
See also:
● Business owners can buy signs to discourage panhandling in Fresno abc30
In California National Guard, whistleblower claims of retaliation go beyond Fresno
Los Angeles Times
Allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers in the California National Guard are more widespread than the complaints made at a Fresno air base that led to a dramatic leadership shakeup of the organization earlier this month, The Times has found.
South SJ Valley:
Valley Fever cases in Kern hit all-time high in 2018
The number of local valley fever cases hit a new record in 2018, continuing a four-year increase, according to the Kern County Department of Public Health.
State:
California’s history of voting violations would face new scrutiny under Washington proposal
Sacramento Bee
Despite its aggressive push to expand voter access in recent years, California’s past voting rights violations have landed it on a list of bad actors that Democrats in Washington want to subject to extra federal scrutiny.
California National Guard members tell lawmakers of misconduct and retaliation for whistleblowing
Los Angeles Times
A proposal to strengthen safeguards for whistleblowers in the California National Guard passed a major step Tuesday as former service members testified at a state Senate committee about what they called a “rampant” culture of retaliation that reaches the top of the organization.
Federal:
Supreme Court conservatives appear ready to OK Trump’s census citizenship question
Los Angeles Times
The Supreme Court’s conservative justices appeared ready on Tuesday to uphold the Trump administration’s plan to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census and deal a defeat to California and other states with large numbers of immigrants.
See also:
● Trump lawyer, Supreme Court justices clash over citizenship question on 2020 census abc30
● See 200 Years Of Twists And Turns Of Census Citizenship Questions Capital Public Radio
● The Supreme Court needs to lift its cone of silence on oral arguments Los Angeles Times
● Supreme Court divided on citizenship question for census Politico
● Why census experts fear a citizenship question would jeopardize results PBS NewsHour
● Supreme Court Reveals Deep Divisions on 2020 Census Citizenship Question Wall Street Journal
● A year before the 2020 census, experts share 4 key insights Brookings
● Why the Census Must Frame the Right Questions on Race and National Origin Zócalo Public Square
● Brace for the local consequences of a Census undercount Bakersfield Californian
● EDITORIAL: The Supreme Court shouldn’t reward government lies on the census citizenship question Los Angeles Times
Split 5 to 4, Supreme Court Deals a Blow to Class Arbitrations
New York Times
The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that workers at a California business could not band together to seek compensation for what they said was their employer’s failure to protect their data. The vote was 5 to 4, with the court’s conservative members in the majority. The decision was the latest in a line of rulings allowing companies to use arbitration provisions to bar both class actions in court and class-wide arbitration proceedings.
Trump says he is opposed to aides testifying to Congress
Stockton Record
President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he is opposed to current and former White House aides providing testimony to congressional panels in the wake of the special counsel report, intensifying a power struggle between his administration and House Democrats.
Watchdogs open second ethics probe of top Interior Department officials
Los Angeles Times
Internal investigators at the Interior Department say they have launched another ethics probe involving top officials at the agency.
See also:
· Six Trump Interior appointees are being investigated for possible ethical misconduct Washington “Post
White House stops short of recognizing Armenian Genocide, last proclaimed by a president in 1981
Fresno Bee
President Donald Trump stopped short of recognizing the Armenian Genocide in a White House statement issued Wednesday, the Day of Remembrance for the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks from 1915-18.
See also
· EDITORIAL: President Trump, 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks. It is a genocide Fresno Bee
Young people actually rocked the vote in 2018, new Census Bureau data finds
Washington Post
Voter turnout spiked to a 100-year high in last year’s midterm congressional elections. Census Bureau data released Tuesday finds turnout rates jumped across nearly all groups, but the shift was particularly notable among young adults who typically stay home in nonpresidential years.
Elections 2020:
Wait, this 2020 presidential campaign scenario seems eerily familiar
Fresno Bee
The 2020 primary scenario seems like one of those weird moments when you’re certain you’ve had this identical experience before: an immense, fractious field of ambitious candidates splintering party support while competing for the presidential nomination in a Midwestern city at a summer convention that could well open in an ominous deadlock.
