Maddy Institute – July 21, 2021

21Jul

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● County issues new guidance for masks as COVID-19 cases rise Turlock Journal

● Stanislaus County issues new mask guidance as COVID-19 cases surge Modesto Bee

● Stanislaus County sees a sharp increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations Modesto Bee

● What COVID-19 safety measures will Stanislaus State, Modesto JC require this fall? Modesto Bee

Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn to Serve as WSCUC Commissioner

California State University Stanislaus

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) announced the appointment of Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn as one of the organization’s new commissioners.

Stanislaus stays on track for economic recovery despite seasonal dip in employment

Modesto Bee

Unemployment in Stanislaus County increased by 0.8% in June, following a statewide trend of incremental recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Merced’s longtime economic development director named new deputy city manager

Merced Sun-Star

Longtime Merced Director of Economic Development Frank Quintero will soon take on a new role as deputy city manager. Quintero ascends to the position of second-in-command to Merced’s top administrator after serving more than three decades with the city.

Modesto segregation up slightly. It can affect home values, life expectancy and income

Modesto Bee

Despite American cities diversifying over the past few decades, some regions including Modesto have become slightly more segregated than before, a University of California, Berkeley, study shows.

Editorial: Want to keep schools open throughout Stanislaus County? Simple — mask up

Modesto Bee

Despite early fumbling with school closings, nearly everyone for many months has agreed that most children need to be in school, for their academic, social and emotional well-being, not to mention their parents’.

Central SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● How many Delta cases are there in Fresno, Valley? Testing paints an incomplete picture Fresno Bee

● $4 million grant awarded to the City of Fresno to combat issues related to COVID yourcentralvalley.com

Fresno auditor releases report on 5 officer-involved shootings. He clears them all

Fresno Bee

An independent police auditor for the city of Fresno determined that five officer-involved shootings last fall and this spring – including two in which armed suspects died from their injuries – did not violate Fresno Police Department policies.

Unhoused Fresnans showed up at City Hall asking for shelter. ‘There has to be a better way’

Fresno Bee

Shelley Forest was among a group of unhoused Fresnans who spoke during public comment at the Fresno City Council meeting last week seeking shelter, telling city officials, “It’s really hard out there.”

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.

Fresno ranked among top ‘urban heat islands’ in the US. Why that’s bad for public health

Fresno Bee

Fresno has one of the most intense urban heat islands in the country, according to a new report by Climate Central. Fresno stands with other California cities such as San Francisco, Sacramento, and Salinas on a list of the top 20 urban heat islands in the United States.

Vacant Commercial Buildings Known For Blighted Conditions Targeted For City Of Fresno Inspections

VPR

The City of Fresno began inspecting a series of blighted, vacant commercial buildings on Monday as part of an ordinance the city council passed in June.

Valley Voices: Black pastor defends questioning dismissal of Fresno city clerk, responds to Bee columnist

Fresno Bee

My name is B. T. Lewis II, the pastor of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in west Fresno. I am writing this in response to Marek Warszawski’s recent opinion column regarding the press conference we held in front of Fresno City Hall on July 13.

Not quite at 2015 level, but Tule River low

Porterville Recorder

When it comes to the water year, it could be referred to as a season on the brink. Tule River Water Master David De Groot announced water from the river began to be run off over this past weekend. “Unfortunately we won't be able to have a long water run off,” De Groot said.

South SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● More than 99% of COVID cases in Kern since late January found in unvaccinated Bakersfield Californian

Kern County starts process of redrawing political lines despite missing census data

Bakersfield Californian

By the time Californians head to the polls next year, the political boundaries will have shifted in ways that could have significant impacts on election outcomes.

LOIS HENRY: Kern River water rights case gets hearing date

Bakersfield Californian

Whether the Kern River truly has spare water and, if so, how much, has been left up in the air for more than a decade.

See also:

· State water board considers resolution on racial equity Bakersfield Californian

· Once green, Beach Park turns brown as well that supplies irrigation water stops pumping Bakersfield Californian

Director of new export center set to join SBDC webinar

Bakersfield Californian

The director of the new Bakersfield Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Commercial Service will discuss programs available to help local small businesses during a free webinar starting at noon Wednesday.

