POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Permanent Merced city manager chosen after weeks in interim role, council decides
Merced Sun-Star
With a unanimous vote Monday night, the Merced City Council promoted former interim city manager Stephanie Dietz to the position’s permanent role. “We’re really happy to do so,” said Mayor Mike Murphy. “Ms. Dietz has been with us for about four years, and is really a tremendous asset to the city.”
How will Stanislaus County enforce the state’s stricter COVID-19 restrictions?
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County’s approach to enforcing the state’s coronavirus orders won’t change as local communities learn to live under tighter restrictions imposed by the state, the county’s chief executive said.
See also:
● Turlock businesses try to stay afloat under restrictive tier Turlock Journal
● Winter patio dining? Modesto, Stanislaus restaurants prepare for long COVID-19 season Modesto Bee
● Editorial: Stanislaus County won’t defeat COVID-19 until our residents take it seriously Modesto Bee
Central SJ Valley:
Fresno is back in purple COVID-19 tier. Here’s what’s still open, what’s closed again
Fresno Bee
On the heels of Monday’s abrupt backward shift of Fresno County, there may be some confusion about what kinds of businesses can remain open, which ones are closed, and which ones have to modify their operations to comply with the more stringent limitations.
See also:
● Fresno County ‘experiencing a surge’ of COVID-19 cases, worrying health leaders Fresno Bee
● Back to purple-tier COVID-19 restrictions means outdoor dining only for local restaurants Fresno Bee
● Fresno restaurants face more COVID-19 hurdles as county falls back into purple tier Fresno Bee
● Cases surge again in Fresno. What’s the plan to slow the spread? Fresno Bee
● Fresno County will not enforce California COVID-19 guidelines, two supervisors say Fresno Bee
● Fresno, Kings, Merced counties pushed back to purple tier as COVID-19 cases rise abc30
● Restaurants prepared for cold winter with new coronavirus restrictions abc30
● COVID-19 update: Tulare County metrics worsen as California tightens restrictions Visalia Times Delta
Fresno Co. Supervisor Steve Brandau returns to work after contracting COVID-19
abc30
Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau said he was back in the office on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after he contracted COVID-19. The supervisor told Action News he feels great and received a "stamp of approval from public health."
City Council Recognizes Small Business Saturday
Clovis RoundUp
A proclamation was given recognizing November 28, 2020 as Small Business Saturday. Representatives of the Business Organizations of Old Town Clovis (B.O.O.T.) and the Clovis Chamber of Commerce were in attendance to receive the proclamation.
South SJ Valley:
Local postal workers union asks Congress, everyday Americans to support U.S. Postal Service
Bakersfield Californian
U.S. postal workers in Bakersfield and members of the local postal workers union held a press conference Tuesday in Bakersfield asking for help from Congress and everyday Americans to save what one called an American treasure, the U.S. Postal Service.
State:
California tightens COVID-19 mask restrictions, face coverings must be worn outdoors at all times
abc30
In an effort to curb the spread of rising COVID-19 cases, Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday that California is "pulling the emergency brake" by moving 40 counties back to more restrictive reopening tiers and tightening the face mask rules in the state.
See also:
● Newsom Pulls 'Emergency Brake,' Rolls Back Most Of California—Including Valley—Into Purple Tier VPR
● Californians must mask up outside their homes under new expanded mandate Los Angeles Times
● Newsom considers statewide curfew CalMatters
● California clamps down: Governor announces new restrictions to curb surging coronavirus CalMatters
Some states cut pay, others offered raises. How California state worker pay reductions stack up
Sacramento Bee
Michigan lawmakers imposed weekly state worker furloughs. Florida’s employees got a raise. Maryland paid front-line workers double at the start of the pandemic. Pennsylvania temporarily stopped paying some state employees altogether.
Newsom, legislators face angry backlash over French Laundry party, Hawaii trip during COVID-19 surge
Los Angeles Times
No politician escapes the heightened scrutiny that comes with running for office. And most, if not all, have been criticized for not doing enough to align their actions with their words.
