POLICY & POLITICS
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
● Recall Ballot Tracking
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Coronavirus update, Aug. 17: Stanislaus reaches 1,108 deaths, 62,520 positive tests Modesto Bee
● COVID-19 sends a flood of patients to Modesto hospital, straining staff and resources Modesto Bee
● Stanislaus County opens COVID vaccine sites for some third doses. Who is eligible? Modesto Bee
● Why People In This Tulare County ‘Vaccination Desert’ Haven’t Received The COVID-19 Shot VPR
Tuolumne gets $10 million to reduce wildfire fuels. Will this finally move the dial?
Modesto Bee
Two $5 million state grants will help Tuolumne County tackle brush and timber that could stoke yet another megafire.
Modesto expands list of banned items at protests, includes umbrellas, gas masks
Modesto Bee
The Modesto City Council has added to its list of items banned at protests, demonstrations and other public assemblies. The list includes metal containers, gas masks and riot gear.
Tuolumne gets $10 million to reduce wildfire fuels. Will this finally move the dial?
Modesto Bee
Two $5 million state grants will help Tuolumne County tackle brush and timber that could stoke yet another megafire.
California fined these Stanislaus County workplaces for COVID prevention violations
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County workplaces the state cited for violating COVID-19 prevention requirements include a hospital and a frozen dessert manufacturer.
Increase in delta variant cases forces Stanislaus State to change fall reopening plan
Modesto Bee
All in-person instruction at California State University, Stanislaus, has been delayed until Oct. 1 because of a rise in COVID-19 cases stemming from the delta variant, President Ellen Junn announced Saturday.
Several Modestans stranded in Afghanistan can’t get out, fear for their lives
Modesto Bee
Sarah Williams, community engagement manager for World Relief Modesto, has helped numerous Afghan families relocate here since 2012. Many are on edge, with relatives stranded in Kabul.
Garth Stapley: A stadium for concerts, snow sledding — and yes, baseball — in downtown Modesto?
Modesto Bee
Some influential local business people are taking steps to explore a new baseball stadium in downtown Modesto that could host other big events, like snow sledding, ice skating, concerts, and expositions.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● COVID-19 updates: Test positivity rates in four of six Central Valley counties top 10% Fresno Bee
● ‘Challenging phase’: Fresno County doctors fight COVID surge, public pandemic fatigue Fresno Bee
● Fresno County residents can now get a third COVID vaccine shot. Here’s who qualifies Fresno Bee
● COVID-19 update: Tulare County sees virus-related deaths as metrics continue to increase Visalia Times Delta
Dozens gather in Fresno to protest California's vaccine mandate
abc30
Dozens of people gathered in Fresno on Sunday afternoon to protest California's new vaccine mandate. The state's Department of Health has issued an order requiring all state workers, health care workers, and school teachers to be vaccinated or get weekly COVID-19 testing.
See also:
● Fresno County’s top health officer urges requiring COVID vaccines for employees Fresno Bee
Here’s why most Fresno-area students seeking a school mask exemption won’t get one
Fresno Bee
In an email blast to area doctors on Friday, the Fresno Madera Medical Society urged local physicians to follow the lead of the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which say that almost all school-age children can and should wear a mask in school.
Fresno Bee
Two big Fresno restaurants were demolished recently, leaving blank spaces on the same busy intersection in the River Park area. On one side of Blackstone and El Paso avenues is empty land where Romano’s Macaroni Grill stood before it was torn down in April.
Major LA developer wants to turn Fresno into an ‘entertainment destination.’ Here’s his plan
Fresno Bee
A noted Los Angeles developer has expressed interest in purchasing and improving multiple properties in southern areas of the city to turn Fresno into “a family-friendly entertainment destination.”
Study finds Tulare County families struggle to meet common living expenses
Visalia Times Delta
A new study finds families living in Tulare County struggle to meet the cost of living. It focused on housing, child care, health care, food and transportation, and other costs of living issues. It finds that 47,267 Tulare County households struggle to make ends meet.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Local hospitals resort to postponing elective procedures to save room for coronavirus patients Bakersfield Californian
● 2 new COVID deaths, 924 new cases reported by Public Health Bakersfield Californian
Deep pockets vie for Kern pistachio orchards
Bakersfield Californian
Pistachios have recently become perhaps the top choice for institutional investors in Kern County agriculture, apparently surpassing almonds.
After long run of triple digit temps, Bakersfield to see a 'refreshing' respite starting Wednesday
Bakersfield Californian
The summer of 2021 has been one of the most brutal Bakersfield has ever experienced. The month of June was the fourth hottest June on record, according to National Weather Service climatologist Brian Ochs.
