POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Stanislaus County issues new mask guidance as COVID-19 cases surge Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County leaders vote to give themselves a raise. One supervisor opposes it
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County supervisors and other high-level officials will receive 3% annual pay raises and the one-time COVID bonuses given to county employees. The Board of Supervisors approved the pay increases on a 4-1 vote Tuesday.
Yes, Modesto’s trees are a problem. City reveals its plans on how to address them
Modesto Bee
Modesto will spend nearly $2.6 million over the next two years to tackle one of its pressing problems and source of numerous complaints from residents: city trees.
One piece of 132 bypass in Modesto will open. New detours will affect other roads
Modesto Bee
The Rosemore Avenue bridge over the new Highway 132 corridor is set to open at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 22.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Delta variant cases ‘definitely rising’ in Fresno. How quickly can it spread? Fresno Bee
How will Fresno Unified spend the more than $700 million COVID funds? Here’s a look
Fresno Bee
Summer is in full swing, but it’s only a matter of weeks before the bell rings for classes to begin again. After a challenging year of distance learning, most students will return to campuses this fall.
Madera Unified's school year to begin August 9 without distance learning
abc30
The Madera Unified School District's has 2021-2022 school year will have all students attending school in-person full time, five days a week.
A Conversation with Cal State Fresno President Saúl Jimenez-Sandoval
Fresno State News
Join us on July 21st at 12 PM for a lunch break with Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, recently appointed President of Fresno State University. Learn more about him and his priorities for higher education as he takes on this critical role in the California State University system.
Cal/OSHA report cites black algae, mechanical issues at Island Waterpark
abc30
A new report from Cal/OSHA following a potential drowning at Island Waterpark describes findings from the state's inspector. In it, it details mechanical issues, possible operational issues and reports of black algae in the wave pool.
Warszawski: ‘A huge responsibility dodge.’ Officials take easy way out on Creek Fire near Fresno
Fresno Bee
My news story on the U.S. Forest Service declaring the cause of the Creek Fire as “undetermined” went online Friday at 12:42 p.m.
David Mas Masumoto: Feeling the drought on my family farm
Los Angeles Times
I can see my future: It’s dry, thirsty and bleak. On our farm, we live with drought daily, working with limited groundwater and learning to adjust and adapt, or to fail and abandon our fields. Water will determine a farmer’s survival.
Creator of ‘3 strikes’ law, father of Polly Klaas speak in Fresno to support Newsom recall
Fresno Bee
The fathers of two daughters who were murdered in California made a stop in Fresno on Monday, appearing with a political advocacy group making calls for the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Fresno’s vacant buildings will have to be improved or owners face fines, city leader says
Fresno Bee
The city of Fresno began the effort Monday to inspect vacant commercial buildings, an attempt to make owners do something with them rather than sit on them, according to officials.
Tate to be sworn into city council
Porterville Recorder
Tuesday’s regular scheduled meeting will begin a little early to administer the oath of office and seat a new City Council member – Lawanta Tate, who will serve the unexpired term of Council member Daniel Penaloza, who resigned on June 8, through November 2022.
See also:
· Fines for illegal fireworks use nearly triples Porterville Recorder
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Two new deaths from COVID-19, 207 new cases reported Monday Bakersfield Californian
Rooftops throughout Bakersfield serve as stages for 'Shout it from the Rooftop' video
Bakersfield Californian
They sang from the helipad atop Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. They danced on the rooftop of the Fox Theater.
State:
COVID Update:
● Will California start requiring masks indoors again? Gavin Newsom sidesteps the question Merced Sun-Star
Newsom promised big on Calif health care. Where do his bold plans stand now?
abc10
Three of the California governor’s boldest health care promises — including affordable medications and universal health care — have made little progress so far.
Editorial: Why are Newsom, lawmakers letting a labor standoff block important housing bills?
Los Angeles Times
California has a glaringly obvious housing shortage that is exacerbating poverty and homelessness and driving up rents and home prices.
Walters: Will California Get Tough on Housing Quotas?
GVWire
Having more or less completed work on the state budget, legislators abandoned the Capitol last week for their annual summer vacation. They will return in mid-August, tanned, rested and ready to vigorously tackle other pending matters in the final month of the 2021 session.
EXPLAINER: How California could recall its Governor
Bakersfield Californian
California will hold a recall election Sept. 14 that could remove Newsom from office. The date was set by Lt. Gov. Kounalakis, after election officials certified that 1.7 million valid petition signatures had been turned in to qualify the election for the ballot.
See also:
● How much do candidates in the Gavin Newsom recall make? You can see their tax returns Merced Sun-Star
● Who’s Running In Newsom Recall? Politicians, Activists, Californians Of All Stripes Capital Public Radio
Law enforcement unions donate to Calif Democrats ahead of police reform vote
Modesto Bee
California law enforcement unions are contributing tens of thousands of dollars to influential Democratic lawmakers as the Legislature advances a controversial police reform bill that would allow departments to strip badges from officers with serious misconduct records.