See also:
● Walters: French Laundry flap spotlights Capitol insiders CalMatters
The Trumpiest and most anti-Trump counties in California: Where does yours rank?
CalMatters
November’s election results showed that most of California’s Democratic counties moved further away from President Donald Trump — and the bulk of its Republican counties did too.
Opinion: Newsom Gets His BLM Orders
Wall Street Journal
Identity politics was a debacle for Democrats on Nov. 3, not least in California where voters defeated a constitutional amendment to allow racial preferences in schools and government. But don’t tell that to Black Lives Matter, which has delivered its new orders to Gov. Gavin Newsom: “He Must Appoint a Black Woman to the Senate.”
Federal:
The ‘last voice in the room.’ What will Kamala Harris do as Joe Biden’s vice president?
Fresno 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.
Pentagon to cut troop levels to 2,500 in Iraq, Afghanistan
abc30
The new plan will accelerate troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan in Trump's final days in office, despite arguments from senior military officials in favor of a slower, more methodical pullout.
See also:
● White House Orders Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan And Iraq VPR
● Trump cuts troop levels to 2,500 in Iraq and Afghanistan Los Angeles Times
Trump ally McCarthy is reelected leader of House Republicans
Bakersfield Californian
Rep. Kevin McCarthy easily won reelection as House Republican leader Tuesday, a stunning turnaround as the entire GOP leadership team was rewarded by their colleagues for reducing the Democrats’ House advantage in the November election.
See also:
● Republicans Re-Elect Kevin McCarthy as House Minority Leader Wall Street Journal
Pelosi just won reelection to lead House Democrats. That’s the easy part . . .
Los Angeles Times
With no challenger in sight, Speaker Nancy Pelosi breezed through her reelection bid in Wednesday’s House leadership vote and moved closer to what is expected to be her final two-year term in the high-profile post.
See also:
● Katherine Clark wins assistant speaker race against David Cicilline Roll Call
● Nancy Pelosi Backed by House Democrats to Serve Fourth Term as Speaker Wall Street Journal
GOP senators berate Facebook, Twitter CEOs, who say they did the best they could during election
Los Angeles Times
The CEOs of Twitter and Facebook defended their efforts to reduce the spread of online disinformation about the presidential election and the integrity of the U.S. voting system Tuesday as they faced an onslaught of criticism from Senate Republicans who accused the tech giants of censoring conservative views and favoring Democrats.
See also:
● Zuckerberg, Dorsey Tout Progress in Combating Political Misinformation Wall Street Journal
● Viral Voting Misinformation FactCheck
Democrats Seek Covid-Aid Talks With McConnell This Week
Wall Street Journal
Top Democrats sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell requesting that negotiations on another coronavirus relief bill restart this week after months of stalemate.
Biden Names Senior White House Staff as Transition Standoff Continues
Wall Street Journal
President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday named several White House staff members amid a continued standoff with the Trump administration over cooperating with his transition effort.
See also:
● Biden’s Path Forward at DHS Faces Competing Pressures Wall Street Journal
● Biden's Win Shows Rural-Urban Divide Has Grown Since 2016 NPR
Giuliani Claims in Court That Pennsylvania Election Was Stolen
Wall Street Journal
Rudy Giuliani appeared in court for the first time on behalf of the Trump campaign Tuesday, claiming that the presidential election had been marred by voter fraud, particularly because of the prevalence of mail-in ballots.
See also:
● Half of Republicans say Biden won because of a 'rigged' election: Reuters/Ipsos poll Reuters
● 46 percent of voters say Trump should concede immediately: poll The Hill
● Opinion: Trump and his supporters are discovering how hard it is to sabotage election results Washington Post
● Opinion: Rage Against the Voting Machine Wall Street Journal
Yes, Department of Homeland Security declared Nov. 3 election most secure in American history
PolitiFact
As President Donald Trump continues to spread baseless claims of widespread fraud and a "rigged" presidential election that left him the loser to Democrat Joe Biden, others have come to the defense of the American election system.
