POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Newsom expands access to COVID vaccine. Here’s when you can get it in Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
● This secret might score you COVID vaccine in Stanislaus County before you’re eligible Modesto Bee
● Numbers on the rise in red tier Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
● San Joaquin County still weeks away from loosening COVID-19 restrictions Stockton Record
Los Banos City Council terminates city manager, appoints police chief to take on role
Merced Sun-Star
Los Banos City Manager Alex Terrazas was officially terminated this week by the City Council, after he had served in that role since June 2016.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● More vaccine than ever before – what to know, where to go in Fresno area Fresno Bee
● Tulare County residents age 50 or older now eligible to receive COVID vaccine abc30
● COVID-19 update: Active cases continue to go down Porterville Recorder
Fresno is getting a tsunami of stimulus money. Here’s how it could be spent
Fresno Bee
It sounds like a lot of money — Fresno is due to get $177 million from the new federal economic stimulus package and still has $29 million unspent from last year’s allocation — but city officials say it’s a crucial lifeline for a budget that badly needs help.
Latino leaders request investigation after Fresno County, Foster Farms email trail revealed
Fresno Bee
The California Latino Legislative Caucus on Thursday called for an investigation of the Fresno County Department of Public Health after a Fresno Bee story revealed officials tipped off Foster Farms about looming COVID-19 inspections.
Fresno lab worker who had long-term COVID is suing hospital, says she was fired for illness
Fresno Bee
A longtime employee at Community Hospitals of Central California, who was recovering from a bout of “long haul” COVID-19, says she was fired by her employer for missing too many days of work.
Senior Fresno County prosecutor selected by Newsom to be new Superior Court judge
Fresno Bee
Ryan Wells, one of Fresno County’s top prosecutors, was one of 18 people appointed to be a Superior Court judge by Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday. The governor made appointments for judgeship’s in 10 counties, including Fresno.
How city leaders are helping 'forgotten Fresno'
abc30
As commercial and residential neighborhoods moved towards north Fresno over the years, the city's southwest residents have felt neglected and left behind.
How Fresno's homicide rate compares to other California cities
abc30
Breana Gomez, a 14-year-old. Lorenzo Perez, a local street vendor. True Vang, a mother of six. They are just three of the 22 people killed in the city of Fresno since the start of 2021.
Central Valley Latino Leadership Academy looking for applicants
abc30
The Central Valley Latino Leadership Academy is looking for new applicants. The Academy trains Latinos on aspects of leadership and encourages them to serve on boards, commissions, or political office.
Fresno Assessor needs info to provide Covid-19 tax relief
Business Journal
Fresno County Assessor-Recorder Paul Dictos is asking business owners to provide valuation for their equipment in an effort to bring Covid-19 tax relief.
Ian LeMay: Valadao vote on Farm Workforce Modernization Act shows his bipartisanship
Fresno Bee
We have seen too little bipartisanship in Washington, D.C. over the last several years. The vitriol is at an all-time high, and very few seek to change the current culture of Congress.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health reports 19 new coronavirus deaths, 58 new cases Thursday Bakersfield Californian
● Clinica Sierra Vista street medicine team vaccinates homeless 'where they live' Bakersfield Californian
Sen. Hurtado to host town hall meeting surrounding pandemic, prevention
Bakersfield Californian
State Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, will hold a town hall meeting on Monday to discuss COVID-19 and possible prevention measures that could be taken to avoid another pandemic in the future.
'We have to do something': Kern County coroner finally gets to move into new building
Bakersfield Californian
The dead bodies are piling up at the Kern County coroner’s office. Constructed in 1974, the county’s building for investigating all manner of death has proven unable to accommodate the rapid growth in population over the decades.
