POLICY & POLITICS
California air board OKs crackdown on agricultural burning in San Joaquin Valley
Fresno Bee
Nearly two decades ago, California passed a law that was supposed to stop San Joaquin Valley farmers from burning fields and piles of tree limbs and vines — a practice that chokes the region with smoke and contributes to the Valley’s abysmal air quality.
See also:
● Air board tells San Joaquin Valley growers to phase out burns by 2025 CalMatters
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Over 1,000 doses to be handed out at COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday in Atwater Merced Sun-Star
● 'It’s kind of a State reset' | Amid vaccine rollout changes, Stanislaus keeping 'optimistic' abc10
● Stanislaus hospital cases stay under 100. Deaths at 944 Modesto Bee
Stockton Record
San Joaquin County is considering challenging the state's decision to hand over logistics of the county's vaccine distribution efforts to Blue Shield of California.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Coronavirus cases stay on downslope for Fresno, Valley after winter peaks Fresno Bee
● COVID rate drops, but still very high risk Madera Tribune
● Valley ag, advocacy groups tell Newsom that vaccines for farm labor a ‘moral imperative’ Fresno Bee
● Major push to get COVID vaccines for Fresno teachers begins Monday. 40,000 doses set aside Fresno Bee
● Valley ag, advocacy groups tell Newsom that vaccines for farm labor a ‘moral imperative’ Fresno Bee
● Vaccines opening to Ag, teachers, grocery, and restaurant workers Business Journal
Hazard pay for grocery workers? Fresno City Councilmember unveils plan for it
Fresno Bee
Fresno City Council President Luis Chavez will propose at the next council meeting an ordinance requiring grocery stores to pay its workers hazard pay for the coronavirus pandemic, a move that was met with lawsuits in other cities around the state.
Councilman urges Fresno schools to reopen. ‘This isn’t intended to be political pressure’
Fresno Bee
“This isn’t intended to be political pressure,” Councilmember Miguel Arias told The Bee’s Education Lab. “I’m not asking my colleagues to join me in doing this. I’m the only council member with kids in Fresno Unified and my kids have been online for over a year.”
See also:
● Editorial: Time is running out to get Fresno kids back to school in any ‘normal’ way. It’s time to act Fresno Bee
Fresno Tech Company Will Expand ‘Digital New Deal’ Job Training With New Funding
VPR
Bitwise Industries announced Wednesday it will use $50 million in public and private funding to build facilities and expand job training for tech workers in the Valley.
Did a Clovis council member offer prizes to voters for ballots? Questions linger
Fresno Bee
A Clovis City Council member’s social media post about an event this weekend may violate state elections code — and the Fresno County clerk has advised him against it.
TCSD reopens all elementary schools as COVID-19 cases decline
Visalia Times Delta
Tulare City School District in California reopened all of its elementary schools after COVID-19 cases declined.
Devin Nunes sued Twitter and an internet cow 2 years ago. Where do his 9 lawsuits stand now?
Fresno Bee
Rep. Devin Nunes two years ago embarked on a campaign to sue organizations he viewed as adversaries, taking them to court over alleged defamation and conspiracies against him. So far, he hasn’t had much success in court.
Ricchiuti selected for Leon S. Peters award
Business Journal
The Fresno Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipient of its 2021 Leon S. Peters Award. Vinci Petrosino Ricchiuti was selected for this year’s award for her philanthropic efforts to support the community.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health: 25 new coronavirus deaths, 295 new cases reported Thursday Bakersfield Californian
● COVID-19 vaccination sites open in Arvin, Rosamond and Wasco Bakersfield Californian
● Farm workers prove early challenge for Kern County vaccination efforts Bakersfield Californian
Kern DA's Office resists state's request for criminal charges in restaurant cases
Bakersfield Californian
In a county like Kern where it's not hard to find a restaurant or bar operating in apparent violation of California's 11-month-old pandemic health order, the agency responsible for coming down on offenders hasn't been shy about pursuing criminal charges.
