POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Stanislaus adds 1 death, 49 cases; hospital count flat Modesto Bee
Here’s how Stanislaus County will spend $90 million in American Rescue Plan funding
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County leaders rushed ahead Tuesday night with approving recommendations for spending $90 million in American Rescue Plan funding that’s part of a $107 million total allocation for the county.
Garth Stapley: Clean up your police chief survey, Modesto City Hall
Modesto Bee
As I responded to an online survey asking people for input on Modesto’s next police chief, the first question tripped me up.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Tulare County still in orange tier Porterville Recorder
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval appointed as the new president of Fresno State by CSU board
Fresno Bee
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval was appointed president of Fresno State by the California State University board on Wednesday morning, replacing Joseph I. Castro, who left the university to become chancellor in January.
See also:
● Fresno State announces Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval as new university president abc30
● Fresno State’s New President A Familiar Face Business Journal
Fresno’s newest school named for Farbers, other candidates get campus buildings
Fresno Bee
After a lengthy debate over the past month, Fresno’s newest school, which is expected to be built by the summer of 2023, will be named after philanthropists Francine and Murray Farber.
California may not widen Highway 41. Fresno leader says widening it will save lives
Fresno Bee
A potential plan to leave a section of Highway 41 at two lanes drew sharp criticism Wednesday from a group of Fresno-area officials led by Assemblymember Jim Patterson.
See also:
● Project to widen Highway 41 in Fresno County reaches financial roadblock abc30
Councilmember pushes to recognize Pride Month in this Valley town. Fresno GOP pushes back
Fresno Bee
A Kingsburg councilmember is hoping to get the city to recognize Pride Month for its first ever time, and may be up for a political fight in the small town.
Fresno police allowed more discretion in new pursuit policy following innocent deaths
Fresno Bee
Fresno Chief of Police Paco Balderrama, with District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, announced new pursuit policies for officers on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 in Fresno.
Workers clear canal in Fresno as irrigation season begins. Homeless nearby given notice
Fresno Bee
Fresno Irrigation District workers Tuesday began clearing a canal of litter and assorted trash near a homeless encampment so water could flow to Valley farmland.
Clovis City Council Approves $300 Million Budget for 2021-22
Clovis RoundUp
The Clovis City Council approved the 2021-22 budget introduction plan, totaling $295 million, at its May 17 meeting.
See also:
● City Council Discusses American Rescue Plan Spending Clovis RoundUp
Valadao helps introduce bill to extend federal tax credits on biodiesel, renewable fuels
Bakersfield Californian
Legislation introduced Tuesday by congressmen including Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, would extend federal tax credits supporting the production of biodiesel and other renewable fuels seen as key to Kern's economic diversification push.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health reports 3 new deaths, 73 new COVID-19 cases Bakersfield Californian
New farm bureau director looks to engage policymakers on regulatory hurdles
Bakersfield Californian
A local political insider set to take the reins of the primary organization representing Kern agricultural says he's ready to play not just defense but offense as well in support of an industry beset by regulations he sees as threatening farmers' ability to make a living.
Bakersfield City Council to consider bike share program at Wednesday meeting
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield could soon get its first bike share program, a feature of many cities across the United States. On Wednesday, the City Council is slated to approve a contract with Spin to conduct an electric bike share program for two years.
Opinion: Kevin McCarthy of Jan. 6, meet Kevin McCarthy of Benghazi
Washington Post
If enough House Republicans join Democrats in voting to create a special Capitol riot commission, House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy may get flashbacks to the last special probe that led him to screw up in a highly public way: Benghazi.
State:
COVID Update:
● California’s rural-urban COVID vaccine gap may be widening, CDC and state data show Fresno Bee
● These 3 California counties haven't seen new COVID-19 cases in weeks abc30
● Two-thirds of adults in California at least partially vaccinated Los Angeles Times
Opinion: Let’s thank taxes for our vaccines and the programs keeping California afloat during COVID
Fresno Bee
The public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a monumental showing of what we can do when we pool our resources. It’s a reminder that we need each other, that our fates are inextricably linked. We wear masks as a sign of community care.
