October 3, 2019

03Oct

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

California State Parks could be sanctioned for ignoring scientists on Oceano Dunes dust

Modesto Bee

The California Department of Parks and Recreation could face sanctions or forced closures at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, after the state agency failed to follow scientists’ recommendations to reduce dust emissions from the popular park.

County leaders spend big to shelter and house the homeless. But, not everyone is happy

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County leaders on Tuesday approved agreements with agency partners to shelter and house the homeless after the Modesto Emergency Outdoor Shelter closes in the coming months.

Some California workers reject SEIU contract, revealing divide in state’s largest union

Merced Sun-Star

A small but significant group within state government’s largest union rejected a proposed contract with the state Tuesday, revealing a split over a three-year SEIU Local 1000 agreement that includes a major new health care perk.

Central SJ Valley:

Washington Post journalist visits Fresno, weighs in on impeachment, young voters

Fresno Bee

Washington Post journalist Robert Costa spoke with reporters Tuesday ahead of his scheduled talk at Fresno State, weighing in on the possible impeachment of President Donald Trump, and whether Democrats will rally around a younger candidate.

Attorney General Becerra Stops In Fresno To Promote Tobacco Grants, ‘A Healthier California’

KVPR
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra paid a visit to Fresno this week to promote funding dedicated toward combating illegal tobacco sales. Becerra appeared alongside County Sheriff Margaret Mims at a press conference on Tuesday to announce a $326,000 grant to reduce tobacco use and vaping among minors. 

South SJ Valley:

Lemoore City Council votes unanimously to move forward with licensing pot dispensary

abc30

The Lemoore City Council will move forward with the process to license Lemoore's first marijuana dispensary. The council voted unanimously to allow Valley Pure to rent the train depot building on 308 E Street from the city for the dispensary.

See also:

 

McCarthy focused on water, USMCA, immigration

Porterville Recorder

When it comes to water, the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, immigration — and impeachment — they are all issues that are related to each other as far as U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy is concerned.

See also:

Petition drive to recall Governor in Porterville

Porterville Recorder

A petition drive to recall Governor Gavin Newsom will be held at Country Pleasures, 177 N. Main, beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 3. Those who want to recall Newsom can sign a petition for his recall during the petition drive which is scheduled to last all day. 

State:

California political donor charged in 2 overdose deaths

Fresno Bee

Wealthy California political donor Ed Buck was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury for two overdose deaths in his West Hollywood apartment and charges he provided methamphetamine to three other men, one of whom survived two overdoses.

State of Resistance: Is California Really Winning In Court Against The Trump Administration?

Capital Public Radio

The suits span many policy areas, from the disputed citizenship question on the 2020 census to the Trump administration’s attempt to cut off funds for “sanctuary” jurisdictions, from challenging changes to immigration policy to energy and environmental regulations. 

See also:

 

Mercury Insurance agrees to $41-million settlement to fight with California

Los Angeles Times

Mercury Insurance Co. is ending its two-decade battle with California regulators over extra fees charged to customers by agreeing to pay the state more than $41 million, officials said Wednesday. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said it’s the largest property and casualty penalty and interest payment in the state Insurance Department’s history.

 

Californians surveyed: Rising homelessness concern, a split on Newsom, and no home-state edge for Kamala Harris

CALmatters

Californians are increasingly pessimistic about the future of the state and are more worried about housing and homelessness than ever before. And according to one major poll, they’re beginning to take it out on Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic state Legislature.

See also:

California fines Chevron over Kern County oil leaks

Los Angeles Times

California regulators have fined Chevron $2.7 million for violations at a facility in Kern County where there have been multiple oil leaks. The Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources said Wednesday that Chevron illegally allowed uncontrolled oil releases at Cymric oil field.

See also:

California models how to banish gerrymandering — and why that’s so hard

CALmatters

California urges other states to go its way: Let citizens, not politicians, draw district maps. But the state's having a bit of trouble attracting a diverse, qualified pool of citizens willing to do the job.