New Aera CEO: Calls to ban in-state oil production 'a dangerous idea' for California
Bakersfield Californian
The new head of Bakersfield-based oil producer Aera Energy LLC on Thursday condemned growing calls to end California petroleum production, charging it as a "dangerous idea" that would cost jobs, tax revenue and energy independence without making needed progress against climate change.
Salas introduces bill to protect grid by lowering costs for smart home devices
Bakersfield Californian
Assemblymember Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield, has introduced a bill aimed at saving energy and reducing costs for ratepayers by helping low income families purchase smart home devices.
Will Kevin McCarthy’s cozying to Trump make him House speaker?
Los Angeles Times
The House minority leader’s trademark affability — he has a mental Rolodex of politicians’ favorite snacks, hometowns and kids’ names — and his abrupt pivot to become Trump’s most loyal ally in the House earned him the new president’s nickname, “My Kevin.”
State:
COVID Update:
● California COVID-19 death toll officially surpasses 50,000, most in the U.S. Fresno Bee
● Kaiser opens to 65-plus; California hits 8 million shots Sacramento Bee
● Gov. plans to allot 75,000 COVID-19 vaccines weekly to school employees throughout the state Bakersfield Californian
● Court upholds California’s COVID-19 workplace rules requiring testing, sick pay Modesto Bee
● Newsom vows changes after vaccine earmarked for hardest-hit communities improperly used by others Los Angeles Times
● Californians speak more than 200 languages. Not everybody gets the COVID facts they need Fresno Bee
● Who Gets A California Stimulus Check? When? Capital Public Radio
Map shows where recall Gavin Newsom signatures are coming from in California
abc7
The Recall Newsom campaign announced Thursday it has collected 1,825,000 signatures, surpassing the 1,497,709 threshold necessary.
See also:
· Fact check: Is the French Laundry lobbyist swaying Newsom’s stance on a proposed water plant? Sacramento Bee
California is offering stimulus checks to undocumented households. Here’s how to qualify
Sacramento Bee
In order to provide relief to immigrant communities financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic, California is making available stimulus checks to those who file taxes with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, also known as ITINs.
California Citizens Redistricting Commission
Today, the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) confirmed Interim Executive Director Álvaro E. Hernández as its permanent Executive Director. Mr. Hernandez becomes the first Latino to serve in this post in a state where 40% of the population is Latino. The announcement was made upon reconvening from a closed session.
Amendment would ban 'servitude' by California prison inmates
Bakersfield Californian
California relies on thousands of inmates to fight massive wildfires, churn out vehicle license plates, mop prison floors and myriad other tasks — all for wages that rarely top a few dollars a day.
PolicyWise Episode 14: Conversation With A Young Republican (Maddy Leg intern alum Blake Zante)
CAFwd
On this week’s PolicyWise episode, hosts Demetria Wack and Michael Wiafe have a conversation with a young Republican about the state of the party and its future.
California Wins Court Victory for Its Net Neutrality Law
New York Times
A federal judge on Tuesday cleared the way for California to enforce its net neutrality law, denying a request by telecommunications providers to delay state rules meant to ensure equal access to internet content.
9th Circuit eyes California ban on high-capacity magazines
AP News
A federal appeals court said Thursday that it will reconsider a three-judge court’s split ruling last year throwing out California’s ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines, a decision with potential impact in other states.
Opinion: We intend to change CA government and make it work for you
Modesto Bee
Who does your government work for? It’s a question that people of all political persuasions frequently answer in the same way: “Not me.” As members of the state Legislature, we can tell you firsthand that our government isn’t working for most Californians.
Op-Ed: Don’t be smug about Texas’ troubles. California isn’t prepared for disasters either
Los Angeles Times
The collapse of the power grid in Texas last week, and the cascading infrastructure failures that resulted from it, are stark examples of why a proactive government matters. A complete evaluation will surely show that, like most accidents and failures, many factors played a role, but it is already easy to see that the avoidance of government regulation contributed to the cold-weather chaos.