‘We have very good reason’ to impeach Trump, Kamala Harris says at CNN town hall
Fresno Bee
California senator, and Democratic 2020 presidential hopeful, Kamala Harris on Monday night called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
See also:
● Harris proposing gun safety measures she’d take as president San Francisco Chronicle
Former VP Joe Biden to announce he’s entering the 2020 race Thursday
abc30
ABC News has confirmed that Joe Biden will announce he’s entering the 2020 race Thursday morning in a video.
Beto O’Rourke opens his California campaign Saturday in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Times
Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke of Texas will launch his 2020 California primary campaign Saturday with a four-day driving tour of the state.
Do 75 California Mayors Now See a Presidential Candidate in the Mirror?
Fox & Hounds
California has 75 cities with more people than South Bend.
Other:
Caring Veterans Hold Two-Day Stand Down Event
Sierra News
The nonprofit Caring Veterans of America, Inc. invites all veterans and their families to a two-day stand down event at the Oakhurst Community Center on Friday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, April 28, at 9 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “The 2018 Turnout: What it Means for 2020?” – Guests: Mindy Romero, USC Price School of Public Policy; John Myers, Los Angeles Times; and Secretary of State, Alex Padilla. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, April 28, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) –Maddy Report – Valley Views Edition: “Voters and Legislators: The Midterm’s New Faces” – Guests: State Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger), State Sen. Andreas Borgeas (R- Fresno), Mindy Romero, USC Price School of Public Policy; John Myers, Los Angeles Times; and Secretary of State, Alex Padilla. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, April 28, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Cuenta atrás para el Censo del 2020” – Guests: Secretario de Estado Alex Padilla, Gisell Gasca – Mi Familia Vota y Alexei Koseff con San Francisco Chronicle. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Lindsay City Council to iron out cannabis business details
Porterville Recorder
After much rigorous discussion on allowing a cannabis retail dispensary within the city limits, the Lindsay City Council will now set regulations and requirements for cannabis businesses wishing to establish themselves in the city tonight at the City Council meeting.
Warmer temperatures could play havoc with crops
Economist
Rising carbon-dioxide levels and the climate change associated with them portend many problems, but one group of people might be expected to give them a cautious welcome: farmers in Earth’s temperate zones.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Judge orders more sleep for some California jail inmates
abc30
A judge has ordered more sleep for inmates after a group of female prisoners sued, saying their lack of sleep amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.
See also:
● Judge sides with female inmates who filed lawsuit over sleep deprivation Los Angeles Times
77 ASH patients have been without toilets for 9 days. It’s ‘turning into Lord of the Flies’
Merced Sun-Star
Nearly 80 patients at Atascadero State Hospital have been without easy access to toilets and drinking water for nine days following a massive sewer blockage, and staffers there tell The Tribune that conditions are becoming increasingly unsanitary and tense.
Proposed bill aims to help counties afford pricey Golden State Killer case
Visalia Times Delta
The California Assembly bill that aims to help counties pay for the trial of suspected Golden State Killer Joseph DeAngelo will receive its first policy vote Wednesday — exactly a year after DeAngelo’s arrest.
Bail bond preservation looks like a winner
Porterville Recorder
Anyone looking for a nearly guaranteed winning proposition in next year’s election should check out an already-qualified measure to repeal last year’s law eliminating the centuries-old cash bail system from California criminal courts.
Rise in California homeless killings leads lawmaker to revive hate crime bill
Sacramento Bee
It’s dangerous to be homeless in the Golden State. Homeless people make up less 1 percent of Los Angeles’ population, yet accounted for 16 percent of the city’s homicide victims last year, according to theLos Angeles Daily News.
Public Safety:
California cops and activists fought for competing use-of-force laws. Now they are linked
Fresno Bee
As tearful mothers and activists lined up in the Capitol to oppose a police training bill, they urged lawmakers to instead support a competing proposal that would make it easier to prosecute cops for questionable applications of deadly force.
See also:
● California Senate Committee Advances Law Enforcement-Backed Use Of Force Bill — But Links It To Its Rival Capital Public Radio
● Law enforcement loses a round in legislative fight over police use of deadly force Los Angeles Times
● California police use-of-force bills linked in attempt to reach compromise San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: SB 230 is fake deadly force reform. Senate should shelve it in committee Sacramento Bee
CA county jail inmate deaths rise after reforms
Sacramento Bee
Eleven inmates died last year from drug and alcohol withdrawal, suicide, medical complications and murder. Thirteen other people were beaten and hospitalized for multiple days.
