POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
COVID cases in Stanislaus County schools drop to 102 for week starting Nov. 7 Modesto Bee
Stanislaus reports three deaths, 157 positive tests Modesto Bee
Watchdog agency penalizes Stanislaus County for former sheriff’s recruitment promos
Modesto Bee
A state watchdog agency has proposed that Stanislaus County pay a fine for featuring former sheriff Adam Christianson in recruitment advertising in magazines distributed to county residents.
Turlock Unified increases staffing, locks classrooms after stabbing at Turlock High School
Modesto Bee
Turlock Unified School District Superintendent Dana Trevethan said she’s worked with administrators to review safety protocols and student accountability in the wake of a stabbing early this month at Turlock High School.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Vaccination events a 'wild success' Porterville Recorder
VPR
Dozens of people lined up to speak at Tuesday’s redistricting public hearing, voicing concerns that the maps being considered don’t represent Fresno County’s changing demographics.
Warszawski: Downtown Fresno is having a big party. But is city putting its best face forward?
Fresno Bee
For those who haven’t ventured to downtown Fresno in a while, there’s no need to fret. You’ll still recognize the place. Change, at least the kind signaling a true revitalization, remains slow.
Artist to repaint Fresno mural honoring violence victims. Here’s where it’ll be located
Fresno Bee
Huerta has secured two new locations for the “The Hall of Angels.” The new mural, which will feature the portraits of 16 Black and brown residents who were killed, will span the sides of two different auto shops at 4595 E. Shields Ave. and at 1354 N. First St.
Clovis police are woefully understaffed. Here’s what City Council is doing about it
Fresno Bee
The Clovis City Council made moves this week to establish a citizens advisory committee to tackle questions and find some answers related to the short staffing of patrol officers.
EDITORIAL: Clovis council’s denial of apartment project shows why California has a housing crisis
Fresno Bee
A recent denial by the Clovis City Council of a proposed apartment complex shows all too clearly why California is trapped in a housing crisis.
Tulare leaders look to 'pump some blood' back into downtown with American Rescue Plan
Visalia Times-Delta
On Tuesday, Tulare City Council revealed its initial roadmap for spending the $18 million the city is projected to receive through the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion bill passed by Congress in March to help in the economic recovery of the coronavirus pandemic.
Visalia Unified considers new redistricting options
Visalia Times-Delta
During the latest Visalia Unified school board meeting, a community member presented their own trustee area map, one much different than what Visalia Unified currently uses.
Tulare County judge sides with DA, won't dismiss charges in HCCA public corruption case
Visalia Times-Delta
In his ruling, Judge Michael Sheltzer described the white-collar crime allegations as "extremely complex," but in the end he sided with prosecutors who argued the charges are accurate.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Kern Public Health: 222 new coronavirus cases, 10 deaths reported Thursday Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield selected to host 2022 California Economic Summit
Bakersfield Californian
Next year's two-day California Economic Summit — a statewide event bringing together state policymakers, civic leaders, business people and residents often left out of such discussions — will take place in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield doctor Jasmeet Bains announces run for State Assembly
Bakersfield Californian
In an interview with The Californian, Bains said the coronavirus pandemic spurred her to run for political office after driving home the importance of access to health care, especially in the rural parts of the state.
Opinion: If Kevin McCarthy can’t see the truth about ugly and violent video, Fresno doesn’t need him
Fresno Bee
How did McCarthy react to Gosar’s stunt? Not by condemning the demeaning video, but by complaining how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco was “breaking another precedent” with the censure process.
State:
COVID Update:
Not high risk but looking for a COVID booster? Here’s how California adults can sign up Fresno Bee
California’s coronavirus cases top 5 million as hospitalizations continue to drop Los Angeles Times
California won’t mandate COVID vaccines for private sector workers just yet. Here’s why Sacramento Bee
Not high risk but looking for a COVID booster? Here’s how California adults can sign up Sacramento Bee
California's MyTurn opens booster appointments to anyone 18 and over SFGate
Four San Joaquin Valley groundwater plans deemed inadequate
CalMatters
State officials warn some of the state’s most powerful and largest agricultural districts that their plans fail to address how over-pumping could harm local communities’ drinking water supplies.
