Maddy Institute – June 14, 2021

14Jun

POLICY & POLITICS

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North SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● A look at Stanislaus vaccination rates; list of new sites Modesto Bee

● COVID restrictions are set expire in Stanislaus County. Here’s what you need to know Modesto Bee

● Mask requirements to end for those who are vaccinated Modesto Bee

Drought is back. How cities and irrigation districts in Stanislaus are limiting water

Modesto Bee

The drought won’t force sudden cuts in water use by city residents in Stanislaus County, because they are in conservation mode all the time.

Police chief to provide update on pairing mental health clinicians with officers

Modesto Bee

Interim Modesto Police Chief Brandon Gillespie will update a City Council committee Monday on his department’s efforts to respond to mental health calls by pairing behavioral clinicians with officers.

Ceres council to vote on contracting Modesto for fire services. What are the costs?

Modesto Bee

Modesto could begin providing all fire protection services for Ceres as soon as August if the Ceres City Council on Monday approves a proposed contract.

MJC plots fall reopening after 15 months of COVID. Enrollment slump is a challenge

Modesto Bee

Modesto Junior College is working to bring a diverse array of students back to its campuses this fall after 15 months of wrestling with the COVID pandemic.

Public outcry delays proclamation moratorium

Turlock Journal

A moratorium on all proclamations — except those from City Hall — will begin on July 5 following a split vote by the Turlock City Council during their meeting on Tuesday.

Central SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● Fresno County resident among winners in California’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery Fresno Bee

● Fresno County resident wins $50,000 Covid vax prize Business Journal

Clovis' Big Hat Days returns with big crowds liberated from COVID restrictions

Fresno Bee

Although signs saying no entry without a mask, many attended Big Hat Days in Clovis without a mask. Chamber of Commerce CEO Greg Newman said CDC requirements were in effect, but since it was outdoors, there was no enforcement of the mask rule.

● After a year on hiatus, BIG Hat Days is back in Clovis! abc30

‘We see you.’ For first time in city’s history, Pride flag raised at Fresno City Hall

Fresno Bee

For the first time in Fresno’s history, the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Pride flag was raised Friday at Fresno City Hall. “Our city leaders are sending a very clear message, and that message is to our LGBTQ community.

● Fresno Mayor Dyer vetoes resolution to transfer control of flags at City Hall abc30

● LGBTQ+ Leaders In The Valley Discuss Pride Month And The Impact Of The Pandemic VPR

Valley Voices: Just beneath the dirt: Where the racism of Fresno began

Fresno Bee

We stood before the school board last week thinking it might be a good time to start a conversation about how Fresno became one of the most racially partitioned cities in the nation and how, as an outcropping of that history.

Fresno to allow for more weed shops. City Council expands business licenses on 4-3 vote

Fresno Bee

Put forth by the council’s cannabis subcommittee (members Miguel Arias, Nelson Esparza and Mike Karbassi), the resolution called to increase the number of retail business licenses, as allowed by city code, from 14 to 21.

Warszawski: ‘It’s like a war zone around here.’ Time has come for ban on fireworks in Fresno, Valley

Fresno Bee

Three years ago I ventured out onto a sparkler-thin limb expecting to get lit up like a Ground Bloom Flower.

Here’s a chance to own a piece of Central Valley history. It comes with a liquor license

Fresno Bee

A historical piece of property in the foothills of the central San Joaquin Valley is for sale. Humphrey Station, a restaurant & bar/general store on Tollhouse Road with old ties as a stagecoach station, is officially on the market.

County courts to fully reopen

Madera Tribune

The following represents the Court’s plan to fully reopen to the public pursuant to the California Department of Public Health’s guidelines, effective June 15.

Penaloza resigns from Porterville City Council

Porterville Recorder

Daniel Penaloza has resigned from the Porterville City Council. Penaloza, who represented District I, turned in his letter of resignation on Tuesday. Penaloza hasn't been at the last two meetings held by the city council.

