POLICY & POLITICS
Remnants Of Dust Bowl Migration Linger In Central Valley Politics, Says Researcher Adam Ramey
VPR
While some valley congressional districts flipped from red to blue, much of the state’s remaining republican strongholds are still in the San Joaquin Valley -- particularly Kern, Madera and Tulare Counties. There’s a link between support for Republican candidates in the 2018 midterms and the degree to which a county’s population came from Dust Bowl states.
North SJ Valley:
New mayor: ‘Great things’ coming to Atwater. Old mayor: Finances in ‘horrific shape’
Fresno Bee
Atwater’s incoming council tried to project an air of positivity this week as members were sworn into office despite reminders from the outgoing mayor that the city is in difficult financial times.
New Turlock mayor Bublak takes oath, talks about priorities for the city
Modesto Bee
Longtime Councilwoman Amy Bublak took the oath of office at the Tuesday City Council meeting to become Turlock mayor before a standing-room only crowd that also witnessed two new council members Nicole Larson and Andrew Nosrati also take their seats.
Income project moves closer to picking participants
Stockton Record
This week, hundreds of households throughout the city will receive a letter seeking interest to participate in the controversial basic income pilot program.
Central SJ Valley:
Arrest of Fresno Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula prompts call for his resignation
Fresno Bee
The arrest of Fresno Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, for allegedly abusing a child has already prompted a call for his resignation. In a press release sent Tuesday night, the chairman of the Republican Party of Fresno County called for Arambula to be removed from his position.
See Also:
● Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula arrested on child abuse charges abc30
● California Lawmaker Arrested On Child Cruelty Suspicion Capital Public Radio
● California lawmaker arrested on child cruelty suspicion Los Angeles Times
How much money did Nunes and Janz spend to woo voters? Answer is staggering
Fresno Bee
The candidates for California’s 22nd Congressional District – a slice of both Fresno and Tulare counties in which the median household income is $57,667 – spent $20,510,279 in their bids to capture the central San Joaquin Valley seat.
Bob Link is on the short list as three-time Visalia mayor
Visalia Times Delta
Bob Link made Visalia history Monday night. Correction: Mayor Bob Link made history. Link became the third councilman to be named the city's mayor three separate times in nearly 150 years.
UPS moving forward in Visalia with 300+ new jobs, new center
Visalia Times Delta
United Parcel Service (UPS) is moving forward with plans for its new Visalia distribution hub. Blueprints were drawn up for a 425,000-square-foot facility expected to employ 600.
South SJ Valley:
Fresno Bee
TJ Cox defeated incumbent David Valadao for California's 21st district Congressional seat.
See Also:
● Congressman-elect T.J. Cox discusses dramatic turnaround from election night with 862 vote win abc30
● After TJ Cox Wins Congressional District 21, Forecasters Ask What They Got Wrong VPR
● How did TJ Cox erase a 25-point primary loss to become the Valley’s next congressman? Fresno Bee
The numbers are in: Massive wave of out-of-district cash helped California Democrats flip GOP seats
The Mercury News
Four Democrats raised more than 95 percent from outside their districts, including incoming Central Valley congressman TJ Cox who received more than 99 percent of his haul from elsewhere.
State:
Jerry Brown's Exit Interview: Don't Say He Didn't Warn You
Capital Public Radio
The outgoing governor of California spoke about climate change, nuclear proliferation, capitalism and more in a wide-ranging interview with NPR.
California Democrats fire top staff after chairman resigns for alleged sexual misconduct
Fresno Bee
The California Democratic Party on Dec. 11, 2018, fired seven top staff members connected to former chair Eric Bauman, who resigned last month after he was accused of sexual misconduct.
See Also:
● California Democratic Party fires top staffers after misconduct allegations involving former Chairman Eric BaumanLos Angeles Times
Walters: Harassment case tarnishes Sen. Kamala Harris
CALmatters
Former policeman Larry Wallace hitched his wagon to a politician on the fast track when he went to work for Kamala Harris.
California’s top judge: Trump’s attacks damage ‘rule of law’
San Francisco Chronicle
President Trump’s attacks on federal judges who rule against him are damaging the rule of law, California’s chief justice said Tuesday.
See Also:
● ‘Why is California Not Polarized?’ Ask the State’s Chief Justice The New York Times
● California AG labels Trump’s draft “public charge” crackdown on immigrants reckless—and unconstitutionalCALmatters
● Becerra v Trump: How California is using the courts to fight the administration CALmatters
EDITORIAL: Padilla must honor transparency talk. Election integrity matters.
Sacramento Bee
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla campaigned on transparency. As California’s chief election officer, he has shined a light on the way our political system works. That’s why his secrecy and evasion is so disturbing when it comes to problems in California’s Motor Voter registration program.
See also:
● Election Security and Voting Rights CQ Researcher
PODCAST: Filling Key Judicial Seats
Spreaker
Fill-in host Lorenzo Rios (Clovis Veterans Memorial District) interviews attorney Dan Jameson about a problem that need to be highlighted: key judge seats that are still vacant and need to be filled.
Federal:
Chuck Schumer calls Pres. Trump's wall threat 'temper tantrum'
abc30
"This temper tantrum that he seems to throw will not get him his wall." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted President Donald Trump over his renewed threat to shut down part of the government over funding of a wall on the U.S.- Mexico border.
See Also:
● Pelosi praised for taking Trump ‘to the woodshed’ in spat that lit up social media Merced Sun-Star
● Trump, Pelosi, Schumer clash over border wall, government shutdown in Oval Office confrontation Hanford Sentinel
● Trump, Pelosi, Schumer: Caught between their bases on border wall, immigration Modesto Bee
● EDITORIAL: Trump's 'beautiful wall' is a vanity project and nothing more. Democrats should treat it as such Los Angeles Times
● EDITORIAL: Trump hits a wall on shutdown threat San Francisco Chronicle
● Pelosi: For Trump, the wall is all about his ‘manhood’ San Francisco Chronicle
Trump claims he’s not concerned about impeachment, calls his campaign’s Russia ties ‘peanut stuff’
Sacramento Bee
President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday he's not concerned about being impeached because his connections to Russia are "peanut stuff" and the campaign finance crimes he's been implicated in are actually civil violations.
See Also:
● Federal judge asks attorneys for more evidence about Paul Manafort's alleged lies abc30
● Trump directed Cohen to make hush money payments during 2016 campaign: Prosecutors abc30
● Flynn argues against prison time in Russia investigation Stockton Record
● A look at where the investigations related to President Trump stand Stockton Record
Meadows would bring political skill to chief of staff job. But can he control Trump?
Fresno Bee
NC Rep. Mark Meadows is a top pick for White House Chief of Staff as President Donald Trump’s has struggled to find someone to fill what has become one of the most perilous jobs in Washington.
Los Angeles Times
President Trump’s announcement that he will nominate William Barr to serve as U.S. attorney general — a position Barr also held under President George H.W. Bush — eases concerns that he would seek to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions with a loyalist with meager legal credentials.
Putin wants to divide the West. Can Trump thwart his plan?
Merced Sun-Star
With some success, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has tried playing recent U.S. presidents. Now, it’s Donald Trump’s turn.
Trump administration hid report showing banks charged college students high fees
CNNPolitics
The report, which was done by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, was only released publicly only last week after consumer advocacy groups submitted freedom of information requests for the document. A copy was sent from the agency to the Department of Education in February.