Federal:
Stimulus update: Where the COVID relief bill stands in Congress, what's next
abc30
The major order of business for President Joe Biden and Congress is to pass a $1.9 trillion Covid relief package before the round of unemployment benefits and other aid approved in December lapse, again leaving millions of Americans short of help.
See also:
● COVID-19 bill must drop minimum wage hike, arbiter decides Fresno Bee
● COVID-19 bill must lose $15 minimum wage hike, Senate parliamentarian rules Los Angeles Times
● Senate parliamentarian nixes minimum wage boost in aid package Roll Call
● Democrats Dealt Blow on Minimum-Wage Drive for Covid-19 Bill Wall Street Journal
● Senate Can't Vote On $15 Minimum Wage, Parliamentarian Rules NPR
● 'Plan B' for $15 minimum wage unveiled The Hill
● How far would $1,400 stimulus checks go? Struggling Americans and experts weigh in Fresno Bee
● Opinion: Why coronavirus relief for cities is not a ‘blue-state bailout’ Roll Call
Biden marks the 50 millionth coronavirus vaccination in the United States
Washington Post
President Biden commemorated the 50 millionth coronavirus vaccination in the United States with an event at the White House in which several people were vaccinated as Vice President Harris and Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious-disease expert, looked on.
Senate confirms former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as Energy secretary
Los Angeles Times
The vote was 64-35. Granholm, who served two terms as governor in a state dominated by the auto industry, will be a key player in Biden’s vision for a green economy as the United States fights to slow climate change.
Fact Check: Did Xavier Becerra sue a Catholic charity over contraceptives?
Fresno Bee
Republicans trying to sink California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s nomination to join President Joe Biden’s cabinet as health secretary are frequently citing California’s ongoing litigation involving the Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic nonprofit run by nuns.
Commentary: Merrick Garland, cannabis policy, and restorative justice
Brookings
During his confirmation hearing this week, attorney general nominee Merrick Garland spoke openly about his views on cannabis enforcement in the United States. Although he took a stand similar to his predecessor, William Barr, that low-level cannabis crimes would not be a priority of the Justice Department, Judge Garland went further, highlighting the inequities in the system and the socioeconomic effects of those law enforcement efforts.
F.C.C. Approves a $50 Monthly High-Speed Internet Subsidy
New York Times
The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved an emergency subsidy for low-income households to get high-speed internet, an effort to bridge the digital divide that has cut off many Americans from online communication during the pandemic.
See also:
● FCC to Provide Broadband Internet Discount to Offset Pandemic Income Loss Wall Street Journal
● Millions of low-income Americans to get up to $50 subsidies for their monthly Internet bills under newly finalized U.S. program Washington Post
House votes to expand legal safeguards for LGBTQ people
Los Angeles Times
The Democratic-led House passed a bill Thursday that would enshrine LGBTQ protections in the nation’s labor and civil rights laws, a top priority of President Biden, though the legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate.
See also:
● House Passes Equality Act Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: The Equality Act can become law — if Democrats will add religious exemptions Washington Post
It's All About Trump: CPAC Seems Poised To Ignore Republican Identity Crisis
VPR
When the annual Conservative Political Action Conference — CPAC for short — kicks off Thursday in Orlando, Fla., it might as well be called TPAC. That's because this year, it is all about Trump.
See also:
● Trump Is Out of Power, But in Control U.S. News
● Opinion: There’s nothing conservative about CPAC Washington Post
Some local GOP leaders fire up base with conspiracies, lies
AP News
A faction of local, county and state Republican officials is pushing lies, misinformation and conspiracy theories that echo those that helped inspire the violent U.S. Capitol siege…
See also:
· Will Kevin McCarthy’s cozying to Trump make him House speaker? Los Angeles Times
Chemerinsky: Voting rights cases before SCOTUS could have profound effects on future elections
ABAJournal
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in important cases concerning the meaning of the Voting Rights Act of 1965: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee and Arizona Republican Party v. Democratic National Committee. The cases involve Section 2 of the act, which prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color or language.
