17Jan

POLICY & POLITICS

Deadline February 28 for Two $56,000 Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowships

The Maddy Institute

Through the generosity of The Wonderful Company, San Joaquin Valley students will have the opportunity to become the next generation of Valley leaders through The Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship. This program helps students obtain an advanced degree from a top graduate program, return home, and apply what they have learned to help make the Valley a better place.

North SJ Valley:

SJ supervisors blast plans to move Delta tunnel project forward

Stockton Record

Response to Wednesday’s action by the California Department of Water Resources to initiate an environmental impact report for a tunnel project in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta was not popular with the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.

● California moves toward single water tunnel under delta San Francisco Chronicle

● California governor restarts giant water tunnel project Associated Press

‘The dam must be moved.’ Speakers cite flood risk in opposing Stanislaus reservoir project

Modesto Bee

People commenting on an environmental study for a proposed dam near Patterson urged water districts to scrap the plan or build the dam someplace else.

Average rent hits a new high in Modesto. Study charts the changes over a decade

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County residents watched the average rent for apartments rise by more than 60 percent since 2012. A study by the RentCafe service charted the changes in the rental market over the past decade.

How did the shopping cart recovery operation go? Modesto police release numbers

Modesto Bee

In a daylong operation Wednesday, officers recovered 137 shopping carts that were abandoned or possessed illegally, the Modesto Police Department reported Thursday.

Candidates forum 2020: Stanislaus Board of Supervisors, District 1

Modesto Bee

Buck Condit, Stanislaus Consolidated Fire captain, Mike Van Winkle, Waterford mayor and Bill Zoslocki, Modesto City Council speak with the Modesto Bee Editorial Board.

Central SJ Valley:

Giuliani aide links Devin Nunes to Trump’s Ukraine effort: ‘He knows who I am’

Fresno Bee

Rep. Devin Nunes on Wednesday publicly acknowledged for the first time that he spoke with Lev Parnas, an indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani who allegedly helped carry out President Donald Trump’s campaign to pressure the Ukrainian government for investigations that would benefit Trump’s re-election.

● Nunes now remembers ‘odd’ call with Lev Parnas Visalia Times Delta

● Giuliani associate Lev Parnas says Trump had direct knowledge of Ukraine pressure Los Angeles Times

● Democratic lawmaker says Nunes threatened to sue him over criticism The Hill

‘Proud immigrant’ takes job as Fresno City Council President

Vida en el valle

Miguel Arias – who recalls hiding from the Border Patrol behind “the corn stalks behind the canal embankment” as a child growing up in Mendota – assumed the not-so-symbolic position as Fresno City Council President on Thursday.

Leave your guns at home. Fresno bans public from having legal firearms at City Hall

Fresno Bee

During a contentious meeting Thursday, the Fresno City Council banned anyone other than a member of law enforcement from legally carrying a gun into City Hall.

Fresno starts inspecting neglected motels to improve housing conditions

CalMatters

For many residents on the verge of homelessness, Fresno's motels are their last chance at housing. A new ordinance focuses on inspecting the oldest and most run-down properties.

$408 million Clovis Unified bond on March ballot

abc30

Clovis residents will see a new bond measure on the ballot this March. It's asking for hundreds of millions of dollars to help grow and maintain the Clovis Unified School District.

After a year of uncertainty, Fresno may be just months away from weed shops

Fresno Bee

The Fresno City Council adopted the latest revisions to its cannabis ordinance without debate on Thursday with a 5-2 vote. The previous version was vetoed by Mayor Lee Brand, but five votes is enough to make the new version veto-proof.

County to consider industrial hemp ordinance

Visalia Times Delta

Central Valley farmers gathered this week at the International Agri-Center to learn about the hemp craze that is sweeping the state and country but remains forbidden in Tulare County.

Assembly Public Safety Committee Approves ‘Gavin’s Law’ Bill

Clovis RoundUp

The California Assembly Public Safety Committee approved a bill Jan. 14 named after Clovis Unified Vice Principal Gavin Gladding, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in September 2018.

Fresno County officials accused of stealing $250,000 worth of property from the dead

abc30

State investigators say employees at the Fresno County Public Administrator's office carried out a scheme to steal from the dead. It's estimated a quarter of a million dollars worth of property was taken over a five-year period. The alleged mastermind - Noe Jimenez - has already pleaded to the crime and a sentence of 6 years in prison.

