POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Stanislaus County budget is $1.38 billion. Cannabis, parks and cameras spur hiring
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County unveiled a $1.38 billion budget for the year starting July 1, with some additional hiring and funds dedicated to addressing homelessness.
Central SJ Valley:
Black Lives Matter banner controversy sparks lawsuit against Fresno County
Fresno Bee
The ACLU Foundation of Northern California is suing Fresno County Registrar Brandi Orth for allegedly “illegally” removing Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno as a polling site in the November election over Black Lives Matter banners.
South SJ Valley:
Local, national authorities committed to holding mail thieves accountable
Bakersfield Californian
While figures on the number of mail thefts and arrests were not readily available, Scott said Bakersfield has seen a great number of mail thefts over the years.
Oilfield wastewater disposal site receives state ultimatum
Bakersfield Californian
State regulators have told the Bakersfield-based operator of an unlined, oilfield wastewater disposal pond in McKittrick it must bring the facility into compliance or shut it down.
State:
California Budget Moves Toward Final Votes, With New Spending On Health Care And Preschool
Capital Public Radio
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders have largely reached agreement on a budget that makes significant new investments in access to health care and early childhood education.
See also:
- Breaking Down Gov. Gavin Newsom’s First California Budget Deal Capital Public Radio
- California’s biggest problems: Legislature keeps some bills alive, kills others San Francisco Chronicle
- EDITORIAL: California’s resistance to the Trump continues with latest budget deal San Francisco Chronicle
Former tribal lobbyist named as new California Lottery director amid investigations
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Alva Vernon Johnson to take over the California State Lottery Monday, after former director Hugo Lopez stepped down Friday amid investigations.
FPPC rejects GOP complaint about union donations for California lieutenant governor’s furniture
Sacramento Bee
California’s political ethics watchdog says it found no evidence Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis broke the law by soliciting contributions from labor unions to furnish her office.
The Citizen’s Redistricting Commission: Open for Business
PPIC
Applications are now being accepted for California’s Citizen Redistricting Commission, which will be responsible for redrawing legislative boundaries based on 2020 census figures.
See also:
In California, people help guarantee fair elections. The process begins today
CALmatters
Headlines across the country have detailed Supreme Court actions regarding various state gerrymandering scandals, the politicizing the Census, and attempts by some states to create new ways to draw district lines after receiving 2020 Census data.
EDITORIAL:Predatory lenders want to kill AB 539. Will fat checks to key senators pay off?
Sacramento Bee
How much greed is enough? That’s the question legislators in Sacramento must ask the predatory loan industry – and themselves – when it comes to Assembly Bill 539
Federal:
Tech on trial: House panel begins review of market power
Fresno Bee
Big Tech is about to become big politics in Washington. The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday will launch its investigation into the market dominance of Silicon Valley’s biggest names, starting with a look at the impact of the tech giants’ platforms on news content, the media and the spread of misinformation online.
See also:
- Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg reached out to Speaker Pelosi. She hasn’t called him back. Washington Post
- Trump pushes Big Tech bias issue harder than the evidence supports AEI
- EDITORIAL: Feds finally go after Google, Facebook for antitrust San Francisco Chronicle
Nadler delays contempt against Barr after DOJ agrees to turn over Mueller evidence
abc30
House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler says he will delay contempt moves against Attorney General William Barr after the DOJ agreed to turn over “key” Mueller evidence.
See also:
Rep. Zoe Lofgren has been through two impeachments. She doesn’t want a third
Los Angeles Times
Caught between Democrats who support impeachment and skeptics such as Lofgren, the House Judiciary Committee continues to try to build a case against Trump.
Supreme Court will decide major racial bias suit against cable TV giants
Los Angeles Times
The Supreme Court said Monday it will decide whether two large cable firms can be sued under the nation’s oldest civil rights law for having refused to carry the programs of an African American-owned network.
Elections 2020:
Trump, Biden are bound for Iowa in potential 2020 preview
Fresno Bee
After months of jabbing each other from afar, President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden will overlap Tuesday in Iowa, a state that’s critical to both their political futures.
Mercury News
GetThru turns political text messaging into real conversations.
Mudslinging among conservatives is burying any hope for post-Trump reconciliation
Los Angeles Times
The idea holding together the conservative movement since the 1960s was called “fusionism.” The concept, which always worked better as an organizing principle than a philosophical one, was that freedom and virtue were inextricably linked. Virtue not freely chosen wasn’t virtuous. This idea may have passed its sell-by date.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dangles 2020 endorsement: Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren?