California redistricting: Which incumbents are in tough spots?
CalMatters
The state’s redistricting commission isn’t supposed to consider where current elected officials live. And the preliminary maps put some House members and state legislators into less politically friendly districts, or in the same district as another incumbent.
California’s $1.2 billion Capitol renovation is underway. Activists are still trying to halt it
Sacramento Bee
Dozens of environmental and preservation activists on Wednesday protested the demolition of the California Capitol annex, a 69-year-old structure attached to the historic statehouse that lawmakers consider outdated and dangerous.
Los Angeles Times
The result, after all that backing and forthing, was a feeble 8% showing in his bid to replace Newsom. So naturally Faulconer is thinking of running again, challenging the Democratic governor in California’s regularly scheduled 2022 election.
Federal:
COVID Update:
Covid-19 Boosters From Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna Cleared for All U.S. Adults Wall Street Journal
Biden Administration Looks to Expand Access to Covid-19 Antiviral Pills Wall Street Journal
U.S. Buys 10 Million Treatment Courses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 Pill for $5.29 Billion Wall Street Journal
Sixth Circuit Wins OSHA ETS Lottery to Hear Legal Challenges National Law Review
FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna boosters for all adults Washington Post
Coronavirus FAQ: What is long COVID? And what is my risk of getting it? VPR
Prospects of Intellectual-Property Waiver on Covid-19 Vaccines Fade Wall Street Journal
Dems race to pass social spending plan with $1.7T cost estimate in hand
Politico
The House is charging ahead with a vote on President Joe Biden's expansive social spending bill, set to vote Thursday evening after months of false starts on Democrats’ biggest agenda item.
See also:
What’s in House Democrats’ Roughly $2 Trillion Budget Reconciliation Bill Wall Street Journal
House Passes Roughly $2 Trillion Social Spending and Climate Bill Wall Street Journal
Biden signs historic $1-trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill Los Angeles Times
House passes budget package after cost concerns abate Roll Call
House passes roughly $2 trillion spending package that would expand social benefits and fight climate change Washington Post
McCarthy’s overnight speech — longest in modern history — underscores rancor in the House Washington Post
Vote on Social Policy Bill Delayed as McCarthy Keeps Talking New York Times
Social Policy Bill Will Add to Deficit, C.B.O. Says; Democrats Delay Vote New York Times
Opinion: The Real Biden Bill: At Least $4.6 Trillion Wall Street Journal
Dems agonize over tax cuts for rich: ‘Bad policy, bad politics’
Politico
Democrats are struggling with a huge problem that could sink them at the ballot box: They may end up looking more sympathetic to rich people than Republicans.
See also:
Tax Deduction That Benefits the Rich Divides Democrats Before Vote New York Times
New poll shows more Americans want GOP to win control of Congress in 2022 The Hill
Biden’s war on inflation is a battle to change human behavior
Politico
Today, facing a very different kind of economic challenge, President Joe Biden needs people to overcome a new set of fears — and direct their purchases into the areas of the service economy hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.
See also:
Biden bank cop nomination in doubt after fiery hearing
Politico
President Joe Biden’s nominee to become the government's top banking regulator faced a wave of criticism Thursday at a tense Senate hearing that cast further doubt on her chances of being confirmed.
See also:
A look into the ugly and incredibly personal fight over Biden's pick to oversee banks NPR
Political Calculus Confronts Biden on Fed Pick of Powell vs. Brainard Wall Street Journal
Pentagon inspector general raises questions about former D.C. Guard commander’s Jan. 6 account
Washington Post
The D.C. National Guard’s commanding general was directed twice by Pentagon leadership to send in troops as violence engulfed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, according to a newly released investigation.
