Maddy Institute – May 5, 2020

05May

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

New COVID-19 testing site opens at Merced Fairgrounds, as case total continues to rise

Merced Sun Star

A new COVID-19 testing site was launched Monday at the Merced County Fairgrounds — an effort that’s expected to expand testing to all county residents and give a clearer picture of how many people are infected locally.

Merced considers options to boost economy, including vouchers for local shopping

abc30

Like cities across California, Merced is filled with businesses that are suffering more each day. That includes The Chocolate Dipper candy shop on Main Street, which usually relies on foot traffic and filling large orders for fundraisers.

EDITORIAL: We’ll soon understand coronavirus illness by neighborhood, Stanislaus leaders promise

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County’s plan to begin publicly sharing coronavirus information based on ZIP code, and also broken down by race, is welcome news, if a little late in coming.

Central SJ Valley:

Devin Nunes’ lawyer facing prospect of sanctions after two recent, rare court warnings

Fresno Bee

The attorney representing Rep. Devin Nunes in six lawsuits has received two recent, rare warnings from judges that raise the prospect of courts sanctioning him.

Fresno health officials address reopening plans, another COVID-19 nursing home death

Fresno Bee

Fresno County health officials on Monday addressed statewide plans to reopen some businesses, along with announcing the county’s ninth coronavirus death, an 89-year-old man and nursing home resident.

Clovis asks Gov. Newsom for COVID-19 relief and to allow businesses to reopen

Fresno Bee

The Clovis City Council on Monday approved two letters to California Gov. Gavin Newsom requesting funding for coronavirus relief and seeking permission to allow businesses to reopen.

This Fresno County town has reopened barbershops, despite governor’s orders

Fresno Bee

Parlier is among the first cities in California to reopen its barbershops and hair salons amid the coronavirus pandemic.

● Virus Diaries: Newly reopened Parlier barbershop draws customers from far, wide Business Journal

Ready to golf? Fresno revises pandemic policies for public courses and medical services

Fresno Bee

Public golf courses in Fresno are allowed to reopen, the city announced Monday evening. The new policy from Mayor Lee Brand aligns with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement earlier Monday allowing some businesses to reopen.

South SJ Valley:

Actor Sean Penn, Leticia Perez unveil free COVID-19 testing site in east Bakersfield

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County Board of Supervisors chair Leticia Perez welcomed the soft-opening of Kern County’s first free COVID-19 testing center Monday morning with the help of actor-director Sean Penn and his emergency relief organization.

New data shows where COVID-19 is spreading in local communities across the county

KGET

The new data shows the novel virus is spreading in the valley, especially in Bakersfield zip codes 93313, 93307, Lamont and Arvin. The Kern River Valley has very few cases compared to Tehachapi, Frazier Park and Pine Mountain Club.

Bakersfield City Council to vote on supporting local effort to reopen county

Bakersfield Californian

The city of Bakersfield stands ready to support a local effort to pressure Gov. Gavin Newsom to let Kern County reopen ahead of other areas of the state.

See also:

● County leaders feel Kern is well-positioned for reopening Bakersfield Californian

Mathews: Save local government by eliminating them

Bakersfield Californian

In California, local governments are too weak and small to be effective. Why? There are simply too many of them. And so, for the past decade, I have pined publicly for an “extinction event” that would kill off thousands of California local governments.

State:

Many California stores can reopen Friday from coronavirus lockdown, Newsom announces

Fresno Bee

Many California retail businesses will be able to reopen with some modifications by the end of the week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Monday, signaling an easing of the restrictions he handed down on March 19 to slow the coronavirus outbreak.

● Reopening Will Start Friday, Newsom Says New York Times

● Some California businesses can reopen as soon as Friday. Which ones are on the list? Fresno Bee

● Newsom: California could reach phase two of economic reopening as early as Friday abc30

● Newsom says some business may reopen this week Visalia Times Delta

● Some California Businesses Could Reopen As Soon As Friday, Gov. Newsom Says Capital Public Radio

● Gov. Newsom Announces California Will Begin Easing Coronavirus Closures This Week Capital Public Radio

● Gov. Gavin Newsom says reopening California will begin this week amid coronavirus crisisLos Angeles Times

● California reopening would start slow, not be complete for a year or longer, expert estimatesLos Angeles Times

● Yuba, Sutter open despite Newsom’s stay-at-home order. How they could be a model for others Sacramento Bee

● Rural California is demanding to reopen now even as Newsom urges patience Los Angeles Times

Is Sacramento facing repeat of last Friday’s Capitol protest over stay-at-home order?