Other:
Opinion: Why We Must Rebuild Trust in Science
PEW
When the history of our current moment is written, science will be central to the story. In the crucible of 2020, did science rebuild the societal trust needed to defeat the coronavirus?
Wall Street Journal
Imagine if a pair of Donald Trump’s allies in Congress had sent a letter to cable company CEOs in 2017 blasting CNN and other progressive media outlets and asking why their content is still broadcast. Then imagine that a GOP-run committee in Congress staged a hearing on the societal menace of fake news and the need for government and business to rein in the hostile press.
Brookings
Two of 2020’s headline events—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its highly uneven impacts by race as well as the movement for racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s death—are spurring renewed interest in policies and practices that can advance racial equity.
Opinion: America is becoming more imperial than many empires were. That’s a mistake.
Washington Post
Congress began hearings this week on the security failures that led to the Capitol being invaded by an armed mob on Jan. 6. That’s appropriate and useful, but my fear is that these kinds of inquiries almost always end up adding more security procedures, putting up more barricades and making American government ever more imperial.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, February 28, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “State Legislative Response to the Pandemic” - Guest: State Sen. Andreas Borgeas; State Sen. Anna Caballero; Asm. Rudy Salas. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, February 28, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “State Legislative Agendas” - Guests: Asm. Heath Flora; Asm. Devon Mathis; State Sen. Anna Caballero; Asm. Rudy Salas. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
California air board OKs crackdown on agricultural burning in San Joaquin Valley
Fresno Bee
Nearly two decades ago, California passed a law that was supposed to stop San Joaquin Valley farmers from burning fields and piles of tree limbs and vines — a practice that chokes the region with smoke and contributes to the Valley’s abysmal air quality.
See also:
● Air board tells San Joaquin Valley growers to phase out burns by 2025 CalMatters
Extra CalFresh benefits available to help low-income families through June
abc30
Low-income families struggling to buy groceries can get more help from the CalFresh program this year. Since the start of the pandemic, officials say they've seen a significant increase in the number of applications from families in need of assistance.
Fresno EOC Launches Art Contest for Rural Food Express Bus
Fresno EOC
Fresno EOC Food Services is encouraging youth up to age 18 to participate in an art contest, which runs from March 1 until March 31. Participants are asked to create their own ‘healthy food superheroes,’ with the purpose of featuring six winners on the Rural Food Express Bus.
California marijuana firms face more state tax audits, millions of dollars in unpaid taxes
Marijuana Business Daily
Three years after the launch of California’s legal marijuana market, cannabis tax experts warn the industry should expect state regulators to ramp up tax enforcement, noting that several audits of MJ businesses are already underway.
Dead Chickens, Frozen Oranges Confront Farmers in South After Severe Cold
Wall Street Journal
Severe winter conditions across the U.S. south this month left hundreds of thousands of chickens dead and froze groves of fruit, pushing the episode’s estimated cost to farmers and agriculture companies into the hundreds of millions of dollars, industry officials said.
U.S. Farmers Are Planting More Row Crops Than Ever
Wall Street Journal
U.S. farmers are expected to plant a record amount of acres this year to take advantage of high agricultural prices after years of tough market conditions.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Fresno police stop Black drivers more often. Chief says it’s not racist, others disagree
Fresno Bee
Black drivers in Fresno are stopped by police around twice the rate of white and Hispanic drivers, according to a Fresno Bee analysis of police department data from the first half of 2020.
Why unemployment-benefits fraud victims are getting tax bills
abc30
He's among the untold number of Americans dealing with additional fallout from unemployment benefits scams, which could total at least $63 billion, according to the US Department of Labor.