Schools begin to open in Kern County, but coronavirus concerns loom
Bakersfield Californian
Students in Wasco Union Elementary School District have already been in class for two weeks. Since then a dozen students have tested positive for COVID, and 70 were sent home to quarantine because of a possible exposure under current health guidelines.
See also:
● Wasco school district sees coronavirus outbreak, state mandates vaccines for CA teachers Bakersfield Now
Kern Transit offers free rides to Bakersfield College students for the fall semester
Bakersfield Californian
Free rides will begin Aug. 21 on all Kern Transit 100-routes and last through finals week on Dec. 11, according to a news release from Bakersfield College. Students are welcome to ride the 100-routes for free, whether or not they're riding to school.
BC, CSUB prepare for biggest numbers on their campuses since the pandemic began
Bakersfield Californian
Local institutions of higher education have been preparing their facilities for the fall semester when they will see the biggest influx of students on campus since the pandemic shut them down.
Infrastructure bill could fund carbon hub in Kern
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County could become one of four federally funded technological hubs for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and burying it permanently underground if the House approves President Joe Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure plan.
Bakersfield plans millions in park upgrades after years of neglect
Bakersfield Californian
After years of tight budgets and neglect, nearly 20 Bakersfield city parks are scheduled for much-needed upgrades. The Bakersfield City Council recently approved $6.2 million for playground and structure improvements for around 19 parks across the city.
Millions in state funds for homelessness headed toward Kern County
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County region has been allocated millions of state funds to combat homelessness as part of a larger effort to stamp out the rising issue across California. The funding gives county and city leaders the flexibility to address the deepest needs within the community.
State:
COVID Update:
● Child COVID-19 hospitalization rates hit record in U.S. — but not in California. Here’s why Los Angeles Times
● The Lambda COVID variant is in California: 5 things to know CalMatters
● Imperial County has one of California’s best vaccination rates. Here’s why. CalMatters
● COVID outbreaks doubled in California workplaces in July. Why masks rules won’t change, for now Sacramento Bee
● COVID cases hit all-time highs in rural California hospitals as delta variant rages Sacramento Bee
● Opinion: Not vaccinated yet? Neither were these COVID victims. All regret their skepticism Sacramento Bee
● This SF woman convinced 1,270 people to get vaccinated. Here's her secret. SF Gate.
Battle over masks, vaccines roils California recall election
Business Journal
The fight over mask and vaccine mandates moved to the center of California’s looming recall election Friday, with candidate Larry Elder promising to swiftly roll back sweeping government orders while Democrats denounced the leading Republican as a science skeptic who would endanger public health.
See also:
● Newsom using stark language as he seeks to stay in office Fresno Bee
● Tax cuts and no COVID mandates. How Republican recall candidates would govern California Sacramento Bee
● GOP recall candidates vow to roll back Newsom mask, vaccine rules. But can they? Los Angeles Times
● Newsom wants voters to ignore the recall ballot’s second question. They don’t have to Los Angeles Times
● Skelton: Democrats should ignore Newsom’s request to skip the second recall question Los Angeles Times
● California recall campaign hits high gear as Newsom tries to rally Democratic base Los Angeles Times
● Who is John Cox and what would he do as governor? CalMatters
● Walters: What happens if California Gov. Gavin Newsom is recalled? CalMatters
● Walters: Wildfires could affect Newsom recall CalMatters
● Will Gavin Newsom take the fall for California's homeless problem? San Francisco Chronicle
● Newsom recall: With ballots in mail, phone bankers deliver governor’s message: Turnout is everything Mercury News
● This 29-year-old YouTube millionaire has a good chance to be the next governor of California CNBC
● A 29-year-old YouTube millionaire is leading in a poll to replace Gavin Newsom as the next governor of California Insider
● Can Gov. Newsom Keep His Job? A Recall Effort in California Shows a Dead Heat. New York Times
● Federal lawsuit challenges California recall as unconstitutional Politico
● Opinion: The California Housing Crunch Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: On minimum wage, does Larry Elder not know or not care? Los Angeles Times
California Assembly to require vaccine for its employees
Fresno Bee
Everyone who works in the California Assembly must receive the coronavirus vaccine or risk losing their job, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said.
