POLICY & POLITICS
Trump fracking plan targets over 1 million acres in California (Many in Valley)
Los Angeles Times
The Trump administration on Thursday detailed its plan to open more than a million acres of public and private land in California to fracking, raising environmental concerns at a time when opposition to oil and gas drilling in the state is intensifying.
North SJ Valley:
Turlock panel decries terrorists and other evil-doers. ‘They hate these gatherings’
Modesto Bee
Turlock celebrated its diversity at the Stand Against Hate gathering at Pitman High School. Speakers at the Wednesday evening event decried the recent terrorists attacks in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. They offered support for people who might not feel welcome in the city.
How simple tasks reveal a big rift among Modesto council members
Modesto Bee
The Modesto City Council’s Tuesday evening meeting included two seemingly routine items: approving the mayor’s pick to a new countywide homeless panel and council members’ assignments to the various committees and boards they serve on.
Central SJ Valley:
Class warfare at City Hall? South Fresno city leaders back down in road repair fight
Fresno Bee
Earlier this month, Fresno City Council members held dueling news conferences sparking a battle over the city’s gas tax funding. The fight caused Mayor Lee Brand to pull his proposed spending plan.
A Decade In The Making – How Social Justice Groups Are Shaking Up Civic Engagement In Fresno
VPR
Residents are persuading Fresno City Council members to change their minds about projects and policies. One possible reason for the boost in civic engagement? Social justice groups.
Fresno Diocese TV station could go off the air as it tries to sell broadcast license
Fresno Bee
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno is in talks with a party interested in purchasing its KNXT’s broadcast license for the diocese’s TV station — the second time the station has been on the market in three years.
South SJ Valley:
McCarthy recognizes exemplary students, teachers with Merit Awards
Porterville Recorder
Character, commitment and success inside and outside of the classroom were celebrated inside the PUSD board room Tuesday as five local high school students and five inspirational teachers were presented with the 2019 Merit Awards by Congressman Kevin McCarthy.
State:
Can California get any more liberal? It will if these laws pass
Merced Sun-Star
As Democrats maintain a stronghold majority in the Legislature, and with Gov. Gavin Newsom signaling he’s prepared to sign envelope-pushing legislation that former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed, liberal lawmakers are championing a progressive agenda that could make California even bluer.
California Lawmakers Advance Plan For Denser Housing
Capital Public Radio
California lawmakers advanced a proposal Wednesday to encourage more housing near transportation and jobs as the state faces a lack of affordable housing.
Census: Black, Latino, younger voters made large gains in the 2018 midterms
Sacramento Bee
Something changed, though, during the 2018 midterms. Californians under the age of 44 voted at higher rates than during the two previous midterm elections, according to new data released by the Census.
Federal:
Trump signed executive order putting military in charge of federal background checks
abc30
President Trump signed an executive order late Wednesday officially making the U.S. military responsible for virtually all security background checks for federal workers.
Pelosi’s new chief of staff reflects her barrier-breaking boss
San Francisco Chronicle
Terri McCullough is the first woman to officially serve as chief of staff to the House speaker. Her appointment parallels her boss’ own ceiling-shattering turn.
Elections 2020:
The 2020 Democratic field is set. Here’s what comes next.
Fresno Bee
The next phase of the 2020 Democratic primary is about to begin. While a minor candidate or two may still jump in, the field is now largely set.
Joe Biden lacks big-name California allies as he launches presidential bid
Fresno Bee
Vice President Joe Biden is a popular figure among California Democrats, but that doesn’t mean he can count on the backing of party leaders in the state for his 2020 presidential run, launched Thursday morning.
See also:
● Joe Biden’s 2020 run to test Democrats’ appetite for working with the GOP Fresno Bee
● Former VP Joe Biden officially announces presidential run abc30
● Joe Biden is running for president. Has his time come? Or come and gone? Los Angeles Times
● Trump’s reaction: ‘Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe’ Los Angeles Times
● Biden’s Climate Test Wall Street Journal
‘No centrist lane’ in Democratic primary, Trump campaign says
Fresno Bee
President Donald Trump’s reelection strategy will cast the entire Democratic primary field as an “unprecedented lurch to the left,” with every candidate captive to the party’s extreme wing, two senior campaign officials told McClatchy.