South SJ Valley:

Lawsuit claims TJ Cox owes investors money, but campaign points to opponent David Valadao's own financial history

Bakersfield Californian

The campaign to reelect U.S. Rep. TJ Cox has responded strongly to a lawsuit filed against the congressman in Fresno County Superior Court

Rental affordability slips in Bakersfield as buying remains largely within reach

Bakersfield Californian

Buying a home remains relatively affordable in Bakersfield, but renting an apartment in the city just got less so. A new national ranking put Bakersfield second on a list of small metropolitan areas with the highest rent increases during the last three months of 2019. Property-management software firm RealPage Inc. says Bakersfield rents rose by 7.5 percent, almost triple the nationwide mark of 2.8 percent.

Mcfarland to give a $20,000 bonus to police officers to help retain them

KGET
Dozens of people packed the Mcfarland city council meeting this evening as city officials talked about how to get Mcfarland back in the black. It was a full house, standing room only with some having to listen in from the outside. The hot topic: public safety, due to the shortage of police officers patrolling the streets.

Camarena is Lindsay’s interim City Manager, Espinoza interim City Clerk

Porterville Recorder

With a concise agenda for the first meeting of the year, the Lindsay City Council had a quick yet productive meeting on Tuesday evening, despite the absence of Council member Roseana Sanchez. The two biggest topics of discussion revolved around the appointment of two individuals to different city staff positions.

Opinion: Kern's final groundwater plan approved

Bakersfield Californian

After months of fireworks over lowball pumping numbers and concerns that some groundwater agencies wouldn’t get on board, Kern’s last groundwater sustainability plan was approved Wednesday with barely a murmur.

Deputy Stockton city manager to take top post in Bakersfield

Stockton Record

Christian Clegg, deputy city manager of Stockton, has reportedly been selected as city manager of Bakersfield, that city is expected to announce Friday.

Court settlement reached in Supervisor Perez case

Bakersfield Californian

A court settlement has been reached in the misdemeanor case against Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez regarding alleged financial conflicts of interest in her role as supervisor, ending an 18-month ordeal for Perez.

State:

Newsom Budget Points to a Regional, Inclusive Way Forward

CA Fwd

With his latest proposal, Governor Newsom has placed the leverage of the state budget behind many priorities of the California Economic Summit and its regional, interconnected approach to solving the state’s complex challenges.

See also:

● Briefing on the Governor’s Proposed 2020-21 State Budget California Budget & Policy Center

Newsom shares more of his $1 billion plans

Visalia Times Delta

California Gov. Gavin Newsom ended his weeklong trip across the state in a city that has been hit harder by the homelessness crisis than any other: Oakland. He toured a site with more than a dozen FEMA trailers, now owned by the state, that soon will serve as temporary emergency housing for displaced locals.

● Gov. Newsom previews plan to use 100 FEMA trailers for emergency homeless shelters across California Visalia Times Delta

● Is California Governor Gavin Newsom Serious about Homelessness? National Review

California is behind on its 2030 climate goals. What’s at stake if it doesn’t catch up?

Santa Cruz Sentinel

California has done surprisingly well over the past decade meeting many of its big climate change goals, even as its economy has steadily grown. But now, as Australia burns, global temperatures continue to rise, and the Trump administration prepares to take the final steps this year to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, California is falling short of where it needs to be to hit its more ambitious 2030 targets, according to a new report released Thursday.

Federal judge threatens to force PG&E to hire more tree trimmers

Press Democrat

A federal judge on Thursday threatened to force Pacific Gas & Electric to hire more tree trimmers to reduce the chances of its electrical grid igniting fires in Northern California and adhere to a requirement imposed after the utility's natural gas lines blew up a neighborhood a decade ago.

● Judge threatens to force PG&E to hire more tree trimmers Associated Press

California Supreme Court Oral Argument: Whether a Settling Employee is an “Aggrieved Employee” for Purposes of the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)

National Law Review

In Kim v. Reins International California, Inc. 18 Cal.App.5th 1052 (2017), the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District held an employee-plaintiff that settled and dismissed his individual claims was no longer an “aggrieved employee” for purposes of standing to bring a claim for civil penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”).

‘This will be controversial’: Newsom wants to cut California probation time

Fresno Bee

Felony and misdemeanor probation terms for criminals in California could be cut under a plan Governor Gavin Newsom announced to shift money to supportive, anti-recidivism services. He says it will reduce crime.