State:
COVID Update:
● California to expand vaccine eligibility to all adults next month, starting with people over 50 Fresno Bee
● California to vaccinate anyone 16 and older in 3 weeks Fresno Bee
● Vaccine updates: Where California stands on doses leading up to eligibility expansion Fresno Bee
● California to expand vaccination eligibility to everyone 16 and older starting April 15 abc30
● California to vaccinate anyone 16 and older in 3 weeks Business Journal
● All adults in California to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine by mid-April Bakersfield Californian
● California to expand vaccine eligibility to anyone over 16 Bakersfield Californian
● California To Expand Vaccine Eligibility To All Adults By April 15 Capital Public Radio
● COVID Q&A: What California’s new vaccine rules mean for you Mercury News
● Californians 50 and older eligible for vaccinations next week CalMatters
● Here are a bunch of things you can do to try to get a COVID vaccine in California Wall Street Journal
‘Troubling development’ for Newsom: California Latinos inclined to support recall, poll finds
Fresno Bee
In the wake of a pandemic that has devastated Latino communities in California, a new statewide poll finds that Latino voters are more likely to vote to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom than white, Asian and Black voters.
See also:
· Pelosi to California Democrats: Don't run in Newsom recall Politico
Gov. Newsom and legislators have lots of money to spend, few strings attached
CalMatters
The federal coronavirus relief package gives a $26 billion windfall to California. Business groups, doctors and activists all want their share.
See also:
· California Democrats want to give more COVID tax breaks. Why new stimulus law might block them Sacramento Bee
Fact check: Would a California bill prevent Republicans from being police officers?
Fresno Bee
California lawmakers are considering a bill that would require law enforcement agencies to screen their officers for membership in hate groups, participation in hate group activities, or “public expressions of hate.”
California Supreme Court rules cash bail unconstitutional for defendants who can’t afford it
Fresno Bee
The California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that defendants in the state cannot be detained in jail while awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford bail.
California auditor rips counties, state over failure to track $8 billion in jail funding
Fresno Bee
A decade after California embarked on a sweeping prison overhaul that diverted thousands of inmates to county jails, state and local governing bodies have failed to adequately track billions of dollars intended for improving county lockups and rehabilitating offenders.
Biden plan helps employers expand family leave. Will California offer it to state workers?
Merced Sun-Star
A paid family leave expansion that helped many California state workers manage coronavirus disruptions last year remains in limbo this year under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
After attacks on Asian Americans, California lawmakers push to expand hate crime laws
CalMatters
The Atlanta shootings and other recent attacks on Asian Americans have prompted state lawmakers to resurrect past bills, but hurdles remain in documenting and prosecuting hate crimes.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Could Diversify California’s Electorate
PPIC
President Biden and congressional Democrats have begun an effort to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. The proposed legislation includes a pathway to citizenship for the nation’s roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants.
Editorial: Gavin Newsom makes bold move by choosing Rob Bonta as California’s new attorney general
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to appoint Oakland Assemblyman Rob Bonta as California’s new attorney general makes history in more ways than one.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● Biden holds 1st press conference, pledges to administer 200M COVID-19 vaccine doses in 1st 100 days abc30
● 200 Million Shots In 100 Days: Biden Issues New Vaccination Goal VPR
● Covid-19 Live Updates: New U.S. Cases Fall as More States Expand Vaccine Eligibility Wall Street Journal
4 takeaways from Biden’s first news conference
Washington Post
President Biden faced reporters on Thursday in an extended session, taking questions at his first news conference as president. Below are some takeaways from what he said.
See also:
● Biden says it's his 'expectation' to run for re-election in 2024 abc30
● Biden’s first news conference provides glimpse of post-COVID challenges Los Angeles Times
● Biden’s First Press Conference Tackles Filibuster, Immigration, Afghanistan Wall Street Journal
● President Biden’s First Press Conference: The Moments That Mattered Wall Street Journal
Biden leaves door open for Senate changes to advance agenda
Bakersfield Californian
President Joe Biden at his first news conference left the door open to backing fundamental changes in Senate procedure to muscle key parts of his agenda like immigration and voting rights past Republican opposition “if there’s complete lockdown and chaos.”
See also:
● Senate Democrats welcome Biden ‘signal’ on nixing filibuster if Republicans obstruct Roll Call
● Editorial: Biden Lifts the Curtain Wall Street Journal
● Biden Ties Filibuster Fight to Voting-Rights Push Wall Street Journal
● Republican Wave of Voting Restrictions Swells PEW
● Schumer lays out ambitious spring, early summer agenda Roll Call
Kamala Harris faces political ‘trapdoors’ as she takes lead role on migrant border surge
Sacramento Bee
The humanitarian crisis at the southern border has vexed politicians in both parties for years. Now it’s Vice President Kamala Harris’ problem.
