POLICY & POLITICS
Measure C Renewal Community Engagement Survey
PublicInput
We want to hear from you to better understand and address the Fresno County community's transportation needs.
Public Policy Institute of California
This year, as in 2020, many of California’s longstanding challenges were highlighted—and heightened—by the COVID-19 crisis. But the crisis has also spurred action on many fronts.
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Building houses, living in garages. State AG talks housing crisis with Modesto residents
Modesto Bee
At a community discussion Monday night on the statewide housing crisis, a Modesto resident shared that she knows people who — unable to afford anything more — rent and live in the garages of others’ houses.
Higher salaries approved for Stanislaus County CEO, others. What they will earn now
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County leaders on Tuesday approved an amended employment contract with Chief Executive Officer Jody Hayes, giving him a raise to $312,700 per year.
Turlock moves to request Modesto fire contract proposal after ‘passionate argument’
Modesto Bee
A divided Turlock City Council on Tuesday directed staff to request a contract proposal for fire administration services from Modesto, despite concerns from unions and residents who gave public comments.
See also:
Hear Turlock mayor respond to concerns over Modesto fire service contract proposal Modesto Bee
City to seek contract from Modesto Fire Turlock Journal
Turlock Unified schools trustee flouts mask rule for nearly 30 minutes of meeting
Modesto Bee
For about 25 minutes Tuesday evening, a Turlock Unified trustee and members of the public attended a school board meeting unmasked despite the board’s rule requiring face coverings when students are present.
House bill would hold EDD accountable for backlogs by withholding funding
KCRA
Modesto Congressman Josh Harder's bill would pull funding until a backlog is cleared. In essence, the unemployment departments would not get paid until the unemployed get paid.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Indoor masks are required again. What to expect from restaurants, stores around Fresno? Fresno Bee
Masks indoors mandatory starting Wednesday. How did Fresno area contribute to new rule? Fresno Bee
Clovis Unified offering free, at-home COVID test kits for students ahead of winter break abc30
Assemblymember Jim Patterson endorses Nathan Magsig in Congressional race
abc30
Republican Jim Patterson of Fresno says he plans to seek re-election to State Assembly and will not run for the Congressional seat being vacated by Devin Nunes. Instead, Patterson is endorsing Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig for the Congressional seat.
State agency guilty of ‘serious and willful misconduct’ in crash that killed 4 from Fresno area
Fresno Bee
Nearly six years after a violent van crash killed four young Fresno-area members of the California Conservation Corps, the agency has been found guilty of “serious and willful misconduct’’ for failing to heed its own safety protocols leading up to the collision.
Redistricting map adopted despite public protest
Hanford Sentinel
A split Kings County Board of Supervisors has approved of a controversial redistricting map. On Tuesday morning, the new map was adopted by a vote of 3-2, with Supervisors Richard Valle and Joe Neves in opposition. Redistricting is required every ten years by law.
See also:
Kings County Board of Supervisors adopt redistricting map, residents, city leaders feel unheard abc30
Visalia Unified board looks to keep status quo, elects Guerrero, Gamoian as board president, clerk
Visalia Times Delta
After filling two trustee seats over the last few weeks, Visalia Unified elected its "new" board president and clerk during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Kern Public Health: 222 new coronavirus cases, 1 death reported Wednesday Bakersfield Californian
PBVUSD board asks state not to implement further COVID-19 vaccine mandates, in narrow vote Bakersfield Californian
Grand jury: Delano is 'at a crossroads' and City Council must overcome differences to progress
Bakersfield Californian
The second-most populated city in the county has made “remarkable improvements to its roads, infrastructure, community development and the quality of life for Delano residents,” the report says, yet continued progress is threatened by internal strife among top city leaders.
United Way, community partners team up for food, books giveaway
Bakersfield Californian
United Way of Kern County teamed up with Dignity Health, Community Action Partnership of Kern, Room to Read and Capital Dental to provide food, books and hygienic supplies for nearly 200 families Thursday.
State:
COVID Update:
California's month-long indoor mask mandate takes effect amid new COVID-19 surge abc30
California universal mask mandate starts. What are the exceptions and when does it end? Sacramento Bee
Hosting travelers or flying out for the holidays? California issues new COVID advice Sacramento Bee
New California rules end distinction for vaccinated workers Sacramento Bee
Omicron spreads in Southern California as state mask order takes effect Los Angeles Times
Did California get its money’s worth from $1.7 billion COVID test contract? CalMatters
California is reinstating an indoor mask mandate. New York Times
Has there been a California exodus? Turns out fewer people than usual are moving in
Sacramento Bee
A new study released Wednesday found no big exodus of people leaving California for other states during the COVID pandemic. But California is still losing population to domestic migration, because fewer people than usual are moving in from other parts of the U.S.
See also:
Pandemic Patterns: California is Seeing Fewer Entrances and More Exits California Policy Lab
Fewer people moving to California, more leaving during the pandemic, study shows Los Angeles Times
More women than men were appointed to California corporate boards in 2021. Here’s why
Sacramento Bee
California’s publicly traded companies appointed more women than men to their boards in 2021, likely for the first time ever, according to a report from the California Partners Project released Wednesday.
Newsom survived the recall. Now he's ramping up attacks on red states.
Politico
On the talk-show circuit last week, Newsom blasted red states for their Covid-19 response and conservative policies, name-checking Indiana alongside Florida and Texas and doubling down on a successful recall message.
Four California universities missed out on $47 million more in coronavirus aid. Here’s why
CalMatters
A state audit says four California universities could have received millions more in federal pandemic money and helped more students. University of California and California State University officials could still recoup some of the cash.
Citing violence fears, SEIU International wades into dispute at California state worker union
Sacramento Bee
The leader of SEIU International relayed concerns to the president of California’s largest state employee union Tuesday about the potential for violence and COVID-19 infections at a union meeting scheduled this weekend in Sacramento.
Waiting on your stimulus check in Sacramento? See if it’s on its way to your ZIP code
Sacramento Bee
California is still sending out the Golden State Stimulus checks up to $1,100 to eligible residents. To qualify for the stimulus, you must have filed your 2020 taxes by Oct. 15 and have made less than $75,000 for the 2020 tax year.
Federal:
COVID Update:
A tantalizing clue to why omicron is spreading so quickly VPR
Omicron spreads faster than any other variant, WHO says. It's now in 77 countries VPR
U.S. health tab hit $4.1 trillion as government fought COVID Los Angeles Times
White House warns of January virus surge, says boosters protect against Omicron variant Los Angeles Times
U.S. Deaths Surpass 800,000 New York Times
COVID cases rising with Christmas — and Omicron — around the corner Axios
Booster mandates begin Axios
HHS forecast shows Omicron stretching U.S. Covid testing supply Politico
A year into vaccination effort, COVID-19 remains a menace Mercury News
Omicron spreading rapidly in U.S. and could bring punishing wave as soon as January, CDC warns Washington Post
800,000 Americans have died of COVID. Now the U.S. braces for an omicron-fueled spike NPR
Omicron evades Moderna vaccine too, study suggests, but boosters help NPR
Parents are receiving their final monthly child tax credits. Will Congress bring them back?
Sacramento Bee
Wednesday was the last day millions of California families will begin to get their $250 to $300 per child monthly child tax break payment. Qualifying parents have been eligible for such payments since July, but that monthly, expanded benefit is effective only in 2021.
See also:
'Going very poorly': Biden can't nail Manchin down on Dems' bill
Politico
Tensions are boiling over as discussions about finishing Democrats' $1.7 trillion domestic spending bill drag on between President Joe Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin.
See also:
Senate Dems' choice: Election reform first, or Biden's megabill? Politico
Momentum grows for Senate to take up voting bills ahead of budget package Roll Call
Democrats’ $2 Trillion Package Stalls as Manchin Talks Make Little Headway Wall Street Journal
Sinema pops Democrats' filibuster trial balloon on voting rights
Politico
The Arizona moderate is making clear that she intends to keep protecting the Senate’s 60-vote requirement on most legislation and she isn’t ready to entertain changing rules to pass sweeping elections or voting legislation with a simple majority.
See also:
Senate Democrats renew focus on voting rights as domestic policy bill stalls and filibuster changes are considered Washington Post
In policy shift, the Fed projects three interest rate hikes in 2022
Los Angeles Times
With inflation now running at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years and showing no signs of slowing down, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday abandoned its wait-and-see strategy and indicated that it could begin stepping on the economic brakes soon.
See also:
Biden administration details push to finally rid the nation of millions of lead pipes
Washington Post
The Biden administration on Thursday announced an effort to jump-start the removal of every underground lead water service line in the country, a move meant to stop once and for all the poisonous metal from flowing through the taps of millions of Americans.
See also:
U.S. Seeks to Replace Every Lead Water Pipe in the Country Within a Decade Wall Street Journal
Congress is weighing cuts to the Pentagon disease-fighting budget
Roll Call
Congress will soon decide whether to agree to a Biden administration proposal to cut spending on Defense Department programs that detect and counter diseases, even as COVID-19's U.S. death toll exceeds 800,000 people.
We rated every member of Congress on their financial conflicts and transparency.
Business Insider
Dozens of federal lawmakers and at least 182 top congressional staffers are violating a federal conflict-of-interest law known as the STOCK Act. Others are failing to avoid clashes between their personal finances and public duties.
Other:
A NASA spacecraft has flown into the sun's atmosphere for the first time in history
NPR
Three years after its launch, the Parker Solar Probe has finally "touched" the sun. In April, the probe became the first known spacecraft to soar into our nearest star's upper atmosphere – known as the corona – where it sampled particles and magnetic fields.
Hackers Backed by China Seen Exploiting Security Flaw in Internet Software
Wall Street Journal
Researchers call it one of the most dire cybersecurity threats to emerge in years and could enable devastating attacks.
See also:
The 2021 Lie of the Year: Lies about the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and its significance
PolitiFact
Former President Donal Trump — along with some of the most influential members of the Republican Party and vocal partisan media personalities — offered a deluge of justifications, excuses and conspiracy theories to reframe the events of Jan. 6 as no big deal.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, December 19, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "LAO Report on Safe Drinking Water" - Guest: Rachel Ehlers, Principal Fiscal and Policy Analyst - Legislative Analyst's Office. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 19, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "Valley Water: Where & Why is it Unsafe to Drink?"- Guests:Ellen Hanak, Director - PPIC Water Center; Sarge Green, Research Scientist - Fresno State's CA Water Institute. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
California restaurants sue over law they say will drive up cost of bacon, pork
Fresno Bee
A coalition of California restaurants and retailers is suing the state to block a law scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 that they argue could drive up the cost of bacon and create supply chain backlogs for the pork industry.
See also:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Retailers say thefts are at crisis level. The numbers say otherwise
Los Angeles Times
Organized retail crime is haunting the nation this holiday season.
Prison Policy Initiative
California has an incarceration rate of 549 per 100,000 people, meaning that it locks up a higher percentage of its people than almost any democracy on earth. Read on to learn more about who is incarcerated in California and why.
California Democrats embrace tough-on-crime rhetoric
CalMatters
The tough-on-crime rhetoric comes amid a sea of sobering statistics: Oakland police on Monday announced they’re investigating the 131st homicide of the year — the city’s highest total in a decade.
Public Safety:
Fresno family says police went too far striking, handcuffing teens. Here’s the video
Fresno Bee
A Fresno family says they plan to take legal action after Fresno law enforcement officers struck a boy with a baton, pushing him to the ground, and detained his sisters allegedly because one was recording officers’ interactions during a traffic stop.
California governor highlights $1B statewide cleanup plan
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Newsom picked up litter and painted over graffiti in Los Angeles on Wed. to highlight California’s $1.1 billion initiative to clean areas near highways, roads and other public spaces, an effort he promised to expand next year to address homeless encampments.
Fire:
Turlock moves to request Modesto fire contract proposal after ‘passionate argument’
Modesto Bee
A divided Turlock City Council on Tuesday directed staff to request a contract proposal for fire administration services from Modesto, despite concerns from unions and residents who gave public comments.
