POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Where Stanislaus County and its cities stand on requiring COVID-19 vaccines for staff Modesto Bee
Ceres city manager resigns, accepts job in his Northern California hometown
Modesto Bee
Ceres City Manager Tom Westbrook announced his resignation Monday after 15 months on the job and 20 years working for the city.
Aiding underserved with housing, small business. That’s the goal of new Stanislaus effort
Modesto Bee
A two-pronged effort has begun in Stanislaus County to set disadvantaged residents on a path to homeownership and small-business success by revitalizing distressed communities through the development of affordable housing, businesses and employment networking.
That smoke hovering over Stanislaus County? Here’s where it’s all coming from.
Modesto Bee
Officials issued a health caution Wednesday for air quality in Stanislaus County and other parts of the northern San Joaquin Valley, warning residents to avoid increased particulate matter emissions caused by wildfire smoke.
Editorial: Stanislaus County leaders, Modesto school board cave to local pressure on masks in class
Modesto Bee
If it seems we’ve been down this road before, with local leaders chafing at state COVID-19 guidelines and making political noise, it’s because we have.
Opinion: Communities of color in Stockton want cleaner air where they live. Is California listening?
Sacramento Bee
Despite our efforts, and the requirements of AB 617, Stockton’s CERP process consistently discouraged community leadership, lacked adequate technical analysis, and still lacks strategic alignment with our worst pollution sources.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Fresno County experiencing rise of COVID-19 cases among younger population, doctors say Fresno Bee
● COVID cases increasing in Kings County, vaccines lagging in some ZIP codes Hanford Sentinel
Republican recall candidate Kevin Faulconer visits Fresno, offers plan for Valley water
Fresno Bee
Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer made a stop in Fresno on Wednesday to plead his case on why he’s a key candidate in the potential recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Fresno launches eviction protection program. Here’s what you need to know
Fresno Bee
Fresno renters who are facing an eviction may be eligible for free legal help through the city’s Eviction Protection Program which was launched Tuesday.
Fresno church cancels youth activities after COVID exposures at summer camp
Fresno Bee
A Fresno church that sent hundreds of children to a mountain summer camp last week has canceled its youth activities after some of the attendees were sent home early after being exposed to COVID-19 during their stay.
See also:
● COVID cases at Hume Lake camp come as coronavirus surges in Fresno and central California Fresno Bee
Community partnership to bring more fresh food to Southwest Fresno
Business Journal
Two Fresno community organizations announced a collaboration Wednesday that would result in a new building and expanded access to food in an oft-neglected part of town, St. Rest + Food to Share Hub.
Kings County holds second redistricting hearing, passes items on public safety
Hanford Sentinel
Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting was capped by another public hearing about county redistricting, which repeated the information communicated in the first hearing but was accompanied by diverse public concerns.
Warszawski: Six Flags in Fresno? Just as soon as we get a PGA Tour stop, lake, speedway and aquarium
Fresno Bee
Six Flags over Fresno? Might be time for a caution flag. Whispers that a major theme park company could be making moves toward the central San Joaquin Valley have circulated for months, and the excitement shown by local politicians and job creators is understandable.
Devin Nunes has more cash on hand than any other Republican. What does he want to do next?
Fresno Bee
The campaign committee for Nunes, R-Tulare had more than $11.5 million on hand as of June 30. That’s the third most of any House member, behind California Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health reports 135 new coronavirus cases Wednesday Bakersfield Californian
McCarthy offers amendment to fund SQF recovery
Porterville Recorder
Congressman Kevin McCarthy introduced an amendment on Tuesday on the floor of the House of Representatives that would provide more than $13 million for the restoration of the Sequoia National Forest following the Sequoia Complex.
Assemblyman Salas secures $6 million for Bakersfield College health education programs
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield College has reason to celebrate this week after getting word that the local community college will receive an additional $6 million in state funding secured by Assemblymember Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield.
Redistricting workshop set for Saturday
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County will host a redistricting workshop on Saturday to hear public comments on the redrawing of district boundaries using new data from the U.S. Census.