Democrats focus on voting rights ahead of 2020 primary
Sacramento Bee
Democrats are trying to turn their most painful losses this year into a rallying cry they hope will electrify the 2020 presidential campaign: Every vote matters.
How to get more women into office
San Francisco Chronicle
The November elections delivered a strong message that a new generation of female leaders is ready and motivated to seek elected office.
Other:
Philanthropy Works When We Listen -- To Those We Aim To Serve
Forbes
That’s because philanthropists have largely failed to demonstrate that we can allocate the dollars under our stewardship in ways that lead to clear improvements in people’s lives. Too often our efforts are disconnected from real people—oriented instead toward hard-to-fathom systems or abstract and seemingly insoluble social problems.
OPINION: Centrists are alive and kicking
The Washington Post
Moreover, when you look at foreign policy, most Democrats these days don’t sound like left-wing doves. They want to get tough on Russia, stand up for human rights, bolster NATO and reestablish U.S. leadership in the world.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, December 16, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 – Maddy Report: “California’s 2018 Election Results: A Political Tsunami?” –Guests: Mindy Romero, USC Price School of Public Policy; John Myers, LA Times; Laurel Rosenhall, CALmatters; and Joel Fox, Fox & Hounds. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 16, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “November Elections Results: State Gets Bluer, Valley Turns More Purple” – Guests: Mike Dunbar with the Merced Sun Star and Modesto Bee; Rory Appleton with the Fresno Bee; Paul Hurley, formerly with the Visalia Times Delta; and Ivy Cargile Prof. of Political Science at CSU Bakersfield. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 16, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Los Diez mas Importantes de California” –Guest: Alexei Koseff, Reportero de Sacramento Bee. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
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AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Farm bill sails through Senate. Now it’s up to wavering House Republicans
Merced Sun-Star
The Senate easily passed a farm policy bill that makes few changes to the federal food assistance program. It now heads to the House, where some Republicans are still bristling over concessions in the final bill.
See Also:
● House GOP loses on tougher food stamps rules, forestry changes San Francisco Chronicle
● Mitch McConnell Touting Victory With Hemp Legalization on Farm Bill Roll Call
● Farm bill’s food stamp changes are largely symbolic despite GOP bid to tighten rules Modesto Bee
● Negotiators Reach Compromise on $867 Billion Farm Bill The Wall Street Journal
State issues new rule for showing farm animals at fairs. Not everyone likes it.
Fresno Bee
Starting next year, students who show farm animals at California fairs must receive certification in food safety, animal care and ethics — or they won’t be able to participate.
‘An amazing gift!’ Metallica donates to Fresno food bank, shines light on hunger
Fresno Bee
Metallica donated $10,000 via their All Within My Hands Foundation to the Central California Food Bank in Fresno before their Sunday, Dec. 10, 2018 concert at the Save Mart Center. It’s part of the metal band’s commitment to fight hunger in America.
CQ Researcher
The number of U.S. farmers seeking organic certification from the federal government is increasing amid surging public demand for organic food. But researchers disagree on whether crops and livestock raised organically are healthier or more environmentally friendly than those produced with conventional farming methods.
Better late than never: Fresno poised to finally give the OK to medical marijuana
Fresno Bee
By Thursday afternoon, unless something screwy happens, the city of Fresno will no longer be in the Dark Ages when it comes to marijuana. Instead, we’ll be in the Dim Ages. Dim, as in faint, subdued and slow to understand as well as vague, shadowy and fuzzy.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Kern County at 105 homicides for the year, coroner's office says
Bakersfield Californian
There have been 105 homicides in Kern County this year, marking the second year in a row the county has seen 100 or more homicides, according to coroner's office records.
New Insights into California Arrests
PPIC
The PPIC report finds that overall arrest rates have dropped dramatically over the past few decades, largely due to declines in misdemeanor arrests
How Mitch McConnell got to ‘yes’ on a criminal justice vote
Modesto Bee
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will allow a vote on criminal justice overhaul legislation, succumbing to the pressure from President Donald Trump, members of his own party and conservatives in his home state.
See Also:
● Senate to Vote on Criminal-Justice Overhaul Bill The Wall Street Journal
CQ Researcher
The for-profit prison industry in the United States is growing at a time when the inmate population is declining. Critics argue that corporate-run prisons pose more safety problems than public ones, saying the companies hire fewer guards and cut costs to make money.
Public Safety:
California's chief justice says bail overhaul will continue with or without the new law
Los Angeles Times
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on Tuesday defended a landmark new state law abolishing money bail, saying it was crafted to ensure courts “do not judge a person based on the size of their wallet or what they have access to in someone else’s wallet.”
California's Chief Justice Hopes for Better Financial Times Under Gavin Newsom
KQED
The chief justice of California's Supreme Court loves the people Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed as judges across the state — but she's hoping his replacement, Gavin Newsom, will take a kinder eye to the court system at budget time.
Fire:
California wildfires costs soaring past last year’s records
Sacramento Bee
Insurance claims and cleanup costs associated with California wildfires last month are expected to exceed the record-breaking amounts paid out last year after blazes ripped through the state's wine country.
See Also:
● California Wildfires Cleanup To Cost At Least $3 Billion Capital Public Radio
● Debris cleanup for November wildfires will cost California $3 billion San Francisco Chronicle
Retiring Cal Fire Director: California Must Mull Home Ban In Fire-Prone Areas
Capital Public Radio
Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott will leave his job Friday after 30 years with the agency. In an interview with The Associated Press, he said government and citizens must act differently to protect lives and property from fires.
Camp Fire death toll reaches 86 after man dies in hospital; 3 remain missing
Fresno Bee
The number of dead in the Camp Fire, after plateauing for over a week, rose to 86 Tuesday after a man who was injured by burns died late last month.
See Also:
● Camp Fire: Death toll rises to 86 after hospitalized man dies from burn injuries San Francisco Chronicle
PG&E, facing losses over Camp Fire, vows to step up wildfire safety
Sierra Star
PG&E, facing an avalanche of lawsuits and increased regulatory scrutiny following the Camp Fire, announced another series of safety measures Monday that it said will reduce wildfire risks.
See Also:
● Camp fire survivors accuse PG&E of 'callous and despicable disregard' for safety Los Angeles Times
● Protesters march on PG&E offices amid Camp Fire fallout San Francisco Chronicle
● Camp Fire lawsuits target PG&E for ads about its safety work San Francisco Chronicle
● Official: California must mull home ban in fire-prone areas AP News
PG&E Offers New Details on Tower at Heart of Camp Fire Probe
Bloomberg
On the day California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire started, PG&E Corp. workers saw damage and flames near one of the utility’s transmission towers, now the focus of investigations and lawsuits as a possible ignition point.
The smoke’s gone, but hearts and lungs still may be in danger months after wildfires
PublicCEO
But the health problems Sawa and others experienced while the blaze raged are just the beginning of effects that could plague people from Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area long after the smoke clears.
Congress rebuffs Trump wildfire demands, leaves logging proposals out of farm bill
Sierra Star
The Trump administration spent months very publicly lobbying Congress for more power to conduct logging projects on national forests, something President Donald Trump and leading cabinet officials argued would help combat the catastrophic wildfires that killed more than 80 people in California this fall. They failed.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Holiday bustle boosting sales for local businesses by 10% or more
Bakersfield Californian
Local retailers are seeing the beginnings of a profitable holiday season as shoppers and employers alike open their wallets to a degree not seen since before the recession.
