December 12, 2019

12Dec

POLICY & POLITICS

 

North SJ Valley:

 

With closing of Modesto Outdoor Emergency Shelter, what is next for city’s homeless?

Modesto Bee

Wednesday morning about 8, between 50 and 75 people had yet to leave the grounds, said police Lt. Mark Weiglein, who was at the scene. Officers and service providers had talked with nearly all of them, who were working with friends or family to relocate them by 5 p.m., he said.

 

Volunteers needed to hand out care packages, count homeless in Stanislaus County

Modesto Bee

Organizers of the annual count of Stanislaus County’s homeless population are asking for volunteers to help in the upcoming count in January. The count is set for Jan. 23.

 

End of a traffic ‘nightmare’: New bridge connects Modesto to Escalon

Modesto Bee

“These things are so important for our economies to grow and jobs in our communities,” Stanislaus County Supervisor Terry Withrow said. The $32 million project replaced a two-lane span completed in 1959 for traffic between the Modesto and Escalon areas.

 

EDITORIAL: How Modesto unwittingly lifted minority candidates throughout California

Modesto Bee

Modesto’s regrettable role in a process that altered how voters over much of California choose city and school representatives surfaced in a recent university study looking at race in electoral reform.

 

Central SJ Valley:

 

Fresno family is spending nearly $100K on Jerry Dyer attacks. One ad likens him to Trump

Fresno Bee

Juan and Amy Arambula poured nearly $100,000 into an independent expenditure for advertisements against mayoral candidate Jerry Dyer, one of which likens Dyer to President Donald Trump.

See also:

 

Fresno and Valley air particularly bad this week. Why was burning still allowed?

Fresno Bee

The central San Joaquin Valley’s air quality on Tuesday spiked beyond the level five warning, the worst it can get, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

See also:

 

This historic Fresno building could soon host multiple breweries. Take a look inside

Fresno Bee

A brick building estimated to be 101 years old at 736 Fulton St., across the street from the Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co.’s beer garden, has new owners. They are in the process of renovating the building, with plans to rent space out to businesses.

 

Do Clovis politicians have the ‘political courage’ to build low-income housing?

Fresno Bee

It was instructive to observe elected leaders from one of California’s fastest-growing cities grapple with their housing shortage, particularly the low-income variety, and other associated issues.

 

Town halls will focus on Measure H, transparency

Visalia Times Delta

As Kaweah Delta continues its efforts to better engage with the community, hospital officials will hold its first of five town halls on Thursday in Visalia.

 

EDITORIAL: Devin Nunes says a reporter ‘stalked’ him. No, he stonewalled legitimate questions

Fresno Bee

Rep. Devin Nunes got caught during the weekend in an impromptu interview, and the questions he was asked were legitimate.

 

South SJ Valley:

 

Councilman directs BPD to hold forum on illegal street racing following death

Bakersfield Californian

An effort to instill a citywide crackdown on illegal street racing gained momentum at a Bakersfield City Council meeting Wednesday. City Councilman Chris Parlier directed the Bakersfield Police Department to hold a forum to hear potential solutions for an activity that claimed the life of a local woman and injured two children in late November.

 

‘We are humans first’: NFL players lead conversation on social justice and activism in Bakersfield

Kern Sol News

National Football League players, dreamers, foster youth, members of the LGBTQ community and others from all walks of life came together Tuesday for the Dear America: A Social Justice Conversation event at Bakersfield College to hear about becoming agents of change in their community.

 

State Sen. Shannon Grove: Open trade with our neighbors is a win for the Central Valley

Bakersfield Californian

In 2018, California exported $48.4 billion in goods and services to Canada and Mexico combined, supporting nearly 240,000 jobs and creating more than $29 billion in economic value. Trade with our neighbors to the north and south helps support our agricultural communities and powers the fifth largest economy in the world.

