POLICY & POLITICS
Valley:
With the release of new documents, Devin Nunes’s memo on Carter Page has gotten even less credible
Washington Post
Earlier this year, the political world was gripped by an accusation from Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) that the government’s application for a warrant to surveil a former Trump campaign adviser was reliant on a dossier of information compiled on the dime of Democratic operatives.
Congressional hopeful Andrew Janz has his sights set on 'taking back the Valley'
Visalia Times-Delta
From the moment Janz submitted his candidacy paperwork, he knew he wanted to run a grassroots campaign. But he could have never imagined what running for U.S. House of Representatives would entail.
The Safest Republican In A Democratic District
Capital Public Radio
Rep. David Valadao has consistently won election by double-digits, despite being a Republican in a blue district. CapRadio’s Ben Bradford explores why..
Judge issues gag order in Perez's conflict case; MALDEF asks AG to investigate DA
Bakersfield Californian
Acting on the request of the Kern County District Attorney's Office, Kern County Superior Court Judge Charles Brehmer issued a gag order Friday morning, prohibiting all parties in the case, including attorneys, from talking about it outside of court.
See also:
● Price: Gag me with this unnecessary gag order Bakersfield Californian
Kristin Olsen on Challenges Facing Political Moderation and Barriers to Women Running for Office (Podcast)
KQED
Stanislaus County supervisor and former Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen joins to talk how media is in her blood, why she has stuck with the GOP, and the three reasons women tell her they are hesitant to run for office.
State:
Will Supreme Court heed Jerry Brown's request?
CALmatters
Gov. Jerry Brown is urging the California Supreme Court to take up a case about pension benefits for public employees. He may have himself to blame for the delay.
New head of California political watchdog agency says it is moving on after period of tumult
Los Angeles Times
As the governor’s pick to lead the state’s political watchdog panel, veteran Democratic activist Alice Germond takes over an agency that has been mired in turmoil for months.
California's planned new campaign finance website is delayed, price has doubled
Los Angeles Times
A plan to replace California’s antiquated website for disclosing lobbying activity and contributions to elected officials is 11 months behind schedule, and its budget has doubled.
California voters won't have to pay for postage on mail-in ballots much longer
Los Angeles Times
In a move to boost voter turnout, Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed a bill that requires counties to prepay postage for mail-in ballots in California elections.
See also:
● EDITORIAL: Putting postage on absentee ballots a smart way to spur voting in California San Diego Union-Tribune
California Will Allow Backers To Drop Local Ballot Measures
Capital Public Radio
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation giving local governments the chance to negotiate deals to withdraw ballot initiatives.
Forget 3 states: How about a much LARGER California?
Visalia Times-Delta
With attention focused on the three states initiative recently, we have heard about the approximate 200 efforts over the years to cut California into smaller pieces. But there is a lesser-known history dealing with the size of California.
Schnur & Westly: How California can head off the next recession and step back from partisan extremes
Sacramento Bee
After almost a decade of uninterrupted growth, an unemployment rate of just over four percent and a $6 billion budget surplus, California’s economy is thriving.
Top-four primary election reform being studied
CAFWD
California’s Top Two Primary has undergone what a political cardiologist—if there was such a thing-- might call a "stress test."
No, California didn’t pass a law allowing undocumented immigrants to register to vote
PolitiFact
In April 2018, a new law will allow Californians to automatically register to vote when they renew their driver’s license.
Federal:
Trump’s 2 hours alone with Putin still rankles Washington
Stockton Record
The secret meeting continues to unsettle lawmakers and foreign policy experts, who also rejected a possible follow-up meeting at the White House.
See also:
● Even Trump's allies warn of pitfalls of a Putin visit to U.S. and pan his Helsinki performance Los Angeles Times
● Discussing Russia’s criminal actions AEI
● EDITORIAL: California Republicans are cowards. Their reaction to the Trump-Putin summit proves it. Sacramento Bee
● Donald Trump’s Approval Rating Inches Higher, Buoyed by Republican Support Wall Street Journal
California has sued the Trump administration 38 times. Here's a look at the legal challenges
Los Angeles Times
California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra has emerged as a leading national figure in “resistance” to the Trump administration, filing 38 lawsuits against the federal government.