California Supreme Court upholds ban on charging teens under 16 as adults
Mercury News
The California Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a state law barring children younger than 16 from being charged as adults, rejecting arguments that it unconstitutionally revoked judges’ authority to decide in which court to charge a youth offender.
See also:
● Teens younger than 16 may not be tried as adults, California high court rules Los Angeles Times
● 14- and 15-year-olds can't be tried in adult court, California Supreme Court rules San Francisco Chronicle
As fractures emerge among Proud Boys, experts warn of a shift toward extremist violence
Washington Post
Experts who study far-right organizations warn that as members distance themselves from the group, the Proud Boys could metastasize into an increasingly violent organization led by those who have long jockeyed for control.
‘Nobody came, nobody helped’: Fears of anti-Asian violence rattle the community
Washington Post
Data is scant, but at least two U.S. cities logged an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans in 2020.
Hackers Seized on the Pandemic. Some States Are Fighting Back.
PEW
Rocked by the massive SolarWinds hack, unemployment system breaches and other attacks, several states are trying to bolster their cybersecurity in the midst of the public health crisis.
See also:
● Covid-19 Fraudsters Keep Targeting Jobless Claims. What Does It Mean for Workers and the Data? Wall Street Journal
Public Safety:
Lessons From Kings County Prison Where COVID-19 ‘Spread Like Wildfire’
VPR
Inmates interviewed by Valley Public Radio said physical distancing was nearly impossible, and constant moves in and out of quarantine were confusing and disruptive.
See also:
· 40% of California prison inmates have received 1st dose of COVID vaccine abc30
· Jail Lockup Tied to Early Death in U.S. Counties U.S. News
Editorial: Treating mentally ill accused felons will save money and prevent new crimes
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles County jail is filled with hundreds of inmates accused of crimes but too mentally ill to understand the charges against them or assist in their own defense. Being incompetent to stand trial, they burn through county taxpayers’ money as they wait in jail.
California DOJ says it can’t deliver on police shooting reviews without more funds
Fresno Bee
The state Department of Justice says it still doesn’t have enough money or agents to fulfill a new law requiring it to investigate deadly shootings by California cops. In his 2021-2022 January budget proposal, Gov. Gavin Newsom set aside $13 million to establish three units of state prosecutors and staff — one team each in the northern, central and southern parts of California — to review these incidents.
California state law enforcement union misspent dues on politics, anti-union group alleges
Sacramento Bee
An extensive complaint filed by the anti-union Freedom Foundation says the California State Law Enforcement Association has spent more than $100 per member on politics each year, which should have triggered reporting requirements that the union didn’t follow.
Homeland Security Refocuses Grants Towards Fighting Domestic Extremism
Wall Street Journal
The Department of Homeland Security for the first time is refocusing some of its grant programs toward fighting domestic violent extremism, a priority under the Biden administration.
Fire:
Burning California to save it: Why one solution to raging wildfires can’t gain traction
Fresno Bee
On a crisp, breezy February morning near Lake Tahoe, a crew of five firefighters descended on a snow-covered, heavily-forested park straddling the California-Nevada border. They came to start fires, not put them out.
The Catastrophic Cost Of Not Investing In California’s Forests
CA Fwd
California experienced a record-breaking wildfire season last year, making it more critical than ever that the state shift its focus from being reactive to proactively reducing risks and restoring the state’s forests, watersheds, working landscapes and ecosystems.
City of Clovis Hosts Groundbreaking for New Fire Station
Clovis Roundup
On February 24, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station 6 took place at Encino and Loma Vista Avenues in Clovis. The new Fire Station 6 will serve the growing Loma Vista community.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
‘I don’t run.’ How a Black-owned business is thriving in Clovis after hate crime
Fresno Bee
For a moment immediately after finding her business in Clovis had been racially targeted and vandalized, Chanel Wapner stared at the N words that had been spray painted inside her store.
Public CEO
A 23% decline in revenue from fuel sales, brick and mortar retail and restaurants primarily contributed to a statewide decline in Q3.