State:

COVID Update:

● Will California start requiring masks indoors again? Gavin Newsom sidesteps the question Fresno Bee

● Here’s how Delta surge compares to the last 2 times California tightened COVID rules Fresno Bee

● Get a vaccine at McDonald’s? How California is shifting outreach as Delta variant spreads Fresno Bee

● Six more California counties ask people to wear masks indoors as Delta variant rages Los Angeles Times

● California coronavirus hospitalizations hit highest point in months as Delta spreads Los Angeles Times

● Editorial: Five things Californians should do to slow the Delta variant Mercury News

Gavin Newsom report card: What he has done, and what he hasn’t

CalMatters

Backers of the campaign to fire Gov. Gavin Newsom are hoping that Californians will keep some things in mind when they cast their vote in the Sept. 14 recall election. To name a few: Mask mandates, shuttered schools, sluggish vaccine rollouts and the French Laundry.

Recall proponents go after Gavin Newsom’s crime policies. What they had to say at rally

Fresno Bee

Crime victim advocates and the parents of murdered Californians gathered with recall supporters to revile Newsom’s crime policies. Since taking office in 2018, Newsom has advocated for criminal justice changes in an effort to address racial and economic disparities.

See also:

● 2021 Newsom Recall Guide CalMatters

● Larry Elder sues California secretary of state in an effort to get on the recall ballot Fresno Bee

● Radio Host Larry Elder Files Lawsuit Over California Ballot Business Journal

● ‘Some Serious Problems’ With California Recall Laws, Secretary Of State Says Capital Public Radio

● The recall candidates running to replace Newsom disclosed their tax returns. Here’s what they say Los Angeles Times

● Faulconer Challenges Newsom to Debate, Plans Suit Over Recall Ballot Description Times of San Diego

● Newsom recall: Here are the tech heavyweights pouring money into the race San Francisco Chronicle

● Opinion: The California recall is a political calculation masquerading as an emergency San Francisco Chronicle

● Six things to know about the Newsom recall candidates’ tax returns CalMatters

California will spend $6 billion to expand internet access. Who gets priority?

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Tuesday to spend $6 billion over the next three years expanding broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved, underserved and rural communities.

● Rural Broadband: Huron Fresno EOC

Newsom administration hires special counsel in probe of California unemployment fraud

Los Angeles Times

Faced with widespread fraud in CA’s unemployment benefit system, state officials have hired former federal prosecutor Scott to serve as special counsel to assist in the investigations of bogus claims filed by international criminal organizations, prison inmates and others.

California opens new marijuana agency 5 years after legalization, aiming to simplify rules

Sacramento Bee

Five years after California legalized recreational marijuana, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law aimed at simplifying how the state regulates the growing industry.

Opinion: Latinos Must Weigh In as State Redraws California’s Political Lines

CalMatters

It is essential that those living in the same neighborhoods be placed within the same district boundaries to avoid weakening their political power. The Citizens Redistricting Commission cannot ensure that this happens without direct input from community members.

Former employee sues Treasurer Fiona Ma alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination

Sacramento Bee

A former state employee is suing California Treasurer Fiona Ma alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination and racial discrimination, according to a complaint filed last week in Sacramento Superior Court.

California court upends part of law to protect gay seniors

Bakersfield Californian

Gay rights advocates said Monday that they will seek to challenge an appeals court decision tossing out part of a California law designed to protect older LGBTQ residents in nursing homes.

Jerry Lewis, longest-serving Republican congressman in California history, dies at 86

Los Angeles Times

Jerry Lewis, the longest-serving Republican congressman in California history and a former House Appropriations Committee chairman who helped steer federal aid to the state after disasters, has died at his home in Redlands.