Los Angeles Times
Ocasio-Cortez embodies a younger generation of Democrats led by women and people of color — a progressive voting bloc that brings intense passion to the fight to oust President Trump. She also has a gift for creating social media sensations that old-school Democrats can only dream of.
Homelessness is a crisis in California. Why are 2020 candidates mostly ignoring it?
Los Angeles Times
When new figures released last week showed a jarring rise in homelessness around Los Angeles, the response throughout Southern California was shock and indignation.
Kamala Harris, Seeking a Campaign Jolt, Defends Record as Prosecutor
New York Times
Senator Kamala Harris of California has, for months, faced criticism from activist Democrats who have said her record as California attorney general was at odds with her progressive reputation.
See also:
Fox: Are Voters for More Multi-Family Housing in Single Family Neighborhoods?
Fox & Hounds
Do Californians really want denser living particularly in single-family neighborhoods? The recent PPIC poll showed strong support by 62% to 30% allowing state laws to override local governments to create multi-family housing near transportation corridors.
Other:
Bakersfield, meet your new sister, Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield’s family is growing. The city will soon add another “sister city” to its list of municipal relatives.
Dianne Feinstein calls for races at Santa Anita to be suspended immediately
Los Angeles Times
California Senator Dianne Feinstein on Monday joined those calling for the suspension of racing at Santa Anita after the track suffered two horse deaths over the weekend.
See also:
- EDITORIAL: We are running out of ways to tell Santa Anita to stop racing Los Angeles Times
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, June 16, at 9 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “Assessing State Policies on Climate Change” – Guest: Ross Brown – LAO. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, June 16, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report – Valley Views Edition: “Climate Change Generally and Air Pollution Locally” – Guests: Will Barrett, Director of Advocacy, Clean Air for the American Lung Association in California and Samir Sheikh, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, June 16, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Agua en el Valle de San Joaquin: Un reporte de PPIC” – Guest: Alvar Escriva-Bou, investigador del PPIC. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Medical pot takes hit when weed legal for all
Fresno Bee
When states legalize pot for all adults, long-standing medical marijuana programs take a big hit, in some cases losing more than half their registered patients in just a few years, according to a data analysis by The Associated Press.
See also:
- Promise of marijuana leads scientists on search for evidence Bakersfield Californian
CSUB Food Pantry to continue helping food insecure students during the summer
Bakersfield Californian
Though the school year is over, hunger in the community is not. As a result, Cal State Bakersfield’s Food Pantry will continue being an option for students over the summer – whether they are enrolled in summer classes or not.
The Wonderful Co. will market seedless lemons
Bakersfield Californian
The Wonderful Co., one of Kern’s largest growers of fruit and nuts, announced Monday it will soon market naturally seedless lemons originating in Australia.
How California avocados have a global influence
The Mercury News
Americans eat three times as many avocados than they ate 30 years ago.
Warning labels for soda might be the only way to save our children from the sugar lobby
Los Angeles Times
Last month, the California Senate passed a bill that would require warning labels on sugary drinks: “State of California Safety Warning: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) may contribute to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and tooth decay.”
At Trump’s Agriculture Department, science is being plowed under
The Washington Post
For the second year in a row, Trump administration leadership at the Agriculture Department proposed budget cuts and took other steps that hamper agencies within the department that supply the data and science needed to inform farm and food policy.
AP analysis: Medical pot takes hit when weed legal for all
Associated Press
When states legalize pot for all adults, long-standing medical marijuana programs take a big hit, in some cases losing more than half their registered patients in just a few years, according to a data analysis by The Associated Press.
Public Cannabis Companies Target California
Forbes
When California legalized at the beginning of 2018, there were few options for investors in public companies to participate.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Over 20 vehicles seized at DUI checkpoint in Fresno, multiple arrests
Fresno Bee
At least 11 people were arrested and 21 vehicles towed during a DUI checkpoint in east-central Fresno overnight Saturday.
Local, national authorities committed to holding mail thieves accountable
Bakersfield Californian
While figures on the number of mail thefts and arrests were not readily available, Scott said Bakersfield has seen a great number of mail thefts over the years.