The Pandemic Has Been a Windfall for Billionaires
U.S. News
Millions of service industry workers, are struggling to pay rent or make ends meet even with more than $3 trillion in coronavirus relief from Washington. At the same time, homeowners and holders of financial assets like stocks have seen their holdings increase in value at record rates.
Opinion: The Unnecessary State Covid Bailout
Wall Street Journal
Democrats in Congress are planning to ladle out another $350 billion to state and local governments, though many haven’t finished spending their Cares Act checks and some are running budget surpluses. This is income redistribution for public unions.
Commentary: New research on the Paycheck Protection Program
AEI
Figuring out the effects this program had on employment, worker-firm attachment, and the financial health and continuity of small businesses is a critically important task for economists.
Commentary: How a $15 minimum wage could help restaurants and other hard-hit small businesses
Brookings
A funny thing happened on the Senate floor in the wee hours of February 5. As senators worked through a series of amendments in the “vote-a-rama” to advance President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion rescue package, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) moved to strike any provision raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour this year. And none other than progressive lion Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) rose to agree.
Jobs:
Fresno Tech Company Will Expand ‘Digital New Deal’ Job Training With New Funding
VPR
Bitwise Industries announced Wednesday it will use $50 million in public and private funding to build facilities and expand job training for tech workers in the Valley.
Costco raises its minimum wage above rivals like Amazon, Target and Best Buy
abc30
Costco will raise its starting rate for hourly store workers in the United States to $16 an hour, putting its starting wage above rivals such as Amazon, Target and Best Buy.
California’s unemployment crisis, explained
CalMatters
But what, exactly, went wrong? And what does all the talk about fraud have to do with ordinary people stuck waiting for unemployment money? Most importantly, what are the prospects for getting workers help as the pandemic drags on?
'Plan B' for $15 minimum wage unveiled
The Hill
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) on Friday announced Democrats’ “Plan B” to raise the minimum wage after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that an earlier proposal from House Democrats to raise the federal minimum wage $15 an hour did not meet special budgetary rules.
U.S. Unemployment Claims Fell Sharply Last Week
Wall Street Journal
The jobs market appears to be returning to growth, with new applications for unemployment benefits falling to the lowest level since November amid other signs hiring is picking up.
See also:
● COVID economy: California unemployment claims drop by big amount Mercury News
EDUCATION
K-12:
Governor’s vaccine plan aims to reopen California classrooms
Fresno Bee
California released a new plan Thursday outlining how the state will allocate vaccines to education workers as Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to push to reopen more schools to in-person instruction.
See also:
● Major push to get COVID vaccines for Fresno teachers begins Monday. 40,000 doses set aside Fresno Bee
● Vaccine updates: California teachers, education workers to get codes for appointments Desert Sun
● Biden pushes full-time school, but districts are cautious after CDC weighs in Washington Post
Now Is Time To Help Students Learning English As A Second Language, Experts Say
Capital Public Radio
Luther Burbank High School senior Emili Carrillo is finding ways to learn English — but lately, school isn’t making that easy. The 17-year-old moved from Mexico nearly four years ago with her dad, and works part-time as a cashier at a grocery store.
Despite concerns over increasing student stress, standardized testing to go on with some limits
Los Angeles Times
Despite deep concerns over elevating student stress just as children are returning to school, standardized testing will take place this spring for about 4.3 million California students.
See also:
● California moves ahead to pursue flexibility waivers for standardized tests this year EdSource
Who has the power to reopen California classrooms?
CalMatters
Increasingly exasperated that most public schools remain closed even as coronavirus cases plummet nearly a year into the pandemic, California parents are taking to the streets. They’re protesting in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley.
California educators pay a wage penalty for working with younger children, report shows
EdSource
Even before the pandemic pushed the early childhood sector into crisis, California educators were paying a wage penalty for working with younger children, according to a new report from the University of California at Berkeley.
Higher Ed:
BC hosting orientation for those interested health-science career field
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield College is hosting a Health Science Pathways Virtual Orientation for those interested in a career in the respective field. The orientation is scheduled for Feb. 25 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
United Nations: Countries’ pledges to cut emissions are far too meager to halt climate change
Washington Post
Pledges made by so far by countries around the globe to cut greenhouse gas emissions fall strikingly short of the profound changes necessary to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, the United Nations said Friday.
A third of all food in the U.S. gets wasted. Fixing that could help fight climate change.
Washington Post
The carbon footprint of U.S. food waste is greater than that of the airline industry. Globally, wasted food accounts for about 8 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental consequences of producing food that no one eats are massive.
Chevron launches $300 million fund to focus on low-carbon technology
Reuters
Chevron Corp on Thursday said it had launched a $300 million fund focused on low-carbon technology, as traditional global oil and gas firms attempt to invest more in green energy and tackle climate change.
Extinction: Freshwater fish in 'catastrophic' decline
BBC
Conservation groups said 80 species were known to have gone extinct, 16 in the last year alone. Millions of people rely on freshwater fish for food and as a source of income through angling and the pet trade.
Energy:
New Aera CEO: Calls to ban in-state oil production 'a dangerous idea' for California
Bakersfield Californian
The new head of Bakersfield-based oil producer Aera Energy LLC on Thursday condemned growing calls to end California petroleum production, charging it as a "dangerous idea" that would cost jobs, tax revenue and energy independence without making needed progress against climate change.
Senate confirms former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as Energy secretary
Los Angeles Times
The vote was 64-35. Granholm, who served two terms as governor in a state dominated by the auto industry, will be a key player in Biden’s vision for a green economy as the United States fights to slow climate change.
Will California’s desert be transformed into Lithium Valley?
CalMatters
On the edge of the Salton Sea, state officials and investors are seeking to turn brine into ‘white gold’ that can power electric cars. But will this help solve the Imperial Valley’s troubles — or add to them?
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Yes, you still breathe in oxygen while wearing a COVID face mask, study shows
Fresno Bee
The study done by University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland shows the risk of abnormal oxygen or carbon dioxide levels while wearing a mask is “near zero.”
Are indoor workouts COVID safe? Nearly 70% of people in one class got sick, CDC says
Fresno Bee
New reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have some worrying findings for people itching to go back to the gym amid the coronavirus pandemic — especially if proper precautions to slow transmission aren’t taken.
See also:
● COVID outbreaks tied to maskless gym workouts, CDC reports say Mercury News
Researcher predicts ‘normal Thanksgiving’ even as new California COVID-19 strain spreads
Sacramento Bee
A California variant of the new coronavirus already has emerged and played a key role in the fall surge of COVID-19 infections around the state, but a leader of the Cedars-Sinai team that first observed the viral mutation said he believes Californians will “have a normal Thanksgiving holiday in 2021.”
Sex, travel, peace of mind. How life is changing for some of the fully vaccinated
Los Angeles Times
These three Californians — along with more than 5.5 million others in the state who have received at least one vaccine dose — are entering the pandemic’s post-inoculation world...
Facebook posts blaming Biden for insulin prices miss the mark
PolitiFact
Soon after President Joe Biden took office, social media users accused the new president of hiking insulin prices for people with diabetes.
Opinion: When will the pandemic end?
AEI
If those assumptions hold, then, using reasonable assumptions, 50 percent of the country could be protected from COVID-19 by mid-May and 75 percent by mid-June.
Human Services:
Californians speak more than 200 languages. Not everybody gets the COVID facts they need
Fresno Bee
But nearly a year into the pandemic, that distinction continues to complicate attempts by state officials to disseminate critical information to all Californians. So far, the state provides materials in 18 languages and 10 indigenous dialects spoken in Latin America.
Major push to get COVID vaccines for Fresno teachers begins Monday. 40,000 doses set aside
Fresno Bee
Teachers in Fresno County will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, according to an email the Fresno Unified School District sent to its staff.
See also:
· Valley counties ramp up vaccine rollout with new state vaccine sites, pharmacy partnerships abc30
· J&J Single-Dose Covid-19 Vaccine Is Effective Across Demographic Groups, FDA Scientists Say Wall Street Journal
· ‘We had the Cadillac’: San Joaquin County looking to challenge Blue Shield takeover of state COVID-19 vaccine distribution Stockton Record
· To Speed Up Vaccine Distribution, Improve Broadband Access among Seniors Public Policy Institute of California
· Fauci: Whatever vaccine is available, take it Fresno Bee
IMMIGRATION
Biden Reopens Gateway For Green Cards And Work Visas, Reversing Trump COVID-19 Freeze
VPR
President Biden on Wednesday revoked a freeze that his predecessor had put on many types of visas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the order did not advance U.S. interests and hurt industries and individuals alike.
First migrant facility for children opens under Biden
Washington Post
Dozens of migrant teens boarded vans Monday for the trip down a dusty road to a former man camp for oil field workers here, the first migrant child facility opened under the Biden administration.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Regions-Up Housing Agenda Identifies Evidence-Based Opportunities To Ease State’s Housing Crisis
CA Fwd
Released today by California Forward (CA FWD) with support from Wells Fargo, “Regions Build Together – A Housing Agenda for All California,” provides a regions-up housing agenda consisting of 14 practical actions that can relieve the state’s persistent housing crisis.
For These Retirees, Short-Term Rental Bans Aren’t Just a Perk—They’re a Must
Wall Street Journal
When Wes Swenson sold his data center company in 2017, he was able to buy the retirement homes of his dreams in Utah. He purchased a $1.5 million house in Woodland Hills and a $1.2 million house in St. George.
Opinion: Increasing California’s housing supply will require three major steps
OC Register
As California struggles to emerge from the economic and social malaise brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, our elected leaders will need to place a renewed focus on a variety of pressing issues, many of which existed long before the outbreak.
PUBLIC FINANCES
How far would $1,400 stimulus checks go? Struggling Americans and experts weigh in
Fresno Bee
A Money/Morning Consult survey conducted in late January found 68% of Americans said they need another stimulus check and 39% said they need one “a lot” to get by.
abc30
The IRS announced that all first and second stimulus payments have been issued. If you're still waiting on a payment, chances are this isn't the news you want to hear.
Man has to pay $3,000 in surprise taxes after EDD withholding mistake
abc7
Some barely making ends meet during this pandemic will have a bigger tax burden than expected. And it's potentially happening to millions.
Who Gets A California Stimulus Check? When?
Capital Public Radio
California will soon be sending out $600 one-time stimulus payments to millions of low-income California households, with extra help for undocumented workers left out of the federal government’s pandemic relief.
TRANSPORTATION
Watchdog Faults FAA For 'Significant Misunderstanding' Of Flight System
VPR
The Federal Aviation Administration must address "weaknesses" in its oversight of Boeing that led the agency to miss flaws that contributed to two deadly crashes involving the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, a federal watchdog has found.
Boeing is fined $6.6 million; it failed to comply on safety agreement, FAA says
Los Angeles Times
Boeing Co. has agreed to pay $6.6 million in penalties after U.S. regulators said the plane maker failed to comply with a 2015 agreement to improve its safety processes.
WATER
Westside farmers get 5% initial water allocation
Hanford Sentinel
The Bureau of Reclamation announced Tuesday the initial 2021 water supply allocation for Central Valley Project contractors, and west side farmers will receive the lowest initial amount since 2015.
See also:
● CVP's initial water allocation at 20 percent for Class 1 Porterville Recorder
“Xtra”
Fresno Bee
The liquidation sale at Sears in Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis is in full swing. As The Bee first reported several weeks ago, the store is one of 13 closing across California and the nation.