POLICY & POLITICS
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North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Highly transmissible Delta variant found in Stanislaus County Turlock Journal
Modesto, MID and TID owed more than $16M in past-due utility bills in pandemic
Modesto Bee
It’s not just small businesses, renters and their landlords and nonprofits that have been hurt by the pandemic. Utility providers also have taken a financial hit.
Combat Stanislaus County homelessness by hiring our people, says local program
Modesto Bee
More so-called fair chance employers — those who’ve expressed interest in considering applicants with criminal records — are needed in Modesto to help unhoused people get back on their feet and off the streets, say homeless program representatives.
Garth Stapley: Modesto Bee to host debate between special election candidates
Modesto Bee
“This is a waste of time, to be honest,” the mayor said in frustration near the end of a divisive city council argument a few days ago. Can you guess which city?
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Clovis Mayor Jose Flores says letting business ‘regulate themselves’ to continue amid Delta variant
Fresno Bee
Clovis Mayor Jose Flores touted the city’s “hands off” approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying Wednesday he’d expect much of the same even if the Delta variant becomes a greater concern. “I believe California, I believe Fresno County, I believe Clovis have reached this community immunity, herd immunity if you will,” he said. “Therefore we’re in a good place. Everything I’ve heard from reputable scientists says we’re at this point where we’re through the pandemic.” In Fresno County, 37% of residents are fully vaccinated (51% statewide). Health experts generally agree the U.S. would need 70% to reach herd immunity.
See also:
Delta Is Now The Dominant Coronavirus Variant In The U.S. VPR
What does the delta coronavirus variant mean for unvaccinated people? What to know Fresno Bee
With Delta variant spreading, how worried should fully vaccinated people be? Los Angeles Times
New study on delta variant reveals importance of receiving both vaccine shots, highlights challenges posed by mutations Washington Post
Inside one city’s multimillion-dollar effort to convert motels into affordable housing
CalMatters
State-funding efforts to shelter unhoused residents in converted motels could be a game-changer for Motel Drive, an area of Fresno that city leaders say has long been overrun by drugs, human trafficking, and prostitution.
Fresno judge removes obstacles blocking the sale of the Tower Theatre
Fresno Bee
A Fresno County judge has agreed to lift a legal warning that was delaying the possible sale of the Tower Theatre, saying it was doubtful the notice could be legally justified.
Valley Voices: Expanding San Joaquin River board will improve public access and representation
Fresno Bee
It may be hard to imagine, but many families in Fresno and Madera counties never get to enjoy the pleasures of the San Joaquin River, the beautiful waterway in an area starved for green space.
A mystery no more: We found out what really caused the Fresno airport jet fuel shortage
Fresno Bee
A shortage of labor – most notably, delivery truck drivers – appears to be the underlying reason for shortages of jet fuel that disrupted some flights at Fresno Yosemite International Airport over the past week.
How much do Fresno city employees make? Here’s what our searchable database shows
Fresno Bee
The median earnings for Fresno residents who had income from full-time, year-round work in 2019 was about $41,800 per year.
See also:
Fresno city workers average $25K more per year than most of us. See what top cops earned Fresno Bee
‘I am sorry.’ Kingsburg council member, focus of possible recall, now facing DUI charge
Fresno Bee
A member of the Kingsburg City Council who is already facing a potential recall was arrested recently for allegedly driving under the influence. Kingsburg Councilmember Jewel Hurtado was arrested on suspicion of DUI on June 21, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
See also:
Who is Jewel Hurtado? The rise and stumbles of young Fresno-area politician Fresno Bee
Kingsburg councilwoman Hurtado arrested for DUI, issues apology Hanford Sentinel
Visalia City Council seeks applicants for District 1 seat after vice mayor's death
Visalia Times Delta
The Visalia City Council is accepting applications to fill its vacant District 1 seat after the death of Vice Mayor Phil Cox last month. The council, which creates laws and guides policy within the city, hopes to appoint a new member by Aug. 4.
Council unable to fill open seat
Porterville Recorder
The Porterville City Council was unable to fill the open seat on the council left by the resignation of Daniel Penaloza at its meeting on Tuesday.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Public Health: 162 new coronavirus cases, 1 new death reported Wednesday Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield and much of Kern expecting second run of dangerous, excessive heat
Bakersfield Californian
In June, Bakersfield already reached 110 twice. But July has arrived with a vengeance, and starting Friday, the southern valley could see five days in a row of temperatures that hit 110 degrees or hotter. And three more at 108 or higher.