Bay Area growth means new opportunities for San Joaquin Valley
Merced Sun-Star
The San Joaquin Valley can, and should, be a major partner with the Bay Area in planning for future job and population growth, expanding economic opportunity and addressing housing and transportation challenges. Merced especially is primed to play a bigger role in the megaregional economy.
Income project moves closer to picking participants
Stockton Record
This week, hundreds of households throughout the city will receive a letter seeking interest to participate in the controversial basic income pilot program.
Stocks go on a wild ride to nowhere: Rise, fall and repeat
Los Angeles Times
U.S. stocks careened between big gains and modest losses Tuesday before ending the day mixed. The result of Tuesday's trip through the spin cycle belies all the action: Indexes ended the day nearly where they began.
U.S. Income More Equal than Advertised
Wall Street Journal
Do the people who bought Piketty’s famous book realize how much of it has been debunked?
Inflation Jumps, but Is Likely to Slow
Wall Street Journal
The consumer-price index increased 0.3%, the largest monthly gain since January.
Many U.S. Financial Officers Think a Recession Will Hit Next Year
Wall Street Journal
Almost half of U.S. chief financial officers believe a recession will strike the U.S. economy by the end of 2019
Economic Damage From California Fires Spreads Further Than Blazes
Wall Street Journal
Chico businesses lose workers with nowhere to live; zero apartments available to rent.
China Moves to Address U.S. Economic Concerns
Wall Street Journal
Beijing agrees to reduce auto tariffs and buy more American products, but key differences remain.
Jobs:
UPS moving forward in Visalia with 300+ new jobs, new center
Visalia Times Delta
United Parcel Service (UPS) is moving forward with plans for its new Visalia distribution hub. Blueprints were drawn up for a 425,000-square-foot facility expected to employ 600.
Business owner invests in employee education
The Business Journal
When Tyson Freeman was getting his degree in mechanical engineering from Fresno State, he and his classmates would often discuss the careers they wanted to pursue upon graduation.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Suspect identified at Clovis North High after students threatened on social media
Fresno Bee
District officials at Clovis Unified say a suspect has been identified in connection with threats made to five students on social media that caused a lockdown at Clovis North High on Tuesday.
See Also:
Clovis East ag program selected for national award
Clovis Roundup
The Clovis East High School agricultural education program was one of six finalist nationwide to receive the 2018 NAAE Outstanding Middle / Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award
Police report reveals new information about Visalia teacher who cut student's hair
abc30
Action News has obtained a police report that reveals more about a Visalia teacher's frame of mind when she took scissors to one of her own student's hair last week.
30 students sign up to be teachers with the Fresno Unified School District
abc30
It was a monumental morning for a group of student teachers. They took the next big step in their career and made it official by signing on to the Fresno Unified School District. It was like a high school athlete signing day, but in this case, they were committing to teaching at the district.
Failure is apart of life. How to help your kids bounce back when they mess up
abc30
Failure ... it's a part of life that even young kids have to deal with. So how can you help your little ones bounce back when they mess up? Research shows a parent's reaction to a child's failure has major implications.
Yosemite Unified School District has chosen its new superintendent
Sierra Star
Yosemite Unified School District turned to Woodlake Unified School District for its new superintendent. The district’s board of trustees voted unanimously to approve Glen Billington as the district’s new superintendent, with his term officially beginning Jan. 2, 2019.
Merced elementary teachers signed a new union contract. Here’s how much they’ll make
Merced Sun-Star
Teachers in Merced’s public elementary schools will get 4 percent raises this school year and 2 percent increases next year, according to a renegotiated two-year contract with the Merced City School District.
New SUSD trustees eager to get to work
Stockton Record
The Stockton Unified School District Board of Trustees welcomed three new individuals to its group, and minutes after taking the dais for the first time, they were each learning the ropes in the proper way to administer votes.
School suspensions continue downward trend in California, new data show
EdSource
The number of suspensions reported by California schools continue their steady decline, with about half as many students sent home for disciplinary reasons during the 2017-18 school year as had been at the beginning of the decade, according to recent data released by the California Department of Education.
Higher Ed:
Application Window Open Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship
The Maddy Institute
Applications for two $56,000 Fellowships Due Friday, February 22nd, 2019. Through the generosity of The Wonderful Company, San Joaquin Valley students will have the opportunity to become the next generation of Valley leaders through The Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship. The Maddy Institute will award two $56,000 Fellowships to Valley students who are accepted into a nationally ranked, qualified graduate program in the fall of 2019.
'Central Valley Promise' program aims to provide students with free community college
abc30
California has one of the biggest and most affordable community college systems in the country and now state lawmakers are working to make the first two years of study free for full time students.
Collaboration of education leaders, industry partners, launch Kern Education Pledge
Bakersfield Californian
On Tuesday, education leaders from the elementary to the university level came together to say enough is enough. At an event held at Cal State Bakersfield, education and community leaders formally launched what they say is a first-of-its-kind local alliance called the Kern Education Pledge.
Higher Education as a Driver of Economic Mobility
PPIC
The ability of Californians to move up the income ladder often depends on acquiring the education and skills needed for higher-paying jobs. But despite the state’s increasingly knowledge-based economy, too few Californians are earning a college degree.
See Also:
● Issues in Higher Education CQ Researcher
Survive College-Application Season With the Family in One Piece
Wall Street Journal
Tension between parents and high school seniors can run high this time of year—here’s how to keep everyone calm as deadlines and decisions loom.
Bakersfield College campus closed due to water line break
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield College has closed its campus for the day due to a break in the main water line, the college announced.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
That was awkward — at world’s biggest climate conference, U.S. promotes fossil fuels
The Washington Post
The protest was a piece of theater, and so too was the United States’ public embrace of coal and other dirty fuels at an event otherwise dedicated to saving the world from the catastrophic effects of climate change.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Flu shots urged before season peaks
abc30
Fresno County health workers provided free flu shots to folks at the Cherry Auction south of town. It's the last free mobile clinic of the year, and Brian Nowell of Fresno was glad to get a shot.
Fresno State professor invents device for patients with hand tremors
abc30
A Fresno State professor has developed an invention that could be life changing to patients dealing with hand tremors. Everyday tasks are very different for Clovis resident Patrick Hallmark.
To Prevent Preterm Births, New Program Helps Black Women Be Their Own Advocates
VPR
In Fresno County, around 10 percent of all babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation. That’s higher than the national average, and the highest of all California counties. For African-Americans, the numbers are even more concerning.
The Trump administration unveils a stealth attack on people with preexisting conditions
Los Angeles Times
Trump administration officials apparently are prepared to go to their graves insisting that they did everything possible to protect Americans with preexisting medical conditions, even as they pull out the stops to undermine those protections.
Human Services:
Feds back lawsuit accusing Sutter Health of bilking Medicare for higher payments
Modesto Bee
The U.S. Attorney General announced Tuesday that the U.S. Justice Department will take up a whistleblower lawsuit against Sacramento-based Sutter Health that alleges the nonprofit medical provider submitted information on Medicare patients that inflated the payments it would receive.
Visalia, Porterville hospitals join forces in JPA
The Business Journal
Cutting costs and improving delivery of care are the driving motives behind a new partnership between Kaweah Delta Health Care District in Visalia and Porterville’s Sierra View Local Healthcare District, say the CEOs of the county’s two largest hospital districts.