See also:
Hear Turlock mayor respond to concerns over Modesto fire service contract proposal Modesto Bee
City to seek contract from Modesto Fire Turlock Journal
California would hire more than 1,000 more firefighters under state senator’s proposal
Sacramento Bee
Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, said Friday that the legislation would set new per-engine minimums at Cal Fire and would launch a staffing study to help prepare the department for fire conditions that are projected to keep getting worse in the years ahead
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Inflation is still red hot, and it's forcing the Federal Reserve into a new game plan
NPR
The Federal Reserve is paving the way for possible interest rate hikes next year, in an effort to contain stubbornly high inflation.
See also:
In policy shift, the Fed projects three interest rate hikes in 2022 Los Angeles Times
Fed Officials Project Three Interest Rate Rises in 2022 and Accelerate Stimulus Wind-Down Wall Street Journal
Fed Shifts to Inflation Battle, Winding Down Pandemic Support New York Times
Container Imports Tumble at Los Angeles, Long Beach Ports
Wall Street Journal
Last month’s surprise decline in inbound volumes seemed to reflect an increased number of smaller ships arriving at the ports, even as the line for entry to the major U.S. gateway complex grows.
See also:
The White House aims to boost the ranks of the pandemic-strained trucking industry KVPR
White House Revs Up Trucker Recruitment Drive Wall Street Journal
Jobs:
Was former Starbucks worker misgendered? It’s part of Fresno discrimination case
Fresno Bee
A transgender woman took her employee discrimination and harassment lawsuit against a Fresno Starbucks to the 5th District Court of Appeal on Wednesday.
Fresno County agrees to pay Black employee who filed complaint of discrimination
Fresno Bee
Fresno County has settled a discrimination case out of court, agreeing to pay $50,000 to a Black employee who filed a complaint, according to a county news release from Wednesday.
Citing violence fears, SEIU International wades into dispute at California state worker union
Sacramento Bee
The leader of SEIU International relayed concerns to the president of California’s largest state employee union Tuesday about the potential for violence and COVID-19 infections at a union meeting scheduled this weekend in Sacramento.
Jobless Claims Rose Last Week But Remained Near Decades-Low
Wall Street Journal
New applications for unemployment benefits edged higher last week but stayed very low, reflecting an unusually tight labor market as the economy continued to recover.
The striking race gap in corporate America
Washington Post
A Washington Post review of the 50 most valuable public companies reveals that Black employees represent a strikingly small fraction of top executives — and that the people tapped to boost inclusion often struggle to do so.
Airline executives defend use of payroll support amid pandemic
Roll Call
Executives of four major U.S. airlines on Wednesday defended their use of the $54 billion in payroll assistance Congress provided in the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the money has been a lifeline despite a few turbulent weekends this year when some airlines had to cancel thousands of flights.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Turlock Unified schools trustee flouts mask rule for nearly 30 minutes of meeting
Modesto Bee
For about 25 minutes Tuesday evening, a Turlock Unified trustee and members of the public attended a school board meeting unmasked despite the board’s rule requiring face coverings when students are present.
Walters: Some California schools, like those in Livingston, are closing ‘achievement gap’
Modesto Bee
Although the Local Control Financing Formula (LCFF) directed more money to improve the education of kids deemed to be at “high-risk” of failure, and many billions of dollars have been allocated to that purpose over the years, there’s scant evidence that the gap has been narrowed, much less closed.
Visalia Unified board looks to keep status quo, elects Guerrero, Gamoian as board president, clerk
Visalia Times Delta
After filling two trustee seats over the last few weeks, Visalia Unified elected its "new" board president and clerk during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
BCSD approves new school boundaries
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield City School District’s governing board unanimously approved new school boundaries that will take effect fall 2022.
What does it take to be a substitute teacher in California? Here’s what is asked
Sacramento Bee
A substitute teacher, which is a non-contracted assignment with no guarantee of work, has a primary responsibility to ensure that the classroom is a safe and secure environment, according to the Sacramento County Office of Education.
Where are the students? For a second straight year, school enrollment is dropping
NPR
The troubling enrollment losses that school districts reported last year have in many places continued this fall, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt public education across the country, an NPR investigation has found.
Commentary: These innovations promise major change for California schools
CalMatters
Our outdated education system too narrowly defines student success and should move toward a competency-based approach to learning.
