Maddy Institute – May 17, 2021

17May

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● As numbers improve, Stanislaus County reveals vaccine sites Modesto Bee

● Stanislaus reports zero deaths, another hospital decline Modesto Bee

● Stanislaus County holds off on mask guidance as it announces detection of new variant Modesto Bee

● Vaccines available to Stanislaus youth Turlock Journal

● Tracking Coronavirus in Stanislaus County, California New York Times

More judges than courtrooms as veteran Stanislaus County public defender takes the bench

Modesto Bee

A judicial position created two years ago for Stanislaus Superior Court has finally been filled with the appointment of a longtime deputy public defender.

Rep. Harder targets Turlock nonprofit for potential federal funding

Turlock Journal

One Turlock nonprofit foundation could soon have the funding to help hundreds more through mental health services after it was included in Congressman Josh Harder’s list of important community projects recently submitted to the House Appropriations Committee.

Central SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● Tracking Coronavirus in Fresno County, California New York Times

‘It’s about doing food differently.’ Fresno plan marked for $30 million in state budget

Fresno Bee

The May revision of California’s state budget brings an estimated $30 million to the Fresno-Merced Future of Food Innovation Initiative, according to regional leaders.

Valley Ventures Alumni, Offgridbox, Awarded $100,000 in Funding That Will Benefit Nearly 3,500 Displaced And Host Community Households.

Water, Energy and Technology Center

The Smart Communities Coalition Innovation Fund, an initiative to bring private sector-led innovative solutions to displaced and crisis-affected host communities, awarded 4 grants to companies that will use renewable energy technologies to increase access to electricity.

Some Fresno renters facing eviction could soon get free legal counsel from city program

Fresno Bee

With the end of California’s rent moratorium less than six weeks away, the Fresno City Council voted to move forward with an eviction protection plan that includes both mediation and free legal counsel for some vulnerable tenants.

Apartment rents keep climbing in Fresno. Are you paying more than the average?

Fresno Bee

The average rent for an apartment in Fresno — and throughout Fresno County — climbed to an all-time high in April, surpassing $1,300 per month for the first time ever.

A new housing project for some of Fresno County’s most vulnerable citizens will be in Clovis

Fresno Bee

The city of Clovis saw construction start Friday on its first-ever permanent housing project for some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.

Fresno seeks court order to enter Tower Theatre amid growing legal disputes over sale

Fresno Bee

The city of Fresno on Friday filed for a court order to be allowed to enter Tower Theatre and appraise it as a historical landmark, according to records.

Tulare hospital board picks new director, continues effort to finish stalled Tower

Visalia Times Delta

The Tulare Local Healthcare District Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Philip Smith to fill the vacant seat left after former board member Steve Harrell resigned.

'Tough times are coming.' 60% of Tulare County in 'Exceptional Drought,' monitor reports

Visalia Times Delta

Drought Conditions increased dramatically in Tulare County over the past week, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday.

Warszawski: Fresno taxpayers can’t keep footing the bill for ‘justified’ police shootings

Fresno Bee

Federal civil rights lawsuits filed on behalf of the victims of Fresno police shootings follow a troubling, perplexing pattern. First the shootings are determined to be legally justified and in compliance with Fresno Police Department policy.

South SJ Valley:

COVID Update:

● Kern Public Heath reports 26 new coronavirus cases Sunday Bakersfield Californian

● Masks still required for now in Kern, statewide despite new CDC guidance Bakersfield Californian

● Kern County, California Covid Case and Risk Tracker New York Times

Landlords work with commercial tenants to help them survive the pandemic

Bakersfield Californian

The phone calls fielded by Kern County commercial real estate owners during the coronavirus crisis have ranged from painful to tragic. Tenants begged for rent relief after being unable to make a sale for months on end because of state operating restrictions.

Lawmakers react to state budget plan

Bakersfield Californian

State lawmakers representing Kern County reacted to Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed state budget, which was rolled out on Friday. Here were those emailed to The Californian.