Fresno Bee

Days after 32 people were arrested while protesting at the state Capitol, another group has asked for a permit to stage a 500-person prayer meeting there Thursday that organizers say “will be a safe, peaceful event” that will include social distancing.

California readies army of coronavirus detectives

CalMatters

The Newsom administration has teamed with two universities to train more than 3,000 employees per week to become coronavirus detectives tracing the spread of the disease throughout California.

Newsom administration refuses to divulge nearly $1-billion contract for coronavirus masks

Los Angeles Times

Attorneys for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration refused Monday to reveal the contents of a $990-million contract for purchasing protective masks from a Chinese electric car manufacturer, even though millions of the masks have already arrived in California to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strict rules, limited access as California Legislature resumes work on coronavirus needs

Los Angeles Times

Separated from one another and wearing masks while speaking into microphones draped with protective coverings, some members of the California Legislature returned to the state Capitol on Monday.

Why Liberal Californians Don’t Want to Go Back to Normal

New York Times

California has let thousands of people out of prisons and found shelter for many who had been living on the streets, but how far the progressive wing can push the state remains a question.

Federal:

Lifted lockdowns could push US coronavirus death toll to 134,000, model projects

Fresno Bee

As states continue to relax stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions, the projected number of coronavirus deaths in the U.S. has almost doubled to 134,000, according to a University of Washington model regularly used by the White House.

● A Trump administration projection and a public model predict rising death tolls New York Times

● Grim new projections forecast ‘explosive growth’ in COVID-19 cases, deaths PBS

● Public Coronavirus Data Varies Widely Between States Pew Trusts

Trump’s anti-China rhetoric aimed at boosting US leverage

Fresno Bee

The Trump administration is making ever louder pronouncements casting blame on China for the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to sidestep domestic criticism of the president’s own response and tarnish China’s global reputation.

Before pandemic, Trump’s stockpile chief put focus on biodefense. An old client benefited.

Washington Post

Kadlec said the terms of the contract are “consistent with what you find sometimes in the Department of Defense when you extend a contract over 10 or more years. What you’re finding is that you pay a little bit more.” He did not elaborate.

Trump cheers on governors even as they ignore White House coronavirus guidelines in race to reopen

Washington Post

States across the country are moving swiftly to reopen their economies despite failing to achieve benchmarks laid out by the White House for when social distancing restrictions could be eased to ensure the public’s safety during the coronavirus pandemic. These governors’ biggest cheerleader is President Trump.

Supreme Court Arguments A Tech Success, But Format Strangles Usual Give-And-Take

Capital Public Radio

Justice Clarence Thomas, who often goes years without asking a question, asked several. But for others, the format froze follow up.

● Clarence Thomas speaks and other notable events from the Supreme Court ‘tele-arguments’Los Angeles Times

● Supreme Court sails through first online oral argument Roll Call

● Coronavirus Special Report: A historic moment for the Supreme Court Roll Call

Congress should ban lawmakers from sleeping in offices amid coronavirus

San Francisco Chronicle

Rep. Jackie Speier says it’s time to ban members of Congress from sleeping in their offices, saying buildings on Capitol Hill are not designed to be “homeless shelters” for lawmakers.

● Liability Shield Is Next Coronavirus Aid Battle in Congress Wall Street Journal

Opinion: Eleven Questions for Director of National Intelligence Nominee Rep. John Ratcliffe

Lawfare

Amid questions about the ability of Congress to function in regular order during a pandemic, the Senate Committee on Intelligence will hold an open hearing today to consider the controversial nomination of Representative John Ratcliffe to serve as director of national intelligence.

Coronavirus Trackers:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California

Covid19.ca.gov

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

● Coronavirus (COVID-19) CDC

● Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic – WHO

● John Hopkins University & Medicine John Hopkins University

● Tracking coronavirus in California Los Angeles Times

● Coronavirus Tracker San Francisco Chronicle

● Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count New York Times

● How many coronavirus cases have been reported in each U.S. state? Politico

● Coronavirus Daily NPR

● Coronavirus tracked: the latest figures as the pandemic spreads Financial Times

● Coronavirus in California by the numbers CalMatters

Elections 2020:

Joe Biden to hold first high-dollar fundraiser, featuring Gov. Gavin Newsom

Los Angeles Times

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will hold his first high-dollar fundraiser Friday, a virtual gathering featuring California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Biden Camp Finds Selling Point in Ailing Economy: His Work on 2009 Recovery

New York Times

11 years later, in an election season defined by pandemic, economic collapse and a far-larger relief package, Mr. Biden’s campaign is hoping to leverage his stewardship of the 2009 stimulus as a point of contrast with President Trump.

The six states at the center of the battleground map six months from Election Day

Fresno Bee

Six months from Election Day, most Americans have set aside a presidential campaign that’s been upended by the worst pandemic in modern history.

Is online voting the answer during a pandemic? Cybersecurity experts say no

Fresno Bee

The coronavirus pandemic has created a need for a new way to hold elections, and while many states are considering vote-by-mail, some states are experimenting with “internet voting.”

Other:

How to get your news during the time of coronavirus

PolitiFact

Feeling stressed by the news during the time of the coronavirus? We have three pieces of advice: Read with intention. Beware of false hype, both positive and negative. Look to history and science for important perspective.

McClatchy says it has agreement with key creditors on procedure, timeline for potential sale

Fresno Bee

McClatchy Co. told a bankruptcy judge Monday that it has reached an agreement with less protected creditors on a timeline and process for putting the nation’s second-largest local news company up for sale.

Campaign to back Asian American nonprofits kick-started to commemorate heritage month

Sacramento Bee

More than 80 organizations are participating in a national campaign to support nonprofits serving Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities. The campaign, launched May 1, coincides with the 30th anniversary of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Track us better: overlooked Pacific Islanders hit hard by coronavirus

CalMatters

Pacific Islander communities in California have long faced economic and health disparities that make them uniquely vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. Often overlooked by public health officials, community leaders are mounting their own response.

EDITORIAL: Weighing Sweden’s Coronavirus Model

Wall Street Journal

While its neighbors and the rest of Europe imposed strict lockdowns, Stockholm has taken a relatively permissive approach. It has focused on testing and building up health-care capacity while relying on voluntary social distancing, which Swedes have embraced.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Farmers overrun with dead livestock during coronavirus pandemic aren’t sure what to do

Fresno Bee

Farmers are being forced to find new ways to get rid of their livestock after the coronavirus pandemic forced meatpacking plants and slaughterhouses to close because of outbreaks among workers.

● Opinion: American meat lovers should not panic AEI

Ruiz Foods has more than 70 COVID-19 cases

Visalia Times Delta

Thirty-four more employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at Ruiz Foods facilities in Dinuba and Tulare, bringing the total number of cases at the plants to 77 as of Sunday, Tulare County health officials confirmed.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

California Supreme Court rejects prisoner release lawsuit

San Francisco Chronicle

The California Supreme Court refused Monday to order state officials to release large numbers of inmates from local jails and juvenile detention centers to ease crowded conditions that spread the coronavirus.

Public Safety:

Is it legal to ban guns at protests? Forgotten laws resurface at coronavirus rallies

Fresno Bee

The Constitution grants Americans the rights to assemble and bear arms under the First and Second amendments — but a handful of states prevent them from doing both at the same time.

Fire:

Four-legged friends helping Hanford Fire Department with mental health

abc30

From devastating home fires to heart-wrenching car wrecks, firefighters on the front lines see it all. To help them cope, the firefighters of the Hanford Fire department are getting a little from some four-legged friends.

ECONOMY/JOBS

Economy:

Fresno-area Goodwill thrift shops: Don’t drop off donations during pandemic. Here’s why

Fresno Bee

Goodwill stores in the central San Joaquin Valley have a request that six months ago would have seemed absurd: Please don’t donate. More accurately, please don’t dump your donations outside their stores.

Not-So-Small Businesses Continue To Benefit From PPP Loans

Capital Public Radio

SBA data show that demand is still very high for the loans, and that smaller amounts are going out this time. But large, multimillion-dollar loans are still eating up a good chunk of the money.

Trust in CEOs has fallen during coronavirus pandemic, report says

Los Angeles Times

Amid an enormous public health crisis, trust in governments is rising, while trust in businesses and their leaders in particular has fallen sharply, according to a new report by communications firm Edelman.

Stocks shake off an early loss and end higher, led by tech

Los Angeles Times

Stocks on Wall Street shook off an early stumble and scratched out small gains Monday as the market’s momentum slows following its best month in decades.

