POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Four more COVID-19 deaths reported in Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
Masks not required: Stanislaus County ends COVID-19 order after transmission level drops Modesto Bee
More Stanislaus County residents get vaccinated against COVID-19. But not many kids. Modesto Bee
Indoor mask order ends for Stanislaus County Turlock Journal
Stanislaus County leaders could decide who serves on two municipal advisory councils
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County supervisors could start appointing the members of two municipal advisory councils and take the choice away from voters.
‘In Solidarity’ event encourages Stanislaus residents to talk about systemic racism
Modesto Bee
As racism systemically continues to run through the veins of our nation, individuals from different backgrounds gathered in Modesto on Thursday to discuss its impact on local residents.
TUSD trustees consider making district map changes
Turlock Journal
Turlock Unified School District trustees started discussing possible revisions to the trustee area map, following data presented from the 2020 census.
Modesto council elections may be a year away, but 3 candidates have stepped forward
Modesto Bee
Jeremiah Williams and Naramsen Goriel are running to replace Councilwoman Jenny Kenoyer in District 5, which encompasses north-central Modesto, and Nick Bavaro is running to replace Councilman Bill Zoslocki in District 4, which encompasses southeast Modesto.
Highway help, drought defense on the way with new infrastructure deal
Turlock Journal
Congressman Josh Harder was a part of the crowd gathered on the White House lawn Monday to see Joe Biden sign the $1 trillion infrastructure bill — which saw the Turlock representative play a key role in securing funds for projects which will benefit the Valley.
Opinion: Keep nutty Nunes as far away from Modesto as possible, please
Modesto Bee
Devin Nunes representing Modesto in Congress? Of all the rumors swirling after the Nov. 10 release of draft boundaries for new congressional districts, this could be the most important.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Tulare County board takes stand against employer vaccine mandate Porterville Recorder
Fresno County supervisors pick new district map, but opponents say it’s still status quo
Fresno Bee
Four of the five Fresno County supervisors voted Tuesday on a new district map — an alternate that had no vocal support. The map came from six alternates drawn up by county staffers.
See also:
Warszawski: Think Fresno County’s redistricting maps are unfair? Don’t let politicians decide them Fresno Bee
‘We are still here’ - Valley Native Americans on the challenges of keeping their culture alive
VPR
Malone teaches the language Wukchumni, and shares it. On this day, she’s saying a prayer in Wukchumni in front of a small crowd at Fresno Pacific University. It’s part of a public event outdoors celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
Judge shortage stops civil trials in Fresno federal courts. How long will it last?
Fresno Bee
A shortage of federal judges in the U.S. Eastern District of California has caused judicial officials to halt any new civil cases from moving forward in the Fresno courthouse.
Should this Fresno County place change its name? Supporters call for public hearings
Fresno Bee
Over a year after launching an effort to rename Squaw Valley, a group of about 15 protesters gathered in downtown Fresno on Tuesday to urge the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to change the name that many argue is racist and misogynistic.
New Tulare County map could do away with 'good old boy' network on Board of Supervisors
Visalia Times Delta
Diversity groups that had previously criticized the county said they were generally pleased with the selected map, adding that it could harbor a "new era of inclusivity" for the board.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Kern County supervisors vote to keep districts largely the same
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County Board of Supervisors has locked in its new district boundaries for the next 10 years. In a 4-1 vote with Supervisor Leticia Perez dissenting, the board approved a map labeled Draft Plan A3 that makes only slight changes to the current boundaries.
Bitwise
This public event is a chance for you to learn more about Bitwise’s upcoming projects, new buildings, and community initiatives. Ask questions, chat with our team, and learn more about Bitwise Industries at this free public town hall!