ROBERT PRICE: Kern County’s birth rate has dropped 13% since 2015, and there will be consequences

Bakersfield Californian

In another example of my finely tuned prognosticative powers, I forecast a year ago that the country would see a spike in births around this time.

State:

COVID Update:

● What The New Mask Guidance Means For Unvaccinated Kids — And Their Parents Capital Public Radio

● Two-thirds of Californians have antibodies to COVID — is the end in sight? Mercury News

Gov Newsom’s recall-year budget would pour tens of billions of dollars into struggling economy

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday proposed pouring tens of billions of dollars into California’s struggling economy as part of a record-setting state budget proposal that will play out as he defends himself in a recall election.

● Lawmakers react to state budget plan Bakersfield Californian

● Here's How Newsom Wants To Spend California's Historic Budget Surplus Capital Public Radio

● Newsom promises sweeping change in California’s $267-billion budget Los Angeles Times

● California Governor Proposes $12B to House State’s Homeless Business Journal

● Gusher of federal stimulus funds a gift for governors like Gavin Newsom Los Angeles Times

● Three things to know about Gavin Newsom’s spending spree CalMatters

● Walters: Newsom seeks attention with new budget CalMatters

● Editorial: The Great State Budget Con Wall Street Journal

Facing recall, Newsom uses anti-tax amendment for his own devices

CalMatters

Does the governor’s tax rebate plan follow California’s constitution? His finance director says yes, but an anti-tax activist isn’t so sure.

Newsom proposes $7 billion expansion in broadband internet

CalMatters

Gov. Gavin Newsom is pitching a three-year, $7 billion broadband expansion to get California households connected to high-speed internet.

Newsom proposes additional $600 stimulus checks and $5 billion toward rental assistance

Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a second round of $600 state stimulus checks on Monday to hasten California’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, hoping to expand the payments from low-income residents to also include middle-class families.

● Newsom proposes COVID grants up to $25,000 for thousands more California businesses Los Angeles Times

● Newsom proposes expanding Golden State stimulus to middle class CalMatters

Pay cuts ending for 130,000 California state workers. Others must negotiate

Sacramento Bee

Pay will be restored automatically for about 130,000 California state workers, while the rest of the workforce must wait for their unions to bargain new agreements over wage reductions all employees took last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday.

Newsom proposes healthcare for seniors without legal immigration status, but Democrats want more

Los Angeles Times

California would allow seniors living in the country illegally to apply for the state’s healthcare program for low-income residents under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal unveiled Friday.

Opposition to Newsom recall grows as Caitlyn Jenner, GOP generate little support, poll finds

Los Angeles Times

The campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom has failed to gain momentum in recent months as significantly more California voters favor keeping him in office, and only anemic support has surfaced for reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner.

Statement On Calif Citizens Commission (Redistricting) Business

CAFwd

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission is committed to creating a transparent, inclusive, and impartial process. Since the appointment of the 14 Commissioners in August 2020, the Commission has based its decisions on the advice of its legal counsel.

Dianne Feinstein’s approval among Californians still lags, while Alex Padilla gets positive marks in new poll

Los Angeles Times

Californians have mixed reviews for their two Democratic U.S. senators, a new poll showed, with a plurality disapproving Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s job performance while holding a more positive assessment of recently appointed Sen. Alex Padilla.

Californians see Kamala Harris as ready to step into the presidency, poll shows

Los Angeles Times

Almost four months into the new administration, Vice President Kamala Harris has held onto a strong base of support in her home state, with voters by more than 2 to 1 saying she is “playing a significant role” in the administration.

Where is California growing? These 10 cities saw their populations increase in 2020

Sacramento Bee

Though California saw a population dip of more than 182,000 residents in 2020, not every part of the state saw a decrease. Several cities saw significant population gains.

Opinion: After losing a congressional seat, California needs a course correction

The Hill

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California’s leading exports are computers and electronic products. But these days, it feels like the top exports are jobs, residents and misguided public policy.

COVID’s political impact: Teachers union outspends Big Oil in Sacramento

Mercury News

An exclusive analysis of lobbying expenditures in Sacramento reveals how the coronavirus pandemic has changed priorities and galvanized certain special interests, with the California Teachers Association assuming the role of the state’s top influencer.

Federal:

COVID Update:

● Fauci says COVID exposed 'undeniable effects of racism' that lead to health disparities in US abc30

● Fully Vaccinated People Can Stop Wearing Masks Indoors And Outdoors, CDC Says VPR

● CDC director says mask turnaround based solely on science Los Angeles Times

● Biden says U.S. inoculation campaign entering a ‘new phase’ Los Angeles Times

● Biden to announce U.S. will send at least 20 million doses of vaccines abroad by the end of June Washington Post

● Health Officials Seek to Clarify Covid-19 Mask Guidelines Wall Street Journal

● Newly Reported U.S. Cases Fall Wall Street Journal

Biden digs in for negotiations over infrastructure and jobs plan

Los Angeles Times

President Biden, anticipating intense negotiations with Congress over his infrastructure and jobs plan, said Wednesday that he was willing to compromise but would not slow his push for one of the most bold and expensive proposals in recent years.

● Biden, Republican leaders build no bridges in White House infrastructure meeting Los Angeles Times

● Biden, GOP senators upbeat, plan more infrastructure talks San Francisco Chronicle

● Lawmakers happily embrace return of earmarks to highway bill Roll Call

● Opinion: The 'frills' of Biden's infrastructure plan are real needs The Hill

● Opinion: Democrats Are Killing the American Dream Wall Street Journal

Editorial: A Judicial Blow to Biden’s Tax-Cut Ban

Wall Street Journal

Pieces of the Biden Administration’s aggressive agenda are starting to make their way before judges, and an early ruling points to trouble for the Democratic takeover of state fiscal policy.

See also:

● Emanuel: Why the GOP Has Gone Quiet Over Tax Hikes Wall Street Journal

Biden Revokes Several Executive Actions Taken by Trump

Wall Street Journal

President Biden revoked several of former President Donald Trump’s executive actions, including one requiring green-card applicants abroad to show they can afford healthcare and another protecting U.S. monuments from damage.

Biden’s America: Democrats see competence, Republicans see chaos

Washington Post

President Biden’s administration by the middle of last week was confronted with images of long lines at gas pumps. The Middle East had erupted in violence. Headlines were warning that fears of inflation could threaten a fragile economy.

Opinion: Why Biden should invite legislators to his ‘summit for democracy’

Roll Call

There’s a lively debate in Washington over how the Biden administration should make good on his campaign promise to hold a “summit for democracy.” Some have argued that the summit should be paired with a strategy to advance and support emerging democracy abroad.

· Wide splits evident on voting and campaign finance as Senate panel takes up overhaul Roll Call

· Special elections in redistricting cycles: To play or not to play? Roll Call

Liz Cheney’s ouster from House leadership amplifies voice of anti-Trump Republicans

Los Angeles Times

House Republicans’ drive to oust Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming from her post as conference chair succeeded in eliminating a discordant voice from the GOP leadership, but it also elevated the voice of anti-Trump Republicans.

● A Breakaway Third Party of Ex-Republicans? Don’t Count on It. New York Times

● Removal of Liz Cheney from House leadership is only one piece of GOP coalescing around the ‘Big Lie’ Politifact

● Peggy Noonan: The GOP’s Post-Trump Trauma Wall Street Journal

Republicans’ conflicting message: Embracing Trump election lie is key to prominence, just stop asking us about it

Washington Post

The Republican Party’s contorted response to Donald Trump’s false claim that the election was stolen was on stark display as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stood in the White House driveway.

Opinion: The Jan. 6 commission should make it harder for Republicans to twist the truth

Washington Post

It took more than four months and a depressing amount of partisan wrangling, but it looks as though Congress will establish a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol invasion.

● Opinion: Distrust, confusion are disastrous for democracy. Yet that is the result of the ‘big lie’ Fresno Bee

Supreme Court to review Mississippi abortion law that advocates see as a path to diminish Roe v. Wade

Washington Post

The Supreme Court announced Monday that it will review a restrictive Mississippi abortion law that opponents of the procedure say provides a clear path to diminish Roe v. Wade’s establishment of the right of women to choose an abortion.