See also:
● California Tried to Fix Its Prisons. Now County Jails Are More Deadly. Propublica
Fox: Varying Poll Results on Death Penalty Leaves Unclear Picture
Fox & Hounds
It was interesting to see opponents of the death penalty embrace the findings of a Pubic Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll soon after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a moratorium on the death penalty but remain relatively silent on the much narrower results from a subsequent Quinnipiac University poll on the same subject.
Why it might get twice as hard for you — and teenagers — to buy alcohol in Fresno
Fresno Bee
Sunnyside High School students can walk to any one of several nearby gas stations or liquor stores and try to buy a tall can of beer. They may or may not be carded.
Fire:
California governor won’t block building in high-fire areas
AP
A desire to live near nature is embedded in California’s ethos, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday as he explained why he doesn’t want to block home building near forested areas at high risk for wildfires.
Gov. Newsom introduces Cal Fire safety app ahead of wildfire season
abc30
Gov. Newsom was in the Bay Area Tuesday where he discussed wildfire hazards where wildland and urban developments meet.
Cal Fire crews work to clear potential fire fuel ahead of season
abc30
The buzz of a chainsaw is a welcome sound for homeowners living in the Meadow Lakes area of Fresno County. Crews are working to clear branches and vegetation in an effort to reduce the fuel that could feed a wildfire.
Train Now To Be A Volunteer Fire Lookout This Fire Season
Sierra News
From atop the mountain perch overlooking a vast expanse of green, eyes are carefully trained to spot the early tell-tale signs of forest fire.
Tuolumne County Homeowners See Flood Of Insurance Cancellations Due To Fire Risk
Capital Public Radio
Judy Austin, president of the Tuolumne County Association of Realtors, says a large number of residents are seeing their insurance canceled while others are paying much higher prices.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
S&P 500, Nasdaq close at record highs as earnings roll in
Fresno Bee
The S&P 500 hit an all-time high Tuesday, marking the stock market’s complete recovery from a nosedive at the end of last year.
Jobs:
Fresno Unified’s ‘Workability’ program provides adults with special needs the opportunity to work
abc30
Fresno Unified’s Adult Transition Program allows young adults to take big steps towards independence. They’re aptly named the ATP Trailblazers.
Democrats close but still short votes needed to pass $15 minimum wage
Roll Call
Proponents of a $15 minimum wage are bullish about the prospects of the House passing a bill to incrementally double the current $7.25 federal standard over five years, despite Democrats seemingly being short the votes to do so.
When Finding Work Is A Necessity, And Nearly Impossible
KPBS
More Californians are working past the age of 65, many because they can’t afford to retire. But the seniors who most need a job often have the hardest time finding one
EDITORIAL: The Supreme Court could soon affirm — or undermine — LGBTQ rights
Los Angeles Times
ON Monday, the court agreed to hear three cases involving Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace because of “sex.”
EDUCATION
K-12:
Lincoln Unified, teachers union reach tentative agreement
Stockton Record
A tentative agreement between the Lincoln Unified School District and its teacher union has been reached to end any possibility of a strike.
Fresno Discovery Center
Creative Minds Summer Camp 2019 will be offering six week-long camps to investigate, create and capture the imagination and will begin the week of June 24TH
Walters: Later school start times: Can we protect kids from becoming zombies?
CALmatters
We’ve all seen children, often very young children, hunched over from heavy book backpacks, shuffling along sidewalks just an hour or two after sunrise on their way to school.
How Trump factors into California’s charter school wars
Politico
It’s tough being a charter school advocate in California these days. Not only are the schools facing fierce opposition from the Democratic-controlled Legislature, teachers unions and a governor whom their backers spent millions trying to keep out of office, they also have the most politically toxic ally possible in California state politics: President Donald Trump.
Higher Ed:
BC prepares for upcoming commencement with record class size, new location
Bakersfield Californian
Caps and gowns have been ordered, stress levels are beginning to rise ahead of finals week and students are subconsciously humming “Pomp and Circumstance”: graduation is approaching at Bakersfield College.