See also:
● Trump fires agency head who vouched for 2020 vote security Los Angeles Times
● There’s a Reason the Election Went So Smoothly The Atlantic
● Cybersecurity chief who oversaw ‘most secure election’ fired by Trump Roll Call
● Trump Fires Top Cybersecurity Official Who Defended Integrity of Election Wall Street Journal
Trump Launched A Trade War Against China. Don't Look To Biden To Reverse It
NPR
President Trump's slash-and-burn rhetoric against China may have brought few lasting economic benefits so far, but it has succeeded in one fundamental way: No administration can now afford to play nice with the United States' biggest rival.
Other:
The World Is Never Going Back to Normal
The Atlantic
In the hours and days after American news networks declared him the victor on November 7, President-elect Joe Biden received congratulatory tweets and statements from American allies around the world.
How to Bring Civility to Political Arguments
Mediate
Civility, respect, understanding, and the willingness to listen. These are core conversational virtues that are universally appreciated. What’s interesting is that, although we all want to see these admirable virtues on display in these political conversations, they are still woefully lacking.
See also:
● Commentary: Fortifying our democracy in an alienated age AEI
Opinion: Justice Alito is Right: Freedom of Speech and Religion Face Real Threats
Newsweek
Opinion: How regulators can get facial recognition technology right
Brookings
On June 24th the New York Times reported the frightful story of Detroit resident Robert Julian-Borchak Williams. Williams, who is African American, lives in the wealthy Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills and was contacted in January by the Detroit Police Department to turn himself in.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
California’s food banks will get a shake-up on Jan. 1. Will it interrupt supply?
Sacramento Bee
Come Jan. 1, many of California’s food banks will get food distributed from a new organization, which promises cost savings that could result in more supplies for the facilities, more frequent delivery and a “produce mobile” with fresh fruits and vegetables.
California could get boost in race for top job on House Agriculture Committee
San Francisco Chronicle
A Californian has not chaired the powerful House Agriculture Committee since just after the Civil War. Rep. Jim Costa is hoping to change that.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Hate crime murders surged to record high in 2019, FBI data show
CBSNews
Data shows 51 people were the victims of murder or non-negligent manslaughter motivated by hate in 2019, far surpassing the 24 people killed the year before. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2018 had already been the deadliest year on record for victims of hate crimes since the FBI began tracking the data in the early 1990s.
See also:
● Hate crimes in US reach highest level in more than a decade AP News
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: Will looming snowstorm be enough to help firefighters?
Fresno Bee
Snow was expected over the Creek Fire on Tuesday, which spelled good news for containment and bad news for firefighters wishing to wrap up repairs. Models are conflicting, but officials expect anywhere between 3 to 15 inches of snow on Tuesday night, according to Sunshine Meitzner, U.S. Forest Service public information officer.
Sequoia Complex remains at 83 percent contained
Porterville Recorder
Suppression repair work continues above Springville as firefighters continue to gain in their fight against the Sequoia Complex. Officials reported Monday was another productive day.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
States plead for more federal help as virus outbreak worsens
Bakersfield Californian
With more shutdowns looming and a vaccine months away from wide distribution, governors across the U.S. are pleading for more help from Washington ahead of what is shaping up to be a bleak winter.
Shoppers weigh dialing back Thanksgiving this year
Bakersfield Californian
It was hard enough limiting this year's Thanksgiving dinner list to 10 family people instead of the usual 20. Don't ask Bakersfield couple Bobby and Ginger Scott to make the additional sacrifice of buying a smaller turkey as well.
See also:
● Thanksgiving meals may be pricier this year, report says. Here’s why COVID is to blame Sacramento Bee
Salons, shops closed previously dodge a bullet this time
Bakersfield Californian
Mark "Mad Dog" Rains, owner of Mad Dog Tattoo on 19th Street, had already booked a client Tuesday having been unaware Kern County had just slid back into the state's most restrictive level of pandemic orders.
Amazon expands into healthcare with online pharmacy
Los Angeles Times
Amazon.com Inc. unveiled its biggest push into selling prescription drugs with the launch of a digital pharmacy and discounts for paying U.S. Prime members that sent shock waves through shares of drugstore chains and distributors.
Commentary: Don’t be fooled. The coronavirus economy still needs help.
AEI
Covid-19 is surging — but, finally, the light at the end of the tunnel is visible. Preliminary test results indicate that vaccines being developed by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc. are more effective than many dared to hope. Treatment protocols have improved and new therapies are available. The mortality rate from the virus is dropping.
Jobs:
US judge blocks Trump Administration rule inhibiting unions
Fresno Bee
A federal judge on Tuesday blocked a Trump Administration rule that opponents said would have harmed the bargaining rights of more than 500,000 home healthcare workers in California and several hundred thousand additional workers across the nation.
These California workers were used to solving crises, but COVID-19 took it to a new level
Fresno Bee
Accustomed to solving one crisis after another, workers at WEAVE, My Sister’s House and other agencies addressing domestic violence adopted radical changes in how they served people in the face of statewide orders for residents to shelter in place to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Over 300 hired thanks to Fresno EOC Valley Apprenticeship Connections
Fresno EOC
Since 2015, Valley Apprenticeship Connections (VAC) has helped over 300 people get a job after completing the 12-week training program preparing students for a career in construction. While the program specializes in providing hands-on training and skills to participants, VAC staff also helps students with placement, networking, and preparing for the interview process.
If Congress doesn’t act, 12 million Americans could lose unemployment aid after Christmas
Washington Post
Deadlines set by Congress early in the pandemic will result in about 12 million Americans losing unemployment insurance by the year’s end, according to a report released Wednesday — a warning about the sharp toll that inaction in Washington could exact on the economic health of both individual households and the economy at large.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Why some schools can reopen campuses even though Fresno County is back in 'purple tier'
abc30
Fresno County is back in the state's most restrictive tier and for many school districts across the Valley, it could mean that students won't be coming back to campus anytime soon. The county's 'purple tier' status means schools can't fully reopen until it's back in the 'red tier'.
As cases rise, school officials monitor COVID-19 and BCHS 'pauses' campus life
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield Christian High School, which opened its doors to all its students less than three weeks ago, announced it is pausing in-person schooling after students tested positive for COVID-19.
What does California’s alarming COVID-19 surge mean for schools?
Los Angeles Times
An alarming rise in new coronavirus cases has prompted major reopening rollbacks that also will stall efforts to reopen campuses throughout Southern California and most of the state — and affect the education of millions of students.
Higher Ed:
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.
Biden could face a student loan mess if Trump allows pandemic relief to expire
abc30
When he takes office, Biden will be left with a choice: Keep Trump's policy in place, or go bigger and cancel debt altogether, a step some Democrats argue Biden can take without Congress.
See also:
● U.S. COVID-19 student loan relief is ending. How to get more time to delay repayments Fresno Bee
With Cases Surging, Colleges Turn To Students For Help
VPR
Lately, Echo Fridley has had a raspy voice and a sore throat. Not from illness but from many hours on the phone talking with other students about quarantine and isolation, as a contact tracer at Syracuse University.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
We May Have A Colder Winter, But Experts Say The Climate Is Still Warming
Capital Public Radio
This winter may seem colder than previous warmer winters Californians have experienced in recent history, because a moderate to strong La Niña is forming over the pacific.
Biden Plans to Move Fast With a ‘Climate Administration.’ Here’s How.
New York Times
President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr., eager to elevate climate change issues throughout his administration, is already drafting orders to reduce planet-warming pollution and seeking nominees who will embed climate policy not only in environmental agencies but in departments from Defense to Treasury to Transportation.
Energy:
The ‘war on coal’ is over. The next climate battle has just begun
Los Angeles Times
The night Barack Obama claimed victory in the Democratic presidential primaries in 2008, he predicted future generations would look back and say, “This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.”
PG&E Taps Michigan Utility Leader to Become Next CEO
Wall Street Journal
PG&E Corp. has chosen the head of a Michigan utility as its next chief executive as it works to improve the safety of its electric system and strengthen its business after sparking a series of deadly wildfires that pushed the company into bankruptcy.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Preterm births dropped during lockdowns, studies show. But not for women with COVID-19
Fresno Bee
Much to researchers’ surprise, premature births have consistently dropped throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The reasons behind the trend remain unknown, but it’s a positive pattern that suggests there might be something about lockdowns and COVID-19 preventive measures that’s preventing them.
Majority of Americans now say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine, new poll says
Fresno Bee
A majority of Americans now would choose to get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the latest Gallup poll. There was an increase in the willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Gallup Panel survey conducted Oct. 19-Nov. 1, with 58% saying they would get vaccinated compared with 50% who said the same thing in September.
Kern Public Health reports 222 new coronavirus cases Tuesday
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County Public Health Services Department reported 222 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, but no new deaths. That brings Kern's case count since the pandemic began to 37,141. There have been 432 deaths.
See also:
● Fresno County seeing increase in wait time for COVID-19 test results abc30
● 'Heightened transmission' to continue through January Porterville Recorder
● Stanislaus adds 100-plus cases again. Hospital use flat Modesto Bee
More than 3 million people in U.S. estimated to be contagious with the coronavirus
Washington Post
More than 3 million people in the United States have active coronavirus infections and are potentially contagious, according to a new estimate from infectious-disease experts tracking the pandemic. That number is significantly larger than the official case count, which is based solely on those who have tested positive for the virus.
Human Services:
Here are tips for a safe Thanksgiving amid COVID-19
Fresno Bee
The first piece of advice for those planning a Thanksgiving gathering during the coronavirus pandemic: Don’t do it. But, if you do, here’s what you need to know to do it safely.
Kern County supervisors approve $25 gift cards for COVID tests
Bakersfield Californian
Receiving a $25 Visa gift card in exchange for a coronavirus test will be the new reality for some in Kern County after a Tuesday vote by the Board of Supervisors.
Moderna and Pfizer Are Reinventing Vaccines, Starting With Covid
Wall Street Journal
The strong early results for two leading Covid-19 vaccines have implications that go far beyond the current pandemic: They suggest the time has come for a gene-based technology that could provide new treatments for cancer, heart disease and other infectious diseases.
See also:
● Fresno County getting coronavirus vaccines in December, city councilmembers say Fresno Bee
● Why Does Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Need To Be Kept Colder Than Antarctica? VPR
● Pfizer To Seek FDA OK For COVID-19 Vaccine 'Within Days' VPR
● Pfizer says its coronavirus vaccine is safe and 95% effective, will seek regulatory review ‘within days’ Washington Post
● Coronavirus live updates: Pfizer will seek regulatory review ‘within days’ for its vaccine Washington Post
● Developing Nations Push for Covid-19 Vaccines Without the Patents Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: The Final Hurdle in the Covid-19 Vaccine Race Is Bureaucracy Bloomberg Business
FDA Approves First At-Home Coronavirus Test
NPR
The first COVID-19 diagnostic at-home self-test that provides rapid results has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency announced Tuesday. The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit is a molecular single-use test and is expected to cost $50 or less, the company said on its website.
See also:
● FDA Authorizes At-Home Covid-19 Test That Gives Results In 30 Minutes Forbes
IMMIGRATION
For Immigrants, Election Promises Relief From An 'Atmosphere Of Terror'
VPR
For years, immigrants in the Atlanta suburbs lived in fear that a routine traffic stop would lead to deportation. Thousands of immigrants in the country illegally have been deported for minor offenses, advocates say, because of close ties between county jails and immigration authorities.
Editorial: Double hurricanes could make the Central America migration crisis even worse
Los Angeles Times
It’s unclear at this point exactly how much death and damage have been inflicted in Nicaragua and Honduras by Hurricane Iota, the second major storm to strike the region in as many weeks.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Sustainable Development and Land Use Update - November 2020 #2
JD Supra
The hardest fought campaign, Proposition 15, asked voters whether to rescind property-tax rules, implemented in 1978 by Proposition 13, applicable to commercial and industrial property that generally require counties to assess property at its acquisition value.
Housing:
Downtown Madera Breaks Ground On $24.69m Housing Project
Business Journal
The City of Madera held a virtual groundbreaking on a new $24.69 million affordable housing project in the city’s downtown district on Tuesday morning. The 48-unit community will consist of two three-story buildings, funded in part by more than $11 million from the California Strategic Growth Council as part of cap-and-trade proceeds.
Fresno COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant Gets Boost In Funding To Meet Immense Need
VPR
When the Fresno City Council first approved a Housing Retention Grant in May for $1.5 million, the response was overwhelming, said Council President Miguel Arias. “Within a week of announcing the housing retention program, we had 14,000 residents inquire about completing an application,” he said.
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities
CA.gov
The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program makes it easier for Californians to drive less by making sure housing, jobs, and key destinations are accessible by walking, biking, and transit.
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.
TRANSPORTATION
Travel Industry Seeks Exit Out Of Turbulence
Business Journal
Early into the Covid-19 pandemic air travel revenue hit the ground, but locally and nationally, air travel is beginning to take off. With travelers canceling their trips due to fears of the virus, cancellation of countless events in both entertainment and trade industries, and travel bans in the U.S. and abroad, its no surprise that the airline industry and airports hit some turbulence.
Will ‘Amtrak Joe’ Biden bail out California’s troubled bullet train? Don’t bet on it
Los Angeles Times
President-elect Joe Biden is a self-professed train fanatic who estimates that he has ridden more than 2 million miles on 16,000 trains. This fall, he rode the rails to campaign across Ohio and Pennsylvania, part of the “Build Back Better” train tour.
COVID-19 travel update: Which countries can Americans visit?
Los Angeles Times
Dozens of countries in Europe and Asia remain off-limits for American travelers as the world continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, local, state and federal officials in the U.S. are urging Americans to stay as close to home as possible.
Boeing 737 MAX Cleared to Fly Again, but Covid-19 Has Sapped Demand
Wall Street Journal
The U.S. on Wednesday approved Boeing Co. ’s 737 MAX jets for passenger flights again after dual crashes took 346 lives, issuing a set of long-anticipated safety directives and notices to airlines globally.
See also:
● FAA lifts ban on Boeing 737 Max after deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019 grounded the jet Washington Post
WATER
California, Oregon will take over dams controlled by Warren Buffett – and tear them down
Fresno Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom and his Oregon counterpart signed a landmark deal Tuesday to take control of four aging dams targeted for removal on the Lower Klamath River, an agreement designed to push the controversial $450 million plan over the finish line.
See also:
● Historic deal revives plan for largest US dam demolition Bakersfield Californian
● Klamath River deal revives plan for major dam demolition to save salmon Los Angeles Times
● Newsom, Oregon governor sign deal to revive removal of Klamath River dams San Francisco Chronicle
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”
Coronavirus update: Some holiday events in Fresno canceling ahead of new restrictions
Fresno Bee
The California Department of Public Health reported 328 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to more than 34,000 in Fresno County as it returns to the most restrictive tier of California’s economic reopening plan.
Community-wide lights tour aims to spread Christmas cheer
Turlock Journal
As the community copes with the cancellation of its annual downtown Christmas parade, the City of Turlock has come up with yet another way for residents to spread holiday cheer despite these dismal times.
Annual Christmas fundraiser gets creative to give back during pandemic
Turlock Journal
For nearly 40 years, the city’s local base of real estate agents has come together to host their annual breakfast that benefits Turlock families who are most in need. Rather than cancel the event because of the coronavirus pandemic, the typical morning filled with food and charity will look a bit different this year — but still reinforce the spirit of giving.