November 17, 2020

17Nov

POLICY & POLITICS

 

North SJ Valley:

 

Merced County demoted by California to purple tier for COVID-19 restrictions

Merced Sun-Star

Merced County on Monday was demoted into a more restrictive tier for business re-openings under California’s program to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

 

New coronavirus restrictions go into effect in Stanislaus County on Tuesday

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County reverted to the most restrictive coronavirus status Monday as the state placed tighter restrictions on numerous counties to contain a resurgence of COVID-19 illness.

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Workers over workspace: How Modesto can thrive in new office, post-pandemic landscape

Modesto Bee

Since the coronavirus pandemic upended nearly every facet of people’s lives in March, millions of Americans have started to work from home, many for the first time.

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Central SJ Valley:

 

California demotes Fresno County back to purple-tier COVID-19 business restrictions

Fresno Bee

Fresno, Merced and Kings counties have been demoted into a more restrictive tier for business reopenings under California’s program to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

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Jerry Dyer remains at home with coronavirus. Others exposed at Fresno party update status

Fresno Bee

Almost a week after testing positive for coronavirus, Fresno Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer remains at home, where he said his recovery is progressing.

 

This Week in Fresnoland: Who funds your politicians?

Fresno Bee

This week in Fresnoland, we’re hosting a Facebook Live event at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 on the Fresno Bee Facebook page to answer questions for private well owners who are concerned about their water quality and supply. You can RSVP here.

 

South SJ Valley:

 

In emergency move, Gov puts Kern, other counties into purple tier effective tomorrow

Bakersfield Californian

Citing the state's fastest increase in new coronavirus cases so far, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday pushed Kern and 38 other counties back into more restrictive reopening tiers, invoking what he called an "emergency break" meant to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed.

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Expanding insurance coverage among homeless population becomes new priority in Kern

Bakersfield Californian

The coronavirus pandemic may have outpaced homelessness to become the primary concern on the minds of many Kern County residents, but that doesn’t mean the need for connecting people with shelter has gone away.

 

McCarthy heads into next Congress with eye on speaker’s gavel

Politico

Kevin McCarthy enters Tuesday's House Republican leadership elections in a stronger position than ever before. McCarthy, who took over as the top House Republican last year following the crushing Democratic wave of 2018, helped lead the GOP to surprising pickups of seats this year.

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State:

 

Gavin Newsom weighs a statewide curfew as most of California returns to toughest COVID-19 tier

Fresno Bee

Citing a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced that most of the state will revert back to the most restrictive tier, even as he considers more stringent measures like curfews.

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California pulls 'emergency brake' in bid to stop unprecedented virus surge

Politico

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday ordered widespread closures of indoor operations as the state faces its fastest surge in cases since the Covid-19 pandemic began, pulling what he called the "emergency brake" on 94 percent of residents.

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California youth sports on pause as Newsom halts plan to restart play

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday there was a plan in place to restart youth sports, but he halted the reboot as coronavirus numbers spike in California.

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California mayors share how the pandemic shapes their cities

CalMatters

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, several California mayors described how the crisis has affected their cities, from an impending “homelessness armageddon” to the success of pedestrian-oriented streets.

 

California lawmakers take trip to Hawaii amid COVID surge, travel advisory

Sacramento Bee

The project’s summit has historically offered a chance for lawmakers, lobbyists and industry representatives to rub elbows over cocktails while discussing policy under the Hawaiian sun.

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After California’s ‘blue wave’ to Congress in 2018? A GOP red riptide in 2020

CalMatters

Two years ago, Democratic newcomers across the state were swept into Congress atop a frothing “blue wave” of anti-Trump fervor — a result that only became apparent late in the vote count. This year’s election has been playing out a little like 2018 in reverse.

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Newsom's cozy ties with top lobbyist showcased by French Laundry dinner party

Politico

Not every political operative can celebrate their 50th birthday with the governor of America’s most populous state during a pandemic. Not every political operative is Jason Kinney.

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‘We are long overdue’: Leaders press Gavin Newsom to put a Latino in the U.S. Senate

Fresno Bee

Latino elected officials and organizers in California continued to push Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday to name a Latino U.S. senator to replace Sen. Kamala Harris as she prepares to become the nation’s next vice president in nine weeks.

 

Walters: More high-dollar ballot measures in 2022

CalMatters

Much has been said and written about the hundreds of millions of dollars spent for and against the dozen statewide measures on this month’s ballot. Big money? Yes, but it was really just chicken feed, because the stakes in those ballot battles were infinitely greater.

