POLICY & POLITICS
Air District reminds parents to avoid idling at schools
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
As schools reopen for the fall session, air quality officials are asking parents across the San Joaquin Valley to consider student health and turn off their engines when waiting to pick up their children at the end of the school day.
See also:
● Air pollution officials ask parents to avoid car idling at schools Bakersfield Californian
Newsom recall basics: How to vote in California’s election
CalMatters
A FAQ on the California election on whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. CalMatters plans to launch its Voter Guide on Aug. 16.
See also:
● Key Recall Dates in San Joaquin Valley Counties
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● San Joaquin County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 44% of people fully vaccinated Stockton Record
● Stanislaus reports 2 deaths. Hospitals set visitor rules Modesto Bee
Water? Housing? Sewers? Debate over which Stanislaus pocket-area projects to fund
Fresno Bee
As Stanislaus creates a framework to spend millions of dollars on improving county islands and urban pockets, there’s disagreement among residents on how and where the money should be invested.
It’s official: Turlock Amazon fulfillment center to open in 2022, company announces
Fresno Bee
Amazon has made official what has been public knowledge for the past several months: It will be opening a million-square-foot fulfillment center in Turlock that will employ 1,000 workers.
Modesto names its next police chief after nationwide recruitment
Modesto Bee
Modesto City Manager Joe Lopez announced that Assistant Chief Brandon Gillespie is the city’s next police chief. Gillespie has served his entire 20 years in law enforcement with the Modesto Police Department, including roughly the last eight months as interim police chief.
Turlock hires interim police chief amid search for several executive positions
Modesto Bee
The City Council member who voted against the hiring expressed interest in ensuring Turlock take the same approach for all open executive positions.
Stanislaus State effort will go to Central Valley residents to study social-justice issues
Modesto Bee
Connecting with Central Valley residents on the region’s most pressing issues is Anysia Mayer’s mission as inaugural executive director of Stanislaus State University’s Community Equity Research Center.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Fresno, Valley lag behind California’s COVID vaccine rate. Who’s not getting the shots? Fresno Bee
● San Joaquín Valley counties have long ways to go to reach herd immunity against COVID Fresno Bee
● Rural areas of Fresno County seeing low COVID-19 vaccine rates abc30
Joe Biden says he had ‘Fresno in mind’ for infrastructure bill in meeting with Mayor Dyer
Fresno Bee
In a virtual discussion on bipartisan efforts to improve infrastructure, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and President Joe Biden focused on cleaner transportation methods to help reduce the air pollution in Fresno.
See also:
● Dyer plugs high-speed rail during Biden’s infrastructure roundtable San Joaquin Valley Sun
● Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer meets virtually with President Joe Biden abc30
Fresno Unified board reverses decision, will hold election to fill Carol Mills’ seat
Fresno Bee
Responding to an outpouring from the community, the Fresno Unified school board on Wednesday changed direction, saying they would hold an election to fill the seat left vacant by the death earlier this summer of longtime Trustee Carol Mills.
Fresno police can’t assign more officers to city schools amid violent crime wave
Fresno Bee
Citing a violent crime wave and low staffing, Fresno Police Department officials say can’t assign additional officers to Central Unified school campuses.
Kashian files lawsuit over Campus Pointe development. CSU chancellor’s office accused
Fresno Bee
One of Fresno’s leading developers is accusing the California State University Office of the Chancellor of being behind the decision to kill his plans for a convenience store at the Campus Pointe shopping center.
Dog poo bags aren’t as green as companies claim, Fresno DA says. Here’s the settlement
Fresno Bee
Fresno prosecutors announced a settlement Wednesday with companies who sell the bags for picking up dog poop, saying the claims about the products being green were misleading. Twenty-three district attorney’s offices said the case of “greenwashing” was settled.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health reports four new coronavirus deaths, 355 new cases Wednesday Bakersfield Californian
State funding for Dolores Huerta cultural center celebrated in downtown Bakersfield
Bakersfield Californian
After a lifetime spent advocating for the civil rights of farmworkers, Dolores Huerta was still surprised when she learned of plans to honor her legacy with a multi-million dollar community center in downtown Bakersfield.
Fairfax will consider a contract for a new superintendent at its meeting
Bakersfield Californian
The board of the Fairfax School District will consider approving a new contract for a superintendent in open session at its regular board meeting Thursday night.