Prayer vigil asks for protection for law enforcement, comfort for grieving families
Bakersfield Californian
A prayer vigil in downtown Bakersfield brought together more than 100 people, Kern County Sheriff's deputies among them, calling for God’s protection of law enforcement officers, and comfort for their families.
See also:
● Wasco community holds vigil for victims of mass shooting Bakersfield Californian
Despite shortened timeline and pandemic worries, Kern County Fair plans big comeback
Bakersfield Californian
Preparations for this year’s Kern County Fair are underway, and despite a shortened timeline and reduced staff, organizers expect the event to mostly resemble the extravaganzas of the past.
State:
COVID Update:
● Back to masks: California urges indoor face coverings as COVID variant spreads Fresno Bee
● California health officials recommend wearing face mask indoors even if you're vaccinated abc30
● Calif follows CDC, advises indoor masks for vaccinated Bakersfield Californian
● What to know as mask mandates, recommendations return amid California’s COVID surge Sacramento Bee
● UC Davis researchers find COVID-19 paradox: More grim news leads to decreased anxiety Sacramento Bee
● California Urges — Again — People Wear Face Coverings Indoors As COVID-19 Cases Rise Capital Public Radio
● With coronavirus surge worsening, California urges wearing masks indoors Los Angeles Times
● COVID in California: 36 counties would now qualify for purple tier, as delta surge continues Mercury News
● New CDC advice: Most vaccinated Californians should wear masks indoors CalMatters
● California’s biggest state worker union challenges Gavin Newsom’s vaccine order Sacramento Bee
What Type Of Electorate Will Show Up For the Gavin Newsom Recall?
Capital Public Radio
A new poll shows support for recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom in the upcoming special election is virtually unchanged among California’s registered voters: 36% of registered voters support recalling the governor, compared to 51% who would vote no.
See also:
● Elizabeth Warren calls on Californians to ‘vote no’ on Newsom recall in new ad Sacramento Bee
● Newsom’s biggest recall danger: Complacent Democrats who don’t turn out to vote Los Angeles Times
● Newsom recall: GOP challengers see parents as ‘consumers’ CalMatters
● Walters: Early recall election could backfire on Newsom CalMatters
Opinion: California’s political future lies in how voting maps are redrawn
CalMatters
As consequential as the outcome of the recall election is, whose voices will be heard in the halls of power for the next 10 years is of paramount importance. The name of the game between now and the 2022 elections will be redistricting.
The 2021-22 Budget: Labor Agreements Ending Personal Leave Program 2020
Legislative Analyst’s Office
This analysis reflects information that had been submitted to the Legislature by June 23, 2021. Between June 9 and June 15, 2021, the administration submitted to the Legislature 20 labor agreements between the Governor and state employees.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● New CDC guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates Bakersfield Californian
● CDC Urges Vaccinated People To Mask Up Indoors In Places With High Virus Transmission VPR
● New CDC guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates Sacramento Bee
● US reports highest number of new COVID-19 cases in the world Sacramento Bee
● Pfizer vaccine booster shot? Company says it ‘strongly’ protects against delta variant Sacramento Bee
● Canada border guards vote to strike as country plans to reopen to vaccinated Americans Sacramento Bee
● White Evangelicals Resist Covid-19 Vaccine Most Among Religious Groups Wall Street Journal
● Do You Need To Wear A Mask Indoors Where You Live? Check This Map NPR
● Opinion: Vaccinated Americans are more likely to die from a lightning strike than covid. Don’t bring back restrictions. Washington Post
● Opinion: It’s Time to Start Requiring Covid Vaccines Wall Street Journal
Biden to announce COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all federal employees: Sources
abc30
President Joe Biden said Tuesday afternoon that a mandate to require all federal employees to be vaccinated is now "under consideration."