Thousands of nurses, behavioral health workers picket Kaiser statewide over patient care
Sacramento Bee
As thousands of Kaiser Permanente behavioral health workers launched a strike over patient care and contract issues Monday morning, registered nurses walked out in sympathy with them in Sacramento and across the state.
See also:
● Mental health workers picket for more staffing outside Fresno's Kaiser Permanente abc30
Blessing Bags for homeless are filled with essentials — and a little girl’s giving spirit
Modesto Bee
As the Ragacho family prepared to distribute Bella’s Blessing Bags on Sunday morning, Melissa said she wished her daughter could have been there helping. It took eight years for the family to come up with a fitting way to honor Bella and keep her memory alive, she said, “and this is something she knew at 5 years old.”
Is California Failing Its Most Vulnerable Adults?
FiveThirtyEight
A joint investigation by The Investigative Fund at The Nation Institute and FiveThirtyEight has found that from 2013 to 2017, there were at least 2,400 reported allegations of abuse and neglect in the more than 4,500 day programs like Jackie’s in California.
‘Means Tested’ Welfare Means Nothing in Practice
Wall Street Journal
Medicaid and SNAP rolls have swelled as standards loosen and go unenforced.
The Loneliest Generation: Americans, More Than Ever, Are Aging Alone
The Wall Street Journal
Baby boomers are aging alone more than any generation in U.S. history, and the resulting loneliness is a looming public health threat. About one in 11 Americans age 50 and older lacks a spouse, partner or living child, census figures and other research show.
IMMIGRATION
Sheriff's Office ICE collaboration comes under fire at public forum
Bakersfield Californian
Local advocacy groups and private citizens criticized collaboration between the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency known as ICE during a public hearing at the Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning.
CALmatters
The controversial proposal is viewed as another step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce migration from developing countries and make it more difficult for poorer immigrants to stay and potentially pursue a path to U.S. Citizenship. More than 115,000 comments have been filed nationwide in anticipation of the federal government issuing a final determination.
See also:
43,000 California doctors weigh in on Trump’s proposed change in immigration rule Sacramento Bee
After photos emerge of using tear gas on child migrants, top U.S. border official defends use Los Angeles Times
8 Million People Are Working Illegally in the U.S. Here’s Why That’s Unlikely to Change. The New York Times
How Lawmakers Interpret Trump's Immigration Position The Wall Street Journal
Fact Check: Trump Says 'A Lot Of Wall Has Been Built' As He Demands We Build More Capital Public Radio
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to reinstate political asylum ban
San Francisco Chronicle
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to reinstate the president’s ban on political asylum for thousands of undocumented immigrants, a ban that lower courts have deemed to be in direct contradiction of U.S. immigration law.
Customs And Border Protection Paid A Firm $13.6 Million To Hire Recruits. It Hired 2
Capital Public Radio
A report by the Office of the Inspector General revealed Accenture, contracted to help hire 7,500 new agents, is "nowhere near" completing its goals and "risks wasting millions of taxpayer dollars."
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Supervisors OK 19,000-home development at Tejon Ranch
Los Angeles Times
The project, in the works for nearly two decades, has been controversial because of its location, which is far from urban and transit centers and sits in a 'high fire hazard' area.
Housing:
Why California cities don’t build affordable housing
San Francisco Chronicle
Did you know that the California Constitution bans cities and counties from developing or buying low-income rental housing without a majority vote of taxpayers?
PUBLIC FINANCES
California moves to raise sales tax collections from out-of-state retailers
Fresno Bee
Online retailers must collect California sales tax if they record $100,000 in an annual sales here or do 200 or more transactions. The Dec. 11, 2018 announcement follows the Wayfair vs. South Dakota ruling.
OMG! Now California wants to tax text-messaging?
San Jose Mercury
State regulators say surcharge on text messaging would help fund programs that make phone service accessible to the poor.
County braces for increased costs from city's sales tax increase
Bakersfield Californian
As word spread that the city of Bakersfield’s tax measure had passed weeks after the election, celebrations occurred at Bakersfield City Hall.
Oakland files lawsuit against Raiders, NFL
East Bay Times
City Attorney Barbara Parker on Tuesday filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the team and the league, a suit city leaders hope could net millions in damages and pay off the approximately $80 million in debt remaining from renovations at the Coliseum.
TRANSPORTATION
Mariposa County receives funding for road damage caused by storms
abc30
After months of waiting for millions of dollars in state emergency funds, Public Works officials say they've received the money to start making permanent repairs.
Representatives needed to serve on the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council
Hanford Sentinel
Terri King, Executive Director of the Kings County Association of Governments (KCAG), announced that KCAG is actively recruiting representatives for the Social Services Transportation Development Act (SSTAC) to review and comment on the transit needs of the elderly, disabled, and persons of limited means with the county during the annual process for allocating funds.
California is dominating other states in electric vehicle adoption
AXIOS
Cumulative electric vehicle sales in the U.S. recently topped 1 million. According to the pro-EV coalition Veloz, over 500,000 of them were in California, which is by far the nation's largest auto market.
WATER
Supervisors vote to withdraw from Kern Groundwater Authority
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County Board of Supervisors voted to withdraw from the Kern Groundwater Authority at Tuesday’s meeting, altering water management in certain areas of the county. Supervisors debated the issue for over two hours, at one point nearly tabling the vote until next week.
Fight over river flows heads to historic Water Board meeting in Sacramento
Modesto Bee
As all eyes turn to the State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday, the board won’t have complete settlement agreements with Modesto-area irrigation districts to consider at a crucial meeting.
California’s water needs: A balancing act sought by Feinstein, Brown
San Francisco Chronicle
Sen. Dianne Feinstein is joining forces with House Republicans to try to extend a law that provides more water for Central Valley farms, but with a sweetener for the environment.
Trump administration's changes to Clean Water Rule could have wide-ranging impact
abc30
The Trump administration announced a major change into how the federal government keeps water clean in the United States, making good on campaign promises to farmers.
See Also:
● Trump rolls back wetlands protections. What it means for California farmers, developers Modesto Bee
● Trump EPA Proposes Major Rollback Of Federal Water Protections Capital Public Radio
● Trump administration unveils major Clean Water Act rollback Los Angeles Times
● Trump announces plan to roll back rules on stream, wetland protection San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: Some of California’s most stunning natural wonders are on the brink of oblivion Los Angeles Times
“Xtra”
Do you like coffee with your beer? Tioga Sequoia celebrates annual Rush Hour release
Fresno Bee
Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company is hosting Rush Day on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 at its beer garden in downtown Fresno, CA. The annual event celebrates the release of its coffee-infused stout called Rush Hour.
These restaurants are open on Christmas, plus where to buy a whole holiday meal
Fresno Bee
A key part of Christmas is the big meal with family around the table. Hats off to the people who do all the cooking themselves. For the rest of us – those of us who have to work, have little kids at home or otherwise need a little help – we have some ideas.
Do you see what we see? If not, get out there and check out those holiday lights.
Modesto Bee
Who needs snow when you’ve got all this glow? Stanislaus County may never have a white Christmas, but it’s a warm one when you’re basking in the lights so many people have shining and dancing to music on these December nights.
Stockton firefighters help Santa deliver Christmas joy
Stockton Record
Squeals of joy from dozens of young children were clearly audible above the sirens as Stockton firefighters delivered Santa Claus to the grounds of the Child Abuse Prevention Council on Tuesday morning.