Public Safety:
Keeping an eye on sheriffs: California Democrats want to empower investigators
Fresno Bee
The California Assembly voted to approve A.B. 1185, which authorizes counties to establish sheriff oversight boards, either by an action of the local Board of Supervisors or through a resident voting process.
Turlock eyes providing its officers with body cameras
Modesto Bee
The Turlock Police Department is poised to join other Stanislaus County law enforcement agencies in equipping its officers with body cameras.
In California, kids in custody targeted by pepper spray
Capitol Weekly
Pepper spray – classified and regulated as a form of tear gas – was used routinely on thousands of California children housed in state and county juvenile detention facilities, according to a recent report by the ACLU of Southern California.
Fire:
Governor Newsom executive order brings prescribed burning to Highway 41 in the foothills this week
Sierra Star
Prescribed burning is planned along Highway 41 in the foothills this week, an effort to reduce risk of wildfire. According to a Cal Fire news release, the burning will run 11 miles from the Friant Canal to Road 200 in O’Neals.
County Hosts ‘Fire Safety In The Foothills’ Event
Sierra News
With the season already upon us, Madera County will host a fire safety educational event on Saturday, June 15, with County staff and partners including Cal Fire, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, PG&E and more.
PG&E Holds ‘Public Safety Power Shutoff’ Wildfire Safety Meeting
Sierra News
PG&E will host the first in a planned series of public meetings to let area residents know more about the utility’s new ‘Public Safety Power Shutoff’ plan.
See also:
- More PG&E power blackouts are coming to California. Here’s what you should do to prepare Sacramento Bee
Evacuation order to be lifted for Yolo County residents affected by Sand Fire
Sacramento Bee
An evacuation order will be lifted for nearly 130 Yolo County residents affected by the Sand Fire at 5 p.m. Monday, authorities said. Residents who live along County Road 41 in Rumsey will be allowed to return to their homes, but may be evacuated again.
At PG&E, a workforce on edge — and under attack
San Francisco Chronicle
In the past year, the huge utility’s inability to stop causing catastrophic wildfires has threatened its existence. Lawsuits piled up, and PG&E’s stock price plunged.
See also:
- Criminal charges against PG&E could send message San Francisco Chronicle
Utilities in fire-weary California strategize for the long, hot summer
Los Angeles Times
With temperatures soaring and strong winds blowing through forests across Northern California over the weekend, rural areas in the Sierra Nevada foothills plunged into darkness after Pacific Gas & Electric Co. shut off high-voltage transmission lines to avoid sparking wildfires.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
ESOPs rising: Employee ownership gaining traction
Business Journal
When people think of employee-owned businesses, large companies such as grocery chain WinCo — with scores of locations across the western U.S. — spring to mind, said Poncho Baker, the new CEO of Ritchie Trucking in Fresno.
The gig economy is good for women, let’s make it better
Sacramento Bee
The gig economy is reshaping lives, culture and participation in the workforce — especially for women.
Is autopay a punishment or a benign paperless future?
Los Angeles Times
Glendale Water & Power now has access to my bank account and it can take whatever it feels entitled to.
U.S. and Mexican officials give different accounts of immigration deal that averted tariffs
Los Angeles Times
U.S. and Mexican officials sought Monday to bat down criticism of the last-minute agreement they reached on immigration and tariffs, each playing to their domestic audiences with contrasting and, at times, inflated claims.
See also:
- Mexico talked Trump out of tariffs with migrant crackdown and broader measures if needed, officials and documents say Washington Post
U.S. stocks climb on news that trade war with Mexico is averted
Los Angeles Times
Technology companies and banks helped power stocks higher on Wall Street on Monday as investors welcomed news that the United States and Mexico averted a trade war and potentially damaging tariffs.
In Trump’s trade war with China, L.A. ports are ground zero
Los Angeles Times
When President Trump unveiled plans to launch a trade war with China early last year, Marisa Bedrosian Kosters, an executive at an Anaheim-based ceramic tile and stone retailer, sprang into action.
See also:
Trump says U.S. will ‘do something’ about French wine tariffs
Los Angeles Times
President Trump promised to do “something” about French wine that he said is allowed into the U.S. virtually tariff-free while France imposes duties on U.S. wine, calling the arrangement unfair.
Kamala Harris Claims Trump’s Tariffs Cost $1.4 Billion Per Month. That’s Mostly True
Capital Public Radio
California Sen. Kamala Harris took a swipe at Trump’s tariffs when she claimed: “Let’s call it what it is. It’s a trade tax. I like to call it Trump’s trade tax. And his trade tax is taking $1.4 billion out of working people’s pockets every month.”