See also:

 

Q & A: Go on offense, Cal Forward director urges Kern economic leaders

Bakersfield Californian

He has been a Northern California guy most of his life, but Jim Mayer has a pretty good feel for the San Joaquin Valley, and Bakersfield in particular.

 

State:

 

Californians Need Health Insurance By Jan. 1 Or Risk Paying A New Penalty

Capital Public Radio

Californians must carry health insurance in 2020, or face a state-imposed penalty. Covered California is encouraging the state’s uninsured to enroll in a plan by Dec. 15, the deadline for coverage that kicks in Jan. 1.

See also:

 

California weighs controversial rule to tackle truck tailpipe pollution

CalMatters

California's clean air enforcers want major truck manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles in the state — but the agency's proposal faces criticism from environmentalists and truck makers alike.

 

Anti-vaccine protester who shoved California state senator hit with restraining order

Fresno Bee

A Sacramento judge has granted state Sen. Richard Pan’s restraining order against the anti-vaccine activist who shoved the lawmaker in August and filmed the attack.

 

California’s ban on sales of alligator boots drawing a lawsuit from Louisiana

Fresno Bee

California’s new law banning the importation and sale of alligator and crocodile skins could be blocked by a pair of lawsuits, including one that’s expected to come from the state of Louisiana.

 

Mathews: Why California Is Stuck in the ‘Gray Zone’

Bakersfield Californian

In California today, I think the phrase explains the perilous condition of our communities as the state pursues major changes in how we regulate drugs, respond to homelessness and sentence criminals.

 

Watch new 2020 law #5: Online data privacy law gives Californians new rights

CalMatters

Faced with a possible initiative asking voters if they want to toughen safeguards of their own privacy, state lawmakers instead approved a new consumer privacy law giving people a window into what information companies collect.

 

Federal:

 

House passes farmworker bill on bipartisan vote

Fresno Bee

The House on a bipartisan vote Wednesday passed what’s commonly known as the farmworker bill. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would allow farmworkers already working in the country to earn legal residency.

See also:

 

Pelosi drug bill up for House vote reflects a Trump idea

Fresno Bee

Candidate Donald Trump said he could save Medicare billions by negotiating prescription drug prices. Thursday the House will vote on a bill by Speaker Nancy Pelosi that would deliver that and much more. But Trump is not on board.

 

Trump Signs Order Against Anti-Semitism at Colleges, Worrying Free Speech Advocates

Capital Public Radio

The order will extend a federal anti-discrimination law to include discrimination based on anti-Semitism. Some worry the policy will be used to stifle criticism of Israel on college campuses.

 

Senate confirms conservative, described by the bar as “unfit,” to SF appeals court

San Francisco Chronicle

Lawrence VanDyke, a Justice Department lawyer who has expressed sharply conservative views on such issues as gay rights and the environment, won Senate approval on a largely party-line vote Wednesday as President Trump’s 10th appointee to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

 

House Passes Bill Including Paid Parental Leave for Federal Workers

Wall Street Journal

The House approved a bill Wednesday that includes paid parental leave for federal workers, the creation of the U.S. Space Force and new sanctions related to Russia’s energy ambitions.

See also:

 

Elections 2020:

 

Biden Immigration Plan Would Undo Trump Policies

Wall Street Journal

Mr. Biden would pursue as president a comprehensive immigration overhaul through Congress, his plan says, and it would reverse most of the actions Mr. Trump took to curb nearly all forms of immigration.

 

Bloomberg zeroes in on California housing crisis as he campaigns in Stockton, San Francisco

Sacramento Bee

Michael Bloomberg is making housing affordability a focal point of his presidential campaign, and will roll out some general principles on housing policy during his first visit to California as a presidential candidate Wednesday, McClatchy has learned.

See also:

 

Warren ‘wealth tax’ estimates too optimistic, analysis says

Merced Sun-Star

Elizabeth Warren’s signature “wealth tax” would bring in at least $1 trillion less in new government revenue than the Democratic presidential candidate estimates while ultimately shrinking the economy over the next 30 years, according to a new academic analysis.

See also:

 

Bernie Sanders is going to bat for minor league baseball. Will California go to bat for him?

Los Angeles Times

Any politician who goes to bat for minor league baseball against billionaire big club owners deserves an all-star vote. Maybe not a presidential vote necessarily, but an honorary spot on any baseball all-star team.

 

How Andrew Yang can and should advance racial understanding

San Francisco Chronicle

Andrew Yang passed a major hurdle this week by qualifying for the Democratic debate next Thursday. With Kamala Harris’ exit, he has become the leading candidate of color.

 

Klobuchar Calls for Return to International Agreements

Wall Street Journal

Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar called for a return to broad international agreements and a rejection of the approach to diplomacy taken by President Trump over the past three years.

 

Former rivals woo Kamala Harris’ big donors

Politico

Within days of Kamala Harris’ exit from the presidential race, one major Harris fundraiser’s phone blew up with inquiries from people aligned with four other candidates seeking support: Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker.

 

WBUR Poll: Buttigieg, Biden Top N.H. Primary Race, While Warren's Support Slips

WBUR

With the first-in-the-nation primary less than nine weeks away, Buttigieg is running slightly ahead of Biden, followed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is in fourth place.

See also:

 

How the New Primary Calendar Changes the Contest for Democrats

New York Times

Big election days like Super Tuesday will be more demographically representative (hurts Biden). There will be fewer caucuses (hurts Sanders).

 

Other:

 

Washington, Obama, and Trump, Oh My!

Monmouth University

Most Americans agree that George Washington was a better president than either Donald Trump or Barack Obama – but there are some interesting partisan divisions in that opinion.

 

Blue Origin launches, lands same rocket record 6 times

AP News

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, has scored another successful spaceflight. Blue Origin used the same rocket for the sixth time Wednesday in West Texas.

 

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

 

Sunday, December 15, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: Does Granny (Flat) Have a Solution to the Housing Crisis? - Guest: Monica Davalos, Aureo Mesquita and Adriana Ramos-Vamamoto from the California Budget and Policy Center. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, December 15, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: Recidivism: Statewide Data and a Local Program That Works - Guests: CSU Fresno Prof. Emma Hughes, Project Rebound Director Jennifer Leahy, and Project Rebound Rebound Arnold Trevino. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, December 15, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: Los Diez mas Importantes de California - Guest: Alexei Koseff, Reportero de San Francisco Chronicle. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

 

House passes farmworker bill on bipartisan vote

Fresno Bee

The House on a bipartisan vote Wednesday passed what’s commonly known as the farmworker bill. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would allow farmworkers already working in the country to earn legal residency.

 

55,000 pounds of burritos recalled from Valley-based Ruiz Foods. Here’s the problem

Fresno Bee

Dinuba-based Ruiz Food Products on Tuesday recalled 55,013 pounds of its El Monterey Signature Burrito Egg, Sausage & Cheese burritos from store shelves after customers reported finding plastic in the food.

 

No driver needed: 20 tons of butter takes road trip from California to Pennsylvania

Fresno Bee

A Silicon Valley startup has completed the first coast-to-coast commercial freight trip made by a self-driving truck, according to the company’s press release. Plus.ai announced on Tuesday that its truck traveled from Tulare, California, to Quakertown carrying over 40,000 pounds of Land O’Lakes butter.

 

Opinion: How the biggest farms are getting more per acre in trade-war subsidies

Market Watch

American farmers are benefiting from over $24 billion in new subsidies as compensation for lost sales caused by the on-going U.S.-China trade war. The American Enterprise Institute estimates those payments are three to four times bigger than actual losses.

 

California’s Cannabis ‘Green Rush’ Has Been a Slow Slog

Zócalo Public Square

California has found that it’s far easier to declare cannabis legal than it is to create a well-regulated cannabis market, said panelists at a Zócalo/UCLA Downtown event titled “Will California Learn to Regulate the Marijuana Business?” and held at Cross Campus DTLA.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

 

Fresno County rolls out tech solution for missed court dates

Business Journal

Under a grant, the PD’s office has been using since Oct. 14 a “social justice text messaging communication platform,” essentially software that sends text messages to clients to remind them of upcoming court dates and meetings, similar to how medical offices send out appointment reminders to patients.

 

Clovis Police Warn Residents as Statewide Spike in Car Burglaries

Clovis Roundup

It’s no secret that police departments around the country traditionally see an increase in property crime during November and December. This is because there is more property available to be stolen by opportunistic thieves, said Clovis Police Service Officer Ty Wood.

 

DNA site used in Golden State Killer case is getting a new owner

Los Angeles Times

Verogen Inc. wants to make tools that have helped solve dozens of cold cases available to crime labs nationwide.

 

States prepare to purge tens of thousands of pot convictions

Los Angeles Times

With the tap of a computer key, prosecutors in Los Angeles and Chicago plan over the coming weeks to erase tens of thousands of marijuana convictions from people’s criminal records, a key part of a progressive crime-fighting strategy that is seeking to rectify the wrongs of a decades-long drug war.

 

Public Safety:

 

Councilman directs BPD to hold forum on illegal street racing following death

Bakersfield Californian

An effort to instill a citywide crackdown on illegal street racing gained momentum at a Bakersfield City Council meeting Wednesday.

 

Thousands of lawful California gun owners are being denied ammunition purchases. Here’s why

Sacramento Bee

Of the 345,547 ammunition background checks performed, only 101 stopped the buyer because he or she was a “prohibited person” who can’t legally possess ammunition, according to state Department of Justice data.

 

Judge urges Legislature to bar police from using ‘deceptive schemes’ to skirt Miranda rights

Los Angeles Times

A judge on California’s top court implored the Legislature on Wednesday to bar a “pervasive” police practice of using deception to obtain confessions from suspects who have invoked their right to remain silent.

 

Fire:

 

Vintage Faire Mall food court restaurant temporarily closed after fire

Modesto Bee

A small fire has temporarily shut down a restaurant in the food court of the Vintage Faire Mall. The fire started in a transformer in the storage room of the Hot Dog on a Stick around 10:30 a.m., said Modesto Fire Department Battalion Chief Ryan Winton.

 

Northern California Power Outages Could Soar If Aging Lines Aren’t Replaced, PG&E Study Finds

Wall Street Journal

Sustained power outages caused by electric-wire failures in Northern California could double or even quadruple in years to come unless PG&E Corp. steps up its replacement of aging equipment, according to a utility-commissioned analysis.

See also:

 

ECONOMY

 

State Sen. Shannon Grove: Open trade with our neighbors is a win for the Central Valley

Bakersfield Californian

In 2018, California exported $48.4 billion in goods and services to Canada and Mexico combined, supporting nearly 240,000 jobs and creating more than $29 billion in economic value. Trade with our neighbors to the north and south helps support our agricultural communities and powers the fifth largest economy in the world.

See also:

 

Fed leaves low rates alone and sees no moves in near future

Fresno Bee

Chairman Jerome Powell made clear Wednesday that the Federal Reserve is prepared to keep its benchmark interest rate very low through at least next year — and possibly longer.

See also:

 

Q & A: Go on offense, Cal Forward director urges Kern economic leaders

Bakersfield Californian

He has been a Northern California guy most of his life, but Jim Mayer has a pretty good feel for the San Joaquin Valley, and Bakersfield in particular.

 

EDUCATION

 

K-12:

 

Should Aspire open charter school in Lincoln Unified? Dozens weigh in during special meeting

Stockton Record

It was standing room only during a special meeting for the Lincoln Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday night, where a public hearing was held on Aspire Public Schools’ petition to open a charter school in the district.