See also:
Opinion: Insurrectionists are finally receiving justice. But the GOP is more unhinged than ever. Washington Post
Washington Post
The House voted Wednesday to censure Rep. Paul A. Gosar (R-Ariz.) for tweeting an anime video that depicted him killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and swinging swords at President Biden.
Democratic divide puts congressional action on marijuana in doubt
Washington Post
A split on Capitol Hill over marijuana policy has lawmakers confronting the possibility that they could again fail to pass any meaningful changes to the federal prohibition of cannabis this Congress.
Defense bill stalled in Senate over amendment dispute
Roll Call
Republicans held up the Senate’s version of the annual Pentagon policy bill late Thursday night to protest Democratic leaders' decision to exclude from consideration some of their amendments.
See also:
Congress Debates Requiring Women to Register for Military Draft Wall Street Journal
House, Senate will go to conference on R&D proposals
Roll Call
House and Senate negotiators will soon go to conference in an effort to send bipartisan legislation aimed at advancing U.S. competitiveness in science and technology to President Joe Biden’s desk, Democratic leaders announced late Wednesday.
Fauci swamped by angry calls over beagle experiments after campaign that included misleading image
Washington Post
Anthony S. Fauci was swamped by 3,600 phone calls in 36 hours. Much of the onslaught stemmed from a false claim that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, had funded a medical experiment in which beagles were trapped in mesh cages filled with diseased sand flies.
Supreme Court grows 'increasingly hostile' to inmates seeking to delay executions
ABA Journal
The U.S. Supreme Court is growing “increasingly hostile” to arguments made on behalf of death row inmates. Supreme Court journalist Adam Liptak supports his conclusion with references to recent actions by the high court.
Business Group Challenges Lina Khan’s Agenda at Federal Trade Commission
Wall Street Journal
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is challenging Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan, contending in a series of letters that she is overstepping the agency’s legal authority.
States are redrawing every congressional district in the U.S. Here is where we stand.
Politico
Every 10 years, each state redraws its political lines. These processes take months to unfold in state capitals all around the country — and their results mold the balance of power in Congress for a decade.
See also:
Watchdog finds no money has flowed out of agency tasked by Trump admin to fight pandemic
The Hill
A government watchdog issued a report on Wednesday that found an agency tasked by the Trump administration with helping fight the pandemic has not allocated any of the $100 million it was given to help address COVID-19 supply chain issues.
Other:
Washington Post
A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general announced an investigation into Meta, focusing on whether the parent company of Instagram and Facebook violated consumer protection laws by promoting the app and other social networking products to children and teens.
See also:
Instagram’s Effects on Children Are Being Investigated by Coalition of States Wall Street Journal
State attorneys general open an inquiry into Instagram’s impact on teens. New York Times
Washington Post
There are more than 570 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages in the United States. According to the 2020 Census, fewer than a quarter of American Indians and Alaska Natives reside on reservations or other tribal lands.
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 On-Line 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
EPA fines company over pesticide use in Fresno County
Business Journal
Multiple complaints about a 2016 pesticide application in Fresno County have resulted in a $44,275 fine for a Gilroy company. The EPA announced the settlement against Gilroy-based TriCal Inc. for errant usage of the pesticide Tri-Clor at an almond field near Selma.
John Lindt: Learning to love ag land retirement
Hanford Sentinel
Between global warming, the California drought and the reality of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Central Valley farmers are already taking land out of production.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Police seeing more vandalism, threats at Valley schools
abc30
Valley police departments say they've seen increased threats and vandalism on school campuses. "To the kids that are thinking about doing this, this is not a harmless prank," said Visalia Police Sgt. Mike Short.
They served decades in prison for killing Malcolm X. Now their names are cleared.
Washington Post
The overturning of the convictions opens the door for Islam’s family and Aziz to sue the city and state for compensation — for their years in jail and a lifetime of being linked to a notoriously brutal assassination.