Senate clears PPP bill, extending loan applications through May
Roll Call
The Senate voted 92-7 Thursday to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to the end of May after rejecting two Republican amendments and waiving a budget point of order. The vote cleared the measure that would extend the program, now due to expire on March 31.
See also:
● Senate Passes PPP Bill, Extending Loan Applications Through May Wall Street Journal
Senate Democrats Lay Plans for Higher Corporate Taxes
Wall Street Journal
Democrats in Congress began building the policy case for sharp corporate-tax increases, arguing that Republicans went too far with their 2017 tax cuts.
See also:
● Sen. Bernie Sanders' Next Progressive Frontier: Reshaping A 'Rigged' Tax System VPR
● Sanders rolls out nearly $3 trillion in tax increase proposals Roll Call
Supreme Court expands meaning of ‘seizure’ under 4th Amendment
Los Angeles Times
The Supreme Court on Thursday expanded the Constitution’s protection against an “unreasonable seizure,” ruling that a person who is shot by a police officer may sue, even if he or she was able to drive away without actually being detained or held.
A better pandemic response might have saved hundreds of thousands of lives — and Trump’s presidency
Washington Post
One year after the coronavirus pandemic began, the United States has been reshaped in remarkable ways. One of every 600 people alive at the beginning of last year has died of covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Fox News sued by Dominion Voting for $1.6 billion over election fraud claims
Washington Post
It’s the second voting-systems company to file suit against Fox over the bogus allegations aired by President Donald Trump’s allies after the 2020 election.
Other:
Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust
Look past your personal biases. It is crucial in sorting out news content. We often believe the worst about people or politicians we despise. Those biases can blind us to what we are sharing on social media, even if there are red flags that suggest the stories may not be factual.
See also:
· Lawmakers warn Google, Facebook, Twitter more regulation is coming LA Times
· Editorial Net Neutrality Nails Veterans Wall Street Journal
Event: A Conversation with Secretary of State Shirley Weber
Public Policy Institute of California
California’s new Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, will join PPIC President and CEO Mark Baldassare in a wide-ranging conversation about voting, leadership, and the importance of representation.
Event: April 28, 2021 Pay It Forward Webinar Series
Pay It Forward
Please save the date for our next Pay it Forward Webinar featuring Fresno State Alum and Cambodian Princess Soma Norodom: The personal and Professional Journey of a Royal Rebel! Registration is now open!
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Saturday, March 27, at 1:30 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "California's Post-Pandemic Economy: From Crisis to Opportunity" - Guests: Lenny Mendonca, former Chief Economic & Business Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and former head of GOBiz. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, March 28, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “The Pandemic's Effect on Small Business in the Valley" - Guests: Pedro Nava, Chairman - Little Hoover Commission; Nick Ortiz, President/CEO - Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce; Greg Newman, CEO - Clovis Chamber of Commerce; Dave White, CEO - Opportunity Stanislaus; Katy Winders, Director - Small Business Development Center, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Latino leaders request investigation after Fresno County, Foster Farms email trail revealed
Fresno Bee
The California Latino Legislative Caucus on Thursday called for an investigation of the Fresno County Department of Public Health after a Fresno Bee story revealed officials tipped off Foster Farms about looming COVID-19 inspections.
Ag partners unite to protect community
Madera Tribune
Last Thursday, a joint vaccination event held at Agriland Farming Co. administered 450 vaccines to ag employees. The event was a success, thanks to the collaboration of the ag partners dedicated to supporting this often-underserved part of the community.
Eager to be vaccinated, California farmworkers face obstacles
Visalia Times Delta
There was a day in December when Maria Cruz thought she may not make it. “One morning my chest was in so much pain, I began to cry because honestly, I panicked,” she said, recalling the cough, body aches and shivers during the grueling weeks she had COVID-19.
