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
California Citizens Redistricting Commission
The California Citizens Redistricting Commission welcomes your input at any of our upcoming Communities of Interest (COI) meetings. You may register to secure a speaking time slot.
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Almost 50 children per day are testing positive for COVID-19 in Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
● More people taking COVID tests in Stanislaus County. With FDA approval, are shots next? Modesto Bee
State Auditor lists Modesto among dozen high-risk cities for fiscal distress
Modesto Bee
Modesto is among the dozen California cities that potentially are at “significant risk of experiencing fiscal distress,” according to the latest rankings released this week from the California State Auditor.
Stanislaus court among the first in state to require vaccines for its employees
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County Superior Court is among the first in the state to require employees get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.
Pandemic paradox: Remote learning brought some Modesto educators closer to struggling kids
Modesto Bee
As students and their families face pandemic-related challenges from online learning to economic hardship, Modesto school administrators are offering aid as the circumstances have raised their awareness.
Modesto City Schools summer credit recovery led to nearly 100 additional graduates
Modesto Bee
The district’s summer school, intersession programs and enrichment camps delivered boosts in enrollment and consistent progress, according to data shared at a school board meeting Aug. 16.
Stanislaus State leaders share details on now-virtual start to fall semester
Modesto Bee
California State University, Stanislaus, postponed most in-person classes to provide more time for students, faculty and staff to receive their mandatory COVID-19 vaccine as the delta variant causes an increase in local cases.
Teen-led climate change group seeks more youth to fight for environmental justice
Modesto Bee
Two local students are on a mission to rally people for a fight against environmental injustices faced by Stanislaus County residents, as they lead a coalition that’s aiming to bring solutions.
This free program for the homeless, halted by the pandemic, resumes in Turlock
Modesto Bee
The We Care Program this month resumed serving weekly lunches and holding resource sharing meetings after a hiatus earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Garth Stapley: Modestans’ heart-breaking stories of Afghanistan. The U.S. owes them better
Modesto Bee
Much of the recent reporting on Afghanistan — my own included — has rightly focused on chaos at the airport in Kabul, where thousands desperately try to flee the Taliban.
See also:
● Modesto’s Afghan community comes together seeking answers at emotional town hall event Modesto Bee
● Turlock IRC office welcoming Afghan refugees Turlock Journal
Merced unemployment improved in July, but COVID and drought mean more uncertainty
Merced Sun Star
Despite the pandemic still impacting many facets of the economy, more Merced County residents had jobs this summer compared to last year, when the region was gearing up for one of its worst COVID-19 spikes to date.
Merced County kicks off $2.1M expansion on research and test site for autonomous vehicles
Merced Sun Star
The new expansion will allow vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and innovators to utilize test areas that mimic real-world highway, rural and urban landscapes, according to a Merced County news release.
Ceres to vote on hiring interim city manager. A nearby city recently fired the candidate
Modesto Bee
The Ceres City Council is set to vote Monday on whether to hire as interim city manager an experienced administrator whom Los Banos terminated five months ago.
Opinion: Cooperation, not opposition, is key to solving California’s groundwater management
Merced Sun Star
Once again, we find ourselves in a drought and running out of water. For the second time in the past decade, we are enduring another frustrating and uncertain period, asking how we will sustain the citizens of California as well as the agriculture that feeds the world.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Pfizer COVID vaccine wins full FDA approval. Will that boost rates in Fresno, Valley? Fresno Bee
● COVID infections rise among students, staff in Fresno-area schools. Here are the numbers Fresno Bee
● Concerts, events to require proof of COVID vaccine or negative tests. Where in Fresno? Fresno Bee
● Editorial: If the choice is Fresno students wear masks, or stay home in quarantine, that’s easy Fresno Bee
● Kaweah Health calls off emergency COVID-19 triage, hospitals still face challenges Visalia Times Delta
Who will hold political power in Fresno County for the next decade? Here’s what to know
Fresno Bee
A process is underway to redraw Fresno County’s voter boundaries, significantly influencing who will run local government agencies for the next decade. And few Fresno-area residents seem to know about it.
Wildfire smoke continues to affect Fresno air quality. How bad will it get?
Fresno Bee
The air quality in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties was expected to be unhealthy on Saturday and Sunday, thanks to plumes of smoke being pumped into the region by wildfires across California.
California to build five natural gas plants to prevent blackouts. Will Fresno get one?