 

Federal:

 

Joe Biden urges Donald Trump to aid transition amid exploding COVID-19 pandemic: 'More people may die'

abc30

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday warned of dire consequences if President Donald Trump and his administration continue to refuse to coordinate with his transition team on the coronavirus pandemic and block briefings on national security, policy issues and vaccine plans.

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The ‘last voice in the room.’ What will Kamala Harris do as Joe Biden’s vice president?

Sacramento Bee

Joe Biden has promised that Vice president-elect Kamala Harris will be the “last voice in the room” at crucial moments. She’ll work for a president who knows what it’s like to have her job.

 

Trump campaign drops key claim over election observers in Pennsylvania lawsuit

Los Angeles Times

President Trump’s campaign is withdrawing a central part of its lawsuit seeking to stop certification of the election results in Pennsylvania, where victory put Joe Biden over the top in the electoral college votes needed to capture the White House.

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Republicans start turning the page on Trump era

The Hill

Top Republicans are starting to acknowledge publicly that Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States, turning the page on the Trump era.

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Vox: Why Republican women candidates had such a strong year

Vox

A record-breaking number of women have — once again — been elected to Congress thanks, in part, to a new source: Republican women.

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McCarthy heads into next Congress with eye on speaker’s gavel

Politico

Kevin McCarthy enters Tuesday's House Republican leadership elections in a stronger position than ever before. McCarthy, who took over as the top House Republican last year following the crushing Democratic wave of 2018, helped lead the GOP to surprising pickups of seats this year.

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Commentary: America’s Shockingly Moderate Electorate

Wall Street Journal

The more things change, the more they stay the same—or so it seems in American politics, after the electorate returned the Democratic establishment to power after rejecting it for a rogue outsider four years ago.

 

CEO hearing sets stage for next Congress, presidency

Politico

Ahead of Mark Zuckerberg’s Tuesday Senate testimony, Democrats across the chamber are calling on the CEO to “take immediate action” to tackle Muslim-targeted hate and violence on Facebook, setting the stage for policy fights under the next Congress and administration.

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Other:

 

Commentary: Civility needed to stem eroding confidence in democratic institutions

CalMatters

Americans’ confidence in government is at an all-time low – sadly, that’s not new information. Leaders in every level of government will need to do their part to address eroding confidence in government, but local officials can play an important role.

 

Commentary: Can Liberals Win in a Conservative Court?

The New York Review

Recent history suggests the justices don’t like being too out of step with the country—especially if they feel under scrutiny. So that’s our job: watch them.

 

Commentary: If voting by mail is the future of voting, it’s wonderful

CalMatters

A sucker for voting – that’s probably what President Donald Trump would call me.   Every election, primaries included, I have dutifully gone to the polls to vote. I love it.

 

Commentary: It’s now up to governors to slow the spread

AEI

The latest U.S. Covid surge isn’t confined to certain regions like the ones in the spring and summer. It’s hitting the whole nation hard. Hospitalizations reached 70,000 this week, with more than 13,000 patients in intensive-care units.

 

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

 

Sunday, November 22, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “State Oversight of Workers’ Comp: A Temporary or Total Disability?” - Guest: State Auditor Elaine Howle. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, November 22, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “California’s Workers Comp System: Two Key Issues”- Guests: State Auditor Elaine Howle. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

 

Got wildfire fuel around your rural home? Use website to find livestock to graze it

Modesto Bee

A new website helps put livestock to work on California land overgrown with wildfire fuel. Owners of small rural properties can schedule visits by cattle and other livestock that munch on the fuel.

 

State issues coronavirus safety fine to Farmer John plant in Vernon

Los Angeles Times

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has fined a Farmer John meatpacking plant in Vernon, as well its temporary staffing agency, for failing to take adequate measures to protect workers from the coronavirus — a move that comes as the workplace safety agency ramps up such penalties against employers.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

 

Hate Crimes in U.S. Rose to Highest Level in More Than a Decade in 2019

New York Times

Hate crimes in the United States rose to their highest level in more than a decade last year, while more murders motivated by hate were recorded than ever before, the F.B.I. said on Monday.

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Public Safety:

 

New Laws Address Water Affordability and Wildfire Risks

Public Policy Institute of California

The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic turbulence forced the state legislature and Governor Newsom to make tough decisions this year about which issues to prioritize and which to sideline.

 

Fire:

 

Creek Fire update: Containment delayed. What’s happening and why there’s still smoke

Fresno Bee

While weather and burning may increase smoke around the Creek Fire, the incident remains mostly contained and without new growth. “Sometimes, no news is good news,” said Sunshine Meitzner, U.S. Forest Service public information officer.

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ECONOMY/JOBS

 

Economy:

 

Worries realized as Fresno restaurants face COVID-19 dining restrictions for holidays

Fresno Bee

Since reopening its dining room in September amid the coronavirus pandemic, Cracked Pepper Bistro in northwest Fresno has been operating in a kind of limbo.

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City of Fresno gives out $3.5 million in grants to small businesses

abc30

Fresno City officials are hoping thousands of dollars given out to small businesses will give owners some relief as they navigate changes due to the pandemic. About 700 businesses ranging from restaurants to clothing shops applied for and received grants.

 

Dow and S&P 500 reach new highs on vaccine hopes

Los Angeles Times

The Dow Jones industrial average rose to a record Monday for the first time in nine months, riding a swell of optimism that a vaccine may soon control the coronavirus and the economic destruction it’s caused.

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Shoppers weigh dialing back Thanksgiving this year

Bakersfield Californian

Not everyone knows what their Thanksgiving will look like this year because of the pandemic, but for the most part expectations are that it's going to be different — smaller, in many cases, and closer to home but otherwise as traditional as possible.

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Hundreds of Companies That Got Stimulus Aid Have Failed

Wall Street Journal

About 300 companies that received as much as half a billion dollars in pandemic-related government loans have filed for bankruptcy, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of government data and court filings.

 

Jobs:

 

Workers over workspace: How Modesto can thrive in new office, post-pandemic landscape

Modesto Bee

Since the coronavirus pandemic upended nearly every facet of people’s lives in March, millions of Americans have started to work from home, many for the first time.

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Commentary: Even a divided America agrees on raising the minimum wage

Brookings

The margin of victory separating President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden in several swing states is less than 1%, and if Republicans hang onto one of their two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia during the January runoff election, America will begin next year with a divided government.

 

EDUCATION

 

K-12:

 

Here’s what Fresno County’s new coronavirus restrictions mean for your child’s school

Fresno Bee

With Fresno County returning to California’s purple tier of most-restrictive coronavirus safety measures, local schools that are already open won’t be forced to close again.

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Education Lab: Want some good news? Fresno students have you covered

Fresno Bee

With more bad news expected Tuesday as coronavirus cases surge in Fresno — and everywhere — good news feels like an endangered species. But it’s not extinct! Here are three good things to start your week.

 

Work on new ‘cradle to career’ data system accelerates, amid concerns about continuing state financial support

EdSource

Organizers of an ambitious “cradle to career” education data system for California are preparing to wrap up an intensive year-long effort and send key recommendations for its design to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature for the next phase of its development — one that could take another five years and millions more dollars to complete.

 

Higher Ed:

 

University of California agrees to $73M sex abuse settlement

Fresno Bee

The prestigious University of California system has reached a proposed $73 million settlement with seven women who accused a former gynecologist of sexual abuse.

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Know anyone applying to college during COVID-19? This program gets good results in Fresno

Fresno Bee

Chie Moua has been working into the evening as a counselor at Fresno High School, reaching out to seniors via Zoom to make sure they are on track for college.

 

Pandemic has led to steep decline in international student enrollment, report says

Los Angeles Times

California remains a popular destination for foreign students, but international student enrollment at colleges and universities nationwide declined sharply this fall amid the pandemic, according to data released Monday.

 

Commentary: Is this the end of college as we know it?

Wall Street Journal

For traditional college students, the American postsecondary education system frequently means frontloading a lifetime’s worth of formal education and going into debt to do it.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

 

Environment:

 

Hundreds of towering giant sequoias killed by the Castle fire — a stunning loss

Los Angeles Times

Kristen Shive glanced around the blackened forest and started counting. She stopped at 13 — the number of giant sequoias she spotted with charred trunks, scorched crowns and broken limbs.

 

On climate, Biden urged to follow the 'California agenda'

E&E News

California sees itself as a national leader in the fight against climate change, especially during the Trump administration. Now, postelection, green advocates see the state as a guidebook President-elect Joe Biden can follow.

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All Those Used Delivery Boxes Are a Hot Commodity

Wall Street Journal

Junk mail and discarded delivery boxes have turned into a hot commodity as the paper industry uses them as a substitute for recycled office paper, which became scarce as people work from home.

 

Opinion: Living Near Drilling Is Deadly. Why Don’t California Lawmakers Care?

New York Times

California famously prides itself on environmental leadership — but what about when its lawmakers overlook problems in their own constituents’ backyards?

 

Energy:

 

California Is Trying to Jump-Start the Hydrogen Economy

New York Times

Since President George W. Bush fueled a minivan with hydrogen 15 years ago, the promise of cars and trucks powered by the fuel has come up mostly empty. That hydrogen pump, in Washington, closed long ago. But in California, the beginnings of a hydrogen economy may finally be dawning after many fits and starts.

 

The ‘war on coal’ is over. The next climate battle has just begun

Los Angeles Times

Although the energy politics of the last dozen years were defined by coal, the fiercest battles of the Biden era are likely to revolve around another fossil fuel, natural gas.

 

Trump Admin Takes Final Steps to Auction Drilling Rights in Arctic Wildlife Refuge

Wall Street Journal

The Trump administration is taking the final steps to secure oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, starting a leasing process to strike deals with drillers to operate in the pristine, 19-million-acre wilderness before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden can stop it.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

 

Health:

 

Health caution: Blowing dust in San Joaquin Valley could trigger asthma, lung disease

Fresno Bee

Strong wind gusts up to 45 mph are expected to blow across the San Joaquin Valley all day and into the night Tuesday, creating elevated levels of particulate matter that can cause serious health problems, according to San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

 

Kern County reports 301 new COVID-19 cases Monday; hospital cases on the rise

Bakersfield Californian

The Kern County Public Health Services Department reported 301 new coronavirus cases Monday and no new deaths. Meanwhile, hospitalized cases of COVID-19 increased markedly in recent days to a level not seen in two months. Kern's total case count now stands at 36,919 since the pandemic began. There have been 432 deaths among Kern residents.

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Alzheimer’s Research Looks at Hot Spots Across the U.S.

Wall Street Journal

Where you live matters in terms of Alzheimer’s disease risk. Scientists and medical researchers know that advanced age and certain changes in the brain increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Now they are looking at what role location might play.

 

Human Services:

 

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine could be up to 94.5% effective, late-stage Phase 3 trial finds

abc30

Moderna said Monday its COVID-19 vaccine is proving highly effective in a major trial, a second ray of hope in the global race for a shot to tame a resurgent virus that is now killing more than 8,000 people a day worldwide.

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Gift cards for COVID tests? New proposal could make that a reality in Kern County

Bakersfield Californian

Those who get a coronavirus test in the near future may come away with something more than just a positive or negative result. If the Kern County Board of Supervisors approves a new proposal, people who get tested could receive a $25 gift card.

 

Head of NIH urges Americans to take precautions while awaiting vaccine

PBS

Early results from Pfizer and Moderna vaccine candidates are very encouraging. But even if a successful vaccine is developed, challenges around production and distribution remain -- not to mention public trust and willingness to receive it.

 

The Hot New Covid Tech Is Wearable and Constantly Tracks You

New York Times

In Rochester, Mich., Oakland University is preparing to hand out wearable devices to students that log skin temperature once a minute — or more than 1,400 times per day — in the hopes of pinpointing early signs of the coronavirus.

 

Doctors Apply Covid-19 Lessons Learned as U.S. Cases Surge

Wall Street Journal

When a man in his 40s with Covid-19 and low oxygen saturation arrived at the Boston hospital where Brittany Bankhead-Kendall treated patients in April, he was quickly put on a ventilator, a standard first response at many American hospitals at the time.

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IMMIGRATION

 

‘Huge Relief’: California Immigrants Counting on Biden to End Travel Ban

KQED

President-elect Joe Biden has pledged that on his first day in office he will end President Trump’s “travel ban,” which bars entry for most nationals from several Muslim-majority nations, including Iran.

 

DACA will live on under Biden. Will he give ‘Dreamers’ a path to citizenship?

San Francisco Chronicle

When Joe Biden won the presidential election, Vanessa Mejia said she felt hope again. Hope that she and hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States illegally when they were young can remain in the country under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program.

 

Biden Faces Early Test With Immigration and Homeland Security After Trump

New York Times

President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. has said that one of his first priorities will be rolling back his predecessor’s restrictive immigration policies. To do it, he may have to overhaul the Department of Homeland Security, which has been bent to President Trump’s will over the past four years.

 

LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

Progress Continues in Fresno County with Opening of American Avenue Overpass

California High-Speed Rail Authority

Today, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announced the opening of the American Avenue overpass in Fresno County.