See also:
● California Assembly employees must get vaccinated to keep their jobs, top Democrat says Sacramento Bee
● California unions for firefighters, blue collar workers challenge Newsom’s vaccine rules Sacramento Bee
● California recommends private employers require COVID vaccines or testing for workers Sacramento Bee
Longtime Chamber of Commerce CEO to retire after 23 years lobbying for California business
Sacramento Bee
Allan Zaremberg, California Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO, will retire at the end of the year after 23 years on the job. Zaremberg and his organization found success in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
See also:
● CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg Announces Upcoming Retirement CalChamber
Opinion: California should lead the way on universal voting
CalMatters
Given the scale and scope of the issues facing our state and nation, and the depth and breadth of distrust in government, it is essential that the fundamental act of democratic participation be safeguarded against all anti-democratic threats.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● US to recommend COVID vaccine boosters at 8 months Modesto Bee
● The Biden Administration May Recommend COVID Boosters After 8 Months VPR
● Biden administration to announce most Americans will need coronavirus booster shots Washington Post
● U.S. to recommend COVID vaccine boosters at 8 months after second shot Los Angeles Times
● Biden Administration Expected to Call for Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Wall Street Journal
● U.S. to advise COVID booster shots for most Americans at 8 months Axios
● Axios-Ipsos poll: Most Americans favor mandates Axios
Democrats’ standoff continues over budget, infrastructure
Roll Call
The impasse between moderate House Democrats and Speaker Nancy Pelosi over voting on a budget resolution before an infrastructure bill remains in a stalemate following a series of weekend developments.
See also:
● McCarthy’s silent treatment Axios
● Op-Ed: Biden’s childcare plan might only raise parents’ costs American Enterprise Institute
● Opinion: New Senate bill would damage the app economy and consumers American Enterprise Institute
● The infrastructure bill is more about maintaining train service than upgrading it CNN Business
Democrats push for new Voting Rights Act before maps are drawn
Roll Call
Responding to increased pressure from civil rights groups following the release of new census data, House Democrats kicked their effort to pass a new Voting Rights Act into high gear this week despite intense Republican opposition.
Biden’s confirmations progress at the 200-day mark
Brookings
With the recent passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill in the Senate and the confirmation of eight federal judges–the most through Aug. 1 of a president’s first year going back to Nixon—the Biden administration appears to be off to an auspicious beginning.
The GOP waves white flag in the same-sex marriage wars
Politico
The GOP has, in recent years, undergone a quiet but consequential evolution: Party leaders still exhibit strong opposition to transgender rights and the top legislative priorities of the LGBTQ community. On same-sex marriage, they’ve all but conceded defeat.
Op-Ed: Biden’s illegal eviction ban is destroying people like Lincoln Eccles
American Enterprise Institute
Biden and the CDC may think there are no costs to the nationwide eviction moratorium, in force for almost a year and now extended over the objections of the Supreme Court until October. The president needs to meet Lincoln Eccles of Crown Heights.
Other:
Visiting a national park? COVID surge means you’ll need to wear a mask again
Modesto Bee
The National Park Service said Monday all tourists and employees will be required to wear masks where they are crowds — both indoors and outdoors.
California mega-church offers COVID vaccine ‘religious exemption’ in public Instagram post
Fresno Bee
Destiny Christian Church in Rocklin, which openly defied Gov. Gavin Newsom’s COVID-19 shutdown orders, now plans to provide “religious exemptions” to people who want to avoid getting vaccinated.
The Town That Inspired John Steinbeck Has A New Literary Star
VPR
Ask any book-loving central Californian which author they associate with the city of Watsonville, and they'll probably mention the name of Golden State legend John Steinbeck.
Census Shows Sharply Growing Numbers of Hispanic, Asian and Multiracial Americans
New York Times
The United States grew significantly more diverse over the past decade, as the populations of people who identify as Hispanic and Asian surged and the number of people who said they were more than one race more than doubled, the Census Bureau reported on Thursday.
In the largest Afghan enclave in the US, frustration, heartbreak and ‘a sense of mourning’
CNN
Many expatriates had feared the collapse of the Afghan government and full-blown civil war back home. They worry about Afghanistan again becoming a haven for terrorists bent on attacking the United States.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, August 22, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “A Comprehensive Look at the Valley's Water Issues” - Guest: Ellen Hanak, Director of the Water Policy Center - Public Policy Institute of California. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, August 22, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "A Comprehensive Look at the Valley's Water Challenges"- Guests: Ellen Hanak, Director of the Water Policy Center - Public Policy Institute of California. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Deep pockets vie for Kern pistachio orchards
Bakersfield Californian
Pistachios have recently become perhaps the top choice for institutional investors in Kern County agriculture, apparently surpassing almonds.
Rural population losses add to farm and ranch labor shortages
Business Journal
Rural America lost more population in the latest census, highlighting an already severe worker shortage in the nation’s farming and ranching regions and drawing calls from those industries for immigration reform to help ease the problem.