Opinion: Democrats are entirely too focused on abortion
Los Angeles Times
Based on the rhetoric of the past few weeks following Justice Anthony M. Kennedy’s retirement from the Supreme Court, you could be forgiven for thinking that abortion was the only issue the high court dealt with.
Other:
Bob & Elizabeth Dole: 7 Ways to Practice Good Leadership and Preserve Democracy
Roll Call
During more than 50 years of public service in the House, Senate, five presidential administrations and the nonprofit sector, it has been our privilege to witness the essential role good leadership and bipartisanship play in preserving our democracy.
The Value of Immoral and Factually Incorrect Speech
Aero
Recent debates about free speech on university campuses have been contentious and confused. Instead of productive debate, we see battle lines traced along a cultural battlefront.
Is increasing diversity positive for the U.S.? A look at the partisan divide
Brookings
Although immigration is an issue trifecta, raising economic, security, and cultural concerns, recent surveys have underscored the centrality of culture.
Those who deny birthright citizenship get the Constitution wrong
Washington Post
The 14th Amendment is perhaps the greatest provision of our Constitution, in part because of its profound guarantee of citizenship to all who are born on American soil.
Facial recognition threatens our fundamental rights
Washington Post
When deployed as a tool to unlock your phone, facial recognition may be a convenience. But when deployed as a surveillance tool, facial recognition upends some of our most basic assumptions about how the police interact with the public.
Tech security expert: Hackers already targeting 2018 election
UPI
Hackers have already begun targeting candidates running for office in key U.S. midterm elections, a tech expert at Microsoft said. The cyberattacks occurred earlier this year.
See also:
● Microsoft: Russian Hackers Are Targeting The Midterms Forbes
● Week Of Trump Reversals Puts 2018 Election Security In The Spotlight NPR
● Voting machines in America are reassuringly hard to hack Economist
● Why These Former Cybersecurity Officials Are Worried About the Census TIME
● The Russian "Firehose of Falsehood" Propaganda Model: Why It Might Work and Options to Counter It RAND
Wall Street Journal
A liberal political scientist recounts the rise of the Federalist Society—and explains his sympathy for some of its ideas.
Reining in the administrative state
AEI
The administrative agencies of the United States executive branch are gradually taking over the legislative role of Congress, adding thousands of laws each year outside the purview of Congress.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, July 29, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 – Maddy Report: “I Didn't Vote!: Civic (Dis)Engagement and the (Dis)Interested Voter” – Guests: Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Mindy Romero, Director of the California Civic Engagement Project at UC Davis. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, July 29, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “Addressing Civil Illiteracy in the Valley” – Guests: UC Merced Prof. Nate Monroe, John Minkler with the California Council for Social Studies, Fresno Superior Court Judge Don Fransen, and Fresno Attorney Michael Wilhelm. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, July 29, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Californians & Civic Engagement” – Guest: Mony Flores-Bauer, League of Women Voters in California. Host: Ana Melendes.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
2.5 Billion Pounds of Meat Piles Up in U.S. as Production Grows, Exports Slow
Wall Street Journal
Meat is piling up in U.S. cold-storage warehouses, fueled by a surge in supplies and trade disputes that are eroding demand.
EDITORIAL: It's animal tissue grown in a vat. But is it meat?
Los Angeles Times
There’s an honest-to-goodness debate brewing among the advocates and detractors of a new class of meat products being developed by a number of biotech companies.
Why don’t more Americans eat the Mediterranean Diet?
Fresno State
The Mediterranean has been shown to lower risk of obesity and is also linked to the prevention of cancer, diabetes and heart disease — in other words, the big killers.
Your favorite California wine may contain radioactive particles — from Japan
Fresno Bee
If your favorite California red wine was made anytime after 2011, it may contain trace amounts of radioactive particles — from a nuclear disaster in Japan.
Campaign Underway To Support Food Bank
ABC30
For more than 25 years Community Food Bank has helped put food on the table for thousands of families. No easy task: one in three children is hungry in Central California.