See also:
● Biden to launch vaccine push for millions of federal workers Sacramento Bee
● Biden Plans to Require Covid-19 Vaccine or Regular Tests for Federal Workers Wall Street Journal
● House Republicans refuse to follow new mask mandate, leading Pelosi to call McCarthy a ‘moron’ for his comments Washington Post
Bipartisan infrastructure deal clears key Senate vote
Los Angeles Times
The Senate on Wednesday cleared the first procedural hurdle toward enacting an expansive proposal to build and repair the nation’s roads, bridges and broadband internet networks. But significant challenges remain.
See also:
● Infrastructure deal: Senate ready to move ahead on $1T bill Business Journal
● If the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan Fails, California and L.A. Lose Big Los Angeles Magazine
● The 17 Republicans who voted to advance the Senate infrastructure bill The Hill
● Democrats ramp up pressure for infrastructure deal amid time crunch The Hill
● Infrastructure bill advanced with $550 billion in new spending Roll Call
● Bipartisan infrastructure pact clears key Senate vote after breakthrough in talks Washington Post
● Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Advances in Senate Wall Street Journal
● The Infrastructure Plan: What’s In and What’s Out New York Times
● Trump tries to sabotage the Biden infrastructure deal Politico
● First look: Biden adviser Donilon touts infrastructure deal Axios
● Groups lobby for last-minute input on broadband bill Broadband World News
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris approval ratings dip in new California poll
Los Angeles Times
President Biden’s job performance rating among Californians has dipped slightly in recent months, even as his infrastructure and domestic spending plans register as highly popular, according to a new poll released Wednesday.
See also:
● Harris's bad polls trigger Democratic worries The Hill
Bipartisan ADA celebration clouded by current climate
Roll Call
The White House’s Monday celebration of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act did not escape some signs of modern partisanship. It was a bipartisan moment at a Rose Garden ceremony that looked back on the groundbreaking law’s bipartisan history.
See also:
● Congress still playing catch-up on accessibility, despite progress, 30 years after ADA Roll Call
House Democrats change tack on spending bill floor debate
Roll Call
The House abruptly changed gears on appropriations, pivoting off a seven-bill package temporarily to take up three separate bills for the coming fiscal year. Democratic support for the three new bills added to the schedule wasn’t locked down and remains fragile.
See also:
● Democrats consider scaling back new funds to fight next pandemic The Hill
Five takeaways from the first House hearing on Jan. 6 attack
Los Angeles Times
Sober first-person accounts from police marked the first hearing of the House committee tasked with investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
See also:
● House at war over Jan. 6 inquiry, mask mandate The Hill
● AP Fact Check rates GOP claim Pelosi blocked National Guard on Jan. 6 'false' The Hill
● The Lawfare Podcast: Quinta Jurecic and Molly Reynolds on the First Jan. 6 Hearings Lawfare
● Jan. 6 select committee to meet on next steps, move on subpoenas abcNews
● Jailed defendants in Jan. 6 attack aren’t 'political prisoners.' They’re charged with real crimes PolitiFact
● Opinion: For GOP, ‘back the blue’ doesn’t matter when there’s an election to be won Roll Call
● Editorial: Two False Narratives About the Capitol Riot Wall Street Journal
As Trump pushed for probes of 2020 election, he called acting AG Rosen almost daily
Washington Post
President Donald Trump called his acting attorney general nearly every day at the end of last year to alert him to claims of voter fraud or alleged improper vote counts in the 2020 election, according to two people familiar with the conversations.
Brookings
Shortly after Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in January 2019, TIME magazine ran a cover that depicted Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi using a trebuchet to send subpoenas to President Donald Trump.