State:
COVID Update:
Kids got wrong doses of COVID vaccine, California hospital says. Parents are furious Modesto Bee
Will California face brutal COVID winter? Why it’s still unclear as holidays approach Sacramento Bee
Fearing a winter surge, California turbocharges its push for COVID booster shots Los Angeles Times
L.A. officials warn that COVID vaccine protections wane as holidays approach Los Angeles Times
Confusion reigns over who is eligible for boosters, prompting California to take action Los Angeles Times
No California adult should be denied a COVID-19 booster shot, state officials say Los Angeles Times
Do I have to lie to get a COVID-19 booster shot? No, and here’s why Los Angeles Times
Race and Partisan Leanings in California’s Draft Redistricting Maps
Public Policy Institute of California
The CRC must consider a range of factors when drawing the maps. In this blog post, we evaluate the maps on two important goals that are either required by law or hoped for by most observers.
See also:
Latino voting rights groups say proposed district maps don’t reflect California Sacramento Bee
Draft Maps We Draw the Lines CA
Amazon to pay California $500,000 for ‘concealing’ COVID cases among workers
Los Angeles Times
Amazon has agreed to pay $500,000 to better enforce state consumer protection laws after California’s attorney general said the company has concealed COVID-19 case numbers from its workers.
Walters: How long will Newsom govern by decree?
CalMatters
California Gov. Gavin Newsom could continue to govern by decree indefinitely, eroding the American concept of democracy.
Federal:
COVID Update:
Biden administration to buy Pfizer antiviral pills for 10 million people, hoping to transform pandemic Washington Post
Pfizer asks U.S. officials to OK promising COVID-19 pill Los Angeles Times
The U.S. aims to lift Covid vaccine manufacturing to create a billion doses a year. New York Times
Pfizer Licenses Promising Covid-19 Pill to U.N.-Backed Nonprofit Wall Street Journal
Pfizer Submits Covid-19 Pill for FDA Authorization Wall Street Journal
Covid-19 Boosters Become Available to All Adults Across Several States, Cities Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
Americans say by a roughly 2-to-1 margin that the Supreme Court should uphold its landmark abortion decision in Roe v. Wade, and by a similar margin the public opposes a Texas law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
See also:
Most Americans support the right to abortion, but many are also OK with 15-week limit Los Angeles Times
House eyes vote this week on $2 trillion spending plan backed by Biden
Washington Post
House Democrats hope to begin debate as soon as Wednesday on a roughly $2 trillion proposal to overhaul the country’s health-care, education, climate, immigration and tax laws, aiming to adopt the sweeping measure by the end of the week.
See also:
Biden’s New Deal Ambitions Run Into Political, Economic Constraints Wall Street Journal
Biden Hits Road to Promote Infrastructure Law as Democrats Debate Spending Plans Wall Street Journal
Opinion: Public opinion is unified on lowering prescription drug prices — why are Democrats settling for less? Los Angeles Times
Federal Government Could Be Unable to Pay Bills as Soon as Dec. 15, Yellen Says
Wall Street Journal
The U.S. government could run out of resources to meet the nation’s obligations as soon as Dec. 15, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Tuesday, reviving questions about how Congress will resolve a standoff about raising or suspending the federal borrowing limit.
See also:
Biden Says Fed Chair Pick Could Be Unveiled This Week
Wall Street Journal
Biden hinted to reporters Tuesday he could reveal his choice for Federal Reserve chief around the end of the week. He is considering whether to reappoint Fed Chairman Powell when his term expires in February or to pick Fed governor Lael Brainard for the position.
Lina Khan Sees Turbulent Start as Head of Federal Trade Commission
Wall Street Journal
Lina Khan, the new Federal Trade Commission chairwoman with broad ambitions to take on big business, has faced early turbulence within the agency, including from career staffers she will need to build antitrust cases and write regulations.
Senate Confirms Jonathan Kanter as Justice Department Antitrust Chief
Wall Street Journal
The Senate confirmed Jonathan Kanter on Tuesday as the Justice Department’s top antitrust official, adding a pro-enforcement lawyer to a Biden-administration team that has already been aggressive in addressing what it sees as threats to competition.
Crypto companies, on defense in Washington, scramble to assemble a lobbying machine
Washington Post
A handful of the nation’s most powerful financial technology companies made a splashy announcement in April aimed at grabbing the attention of federal policymakers starting to consider a crackdown on cryptocurrency.
Biden, Xi Open to Nuclear-Arms Talks, White House Says
Wall Street Journal
President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China have agreed to explore talks on arms control, a top White House official said, a day after the two used a virtual meeting to emphasize the need to avoid conflict on regional security and economic matters.
Opinion: Democrats Shouldn’t Panic. They Should Go Into Shock.
New York Times
All of these developments, individually and collectively, have taken their toll on President Biden and Democratic candidates, so much so that Democrats are now the underdogs going into 2022 and possibly 2024.
See also:
Kamala Harris says Democrats, following tough electoral losses, don’t need a new plan Los Angeles Times
Opinion: How can we get election losers to admit they lost? A Q&A with Matthew Germer AEI
Opinion: The Grand Old Party of disarray
Washington Post
The Republican Party somehow evades similar scrutiny and skepticism. The truth is that if you want to see a portrait of factionalism and aimlessness, look closely at the dysfunctional collection of politicians that once could legitimately call itself the Grand Old Party.
Other:
‘It’s just wrong.’ Fresno mural honoring violence victims removed. Family member asks why
Fresno Bee
Fresno artist Omar “Super” Huerta spent months painting his mural ‘The Hall of Angels’ in downtown Fresno featuring the portraits of 13 Black and brown faces lost to violence, hoping to honor their lives and bring a sense of comfort to grieving families.
AEI
COVID-19 relief legislation offers a unique setting to study how political representation shapes the distribution of federal assistance to state and local governments.
How to duck spam and data breaches with throwaway numbers, email addresses and credit cards
Washington Post
Fake names and throwaway phones used to be the stuff of spies. Now, they’re for everyone, thanks to concerns about digital surveillance.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, November 28, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "State Auditor Elaine Howle: A Retrospective" - Guest: Elaine Howle, CPA, California State Auditor. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, November 21, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "The Valley Experience with Online Government"- Guests: Danielle Bergstrom, Fresnoland: Fresnoland's Documenter's Program and Erica Manuel, CEO & President of the Institute for Local Government. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Fresno County farmed record-breaking $7.9 billion in crops in 2020. This topped the list
Fresno Bee
Fresno County broke its own record for agricultural and livestock production in 2020, according to officials, but some took the Tuesday report with a somber tone as the outlook for the drought is dim.
See also:
Fresno County again top ag county with $8B in sales Business Journal
Is there a turkey shortage? As Californians prepare for Thanksgiving, here’s what to know
Sacramento Bee
Production of frozen turkeys is down compared to last year. And if you can find a decent-sized turkey, it’ll probably cost you more than usual. The nationwide inventory sat 24% lower than the three-year average volumes, according to a recent report.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Gun-Control Support Drops Amid Growing Crime and Firearm Purchases
Wall Street Journal
Americans’ support for stricter gun-control measures has fallen to its lowest level since 2014, according to a poll released Wednesday by Gallup. According to the poll, 52% of U.S. adults say they want stricter gun laws—down from 67% in 2018.
See also:
Opinion: Jail Costs Strain Local Budgets Even as Crime Falls
Pew Trusts
The cost of these facilities has grown 13% over the last decade, despite falling crime and fewer people being admitted to jail. Spending on jails far outpaces many other vital services, such as fire protection, housing and community development, and libraries.
Public Safety:
ACLU calls for investigation into CHP’s use of aerial surveillance at racial justice protests
Sacramento Bee
California Highway Patrol officers took to the air last year to survey racial justice protests all over the state after George Floyd’s death at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis.