Fresno Bee
California plans to build five temporary natural gas plants to prevent blackouts and one of those plants will be in Fresno County, according to a local lawmaker. The Department of Water Resources will install five natural gas plant generators at three powerplants.
A future industrial park for Fresno County? Here’s where leaders are looking
Fresno Bee
A largely agricultural area encompassing nearly 3,000 acres at the southern fringe of Fresno is being eyed by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors as a potential site for a large business and industrial campus.
‘An impossible situation.’ Elderly Clovis renters priced out as affordability contract expires
Fresno Bee
Tenants living in rent-restricted affordable housing units at Sierra Ridge apartment complex owned by Golden State Financial (GSF) Sierra Ridge Clovis Investors were told in late April that their units would soon become market rate — doubling the price in some instances.
Crisis Of Homelessness And Affordable Housing In Fresno; Transitioning From The Streets To Shelter
VPR
H. Spees, director of Fresno’s Housing and Homeless Initiatives says the city has been rotating people in and out of about 1,450 beds since the spring. Availability is changing daily as people move in and out of the system.
See also:
● Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance aims to house 100 people in 100 days Hanford Sentinel
Hurtado Calls for increased investment in water infrastructure
Hanford Sentinel
Flanked by water officials and agriculture advocates Wednesday at San Luis Reservoir, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) called on dramatically increased investment in California’s water infrastructure in the face of crippling, ongoing drought conditions.
Recall candidate Larry Elder wins over Fresno rally with call to end mask mandate and more
Fresno Bee
Larry Elder, the conservative talk radio host and leading challenger in the state’s race to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom, hit all of his talking points at a packed rally Sunday at the Paul Shaghoian Performing Arts Center in Fresno.
See also:
● CA recall election candidate Larry Elder holds rally in Fresno abc30
● Larry Elder is leader among California recall candidates. That might help Gavin Newsom Sacramento Bee
San Joaquin Valley taxpayers have most to gain in President Biden’s tax plan, report shows
Fresno Bee
The California congressional district that would benefit most next year from President Biden’s tax plan is represented by David Valadao (R) of Hanford. The district in the state that would benefit least is represented by a Democrat, the Los Angeles area’s Ted Lieu.
See also:
● California Republican (Cong Valadao) is debt free for first time in office. What happened to his creditors? Fresno Bee
Judges dismiss Devin Nunes’ defamation lawsuits against Republican strategist
Fresno Bee
A Virginia judge has dismissed the second of two lawsuits California Rep. Devin Nunes filed against a Republican political strategist who he claimed spread defamatory information about him leading up to his 2018 reelection campaign.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● 3 new deaths, 1,149 new cases of COVID-19 reported by Public Health on Monday Bakersfield Californian
State AG finds BPD violated Constitution, reaches agreement with city for reforms
Bakersfield Californian
The California Attorney General's Office has concluded a four-year investigation into the Bakersfield Police Department, finding BPD violated the constitutional rights of local residents.
See also:
● With Allegations of Police Violence and Bone-Breaking, Bakersfield Agrees to Reform Measures KQED
● Bakersfield agrees to police reform measures with state AG AP
It's the first day of school — and first time on campus — for many college students in Kern
Bakersfield Californian
Monday was the first day of face-to-face classes for students at Cal State Bakersfield since the pandemic shuttered the campus in March.
High-speed rail board approves Bakersfield-Palmdale segment. When will it get built?
Fresno Bee
An 83-mile stretch of land between Bakersfield and Palmdale was given environmental approval Thursday and formally adopted as the route for one segment of a future high speed rail line linking the San Joaquin Valley with SoCal by way of the Mojave Desert.
More than $178 million in state grant funding could help end agricultural burning as we know it
Bakersfield Californian
On Friday, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District announced in a news release that it will accept $178.2 million in new state funding to launch an expanded grant program to assist farmers in phasing-out the open-field burning of woody waste through the use of new cleaner practices.
See also:
● Southeast Bakersfield residents hope to change the narrative by pursuing millions in state grants Bakersfield Californian
State:
COVID Update:
● COVID hospitalizations break records in six California counties CalMatters
Democrats sped up Gavin Newsom’s recall to avoid California crises. They’re happening anyway
Fresno Bee
Once the recall effort against Gov. Gavin Newsom qualified for the ballot, Democrats who control statewide offices had a choice. They could delay the vote or speed it along. They chose to set an early recall election date.