Kern energy summit scheduled as in-person event this year
Bakersfield Californian
This year's Kern County Energy Summit will return to being an in-person event after going virtual during the pandemic. Kern Economic Development Corp. said the event will run from 7:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 10 at the Bakersfield Marriott Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave.
Bank of America gives Kern nonprofits $385,000 to support career opportunities
Bakersfield Californian
Bank of America announced Wednesday it has donated $385,000 to be divided among nine Kern County nonprofits as part of its new focus on helping people gets jobs instead of its earlier emphasis on providing emergency money.
Returns on CSUB endowment rise over 30%
Bakersfield Californian
It was a prosperous year for Cal State Bakersfield's endowment as the fund's financial returns closed the fiscal year at a strong 30.41 percent. Compare that with last year: CSUB's endowment returns came in at 1.51 percent.
Members of Wasco City Council ask Mayor Alex Garcia to step down amid drunken driving allegation
Bakersfield Californian
Two Wasco city councilmen have asked Mayor Alex Garcia to step down following the recent revelation that he had been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in May.
See also:
State:
COVID Update:
'Cal Exodus' debunked? UC survey finds Californians aren't leaving the state any more than usual
abc30
Believe it or not, Californians are not ditching the Golden State for its cheaper, less sunny neighbors -- at least no more than usual. California residents, of course, are moving out of state, just not at a greater rate than we've seen in years past.
See also:
Is California losing its luster? UC San Diego survey says no San Diego Union-Tribune
CA FWD Leadership Council Welcomes New Co-Chair Ashley Swearengin, Thanks Former Co-Chair Pete Weber
CAFwd
The president and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, Ashley Swearengin has been elected co-chair of the California Forward (CA FWD) Leadership Council effective July 1.
Republicans And Democrats Agree: California’s Future Is At Stake In The Recall Election
Capital Public Radio
Now that a date has been set for a highly anticipated recall election against Gov. Gavin Newsom, his often starkly divided supporters and critics appear to agree on one thing: California’s very future is at stake in the election.
See also:
California Republicans feud over party direction ahead of high-stakes recall Politico
Walters: Should – and could – Gavin Newsom be recalled? CalMatters
Opinion: New California Supreme Court rule grants governor more secrecy. Newsom shouldn’t follow it Sacramento Bee
California governor kicks off $1B statewide cleanup plan
Bakersfield Californian
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday kicked off California's $1.1 billion plan to clean trash and graffiti from California’s highways, roads and other public spaces, an effort he said will beautify the state and create up to 11,000 jobs.
State Assembly hires staff for EDD calls, unemployment logjam tops 1 million
Mercury News
The state Legislature has authorized Assembly members to hire new staffers to handle a flood of requests from California workers struggling to receive unemployment benefits in the wake of coronavirus-linked business shutdowns.
See also:
New SEIU leader wants union out of California politics. Bad idea, labor says
Fresno Bee
The new president of one of California’s most powerful public employee unions wants to do something almost unheard of in Sacramento: Take the labor organization out of politics completely.
See also:
Police visit to California union leader’s home disturbs newly elected SEIU president Sacramento Bee
‘Richard the real’: Outspoken California union leader makes a show of his promises Sacramento Bee
Opinion: A leader we haven’t appreciated enough: ‘I had the audacity to be a Black woman with a voice.’ Sacramento Bee
Federal:
COVID Update:
What does the delta coronavirus variant mean for unvaccinated people? What to know Fresno Bee
Hospitals Pressure Employees to Get Vaccinated as Covid-19 Variants Spread Wall Street Journal
The GOP’s very stubborn vaccine skepticism Washington Post
Which Biden priorities are not included in the bipartisan infrastructure deal?
Washington Post
The agreement is a quarter of President Biden’s initial $2.65 trillion American Jobs Plan, which included several Democratic priorities not traditionally considered part of core U.S. infrastructure.
See also:
Biden Pitches Child-Care, Education Plan as Democrats Debate Size Wall Street Journal
Conservative groups mount opposition to increase in IRS budget, threatening White House infrastructure plan Washington Post
Biden to Target Railroads, Ocean Shipping in Executive Order
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration will push regulators to confront consolidation and perceived anti competitive pricing in the ocean shipping and railroad industries as part of a broad effort to blunt the power of big business to dominate industries.