U.S. indicts two Iranian hackers over 2020 election disinformation campaign
Washington Post
Two Iranian men were indicted by the U.S. Justice Department on Thursday, accused of a brazen hacking and disinformation campaign that targeted American voters in the run-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
See also:
U.S. Charges Two Iranians With Attempting to Interfere in 2020 Presidential Election Wall Street Journal
Public Safety:
Support For Handgun Ban Hits Record Low As Gun Violence, Sales Soar During Pandemic, Poll Finds
Forbes
Americans’ support for a complete ban on handguns is the lowest on record, according to a new Gallup poll, part of a wider dip in support for stricter gun control measures as gun sales, violent crime and gun violence soared during the Covid-19 pandemic.
See also:
Fire:
Severe fire can be good for giant sequoias. The ‘hopeful’ new research – and a giant debate
Fresno Bee
This landscape, charred four years earlier, might look to most like more than 1,000 acres of destruction. But there’s far more than just bushes growing here. There are thousands of young giant sequoias, hundreds per acre, sprouting like weeds in every direction.
The True Cost of Wildfires: Analyzing the Impact of Wildfires on the California Economy
Bay Area Economy
Wildfires have been a natural threat to the Bay Area and State of California for centuries, but longer wildfire seasons and more destructive fires have now pushed much of California into a heightened state of alert for wildfires and the smoke-filled skies they produce.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Expect to pay more this year to stage your Thanksgiving feast
VPR
Get ready to add another stressor to your Thanksgiving holiday this year. The Farm Bureau reports that the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is up 14% over last year, averaging at $53.31.
See also:
2021 Summit Working Sessions Build Action Plans For Coming Year
CAFwd
The hard work of the California Economic Summit happens during the Work Group breakout sessions. Participants attend the different sessions led by state leaders and experts to discuss recommendations and work with each other to analyze those recommendations.
See also:
A once-in-a-generation opportunity for inclusive, equitable economic development James Irvine Foundation
Washington Post
The container shortage, economists say, is a byproduct of the pandemic. Coronavirus-related shutdowns disrupted the global movement of freight while boosting demand for consumer goods.
See also:
From Alabama to California, a trip along the broken supply chain Los Angeles Times
Household Search and the Marital Wage Premium
American Economic Association
We develop a model where selection into marriage and household search generate a marital wage premium. Beyond selection, married individuals earn higher wages for two reasons.
Opinion: A recession is coming: Will policymakers be caught flat-footed?
The Hill
With U.S. inflation at a 31-year high and proving to be much less transitory than the Fed had hoped, one major risk to the global economic recovery is the real possibility that the Fed will soon have to slam on the monetary policy brakes to keep inflation under control.
See also:
Jobs:
California wants Spanish speakers for these state government jobs. How to apply
Merced Sun Star
Are you bilingual, fluent in Spanish and looking to work for the state of California? Look no further. Here’s a list of the top jobs currently looking for Spanish-speaking applicants. Note: Many of these positions require that you pass a Spanish fluency exam.
Updated California workplace safety guidelines delayed because of federal legal challenges
San Francisco Chronicle
California workplace safety regulators had been poised to adopt the federal rules at their monthly meeting Thursday, but called off the vote as those rules now face a series of legal challenges and no clear timeline on if or when they will take effect.
Californians Agree It’s Important for Workers to Organize
Public Policy Institute of California
While most employed Californians are not offered membership in a union or similar group, an overwhelming majority of residents believe it is important for workers to organize.
See also:
John Deere factory workers approve new contract, ending historic strike Washington Post
Kaiser biomedical engineers entering week 10 of strike Business Journal
U.S. jobless claims drop seventh straight week to 268,000
Fresno Bee
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell for the seventh straight week to a pandemic low of 268,000. U.S. jobless claims dipped by 1,000 last week from the week before, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
See also:
U.S. Unemployment Claims Steady in Tight Job Market Wall Street Journal
Insider
It's not just rank and file employees: CEOs, too, are joining the Great Reshuffle, a study from US recruiting firm Heidrick & Struggles found.
California won’t mandate COVID vaccines for private sector workers just yet. Here’s why
Fresno Bee
A Cal-OSHA board is holding off on requiring workers in large California companies get vaccinated or regularly tested for the coronavirus, citing the court’s recent ruling temporarily blocking a similar proposed federal mandate.
See also:
EDUCATION
K-12:
Turlock students told to leave school board meeting because adults refused to wear masks
Modesto Bee
Board President Lori Carlson reminded people of this as the meeting began. When Trustee Jeffrey Cortinas and several community members did not comply, Carlson said the board was “forced to discontinue student participation.”
BCSD shares boundary-change plan for east Bakersfield schools
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield City School District shared formal recommendations from its boundary committee, which were prompted by the reorganization of Owens Elementary School and Lincoln Junior High.
Understanding the debate behind California’s new math framework
CalMatters
In the push to help more students thrive in STEM, California is working to change the way its schools teach math. Suggestions put forth to do so have garnered widespread criticism.
Higher Ed:
New Fresno State president has big plans for athletics. Bulldog Stadium tops list
Fresno Bee
With or without that momentum, Jiménez-Sandoval said Bulldog Stadium and athletics facilities are overdue for deferred maintenance and upgrades. The roller coaster ride with the Bulldogs’ football program and other sports teams on campus only highlights that need.
California community college students choosing jobs over class likely fuel enrollment drop
Los Angeles Times
The community college drop in California from fall 2020 to fall 2021 is 10.6%. By comparison, the national average is 6%. Graduate enrollment in the state grew slightly, by 1.8%, compared with a 2.1% uptick nationally.
UC slams the door on standardized admissions tests, nixing any SAT alternative
Los Angeles Times
UC Provost declared the end of testing for admissions decisions at a Board of Regents meeting, putting a conclusive end to more than three years of research and debate in the nation’s premier public university system on whether standardized testing does more harm than good when assessing applicants for admission.
See also:
Are remote learning and burnout to blame for declining bar pass rates?
ABA Journal
Bar exam pass rates dropped in July 2021, and some fear another decrease for 2022 graduates nationally because most candidates will have experienced at least half their legal education during the pandemic.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
Auditor of the State of California
As authorized by state law, my office conducted a state high-risk audit of the UC and the CSU management of more than $4.4 billion in federal funding they received through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
California has a new battle plan against environmental injustice. The nation is watching
Los Angeles Times
Pollution data California collected in the Bakersfield region was key to the state’s action after the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District gave refineries a pass on some of the new rules requiring high-tech air monitoring equipment.
Opinion: At COP26, leaders got a climate reality check. Here’s what they must do next.
Brookings
The Glasgow summit of the last two weeks was hyped as the world’s last best hope to save the climate, but such a lofty goal was never going to be achieved at one event. There is much more work for leaders to do before next year’s climate summit in Egypt.
Energy:
Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast: An Energy Forum
Capitol Weekly
This special episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live on November 17, 2021 at a panel discussion hosted by Capitol Weekly as part of our California Conference series An Energy Forum.
Fed Programs Have Kept Finance Flowing to Fossil Fuels
Wall Street Journal
The world’s biggest banks and investors recently pledged at the Glasgow climate conference to crimp the flow of finance to fossil fuels. But the Federal Reserve’s pandemic-era rescues have kept the spigot open.
See also:
Renewable energy in the U.S. nearly quadrupled in the past decade, report finds
Washington Post
The proportion of electricity the United States gets from solar and wind nearly quadrupled between 2011 and 2020. While geothermal generation remained relatively flat, the three technologies combined for an annual increase of nearly 15 percent over that stretch.