Higher Ed:
Tributes pour in for Fresno City College dean Mónica Cuevas. ‘She always made time for us
Fresno Bee
She died Monday night after suffering a heart attack during a folkloric performance the previous day with Teocalli Cultural Academy. Her passion for folkloric dances was only surpassed by her desire to help students as dean of student services and counseling at Fresno City College, said those who knew the 54-year-old Cuevas.
Four California universities missed out on $47 million more in coronavirus aid. Here’s why
CalMatters
A state audit says four California universities could have received millions more in federal pandemic money and helped more students. University of California and California State University officials could still recoup some of the cash.
Colleges go back to drawing board — again — to fight COVID
NPR
Facing rising infections and a new COVID-19 variant, colleges across the U.S. have once again been thwarted in seeking a move to normalcy and are starting to require booster shots, extend mask mandates, limit social gatherings and, in some cases, revert to online classes.
See also:
The pandemic disrupted ‘dreamers.’ Can Biden’s spending bill get them back on track? Washington Post
Too many qualified students are shut out of UC, CSU. A new study offers some solutions
Los Angeles Times
If it seems harder than ever to get into the University of California and California State University — it is. The average high school GPA of admitted UC students is now over 4.0 at most campuses, and 16 of 23 Cal State campuses have more applicants than seats for some or all of their majors.
See also:
Cal State poised to drop SAT admission requirement as chancellor supports scrapping test Los Angeles Times
Opinion: Why information alone is not enough to improve higher education outcomes
Brookings
In the coming months, the U.S. Department of Education will consider changes to regulations affecting which colleges can provide students with federal student grants and loans through the negotiated rulemaking process.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
How a debate over carbon capture derailed California’s landmark climate bill
Grist
The failed net-zero bill highlights some of the biggest tensions plaguing climate action around the world.
Sacramento Bee
California, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee and other states are bound together by the unparalleled effects of our warming atmosphere, but far too often the Golden State is the only one leading climate action in America.
The Most Detailed Map of Cancer-Causing Industrial Air Pollution in the U.S.
ProPublica
ProPublica’s analysis of five years of modeled EPA data identified more than 1,000 toxic hot spots across the country and found that an estimated 250,000 people living in them may be exposed to levels of excess cancer risk that the EPA deems unacceptable.
See also:
Poison in the Air ProPublica
When Home Is a Toxic Hot Spot ProPublica
Energy:
Walters: Big utilities winning battle over solar power
CalMatters
The California Public Utilities Commission probably will side with major utilities by reducing payments to owners of rooftop solar systems for their excess power.
California proposes reducing incentives for rooftop solar
abc30
California regulators proposed major changes to the state's booming residential solar industry Monday, including reducing the discounts homeowners with rooftop solar and storage systems get on their electric bills when they sell extra energy back to the power companies.
Commentary: Where will electricity come from for new EV charging stations?
CalMatters
California needs to be having a discussion about new electricity generation for all the new electric vehicles and EV chargers.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
'Quite hopeful': Abortion pill decision could reshape reproductive health war
Politico
As the Supreme Court weighs the fate of Roe v. Wade, the Food and Drug Administration is set to open a new phase in the abortion wars this week, when it issues a key decision on how doctors can dispense pills to end an early pregnancy.
See also:
CDC’s Early Covid-19 Test Hampered by Design Flaw, Contamination
Wall Street Journal
A design flaw and contamination caused the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s initial batch of Covid-19 tests to fail, an investigation by the agency concluded, adding to the understanding of a major misstep in the early U.S. response to the pandemic.
As COVID cases surge, pro sports leagues reevaluate their safety protocols
NPR
With schedules disrupted and stars sidelined, sports leagues are rethinking safety protocols as experts work to understand whether the new outbreaks were being caused by waning vaccine efficacy, looser vigilance around Thanksgiving, or the tip of an omicron iceberg – or perhaps a heady combination of all.
This Flu Season Is Different. Here’s How to Prepare.
New York Times
We’ve had two light years in a row, which some experts worry could mean we’ll be in for a rough few months.
See also:
First, Impressive Vaccines for Covid. Next Up: The Flu. New York Times
Opinion: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe New York Times
Human Services:
The case of the vanishing fine: How a massive nursing home penalty eluded consumer detection
CalMatters
A Fresno nursing home was fined more than $900,000 in 2018 for poor patient care, but consumers have been hard-pressed to find any public record of the massive penalty or many other big fines.
Health spending growth more than doubled in first year of pandemic
Politico
The rate of growth in U.S. health care spending more than doubled in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving the medical system accounting for just less than a fifth of the U.S. economy at the end of 2020, according to a federal report released Wednesday.
See also:
U.S. Healthcare Spending Rose Nearly 10% in 2020, Report Finds Wall Street Journal
These doctors sexually abused patients. The Medical Board gave them their licenses back
Los Angeles Times
The state Medical Board reinstated more than half of all sex abusers who sought to get their licenses back, a rate significantly higher than for doctors who lost their licenses for all other reasons, a Times review of board data found.
After ‘Truly Appalling’ Death Toll in Nursing Homes, California Rethinks Their Funding
California Healthline
Covid-19’s unrelenting spread exposed deep, systemic problems with the quality of care — or lack thereof — at nursing homes across the country.
Large parts of rural America are becoming drugstore deserts. These small towns found an escape.
Washington Post
When the pharmacy chains and big-box stores pulled out, independent pharmacists moved back in, ensuring their small town neighbors could fill prescriptions without driving long distances or enduring long wait times
IMMIGRATION
Biden to stop holding undocumented families in detention centers
Axios
As of Friday, the U.S. had zero migrant families in detention facilities, according to internal government data obtained by Axios — with the last and largest facility used for the practice now being slated to hold only single adults.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Is Fresno’s decades-old Veterans Boulevard project ‘ahead of schedule?’ Here’s the latest
Fresno Bee
As 2022 approaches, the long-awaited Veterans Boulevard project is coming closer to completion, Fresno Councilmember Mike Karbassi said during a site visit on Tuesday.
See also:
Housing:
Building houses, living in garages. State AG talks housing crisis with Modesto residents
Modesto Bee
At a community discussion Monday night on the statewide housing crisis, a Modesto resident shared that she knows people who — unable to afford anything more — rent and live in the garages of others’ houses.
Housing Watch: Fresno seeing spike in residents looking to move from Sacramento, data shows
abc30
Despite the rising price of apartment rent, Fresno has continued to draw major interest from people looking to move to the Valley from other parts of California.
Fewer people moving to California, more leaving during the pandemic, study shows
Los Angeles Times
The number of people moving to California from other states has dropped significantly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more Californians are leaving the state, according to a new study released Wednesday.
See Also:
Pandemic Sweetens Lure of Smaller Cities’ Relocation Incentives
Pew Trusts
Fifty-three communities in 24 states and Puerto Rico are trying to lure new residents by offering cash, covering moving costs or providing other incentives, according to makemymove.com, an online directory of such programs.
As rents go sky-high, where are the tenant attorneys?
Business Journal
When The Business Journal called for an attorney specializing in tenant representation, the reporter found there were no more. Following the pandemic, that list of attorneys had dwindled to nothing.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Waiting on your stimulus check in Sacramento? See if it’s on its way to your ZIP code
Sacramento Bee
California is still sending out the Golden State Stimulus checks up to $1,100 to eligible residents. To qualify for the stimulus, you must have filed your 2020 taxes by Oct. 15 and have made less than $75,000 for the 2020 tax year.
Parents are receiving their final monthly child tax credits. Will Congress bring them back?
Sacramento Bee
Wednesday was the last day millions of California families will begin to get their $250 to $300 per child monthly child tax break payment. Qualifying parents have been eligible for such payments since July, but that monthly, expanded benefit is effective only in 2021.
CalSavers: California retirement savings plan
ADP
A by-product of state-mandated retirement legislation, CalSavers is designed to improve the financial security of Californians working in the private sector.
How U.S. federal debt got so big
Washington Post
This week’s vote on Capitol Hill to raise the debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion reflects the aggressive spending that lawmakers undertook over the past two years to try to address the societal and economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
TRANSPORTATION
Electric scooters rented through smartphone app could soon zip along Modesto’s streets
Modesto Bee
The city is considering a pilot program with Bird Rides, a Santa Monica-based company that provides electric bicycles and scooters. Bird sells the bikes and scooters to consumers, but it also operates rental programs in about 400 communities throughout the world.
You may soon be able to renew your passport online, instead of sending in documents
KVPR
A new executive order from President Joe Biden hopes to cut down on the amount of time people spend accessing all kinds of government services, like scheduling a call back time with the IRS, applying for Social Security and Medicare benefits online and yes, renewing a passport.
What Happens If You Test Positive While Traveling?
New York Times
In the midst of the holiday season, the Omicron variant has many considering the prospects of getting stuck while traveling. Here’s what you need to know.
Caterpillar, BNSF Railway, Chevron pursue hydrogen-powered locomotive
Axios
Caterpillar’s Progress Rail will develop a hydrogen rail system, Chevron will deliver the fueling setup, and BNSF will demonstrate the technology once it's ready.
WATER
Amid drought, California advances big new reservoir project
Fresno Bee
Amid a severe drought, Calif. regulators on Wed. advanced what could be the state's first major new water storage project in years despite warnings it would hasten the extinction of an endangered salmon species while disrupting the cultural traditions of some native tribes.
See also:
New $2.3 billion dam planned near Pacheco Pass gets big boost from state
Mercury News
Charts show where California reservoir totals stand after the latest rainstorms San Francisco Chronicle
Tuesday’s storm was some good drought news for Fresno area. But long-term, not so much
Fresno Bee
Another storm headed to the central San Joaquin Valley Wednesday evening is expected to keep the region ahead of normal rainfall totals, but long-term prospects for a drought-busting season are dim, according to the National Weather Service.
See also:
Snowpack that supplies Modesto area doubled in one day. Where do we stand on drought? Modesto Bee
Merced storm brings near record rain. As winter approaches, will the trend continue? Merced Sun Star
Monday storm helps bolster snowpack Turlock Journal
Winter storm giving way to milder one Hanford Sentinel
Atmospheric River drenches Central California, Sierra. How much rain fell? Visalia Times Delta
States volunteer to take more cuts in Colorado River water
AP
Water leaders for Arizona, Nevada, California and the Department of the Interior signed an agreement Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Las Vegas to voluntarily reduce their take from the Colorado River to help stave off mandatory cuts in the upcoming years.
New $2.3 billion dam planned near Pacheco Pass gets big boost from state
Mercury News
320-foot tall dam proposed by Santa Clara Valley Water District found feasible by California Water Commission.
Biden administration details push to finally rid the nation of millions of lead pipes
Washington Post
The Biden administration on Thursday announced an effort to jump-start the removal of every underground lead water service line in the country, a move meant to stop once and for all the poisonous metal from flowing through the taps of millions of Americans.
See also:
U.S. Seeks to Replace Every Lead Water Pipe in the Country Within a Decade Wall Street Journal
“Xtra”
Light up the night with Santa's Holiday Laser Show
Bakersfield Californian
Santa's Holiday Laser Show, starting tonight at the Kern County Fairgrounds, is a drive-in laser presentation with 25 high-powered lasers producing hundreds of laser beams along with 45-foot-tall screens displaying more laser projections.
Enjoy 'Long Christmas Dinner' with family at Stars Playhouse
Bakersfield Californian
If you thought your family’s holiday dinner was endless, prepare for Thornton Wilder's version. This weekend, Stars Playhouse will present the playwright's "The Long Christmas Dinner" as well as two of his other shorter pieces.
Things to do in Modesto: Holiday entertainment during the Christmas season
Modesto Bee
Holiday entertainment will be winding down, but there’s still plenty to see, hear and enjoy in Modesto in the days leading up to Christmas, including some traditional favorites. Here’s a look at just some of the events planned Dec. 17 to Dec. 24.
Visalia Fox Theatre brings back classic titles to downtown movie palace
Visalia Times Delta
“Please bring back the $5 movies!” That’s what the new managers of the Visalia Fox Theatre heard from patrons when they reopened the Fox in October following the Covid closure. So that’s what they’re doing.
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
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