State:
COVID Update:
● California hospitals now requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test for visitors abc30
● COVID patients have doubled in California hospitals Mercury News
● More places are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Is a vaccine passport coming to California? Mercury News
● COVID-19 infections among children on the rise as delta variant spreads in California Fresno Bee
● California doing better with delta variant than Florida, Texas and experts attribute it to higher vaccine rates, mask policies KTLA
● California doing much better with Delta variant than Florida, Texas. Here’s why Los Angeles Times
California Supreme Court won’t hear Republican case on Newsom’s emergency COVID-19 powers
Fresno Bee
The state’s highest court declined to to hear an appeal arguing against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s use of emergency power during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See also:
● California justices won't limit governor's emergency powers Bakersfield Californian
● California’s top court lets stand ruling that upheld Gov. Newsom’s emergency powers Los Angeles Times
California requires vaccines, tests for teachers and staff
Fresno Bee
California will become the first state in the nation to require all teachers and school staff to get vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, as schools return from summer break amid growing concerns about the highly contagious delta variant, Gov. Gavin Newsom.
See also:
● Gov. Gavin Newsom mandates vaccines or COVID tests for California teachers Fresno Bee
● Gov. Newsom announces all CA teachers must be vaccinated or tested weekly abc30
● California To Require Teachers, Staff Be Vaccinated Or Tested For COVID-19 Capital Public Radio
● California becomes first state to require coronavirus vaccine or testing for teachers and school staff Washington Post
● Editorial: California’s teachers will have to get vaccinated. It’s about time Los Angeles Times
● All California Teachers Must Be Vaccinated or Tested Weekly for Covid-19 Wall Street Journal
Opinion: Vote ‘no’ on the Newsom recall — but to be safe, also pick this candidate. Here’s why
Fresno Bee
Remember, even if you vote no on the recall, you can still vote for a candidate to replace Gavin Newsom. While some party leaders, including Newsom, are advising Democrats to leave the second question blank, that’s too risky.
See also:
● Democrats’ recall dilemma: Should they cast a vote for a candidate to replace Gavin Newsom? Sacramento Bee
● Fact check: Are Trump Republicans who contested the 2020 election behind the Newsom recall? Fresno Bee
● Who’s on the Gavin Newsom recall ballot and what do they stand for? Find out in our voter guide Sacramento Bee
● Yes, You Can Vote On Who Would Replace Gavin Newsom Even If You Vote No On The Recall Capital Public Radio
● Newsom has outraised GOP recall challengers combined by nearly 3-1 San Francisco Chronicle
● Meet Kevin Faulconer CalMatters
● Opinion: Larry Elder says police aren’t more likely to use violence on Black people. That’s false Sacramento Bee
● Opinion: There Is a Problem With California’s Recall. It’s Unconstitutional. New York Times
● Opinion: If Newsom Is Vulnerable, Elder Can Win California Recall Newsweek
● Larry Elder’s outspoken conservative radio rhetoric is under scrutiny in recall election Los Angeles Times
Federal:
COVID Update:
● United States COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Laboratory Testing (NAATs) by State, Territory, and Jurisdiction CDC.gov
● At least 1 million people got unauthorized 3rd booster shot: CDC abc30
● CDC strengthens recommendation for pregnant women to get vaccinated against Covid-19 Mercury News
● A majority of Americans in highly vaccinated counties now live in covid hot spots, Post analysis finds Washington Post
● Biden's big COVID challenge: Fading vaccines may demand boosters Axios
● FDA Moving Toward Decision Authorizing Booster Shot for Immunocompromised Wall Street Journal
● How Will the Coronavirus Evolve? New Yorker
Covid-19 Rise, Vaccine Hesitancy Frustrate Doctors in Hospitals Saturated by the Delta Variant
Wall Street Journal
Some healthcare workers say the latest surges in Covid-19 are adding to fatigue and burnout. But this time exhaustion is amplified by something new: frustration over the insufficient uptake of vaccines that could have prevented most Covid-19 patients from landing in their care.
● Poll: Nearly a third of Trump voters don't plan to get vaccinated The Hill
● Can social media influencers change vaccine skeptics’ minds? Los Angeles Times
What’s next on infrastructure?
Los Angeles Times
The Senate has approved an approximately $1-trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and the framework for a separate $3.5-trillion measure that Democrats plan to pass on their own.