 

Federal:

Trump impeachment: President lashes out in anger as Democrats warn of legal action

abc30

Unleashing unconcealed fury about Democrats and the press, President Donald Trump railed Wednesday against the investigation into his dealings with Ukraine, hours after House Democratic leaders warned the White House to expect a subpoena for documents. 

See also:

 

Trump signs $1.8 billion autism funding bill

abc

President Donald Trump signed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (CARES) into law Monday, which allocates $1.8 billion in funding over the next five years to help people with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

The Latest: US plans tariffs on EU cheese, wine, aircraft

Fresno Bee

Gouda cheese, single-malt whiskey and large aircraft are among the European imports the Trump administration plans to hit with tariffs after receiving the go-ahead Wednesday from the World Trade Organization in a case involving illegal European Union subsidies for the aircraft giant Airbus.

See also:

 

Elections 2020:

Bernie Sanders has a heart issue, campaign calls off appearances including stop in Fresno

Fresno Bee

Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Fresno appearance, scheduled for Thursday, was canceled after the presidential candidate experienced a heart-related medical condition.

See also:

It’s a three-way race in California’s presidential primary. Kamala Harris isn’t included

Merced Sun-Star

California’s 2020 primary is up in the air for three contenders seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Unfortunately for home state Sen. Kamala Harris, she’s not among them.

See also:

 

As Warren rises, debate over her ability to beat Trump intensifies

Sacramento Bee

It’s the subject of frequent barroom arguments, online debates, and even internal strategy sessions of congressional campaigns. Everyone in politics — Republicans and Democrats alike — is asking the same pressing question: Just how electable is Elizabeth Warren against President Donald Trump?

Housing Woes Push Into 2020 Campaign From Nevada And Beyond

Capital Public Radio

Like many, Mario Wolthers was lured to Las Vegas a decade ago from California by cheaper housing costs. But when his apartment managers tried to raise his rent last spring, he moved in with a roommate.

 

Andrew Yang’s 2020 presidential campaign reports raising $10 million in third quarter

Los Angeles Times

Technology entrepreneur Andrew Yang raised $10 million for his presidential campaign over the past three months, a stunning amount for a political newcomer that bested some established Democratic politicians in the primary.

 

Your Vote Is More Polarized Than You Are

Zocalo

If you consider only the names on our ballots and the voices on cable news, answering the question posed by this Zócalo/UCLA Anderson School of Management event is easy. “Is Politics Really Tearing America Apart?” Of course it is.

Other:

 

Facebook must remove hateful posts worldwide, top EU court rules

Los Angeles Times

Facebook Inc. can be forced to remove posts anywhere in the world to protect European Union users from hateful content, the bloc’s highest court ruled in a case that widens a chasm with the U.S. on freedom of speech and privacy.

 

EDITORIAL: Is net neutrality alive or dead? It’s hard to tell

Los Angeles Times

From the early days of broadband, advocates for consumers and web-based companies worried that the cable and phone companies selling broadband internet connections had the power and incentive to favor their own or their partners’ websites and services over those of their rivals. 

 

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

 

Sunday, October 6, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 –​​ Maddy Report:​​ “To Catch a Thief: Workers Comp Fraud”​​ – Guest: California State Auditor Elaine Howle. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, October 6, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) –​​ Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition:​​ “Prosecuting Workers Comp Fraud in the Valley”​​ – Guests: Manuel Jimenez (Fresno Co DA), Janelle Crandell (Stanislaus Co DA), Spencer Johnston (Tulare Co DA), Dave McKillop (Kern Co. DA). Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, October 6, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) –​​ El Informe Maddy:​​ “El Censo y la Redistribución de Distritos Electorales”​​ – Invitado: Joe Hayes, Investigador del Instituto de Políticas Públicas de California, Secretario de Estado Alex Padilla y Margarita Fernandez Jefe de Relaciones Públicas de la oficina de la Auditora de California. Presentado Por: Coordinadora del Programa del Maddy Institute, Maria Jeans.

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

World Ag Expo putting hemp in spotlight for first time with exhibits, seminars

Fresno Bee

The World Ag Expo in Tulare is jumping headfirst into hemp next year by highlighting for the first time the marijuana-adjacent plant under one huge tent.

 

The Latest: US plans tariffs on EU cheese, wine, aircraft

Fresno Bee

Gouda cheese, single-malt whiskey and large aircraft are among the European imports the Trump administration plans to hit with tariffs after receiving the go-ahead Wednesday from the World Trade Organization in a case involving illegal European Union subsidies for the aircraft giant Airbus.

See also:

'American Grown: My Job Depends on Ag' premieres on ValleyPBS

Visalia Times Delta

This week, a television documentary series promising to take an "unbiased, in-depth look at the issues that inspired the Facebook group-turned-movement" will premiere on ValleyPBS.

How the USDA Helps California Farmers Steward Water and Land

Public Policy Institute of California

California gets on average $150 million a year from the USDA’s suite of resource stewardship programs. The programs are operated by two of the nineteen agencies within the USDA: the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

As Rural Groceries Fade Away, Lawmakers Wonder Whether to Act

Pew Research

Some states are trying to tackle their rural grocery gaps. Supporters of such efforts point to tax incentives and subsidies at various levels of government that have enabled superstores to service larger areas and squeeze out local independent grocers.

 

Lemoore City Council votes unanimously to move forward with licensing pot dispensary

abc30

The Lemoore City Council will move forward with the process to license Lemoore's first marijuana dispensary. The council voted unanimously to allow Valley Pure to rent the train depot building on 308 E Street from the city for the dispensary.

See also:

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

Locked up, left behind

San Francisco Chronicle

In a crackdown driven by fear, California sent thousands of teenagers to adult courts and prisons for crimes they committed as juveniles. Laws have since softened, but the fallout remains.

 

Public Safety:

New California law gives USC victims more time to sue

Fresno Bee

The law responds to allegations by hundreds of women that former USC gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall sexually assaulted them during examinations. Tyndall was arrested in June and is charged with molesting 16 patients. He has denied wrongdoing.

 

Californians want more restrictions on gun sales, new survey shows

Sacramento Bee

A new survey shows that Californians overwhelmingly continue to favor stricter gun sale laws. Two-thirds of Californians, 68 percent, say laws covering the sale of guns should be more stringent, according to a poll from the Public Policy Institute of California.

 

Fire: 

California adopts 22 new laws taking aim at wildfire danger

Bakersfield Californian

California is adopting nearly two dozen laws aimed at preventing and fighting the devastating wildfires that have charred large swaths of the state in recent years and killed scores of people.

See also:

 

Climate Change Is Increasing Tahoe's Risk Of Wildfire. These Residents Want To Be Ready.

Capital Public Radio

It’s a Saturday morning in May, and Matt and Kathy Duggan are evacuating from their vacation home in the Golden Bear neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe. As they head to the front door of their cabin-style home, they throw backpacks full of emergency essentials over their shoulders and grab a map showing the route to the safe zone. 

 

Want to fireproof your house? Here’s where to start

Los Angeles Times

Kyle Kim created the 3D models. Andrea Roberson and Ryan Murphy developed the page. Joseph Serna contributed reporting. Learn more about the issue by reading Serna's story, "Think your house is fireproof? It all comes down to your neighbors."

ECONOMY / JOBS

Economy:

 

Region Rise Together Event in Bakersfield Makes the Point — We’re Unique

CAFWD

When the latest Regions Rise Together meeting was held in Bakersfield last week, it attracted leaders from across Kern County and the southern San Joaquin Valley. The event was designed to deepen the dialogue between the state and the region, as we all work towards an economy that works for everyone in all of the state’s regions.

See also:

2019 California Economic Summit Registration Opens

CAFWD

Register for the​​ 2019 California Economic Summit, which will take place in Fresno on November 7-8. The Summit, produced by​​ California Forward, marks the eighth annual gathering of private, public and civic leaders from across California’s diverse regions committed to creating a shared economic agenda to expand prosperity for all.

Stocks drop again to worst loss in weeks on economy worries

Fresno Bee

For a second straight day, the S&P 500 dropped to its worst loss in five weeks. The latest wave of selling came after a report showed hiring by U.S. companies slowed more than economists expected last month, with mining and manufacturing particularly weak. 

See also:

The Latest: US plans tariffs on EU cheese, wine, aircraft

Fresno Bee

Gouda cheese, single-malt whiskey and large aircraft are among the European imports the Trump administration plans to hit with tariffs after receiving the go-ahead Wednesday from the World Trade Organization in a case involving illegal European Union subsidies for the aircraft giant Airbus.

See also:

 

Shoppers have more options to return online purchases

Associated Press

Ahead of the holiday season, shoppers have more options to return unwanted items bought online as retailers look for new ways to drive traffic. But now, a growing number of retailers are accepting rivals’ returns.

Commentary: Yes, capitalism is broken. To recover, liberals must eat humble pie.

Brookings

For the first time in human history, a single economic system spans the globe. Of course there are differences between capitalism Chinese-style, American-style and Swedish-style. But viewed through a wider lens, the distinctions blur.

 

Jobs:

McClatchy is hiring reporters in California. Here are our Fresno Education Lab job openings

Fresno Bee

McClatchy is building a team of journalists to shine a spotlight on the education issues that are critical to the advancement of San Joaquin Valley residents, with a specific focus on Fresno. We believe the Education Lab can help increase the number of college graduates and skilled workers in the area, which is key to economic mobility and a stronger community.

We now know which stores Forever 21 plans to close. Valley locations are on list

Fresno Bee

Fashion retailer Forever 21 has released a list of the 178 stores it is likely to close as the company restructures following a bankruptcy filing this week. Included on the list are the​​ store’s locations at Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno, the Vintage Fair Mall in Modesto and the Tulare Outlet Center.

See also:

 

Some California workers reject SEIU contract, revealing divide in state’s largest union

Merced Sun-Star

A small but significant group within state government’s largest union rejected a proposed contract with the state Tuesday, revealing a split over a three-year SEIU Local 1000 agreement that includes a major new health care perk.

U.S. jobs outlook is so weak it echoes disaster-hit months

Los Angeles Times

The last time U.S. payroll forecasts were this low, hurricanes had slammed the country in 2017, temporarily closing businesses. Or go back to 2013 when there was a federal government shutdown.

 

Walters: Unions win big, to what avail?

CALmatters

California’s labor unions scored big wins in the just-concluded legislative session — to the surprise of precisely no one. Democrats’ huge gains in last year’s legislative elections, coupled with the election of Gavin Newsom, who had strong union support, as governor, foretold what would happen.

EDUCATION

K-12:

$4 million grant aims to educate local students about vaping dangers

abc30

According to the state attorney general, one of the most significant health risks to young Californians is vaping and electronic cigarettes. While the number of people who smoke has steadily declined over the past few years, the number of teens vaping has skyrocketed.

See also:

Bakersfield teacher uses the power of technology to read to her students every night before bed

Bakersfield Californian

The meaning of community was the topic of conversation Tuesday in Wajeha Chaudhry's third grade classroom.

Local Students Can Ride SacRT Free For The Next Year

Capital Public Radio

Students can now ride Sacramento Regional Transit light rail and buses for free for the next year. The new program, called RydeFreeRT, kicked off Tuesday. It's good for students from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade who live or go to school within the transit district's​​ service area.

Higher Ed:

Apply - Discover Yourself At CSUB!

CSU Bakersfield

Students can apply to enter CSU Bakersfield in Fall 2020 beginning October 1, 2019. Prospective students must apply through Cal State Apply, designed to help students through each section of their application process.

 

Fresno State initiative aims to increase amount of bilingual teachers in the Valley

abc30

In the Central Valley, the need for bilingual teachers is high, according to educators with Fresno State. The university is now taking action to change the education landscape.

 

Hundreds sign up for the new Calbright College

EdSource

On its opening day, nearly 700 people submitted applications to enroll in California’s new online-only two-year institution — Calbright College.

The new face of Sacramento’s affordable housing crisis: College students forced to drop out

Sacramento Bee

Faced with tuition escalation and fast-rising rents, higher-education students find themselves struggling to get a decent night’s sleep, find permanent shelter and put food in their stomach so they can focus enough in class to make it to graduation.

From incarceration to education: CSU Bakersfield grants formerly incarcerated students education opportunity

KGET
Project Rebound gives students like Tiffany James a chance to change their lives. James was formerly incarcerated. Today, she is working toward getting a Bachelor’s degree in communication. James and other students receive services like tutoring, mentor-ship and space to study and work on their homework.

 

Will UC schools drop their SAT scores requirement?

Los Angeles Times

Half a century ago, the University of California helped catapult the SAT to a place of national prominence in the college admissions process when it began requiring all applicants to take the test and report their score.

 

N.C.A.A.’s Defeat in California Shows Limits of a Besieged Juggernaut

New York Times

The word went out minutes into last Wednesday’s meeting of California State trustees: The university had asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto a bill to let student-athletes seek money beyond the costs of attendance.

See also:

Commentary: Free tuition won’t make college more accessible. But improving the education experience could

Modesto Bee

The promise of free college tuition has become a reliable applause line for politicians on the campaign trail. But there are better and more responsible ways to make college more accessible – and to make sure that the education the students receive is worthwhile.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Environment:

California fines Chevron over Kern County oil leaks

Los Angeles Times

California regulators have fined Chevron $2.7 million for violations at a facility in Kern County where there have been multiple oil leaks. The Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources said Wednesday that Chevron illegally allowed uncontrolled oil releases at Cymric oil field.

See also:

Valley Fever Could Spread With Climate Change, Study Warns

KVPR
The fungal disease valley fever is endemic to arid regions of the western United States, but new research suggests the areas where it’s found could rise along with global temperatures.

 

California State Parks could be sanctioned for ignoring scientists on Oceano Dunes dust

Modesto Bee

The California Department of Parks and Recreation could face sanctions or forced closures at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, after the state agency failed to follow scientists’ recommendations to reduce dust emissions from the popular park.

LA law requiring ‘straws on request’ at restaurants just took effect

Los Angeles Daily News

Starting Tuesday, all Los Angeles restaurants were required to withhold plastic straws unless a customer requests them. “As a coastal community, we have a heightened responsibility to remove as much single-use plastic from the waste stream as possible,” Councilman Mitch O’Farrell said Monday.

 

EPA makes good on Trump’s threat, cites San Francisco for water pollution

San Francisco Chronicle

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation to San Francisco on Wednesday, accusing the city of improperly discharging waste into the ocean and bay and following through on President Trump’s recent pledge to cite San Francisco for water pollution.

 

Why Your Used Shirts Are Destined for the Dump and Not the Recycling Center

Wall Street Journal

Shoppers are buying more clothes and discarding them faster than ever, a trend that is sending an increasing amount of textiles to the dump and propelling the fashion industry to search for new technology to recycle used garments.

 

EDITORIAL: The Red Meat Rethink

Wall Street Journal

The medical-academic complex is experiencing a bad case of indigestion over new research this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine that rescinds the longtime recommendation to eat less red meat. Climate politics is now infecting even nutritional science.

 

Energy:

 

California adds new rules for planned power shutoffs under laws signed by Newsom

Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Wednesday to tighten the rules for utility power shutoffs as California grapples with more frequent planned outages when potentially dangerous wildfire conditions exist.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Top 10 states that vaccinate the most - where is California?

Fresno Bee

See the states that rank the highest in vaccinations, and compare that to California, according to a new Wallet Hub study in 2019.

See also:

Retail giant Walmart halts sales of Zantac and related drugs

abc30

Walmart has become the latest store to halt sales of the popular heartburn treatment Zantac after health regulators warned about a potentially dangerous contaminant in the drug.

Human Services:

 

Public health officials seeking to confiscate food carts that don't have safety permits

Bakersfield Californian

Longtime local restaurant owner Alex Ruiz was tired of seeing unlicensed, uncertified food vendors doing business in Kern County with no worries about abiding by government food safety regulations or other requirements.

Trump executive order to focus on modernizing Medicare

Roll Call

An executive order President Donald Trump will sign this afternoon will focus on modernizing Medicare by increasing access to telehealth and innovative therapies, according to senior officials.

See also:

We Put The Ultrasound Machine In The Local Pharmacy

Zocalo

If you walk into the local pharmacy in downtown Gonzales and turn to the right, you’ll see an examination room with an ultrasound machine. It represents more than just a cheaper alternative to an ultrasound at a hospital or other facilities in the Salinas Valley.

 

Walmart to test programs for U.S. workers to cut its healthcare costs

Reuters

Walmart Inc. said on Thursday it will begin several healthcare pilot programs for its U.S. employees starting Jan. 1 as it looks for ways to cut healthcare costs - one of the largest expenses for the retailer after wages.

IMMIGRATION

How California’s Immigrants Are Bringing Innovation—and Heart—to Health Care

Zocalo

Immigrants are already essential to health care in California. But they will become even more important in the future. Today’s health system is a giant mess—timely care is hard to find, drugs and treatments are ruinously expensive, and lethal mistakes are all too common.

Justice Department Weighs Collecting DNA From Migrants in Custody

Wall Street Journal

The Justice Department is planning to require collection of DNA from immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and others in immigration detention for use in a national criminal database.

Trump lets states, cities refuse refugees for 1st time in U.S.

PBS NewsHour

When President Donald Trump dramatically slashed the number of refugees allowed into the U.S., he also gave state and local governments the authority to refuse to accept them for the first time in history.

How the Trump Administration Is Privatizing the Detention of Migrant Children

Time

On a recent day in a remodeled brick church in the Rio Grande Valley, a caregiver tried to soothe a toddler, offering him a sippy cup. The adult knew next to nothing about the little 3-year-old whose few baby words appeared to be Portuguese. Shelter staff had tried desperately to find his family, calling the Brazilian consulate and searching Facebook.

 

US foreign-born gains are smallest in a decade, except in Trump states

Brookings

America’s foreign-born population registered the smallest growth between 2017 and 2018 than in any year since the onset of the Great Recession, according to recently released U.S. Census Bureau data.

 

LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

Bakersfield receives $3 million grant for Kaiser Permanente Sports Village

Bakersfield Californian

The city of Bakersfield has received a $3 million grant from the National Park Service to construct five new youth football fields and other amenities at Kaiser Permanente Sports Village.

Housing:

 

California cities could open their own public banks under new law meant to fund housing

Fresno Bee

California cities could start their own public banks under a new law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Wednesday in an effort to make it easier for projects in the public interest, like affordable housing, to access capital.

See also:

Farm labor camps being eyed for homeless housing 

Bakersfield Californian

The Housing Authority of the County of Kern is considering a plan to house homeless women at one of the two farm labor camps it manages as a way to address the homeless crisis.

Housing in downtown Modesto? Not so fast. But other ideas are bubbling

Modesto Bee

Market forces won’t bring much new housing to downtown Modesto for now, advocates for the district are hearing this week. But they can take steps in the meantime to make downtown an inviting place for future residents. 

 

County leaders spend big to shelter and house the homeless. But, not everyone is happy

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County leaders on Tuesday approved agreements with agency partners to shelter and house the homeless after the Modesto Emergency Outdoor Shelter closes in the coming months.

Californians say homelessness is a top problem facing the state, survey finds

Sacramento Bee

For the first time, Californians said homelessness is one of the biggest issues affecting the state today, according to a newly released survey. The Public Policy Institute of California said its poll found that 15 percent of all Californians cited homelessness as the state’s No. 1 problem, as many as said the economy was a top cause of concern.