Other:
FTC’s Lina Khan Blames Digital Platforms for Surge in Consumer Fraud
Wall Street Journal
Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan took aim at big technology companies in her first appearance before Congress as the agency’s head, saying online digital platforms are partly to blame for a surge in fraud reported by Americans during the pandemic.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, August 1, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "Nursing Homes: How COVID Revealed a Quality Care Problem"- Guest: Barbara Feder-Ostrov - CalMatters; Jocelyn Wiener - CalMatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, August 1, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "Aging Better: What's the Plan?"- Guest: Kim McCoy Wade, Director - CA Department of Aging. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
‘Liquidation of cows.’ How the drought creates chaos on Calif ranches, dairy farms
Fresno Bee
Jennifer Beretta has been working as a dairy farmer since she was 6 and knows some of her family’s 700 cows by name. One of her favorites, a Jersey named Harmony, has won top prizes at the Sonoma County Fair.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Audit: California prison program illegally spent $1.3M
Hanford Sentinel
A California prison program that employs inmates illegally spent $1.3 million on goods and salaries, including $82,000 in artificial turf that has gone unused, as part of a pattern of “gross misconduct," state auditors said Tuesday.
See also:
● California prison office skewed state hiring decisions and misspent funds, audit says Sacramento Bee
As violent crimes surge, Californians’ faith in gun control slips in new poll
Los Angeles Times
Amid a surge in shootings this year, a majority of California voters say that they believe gun control laws are effective in reducing violent crime, but confidence in them has slipped.
Public Safety:
Prayer vigil asks for protection for law enforcement, comfort for grieving families
Bakersfield Californian
A prayer vigil in downtown Bakersfield brought together more than 100 people, Kern County Sheriff's deputies among them, calling for God’s protection of law enforcement officers, and comfort for their families.
See also:
● Wasco community holds vigil for victims of mass shooting Bakersfield Californian
Officials hope to combat domestic violence through education
Bakersfield Californian
A mass shooting Sunday in Wasco left the community reeling, with five dead, including a Kern County Sheriff's deputy, and a mother and her two sons. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said the incident stemmed from domestic violence.
Fire:
McCarthy offers amendment to fund SQF recovery
Porterville Recorder
Congressman Kevin McCarthy introduced an amendment on Tuesday on the floor of the House of Representatives that would provide more than $13 million for the restoration of the Sequoia National Forest following the Sequoia Complex.
California, Nevada governors tour site of huge wildfire
Bakersfield Californian
The governors of California and Nevada called for more federal firefighting assistance Wednesday as they toured a region blackened by one of several massive wildfires that have destroyed dozens of homes in the West.
See also:
· Wildfire updates: Winds whip up Dixie Fire as Govs. Newsom, Sisolak survey Tamarack Fire Modesto Bee
● Dixie Fire grows to 217,581 acres overnight Mercury News
California’s 2020 fire siege: wildfires by the numbers
CalMatters
In a year of superlatives, some statistics stand out for California’s 2020 fire year: Four million acres, 112 million tons of greenhouse gases, thousands of lightning strikes, 11 million gallons of fire retardant. And 31 lost lives.
Wildfires need fuel to burn. A key way to get rid of that fuel is to set it ablaze, very carefully.
Washington Post
Prescribed fires may reduce scorched earth, experts agree, and regenerate healthy forests made weak by drought, climate change and bad policy. They build a buffer to protect communities and create clear space for firefighters to do their work.
See also:
● More 'good fire' could help California control future catastrophes National Geographic
Survivors of Calif’s deadliest wildfire haunted as new blaze nears: ‘I can’t do it again’
Washington Post
Former residents of Paradise hoped their new home would keep them safe. But this summer’s blaze threatens once again.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Annual Report of Payday Lending Activity Under the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
Pandemic government assistance — including unemployment benefits, stimulus checks, rent relief and eviction moratoriums — may have helped Californians avoid using expensive payday loans last year, though use is expected to rebound as relief programs peter out.
See also:
● Payday loans dropped during pandemic, but Californians are ‘not out of the woods’ CalMatters
‘Is something around the corner?’ Small businesses reopen to find new challenges
CalMatters
California’s economy is no longer at its nadir. But small businesses are still working to get back to normal, and are struggling with hiring, childcare for their workforce and the uncertainty of future outbreaks.
Awash in Cash, State Lawmakers Ask How Long the Boom Will Last
Pew Trusts
Now, rather than fretting about a downturn, state budget writers are wondering how long the boom can last. Some lawmakers worry new spending and tax cuts this year went too far, with criticism falling along familiar partisan lines.