See also:
● Senate approves Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill with funds for California Los Angeles Times
● U.S. Government Wants a Greater Role in How Americans Access Internet Wall Street Journal
● Democrats’ $3.5 Trillion Budget Framework Exposes Party Tensions Wall Street Journal
● How does the Senate infrastructure bill invest in future resilience and growth? Brookings
● Democratic divisions emerge after Senate adopts $3.5 trillion budget Washington Post
● Rail advocates say infrastructure bill falls short The Hill
Why conservative California Rep. McClintock wants to ease federal marijuana laws
Brookings
Rep. Tom McClintock doesn’t approve of marijuana use. He sees “clear evidence” its use can cause neurological problems in children. He’s a reliable Republican, conservative vote in Congress. Yet he’s called for easing federal restrictions on the drug’s use.
2020 Census Results to Guide Redistricting, May Show First Drop in White Population
Wall Street Journal
The first detailed results of the 2020 census, scheduled for release Thursday, are expected to show a nation that is aging, diversifying and continuing to grow faster in the South and Southwest.
See also:
● What The New Census Data Can — And Can't — Tell Us About People Living In The U.S. VPR
Op-Ed: Biden’s eviction moratorium extension is executive overreach
American Enterprise Institute
Presidents do have broad authority to deal with emergencies. But what Biden has done exceeds any such justification.
See also:
● Opinion: Biden violates his oath of office and pro-Constitution allies don’t care Los Angeles Times
Washington Post
President Donald Trump’s last acting attorney general has told U.S. senators his boss was “persistent” in trying to pressure the Justice Department to discredit the results of the 2020 election.
Rand Paul discloses 16 months late that his wife bought stock in company behind covid treatment
Washington Post
Sen. Rand Paul revealed Wednesday that his wife bought stock in Gilead Sciences on Feb. 26, 2020, before the threat from the coronavirus was fully understood by the public and before it was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Opinion: Which Voters Made Joe Biden President?
Wall Street Journal
A new myth is gathering momentum among progressive Democrats: Their “movement” elected Joe Biden, who therefore should support everything they want. This theory is politically naive and analytically wrong.
Other:
Wall Street Journal
Rochelle Walensky said the patients she treated as a physician generally trusted that she was working in their best interests. As director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Walensky said she has learned the same isn’t always true of many people in the U.S.
How the pandemic exposes rifts in America that exist among regions, races and classes
PBS
Despite the successful passage of the Senate's bipartisan infrastructure bill, Washington is still known for polarization. But as author George Packer recently explained in an interview with Judy Woodruff, the divisions in our country are greater and deeper than we realize.
American Enterprise Institute
We explore major pollsters’ findings on Americans’ views on COVID-19 in light of the Delta variant, what parents want their children to learn about America and race relations, views on crime and the police, opinions on capitalism and inequality, and concerns about rising prices.
What does Asian and Black racial solidarity look like?
Los Angeles Times
It’s been more than a year since the George Floyd protests — and about four months since Asian Americans, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, took to the streets after the deadly Atlanta spa shootings to speak out against escalating anti-Asian hate incidents.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, August 15, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “California’s Housing Crisis Hits Home” - Guest: Matt Levine- CalMatters; Dan Dunmoyer - California Building Industry Association. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, August 15, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "California's Housing Crisis: Are Granny Flats the Answer?"- Guests: Monica Davalos, Aureo Mesquita, Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto - California Budget and Policy Center. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Health, appreciation the focus of outreach to vineyard workers Tuesday
Bakersfield Californian
The red flame seedless grapes hung plump and ripe on the vine as a small army of farmworkers 30 miles south of Bakersfield braved triple-digit temperatures Tuesday to bring the fruit to market.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Fresno police can’t assign more officers to city schools amid violent crime wave
Fresno Bee
Citing a violent crime wave and low staffing, Fresno Police Department officials say can’t assign additional officers to Central Unified school campuses.
Public Policy Institute of California
State and county governments sought to curb coronavirus among the incarcerated by instituting policies. Even though jails are over capacity in just two counties, more than 15,000 people are housed in overcrowded jail conditions associated with virus proliferation.
What Improves the Chances of Solving a Murder?
New York Times
“The First 48,” a documentary on A&E about solving murders, has produced more than 450 episodes since its 2004 debut. The show’s title sequence tells us homicide detectives’ chances of solving a murder are “cut in half if they don’t get a lead within the first 48 hours.”