E-Cigarette Maker Juul Is Moving Base From San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Wall Street Journal

Juul Labs Inc. is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., as the e-cigarette maker seeks to repair its relationship with regulators and distance itself from Silicon Valley’s growth-at-all-costs culture, according to people familiar with the matter.

The ABCs of the post-COVID economic recovery

Brookings

At the beginning of the COVID-related economic decline, analysts were predicting a “V-shaped” recovery. Now economists are theorizing a wide-range of potential recovery shapes: Z-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, W-shaped, L-shaped, and even the Nike Swoosh.

See also:

● EDITORIAL: Targeted Lockdowns Are Better Wall Street Journal

Jobs:

Solo truckers struggle to get rolling with stimulus fund

KGET 17

Of the just over 311,000 for-hire motor carriers in the United States, roughly half operate a single truck, according to the drivers association. That’s their business.

Call It Hero Pay or Hazard Pay, Essential Workers Want More of It

Wall Street Journal

Businesses are starting to reassess the bonus pay for hourly employees who have been going into work through the coronavirus pandemic.

Gig Workers Wait for Long-Promised Relief

Pew Trusts

As the pain continues for jobless people around the country — with many unable to claim benefits because of jammed application systems — gig workers in many states are only just now allowed to join the quest for benefits.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Frustrated parents say Fresno schools have no plan for special education students

Fresno Bee

Fresno Unified School District special education parents say they are frustrated with what they say is a lack of guidance and support from the district now seven weeks into the distance learning period caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

With college near and coronavirus still here, high school seniors face big questions

Modesto Bee

The coronavirus pandemic already tore their senior year to shreds. Now, high school soon-to-be-grads are committing, or will commit, to universities they’ve not been able to visit and might not even be attending in person when the academic year begins.

Panama-Buena Vista Union School District adjusts meal service times

Bakersfield Californian

Panama-Buena Vista Union School District is changing the “Grab N Go” meal service times to minimize heat exposure to families and employees.

‘They Want To Play.’ Parents Keep Kids Busy, Entertained Without Seeing Their Friends

Capital Public Radio

To slow the spread of the virus, guidelines continue to recommend against in-person playdates for children from separate households.

‘Truly complicated’: Reopening California schools will be a logistical nightmare

San Francisco Chronicle

How do you keep 2,000 high school students 6 feet apart? Who will ensure kindergartners keep their hands out of their mouths? Where will the money come from to buy masks and gloves and cleaning supplies?

Big variations per student in what California districts will get in federal stimulus aid

EdSource

Educators are hoping it will be the first installment of a bigger influx of federal aid later this summer that will let them shore up their budgets from expected cuts in state funding, as well as cover additional expenses from the coronavirus.

● Youth, Disconnected: Coronavirus Shutdown Leaves Some Behind Pew Trusts

Higher Ed:

‘Feeling so isolated’: Coronavirus alters Stanislaus State dorm life for students

Modesto Bee

About three-quarters of the residents this semester moved out, said Renee Giannini, interim director of housing and residential life.

Fall classes at Delta College will be mostly online

Stockton Record

Fall semester classes at San Joaquin Delta College will be mostly online in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the community college announced.

Disasters Have Shut Down California Colleges In The Past: Here’s How They Fared

Capital Public Radio

Before the coronavirus shut down colleges and universities, some had already suffered natural disasters that decreased enrollment, slowed students’ progress toward graduation and deprived faculty and staff of income.

UC could reopen just one-third of its dorm rooms this fall

Los Angeles Times

The UC could reopen just one-third to one-half of dorm rooms this fall in order to maintain safe distances among students amid the coronavirus outbreak, a top UC official said Monday, raising questions about what would happen to others without campus housing.

Opinion: Why We Must Teach Western Civilization

National Review

The legacy of our culture is unsurpassed in human history; to ignore it is an act of rank self-hatred.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

Environment:

Coastal Towns Weigh Reopening Beaches Before Memorial Day

Route Fifty

Memorial Day typically serves as the official kick-off to the summer season in many coastal towns. But the coronavirus pandemic means summer is likely to start much later this year—and suntans and sand castles will have to wait.

Video: The Benefits of Headwater Forest Management

Reuters

The health of California’s headwater forests is in decline, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to major wildfires and droughts that threaten the many benefits they provide.

Energy:

Energy traders accused of illegal scheme to drive up California gasoline prices

Sacramento Bee

California officials accused two energy trading firms Monday of illegally driving up gasoline prices through a complex scheme that cost the state’s motorists millions of dollars.