 

Why weren’t parents notified until after school began?

Visalia Times Delta

Mt. Whitney High School was the target of a threat that Visalia police found to be "not credible," school district officials announced Wednesday morning.

 

Three Steps to Address the Fairness of School Funding Through ESSA

Ed Note

Achievement gaps on state standardized tests based on differences in family income levels are staggeringly wide and have become larger over time. This can be particularly troubling considering waning upward mobility and the increasing necessity of a postsecondary education for entry into the middle class.

 

EDITORIAL: ‘I felt humiliated’: Why California schools need ethnic studies classes

Sacramento Bee

The education system can’t act as a silver bullet for racism and xenophobia. Families and the larger community must recognize their responsibility. Youth absorb attitudes from home, online, and their peers. If those attitudes are toxic, kids will carry that with them.

 

Higher Ed:

 

Hundreds recognized at CSUB Fall Commencement Ceremony

Bakersfield Californian

It was a historic night for Cal State Bakersfield, with 571 students participating in the school's first fall commencement ceremony in a decade. Nearly 900 students total received degrees from CSUB on Wednesday.

 

Covering the Real Costs of College

Public Policy Institute of California

Faced with the state’s high cost of living, California college students struggle to secure adequate food and housing. Even amid one of the largest economic expansions in state history, 33% of students are housing insecure and 35% have low or very low food security.

 

New Eligibility Rules for the University of California? The Effects of New Science Requirements

Public Policy Institute of California

If adopted, UC’s new policy could improve student science learning and readiness for college. But a critical concern is how the proposed science requirements may affect student eligibility for UC, particularly among underrepresented and disadvantaged student groups.

 

Governors Leading the Way to Career Readiness

EdSource

Recognizing that the key to financial success increasingly can be found in higher levels of education, America’s governors are taking steps to build stronger connections between the education their residents receive and the jobs they perform.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

 

Environment:

 

Fresno and Valley air particularly bad this week. Why was burning still allowed?

Fresno Bee

The central San Joaquin Valley’s air quality on Tuesday spiked beyond the level five warning, the worst it can get, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

See also:

 

Dangerously high waves headed to California & Oregon beaches, forecasters warn

Fresno Bee

Beach lovers, beware: Large and possibly dangerous Pacific Ocean waves are headed for stretches of the California and Oregon coastline starting Thursday, forecasters predict.

 

EDITORIAL: Sea levels are rising. California needs to get serious about the problem

Los Angeles Times

A new report from the state Legislative Analyst’s Office spotlights a dangerous incongruity in how California approaches two issues involving global warming: the push to reduce emissions of Earth-warming greenhouse gases and what to do about the already-rising seas.

See also:

 

California commission lists yellow-legged frog as endangered

Porterville Recorder

There’s new hope for an endangered California frog that has vanished from half of its habitat. The state Fish and Game Commission on Wednesday approved protections for five of six populations of the foothill yellow-legged frog.

 

National climate strategies are forgetting about girls, children, and youth

Brookings

Our new report analyzed 160 NDCs and found that only three countries (Malawi, Venezuela, and Zambia) make explicit reference to girls, only one country (Zambia) mentions girls’ education, and no country formally recognizes the role that an investment in girls’ education could make in its climate strategy.

 

Energy:

 

Wholesale prices unchanged in November as energy prices cool

Fresno Bee

U.S. wholesale prices were unchanged in November as the rise in energy costs slowed following a big gain in the previous month.

 

California regulators clear way for natural gas bans to take effect

San Francisco Chronicle

The California Energy Commission gave the green light Wednesday to the six local governments that are barring or limiting the use of natural gas appliances in new buildings.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

 

Health:

 

Rep. TJ Cox: Diabetes report shows we must lower drug prices

Fresno Bee

Can you imagine having to choose between having enough food or the medicine that keeps you alive? One out of four people in California’s 21st congressional district who live with

diabetes say they have had to make just that choice.