New Calif union president’s agenda at standstill after failed SEIU Local 1000 meeting
Modesto Bee
The new president of California state government’s largest union is at a standstill with the union’s board of directors two and a half weeks into his term.
Walters: Great LA Times malpractice exposé has odd omission
CalMatters
Last week, the Los Angeles Times published a damning article about the state agency that is supposed to police California’s physicians.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal masking in schools for everyone older than 2 abc30
● Unvaccinated say vaccines more dangerous than COVID-19: poll The Hill
● Federal agents are going “door-to-door coercing people to be injected with experimental drugs.” PolitiFact
● 1 in 5 Americans believes microchips are hidden in COVID vaccines, poll finds Miami Herald
66% approve of Biden handling of coronavirus: poll
The Hill
Sixty-six percent of adults in the U.S. approve of President Biden’s handling of the coronavirus, according to a new poll.
Axios
A federal judge just gave colleges their first major win in the battle to require that students be vaccinated.
Justice Dept won’t prosecute Trump Cabinet official over census citizenship question
Los Angeles Times
The Justice Department declined to prosecute former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for misleading Congress about the origins and purpose of asking about citizenship on the 2020 census, a government watchdog told Congress on Monday.
Justice Department releases formal policy restricting its access to reporters’ records
Los Angeles Times
Justice Department issued a formal policy that restricts the ability of federal prosecutors to obtain records of reporters, a policy shift following intense lobbying by free press advocates and media organizations outraged by the Trump administration’s efforts to obtain such data.
See also:
● AG Merrick Garland sharply limited federal prosecutors’ ability to obtain records of reporters’ contacts Wall Street Journal
Schumer sets vote on infrastructure, but GOP wants to see a bill
Roll Call
Finding ways to offset the cost of an infrastructure plan and ambitious reconciliation package is a heavy lift for senators.
GOP Leader McCarthy Taps 5 Republicans To Serve On Jan. 6 Select Committee
NPR
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has nominated five Republican representatives to serve on the House select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.
See also:
● Jim Jordan, four other Republicans chosen by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to serve on panel investigating Jan. 6 riot Washington Post
American Bar Association
Almost 25 percent of the electorate is 65 or older, many of whom cannot vote in person.
Other:
Conspiracy theories are common on the right — but few Republicans adhere to all of them
Washington Post
The question posed by a colleague at The Post was this: How many Republicans not only believe that the 2020 election was stolen, but also reject coronavirus vaccines, accept the false claims of the extremist QAnon ideology and deny the reality of climate change?
Suspended from social media, Donald Trump turns to traditional media avenues to push falsehoods
PolitiFact
Trump has joined a chorus of Republican lawmakers seeking to downplay the events of Jan. 6 and portray the riot as more or less a peaceful protest.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, July 25, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “A Conversation with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla” - Guest: U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, (D-CA). Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, July 25, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "U.S. Senator Alex Padilla: Valley Impressions"- Guests: Brian Clark, Editor - Modesto Bee and Merced Sun Star; Joe Kieta, Editor - Fresno Bee; Paul Hurley, formerly with Visalia Times Delta. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
David Mas Masumoto: Feeling the drought on my family farm
Los Angeles Times
I can see my future: It’s dry, thirsty and bleak. On our farm, we live with drought daily, working with limited groundwater and learning to adjust and adapt, or to fail and abandon our fields. Water will determine a farmer’s survival.
California launches largest free school lunch program in US
abc30
When classrooms in California reopen for the fall term, all 6.2 million public school students will have the option to eat school meals for free, regardless of their family's income.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Fines for illegal fireworks use nearly triples
Porterville Recorder
While the City of Porterville's stepped up enforcement of illegal fireworks didn't actually lead to much of a difference as far as citations when it came to the actual Independence Day holiday on July 4, it did make a major difference in the month leading up to July 4.
Public Safety:
Cal/OSHA report cites black algae, mechanical issues at Island Waterpark
abc30
A new report from Cal/OSHA following a potential drowning at Island Waterpark describes findings from the state's inspector. In it, it details mechanical issues, possible operational issues and reports of black algae in the wave pool.
Editorial: Rogue marijuana grows ruin Stanislaus County neighborhoods. Here’s how to reduce them
Modesto Bee
The decriminalization of marijuana in California has gone too far. This isn’t about personal use, which is legal for adults. Nobody cares if you get some weed from a retail cannabis dispensary, or grow a few plants — 10, by law — and indulge now and then.
Fire:
River Fire is now 97% contained but final damage inspection details number of homes lost
Fresno Bee
Cal Fire on Monday morning reported the River Fire burning southwest of Yosemite National Park was 97% contained. The acreage burned remained 9,656.
Warszawski: ‘A huge responsibility dodge.’ Officials take easy way out on Creek Fire near Fresno
Fresno Bee
My news story on the U.S. Forest Service declaring the cause of the Creek Fire as “undetermined” went online Friday at 12:42 p.m.
PG&E says its equipment may be linked to Dixie Fire burning in Northern California
abc30
Pacific Gas & Electric equipment may have been involved in the start of the big Dixie Fire burning in the Sierra Nevada, the nation's largest utility reported to California regulators.
See also:
● PG&E equipment may have sparked Dixie fire, growing near burn scar of deadly Camp fire Los Angeles Times
CAL FIRE Fresno County gets exclusive access to firefighting chopper
abc30
In the midst of wildfire season in California, CAL FIRE Fresno County now has exclusive access to a tool that will give them the advantage from "above."
Dozens of fires are burning across the West, and they could get worse.
Whats News
Nearly 20,000 firefighters are working to put down the blazes, which together have burned more than 1.1 million acres.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Biden takes on inflation concerns as agenda hangs in the balance
abc30
President Joe Biden on Monday directly addressed concerns that his sweeping economic agenda will serve as an accelerant to inflation amid growing concern about price hikes across the economic spectrum.
The Debt Ceiling Is Approaching. Expect Short-Term Yields to Stay Very Low.
Barrons
The debt ceiling may not be in the headlines much now, but bond investors will be thinking about it ahead of its reinstatement at the end of July.
Small businesses could face new fees on Venmo
abc30
Paying by the app Venmo through a QR code has become a norm for small business owner Sarah Shoffner who is often out at farmer's markets or her farm selling to the public.
Jobs:
‘A man’s job?’ Yosemite-based program recruits women to become California firefighters
Fresno Bee
When Rocio Macias told her parents she was joining a fire crew, she was told: “This is a man’s job.” “My mom didn’t want me to do it,” said Macias. “She said ‘Ay, ¿qué andas haciendo (What are you doing)?’”
Biden hails jobs growth and promises more if Congress approves infrastructure plans
Los Angeles Times
President Biden took some credit Monday for the country’s expanding economy and urged support for his two long-term infrastructure proposals, which hang in Congress’ balance this week as lawmakers battle over the details.
EDUCATION
K-12:
How will Fresno Unified spend the more than $700 million COVID funds? Here’s a look
Fresno Bee
Summer is in full swing, but it’s only a matter of weeks before the bell rings for classes to begin again. After a challenging year of distance learning, most students will return to campuses this fall.
Madera Unified's school year to begin August 9 without distance learning
abc30
The Madera Unified School District's has 2021-2022 school year will have all students attending school in-person full time, five days a week.
All students, staff should wear face masks at school, pediatric group says. Here’s why
Merced Sun-Star
The American Academy of Pediatrics on Monday recommended “universal masking” during the 2021-2022 school year.
See also:
● Going further than CDC, pediatricians group recommends masks in schools even for the vaccinated Washington Post
California launches largest free school lunch program in U.S.
PBS
When classrooms in California reopen for the fall term, all 6.2 million public school students will have the option to eat school meals for free, regardless of their family’s income.
Higher Ed:
Take a Lunch Break with President Saúl Jimenez-Sandoval
Fresno State News
Join us on July 21st at 12 PM for a lunch break with Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, recently appointed President of Fresno State University. Learn more about him and his priorities for higher education as he takes on this critical role in the California State University system.
UC admits largest, most diverse class ever, but it was harder to get accepted
Los Angeles Times
The University of California admitted its largest, most diverse undergraduate class ever for fall 2021 — but it was harder to get in as a record-shattering number of applicants vied for access to the renowned public research system, according to UC data released Monday.
Students: How are you feeling about the return to in-person college?
Los Angeles Times
In March 2020, colleges across the country began shutting their doors. Slowly at first, then in a frenzy, students were sent home with the promise they’d return soon. After 16 months, universities are finally preparing to welcome students back to campus.
Campaign for College Opportunity
Today, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors named Dr. Daisy Gonzales acting chancellor of the California Community Colleges. Dr. Gonzales is the first Latina and only the second woman to assume this position.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Yes, Modesto’s trees are a problem. City reveals its plans on how to address them
Modesto Bee
Modesto will spend nearly $2.6 million over the next two years to tackle one of its pressing problems and source of numerous complaints from residents: city trees.
Cultivating Optimism as Drought Cripples the Colorado River
PPIC
A historic drought has desiccated much of the American West, bringing reservoir levels to record lows and stoking fears of catastrophic wildfires across the region.
CO2 emissions set to hit record levels in 2023 and there’s ‘no clear peak in sight,’ IEA says
CNBC
Only a small chunk of governments’ recovery spending in response to the pandemic has been allocated to clean energy measures, according to the International Energy Agency, with the Paris-based organization forecasting that CO2 emissions will hit record levels in 2023.
Opinion: The key to global climate success
Brookings
Recent advances in green technologies have made reaching net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050 not only technically feasible but also economically worthwhile.
Energy:
Renewable energy ties into stable power, Flex alerts in summer
Hanford Sentinel
While California broke records by providing 94.5% of the state's energy through renewables, extreme weather across the West is posing a risk to grid stability. But there’s a plan.
CNBC
Proponents of carbon capture technologies believe they can play an important and diverse role in meeting global energy and climate goals.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Vaccines are incredibly effective against Delta variant. So why do we need to wear masks indoors?
Los Angeles Times
Health experts agree the COVID-19 vaccines have proved to be extremely effective against the virus, including providing protection from the highly contagious Delta variant.
Opinion: The two numbers that could get people to take the vaccine
Washington Post
Against all reason and morality, a powerful campaign is urging Americans not to get vaccinated against covid-19.
The Beta Variant: What Scientists Know
New York Times
England lifted nearly all of its pandemic restrictions on Monday, which some Britons have hailed as “freedom day.” The British government made a notable exception: People traveling to England from France must quarantine upon their arrival, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Human Services:
Opinion: Expand Medicare? How about we fix it first?
AEI
Last week, the Biden administration and congressional Democrats announced an agreement to pursue a $3.5 trillion “human infrastructure” package, which, among other things, would expand Medicare to include dental, hearing and vision benefits.
IMMIGRATION
It’s Not a Border Crisis. It’s a Climate Crisis.
Politico
It’s not just climate change acting alone. It’s food insecurity. Malnutrition. Poverty. It all ties together.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Fresno’s vacant buildings will have to be improved or owners face fines, city leader says
Fresno Bee
The city of Fresno began the effort Monday to inspect vacant commercial buildings, an attempt to make owners do something with them rather than sit on them, according to officials.
Fresno Bee
Can a church be the “savior” of Fresno’s historic Tower Theatre? That’s what Joe Mathews argues in his July 18 Fresno Bee op-ed “Best way to preserve Fresno’s historic Tower Theater might be to accept church ownership.”
Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition Formed
Porterville Recorder
With the results of a report detailing the devastation of the Castle Fire, a coalition has been formed to battle the threats of climate change and wildfires to Giant Sequoias.
Housing:
Walters: Will California Get Tough on Housing Quotas?
GVWire
Having more or less completed work on the state budget, legislators abandoned the Capitol last week for their annual summer vacation. They will return in mid-August, tanned, rested and ready to vigorously tackle other pending matters in the final month of the 2021 session.
Editorial: Why are Newsom, lawmakers letting a labor standoff block important housing bills?
Los Angeles Times
California has a glaringly obvious housing shortage that is exacerbating poverty and homelessness and driving up rents and home prices.
‘We Don’t Have Much, but This Is Our Home’
PEW
Juana, 52, of Dallas was facing eviction for owing nearly $12,000 in back rent.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Walters: Who should get online sales taxes?
Hanford Sentinel
While 1% may not sound like much, if it’s 1% of $700 billion, it’s a lot of money to anyone not named Bezos, Gates or Buffet.
Fact Check: Claim that the 2017 tax cut gave ‘83%’ to the top 1%
Washington Post
In arguing why an exception should be made to Senate filibuster rules for a voting rights bill, Jefferies noted that Republicans passed a tax cut under a parliamentary procedure that thwarts the requirement of 60% of Senate to allow a bill to come to the floor for a final vote.
TRANSPORTATION
Ford recalls about 775,000 Explorer vehicles
Los Angeles Times
Ford Motor is recalling about 774,696 Ford Explorers because of potential fractures in the rear suspension.
WATER
The current drought is worldwide. Here’s how different places are fighting it
Sacramento Bee
The world is facing unprecedented levels of drought. In the U.S., nearly half the mainland is currently afflicted, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
“Xtra”
Piece of Sierra Nevada history for sale in Fresno County — and comes with its own Post Office
Fresno Bee
The Big Creek General Store is for sale — but it will take the right buyer. The building is close to 90 years old and is a historic and important part of the small, tight-knit Sierra Nevada community between Shaver and Huntington lakes in Fresno County.
The Era of Beach Driving May Be Coming to a Close
PEW
Beachgoers await the sunset on one of the remaining drivable beaches north of Pacific City, Oregon.
New York Reaches A $1.1 Billion Opioid Deal With The Nation's Big Drug Wholesalers
Valley Public Radio
New York's attorney general has reached a $1.1 billion settlement with three of the nation's largest drug distributors linked to their alleged role in the prescription opioid epidemic.
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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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