California drought takes toll on world's top almond producer
AP
As temperatures recently reached triple digits, farmer Joe Del Bosque inspected the almonds in his parched orchard in California’s agriculture-rich San Joaquin Valley, where a deepening drought threatens one of the state’s most profitable crops.
Biden administration approves largest increase to food assistance benefits in SNAP program history
Washington Post
Average monthly benefits will rise by 25 percent, or an additional $36, under the new permanent rules, intended to target a surge of food insecurity during the pandemic.
See also:
● USDA to permanently boost food stamp benefits by 25 percent AP
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
California judge is mad at quick jail releases. He set burglary defendant’s bail at $1 million
Fresno Bee
Frustrated with California’s justice system, a Fresno County judge on Friday set a burglary suspect’s bail at $1 million to make sure she wouldn’t be able to get out of jail easily.
No criminal charges in fatal 2018 California wildfire
AP
The California Department of Justice said Friday that it will not bring criminal charges against a utility whose equipment sparked a 2018 fire that killed three people and destroyed more than 1,600 homes and other structures.
Public Safety:
Modesto expands list of banned items at protests, includes umbrellas, gas masks
Modesto Bee
The Modesto City Council has added to its list of items banned at protests, demonstrations and other public assemblies. The list includes metal containers, gas masks and riot gear.
BPD partners with safety app to deter crime
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield Police Department announced a partnership with the Neighbors by Ring app Monday to help deter and solve crimes. Neighbors enables users to input their address and see crime reports throughout their area.
More US cities requiring proof of vaccination to go places
Fresno Bee
In a growing number of places across the United States, people will be required to show proof of being vaccinated against the coronavirus to teach school, work at a hospital, see a concert or eat inside a restaurant.
Fire:
Tuolumne gets $10 million to reduce wildfire fuels. Will this finally move the dial?
Modesto Bee
Two $5 million state grants will help Tuolumne County tackle brush and timber that could stoke yet another megafire.
Evacuations lifted for wildfire in Squaw Valley. The latest on acreage, containment
Fresno Bee
Evacuation orders have been lifted in Squaw Valley as firefighters finish putting out a small wildfire burning near the rural community 30 miles east of Fresno.
Wildfire updates: Susanville residents told to ‘be alert’ as Dixie Fire creeps closer Fresno Bee
Multiple wildfires exploded in size across Northern California headed into Tuesday morning, as forecasters issued red flag warnings and warned of critical fire weather for much northern portion of the state.
See also:
● Wildfire updates: Dixie Fire swells to over 600,000 acres; Caldor Fire growth explodes Modesto Bee
● Dixie fire forces new evacuations and strains resources as it burns for more than a month Los Angeles Times
● More than 550 homes destroyed by Dixie fire, now at over half a million acres Los Angeles Times
California fire threatens homes as blazes burn across West
Sacramento Bee
Thousands of homes in Northern California remain threatened by the nation's largest wildfire as unstable weather creates a high danger of new blazes erupting across the West.
See also:
● Wind forecasts bring new worries to California fire lines Fresno Bee
● Crews battle largest US wildfire, threats grow across West Fresno Bee
● Wildfires push more dangerous smoke toward Valley floor Visalia Times Delta
Democrats demand Pentagon renew wildfire monitoring program
Los Angeles Times
Seven weeks before an important wildfire monitoring program is slated to lose access to Pentagon satellite data, 31 Democrats from California on Monday demanded the Defense Department commit to continuing the access that firefighters have come to rely on.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
U.S. Retail Sales Fell 1.1% in July as Spending Fell Across Categories
Wall Street Journal
Spending at U.S. retailers fell sharply in July, amid cooling purchases of goods and signs of some pullback in consumer demand as U.S. Covid-19 cases tied to the Delta variant rose. Retail sales fell 1.1% last month compared with June.
Bitcoin Fans Are Suddenly a Political Force
Wall Street Journal
A clash over tax rules for digital currencies like bitcoin turned into a political coming-of-age moment for the cryptocurrency industry, galvanizing a usually fractious coalition of investors, exchanges, financiers and social-media influencers.
Editorial: How to Send U.S. Companies Overseas
Wall Street Journal
We know this doesn’t fit the political times, but surely someone on Capitol Hill must care about what the Biden Administration’s tax plans will do to the U.S. economy. Some economists are starting to do the work of figuring this out, and the results are alarming.
Jobs:
Fresno County’s top health officer urges requiring COVID vaccines for employees
Fresno Bee
Fresno County’s top health official said this week that county leaders should consider following hospital chiefs and other leaders who have begun to require vaccinations for many of their employees.