See also:
● Why California labor is worried about the Gavin Newsom recall election Fresno Bee
● Could writing in Gavin Newsom’s name save his tenure as governor? Here’s what we know Sacramento Bee
● 'Get worried': Gavin Newsom's supporters are trying to bridge an enthusiasm gap by pumping up the fear San Francisco Chronicle
● Kamala Harris will campaign against the California Gavin Newsom recall. Here’s when Sacramento Bee
● California recall reality: Newsom could be replaced by candidate with far fewer votes Los Angeles Times
● How Trump-hating California got a slate of recall candidates who supported Trump Los Angeles Times
● Skelton: Newsom’s big problem in the recall election? Likability Los Angeles Times
● Editorial: On homelessness, recall candidates offer hot air, not real solutions Los Angeles Times
● How will wildfire evacuees vote in Gavin Newsom recall election? Counties have back-up plans Sacramento Bee
● Are small business owners angry enough at Gavin Newsom to throw him out of office? CalMatters
● Newsom recall: Could 1-and-done strategy backfire? CalMatters
● Walters: Audit report provides ammo for Newsom recall CalMatters
● Will voter turnout sink or save Gavin Newsom in recall election? Mercury News
● Democrats spotlight abortion in bid to save Newsom Politico
● How California’s bizarre recall system could elect a Republican governor Vox
● Nate Silver Calls Gavin Newsom Strategy to Leave Recall Candidate Line Blank 'Self-Destructive' Newsweek
California to investigate whether Larry Elder failed to properly disclose sources of income
San Francisco Chronicle
State regulators are investigating whether gubernatorial recall candidate Larry Elder failed to disclose all of his income sources as California transparency rules require, a spokesperson for the Fair Political Practices Commission confirmed to The Chronicle on Sunday.
See also:
● Larry Elder is leader among California recall candidates. That might help Gavin Newsom Fresno Bee
● Editorial: GOP candidate Larry Elder must drop out of recall. California doesn’t want a sexist governor Sacramento Bee
● Would Gov. Larry Elder turn out to be a gift to Democrats? Los Angeles Times
● State officials open investigation into whether Larry Elder failed to disclose income sources Los Angeles Times
● Column: Larry Elder is the Black face of white supremacy. You’ve been warned Los Angeles Times
● Walters: Larry Elder’s critics may be helping him succeed CalMatters
Who is Kevin Kiley and what would he do as governor?
CalMatters
In a 70-minute interview, the state assemblymember explains why he won’t criticize Republicans, blames Gov. Newsom for COVID deaths and says a successful recall could change everything.
See also:
● Longshot recall candidate Kiley may emerge as a GOP leader AP
Opinion: California’s top Democrats took money from big oil and gas. Then climate legislation died
Sacramento Bee
These disasters call for California leaders to show unparalleled courage in confronting the climate crisis — and the big oil and gas interests driving it. Instead, key leaders in the state Senate protected a status quo of fossil fuel reliance.
Breaking Down How California Redraws Its Political Maps
VPR
Now that the 2020 census data has been released, the work is on to redraw California’s political maps.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● As COVID cases surge again, here’s how vaccinations are rising PBS News Hour
● Covid Optimists See U.S. Nearing Delta Peak, But Risks Abound Bloomberg
● NBC News poll shows demographic breakdown of the vaccinated in the U.S. NBC News
FDA vaccine approval is a shot in arm for President Biden’s COVID campaign Los Angeles Times
The battle against COVID-19 passed a regulatory milestone Monday when the Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to Pfizer’s vaccine, a decision that could boost President Biden’s effort to control the pandemic.
See also:
● Pentagon will mandate COVID-19 vaccine now that Pfizer is approved Los Angeles Times
● Editorial: Bring on the COVID vaccination mandates Los Angeles Times
● Opinion: Hey, Republicans, Stop Fighting Vaccine and Mask Mandates Bloomberg
● Opinion: Time to say it: We’re done with the vaccine refusers Washington Post
● School mask, vaccine mandates supported in US: AP-NORC poll Fresno Bee
● Skelton: Mandate vaccines for all. It’s the only way to end our COVID-19 nightmare Los Angeles Times
House Democrats Work To Bridge Internal Divisions To Advance $3.5 Trillion Budget
VPR
House Democrats are hoping to push a $3.5 trillion budget framework after an impasse between House leaders and centrist Democrats threatened to derail progress on the vast majority of President Biden's domestic agenda.