POLICY & POLITICS
Remnants Of Dust Bowl Migration Linger In Central Valley Politics, Says Researcher Adam Ramey
VPR
While some valley congressional districts flipped from red to blue, much of the state’s remaining republican strongholds are still in the San Joaquin Valley -- particularly Kern, Madera and Tulare Counties. There’s a link between support for Republican candidates in the 2018 midterms and the degree to which a county’s population came from Dust Bowl states.
North SJ Valley:
New mayor: ‘Great things’ coming to Atwater. Old mayor: Finances in ‘horrific shape’
Fresno Bee
Atwater’s incoming council tried to project an air of positivity this week as members were sworn into office despite reminders from the outgoing mayor that the city is in difficult financial times.
New Turlock mayor Bublak takes oath, talks about priorities for the city
Modesto Bee
Longtime Councilwoman Amy Bublak took the oath of office at the Tuesday City Council meeting to become Turlock mayor before a standing-room only crowd that also witnessed two new council members Nicole Larson and Andrew Nosrati also take their seats.
Income project moves closer to picking participants
Stockton Record
This week, hundreds of households throughout the city will receive a letter seeking interest to participate in the controversial basic income pilot program.
Central SJ Valley:
Arrest of Fresno Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula prompts call for his resignation
Fresno Bee
The arrest of Fresno Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, for allegedly abusing a child has already prompted a call for his resignation. In a press release sent Tuesday night, the chairman of the Republican Party of Fresno County called for Arambula to be removed from his position.
See Also:
● Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula arrested on child abuse charges abc30
● California Lawmaker Arrested On Child Cruelty Suspicion Capital Public Radio
● California lawmaker arrested on child cruelty suspicion Los Angeles Times
How much money did Nunes and Janz spend to woo voters? Answer is staggering
Fresno Bee
The candidates for California’s 22nd Congressional District – a slice of both Fresno and Tulare counties in which the median household income is $57,667 – spent $20,510,279 in their bids to capture the central San Joaquin Valley seat.
Bob Link is on the short list as three-time Visalia mayor
Visalia Times Delta
Bob Link made Visalia history Monday night. Correction: Mayor Bob Link made history. Link became the third councilman to be named the city's mayor three separate times in nearly 150 years.
UPS moving forward in Visalia with 300+ new jobs, new center
Visalia Times Delta
United Parcel Service (UPS) is moving forward with plans for its new Visalia distribution hub. Blueprints were drawn up for a 425,000-square-foot facility expected to employ 600.
South SJ Valley:
Fresno Bee
TJ Cox defeated incumbent David Valadao for California's 21st district Congressional seat.
See Also:
● Congressman-elect T.J. Cox discusses dramatic turnaround from election night with 862 vote win abc30
● After TJ Cox Wins Congressional District 21, Forecasters Ask What They Got Wrong VPR
● How did TJ Cox erase a 25-point primary loss to become the Valley’s next congressman? Fresno Bee
The numbers are in: Massive wave of out-of-district cash helped California Democrats flip GOP seats
The Mercury News
Four Democrats raised more than 95 percent from outside their districts, including incoming Central Valley congressman TJ Cox who received more than 99 percent of his haul from elsewhere.
State:
Jerry Brown's Exit Interview: Don't Say He Didn't Warn You
Capital Public Radio
The outgoing governor of California spoke about climate change, nuclear proliferation, capitalism and more in a wide-ranging interview with NPR.
California Democrats fire top staff after chairman resigns for alleged sexual misconduct
Fresno Bee
The California Democratic Party on Dec. 11, 2018, fired seven top staff members connected to former chair Eric Bauman, who resigned last month after he was accused of sexual misconduct.
See Also:
● California Democratic Party fires top staffers after misconduct allegations involving former Chairman Eric BaumanLos Angeles Times
Walters: Harassment case tarnishes Sen. Kamala Harris
CALmatters
Former policeman Larry Wallace hitched his wagon to a politician on the fast track when he went to work for Kamala Harris.
California’s top judge: Trump’s attacks damage ‘rule of law’
San Francisco Chronicle
President Trump’s attacks on federal judges who rule against him are damaging the rule of law, California’s chief justice said Tuesday.
See Also:
● ‘Why is California Not Polarized?’ Ask the State’s Chief Justice The New York Times
● California AG labels Trump’s draft “public charge” crackdown on immigrants reckless—and unconstitutionalCALmatters
● Becerra v Trump: How California is using the courts to fight the administration CALmatters
EDITORIAL: Padilla must honor transparency talk. Election integrity matters.
Sacramento Bee
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla campaigned on transparency. As California’s chief election officer, he has shined a light on the way our political system works. That’s why his secrecy and evasion is so disturbing when it comes to problems in California’s Motor Voter registration program.
See also:
● Election Security and Voting Rights CQ Researcher
PODCAST: Filling Key Judicial Seats
Spreaker
Fill-in host Lorenzo Rios (Clovis Veterans Memorial District) interviews attorney Dan Jameson about a problem that need to be highlighted: key judge seats that are still vacant and need to be filled.
Federal:
Chuck Schumer calls Pres. Trump's wall threat 'temper tantrum'
abc30
"This temper tantrum that he seems to throw will not get him his wall." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted President Donald Trump over his renewed threat to shut down part of the government over funding of a wall on the U.S.- Mexico border.
See Also:
● Pelosi praised for taking Trump ‘to the woodshed’ in spat that lit up social media Merced Sun-Star
● Trump, Pelosi, Schumer clash over border wall, government shutdown in Oval Office confrontation Hanford Sentinel
● Trump, Pelosi, Schumer: Caught between their bases on border wall, immigration Modesto Bee
● EDITORIAL: Trump's 'beautiful wall' is a vanity project and nothing more. Democrats should treat it as such Los Angeles Times
● EDITORIAL: Trump hits a wall on shutdown threat San Francisco Chronicle
● Pelosi: For Trump, the wall is all about his ‘manhood’ San Francisco Chronicle
Trump claims he’s not concerned about impeachment, calls his campaign’s Russia ties ‘peanut stuff’
Sacramento Bee
President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday he's not concerned about being impeached because his connections to Russia are "peanut stuff" and the campaign finance crimes he's been implicated in are actually civil violations.
See Also:
● Federal judge asks attorneys for more evidence about Paul Manafort's alleged lies abc30
● Trump directed Cohen to make hush money payments during 2016 campaign: Prosecutors abc30
● Flynn argues against prison time in Russia investigation Stockton Record
● A look at where the investigations related to President Trump stand Stockton Record
Meadows would bring political skill to chief of staff job. But can he control Trump?
Fresno Bee
NC Rep. Mark Meadows is a top pick for White House Chief of Staff as President Donald Trump’s has struggled to find someone to fill what has become one of the most perilous jobs in Washington.
Los Angeles Times
President Trump’s announcement that he will nominate William Barr to serve as U.S. attorney general — a position Barr also held under President George H.W. Bush — eases concerns that he would seek to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions with a loyalist with meager legal credentials.
Putin wants to divide the West. Can Trump thwart his plan?
Merced Sun-Star
With some success, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has tried playing recent U.S. presidents. Now, it’s Donald Trump’s turn.
Trump administration hid report showing banks charged college students high fees
CNNPolitics
The report, which was done by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, was only released publicly only last week after consumer advocacy groups submitted freedom of information requests for the document. A copy was sent from the agency to the Department of Education in February.