Federal:

COVID Update:

● Most vaccinated Americans would get COVID booster as delta variant spreads, poll finds Fresno Bee

● Highly contagious Delta variant now makes up 83% of US COVID cases, CDC says abc30

● Breakthrough COVID-19 cases rattle Capitol Roll Call

● White House Sticks to Current Covid Guidance After Staffer Tests Positive Wall Street Journal

● Delta Variant Accounts for 83% of Known U.S. Covid-19 Cases Wall Street Journal

● Local Health Authorities Seek to Curb Delta Variant Without New Rules Wall Street Journal

● The Delta variant makes up an estimated 83% of U.S. cases, the C.D.C. director says New York Times

● 6th Texas Democrat in D.C. tests positive for COVID Axios

● Opinion: The pandemic has changed course again. The Biden administration urgently needs to do the same Washington Post

Kevin McCarthy names 5 Republicans to Jan. 6 select committee, including Jim Jordan

Visalia Times Delta

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy selected five Republicans to join the House panel that will investigate the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

● CBS News poll: Still more to learn about January 6, most Americans say CBSNews

U.S. infrastructure deal teeters after Republicans reject IRS funding

Reuters

The White House and U.S. congressional negotiators are scrambling to salvage a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal after Republicans balked at funding to enforce existing tax laws - a key way to pay for the plan - leaving both sides searching for a way forward.

● Biden hails jobs growth and promises more if Congress approves infrastructure plans Los Angeles Times

● Unfinished infrastructure deal faces uncertain vote Roll Call

● Infrastructure Vote Approaches Without Final Agreement in Place Wall Street Journal

● Top Moody’s economist: Infrastructure and budget deals will help economy Axios

● Big infrastructure bill in peril as GOP threatens filibuster PBS NewsHour

● The bipartisan infrastructure deal may be in jeopardy. Democrats have a ‘Plan B’ PBS

● Some big companies quietly complain about potential tax hikes, while preparing to profit from infrastructure deal Washington Post

What’s in Democrats’ $3.5 Trillion Budget Plan—and How They Plan to Pay for It

Wall Street Journal

Senate Democrats have unveiled a $3.5 trillion price tag for their antipoverty, education and climate plan. Here are details on the proposal and the steps needed to turn their broad budget framework into actual legislation and law, according to lawmakers and aides.

See also:

● Opinion: Bernie’s Real Budget Cost: $5 Trillion Wall Street Journal

● Biden’s reforms to the tax treatment of US multinational corporations: The knowns and unknowns AEI

Biden names tech foe as DOJ antitrust chief

Axios

Jonathan Kanter, an antitrust veteran who is a favorite of progressives, is the Biden administration's choice to lead the Department of Justice's antitrust section as it pursues a raft of cases against tech giants, the White House announced Tuesday.

● Biden order on competition sparks lobbying spree Roll Call

● Opinion: Biden’s administrative state erases Trump’s deregulatory initiatives AEI

Fed Chair Powell Enjoys Support for Reappointment, but He’s Not a Lock

Wall Street Journal

President Biden’s selection of the next Federal Reserve chair is likely to be a choice between keeping the current chief, who enjoys broad support in markets and among lawmakers from both parties, or replacing him with one of his well-regarded colleagues.

Trump Ally Tom Barrack Is Charged With Acting as U.A.E. Foreign Agent

Wall Street Journal

Tom Barrack, the real-estate investor and a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was arrested Tuesday in Los Angeles on charges that he acted as a foreign agent of the United Arab Emirates and lied to federal investigators.

Opinion: How to Run as a Democrat in 2022

Wall Street Journal

The president’s party tends to suffer in midterm congressional elections. The risk for White House allies is particularly acute when a president rejects the opportunity to govern from the center and instead seeks massive changes on partisan votes.

Other:

1 in 5 Americans believes microchips are hidden in COVID vaccines, poll finds

Fresno Bee

Around 20% of Americans believe the government uses COVID vaccines to microchip people, according to a recent poll.

Opinion: The brutal truth about Bitcoin

Brookings

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, has been on a wild ride since its creation in 2009. Earlier this year, the price of one Bitcoin surged to over $60,000, an eightfold increase in 12 months. Then it fell to half that value in just a few weeks.