Public Safety:
Porterville police urge safety in school zones
Porterville Recorder
As students head back to the classroom, schools, and the communities around them are going to be busier than they’ve been since the start of the pandemic.
Scores of police officers are refusing the COVID vaccine
Axios
Significant numbers of police officers across the country are refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, ignoring mandates and leaning on their unions to back them up.
Fire:
Nearly 900 buildings destroyed by massive California fire
Bakersfield Californian
California's largest single wildfire in recorded history kept pushing through forestlands on Tuesday as fire crews tried to protect rural communities from flames that have destroyed hundreds of homes.
See also:
● More than 550 homes destroyed by Dixie fire, as it surges past half a million acres Los Angeles Times
● Dixie Fire has burned more than 500,000 acres, but growth has slowed Mercury News
● California college lecturer held after string of arsons near Dixie Fire to remain jailed Modesto Bee
● Wildfire updates: Dixie Fire tops 500k acres as crews prepare for weather change Modesto Bee
● Op-Ed: To turn back Dixie fire and others in California, raise pay for federal firefighters Los Angeles Times
PG&E power line suspected in Dixie fire was set to be buried underground in safety move
Los Angeles Times
PG&E said it would bury some power lines snaking through Northern California forest land, significantly reducing the risk of wildfires. Among the power lines set to be buried was a 10-mile stretch that may have started this year’s destructive Dixie fire.
With Extreme Fires Burning, Forest Service Stops 'Good Fires' Too
VPR
Facing record-breaking dry conditions across the West, the U.S. Forest Service announced it will aggressively put out wildfires this summer. As a result, the agency's use of "good fire," the lower-intensity blazes that clear out overgrown forests, will also stop.
A Former College Professor Accused Of Serial Arson Is Denied Bail In California
VPR
Firefighters battling the Dixie Fire have also been facing a second enemy: a serial arsonist who went on a spree of setting fires in July and August — and who sought to trap fire crews with his fires, according to agents from the U.S. Forest Service.
See also:
● Ex-Santa Clara University professor charged with setting blaze near Dixie fire Mercury News
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Relief may be ahead as the rise in prices for U.S. consumers slows
Los Angeles Times
Prices for U.S. consumers rose last month but at the slowest pace since February, a sign that Americans may gain some relief after four months of sharp increases that have imposed a financial burden on the nation’s households.
Inflation Stayed High in July as Economy Rebounded
Wall Street Journal
Inflation remained elevated in July as the economic recovery continued, but prices showed evidence of cooling amid pandemic-related supply problems and signs that the recent rise in coronavirus infections is starting to crimp some business activity.
Two Fed Officials Call for End to Bond-Buying Program
Wall Street Journal
Two Federal Reserve officials said Wednesday it is time for the central bank to start reversing the easy money policies put in place to support the economy after the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S. in March 2020.
Stocks Rise on Infrastructure Prospects, Inflation Data
Wall Street Journal
Caterpillar led the Dow higher, rising along with Home Depot, Boeing, 3M and most other stocks in the blue-chip benchmark. In the S&P 500, heavy-machinery rental company United Rentals and home-construction firm PulteGroup were among the biggest gainers.
See also:
● Editorial: Biden Has an Inflation ProblemWall Street Journal
● Opinion: Inflation Punishes the Unprotected Wall Street Journal
Editorial: Democrats Default on the Debt Limit
Wall Street Journal
Democrats run the White House and all of Capitol Hill, and they keep telling everyone they can pass a $3.5 trillion spending bill with 50 Senate votes and nary a Republican.
See also:
● U.S. Budget Deficit Narrowed to $2.5 Trillion in First 10 Months of Fiscal Year Wall Street Journal
Jobs:
It’s official: Turlock Amazon fulfillment center to open in 2022, company announces
Fresno Bee
Amazon has made official what has been public knowledge for the past several months: It will be opening a million-square-foot fulfillment center in Turlock that will employ 1,000 workers.
Valley businesses struggling with staffing as pandemic continues
abc30
Despite a thriving economy coming out the pandemic, businesses can't find enough people to hire. It has been a struggle to open Belmont Car Wash due to the lack of workers.
See also:
● Yoga classes, therapy and 401(k)s: California businesses beefing up benefits to attract workers CalMatters
Biden wants to create clean energy jobs. Here’s what they might look like
Los Angeles Times
The steel beams cut across the brown dirt like scaffolding baking under the Central Valley sun when the workers pulled up.