See also:
● Pelosi floats offer to moderates to avoid budget clash Politico
● McCarthy faces speakership test on infrastructure vote Politico
● Democrats Hit Impasse on Infrastructure Bill, Broader Spending Package
● Wall Street Journal
● Editorial: The Agony of the ‘Centrist’ Democrats (include Cong Costa) Wall Street Journal
● Democrats to meet on budget as moderate holdouts face pressure Roll Call
● House leaders scrap plans for budget vote; will try again later Tuesday Roll Call
● Pelosi, Moderates Restart Negotiations to Advance Biden Agenda Bloomberg
● AFL-CIO presses for quick House passage of budget resolution The Hill
● House Moderates Offered Deal to Ease Biden Budget Standoff U.S. News
● The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Could Bring a Cyber Bounty for State and Local Governments Washington Post
Column: Why the Supreme Court is one of the biggest threats to American democracy
Los Angeles Times
The truth is, the biggest threat to American democracy isn’t a military coup. The more probable danger is much less dramatic and much more terrifying: a horrible decision from the final arbiter of our constitutional system — the Supreme Court of the United States.
Polls show Biden's approval rating sliding to new lows
Politico
As many Americans disapprove of Biden’s job performance as approve, according to two new polls out Sunday — a precipitous decline for the new president after he spent his first half-year in the White House with high job ratings.
A Surge of Citizen Activism Amps Up the Fight Against Gerrymandering
Bloomberg
With new map-drawing tools at their disposal, U.S. residents are paying more attention to how congressional lines are drawn than ever, following the release of 2020 Census data.
Opinion: Roe v. Wade’s Fate May Be in Brett Kavanaugh’s Hands
Bloomberg
The Supreme Court’s next major decision on abortion will be a test of his swing-vote status.
Other:
How to Double Voter Turnout and Increase Representation during Local Elections
UC San Diego News Center
Shifting off-cycle elections to on-cycle races has dramatic effects on the turnout and demographics of voters making their voices heard, new UC San Diego research shows
Why Facebook Is Suddenly Afraid of the F.T.C.
New Yorker
Last Thursday, the Federal Trade Commission got a second chance to convince James E. Boasberg, a district judge in Washington, D.C., that Facebook is a predatory monopoly. The do-over stems from a suit filed by the agency last December.
The Simple Steps You Can Take Right Now To Help Afghan Refugees
NPR
In the days after Taliban forces took control of Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul, thousands have attempted to flee the country. Here's how you can help them and organizations on the ground in Afghanistan.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, August 29, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “PPIC: K-12 Test Scores - What do they tell us?” - Guest: Julien Lafortune, Public Policy Institute of California. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, August 29, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "The Valley’s Public Universities: An Update"- Guests: Fresno State President Joseph Castro; Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn; CSU Bakersfield President Lynnette Zelezny. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
U.S. Crops Wither Under Scorching Heat
Wall Street Journal
The punishing dynamics of a torrid summer were evident this month on the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, an annual event in which farmers visit key growing areas across the grain belt to gather data on the coming harvest.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Opinion: Police shootings are not letting up. Congress must act.
Washington Post
It has been six years since The Post began tracking fatal shootings by on-duty police and the story has remained unchanged. Police departments nationwide have shot and killed almost the same number of people annually, nearly 1,000 or almost three each day.
Public Safety:
State AG finds BPD violated Constitution, reaches agreement with city for reforms
Bakersfield Californian
The California Attorney General's Office has concluded a four-year investigation into the Bakersfield Police Department, finding BPD violated the constitutional rights of local residents.
Mask, vaccine conflicts descend into violence and harassment
AP
Across the country, anti-vaccine and anti-mask demonstrations are taking scary and violent turns, and educators, medical professionals and public figures have been stunned at the level at which they have been vilified for even stating their opinion.
See also:
● Parent assaults teacher over mask dispute at Amador County school, superintendent says KCRA
Fire:
California firefighters battle a dozen large wildfires
Fresno Bee
More than 13,500 firefighters were working Monday to contain a dozen large California wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands of people to flee to safety.
See also:
● Walkers Fire ignites spot fires farther north into Golden Trout Wilderness Porterville Recorder
● Haystack fire burning in Kings County sends large cloud of smoke into sky abc30
● French Fire grows to 14,773 acres, with 15 percent containment Bakersfield Californian
Op-Ed: The burning debate — manage forest fires or suppress them?
Los Angeles Times
As western wildfires burn through millions of forested acres, they are igniting debates about our response that are almost as heated as the flames themselves.