Democrats focus on voting rights ahead of 2020 primary
Sacramento Bee
Democrats are trying to turn their most painful losses this year into a rallying cry they hope will electrify the 2020 presidential campaign: Every vote matters.
How to get more women into office
San Francisco Chronicle
The November elections delivered a strong message that a new generation of female leaders is ready and motivated to seek elected office.
Other:
Philanthropy Works When We Listen -- To Those We Aim To Serve
Forbes
That’s because philanthropists have largely failed to demonstrate that we can allocate the dollars under our stewardship in ways that lead to clear improvements in people’s lives. Too often our efforts are disconnected from real people—oriented instead toward hard-to-fathom systems or abstract and seemingly insoluble social problems.
OPINION: Centrists are alive and kicking
The Washington Post
Moreover, when you look at foreign policy, most Democrats these days don’t sound like left-wing doves. They want to get tough on Russia, stand up for human rights, bolster NATO and reestablish U.S. leadership in the world.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, December 16, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 – Maddy Report: “California’s 2018 Election Results: A Political Tsunami?” –Guests: Mindy Romero, USC Price School of Public Policy; John Myers, LA Times; Laurel Rosenhall, CALmatters; and Joel Fox, Fox & Hounds. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 16, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “November Elections Results: State Gets Bluer, Valley Turns More Purple” – Guests: Mike Dunbar with the Merced Sun Star and Modesto Bee; Rory Appleton with the Fresno Bee; Paul Hurley, formerly with the Visalia Times Delta; and Ivy Cargile Prof. of Political Science at CSU Bakersfield. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 16, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Los Diez mas Importantes de California” –Guest: Alexei Koseff, Reportero de Sacramento Bee. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Farm bill sails through Senate. Now it’s up to wavering House Republicans
Merced Sun-Star
The Senate easily passed a farm policy bill that makes few changes to the federal food assistance program. It now heads to the House, where some Republicans are still bristling over concessions in the final bill.
See Also:
● House GOP loses on tougher food stamps rules, forestry changes San Francisco Chronicle
● Mitch McConnell Touting Victory With Hemp Legalization on Farm Bill Roll Call
● Farm bill’s food stamp changes are largely symbolic despite GOP bid to tighten rules Modesto Bee
● Negotiators Reach Compromise on $867 Billion Farm Bill The Wall Street Journal
State issues new rule for showing farm animals at fairs. Not everyone likes it.
Fresno Bee
Starting next year, students who show farm animals at California fairs must receive certification in food safety, animal care and ethics — or they won’t be able to participate.
‘An amazing gift!’ Metallica donates to Fresno food bank, shines light on hunger
Fresno Bee
Metallica donated $10,000 via their All Within My Hands Foundation to the Central California Food Bank in Fresno before their Sunday, Dec. 10, 2018 concert at the Save Mart Center. It’s part of the metal band’s commitment to fight hunger in America.
CQ Researcher
The number of U.S. farmers seeking organic certification from the federal government is increasing amid surging public demand for organic food. But researchers disagree on whether crops and livestock raised organically are healthier or more environmentally friendly than those produced with conventional farming methods.
Better late than never: Fresno poised to finally give the OK to medical marijuana
Fresno Bee
By Thursday afternoon, unless something screwy happens, the city of Fresno will no longer be in the Dark Ages when it comes to marijuana. Instead, we’ll be in the Dim Ages. Dim, as in faint, subdued and slow to understand as well as vague, shadowy and fuzzy.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Kern County at 105 homicides for the year, coroner's office says
Bakersfield Californian
There have been 105 homicides in Kern County this year, marking the second year in a row the county has seen 100 or more homicides, according to coroner's office records.
New Insights into California Arrests
PPIC
The PPIC report finds that overall arrest rates have dropped dramatically over the past few decades, largely due to declines in misdemeanor arrests
How Mitch McConnell got to ‘yes’ on a criminal justice vote
Modesto Bee
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will allow a vote on criminal justice overhaul legislation, succumbing to the pressure from President Donald Trump, members of his own party and conservatives in his home state.
See Also:
● Senate to Vote on Criminal-Justice Overhaul Bill The Wall Street Journal
CQ Researcher
The for-profit prison industry in the United States is growing at a time when the inmate population is declining. Critics argue that corporate-run prisons pose more safety problems than public ones, saying the companies hire fewer guards and cut costs to make money.
Public Safety:
California's chief justice says bail overhaul will continue with or without the new law
Los Angeles Times
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on Tuesday defended a landmark new state law abolishing money bail, saying it was crafted to ensure courts “do not judge a person based on the size of their wallet or what they have access to in someone else’s wallet.”
California's Chief Justice Hopes for Better Financial Times Under Gavin Newsom
KQED
The chief justice of California's Supreme Court loves the people Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed as judges across the state — but she's hoping his replacement, Gavin Newsom, will take a kinder eye to the court system at budget time.
Fire:
California wildfires costs soaring past last year’s records
Sacramento Bee
Insurance claims and cleanup costs associated with California wildfires last month are expected to exceed the record-breaking amounts paid out last year after blazes ripped through the state's wine country.
See Also:
● California Wildfires Cleanup To Cost At Least $3 Billion Capital Public Radio
● Debris cleanup for November wildfires will cost California $3 billion San Francisco Chronicle
Retiring Cal Fire Director: California Must Mull Home Ban In Fire-Prone Areas
Capital Public Radio
Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott will leave his job Friday after 30 years with the agency. In an interview with The Associated Press, he said government and citizens must act differently to protect lives and property from fires.
Camp Fire death toll reaches 86 after man dies in hospital; 3 remain missing
Fresno Bee
The number of dead in the Camp Fire, after plateauing for over a week, rose to 86 Tuesday after a man who was injured by burns died late last month.
See Also:
● Camp Fire: Death toll rises to 86 after hospitalized man dies from burn injuries San Francisco Chronicle
PG&E, facing losses over Camp Fire, vows to step up wildfire safety
Sierra Star
PG&E, facing an avalanche of lawsuits and increased regulatory scrutiny following the Camp Fire, announced another series of safety measures Monday that it said will reduce wildfire risks.
See Also:
● Camp fire survivors accuse PG&E of 'callous and despicable disregard' for safety Los Angeles Times
● Protesters march on PG&E offices amid Camp Fire fallout San Francisco Chronicle
● Camp Fire lawsuits target PG&E for ads about its safety work San Francisco Chronicle
● Official: California must mull home ban in fire-prone areas AP News
PG&E Offers New Details on Tower at Heart of Camp Fire Probe
Bloomberg
On the day California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire started, PG&E Corp. workers saw damage and flames near one of the utility’s transmission towers, now the focus of investigations and lawsuits as a possible ignition point.
The smoke’s gone, but hearts and lungs still may be in danger months after wildfires
PublicCEO
But the health problems Sawa and others experienced while the blaze raged are just the beginning of effects that could plague people from Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area long after the smoke clears.
Congress rebuffs Trump wildfire demands, leaves logging proposals out of farm bill
Sierra Star
The Trump administration spent months very publicly lobbying Congress for more power to conduct logging projects on national forests, something President Donald Trump and leading cabinet officials argued would help combat the catastrophic wildfires that killed more than 80 people in California this fall. They failed.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Holiday bustle boosting sales for local businesses by 10% or more
Bakersfield Californian
Local retailers are seeing the beginnings of a profitable holiday season as shoppers and employers alike open their wallets to a degree not seen since before the recession.
