POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Vaccine sites open as Stanislaus County numbers lag Modesto Bee
● Stanislaus deaths reach 1,097. Hospital cases rise again Modesto Bee
Does a state drought regulation threaten local water rights? MID, TID weigh in
Modesto Bee
The Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts don’t expect an impact this year from an emergency drought regulation that could stop farmers from diverting water from the state’s major rivers.
Public ‘begging’ for help. What’s the holdup with Turlock road repairs?
Modesto Bee
Three months after Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak announced goals to fix 400 miles of roads within five years, the City Council on Tuesday approved requests for consultants to propose plans to achieve them.
Modesto area’s congressman (Harder) seeks $2.5 billion to help farmers combat climate change
Modesto Bee
Agriculture would get about $2.5 bil over five years for efforts against climate change under a bill from Rep. Harder. The money would help farmers take steps such as capturing carbon in trees and soil, switching to low-emission tractors and turning cattle manure into energy.
Names of Note: Grants will train Stanislaus-area students in mental health therapy
Modesto Bee
EMC Health Foundation is paying the education costs for five local students studying to be mental health therapists.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● CDC COVID risk map highlights areas of high transmission in Central California abc30
● Valley Children’s Hospital to make COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for all employees Fresno Bee
Fresno launches eviction protection program. Here’s what you need to know
Fresno Bee
Fresno renters who are facing an eviction may be eligible for free legal help through the city’s Eviction Protection Program which was launched Tuesday.
Fresno County’s recall ballots coming soon. Dates & details you need to know
Fresno Bee
California’s registered voters are about two weeks away from getting their mail-in ballots for the recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom. The recall election is Sept. 14 and here are some important dates and details.
How should Fresno Unified fill its school board vacancy? It’s up for debate this week
Fresno Bee
While parents are buying fresh pencils and notebooks for back-to-school shopping, the Fresno County Health Department highly recommends including masks in your shopping cart.
This big political shift happens every 10 years. Here’s how you can take part in Fresno
Fresno Bee
There are two meetings on redistricting on Wednesday — one for a statewide commission and one for the Fresno County version — and officials are looking for input from voters and anyone else interested.
Fowler City Mayor Pro Tem Mark Rodriguez arrested on DUI charges
abc30
Fowler City Councilmember and mayor pro-tem Mark Rodriguez is facing new charges after he was arrested Sunday night for driving under the influence.
Pack agenda: Council to discuss firefighter pay, many other items
Porterville Recorder
Acquiring the right of way for completion of the Prospect Str. Deceleration Lane Project, the consideration of approving Porterville City Firefighters pay and benefits, and the appointments to the Parks and Leisure Services Commission and to the Internal City Audit Committee.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health reports 1 new coronavirus death, 594 new cases Monday Bakersfield Californian
● Kern's economy recovers from pandemic better than other large cities, study finds Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield City Council to vote on placing mental health clinician in 911 dispatch center
Bakersfield Californian
On Wednesday, the Bakersfield City Council will vote on staffing the city’s law enforcement communication center with a behavioral health clinician to handle non-emergency mental health calls. The arrangement is among the first in the country.
Pelosi and McCarthy relationship hits a new low
Los Angeles Times
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is facing criticism for saying to supporters over the weekend that it “will be hard not to hit” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with the speaker’s gavel, if it is handed to him in 2023 should Republicans take control of the chamber in the midterms.
State:
COVID Update:
● ‘Lost too many people’: California hospital pleads with unvaccinated as COVID surges Fresno Bee
● Half of California now under mask mandates as Bay Area joins Sacramento, Los Angeles Sacramento Bee
● Backsliding in fight against COVID: Masks required for many Californians CalMatters
Will Trump be spoiler as California GOP seeks Newsom recall?
Fresno Bee
California could witness a stunning turnabout in a nation of deeply polarized politics if the liberal state dumps Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and elects a Republican to fill his job in a September recall election.
See also:
● Recall backers try to block Trump mentions from California voter guide Politico
● Gavin Newsom’s turnout problem: Democrats aren’t paying attention to recall election Fresno Bee
● What election? California Democrats worry over recall apathy Bakersfield Californian
● California prison union gives to Gavin Newsom’s recall defense as bonuses, raises take effect Fresno Bee
● California recall candidate Larry Elder 'not sure' climate change is reason for state's wildfires abc7
● Could the Delta variant impact California's recall election? Timing 'problematic' for Newsom, strategist says abc7
● California pastor delivers sermon urging Newsom’s recall — a test of IRS rules for churches Sacramento Bee
● California’s Having A Recall Election. Are You Interested? If Not, What’s On Your Mind? Capital Public Radio
● Bears, merch and consultants: How Newsom recall candidates are spending campaign cash CalMatters
● Three numbers tell the tale of the upcoming California recall NBCNews
● Op-Ed: Democrats must scare their voters to the polls to fight Newsom recall Los Angeles Times
● Editorial: Newsom could be replaced by someone with a tiny fraction of the vote. That’s nuts Los Angeles Times
● Walters: Newsom sometimes his own worst enemy CalMatters
Will California corporate diversity laws last? Lawsuits challenge anti-discrimination mandates
Fresno Bee
Two recent California laws directing public corporations to appoint more diverse leaders to their boards of directors are facing tough legal challenges, raising questions about whether they’ll endure.
CalMatters
After discovering that his personal information was put on the Dark Web, state Sen. Dave Min started a cybersecurity and identity theft prevention committee, the first of its kind in the country. Select committees are designed to help senators learn about issues.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● US hits 70% vaccination rate -- a month late, amid a surge Fresno Bee
● White House offers COVID-19 surge teams to governors as delta variant cases soar Fresno Bee
● U.S. surpasses 35M COVID-19 cases; 70% of adults receive at least one vaccine dose UPI
● COVID vaccines are working, data show. They’re designed to prevent death — not infection Fresno Bee
● Optimism on COVID situation dwindling in US during delta variant surge, poll finds Fresno Bee
● Millennials are increasingly driving the coronavirus surge in some cities San Francisco Chronicle
● U.S. Says It Has Shared 110 Million Covid-19 Vaccine Doses Overseas Wall Street Journal
● CDC’s Covid-19 Mask Mandate Clouded by Flawed Data Wall Street Journal
● The FDA Finally Gets Moving on Pfizer Wall Street Journal
● Divided We Stand Against the Newest Covid-19 Threat Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: It’s time to admit it: The vaccination campaign has hit its limit. Mandates are the only way forward Washington Post
● Opinion: Masks Are a Covid Distraction Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: Maybe With Delta the CDC Will Learn to Count Wall Street Journal
Axios-Ipsos poll: The blame game
Axios
Americans place the most blame for rising COVID-19 cases and the spread of new variants on the unvaccinated, people from other nations traveling to the U.S. and Donald Trump, according to the latest installment of the Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index.
Biden bipartisan infrastructure bill timeline: What’s next?
Los Angeles Times
A bipartisan group of senators is hoping to approve an expansive infrastructure bill this week after months of negotiation, compromise and delay.
See also:
● Industry groups, equity advocates applaud infrastructure bill’s broadband provisions Roll Call
● Infrastructure bill may give Buttigieg final say over $105 billion Roll Call
● GOP senators feud over cryptocurrency plan as lawmakers seek funding for infrastructure deal Washington Post
● Opinion: The Infrastructure ‘Pay-Fors’ That Aren’t Wall Street Journal
● Historic broadband infrastructure investment provides funding opportunities for local governments and service providers PublicCEO
Democrats support Biden, but split on how to enact his agenda, poll finds
Los Angeles Times
Six months into Democrats’ unified control of Washington, most Democrats are on board with President Biden and where he’s trying to take the country — even if they’re divided on how to get there.
Opinion: Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget plan does have ‘long road to go’ with Medicare
Roll Call
While adding new benefits to Medicare is a positive step, doing so without first correcting the program’s discriminatory mental health and substance use disorder coverage provisions is foolish, infuriating and another example of how we marginalize mental health in policy.
See also:
● Democrats scramble for cash to cover Biden’s $3.5T plan Politico
Facing heat from Congress on evictions, White House says CDC can’t extend moratorium
Roll Call
The Biden administration is still looking for ways to help people avoid eviction but resisting pressure from congressional Democrats to have the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revive the moratorium on such actions, which ended over the weekend.
See also:
● As Eviction Moratorium Expires, White House Clashes With Progressives Wall Street Journal
● Liberals erupt in fury at White House over end of eviction moratorium Washington Post
Fuel-Efficiency Standards Are Set to Get Tougher. The Question Is by How Much.
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration is expected to announce stricter fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and light trucks as early as this week, fulfilling a pledge to reset tailpipe-emission limits eased by former President Donald Trump.
Biden's judges: More diverse and more of them
AP News
With no Supreme Court opening to slow them, President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats are putting judges on federal trial and appellate courts at a much faster clip than any of Biden’s recent predecessors, including former President Donald Trump.
See also:
● Biden rebuffs left on Breyer Axios
What does America think of Kamala Harris?
Los Angeles Times
As of July 27, 45% of registered voters had a favorable opinion of Harris and 48% had an unfavorable opinion — a net rating of -3 percentage points, according to a Times average.
See also:
● Is Kamala Harris really the most unpopular vice president in modern history? Washington Post
58% say Jan. 6 House committee is biased: poll
The Hill
A majority of voters say they believe the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol is biased, according to a new Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey.
$6M flows through loopholes in pledge against corporate PACs
Roll Call
All told, the 62 incumbents in the House and Senate, nearly all of them Democrats, have hauled in $6.1 million in contributions from PACs and committees during the first six months of this year.
Other:
Janet Yellen to Enact Steps to Avoid Breaching Debt Ceiling
Wall Street Journal
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday revealed further measures to avoid breaching the federal government’s borrowing limit and urged Congress to increase or suspend the ceiling, which went back into effect on Sunday.
See also:
· Opinion: Congress’ game of chicken: The debt limit Roll Call
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, August 8, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "Fracking: Energy Bridge or a Dead End?"- Guest: Catherine Reheis-Boyd, President - Western States Petroleum Association; John Cox - Bakersfield Californian. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, August 8, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "Fracking in the Valley: Pros and Cons"- Guests: Dr. Liaosha Song, Assistant Professor of Geology - CSU Bakersfield; Dr. Anthony Rathburn, Interim Director - California Energy Research Center. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Bacon may disappear in California as pig rules take effect
Associated Press
At the beginning of next year, California will begin enforcing an animal welfare proposition approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2018 that requires more space for breeding pigs, egg-laying chickens and veal calves.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Axios
Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are working to win Senate passage of a big criminal justice reform package this Congress.
Public Safety:
State prisons expand program for inmate visitation
Bakersfield Californian
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced an additional day to visit inmates starting from Friday, August 13 at all 34 state prisons. The budget allocated $20.3 million to increase the opportunities for families to connect with the incarcerated.
Summer of Protest Prompted Spring Flurry of Policing Bills
Pew Trusts
State lawmakers across the country made sweeping changes to policing this year, following last summer’s worldwide protests. Racial justice activists say far more change is needed, but 2021 has proven to be a groundbreaking year for police accountability.
California may spend billions on permanent relief shelters as sweltering heat blankets the state
PBS
As millions across the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast are under heat advisories, with the climbing temperatures killing hundreds of people, extreme weather and its serious, sometimes fatal implications are raising questions about whether infrastructure could help.
Fire:
Fire Burning in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area prompts District to issue Health Caution
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
A fire burning on Bradford Island in the northern portion of Contra Costa County has prompted local air officials to issue a health caution for smoke impacts for the northern and central regions of the San Joaquin Valley.
Forest Service promises swifter action on new wildfires, after plea from California
Fresno Bee
Hit with bipartisan criticism about a “wait and see” approach to fighting wildfires in California, the new chief of the USDA Forest Service is directing his agency to become more aggressive about suppressing new fires.
See also:
● After Tamarack Fire, the U.S. Plans New Tactics to Fight West’s Flames Wall Street Journal
Evacuations lifted as progress made against western fires
Fresno Bee
Firefighters in Oregon reported good progress in the battle against the nation's largest wildfire, while authorities canceled evacuation orders near a major blaze in Northern California.
Wildfire updates: Dixie Fire may expand after relative calm; new fires rage in Trinity County
Sacramento Bee
The massive Dixie Fire saw limited growth leading up to Monday morning, continuing a string of low-growth days that have allowed crews to increase containment of the blaze.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Kern's economy recovers from pandemic better than other large cities, study finds
Bakersfield Californian
A new report says Kern County's economy has pulled through the pandemic better than most other large U.S. cities, even though local small businesses generally took a big hit in terms of closures and revenues.
Jobs:
Will California corporate diversity laws last? Lawsuits challenge anti-discrimination mandates
Fresno Bee
Two recent California laws directing public corporations to appoint more diverse leaders to their boards of directors are facing tough legal challenges, raising questions about whether they’ll endure.
US employers ratchet up the pressure on the unvaccinated
Bakersfield Californian
Employers are losing patience with unvaccinated workers. For months, most employers relied on information campaigns, bonuses and other incentives to encourage their workforces to get the COVID-19 shot.
See also:
● About 1 in 5 workers would quit jobs if masks or COVID vaccines mandated, poll finds Fresno Bee
● Kaiser orders all employees to get COVID vaccine as delta variant spreads in California Fresno Bee
● Facebook requires employees to wear masks in office, regardless of vaccination status San Francisco Chronicle
● Masks Are Back On at Home Depot, McDonald’s and Target Wall Street Journal
EDUCATION
K-12:
How should Fresno Unified fill its school board vacancy? It’s up for debate this week
Fresno Bee
While parents are buying fresh pencils and notebooks for back-to-school shopping, the Fresno County Health Department highly recommends including masks in your shopping cart.
Merced County schools launching campaign to get kids back to in-person classes
Merced Sun-Star
In an effort to get Merced County K-12 students back into classroom, education officials plan to launch a campaign Monday emphasizing the importance of in-person learning.
Opinion: Smaller classes benefit students most in need
CalMatters
Critics underestimate the importance of class size reduction because they don’t understand the challenges of our profession. Hiring teachers and other professionals to help students directly serves students.
Event: Reopening K–12 Schools: A Conversation with Linda Darling-Hammond
PPIC
As fall approaches, California’s public schools continue to grapple with a myriad of challenges. What does reopening look like, and how do educators address issues such as declining enrollment, learning loss, and the health and safety of students and staff?
Students Need To Be In Classrooms, With Masks, This Fall, Education Secretary Says
VPR
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has a message for schools across the country ahead of the new school year: Students need to be in classrooms.
No child deserves to be left offline this school year—here’s how Congress can help
Brookings
The nation’s educational systems are bracing for quantifiable learning losses, mental health challenges, and a range of other systemic and educational disparities particularly affecting the most vulnerable students.
Higher Ed:
Central California World Language Project gives teachers opportunity to learn new skills
abc30
"This is not just a one-person show. We use the diversity of cultures and languages as an asset, and we want to give back," said Nancy Perez, Director of the Central California World Language Project (CCWLP).
Names of Note: Grants will train Stanislaus-area students in mental health therapy
Modesto Bee
EMC Health Foundation is paying the education costs for five local students studying to be mental health therapists.
Hundreds of new California retirees aren’t getting their pension checks from UC system
Sacramento Bee
In a record year for retirement, the University of California is lagging in paying pensions for its new retirees, hundreds of whom won’t be paid on time — and don’t know when they will be paid.
Community colleges offer cash, textbooks to students who get vaccinated
CalMatters
While both the University of California and California State University are requiring students to be vaccinated for the fall term, community college districts are opting for a mix of mandates, incentives and encouragement.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Heat waves to drastically worsen in Northern Hemisphere, studies warn
Washington Post
As global temperatures have increased, extreme heat events in the Northern Hemisphere have occurred with greater frequency and intensity. Deadly, record-crushing heat waves have scorched parts of the United States, Europe and the Arctic in just the past two decades.
That recycling symbol doesn’t always mean what you think it does
CalMatters
At least 85% of single-use plastic items don’t get recycled, even if they carry the familiar triangular symbol. A California bill would restrict which plastics can bear the mark.
Energy:
Democrats aim to boost solar roof tiles in U.S. budget bill
Reuters
A pair of Democrats hope to expand a U.S. federal renewable energy tax credit to make it easier for consumers to install roofs with solar shingles like those made by Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) and GAF Energy, betting it will boost a nascent segment of the industry.
Power shutoffs should be last resort, regulators warn
AP News
The president of California’s utility regulator warned a top power company Monday that power outages to prevent equipment from sparking wildfires should only be used as a last resort.
Fuel-Efficiency Standards Are Set to Get Tougher. The Question Is by How Much.
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration is expected to announce stricter fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and light trucks as early as this week, fulfilling a pledge to reset tailpipe-emission limits eased by former President Donald Trump.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
About 99.999% of fully vaccinated Americans have not had a deadly COVID-19 breakthrough case: CDC
abc30
More than 99.99% of people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 have not had a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalization or death, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
See also:
● While Vaccinated People Can Contract Delta COVID-19 Variant, Vaccines Still Best Defense Capital Public Radio
● 4 in 5 vaccinated Americans blame unvaccinated for rising cases: poll The Hill
● Coronavirus hospitalizations are surging to last summer's levels Axios
Masks and covid-19: Explaining the latest guidance from the CDC and other experts
Washington Post
Many Americans are confused, some even outraged, about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new recommendations to return to mask-wearing.
U.S. surpasses 35M COVID-19 cases; 70% of adults receive at least one vaccine dose
UPI
The United States surpassed 35 million COVID-19 cases Thursday amid surges in multiple southern states, while 70% of adults have received at least one vaccine dose.
See also:
● U.S. hits 70% vaccination rate — a month late, amid a surge PBS
● COVID vaccinations lag for people on Medi-Cal Bakersfield Californian
● Opinion: It’s time to play hardball with the unvaccinated. They’re a menace to society Miami Herald
Fire Burning in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area prompts District to issue Health Caution
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
A fire burning on Bradford Island in the northern portion of Contra Costa County has prompted local air officials to issue a health caution for smoke impacts for the northern and central regions of the San Joaquin Valley.
Alcohol consumption linked to nearly 750,000 cancer cases in 2020, new study says
CBSNews
Doctors are sounding the alarm over research showing a link between drinking alcohol and cancer. More than 700,000 new cancer cases were linked to alcohol consumption in 2020 — a time when many Americans reported drinking more.
Human Services:
Kaiser Permanente mandating COVID-19 vaccine for employees and physicians
abc30
Kaiser Permanente has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all employees and physicians. Kaiser joins the list of major companies that have mandated the vaccine for its employees.
See also:
● Valley Children’s Hospital to make COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for all employees Fresno Bee
● Kaiser makes COVID vaccine mandatory for employees and doctors in Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
● At some California hospitals, nearly half of workers remain unvaccinated Mercury News
New State Laws Hamstring Public Health Officials
Pew Trusts
Although no one wants to see it happen, some state and local public health officials soon may recommend reinstating mask mandates, imposing curfews, limiting travel and even reclosing schools and businesses.
For Some, ACA Health Plans Could Be Cheaper—or Even Free
Wall Street Journal
Whether you have lost your health insurance or simply want a better deal on coverage, here is some good news: Under a Covid-19 stimulus bill Congress passed in March, many people who buy Affordable Care Act plans can qualify for premiums that are cheaper—or even free.
IMMIGRATION
Title 42 Foes Go Back To Court To Try To End COVID Measure Blocking Asylum-Seekers
VPR
Immigration advocates who had been negotiating with the Biden administration to end a Trump-era rule that blocks most migrants from entering the United States have given up waiting. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups are going back to court
See also:
● Advocates end settlement talks with U.S. over asylum curbs Los Angeles Times
● Biden administration to keep Trump-era rule of turning away migrants during pandemic The Hill
Unaccompanied children picked up at border likely hit record in July: report
The Hill
The number of unaccompanied children stopped at the southern border likely hit a record high in June, The Associated Press reported, a surprising development as the high summer temperatures typically stymie border crossings.
Migrant Worker Women from Mexico File First Petition under USMCA Chapter 23 on Labor
ABA
Migrant farmworkers Adareli Ponce Hernández and Maritza Pérez Ovando filed the first petition under USMCA Chapter 23 on Labor.
US-Mexico security collaboration won’t be easily resurrected
Brookings
Earlier this week, Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard declared the Merida Initiative, the $3 billion U.S.-Mexico security cooperation framework in place since the Felipe Calderón and George W. Bush administrations, “dead.”
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Wildfire near Lake Tahoe shows we must adapt how we care for our lands — and quickly
CalMatters
The Lake Tahoe Basin is seeing the predicted effects of climate change happening now — less snow and more rain, and larger, more intense wildfires. Land managers need to adapt how we plan for and actively manage the land under our care.
Housing:
Fresno launches eviction protection program. Here’s what you need to know
Fresno Bee
Fresno renters who are facing an eviction may be eligible for free legal help through the city’s Eviction Protection Program which was launched Tuesday.
Apartment Rents Increase as Young Workers Head Back to Cities
Wall Street Journal
Apartment rents are rising fast, boosted by young professionals returning to cities and an expensive housing market that keeps many of them renting. Stock prices of publicly traded apartment companies have jumped in stride.
Evictions lead to rare clash between the White House and Dems
Axios
The White House and Democratic leaders have been dueling — publicly and privately — over who should take responsibility for extending an eviction moratorium that could protect millions of people on the verge of homelessness.
See also:
● White House calls on states to prevent evictions Fresno Bee
● Facing heat from Congress on evictions, White House says CDC can’t extend moratorium Roll Call
● Here’s what renters need to know about the end of the eviction moratorium Washington Post
● Editorial: Congress and Biden failed tenants by letting the eviction moratorium expire Los Angeles Times
PUBLIC FINANCES
Awash in Cash, State Lawmakers Ask How Long the Boom Will Last
Pew Trusts
State tax collections came in so much higher than expected last fiscal year that lawmakers were able this session to restore past cuts, save money for future emergencies and spend more on everything from housing to income tax reductions.
Has billions more in food assistance reduced hunger in the US?
AEI
Throughout the pandemic, news headlines painted an unparalleled crisis of Americans going hungry. The best data sources largely showed these claims were exaggerated, but that hasn’t stopped the hyperboles.
TRANSPORTATION
Local groups jazzed about electric car donations
Fresno Bee
The recent delivery of 20, slightly used Volkswagen e-Golfs to various non-profit organizations in the San Joaquín Valley is expected to pay numerous benefits beyond a new set of wheels.
Public ‘begging’ for help. What’s the holdup with Turlock road repairs?
Modesto Bee
Three months after Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak announced goals to fix 400 miles of roads within five years, the City Council on Tuesday approved requests for consultants to propose plans to achieve them.
What to know about COVID-19 restrictions for traveling between US, Canada
Fresno Bee
The United States last month extended its pandemic restrictions on nonessential travel at the U.S.-Canada land border for at least a month. The announcement came shortly after Canada shared plans to reopen the border to fully vaccinated Americans in August.
Air travel hits another pandemic high, flight delays grow
Los Angeles Times
Air travel in the U.S. is hitting new pandemic-era highs, and airlines are scrambling to keep up with the summer-vacation crowds.
WATER
California water board set to decide on new restrictions
abc23
California's water board is set to decide on new restrictions Tuesday. The five-person panel could reduce the water supply for thousands of Central Valley farmers. The California Farm Bureau Federation says growers and ranchers will be hardest hit.
Does a state drought regulation threaten local water rights? MID, TID weigh in
Modesto Bee
The Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts don’t expect an impact this year from an emergency drought regulation that could stop farmers from diverting water from the state’s major rivers.
California drought: Dozens of communities are at risk of running out of water
Mercury News
So far, California’s worsening drought has been an inconvenience in big cities. But it is already imperiling an alarming number of communities, especially between the Bay Area and the Oregon border, threatening the water supplies for more than 130,000 people.
“Xtra”
Fresno Bee
At least two bars in Fresno are requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative test result to get in. But other businesses are pushing back on that line of thinking, publicly stating their customers have a right to “live freely.”
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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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