See also:

 Commentary: Rethinking Reentry AEI

Prop 47 Criminal Justice Reform Projected to Save State Over $122 Million

KQED
Five years after California voters embraced a ballot measure aimed at sending fewer people to prison and investing more in victims services, schools and treatment programs, Proposition 47 is projected to save a record $122.5 million next fiscal year by keeping 4,569 inmates out of state prisons.

Republican Central California DA quits state association

San Francisco Chronicle

A Republican Central California district attorney made a surprising decision last week to quit the California District Attorneys Association — whose president is Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley — while calling the group “out of touch” in its positions opposing statewide criminal justice reforms.

Commentary: California Public Records Act

CALMatters

I was surprised your publication repeated Adam Andrzejewski’s erroneous and misleading opinion piece without checking the facts. As a strong advocate for transparency, I publish government employee payroll data as well as revenues and expenditures for hundreds of public agencies large and small. My team responds to all Public Record Act requests. When an inquiry is ambiguous, they reach out for clarification.

California, 13 other states sue to stop Trump’s food stamp cuts

CalMatters

Adults would no longer receive grocery money under the Trump administration rule if they aren't working 20 or more hours per week. In California, about 400,000 would be affected in the first year.

Federal:

Growers applaud Senate approval of trade deal

Visalia Times Delta

Tulare County growers are applauding the Senate's approval of a revamped trade agreement with Mexico and Canada that leaders say will benefit farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses throughout the Central Valley.

● USMCA Passes Senate, Awaits President Trump’s Signature CalChamber

● Opinion: Trump’s weak trade deal with China completely ignores the big picture Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: Trump’s China trade deal won’t give U.S. consumers much of a break San Francisco Chronicle

Trump plans to nominate Shelton, Waller to Federal Reserve board

Fresno Bee

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Judy Shelton and Christopher Waller to join the Federal Reserve, the White House said on Thursday.

Black Americans deeply pessimistic about country under Trump, whom more than 8 in 10 describe as ‘a racist,’ Post-Ipsos poll finds

Washington Post

President Trump made a stark appeal to black Americans during the 2016 election when he asked, “What have you got to lose?” Three years later, black Americans have rendered their verdict on his presidency with a deeply pessimistic assessment of their place in the United States under a leader seen by an overwhelming majority as racist.

Elections 2020:

FBI plans to notify states about local election breaches

Fresno Bee

The FBI, in a change of policy, is committing to inform state officials if local election systems have been breached, federal officials said Thursday.

Devin Nunes is waist-deep in Trump’s impeachment mess. But do Fresno voters care?

Fresno Bee

The more we learn about the Ukrainian-military-aid-for-political-dirt scandal enveloping Rudy Guliani, personal attorney to President Trump, the worse it looks for Devin Nunes. Rather than participate in impeachment hearings, as Nunes did in November as ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, our congressman should be the one on the witness stand answering questions, under oath, about his exact role.

Your guide to the 2020 California Primary

CalMatters

Long viewed as a cash-rich afterthought on the presidential campaign trail, the country’s largest state will finally have an early say in who will win each political party’s presidential nomination — and by extension, who will occupy the White House come January 2021.

The races to watch: California Senate primary

CalMatters

California Democrats hit an apex in 2018 when they won three-quarters of seats in the state Assembly and Senate. Two years later, Republicans aim to reverse that trend. But in a state trending ever bluer — and in a presidential election year sure to generate high turnout — Democrats could push their high water-mark even higher.

The races to watch: California Assembly primary

CalMatters

The races to watch: California Congressional primary

CalMatters

Everyone likes a good rematch. The “blue wave” that washed over the county in November 2018, flipping 41 congressional seats to the Democrats, crashed with particular force in California. The state’s Republican caucus in Washington lost half of its delegation — a measly 14 of 53 reduced to a measlier seven.

An earlier say: Race to the White House runs through California

CalMatters

Sick of bringing up the rear of the national primary schedule, California bumped up its Election Day to March 3. Now, after Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina, the nation’s largest state will have an early say about who will be occupying the Oval Office come January 2021.

Commentary: Change in Priorities for California Voters

Fox & Hounds

The new Public Policy Institute of California poll shows a continuing trend in voters moving their top priority in state spending from K-12 education to health and human services. The homelessness issue is undoubtedly fueling that movement.

The Bloomberg Effect: Huge Spending Transforms 2020 Campaign Dynamics

Wall Street Journal

The presidential election is 10 months away, but Michael Bloomberg’s long-shot campaign is running like it’s already late October. The candidate has spent $217 million so far on television and digital advertising, mostly ignoring the Democratic primaries and squarely challenging President Trump. The total is roughly three-quarters of the amount spent by all other campaigns, including Mr. Trump’s, combined.

Commentary: Will Iowa decide the Democratic nomination?

AEI

With Cory Booker’s exit, the Democratic field has lost another minority candidate, and revived the arguments — pressed by Julián Castro before his own exit from the race — that the whiteness of the Iowa electorate explains the increasing whiteness of the Democratic field.

Other:

Who is right about political ads, Twitter or Facebook?

Columbia Journalism Review

As the 2020 federal election draws closer, the issue of online political advertising is becoming more important, and the differences in how the platforms are approaching it more obvious. Twitter has chosen to ban political advertising, but questions remain about how it plans to define that term, and whether banning ads will do more harm than good.

See also:

 Nancy Pelosi rips Facebook: ‘Their behavior is shameful’ San Francisco Chronicle

California's oldest weekly newspaper saved

abc10

Deep within the Feather River Canyon, hidden in California's least populated county and 20 miles from the nearest reliable cell phone signal, is a smoke-filled newsroom in the mountain town of Downieville. It's home to a small but well-informed community, and that's because Downieville is also home to California's oldest weekly newspaper, the Mountain Messenger.

Visalia to host sister event to 2020 Women’s March

Visalia Times Delta

Organizers are expecting a smaller crowd than past years for Visalia Women Rising 2020, a sister event to the fourth annual Women's March in Washington.

See also:

● Women's March Kern County to happen Saturday in Bakersfield Bakersfield Californian

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Growers applaud Senate approval of trade deal

Visalia Times Delta

● USMCA Passes Senate, Awaits President Trump’s Signature CalChamber

● Opinion: Trump’s weak trade deal with China completely ignores the big picture Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: Trump’s China trade deal won’t give U.S. consumers much of a break San Francisco Chronicle

California, 13 other states sue to stop Trump’s food stamp cuts

Fresno Bee

Fourteen states, including California, filed suit Thursday against the Trump administration to block a rule that would eliminate food stamps for an estimated 688,000 Americans.

● Two Cases of Norovirus Confirmed at Yosemite Sierra News

Farmers Received $22 Billion In Subsidies In 2019 – Here’s Why Some Economists Are Concerned

VPR
Farmers across the country have had a tough few years, between drought and climate change, evolving regulations, and of course, tariffs due to the Trump administration’s escalating trade war abroad. In one big way, however, 2019 was a good year for agriculture: Farmers received their largest subsidies in over a decade.

After a year of uncertainty, Fresno may be just months away from weed shops

Fresno Bee

County to consider industrial hemp ordinance

Visalia Times Delta

Central Valley farmers gathered this week at the International Agri-Center to learn about the hemp craze that is sweeping the state and country but remains forbidden in Tulare County.

New California-based marijuana strains drew a line around the block in Baltimore. Could more be coming?

The Baltimore Sun

The line stretched down the block and across the street. Some die-hard fans said they had even camped out overnight. But the crowd of more than 100 people on Key Highway in Baltimore over the weekend weren’t hoping for a chance at coveted concert tickets or a limited-edition sneaker release.

Lawmakers press Trump officials to change federal marijuana rules

The Hill

House lawmakers are growing increasingly frustrated with restrictions on federal marijuana research and are putting pressure on regulators to change the rules. While 33 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, federal research is extremely restricted.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

‘This will be controversial’: Newsom wants to cut California probation time

Fresno Bee

See also:

 Commentary: Rethinking Reentry AEI

Central California DA quits state association over its opposition to criminal justice reforms

San Francisco Chronicle

Prop 47 Criminal Justice Reform Projected to Save State Over $122 Million

They allege abuse decades ago in Boy Scouts. Now they’re suing, thanks to new California law

Fresno Bee

Now, a new California law allows survivors of sexual abuse a new avenue to seek justice. Assembly Bill 218, known as the Child Victims Act, signed into law last year, provides a three-year “look-back window” starting this month in which sexual abuse claims that have since passed the statute of limitations can be pursued.

30 drive-by shootings: Tulare sheriff, feds make 25 arrests targeting Norteño gang

Fresno Bee

Twenty-five alleged Norteño gang members are in custody after 300 officers served dozens of warrants Thursday targeting the gang in Tulare County in response to 30 drive-by shootings, including one of an 8-year-old girl.

See also:

● Norteño Gang dismantled in Operation Stray Bullet Visalia Times Delta

How did the shopping cart recovery operation go? Modesto police release numbers

Modesto Bee

In a daylong operation Wednesday, officers recovered 137 shopping carts that were abandoned or possessed illegally, the Modesto Police Department reported Thursday. During Operation Squeaky Wheel, 19 citations were issued to people for being in possession of a cart without written consent from the business owner. As the Police Department had anticipated, the vast majority of recovered carts were abandoned.

Commentary: California must end the plague of human trafficking. This proposal can help

CalMatters

Ending the plague of human trafficking is one of my top legislative priorities. Sadly, California is prime hunting ground for pimps and gangs to exploit human trafficking. There are a number of reasons for this including: The state’s growing under-18 population, The state’s network of highways providing quick access to the rest of the nation, and An increasing number of families with chaotic or dysfunctional homes due to financial problems or substance abuse.

Public Safety:

Leave your guns at home. Fresno bans public from having legal firearms at City Hall

Fresno Bee

During a contentious meeting Thursday, the Fresno City Council banned anyone other than a member of law enforcement from legally carrying a gun into City Hall. The new measure requested by Mayor Lee Brand prohibits those with a concealed-carry permit, often called a CCW, from bringing their guns to City Hall.

How did the shopping cart recovery operation go? Modesto police release numbers

Modesto Bee

In a daylong operation Wednesday, officers recovered 137 shopping carts that were abandoned or possessed illegally, the Modesto Police Department reported Thursday.

K-9 team from Stanislaus County competes on national TV

Modesto Bee

“America’s Top Dog” on the A&E Network will have a Feb. 12, 2020, installment including Stanislaus County, California, sheriff’s Deputy Michael Victorino and his K-9 named Kuma.

Fire:

Judge threatens to force PG&E to hire more tree trimmers

Porterville Recorder

Fire Science And The Fires In Australia

Capital Public Radio

Wildfires burning in large parts of Australia are expected to continue for months. Nearly thirty people have died, tens of millions of acres burned and one billion animals have perished. How can wildfire science inform future wildfire behavior?

ECONOMY / JOBS

Economy:

Payless ShoeSource makes comeback from Chapter 11 bankruptcy

abc30

The popular footwear retailer, known for its discount prices, has emerged from bankruptcy for the second time -- with a focus on international markets.

Commentary: Why it’s not simple to just raise the corporate income tax

AEI
It seems like it is conventional wisdom that if Democrats take the White House and the Senate in November the corporate income tax rate is going to go up. Of the six candidates on the debate stage this week, five of them have proposed raising the corporate income tax rate. Despite the widespread agreement, it may not be so obvious.

Commentary: How will America’s economy grow in the 2020s? My long-read Q&A with Peter Klenow

AEI

How will economists look back on the economy of the 2010s — as the longest economic expansion in US history, or as a period in which the US was stuck below three percent growth for ten years? And looking to the future, how might population growth, trade, Big Tech, and new innovations all affect America’s capacity for economic growth? Peter Klenow and I recently discussed this on last week’s episode of Political Economy.

Jobs:

Judge halts California labor law (AB 5) as it relates to truckers

Fresno Bee

A federal judge on Thursday indefinitely blocked a new California labor law from applying to more than 70,000 independent truckers, deciding that it is preempted by federal rules on interstate commerce.

See Also:

● Federal judge gives truckers reprieve from AB 5 San Francisco Chronicle

California targets companies with highly paid execs

Associated Press

California is considering raising taxes on some of the country’s largest companies, but the size of the tax increase would depend on how much its highest-paid executive makes compared to its employees. The bigger the gap, the bigger the tax increase.

Mcfarland to give a $20,000 bonus to police officers to help retain them

EDUCATION

K-12:

$408 million Clovis Unified bond on March ballot

abc30

Clovis residents will see a new bond measure on the ballot this March. It's asking for hundreds of millions of dollars to help grow and maintain the Clovis Unified School District.

The new Prop 13: A $15 billion bond for school facilities

CalMatters

This Proposition 13 would authorize a $15 billion bond for school modernization and construction projects. Here’s how it would break down: $9 billion for K-12 schools ,and $2 billion each for community colleges and the state’s two public university systems, the California State University and University of California.