 

Opinion: The Supreme Court just let a dangerous and intrusive abortion law stand

Los Angeles Times

This week, the Supreme Court announced, without explanation, that it would not hear a challenge to Kentucky’s so-called Ultrasound Informed Consent Act, which requires women to submit to a narrated ultrasound before receiving an abortion.

 

EDITORIAL: Anti-vaxxers can’t compete with cold, hard facts

Los Angeles Times

Anti-vaccination activists gave up on their misguided effort to repeal an important new state law — Senate Bill 276 — that will make it harder for parents to get their children bogus medical exemptions from mandatory vaccinations for measles and other dangerous infectious diseases.

 

Human Services:

 

Pelosi drug bill up for House vote reflects a Trump idea

Fresno Bee

Candidate Donald Trump said he could save Medicare billions by negotiating prescription drug prices. Thursday the House will vote on a bill by Speaker Nancy Pelosi that would deliver that and much more. But Trump is not on board.

 

Town halls will focus on Measure H, transparency

Visalia Times Delta

As Kaweah Delta continues its efforts to better engage with the community, hospital officials will hold its first of five town halls on Thursday in Visalia.

 

Californians Need Health Insurance By Jan. 1 Or Risk Paying A New Penalty

Capital Public Radio

Californians must carry health insurance in 2020, or face a state-imposed penalty. Covered California is encouraging the state’s uninsured to enroll in a plan by Dec. 15, the deadline for coverage that kicks in Jan. 1.

See also:

 

Dental Patients Face Years Of Debt, Inflated Bills

Capital Public Radio

An investigation by The Fresno Bee for the California Divide has found that some dentists are pressuring patients to take out high-interest credit cards to pay for thousands of dollars of dental care.

 

IMMIGRATION

 

Pentagon IG opens review into $400 million border wall contract

abc30

The Pentagon Inspector General has opened a review of a $400 million border wall contract was awarded to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co.

 

Two judges in two states say Trump wrong to redirect funds to border wall

San Francisco Chronicle

President Trump’s order to redirect $3.6 billion in military funds to build 175 miles of border wall in California and three other states was an unconstitutional defiance of Congress, a Bay Area federal judge said Wednesday — the second judge in two days to rule against the wall funding.

See also:

 

House votes to provide a pathway to citizenship for thousands of undocumented farmworkers

CNN

The House passed a bipartisan bill Wednesday that would grant legal status to thousands of undocumented farmworkers. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 260-165, though it faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

See also:

 

Why Border Patrol Refuses to Offer Flu Shots to Migrants

New York Times

Several doctors were arrested during a protest this week after they were refused permission to administer free flu vaccines to migrants.

 

LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

This historic Fresno building could soon host multiple breweries. Take a look inside

Fresno Bee

A brick building estimated to be 101 years old at 736 Fulton St., across the street from the Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co.’s beer garden, has new owners. They are in the process of renovating the building, with plans to rent space out to businesses.

 

Housing:

 

Do Clovis politicians have the ‘political courage’ to build low-income housing?

Fresno Bee

It was instructive to observe elected leaders from one of California’s fastest-growing cities grapple with their housing shortage, particularly the low-income variety, and other associated issues.

 

With closing of Modesto Outdoor Emergency Shelter, what is next for city’s homeless?

Modesto Bee

Wednesday morning about 8, between 50 and 75 people had yet to leave the grounds, said police Lt. Mark Weiglein, who was at the scene. Officers and service providers had talked with nearly all of them, who were working with friends or family to relocate them by 5 p.m., he said.

 

Volunteers needed to hand out care packages, count homeless in Stanislaus County

Modesto Bee

Organizers of the annual count of Stanislaus County’s homeless population are asking for volunteers to help in the upcoming count in January. The count is set for Jan. 23.