Bay Area growth means new opportunities for San Joaquin Valley
Merced Sun-Star
The San Joaquin Valley can, and should, be a major partner with the Bay Area in planning for future job and population growth, expanding economic opportunity and addressing housing and transportation challenges. Merced especially is primed to play a bigger role in the megaregional economy.
Income project moves closer to picking participants
Stockton Record
This week, hundreds of households throughout the city will receive a letter seeking interest to participate in the controversial basic income pilot program.
Stocks go on a wild ride to nowhere: Rise, fall and repeat
Los Angeles Times
U.S. stocks careened between big gains and modest losses Tuesday before ending the day mixed. The result of Tuesday's trip through the spin cycle belies all the action: Indexes ended the day nearly where they began.
U.S. Income More Equal than Advertised
Wall Street Journal
Do the people who bought Piketty’s famous book realize how much of it has been debunked?
Inflation Jumps, but Is Likely to Slow
Wall Street Journal
The consumer-price index increased 0.3%, the largest monthly gain since January.
Many U.S. Financial Officers Think a Recession Will Hit Next Year
Wall Street Journal
Almost half of U.S. chief financial officers believe a recession will strike the U.S. economy by the end of 2019
Economic Damage From California Fires Spreads Further Than Blazes
Wall Street Journal
Chico businesses lose workers with nowhere to live; zero apartments available to rent.
China Moves to Address U.S. Economic Concerns
Wall Street Journal
Beijing agrees to reduce auto tariffs and buy more American products, but key differences remain.
Jobs:
UPS moving forward in Visalia with 300+ new jobs, new center
Visalia Times Delta
United Parcel Service (UPS) is moving forward with plans for its new Visalia distribution hub. Blueprints were drawn up for a 425,000-square-foot facility expected to employ 600.
Business owner invests in employee education
The Business Journal
When Tyson Freeman was getting his degree in mechanical engineering from Fresno State, he and his classmates would often discuss the careers they wanted to pursue upon graduation.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Suspect identified at Clovis North High after students threatened on social media
Fresno Bee
District officials at Clovis Unified say a suspect has been identified in connection with threats made to five students on social media that caused a lockdown at Clovis North High on Tuesday.
See Also:
Clovis East ag program selected for national award
Clovis Roundup
The Clovis East High School agricultural education program was one of six finalist nationwide to receive the 2018 NAAE Outstanding Middle / Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award
Police report reveals new information about Visalia teacher who cut student's hair
abc30
Action News has obtained a police report that reveals more about a Visalia teacher's frame of mind when she took scissors to one of her own student's hair last week.
30 students sign up to be teachers with the Fresno Unified School District
abc30
It was a monumental morning for a group of student teachers. They took the next big step in their career and made it official by signing on to the Fresno Unified School District. It was like a high school athlete signing day, but in this case, they were committing to teaching at the district.
Failure is apart of life. How to help your kids bounce back when they mess up
abc30
Failure ... it's a part of life that even young kids have to deal with. So how can you help your little ones bounce back when they mess up? Research shows a parent's reaction to a child's failure has major implications.
Yosemite Unified School District has chosen its new superintendent
Sierra Star
Yosemite Unified School District turned to Woodlake Unified School District for its new superintendent. The district’s board of trustees voted unanimously to approve Glen Billington as the district’s new superintendent, with his term officially beginning Jan. 2, 2019.
Merced elementary teachers signed a new union contract. Here’s how much they’ll make
Merced Sun-Star
Teachers in Merced’s public elementary schools will get 4 percent raises this school year and 2 percent increases next year, according to a renegotiated two-year contract with the Merced City School District.
New SUSD trustees eager to get to work
Stockton Record
The Stockton Unified School District Board of Trustees welcomed three new individuals to its group, and minutes after taking the dais for the first time, they were each learning the ropes in the proper way to administer votes.
School suspensions continue downward trend in California, new data show
EdSource
The number of suspensions reported by California schools continue their steady decline, with about half as many students sent home for disciplinary reasons during the 2017-18 school year as had been at the beginning of the decade, according to recent data released by the California Department of Education.
Higher Ed:
Application Window Open Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship
The Maddy Institute
Applications for two $56,000 Fellowships Due Friday, February 22nd, 2019. Through the generosity of The Wonderful Company, San Joaquin Valley students will have the opportunity to become the next generation of Valley leaders through The Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship. The Maddy Institute will award two $56,000 Fellowships to Valley students who are accepted into a nationally ranked, qualified graduate program in the fall of 2019.
'Central Valley Promise' program aims to provide students with free community college
abc30
California has one of the biggest and most affordable community college systems in the country and now state lawmakers are working to make the first two years of study free for full time students.
Collaboration of education leaders, industry partners, launch Kern Education Pledge
Bakersfield Californian
On Tuesday, education leaders from the elementary to the university level came together to say enough is enough. At an event held at Cal State Bakersfield, education and community leaders formally launched what they say is a first-of-its-kind local alliance called the Kern Education Pledge.
Higher Education as a Driver of Economic Mobility
PPIC
The ability of Californians to move up the income ladder often depends on acquiring the education and skills needed for higher-paying jobs. But despite the state’s increasingly knowledge-based economy, too few Californians are earning a college degree.
See Also:
● Issues in Higher Education CQ Researcher
Survive College-Application Season With the Family in One Piece
Wall Street Journal
Tension between parents and high school seniors can run high this time of year—here’s how to keep everyone calm as deadlines and decisions loom.
Bakersfield College campus closed due to water line break
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield College has closed its campus for the day due to a break in the main water line, the college announced.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
That was awkward — at world’s biggest climate conference, U.S. promotes fossil fuels
The Washington Post
The protest was a piece of theater, and so too was the United States’ public embrace of coal and other dirty fuels at an event otherwise dedicated to saving the world from the catastrophic effects of climate change.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Flu shots urged before season peaks
abc30
Fresno County health workers provided free flu shots to folks at the Cherry Auction south of town. It's the last free mobile clinic of the year, and Brian Nowell of Fresno was glad to get a shot.
Fresno State professor invents device for patients with hand tremors
abc30
A Fresno State professor has developed an invention that could be life changing to patients dealing with hand tremors. Everyday tasks are very different for Clovis resident Patrick Hallmark.
To Prevent Preterm Births, New Program Helps Black Women Be Their Own Advocates
VPR
In Fresno County, around 10 percent of all babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation. That’s higher than the national average, and the highest of all California counties. For African-Americans, the numbers are even more concerning.
The Trump administration unveils a stealth attack on people with preexisting conditions
Los Angeles Times
Trump administration officials apparently are prepared to go to their graves insisting that they did everything possible to protect Americans with preexisting medical conditions, even as they pull out the stops to undermine those protections.
Human Services:
Feds back lawsuit accusing Sutter Health of bilking Medicare for higher payments
Modesto Bee
The U.S. Attorney General announced Tuesday that the U.S. Justice Department will take up a whistleblower lawsuit against Sacramento-based Sutter Health that alleges the nonprofit medical provider submitted information on Medicare patients that inflated the payments it would receive.
Visalia, Porterville hospitals join forces in JPA
The Business Journal
Cutting costs and improving delivery of care are the driving motives behind a new partnership between Kaweah Delta Health Care District in Visalia and Porterville’s Sierra View Local Healthcare District, say the CEOs of the county’s two largest hospital districts.