Gavin Newsom wants to give millions to state’s struggling unemployment agency. Will it help?
Fresno Bee
The state’s unemployment insurance agency got encouraging news — and potentially lots of money — from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal.
Democratic lawmakers blast Newsom’s budget proposal for lack of public health funding
Fresno Bee
Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s failure to fill requests from local public health agencies for more ongoing funding in his record-breaking $267 billion budget proposal.
Getting a REAL ID in California will be easier due to a federal rule change. Here’s how
Sacramento Bee
The deadline for drivers and travelers to get the identification card has been extended.
Gavin Newsom calls for more state spending at Mexico border, aiming to help migrants
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to spend a portion of the state’s budget surplus on supporting migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border, aiming to provide basic necessities to thousands of people.
More than 90% of California Capitol interns are unpaid by Legislature. Who’s left behind?
Sacramento Bee
After leaving a job in college sports fundraising to pursue a path in politics, then 23-year-old Spencer Bowen took an unpaid internship for Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. (Note: Maddy Institute Legislative Interns are paid and have been since the inception of the program in 2000)
California's Historic Budget Surplus: Is It $76 Billion or $38 Billion?
KQED
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom embarked on a week-long parade of good news, budget-related press conferences across California, imparting a grand proclamation.
Shirley Weber, Appointed by Gov. Newsom, Now Oversees His Recall Election
KQED
Just months after she was confirmed as California's top election official, Secretary of State Shirley Weber is already facing her first major challenge — overseeing the fall recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who appointed Weber to her post in January.
California weighs electric car mandate for Uber and Lyft
CalMatters
The air board will consider curbing greenhouse gases from ride-hailing companies. The big question is: Who will pay for the cleaner vehicles?
California eyes rooftop solar policy changes. The industry says its future hangs in the balance
San Francisco Chronicle
A fight over the future of California’s rooftop solar industry is intensifying, as state officials contemplate comprehensive reforms to a program that pays homeowners for clean power they share with the electric grid.
California high-speed project gets some money, but misses out on the lottery
RT&S
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a budget surplus of more than $100 billion, and has promoted a long list of new spending proposals. The high-speed rail project that will connect San Francisco to Los Angeles is not on that list.
See also:
● Newsom Proposes $4.2 Billion for Bullet Train StreetsBlog Cal
● Walters: Inflated job numbers prop up bullet train CalMatters
Fresno Bee
The severe repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have cast widespread attention on the flaws in our health care system, especially on the lack or imbalance of services to our most vulnerable communities.
Support for Black Lives Matter Remains High in California
PPIC
In the wake of last summer’s widespread protests over the murder of George Floyd, some states and localities have been grappling with criminal justice reforms. There’s been a change in national leadership, and Biden has emphasized the need to address systemic racism.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● Fauci Says He Expects Vaccines For Younger Children By End Of Year Or Early 2022 VPR
● It's Time For America's Fixation On Herd Immunity To End, Scientists Say NPR
House approves bipartisan commission to investigate Jan. 6 attack at Capitol
Los Angeles Times
The House on Wednesday voted to establish a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, but the bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate amid Republican opposition.
See also:
● House passes Jan. 6 commission bill but legislation faces Senate hurdles Roll Call
● House passes bill to create commission to investigate Jan. 6 attack on Capitol, but its chances in the Senate are dim Washington Post
● McConnell comes out against Jan. 6 commission, imperiling its chances of becoming law Washington Post
● House Backs Creation of Commission on Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Wall Street Journal
● GOP defections over Jan. 6 commission deliver rebuke to McCarthy Politico
● Democrats prepare for hardball as doubts linger over Jan. 6 commission: The Note abcNews
● Opinion: Kevin McCarthy of Jan. 6, meet Kevin McCarthy of Benghazi Washington Post
● Editorial: The GOP hands Democrats the formula to keep the House majority Washington Post
Biden boasts about equitable senior COVID-19 vaccination rate by race without data to back it up
PolitiFact
During May 3 remarks on the American Families Plan, President Joe Biden boasted that there was not much disparity in the Covid-19 vaccination rates for white Americans and Americans of color who are at least 65.