Governor Newsom Proposes New Investments in Math and Science Teachers

PPIC

The governor unveiled his proposed 2020-21 budget last week, which includes record-high levels of K-12 and community college funding—a $3.8 billion dollar increase over last year. This includes $900 million for K–12 educator recruitment and development, building on a nearly $150 million investment from last year’s budget.

California Teachers Could Be Required To Teach About Climate Change

CBS Sacramento

California schools may soon be required to teach about the causes and effects of climate change under a bill introduced on Monday. Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) says under AB 1922, “climate change education will be a coursework requirement for students in grades 1 through 6, and a graduation requirement for students in grades 7 through 12, starting 2025.”

Students from Bakersfield, statewide bring business ideas to life during virtual enterprise conference

Bakersfield Californian

Students participating this week in the Virtual Enterprise California State Conference and Exhibition had the opportunity to turn their business ideas into realities.

With low black male teacher rates in county and nation, Project BEST inspires young men toward education career path

Bakersfield Californian

To try to improve those numbers, CSUB's Department of Teacher Education partnered with Kern High School District’s Project BEST, or Black Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching, and invited around 300 young black men to hear from 12 local black educators and administrators and encourage them to consider education as a career path.

Commentary: The school choice supported by the teacher unions

AEI

In December, Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act (you can read the summary here) which proposes to give 500,000 “Housing Choice Vouchers” to low-income families with young children to move to neighborhoods that have high-performing schools and better job prospects.

Trump boosts school prayer, faith groups as he rallies base

Porterville Recorder

In a bid to solidify his evangelical base, President Donald Trump on Thursday vowed to protect prayer in public schools and took new steps to give religious organizations easier access to federal programs.

● Trump courts religious groups with rules that worry LGBTQ groups Los Angeles Times

Higher Ed:

Fresno college students had trouble getting books. Changes made, restitution discussed

Fresno Bee

New management of State Center Community College District bookstores last year came with widespread reports from students and teachers that needed textbooks weren’t available and financial aid vouchers weren’t being processed.

With low black male teacher rates in county and nation, Project BEST inspires young men toward education career path

Bakersfield Californian

Golden Valley High School junior John Butler can count on one hand the number of black male educators he has had in his life — one — but the impact has been tremendous. When Butler was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a child, he thought there was no way he would succeed academically. Once he met his chemistry teacher, Okon Udo, everything changed.

University of the Pacific names dean of School of Health Sciences founded in Sacramento

Merced Sun-Star

University of the Pacific announced today that veteran college administrator Nicoleta Bugnariu will run the new School of Health Sciences that the Stockton-based university launched last year in Sacramento.

UC proposes five straight years of annual tuition increases

Los Angeles Times

Officials said the increase will raise more financial aid and reduce costs for more than half of in-state undergraduates.

● UC proposes first tuition hike since 2017. It could apply only to incoming students San Francisco Chronicle

● UC proposes first tuition hike since 2017 – with a twist San Francisco Chronicle

● UC considers two types of tuition increases; $348 hike possible this fall for California residents EdSource

President of Calbright College who resigned will be paid through end of March

EdSource

Heather Hiles, president of California’s first online two-year institution — Calbright College — will receive a lump sum payment of about $32,000 and be paid through the end of March as part of her separation agreement after she resigned Monday.

Leaders selected in California’s unprecedented searches will help shape future of higher education

EdSource

California’s two public university systems are looking for Supermen or Superwomen who can increase funding, protect academic prestige, bolster graduation rates, ensure labor peace and work for social justice.

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Environment:

‘It’s late, and it’s getting later.’ Jerry Brown could soon announce an updated Doomsday Clock

Sacramento Bee

Is it time to update the Doomsday Clock? Former four-term California Gov. Jerry Brown will be on-hand Jan. 23 as the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists announces the placement of the minute hand on the Doomsday Clock.

State Sen. Borgeas: When it comes to California environmental review, legislation is better than lawsuits

Fresno Bee

As a member of the California Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and a former chair of the San Joaquin River Conservancy, I have a deep appreciation for California’s public lands and natural resources. California is unique in its geographic wonders and devotion to natural resource protection.

California is behind on its 2030 climate goals. What’s at stake if it doesn’t catch up?

Santa Cruz Sentinel

A million West Coast seabirds died in one year. The culprit? A warm ocean ‘blob’

Fresno Bee

A warm “blob” in the Pacific Ocean would have blood on its hands — if it had any, according to a study published Wednesday in the scientific journal Plos One.

Commentary: Renewables, land use, and local opposition in the United States

Brookings

Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector is crucial to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. The American public overwhelmingly favors renewable power and the costs of wind and solar power have declined rapidly in recent years.

Energy:

PG&E says talks with Newsom likely will lead to governance changes

San Francisco Chronicle

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been harshly critical of PG&E’s bankruptcy exit plan, calling it “woefully short” of state requirements.

Insights From The California Energy Policy Simulator

Energy Innovation

California is a global leader in the clean energy transition, having met its 2020 economy-wide target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions below 1990 levels four years ahead of schedule. The state is now working toward a 2030 target of reducing emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels, meaning statewide emissions must fall below 260 million metric tons (MMT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Nearly 200 Yosemite National Park visitors sick after likely norovirus outbreak

Visalia Times Delta

Those planning to visit Yosemite National Park this holiday weekend may want to reconsider with hundreds of people falling ill after a visit to the popular tourist destination. Approximately 170 people reported experiencing gastrointestinal illness, including park visitors and employees, park officials announced Thursday.

● Nearly 200 people sick with stomach virus after visiting Yosemite abc30

● Hundreds ill after visiting Yosemite National Park Visalia Times Delta

● About 170 people sickened at Yosemite with gastrointestinal illness Los Angeles Times

● 170 Yosemite Valley visitors fall ill — norovirus confirmed in 2 cases San Francisco Chronicle

Commentary: Vaping is much safer than smoking, regardless of the opinion of some public health “experts”

AEI

A recent public health editorial casts doubt on experts’ advice to switch from smoking to vaping if one cannot quit entirely. The author’s claim is based on uncertainty: “we don’t know whether e-cigarette use is as lethal as combustible cigarette use, less lethal than combustible cigarette use, or more lethal than combustible cigarette use.”

Human Services:

Family HealthCare Network welcomes new provider in Porterville

Porterville Recorder

Family HealthCare Network (FHCN) is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Pitigliano, MSW to its provider team. Amy received her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2019 and her Bachelor of Science from California State University in 2017.

Here’s What The State And Advocates Have In Mind To Change CA’s Mental Health Care System

Capital Public Radio

A string of newly introduced bills and budget proposals could change the way Californians get mental health services, both in the public and commercial sectors.

Industry-labor partnership creates nonprofit to fill California's health care workforce gap

CA Fwd

To address California’s health care worker shortage, a $130 million partnership between two major entities in the sector are teaming up. Kaiser Permanente and Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) are establishing a new nonprofit, called Futuro Health, with the goal of training the largest network of certified health care workers. It will focus first in California with plans to expand to other states.

Opinion: To rein in Big Pharma over high drug prices, start with patent reform

Roll Call

With the Senate impeachment trial kicking off and partisan tensions running high on several fronts, Americans might be forgiven for thinking that Congress has lost the ability to find common ground. But lately, and despite the proverbial odds, there is a new bipartisan consensus forming on an issue of incredible importance to millions of Americans: prescription drug pricing.

IMMIGRATION

Despite Findings Of 'Negligent' Care, ICE To Expand Troubled Calif. Detention Center

KVPR
When a government expert in mental health visited one of the largest immigration detention centers in the U.S. in 2017, she knew the conditions that detainees there sometimes face. A past inspection had found that staff often failed to obtain adequate mental health histories, leading to faulty diagnoses and, in some cases, treatment plans that were incorrect.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Average rent hits a new high in Modesto. Study charts the changes over a decade

Modesto Bee

Rental affordability slips in Bakersfield as buying remains largely within reach

Bakersfield Californian

Fresno starts inspecting neglected motels to improve housing conditions

CalMatters

For many residents on the verge of homelessness, Fresno's motels are their last chance at housing. A new ordinance focuses on inspecting the oldest and most run-down properties.

Newsom shares more of his $1 billion plans

Visalia Times Delta

● Gov. Newsom previews plan to use 100 FEMA trailers for emergency homeless shelters across California Visalia Times Delta

● Is California Governor Gavin Newsom Serious about Homelessness? National Review

Gov. Gavin Newsom promotes using state-owned trailers to house homeless people

Los Angeles Times

Newsom, wrapping up his week of community visits to talk about the homelessness crisis, acknowledged the trailers are only a small step to addressing a very large problem.

She left California to find an affordable place to live — and became a homeowner

San Francisco Chronicle

The last time I saw Crystal Chandler, in late December 2018, she was stressed out. So was her teenage daughter. “I thought we were going to be homeless,” Chandler said recently. “I didn’t know what we were going to do. It was just so overwhelming.”