Thousands of nurses, behavioral health workers picket Kaiser statewide over patient care
Sacramento Bee
As thousands of Kaiser Permanente behavioral health workers launched a strike over patient care and contract issues Monday morning, registered nurses walked out in sympathy with them in Sacramento and across the state.
See also:
● Mental health workers picket for more staffing outside Fresno's Kaiser Permanente abc30
Blessing Bags for homeless are filled with essentials — and a little girl’s giving spirit
Modesto Bee
As the Ragacho family prepared to distribute Bella’s Blessing Bags on Sunday morning, Melissa said she wished her daughter could have been there helping. It took eight years for the family to come up with a fitting way to honor Bella and keep her memory alive, she said, “and this is something she knew at 5 years old.”
Is California Failing Its Most Vulnerable Adults?
FiveThirtyEight
A joint investigation by The Investigative Fund at The Nation Institute and FiveThirtyEight has found that from 2013 to 2017, there were at least 2,400 reported allegations of abuse and neglect in the more than 4,500 day programs like Jackie’s in California.
‘Means Tested’ Welfare Means Nothing in Practice
Wall Street Journal
Medicaid and SNAP rolls have swelled as standards loosen and go unenforced.
The Loneliest Generation: Americans, More Than Ever, Are Aging Alone
The Wall Street Journal
Baby boomers are aging alone more than any generation in U.S. history, and the resulting loneliness is a looming public health threat. About one in 11 Americans age 50 and older lacks a spouse, partner or living child, census figures and other research show.
IMMIGRATION
Sheriff's Office ICE collaboration comes under fire at public forum
Bakersfield Californian
Local advocacy groups and private citizens criticized collaboration between the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency known as ICE during a public hearing at the Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning.
CALmatters
The controversial proposal is viewed as another step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce migration from developing countries and make it more difficult for poorer immigrants to stay and potentially pursue a path to U.S. Citizenship. More than 115,000 comments have been filed nationwide in anticipation of the federal government issuing a final determination.
See also:
43,000 California doctors weigh in on Trump’s proposed change in immigration rule Sacramento Bee
After photos emerge of using tear gas on child migrants, top U.S. border official defends use Los Angeles Times
8 Million People Are Working Illegally in the U.S. Here’s Why That’s Unlikely to Change. The New York Times
How Lawmakers Interpret Trump's Immigration Position The Wall Street Journal
Fact Check: Trump Says 'A Lot Of Wall Has Been Built' As He Demands We Build More Capital Public Radio
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to reinstate political asylum ban
San Francisco Chronicle
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to reinstate the president’s ban on political asylum for thousands of undocumented immigrants, a ban that lower courts have deemed to be in direct contradiction of U.S. immigration law.
Customs And Border Protection Paid A Firm $13.6 Million To Hire Recruits. It Hired 2
Capital Public Radio
A report by the Office of the Inspector General revealed Accenture, contracted to help hire 7,500 new agents, is "nowhere near" completing its goals and "risks wasting millions of taxpayer dollars."
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Supervisors OK 19,000-home development at Tejon Ranch
Los Angeles Times
The project, in the works for nearly two decades, has been controversial because of its location, which is far from urban and transit centers and sits in a 'high fire hazard' area.
Housing:
Why California cities don’t build affordable housing
San Francisco Chronicle
Did you know that the California Constitution bans cities and counties from developing or buying low-income rental housing without a majority vote of taxpayers?
PUBLIC FINANCES
California moves to raise sales tax collections from out-of-state retailers
Fresno Bee
Online retailers must collect California sales tax if they record $100,000 in an annual sales here or do 200 or more transactions. The Dec. 11, 2018 announcement follows the Wayfair vs. South Dakota ruling.
OMG! Now California wants to tax text-messaging?
San Jose Mercury
State regulators say surcharge on text messaging would help fund programs that make phone service accessible to the poor.
County braces for increased costs from city's sales tax increase
Bakersfield Californian
As word spread that the city of Bakersfield’s tax measure had passed weeks after the election, celebrations occurred at Bakersfield City Hall.
Oakland files lawsuit against Raiders, NFL
East Bay Times
City Attorney Barbara Parker on Tuesday filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the team and the league, a suit city leaders hope could net millions in damages and pay off the approximately $80 million in debt remaining from renovations at the Coliseum.
TRANSPORTATION
Mariposa County receives funding for road damage caused by storms
abc30
After months of waiting for millions of dollars in state emergency funds, Public Works officials say they've received the money to start making permanent repairs.
Representatives needed to serve on the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council
Hanford Sentinel
Terri King, Executive Director of the Kings County Association of Governments (KCAG), announced that KCAG is actively recruiting representatives for the Social Services Transportation Development Act (SSTAC) to review and comment on the transit needs of the elderly, disabled, and persons of limited means with the county during the annual process for allocating funds.
California is dominating other states in electric vehicle adoption
AXIOS
Cumulative electric vehicle sales in the U.S. recently topped 1 million. According to the pro-EV coalition Veloz, over 500,000 of them were in California, which is by far the nation's largest auto market.
WATER
Supervisors vote to withdraw from Kern Groundwater Authority
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County Board of Supervisors voted to withdraw from the Kern Groundwater Authority at Tuesday’s meeting, altering water management in certain areas of the county. Supervisors debated the issue for over two hours, at one point nearly tabling the vote until next week.
Fight over river flows heads to historic Water Board meeting in Sacramento
Modesto Bee
As all eyes turn to the State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday, the board won’t have complete settlement agreements with Modesto-area irrigation districts to consider at a crucial meeting.
California’s water needs: A balancing act sought by Feinstein, Brown
San Francisco Chronicle
Sen. Dianne Feinstein is joining forces with House Republicans to try to extend a law that provides more water for Central Valley farms, but with a sweetener for the environment.
Trump administration's changes to Clean Water Rule could have wide-ranging impact
abc30
The Trump administration announced a major change into how the federal government keeps water clean in the United States, making good on campaign promises to farmers.
See Also:
● Trump rolls back wetlands protections. What it means for California farmers, developers Modesto Bee
● Trump EPA Proposes Major Rollback Of Federal Water Protections Capital Public Radio
● Trump administration unveils major Clean Water Act rollback Los Angeles Times
● Trump announces plan to roll back rules on stream, wetland protection San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: Some of California’s most stunning natural wonders are on the brink of oblivion Los Angeles Times
“Xtra”
Do you like coffee with your beer? Tioga Sequoia celebrates annual Rush Hour release
Fresno Bee
Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company is hosting Rush Day on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 at its beer garden in downtown Fresno, CA. The annual event celebrates the release of its coffee-infused stout called Rush Hour.
These restaurants are open on Christmas, plus where to buy a whole holiday meal
Fresno Bee
A key part of Christmas is the big meal with family around the table. Hats off to the people who do all the cooking themselves. For the rest of us – those of us who have to work, have little kids at home or otherwise need a little help – we have some ideas.
Do you see what we see? If not, get out there and check out those holiday lights.
Modesto Bee
Who needs snow when you’ve got all this glow? Stanislaus County may never have a white Christmas, but it’s a warm one when you’re basking in the lights so many people have shining and dancing to music on these December nights.
Stockton firefighters help Santa deliver Christmas joy
Stockton Record
Squeals of joy from dozens of young children were clearly audible above the sirens as Stockton firefighters delivered Santa Claus to the grounds of the Child Abuse Prevention Council on Tuesday morning.