February 2, 2021

02Feb

POLICY & POLITICS

 

North SJ Valley:

 

Merced County pauses COVID-19 vaccinations due to dose shortage

abc30

The Merced County Department of Public Health has halted vaccination clinics this week due to a national shortage of COVID-19 vaccine doses. Health officials said all available doses would provide a second shot required to complete the vaccination process for those who have already received their first shot.

See also:

 

'The best way to learn is just to jump right in:' New Stockton mayor looks to hit the ground running

Stockton Record

Kevin Lincoln officially started his first term as Stockton's mayor Jan. 1 after defeating incumbent Michael Tubbs in the November election. In a conversation with The Record, Lincoln discusses what it's like to start his new gig during a pandemic and how he plans to address the city's top issues.

 

UC Merced generated $500M in one year for San Joaquin Valley economy, report shows

Merced Sun-Star

A report commissioned by UC Merced’s chancellor shows the university has generated thousands of jobs — and hundreds of millions of dollars — for the San Joaquin Valley’s economy.

 

Modesto considers helping restaurants by capping fees from delivery apps like Grubhub

Modesto Bee

Modesto will consider capping the fees that Grubhub, DoorDash and other food delivery services charge restaurants to help them survive in the pandemic. The fee cap is something other cities across the nation have done.

 

Central SJ Valley:

 

Fresno County Jail Has Most COVID Cases of Any Jail or Prison in U.S.

abc30

The Fresno County jail has had more COVID infections than any other correctional facility in the entire country, according to data collected by the New York Times.

See also:

 

Fresno-area school trustee who attended Capitol insurrection won’t be censured. Here’s why

Fresno Bee

The small Fresno County mountain community school board held a special meeting to discuss the actions of board member James Hoak and heard from his many supporters and critics.

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Mark Arax: A hard rain’s gonna fall: Glimpsing the rise of hate through the lens of our Valley

Fresno Bee

Over the years, I’ve written from the premise that the San Joaquin Valley is an ideal place to contemplate America. The view from Fresno almost never lets me down.

 

South SJ Valley:

 

Mass COVID-19 vaccination site at Kern County Fairgrounds now accepting appointments for this week

KGET
The COVID-19 mass vaccination site at the Kern County Fairgrounds is now accepting appointments for this Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

See also:

 

Audit: Mechanics Bank Arena and other facilities lost $783K directly from COVID-19

Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield’s largest entertainment venues lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a yearly audit recently submitted to the City Council for review.

 

City clears the way to develop vacant lot at the corner of Baker and Kentucky into mixed-use affordable housing

Bakersfield Californian

The Bakersfield City Council cleared the way for the development of the long-vacant corner of Baker and Kentucky streets. The council approved a zone change, allowing the construction of a mixed-use affordable housing and commercial building development.

 

Measure J funds give Bakersfield College a face-lift

Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield College opened its Panorama Campus nearly 65 years ago. To help the campus gracefully age, the college asked voters to approve Measure J in 2016 to do everything from small changes that make buildings more accessible to important infrastructure changes to teardowns all around campus.

 

Local law firm providing grants to Kern County students through education program

Bakersfield Californian

A local law firm is looking to help students in need of school supplies as the COVID-19 pandemic approaches the one year mark.

 

Talks on expanding local pesticide notifications deadlock

Bakersfield Californian

Efforts to better protect Shafter residents from accidental exposure to pesticides appear to have hit an impasse after local talks broke down late last year and Kern's ag commissioner this month rejected a senior state official's attempt at intervention.

 

State:

 

‘Major, major problem.’ California isn’t fully tracking workplace COVID infections, deaths

Sacramento Bee

A year after the first COVID-19 case hit California, the state agency in charge of policing workplaces is woefully understaffed and significantly undercounting the number of employees who have fallen seriously ill or died as a result of the coronavirus.

See also:

 

California governor and unions clash over school openings

Fresno Bee

An effort to reopen California schools is foundering, stoking frustrations across America’s most populous state from parents eager to get their children back in classrooms and a governor who wants them there.

See also:

 

California schools consider extending school year while mental health remains a concern

EdSource

As Covid-19 infection rates continue to delay the reopening of many schools across California, some education leaders have floated the idea of extending the school year to address learning loss among students at risk of falling behind. At the same time, concerns about mental health suggest longer may not necessarily be better.

 

A year into pandemic, California’s broken unemployment agency still hurting those in need

Los Angeles Times

Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s beleaguered unemployment benefits system remains mired in dysfunction, leaving many jobless workers in dire straits after their efforts to receive financial assistance have been stymied by jammed phone lines, overwhelmed staff and failed technology.

 

Republicans are emerging to run for governor should Newsom recall qualify

Los Angeles Times

A recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom has not yet qualified for the ballot, but potential challengers are already announcing their intention to run.

See also:

 

California state worker pay database updated with 2020 wages, overtime

Fresno Bee

The Sacramento Bee’s state worker pay database has been updated with data from 2020. Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature reduced most state workers’ pay halfway through the year, when projections showed a budget deficit of $54 billion due to anticipated economic effects of the coronavirus

 

Federal:

 

Biden to meet Republicans proposing $618 billion COVID-19 aid package

abc30

President Joe Biden is to meet late Monday with a group of 10 Republican senators who have proposed $618 billion in coronavirus aid, about a third of the $1.9 trillion he is seeking as congressional Democrats vow to push ahead with or without GOP support.

See also:

 

Biden administration ‘worried’ by limited racial data on vaccine distribution so far

Fresno Bee

The new CDC study showed that only 5.4 percent of Americans who received vaccines during the first month available were Black. African Americans make up roughly 13.4 percent of the U.S. population.

 

Where to find an N95 or high-filtration mask for Biden's 100-day challenge

CBS

The Biden administration has issued a mask mandate, requiring individuals to wear masks on federal property, and he's encouraging all Americans to wear them in public for 100 days.

See also:

 

Senate Ethics has not sanctioned a member in 14 years

Roll Call

For the 14th straight year, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics has refrained from issuing any disciplinary sanctions, a trend that underscores the investigatory inaction of the panel charged with policing the conduct of senators.

 

Trump pollster's campaign autopsy paints damning picture of defeat

Politico

Former President Donald Trump has blamed the election results on unfounded claims of fraud and malfeasance. But at the top levels of his campaign, a detailed autopsy report that circulated among his political aides paints a far different — and more critical — portrait of what led to his defeat.

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Other:

 

Anti-conservative bias claims don’t hold up, new research says

Roll Call

The decision by Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites to ban former President Donald Trump in the wake of last month’s riot at the Capitol by a mob of his supporters has renewed claims that the country’s largest technology firms are biased against conservatives.

 

 

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

 

Sunday, February 7, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: The Road Ahead for Zero-Emision Vehicles in CA - Guest: F. Noel Perry, Founder of Next 10. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, February 7, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) –Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "Climate Change and Electric Vehicles: Public Action and Private Markets" - Guests: F. Noel Perry, Founder of Next 10 & State Senator Fran Pavley. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

 

Talks on expanding local pesticide notifications deadlock

Bakersfield Californian

Efforts to better protect Shafter residents from accidental exposure to pesticides appear to have hit an impasse after local talks broke down late last year and Kern's ag commissioner this month rejected a senior state official's attempt at intervention.

 

Bee Vectoring Technologies Officially Secures California License, Entering the Largest Agriculture Market in the US

yahoo!

Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. today announced it has been issued a commercial license from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation on its proprietary biological fungicide following completion of the approval review process.

 

Commentary: Whither agricultural policy in 2021 and beyond

AEI
The US farm sector is currently in a strong financial position compared to the rest of the economy and can expect higher commodity prices in 2021. Claims the sector is facing a serious financial crisis and needs more government subsidies are overblown.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

 

Walters: Will reducing crime penalties reduce California crime?

CalMatters

California is conducting an immense sociological experiment, testing whether reducing prison time for criminal acts will, in the long run, mean less crime.

 

Public Safety:

 

Fresno County jail has most COVID cases of any jail or prison in U.S.

abc30

The Fresno County jail has had more COVID infections than any other correctional facility in the entire country, according to data collected by the New York Times.

 

California prisons risked thousands of lives in rushed COVID-19 transfers, report says

Fresno Bee

California prison officials failed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when transferring medically vulnerable inmates to two California prisons, according to a new report.

See also:

 

Fire:

 

Input wanted on Castle Fire restoration plan

Porterville Recorder

Sequoia National Forest officials are seeking public comments on the proposed Castle Fire Ecological Restoration Project within the area impacted by the Sequoia Complex on the Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts.

 

Council to discuss limiting sale of fireworks

Porterville Recorder

On Tuesday night the Porterville City Council will discuss the sale of safe and sane fireworks, and talk about possibly limiting the type of fireworks that can be sold within city limits.

 

ECONOMY/JOBS

 

Economy:

 

Outdoor dining returns for Valley restaurants after stay-home order is lifted

abc30

Outdoor dining returned for many businesses across the Central Valley this weekend, after nearly two months with no seated service. Staff at downtown Fresno cocktail bar, The Modernist, kept busy as thirsty customers filled their parklets and placed order after order.

See also:

 

Modesto considers helping restaurants by capping fees from delivery apps like Grubhub

Modesto Bee

Modesto will consider capping the fees that Grubhub, DoorDash and other food delivery services charge restaurants to help them survive in the pandemic. The fee cap is something other cities across the nation have done.

 

Audit: Mechanics Bank Arena and other facilities lost $783K directly from COVID-19

Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield’s largest entertainment venues lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a yearly audit recently submitted to the City Council for review.

 

California cities are facing long-term fiscal challenges

San Gabriel Valley Tribune

The good news is that California’s cities didn’t top the list of most fiscally troubled cities in the nation– and two of them received nationally high marks.

 

U.S. Economy Is Expected to Reach Pre-Pandemic Peak by Mid-2021

Wall Street Journal

The U.S. economy is expected to expand more rapidly in 2021 than officials projected in July, but it will take several years for output to reach its full potential and for the number of employed workers to return to its pre-pandemic peak.

 

Jobs:

 

‘Major, major problem.’ California isn’t fully tracking workplace COVID infections, deaths

Sacramento Bee

A year after the first COVID-19 case hit California, the state agency in charge of policing workplaces is woefully understaffed and significantly undercounting the number of employees who have fallen seriously ill or died as a result of the coronavirus.

 

A year into pandemic, California’s broken unemployment agency still hurting those in need

Los Angeles Times

Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s beleaguered unemployment benefits system remains mired in dysfunction, leaving many jobless workers in dire straits after their efforts to receive financial assistance have been stymied by jammed phone lines, overwhelmed staff and failed technology.

 

Surprising rise in California entrepreneurs daring to start new businesses during pandemic

CalMatters

The pandemic and stay-at-home orders have forced thousands of financially dried up California businesses to shut down, but for Dan Zhao, they became the reason to start a new one.

 

Covid Wears On, Essential Workers Carry On: ‘Everybody Forgets That You’re Still on the Front Line’

Wall Street Journal

When the state shut down around her in March, 67-year-old Joyce Babineau, a supermarket employee in Dartmouth, Mass., was among the many workers who stayed on the job providing basic needs during the pandemic.

 

EDUCATION

 

K-12:

 

School employees across Central California receive vaccinations

abc30

School district employees across the Central Valley are starting to receive their COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Local law firm providing grants to Kern County students through education program

Bakersfield Californian

A local law firm is looking to help students in need of school supplies as the COVID-19 pandemic approaches the one year mark.

 

California governor and unions clash over school openings

Fresno Bee

An effort to reopen California schools is foundering, stoking frustrations across America’s most populous state from parents eager to get their children back in classrooms and a governor who wants them there.

See also:

 

California schools consider extending school year while mental health remains a concern

EdSource

As Covid-19 infection rates continue to delay the reopening of many schools across California, some education leaders have floated the idea of extending the school year to address learning loss among students at risk of falling behind. At the same time, concerns about mental health suggest longer may not necessarily be better.

 

California schools press ‘play’ on esports leagues during pandemic

EdSource

While traditional sports are on a time out at many schools, a growing number of districts have turned to organized video games to provide students the team sports experience they’re missing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Commentary: We’ve built schools for a modern economy - but they overlook the challenges of our modern democracy

Brookings

Among the tall stack of executive orders on President Joe Biden’s desk on his first day in office was one that revoked an executive action from his predecessor that established the 1776 Commission. Donald Trump created the 1776 Commission to enhance “patriotic education” by suggesting changes to how students learn American history and civics.

 

Higher Ed:

 

Fresno college students: How does the costs of textbooks and access codes affect you?

Fresno Bee

Students in the U.S. spent an average of $413 on required materials during the 2019-2020 academic year, according to the National Association of College Stores. About 28% of students didn’t buy at least one of their required materials, citing price as the biggest reason.

 

Measure J funds give Bakersfield College a face-lift

Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield College opened its Panorama Campus nearly 65 years ago. To help the campus gracefully age, the college asked voters to approve Measure J in 2016 to do everything from small changes that make buildings more accessible to important infrastructure changes to teardowns all around campus.

 

UC Merced generated $500M in one year for San Joaquin Valley economy, report shows

Merced Sun-Star

A report commissioned by UC Merced’s chancellor shows the university has generated thousands of jobs — and hundreds of millions of dollars — for the San Joaquin Valley’s economy.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

 

Environment:

 

Wildfire smoke may carry ‘mind-bending’ amounts of fungi and bacteria, scientists say

Los Angeles Times

When wildfires roar through a forest and bulldozers dig into the earth to stop advancing flames, they may be churning more into the air than just clouds of dust and smoke, scientists say.

 

Energy:

 

Local demand is helping California surpass renewable energy targets

UCLA Newsroom

In California, local demand for renewable energy is helping the state exceed its clean energy goals. Research by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation shows the growing impact of community choice aggregators, or CCAs, on energy procurement and illustrates the effects cleaner energy providers are having on the state’s power supply.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

 

Health:

 

As positivity rate drops, Fresno County sees nearly 100 deaths in one week

Fresno Bee

If current trends hold, Fresno County should hit 90,000 positive cases of coronavirus by midweek. The county reported more than 1,000 new cases over Saturday and Sunday for a total case count of 88,476 according to the latest figures posted Sunday by the California Department of Public Health.

See also:

 

Local hospitals seeing some progress in fight against COVID-19

abc30

Community Medical Centers is seeing signs of progress in the battle against COVID-19. More than 6,000 employees, providers, and vendors have now been vaccinated against the virus, and it appears to be making a significant impact.

 

U.S. Reaches Deal for At-Home Covid-19 Tests

Wall Street Journal

The Biden administration said it has reached a $230 million deal with Australian diagnostics company Ellume USA LLC to produce at-home, over-the-counter Covid-19 tests.

 

Three coronavirus variants are spreading in the US. Here’s what we know about them

Fresno Bee

As if the original coronavirus wasn’t enough to worry about, there are now three other variants of the pathogen circulating in the U.S. that appear to spread more easily and quickly between people.

See also:

 

Human Services:

 

Merced County pauses COVID-19 vaccinations due to dose shortage

abc30

The Merced County Department of Public Health has halted vaccination clinics this week due to a national shortage of COVID-19 vaccine doses. Health officials said all available doses would provide a second shot required to complete the vaccination process for those who have already received their first shot.

See also:

 

Biden administration ‘worried’ by limited racial data on vaccine distribution so far

Fresno Bee

The new CDC study showed that only 5.4 percent of Americans who received vaccines during the first month available were Black. African Americans make up roughly 13.4 percent of the U.S. population.

 

Where to find an N95 or high-filtration mask for Biden's 100-day challenge

CBS

The Biden administration has issued a mask mandate, requiring individuals to wear masks on federal property, and he's encouraging all Americans to wear them in public for 100 days.

See also:

 

IMMIGRATION

 

Hundreds deported under Biden, including witness to massacre

Fresno Bee

President Joe Biden's administration has deported hundreds of immigrants in its early days despite his campaign pledge to stop removing most people in the U.S. illegally at the beginning of his term.

 

Biden to Set Up Task Force to Reunite Families Separated at the Border

Wall Street Journal

President Biden plans to form a task force to reunite immigrant families separated at the southern border under the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy, one of several executive orders on immigration Mr. Biden is expected to sign Tuesday.

See also:

 

Biden Administration Asks Supreme Court to Cancel Arguments on Border Wall, Asylum Policy

Wall Street Journal

The Biden administration asked the Supreme Court on Monday to cancel coming oral arguments on two pillars of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policy, construction of a wall along the southern U.S. border and the “Remain in Mexico” program that barred U.S. entry to many asylum applicants while their cases were considered.

 

LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

New Surgery Center Coming to Clovis

Clovis RoundUp

On January 28, the City of Clovis Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit to build an ambulatory surgical center on the northwest corner of Magnolia and Herndon Avenues.

 

Camping reopens on CDFW lands, state-operated wildlife areas

Hanford Sentinel

With the recent lifting of the Regional Stay-at-Home Order in all parts of the state, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will once again allow overnight camping on department lands, state-operated wildlife areas and federal wildlife refuges where camping is permitted, effective immediately.

 

City clears the way to develop vacant lot at the corner of Baker and Kentucky into mixed-use affordable housing

Bakersfield Californian

The Bakersfield City Council cleared the way for the development of the long-vacant corner of Baker and Kentucky streets. The council approved a zone change, allowing the construction of a mixed-use affordable housing and commercial building development.

 

Housing:

 

A mixed bag of policy changes for renters and landlords

Fresno Bee

On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill which not only extends the state’s eviction protections through the end of June, but also establishes a plan for forgiving rent debt for landlords and renters.

 

What happens when all that rent comes due?

Los Angeles Times

Millions of Americans unable to pay their rent during the pandemic face a snowballing financial burden that threatens to deplete their savings, ruin their credit and drive them from their homes.

 

PUBLIC FINANCES

 

California state worker pay database updated with 2020 wages, overtime

Fresno Bee

The Sacramento Bee’s state worker pay database has been updated with data from 2020. Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature reduced most state workers’ pay halfway through the year, when projections showed a budget deficit of $54 billion due to anticipated economic effects of the coronavirus

 

Commentary: It’s time for California’s biggest corporations to pay their fair share

CalMatters

As a native Californian, I’ve seen how growing inequality can tear apart communities and drain our state’s economy of the vibrant middle class it once championed.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

A Conversation with New Assembly Transportation Chair Laura Friedman

StreetsBlog Cal

Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) recently talked to Bike Talk host Nick Richert and me, Melanie Curry, editor of Streetsblog California, about her new position as Senate Transportation Committee chair, and about her thoughts on furthering sustainable transportation in California.

 

CDC to Require Masks on All Forms of Public Transportation

Wall Street Journal

U.S. travelers and commuters will be required to wear masks on nearly all forms of public transportation and inside transportation hubs, according to a late Friday emergency order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Commentary: We’ll need to replace the gas tax in transition to ZEVs

CalMatters

California should reinvigorate effort to research and introduce a road users charge – in effect trading a gas tax for a fee on miles traveled.

 

WATER

 

Building Resilience for Cities and Farms with Water Partnerships

PPIC

California’s urban and agricultural regions face different but equally daunting water challenges. Partnerships can help build a more secure water future for cities and farms, bring environmental benefits, and improve resilience across California’s water system.

 

Commentary: Water Markets Can Reduce the Costs of Drought

PPIC

A just-launched commodity futures market for the state’s water provides a new tool for farmers, municipalities, and other interested parties to insure against water price shocks arising from drought-fueled shortages.

 

“Xtra”

 

Bethany Clough: This brewery in downtown Fresno is closing, another shutdown in a sector hit hard by COVID

Fresno Bee

Zack’s Brewing Co. in downtown Fresno is closing. The microbrewery in the big space on Fulton Street announced Monday on social media that it has made the “heartbreaking” decision to close.

 

Reservations again required to enter Yosemite National Park. Here’s why and how it works

Fresno Bee

Yosemite National Park announced Friday that it will require reservations to enter the park starting Feb. 8. The popular park in California reopened Monday after closing due to snow and wind damage from recent storms.

See also:

 

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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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