Mendota Leaders Prepare For ‘Increase’ In Central American Unaccompanied Minors

VPR

Marvin Cornejo left the small village of Azacualpa, El Salvador at just 16 years old. When he first arrived in Mendota as an unaccompanied minor five years ago, he was surprised to learn it wasn’t much different from his hometown.

Warszawski: ‘It’s like a war zone around here.’ Time has come for ban on fireworks in Fresno, Valley

Fresno Bee

Three years ago I ventured out onto a sparkler-thin limb expecting to get lit up like a Ground Bloom Flower.

South SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● Kern Public Health reports 34 new coronavirus cases Saturday Bakersfield Californian

● Celebration, tears and hope prevail as state to lift restrictions on Tuesday Bakersfield Californian

Superintendent of Schools announces financial audit of Fairfax School District

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County Superintendent of Schools Mary Barlow plans to audit the finances of the Fairfax School District, according to a letter read at the school board's meeting.

Bakersfield police officer lauded for his dedication in finding hit-and-run suspect in fatal crash

Bakersfield Californian

It was nearly a year ago that Bakersfield Police Officer Chad Ott found himself heading up an investigation into the hit-and-run death of a 65-year-old motorist on Stockdale Highway.

Oilfield disposal site in western Kern set to close

Bakersfield Californian

A large oilfield wastewater disposal pond near Buttonwillow will likely close this summer, and its operator and last remaining customer will together pay $645,000 in penalties and fees, under a recent court settlement.

LOIS HENRY: Dam repairs on track

Bakersfield Californian

On schedule is probably the sweetest phrase a project manager can hear. For projects that are the size and scope of repairs to the Isabella and Schafer dams, being on schedule is especially important.

State:

COVID Update:

● California governor signs orders to roll back virus rules Fresno Bee

● No more tiers. Newsom signs order to officially end most COVID rules Tuesday Fresno Bee

● California moves to rescind dozens of emergency COVID-19 actions as reopening nears Los Angeles Times

● Gov. Newsom: A vaccination verification system is coming ‘very shortly’ San Diego Union-Tribune

● California’s big reopening: What changes — and what doesn’t — on June 15? CalMatters

● As California reopens, 6 things you need to know about COVID-19 CalMatters

● As the State Reopens, Some Californians Are Still Worried about COVID-19 PPIC

● New York, Illinois to Ease Face-Mask Rules for the Fully Vaccinated, California to Wait Wall Street Journal

California approaches budget deadline with a bill — but no deal

Politico

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers are gearing up to spend record amounts to address California's most intractable problems, but the sheer amount of cash is proving too much to handle.

● Advocates hope for expanded immigrant aid in final budget CalMatters

● Four things to know about the California budget deal CalMatters

Gavin Newsom recall could cost taxpayers at least $215 million, counties say

Sacramento Bee

California counties expect to spend an estimated $215 million to conduct a statewide special recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to a report compiled by the California Department of Finance.

● When is the Newsom recall election? Maybe sooner than you think CalMatters

● Recall fever strikes California as angry voters take on politicians in large numbers Los Angeles Times

Viewpoints: Can Black people thrive in California? Education, prison disparities show legacy of racism

Sacramento Bee

Is it legal for Black people to thrive in California? The immediate answer may rely more on hope than on the realities of anti-Black history and the enduring politics and policies that continue to harm Black people.

A serious man: Can Kevin Faulconer run for governor without the gimmicks?

CalMatters

A Republican former mayor of San Diego, he governed that once Republican but now reliably blue coastal city as a pro-immigrant, climate-change-believing, bilingual urbanist. He touts endorsements from the traditional quarters of state GOP leadership.

Opinion: Put legal aid in reach of all Californians

CalMatters

The state should build on South Dakota’s model for ensuring that those with civil law issues don’t have to go it alone.

Opinion: Don’t delay governor’s broadband plan

CalMatters

It sounds like a no-brainer: The Legislature’s budget proposal contains $7 billion in funding with the financing/implementation details to be worked out later, after the budget deadline, June 15.

Federal:

COVID Update:

● As virus cases wane, governors weigh ending emergency orders Fresno Bee

● 600,000 dead: With normal life in reach, covid’s late-stage victims lament what could have been Washington Post

● Positive Covid-19 Tests Fall to Lowest Recorded Rate Wall Street Journal

Can You Handle The Truth? Fact-Checking Claims About Anthony Fauci’s Emails

Capital Public Radio

Some emails that Dr. Anthony Fauci sent during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic have been released, leading to a new round of misleading posts on social media.

10 Senators Say They Agree On Infrastructure 'Framework' — But There Are Few Details

NPR

A bipartisan group of 10 U.S. senators says they agree on a "framework" for a deal on an infrastructure package, but the members did not release any details and top leaders from both parties have been mostly silent on the development.

See also:

· Editorial: An Anti-Development Water Rule Wall Street Journal

Biden nominated as many minority women to be judges in four months as Trump had confirmed in four years

Washington Post

President Biden and the Democrat-led Senate have moved quickly to boost minority and female representation on the federal courts following Donald Trump’s four-year push to remake the judiciary, in which he nominated a large share of White, male justices.

Garland zeroes in on voting rights

Roll Call

Attorney General Garland announced a broad new push to enforce voting rights across the country, touching on politically contentious areas such as post-election audits, early voting, voting by mail, threats against election officials and redistricting after the 2020 census.

● Garland announces expansion of Justice Department’s voting rights unit, vowing to scrutinize GOP-backed voting restrictions and ballot reviews Washington Post

● Column: Why the Democrats’ voting rights bill will fail and what they can do about it Los Angeles Times

● Editorial: The Last Voter Suppression Outrage Wall Street Journal

● Democrats Increasingly Say American Democracy Is Sliding Toward Minority Rule NPR

Opinion: The wisdom of small crowds: The case for using Citizens’ Juries to shape policy

Brookings

We should be looking for additional ways to integrate the diverse opinions of citizens into democratic and policymaking processes — democratic engagement that lies somewhere between the tweet and the vote. That is where the idea of Citizens’ Juries comes in.

Trump could shake up key Senate races with endorsements

Roll Call

Former President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement in the North Carolina Senate race is the latest sign that he is looking to influence primaries in competitive states, in a shift from recent election cycles.

Congress, Justice Dept. probing Trump seizures of Dems’ data Business Journal
Justice Dept. to probe secret subpoena for Schiff’s records on Trump’s watch Los Angeles Times

· Opinion: My front row seat to the radicalization of the Republican Party Los Angeles Times

· Why We Can’t Move On From Jan. 6 Wall Street Journal

Republican attacks on Biden agenda can’t break through conservative media’s culture wars

Washington Post

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) started off talking about the cancellation of a domestic oil pipeline, the job losses and higher gas prices, key kitchen-table items that Republicans believe will be critical to winning back the majority next year.

See also:

· Opinion: More Latinos Bid ‘Adios’ to Democrats Wall Street Journal

Why is Manchin such a thorn in the Democratic Party’s side? Let us count the reasons.

Washington Post

Manchin once again declared that he would never vote to weaken or end the filibuster, complicating Democrats’ path to securing top policy priorities. Why is Manchin such a thorn in his fellow Democrats’ sides? Here’s what you need to know.

House Bills Seek to Break Up Amazon and Other Big Tech Companies

Wall Street Journal

House lawmakers proposed a raft of bipartisan legislation aimed at reining in the country’s biggest tech companies, including a bill that seeks to make Amazon and other large corporations effectively split in two or shed their private-label products.

News conference attendee who told Kamala Harris “I voted for you” was not a reporter

PolitiFact

An incident at a June 8, 2021, press conference with Vice President Kamala Harris in Mexico City turned heads among journalists and non-journalists alike. But what appeared to be a breach of professional ethics turned out to be a case of misidentification.

Other:

Media literacy is crucial for anyone who uses a digital device. It should be an educational priority in K-12 schools.

Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust

In our 21st century society, we use computers to access almost everything we do. Consider how many times that you’ve logged onto the internet today to shop, check bank account balances, use social networks and work remotely from home.

What makes a news story trustworthy? Americans point to the outlet that publishes it, sources cited

Pew Research Center

Americans see a variety of factors as important when it comes to deciding whether a news story is trustworthy or not, but their attitudes vary by party affiliation, demographic characteristics and news consumption habits, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

‘Dangerous Ideas’ Review: The Follies of Censorship

Wall Street Journal

Surveying various unconnected crimes and political developments, the article’s author, New Yorker staff writer Andrew Marantz, warned that “the brutality that germinates on the internet can leap into the world of flesh and blood.”

‘The unparalleled champion’: Bob Dole’s forgotten fight to get Washington to recognize the Armenian genocide

Washington Post

The Armenian archbishops and the noted philanthropists, the esteemed physicians and the tireless nurses — they all poured into a Chicago funeral home to say goodbye to a doctor named Hampar Kelikian.

America’s largest cities saw the sharpest population losses during the pandemic, new census data shows

Brookings

Much attention has been given to COVID-19’s impact on population losses in the nation’s largest cities, raising questions about a potential urban “exodus” and the shape of the post-pandemic city.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Universal basic income for Fresno-area farmworkers? Some local leaders are pushing for it

Fresno Bee

A Fresno-area politician wants California to prioritize struggling San Joaquin Valley farmworkers in a proposed pilot program that would put cash in the hands of some the state’s impoverished residents.

California's farmers are already taking drastic measures to conserve water

San Francisco Chronicle

Normally, Humberto Castañeda Produce grows heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, watermelons and other crops on its 180-acre farm outside of Santa Rosa. But this year, Humberto Castañeda and his son, Gabriel, are planting only 17 acres.

Opinion: How California can create a more equitable food system

CalMatters

State funds would allow California to support small farmers and ranchers who have been left out of publicly funded agriculture programs. This will help build resilience into our food system.

U.S. Farmers Of Color Were About To Get Loan Forgiveness. Now The Program Is On Hold

VPR

On Thursday, a federal judge in Wisconsin ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop forgiving loans on the basis of race under a novel effort included in the American Rescue Plan relief package.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

County courts to fully reopen

Madera Tribune

The following represents the Court’s plan to fully reopen to the public pursuant to the California Department of Public Health’s guidelines, effective June 15.

Bakersfield police officer lauded for his dedication in finding hit-and-run suspect in fatal crash

Bakersfield Californian

It was nearly a year ago that Bakersfield Police Officer Chad Ott found himself heading up an investigation into the hit-and-run death of a 65-year-old motorist on Stockdale Highway.

Public Safety:

ROBERT PRICE: Her mission is tattooed alongside her boys: stop fentanyl

Bakersfield Californian

Carrie Walker doesn’t just keep her boys in her heart. She keeps them on her calf, too. Her sons, Alex and Andrew Cullers, were about six years apart. They’re the same age now, though — now and forever.

Police chief to provide update on pairing mental health clinicians with officers

Modesto Bee

· How an obscure legal doctrine called qualified immunity protects police accused of excessive force Reuters

Indian Affairs Promised To Reform Tribal Jails. We Found Death, Neglect And Disrepair

NPR

Yazzie is one of at least 19 men and women who have died since 2016 in tribal detention centers overseen by the Interior Department's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), according to an investigation by NPR and the Mountain West News Bureau.

Fire:

Effects of Creek Fire get a closer look

Madera Tribune

Another episode of “Outside Beyond the Lens” (Currently available on YouTube) hits close to home for the mountain communities in California living with the effects of wildfire.

Ceres council to vote on contracting Modesto for fire services. What are the costs?

Modesto Bee

Modesto could begin providing all fire protection services for Ceres as soon as August if the Ceres City Council on Monday approves a proposed contract.

ECONOMY/JOBS

Economy:

Modesto restaurants, retailers ready for “relief” of reopening, lifting restrictions

Modesto Bee

When California reopens Tuesday after 15 months of imposing numerous health and safety regulations to slow the spread of COVID-19, many Central Valley restaurant and retail store owners say it will be a relief.

California’s stricter COVID rules did not hurt the economy: report

Mercury News

Regulations aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 did not come at the expense of California’s economy, according to a new report that found states that took a more hands-off approach to the pandemic did not see an economic boost from their limited regulation.

Robust Economy and Climate Goals Can Go Hand In Hand

CAFwd

We do not have to sacrifice our prosperity to achieve California’s climate goals. Quite the opposite is true. To put California on an equitable and prosperous path to a carbon neutral economy, Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a $750 million Community Economic Resilience Fund.

Could your income go up by $36,000 under Biden’s proposals? Economists are skeptical

Sacramento Bee

A typical household’s income will grow an additional $36,000 over the next 10 years, says the Biden administration, because of its economic policies. But outside economists disagree with the White House’s assessment.

Why That Sofa You Ordered Isn’t Showing Up Soon

Wall Street Journal

In the latest sign of the U.S. economy’s post-pandemic disarray, even companies that have built domestic supply chains are running up against extreme shortages of goods and labor.

Uneven vaccination rates are creating a new economic divide

The Economist

In the 1970s the fortunes of the world economy, in all its infinite variety and unfathomable complexity, seemed to turn on one solitary product: oil. Exported by a narrow clique of countries, this vital input was hostage to ferocious political forces.

Jobs:

Adventist Health to hold hiring event on Tuesday

Bakersfield Now

Adventist Health Bakersfield invites job seekers to an on-site Hiring Event. The event will take place on June 15, 2021 at 8 a.m. to noon at the Adventist Health Bakersfield Medical Office Building (MOB), 2nd floor - 1524 27th St.

California governor pledges consistent workplace mask rules

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that he's confident the state's workplace regulators will soon fall in line with California's plan to drop virtually all masking and social distancing requirements next week for people who are vaccinated against the coronavirus.

● Can California Keep Workers Safe as the Doors Swing Open? Capital & Main

● CalChamber Issues Statement on New Cal/OSHA Proposed COVID-19 Workplace Rules CalChamber Advocacy

Caltrans fired a dad over a marijuana pee test. Here’s why that won’t happen again

Sacramento Bee

A new California civil service rule limits the use of urine cannabis tests in disciplining state workers, finding that pee samples do not accurately reflect whether an employee is intoxicated at work by a drug voters legalized.

US unemployment claims fall to 376,000, sixth straight drop

Business Journal

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell for the sixth straight week as the U.S. economy, held back for months by the coronavirus pandemic, reopens rapidly.

· Forget Going Back to the Office—People Are Just Quitting Instead Wall Street Journal

EDUCATION

K-12:

Will Fresno Unified rename Forkner Elementary school? Here’s what would need to happen

Fresno Bee

After Fresno school board members rejected a proposal to name its newest campus after a local Armenian icon, another local Armenian leader wants the board to rename an elementary school after him instead.

A pair of Clovis siblings are taking home big science prizes and they plan to team up

Fresno Bee

Clovis North student John Benedict Estrada, 17, won a $50,000 prize at the Regeneron Science and Engineering Fair. His sister Pauline Victoria Estrada, 14, also an award winner, hopes to collaborate next year.

Students say Clovis Unified’s dress code is sexist. This student wants to change that

Fresno Bee

During her last semester before graduation this year, the 17-year-old got to work trying to change what she and other students say are language and rules that leave “little to no room for students to feel safe or comfortable in their own bodies and individuality.”

New public charter school opening this fall in Fresno

abc30

A new public charter school is opening their doors to students this fall. Anai and her daughter, Serenity Gomez have been part of the Aspen family for years.

Superintendent of Schools announces financial audit of Fairfax School District

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County Superintendent of Schools Mary Barlow plans to audit the finances of the Fairfax School District, according to a letter read at the school board's meeting.

California families confronted Covid and became invested in education

EdSource

Patience, resilience and a fierce determination to succeed in school — and life. That’s what California families said they learned after enduring a school year like no other.

Opinion: The Left Defends the Legacy of Redlining

Wall Street Journal

Amid a national racial reckoning and a housing shortage only getting worse, you’d think equity warriors like the nation’s teacher unions and urbane progressives with access to the best schools would be fighting to overturn a policy rooted in 1930s-era redlining.

What Do Conservatives Fear About Critical Race Theory?

New Yorker

Conservatives have been vigorously denouncing the influence of critical race theory, a scholarly movement ascendent during the nineties, the adherents of which argue that white supremacy is encoded in law and in the structure of American institutions.

See also:

● Critical race theory: Who gets to decide what is history? Christian Science Monitor

● Critical Race Theory Is a Convenient Target for Conservatives Slate

Higher Ed:

Bulldog Breakdown: Interview with Fresno State president Saul Jimenez Sandoval

abc30

Last month, Fresno State president Saul Jimenez Sandoval became the official successor to California State University chancellor Joseph Castro. Sandoval becomes just the ninth president in school history. He follows Joseph Castro who was president for seven years.

Walmart opening business education courses to public

Business Journal

A local Walmart is offering a unique opportunity to the public for business education and career growth. The program, Walmart Community Academy, offers free, virtual-for-now classes to the public.

MJC plots fall reopening after 15 months of COVID. Enrollment slump is a challenge

Modesto Bee

Modesto Junior College is working to bring a diverse array of students back to its campuses this fall after 15 months of wrestling with the COVID pandemic.

Thanks, but no thanks: Why community colleges are resisting $170 million

CalMatters

College faculty for decades have been seeking more money to hire full-time instructors. But could that hurt colleges financially down the line if student enrollments continue to sag?

The richest colleges didn’t need to cut their budgets in the pandemic — but they did

Vox

As colleges begin to recover from the pandemic, it’s starting to seem like — for the wealthiest of them — austerity measures weren’t worth it.

An economist explains how to make college pay

AEI

Deciding whether and where to attend college is a giant decision for students and families, as well as the educators and guidance counselors who seek to advise them. It can also have an outsized influence on their financial health for the rest of their lives.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

Environment:

Temperatures expected to approach 110° in Central California next week

abc30

An AccuWeather Alert will be in place for most of next week for excessive heat in the Valley. From Wednesday through Sunday next week, temperatures are expected to reach the triple digits and get as high as 109 degrees.

Japan and Mexico have earthquake early-warning systems. How does California’s compare?

Los Angeles Times

When it comes to building a state-of-the-art earthquake early warning system, California is behind. California and the U.S. have long neglected the development of such a system. The alarm system we do have still isn’t integrated into as much infrastructure as it might be.

Is It Time For A National Climate Service?

Forbes

We receive weather forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service, and the National Ocean Service provides critical information about the ocean. Both organizations fall within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Energy:

California tells public to prepare for heatwave; power prices soar

Reuters

The California power grid operator told the public to prepare to conserve energy next week if needed as homes and businesses crank up their air conditioners to escape what is forecast to be a brutal heatwave.

Most Americans support expanding solar and wind energy, but Republican support has dropped

Pew Research Center

Most U.S. adults continue to support expanding solar panel farms (84%) and wind turbine farms (77%), but Republicans and Democrats are increasingly divided in views on these two energy sources, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

· What does the end of the Keystone pipeline mean for US energy? Brookings

· How Japan’s Big Bet on Hydrogen Could Revolutionize the Energy Market Wall Street Journal

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Lyme Disease-Carrying Ticks Are Turning Up On California's Beaches

VPR

As temperatures rise in California and people in search of respite head for the beach, there's a new concern beyond damaging sun rays and strong undercurrents: disease-carrying ticks that appear to be spreading all along the Golden State's coast.

Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Magnetism, ‘Delta’ variant, vaccine shedding & more

Fresno Bee

More than 33.4 million people in the United States have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Friday morning, June 11, according to Johns Hopkins University. That includes more than 598,000 people who have died nationwide.

· CBS News poll: Vaccinated or not, Americans venture out CBSNews

· Virtually all hospitalized Covid patients have one thing in common: They're unvaccinated NBCNews

3 Experts Have Resigned From An FDA Committee Over Alzheimer's Drug Approval

VPR

Three experts have now resigned from a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee after the agency approved an Alzheimer's drug called Aduhelm against the wishes of nearly every member on the panel.

Report Examines Methods to Monitor PFAS in Environment to Protect Public Health

UC Merced Newsroom

PFAS are human-made chemicals for decades have been used in a variety of products, including food packaging materials, nonstick cookware, furniture, carpets and firefighting foams. Research has shown these substances can contaminate the environment and affect health.

Human Services:

Free vaccine clinic scheduled for Saturday in Shafter

Bakersfield Californian

The Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force is holding a free vaccination clinic from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Shafter Veterans Hall at 309 California Ave.

California Reopens June 15. Where Do You Need To Wear A Mask?

Capital Public Radio

When California reopens on June 15, you might not need a mask in public places — but where and when depends.

County Health Agencies — Fighting Disease — Also Have To Fight For State Funds

Capital Public Radio

After running Sonoma County’s public health laboratory nearly around the clock for months, Rachel Rees has only recently been able to downshift and give her microbiologists some vacation time.

Doctor on Call? Lawmakers Debate How Much to Pay for Phone Appointments

California Healthline

It took covid-19 to give millions of Americans the option of telling their doctor about their aches and pains by phone.

IMMIGRATION

Mendota Leaders Prepare For ‘Increase’ In Central American Unaccompanied Minors

VPR

Why the ‘Border Crisis’ Is Stalling Immigration Reform

Capital & Main

Most Americans think Joe Biden is doing a bad job handling intake of migrants at the U.S. southern border, recent polls show.

US closes Trump-era office for victims of immigrant crime

Fresno Bee

The Biden administration said Friday it has dismantled a Trump-era government office to help victims of crimes committed by immigrants, a move that symbolizes President Joe Biden's rejection of former President Donald Trump's repeated efforts to link immigrants to crime.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Oilfield disposal site in western Kern set to close

Bakersfield Californian

Report: California encourages rebuilding in fire-prone areas

Fresno Bee

California state and local officials are encouraging rebuilding in areas destroyed by wildfires at a time when people should be redirected away from those areas if the state wants to reduce the economic and human impact of increasingly destructive wildfires.

Housing:

Would you trade less parking for lower housing costs? California plan seeks to do just that

Sacramento Bee

California housing advocates want to do away with one of the state’s biggest obstacles to new home construction: requirements that builders provide parking spaces for tenants and homeowners.

Editorial: To solve homelessness, California should declare a right to housing

Los Angeles Times

Housing should be a human right, ideally one enshrined in the United States Constitution. But that shouldn’t stop the city of Los Angeles from adopting such a right. In fact, the City Council has asked city agencies to research the idea. It’s an idea whose time has come.

How hot is California real estate? It got 99% of its jobs back

Mercury News

California’s real estate industry — powered by low mortgage rates, a homebuying binge and a construction push — is nearly back to its pre-pandemic employment levels.

Opinion: Homeowners hold the clout on proposed zoning laws

CalMatters

Re: “Zoning changes could put a hurt on Black homeownership“; Commentary, June 4, 2021 I don’t agree with the overgeneralizations of the two bills that the author is talking about. First and foremost, each city can vote to implement these new zoning policies or not.

PUBLIC FINANCES

California gas tax set to increase July 1

Fox26News

Californians are already paying significantly more than just a few years ago. SB1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act, passed in April 2017 with a 27-11 vote in the Senate and 54-26 in the Assembly, well surpassing the 2/3 requirement it had to meet.

California cities kick back sales tax to online retailers. Proposed law aims to show how much

Sacramento Bee

A bill moving through the Legislature aims to reveal how much money California cities are losing out to a group of local governments that gave tax-sharing deals to e-commerce giants like Amazon in bids to court warehouse jobs for their communities.

Why remote work is here to stay for Calif state employees after Newsom’s reopening

Sacramento Bee

Working for California state government will never be the same after the coronavirus pandemic, and that’s how employees want it, according to remote work data published by the state.

California union leaders want SEIU Local 1000 election result tossed, alleging irregularities

Sacramento Bee

At least five people who ran for leadership positions at California state government’s largest union are urging it to throw out the results of a recent election in which controversial candidate Richard Louis Brown was elected president.

Fed Officials Could Pencil In Earlier Rate Increase at Meeting

Wall Street Journal

Federal Reserve officials could signal this week that they anticipate raising interest rates sooner than previously expected following a spate of high inflation readings.

Editorial: Elizabeth Warren’s IRS Entitlement

Wall Street Journal

The Internal Revenue Service leak of taxpayer returns to left-leaning media outlet ProPublica is a prime example of why Congress should refuse to give the tax agency more money and power.

Employment and safety net survey, wave II: Perceptions of government spending, program expansions, and dependency

AEI

Survey findings show that working-age Americans remain divided in their views on federal spending. Policymakers should pause before attempting to permanently increase federal spending in response to the pandemic.

TRANSPORTATION

US will restore $1B for California's troubled High-Speed Rail

abc30

The federal government has reached an agreement to restore nearly $1 billion in funding for California's troubled bullet train, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced.

● Opinion: Legislators must keep high-speed rail on track CalMatters

Caltrans says innovative 'accelerated bridge construction' method is faster, safer

abc10

Caltrans said crews are using innovative accelerated bridge construction techniques to complete the work on Highway 99 as quickly as possible.

Today’s electric vehicle market: Slow growth in U.S., faster in China, Europe

Pew Research Center

In a recent Pew Research Center survey, 7% of U.S. adults said they currently have an electric or hybrid vehicle, and 39% said they were very or somewhat likely to seriously consider buying an electric vehicle the next time they’re in the market for new wheels.

New Thinking to Translate Infrastructure Dollars into Resilience

Rand Corporation

The current federal push for a historic investment in the nation's infrastructure comes at a time when America's roads, bridges and other public resources and services appear to be suffering from a chronic resilience deficit.

WATER

Parts of Central CA in 'exceptional drought' as dry conditions worsen

abc30

An updated map from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows California's drought is worsening, with most of the state facing extreme or exceptional drought conditions, including all of Central California.

· How Severe Is the Western Drought? See For Yourself. New York Times

LOIS HENRY: Dam repairs on track

Bakersfield Californian

Opinion: How better data can help California avoid a drinking water crisis

CalMatters

A majority of affected households during the last drought were in the San Joaquin Valley and these same communities are among the most vulnerable this time. As California faces a second year of drought, many are left to wonder, “What can be done to help?”

“Xtra”

Clovis' Big Hat Days returns with big crowds liberated from COVID restrictions

Fresno Bee

Tulare County Fair returns September 15

Porterville Recorder

The Tulare County Fair returns this year when it opens on Wednesday, September 15 with new rides, tribute bands, the popular Destruction Derby, fair food and livestock competitions.

What will state’s expected reopening mean for entertainment in Modesto region? Here’s a look

Modesto Bee

Entertainment venues and organizations in the Modesto region hope to get back to business as usual after the state’s planned reopening June 15. Capacity limits in place because of the coronavirus pandemic are expected to be removed for theaters and arts venues.

Easing of pandemic restrictions brings surge in weddings, other formal celebrations

Bakersfield Californian

When Stacey Rose Ortiz's fiancé got more or less evicted by his roommates near the start of the pandemic, the couple decided it was time to marry even though health restrictions limited it to being a small event in her grandparents' backyard.