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

Opinion: CA needs to invest in agricultural drought resilience

Daily Californian

As a result of pandemic stimulus packages, progressive tax structures and a recovering economy, California has an enormous discretionary budget surplus of more than $75 billion — an amount larger than the entire budget of most states.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Fresno auditor releases report on 5 officer-involved shootings. He clears them all

Fresno Bee

Lawsuit filed in case of man fatally shot by Stanislaus sheriff’s deputies

Fresno Bee

The family of a man fatally shot by Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputies at a Modesto industrial complex last year has filed a lawsuit in federal court.

Homicides Climb for Most California Counties in 2020

PPIC

Most California counties experienced an unprecedented rise in the number of homicides in 2020, with many seeing jumps of 25% or more. These jumps were driven by gun homicides, and guns played an increasing role in robberies and aggravated assaults.

US opioid lawsuits on verge of settlements with 4 companies

Fresno Bee

The yearslong effort by state and local governments in the U.S. to force the pharmaceutical industry to help pay to fix a nationwide opioid addiction and overdose crisis took a major step forward.

● New York Reaches $1.2 Billion Drug-Distributor Settlement Over Opioid Epidemic Wall Street Journal

Public Safety:

At least 7 fatal water incidents happened in Fresno area since June. Here are the details

Fresno Bee

The tragic drowning of a 3-year-old in a Clovis pool is just the latest in several fatal incidents in the past two months in Fresno County and the San Joaquin Valley.

Outgunned: Why California’s groundbreaking firearms law is failing

CalMatters

Two decades ago, California legislators added a new weapon to the state’s growing arsenal of gun-control measures, already among the toughest in the nation. Their motivation came from 2,000 miles away in a shaken Chicago suburb.

Fire:

Wildfire updates: California’s Dixie Fire generates own lightning, explodes in size

Fresno Bee

Multiple wildfires burning in Northern California grew in size Monday amid red flag weather conditions, but activity was most dramatic on the Dixie Fire, which began generating its own weather.

● River Fire near Yosemite National Park is now 100% contained Sierra Star

PG&E says its equipment possibly linked to big wildfire

Fresno Bee

Pacific Gas & Electric reported to California utility regulators that its equipment may have been involved in the start of a fire burning in the Sierra Nevada that is threatening hundreds of homes.

Help for homeowners in wildfire areas? California wins lawsuit over insurance coverage

Merced Sun-Star

With wildfires burning again and thousands of rural Californians losing their insurance coverage, state regulators have won a key legal battle that they believe could stabilize the fragile market for homeowners’ policies in fire-prone areas.

Western wildfire smoke causes cross-country air pollution

Reuters

Wildfires raging across the western United States and Canada, including a "monster" two-week-old blaze in Oregon, on Tuesday belched smoke and soot that gusted eastward and caused harmful air pollution as far away as New York City.

● Size of Oregon wildfire underscores vastness of the US West Fresno Bee

ECONOMY/JOBS

Economy:

Director of new export center set to join SBDC webinar

Bakersfield Californian

Why California is still on the economic brink

CalMatters

Looking at California’s latest unemployment numbers, you’d be forgiven for thinking the state is still under lockdown. That’s because the jobless rate didn’t budge from May to June: It remained at 7.7%, just slightly down from April’s revised rate of 8%.

Opinion: Too Much Money Portends High Inflation

Wall Street Journal

June’s inflation index jumped 5.4% from a year ago, the highest reading since August 2008. The experts were surprised. Clearly, Fed watchers never bothered to consult Friedman. Lost is a core Friedman dictum: “Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon.”

The emerging solidarity economy

Brookings

Residents in South LAs’ Crenshaw neighborhood are in the midst of a battle against developers—seeking to block the sale of the 41-acre plaza mall to institutional investors that would turn the property into luxury housing and threaten to displace residents.

Jobs:

Stanislaus stays on track for economic recovery despite seasonal dip in employment

Modesto Bee

Unemployment in Stanislaus County increased by 0.8% in June, following a statewide trend of incremental recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

California lawmakers press corporations to add women, people of color to board rooms

Fresno Bee

The Legislature’s diversity caucuses representing minorities, women and gay Californians are pressuring corporations headquartered in the state to diversify their leadership teams.