U.S. Economy Grows Beyond Pre-Pandemic Level
Washington Post
U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 6.5% annual rate in the second quarter, up slightly from earlier in the year, pushing the economy’s size beyond its pre-pandemic level, a surge that is expected to gradually slow in coming months.
See also:
● The Economy Is Stronger. These 4 Things Will Determine What Happens Next VPR
● U.S. economy grew annual 6.5 percent between April and June, marking full recovery from the pandemic Washington Post
● The U.S. Economy’s Prospects Looked Bright, Until the Delta Variant Surged Wall Street Journal
Opinion: The Federal Reserve’s Big Inflation Miss
Wall Street Journal
The Federal Reserve employs hundreds of economists whose job is assessing the American economy. So it is remarkable that the Fed is so wrong so often in its economic forecasts. The latest big miss has been its failure to anticipate this year’s surge in consumer prices.
Fed Says Economy Has Progressed Toward Goals, Tees Up Bond Taper
Wall Street Journal
The Federal Reserve inched toward scaling back the easy-money policies adopted at the start of the pandemic by signaling that the process could start later this year. “The economy has made progress toward these goals” and progress will be assessed in coming meetings.
See also:
● Stocks end mixed after Fed notes progress on the economy Business Journal
● Fed notes improving economy, a step toward easing support Business Journal
● Dow Edges Lower After Fed Statement Wall Street Journal
● Editorial: The federal debt limit drama isn’t a fight over spending Los Angeles Times
Student Loan Borrowers Starting Repayment During Economic Downturns Can Face a Difficult Path
Pew Trusts
In response to the pandemic, payments, interest charges, and collection efforts for most federal student loan borrowers were paused. But once this expires, many will have to navigate personal financial challenges and a confusing student loan repayment system.
Economic Attitudes Improve in Many Nations Even as Pandemic Endures
Pew Research
As the global economy shows signs of rebounding, positive assessments of the economic situation have risen in several major advanced economies since last year. Positive views of the economy have sharply increased in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom.
Are you in the global middle class? Find out with our income calculator
Pew Research
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a deep effect on living standards around the world. A recent Pew Research Center analysis found that the global middle class encompassed 54 million fewer people in 2020 than the number projected prior to the onset of the pandemic.
Giant earnings growth for the world's largest companies
Axios
Never in the history of capitalism have the world's biggest companies grown as fast as the tech giants in recent years.
Jobs:
Can employers force workers to get vaccinated? Here’s what we know
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles and a growing number of other government entities are taking a new stand in the fight against the coronavirus.
See also:
● PERB Determines That Effects of an Employer’s Decision to Mandate Flu Vaccine for Faculty and Staff During COVID-19 Pandemic Was Subject to Negotiations AALRR
● Companies have legal right to require vaccinations, new federal guidance says The Hill
California unemployment claims jump to highest level since reopening
Mercury News
Unemployment claims in California jumped last week to their highest levels since the state’s much-touted reopening of an economy that has been enfeebled by coronavirus-linked ailments for well over a year.
Cal/OSHA board members call for transparency around Calif’s workplace outbreaks
CalMatters
Members of California’s workplace safety board are questioning the state’s tight-lipped approach to releasing information about COVID-19 workplace outbreaks after reviewing an investigation that found most are refusing to make specific outbreak data public.
The pandemic hurt low-wage workers the most—and so far, the recovery has helped them the least
Brookings
Pandemic-induced job losses hit low-wage workers much harder than those earning higher wages and, although hiring accelerated in low-wage industries last month, low-wage jobs have been the slowest to return.
Opinion: Dealing with pandemics and other threats through the resilience of technological progress
AEI
There is another kind of “preparedness” that policymakers must keep front of mind, demonstrated by vaccine and therapeutic development. It depends on a society being rich and technologically advanced so that it can respond to dangers after they emerge.