Excavation board seeking feedback from ranchers, growers
Bakersfield Californian
The California Underground Facilities Excavation or "Dig Safe" Board is hosting a workshop on Tuesday for landowners, ranchers and growers.
Residents weigh in on Stockton’s developing cannabis policy at forum
Stockton Record
Tax revenue, more jobs and decriminalization were some of the benefits to commercial cannabis sales that community members identified at a workshop.
See also:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Hate crimes happen nearly twice a month in Valley. And that might be just tip of it
Fresno Bee
In Fresno County, the number of reported hate crimes has increased almost every year since 2011.
Silent sit-in to apply "gentle pressure" in December double murder case
ABC30
The terror of losing her mother and grandmother to murder have not dissipated for Alison Dupras. Detectives never arrested anyone. Dupras has scheduled a silent sit-in on Monday and District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp even agreed to meet with her.
See also:
● Months after her mom and grandma were murdered, she’s demanding an arrest from DA Fresno Bee
Delano residents march in honor of victims of gang violence
Bakersfield Californian
Residents who have lost loved ones to gang violence took community action for the first time on Saturday. Around 100 people came out for the first March for Justice in Delano.
Justice Department, gun rights groups clash after assault weapons deadline passes
Fresno Bee
A gun rights group this week filed suit, alleging that the California Department of Justice’s online registration system crashed as the June 30 deadline ran down.
DA announces no charges for two Tehachapi officers involved in 2017 shooting of unarmed man
Bakersfield Californian
No charges will be filed against two Tehachapi Police Department officers who shot an unarmed man on May 24, 2017, Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green announced Friday.
Public Safety:
BPD gets $98K grant to address alcohol-related crime
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield Police Department has received a $98,000 grant to fight alcohol-related crime from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control organization.
Stockton’s Self-Proclaimed Batman Takes Crime Into His Own Hands
CBS Sacramento
A civilian superhero of sorts in Stockton is at it again. He calls himself Stockton’s Batman. He’s a father of two and a local business owner. The latest citizen’s arrest was caught on camera.
Fire:
Ferguson Fire expands to 30,493 acres. Time until full containment still unknown
Fresno Bee
The Ferguson Fire in Mariposa County expanded to 30,493 acres on Sunday, having increased 1,448 acres Saturday evening, according to the wildfire’s incident commanders.
See also:
● Ferguson Fire explodes to over 30,500 acres, Old Yosemite Road mandatory evacuations ABC30
● Ferguson Fire grows ten percent, forces new evacuations ABC30
● Yosemite West under mandatory evacuation order after Ferguson Fire grows to more than 29,000 acres Fresno Bee
● Ferguson fire continues destructive path toward Yosemite National Park Los Angeles Times
● Wildfire outside Yosemite grows and moves closer to park San Francisco Chronicle
● Forest fires near Sequoia, Yosemite national parks grow Visalia Times-Delta
● Firefighters hope to stop Sequoia National Park wildfire before it grows Visalia Times-Delta
● Poor Visibility Impacts Crews Fighting Fire Near Yosemite Capital Public Radio
Madera Tribune
Wildfires are not new to California. There are 11 uncontrolled fires raging across the state, with 10 more that seem to be controlled.
See also:
● Laws must keep up with more wildfires Sacramento Bee
● EDITORIAL: ‘New normal’ on wildfires isn’t reason enough to give utilities a free pass Sacramento Bee
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Valley economic index reaches highest level in 6 months
Hanford Sentinel
The San Joaquin Valley Business Conditions Index rose in June, remaining above growth neutral for the 22nd consecutive month and pointing to healthy growth.
New Kern Venture Group Brings Angel Investing to Our Region
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County has never hosted an organized group of angel investors. But local business owner John-Paul ("J.P.") Lake is working to change all that.
Walters: Diving into California’s shameful poverty crisis
Mercury News
Poverty must be attacked at its roots, such as the ever-worsening shortage of housing, which drives its costs ever-upward, and the lack of education and training for good jobs that employers want to fill, but can’t.
See also:
● California has the nation’s highest poverty rate, when factoring in cost-of-living PolitiFact
● US income inequality continues to grow CNBC
President Trump Says He's Prepared to Slap Tariffs on Every Product Imported From China
TIME
President Donald Trump has indicated that he’s willing to hit every product imported from China with tariffs, sending U.S. markets sliding before the opening bell Friday.