Low Pay Is The Main Reason So Many Workers Are Quitting Restaurant Jobs

NPR

Low wages are the most common reason people cite for leaving food service work. But in one recent survey, more than half of hospitality workers who've quit said no amount of pay would get them to return.

The C-suite job of the future: Chief purpose officer

Axios

To appease employees, customers and shareholders alike, companies are spending time and money grappling with huge social problems like systemic racism, income inequality and climate change.

Opinion: The majority of Americans lack a college degree. Why do so many employers require one?

Washington Post

While companies scramble to find talent amid perceived “skills gaps” and “labor shortages,” their job postings exclude millions of qualified Americans.

EDUCATION

K-12:

All students, staff should wear face masks at school, pediatric group says. Here’s why

Fresno Bee

The American Academy of Pediatrics on Monday recommended “universal masking” during the 2021-2022 school year.

● Schools Confront More Polarization With Mask Rules For Fall Business Journal

● Editorial: Want to keep schools open throughout Stanislaus County? Simple — mask up Modesto Bee

How will Fresno Unified spend the more than $700 million COVID funds? Here’s a look

Fresno Bee

County board passes resolution supporting local school control on COVID safety

Porterville Recorder

One youth at Tuesday's Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting made this passionate plea. “Just fix the schools and make everything normal again,” she said.

California launches largest free school lunch program in U.S.

Los Angeles Times

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.

How California schools are fighting ransomware attacks

CalMatters

Schools aren’t exactly known for their expansive budgets. Many struggle to pay for basic operations such as functioning air conditioning and employee salaries.

Higher Ed:

Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn to Serve as WSCUC Commissioner

California State University Stanislaus

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) announced the appointment of Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn as one of the organization’s new commissioners.

What COVID-19 safety measures will Stanislaus State, Modesto JC require this fall?

Modesto Bee

California State University, Stanislaus, and Modesto Junior College will welcome more students back to campuses in August, but most courses will continue online.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

Environment:

One fire killed 10% of all Sequoia, new group aims to protect the rest

Hanford Sentinel

The 2020 Castle fire killed between 10% and 14% of the Giant Sequoias on Earth; a new coalition is trying to save the other 90%.

New California ballot measure would ban Styrofoam food packaging statewide, force industry to reduce plastic litter

Mercury News

Setting the stage for a major environmental battle over a growing pollution issue, a coalition of environmental groups has qualified a statewide ballot measure that would require plastic packaging sold in California to be recyclable or reusable.

California’s electric car revolution, designed to save the planet, also unleashes a toll on it

Los Angeles Times

Investors are betting tens of millions of dollars that black nodules used in electric car batteries are the ticket for the United States to recapture supremacy over the green economy — and to keep up with a global transportation revolution started by California.

California is heating up. Here’s what Stanford climate scientists say needs to happen.

The Stanford Daily

Temperatures are up, and Stanford researchers are worried the record highs don’t bode well for the future of wildfire and drought in California. Though mitigating the effects of climate change is the only long-term solution, the researchers said there are short-term adaptations communities can make to stay safe.

Democrats lay out vision for Civilian Climate Corps

The Hill

A group of more than 80 House and Senate Democrats on Tuesday laid out their vision for a climate jobs program called the Civilian Climate Corps that is expected to be part of a sweeping $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill filled with Democratic priorities.

Energy:

California Energy Commission approves additional funding for local clean energy start-ups

CBS8

The Southern California Energy Innovation Network, known as the 'SCEIN,' has been approved by the California Energy Commission for another five years of funding to help local businesses bring clean energy innovation to the market.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Fresno ranked among top ‘urban heat islands’ in the US. Why that’s bad for public health

Fresno Bee

Vaccinated people can still get COVID. Here are the most common symptoms, study says

Fresno Bee

COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect people from getting seriously ill with the virus, as well as stave off extended hospital stays and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s easier than ever to get vaccinated. The ultimate guide to getting a COVID-19 shot

Los Angeles Times

You were preparing to have your roaring 2021 hot vaxx summer, carefree and maskless, but news of the contagious Delta variant remained on the horizon.

Editorial: It’s time to get tough on COVID vaccine evaders

Los Angeles Times

Last summer, when a new, deadly wave of COVID-19 infections gripped the nation, the only solace during that dark time was that a vaccine seemed possible, if not probable, within the year.

● Suddenly, Conservatives Care About Vaccines The Atlantic

● Opinion: The two numbers that could get people to take the vaccine Washington Post

● Opinion: If Covid Vaccine Carrots Aren’t Working, Maybe It’s Stick Time Bloomberg

Delta variant makes up an estimated 83% of U.S. cases, the C.D.C. director says

New York Times

The highly infectious Delta variant now accounts for an estimated 83 percent of new coronavirus cases in the United States — a “dramatic increase” from early July, when it crossed the 50 percent threshold to become the dominant variant in this country.

Lab discovers root cause of confusion, fatigue experienced by COVID 'long haulers'

abc30

One of the biggest medical mysteries about COVID-19 has been how some patients develop something called long haulers -- symptoms that include fatigue and confusion that can last for months.

Mask mandates make a return — along with controversy

Washington Post

Two months after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said vaccinated individuals didn’t need to wear masks in most settings, a growing number of experts are warning it’s time to put them back on.

See also:

● Opinion: We’ll Always Have Covid Wall Street Journal

U.S. Life Expectancy Fell by 1.5 Years in 2020, the Biggest Decline in Generations

Wall Street Journal

Life expectancy in the U.S. fell by 1.5 years in 2020, the biggest decline since at least World War II, as the Covid-19 pandemic killed hundreds of thousands and exacerbated crises in drug overdoses, homicides and some chronic diseases.

IMMIGRATION

He got deportation relief. Why was this man still detained by ICE in California for 77 days?

Fresno Bee

Attorneys are criticizing immigration officials for holding a man at a federal detention center in Kern County for two and a half months after he was granted deportation protection.

With DACA hopes dashed, California students look to Congress

Daily Democrat

Immigrant rights advocates in California and nationwide will focus on pushing the Biden administration and Congress to enact immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship, after a judge last week declared DACA unlawful.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Tejon tribe chooses firms to guide hotel-casino project

Bakersfield Californian

The $600 million casino and hotel proposed near Highway 99 south of Bakersfield took another step forward Monday with the announcement of the project's design and construction team, all three members of which have experience with gaming and hospitality facilities.

Housing:

Unhoused Fresnans showed up at City Hall asking for shelter. ‘There has to be a better way’

Fresno Bee

Fresno renters, do you know your rights? Here are 14 things to know to protect yourself

Fresno Bee

A majority of Fresnans are renters, but the laws that protect them and how to access help are not always clear. Most renters were fearful of reporting issues or unsure of what they can do to improve the situation.

California housing crisis extends to Central Valley college students. What can be done?

Fresno Bee

California’s universities are not immune to the state’s housing crisis, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California. As many four-year colleges face record enrollment surges, the question is — where will those students live?

Modesto segregation up slightly. It can affect home values, life expectancy and income

Modesto Bee

Despite American cities diversifying over the past few decades, some regions including Modesto have become slightly more segregated than before, a University of California, Berkeley, study shows.

Opinion: Allowing elected officials to increase housing supply is democratic

CalMatters

To meaningfully address the intertwined problems of climate change, wildfire risk and housing affordability, land-use policies in California must change. Senate Bill 10 offers a sensible place to start.

PUBLIC FINANCES

Eligible Californians missing out on tax credits worth hundreds of dollars, report says

Fresno Bee

Hundreds of thousands of lower income Californians in 2017 did not claim a state tax credit designed to provide extra cash for households like theirs, according to a new report by the nonpartisan California Policy Lab at UC Berkeley.

Poverty Fighters Podcast

Fresno EOC

Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) is at the forefront, continuing the war on poverty with over 35 programs dedicated to getting people the help they need to achieve their goals.

Big year for CalPERS means higher pension costs for some public employees

Sacramento Bee

Some local government employees in California likely will have to pay more toward their pensions as an indirect result of CalPERS’ good year on investment returns.

What does driving have to do with debt collection?

The Hill

For some people, a traffic ticket is just a nuisance: pay the ticket and move on. But for many Americans, the inability to pay a ticket or fine, often for a minor infraction, can kick off a harmful chain of events.

Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant

IRS

Important changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families get advance payments of the Child Tax Credit starting in the summer of 2021.

TRANSPORTATION

City roads program taking shape

Turlock Journal

The City of Turlock continues to make headway on new roads projects in town, with several thoroughfares set to undergo improvements both this year and next.

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. It will be the first bridge made available to drivers since construction began on the new highway segment in late 2019.

Coalition forms to advocate for federal high-speed rail dollars

Progressive Railroading

The U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition (USHSR) has launched a campaign to ask Congress to include $205 billion in funding for high-speed rail in the pending infrastructure bills.

Summer Travel Options Outside The U.S. Are Still Up In The Air As COVID Cases Rise

VPR

Americans desperate to leave the confines of their homes for a last-minute summer destination have a new option. Starting Aug. 9, Canada will reopen to fully-vaccinated Americans for non-essential travel after more than a year of closed borders.

A 21st-Century Transportation System That Drives Climate Action and Equitable Recovery

NRDC

We must build the national transportation system of the future—and do it now, all while strengthening the responsible public oversight we all depend on to protect the environment and public health.

WATER

Not quite at 2015 level, but Tule River low

Porterville Recorder

State water board considers resolution on racial equity

Bakersfield Californian

Racial equity may soon become a guiding principle at a powerful state agency that helps mediate water disputes and directs taxpayer investments in troubled Central Valley water systems.

Once green, Beach Park turns brown as well that supplies irrigation water stops pumping

Bakersfield Californian

The grass has faded from green to gold to a dull brown at Beach Park, one of the city of Bakersfield's most visible parks. It means there's no turf on the soccer field, the baseball field or anywhere else in the 26-acre park at 24th and Oak streets.

LOIS HENRY: Kern River water rights case gets hearing date

Bakersfield Californian

Whether the Kern River truly has spare water and, if so, how much, has been left up in the air for more than a decade.

Californians scramble for fresh water as taps, wells run dry

PBS NewsHour

In California’s San Joaquin Valley, the demand for water has threatened the drinking supply for hundreds of thousands of rural residents — including the farmers who grow a significant part of the country’s food supply.

● One of America’s hottest cities is down to one water well. What happens if the taps go dry? Los Angeles Times

California voters OK’d billions for water projects. Where are the new dams, reservoirs?

Modesto Bee

These barren, brown hills an hour northwest of Sacramento will be the future home of Sites Reservoir, one of the few major water projects to be built in California since the 1970s.

Thieves are stealing California’s scarce water. Where’s it going? Illegal marijuana farms

CalMatters

As drought grips most of California, water thefts have increased to record levels. Thieves tap into hydrants, pump water from rivers and break into remote water stations and tanks.

Two Rods and a ‘Sixth Sense’: In Drought, Water Witches are Swamped

New York Times

In a vineyard flanked by scorched hills and charcoal trees, Rob Thompson gripped two stainless steel rods, began rotating in a circle and counted under his breath. Then he said he had found it — water, hundreds of feet beneath the parched ground.

“Xtra”

Bethany Clough: This tea shop’s opening five locations in the Fresno area. Karaoke is also on the menu

Fresno Bee

MilkT Society is a new tea shop – serving boba and other teas – where having a good time is part of the business model. The shop is in the process of opening five locations in the Fresno area.

Bethany Clough: Eight new restaurants, food trucks open in Fresno with summertime treats to cool you down

Fresno Bee

It’s a good time to point out that the Fresno area has several new restaurants and food trucks opening, and many of them offer food or drink that’s perfect for a sweltering Fresno day.

Turlock Community Theatre to launch comeback with help of federal grant

Turlock Journal

It was announced this week that the Turlock Community Theatre was one of six venues throughout the Central Valley to receive federal COVID funding in order to help keep its doors open.

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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.

This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.

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