Trump Spars With U.S. Chamber Official Over Use of Tariffs
WSJ
President calls into CNBC show where official appeared and attacked him and the Chamber.
To thrive, American children need a stronger safety net
Bookings
The capitalist system in the US today is ruthless, delivering exceptionally uneven outcomes to people across the education and income distribution.
AEI
In recent years, an aging America — led mostly by the baby boomers — has made life more difficult for the nation’s younger population and limited their chances at success. Lyman Stone takes a look at the economic impact of the boomers and how their actions are affecting future generations.
Jobs:
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino looking to fill more than 70 positions
abc30
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino will be hosting a job fair Tuesday and is looking to fill more than 70 positions.
See also:
- Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Job Fair Sierra News
California, feds want to narrow retirement gap. They can’t agree on how
San Francisco Chronicle
Everyone agrees that something should be done to help the roughly half of U.S. private-sector employees who have no access to a retirement plan at work.
194 Best Employers In California: New Forbes List
Patch
A new list from Forbes ranks the best employers in all 50 states and D.C. You may be shocked at who beat the fancy tech firms.
Transparent California is affiliated with the conservative-leaning
Nevada Policy Research Institute
Data on compensation regarding cities, counties and individuals that are worth a read.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Hanford West High School graduates 275 students
Hanford Sentinel
It was standing room only Thursday evening at the Neighbor Bowl as 275 students walked across the lawn to cheers during Hanford West High School’s 18th annual Commencement Exercises.
Will Fresno Unified Labor Peace End or Continue?
GV Wire
Since dramatically avoiding a strike at the last minute early in 2018, Fresno Unified leaders and the teachers union have gone to great lengths to keep their public comments positive.
Charter School Task Force Echoes Calls For Tighter Charter School Regs, More Local Control
Capital Public Radio
A closely watched report commissioned by Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for more local discretion and tighter regulation of charter schools.
Los Angeles school tax flunks out
CALmatters
The political leaders of Los Angeles, led by Mayor Eric Garcetti, were convinced that they could persuade local voters to approve a very hefty tax increase for the city’s schools, especially since the burden would fall largely on large property owners.
What other countries can learn from Singapore’s schools
The Economist
When the island of Singapore became an independent country in 1965, it had few friends and even fewer natural resources. How did it become one of the world’s great trading and financial centres? The strategy, explained Lee Kuan Yew, its first prime minister, was “to develop Singapore’s only available natural resource: its people”.
Teachers unions play a double game with charter schools
AEI
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten has thundered that charters are “a coordinated national effort to decimate public schools.” She’s also said that charters can be “part of what unites us as a country.”
Higher Ed:
Madera and Oakhurst Community College Centers set new commencement record
Sierra Star
The Madera and Oakhurst Community College Centers made history this school year, setting the record for most students receiving degrees or certificates at commencement.
Professor Accused of Creating ‘Hostile Learning Environment’ for Assigning Too Many Male Authors
National Review
A University of Utah student reported her business professor to administrators last year for transgressions, including assigning too many male-written works, which she said created a “hostile learning environment.”
Apprenticeships:
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ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
It’s June, it’s hot, and it’s going to stay that way
Bakersfield Californian
After Bakersfield residents enjoyed the 31st coolest May on record — and the sixth wettest — this week’s transition to triple-digit temperatures may seem even more cruel than usual.
See also:
- ‘Excessive heat’ warning issued in Merced County. Here’s what you need to know Merced Sun-Star
- Heat warning in effect as Valley temperatures climb Stockton Record
- Where to cool off for free in Modesto Modesto Bee
Oilfield wastewater disposal site receives state ultimatum
Bakersfield Californian
State regulators have told the Bakersfield-based operator of an unlined, oilfield wastewater disposal pond in McKittrick it must bring the facility into compliance or shut it down.
CA attorney general speaks out against fracking
Bakersfield Californian
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra came out Monday against a federal draft review concluding the oilfield procedure called fracking poses no threat to the environment.
Pacific sea turtles likely to go extinct under Trump administration policy, lawsuit argues
Sacramento Bee
Leatherback sea turtles are likely to be “effectively extinct within 20 years” if two new federal permits for fishing off the coast of California go into effect, environmental groups claim in a new lawsuit.