 

In the past, homelessness barely registered as a political issue. Now, it’s a top concern

CALmatters

For the first time, California voters are ranking homelessness as the state’s most pressing issue, and a majority have turned pessimistic about the state’s direction, a new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California shows.

Federal government has dramatically expanded exposure to risky mortgages

Washington Post

Now, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration guarantee almost $7 trillion in mortgage-related debt, 33 percent more than before the housing crisis, according​​ to company and government data.

EDITORIAL: How Stanislaus County’s homeless are saving the Salvation Army – and vice versa

Modesto Bee

Good things can happen when two people who need each other find each other. Or, two groups. In this case,​​ The Salvation Army in Modesto​​ is saving many of our homeless, while our homeless help save The Salvation Army.

 

PUBLIC FINANCES

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and investment: Progress, not perfection

AEI

To frame any discussion of the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) and next steps for tax reform, it is important to remember the evolution in economic thinking and economic policymaking that led to the TCJA.

 

TRANSPORTATION

Gas is up again — and don't blame oil prices this time

Bakersfield Californian

Regular gasoline prices in Bakersfield rose Tuesday by 4 cents to $3.949 per gallon, landing a little more than 5 percent higher than they were a week earlier, according to the AAA. It said the local price average was up 27 cents from a month before, or 7.3 percent.

Newsom’s Executive Order on Transportation Funding and Climate Goals

StreetsBlog Cal

Governor Newsom’s Executive Order, released two weeks ago, was anything but small: for the first time, the state’s top leader is calling for transportation funding to align with state goals on climate and the environment, and to help people cut back on driving.

 

WATER

 

Trump administration surrenders to California, backs off on Delta water fight

Fresno Bee

The Trump administration has retreated on a plan to push more water through the Delta this fall after protests from California officials on the harmful impacts on endangered Chinook salmon and other fish.

Honoring a Master : Success Dam officially renamed after Richard L. Schafer

Porterville Recorder

Shortly before 1:30 p.m., dignitaries from around Porterville and the surrounding areas gathered under the shade of large canopies to witness the renaming of Success Dam to the Richard L. Schafer Dam.

 

California dam-raising project favored by Trump stumbles after water agency retreats

Sacramento Bee

Opposed by California officials, the Trump administration’s $1.3 billion plan to raise​​ Shasta Dam​​ and increase reservoir storage has run into a roadblock that could delay the project or even kill it.

 

New water year kicks off with surplus: California has greater reservoir storage than last year

Los Angeles Times

Statewide reservoir water storage is 128% of average, which amounts to about 29.7 million acre-feet of water for California, the Department of Water Resources announced Tuesday.

“Xtra”

 

Three new breweries are making beer at downtown Fresno incubator. Who are they?

Fresno Bee

A beer-cubator? A brewer of breweries? Whatever you want to call it, Fresno now has a brewery incubator. The business is in the process of launching two new breweries onto Fresno’s growing craft beer scene, in addition to brewing its own beer.

 

Big Fresno Fair 2019: Info, Concerts, Tickets, Dates, what's new, what to see, and how to meet the ABC30 Action News staff

abc30

The 136th Big Fresno Fair runs until October 14th in East Central Fresno. We have what you need to know about one of the Valley's biggest events of the year!

See also:

Get your fill at Greek Food Festival

Bakersfield Californian

The list of favorite foods at the annual Greek Food Festival is long — shish kebabs, lamb shank, gyros, spanikopita, tiropita, baklava, loukoumades, etc. — but one thing was missing until now: chicken.

San Francisco is our coffee capital? We have a latte to talk about

Sacramento Bee

Nearly a Century of Iconic Coffee Communion in Sacramento. In his March 9, 2019, article in the San Francisco Chronicle, writer Carl Nolte dubbed the Bay Area “the coffee capital of the West.” 

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Thank you!

Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials​​ HERE.

The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute​​ at California State University, Fresno was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation,​​ elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.

                                                      

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


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