● California AG sues two gas firms for alleged price manipulation San Francisco Chronicle

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Scientists say a now-dominant strain of the coronavirus appears to be more contagious than original

Los Angeles Times

Scientists have identified a new strain of the coronavirus that has become dominant worldwide and appears to be more contagious than the versions that spread in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More nursing home COVID-19 deaths, new facility with virus. Tulare, Fresno County cases grow

Fresno Bee

Three more patients at skilled nursing facilities in Tulare County have died from coronavirus, health officials said Monday.

● Tulare County reports 743 confirmed cases Visalia Times Delta

● 3 New Cases in Madera County; 1 New Case in Mariposa County Sierra News

● Stanislaus County reports 15th coronavirus death; Turlock facility now has eight Modesto Bee

● ‘Our patients are dropping like flies’: 16,000 dead from COVID-19 in U.S. nursing homesStockton Record

● County releases new details on COVID-19 cases; announces 11 new cases, another free test site Bakersfield Californian

● Agency setting coronavirus standards for nursing homes is moving too slow, lawmaker saysFresno Bee

Going out to buy groceries in Fresno? Don’t forget your face mask

abc30

If you plan to head outside to visit your local grocery store or pharmacy, you may be stopped at the door if you’re not wearing a face mask. Local essential businesses are now requiring customers to protect themselves and others as COVID-19 continues its spread throughout Fresno County and neighboring areas.

See also:

● Some essential businesses requiring face masks Visalia Times Delta

● Masks become a new battleground amid pandemic: ‘You could literally kill someone’ Los Angeles Times

● Why California dentists can’t fix your teeth right now: The state took their face masksSacramento Bee

● Stop sharing myths about preventing the coronavirus. Here are 4 real ways to protect yourself PolitiFact

● Opinion: Personal Responsibility and the Coronavirus Wall Street Journal

Opinion: COVID-19 increases need to protect children from dangers of tobacco vaping addiction

Fresno Bee

Leading health organizations, along with state Senator Jerry Hill, sent a letter last month to California public health officials urging them to monitor tobacco use among the victims of COVID-19.

Human Services:

New COVID-19 testing site opens at Merced Fairgrounds, as case total continues to rise

Fresno Bee

● California’s Coronavirus Testing Still A Frustrating Patchwork Of Haves And Have-Nots VPR

Faulty COVID-19 antibody tests made it to US market, FDA says. What about the results?

Fresno Bee

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday clamped down on companies selling antibody tests, also known as serological tests, after lax regulations early in the pandemic allowed for unauthorized tests to flood the market.

Technology could help Central Valley with contact tracing

abc30

The road to recovery is paved with a lot of coronavirus testing capacity, but as Governor Newsom said Monday, contact tracing may be just as important. The Central Valley and the entire state are short on the needed staff for contact tracing, but some local technology could help us catch up fast.

● Five things we need to do to make contact tracing really work MIT Technology Review

● Reopening Means Contact Tracing. Many States Aren’t Ready. Pew Trusts

Kern Health Systems establishes $25 million fund to assist struggling health care providers

Bakersfield Californian

Kern Health Systems, an independent public agency that governs the 258,000-member health plan known as Kern Family Health Care, is taking action in an effort to support its network of health care providers by implementing a $25 million COVID-19 Provider Financial Relief Program.

● Opinion: Family medical practices suffer under the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic Fresno Bee

EDITORIAL: Don’t use coronavirus as an excuse to lower California’s medical care standards

Los Angeles Times

In the midst of the coronavirus emergency, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare providers want California Gov. Gavin Newsom to use some of his extraordinary power to sweep away their liability for substandard care and bad decision-making.

IMMIGRATION

U.S. deportation flights to Guatemala resume with assurances of coronavirus testing

Los Angeles Times

Guatemalan officials said Monday they would begin routinely accepting U.S. deportation flights again after being promised that every passenger would first have to test negative for the novel coronavirus.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Californians are moving inland. Here are the new boom towns around Sacramento, Valley

Sacramento Bee

New population figures released Friday by the state Department of Finance show Californians are continuing to move inland, fleeing the coast for the Central Valley, and reinforcing population booms in greater Sacramento and other parts of the Central Valley.

Housing:

Former Merced city council member says too many units planned in apartment project

Merced Sun-Star

The commissioners indicated that they needed to provide apartments to serve UC Merced students, to comply with new state law that they believe compelled them to approve it and to give the out-of-town developer what he wanted.

‘Someone Will Contract The Virus Here:’ Meet Homeless Californians Trying To Survive A Pandemic

Capital Public Radio

People who are homeless in California share their stories of being unhoused during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

What will California do about the rent?

CalMatters

While renters and landlords might disagree on the rules and mechanics of how the government should distribute rental aid, both groups are clamoring for a major infusion of public dollars.

Why Home Prices Are Rising During the Pandemic

Wall Street Journal

The economy is shrinking, businesses are closing and jobs are disappearing due to the coronavirus pandemic. But in the housing market, prices keep chugging higher.

PUBLIC FINANCES

California Is First State to Borrow From Federal Government to Make Unemployment Payments

Wall Street Journal

California has become the first state to borrow money from the federal government so it can continue paying out rising claims for unemployment benefits during the coronavirus pandemic.

● Gavin Newsom wants $1 trillion COVID-19 aid package for states. How did he get that number? Fresno Bee

● Opinion: California’s rainy day fund will run dry without federal budget help during coronavirus pandemic Modesto Bee

U.S. Treasury To Borrow $3 Trillion In 3 Months To Pay For Pandemic

Capital Public Radio

In a single quarter, the government will borrow more than twice as much as it did all of last year, as the cost of the coronavirus pandemic dwarfs previous deficits.

● Treasury plans to borrow $3 trillion from April through June as enormous coronavirus costs pile up Washington Post

● U.S. Treasury Expects to Borrow $4.5 Trillion in Fiscal Year as Stimulus Spending Soars Wall Street Journal

Still haven’t gotten your stimulus check? People without bank accounts face long wait

Fresno Bee

Millions of Americans have already received their stimulus payment, but millions more without a traditional bank account still have to wait weeks to get their paper checks in the mail, media outlets report.

Lawmakers Urge IRS to Rethink Tax-Credit Rule Affecting Furloughed Workers

Wall Street Journal

The IRS and Treasury Department misinterpreted a new tax credit in a way that could discourage businesses from offering health benefits to their furloughed workers, the leaders of the congressional tax-writing committees said Monday.

TRANSPORTATION

Supervisors to Consider Eminent Domain Action in Midtown Connector Project

Madera Tribune

The Madera County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing this week to consider an eminent domain action against an Oakhurst business owner in order to keep moving forward with the Oakhurst Midtown Connector project, which will create a new road linking the area near Yosemite High directly to Highway 41.

Travel industry offers new safety procedures in bid to revive business

Los Angeles Times

Hoping to give Americans confidence to travel again, the nation’s biggest travel trade group has unveiled enhanced cleaning, social distancing and touchless payment procedures for hotels, airlines, airports, theme parks, restaurants and cruise lines.

When it comes to auto sales, a true tale of two cities

Business Journal

While auto sales were considered essential, the City of Fresno mandated that those sales can only be done electronically and that vehicles be delivered to customers’ homes. Showrooms and lots were all closed to customers.

Carnival plans Aug. 1 cruise launches as lawmakers investigate

Roll Call

Three days after a House committee announced it would investigate the company’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak, Carnival Cruise Line announced Monday that it plans to resume North American service Aug. 1.

Opinion: California public transit services face existential crisis with COVID-19 pandemic

CalMatters

California’s public transit agencies deliver a vital service every day, and especially during times of emergency – providing critical mobility options for millions of frontline workers fulfilling essential roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WATER

California Allocates $5 Million for Lead Testing in California Child Care Centers

abc23

The State Water Resources Control Board has executed an agreement to provide approximately $5 million in grant funds for testing and remediation of lead in drinking water at licensed Child Care Centers in California.

“Xtra”

Sunshine Letters Reduce Feelings Of Isolation In Hospice Patients

Capital Public Radio

Patients in hospice care have the added strain of not being able to see their loved ones, but a letter from a stranger can make all of the difference.

As Summer Camps Weigh Opening, Parents Scramble for Options

Wall Street Journal

Even as some lockdowns ease, the summer-camp experience is likely to change, prompting some parents to seek refunds.

L.A. Times wins Pulitzer Prizes for art criticism, immigration reporting

Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times has won two Pulitzer Prizes, for art critic Christopher Knight’s watchdog coverage of plans for the new Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and reporter Molly O’Toole’s audio story about U.S. asylum officers’ discontent with President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy.