POLICY & POLITICS
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North SJ Valley:
A project that ‘benefits everybody.’ Atwater strives to make downtown pedestrian-friendly
Merced Sun-Star
Atwater plans to add new sidewalks to about half a dozen city streets to make the city safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
Planned Merced ACE train reaches new milestone, bringing prospect of more tourism, new jobs
Merced Sun-Star
The long-anticipated Altamont Corridor Express train connection to Merced recently reached a new milestone, bringing the project another step closer to fruition.
It could be smoky in parts of Modesto over the next few days. Here’s why.
Modesto Bee
There could be smoke in parts of Modesto during the latter half of the week as firefighters conduct training burns at Tuolumne River Regional Park.
Turlock reaches settlement agreement with city manager after months-long leave
Modesto Bee
The Turlock City Council approved a settlement agreement for City Manager Toby Wells on Tuesday, ending his employment four months after putting him on investigatory leave.
New telephone area code proposed for the 209 region. Why you will need to dial 10 numbers
Modesto Bee
The California Public Utilities Commission says it will introduce a new area code to the 209 geographic area because of projections phone carriers will start running out of new phone numbers in December 2022.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Fresno, Valley lag state and national COVID vaccination rates. Who’s skipping shots? Fresno Bee
Vaccinated employees crucial for Fresno-area businesses with California tiers expiring Fresno Bee
Public Health: Kings County, rest of state, will reopen next month Porterville Recorder
How do Fresno’s finances look post-pandemic? Mayor Jerry Dyer presents hopeful plan
Fresno Bee
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer unveiled on Wednesday his $1.4 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year with a focus on restoring staffing levels in public safety and cleaning up the city through maintenance and beautification efforts and serving the homeless population.
See also:
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer's budget includes hiring firefighters, new homeless assistance team abc30
Dyer’s First Budget Seeks Big Increase in Police Officers, Firefighters GVWire
Fresno Housing Authority renews $300,000 contract with police despite critics’ concerns
Fresno Bee
The City and County Boards of Commissioners of the Fresno Housing Authority have approved the renewal of a $300,000 contract with the Fresno Police Department.
Fresno City Council To Vote On Ordinance To Take Control Of Oversight For Mobile Home Parks
VPR
At a news conference at City Hall Tuesday, council member Garry Bredefeld said he wants to prevent another tragedy like the recent one at Trails End Mobile Home Park. The mobile home park had been operating without a permit for months when a fire broke out.
Valley communities lost water in last drought. Are small water systems ready this time?
Fresno Bee
Water systems were caught off guard in the last drought, leaving tens of thousands of people at risk of imminent water shortages.
Madera County focuses on homeless population
Madera Tribune
Access and Barriers to Care show that more than four in five homeless individuals have at least one ongoing health or mental health condition and one out of five cannot get care when sick/ill, putting them at a high risk for poorer health outcomes.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Kern Public Health reports 92 new coronavirus cases Wednesday Bakersfield Californian
As water flowed through the Kern River, court finds Bakersfield violated agreement
Bakersfield Californian
Who has the right to water in the Kern River? It has been the subject of fierce legal battles throughout Bakersfield’s history, and on Friday, the Ventura County Superior Court tried to answer a part of that question.
Kern sticks to slow lane in transition to electric vehicles
Bakersfield Californian
Kern’s adoption of electric vehicles lags behind its neighbors to the north and south even as more is being done to make it easier and more affordable for county residents to transition away from internal combustion.
Grand jury calls out underfunded Kern County pension system
Bakersfield Californian
In a report released Wednesday, the grand jury said a $1.8 billion unfunded liability at the Kern County Employees Retirement Association is a burden for taxpayers, and jurists recommended the county look into changing the system entirely.
State:
COVID Update:
California Coronavirus Updates: Legal Experts Say Businesses Are Allowed To Ask For Proof Of Vaccination From Customers Capital Public Radio
Gov. Newsom asks, 'What the hell is wrong with us?' following San Jose shooting
Visalia Times Delta
Just hours after a lone gunman shot and killed eight people in San Jose, Calif., Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the Golden State.
See also:
‘What the hell....?’ Gavin Newsom calls for more US gun control after San Jose shooting Sacramento Bee
Newsom after mass shooting: 'What the hell is wrong with us?' Politico
Follow the money: Gavin Newsom recall edition
CalMatters
The forecast for this summer is hot, with high wildfire risk and a fever-pitch campaign to determine the political fate of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
See also:
Caltrans and high-speed rail would hire hundreds of workers in Gov. Newsom’s budget
Fresno Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is gearing up for a hiring spree in the state’s transportation departments, advancing plans to add hundreds of positions for highways, roads and high-speed rail.
See also:
Joe Biden wants to spend $80 billion on rail projects. What does that mean for California? Fresno Bee
California social media regulations — a tougher sell in 2021
CalMatters
California lawmaker Cristina Garcia was spending time with a friend when she asked her friend’s 8-year-old why she was refusing to eat.
Confronting Our ‘Frailties’: California’s Assembly Leader Reflects on a Year of Covid
California Healthline
Many Californians have relied on telehealth to connect with their health care providers during the covid-19 pandemic, but the option isn’t available to everyone. That imbalance is just one of the “frailties” in America’s health system that Rendon says lawmakers must address.
Walters: Why it’s not easy to build affordable housing in California
CalMatters
While running for governor three years ago, Gavin Newsom foolishly promised that if elected California would solve its housing crisis by building 3.5 million units by 2025.
Federal government slashes water deliveries to farms, cities as California drought worsens
Modesto Bee
California’s water supply got cut again Wednesday, with the federal government reducing allocations to cities and farms as the drought intensified.
Federal:
COVID Update:
Half of US adults now fully vaccinated against COVID-19: CDC abc30
Biden Calls for Intelligence Report on Origins of Covid-19 Wall Street Journal
Poll finds most are unfamiliar with Biden spending plans
The Hill
A new Morning Consult-Politico poll released on Wednesday found that a majority of Americans are not familiar with President Biden’s plans to spend $4 trillion on two ambitious proposals to create jobs and strengthen the social safety net for families.
See also:
Biden’s Budget: What to Expect and What It Means Wall Street Journal
Opinion: How to leverage federal dollars to advance equity through community councils CalMatters
Opinion: Biden wants bipartisanship to fail and for the GOP to be blamed for it Washington Post
Senate Republicans make new infrastructure offer as House Democrats urge Biden to dig in
Washington Post
In an attempt to salvage stalled negotiations, Senate Republicans on Thursday unveiled a revised counteroffer for infrastructure spending, outlining roughly $928 billion in a package that’s still far short of what the White House has proposed.
See also:
Senate Republicans Unveil $928 Billion Infrastructure Offer Wall Street Journal
Opinion: How Mitch McConnell and the GOP perfected the politics of ‘No!’ Los Angeles Times
‘They wouldn’t care if I was dead’ — staffer fallout from Jan. 6 continues
Roll Call
A congressional staffer froze recently when elevator doors opened and there stood a member of the House who has downplayed the violence of the Jan. 6 insurrection. Some congressional employees are shaken by what they see as the whitewashing of the attack.
See also:
Opinion: The Consequences of Not Creating a Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Commission Wall Street Journal
66% of GOP want Trump to run for reelection: poll
The Hill
A majority of Republicans want former President Trump to run for the White House in 2024 as he mulls a comeback bid, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.
Democrats in both chambers launch public option effort
Roll Call
Two key committee chairs in the House and Senate are taking the first step toward crafting legislation to create a public health insurance option, reviving a debate between the parties on the federal government’s role in coverage and setting up a fight with the insurance industry.
Biden Administration Taps Private Sector to Invest in Central America
Wall Street Journal
VP Kamala Harris on Thursday will unveil the agreements of 12 companies and organizations to invest in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as part of the administration’s efforts to deal with a surge of migrants from Central America at the U.S. southern border.
AP Fact Check: House GOP falsely blames Biden for gas prices
AP News
Heading into the Memorial Day travel weekend, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and other members of his party are falsely blaming President Joe Biden for higher gasoline and lumber costs.
Other:
Opinion: What’s next for the COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property waiver proposal?
AEI
Earlier this month, the White House dropped an intellectual property bombshell, announcing that it was relaxing the Donald Trump administration’s opposition to suspending patent rights related to COVID-19 vaccines.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, May 30, at 9 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "Air Quality: Has the Valley Hit the Invisible Wall?"- Guests: Rachel Becker, Environmental Reporter - CalMatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, May 30, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "Valley Air: Are We Breathing Any Easier?" - Guests: Tom Jordan, Senior Policy Advisor - San Joaquin Valley Air District; Dr. Tania Pacheco-Werner, Co-Director - Fresno State’s Central Valley Health Policy Institute. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Federal government slashes water deliveries to farms, cities as California drought worsens
Modesto Bee
California’s water supply got cut again Wednesday, with the federal government reducing allocations to cities and farms as the drought intensified.
California drought enters dangerous territory. What’s ahead for fish, farms and cities
Fresno Bee
In just a few weeks, California’s water conditions have gone from bad to terrible. Sacramento residents have been asked to cut water usage 10%. Their counterparts on the Russian River are being told to reduce their consumption 20%.
California finds 4% of fruits, vegetables contaminated by pesticide
Visalia Times Delta
A new report shows that 4% of California produce sold in grocery stores contains illegal amounts of harmful pesticides. While regulators say this is well within safe limits, advocates say they find that statement "alarming."
Citrus officials urge tree owners to leave their fruit at home this weekend
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County citrus grower Matt Fisher knows how crazy it sounds to ask people not to pack up their backyard citrus as gifts for family and friends as they prepare to hit the road Memorial Day weekend.
Commentary: Agricultural insurance: The antidote to many economic illnesses
Brookings
In recent years, the world has encountered a range of compounding shocks: droughts, floods, wildfires, cyclones, and most recently, a worldwide pandemic that has taken over 3.3 million lives—some estimates even indicate up to 13 million deaths.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Gov. Newsom asks, 'What the hell is wrong with us?' following San Jose shooting
Visalia Times Delta
Just hours after a lone gunman shot and killed eight people in San Jose, Calif., Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the Golden State.
See also:
‘What the hell....?’ Gavin Newsom calls for more US gun control after San Jose shooting Sacramento Bee
Newsom after mass shooting: 'What the hell is wrong with us?' Politico
Editorial: San Jose mass shooting demands action on gun control Mercury News
’Unprecedented surge’: California gun purchases spiked in the pandemic as unrest, violence rose Sacramento Bee
44 district attorneys sue California prison officials over ‘early releases’ of inmates
Modesto Bee
A group of 44 California district attorneys sued state prison officials Wednesday trying to force a halt to emergency state rules that they claim would allow the early release of 76,000 inmates.
Cities Reverse Defunding the Police Amid Rising Crime
Wall Street Journal
One year after the movement to “defund” law enforcement began to upend municipal budgets, many American cities are restoring money to their police departments or proposing to spend more.
Public Safety:
Response skills tested during mock emergency at Fresno Yosemite International
Fresno Bee
The Fresno Yosemite International Airport conducted a simulated full-scale emergency exercise on Wednesday. The exercise, required by the FAA every three years, tests airfield disaster preparedness and response by simulating a full-scale aircraft emergency.
California prison workers can win gift cards, $1,000 lottery prize if they get a COVID vaccine
Sacramento Bee
California’s federal receivership, which oversees state prison healthcare, is rolling out prizes and a lottery to persuade state prison employees to become vaccinated against COVID-19 in a new effort to persuade reluctant workers to get the shots.
See also:
No, It Is Not Illegal For Businesses To Require Proof Of Vaccination Capital Public Radio
A Real Opportunity in the Fight Against Opioid Use Disorders
PEW
Billions of dollars will be flowing to states and localities from opioid lawsuit settlements and court rulings. They need to set up a framework for dedicating the money to programs that save lives.
AP-NORC poll: More Americans believe anti-Asian hate rising
AP News
A majority of Americans across racial and ethnic groups believe discrimination has worsened in the last year against Asian Americans, who became the target of attacks after being unfairly blamed for the coronavirus pandemic.
Fire:
It could be smoky in parts of Modesto over the next few days. Here’s why.
Modesto Bee
There could be smoke in parts of Modesto during the latter half of the week as firefighters conduct training burns at Tuolumne River Regional Park.
PG&E to pay millions for two more California wildfires. More claims are still pending
Modesto Bee
PG&E Corp. agreed Wednesday to pay $43.4 million to settle claims filed by local governments over a 2019 wildfire that ravaged California’s wine country and a deadly fire last year in Shasta County.
Editorial: Congress must act on California wildfire prevention funding
Mercury News
It’s inconceivable that Congress has largely failed to act on one of the West’s most pressing issues. California’s senators and representatives must not let another year pass without making a serious investment in wildfire prevention.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Washington Post
The White House is set to propose on Friday a $6 trillion budget plan as President Biden seeks major changes to the U.S. economy and welfare system, according to two people briefed on the proposal and an internal summary document.
The US economy is closer than ever to 'back to normal.' But we've still got a long way to go
CNN
More than a year after the pandemic began, the US economy is on the cusp of a full recovery. But reaching that milestone still won't be easy.
Jobs:
Caltrans and high-speed rail would hire hundreds of workers in Gov. Newsom’s budget
Fresno Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is gearing up for a hiring spree in the state’s transportation departments, advancing plans to add hundreds of positions for highways, roads and high-speed rail.
Caltrans overpaid thousands of workers $1.5 million and didn’t recoup the money, audit says
Sacramento Bee
The California Department of Transportation cost taxpayers $1.5 million by failing to collect overpaid wages it made to retiring and departing workers, according to a state audit released Tuesday.
Latinos create jobs app for Spanish speakers
CalMatters
Chamba, a Spanish term for jobs, is a free employment search tool launched during the pandemic to help workers connect to employers. It’s available in English and Spanish nationwide.
Column: There's good news on jobs in California — but Newsom is ignoring the bad
Desert Sun
There is a seamless connection between what Gavin Newsom is saying and doing as governor and his campaign to survive a recall, encapsulated in the slogan “California Comeback.”
U.S. Jobless Claims Extend Decline to New Pandemic Low
Wall Street Journal
Worker filings for jobless benefits fell again to a fresh pandemic low, extending a steady downward trend and adding to signs of a healing labor market as the economy opens more fully.
See also:
EDUCATION
K-12:
Clovis High Schooler's Drought-Detecting Robot Earns International Science Fair Honors
VPR
Clovis North High School sophomore John Estrada has qualified for the state science fair four times since middle school. But his project this year, a drought-detecting robot, earned the 16-year-old top honors at the world’s largest science competition.
Schools Clear Hurdle to Returning in the Fall: Teachers Want to Come Back
Wall Street Journal
Following a year of battles between teachers unions and schools that repeatedly stalled the reopening of classrooms nationwide, unions and many rank-and-file teachers have changed course, saying they are ready to head back to school in the fall.
Higher Ed:
CA lawmakers hope to increase California-student admissions to UC system
abc30
After a public outcry over massive rejections by University of California schools this year, state lawmakers hope to increase the number of in-state students accepted by the system. The population of the UC system has increased the number of students from out of state to about 18%.
Merced College breaks ground on new $24 million agriculture student complex
Merced Sun-Star
For the first time in more than a decade, Merced College will have a new building. Construction of the new 29,000-square-foot Raj Kahlon Agriculture and Industrial Technology Complex kicked off Wednesday morning with a formal groundbreaking ceremony.
Opinion: Outdated Cal Grant needs an overhaul for equitable outcomes
CalMatters
California’s 50-year-old Cal Grant financial aid program does not work for our students or our state, and leaders know it.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
California and US agree to allow big offshore wind farms
Modesto Bee
California and the U.S. government announced an agreement Tuesday to open up areas off the state's central and northern coasts to the first commercial wind energy farms on the Pacific Coast.
Earth Is Barreling Toward 1.5 Degrees Celsius Of Warming, Scientists Warn
NPR
The average temperature on Earth is now consistently 1 degree Celsius hotter than it was in the late 1800s, and that temperature will keep rising toward the critical 1.5-degree Celsius benchmark over the next five years, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization.
Energy:
Extreme heat drives 'high risk' summer for U.S. power, especially in California
Reuters
Extreme heat this summer could create energy shortfalls in California, Texas, New England and the U.S. West and Central regions, the organization responsible for North American electric reliability warned on Wednesday.
Oil Giants Are Dealt Major Defeats on Climate Change as Pressures Intensify
Wall Street Journal
Exxon XOM -0.69% Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell RDS.A -0.88%PLC suffered significant defeats Wednesday as environmental groups and activist investors step up pressure on the oil industry to address concerns about climate change.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Despite California’s overall COVID-19 vaccine progress, gaps remain
Los Angeles Times
Despite the overall progress made in vaccinating residents for COVID-19, vast gulfs in inoculation rates have opened among California’s 58 counties, illustrating the state’s uneven pace toward community immunity against the coronavirus.
Why a Grand Plan to Vaccinate the World Against Covid Unraveled
Wall Street Journal
This spring, American epidemiologist Seth Berkley had to break some bad news to the world’s poorest countries: millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses promised to them weren’t coming.
Human Services:
In California, Nursing Home Owners Can Operate After They're Denied A License
NPR
The pandemic has highlighted poor care in America's nursing homes, where nearly 175,000 people have died of COVID-19 — a third of all deaths in the country.
Democrats promised to lower drug prices, but plans are sputtering
Los Angeles Times
With control of Congress and the White House, Democrats have an opportunity to bring down prescription drug prices, addressing one of voters’ top concerns and finally fulfilling a campaign pledge Speaker Nancy Pelosi made to voters 15 years ago.
IMMIGRATION
Low-income US immigrants feared seeking benefits during pandemic – report
The Guardian
Low-income immigrants in the US who struggled to afford basic needs during the coronavirus pandemic avoided seeking government benefits and other assistance because of immigration-related concerns, according to a new report by the Urban Institute.
See also:
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
A project that ‘benefits everybody.’ Atwater strives to make downtown pedestrian-friendly
Merced Sun-Star
Atwater plans to add new sidewalks to about half a dozen city streets to make the city safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
Helping residents ‘buy back the block’ with American Rescue Plan funds
Brookings
Much like in the aftermath of the Great Recession, the pandemic is prompting well-capitalized individuals and institutions to buy real estate in communities where land values are likely to rise—what some are referring to as the “post-COVID-19 land grab.”
Housing:
Fresno City Council To Vote On Ordinance To Take Control Of Oversight For Mobile Home Parks
VPR
At a news conference at City Hall Tuesday, council member Garry Bredefeld said he wants to prevent another tragedy like the recent one at Trails End Mobile Home Park. The mobile home park had been operating without a permit for months when a fire broke out on April 29th.
Fresno Housing Authority renews $300,000 contract with police despite critics’ concerns
Fresno Bee
The City and County Boards of Commissioners of the Fresno Housing Authority have approved the renewal of a $300,000 contract with the Fresno Police Department.
Madera County focuses on homeless population
Madera Tribune
Key findings from the MCDPH Homeless Assessment: Access and Barriers to Care show that more than four in five homeless individuals have at least one ongoing health or mental health condition and one out of five cannot get care when sick/ill putting them a high risk for poorer health outcomes in the release announced May 18.
California to simplify rent relief application
CalMatters
A new survey finds tenants are having a hard time accessing the state’s $2.6 billion emergency rent relief, which is contributing to the slow distribution of California’s marquee program to thwart a potential statewide eviction tsunami.
Newsom’s top housing adviser says ‘start with yes’
CalMatters
With a key legislative deadline next week, Newsom’s housing adviser speaks about the governor’s priorities on affordable housing. The big takeaway: California is millions of housing units short, and cities hold the key.
Walters: Why it’s not easy to build affordable housing in California
CalMatters
While running for governor three years ago, Gavin Newsom foolishly promised that if elected California would solve its housing crisis by building 3.5 million units by 2025.
Understanding the eviction crisis: Preserving the housing ecosystem
AEI
The steps taken to ameliorate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have included both federal and state rules and spending to stave off what is said to be a looming wave of renter evictions.
PUBLIC FINANCES
How do Fresno’s finances look post-pandemic? Mayor Jerry Dyer presents hopeful plan
Fresno Bee
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer unveiled on Wednesday his $1.4 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year with a focus on restoring staffing levels in public safety and cleaning up the city through maintenance and beautification efforts and serving the homeless population.
See also:
Federal tax refund delay unacceptable to some, who say IRS should have adapted to pandemic by now
abc30
Dozens of people said they filed their taxes months ago, but haven't received their refunds. It usually takes the IRS about 21 days to issue tax refunds, but the delay this year mirrors the delays in 2020. But the people who reached out to the ABC7 I-Team said they're counting on that money.
TRANSPORTATION
Joe Biden wants to spend $80 billion on rail projects. What does that mean for California?
Fresno Bee
Suddenly the long-delayed, long-embattled California high speed rail project has powerful friends in Washington, D.C.
Planned Merced ACE train reaches new milestone, bringing prospect of more tourism, new jobs
Merced Sun-Star
The long-anticipated Altamont Corridor Express train connection to Merced recently reached a new milestone, bringing the project another step closer to fruition.
Kern sticks to slow lane in transition to electric vehicles
Bakersfield Californian
Kern’s adoption of electric vehicles lags behind its neighbors to the north and south even as more is being done to make it easier and more affordable for county residents to transition away from internal combustion.
WATER
Valley communities lost water in last drought. Are small water systems ready this time?
Fresno Bee
Water systems were caught off guard in the last drought, leaving tens of thousands of people at risk of imminent water shortages.
California drought enters dangerous territory. What’s ahead for fish, farms and cities
Fresno Bee
In just a few weeks, California’s water conditions have gone from bad to terrible. Sacramento residents have been asked to cut water usage 10%. Their counterparts on the Russian River are being told to reduce their consumption 20%.
As water flowed through the Kern River, court finds Bakersfield violated agreement
Bakersfield Californian
Who has the right to water in the Kern River? It has been the subject of fierce legal battles throughout Bakersfield’s history, and on Friday, the Ventura County Superior Court tried to answer a part of that question.
Federal government slashes water deliveries to farms, cities as California drought worsens
Modesto Bee
California’s water supply got cut again Wednesday, with the federal government reducing allocations to cities and farms as the drought intensified.
See also:
As drought worsens, tensions erupt over control of SoCal’s largest water supplier
Los Angeles Times
Southern California’s biggest water supplier has chosen a new general manager — but the selection isn’t yet final, and the fiercely contested vote is exposing deep disagreements within the powerful agency as a severe drought grips the region.
“Xtra”
Disneyland will soon allow guests from outside California to visit park. What to know
Fresno Bee
Disneyland opened to California residents in April, but everyone can visit soon. Disneyland Resort announced Wednesday that people outside California can go to the theme parks starting June 15.
See also:
Disneyland to allow out-of-state visitors starting June 15 abc30
Disneyland starts selling tickets to travelers from outside California Los Angeles Times
Fresno Grizzlies to open stadium to 100% capacity starting June 15
abc30
More baseball fans will soon be able to watch the Fresno Grizzlies play at Chukchansi Park in downtown Fresno. The minor league team announced Wednesday that they would open the stadium to 100% capacity on June 15, the day California plans to reopen its economy and lose pandemic restrictions.
Visalia's Darling Hotel ranked among best in the world by Tripadvisor
Visalia Times Delta
The Darling Hotel was named one of the world's "Hottest New Hotels" by Tripadvisor, placing Visalia in the top 20 with Sydney, Dubai and other international tourist destinations.
Bethany Clough: Sumner Peck Ranch near Fresno reopens with a new winery, blueberry picking and more
Fresno Bee
Sumner Peck Ranch is back. The big property on Friant Road with the sprawling white building had been closed for more than a year after matriarch Carolyn Peck died. But the property is open to the public again, with a lot more going on.
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
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