As Trump rolls back student loan protections, an Obama-era watchdog brings the fight to California
CALmatters
Seth Frotman was traveling from the East Coast to California recently when he had a realization: The amount of new student loan debt that borrowers in the Golden State had racked up over the past year was equal to all the student loan debt in the state of Maine.
California’s newest college will blend online and face-to-face job training
EdSource
Even before it debuts its first classes in the fall, the California Online Community College will get a new name, says its president and CEO Heather Hiles.
Want Viewpoint Diversity on Campus? Here’s How
Minding The Campus
From supporting shout-downs and intimidation of conservative speakers to denying due process to students accused of sexual assault, stories regularly emerge that chronicle the liberal lopsidedness and lack of true viewpoint diversity among campus administrators.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Trees capture carbon and dollars
Bakersfield Californian
The status of trees as uniquely important environmental players has risen in recent years. Trees are now on the front lines in the battle against climate change. That’s because forests absorb nearly 40 percent of human-made fossil fuel emissions every year.
For Earth Day, Local Talk Addresses Wildfire Risk, And What The Public Can Do About Climate Change
VPR
Monday was Earth Day, and to commemorate, Fresno City College hosted a talk about how climate change is increasing our risk of wildfire—as well as some new climate change-related legislation making its way through the U.S. Congress.
What sequencing of redwood and giant sequoia mega-genomes means for the future
Sacramento Bee
Scientists, including from UC Davis, have successfully sequenced the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes, completing the first major milestone of a five-year project to develop the tools necessary to study these forests’ genomic diversity.
See also
· Researchers sequenced giant redwood genomes to kickstart a 23andMe for trees Popular Science
As California’s delta smelt spirals toward extinction, a future in captivity awaits
Los Angeles Times
Time may be running out for California’s most infamous fish.
Capital Public Radio
Current law prohibits the use of reusable foodware like cups, plates and forks at temporary events, because they must be cleaned at approved facilities. A new bill could change that.
Energy:
Will Newsom end oil drilling in California? Many environmentalists are betting yes
Los Angeles Times
California’s legacy of oil drilling should be just that, many environmentalists argue — relegated to the history books.
How California can meet its aggressive clean energy law
AXIOS
Energy efficiency and getting off oil-fueled cars are two of the most effective ways California could meet its ambitious new clean energy law, according to a new report.
Judge OKs $235 million in bonuses for PG&E employees, as company struggles with bankruptcy
Fresno Bee
A federal bankruptcy judge Tuesday approved PG&E’s plans to pay an estimated $235 million in employee bonuses this year, despite objections from lawyers for victims of the 2017 and 2018 California wildfires.
See also:
● PG&E asks California for higher rates, profits abc30
● Locals react to PG&E’s proposal for increased rates, profits abc30
● PG&E Seeks Higher Rates, Citing Wildfire Risks Capital Public Radio
● PG&E get approval to pay employees $350 million to meet safety goals after wildfires Reuters
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Who gets to skip vaccines? California plan would put the state – not doctors – in charge
Fresno Bee
California vaccine medical exemptions would be decided by a public health official, not a doctor, under legislation Sen. Richard Pan of Sacramento says would stop doctor-shopping by parents who oppose vaccines.
See also:
● California vaccination fight, Part 2 Capitol Weekly
Northern CA movie theater patron had measles. The U.S. outbreak toll is nearing a record
Fresno Bee
An adult who visited a Redding movie theater last week is Shasta County’s third reported case of measles, county health officials said, and figures released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control reportput the disease’s aggressive, near-record cross-country march into even sharper focus.
See also:
● Two measles cases confirmed in Sacramento County – first since 2012, officials say Merced Sun-Star
● Measles’ next target in Los Angeles: Unvaccinated college students Los Angeles Times
There’s A Buzz In The Air: Mosquito Awareness Week Reminds Californians To Take Precautions Against West Nile Virus
Capital Public Radio
This year the state has seen 125 percent of normal rainfall, which means ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
Report: Fresno, Valley, ranks No. 1 in U.S. for polluted air & receives failing ‘F’ grades
Fresno Bee
Fresno and surrounding central San Joaquin Valley cities are at the top of a U.S. ranking for being the most polluted American cities, according to an annual report released Tuesday night by the American Lung Association.
See also:
● How Scientists Discovered What Dirty Air Does to Kids’ Health CityLab
Human Services:
$500,000 grant eases the way for homeless people discharged from Turlock hospital
Modesto Bee
A $500,000 grant from Emanuel Medical Center is helping with post-hospital care for people at Turlock’s homeless shelters. The program so far has aided about 40 patients discharged from Emanuel to the Turlock Gospel Mission and We Care shelters.
See also:
● More homeless will hit Visalia streets Visalia Times Delta
77 ASH patients have been without toilets for 9 days. It’s ‘turning into Lord of the Flies’
Sacramento Bee
Nearly 80 patients at Atascadero State Hospital have been without easy access to toilets and drinking water for nine days.
America’s retirement system is a mess. This new legislation can help
Brookings
With around half of all American households not saving enough for retirement, Martin Neil Baily and Benjamin Harris explain how two proposed bills making their way through Congress would make small but welcome improvements to workplace retirement plans.
IMMIGRATION
Living in public housing with an undocumented immigrant? Your family could be displaced
Fresno Bee
Families in the Central Valley are “very likely” to be impacted under a new proposal that would force undocumented family members to move out.
Bakersfield Californian
Of all America’s immigrant visa programs, arguably the most successful for the U.S. economy has been the H-1B program. This program admits highly skilled foreign workers who fill vital employment niches to make our Made in America businesses more successful.
In a shift, Trump targets foreign travelers who overstay their U.S. visas
Los Angeles Times
The White House says it plans to crack down on the hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors who overstay their U.S. visas, a vast challenge that has largely escaped notice as the Trump administration has focused chiefly on blocking migrants on the southern border.
H-2A visa helps farmers but also widens door for labor abuses
San Francisco Chronicle
The Trump administration recently announced major changes to the H-2A visa application process, making it easier than ever for U.S. farmers to bring foreign workers into the country.
Opinion: Your taxpayer dollars are footing the spiraling costs of illegal immigration
TheHill
As the heated debate over funding the southern border wall rages on in Congress, President Trump announced his intention to send illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities and states across the nation.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
In Fresno’s Chinatown, Business Owners Conflicted About Promise Of High Speed Rail
Valley Public Radio
To Omachi, Chinatown is family. She now lives in Reedley, but her father was born in China Alley, a small side street today that a century ago would have been bustling with homes and businesses.
Housing:
California housing bill could have ‘far-reaching effects’ in Los Angeles, report says
Los Angeles Times
More than 40% of the developable land in Los Angeles could be eligible for homebuilding at a greater density under high-profile legislation working its way through the Capitol, according to a new city analysis.
Housing-strapped California debates density near job hubs
Associated Press
A controversial proposal to increase housing near transportation and job hubs faces a key test Wednesday as California lawmakers search for solutions to the state’s housing affordability crisis.
Can California boost home building without supercharging gentrification?
Los Angeles Times
Senate Bill 50 would remove local development restrictions but establish different rules for wealthy and poorer neighborhoods and bar developers from using the bill’s incentives on land where tenants lived for at least the previous seven years.
California Budget & Policy Center
Unaffordable housing costs are one of California’s most pressing challenges. The high cost of housing is one of the primary drivers of California’s high poverty rate — ranked first among the 50 states — under the Supplemental Poverty Measure, which accounts for differences in the local cost of living.
Will Housing Costs Drive Californians Away?
PPIC
Home values and rental markets in California are among the most expensive in the nation, and supply shortages continue to put upward pressure on housing prices. Over the last decade, the state averaged fewer than 80,000 new homes annually—far below the estimated need of 180,000 additional units each year, according to a recent report from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Californians benefit least from Trump tax cuts, study says
Merced Sun-Star
California households benefited the least from the income tax cuts in the 2017 tax law, according to a new report. The study, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, confirms the complaints from Democratic-leaning “blue” states that the Republican-backed federal tax overhaul was tilted against them.
The Federal Opportunity Zones Program and Its Implications for California Communities
California Budget & Policy Center
The Opportunity Zones program provides federal tax incentives for investments in areas that meet certain criteria and have been designated as Opportunity Zones (OZs).
Some Social Security benefits to runout in 2035
abc30
The financial condition of the government’s bedrock retirement programs for middle- and working-class Americans remains shaky, with Medicare pointed toward insolvency by 2026, according to a report Monday by the government’s overseers of Medicare and Social Security.
Bill would offer $5,000 tax credit for some first-time California home buyers
San Jose Mercury
Assembly Bill 1590, introduced in February by Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, focuses on low- and moderate-income households that are willing to buy in communities identified as “distressed” by the state. It would help buyers who make the move between Jan. 1, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2023.
California proposal to tax soda pushed to next year
Los Angeles Times
Lawmakers won’t vote on a soda tax or limit how much can be sold in a single cup this year, marking the latest California victory for the beverage industry.
California bill encourages banks to work with pot businesses
AP
California legislators considered a plan Monday intended to encourage more banks to do business with marijuana companies that have been frozen out of thousands of financial institutions.
Here’s How TurboTax Just Tricked You Into Paying to File Your Taxes
ProPublica
Come along as we try to file our taxes for free on TurboTax!
TRANSPORTATION
California Governor Seeks Explanation For High Gas Prices
Capital Public Radio
Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the California Energy Commission on Tuesday for an analysis of the state’s gas prices by May 15.
See also:
● Newsom seeks an explanation for California’s high gas prices Los Angeles Times
● Newsom calls for investigation into California’s high gas prices San Francisco Chronicle
US expands probe into air bag failures possibly responsible for up to 8 deaths
Hanford Sentinel
U.S. auto safety regulators have expanded an investigation into malfunctioning air bag controls to include 12.3 million vehicles because the bags may not inflate in a crash. The problem could be responsible for as many as eight deaths.
Greenlight For Roundbout? Local Businessman Says Bad Idea
Sierra News
Supervisors are expected to vote next month on a plan to create Madera County’s first public roundabout.
Metro leaders eye high-speed rail money for LA transit projects
Curbed LA
Metro directors say spending bullet train money in LA would be “more cost effective”.
WATER
A California town could finally get clean water – if its neighbor is willing to help
Fresno Bee
The 80 homes that make up Tooleville nestle against the mighty Friant-Kern Canal, thousands of gallons of fresh water flowing each day past the two-street town.
Officials prepared for warmer temperatures, melting snowpack
abc30
A warm up to 90-degree temperatures right in the middle of spring is something officials with the Kings River Water Association prepared for back in the winter.
See also:
● What the hot days ahead mean for rivers and reservoirs in Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
● Sacramento, Redding, see record-tying heat ahead of more above-average temperatures Fresno Bee
Westlands officials disappointed by water allocation announcement
Hanford Sentinel
While all other Central Valley Project contractors’ allocations were previously increased to 100% of their contract totals in recent months, the Bureau of Reclamation announced Wednesday that agricultural districts South-of-Delta will receive only 65% percent of their historic water allocation.
Parents of 2 Dixon teens killed in canal electrocution sue Solano Irrigation District
Sacramento Bee
The parents of the two teens who were fatally electrocuted in a Dixon canal earlier this month filed wrongful death complaints Tuesday against the Solano Irrigation District, which owns and operates the canal.
“Xtra”
Fresno Women’s Conference keynote speaker is ‘fierce’ America’s Next Top Model creator
Fresno Bee
Legendary runway superstar and creator of “America’s Next Top Model” Tyra Banks is coming to Fresno for the 2019 Central California Women’s Conference.
See also:
● Tyra Banks announced as keynote speaker for 2019 Central California Women’s Conference abc30
● Women’s conference tickets ‘close to selling out’ Bakersfield Californian
Hook Some Cash At The 39th Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby
Sierra News
Catch a fish during the 39th Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby for your chance to win a portion of the more than $55,000 prize money swimming through the clear mountain waters on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2019.
Strong community support shown for Porterville Spay and Neuter fundraiser
Porterville Recorder
According to event organizers, over 200 tickets were sold to caring community members in support of the Spay and Neuter Clinic fundraiser on Friday, April 19, held at Nuckols Ranch, and guests were treated to a very special evening for a good cause.
‘Roots And Routes’ Event Highlights Valley’s Soccer History, And Looks To Its Future
VPR
Fresno State’s Valley Public History Initiative is debuting “Roots and Routes: Fresno’s Global Soccer History,” a project that traces the sport in the Central Valley through oral histories, photos, and other documents, with a focus on immigrants who have made soccer in Fresno what it is today.
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno 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.
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