U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims Drop for Third Week in a Row
Bloomberg
Applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits dropped for the third week in a row, another incremental advance in the labor market’s recovery.
McDonald’s, NBC Latest to Revise Office Reopening Plans as Covid-19 Cases Climb
Wall Street Journal
McDonald’s Corp. said in a note to employees Wednesday that all of the company’s U.S. corporate workers must be fully vaccinated by Sept. 27 as businesses impose new employee rules amid rising Covid-19 cases
EDUCATION
K-12:
Join us for Back to School Ed Lab live Q&A live. We’re taking your questions
Fresno Bee
Thousands of Fresno-area kids head back to school this week. But with a renewed surge of local coronavirus cases, many questions remain about school safety.
See also:
● Fresno Unified preparing to welcome back students to full-time in-person learning abc30
● Central Unified School District welcomes back nearly 16,000 students abc30
Clovis parents urge school board to ignore mask mandate as classrooms reopen for fall
Fresno Bee
More than a dozen parents spoke out at CUSD’s board meeting, threatening to take their children out of school, and begging the board to turn against a state mandate that says K-12 students and staff must wear masks while indoors at schools.
See also:
● Kids do not need N95, KN95 masks at school amid COVID-19 surge, experts say Good Morning America
● DeSantis’ executive order misleads about the lack of scientific support for masking in schools Politifact
Visalia charter school curriculum pulled days before start of school…
Visalia Times Delta
In voting against the renewal of Newsela, trustees leave Global Learning Charter students without history and science curriculum heading into the new year.
Uncharted Territory: Back To School Meets The Delta Surge
NPR
In the next few weeks, millions of children will head back to school. Many of them are too young to be vaccinated. At the same time, children are being hospitalized with COVID-19 in small but growing numbers — and approaching rates higher than the winter surge.
See also:
● Op-Ed: COVID-19 will continue to disrupt schools, but we can manage it American Enterprise Institute
CDPH says school staffers must receive COVID vaccination or receive weekly testing
Bakersfield Californian
The California Department of Public Health issued a new order on Wednesday stating that K-12 school staff members must show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested weekly.
See also:
● Gov. Newsom Requires California Teachers, School Employees To Be Vaccinated Or Tested VPR
● California Gov. Newsom extends statewide vaccine or test order to public and private school teachers Mercury News
● What Stanislaus educators have to say on state COVID vaccine or test mandate for teachers Modesto Bee
● California to require COVID-19 vaccine or test for teachers Business Journal
● Newsom makes California the first state to require teacher vaccines or COVID tests CalMatters
● California orders all teachers to be vaccinated or face regular testing New York Times
Students and Social Media – Can Schools Discipline Students for Off-Campus Speech?
AALRR
With an estimated 3.96 billion social media users worldwide, it is no surprise to learn that most students have at least one social media account.
Higher Ed:
Local community college offering $250 to vaccinated students
Business Journal
West Hills Community College District is offering fully vaccinated students $250. Students must be registered for classes and upload their proof of vaccination to the West Hills Safe App, which measures contact tracing and daily Covid-19 screening, by Nov. 1.
See also:
● From Free Pizza To Free Tuition, Colleges Try Everything To Get Students Vaccinated VPR
EdSource
Just who is Daisy Gonzales, California’s new acting community colleges chancellor? Her journey, which she describes as an “incredible story,” may resonate with many of the system’s 2 million students.
Fresno State College GOP makes fun of military vet over mask video. University responds
Fresno Bee
Fresno State issued a statement supporting the United States military and its veterans on Wednesday after a former Army medic-turned-comedian called out one of the university’s student groups for making fun of veterans.
See also:
● Fresno State student organization facing backlash for comments towards veteran abc30
Stanislaus State effort will go to Central Valley residents to study social-justice issues
Modesto Bee
Connecting with Central Valley residents on the region’s most pressing issues is Anysia Mayer’s mission as inaugural executive director of Stanislaus State University’s Community Equity Research Center.
Student loan relief is extended until Jan. 31, 2022. Here’s what you need to know.
Washington Post
Millions of federal borrowers still have several months of debt relief before having to resume their monthly payments. If you can afford it, take advantage of this chance to reduce your student loan principal while the interest rate remains at zero percent.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
IPCC Climate Change Report Shows Less Cause for Panic—But More Urgency to Act
Wall Street Journal
More interesting and potentially more significant is that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has become more confident in those views. The increased confidence in its findings in its latest report has both encouraging and sobering implications.