Opinion: The American Jobs Plan Is a Call to Arms for the GOP
Wall Street Journal
Will Americans accept the expansion of government contemplated by the AJP? The legislation implements confiscatory taxes to fund a welfare state, likely producing sclerotic growth in jobs and wages and pressure to raise taxes still higher to fund the left’s vision.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Clovis schools will review dress code after calls of sexism. Will students get a say?
Fresno Bee
Clovis Unified administrators say they are putting together a comprehensive plan to review the district’s dress code this fall after current and former students have spent months voicing their concerns that the rules are sexist and outdated.
Editorial: Clovis parents, it’s simple: Mask up your children so they can go back to school
Fresno Bee
It is understandable that local elected officials are getting tired of state requirements being handed down when it comes to the COVID pandemic.
See also:
● Editorial: Stanislaus County leaders, Modesto school board cave to local pressure on masks in class Modesto Bee
Madera Tribune
Administrators’ training begins at Roger Rocka’s. The race is on. A new school year is about to begin, and Madera Unified is pulling out all the stops to make sure when students return to their classrooms in August, they will have an experience that is full of joy.
BCSD to hold virtual town hall to discuss upcoming school year
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield City School District will host a virtual town hall for parents interested in learning about the upcoming school year.
AEI
The $350 billion of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provides unprecedented flexible funding to help state and local governments respond to their communities’ public health challenges and economic needs created by the pandemic.
See also:
● Opinion: The Cost of the School Shutdowns Wall Street Journal
Higher Ed:
CSU requiring COVID vaccination to access campuses. What about fans at Bulldog Stadium?
Fresno Bee
The California State University system will require students, faculty and staff on its campuses this fall to be vaccinated against COVID-19. But what about Fresno State football fans attending games at Bulldog Stadium?
Clovis Community College fights pandemic-induced enrollment decline
abc30
Clovis Community College welcomed new students on-campus for the first time since the pandemic Tuesday.
BC plans online express-enrollment event for Aug. 11
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield College has scheduled an online enrollment event giving new and returning students individualized assistance in the areas of signing up for classes, applying for financial aid and designing an educational plan.
Assemblyman Salas secures $6 million for Bakersfield College health education programs
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield College has reason to celebrate this week after getting word that the local community college will receive an additional $6 million in state funding secured by Assemblymember Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield.
See also:
● Bakersfield College receiving $6M from state to expand, add health programs KGET
Half of California community college students lack money for food. New funding aims to help
Sacramento Bee
California community colleges will get $100 million to help homeless and food insecure students as part of a $47.1 billion higher education spending plan that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed on Tuesday.
Improving Career Education Pathways into California’s Workforce
PPIC
After the disruption of COVID-19, students need better career education pathways that connect them to stable work. To better target investments around equity, the state could invest in supports that help more students access and complete career education programs.
What Are the Consequences of Limiting Nonresident Students at UC?
PPIC
The California Legislature is aiming to limit nonresident student enrollment at the University of California (UC) to 18% at each campus. This could result in more seats for Californians, but there are important financial considerations for the system.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Cutting Carbon Pollution Quickly Would Save About 74 Million Lives, Study Finds
VPR
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions quickly would save tens of millions of lives worldwide, a new study finds. It's the latest indication that climate change is deadly to humans, and that the benefits of transitioning to a cleaner economy could be profound.
See also:
● Thousands of scientists sound the alarm again on climate emergency Sacramento Bee
Opinion: Communities of color in Stockton want cleaner air where they live. Is California listening?
Sacramento Bee
Despite our efforts, and the requirements of AB 617, Stockton’s CERP process consistently discouraged community leadership, lacked adequate technical analysis, and still lacks strategic alignment with our worst pollution sources.
Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment
PPIC
One in four Californians name water supply and drought as the state’s top environmental issue; 63% say water supply is a big problem in their region.
See also:
● A new poll shows that among environmental issues, Californians are most concerned about water shortages and drought. Mercury News
Opinion: Break glass in case of emergency — but not for climate change
The Hill
On his 20th day in office, President Biden declared a national emergency regarding the situation in Burma, citing “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security.
Is This the End of Summer as We’ve Known It?