 

A thousand homeless people on a cruise ship? California city wonders if it could work

Sacramento Bee

Oakland City Council President Rebecca Kaplan told council members at a Tuesday meeting that she plans to bring a cruise ship to Oakland’s port in order to house up to 1,000 homeless people.

 

PUBLIC FINANCES

 

Fed puts hold on interest rates in quiet end to busy year

Los Angeles Times

After three successive interest rate cuts meant to head off a global economic slowdown and trade worries, the Federal Reserve hit the pause button at its last meeting of the year on Wednesday and signaled it was likely to remain on the sidelines all next year.

See also:

 

House Democrats Unveil Plan for Temporary Repeal of State-Deduction Cap

Wall Street Journal

The cap on state and local tax deductions would be repealed for two years under a new Democratic proposal that almost certainly won’t become law while Republicans control the Senate and White House.

 

Tiny Tax Moves Can Save You Big on Medicare Premiums

Wall Street Journal

Now is a good time for higher-earning Medicare recipients to check whether a small reduction in this year’s income could make a big difference in future premiums.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

End of a traffic ‘nightmare’: New bridge connects Modesto to Escalon

Modesto Bee

“These things are so important for our economies to grow and jobs in our communities,” Stanislaus County Supervisor Terry Withrow said. The $32 million project replaced a two-lane span completed in 1959 for traffic between the Modesto and Escalon areas.

 

Road construction is widespread, but TRIP says real progress being made

Bakersfield Californian

With several local TRIP projects moving rapidly through various stages of project development, companies are working toward deadlines and target dates on projects as diverse as 24th Street and Centennial Corridor to Highway 99 and Highway 43.

 

California weighs controversial rule to tackle truck tailpipe pollution

CalMatters

California's clean air enforcers want major truck manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles in the state — but the agency's proposal faces criticism from environmentalists and truck makers alike.

 

Electric vehicle fees won’t fix the transportation funding gap

CalMatters

Why are we allowing our roads, bridges, and other transportation assets to crumble? One out of every five miles of highway pavement is in poor condition, and 188 million cars travel across a structurally deficient bridge each day.

 

WATER

 

Prescription Drugs Found In Large Concentrations In Water Near Manufacturing Plants

NPR

We're often told not to flush medicine down the toilet because it can work its way into lakes and streams, even our drinking water. Well, a new investigation finds that major drugmakers are basically doing the same thing on a much larger scale.

 

“Xtra”

 

Supervisor David Couch to host warm clothes distribution event

Bakersfield Californian

Supervisor David Couch will host a warm clothes distribution on Dec. 18 at Barker Park in Wasco for those who are in need, according to a news release.

 

Yosemite in winter: Your guide to road conditions, ice skating, hiking and drinking by the fire

Fresno Bee

The winter season brings its own special charm to the always beautiful Yosemite National Park. The large California park’s most popular destinations remain accessible through its coldest months, when the weather likes to alternate between snow storms and clear, sunny days.

 

Letter from the Publisher: What’s in a Name?

Clovis Roundup

What’s in a name? Quite a bit. In 2010 when my husband Ken Melchor and I were deciding on a name for our new adventure, a community newspaper, he immediately chose “Clovis Roundup.”  I liked the name right away and thought it was perfect for a community newspaper based in Clovis.

 

Visalia Rawhide baseball team welcomes new owners

Business Journal

After a yearlong search, the champion Visalia Rawhide baseball team has found a new ownership group to take it to extra innings. The family company First Pitch Entertainment, LLC will become the owners of the California League team.

 

2019: The year in pictures

CNN

Look back at the photos that shaped 2019.

See also:

 

Outdoorsy 1: - Mineral King, Sequoia National Park's Hidden Gem

KVPR

Yay! You made it to Outdoorsy. This is Valley Public Radio’s new podcast, in which we explore wild places in California and interview the people who enjoy them.

 

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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.

 

The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.

                                                     

This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.

 

 

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