Opinion: When climate is king, perversities follow
AEI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to abandon its fuel-neutral mandate in favor of renewables and left-wing climate objectives. It is not FERC’s job to reform the policies adopted by Congress.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
California fentanyl deaths spiked during the pandemic. What Biden wants to do about it
Sacramento Bee
California could get some relief for its rising overdose deaths as the Biden administration moves to better control the opioid epidemic.
Whistleblower or flamethrower? California Medical Board member calls out his colleagues
Los Angeles Times
The pleas for help find him. They arrive by email or seep into his social media account. One showed up in a tightly sealed letter to his home. After years of feeling ignored by the Medical Board of California, the writers hope he’ll finally be the one who hears them.
Fresh look at earliest COVID cases points to live-animal market as most likely source
Los Angeles Times
A full 11 days before Chinese authorities focused their attention on the Huanan Market as the common link in the mysterious infections, doctors at two Wuhan hospitals had already identified 14 cases of the unexplained pneumonia.
See also:
A timeline of COVID-19’s first weeks in Wuhan Los Angeles Times
New Reconstruction Points to Animal Origins for Covid-19 Wall Street Journal
Human Services:
Healthcare workers hold sympathy strike for Kaiser engineers in northeast Fresno
abc30
Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers walked off the job Thursday morning for a sympathy strike to support Kaiser engineers. The strike is happening in Fresno, plus several Kaiser locations across California.
'Act of protest' leaves Tulare hospital board in chaos after VA proposal shunned
Visalia Times-Delta
The Tulare Local Healthcare District meeting on Wednesday ended in chaos after a disgruntled trustee walked out, leaving the diminished hospital board without a quorum.
Americans can wait many weeks to see a therapist. California law aims to fix that.
VPR
Senate Bill 221, which passed the state Legislature with a nearly unanimous vote, requires health insurers across the state to reduce wait times for mental health care to no more than 10 business days.
Pfizer, US ink $5.29B deal for possible COVID-19 treatment
Modesto Bee
The U.S. government will pay drugmaker Pfizer $5.29 billion for 10 million treatment courses of its potential COVID-19 treatment if regulators authorize it, the nation's largest purchase agreement yet for a coronavirus therapy.
The Weird, Wonderful Work of Pandemic Geropsychology
Zócalo Public Square
As our long-term residents missed out on visits from loved ones, and had fewer social outlets and activities to enjoy, part of my job became providing companionship, entertainment, and comfort.
IMMIGRATION
Biden Immigration Policy Marred by Internal Rifts: ‘A Recipe for Disaster’
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration’s immigration policy has been muddled by high-profile reversals and splits within the senior ranks, leaving the government struggling to counter a record number of migrants at the border and reliant on some Trump administration policies that President Biden pledged during his campaign to unwind.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Nearly 15,000 acres of Wind Wolves Preserve permanently protected
Bakersfield Californian
The California Rangeland Trust announced Thursday a permanent conservation agreement of 14,631 acres on the 93,000-acre Wind Wolves Preserve in Kern County.
Trump’s move of Bureau of Land Management HQ undercut diversity, watchdog finds
Washington Post
As Trump officials were moving the headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva issued a stark warning: The department risked a “significant legal liability” by driving Black employees from an agency that was overwhelmingly White.
Housing:
Fresno unveils affordable housing for formerly homeless residents with mental health needs
Fresno Bee
Created in partnership between Fresno Housing and the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, the 28-unit Village at Paragon will offer on-site services, such as case management and mental health services. This is the fourth Fresno Housing development that is run in partnership with DBH.
Renters looking outside of Fresno as prices rise, options decrease
abc30
The pandemic is impacting where people want to call home. Fresno residents are on the move, with many looking towards Southern California for a change of scenery.
Affordable housing developer takes another bite of Blackstone
Business Journal
Integrated Community Development purchased a 2.75-acre parcel of land at Blackstone and Clinton avenues to be the site of a 78-unit community called The Clinton Avenue Apartments. The land had previously been owned by Granville Homes.