New York Times
This is the summer we saw climate change merge from the abstract to the now, the summer we realized that every summer from now on will be more like this than any quaint memory of past summers.
Energy:
As Fresno nears record for hottest July ever, California issues flex alert
Fresno Bee
For the third time this month, the California Independent System Operator has issued a statewide flex alert, as demand for energy is expected to be high (and supply tight) on Wednesday.
See also:
● Grid operator, expecting hot weather and high demand for electricity, issues flex alert for Wednesday Los Angeles Times
● Turn off your lights and turn up the heat, all of California is told in a plea for power conservation. New York Times
As climate changes, alternative energy systems get close look
Capitol Weekly
Energy alternatives to fossil fuels such as solar and wind power are well known. But the alternative systems to deliver that and other power have received far less attention.
Washington’s Oil Lobby Pivoted on Climate Change—and Made No One Happy
Wall Street Journal
The American Petroleum Institute, Washington’s biggest lobby for the oil-and-gas industry, spent decades leveraging its financial muscle to fight almost every green initiative in its path.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
You’re vaccinated but exposed to COVID. What do new CDC guidelines say about testing?
Modesto Bee
Fully vaccinated people who are exposed to COVID-19 should get tested three to five days after and take additional precautions, new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say.
See also:
● CDC reversal on indoor masking prompts experts to ask, ‘Where’s the data?’ Washington Post
● Analysis: CDC fails to publish data needed to judge risk of breakthrough infection CNN
● Joe Biden exaggerates efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines PolitiFact
Romney: Getting COVID-19 vaccine is 'pro-life'
The Hill
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) encouraged people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, saying that getting inoculated is “pro-life.”
Washington Post
Executives of Pfizer predicted Wednesday that vaccine boosters would soon be needed, a declaration that came on the same day the company published data showing that its
coronavirus shots remained robustly protective six months after vaccination.
How Contagious Is the Delta Variant?
Wall Street Journal
The Delta variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 is often described as highly transmissible. So, what does that actually mean?
See also:
● Who Wants to Mask Up for Delta? Wall Street Journal
● Large-scale testing, not individual testing, tells when delta variant causes COVID-19 PolitiFact
Opinion: Covid Will Increase Life Expectancy
Wall Street Journal
Last week’s period life expectancy figures tell us what we already know: Covid killed a lot of people in 2020. But it also led to advances in our knowledge of vaccines and viral medicine, which will increase future life expectancy.
Feel free to enjoy that coffee without worrying about your heart, new research says
Washington Post
If you’ve been told to avoid coffee because it might make your heart beat irregularly, recent research suggests it may be time to rethink that recommendation.
Human Services:
California health exchange rates to increase 1.8% in 2022
Bakersfield Californian
Individual insurance premiums on California's health exchange for the uninsured will go up 1.8% on average next year — a low increase credited to record enrollment and increased competition among health carriers, officials announced Wednesday.
See also:
● Covered California health insurance premiums to increase 1.8% in 2022 Los Angeles Times
Out-of-State Facility Biweekly Update
California Department of Social Services
The California Department of Social Services declined to comment on the new law to The Times, but pointed to a page on its website showing updates on placing youths out of state. The latest report shows that no kids are in facilities outside California.
IMMIGRATION
Governor Signs New Bill To Expand Medi-Cal Services To Low-Income Undocumented Californians
VPR
Governor Gavin Newsom visited a health clinic in southwest Fresno Tuesday with a group of other state and local leaders to speak about a new bill that will expand access to healthcare for some undocumented Californians.
See also:
● California expands Medi-Cal, offering relief to older immigrants without legal status Los Angeles Times
Biden to meet with 11 Democratic lawmakers on DACA: report
The Hill
President Biden is expected to meet with 11 congressional Democrats on Thursday to discuss plans for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children, Axios reported, citing a White House official.
Along Mexico border, covid spike and more migrant families stall plans to end Title 42 expulsions
Washington Post
A spike in coronavirus infections in Mexico and along the southern U.S. border has shelved Biden administration plans to phase out the controversial public health law used to return more than 1 million migrants to Mexico, according to U.S. officials working on border policy.
See also:
● Restrictions for Migrant Families at U.S.-Mexico Border Won’t Be Lifted as Covid Cases Surge Wall Street Journal
● Biden Plan Will Try To Tackle Root Causes Of Migration From Central America NPR
Opinion: The Biden administration is responsible for the waste of 100,000 green cards
Washington Post
A Biden administration official announced last week that the government has processed green card applications at such a slow pace that it will come at least 100,000 slots short of using up the annual limit.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Kings County holds second redistricting hearing, passes items on public safety
Hanford Sentinel
Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting was capped by another public hearing about county redistricting, which repeated the information communicated in the first hearing but was accompanied by diverse public concerns.
Housing:
Fresno launches eviction protection program. Here’s what you need to know
Fresno Bee
Fresno renters who are facing an eviction may be eligible for free legal help through the city’s Eviction Protection Program which was launched Tuesday.
Housing Watch: Shortage of building materials causing spike in home prices
abc30
Action News is Taking Action as the Central Valley housing market continues to be red-hot despite just released numbers that show a dip in new home sales nationwide.
Biden to allow eviction moratorium to expire Saturday
AP News
The Biden administration on Thursday announced it will allow a nationwide ban on evictions to expire Saturday, arguing that its hands are tied after the Supreme Court signaled it could only be extended until the end of the month.
See also:
● Biden urges Congress to extend eviction moratorium, saying his hands are tied by Supreme Court ruling Washington Post
● Biden Asks Congress to Extend Federal Eviction Moratorium Wall Street Journal
PUBLIC FINANCES
Beyond Poverty: Fight for the California Dream’ — A mini-documentary from The Bee
Sacramento Bee
What can California do to help people find fulfilling jobs and build its middle class? That question mattered before the COVID-19 pandemic, when many Californians struggled to achieve stability in the Golden State.
See also:
● ‘Broke again’: Child tax credit payments collide with debt and eviction for working families Washington Post
Reforming tax credits to promote child opportunity and aid working families
AEI
This report proposes reforms to the earned income tax credit and child tax credit that would promote work and marriage, target tax relief to working- and middle-class families, and provide a nest egg for children from low-income families if they adhere to success milestones as adults.
TRANSPORTATION
Joe Biden is wrong when he says car prices are back to pre-pandemic levels
PolitiFact
During a recent CNN town hall, a questioner pressed President Joe Biden about price increases during the economic recovery, including higher prices for cars.
Opinion: We Cannot Short-Change Transit—Not Now
Natural Resources Defense Council
Given the urbanization of our nation, the overdue focus on racial inequity and the threat of climate change, our nation needs to invest much, much more in cleaner transportation options, especially public transit.
WATER
Republican recall candidate Kevin Faulconer visits Fresno, offers plan for Valley water
Fresno Bee
Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer made a stop in Fresno on Wednesday to plead his case on why he’s a key candidate in the potential recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Will Delta water users sue — again — to stop California’s drought rules?
CalMatters
Suffering severe drought, the state’s water board is poised to prevent thousands of growers and others from pumping water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. The state lost a lawsuit with irrigation districts during the last drought.
“Xtra”
Bethany Clough: The Hangar in Fresno’s River Park is gone, but this new restaurant is opening soon
Fresno Bee
The Hangar, the airplane-themed restaurant in River Park, has closed. But a new restaurant is already close to opening in its spot, a prime space near the theaters. If you’re a longtime Fresnan, the name might seem familiar.
Despite shortened timeline and pandemic worries, Kern County Fair plans big comeback
Bakersfield Californian
Preparations for this year’s Kern County Fair are underway, and despite a shortened timeline and reduced staff, organizers expect the event to mostly resemble the extravaganzas of the past.
4 things to do in Stockton and San Joaquin County this weekend
Stockton Record
Looking for things to do in Stockton and San Joaquin County this weekend? We have a list of 4 things for you and the family to do.
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