Opinion: Biden claims he wants a bipartisan infrastructure deal. It’s a trap.
Washington Post
Democrats have zero intention of compromising. Whatever they give up at the negotiating table with Republicans, they plan to pass in a separate bill.
Biden’s pick to head Census blends statistical, advocacy work
Roll Call
Robert Santos is on the verge of becoming the first Latino director of the U.S. Census Bureau. Santos, a third-generation Mexican American, heads into the confirmation process with the backing of much of the advocate community surrounding the 2020 census.
See also:
● For The U.S. Census, Keeping Your Data Anonymous And Useful Is A Tricky Balance VPR
USAToday
Shortly after meeting at the White House on Wednesday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., sent an aggressive fundraising text signaling a renewed effort to target his host, the president.
AEI
We explore major pollsters’ findings on LGBT identity, gay marriage, COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and post-vaccine life, support for Donald Trump and his election claims, and what the new census shows.
House GOP campaign arm raises $11.2 million in April
The Hill
The National Republican Congressional Committee on Thursday announced that it raised a record $11.2 million during the month of April.
Washington Post
New York Attorney General Letitia James's investigation into the Trump Organization is now considered a criminal matter, James's office said Tuesday night, noting that officials with the former president's company were recently apprised of the development.
Where Abortion Access Would Decline if Roe v. Wade Were Overturned
New York Times
The Supreme Court’s decision Monday to hear a case about a Mississippi law that would ban most abortions after 15 weeks could end up weakening or even overturning Roe v. Wade.
See also:
● Fact check: Becerra said there’s no federal law on partial birth abortion. Is he right? Fresno Bee
Fellow Asian Americans laud Kamala Harris’ rise, but want more clout for their communities
Los Angeles Times
Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage voted in unprecedented numbers to help Vice President Kamala Harris become the first Indian American in national office, and to push Democrats over the top in decisive races.
Senators reach bipartisan deal to overhaul USPS finances, tighten accountability requirements
Washington Post
A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to lift significant financial burdens off the ailing U.S. Postal Service while tightening accountability requirements for mail delivery, a major stride for an agency that has tussled with its balance sheet and reputation.
Other:
Three Steps to Universal Broadband Access
PEW
Policymakers did not suddenly wake up during the COVID-19 pandemic and discover that millions of Americans lack access to an affordable, reliable high-speed broadband connection; they have heard that from community leaders, consumers and companies for years.
See also:
● Changing lives by connecting all Americans to broadband internet Brookings
More Americans now see the media’s influence growing compared with a year ago
Pew Research Center
Americans’ views about the influence of the media in the country have shifted dramatically over the year in which there was much discussion about the news media’s role during election and post-election coverage, the COVID-19 pandemic and protests about racial justice.
What is critical race theory and why did Oklahoma just ban it?
Washington Post
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt recently signed a bill that claims to combat racism and sexism in the state’s public schools. The controversial law bans teachers from promoting the idea that “an individual is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.”
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
New farm bureau director looks to engage policymakers on regulatory hurdles
Bakersfield Californian
A local political insider set to take the reins of the primary organization representing Kern agricultural says he's ready to play not just defense but offense as well in support of an industry beset by regulations he sees as threatening farmers' ability to make a living.
California farmers facing drought choose not to plant crops
Los Angeles Times
In some areas of California it’s so dry that farmers aren’t even bothering to plant crops this season. Growers north of San Francisco have begun pulling out of local farmers markets and produce-box programs.
Newsom budget update pushes California further toward organic farming, regenerative agriculture
Agri-Pulse
A closer look at what's in, what's not in Gov. Gavin Newsom May budget revision for California agriculture.
Black Entrepreneurs Sow Seeds Of Healthier Eating During Pandemic Gardening Boom
VPR
An expanding number of Black gardening enthusiasts-turned-entrepreneurs run seed businesses that have benefited from the pandemic-inspired global gardening boom that seed providers, still overwhelmed with orders, hope won't subside anytime soon
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Fresno police allowed more discretion in new pursuit policy following innocent deaths
Fresno Bee
Fresno Chief of Police Paco Balderrama, with District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, announced new pursuit policies for officers on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 in Fresno.
Local Organization Asks Fresno PD To Investigate Incident At Rally For Palestine As A Hate Crime
VPR
The Council on American-Islamic Relations or CAIR in Central California is calling on the Fresno Police Department to investigate a recent attack during a protest to support Palestine as a hate crime.
Homicides Surge In California Amid Covid Shutdowns Of Schools, Youth Programs
Capital Public Radio
Amid a pandemic that left law enforcement agencies stretched thin and forced shutdowns that left young men with little to do, California registered a devastating surge in homicides in 2020 that hit especially hard in Black and Latino communities.
Support for the death penalty is declining in California, poll shows
Los Angeles Times
Support for capital punishment continues to dwindle among Californians, with more voters favoring abolishing the death penalty, but the issue remains so politically volatile that the prospects of a repeal are uncertain.
Public Safety:
Do Valley law enforcement agencies reflect diversity of their communities?
abc30
The data shows that many agencies don't match the populations they serve perfectly, but local law enforcement officials and experts explain while representation matters within a department, they don't think it should be the only defining factor of how they do as an agency.
Bakersfield police answer questions about how to safely record audio or video of peace officers
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry and members of his command staff answered questions and provided guidance Tuesday on how local residents can safely and legally capture audio and video recordings of law enforcement officers in public spaces.
Garth Stapley: Clean up your police chief survey, Modesto City Hall
Modesto Bee
As I responded to an online survey asking people for input on Modesto’s next police chief, the first question tripped me up.
Beyond Airports, TSA Also Manages Pipeline Security. That Could Be A Problem
VPR
The recent Colonial Pipeline hack created shortages and panic-buying of gasoline, and also raised questions about federal oversight of critical energy infrastructure.
Divide over scope of military’s extremism problem impedes culture, policy changes
Roll Call
The problem of extremism in the military isn’t new, and the military’s response has often been haphazard and inconsistent, allowing extremism to spread in the ranks undetected or ignored by some commanders until the issue is thrust into the forefront.
How Cities Should Analyze Crashes that Kill Peds
StreetsBlog USA
A team of advocates has produced what may be the most comprehensive report on crashes that kill pedestrians ever conducted in an American City — and it’s prompting a call for a similar approach to be adopted across the country.
Fire:
As wildfire season expands year round, KCFD calls on citizens to act
Bakersfield Californian
Last year was the worst wildfire year in state history, but that record may fall in 2021. As California faces months of drought, the upcoming fire season has the potential to be one of the most destructive ever.
Fresno Bee
It is unclear why an investment banker and an Oregon logging advocate chose to write about the Pacific fisher lawsuit in the southern Sierra Nevada as they did in The Bee on May 12.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Fed Signals Eventual Shift From Easy-Money Pandemic Policies
Wall Street Journal
The Federal Reserve has begun to telegraph an eventual shift away from the easy-money policies implemented during the pandemic as evidence builds of a robust economic recovery and mounting inflation.
See also:
● Markets Decline Globally, and Fed Hints at a Policy Review Wall Street Journal
California restaurants expect rebound that will take years
Fresno Bee
Nearly a third of California's restaurants permanently closed and two-thirds of workers at least temporarily lost their jobs as the pandemic set in more than a year ago and Newsom imposed the nation's first statewide lockdown, a legislative committee reported Tuesday.
More Than Just Lumber: Construction Materials Causing Price Spikes
Business Journal
With so many businesses in different industries having to either temporarily close down, reduce operations, split shifts and/or shrink work crews in the aftermath of the pandemic, contractors and manufacturers have been experiencing supply-chain issues.
$350B Heads to States Cities for COVID Relief
PEW
States, territories, tribal governments, counties and cities can now request their share of the $350 billion in COVID-19 aid allocated to them by the massive federal relief law President Joe Biden signed in March.
See also:
● How States Can Use Federal Stimulus Money Effectively PEW
● Opinion: Biden’s plans are already hurting the recovery AEI
● Opinion: Anatomy of a Good Economic Decision Wall Street Journal
Did the Trump tax cuts work? The answer may not be what you think
AEI
The conclusion that the Trump tax cuts failed should not be offered with anywhere near the level of certainty that it frequently is. Indeed, that the Biden administration is not proposing a complete rollback suggests even it sees some value in them.
Jobs:
Jobless claims fall to 444K, setting another post-lockdown low
The Hill
The number of new applications for unemployment insurance fell last week to 444,000, according to data released Thursday by the Labor Department, setting a new post-lockdown low for initial weekly jobless claims.
See also:
● U.S. Jobless Claims Extend Decline to New Pandemic Low Wall Street Journal
● The Myth of Labor Shortages New York Times
Rural California could lose thousands of jobs as prisons close. What can the state do?
Fresno Bee
Just days after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration announced a plan to close a prison in Susanville last month, dozens of “for sale” signs for homes began popping up in a rural Lassen County town.
California considers dropping mask, distancing rules at workplaces if everyone vaccinated
Los Angeles Times
California is considering dropping mask and physical distancing rules for employees at work sites if everyone there is fully vaccinated, another major step in moving back to normal as coronavirus cases continue to plummet.
It’s past time to restore work search requirements for unemployment checks
AEI
President Joe Biden is right: No one should be allowed to game the system and turn down an offer of suitable work to continue collecting unemployment benefits.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Fresno’s newest school named for Farbers, other candidates get campus buildings
Fresno Bee
After a lengthy debate over the past month, Fresno’s newest school, which is expected to be built by the summer of 2023, will be named after philanthropists Francine and Murray Farber.
California schools could lose money under Newsom plan if they don’t fully reopen
Fresno Bee
California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to withhold billions of dollars from schools that don’t return to pre-pandemic learning with full in-class instruction this fall as part of a budget proposal that emphasizes an economic recovery from COVID-19.
Analysis faults districts on lack of spending accountability for Covid funding
EdSource
Last September, all school districts and charter schools completed a learning continuity plan in which they were required to provide extensive information on how they planned to use federal relief and state funding to address learning gaps and meet the needs of their students.
After Capitol Riot, Some States Turn to Civics Education
PEW
After waiting two hours for her chance to speak, high school student Samantha Oliver chimed in to the Delaware House Education Committee hearing last week with a succinct message: Young people should be active participants in our democracy.
Higher Ed:
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval appointed as the new president of Fresno State by CSU board
Fresno Bee
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval was appointed president of Fresno State by the California State University board on Wednesday morning, replacing Joseph I. Castro, who left the university to become chancellor in January.
See also:
● Fresno State announces Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval as new university president abc30
● Fresno State’s New President A Familiar Face Business Journal
Newsom’s college savings account proposal — redundant, or not enough?
CalMatters
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to spend $2 billion creating a program to give 3.8 million low-income students at least $500 as college savings. Some critics call it redundant. Others say start it at birth.
Editorial: UC should hold off on raising tuition
Los Angeles Times
The University of California is looking at a new pricing scheme that holds the cost of tuition steady throughout a student’s undergraduate years. This wise approach lets families plan for a college education without getting hit by large, unforeseen increases.
What California's Free Tuition Programs Can Teach The Nation
LAist
More than 1 million of the roughly 2.1 million students in the system's 116 colleges don't pay for classes, mostly the result of fee waivers for low-income students and "college promise" programs.
Student debt forgiveness would impact nearly every aspect of people’s lives
Brookings
Though the emergency relief measures passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed student loan borrowers to defer their loan payments, student loan debt burdens still loom large for millions of U.S. households.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
California weighs electric car mandate for Uber and Lyft
CalMatters
The air board will consider curbing greenhouse gases from ride-hailing companies. The big question is: Who will pay for the cleaner vehicles?
Opinion: California’s budget surplus can help achieve a climate-safe future
CalMatters
California is becoming ground zero for the climate crisis. Intensifying drought and wildfire emergencies caused by climate change are the harbingers of a great gamble that risk the loss of California as we know it.
U.S. pushes back as ice caps melt in the Arctic and Russia moves in
Los Angeles Times
Of the many cold-war disputes currently straining Biden administration relations with Russia, one is melting. Literally. Melting ice in the Arctic because of intense climate change has allowed Russia to push its military apparatus.
Energy:
California readies to prevent blackouts, but threats remain
Fresno Bee
California's top energy regulators on Tuesday said the state is better prepared to avoid last summer's rotating blackouts, but they cautioned the power grid of the nation's most populous state is still vulnerable to extreme heat waves that could force more outages later this year.
Valadao helps introduce bill to extend federal tax credits on biodiesel, renewable fuels
Bakersfield Californian
Legislation introduced Tuesday by congressmen including Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, would extend federal tax credits supporting the production of biodiesel and other renewable fuels seen as key to Kern's economic diversification push.
California eyes rooftop solar policy changes. The industry says its future hangs in the balance
San Francisco Chronicle
A fight over the future of California’s rooftop solar industry is intensifying, as state officials contemplate comprehensive reforms to a program that pays homeowners for clean power they share with the electric grid.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
California's mask mandate has an end date. What about social distancing?
San Francisco Chronicle
In less than a month, Californians fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can begin shedding their face coverings indoors — but will they still need to keep their distance from others?
See also:
● Even With The No-Mask Guidance, Some Pockets Of The U.S. Aren't Ready To Let Go VPR
Democratic lawmakers blast Newsom’s budget proposal for lack of public health funding
Fresno Bee
Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s failure to fill requests from local public health agencies for more ongoing funding in his record-breaking $267 billion budget proposal.
See also:
● Despite Pandemic, Newsom Declines to Boost Local Public Health Budgets — Again California Healthline
Ready for a COVID booster shot? Pfizer CEO says one may be needed in 8-12 months
Merced Sun-Star
The more time the coronavirus has to hop from one person to another, the more opportunities it gets to transform into more dangerous variants that may gain the power to evade COVID-19 vaccines’ defenses.
See also:
● Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Raise Tough Issues for Health Authorities Wall Street Journal
Debating the origins of the COVID-19 virus: What we know, what we don’t know
PolitiFact
Confronting Dr. Anthony Fauci at a Senate committee hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Rand Paul argued that the United States collaborated with the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China to make a more deadly coronavirus.
Human Services:
Knock, knock. Have you had your vaccine yet? California sends out thousands to check
Sacramento Bee
Right now, thousands of people are out knocking on doors in order to get as many Californians vaccinated as possible. The state of California has kicked in $10 million to fund the effort in partnership with 70 community-based organizations.
See also:
· Willing to help but nowhere to go: State’s recruitment of COVID-19 volunteers fell short CalMatters
Fauci Says He Expects Vaccines For Younger Children By End Of Year Or Early 2022
VPR
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical adviser to President Biden, says that he expects COVID-19 vaccinations to open up to younger children in the coming months.
The Pandemic Proved Hospitals Can Deliver Care To Seriously Ill Patients At Home
VPR
Hospital care at home is nothing new for patients with low-level health needs. But since the pandemic, a growing number of health systems are offering people with more serious health conditions hospital-level treatment in the comfort of their homes.
Fresno Bee
The severe repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have cast widespread attention on the flaws in our health care system, especially on the lack or imbalance of services to our most vulnerable communities.
Opinion: To end suffering on California’s streets, invest more in mental health treatment
OC Register
Newsom announced a one-time $12 billion spending plan will end homelessness in California. He said Project Homekey, the program utilizing hotel and motel rooms as housing for those experiencing homelessness, is working so well it should be expanded across the state.
IMMIGRATION
Newsom calls for more state spending at Mexico border, aiming to help migrants
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to spend a portion of the state’s budget surplus on supporting migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border, aiming to provide basic necessities to thousands of people.
Biden admin will soon allow 250 'vulnerable' migrants into U.S. daily
NBCNews
The Biden administration will soon allow up to 250 “particularly vulnerable” immigrants into the U.S. each day, an exception to the current policy that blocks most families and single adult migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
See also:
● Despite Concerns About Border, Poll Finds Support For More Pathways To Citizenship VPR
● As Biden faces a political crisis, migrants face a fight to survive Washington Post
U.S. Ends Policy Of Denying Citizenship To Children Born Via IVF Or Surrogacy
VPR
The State Department will now approve U.S. citizenship for children born abroad to same-sex or heterosexual American parents via in vitro fertilization, surrogacy and by other assisted reproductive means.
ICE to stop detaining immigrants at two county jails under federal investigation
Washington Post
The Biden administration has decided to stop detaining immigrants in a pair of county jails facing federal probes in Georgia and Massachusetts, calling the decision an “important first step” in a broader review of the nation’s sprawling network of immigration jails.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Local farmer buys what was once largest property on offer in California
Business Journal
A 58,000-acre cattle ranch with a history tied to a California pioneer was purchased by a local farmer. Primarily located in Benito County but extending into Fresno County, Ashurst Ranch also included 5,000 head of cattle, an extensive water system and nine oil wells.
Housing:
Valley residents finding difficulty buying homes amid hot housing market
abc30
Fresno has been called the nation's hottest housing market by the Los Angeles Times. That's a good thing for people selling their homes. But those of you looking to buy a house have found it to be very frustrating.
See also:
● California Coronavirus Updates: California Median Home Prices Now Over $800,000 Capital Public Radio
Market Conditions, Assistance Programs Paint A Complicated Picture For Renters, Landlords
Business Journal
The number of eviction cases Central California Legal Services has taken on has not significantly fallen from before the pandemic, even with an eviction moratorium.
Biden targets housing rules that hurt low-income earners. Will the suburbs buy in?
Los Angeles Times
The enduring image of the American Dream is owning a tidy single-family house behind a white picket fence in the suburbs. But for many people of color and low-income earners, that part of the American dream is fleeting, in part because of exclusionary zoning laws.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Gavin Newsom wants to give millions to state’s struggling unemployment agency. Will it help?
Fresno Bee
The state’s unemployment insurance agency got encouraging news — and potentially lots of money — from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal.
Measuring California’s progress on income inequality
CalMatters
California has an opportunity to leverage surplus and stimulus funds to bridge income inequality. Our dashboard from the California Divide team tracks whether the state can turn the tide.
Opinion: As wealthy CEOs rake in money, an ugly trope about Americans needing help reemerges
Washington Post
Governors of more than a dozen states — Republicans all — have announced that they will soon cease paying their state’s unemployed residents the federal jobless supplement, curtailing benefits for about 2 million Americans.
Did the Trump tax cuts work? The answer may not be what you think
AEI
The conclusion that the Trump tax cuts failed should not be offered with anywhere near the level of certainty that it frequently is. Indeed, that the Biden administration is not proposing a complete rollback suggests even it sees some value in them.
TRANSPORTATION
California may not widen Highway 41. Fresno leader says widening it will save lives
Fresno Bee
A potential plan to leave a section of Highway 41 at two lanes drew sharp criticism Wednesday from a group of Fresno-area officials led by Assemblymember Jim Patterson.
State earmarks $16 million for upgrades to Taft Highway
Bakersfield Californian
Nearly $16 million in state money was set aside this month to add bicycle and turning lanes, among various other improvements, to Taft Highway.
Stanislaus is short on electric car charging stations. New state grants will help
Modesto Bee
The state is offering $1.97 million in grants to help spread electric car charging stations in Stanislaus County. The California Energy Commission will cover up to 75% of the cost for installations at shopping centers, apartment complexes, gas stations and convenient spots.
Bakersfield City Council to consider bike share program at Wednesday meeting
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield could soon get its first bike share program, a feature of many cities across the United States. On Wednesday, the City Council is slated to approve a contract with Spin to conduct an electric bike share program for two years.
California high-speed project gets some money, but misses out on the lottery
RT&S
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a budget surplus of more than $100 billion, and has promoted a long list of new spending proposals. The high-speed rail project that will connect San Francisco to Los Angeles is not on that list.
See also:
● Newsom Proposes $4.2 Billion for Bullet Train StreetsBlog Cal
● Walters: Inflated job numbers prop up bullet train CalMatters
Republican Transportation Bill Seeks Rural Investments, Curbs in Regulation
Wall Street Journal
House Republicans released a $400 billion transportation infrastructure bill, proposing to curb some federal regulations and emphasize investment in rural areas in a five-year plan reauthorizing federal highway and transit programs.
The U.S. Travel Surge Isn’t Coming—It’s Here
Wall Street Journal
The numbers do tell the story, at least for travel. A close look at the stats shows a big vaccine-fueled domestic travel surge and anticipation of a crowded summer travel season, with ticket prices already getting close to the expensive summer of 2019.
How Cities Should Analyze Crashes that Kill Peds
StreetsBlog USA
A team of advocates has produced what may be the most comprehensive report on crashes that kill pedestrians ever conducted in an American City — and it’s prompting a call for a similar approach to be adopted across the country
WATER
Emergency water urged for rural Latino communities before California drought worsens
San Francisco Chronicle
California lawmakers should take prompt action before drought conditions worsen by sending emergency drinking water to vulnerable communities in parched regions of the state, legislative advisers say.
See also:
● Where’s the Water? Drought Threatens California’s Lifeline New York Times
● Community Voices: Failing water infrastructure disproportionately hurts disadvantaged communities Bakersfield Californian
Workers clear canal in Fresno as irrigation season begins. Homeless nearby given notice
Fresno Bee
Fresno Irrigation District workers Tuesday began clearing a canal of litter and assorted trash near a homeless encampment so water could flow to Valley farmland.
Central Valley water districts get OK to sue Dow, Shell over groundwater pollution
San Francisco Chronicle
A state appeals court has upheld California’s cleanup standards for a cancer-causing chemical that was added to pesticides and has polluted groundwater in the Central Valley, rejecting challenges by manufacturers that may have to pay the costs.
“Xtra”
Shaver Lake annual July 4th fireworks celebration is on, as permit gets OK
Fresno Bee
Days after sounding the alarm about the possibility of losing its annual Forth of July fireworks celebration for a second year, the Greater Shaver Lake Visitors Bureau said the event is now on.
Expect Street Closures, Ongoing Construction For Tower District Beautification Project
VPR
A new beautification project in the Tower District will affect traffic on Olive Avenue through July.
Bethany Clough: Fat Jack’s is closed, but this new Clovis burger restaurant is open in its spot
Fresno Bee
Fat Jack’s, the little 1950s-style diner on Shaw Avenue in Clovis, has closed. But a new restaurant with the same retro vibe has opened in its spot. Bob’s Good Burger opened Friday serving burgers, milkshakes and other fast food.