EDITORIAL: Clovis council’s denial of apartment project shows why California has a housing crisis
Fresno Bee
A recent denial by the Clovis City Council of a proposed apartment complex shows all too clearly why California is trapped in a housing crisis.
Landlords eligible to receive 100% of unpaid rent with CityServe program
Bakersfield Californian
Landlords can receive up to 100% of their tenants’ unpaid rent, according to the release. Appointment requests can be made at cityservenetwork.com/evictionprevention, where more information about program eligibility can also be found. Walk-ins are welcomed.
California holds 70% of the country’s priciest ZIP Codes for home buyers
Los Angeles Times
Home prices across the country soared during the pandemic, but at the top of the market, California kept its crown as the priciest state in the nation — by far.
Opinion: Biased appraisals and the devaluation of housing in Black neighborhoods
Brookings
Consistent with concerns raised by critics, they found that homes in Black and Latino or Hispanic neighborhoods are much more likely than homes in white neighborhoods to be valued below what a buyer has offered to pay.
PUBLIC FINANCES
A bigger tax deduction for Californians making up to $550K? The Senate’s thinking about it
Sacramento Bee
Democratic senators are seriously considering a plan to lift the cap on state and local tax deductions entirely for people who earn between $400,000 and $550,000. Some sort of adjustment to the SALT cap on federal income tax, which was set at $10,000 by the 2017 tax cut law, is probably coming.
Denied unemployment benefits in California during the pandemic? You may now qualify
Sacramento Bee
About 100,000 Californians who had been previously denied unemployment benefits from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program could be getting them after all. Starting Friday, identified potential claimants will get notices.
A huge California budget surplus will test legal spending limit, analysts warn
Los Angeles Times
California lawmakers should take early action next year on how to implement the state’s constitutional spending limit, an analysts’ report recommended, pointing out that the longstanding law will dictate how to divvy up almost all of a towering $31-billion tax surplus.
Opinion: More competition on tax and budget estimates will improve public debates
AEI
The economists and statisticians who built and run the Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM) must be doing something right because their work is a major irritant to a White House intent on rushing trillions of dollars in new spending through Congress.
Opinion: A more productive way to spread federal science funding around
AEI
Well-intentioned proposals to augment a program designed to equitably distribute research funding should take more deliberate steps to ensure R&D spending benefits the entire country.
TRANSPORTATION
California High-Speed Rail Releases Fall 2021 Construction Update
California High Speed Rail Authority
Today, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) released its Fall 2021 Construction Update highlighting the progress being made on the nation’s first high-speed rail project.
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.
Opinion: Don’t blame politicians for California’s sky-high gas prices. Blame COVID-19
Los Angeles Times
Who can we blame for record-high gasoline prices? Sorry. No one in particular. The worst culprit is COVID-19.
Biden Administration Signals Its Infrastructure Priorities With $1 Billion in Transportation Grants
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration on Friday announced some $1 billion in transportation grants for local projects, offering clues about its spending priorities as it gets ready to allocate funds from the roughly $1 trillion infrastructure package signed into law this week.
See also:
Ford, GM Step Into Chip Business
Wall Street Journal
Detroit’s two biggest auto makers—Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.—are looking to get into the semiconductor business, after a year of computer-chip shortages that snarled their global factory output.
See also:
Ford Moves to Ensure Supply of Chips and Guide Their Design New York Times
WATER
Four Central Valley groundwater plans fail to meet California standards. What’s next
Fresno Bee
Four groundwater plans in the Central Valley — including those for Westlands and Chowchilla water districts and the Merced and Eastern San Joaquin subbasins — do not show how they will protect water quality, keep drinking water wells from going dry or stop land from sinking further.
See also:
“Xtra”
'Hamilton' coming to Fresno's Saroyan Theatre, tickets now on sale
abc30
One of the most popular Broadway musicals is coming to Fresno. Tickets to "Hamilton" are now on sale. The Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno will be hosting the award-winning musical with the touring cast for several nights.
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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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