See also:
● World Economic Outlook Update, July 2018: Less Even Expansion, Rising Trade Tensions International Monetary Fund
● Trump's Specious Trade Tweets FactCheck
● Trump's trade war is getting serious — here's why it started, what it means for the US economy, and how it could hit you Business Insider
● Trade War Diary AEI
● EDITORIAL: Trump’s Misguided Trade War Bloomberg
● EDITORIAL: The Trade Casualties Mount Wall Street Journal
Jobs:
California gains just 800 jobs in June; unemployment remains at record low
Los Angeles Times
California’s economic engine paused in June, as employers added a meager 800 new jobs. The unemployment rate held steady at a record low of 4.2%.
See also:
● California Employment Report for June 2018 California Center for Jobs and the Economy
● U.S. Jobless Claims Hit Lowest Level Since 1969 Wall Street Journal
Workers Leaving California Labor Force Even As Unemployment Stays Near Record Lows
Capital Public Radio
California’s unemployment rate remains at a record low of 4.2 percent in the latest jobs report. A closer look shows 2018 has not been a banner year for the state’s labor market.
'Cowork' concept ready for growth in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Californian
By paying a few hundred dollars a month for a membership in a "coworking" establishment in downtown Bakersfield, renters get a modest workspace, access to a conference room, and the opportunity to bounce ideas off fellow entrepreneurs nearby.
What U.S. immigration policy has to do with wages and labor shortages
Marketplace
The economy is dealing with a labor shortage, but that raises the question of where these workers will come from when U.S. immigration policy reduces the amount of immigrant labor.
Podcast: What the Supreme Court’s Janus decision means for unions and workers
Brookings
In this episode of Intersections, we review the Supreme Court’s ruling on Janus v. AFSCME, which bars public sector unions from collecting “fair share” or “agency” fees from non-union members to offset collective bargaining costs.
Measuring American gig workers is difficult, but essential
Brookings
The size of the gig economy reveals a lot about the forces affecting the welfare of American workers. Understanding who chooses to be a gig worker will help labor market experts design policies for improving job quality and job security while maintaining flexibility.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Fred Ruiz of Ruiz Foods receives award for service to education
Fresno Bee
Fred Ruiz, one of the founders of Dinuba-based Ruiz Foods, has received the James L. Fisher Award for Distinguished Service to Education for his support of UC Merced.
Merced city schools modernizing security and classrooms
ABC30
Merced City School campuses are getting upgrades thanks to a 60 million dollar bond that is helping pay for a multi-million dollar modernization project across several campuses.
Madera Tribune
Madera Unified School District Trustees resolved at their regular school board meeting Tuesday to put a bond measure on the Nov. 2018 ballot to build three new schools, and to make the existing ones safe for kids and more accessible to students with handicaps.
Hanford Sentinel
This past week, students with the Inspire California college prep program learned that when you’re trying to make a difference in the world, age really is just a number.
Lemoore holds 3rd solar academy
Hanford Sentinel
Twenty of Lemoore High School engineering pathway students participated in SunPower Solar Academy the past week.
What's new at your kid's school this year? Districts wrap up projects, hires for new year
Bakersfield Californian
With most Bakersfield schools starting up in less than a month, districts are putting the finishing touches on construction and maintenance work and making last-minute hires.
California teacher pension debt swamps school budgets
CALmatters
California’s public schools have enjoyed a remarkable restoration of funding since the bone-deep cuts they endured during the recession, but many are now facing a grave financial threat as they struggle to protect pensions crucial for teachers’ retirement.
Walters: California’s school war will have new political players
CALmatters
Over the last half-decade, California has spent many billions of dollars to close the “achievement gap” that separates poor and “English learner” K-12 students from their more privileged classmates.
California must continue to lead in closing the bilingual skills gap
EdSource
High school seniors in nearly three dozen states walked across the graduation stage last month to receive a diploma with a unique distinction that signifies they are even better positioned for success: a Seal of Biliteracy.
7 principles for empowering teachers to be architects of girls’ empowerment
Brookings
There is an increasing realization that education is the most significant and strongest tool that can help achieve empowerment for girls.
EDITORIAL: Improve state schools? Trump, California won't help
San Diego Union-Tribune
When it comes to pushing for improved schools, California reformers led by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, D-San Diego, have long enjoyed the federal government’s support.
Higher Ed:
Bakersfield College's Summer Bridge program eases transition to higher education
Bakersfield Californian
Moving from high school to college can be scary and stressful, but Bakersfield College is trying to make the transition a bit easier for incoming freshmen.
Grant gives booster shot to training of nurses, other caregivers at Stan State, MJC
Modesto Bee
The Stanislaus Health Careers Fund is providing scholarships and other help for students at Modesto Junior College and California State University, Stanislaus.
The CSU offers students a free, fully-online course each term
Fresno State
Students can take one free, fully online course offered at another CSU campus every term. These courses transfer for credit as a general education requirement, specific course fulfillment or as an elective.
As Gov. Brown urges work on new online college, community college faculty drop their opposition
EdSource
Gov. Jerry Brown was unequivocal about the promise of a new California online community college intended to serve workers seeking to improve their skills.
Campus Conundrum: For Professors, Trump Requires ‘Constant Adaptation’
Roll Call
For Donald Trump, last week was perhaps the worst of his presidency. For some Republican lawmakers, his antics struck a nerve. And for political science professors, it will only make things tougher in the classroom.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Temperatures may reach up to 108 in parts of Valley next week
Hanford Sentinel
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for areas that include the San Joaquin Valley through Thursday evening.
Breathe in, breathe out: Bakersfield trees do more than just suck up water
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield’s leafy trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and replace it with clean oxygen. The city hopes the new trees will help ease the air quality for the city.
EDITORIAL: The Trump EPA won’t follow its own rules. That’s a problem for California.
San Francisco Chronicle
California is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its decision to suspend a regulation that would have limited pollution from trucks.
Los Angeles Times
California lawmakers are considering the most ambitious target of them all: requiring all utilities to obtain 100% of their power from renewable or zero-carbon sources by 2045.
Energy:
2 separate power outages impact thousands in Fresno and Clovis
ABC30
Two large power outages are currently impacting thousands of people. More than 1,300 customers in the area of First and McKinley are without power.
California is cutting greenhouse gases, but not from cars. Can that change?
San Francisco Chronicle
California’s greenhouse gas emissions are falling faster than state leaders hoped when they launched their fight against climate change 12 years ago.But there’s a glaring exception.
Why a regional power grid brings energy security
San Diego Union-Tribune
Reliable energy infrastructure is a hallmark of a modern world, and affordable power is vital for economic development and social cohesion.
See also:
● California Wants to Reinvent the Power Grid. So What Could Go Wrong? New York Times
Los Angeles Times
California lawmakers are considering the most ambitious target of them all: requiring all utilities to obtain 100% of their power from renewable or zero-carbon sources by 2045.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Honey do list must be checked off ahead of Tulare hospital re-opening
Visalia Times-Delta
Administrators have a "honey-do" list of projects to complete before state officials can inspect and give their blessing to reopen the Tulare Regional Medical Center.
New Kaweah Delta birthing plan gets bad reviews
Visalia Times-Delta
A Kaweah Delta Medical Center decision to hire a new outside medical firm to deliver babies to patients without their own obstetricians or in emergency situations has created controversy.
Stockton tour an eye-opener for health agency
Stockton Record
Dr. Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, visited Stockton earlier this week to learn about environmental and community trauma firsthand.
Podcast: Two years ago CA passed a strict immunization law – how has it affected vaccination rates?
89.3 KPCC
Two years ago, after a measles outbreak originating at Disneyland, California passed one of the stricted immunization laws in the country.
A Spike In Liver Disease Deaths Among Young Adults Fueled By Alcohol
NPR
The analysis revealed that deaths from liver-related illnesses have increased dramatically, and mortality in young people rose the fastest.
Parents Aren’t Good Judges of Their Kids’ Sugar Intake
New York Times
A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that most of us, alas, are not adept at estimating how much sugar is in some common foodstuffs.
Human Services:
Multimillion health care fraud scheme alleged in Merced
Merced Sun-Star
The embattled ex-CEO of a string of now-shuttered Merced-area health clinics that served thousands of low-income patients has signed an agreement to plead guilty to defrauding Medi-Cal of millions of dollars.
See also:
● Plea deal proposal outlines alleged multimillion health care fraud scheme in Merced Modesto Bee
Housing Authority headquarters get makeover
Stockton Record
The modest Housing Authority buildings are about to get a makeover — a measure aimed at providing relief to a neighborhood and a city where homelessness is at a crisis point.
Podcast: Covered CA to hike premiums by 8.7%. What does that mean for your county?
89.3 KPCC
On Thursday, Covered California announced an expected average increase of 8.7 percent in its health insurance premiums by 2019.
Lifestyle choices could raise your health insurance rates
PBS
Health insurance providers are paying data brokers to find personal information about their clients -- race, marital status, ability to pay bills and more -- to predict client health costs.
See also:
● Health Insurers Are Vacuuming Up Details About You — And It Could Raise Your Rates NPR
America Is Running Out of Family Caregivers, Just When It Needs Them Most
Wall Street Journal
Smaller, more far-flung families mean fewer unpaid helpers; ‘Are you really my daughter?’
IMMIGRATION
Legal residents first. Don’t separate families. California leaders advise DC on immigration
Sacramento Bee
“California needs to prioritize the rights and interests of its citizens and legal residents first,” said Dhillon, a senior Republican National Committee official.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Tachi building entertainment centers
Hanford Sentinel
Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino is in the process of completing its new attractions and entertainment center.
Lights out for history-rich stadium?
Bakersfield Californian
In its heyday, the building known over the years as The Dome typically smelled of beer, sweat and popcorn as men wrestled or boxed in front of crowds limited by seating capacity.
The Geography of Inequality: How Land Use Regulation Produces Segregation and Polarization
UC Merced
High levels of racial segregation persist in the United States. We argue that land use control is an important tool for maintaining this pattern.
Replacing Vacant Lots With Green Spaces Can Ease Depression In Urban Communities
NPR
The study, published Friday in JAMA Network Open, found that having access to even small green spaces can reduce symptoms of depression for people who live near them.
Housing:
Finally, new construction in Modesto. But home prices are rising, along with demand
Modesto Bee
New construction in particular has been in short supply in the region. Many of the major developers like didn’t start building again in earnest until last year.
‘Housing for All’: Democrats push for big government response to soaring rents
Washington Post
Democratic politicians at both the state and federal level are pushing plans to dramatically expand the government’s role in addressing unaffordable housing costs.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Taxpayers foot big bill to keep California’s statewide officers safe
San Francisco Chronicle
Taxpayers spent $297,169 — about $814 a day — to provide a car and driver to state Controller Betty Yee in fiscal 2016-17, state records show.
Public Pensions Are Earning More Than 8%—That’s Unlikely to Go On Much Longer
Wall Street Journal
The nation’s two biggest public pension funds are doing better in 2018. Funds such as Calstrs and Calpers are becoming cautious and more realistic about their investment targets.
City budgets in an era of increased uncertainty
Brookings
Cities in the United States are likely to shoulder additional responsibilities, as federal leaders seek to cut the federal budget and workforce and reduce regulatory authority in Washington.
Marketplace
Much attention is being paid to the release of the consumer price index just now. It's up by 0.5 percent, more than expected.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Brings Banking Panel to Boiling Point
Roll Call
Kathy Kraninger’s confirmation hearing was as politically contentious as it’s gotten in the last year and a half on what has otherwise been a very senatorial Senate Banking Committee.
Wall Street Journal
Donald Trump has begun to challenge the Federal Reserve for raising interest rates, while also bashing China and Europe for their falling currencies.
See also:
● Why wars on the Fed aren’t good and easy to win AEI
TRANSPORTATION
First electric car being assembled at Hanford’s Faraday plant
Business Journal
Faraday Future is assembling its first prototype of the FF 91 electric vehicle this week now that the startup received city approval to take occupancy of its new manufacturing plant.
CHP targeted farm labor vehicle safety after 1999 tragedy, and now roads are more SAFE
Fresno Bee
The CHP’s mission is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security to the people of California, with initiatives like the Safety & Farm Labor Vehicle Education (SAFE) Program.
As L.A. struggles to reduce traffic deaths, speed limits keep going up
Los Angeles Times
Speed limits on hundreds of miles of streets are expired, making speeding enforcement more difficult in vast swaths of the city.
89.3 KPCC
In light of the state Legislature mandating the release of greenhouse gas score cards for more than a dozen municipalities, residents may find that they need to limit the miles put on their cars in order to reach local environmental goals.
See also:
● California speeding toward fight over driving limits in age of climate change and electric cars San Diego Union-Tribune
California Democrats urge Brown to spearhead gas tax repeal fight
Politico
California Governor Jerry Brown, heading into his last months in office, is staring down a capstone political challenge — an GOP effort to dismantle one of his legacy achievements.
Reducing the Safety Risks of Big Rigs
Consumer Reports
How to steer clear of harm on the road, and what the industry can do to reduce collisions.
WATER
Algae bloom at ‘warning’ level in San Luis Reservoir
Fresno Bee
The California Department of Water Resources is urging people to avoid contact with water at San Luis Reservoir in Merced County due to a bloom of cyanobacteria, called blue-green algae.
Water restrictions, fines under review
Madera Tribune
The Madera City Council listened to the pro’s and con’s of restricted watering schedules Wednesday night and requested further information about the benefits and complications of automatically reducing winter-time watering to two days a week, on a set annual schedule.
See also:
Water wars head upstream as state considers cutbacks for senior Central Valley irrigation districts Los Angeles Times
EDITORIAL: Make state’s water grab personal. Put your face on it Modesto Bee
California water policy should rely on California science
Modesto Bee
The State Water Resources Control Board has ignored the value of water to our community and doubled down on its proposal to mandate 40 percent of unimpaired flows along the Tuolumne River.
See also:
● Regulatory impacts on the human environment Modesto Bee
Interior Secretary Zinke visits reservoirs, signaling federal interest in water fight
Sacramento Bee
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke paid a visit Friday to two reservoirs that are embroiled in an intense fight over water allocations in the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
“Xtra”
Purchase discount tickets at the USU for summer fun
Fresno State
The University Student Union offers discount tickets to students, faculty and staff to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farms, Wild Water Adventure Park, Maya Cinemas and more.
Disney delivers toys to kids at Valley Children's
ABC30
All these smiles courtesy of a partnership with Disney. More than 100 toys were delivered to kids at Valley Children's through Disney's Team of Heroes Hospital Care Packages.
The Lifestyle Center puts a spin on raising awareness
Visalia Times-Delta
On Saturday, the Scarlett Parks Foundation committee hosted the second annual Spin-a-Thon at Visalia's The Lifestyle Center. Proceeds from the spin-a-thon went toward Valley Children’s Hospital.
What's behind the curtain at the Kern County Museum? Lotsa cool stuff — and one shocker
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County Museum and its adjacent Pioneer Village are treasure troves of historic artifacts. The buildings, vehicles and thousands of items of historic interest are lovingly preserved.
Stanislaus reservoirs become beacon for music festivals; next one slated for fall
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County’s reservoir are becoming known for national music festivals that bring thousands from across the country to dance and party.
Indulging in American Basque Cuisine
Smithsonian
The Basques followed the sheep from Europe to the western United States and they brought with them their boardinghouse cuisine.
EDITORIAL: A summer checklist for California’s outdoors
San Francisco Chronicle
Summer is a time to get outside and experience nature. But there are opportunities to make the outdoors even better and problems that underscore challenges ahead. Here are some examples.
Take me home! Dogs available for adoption
Bakersfield Californian
These four dogs at Kern County Animal Services are looking for their forever homes. Can you help?
Help raise funds for bulletproof vests for 'local k-9 heroes'
Bakersfield Californian
Marley's Mutts and Motor City GMC are raising money for bulletproof vests for "our local K-9 heroes" working for the Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff's Office
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno 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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