 

Tachi Palace reaches agreement to expand in Kings County

abc30

Tachi Palace is about to go bigger. The Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe recently signed an intergovernmental agreement with Kings County to allow the tribe to expand their hotel and casino -- and in exchange -- the county will get improved infrastructure and a new fire station in the area.

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With more snow coming to Northern California, ski resorts will open with COVID-19 rules

Fresno Bee

With precipitation reaching Northern California and high elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains reporting snow, the ski season is just around the corner. Resorts, however, remain closed for now — but some are still planning to soon.

Housing:

 

Project Roomkey funding ends soon. Over 11,000 Californians could become homeless, again

Desert Sun

The program sheltered thousands during the pandemic, but money — and time — is running out. Only 5% of clients have found a permanent home.

 

Pandemic makes building homes, not apartments, California’s hot property

Orange County Register

Building homes, not apartments, is housing’s sweet spot in this pandemic era. Homebuilders across California filed 17,042 permits this summer for single-family homes — the second-busiest quarter since 2007, according to U.S. Census Bureau stats compiled by the St. Louis Fed.

 

Opinion: California, Love It and Leave It

Wall Street Journal

I love California, but I had to leave. I grew up in Fremont, attended Stanford, and have spent most of my adult life in the San Francisco Bay Area, founding technology companies like Palantir and Addepar and investing in many others.

 

PUBLIC FINANCES

 

Haven’t gotten your first $1,200 stimulus check? Here’s what to do by Nov. 21

Fresno Bee

The IRS is reminding millions of Californians to make sure they receive their $1,200 stimulus payment. Those who have yet to get the check have until Saturday, Nov. 21 at noon Pacific Time to file paperwork to receive the money by the end of the year.

 

Opinion: With the COVID-19 pandemic and a battered economy, California voters said no to more taxes

Los Angeles Times

California voters rejected an ambitious state ballot initiative to substantially raise business property taxes. But they approved many local tax and bond measures. Why the distinction?

 

Opinion: State Tax Revenue Rebound

Wall Street Journal

In case you hadn’t heard, states are experiencing a surge—of tax revenue. Politicians don’t want this good news to get out because they want more money from Congress.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

‘I Will Ride’ Relaunches With Expanded Effort

California High-Speed Rail Authority

This educational initiative is designed to inform, engage and connect a wide range of high-school, college and university students to the nation’s first high-speed rail system currently under construction in the Central Valley.

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If you must travel over Thanksgiving, here is how to minimize your COVID-19 risk

Los Angeles Times

Determined to travel for Thanksgiving? Doing so increases your risk of being exposed to the coronavirus and of possibly spreading it to others, experts warn. Nonetheless, millions of Americans are expected to take to the skies for the holiday.

 

Covid testing before flying could become the norm as airlines try to boost confidence and woo travelers

Washington Post

With no federal mandates to follow, an increasing number of U.S. airlines and airports are offering preflight coronavirus testing to boost public confidence in flying during the pandemic and help restore their businesses.

 

‘Predatory and Opportunistic’: Southwest Airlines Seizes the Moment as Rivals Struggle

Wall Street Journal

The pandemic is forcing many airlines to defend their turf. Southwest is using it to invade. Even as air travel languished in this fall, Southwest Airlines Co. executives fanned out to cities from Palm Springs, Calif., to Sarasota, Fla., to scope out potential new markets.

 

WATER

 

California coast experiences astronomical high tides

Fresno Bee

Forecasters advised of potential minor coastal flooding Monday morning along low-lying areas of the California coast due to astronomical high tides. Advisories were issued by the​​ National Weather Service for coastal areas north and south of San Francisco and Monterey bays and the on the Big Sur coast.

 

WET Center Webinar Series:  Navigating the State of the Irrigation Industry with Aric Olson, President of Jain Irrigation Inc.

The Water, Energy, and Technology Center

Join us on November 20 at 10:00 am to discuss the current and future state of the irrigation industry with Aric Olson, President of Jain Irrigation, Inc. We will be covering topics such as where irrigation innovation is needed in the areas of permanent crops and how technology could fill the gaps.

 

“Xtra”

 

Holiday drive-in theater at River Park postponed due to COVID-19

abc30

A new event at the River Park Shopping Center to play Christmas movies has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers were scheduled to launch a holiday drive-in by transforming the top of their parking structure into an outdoor movie theater on November 18.

 

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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.

                                                      

This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.

 

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