Valley farmers see water supplies slashed - again - as California grapples with dry weather
Visalia Times Delta
Federal water managers announced that an already paltry 5% allocation of water to California farmers and cities may be nixed entirely as the Golden State grapples with another year of dry weather.
Ian LeMay: Valadao vote on Farm Workforce Modernization Act shows his bipartisanship
Fresno Bee
We have seen too little bipartisanship in Washington, D.C. over the last several years. The vitriol is at an all-time high, and very few seek to change the current culture of Congress.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
California Supreme Court rules cash bail unconstitutional for defendants who can’t afford it
Fresno Bee
The California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that defendants in the state cannot be detained in jail while awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford bail.
See also:
● California high court: Judges must weigh ability to pay bail Modesto Bee
● California’s top court ends cash bail for some defendants who can’t afford it Los Angeles Times
● State Supreme Court cuts back cash bail system, allowing release for many without posting bond San Francisco Chronicle
● ‘Gigantic momentous decision’: California Supreme Court shrinks role of cash bail in jailings Mercury News
How Fresno's homicide rate compares to other California cities
abc30
Breana Gomez, a 14-year-old. Lorenzo Perez, a local street vendor. True Vang, a mother of six. They are just three of the 22 people killed in the city of Fresno since the start of 2021.
After attacks on Asian Americans, California lawmakers push to expand hate crime laws
CalMatters
The Atlanta shootings and other recent attacks on Asian Americans have prompted state lawmakers to resurrect past bills, but hurdles remain in documenting and prosecuting hate crimes.
Public Safety:
California auditor rips counties, state over failure to track $8 billion in jail funding
Fresno Bee
A decade after California embarked on a sweeping prison overhaul that diverted thousands of inmates to county jails, state and local governing bodies have failed to adequately track billions of dollars intended for improving county lockups and rehabilitating offenders.
Fact check: Would a California bill prevent Republicans from being police officers?
Fresno Bee
California lawmakers are considering a bill that would require law enforcement agencies to screen their officers for membership in hate groups, participation in hate group activities, or “public expressions of hate.”
See also:
● After Shootings, Even Democrats Pose a Barrier to Gun Control Legislation U.S. News
● Biden’s claim that the 1994 assault-weapons law ‘brought down’ mass shootings Washington Post
● Eugene Robinson We know what was used to kill 40,000 Americans last year. We just won’t do anything about it. Washington Post
California prisons restart visitations 1 year into pandemic
AP
California state prisons will soon resume limited in-person visits with inmates more than a year after they were halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Tuesday.
Opinion: Mandate higher education for California police officers
CalMatters
AB 89, the only bill to require a bachelor’s degree, is based on academic research that shows a college degree can improve police legitimacy, professionalism and accountability – factors crucial for democratic policing.
Fire:
PG&E equipment caused deadly Zogg Fire in Shasta County. Cal Fire says tree hit power line
Sacramento Bee
A hazardous gray pine falling on a Pacific Gas and Electric transmission line was declared the cause of the Zogg Fire — the September 2020 blaze that killed four residents of Shasta County.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Jerome Powell: Economy Is Better Thanks To 'Dunkirk'-Like Rescue By Fed, Congress
VPR
A year after the pandemic plunged the U.S. economy into it worst crisis since the Great Depression, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is largely satisfied with the central bank's rapid-fire response.
See also:
● Powell Says Now Is Not the Time to Focus on Reducing Federal Debt Wall Street Journal
The Pandemic Pushed People Outside And Now, Some Companies Hope They Stay There
VPR
In the United States bike sales climbed 65% last year, and electric bike sales shot up 145%, despite shortages at many bike shops. Hage says sales would still more robust if factories could keep up with demand.
The COVID-19 Recession Further Undercuts California Women’s Opportunities for Economic Security
California Budget and Policy Center
This report highlights how the current crisis has exacerbated economic and mental health hardships for California women. This past fall, more than 1 in 3 women in California lived in households that found it somewhat or very difficult to pay for usual expenses.