The NRA just had a major legal setback. But its hold on the gun-control debate endures.

Washington Post

A federal judge in Dallas rejected the gun rights organization’s effort to declare bankruptcy, calling it an attempt to avoid legal scrutiny and citing “lingering issues of secrecy and a lack of transparency” some of which he described as “nothing less than shocking.”

Other:

Missed opportunities to understand racism in the COVID-19 era

Brookings

In the absence of systematic data on this topic, we are left to these anecdotal instances, and that makes it much more difficult to identify pervasive patterns and behaviors in society. In the media, these instances are often noted, but they can easily be dismissed.

● Black and Hispanic Americans See Their Origins as Central to Who They Are, Less So for White Adults Pew Research Center

● Processing The Pandemic: A Strong Faith Helped This Community Rights Activist Cope VPR

Striking a deal to strengthen broadband access for all

Brookings

Former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler provides a detailed overview of priorities to focus on, including investments in "future-proof" fiber cabling, broadband deployment in unserved areas, and internet service affordability.

Social app Parler is cracking down on hate speech — but only on iPhones

Washington Post

When social media network Parler came back to life on Apple’s App Store Monday, it was designed to be a less offensive version than what users are able to see elsewhere.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

‘It’s about doing food differently.’ Fresno plan marked for $30 million in state budget

Fresno Bee

The May revision of California’s state budget brings an estimated $30 million to the Fresno-Merced Future of Food Innovation Initiative, according to regional leaders.

Local blueberry farmers see strong demand during pandemic

abc30

Ripe blueberries are picked by hand at Triple Delight Blueberries in Fresno County. "People are buying up blueberries. I think they're home a lot more and spending a lot more time at home, not going out and wanting good healthy snacks for their kids," said Kim Sorensen.

This Year’s Almond Crop Forecast to Grow - Again

Business Journal

But while the survey foretells more acreage coming online for Fresno County’s most valuable crop, growers are already facing the reality of a drought, going so far as to pull out their years-long investments, casting a shadow of a doubt on a sunny outlook.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Is California’s New Police Deadly Force Law Making A Difference?

Capital Public Radio

On opposite ends of California, two women who have never met are united by grief and purpose. This month, Kathleen Bils laid a memorial stone in a flower bed on the San Diego street where a sheriff’s deputy shot her son one year earlier.

Hackers Threaten to Release Police Records, Knock 911 Offline

PEW

A cybercriminal gang that breached the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department’s computer network in a ransomware attack published detailed information this week about nearly two dozen officers, including Social Security numbers and psychological assessments.

With violent crime spiking, the push for police reform collides with voters’ fears

Washington Post

With shootings spiking in cities nationwide during the pandemic, there are growing signs that the thirst for change is being blunted by fears of runaway crime.

See also:

· Policing Without the Police? A Review of the Evidence Manhattan Institute

Public Safety:

Medical Care At Corcoran State Prison Receives Poor Rating From State Watchdog

VPR

Medical care at California State Prison, Corcoran received a poor rating in a recently published state watchdog review. Now, prison advocates worry that doesn’t bode well for the quality of care during the pandemic.

Red flag law takes guns from dangerous people. Why aren’t more California counties using it?

San Francisco Chronicle

Use of gun violence restraining orders is on the rise but implementation in California remains regional, with some counties often seizing firearms from people they consider dangerous and others all but ignoring the law.

Fire:

Fires jumped in Bakersfield in 2020 as vacant buildings become sources of worry

Bakersfield Californian

The house on 24th Street is a shell of what it once was. The double wide has been ravaged by two fires over the last two weeks, leaving nothing but charred remains and the smell of smoke that stubbornly persists.

ECONOMY/JOBS

Economy:

Mendonca: California leads our national recovery, despite perpetual naysayers

CalMatters

Other self-anointed economic sages decided that California’s vaunted economic and technology engine was sputtering. In fact, California continues to be the most vibrant and exciting place in the world to do business.

By the numbers: U.S. loses more tax revenue than any nation

Axios

The Biden White House wants to invest in tax enforcement to help pay for its infrastructure plan and social spending, saying it could bring the federal government about $700 billion in 10 years.

Consumer Prices Jumped as Economic Recovery Picked Up

Wall Street Journal

Consumer prices surged in April by the most in any 12-month period since 2008, shaking investors although the data partly reflect a recovery that is picking up steam as the Covid-19 pandemic eases.

Inequality Would Widen if U.S. Policies Spur Sustained Inflation

Wall Street Journal

Federal Reserve and Biden administration officials say economic inequality is bad and they aim their policies in part at helping to reduce it. In the short run, at least, those policies might be widening inequality, not shrinking it.

Coinbase Made a $771 Million Profit Last Quarter

New York Times

The cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said on Thursday that its quarterly profit soared by more than 20 times from a year earlier as its revenue skyrocketed, in a sign of how enthusiasm for digital currencies has gone mainstream in the pandemic.

Jobs:

California’s unemployment claims backlog growing again, new numbers show

Sacramento Bee

Calls to the state’s unemployment department have ballooned about 38% over the last month – and fewer are being answered, according to data from the agency Thursday.

Companies Ponder Speeding Up Plans to Bring Workers Back to Offices

Wall Street Journal

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance on Thursday threw a new wrinkle into reopening plans, raising questions about whether to speed up office-return dates.

See also:

● How to Rally a Jittery Workforce Back at the Office Wall Street Journal

● Bill Atwood: Help wanted — to get us out of dependency on unemployment benefits Sierra Star

● Opinion: Is the American Work Ethic Dying? Wall Street Journal

Amazon Makes Push to Reduce Worker Injuries

Wall Street Journal

Amazon.com Inc. is establishing a program focused on improving the health and wellness of its hourly warehouse staffers, after years of criticism over worker safety at its depots and a pledge by Chief Executive Jeff Bezos to offer a better vision for employees.

Opinion: Pandemic reveals low-wage workers need better protections

CalMatters

Vaccination will protect workers from the coronavirus, but a shot won’t immunize them against employer retaliation, low wages and unsafe working conditions.

EDUCATION

K-12:

California’s bold plan: adding a full school year before kindergarten. How will it work?

Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed far-reaching, multibillion-dollar education initiatives — including a full year of schooling for all 4-year-olds and enrichment programs and tutoring for students in low-income communities — aimed at those he sees as most in need.

School districts prepare for students who want to remain in distance learning in fall

Bakersfield Californian

Come August, local K-12 schools are planning for a return to a traditional school schedule, if they don't have one already. That means the return of a full-time, in-person, five-day-a-week schedule along with buses that will ferry students to and from campus.

A California program spent millions on devices for distance learning. Here’s where it went

Mercury News

For the first time ever, the vast majority of California families say their kids have personal computing devices that they can use for school. But even after a year of distance learning, thousands of students still don’t have a computer or access to the internet at home.

Digging into Enrollment Drops at California Public Schools

Public Policy Institute of California

Statewide, public K–12 enrollment declined nearly 3%, or over 160,000 students, with kindergarten numbers falling most, by 12% compared to around 3% in grades 1 through 8. High school numbers increased, but by less than expected.

Walters: California still mistreating its school kids

CalMatters

The traditional school year will soon end, but the maltreatment of California’s 6 million public school students — especially those from poor non-white families — shamefully continues.

How States Are Helping School Districts Maximize Federal K-12 Relief

EdNote

States, school districts and charter schools will be receiving $190 billion in federal aid from the three relief packages passed since March 2020. The bulk of the funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief will be flowing through states to

Rush to summer school? A moment for celebration and caution

Brookings

Summer school—two words that conjure a memory of poorly performing students forced to attend a summer boot camp to raise test scores as they complete worksheets in sweltering classrooms.

Opinion: Should schools be able to punish students for speech on social media? Supreme Court will decide

Sacramento Bee

There is an adage that “hard cases make bad law” and I worry this will be true about a major First Amendment case now pending before the Supreme Court.

Higher Ed:

UC system officially drops SAT, ACT scores from use in admissions and scholarships

abc30

The University of California has agreed to drop SAT and ACT scores from its admissions and scholarship process, marking a distinct shift away from the decades-long high school tradition.

Emotional ceremony caps tough year for Fresno State graduates. ‘It’s a really big deal’

Fresno Bee

When Samantha Gillis started her last semester at Fresno State for her master’s degree, she thought her only graduation celebration would be held in her mother’s backyard by the swimming pool.

Fresno State is about to get a new president. Here’s what we know as decision nears

Fresno Bee

Fresno State’s new president is expected to be announced this week during the California State University Board of Trustees meeting, CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro confirmed.

Huge budget boost to UC, CSU and community colleges targets student housing and job training

Los Angeles Times

Public colleges and universities will receive a massive funding boost to expand affordable student housing, repair aging facilities, better train students for state workforce needs and shift Humboldt State to a technology focus under the budget proposal unveiled Friday.

UC weighs limited tuition increase for fall 2022

Los Angeles Times

The University of California is weighing a tuition increase for incoming students beginning in fall 2022, but the proposal faced widespread student opposition and sharp questions from regents Thursday.

Biden’s Plan for Free Community College Faces Resistance

Wall Street Journal

President Biden’s plan to offer Americans the opportunity to attend community college for free is running up against political obstacles over who should pay for it and skepticism on whether it would broaden access to higher education.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

Environment:

Is California’s carbon offset program actually helping the environment?

High Country News

The Massachusetts Audubon Society has long managed its land in western Massachusetts as crucial wildlife habitat. Nature lovers flock to these forests to enjoy bird-watching and quiet hikes, with the occasional bobcat or moose sighting.

Hunters, ranchers become front line in efforts to save California condors

Bakersfield Californian

They may not like it, but in case it's of any consolation, hunters and ranchers — especially those in Kern County — are increasingly seen as the people to thank for helping keep California condors from going extinct.

Energy:

Newsom's looming threat: Summer blackouts

Politico

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is on track to beat the recall this fall — if he can just get through the summer. A deepening drought and potential for heat waves threaten to unleash a new political nightmare for Newsom: widespread power outages.

Electric utilities try for smooth customer experience during transition to variable rates

Bakersfield Californian

Residential electric bills across Kern County will soon undergo a fundamental change designed to support California's shift to renewable energy by charging people more money for power consumed during hours of peak demand and less the rest of the day.

● Mills: Biden’s Not-So-Clean Energy Transition Wall Street Journal

California Proposes to Steer New Homes from Gas Appliances

Business Journal

The California Energy Commission released a draft building standards code on Thursday that would require new homes to be equipped with circuits and panels that support all-electric appliances for heating, cooking and drying clothes.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Covid-19 Vaccine Works, Even if Side Effects Differ for All, Doctors Say

Wall Street Journal

Infectious-disease specialists are working to reassure people that they are still getting protection from Covid-19 vaccines, even if they don’t experience the flulike side effects that hit some people after vaccination.

● COVID-19 vaccines: The endgame Brookings

COVID Puts Pregnant Women At Risk Of Childbirth Complications

VPR

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many basic questions about the virus have been answered, including how it spreads, how it responds to treatment, and how it affects the body.

Managing Social Anxiety In The Wake Of COVID-19

VPR

On Thursday, the CDC announced something that many have been waiting for, permission for fully vaccinated people to take off their masks in most settings.

Should your pet take CBD? California veterinarians could recommend marijuana under proposed law

Sacramento Bee

California veterinarians would be able to recommend cannabis for people’s pets under a bill being considered by state lawmakers. Assembly Bill 384 follows up on a 2018 law which empowered vets to discuss cannabis with pet owners without facing sanction.

Human Services:

Kaiser Permanente to begin vaccinations for 12- to 15-year-old children

Mercury News

Kaiser Permanente is now scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments for youths 12 to 15-years-old. The move comes after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC endorsed the vaccine for use in this new age group.

· National vaccination effort leaves ICE detainees behind Roll Call

IMMIGRATION

Undocumented workers forced to ‘wipe out their life savings.’ Will California help?

Fresno Bee

Many undocumented immigrants in California have gone through their life savings during the coronavirus pandemic. Others have mounting debts, immigrant advocates say as they push Gov. Gavin Newsom to step up and help as other states have.

Far Fewer Young Migrants Are In Border Patrol Custody, DHS Secretary Says

VPR

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told senators on Thursday that in the midst of a surge of migrants trying to enter the U.S., the number of unaccompanied minors in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody continues to fall dramatically.

Immigration was a top focus of early Biden coverage, especially among outlets with right-leaning audiences

Pew Research Center

As more migrants arrive at the U.S. southern border, the politically polarized issue of immigration was one of the most dominant topics in the coverage of President Joe Biden’s early days in the White House.

Documents Show Trump Officials Used Secret Terrorism Unit to Question Lawyers at the Border

ProPublica

In newly disclosed records, Trump officials cited conspiracies about Antifa to justify interrogating immigration lawyers with a special terrorism unit. The documents also show that more lawyers were targeted than previously known.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Funding Coming To An End For Community Gardens In Fresno Co. Unable To Meet New State Requirements

VPR

It’s been 40 years since Dr. Ghia Xiong lived and farmed in Laos, but he says this seven acre community garden in Sanger always reminds him of his childhood.

Valley Voices: The mission: To conserve 30% of the San Joaquin Valley’s remaining open lands for all

Fresno Bee

Access to the benefits of nature is a human right, but for many in the San Joaquin Valley, a healthy ecosystem and local green spaces are often out of reach.

Bethany Clough: Big new Costco store proposed for northwest Fresno already drawing some concerns

Fresno Bee

Costco wants to open a big new store in northwest Fresno, at Herndon Avenue and Riverside Drive, but the plan is already drawing concerns from one City Council member.

We can’t beat the climate crisis without rethinking land use

Brookings

President Joe Biden recently set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, but the administration's strategy missed a central driver of our climate crisis: unsustainable land use practices.

Housing:

A new housing project for some of Fresno County’s most vulnerable citizens will be in Clovis

Fresno Bee

The city of Clovis saw construction start Friday on its first-ever permanent housing project for some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.

California home construction hits 13-year high. It’s not enough to slow skyrocketing prices

Fresno Bee

Housing construction in California jumped last year to the highest level since the Great Recession, topping 100,000 new units despite the COVID-19 pandemic and a historic state population decline.

● Walters: Pandemic eases, but California housing crisis worsens CalMatters

● What California lawmakers could do to boost homeownership for Black families CalMatters

California Governor Proposes $12B to House State’s Homeless

Business Journal

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday proposed $12 billion in new funding to get more people experiencing homelessness in the state into housing and to “functionally end family homelessness” within five years.

Well-designed rent relief programs can lay the groundwork for healthier post-pandemic housing markets

Brookings

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated housing insecurity for millions of low- and moderate-income renters. The most recent Census Bureau survey estimates that roughly 7 million renters have fallen behind on rent, with debts averaging $5,400 per household.

● Some Fresno renters facing eviction could soon get free legal counsel from city program Fresno Bee

● Unlocking Underused Retail Space For Housing Could Help Reimagine A Post-COVID California CA FWD

Landlords work with commercial tenants to help them survive the pandemic

Bakersfield Californian

The phone calls fielded by Kern County commercial real estate owners during the coronavirus crisis have ranged from the merely painful to the genuinely tragic. Tenants begged for rent relief after being unable to make a sale for months on end because of operating restrictions.

PUBLIC FINANCES

Gavin Newsom’s recall-year budget would pour tens of billions of dollars into struggling economy

Fresno Bee

● Newsom promises sweeping change in California’s $267-billion budget Los Angeles Times

● Gusher of federal stimulus funds a gift for governors like Gavin Newsom Los Angeles Times

● Three things to know about Gavin Newsom’s spending spree CalMatters

Newsom proposes additional $600 stimulus checks and $5 billion toward rental assistance

Los Angeles Times

● Am I eligible for the proposed $600 stimulus checks in California? What you need to know Los Angeles Times

Newsom proposes COVID grants up to $25,000 for thousands more California businesses

Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday proposed adding $1.5 billion to a program providing grants of up to $25,000 to small businesses harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic in California, allowing thousands more to get financial help.

Child cash benefit will begin hitting millions of parents’ bank accounts July 15

Washington Post

The Biden administration announced Monday that roughly 39 million American families will begin receiving direct cash payments in July under a new child benefit created by Democrats’ coronavirus relief bill.

Biden’s Tax Enforcement Target of $700 Billion Won’t Be Easy

Wall Street Journal

Tougher tax enforcement is one of the least controversial pieces of President Biden’s economic agenda, a way to raise revenue without raising taxes. As the Biden plan advances, there are crucial open questions on how much money it will generate and the IRS will implement it.

● Editorial: A Judicial Blow to Biden’s Tax-Cut Ban Wall Street Journal

● Opinion: The Biden Tax Mirage Wall Street Journal

Understanding Your Tax Return: An Illustrated Guide to Common Terms on Tax Day

Wall Street Journal

If you want to understand your tax return, or debate tax policy, you need to know the lingo. Do you know what a marginal tax rate is? Are you sure?

See also:

● How to file your taxes for free online Los Angeles Times

Congress provided $28 billion to save restaurants. It’s running out

Los Angeles Times

Restaurants and bars desperate for a lifeline swarmed to apply for a new government grant to help them pay for rent, utilities, supplies and payroll. In just 10 days, the Small Business Administration has received 266,000 applications asking for $65 billion in aid.

The COVID-19 experience shows government budgeting can become more nimble

Brookings

Most of the major social challenges facing America, from homelessness and opioid dependency to achieving successful aging and good family health, require the successful coordination of funds from many government programs.

TRANSPORTATION

High-speed rail misses out on California’s massive budget surplus

Mercury News

Gov. Gavin Newsom spent the past week promoting a long list of new spending proposals made possible by a record-smashing budget surplus — but the state’s embattled bullet train is missing out.

● Ventura Street to close for months of high-speed rail construction. Here are the detours Fresno Bee

Biden charts an electrified course for the auto industry

CNET

President Biden pulled a U-turn for the auto industry with a focus on EVs and stricter emissions standards. We take a look at what's happened thus far.

Tesla Autopilot system was on during fatal California crash, adding to self-driving safety concerns

Washington Post

A Tesla Model 3 electric car that was part of a fatal Southern California crash last week had the company’s Autopilot system activated when it careened into an overturned truck in the middle of the night, the Associated Press reported Friday.

Complaints About Airlines Refusing To Pay Refunds For Canceled Flights During Pandemic Soared More Than 5,500%

Capital Public Radio

Complaints against refunds for airlines’ canceled flights have skyrocketed in the past year. Some customers are still trying to get refunds for flights canceled during the pandemic, while others who got credits or vouchers are now facing imminent expiration.

WATER

'Tough times are coming.' 60% of Tulare County in 'Exceptional Drought,' monitor reports

Visalia Times Delta

Drought Conditions increased dramatically in Tulare County over the past week, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday.

New Report: Drought To Hit Rural Latino Communities Hardest

Capital Public Radio

Rural, low-income Latino communities across California were hardest hit by the last drought and could see drinking water shortages again this year as extreme drought spreads across the state, according to a report released today by non-partisan advisors to California’s lawmakers.

State plans to order drought restrictions, but it doesn't have good water data to do it

San Francisco Chronicle

State regulators are planning to do something they’ve done a few times in modern history: order thousands of people, farms, and even cities and towns that hold historic water rights to stop drawing water from the rivers, lakes and ponds they rely on.

“Xtra”

Looking to hike Yosemite’s Half Dome and reach the top? The cables are coming back up

Fresno Bee

Cable access to the top of Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome will begin Wednesday. But a permit will once again be required for those looking to reach the Half Dome summit.