No Longer The Loneliest? Why Oregon’s All-In Climate Push Matters To California
Capital Public Radio
After efforts to unite the West under a carbon-trading program stalled for nearly a decade, Oregon will decide this month whether it wants to follow in California’s footsteps.
Michael Bennet is right that a majority say the effects of global warming are happening
PolitiFact
Over 90% of publishing climate scientists agree that humans are causing global warming.
Energy:
Wasuma Elementary School goes solar
Sierra Star
Wasuma Elementary School has joined the energy conservation mission and gone solar. The school is now home to a new photovoltaic system. The construction effort has been a year in the making.
Tulareans blame utility for thousands in damages
Visalia Times Delta
Now, nearly two weeks after a presumed power surge caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages to major appliances, including air conditioners, hot water heaters and solar panel systems, one question remains — who to blame?
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Does this vaccine bill go too far? Concerned families say they’ll leave California if it passes
Fresno Bee
Sacramento Democrat Richard Pan’s Senate Bill 276 tightens medical exemptions to a narrow list of criteria outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and empowers the state health department to decide who gets them.
See also:
Number of measles cases in the US hits new record high
abc30
The Centers for Disease Control reported Monday that there have been 1,022 cases in 28 states through June 6.
See also:
Sleeping with the TV on may make you gain weight
abc30
Dozing off to late-night TV or sleeping with other lights on may mix up your body clock and lead to weight gain and even obesity.
Is your loved one in a nursing home? Here’s why you should be alarmed
Los Angeles Times
All Americans should be deeply troubled by news that hundreds of nursing homes with a “persistent record of poor care” were kept secret by government authorities.
Human Services:
California may extend health care to undocumented immigrants
abc30
California taxpayers could soon pay for the health insurance of 90,000 undocumented immigrants. Democrats in the state Legislature agreed Sunday to a budget offering Medicaid benefits to low-income adults.
See also:
- Undocumented immigrants get health care in Newsom CA budget deal Sacramento Bee
- California agrees on health benefits for some living in US illegally Visalia Times Delta
- California will give health coverage to undocumented young adults San Francisco Chronicle
- California Wants To Offer Medicaid To Undocumented Immigrants. How Much Would It Cost? Newsweek
- California’s new health care milestones AXIOS
The sky isn’t falling on abortion rights. At least not completely
Los Angeles Times
The right to an abortion had a series of boulders dropped on its head these last few weeks as extreme laws banning abortion were enacted in seven states. But the sky has not fallen. Not completely.
Soaring insurance deductibles and high drug prices hit sick Americans with a ‘double whammy’
Los Angeles Times
The steep rise in health insurance deductibles over the last decade has saddled insured, middle- and working-class Americans with medical bills they can’t afford, a Los Angeles Times examination of job-based insurance shows.
San Francisco Policy of Hospitalizing Mentally Ill Homeless Is Humane
National Review
The rapid decline of San Francisco is emblematic of the corrosion now typical in California’s once-glorious cities.
How does Medicare work with employer insurance?
PBS NewsHour
Journalist Philip Moeller answers your questions about health, aging, and retirement. Phil is the author of the book, “Get What’s Yours for Medicare,” and co-author of “Get What’s Yours: The Revised Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security.” Send your questions to Phil.
Sweden Finds a Simple Way to Improve New Mothers’ Health. It Involves Fathers.
The New York Times
The flexibility to have an extra person at home, even for a few days, offers significant postpartum benefits, new research shows.
As Sharing Health-Care Costs Takes Off, States Warn: It Isn’t Insurance
WSJ
Religious organizations that provide an alternative to health insurance are growing rapidly but remain largely unregulated.
Modest Cuts Could Save Medicare From Disaster
WSJ
The alternatives are huge increases in taxes, cuts in other spending, or Greek-crisis debt levels.
IMMIGRATION
Border state challenges quick-release asylum practices
Bakersfield Californian
New Mexico and its largest city sued the Trump administration Monday in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit from a state seeking to stem the quick release of asylum seeking migrants into local communities and claim reimbursement for humanitarian efforts to shelter migrants temporarily.