U.S. Household Spending Fell 1% in February
Wall Street Journal
U.S. households cut spending by 1% last month, as cold weather struck much of the country, but are primed to pick up shopping again with the pandemic easing and a new round of stimulus money landing in bank accounts.
Jobs:
U.S. jobless claims fall to 684,000, fewest since pandemic began
Los Angeles Times
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 684,000, the fewest since the pandemic erupted a year ago and a sign that the economy is improving.
See also:
● COVID economy: California unemployment claims drop below 100,000, still far higher than normal Mercury News
● U.S. Jobless Claims Reach Lowest Level of the Pandemic Wall Street Journal
Biden plan helps employers expand family leave. Will California offer it to state workers?
Merced Sun-Star
A paid family leave expansion that helped many California state workers manage coronavirus disruptions last year remains in limbo this year under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Fresno Unified students on track to return to campuses in April and in-person graduations
Fresno Bee
As positive COVID-19 cases in Fresno County continue to trend downward, Fresno Unified School District students get closer to returning to campuses and in-person graduations.
Central Valley Latino Leadership Academy looking for applicants
abc30
The Central Valley Latino Leadership Academy is looking for new applicants. The Academy trains Latinos on aspects of leadership and encourages them to serve on boards, commissions, or political office.
Madera County school bringing seniors back to campus on Thursday
abc30
A North Valley school district is welcoming back seniors to campus after more than a year of learning behind a computer screen.
Madera Tribune
On Friday, Madera Unified School District’s administration determined to implement a plan to reopen its schools from TK (transitional kindergarten)-grade 12, which began Monday.
VUSD middle and high school students are back in person, but parents are demanding some changes
Visalia Times Delta
About 53% of Visalia Unified School District's nearly 30,000 students are back in-person as of Thursday.
Lindsay Unified School District reduces its operating costs with a sustainable solution
Visalia Times Delta
Lindsay Unified School District, a Tulare County district with 10 schools, came up with a solution to fix a problem that had been draining the district’s financial resources for years.
KHSD announces plan to offer in-person instruction to all grades by end of April
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern High School District made a big announcement Thursday: It aims to drastically ramp up its reopening plans by bringing back all grade levels by April 28.
California lags behind most states in offering fully in-person instruction, new data show
EdSource
California is one of the slowest states to invite students back for fully in-person instruction amid the pandemic, data released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Education shows.
Opinion: Teachers’ unions: Scapegoats or bad-faith actors in COVID-19 schools reopening decisions?
Brookings
Northshore School District in Washington state made national news when it shuttered its doors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 5, 2020, and served as one of the first school districts in the United States to do so.
Higher Ed:
Join us for ‘College Crisis?’ A Q&A on Fresno’s higher ed accessibility post-COVID. RSVP here
Fresno Bee
Join The Fresno Bee’s Education Lab on Tuesday, March 30 at 1 p.m. for a live virtual Q&A with higher education officials, students and health officials on the future of Fresno’s colleges.
Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust
We believe that America’s newsrooms should reflect the diversity of the communities that they cover. Unfortunately, that’s mostly not the case, and we at the Institute are working with partner organizations to launch a program that will mentor young journalists of color.
‘Disappointing but not surprising.’ Merced College enrollment dips due to COVID pandemic
Merced Sun-Star
The latest numbers from Merced College show campus enrollment took a significant dip because of the COVID pandemic during the recent fall and spring semesters.
USC agrees to $852 million payout in sex abuse lawsuit
Fresno Bee
The University of Southern California has agreed to an $852 million settlement with more than 700 women who have accused the college’s longtime campus gynecologist of sexual abuse, the victims’ lawyers and USC announced Thursday.
See also:
● USC to pay $1.1 billion to settle decades of sex abuse claims against gynecologist Los Angeles Times
● U.S.C. Agrees to Pay $1.1 Billion to Patients of Gynecologist Accused of Abuse New York Times
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
New study: California’s trailblazing diesel rules save lives
CalMatters
Researchers calculated that California’s rules reduced diesel exhaust by 78% compared to 51% for federal rules, leading to fewer deaths from heart attacks and lung disease.
See also:
● Raising standards to lower diesel emissions Science Magazine
The Pandemic Led to Unprecedented Declines in Carbon Emissions. But That's Over Now
KQED
Last May, when California’s stay-at-home order had forced a huge number of drivers off the road, environmentalists and state officials saw the disappearance of so many automobiles as a window into a world where climate goals would be tantalizingly achievable.
Rolling Stone
Hoping to understand what went wrong and how this crop of Democrats could get it right, Rolling Stone interviewed more than two dozen current and former administration officials and others who were at the heart of Obama’s climate push.
Energy:
Arvin potato plant orders Kern's first microgrid to boost energy resiliency, efficiency
Bakersfield Californian
Microgrid technology promising greater energy flexibility and independence arrived in Kern Wednesday with the start of construction on an integrated power generation and storage system at an 1,100-employee ag facility in Arvin.
California energy regulators OK plan to prevent rolling electricity blackouts
San Francisco Chronicle
California will try to ward off added rolling blackouts over the next two summers by giving major electric utilities greater ability to cut power demand on the grid when it is stressed.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Do COVID vaccines work against the new coronavirus variants? Here’s what the data says
Modesto Bee
As millions of Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 each day, scientists are on a vigorous hunt to tackle several moving targets — at least five coronavirus variants of concern in the U.S. — that may be able to evade the shots’ defenses.
See also:
· AstraZeneca Got Its Vaccine Right. The Rollout Has Been a Mess. Wall Street Journal
· It’s not Tuskegee. Current medical racism fuels Black Americans’ vaccine hesitancy Los Angeles Times
· Opinion: Americans are hesitant to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Washington must do more Roll Call
· White House earmarks $10 billion for vaccine drive in low-income and minority areas Los Angeles Times
· Vaccinated adults may have more freedom. But for kids, ‘The rules haven’t changed.’ Washington Post
Workers look to their bosses for mental health support. Many aren’t getting it
Los Angeles Times
Like many others working from home during this deadly crisis, Erin Spahn Erenberg has days when she feels overwhelmed trying to meet the needs of her job and her family, frustrated by relentless competing demands that drain her physically and emotionally.
Pfizer is testing a pill that could be the first oral COVID treatment, company says
Modesto Bee
The same company behind America’s first coronavirus vaccine is now working on what could be the nation’s first oral treatment against COVID-19 if clinical trials prove the antiviral is safe and effective.
Human Services:
Clinica Sierra Vista street medicine team vaccinates homeless 'where they live'
Bakersfield Californian
The sun had only been up for a few minutes Thursday when members of Clinica Sierra Vista's street medicine team began gathering outside the organization's clinic in east Bakersfield.
Opinion: Medi-Cal: California has a rare opportunity to improve health care equity
Sacramento Bee
Wealthy Californians come from affluent enclaves to take vaccine shots meant for at-risk frontline workers. In the same state but a world away, Californians haven’t heard that a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine exists because the news hasn’t reached them in their language.
IMMIGRATION
Biden vows action on migrants as he defends border policy
Bakersfield Californian
The U.S. will take steps to move hundreds of migrant children and teens out of cramped detention facilities along the border, President Biden said Thursday as he pushed back against suggestions that his administration's policies are responsible for the rising number of people.
See also:
● Biden's claim US sending back vast majority of migrant families not true: CNN The Hill
● Kamala Harris faces political ‘trapdoors’ as she takes lead role on migrant border surge Sacramento Bee
● U.S. Refugee Program 'On Life Support,' Facing Big Challenges VPR
● Opinion: The Democratic Party’s Dangerous Immigration Experiment Wall Street Journal
California’s Immigrant Population
Public Policy Institute of California
California is home to almost 11 million immigrants who come from diverse backgrounds. While immigrants make up a growing segment of the state’s highly educated workforce, they also account for an outsized share of workers with little formal education.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
How city leaders are helping 'forgotten Fresno'
abc30
As commercial and residential neighborhoods moved towards north Fresno over the years, the city's southwest residents have felt neglected and left behind.
California’s State Parks Face Existential Threats from Rising Seas and Increasing Wildfires
Times of San Diego
Of all the existential threats California parks face — dwindling budgets, more visitors and costly, long-deferred maintenance — now comes a climate-driven conundrum: When is a park no longer a park? When its namesake trees disappear in a barrage of lightning strikes?
Housing:
Could these bills help California build more affordable housing?
CalMatters
California housing is crowded, expensive and difficult to find, but if a package of bills proposed by prominent Senate Democrats becomes law, some cities could look very different a decade from now.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Will I get my stimulus if I haven't filed taxes yet?
abc30
There's good news if you haven't received your third stimulus check, because on Tuesday, the third batch of payments -- $1,400 per person -- should arrive in bank accounts automatically.
Fresno Assessor needs info to provide Covid-19 tax relief
Business Journal
Fresno County Assessor-Recorder Paul Dictos is asking business owners to provide valuation for their equipment in an effort to bring Covid-19 tax relief.
California Democrats want to give more COVID tax breaks. Why new stimulus law might block them
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom and California legislators want to use federal stimulus money to give tax breaks to small and essential businesses for certain expenses during the pandemic — but they’re worried that they can’t because of certain provisions in the new COVID relief law.
See also:
● Opinion: A wealth tax could sabotage California’s recovery CalMatters
An Unexpected Unemployment Tax Break: What to Know
Wall Street Journal
In the massive stimulus package enacted earlier this month, lawmakers inserted a last-minute exemption for many taxpayers with up to $10,200 of unemployment payments for 2020.
What Are 2020’s Tax Brackets, and Will I Get Audited?
ProPublica
The federal government taxes people based on how much they make each year. Seven tax brackets — based on income ranges — determine how much you pay.
How a Federal Agency Excluded Thousands of Viable Businesses From Pandemic Relief
ProPublica
In December, Congress allowed the Small Business Administration to give exceptions to some debtors. But so far the SBA has stuck to its position that debtors in bankruptcy aren’t entitled to government aid.
Commentary: How state and local governments can make the most of their infrastructure
AEI
After years of delay, it appears likely that Congress will soon consider a major infrastructure bill. Such a bill has the potential to address America’s set of widely known, endemic infrastructure challenges.
Commentary: How should local leaders use their American Rescue Plan funding?
Brookings
Among the $1.9 trillion worth of federal COVID-19 relief in the newly signed American Rescue Plan Act is $350 billion for “Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.”
TRANSPORTATION
As freeze in air travel begins to thaw, United adds flights
Fresno Bee
With confidence rising that the end of the pandemic is growing closer, airlines are starting to revive flights that vanished last year as people cancelled vacations and business trips.
See also:
● Airlines Add Routes in Fight for Americans Ready to Travel Again Wall Street Journal
Can You Handle The Truth?: Fact-Checking Claims About Nation’s Rising Gas Prices
Capital Public Radio
Some popular Facebook posts are blaming President Joe Biden for the nation’s spike in gas prices, tying it to decisions on canceling the Keystone XL pipeline and the oil and gas leasing moratorium at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
See also:
● California gas prices hit $3.76, highest since late 2019 Mercury News
After a Devastating Year, Transit Is Adapting to the Future
Government Technology
Public transit ridership in the United States fell 53.3 percent in 2020, as cities responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has left an industry far from deflated, but geared for a revival.
Biden Faces $3T Test With Infrastructure, Jobs Proposal
U.S. News
The new spending is aimed at further rehabilitating the economy, creating jobs and addressing inequities. But passing it is going to be a challenge.
WATER
Valley farmers see water supplies slashed - again - as California grapples with dry weather
Visalia Times Delta
Federal water managers announced that an already paltry 5% allocation of water to California farmers and cities may be nixed entirely as the Golden State grapples with another year of dry weather.
See also:
● California, get ready for water cutbacks. Cities, farms receive grim warning about supply Sacramento Bee
● California rainfall is at historic lows, water restrictions handed down this week SFGate
“Xtra”
West Modesto farm-to-fork meat-potatoes restaurant opens after year delay by COVID
Modesto Bee
Depending on how you look at things, Burly’s California Bistro either had terrible or terrific timing. Probably both.