Scientists Are Learning More About Fire Tornadoes, the Spinning Funnels Of Flame
VPR
Climate change is driving longer and more intense wildfire seasons, and when fires get big enough they can create their own extreme weather. That weather includes big funnels of smoke and flame called "fire tornadoes."
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Population Trends Can Affect State Economies
Pew Trusts
The nation's fastest-growing states are among the top performers in long-term economic growth. They also typically have strong labor forces, which fuel economic activity and help generate tax revenue.
It's Called The Bond Taper. Yes, It's Geeky. But This Is Why You Should Know About It
VPR
When markets were in free-fall as the pandemic started to spread last year, the Federal Reserve knew it had to act quick – and big – to avoid a repeat of the 2008 Global Financial
Crisis.
Washington Post
Despite surging covid cases and climbing inflation, Americans’ retirement account balances continue to rise to record levels. Others, though, are fighting to pay rent — unable even to think about investing for the future.
See also:
● The days of subsidizing non-work are back AEI
U.S. Expansion Slowed in August, Survey Shows
Wall Street Journal
U.S. factories and service providers reported sharply slower growth in August, the forecasting firm IHS Markit said Monday in its surveys of purchasing managers
Jobs:
Merced unemployment improved in July, but COVID and drought mean more uncertainty
Merced Sun Star
Despite the pandemic still impacting many facets of the economy, more Merced County residents had jobs this summer compared to last year, when the region was gearing up for one of its worst COVID-19 spikes to date.
See also:
· California’s job market was surging before the Delta variant took hold Los Angeles Times
· U.S. Jobless Claims Fell Last Week Wall Street Journal
Local attorneys don't see anticipated wave of Covid-19 employer lawsuits
The Business Journal
Nearly 17 months ago, as the Covid-19 pandemic swept the U.S. and triggered the temporary shuddering of countless businesses, it was uncertain how they would continue to operate.
Some California prison workers ordered to get vaccinated
Modesto Bee
Guards, janitors, administrators and other California corrections personnel who don't provide health care services directly but who may be exposed to the coronavirus will now be required to get vaccinated under a new state public health order released this week.
More than 20,000 Calif janitors vote to authorize strike that could start in Sept
Fresno Bee
A union representing more than 20,000 janitors across California voted Friday to authorize a strike in as soon as September, as its contracts with janitorial contracting companies are set to expire by the end of August.
See also:
· Nabisco strike, the first in 52 years, expands to five states CBS News
Immigrant domestic employees slip through relief cracks in US
Sacramento Bee
Based on recent surveys, more than a quarter of the 2.2 million cleaners, nannies and other caregivers who work in private homes may still be out of work. Most of those who have jobs say they aren’t working as many hours as they’d want.
Garment manufacturers worry Calif bill threatens ‘golden window’ to reshore jobs
CalMatters
The pandemic brought some garment manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., particularly Los Angeles. But the clothing industry says a bill meant to protect garment workers’ pay could move jobs offshore again.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Pandemic paradox: Remote learning brought some Modesto educators closer to struggling kids
Modesto Bee
As students and their families face pandemic-related challenges from online learning to economic hardship, Modesto school administrators are offering aid as the circumstances have raised their awareness.
See also:
· Modesto City Schools summer credit recovery led to nearly 100 additional graduates Modesto Bee
Breakthrough COVID Infections Add Even More Chaos To School's Start In 2021
VPR
The fact that kids are transmitting the coronavirus to family members is unnerving many parents all over the U.S. and putting extra stress on many households as children head back to school.
See also:
· Many School Districts Keep Covid-19 Closure Thresholds Flexible Wall Street Journal
· States can’t block federal funds for districts that mandate masks, Education secretary says Politico
· Students’ lack of routine vaccinations hampers school start Mercury News
Mercury News
The best weapon for students ages 12 and up is vaccination, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. But kids too young to get vaccinated also have ways to help dodge Delta.
See also:
● How to Calculate Delta-Variant Risks for Children This Fall Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: Is it safe to go back to school? We may find out the hard way The Hill
Opinion: California’s proposed math education curriculum adds up
CalMatters
Teaching data science and statistical reasoning in addition to traditional algebra ensures that California students will be better prepared than ever.
A new accountability model for alternative K–12 schools
AEI
As full-time virtual learning moved from the fringe to the mainstream in mid-March 2020, onlookers expressed concerns about access for learners and accountability for the learning itself.