See also:
● What does extreme weather tell us about climate change? Politifact
● Opinion: Same Climate Report, Different Day Wall Street Journal
Landmark Investment in Our National Parks Is Underway
Pew Trusts
The National Park System has become tarnished over the last century. Deteriorating historic buildings, crumbling roads, worn campgrounds, eroding trails, and outdated sewer and electrical systems have led to a backlog of repairs that will cost billions of dollars to fix.
‘Blue Carbon’ Can Boost Global Climate Change Reduction Efforts, Expert Says
Pew Trusts
With momentum building for protecting and enhancing coastal habitats to help combat climate change, countries around the world are exploring ways to expand and account for “blue carbon,” atmospheric carbon that’s captured in the world’s coastal ecosystems.
Sacramento Bee
Last week, Maryland’s Chris Van Hollen and a handful of fellow liberal Democrats in the U.S. Senate announced legislation to tax the oil industry on the basis of their greenhouse gas emissions.
Opinion: Democrats Will Ruin the Climate
Wall Street Journal
The currently observable reality is that progressives, who have now captured the Democratic Party, don’t seem able to run anything anymore—not cities, not Covid, not a national border. Why would letting them run climate policy be different?
Energy:
Energy commission encourages but doesn't require new homes have only electric appliances
Bakersfield Californian
New standards adopted Wednesday by the California Energy Commission will likely require that all new commercial buildings, including high-rise apartments, be outfitted with photovoltaic solar panels and large batteries.
See also:
● California energy commission mandates solar panels for new buildings Axios
● California Panel Backs Solar Mandate for New Buildings New York Times
White House Urges OPEC to Boost Oil Output Amid Covid-19 Economic Recovery
Wall Street Journal
The White House urged OPEC to boost oil production Wednesday, saying recent planned increases are insufficient as countries around the world seek to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.
See also:
● Opinion: Joe Biden Wants OPEC to Drill Wall Street Journal
Brookings
As a major new assessment from the IPCC shows, the race between climate change and emissions reductions remains tight. Limiting the damage already done will require the use of all available tools and broad global participation.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Air District reminds parents to avoid idling at schools
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
As schools reopen for the fall session, air quality officials are asking parents across the San Joaquin Valley to consider student health and turn off their engines when waiting to pick up their children at the end of the school day.
See also:
● Air pollution officials ask parents to avoid car idling at schools Bakersfield Californian
CDC urges all pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19
abc30
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged all pregnant women Wednesday to get the COVID-19 vaccine as hospitals in hot spots around the U.S. see disturbing numbers of unvaccinated mothers-to-be seriously ill with the virus.
See also:
● CDC urges vaccination as an alarming number of pregnant women fall ill with COVID-19 Los Angeles Times
Nearly 94,000 Kids Got COVID-19 Last Week. They Were 15% Of All New Cases
VPR
Coronavirus cases among children are rising at a time when the highly infectious delta variant is advancing across the United States at a rapid clip.
See also:
● Delta variant sparks a wave of COVID infections in children as Stanislaus schools open Modesto Bee
● Children's hospitals fill up as delta, virus cases soar The Hill
● Opinion: The pandemic has become more dangerous for children. Here’s how to help keep them safe Washington Post
What to Know About Breakthrough Infections and the Delta Variant
New York Times
Citing new evidence that vaccinated Americans with so-called breakthrough infections can carry as much coronavirus as unvaccinated people do, the CDC last month urged residents of high-transmission areas to wear masks in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccine status.
The Pandemic Has Devastated the Mental Health of Public Health Workers
Pew Trusts
Even as frontline health workers have been celebrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, many others working to track the virus, stem its spread and help Americans avoid infection have found themselves under siege.
A plant-based diet is the best way to avoid heart disease, according to a new report
Washington Post
There is constant squabbling over the virtues of various diets, but a new report published in Cardiovascular Research makes one thing clear: The best way to avoid heart disease is to eat whole and plant-based foods.
Human Services:
Local hospitals straining under stress of Delta COVID surge
abc30
Statistics from the state of California show there are just 42 ICU beds available in the six counties of the Central Valley - 10 in Fresno, 19 in Tulare, one in Kings, five in Merced, seven in Madera, and none in Mariposa.
California hospitals now requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test for visitors
abc30
Beginning Wednesday, all hospitals, skilled nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities in California will require visitors to show proof of full vaccination or provide a negative COVID-19 test.
See also:
● New rules for California hospital visits now in place. Here’s what you need to know Fresno Bee
● Stanislaus hospitals make changes due to COVID-19. What’s required for visitors now Modesto Bee
Los Angeles Times
Ivermectin, the latest supposed treatment for COVID-19 being touted by anti-vaccination groups, had “no effect whatsoever” on the disease, according to a large patient study.
Antibody levels predictive of Moderna's vaccine efficacy -study
Reuters
Antibody levels are a good predictor for how effective Moderna Inc's (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine is, according to a new study released on Tuesday, a finding which could help speed up future clinical trials for vaccines against the disease.
F.D.A. to Authorize Third Vaccine Dose for People With Weak Immune Systems
New York Times
The decision to expand the emergency use of both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines is meant to help transplant recipients and others whose immune systems are similarly compromised.
IMMIGRATION
COVID-19 vaccine efforts in immigrant communities include debunking rumors
Fresno Bee
Misinformation about COVID-19 has been spreading since the onset of the pandemic — and the immigrant community has been inundated with false narratives about the virus and the vaccines to treat it.
Immigrant detentions soar despite Biden’s campaign promises
Fresno Bee
The number of detainees has more than doubled since the end of February, to nearly 27,000 as of July 22, according to the most recent data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Warszawski: Interior of Fresno’s oldest theater was gutted under the very noses of city staff
Fresno Bee
City officials remain tight-lipped over why the owners of Fresno’s oldest surviving theater were permitted to undertake extensive interior renovations — without anyone notifying the Historic Preservation Commission.
Where America’s developed areas are growing: ‘Way off into the horizon’
Washington Post
Between 2001 and 2019, the built-up landscape of America has expanded into previously undeveloped areas, adding more than 14,000 square miles of new development across the contiguous United States — an area over five times the size of Delaware.
Housing:
Millennials make up the largest share of homebuyers in California. How do they do it?
Sacramento Bee
Chancellor and Hailey Veal were ready to give up house hunting after four months of bidding wars and rejection. Finally, in May 2020, they found their dream house in a South Natomas model home.
Covid-19 Rent-Relief Program Marred by Delays, Confusion, Burdensome Paperwork
Wall Street Journal
More than seven months after it was launched, the biggest rental assistance program in U.S. history has delivered just a fraction of the promised aid to tenants and landlords struggling with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Water? Housing? Sewers? Debate over which Stanislaus pocket-area projects to fund
Fresno Bee
As Stanislaus creates a framework to spend millions of dollars on improving county islands and urban pockets, there’s disagreement among residents on how and where the money should be invested.
TRANSPORTATION
What to know about charging your EV, electric vehicle
Sacramento Bee
President Biden will sign an executive order to target making half of all new cars sold in 2030 zero-emission vehicles. Here's what to know about charging an EV.
Rail advocates say infrastructure bill falls short
The Hill
Rail advocates say that while transportation provisions in the Senate-passed infrastructure bill are an important first step, far more is needed to address both carbon emissions and gaps in public transit.
Is California’s ‘Hydrogen Highway’ a road to nowhere?
Los Angeles Times
In the case of California’s “Hydrogen Highway” even the most climate-conscious, tech-savvy motorists are asking: What’s the point? The Hydrogen Highway was meant to stretch from coast to coast. But after 17 years, it has yet to make it past the state line.
Will the delta variant change your travel plans? The Post answers your questions.
Washington Post
If there’s one constant to this pandemic, it’s that the coronavirus is incredibly effective at upending our careful planning.
See also:
● Southwest Airlines Says Delta Variant Is Hurting Its Business Wall Street Journal
WATER
California Water Service begins water main replacement
Bakersfield Californian
Cal Water began a water main replacement project in central Bakersfield Wednesday meant to improve water system reliability and fire protection in the area.
“Xtra”
Capital Public Radio
Ready to go out on the town before summer ends? In parts of the U.S., you might have to carry around your COVID-19 vaccine card or a digital copy to get into restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and music festivals.
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 was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.
Subscribe to the Maddy Daily HERE
Or, to Subscribe or Unsubscribe: email amyboam@csufresno.edu