With another trip to a swing district, Biden seeks to shore up his agenda and Democrats
Los Angeles Times
President Biden’s visit to suburban Chicago on Wednesday was like a number of his recent trips — to a politically competitive district where he could promote both his domestic agenda and his party’s prospects in next year’s midterm election.
See also:
Behind Biden’s 2020 Victory Pew Research
Sanders, Progressives Face Split With Centrists Over Plan to Cut Drug Prices in Medicare
Wall Street Journal
Democrats are debating whether to fold an effort to cut drug prices—by allowing Medicare to negotiate—into a budget package or try to pass the measure on its own.
Pressure grows on Biden to curb ransomware attacks
Washington Post
Top national security officials briefed the president Wednesday on the government’s efforts to counter and blunt the impact of the costly, increasingly brazen assaults by Russia-based hackers.
Misunderstood, set up to stumble — or neither? Making sense of Kamala Harris’ standing
Los Angeles Times
Is the Biden administration setting Vice President Kamala Harris up for failure? Is she a historic figure but “not that interesting” as a politician? Are white liberals, despite their rhetoric, “gun-shy” in elevating women and women of color?
Supreme Court sidesteps controversy in term punctuated by politics and pandemic
Roll Call
The Supreme Court ended a term where the justices avoided most major moves that would intensify political scrutiny on the newly expanded 6-3 conservative majority — but also set up potential blockbuster decisions on abortion and gun rights next year.
See also:
Supreme Court lines up rare gun arguments for next term Roll Call
Opinion: The Supreme Court inches closer to a press freedom showdown Washington Post
Donald Trump Sues Facebook, YouTube And Twitter For Alleged Censorship
VPR
Former President Donald Trump is suing Facebook, Twitter and Google's YouTube over their suspensions of his accounts after a mob of his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol in January.
See also:
● Trump Sues Facebook, Twitter, Google to Restore Social-Media Accounts Wall Street Journal
Opinion: Ranked-Choice Voting Is Bad for Everyone
Wall Street Journal
No neutral method has yet been devised that merely elicits the people’s will without twisting it one way or another. Ranked-choice voting is an attempt that has its own twist and will make elections worse for both parties.
Other:
Editorial: Close the digital divide, but don’t trap people in the slow lane
Los Angeles Times
Although Republicans recoiled when President Biden unveiled his sweeping infrastructure plan in March, a bipartisan group of senators has thrown its support behind one of the less conventional ideas in the package: making a massive investment in broadband networks.
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 11, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “How Prepared is California for Natural Disaster, Generally and Forest Fires, in Particular?"- Guests: Christina Curry, Cal OES Deputy Director of Planning, Preparedness and Prevention and Pedro Nava, Chair of California Little Hoover Commission. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Opinion: To Beat Climate Change, Rural Towns And Farms Need To Head North
Zocalo Public Square
Twenty-five years ago, at age 18, I followed my uncle to the top of Mount Lassen for a 10,000-foot view of Northern California’s Fourth of July fireworks. We watched the revelry start over Reno and Lake Tahoe, and move seemingly to our feet at Lake Almanor.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Fresno homicides surging toward 2020 numbers — city’s second deadliest year, data shows
Fresno Bee
The shooting death of a man early Tuesday at the Campus Pointe shopping center near Fresno State was was the 38th homicide of 2021 under investigation by the Fresno Police Department.
Judge rejects bid to overturn rules that speed up release of California prisoners
Fresno Bee
A judge in Sacramento tentatively rejected a request Tuesday by 44 California district attorneys who were seeking an order halting the state’s early release of thousands of inmates, but says there is a “likelihood” that the prosecutors ultimately will prevail.
Public Safety:
How safe are summer activities with fewer COVID restrictions? Advice from Fresno doctors
Fresno Bee
Ready to have fun this summer but worried about how safe it is for you or your loved ones with coronavirus restrictions loosened?
California forms investigative team to review police shootings involving unarmed civilians
abc30
A new group with the California Department of Justice will now investigate all law enforcement officer-involved shootings that result in an unarmed civilian dying
See also:
California attorney general launches teams to investigate fatal police shootings Los Angeles Times
Is California’s new police deadly force law making a difference? CalMatters
Fire:
Pace of California wildfires in 2021 well ahead of disastrous 2020
abc30
The number of wildfires and amount of land burned in parched California so far this year greatly exceed totals for the same period in disastrous 2020.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Clovis mayor says letting business ‘regulate themselves’ to continue amid Delta variant
Fresno Bee
Clovis Mayor Jose Flores touted the city’s “hands off” approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying Wednesday he’d expect much of the same even if the Delta variant becomes a greater concern. “I believe California, I believe Fresno County, I believe Clovis have reached this community immunity, herd immunity if you will,” he said. “Therefore we’re in a good place. Everything I’ve heard from reputable scientists says we’re at this point where we’re through the pandemic.” In Fresno County, 37% of residents are fully vaccinated (51% statewide). Health experts generally agree U.S. would need 70% to reach herd immunity.
These Latino-owned businesses survived the pandemic. Here’s how they adapted
Fresno Bee
Amid the coronavirus crisis, Latino-owned businesses, the fastest-growing U.S. business population, were more likely to report having less cash on hand. They said their Paycheck Protection Program applications were denied more than those of white-owned businesses.
Fed officials discuss timing of reducing bond purchases
Business Journal
Federal Reserve officials began discussing at their meeting last month the mechanics of reducing their huge monthly bond purchases that are used to keep longer-term interest rates in check.
See also:
U.S. Stocks Rise Modestly After Fed Minutes Released Wall Street Journal
Borrowing Is Back as Sign-Ups for Auto Loans, Credit Cards Hit Records
Wall Street Journal
Americans are borrowing again, in some cases at levels not seen in more than a decade. Consumer demand for auto loans and leases, general-purpose credit cards and personal loans was up 39% in April compared with the same period last year.
Rising inflation fears are real but complex
PolitiFact
U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, caught the interest of her political opponents, plus anyone else concerned, about a June 10 report that showed the inflation rate for the 12 months ending in May at 5%.
See also:
Opinion: Don’t Worry Too Much About the Inflation Surge Wall Street Journal
Is the IMF repeating its mistakes from the global financial crisis?
The Hill
As the Biden administration engages in the country’s largest peacetime budget stimulus on record, and as the Federal Reserve continues to inflate a global “everything” asset and credit market bubble, the IMF risks repeating its 2008 error.
Jobs:
Bank of America gives Kern nonprofits $385,000 to support career opportunities
Bakersfield Californian
Bank of America announced Wednesday it has donated $385,000 to be divided among nine Kern County nonprofits as part of its new focus on helping people gets jobs instead of its earlier emphasis on providing emergency money.
U.S. Job Openings Remain At A Historic High, Giving Job Seekers Options
VPR
Openings reached 9.2 million, according to the Labor Department, about what they were a month earlier. They're about 30% higher than they were in February 2020, right before the pandemic.
See also:
U.S. Job Openings Held at Record Level Headed Into Summer Wall Street Journal
Unemployment hits 14.7% in April. How long before 20.5 million lost jobs come back?
Los Angeles Times
The U.S. economy suffered its biggest labor market shock on record last month, as government figures released Friday showed the COVID-19 pandemic erased 20.5 million jobs and sent the nation’s unemployment rate to 14.7%, the highest since at least the 1940s.
See also:
New Jobless Claims Hold Near Pandemic Low, as Number on Benefits Falls Wall Street Journal
Is Thursday the new Monday? Flexible working is in flux
Fresno Bee
Employers are scrambling to figure out how to bring many employees back. Most companies are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Lakeside Union switches from at-large districts for its trustees
Bakersfield Californian
Lakeside Union School District is planning to change the way it elects its school board for the 2022 election.
Opinion: The Teachers Unions Go Woke
Wall Street Journal
The NEA held its annual meeting last week and the measures approved by delegates deserve broader attention. One calls for the union to support “the implementation of culturally responsive education, critical race theory, and ethnic Studies curriculum.”
Higher Ed:
Returns on CSUB endowment rise over 30%
Bakersfield Californian
It was a prosperous year for Cal State Bakersfield's endowment as the fund's financial returns closed the fiscal year at a strong 30.41 percent. Compare that with last year: CSUB's endowment returns came in at 1.51 percent.
Local bar examinees pass in higher numbers despite COVID uncertainty
Business Journal
The pass rate was especially high at the San Joaquin College of Law in Clovis, which saw a 71.9% pass rate for first-time bar examinees. That’s up from only 18% in 2019 and 32% in 2018.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Weather Service calls a heat wave for Fresno. How hot will it be and how long will it last?
Fresno Bee
Fresno has already seen one record-setting heat wave this summer and is in store for a second — a brutal run of 100-degree-plus daily highs with lows above 80 degrees.
Study: Northwest heat wave impossible without climate change
Bakersfield Californian
The deadly heat wave that roasted the Pacific Northwest and western Canada was virtually impossible without human-caused climate change that added a few extra degrees to the record-smashing temperatures, a new quick scientific analysis found.
Pew Trusts
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recently outlined a broad menu of policy recommendations aimed at improving the way that states prepare for and deal with natural disasters.
Energy:
Shell reportedly wants out of Aera Energy
Bakersfield Californian
One of two partners behind Aera Energy LLC is looking to pull out of the Bakersfield-based oil producer, according to a report last week that relies on comments made by four unnamed sources.
Kern energy summit scheduled as in-person event this year
Bakersfield Californian
This year's Kern County Energy Summit will return to being an in-person event after going virtual during the pandemic. Kern Economic Development Corp. said the event will run from 7:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 10 at the Bakersfield Marriott Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave.
California’s hydroelectric generation affected by historic drought
U.S. Energy Information Association
Most of the western United States is experiencing intense and historic drought conditions. California is one of the most severely affected states. As of June 22, 2021, 100% of the state is experiencing some degree of drought.
Ramez Naam: The future of clean energy
AEI
Is economic growth compatible with environmentalism? One key to answering this question is clean, renewable energy. The cheaper it becomes, the easier it is to reduce our impact on the planet while still raising living standards for people around the world.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Washington Post
New laboratory research on the swiftly spreading delta variant of the coronavirus is highlighting the threats posed by viral mutations, adding urgency to calls to accelerate vaccination efforts across the planet.
See also:
Make therapy free for everyone
Brookings
Even as the worst of the pandemic recedes, this is a good moment to consider improvements in mental health policy, especially better screening for mental illness; real parity between mental and physical health; and the provision of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for all, and for free.
Human Services:
Opinion: Lack of health care was fatal against COVID-19. California must lead on ‘Medicare for All’
Sacramento Bee
As the birthplace of the United Farm Workers, the Black Panthers and the Disability Rights Movement, California has a proud tradition of leading the nation to confront injustice and live up to its ideals. Now, California can take the lead on making health care a human right.
California to pay victims of forced, coerced sterilizations
abc30
California is poised to approve reparations up to $25,000 to victims who were among the thousands of people - some as young as 13 - who decades ago were sterilized because state officials deemed them unfit to have children.
Sanders, Progressives Face Split With Centrists Over Plan to Cut Drug Prices in Medicare
Wall Street Journal
Democrats are debating whether to fold an effort to cut drug prices—by allowing Medicare to negotiate—into a budget package or try to pass the measure on its own.
Market-driven Medicare would set US health care on a better course
AEI
Market reforms in Medicare would encourage conforming changes in the commercial sector, which is one reason they encounter stiff resistance from advocates of full governmental control.
IMMIGRATION
Exclusive: Democrat García will not back reconciliation without immigration
The Hill
Illinois Rep. Jesús García (D) said Tuesday he will support a budget reconciliation package only if it includes provisions to grant a pathway to citizenship to a broad spectrum of the country's undocumented population.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Fresno judge removes obstacles blocking the sale of the Tower Theatre
Fresno Bee
A Fresno County judge has agreed to lift a legal warning that was delaying the possible sale of the Tower Theatre, saying it was doubtful the notice could be legally justified.
Rural areas, counties ask for help as California fire season heats up
Capitol Weekly
Representatives of California’s counties are urging improved measures to cut wildfire risks in the state’s less populated areas, but questioned plans to impose widespread building restrictions.
Trees: The Critical Infrastructure Low-Income Neighborhoods Lack
Pew Trusts
Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have significantly less tree canopy. Those areas also are more likely to suffer from the urban heat island effect caused by a lack of shade and an abundance of heat-absorbing asphalt.
Housing:
Combat Stanislaus County homelessness by hiring our people, says local program
Modesto Bee
More so-called fair chance employers — those who’ve expressed interest in considering applicants with criminal records — are needed in Modesto to help unhoused people get back on their feet and off the streets, say homeless program representatives.
Inside one city’s multimillion-dollar effort to convert motels into affordable housing
CalMatters
State-funding efforts to shelter unhoused residents in converted motels could be a game-changer for Motel Drive, an area of Fresno that city leaders say has long been overrun by drugs, human trafficking, and prostitution.
'Cal Exodus' debunked? UC survey finds Californians aren't leaving the state any more than usual
abc30
Believe it or not, Californians are not ditching the Golden State for its cheaper, less sunny neighbors -- at least no more than usual. California residents, of course, are moving out of state, just not at a greater rate than we've seen in years past.
See also:
Is California losing its luster? UC San Diego survey says no San Diego Union-Tribune
PUBLIC FINANCES
California has $5.2 billion in COVID aid to help you pay rent, utility debts. How to apply
Fresno Bee
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law to extend the state’s eviction moratorium through September and boost funding for a rent relief program set up to keep tenants and landlords out of debt.
See also:
New child tax payments will start hitting California bank accounts July 15. Who is eligible?
Merced Sun-Star
If you have children, filed a tax return electronically for 2019 or 2020 and your income qualifies, you’ll see up to $250 to $300 per child in your bank account on July 15. Then you’ll see the same amounts around the same time every month this year.
Campaign to Rein in Mega IRA Tax Shelters Gains Steam in Congress Following ProPublica Report
ProPublica
One proposal would ban the kinds of transactions that helped Peter Thiel amass $5 billion in his Roth; another would cap how much could be saved tax-free in these retirement accounts. But two unrelated bills could undermine those efforts.
See also:
Opinion: The IRS Is ProPublica’s Accessory Wall Street Journal
Did the national debt become bigger than the U.S. economy? Yes, before Biden took office
PolitiFact
Four years after passing a major tax cut that slashed federal revenues, Republicans are raising alarms about the national debt again.
TRANSPORTATION
A mystery no more: We found out what really caused the Fresno airport jet fuel shortage
Fresno Bee
A shortage of labor – most notably, delivery truck drivers – appears to be the underlying reason for shortages of jet fuel that disrupted some flights at Fresno Yosemite International Airport over the past week.
Amtrak plan to replace dozens of aging trains: cost $7.3B
Bakersfield Californian
Amtrak plans to spend $7.3 billion to replace 83 passenger trains, some nearly a half-century old, though much of the funding must still be approved by Congress.
See also:
Amtrak signs deal for 83 multi-powered trains. Some will replace rail cars that are 50 years old. Washington Post
American Airlines saw big jump in travel over July 4 weekend
Fresno Bee
American Airlines says it carried nearly three times as many passengers over the July 4 weekend than it did over the holiday last year, the latest sign that travel — at least within the United States — is continuing to rebound from pandemic lows of 2020.
See also:
Travel Is Bouncing Back Strong, and Airlines Are Racing to Keep Up Wall Street Journal
Analysis: When do electric vehicles become cleaner than gasoline cars?
Reuters
You glide silently out of the Tesla showroom in your sleek new electric Model 3, satisfied you're looking great and doing your bit for the planet.
WATER
Valley Voices: Expanding San Joaquin River board will improve public access and representation
Fresno Bee
It may be hard to imagine, but many families in Fresno and Madera counties never get to enjoy the pleasures of the San Joaquin River, the beautiful waterway in an area starved for green space.
Walters: Two decrees affect California water wars
CalMatters
The powerful interests who vie for shares of the state’s ever-changing water supply — dubbed “water buffaloes” — are adept at fending off political and legal assaults by their rivals and the outcomes of their clashes are often stalemates.
Opinion: Water Act would keep water clean and affordable
CalMatters
California has a history of treating public water as a commodity and entrusting it to corporate interests that fail to manage it responsibly. Its congressional delegation should co-sponsor the federal Water Act that would change this.
US agency offers $307 million for rural water projects
Business Journal
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue up to $307 million in grants and low-interest loans in an effort to modernize rural water infrastructure, officials announced Wednesday, aimed at towns with less than 10,000 people in 34 states and the territory of Puerto Rico.
“Xtra”
With triple-digit heat expected in Fresno, here’s a list of ways to stay cool this weekend
Fresno Bee
The National Weather Service is predicting a days-long heat wave beginning on Thursday and running through Monday.
Fresno Bee
Logan’s Roadhouse is gone. The restaurant known for steaks and letting customers throw peanut shells on the floor closed earlier this year
Fresno Bee
The long-awaited Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has opened its first restaurant in the central San Joaquin Valley. The Hanford location opened Wednesday at 9 a.m. at 1765 W. Lacey Blvd., near 12th Avenue and Hanford Mall.
It's back — Porterville Fair to begin Thursday
Porterville Recorder
It's time for the fair. Finally. After more than two years the Porterville Fair returns and while it is scaled back, the fair returns this year with its Ride and Dine event.
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
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