See also:
● California recommends private employers require COVID vaccines or testing for workers Sacramento Bee
COVID outbreaks doubled in California workplaces in July. Why masks rules won’t change, for now
Sacramento Bee
The data, which was shared with a panel exploring how to revise the state’s COVID-19 workplace safety standard, showed that the number of worksite outbreaks in July was the highest since April.
Lost your job during the pandemic? California will give you $2,500 to train for new work
Sacramento Bee
Using money from the federal COVID-19 relief package, Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers set aside $500 million in this year’s state budget to make it easier for hundreds of thousands of workers to get the education necessary for a career transition.
Employers deal with wage inflation in an applicant’s market
Business Journal
The California state minimum wage will increase until 2023 where it will stand at $15 dollar an hour. But, because of labor shortages and companies desperate to attract workers back, employers are already offering wages well above that.
Heat Is Killing Workers In The U.S. — And There Are No Federal Rules To Protect Them
VPR
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), whose primary responsibility is to protect workers from hazards, has failed to adopt a national heat standard to safeguard workers against rapidly rising temperatures, resulting in an enforcement system rife with problems.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Mask disputes, outbreaks make for rocky start of school year
Fresno Bee
The summer surge of the highly infectious delta variant of the coronavirus made for a disruptive start of the school year in many parts of the country Monday as hundreds of thousands of children returned to classrooms.
See also:
● Here’s why most Fresno-area students seeking a school mask exemption won’t get one Fresno Bee
● Clovis parents promised a fight over masks in school. How’d the first day of class go? Fresno Bee
● Will Clovis schools send students home if they refuse to wear a mask? What to know Fresno Bee
● Schools begin to open in Kern County, but coronavirus concerns loom Bakersfield Californian
● Wasco school district sees coronavirus outbreak, state mandates vaccines for CA teachers Bakersfield Now
● What Stanislaus educators have to say on state COVID vaccine or test mandate for teachers Modesto Bee
High school mental health clubs let stressed students know they’re not crazy, not alone
Modesto Bee
Ackuayi is one of several students across Stanislaus County who are leading mental health awareness clubs at 15 high schools to show peers they’re supported, they’re not alone and they’re not “crazy,” she said.
Why did a Patterson High School teacher spend his summer vacation driving trucks?
Modesto Bee
Dein spent his summer vacation driving part time, on call for Morning Star Trucking, a tomato processing company. He’s donating his earnings to a nonprofit he started this summer to help underserved recent high school graduates attend truck driving school.
Shifting COVID Policies Sow Confusion Among California Schools
Capital and Main
Before the novel coronavirus reached the U.S. early last year, teachers, administrators and parents in most K-12 school districts could fairly quickly answer a few basic questions: How many students in a class? What will the classroom look like? What are the rules?
See also:
● What are the risks of kids getting COVID-19 as schools reopen? Los Angeles Times
● California students are going back to school. We answer parents’ most pressing questions Los Angeles Times
● Reopening Plans for the 100 Biggest School Districts Are Changing Fast New York Times
Walters: California’s kids have been used and abused
CalMatters
From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s six million public school students have been used as pawns in political power struggles and abused by having their educations stunted.
Parents are time squeezed, these policies can help
Brookings
The pandemic brought these issues to the surface as working parents, and especially mothers, were left to navigate work and care for their children with schools and child care centers closed.
What science tells us about improving middle school
PBS News Hour
Welcome to Community Lab School, a tiny public charter that is trying to transform the way middle schoolers are taught in the Albemarle School District — and eventually the nation.
Higher Ed:
Kern Transit offers free rides to Bakersfield College students for the fall semester
Bakersfield Californian
Free rides will begin Aug. 21 on all Kern Transit 100-routes and last through finals week on Dec. 11, according to a news release from Bakersfield College. Students are welcome to ride the 100-routes for free, whether or not they're riding to school.
BC, CSUB prepare for biggest numbers on their campuses since the pandemic began
Bakersfield Californian
Local institutions of higher education have been preparing their facilities for the fall semester when they will see the biggest influx of students on campus since the pandemic shut them down.
Increase in delta variant cases forces Stanislaus State to change fall reopening plan
Sacramento Bee
All in-person instruction at California State University, Stanislaus, has been delayed until Oct. 1 because of a rise in COVID-19 cases stemming from the delta variant, President Ellen Junn announced Saturday.
Cal State deadline could lead to unvaccinated students on campus and missed classes
CalMatters
California State University’s recent COVID-19 vaccine mandate leaves a lot of decisions up to each of its 23 campuses — so much so that at some, students could be unvaccinated and remain on campus a month or more into the fall term.
Blocked: California Students & Higher Education
California Budget and Policy Center
Every California student should have the opportunity to attend our public universities, but right now too many California high school students don’t graduate with the necessary course requirements needed to attend our state universities.
See also:
● Many Students of Color Are Less Likely to Complete the Courses Required for Admission to CSU or UC California Budget and Policy Center
How does virtual learning impact students in higher education?
Brookings
Public attention has largely focused on the learning losses of K-12 students who shifted online during the pandemic.
Op-Ed: Doubling Pell Grants makes sense — if Biden ditches the rest of his higher ed agenda
American Enterprise Institute
In issuing its $1.8 trillion American Families Plan (AFP), the Biden administration has called for limited versions of both these progressive enthusiasms, while also pushing to supersize a familiar program with more bipartisan appeal: the Pell Grant.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
California fishermen say a new air quality rule could put them out of business. Here’s why
Sacramento Bee
San Luis Obispo County sportfishing operators are sounding the alarm over proposed new California emissions standards they say would render their boats useless and put them out of business.
Opinion: Methane reduction efforts are critical to slowing climate change
CalMatters
Livestock represent more than 50% of all methane generated in California, contributing to climate-warming greenhouse gases. We should double down on investments in methane-reduction programs as effective, short-term climate solutions.
Policy Leader Lande Ajose to Head Research Initiative on Understanding California’s Future
Public Policy Research Institute of California
Dr. Lande Ajose will join the organization and will hold the Walter and Esther Hewlett Chair in Understanding California’ Future. PPIC recently received $1 million to establish this chair, and we are thrilled that Ajose will be the first to receive this important recognition.
New York Times
Two sites near Paso Robles farm conscientiously, and both make excellent wines. But in the climate change era, one gets enough rain, the other doesn’t.
The U.N.’s Terrifying Climate Report
The New Yorker
Scientists predict hotter heat waves and worse flooding in the decades ahead, but the catastrophe is evident everywhere this summer.
See also:
● 3 Things To Know About What Scientists Say About Our Future Climate NPR
● Amid Extreme Weather, a Shift Among Republicans on Climate Change New York Times
● Three (Hopeful!) Takeaways From The UN's Climate Change Report NPR
● Opinion: Democrats Will Ruin the Climate Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: Same Climate Report, Different Day Wall Street Journal
Inside the political battle to preserve a sprawling national forest in California
National Geographic
Both Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir might have applauded a bold proposal currently being fought over in California: Shift control of the 1.3-million-acre Sierra National Forest to the National Park Service.
Saved by a Bucket, but Can the Owens Pupfish Survive?
New York Times
The Owens pupfish, a small blue fish native to the springs in the California desert, was spared from extinction on an August afternoon in 1969 by Phil Pister and his two buckets.
Energy:
Infrastructure bill could fund carbon hub in Kern
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County could become one of four federally funded technological hubs for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and burying it permanently underground if the House approves President Joe Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure plan.
PG&E warns of safety blackouts in Northern California as hot, dry weather persists
Sacramento Bee
With more critical wildfire weather looming, PG&E Corp. has warned it might shut off power to thousands of Northern Californians late Tuesday.
See also:
● PG&E threatens power shutoffs as Dixie fire rages in Northern California Los Angeles Times
● PG&E may cut power to thousands to prevent new blazes as Dixie Fire spreads Washington Post
Despite dire warning about climate change and fossil fuels, energy investors aren’t swayed
Los Angeles Times
The sobering United Nations-backed report on global warming last week prompted a lot of hand-wringing from governments and the general public about fossil fuels.
See also:
● Op-Ed: The climate leadership council ‘suspends’ ExxonMobil American Enterprise Institute
● Opinion: The Bad Economics of Fossil Fuel Defenders New York Times
They fought for clean air. They didn’t know they were part of a gas industry campaign
Los Angeles Times
Officials hoped residents would help them decide whether to require zero-pollution electric trucks or instead promote vehicles powered by natural gas, a fossil fuel. Some of the locals who urged support for natural gas trucks were being paid by the natural gas industry.
Solar could be 40% of U.S. power by 2035 -Biden administration
Reuters
Solar could supply more than 40% of the nation's electricity by 2035 - up from 3% today - if Congress adopts policies like tax credits for renewable energy projects and component factories, according to a memo published on Tuesday by the Department of Energy.
See also:
● California Panel Backs Solar Mandate for New Buildings New York Times
Oil Prices Fall as Traders Fear Chinese Economic Slowdown
Wall Street Journal
Oil prices fell on Monday, extending a recent stretch of turbulent trading after data showing that China’s economic recovery slowed more than anticipated last month.U.S. crude prices fell as much as 4% before ending the day down 1.7% at $67.29 a barrel.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Overdose drug available for free at local hospitals
Business Journal
Local hospitals are keeping Narcan at their disposal due to a rise in opioid overdoses in the Central Valley. Community members can access the life-saving antidote at Community Regional Medical Center’s or Clovis Community Medical Center’s emergency rooms for free.
Wildfire smoke linked to higher COVID-19 death rates
National Geographic
Smoke from last year’s wildfires in California, Oregon, and Washington, contributed to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths in those states, according to a new study.
See also:
● In the West, a Connection Between Covid and Wildfires New York Times
Pfizer submits early data on boosters’ protection to FDA
Fresno Bee
Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE submitted early-stage data to U.S. regulators showing that a third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine led to higher levels of protective antibodies when given eight to nine months after the initial regimen.
See also:
● Pfizer, BioNTech Seek FDA Clearance for Covid-19 Booster Wall Street Journal
Can COVID cause you to lose your hair? Here’s what experts say
Fresno Bee
Hair naturally experiences periods of rest and growth, meaning loss is a part of the equation. But some people who have recovered from COVID-19 say they find alarming clumps of hair in their brushes or bath tubs months after their infection subsides.
Virus claims more young victims as deaths climb yet again
Fresno Bee
The COVID-19 death toll has started soaring again as the delta variant tears through the nation's unvaccinated population and fills up hospitals with patients, many of whom are younger than during earlier phases of the pandemic.
See also:
● New Covid-19 Hospitalizations for 30- to 39-Year-Olds at Record Rate Wall Street Journal
● Child COVID-19 hospitalization rates hit record in U.S. — but not in California. Here’s why Los Angeles Times
Why The Delta Variant Is Hyper-Contagious: A New Study Sheds Light
VPR
After months of data collection, scientists agree: The delta variant is the most contagious version of the coronavirus worldwide. It spreads about two to three times faster than the original version of the virus, and it's currently dominating the outbreak in the United States.
See also:
● The Delta Variant, Covid-19 Symptoms and Vaccine Efficacy: What to Know Wall Street Journal
● As Delta Surges, Covid-19 Breakthrough Cases Remain Uncommon Wall Street Journal
● Delta Surge Drives Home Painful Truth: Covid Isn’t Going Away New York Times
● Has the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 made herd immunity impossible? Medical News Today
● Opinion: Follow Your Nose to Herd Immunity Wall Street Journal
‘This Is Really Scary’: Kids Struggle With Long Covid
New York Times
Lingering physical, mental and neurological symptoms are affecting children as well as adults, including many who had mild reactions to the initial coronavirus infection.
See also:
● Opinion: The pandemic has become more dangerous for children. Here’s how to help keep them safe. Washington Post
Human Services:
Fresno County residents can now get a third COVID vaccine shot. Here’s who qualifies
Fresno Bee
Fresno County residents who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can get a third COVID-19 vaccine dose and can sign up immediately, according to local health officials.
See also:
● Stanislaus County opens COVID vaccine sites for some third doses. Who is eligible? Modesto Bee
Washington Post
As federal policymakers search for ways to boost America’s vaccination rates, a lack of paid sick leave is playing a role in deterring low-wage workers from taking time off to get vaccinated, according to surveys and policy experts.
Effort to stop fraud tracks the one to boost vaccination rate
Roll Call
As states, federal agencies and businesses ramp up COVID-19 vaccination requirements in the face of resistance by a sizable minority of the population, a parallel but limited effort to stop the spread of fraudulent medical records is underway.
IMMIGRATION
Growing Share of Migrants From Outside Mexico, Central America Poses Challenge for Biden
Wall Street Journal
Migrants from South America, the Caribbean and as far as Eastern Europe are crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally at an unprecedented rate, a trend accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic that is raising fresh consternation inside the Biden administration.
Federal judge orders DHS to resume ‘Remain in Mexico’ program
Roll Call
The Biden administration has until Friday to reinstate a controversial Trump administration program that required asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for decisions in their U.S. immigration cases, delivering yet another blow to its immigration agenda.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Bakersfield plans millions in park upgrades after years of neglect
Bakersfield Californian
After years of tight budgets and neglect, nearly 20 Bakersfield city parks are scheduled for much-needed upgrades. The Bakersfield City Council recently approved $6.2 million for playground and structure improvements for around 19 parks across the city.
Major LA developer wants to turn Fresno into an ‘entertainment destination.’ Here’s his plan
Fresno Bee
A noted Los Angeles developer has expressed interest in purchasing and improving multiple properties in southern areas of the city to turn Fresno into “a family-friendly entertainment destination.”
Safe parking lot for people who live in their cars opens in San Luis Obispo
KSBY
A new parking lot in San Luis Obispo County will serve people living out of their cars.It opened Friday night at Kansas Avenue and Oklahoma Avenue, next to San Luis Obispo County's Joint Information Center in San Luis Obispo.
Event: Advancing Ecosystem Restoration with Smarter Permitting
Public Policy Institute of California
California’s ecosystems are vital to the state’s economy and well-being, yet they’re in dire health. Large-scale restoration is needed, and implementing smarter permitting can help.
See also:
● Opinion: To restore California’s ecosystems, we must adopt smarter permitting CalMatters
Housing:
Millions in state funds for homelessness headed toward Kern County
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County region has been allocated millions of state funds to combat homelessness as part of a larger effort to stamp out the rising issue across California. The funding gives county and city leaders the flexibility to address the deepest needs within the community.
Home Prices Are Now Higher Than The Peak Of The 2000s 'Housing Bubble.' What Gives?
VPR
Even before the pandemic pushed the U.S. housing market into overdrive, the price of the average American home was on a rocket ride, climbing more than 50 percent between 2012 and 2019. It was the third biggest housing boom in American history.
Opinion: The California Housing Crunch
Wall Street Journal
Ballooning housing costs have become a focal point in California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recall election and are one reason the state last year lost population for the first time. Blame policies that limit new housing.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Lost your job during the pandemic? California will give you $2,500 to train for new work
Sacramento Bee
Using money from the federal COVID-19 relief package, Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers set aside $500 million in this year’s state budget to make it easier for hundreds of thousands of workers to get the education necessary for a career transition.
Food Stamps Get Historic Boost
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration unveiled the largest-ever increase in food-stamp benefits, boosting federal nutrition assistance after hunger surged in America during the coronavirus pandemic.
See also:
● USDA boosts food stamps after revised calculation of basic diet Roll Call
● Biden Administration to Increase Food Aid Pew Trusts
Opinion: Democrats Put Taxpayers Behind the 8-Ball
Wall Street Journal
The Biden American Families Plan envisions a dystopia for upper-income taxpayers. But what are the odds it will be enacted? The election was decided by the narrowest of margins, and the bill will receive no support from Republicans.
TRANSPORTATION
Bakersfield to Palmdale high-speed rail to be taken up at meeting
Tehachapi News
The final environmental impact report/ environmental impact statement for the California High-Speed Rail Authority's route from Bakersfield to Palmdale will be presented to the authority's board of directors on Wednesday and Thursday.
President Biden’s electric car order doesn’t make it easier to buy one. Here’s why
Fresno Bee
President Joe Biden this month signed an executive order to encourage more sales of electric cars, aiming for half of new sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
US probing Autopilot problems on 765,000 Tesla vehicles
Sacramento Bee
The U.S. government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla's Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles.
See also:
● Tesla’s Autopilot System to Be Probed by U.S. Auto Safety Regulator Wall Street Journal
Selling a Car? What to Consider Beyond the Price Tag
Wall Street Journal
According to J.D. Power, that amounts to an average used-vehicle price increase of $5,000, creating a rare opportunity for consumers to sell their used vehicles, a notoriously depreciating asset, for perhaps as much as they originally purchased them or more.
WATER
EXPLAINER: Western water projects in infrastructure deal
Fresno Bee
Included in the sweeping $1 trillion infrastructure bill approved by the Senate is funding for Western water projects that farmers, water providers and environmentalists say are badly needed across the parched region.
EXPLAINER: Western states face first federal water cuts
Sacramento Bee
U.S. officials on Monday are expected to declare the first-ever water shortage from a river that serves 40 million people in the West, triggering cuts to some Arizona farmers next year amid a gripping drought.
See also:
● Western States Face Water Cuts As A Shortage In The Colorado River Is Declared NPR
● First-ever water cuts declared for Colorado River Mercury News
● U.S. declares first-ever water shortage for Colorado river, triggering cuts in Western states Los Angeles Times
● In a First, U.S. Declares Shortage on Colorado River, Forcing Water Cuts New York Times
● Drought Forces First-Ever Colorado River Water Cutback to Southwest States Wall Street Journal
● U.S. declares first-ever water shortage for Colorado river, triggering cuts in Western states Los Angeles Times Washington Post
Small Towns Grow Desperate for Water in California
New York Times
The drought is revealing for California that perhaps even more than rainfall it is money and infrastructure that dictate who has sufficient water during the state’s increasingly frequent dry spells.
“Xtra”
Restaurants Become the New Covid-19 Vaccine Enforcers—for Better or Worse
Wall Street Journal
Restaurant managers and hosts are being assigned a new job—vaccination police—and it’s dividing businesses and customers.
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