Event: Improving Career Education Pathways into California’s Workforce
Public Policy Institution of California
A new PPIC report describes student pathways through career education programs at community colleges and discusses insights from stakeholder interviews on how to help more people complete programs and connect to quality jobs.
Higher Ed:
California State University Statement on FDA’s Full Approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine
CSU Office of the Chancellor
California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro released the following statement on the FDA's approval of the Pfizer vaccine.
Stanislaus State leaders share details on now-virtual start to fall semester
Modesto Bee
California State University, Stanislaus, postponed most in-person classes to provide more time for students, faculty and staff to receive their mandatory COVID-19 vaccine as the delta variant causes an increase in local cases.
Fresno-area community colleges will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for students, staff
Fresno Bee
Students and employees on campus at Fresno City College or any of its sister colleges will have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine beginning Oct. 15, after trustees voted Monday evening to establish a mandate.
Data breach at California college exposes student requests for COVID vaccine exemptions
Fresno Bee
Personal information from CSU Chico students seeking a religious exemption from the vaccine leaked online.
Applications for Dream Act Financial Aid Have Fallen
Public Policy Institute of California
A sharp decline in California Dream Act applications during the COVID-19 pandemic may mean that college is less affordable for some undocumented students—or even lead to a decline in enrollment.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Teen-led climate change group seeks more youth to fight for environmental justice
Modesto Bee
Two local students are on a mission to rally people for a fight against environmental injustices faced by Stanislaus County residents, as they lead a coalition that’s aiming to bring solutions.
Wildfires, drought and blackouts: California’s climate change nightmare is already here
Fresno Bee
After last year’s historic wildfire season, two nights of blackouts and a dry winter that raised alarm bells about another drought, California knew a difficult summer lay head.
See also:
● Wildfires are ravaging forests set aside to soak up greenhouse gases. New York Times
● Wildfire smoke is transforming clouds, making rainfall less likely National Geographic
Opinion: Climate change demands reorganizing California policies and institutions
CalMatters
Our state’s system of policies, laws and institutions is designed to keep bad things from happening and is much less adept at expediting programs and projects that must happen quickly and at a scale to address a warming climate. This must change.
Video: Advancing Ecosystem Restoration with Smarter Permitting
Public Policy Institute of California
Many of California’s ecosystems are in dire need of help, but complex permitting processes are hindering restoration efforts. Letitia Grenier convened a panel of experts to discuss how to reform permitting and scale up restoration in California.
Energy:
California to build 5 natural gas plants to prevent blackouts. Will Fresno get one?
Fresno Bee
California plans to build five temporary natural gas plants to prevent blackouts and one of those plants will be in Fresno County, according to a local lawmaker. The Department of Water Resources will install five natural gas plant generators at three powerplants.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Wildfire Smoke In 2020 Led To More Valley COVID Cases, Deaths, Says New Study
VPR
Last year, the western states were hit with a double-whammy of natural disasters: Not just the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a historically long and intense wildfire season that blanketed the region with plume after plume of noxious smoke.
No, Pfizer COVID vaccine approval wasn’t rushed — it was prioritized. What that means
Merced Sun Star
First, skepticism regarding COVID-19 vaccines was based on the lack of full approval from federal health officials. Those who have been hesitant from the start didn’t want to take an “experimental” vaccine.
See also:
● What does FDA approval of Pfizer COVID vaccine mean for you? Here’s what happens next Modesto Bee
● Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID Vaccine Gets Full Approval From The FDA VPR
● FDA Gives Full Approval To Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine VPR
● How FDA approval will change COVID-19 vaccinations Mercury news
● Editorial: Pfizer approval brings call for government mandates Mercury News
● Editorial: The FDA’s Vaccine Sprint Wall Street Journal
● Pfizer FDA Approval More Likely to Sway Black, Hispanic Holdouts Bloomberg
● The FDA Really Did Have to Take This Long The Atlantic
● What full FDA approval of Pfizer’s vaccine means for the course of the pandemic National Geographic
● COVID: FDA cautions against off-label use of Pfizer vaccine in younger children Mercury News
WHO Calls For A Delay In Booster Shots To Prioritize Under-Vaccinated Countries
VPR
The head of the World Health Organization has called on countries to delay giving out booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine until nations with low vaccination rates can inoculate more of their population.
See also:
● Do I need a booster if I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine? Fresno Bee
● Where does our vaccine supply stand as booster shots are approved? AEI
New Evidence Points to Antibodies As A Reliable Indicator Of Vaccine Protection
VPR
The study appeared on a preprint server earlier this month without much fanfare, but many interested in the future of COVID-19 vaccines had been eagerly awaiting the results.
Evidence mounts that people with breakthrough infections can spread Delta easily
National Geographic
A preliminary study has shown that in the case of a breakthrough infection, the Delta variant is able to grow in the noses of vaccinated people to the same degree as if they were not vaccinated at all.
Human Services:
People Are More Interested In Mental Health Help Now — But Can't Get What They Need
VPR
A new survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness finds that the pandemic has made people more open to seeking help for their mental health, but cost and quality of care are obstacles for many.
See also:
● Teens Are Advocating for Mental Health Days Off School New York Times
IMMIGRATION
Why Illegal U.S. Border Crossings Likely Aren’t Fueling the Covid-19 Surge
Wall Street Journal
As the rate of Covid-19 infections rises across the U.S., some policy makers have said that the surge in illegal crossings at the southern border is contributing to the pandemic.
Opinion: Biden’s Cruel Immigration Policy
Wall Street Journal
A humane U.S. immigration policy would recognize the need for workers from outside the country and give migrants a legal path to those jobs by allowing them to apply for visas at local consulates.
Trump-appointed judge clashes with Biden DOJ in immigration suit
Politico
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton in Texas chafed at the Justice Department's demand for quick ruling in fight over Biden immigration priorities.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
A future industrial park for Fresno County? Here’s where leaders are looking
Fresno Bee
A largely agricultural area encompassing nearly 3,000 acres at the southern fringe of Fresno is being eyed by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors as a potential site for a large business and industrial campus.
In Fire Scorched California, Town Aims To Buy The Highest At-Risk Properties
VPR
By the heat of the afternoon, smoke from the largest wildfire burning in the U.S., the Dixie Fire, drifts into Paradise, Calif. "Quite literally, it's hanging over your head," says Dan Efseaff, director of the Paradise Recreation and District.
Housing:
Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance aims to house 100 people in 100 days
Hanford Sentinel
For the second year in a row, the Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance is holding a 100-day challenge to find homes for those without them, and finding new ways to create lasting programs.
See also:
· This free program for the homeless, halted by the pandemic, resumes in Turlock Modesto Bee
· Crisis Of Homelessness And Affordable Housing In Fresno; Transitioning From The Streets To Shelter VPR
‘An impossible situation.’ Elderly Clovis renters priced out as affordability contract expires
Fresno Bee
Tenants living in rent-restricted affordable housing units at Sierra Ridge apartment complex owned by Golden State Financial (GSF) Sierra Ridge Clovis Investors were told in late April that their units would soon become market rate — doubling the price in some instances.
California’s housing crisis: How much difference will a zoning bill make?
CalMatters
Senate Bill 9, one of several measures alluded to by the signs, would technically allow as many as two duplexes, two houses with attached units, or a combination — capped at four units — on single-family lots across California, without local approval.
See also:
● Editorial: To save California, sacrifice single-family zoning Los Angeles Times
● Walters: Will Legislature confront California housing crisis? CalMatters
● A Startup Is Turning Houses Into Corporations, And The Neighbors Are Fighting Back VPR
● Opinion: Housing bills would help address California’s wealth inequality CalMatters
● Why is it so difficult to get housing bills through the California Legislature? CalMatters
How sports arenas became the poster child of California’s housing crisis
CalMatters
California recently began tracking publicly owned lots that could be turned into affordable homes. In its first year, the state housing agency has cited two major sports arenas for cutting backroom development deals with developers that shortchanged the public on affordable units.
Buy a luxury building, then lower the rent: A housing fix for California’s middle class?
Los Angeles Times
In hopes of plugging the state’s affordable housing shortage, some California government agencies are purchasing buildings, usually luxury ones, and doing the opposite of most real estate buyers. They’re lowering the rent.
Finally, California home prices are starting to drop. But not by much
Sacramento Bee
The median price of a single-family home in California dipped to $811,170 in July, a minor shift from the month before in what could be the start of a cooling off period in a booming market.
See also:
· U.S. Home Sales Rose 2% in July Amid Higher Inventory Wall Street Journal
PUBLIC FINANCES
State Auditor lists Modesto among dozen high-risk cities for fiscal distress
Modesto Bee
Modesto is among the dozen California cities that potentially are at “significant risk of experiencing fiscal distress,” according to the latest rankings released this week from the California State Auditor.
More than $178 million in state grant funding could help end agricultural burning as we know it
Bakersfield Californian
On Friday, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District announced in a news release that it will accept $178.2 million in new state funding to launch an expanded grant program to assist farmers in phasing-out the open-field burning of woody waste through the use of new cleaner practices.
See also:
● Southeast Bakersfield residents hope to change the narrative by pursuing millions in state grants Bakersfield Californian
San Joaquin Valley taxpayers have most to gain in President Biden’s tax plan, report shows
Fresno Bee
The California congressional district that would benefit most next year from President Biden’s tax plan is represented by David Valadao (R) of Hanford. The district in the state that would benefit least is represented by a Democrat, the Los Angeles area’s Ted Lieu.
California cities will get more stimulus money than they lost during pandemic, state auditor says
Public CEO
Boozing, gambling and shopping boosted California’s tax coffers. Property values surged. And the federal government stepped in with a mighty $8.2 billion in stimulus funds to heal pandemic-inflicted wounds in California city budgets.
CalPERS long-term care insurance settlement: how to avoid missing out on $35,000 checks
Sacramento Bee
People with CalPERS long-term care insurance policies might have questions about two pieces of mail they received recently. The first informed them of another big rate hike — 90% over two years — coming to their plans, which help cover nursing home and in-home care costs.
Another Climate Risk for Cities: Higher Borrowing Costs
Bloomberg
The severe drought covering the Western U.S. threatens the economic health of municipalities and may force them to pay more for bonds that fund local projects.
Opinion: California must end legal abuse of borrowers by collection agencies
CalMatters
Justice in debt-collection cases is one-sided. Borrowers almost never have legal representation in court — the state should guarantee the right to a lawyer.
Opinion: A Simple Rule Could End Debt-Ceiling Shenanigans
Wall Street Journal
It’s time to bring back the Gephardt Rule. The what? I’ll explain shortly, but if you think what the country needs is more partisan warfare in Congress, stop reading here.
Social Security reports nearly 400,000 more beneficiary deaths in 2020 than 2019
The Hill
Last week, for the first time, the Social Security Administration (SSA) released information on the number of beneficiaries who died in 2020, the year the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Opinion: Turning Back the Clock on Welfare Reform
AEI
This week marks the 25th anniversary of the 1996 welfare reform law. Crafted by Congressional Republicans, that legislation was approved by large bipartisan majorities before being signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
TRANSPORTATION
Merced County kicks off $2.1M expansion on research and test site for autonomous vehicles
Merced Sun Star
The new expansion will allow vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and innovators to utilize test areas that mimic real-world highway, rural and urban landscapes, according to a Merced County news release.
High-speed rail board approves Bakersfield-Palmdale segment. When will it get built?
Fresno Bee
An 83-mile stretch of land between Bakersfield and Palmdale was given environmental approval Thursday and formally adopted as the route for one segment of a future high speed rail line linking the San Joaquin Valley with SoCal by way of the Mojave Desert.
See also:
· Breaking down, building up Washington Post
WATER
Thousands of farmers face $10,000-a-day fines if they pull water from California rivers
Fresno Bee
The State Water Resources Control Board began sending formal “curtailment notices” to the holders of 4,500 water rights permits that allow them to pull water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries.
See also:
● California’s desert becoming a hotbed for water bandits CalMatters
Hurtado Calls for increased investment in water infrastructure
Hanford Sentinel
Flanked by water officials and agriculture advocates Wednesday at San Luis Reservoir, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) called on dramatically increased investment in California’s water infrastructure in the face of crippling, ongoing drought conditions.
Opinion: Cooperation, not opposition, is key to solving California’s groundwater management
Merced Sun Star
Once again, we find ourselves in a drought and running out of water. For the second time in the past decade, we are enduring another frustrating and uncertain period, asking how we will sustain the citizens of California as well as the agriculture that feeds the world.
“Xtra”
Valley Music Hall of Fame’s first class includes a Tony award winner. Who else made the cut?
Fresno Bee
It includes two iconic university professors, a Western-swing pioneer and early TV and radio host, an accordion player who set the record for the most performances on “the Ed Sullivan Show” and Broadway’s most Tony Award-winning star.
Highest-rated cheap eats in Fresno, according to Tripadvisor
Stacker
With the advent of Big Data, it's easier than ever to quantify what people like around the globe. And when it comes to food—particularly easy, cheap eats—Americans have very specific opinions.
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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.
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