See also:
● A guide to Democratic talking points not far off the mark Washington Post
Democratic candidates tune out voter anxieties over border security
Los Angeles Times
Few fights have Democrats more certain that they have the upper hand against President Trump than the one over border security: His plans to build walls, separate immigrant families and punish asylum seekers have alienated voters since he took office.
How 18 Democratic Candidates Responded to a Climate Policy Survey
New York Times
The candidates unanimously supported recommitting to the Paris Agreement, restoring President Barack Obama’s environmental regulations and increasing funding for clean-energy research.
See also:
● One Republican’s Answer to the Green New Deal Wall Street Journal
George Will: America is borrowing from the future. It’s decadent.
Washington Post
The remarkable thing is the quaint expectation that any political person should explain how he or she would align proposed expenditures and actual revenues. For decades, the implicit answer has always been the same: They won’t even pretend to align them.
Other:
Is Facebook’s FTC fine the tip of the iceberg?
Los Angeles Times
The FTC launched a privacy probe into Facebook in March 2018 in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the data of 87 million users were improperly accessed by a third party.
Is America Becoming an Oligarchy?
New York Times
Democracy can’t flourish in a context of grotesque concentration of wealth. This idea is neither new nor radical nor alien. It is old, mainstream and as American as Thomas Jefferson.
‘I Love You, But You’re Wrong,’ And Other Salvos On The Front Lines Of Civility
NPR
Americans say they’re worried that the United States is growing more polarized and that civility — respect, courtesy, kindness — is slipping away in many aspects of their lives.
See also:
● U.S. laws aren’t keeping up with spread of hate online, says civil rights advocate PBS
● The Problem With High-Minded Politics The Atlantic
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, Giselle Gasca – Mi Familia Vota y Alexei Koseff con San Francisco Chronicle. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
California almond acreage increases in 2018
Porterville Recorder
In a press release issued Wednesday, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports that California’s almond acreage continued to increase in 2018.
Lindsay moves closer to establishing cannabis businesses
Porterville Recorder
Lindsay’s City Council is making its way into the cannabis industry slowly but surely, and on Tuesday night they cemented the details for future cannabis businesses that would like to set up shop within the city limits.
See also:
● What’s Happening With Cannabis Legislation At The State Capitol Capital Public Radio
● Can you mix camping with cannabis? We asked state park rangers and their answer surprised us SF Gate
● Think Pot Policy Is Settled? Think Again New York Times
Coming soon to California restaurants: Carbon neutral meals, verified by regulators
Los Angeles Times
Diners may soon have the chance to nibble away some of their climate guilt by patronizing California restaurants that have pledged to slash their carbon footprints to zero.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Take a stand against sexual violence
Visalia Times Delta
Now that our understanding of sexual violence is wider, it’s time to go deeper. It’s time to go beyond a hashtag. We need your workplace, business, or group involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
See also:
● The Lisa Project is coming to Porterville College Monday April 29 Porterville Recorder
He was accused of plotting to kill Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi. Now he’s out of jail.
Sacramento Bee
A federal judge has ordered the release of a Coast Guard officer and self-proclaimed white nationalist who is accused of stockpiling weapons as part of a plot to kill several media and Democratic political figures.
Community programs for California inmates bring more escapes
AP News
Fifty of the state’s more than 126,000 prisoners absconded last year, almost half of them from a program that allows male inmates to serve the final year of their sentences in community centers to get help with substance abuse, mental and other health issues, jobs, education, housing, family reunification and social support.
Inspectors Pan California Prison Built To Boost Inmate Care
Capital Public Radio
A flagship California prison medical facility built to improve the state’s substandard care is itself providing poor treatment including botched diagnoses and haphazard distribution of medications, California’s inspector general reported Thursday.
See also:
● Most State Corrections Spending Supports Prison Operations or Health-Related Services, Including Mental Health Care California Budget & Policy Center
● EDITORIAL: A dying shame: State leaders must fix, not ignore, prison reform’s deadly outcome Sacramento Bee
The Golden State Killer might be strongest test of Newsom’s anti-death penalty stance
Los Angeles Times
If anyone deserves the death penalty, it’s the Golden State Killer — also known as the East Area Rapist, Visalia Ransacker, Creek Bed Killer or Original Night Stalker, depending on the community he terrorized.