See also:
- Seeking Asylum at the California Border: In the Basement Cells at San Ysidro Port of Entry KQED News
- Asylum seekers spent 18 days in holding cells, video shows port of entry conditions The San Diego Union-Tribune
- U.S. Presses Mexico on Asylum Overhaul WSJ
Trump Administration Taps Hardliner Cuccinelli For Top Immigration Job
Capital Public Radio
The administration named high-profile immigration hawk Ken Cuccinelli to lead the agency in charge of citizenship and visas, raising concerns among immigrant rights advocates.
WSJ
The U.S. demands López Obrador use troops to stem northern migration.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Focusing on the big picture at East Hills Mall
Bakersfield Californian
After all the drama at East Hills Mall — the slow death, the purchase by local developers, foreclosure proceedings and then an auction that never happened — the question remains: What should be done with the property?
Housing:
California Lawmakers Tackle Housing Issues Impacting Renters
Capital Public Radio
CALmatters Data and Housing Reporter Matt Levin looks at how renters fared in the current legislative session: what bills were discussed, which ones died and what survived.
New report underscores link between ‘shocking’ number of evictions, homelessness
Curbed LA
More than a half million renters have been evicted in Los Angeles County over the past eight years, according to a new report by Public Counsel and the UCLA School of Law that calls on county supervisors to adopt permanent rent control measures.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Fresno Bee
A $1.2 billion lawsuit that could affect up to about 100,000 seniors who had CalPERS long-term care insurance plans goes to trial Monday.
See also:
Los Angeles school tax flunks out
CALmatters
The political leaders of Los Angeles, led by Mayor Eric Garcetti, were convinced that they could persuade local voters to approve a very hefty tax increase for the city’s schools, especially since the burden would fall largely on large property owners.
Bill Would Cap Interest Rates For ‘Payday Lenders’
KPBS
The personal loan industry, also called “payday loans,” has not been regulated in California for decades. But that could soon change.
See also:
Could Public Banks Help Cities Keep Their Money Away From Wall Street?
New York Times
When a ballot measure that would’ve allowed Los Angeles to start its own public bank was rejected by the city’s voters last year, even proponents of the idea acknowledged that it was a little far out.
TRANSPORTATION
Gasoline prices are still retreating in Fresno. How much are you paying at the pump this week?
Fresno Bee
Gasoline prices in the central San Joaquin Valley continued retreating this week, with the average price for regular unleaded dropping about six cents per gallon over the past week.
See also:
- Gasoline prices get cheaper ahead of summer driving Los Angeles Times
- Oil’s Slide Lowers Fuel Prices Ahead of Summer Driving Season WSJ
- Californians Are Now Paying Higher Gas Taxes. Cities Are Responding by Reducing Lanes for Cars Reason.com
City budget includes nearly $40 million for airport parking garage
abc30
Parking will be a big improvement at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Plans for a nearly $40 million parking garage are included in the Airport Departments $124 million budget request.
Proposed light-rail linking Lathrop, BART takes step forward
Stockton Record
For the other 80,000 people who make the daily commute over the Altamont to jobs in the Bay Area, Valley Link could be a life-changer. It’s a proposed light-rail system that by 2024 would connect commuters from Lathrop, Tracy and Mountain House with the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station.
WATER
Kings River running fast and wild in Kings Canyon
Fresno Bee
As temperatures spike, the Sierra snowmelt picks up, swelling rivers – and bringing warnings about safety.
See also:
With Updated Budget, Safe Drinking Water Fund Inches Closer To Reality
Capital Public Radio
For the first time in two years, legislators in Sacramento may have paved the way toward establishing a statewide safe drinking water fund.
See also:
Dolores Huerta joins drinking water activists at Capitol
Sacramento Bee
Civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, 89, mounted the north steps of the Capitol on Monday afternoon. She stood aside safe water activists to celebrate the state’s $130 million safe water funding proposal and pressure legislators to pass the measure this week.
“Xtra”
Salad bar 2.0? These new restaurants in Fresno, Clovis offer a twist on the familiar
Fresno Bee
Two new salad bar restaurants have opened in the area – one in downtown Fresno, another in Clovis. A third is on the way in north Fresno. They’re part of a trend that is exploding in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Fresno pizza parlor offers free pizza to diners who put away their phones
abc30
It’s called the “talk to each other” discount. Customers must place their phones in a basket, which is then placed in a locker until everyone is done eating.
Places around Fresno to take the kids as weather warms up
abc30
Smiles and laughter go hand in hand with splash parks. Many of the kids were headed home shortly after noon to avoid the hottest time of the day, but they weren’t done playing in the water.
See also: