POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
A $5.7M project is scheduled to improve this Merced intersection, Caltrans says
Central SJ Valley:
Effort to fund Fresno immigration committee moves forward. But will mayor approve?
Fresno Bee
The Fresno City Council on Thursday passed a motion allocating $300,000 to the recently established Immigrant Affairs Committee.
‘It’s not paying folks to not shoot someone.’ Gun violence plan divides Fresno council
Fresno Bee
After a heated debate on Thursday that touched on criminal justice philosophies and laws, the Fresno City Council on a split vote.
South SJ Valley:
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy Wants a Data-Privacy Law
WSJ
Bipartisan support for regulation of Google and Facebook grows after strict California rules passed.
State:
California Assembly committee backs vaccine exemption law
AP News
A California Assembly committee backed new rules for vaccination exemptions on Thursday following a raucous, hours-long hearing in the midst of a national measles outbreak and renewed scrutiny of immunization policies.
See also:
- California vaccine bill clears Assembly panel despite emotional backlash from parents Los Angeles Times
- Vaccination bill CALmatters
- Public To Weigh In On Revised California Vaccine Bill AP
- Small group of doctors sign most Bay Area exemptions Mercury News
- What schools and parents need to know about California’s vaccination law EdSource
Gavin Newsom unveils $24 billion plan to tackle wildfires, PG&E bankruptcy
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed creating a $21 billion fund to pay for future wildfire costs.
Trump EPA chief pens ‘rather shocking letter’ slamming California leader, clean car talks
Sacramento Bee
The tensions between California and Trump administration environmental officials spilled into the open Thursday in a remarkably personal way.
See also:
It’s been a mess for decades. Can Gov. Newsom fix the state’s technology?
CALmatters
California government’s technology drastically pales in comparison to Silicon Valley, but Gov. Gavin Newsom is betting $40.8 million and a new office will change that.
VPR
Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed his administration raised the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ pride, at the state Capitol “for the first time in our state’s history” this week.
Federal:
Appeals court says Trump family planning restrictions can take effect
Politico
A federal appeals court this morning said the Trump administration’s family planning rules can take effect nationwide while several lawsuits play out, delivering a major blow to Planned Parenthood and states challenging the overhaul.
Opinion: Don’t play politics with the 2020 census
San Francisco Chronicle
You may not know it yet, but the 2020 census matters to you in dozens of ways. But some are working to manipulate the census with unnecessary questions stemming from bad motives.
Elections 2020:
2020 candidate Marianne Williamson apologizes for calling vaccine mandates ‘Orwellian’
Los Angeles Times
I understand that many vaccines are important and save lives,’ Williamson said. ‘I also understand some of the skepticism that abounds today about drugs which are rushed to market by Big Pharma. I am sorry that I made comments which sounded as though I question the validity of life-saving vaccines.’
See also:
Income for all is on Democrats’ 2020 radar. One California city is trying it
San Francisco Chronicle
Tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang will talk a lot about giving every U.S. citizen $1,000 a month for life in the first Democratic presidential debate next week. It’s called universal basic income, and it’s Yang’s big issue. But it’s theoretical to him — he’s never held elective office.
This poll asked voters to create their perfect candidate. Democrats picked an older white guy
Los Angeles Times
Diversity is taking a back seat to Democrats’ desire to dump Trump.
Hollywood’s Top Gay Donors Have Mixed Feelings About Buttigieg
Politico
Many of Hollywood’s influential base of bundlers and donors are backing multiple candidates, spreading their money around, contributing to other politicians with whom they have longtime relationships and who have their own long track record on LGBTQ issues, like Kamala Harris and Joe Biden
Republicans fear campaign arm is stumbling in fight for the House
Politico
The NRCC chief tried to do damage control at a closed-door caucus meeting.
Meet the candidates: Julián Castro and Beto O’Rourke
Politifact
All candidate bios will eventually be findable on this page.
Americans Aren’t Sure U.S. System Can Fix Long-Term Problems, Poll Finds
WSJ
A majority believes the nation’s best years are in the past
Republicans See an Opportunity for Taking Back House
WSJ
The results of the Democratic presidential primary may not only determine which party wins the White House in 2020 but also who controls Congress—or so Republicans posit.
We ranked presidential candidates based on their campaign websites’ error pages
Washington Post
The dreaded 404 error is the last sign on a dead-end road, the lines of code telling you “that page doesn’t exist.”
WSJ
Trump can’t win by relitigating 2016 and playing only to his base.
Other:
Helping to define what it means to be ‘Made in California’
CALmatters
Let me start with an admission: government officials—at all levels—don’t do a good job of engaging the public as we grapple with big, complex challenges.
Promoting opportunity for all Californians
CA FWD
Commentary: In a state as big and diverse as ours, how can we all come together to build a California for all?
Politico
America is heading back to the moon, but so is everyone else.
Confirmed: NASA Has Been Hacked
Forbes
The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) this week confirmed that its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been hacked.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, June 23, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “Fighting Fire with Fire: Rethinking Forest Management” – Guest: Pedro Nava, Chair of California Little Hoover Commission. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, June 23, 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.
Sunday, June 23, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Fighting Fire with Fire: Rethinking Forest Management” – Guest: Little Hoover Commission Representative, Julissa Delgado. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
‘I don’t know how we’re going to survive this.’ Some once-loyal farmers begin to doubt Trump.
Washington Post
The sky had finally cleared after weeks of record-setting rain, and now farmer Ray Martinmaas was facing a time crunch.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
McEwen: Advance Peace Isn’t About Paying Gang Members Not to Shoot People
GV Wire
A renewed effort to convince gang members to become law-abiding citizens is coming Fresno’s way.
More Violence, Or Vigilance? Reports Of Domestic Abuse Are Rising In Fresno
VPR
Domestic violence remains commonplace in the San Joaquin Valley—in fact, local law enforcement agencies warned in May that cases appear to be increasing.
Supreme Court Upholds Sex-Offender Law in Separation-of-Powers Case
WSJ
High court says Congress can delegate decisions on certain rules to the executive branch.
Public Safety:
‘It’s not paying folks to not shoot someone.’ Gun violence plan divides Fresno council
Fresno Bee
After a heated debate on Thursday that touched on criminal justice philosophies and laws, the Fresno City Council on a split vote.
New ID requirement for ammo purchases catches gun owners by surprise
Fresno Bee
Emergency regulations released this week by California DOJ.
Fresno juvenile ‘hall of shame’ to be demolished
The Business Journal
Fresno Unified School District officials will hold a kick-off ceremony Friday ahead of the start next week of demolishing the city’s old juvenile hall.
Panel okays voting rights for former prisoners, parolees
Capitol Weekly
Former state and federal prisoners, including those on parole, would have the right to vote in California, under a constitutional amendment approved by an Assembly committee.
CALmatters
The cost of phones will rise by as much as 80 cents a month per line under legislation approved by the Senate on Thursday. The purpose: an upgraded 911 system.
How CA Fwd data and counties can create public safety success inside and outside of jail
CAFWD
Leaders from three California counties gathered in Riverside last month present the work they are doing to transform their justice systems using data driven-evidence, cross-system collaboration and capacity building programs. The participants were from Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Cruz counties, the three counties that participated in CA Fwd’s Justice System Change Initiative (JSCI).
Recidivism of Felony Offenders in California
Public Policy Institute of California
California has undertaken numerous corrections reforms in the past decade—including public safety realignment in 2011 and Proposition 47 in 2014—in hopes of reducing the prison population, maintaining public safety, and improving persistently high recidivism rates. These reforms lowered incarceration levels, and in their aftermath, crime rates have fluctuated. Recidivism rates provide another important window into public safety and the effectiveness of correctional interventions under these policy changes.
Gun Makers Adjust Rifles to Skirt Bans
WSJ
Suspected shooter in San Diego synagogue used just such a gun
Fire:
CALmatters
On this first day of summer, California fire officials have posted red flag fire warnings in northern parts of the state. And Gov. Gavin Newsom reportedly will press legislators to establish a multi-billion dollar fund to help utilities pay for the catastrophic blazes their power lines ignite.
See also:
- California Governor Pitching a Wildfire Fund to Help Utilities Bloomberg
- Can California avoid a third year of fire catastrophe? Here’s what’s been fixed — and what hasn’t San Francisco Chronicle
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Bakersfield Young Professionals summit attendees find inspiration in peers’ success stories
Bakersfield Californian
The business world can be emotionally draining for a young person, not to mention stressful and time-consuming.
Amid jitters, experts eye potential California recession
Capitol Weekly
There are clouds on California’s economic horizon, but whether they herald a coming recession is uncertain. The experts agree that there is a slowdown, but there is little consensus beyond that.
CALmatters
Today’s the last day to submit comments on a Trump administration proposal to tighten the definition of poverty, a step that could cut access to healthcare and food assistance for tens of thousands of Californians.
Apple CEO leans on Trump ties as China tariffs threaten iPhone
Politico
Apple CEO Tim Cook’s carefully cultivated relationship with President Donald Trump faces a high-stakes test as his company hustles to protect its money-making iPhone from the administration’s trade war with China.
See also:
Here are the US states that could be hit hardest by the ‘tech cold war’
Business Insider
Trade relations between the US and China have been deteriorating, with a nascent “ tech cold war” and increasing tariffs and other measures on both sides threatening to escalate a broader trade war.
Congress will move ‘aggressively’ to examine Facebook’s cryptocurrency, Rep. Maxine Waters says
CNBC
Top lawmakers are not hesitating to examine Facebook’s ambitious new cryptocurrency project.
S&P 500 Hits Record Close After Fed Hints at Interest-Rate Cut
WSJ
Dollar weakens and bond yields drop, while commodities prices jump.
See also:
- S&P 500 surges to a record closing high on the strength of the Fed’s rate-cut signals Washington Post
Jobs:
Fear, discontent reportedly widespread at Kern County Department of Human Services
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County Department of Human Services employees have reported widespread discontent with working conditions, and some say they fear for their safety after several recent incidents.
Capital Public Radio
The lawyers in the California Attorney General’s office are significantly less diverse than the state they represent in court.
Employers would get subsidies for hiring longtime unemployed workers in draft bill
Roll Call
The draft bill aims to assist an estimated 1.3 million people who have been out of work for at least six months.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Fresno teachers gear up for fight with union leaders amid name-calling, infighting
Fresno Bee
As Fresno Unified School District officials praise a “revolutionary” agreement with the teachers’ union, recent infighting within the union has triggered allegations of name-calling and rules violations and now a court battle over membership dues.
Free lunches don’t end when school’s out. Modesto’s summer program adds books to mix.
Modesto Bee
For some Modesto kids, summertime can mean going without food — and reading.
Filling the Gaps in California’s Education Data
PPIC
Dr. Jessica Cunningham of the Kentucky Center for Statistics discusses her state’s preschool-to-workforce data system and potential lessons for California.
What schools and parents need to know about California’s vaccination law
EdSource
Proposed changes to California’s vaccination law would make it more difficult for parents to use medical exemptions to avoid immunizing their children before enrolling them in school. The bill is making its way through the state Legislature and is expected to be signed by the governor.
$13 billion state bond for school construction targeted for 2020 California ballot
EdSource
Bill’s author is open to taking hard look at funding formula itself.
Higher Ed:
CSU secretly stashed away $1.5 billion surplus, auditor says
San Francisco Chronicle
The California State University system amassed a surplus of more than $1.5 billion over 10 years, hiding it from students and the public even as the trustees doubled tuition to nearly $6,000 and collected rising amounts of state funding, the state’s independent auditor said Thursday.
See also:
- CSU Failed to Fully Disclose Its $1.5 Billion Surplus, and It Has Not Adequately Invested in Alternatives to Costly Parking Facilities CA State Auditor
- California State University stashed $1.5 billion in reserves while hiking tuition, audit says Sacramento Bee
- Does California State University have a $1.5 billion slush fund? CALmatters
- Audit says CSU stashed away $1.5 billion and raised tuition AP
How U.C. Will Change Its Admissions Process After the Bribery Scandal
New York Times
When the federal authorities announced a sweeping indictmentalleging that dozens of parents had paid bribes to get their children into elite colleges and cheat on standardized tests, it captured the attention of Californians.
The central role of free college and loan forgiveness in the Democratic primary
Brookings
With college affordability becoming a litmus test issue for Democratic presidential candidates, Douglas Harris argues that while proposals like student loan forgiveness and free college might be politically attractive, there are better ways to improve college access.
Apprenticeships:
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ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Trump EPA chief pens ‘rather shocking letter’ slamming California leader, clean car talks
Sacramento Bee
The tensions between California and Trump administration environmental officials spilled into the open Thursday in a remarkably personal way.
See also:
Some California regulators get poor grades from environmental watchdog
Sacramento Bee
California prides itself as leading the nation in environmental regulations, but some of its state agencies face poor or failing grades.
Trump 5G push could hamper forecasting of deadly California storms
Los Angeles Times
As atmospheric rivers dumped record volumes of rain on California this spring, emergency responders used the federal government’s satellites to warn people about where the storms were likely to hit hardest.
Cal Air Resources Board chief Mary Nichols says EPA’s Wheeler tanked auto rule talks, not California
Politico Pro content
California’s top air regulator said Thursday she was “stunned” by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler’s allegation that she presented ‘false’ testimony to Congress.
Energy:
PG&E seeks $10.9 million in bonuses for execs amid wildfire woes, bankruptcy
Mercury News
A dozen PG&E execs deemed to be “key employees” are in line for bonuses even though company is broke
See also:
- PG&E plans nearly $11 million in executive performance bonuses San Francisco Chronicle
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Sacramento Bee
Insurance companies discriminated against Californians who take an HIV-prevention drug by denying or limiting coverage, or charging higher premiums, according to a state investigation.
In The Studio: Mental Health Advocates On Knowing The Signs, Introducing Teens To Wellness Careers
VPR
Moderator Kathleen Schock digs deeper into youth and mental illness with Christina Valdez-Roup, executive director of the Fresno National Alliance on Mental Illness, and teacher Abraham Perez from Edison High School.
Horns are growing on young people’s skulls. Phone use is to blame, research suggests
Washington Post
New research in biomechanics suggests that young people are developing hornlike spikes at the back of their skulls — bone spurs caused by the forward tilt of the head, which shifts weight from the spine to the muscles at the back of the head, causing bone growth in the connecting tendons and ligaments. The weight transfer that causes the buildup can be compared to the way the skin thickens into a callus as a response to pressure or abrasion.
Human Services:
Often lost in health care debate, lack of dental insurance impacts millions
Fresno Bee
The severe pain struck when Christian Ortega’s lower left molars decayed, causing one molar to break.
Would you let a robot operate on your heart? It’s now an option at Modesto hospital
Modesto Bee
Coronary artery bypass operations, using a surgical robot, can result in less pain and faster healing for the patient.
California clinics stand to lose federal funds after court lets Trump abortion rule take effect
Sacramento Bee
The Trump administration notched a legal win over California Thursday.
See also:
- Ninth Circuit rules Trump administration’s abortion ‘gag rule’ can take effect The Washington Post
Governor Newsom Just Called For A Master Plan For Aging. What Does That Mean?
Apple Podcast
Listen to Governor Newsom Just Called For A Master Plan For Aging. What Does That Mean? from Airtalk in Podcasts.
German patients get the latest drugs for just $11. Can such a model work in the U.S.?
Los Angeles Times
Patients who come to the Havelhöhe cancer clinic in the leafy outskirts of Germany’s capital are often very sick.
Who’s coming and who’s going: California in 5 interactive charts and maps
CALmatters
The “California Dream” is a global brand. For more than a century the state has been a magnet for migrants from around the world, and now has the largest foreign-born population of any state in the country.
Stem cell agency halts new grant applications
Capitol Weekly
The $3 billion California stem cell agency, which is running out of cash, has served notice that it would stop accepting applications for more research awards beginning next month.
Trump to Issue Executive Order on Health-Care Price Transparency
WSJ
The president on Monday will call for insurers and doctors to disclose new details about the cost of care, a move that industry groups have resisted.
Finding Foster Families for Teens Is a Challenge in Many States
PEW
Only 58 percent of foster teens live with a family instead of a group home.
IMMIGRATION
Effort to fund Fresno immigration committee moves forward. But will mayor approve?
Fresno Bee
The Fresno City Council on Thursday passed a motion allocating $300,000 to the recently established Immigrant Affairs Committee.
Who’s coming and who’s going: California in 5 interactive charts and maps
CALmatters
The “California Dream” is a global brand. For more than a century the state has been a magnet for migrants from around the world, and now has the largest foreign-born population of any state in the country.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Camp Fresno is in state of disrepair. What happened to the money for improvements?
Fresno Bee
For 50 years, Tami Roberts of Fresno, Kathy Clemmensen of Clovis and members of their large, extended family enjoyed a week of peaceful retreat under the tall pines of Camp Fresno.
Hilti gets bigger home in Visalia for future growth
The Business Journal
If you aren’t in the business of constructing homes, commercial buildings or other structures, chances are you never heard of Hilti.
Housing:
Survey: Kerman had most affordable Central Valley rent in May
The Business Journal
RENTCafe.com, a nationwide apartment search website, has released its latest report showing the average rent in the largest cities of the Central Valley are generally higher than the national average.
Unconventional Housing, Fear of Eviction Challenge Bay Area Census Efforts
KQED
Escobar’s trailer doesn’t have an official address, so he directs people to send letters to a nearby friend. She stops by his trailer to bring him his mail every few days. But while friends and family know to write him at this address, the U.S. Census Bureau doesn’t.
Los Angeles wants to tax landlords for vacant units
LA Daily News
Just when you think things in the city of Los Angeles couldn’t be any more dysfunctional, they manage to take the cake yet again. The City Council is seriously kicking around a new tax on property owners for leaving homes vacant.
Fox: Homelessness Issue Chasing Businesses Away
Fox & Hounds
Businesses have long been concerned about taxes and traffic congestion as impediments to business and while those concerns still exist they have suddenly been joined by a new issue that is frustrating Californians—homelessness. That is the finding of the latest Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) poll.
America’s 25 least affordable housing markets: California home to 17 of them
USA Today
Housing affordability in the United States is getting worse, with some experts even calling it a crisis. According to a new housing report, median home prices in the first quarter of 2019 were not affordable for average wage earners in over 70% of the nation’s largest counties.
PUBLIC FINANCES
California gas tax goes up July 1, but leaders say road repairs need even more money
Los Angeles Times
California is poised to charge the highest taxes and fees on gas in the country when an increase kicks in July 1, but officials say the state is still billions of dollars short of what’s needed to properly fix the roads and are considering additional charges.
See also:
- California poised to have the highest gas tax in the country San Diego Tribune
California lawmakers pass tax change to help working poor
San Francisco Chronicle
California lawmakers have agreed to reduce business tax write-offs to raise more than a billion dollars a year to pay for an expanded tax credit for the working poor. The bill, AB91, realigns California’s tax code to match some changes made by President Trump’s 2017 federal tax overhaul. The Assembly passed it by a bipartisan vote of 59-2 on Thursday.
Court: Calif. cities can collect 25% tax on public university parking fees
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco can collect millions of dollars in parking taxes from drivers who use University of California and state university lots in the city, the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday in a decision that applies to dozens of cities statewide. University officials said the ruling could push up the price of parking on campuses.
Budget Victory: The Age of Newsom Begins in State Education
Capital & Main
Still pending in a follow-up budget bill is language that would limit the ability of charter schools to cherry-pick enrollment.
CALmatters
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to raise taxes by more than $1 billion by eliminating certain business tax write-offs while expanding a tax credit to help low-wage workers won final legislative approval Thursday.
Trump on Fed Decision: ‘You Can’t Win ‘Em All’
WSJ
President has argued for lower rates and previously suggested he might try to replace Fed chairman.
See also:
- Federal Reserve, for now, holds key interest rate steady despite pressure from Trump Los Angeles Times
TRANSPORTATION
A $5.7M project is scheduled to improve this Merced intersection, Caltrans says
California’s share of these grants for roads, rail and bridges is shrinking under Trump
Sacramento Bee
In eight years under President Barack Obama, California received a larger share of grants from a U.S. Department of Transportation.
California gas tax goes up July 1, but leaders say road repairs need even more money
Los Angeles Times
California is poised to charge the highest taxes and fees on gas in the country when an increase kicks in July 1, but officials say the state is still billions of dollars short of what’s needed to properly fix the roads and are considering additional charges.
See also:
- California poised to have the highest gas tax in the country San Diego Tribune
The Car Engine Of Tomorrow: Cleaner, Lighter, With One Moving Part
WSJ
Aquarius Engines is developing a super-efficient, 22-pound gasoline engine, as startups, auto makers and researchers reimagine the more than century-old technology,
WATER
California wildfires threaten water supply. Here’s how
CALmatters
In 2008, a fire swept through the Santa Ana Canyon in Orange County. The fire lasted 10 days and burned over 30,000 acres, leveling hundreds of buildings.
Center for Climate Integrity
California must spend at a minimum $21,999,798,581 on sea level rise adaptation in the next five to 10 years in order to protect coastal properties from near-term, unavoidable sea level rise, according to the findings of a new study released today.
“Xtra”
Matt Black’s Photographs From ‘kingdom Of Dust’ Are Harrowing
muttantspace
From a review of a photo project on poverty in the Central Valley: “Occasionally I come across a photographer who stops me in my tracks. Not because their images are gruesome, bloody, violent, pornographic but rather because their pictures capture humanity at its bleakest point, where hope is but a dream, a distant idea, a notion for another time, another place. The photographs of Matt Black are such pictures.”