For the Benefit of Communities – Can We Work Together to Solve the Housing Challenge?

PublicCEO

Unless you own a lot of residential rental property, you probably concede there is a serious housing problem in California. Rarely a day goes by we don’t hear about, read about, or directly witness evidence of the problem. There’s no question it is real.

California Governor Wants Truce With Trump in Homelessness Fight

New York Times

After months of acrimony between California and the Trump administration over the state’s homelessness crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Thursday that he would send an envoy to meet with administration officials and discuss ways to address the issue together.

PUBLIC FINANCES

California Divide

CalMatters

A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness and engagement about poverty and income inequality. Learn more about the project and its staffing and funding.

4 changes that could affect Social Security in 2020

Visalia Times Delta

If you’re one of almost 69 million Americans who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you’ll notice a small change in your monthly check this year. More than 63 million beneficiaries will receive a 1.6% cost-of-living adjustment this month. The 8 million SSI beneficiaries received their COLA on Dec. 31.

Seniors’ Sweet Tax Breaks Have Become a Target

PEW
As Americans begin the challenge of filling out their tax returns this year, one taxpayer demographic generally pays less than others: senior citizens. Tax breaks for seniors cost states approximately $27 billion a year and will more than double in the next decade, according to a recent study from the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. That money could pay for schools, roads and other needs, critics argue.

Perris paid off $14.3 million in pension debt, while other California governments struggle with it

Press Enterprise

Last fall, Perris did something many households would love to do: It eliminated a major outstanding debt. In October, the Perris City Council unanimously voted to pay off $14.3 million in unfunded pension debt, according to Finance Director Ernie Reyna. To put that in perspective, the city’s general fund two-year budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 is $51.4 million.

TRANSPORTATION

California's private high-speed rail on hold -- for now

KCRA
Mass transit advocates and housing proponents are hoping to advance a high-speed rail line from California to Nevada -- but that plan ran into a roadblock on Wednesday. It was a letter from the federal government that put things on hold -- temporarily. The Federal Railroad Administration wants to make sure California’s plan is really on track.

Does Uber care about its black passengers?

San Francisco Chronicle

Uber recently changed it policies to make it possible for drivers to view a potential passenger’s destination before accepting the ride. The change could increase rider discrimination against black customers.

WATER

SJ supervisors blast plans to move Delta tunnel project forward

Stockton Record

● California moves toward single water tunnel under delta San Francisco Chronicle

● California governor restarts giant water tunnel project Associated Press

● Newsom turns to Delta tunnel project, while a conservative icon dies CalMatters

‘The dam must be moved.’ Speakers cite flood risk in opposing Stanislaus reservoir project

Modesto Bee

People commenting on an environmental study for a proposed dam near Patterson urged water districts to scrap the plan or build the dam someplace else.

Rain and gusty winds returning to Valley, snow in Sierra. New storm system on horizon

Fresno Bee

Rain returned to the Fresno area and central San Joaquin Valley on Thursday afternoon, to be followed by another storm next week.

● Fierce rains slam Valley, heavy snow triggers avalanche warning in Sierra Stockton Record

● Winter Storm Blankets Mountain Area with Snow Sierra News

● Snow falling in Stanislaus County? Yup, it happened Modesto Bee

Opinion: Kern's final groundwater plan approved

Bakersfield Californian

Deadly bacteria persists in water at California prison. State makes a plan to live with it

Sacramento Bee

A bacteria that can cause deadly infections has become an ongoing problem requiring permanent staffing at California’s newest state prison, according to state budget documents.

“Xtra”

‘American Pickers’ looking for junk in Tulare County.

Visalia Times Delta

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are heading to Tulare County. They plan to film episodes of the hit series "American Pickers" in the Lindsay area in March, according to the Lindsay Chamber of Commerce.

This Central Coast city will pay tourists cash to visit. Here’s how to score a deal

San Luis Obispo Tribune

If you’ve been pondering a visit to California’s Central Coast, now might just be the time to do that. The city of San Luis Obispo’s tourism board, Visit SLO, is literally paying people in cash to visit the city this winter.

Giants make Alyssa Nakken first female major league coach

Associated Press

Alyssa Nakken became the first female coach on a major league staff in baseball history Thursday when she was named an assistant under new Giants manager Gabe Kapler. Major League Baseball confirmed Nakken is the first woman coach in the majors.