Investigations of alleged misconduct by California judges fall short, audit finds
Los Angeles Times
A five-year audit of California’s judicial watchdog agency found it failed to thoroughly probe allegations of misconduct and ignored patterns of wrongdoing by some judges.
Public Safety:
‘Attack on police.’ ‘Criminalizing their job.’ That’s what Fresno leaders say this plan will do
Fresno Bee
A pair of legislative bills penned in the aftermath of the controversial shooting of Stephan Clark were the subject of debate at Fresno City Hall on Thursday.
See also:
● EDITORIAL: Plenty of sides on use of lethal force by police. What’s needed is action. Modesto Bee
● EDITORIAL: Police use-of-force policies deserve real reform San Francisco Chronicle
Watchdog groups sue federal agency over NRA’s alleged campaign coordination ‘scheme’
abc30
A pair of legal groups sued the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday, seeking to compel the agency to enforce campaign finance laws.
Boating At Bass Lake? Here’s What You Need To Know
Sierra News
As the weather warms up and lake activity increases, deputies with Madera County Sheriff’s Office Boat Patrol will be providing proactive enforcement to all boating and safety violations, including boating under the influence.
Fire:
Fleeing Calif. fires common; evacuation planning isn’t
Visalia Times Delta
The destruction over the past three years from California wildfires has not resulted in a rush to more evacuation planning around the state.
See also:
● Unprepared to flee: Many California cities with high wildfire risk don’t have evacuation plans Sacramento Bee
● Why California wildfire evacuations are becoming deadly traffic jams Sacramento Bee
● Many fire-prone California towns don’t plan for evacuations AP News
Destined to Burn: What must be done to avoid the next California wildfire disaster
Sacramento Bee
From the Oregon border to the hills of San Diego County, California is a state that is destined to burn. Every summer brings new evidence of that in places like Paradise, Malibu and Santa Rosa.
In the hot seat: What California will be paying on Erskine Fire claims
Bakersfield Californian
The state of California is preparing to pay nearly $26 million in insurance and legal claims related to the Erskine Fire.
For California Fire Survivors, Rebuilding Can Be Long And Painful
Capital Public Radio
A year and a half after the Tubbs Fire, some families are starting to run out of insurance money before they’ve found permanent housing. It’s an experience that’s could repeat for victims of last year’s fires, as well.
This super bloom is pretty dangerous: Invasive mustard is fuel for the next fire
Los Angeles Times
Amid the joyful eruption of native wildflowers, an aggressive interloper has also returned. Mustard can make matters worse during a fire because the stalks are taller than the grass and can act as a “fire ladder,” carrying flames to taller trees.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Sprint, T-Mobile merger would benefit underserved parts of San Joaquin Valley
Merced Sun-Star
The proposed merger of T-Mobile and Sprint is of significant interest to the 800,000 members of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, their customers and the roughly 40 million people who call California home.
Stocks end mostly lower, weighed down by struggles at 3M
Los Angeles Times
U.S. stock indexes finished mostly lower Thursday as disappointing earnings reports from several industrial-sector companies weighed on the market, offsetting strong results from Facebook, Microsoft and others.
U.S. economy grew 3.2% in early 2019, smashing expectations
Washington Post
The U.S. economy expanded at a strong 3.2 percent annualized rate from January through March, the government reported Friday, blowing past expectations even though some economists warn growth was high because of factors unlikely to persist.
See also:
● No, Donald Trump is not the first president with low approval amid a good economy PolitiFact
● Did Corporate Tax Cuts Strengthen Wages? Don’t Believe What You Hear Bloomberg
Trump’s withdrawal from TPP trade deal is hurting U.S. exports to Japan
Los Angeles Times
One of Donald Trump’s first acts as president was to pull the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the 12-nation free-trade deal that President Obama negotiated but left unfinished.
The California Economy Isn’t Just a U.S. Powerhouse
Bloomberg
Just about every measure of growth shows that the Golden State is peerless among developed economies for increasing population, expanding gross domestic product, improved joblessness, rising personal income, and investment in innovation.
The U.S. Chamber wants to disentangle its brand from the GOP and hopes to rebuild the center
Washington Post
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, navigating dramatic cultural change that’s transforming the worlds of politics and business, plans to become less aligned with the Republican Party than it has been for decades.
Jobs:
Job hunters explore career possibilities at PC job fair Wednesday
Porterville Recorder
As the day began to warm up Wednesday morning, Porterville College (PC) was busy finishing their setup in the gymnasium for their job fair, which involved over 50 potential employers with a combined total of nearly 800 available jobs.
Workers on leave in co-worker’s death to challenge Modesto’s allegations against them
Modesto Bee
The three Modesto city workers placed on paid leave after a co-worker’s death have requested hearings where they can challenge the city’s allegations and proposed discipline against them.
AFL-CIO’s Trumka Says Both Parties Have Lost Focus On U.S. Workers
NPR
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka laid out his vision for organized labor Tuesday, taking on both political parties for catering to moneyed interests instead of focusing on the plight of American workers — the hallmark of the presidential campaign.
Wall Street Journal
By one recent report some 210,000 Americans across two government unions have stopped paying “agency fees,” once compulsory payments that the Supreme Court ruled last year violate the First Amendment. Keep an eye on a new case that aims to end another example of forced speech and association, this time involving state bar associations.
As Wages Rise, Black Workers See the Smallest Gains
Wall Street Journal
Black workers have received far smaller pay increases in recent years compared with other racial groups, despite unemployment for black Americans trending at historic lows.
EDUCATION
K-12:
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Education
Public Policy Institute of California
Most Californians say charter schools are an important option for parents in low-income areas—but many express concern that charters divert funding from traditional public schools.
New tactics drive higher reading scores
Visalia Times Delta
Over the last several years, Visalia Unified School District has worked to increase student literacy at school sites after local and statewide test scores showed a lack of understanding.
They didn’t have a prayer. Is Clovis Unified trying to stay out of legal trouble?
Fresno Bee
Clovis Unified’s school board meeting Wednesday did not commence with a prayer following the pledge of allegiance. It was a departure from a longtime tradition of praying before the start of a school board meeting, a practice that was recently deemed unconstitutional.
Three Kern County schools receive Distinguished School banner
Bakersfield Californian
Three Kern County schools had a lot to celebrate this week as they were recognized for their commitment to education.
Online school to host information session May 1
Stockton Record
The nontraditional learning environment is a great fit for many types of students, including those who are significantly ahead or behind in the classroom, those in need of a flexible schedule and those who need individualized attention, Connections Academy officials say.
Task Force Slams Fresno Schools’ “Cultural Bias”
Capital & Main
Among other criticisms, the African American Acceleration task force noted Fresno Unified’s suspension rates for black students — which are twice that of other groups and rising.
Later school bells, alternative testing: Calif lawmakers try again on quashed K-12 bills
CALmatters
California hit the snooze button last year on legislation that would have let middle and high school students sleep in a little longer. The later—and, experts say, healthier—school start time would have been a national first had Gov. Jerry Brown not vetoed it.
Calif opinions on charter schools are divided—and more complex than portrayed
CALmatters
The growth in charter schools has become one of the year’s most contentious issues in California. Now a statewide poll shows that not only are state lawmakers divided on the issue, but California voters are as well.
Universal preschool bills advance, and it’s more than just baby steps
CALmatters
Legislation that would significantly expand California’s subsidized preschool program cleared its first committee hearing Wednesday, leaving early childhood education advocates optimistic that the first phase of their long-sought effort will cross the finish line.
How California’s Digital Divide Affects Students
Public Policy Institute of California
As the internet becomes increasingly essential for student learning and testing, California’s digital divide threatens to exacerbate preexisting inequities in education.
Washington Post
School administrators are threatening to dismiss the newspaper’s faculty adviser, who was recently named educator of the year by the Northern California Society of Professional Journalists, if she doesn’t submit the article to them for prior review.
Who does the choosing under school choice?
Brookings
Nearly everyone would agree that every child should have access to a high-quality education, yet there is little consensus for how to make this a reality. Many education reformers believe school choice can help.
If Only People Knew How Good Their State Data Systems Are
Ed Note
After years of investment in state education data systems, states collect more data on education than they ever have. Yet typically, few people besides specialists in state education agencies know what data those systems contain.
Higher Ed:
Fresno State renames dairy unit after couple’s donation helps education expand
abc30
The Fresno State Dairy Production Unit is now known as Manuel Mancebo Jr. and Katye Mancebo Dairy Unit. Before each of their passing a few years ago the couple donated a million dollars to the university’s dairy science program.
When will MJC aquatics center reopen? Frustrated students, community members want to know
Modesto Bee
An explosion the morning of Father’s Day 2018 in the pool supply room closed the MJC aquatics center. More than 10 months later, the ongoing insurance investigation, the need for improvements to the center’s two 15-year-old pools have kept it closed.
As Trump Rolls Back Student Loan Protections, An Obama-Era Watchdog Brings The Fight To California
Capital Public Radio
With student debt soaring, consumer champion Seth Frotman has taken his federal fight against predatory lending to the state level in California.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
It hasn’t happened in 65 years. This threatened species has returned to the San Joaquin River
Fresno Bee
Before the construction of Friant Dam and creation of Millerton Lake in 1942, the San Joaquin River was a historic spawning habitat for spring-run Chinook salmon. But it’s been more than 65 years since adult salmon returned from the Pacific Ocean to the river – until this month, that is.
Pipeline firm gets $3.3-million fine for worst California oil spill in 25 years
Los Angeles Times
A pipeline company was fined nearly $3.35 million Thursday for causing the worst California coastal spill in 25 years.
How ski resorts in California are preparing for warmer winters
San Francisco Chronicle
Winter in the Sierra is becoming more erratic, with less snow and warmer weather. Does this mean California’s ski resorts are doomed?
California’s Skies and the Limits of Regulation
National Review
The State of the Air report finds that by every measure — ozone, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution — California cities are at the top of the list and often dominate the top ten.
Can Cap-And-Trade Really Transform Chinatown?
VPR
Moderator Kathleen Schock talks with three people invested in Fresno’s Transformative Climate Communities plan — it’s an effort that affects Chinatown and Southwest Fresno.
Energy:
California PUC works to rid solar industry of unscrupulous sellers
Fresno Bee
Last July, the California Public Utilities Commission conducted a public forum in Huron to hear from consumers about alleged abuses by unscrupulous solar providers. Much of what we heard highlighted the need for more attention to the solar industry and stronger consumer protections.
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.
Trump fracking plan targets over 1 million acres in California
Los Angeles Times
The Trump administration on Thursday detailed its plan to open more than a million acres of public and private land in California to fracking, raising environmental concerns at a time when opposition to oil and gas drilling in the state is intensifying.
Trump Administration Puts Offshore Drilling Plan On Hold After Setback In Court
Capital Public Radio
The Trump administration is delaying efforts to boost offshore oil and gas drilling in the wake of a recent court setback. The plans have been controversial, even in Republican-held states.
See also:
● The Trump administration’s plan to open up California to oil drilling San Francisco Chronicle
Advancing inclusion through clean energy jobs
Brookings
Shifts in “green jobs” and resilience to climate shocks have become some of the highest profile, most discussed trends of the decade. Considerably less attention has been paid to the types of workers, activities, and skills needed in years to come.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
California measles cases reach 38 as outbreaks spread
Stockton Record
California health officials announced Thursday that 38 people had been infected with measles so far this year, a tally expected to rise in the coming weeks as outbreaks grow in the state.
See also:
● Hundreds Of People At 2 LA Universities Quarantined Due To Measles Exposure Capital Public Radio
● Amid measles fears, more than 200 students and staff at L.A. universities are quarantined Los Angeles Times
● Measles Cases Continue to Soar, Stirring Concern Over Long-Term Effects Wall Street Journal
Substance Abuse Treatment CEO Arraigned For Fraud
Business Journal
The founder of a substance treatment center in Fresno was arraigned on an eight-count federal indictment earlier this month. On April 11, Orlando Gillam of Fresno was charged with mail fraud for a scheme that allegedly defrauded insurance carriers.
AP-NORC Poll: Many blame drug firms for opioid crisis
AP News
About two-thirds of Americans believe drug companies are to blame for the opioid crisis, although nearly as many hold drug users themselves responsible, a new poll finds.
See also:
● It Used To Be Kern County’s Opioid Epicenter, But Oildale May Be Cleaning Up VPR
Reversal in sight? State rethinks decision to quit providing glasses to needy adults
CALmatters
In 2009, state lawmakers opted to save state money by eliminating several Medi-Cal benefits, mainly for adults, that the federal government didn’t specifically require. This year advocates are pushing to restore the rest of the lost coverage, with a particular push for eyeglasses.
Mosquitoes: More expected, one disease ‘coming back with a vengeance’ in Valley
Fresno Bee
A major focus and concern for mosquito districts now is another mosquito, the Aedes aegypti, because it’s relatively new to the Valley and has the ability to spread Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya viruses if those diseases were brought here.
EDITORIAL: California still has a vaccination loophole. Close it
Los Angeles Times
Amidst a new slew of measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad (including one in Los Angeles County), the Legislature is gearing up for a second round with the anti-vaccination movement, this time as part of an effort to tighten the rules on medical exemptions.
Human Services:
Clovis senior living facility named in elder abuse lawsuit: ‘Cruel treatment’ led to death
Fresno Bee
A senior assisted living facility in Clovis has been named in a lawsuit alleging elder abuse, assault, battery, negligence, and willful and reckless misconduct, among other allegations.
When will MJC aquatics center reopen? Frustrated students, community members want to know
Modesto Bee
A Yosemite Community College District official who visited the Dave Ashleigh Aquatics Center on the Modesto Junior College East Campus on Wednesday said it’s not expected to reopen until — and this is the best case — summer 2020.
Drug take back and recycling event to be held Saturday
Bakersfield Californian
Kaiser Permanente is partnering with the Bakersfield Police Department and other local agencies to help people recycle their unwanted or expired household items along with unused prescription drugs.
UC Berkeley Labor Center
California made historic gains in health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but several million Californians remain uninsured and many struggle to afford individual market insurance.
Primary Care Services Account for a Small Share of Medicare Spending
RAND
Care provided by primary care practitioners accounts for a small fraction of total spending among Medicare beneficiaries, according to a new RAND Corporation study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
The Individual Mandate Is Here to Stay
Wall Street Journal
Believe it or not, America may be debating ObamaCare yet again. The logic of American health care precludes other options, from single payer to an employer mandate.
See also:
● The Tea Party Succeeded, but Not at Policy Wall Street Journal
● Health-care law more popular despite Trump’s repeated attempts to destroy it Washington Post
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 of public housing, local officials and advocates said this week.
Pentagon set to expand military role along southern border
Washington Post
The Pentagon is preparing to approve a loosening of rules that bar troops from interacting with migrants entering the United States, expanding the military’s involvement in President Trump’s operation along the southern border.
See also:
● Human Smuggling from Central America to the United States RAND
● Failed Immigration Policy Sustains a Lawless Cartel Empire Wall Street Journal
Judge gives U.S. six months to identify separated migrant children
Reuters
A U.S. judge said on Thursday he would order the Trump administration to comb through the records of 47,000 immigrant children and within six months identify those separated from their parents after crossing the Mexican border.
Immigrants Propel Population Growth in 10% of U.S. Counties
Wall Street Journal
About one in 10 U.S. counties grew in the fiscal year that ended last June primarily because of immigration—a significant increase from 2011—showing how new arrivals are shaping the nation as the population ages and the birthrate slows, new census figures show.
EDITORIAL: Trump wants asylum seekers to spend years in detention
San Francisco Chronicle
Fed up with asylum seekers counting on this country’s legal system, the White House has a fresh and especially cruel response. Thousands of migrant petitioners won’t be granted bail, meaning they’ll spend possibly years locked up waiting for a hearing.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Yosemite Valley’s only campground that didn’t require reservations has new online lottery
Fresno Bee
Yosemite Valley no longer has a first-come, first-serve campground for the summer. Entering the daily lottery earlier in the day won’t increase a chance of getting a campsite, said Yosemite National Park spokeswoman Jamie Richards.
Study: Opportunity Zone-ready California could generate hundreds of millions in economic activity
California Economic Summit
The federal Opportunity Zone incentive allows investors to defer federal taxation on capital gains by investing the proceeds through a qualified opportunity fund into a designated Opportunity Zone.
See also:
● The Best Way to Rejuvenate Rural America? Invest in Cities New York Times
● Trump Administration Offers New Flexibility in Opportunity Zones Wall Street Journal
Housing:
The iconic Fresno Hotel is getting a makeover
abc30
Once considered the Valley’s most luxurious hotel, Hotel Fresno sat empty and neglected since 1983. Now, the city is bringing it back as affordable housing.
California rent control moves forward with Gavin Newsom’s blessing
Fresno Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom signaled on Thursday that he wants to sign some kind of housing affordability law just after a controversial rent control proposal cleared its first committee in the Legislature.
See also:
● California Bill To Expand Rent Control Dies For The Year Capital Public Radio
● California rent control: Price caps advance, but broader package in trouble San Francisco Chronicle
● State rent-gouging bill advances, but still no action on tighter rent control CALmatters
● The best way to help our homeless neighbors is to find them shelter ASAP CALmatters
● California’s hottest housing bill moves ahead—with a break for smaller counties CALmatters
Homeownership Rate Drops for First Time in More Than Two Years
Wall Street Journal
The U.S. homeownership rate fell for the first time in more than two years in the first quarter, putting the brakes on the recovery of an important piece of the economy.
PUBLIC FINANCES
New California law requires Amazon to collect sales tax for small online retailers
Merced Sun-Star
E-commerce giants like Amazon and eBay will have to collect California sales tax on behalf of small online retailers that sell products through their platforms under a law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed on Thursday.
See also:
● California Governor Signs Internet Sales Tax Law Capital Public Radio
Morgan Stanley pays California pension funds $130 million over charges it misled PERS, STRS
Sacramento Bee
Morgan Stanley will pay $150 million to the state of California to settle claims that the bank misrepresented investment risks to the state’s biggest pension funds from 2003 to 2007, Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Thursday.
TRANSPORTATION
This could be the year passenger fees for airport improvements go up
Fresno Bee
Momentum is growing in Washington to approve an increase in the fee airline passengers pay to help improve the nation’s airports – with an unusual mix of Democratic House leaders and historically anti-tax conservatives helping push the effort.
How California’s troubled high-speed rail project was ‘captured’ by costly consultants
Los Angeles Times
Consultants assured the state there was little reason to hire hundreds or thousands of in-house engineers and rail experts, because the consultants could handle the heavy work themselves and save California money.
Newsom Names New Transportation Agency Head, High-Speed Rail CFO
SCV News
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday the appointments of David S. Kim as secretary of the California State Transportation Agency and Brian C. Annis as the chief financial officer of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
See also:
● California Eyes More Bullet-Train Funds Despite Trump Clawback Bloomberg
Bay Area declared one of country’s smoggiest regions—because of long Valley commutes
Curbed
ALA lumps nearly the entire Bay Area together in its rankings, placing a joint San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose designation in eighth place for ozone pollution, sixth place for “year-round particle pollution,” and fourth place for “short-term particle pollution.”
WATER
EPA draft groundwater rules disappoint clean water advocates
Roll Call
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed draft cleanup standards Thursday for groundwater contaminated by so-called forever chemicals, but advocates who urged the adoption of such standards said they were too weak.
“Xtra”
Party with puppies or get color-bombed at Woodward Park this weekend
abc30
It’s going to be a warm weekend jam-packed with events. From Fresno State Vintage days to the Clovis Rodeo parade, there is something for everyone.
How teenagers can work out for free at Planet Fitness during summer break
Fresno Bee
Planet Fitness has a way to keep teenagers busy during the summer break. Starting May 15, Planet Fitness is hosting the ‘Teen Summer Challenge Scholarship Sweepstakes” for 15- to 18-year-olds.
2019 Clovis Rodeo welcomes Professional Bull Riders Thursday night
Fresno Bee
The Clovis Rodeo welcomed Professional Bull Riders to the rodeo arena on Thursday night in front of an enthusiast crowd.
The Clovis Rodeo is back in town! abc30
There’s a new entrance for this year’s Clovis Rodeo abc30
Largest Salvation Army donation in 5 years comes from Fresno State fraternity
Collegian
The Fresno State chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity exceeded its goal and donated $6,398.93 to the ARC on April 17, according to a news release from the fraternity.
Hit new loaded fry fest, then wash it down with brews at beer festival in Modesto
Modesto Bee
American Outlaws Modesto Chapter brings back the Modesto Beer Festival, a beer tasting celebration. Tastings of several selections with brewers from Modesto, the Valley and beyond will be held both outdoors and indoors.
Test yourself with our new free game: PolitiTruth
Think you can tell the difference between True and False?
Do you really know what is fake news?
Support the Maddy Daily
Thank you!
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.
This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.
To Subscribe or Unsubscribe: mjeans@csufresno.edu