Oath Keepers: Who they are, and what they stand for
Los Angeles Times
Earlier this year, the conspiratorial militia organization drew scrutiny after some of its members were accused by federal authorities of having played a crucial role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
FBI Tracks Threats Against Teachers, School-Board Members
Wall Street Journal
The FBI has set up a process to track threats against school-board members and teachers, moving to implement a Justice Department directive that some law-enforcement officials and Republican lawmakers say could improperly target parents protesting local education policies.
Fire:
Cal Fire chief is retiring. Led agency through two horrific wildfire seasons
Sacramento Bee
Thom Porter announced his retirement Monday as director of Cal Fire, following two of the toughest wildfire seasons in California’s history. In an email to employees, Porter said he will leave the agency on Dec. 10.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Economic Well-Being
Public Policy Institute of California
PPIC’s latest survey examines Californians’ views on the economy, income inequality, and their personal finances. It also looks at job satisfaction and opinions on policies related to higher education, the safety net, job training, and health care.
Get ready for a Christmas tree shortage, as supply chain issues and climate change team up
CNBC
Supply chain woes coupled with climate change are leading to a shortage of both real and artificial Christmas trees this year. Quantities will be fewer and prices will be higher than usual.
Stocks Edge Higher as Retail Sales Grow
Wall Street Journal
U.S. stocks rose Tuesday after a consumer-spending report raised hopes for the holiday-sales season. U.S. equities have wavered over the past week after a strong run this year.
See also:
‘Everything’s skyrocketing’: Record-high California gas prices add to holiday sticker shock Los Angeles Times
Retail Sales Rose by 1.7% in October Despite High Inflation Wall Street Journal
Uneasy About the Economy, Americans Are Spending Anyway New York Times
In Inflation Denial? You’re Not Alone in Wanting to Keep Your Budget the Same Wall Street Journal
Fastest Inflation in 31 Years Puts More Heat on Washington New York Times
Opinion: What does current inflation tell us about the future? Brookings
Lina Khan Sees Turbulent Start as Head of Federal Trade Commission
Wall Street Journal
Lina Khan, the new Federal Trade Commission chairwoman with broad ambitions to take on big business, has faced early turbulence within the agency, including from career staffers she will need to build antitrust cases and write regulations.
Bitcoin Price Briefly Drops Below $60,000 as Strong Dollar Weighs on Crypto
Wall Street Journal
Cryptocurrencies slid in overnight trading, with some of the most popular digital tokens losing more than 10% from recent highs. Some investors pointed to the stronger dollar as a catalyst for the fall.
Jobs:
Nurse Salaries Rise as Demand for Their Services Soars During Covid-19 Pandemic
Wall Street Journal
The average annual salary for registered nurses, not including bonus pay such as overtime, grew about 4% in the first nine months of the year to $81,376, according to healthcare consultants Premier Inc., which analyzed salaries of about 60,000 nurses.
Is your company secretly monitoring your work at home? Since COVID, the practice has surged
Los Angeles Times
Despite evidence that working from home has not diminished U.S. productivity during the pandemic, employers are increasingly turning to monitoring software that can track workers’ keystrokes, log active hours, take regular screenshots and even activate a web camera.
What Happens to Service When You Raise the Minimum Wage?
Wall Street Journal
There’s a lot of debate about whether raising the minimum wage decreases employment, and whether it is a net plus or minus for businesses. But a new study suggests that higher pay is a positive for at least one group: customers.
EDUCATION
K-12:
BCSD board approves new voluntary testing-to-stay plan
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield City School District announced a new voluntary COVID-19 testing plan on Tuesday night. Superintendent Mark Luque said the plan — sometimes referred to as “test-to-stay” — will prevent absences, which will prevent disruption to students.
California students can get vaccinated. When will the state let them take off their masks?
Sacramento Bee
California schools next month will wrap up their fourth semester amid the coronavirus pandemic. Children ages 5 to 11 soon will have to get vaccines to attend. Now, some parents and doctors want to know what it will take to lift California’s school mask mandate.
Report: Bridging the gaps in education data
AEI
Over the past two decades, education underwent a “big data” revolution as states began tracking individual student performance and interim assessments and educational software allowed for a greater granularity of data on students, teachers, and schools.
Washington Post
Nearly six decades on, it was Baldwin I thought of when I learned that the school board in Spotsylvania County, Va. — where I am a parent and a teacher — had ordered that certain books it deemed objectionable be removed from school library shelves.
Opinion: Media coverage of critical race theory misses the mark
AEI
The postmortems of this month’s elections have reminded us once again of just how large a shadow critical race theory has cast over K-12 schooling this past year — even though we still can’t quite seem to agree on just what it means or whether it’s even taught in schools.
Higher Ed:
UC lecturers will strike Wednesday, halting instruction for thousands of students
CalMatters
The lecturer union and UC have made some progress in their multi-year impasse over a new contract, but many issues remain unsolved. This week’s planned strike is over various alleged UC unfair labor practices.
See also:
University of California lecturers set for strike at 9 campuses, including UC Davis Sacramento Bee
Cal State requires students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 — but it’s not evenly enforced
CalMatters
Cal State University requires all staff and students going on campus to get vaccinated. But enforcement has varied across the system.
Colleges are turning to science to limit suicide contagion and help heal campuses
VPR
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers and young adults, and these are the groups most likely to experience contagion. With the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating depression and thoughts of suicide in some people, several universities have needed postvention strategies over the past year and a half.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Fresnans unite against pollution in their neighborhoods. Will the city hear their demands?
Fresno Bee
Residents living in south Fresno neighborhoods burdened by pollution are demanding the city of Fresno pause industrial development, stop rezoning for industrial use and adopt a general plan environmental report that protects communities from harmful development.
As temperatures rise, air quality experts keep an eye on ‘ozone climate penalty’
VPR
Over the last few decades, air quality in the San Joaquin Valley has greatly improved. But climate change could jeopardize those gains, and researchers are trying to figure out by how much.
Opinion: How technology can help with methane regulation
Brookings
The United States has begun revisiting methane policy but with a very uncertain future after a squandered half-decade.
Energy:
Help available for winter energy bills
Turlock Journal
Households in Turlock will be able to stay warm this holiday season even if their energy bill is too expensive thanks to increased federal aid for low-income families.
California gas prices soar to record highs
Los Angeles Times
Gas prices in California reached an all-time high Monday as the average price of a regular gallon soared to $4.682, according to the American Automobile Assn. It was the state’s second record-breaking day in a row.
See also:
Natural-Gas Prices Jump as Germany Pauses Certification of Russian Pipeline Wall Street Journal
Opinion: Is hydrogen California’s zero-emissions solution?
CalMatters
Oil companies are investing in the development of hydrogen – a fuel that can scale up clean energy production to meet global demand.
Resurgent Oil Supply Expected to Soothe Tight Market
Wall Street Journal
Rebounding economic activity and natural gas shortages recently pushed the developed world’s oil reserves to their lowest since early 2015, but growing crude supply could soon ease that pressure, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Fresno nonprofit’s film offers a stark look at opioid addiction
Business Journal
A local nonprofit’s self-produced documentary sold out its showings at Maya Cinema while spreading the message about the dangers of fentanyl and opioids. Fresno nonprofit PAIN – Parents & Addicts in Need – has been sharing educational messages since 2009 about the opioid crisis in the Central Valley.
See also:
Local hospital systems join efforts to recruit physicians from outside the area
Bakersfield Californian
Under the banner of keeping more patients local instead of forcing them to travel long distances for medical care, Kern Medical and Adventist Health announced Tuesday they will soon combine efforts to recruit specialized physicians who would then serve both health systems.
Valley fever researchers have developed a vaccine—for dogs
KVPR
Each year, the fungal disease valley fever infects tens of thousands of people in the American Southwest. Studies suggest infection rates could be even higher among dogs, however, and researchers in Arizona are now announcing progress on a canine valley fever vaccine.
Pfizer agrees to license generic versions of its COVID-19 pill — in some countries
VPR
Pfizer has signed a licensing deal to allow dozens of lower-income countries to benefit from generic versions of its new COVID-19 pill. The agreement covers 95 nations, but it omits some hard-hit countries.
Which COVID-19 vaccine booster shot should I get? Here’s how to choose
Los Angeles Times
People can now mix and match COVID-19 vaccines. Which booster is the best option? Federal health officials aren’t giving any specific recommendations, other than to say it’s important to get a booster especially for those at high risk.
See also:
300 Minutes a Week of Moderate Exercise May Help Ward Off Cancer
New York Times
More than 46,000 cancer cases in the United States might be prevented each year if almost all of us walked for about 45 minutes a day, according to an eye-opening new study of inactivity, exercise and malignancies.
100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 12 months during the pandemic
Washington Post
More than 100,000 people had died of overdoses between April 2020 and April 2021. It is the first time that drug-related deaths have reached six figures in any 12-month period.
Human Services:
Ping-pong ball bounce could determine vaccine mandate’s fate
Business Journal
Which federal court ends up with the case could determine whether the requirement gets tossed out, a reflection of how the judiciary has become politicized in recent years. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where a majority of justices were nominated by Republicans, issued a ruling putting the mandate on hold.
See also:
Challenges to Biden Vaccine Rules Will Come Before Ohio-Based U.S. Appeals Court Wall Street Journal
A Simple Tool Has Brought Health Insurance to Thousands
Pew Trusts
Maryland and Massachusetts, soon to be followed by other states, now allow taxpayers to begin the sign-up for health care coverage on their tax returns, aiming to draw many residents into low- or no-cost plans they may not know they qualify for.
AEI
In recent weeks, a new front has opened in the long-running war over COVID-19 vaccine patents: a fight between Moderna and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over who exactly deserves credit for inventing the Moderna vaccine.
Nurse Salaries Rise as Demand for Their Services Soars During Covid-19 Pandemic
Wall Street Journal
Nurses are winning raises worth thousands of dollars a year from hospitals, the latest employer reckoning with a tight labor market. Other hospitals say they have raises in the works to keep up with competitors’ offers.
IMMIGRATION
ACLU sues Sacramento sheriff over ‘illegal’ transfer of inmates to immigration authorities
Sacramento Bee
The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, alleging his office skirts state law by using secretive policies to transfer immigrants from his jails to federal immigration authorities.
U.S. Border Arrest Numbers Drop After Summer Peak
Wall Street Journal
Arrests of migrants caught crossing the Mexican border declined in October for the third straight month, the Biden administration said this week. Border Patrol agents made 158,575 arrests last month, a nearly 15% decline from September.
Mayorkas defends border policies against GOP attacks
Roll Call
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas found himself on defense Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee as Republicans grilled him on the record-high number of migrants who journeyed to the southwest border last fiscal year.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Land-use fees set to increase to accommodate state law requiring organic material be recycled
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County homeowners could soon see a big increase to their land use fee. To comply with a new state law intended to reduce greenhouse gases from landfills, Kern County Public Works is proposing raising the land use fee by around 71 percent.
Housing:
See how much more valley homes sold for in October
Business Journal
The price of homes sold in the Central Valley continued to rise last month despite a general slowdown in sales activity. The median sold price for a single-family home in California was $798,440 in October, down 1.3% month-to-month and up 12.3% from a year ago. Sales activity fell about 1% for the month and 10.4% for the year.
Will California’s plan for clearing homeless camps work?
CalMatters
Gov. Newsom says the situation with homeless encampments is unacceptable. The state housing agency is funding more services, while Caltrans is clearing some camps. But advocates are wary.
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to Back Home Loans of Nearly $1 Million as Prices Soar
Wall Street Journal
The federal government is about to back mortgages of nearly $1 million for the first time.The maximum size of home-mortgage loans eligible for backing by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are expected to jump sharply in 2022.
Opinion: States can improve housing well-being through thoughtfully designed policies
Brookings
The economic, social, and environmental costs of poorly functioning housing markets spill over beyond local boundaries to affect entire regions and states. State-level action has the potential to improve these outcomes.
PUBLIC FINANCES
More than 500,000 California workers will get $500 pandemic bonuses. Here are the details
Sacramento Bee
More than 500,000 caregivers in California will each receive a $500 bonus from the state as soon as January, as it tries to retain workers in a sector long hampered by low wages and high turnover rates.
Here’s how California’s Auto-IRA program can be even more successful
CalMatters
Policymakers should consider how to expand access to California’s automatic retirement savings program.
Retirement Fund Giant Calpers Votes to Use Leverage, More Alternative Assets
Wall Street Journal
The board of the nation’s largest pension fund voted Monday to use borrowed money and alternative assets to meet its investment-return target, even after lowering that target just a few months ago.
See also:
Many California public employees to pay more for pensions as CalPERS lowers earnings target Sacramento Bee
AEI
COVID-19 relief legislation offers a unique setting to study how political representation shapes the distribution of federal assistance to state and local governments. We provide evidence of a substantial small-state bias.
How raising the SALT cap would affect taxpayers in different states, part II
AEI
In this second half of our two-part post reviewing the impact of raising the SALT cap to $80,000 in 2021, we focus on the state-by-state impacts. For an introduction and review of the national impacts, see part I.
TRANSPORTATION
Another bridge is about to open over the Tuolumne River. This one has a special feature
Modesto Bee
The new Hickman Road bridge over the Tuolumne River will open Monday, Nov. 22, replacing one from 1964 that did not do well during floods. The new span has two lanes for motor vehicles and a sidewalk for pedestrians and bicycles running about 750 feet south from Highway 132 in Waterford.
As California gas prices rise, here’s what you can expect for Thanksgiving week travel
Modesto Bee
As California average gas prices hit record highs, Thanksgiving travel is expected to surpass last year — bringing it within 5% of pre-pandemic levels.
See Also:
California gas prices soar to record highs heading into holidays: ‘Bit of a double whammy’ Visalia Times Delta
California OKs $1.4 bln plan for car chargers, hydrogen refueling
Reuters
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a three-year $1.4 billion plan to help California achieve its electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling goals.
How Much Federal Funding Will California Get For Public Transit? Right Now It’s $0
LAist
Newsom’s office expects California to receive nearly $9.5 billion through the new legislation over the next five years five “to improve public transportation options across the state.” But it turns out the Golden State won't be eligible for any of that green.
WATER
California backslides on water conservation amid drought
AP News
A severe drought prompted California Gov. Gavin Newsom last summer to ask the state’s nearly 40 million residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 15% this year. New data released Tuesday shows few people are doing that.
See also:
California, Arizona and Nevada in talks on new plan to save Colorado River water
Los Angeles Times
Two and a half years after signing a deal aimed at averting a damaging crisis along the Colorado River, water officials from California, Arizona and Nevada are discussing plans to take even less water from the shrinking river and leave it in Lake Mead in an effort to prevent the reservoir from falling to dangerously low levels.
“Xtra”
Who has the best donuts in Fresno/Clovis? Cast your vote in our poll
Fresno Bee
Whether it’s a bear claw, a maple bar or one of those newfangled donuts topped with Cheetos, everybody has a favorite donut. What about a favorite donut shop? We want to know, so we put together a little poll to find out.
Test yourself with our new free game: PolitiTruth
Think you can tell the difference between True and False?
Do you really know what is fake news?
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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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