POLICY & POLITICS
Valley Recall Results:
Central Valley voters deeply split over California Gov. recall effort abc30
Local voters say ‘yes’ on recall despite state result Turlock Journal
Tulare County overwhelming supported recall Porterville Recorder
The Central Valley gives California a recall rarity: a squeaker of a race Los Angeles Times
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
COVID booster shots will be given to Stanislaus residents 65 and older. Anyone else? Modesto Bee
At-home rapid COVID tests are sold out around Stanislaus County. How to find them Modesto Bee
Modesto starts talking about its next city auditor, nearly 3 years after last one left
Modesto Bee
The Modesto City Council has started talking about filling the position of city auditor, nearly three years after the last one left under a cloud roughly eight months after the council had hired her.
Modesto could receive funding for 9 new firefighters, reopening of station. Here’s how.
Modesto Bee
The Modesto Fire Department has been awarded a $4.2 million federal grant to hire nine firefighters over three years, which the fire chief says will reduce overtime, including mandated OT, and save the department money.
Housing, transportation, mental help are barriers for resettlement centers, refugees
Modesto Bee
Over 1,000 refugees will arrive in Stanislaus County within a year as resettlement centers say it’s hard to find housing, transportation and mental health services for the Afghans already here.
At least 250 Denair Unified students quarantined, including football, volleyball teams
Modesto Bee
At least 250 students in Denair Unified School District were quarantined as of Friday morning, including the entire varsity and junior varsity football and volleyball teams.
See also:
A surge of COVID cases impacts Denair Unified Turlock Journal
UC Merced needs funding to open a medical school. Here’s how it could happen
Merced Sun Star
The dream of having medical school at UC Merced is coming closer to becoming a reality, according to politicians and school leaders who conducted a roundtable discussion with students at the university Friday afternoon.
Modesto Junior College invites students, alumni to celebrate 100th anniversary Sunday
Modesto Bee
Modesto Junior College will celebrate 100 years of educating the local community with a virtual and in-person event for students, alumni and community members on Sunday.
See also:
‘A launching pad for a better life.’ Modesto Junior College celebrated on 100th anniversary Modesto Bee
Los Banos Campus of Merced College invites community to free 50th anniversary celebration
Fresno Bee
Merced College is inviting all Los Banos and Dos Palos residents to the Los Banos Campus’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on November 5. The free Friday afternoon celebration, from 2 to 6 p.m., will take place in the outdoor quad of the Los Banos Campus of Merced College.
Not enough housing: What Stanislaus County, its cities are doing about it
Modesto Bee
In an effort to meet housing needs across Modesto and Stanislaus County, county leaders and stakeholders on Tuesday presented a new, large-scale plan to address the local inventory crisis.
Names of Note: Four earn Latino Leadership Award from Modesto area’s congressman
Modesto Bee
Rep. Josh Harder, D-Turlock, presented his annual Latino Leadership Award to people working in health care, education and other causes.
After pandemic closure, Modesto historical site set to reopen. See when, guidelines
Modesto Bee
The historical McHenry Mansion will reopen after being shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Public tours return Friday, Sept. 17. Tours will be limited to six people, who must be from the same household, or family members or friends who go as a group.
Council pushes back roads decision as citizens criticize bond proposal
Turlock Journal
The Turlock City Council on Tuesday decided they need more time to commence the planned roads program initiative, forgoing a contract approval with consultants who had proposed exploring lease revenue bonds as a way to fund road repairs.
See also:
Some Turlock residents seek delay of road repair contracts. Why did bond concerns arise? Modesto Bee
TID recognized for advancing sustainability practices
Turlock Journal
The Turlock Irrigation District was awarded a Beacon Leadership and Innovation Award at CSDA’s 2021 Annual Conference in Monterey. TID is the first-ever special district to receive a Beacon Award for excellence in advancing environmental sustainability.
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
New COVID cases ease slightly in Fresno, Valley amid summer surge. Here’s the latest data Fresno Bee
COVID booster shots on the way, but not for everyone. Who’s first in Fresno, Valley? Fresno Bee
Fresno County COVID-19 rate dips slightly, but hospitals remain over capacity abc30
Testing, hospitalizations up in Kings County Hanford Sentinel
County recommends everyone to wear masks indoors Porterville Recorder
Fresno City Council votes to sue water agency over costs to repair Friant-Kern Canal
Fresno Bee
The Fresno City Council voted Thursday to sue the Friant Water Authority for declaratory relief to protect city ratepayers for paying the price for damage to the Friant-Kern Canal allegedly caused by Tulare County farmers.
See also:
City of Fresno suing Friant Water Authority Porterville Recorder
Friant Water Authority responds to City of Fresno suit Porterville Recorder
Fresno votes to fight share of Friant-Kern Canal repairs, possibly jeopardize water supply San Joaquin Valley Sun
Judges reopen Devin Nunes’ defamation lawsuit against journalist over tweet
Fresno Bee
A federal appeals court is allowing Rep. Devin Nunes to sue a journalist over a tweet linking to a magazine story he wrote about the congressman, reversing part of a lower court ruling that had dismissed the case entirely.
Another school in Fresno considers name change? Family says district dragging its feet
Fresno Bee
Central Unified community members will have the chance to give input on school name and mascot changes. On Tuesday, the Central Unified board voted to create a committee to study mascot and name changes for Central Unified.
It took 40 seconds, but Fresno State’s last-minute win over UCLA will last forever
Fresno Bee
It was about 12:30 a.m. by the time Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener made it out of the locker room at the Rose Bowl, where he had just led the Bulldogs to a 40-37 victory over No. 13 UCLA.
Fresno health officer says climate change is ‘global poisoning,’ calls for federal action
Fresno Bee
Saying climate change is a “global poisoning event” that threatens the health of Central Valley residents, the head of Fresno County Public Health on Friday called for congressional support of climate investments through President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act.
Fresno County reports California’s first case in 2021 of this mosquito-borne illness
Fresno Bee
California’s first positive case of St. Louis encephalitis in 2021 has been reported and it’s in Fresno County. The mosquito-borne illness, in rare and extreme cases, can cause inflammation of the brain, according to the Fresno County Department of Public Health.
‘It’s been a mess.’ Hear from Fresno renters, landlords struggling to access help
Fresno Bee
A once homeless veteran borrowed $1,500 from his mother to pay rent while he waited to hear back from the Housing Retention Grant Program. That decision, he said, cost him approval for the program.
Warszawski: Fresno politician is tough on crime committed by poor people. By his own aide? Nope
Fresno Bee
Perhaps it’s time for the Fresno City Council to start meeting on Zoom again. If only so five of the seven council members — Garry Bredefeld and a group he termed the “gang of 4” — don’t shank each other in the throat. Especially at a time when we need every last ICU bed.
Internal Fresno police audit reveals continued outside work violations
abc30
A new internal audit has revealed that issues with Fresno police officers working second jobs on city time continued even after a previous review. But new safeguards could be eliminating the issue.
Fresno Unified and Clovis Unified desperately need substitute teachers
abc30
Educators are working non-stop to keep our schools staffed and they tell Action News, amid a pandemic, it's not easy. Both Fresno and Clovis Unified are desperately in need of substitute teachers.
Downtown Fresno is getting a parking meter makeover
abc30
When paired with the ParkMobile app, the new meters will allow people to avoid hustling back to the car to add coins or time with their credit or ATM card. After all, nobody likes a parking ticket.
FBI Probe of Possible Fresno City Hall Corruption Underway
GV Wire
The FBI is investigating possible corruption and influence-peddling at Fresno City Hall, and a federal grand jury is hearing testimony from witnesses, GV Wire has learned.
Trustee Crabtree confirms plans to resign from Visalia Unified school board
Visalia Times Delta
After living in Visalia for nearly 40 years, Visalia Unified trustee John Crabtree confirmed his plans to resign from his position serving on the school board.
Revised repurposing farmland bill on Governor's desk
Porterville Recorder
After much wrangling over how lost farmland could be used for other purposes — and what purposes they could be — growers who lose farmland should now have a chance to receive the help they need to use their land for other plans.
Around Kings County: No power from 'slave labor' after all
Hanford Sentinel
A critic of three Westlands Solar Park projects in Kings County ended up withdrawing an appeal from the Board of Supervisors recently that had claimed Westlands would not certify they would not use solar panels from China that used forced labor.
Clovis Fire Chief named Fire Chief of the Year
Clovis Roundup
On Sept. 16, Clovis Fire Chief John Binaski was awarded Fire Chief of the Year at the CalChiefs annual conference. Hosted by the California Fire Chiefs Association, the conference took place in San Diego.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
Bakersfield hospital CEOs: How will vaccine mandate impact staffing? Bakersfield Californian
County public health department releases long-awaited demographic data for Kern COVID-19 deaths Bakersfield Californian
Financial literacy workshops target low-income residents
Bakersfield Californian
Smith-Sweeney grew up in Bakersfield’s housing authority and was a single mother. The community bank manager witnessed firsthand the effects of limited budgets. She seeks to ensure children avoid her own financial mistakes.
Bakersfield employees push for COVID premium pay following $22M in bonuses for county workers
Bakersfield Californian
Weeks after the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved $3,000 payments for staff who worked during the coronavirus pandemic, employees of the city of Bakersfield are pushing for their own bonuses.
Kern leads in production of California's most lucrative crops
Bakersfield Californian
A new report shows Kern leading other counties in production of California's most lucrative crops, including three of the state's top seven agricultural exports.
Kern unemployment falls to 10 percent
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County's unemployment rate improved to an even 10 percent in August thanks to a surge in hiring at local schools, restaurants, farms and health-care facilities, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday.
PG&E says 675 Kern County customers potentially affected by power shut-off Monday
Bakersfield Californian
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is warning Kern County residents in some of its service areas that power outages could happen beginning Monday because of dry, offshore high winds that could spark wildfires.
California Landlords’ Summit on Homelessness to cover housing shortage
Bakersfield Californian
The California Landlords’ Summit on Homelessness, which aims to address housing shortage solutions, is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday online. Landlords, real estate and housing industry professionals can register online at clsh21.eventbrite.com.
Water transfers helped farmers survive this year. Now, all eyes are on the coming water year
Bakersfield Californian
Water transfers, trades and sales doubled this year as drought left San Joaquin Valley farmers scrambling for supplies. “This has been kind of an exceptional year for transfers,” said Sam Boland-Brien, program manager at the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights.
LOIS HENRY: They came, they saw, they took out the trash
Bakersfield Californian
In Bakersfield, about 40 volunteers with Bring Back the Kern, a nonprofit group dedicated to getting water flowing on a more regular basis through town, cleared away trash under the bridge at Mohawk Street.
Bakersfield's vacant storefronts get a closer look
Bakersfield Californian
Forgotten retail spaces are about to get more attention under one of the city's new strategies. City staff plan to take an inventory of local store vacancies then choose one or more properties for a demonstration project, possibly downtown or at former East Hills Mall.
State:
COVID Update:
Editorial: If science truly was on the recall ballot, it’s time for Newsom to mandate COVID vaccines Sacramento Bee
Editorial: Newsom victory calls for bold steps to fight COVID-19 Mercury News
Here's why California has the lowest COVID rate in the nation San Francisco Chronicle
California now the only state that's advanced out of CDC's 'high' COVID transmission category San Francisco Chronicle
California reports lowest COVID-19 case rate in the country CBS News
Recall vote highlights California’s geopolitical divisions
Sacramento Bee
The California recall election was a blowout win for Gov. Gavin Newsom that reinforced the state's political divisions: The Democratic governor won big support in coastal areas and urban centers, while the rural north and agricultural inland, with far fewer voters, largely wanted him gone.
See also:
The Central Valley gives California a recall rarity: a squeaker of a race Los Angeles Times
California Republican turnout not high enough to boot Newsom KGET
Look at how dramatically California changed — and where — in the 18 years since the last recall Mercury News
Don’t bet against California: 13 reasons recall failed Mercury News
California recall shows the college versus non-college divide among white voters keeps on expanding San Francisco Chronicle
California Recall: Final turnout likely to be north of 50%, Newsom lead appears to grow from 2018 Mercury News
In red California, anger over recall blowout. ‘The Democratic Party is the New York Yankees’ Los Angeles Times
Labor Helped Newsom Beat Back Recall, Now They Expect Him to Show Up for Them KQED
Recall was a ‘distraction’ from liberal priorities, advocates say. Now they want Newsom’s help Sacramento Bee
How big a factor was COVID in the California recall? CalMatters
Editorial: California Democrats Defeat Trump Wall Street Journal
The Cost of California’s Recall Election New Yorker
Pandemic Politics: Why Gavin Newsom beat the recall and Ron DeSantis is in trouble Brookings
With recall defeated, Newsom scores well in poll against 2022 rivals
Los Angeles Times
After overwhelmingly rejecting an effort to oust Gov. Gavin Newsom in Tuesday’s recall election, California voters appear ready to sign him up for a second term in 2022.
See also:
Column: What lies ahead for Gavin Newsom? That depends on Kamala Harris Los Angeles Times
What Republicans and Democrats learned from the recall that will help them in the midterms San Francisco Chronicle
Why California's results are in line with the GOP taking the House in 2022 CNN
California has 2.9 million ballots left to count in Newsom recall election. What that means
Sacramento Bee
California county election officials have an estimated 2.9 million more ballots to count in the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Secretary of State reported Thursday evening. The majority of the remaining ballots are mail ballots.
See also:
Gavin Newsom was not recalled, but California's slow vote count means it's too early to say much else San Francisco Chronicle
Editorial: California must reform its recall election process. Here’s how to make it fair, effective
Sacramento Bee
As the votes are officially tallied, an important question looms: How can California reform its recall laws so future recall elections are really about the will of voters and not a partisan tool?
See also:
Full speed ahead on overhauling California recalls CalMatters
California elections chief wants recall overhaul, possibly as soon as 2022 Politico
California recall vote shows Trump’s big lie is now Republican playbook
The Guardian
Former president Donald Trump warned that the ballot would be “rigged”. The Republican candidate Larry Elder predicted “shenanigans”. The conservative media star Tomi Lahren suggested that “voter fraud” was inevitable.
Opinion: After the embarrassing recall results, maybe now California Republicans will wise up
Washington Post
The side-door approach is one way to view California Republicans’ failed attempt to unseat Gov. Newsom in Tuesday’s recall vote. The maneuver worked at first — Republicans managed to secure a special election — but then it blew up in their faces.
More duplexes. Gavin Newsom signs bills aimed at creating more affordable housing in California
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom moved Thursday to create more affordable housing in California, signing a list of bills that would allow more duplexes and small apartment buildings in certain neighborhoods.
See also:
California enacts 2 laws to slice through local zoning rules Sacramento Bee
What California’s new SB9 housing law means for single-family zoning in your neighborhood Mercury News
Gov. Newsom abolishes most single-family zoning in California Mercury News
California's new single-family zoning law probably won't produce much new housing in San Francisco San Francisco Chronicle
Newsom backs denser zoning for single-family neighborhoods San Francisco Chronicle
What just happened with single-family zoning in California? Los Angeles Times
Victorious in recall, Newsom refocuses on California housing crisis CalMatters
Gavin Newsom signs two laws to ease California’s housing crisis.
New York Times
After Years of Failure, California Lawmakers Pave the Way for More Housing New York Times
California Housing Is a Crisis Newsom Can Take Into His Own Hands New York Times
California’s 7 tightest House of Representatives elections to watch in 2022
Sacramento Bee
Four incumbent Republicans are running in districts that went to President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in 2020, meaning their reelections are vulnerable. Three Democrats could also be in jeopardy, according to the Crystal Ball’s managing editor.
California will try to fix its unemployment system. Here’s when it could happen
Sacramento Bee
Little by little, it should become easier to deal with the Employment Development Department, thanks to a series of measures the Legislature has passed. But don’t expect problems to suddenly evaporate.
Two of Gavin Newsom’s children test positive for COVID-19
Sacramento Bee
Two of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s children have tested positive for COVID-19, his office said Friday evening. The two children tested positive Thursday, spokeswoman Erin Mellon said. Newsom, his wife and his other two children have tested negative.
See also:
2 of Newsom’s children test positive for COVID-19 Mercury News
Two of Gavin Newsom's children test positive for coronavirus San Francisco Chronicle
California’s governor says two of his children have tested positive for the coronavirus. New York Times
California could forfeit millions of dollars meant for struggling renters, auditor warns
Los Angeles Times
California must step up its effort to distribute federal funds to renters struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic or the state risks forfeiting millions of dollars in assistance, the state auditor warned Thursday.
California imposes more safeguards on youth organizations
Associated Press
California imposed more safeguards on youth service organizations Thursday to protect against future child abuse complaints like those that drove the Boys Scouts of America into bankruptcy last year.
Opinion: Apple, Epic, net neutrality, and privacy: California’s long shadow over tech policy
AEI
California’s tech-specific laws threaten similar extraterritorial effects. SB822 requires California broadband providers to abide by blocking, throttling, paid prioritization, and other prohibitions similar to those that the Federal Communications Commission repealed in 2018.
The Business Journal
The California Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Jennifer Barrera as the organization’s next President and CEO, effective October 1.
Study shows remote proceedings increase efficiency, access
California Courts Newsroom
New legislation would allow courts to continue to hold civil proceedings remotely, following unprecedented demand from the public to access the courts remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Newsom has until Oct. 10 to sign the bill, which would sunset in 2023.
Federal:
COVID Update:
U.S. to lift international air travel restrictions on vaccinated adults in November Modesto Bee
U.S. and EU struggle with the same question: How to maximize COVID-19 vaccinations Los Angeles Times
Vaccine mandate backlash sparks concerns of other health crises The Hill
The Long History of Vaccine Mandates in America Wall Street Journal
Majority in U.S. Says Public Health Benefits of COVID-19 Restrictions Worth the Costs, Even as Large Shares Also See Downsides Pew Research Center
Covid-19 Rapid Testing in U.S. Lags Behind Other Countries in Delta Wave
Wall Street Journal
How Facebook Hobbled Mark Zuckerberg’s Bid to Get America Vaccinated Wall Street Journal
Some Rich People Are Counting Their Antibodies ‘Like Calories’ New York Times
Senate parliamentarian deals blow to Dems’ immigration push
Sacramento Bee
Democrats can’t use their $3.5 trillion package bolstering social and climate programs to give millions of immigrants a chance to become citizens, a crushing blow to what was the party’s clearest pathway in years to attaining that long-sought goal.
See also:
Senate parliamentarian won’t allow citizenship pathway for immigrants in Democrats’ spending bill Los Angeles Times
Immigration Measure Can’t Be Included in $3.5 Trillion Package, Senate Parliamentarian Says Wall Street Journal
Senate parliamentarian nixes immigration measure in budget bill Washington Post
Democrats blocked from including immigration reform in party-line spending bill Politico
Senate parliamentarian nixes Democrats' immigration plan The Hill
Senate parliamentarian rejects Democrats’ immigration bid Roll Call
Democrats Hope To Undo Many Trump Tax Cuts To Fund Biden's $3.5 Trillion Budget Plan
NPR
Democrats hope to unwind many of the tax cuts Republicans enacted under former President Donald Trump as a way to pay for the majority of the $3.5 trillion spending bill currently under consideration in Congress.
See also:
Walters: Biden proposal could benefit high-income Californians CalMatters
Democrats Want to Raise Taxes. Here’s Your To-Do List. Wall Street Journal
Biden faces limits of $1.9T COVID aid as some states resist The Business Journal
Manchin suggests pausing talks on $3.5 trillion package until 2022: report The Hill
Opinion: Manchin just downsized the Dems’ massive education spending plans AEI
Republicans Try to Rekindle Energy in Fight Against Big Spending Wall Street Journal
Opinion: Democratic tax plan is a reckoning for the left AEI
What the Infrastructure Bill Would Help Fix First
Wall Street Journal
Transportation officials across the U.S. are gearing up for a potential cash infusion from the infrastructure bill, planning to speed up repairs of century-old bridges, fix rural roads battered by heavy trucks and overhaul a key distribution route for hot dogs and rice cakes.
See also:
Democrats Press Ahead With Debt-Limit Vote Amid Standoff With GOP
Wall Street Journal
A fight over raising the government’s borrowing limit is expected to ratchet up this week, with Democrats moving ahead with a vote in the face of GOP opposition, raising doubts about whether Congress will take action before the federal government runs out of cash.
See also:
White House rules out concessions on debt ceiling while GOP refuses to help avert financial crisis Washington Post
Bureau of Land Management headquarters to return to D.C., reversing Trump decision
Washington Post
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Friday announced the move and said current headquarters in Grand Junction, Colo., would become a “Western headquarters" for the agency.
See also:
Battle over Biden’s massive child-care bill takes new turn with virus
Politico
Working women, whose child care duties vastly expanded during the pandemic, are bracing for a new hit to their incomes and careers as the resurgent coronavirus jeopardizes plans to keep kids in school full time.
See also:
Dems vow to go the distance as September problems pile up
Politico
The House and Senate return to Washington together this week with Democrats facing four tasks that would be challenging on their own — but, taken together, are the legislative equivalent of Hercules’ labors.
See also:
Confusion over Biden's booster plan riles governors
Politico
Federal public health officials are still wrestling with who should get Covid-19 booster shots and when, but that hasn't stopped some states from moving ahead on their own.
See also:
States bracing for confusion about coronavirus booster rollout Washington Post
The Supreme Court and the Future of Roe v. Wade
New Yorker
One of the more dubious assumptions undergirding the latest assault on reproductive rights in this country is the idea that abortion is a kind of niche procedure for which there isn’t much need, and for which there will be even less need in some unspecified future.
See also:
Opinion: Can Stephen Breyer and Amy Coney Barrett Save the Supreme Court? Wall Street Journal
Opinion: Are Supreme Court justices ‘partisan hacks’? All the evidence says yes Los Angeles Times
Texas Doctor Says He Defied State Law by Performing Abortion Wall Street Journal
Trump Looks for Challenger to Depose Mitch McConnell as Split Widens
Wall Street Journal
Mr. Trump has spoken recently with senators and allies about trying to depose Mr. McConnell and whether any Republicans are interested in mounting a challenge, according to people familiar with the conversations.
Manchin and the Democrats’ last chance
Brookings
Senator Joe Manchin is the man to watch in Washington. It was obvious once the Democrats took control of the Senate that the centrist Democratic Senator from West Virginia.
Other:
Pew Research Center
Since Donald Trump was elected president in 2016 due in part to strong support from White evangelical Protestants, many observers have wondered what impact this political alliance might have on the evangelical church in the United States.
New Yorker
During the past year, public meetings have become scenes of chaos. Debates about the results of the 2020 election, race, abortion, voting access, and the covid-19 vaccine have erupted in displays of frustration and rage, and sometimes in violence.
Opinion: The pursuit of happiness is happiness
Washington Post
Having now completed five decades as a columnist, I suspect a few readers might be interested in learning how someone could have the good fortune to tumble into such a career.
Opinion: Is the US headed for another Civil War?
Brookings
Is it really possible that America could face the possibility of civil war in the near future? It may seem unthinkable, and yet there’s much to worry about.
What does ‘off the record’ mean? The latest journalism controversy
Poynter
The common belief among many is that when a source tells a reporter something “off the record” that means the reporter cannot or should not publicly share that information.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, September 26, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "Air Quality: Has the Valley Hit the Invisible Wall?" - Guest: Rachel Becker, Environmental Reporter - CalMatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, September 26, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: "Valley Air: Are We Breathing Any Easier?"- Guests: Tom Jordan, Senior Policy Advisor - San Joaquin Valley Air District; Dr. Tania Pacheco-Werner, Co-Director - Fresno State’s Central Valley Health Policy Institute. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Revised repurposing farmland bill on Governor's desk
Porterville Recorder
After much wrangling over how lost farmland could be used for other purposes — and what purposes they could be — growers who lose farmland should now have a chance to receive the help they need to use their land for other plans.
Can science transform California crops to cope with drought?
CalMatters
The search is on to help California farmers find less-thirsty tree crops. But will the “Torture Orchard” experiments come through in time as droughts intensify?
Kern leads in production of California's most lucrative crops
Bakersfield Californian
A new report shows Kern leading other counties in production of California's most lucrative crops, including three of the state's top seven agricultural exports.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Judges reopen Devin Nunes’ defamation lawsuit against journalist over tweet
Fresno Bee
A federal appeals court is allowing Rep. Devin Nunes to sue a journalist over a tweet linking to a magazine story he wrote about the congressman, reversing part of a lower court ruling that had dismissed the case entirely.
California moves closer to decriminalizing psychedelic drugs
NBC
A voter initiative to decriminalize magic mushrooms was recently approved for signature-gathering, and a legislative proposal is set to be considered next year.
Public Safety:
Internal Fresno police audit reveals continued outside work violations
abc30
A new internal audit has revealed that issues with Fresno police officers working second jobs on city time continued even after a previous review. But new safeguards could be eliminating the issue.
What's toxic algae and could it really have killed an entire California family hiking near Yosemite?
SF Gate
For those of us who spend time outside, the sight of stagnant, murky, greenish water instantly raises concern. We recognize that it’s potentially harmful algae, so we steer clear, keep our pets away and we definitely don’t swim in it or drink it.
New data shows gun violence spiking in 2021
The Hill
Gun violence is spiking across the United States, and new data suggests the year is on pace to be one of the deadliest on record.
Pandemic Prompts Cycling Surge—and Calls for New Protections
Pew Trusts
COVID-19 has sparked a surge in cycling, as Americans have sought alternatives to crowded gyms, buses and trains. There also has been an uptick in distracted drivers and speeding over the past 18 months.
Fire:
Central California’s out-of-control KNP wildfire closing in on giant historic trees
Fresno Bee
Driven by dry fuels and critical fire weather, the two separate wildfires that made up the complex — known as the Paradise and Colony fires — merged sooner than anticipated and have reached at least one grove of historic giant sequoia trees.
See also:
Another wildfire, at 21,598 acres with 3% containment, burns near California’s giant sequoias Fresno Bee
Protecting the sequoias: Giant trees wrapped in aluminum blankets as raging wildfire nears Fresno Bee
Three Rivers residents wait, worry as ash, smoke cover town Hanford Sentinel
Fighting fire with fire to protect ancient sequoia trees Hanford Sentinel
Windy, KNP Complex fires burn over 40,000 acres of Sequoia National park and forest lands Visalia Times Delta
Council approves Porterville Sports Complex to be used as CAL FIRE base camp Porterville Recorder
California Firefighters Scramble To Protect Sequoia Groves VPR
California firefighters scramble to protect sequoia groves Sacramento Bee
Aluminum wrap used to protect homes in California wildfires Sacramento Bee
Sequoia National Park Fire: Flames enter Giant Forest, home to world’s largest trees Mercury News
Central California’s out-of-control KNP wildfire closing in on giant historic trees Mercury News
Sequoia National Park’s General Sherman tree, one of largest in the world, still safe amid growing wildfire Los Angeles Times
Windy Fire doubles to 12,000 acres, no containment. Ponderosa, sequoia groves threatened
Visalia Times Delta
Ash rained down on the Ponderosa Lodge Friday afternoon as the Windy Fire exceeded 12,000 acres. The fire is threatening world-famous giant sequoia groves and retraumatizing a community that was sieged by fire just one year ago.
See also:
More Tulare County residents ordered to evacuate as Windy Fire spreads to over 21,000 acres abc30
Windy Fire, another wildfire in the South Valley, threatens sequoia trees, prompts evacuations Sacramento Bee
Crews continue to fight river bottom fire burning near Children’s Boulevard in Madera County
Fresno Bee
Firefighters continued Sunday afternoon to battle a blaze along the Madera side of the San Joaquin River bottom. The fire started about 11:40 a.m. near Rio Mesa and Children’s Boulevard in Madera County and had grown to 42 acres with 50% containment.
Modesto could receive funding for 9 new firefighters, reopening of station. Here’s how.
Modesto Bee
The Modesto Fire Department has been awarded a $4.2 million federal grant to hire nine firefighters over three years, which the fire chief says will reduce overtime, including mandated OT, and save the department money.
Clovis Fire Chief named Fire Chief of the Year
Clovis Roundup
On Sept. 16, Clovis Fire Chief John Binaski was awarded Fire Chief of the Year at the CalChiefs annual conference. Hosted by the California Fire Chiefs Association, the conference took place in San Diego.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
A Summer Of 'Yes' Is Ending In A Cloud Of Uncertainty For The Economy
VPR
It started out as the summer of possibility. Earlier this year, lines outside restaurants were long and bars filled up with noshing revelers. People started shopping for clothes to look presentable again after more than a year of pandemic isolation.
Opinion: How to help bridge our wealth and income gap
CalMatters
We can create opportunity and work collaboratively to shape a world that narrows wealth and income inequality.
Inflation Is All Over the Place
Wall Street Journal
It is always better to be lucky than right, and for the Fed and its view that high inflation is transitory, inflation figures have brought a big element of luck. Digging into the numbers shows how easily that luck could go away. If it does, the quiet in markets could be upended.
Covid-19 Vaccinations Boost the Global Economy, but May Not Cure It Alone
Wall Street Journal
The global recovery is slowing as Covid-19 resurges, spurring governments to try to raise vaccination rates in hopes of fueling stronger economic growth. However, it isn’t clear that higher vaccination rates alone will do the trick.
‘The pay is absolute crap’: Child-care workers are quitting rapidly, a red flag for the economy
Washington Post
Child care employment is still down more than 126,000 positions as workers leave for higher-paying positions as bank tellers, administrative assistants and retail clerks. Parents are struggling to return to work as daycare and after-school programs dwindle.
Jobs:
Bakersfield employees push for COVID premium pay following $22M in bonuses for county workers
Bakersfield Californian
Weeks after the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved $3,000 payments for staff who worked during the coronavirus pandemic, employees of the city of Bakersfield are pushing for their own bonuses.
Kern unemployment falls to 10 percent
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County's unemployment rate improved to an even 10 percent in August thanks to a surge in hiring at local schools, restaurants, farms and health-care facilities, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday.
Start of school year fuels California job growth in August
Sacramento Bee
Public school teachers and staff returning to the classroom in August fueled another impressive month of job gains in California as officials said that the state added another 104,300 jobs on its march to erase an unprecedented pandemic employment deficit.
See also:
California’s job growth tripled the nation’s, even as the Delta variant spread Los Angeles Times
Unemployment rate stagnant: Why many Californians aren’t back at work CalMatters
More than 2 million Californians set to lose unemployment benefits
CalMatters
2.2 million of the 3 million Californians currently receiving some form of unemployment insurance to completely lose their benefits
Working women face new setback as virus upends school plans
Politico
After 18 months of shutdowns, online learning and canceled summer camps, the return to classrooms was supposed to be a turning point for women.
EDUCATION
K-12:
School vandalism spike linked to social media trend? It could cost Fresno parents money
Fresno Bee
Schools in Selma, Clovis, and Fresno have all seen a rise in vandalism, and a new viral trend on the social media site, TikTok, may be to blame. The “Devious Licks Challenge” has been trending across social media, inspiring students to destroy and steal public school property.
See also:
The ‘Devious Lick’ TikTok trend is leading to thefts, vandalism in Stanislaus schools Modesto Bee
Social Media trend leads to damaged, stolen school property Turlock Journal
Coalinga-Huron Superintendent says nearly every district school was vandalized in TikTok challenge abc30
At least 250 Denair Unified students quarantined, including football, volleyball teams
Modesto Bee
At least 250 students in Denair Unified School District were quarantined as of Friday morning, including the entire varsity and junior varsity football and volleyball teams.
See also:
A surge of COVID cases impacts Denair Unified Turlock Journal
Another school in Fresno considers name change? Family says district dragging its feet
Fresno Bee
Central Unified community members will have the chance to give input on school name and mascot changes. On Tuesday, the Central Unified board voted to create a committee to study mascot and name changes for Central Unified.
Fresno Unified and Clovis Unified desperately need substitute teachers
abc30
Educators are working non-stop to keep our schools staffed and they tell Action News, amid a pandemic, it's not easy. Both Fresno and Clovis Unified are desperately in need of substitute teachers.
See also:
Trustee Crabtree confirms plans to resign from Visalia Unified school board
Visalia Times Delta
After living in Visalia for nearly 40 years, Visalia Unified trustee John Crabtree confirmed his plans to resign from his position serving on the school board.
Students with disabilities across California stuck in limbo
CalMatters
Some parents are being forced to decide between risking sending their kids with disabilities to school and getting all their needs met or keeping them at home and forfeiting their special education services.
Rural Perspectives: Enhancing Education and Training Support for Rural Residents
EdNote
Rural communities are not a monolith; their diversity creates unique assets and opportunities that require unique policy solutions. One of the best ways to understand the diversity of those challenges is to hear directly from rural residents.
How the pandemic has changed teachers’ commitment to remaining in the classroom
Brookings
About 30% of teachers in our sample reported teaching fully remote for the majority of the school year, 49% reported that they taught in a hybrid model, and 21% reported teaching fully in person.
What can social media listening tell us about the desire for education change?
Brookings
As four key insights in this analysis will later show, teacher, parent, and student conversations on social media have been largely siloed within their individual groups and focused on different aspects of the education system.
Higher Ed:
Modesto Junior College invites students, alumni to celebrate 100th anniversary Sunday
Modesto Bee
Modesto Junior College will celebrate 100 years of educating the local community with a virtual and in-person event for students, alumni and community members on Sunday.
See also:
‘A launching pad for a better life.’ Modesto Junior College celebrated on 100th anniversary Modesto Bee
Los Banos Campus of Merced College invites community to free 50th anniversary celebration
Fresno Bee
Merced College is inviting all Los Banos and Dos Palos residents to the Los Banos Campus’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on November 5. The free Friday afternoon celebration, from 2 to 6 p.m., will take place in the outdoor quad of the Los Banos Campus of Merced College.
UC Merced needs funding to open a medical school. Here’s how it could happen
Fresno Bee
The dream of having medical school at UC Merced is coming closer to becoming a reality, according to politicians and school leaders who conducted a roundtable discussion with students at the university Friday afternoon.
$1.25M grant to encourage women engineering professors at Fresno State, other CSUs
The Business Journal
The National Science Foundation has awarded Fresno State’s proposal for a $1.25 million grant to strengthen the representation of female engineering faculty in the California State University system.
After major win over UCLA, here’s what’s next for the Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno Bee
The Fresno State Bulldogs’ defense had one job. It was that kind of deal. UCLA had, in winning its first two games, run the football on 70% of its plays and run right over Hawaii and a ranked team in No. 16 LSU.
Free community college: Progress is being made, but pitfalls remain
Brookings
America’s College Promise Act (ACPA) makes public community college tuition and fees free for low-income students by having the federal and state governments pick up the tab.
Apprenticeships:
Internship for Fresno Unified students helping give information on COVID vaccine
abc30
A group they're a part of, the "Immigrant Refugee Coalition" partnered with Fresno Unified School District to create paid internships for students. The mission of those interns is to provide information about COVID-19, vaccine events and much more to their families, communities, and most of all, peers.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Fresno health officer says climate change is ‘global poisoning,’ calls for federal action
Fresno Bee
Saying climate change is a “global poisoning event” that threatens the health of Central Valley residents, the head of Fresno County Public Health on Friday called for congressional support of climate investments through President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act.
Countries Promised To Cut Greenhouse Emissions, The UN Says They Are Failing
VPR
The United Nations is warning that most countries have failed to uphold promises to make deep cuts to greenhouse gas pollution, in order to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.
Americans are less concerned – but more divided – on climate change than people elsewhere
Pew Research Center
As the next United Nations Climate Change Conference approaches (COP26), people in advanced economies are highly concerned about the personal impact of climate change and are willing to make changes to address the issue with personal and international action.
As they gather at U.N., world leaders face furious push to act quickly on climate change
Washington Post
With only six weeks left until a crucial global climate summit in Scotland, presidents and prime ministers face pressure to set aside diplomatic tensions and act quickly and collectively to slow the warming of the planet — something they have struggled to do in the past.
Energy:
Around Kings County: No power from 'slave labor' after all
Hanford Sentinel
A critic of three Westlands Solar Park projects in Kings County ended up withdrawing an appeal from the Board of Supervisors recently that had claimed Westlands would not certify they would not use solar panels from China that used forced labor.
PG&E says 675 Kern County customers potentially affected by power shut-off Monday
Bakersfield Californian
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is warning Kern County residents in some of its service areas that power outages could happen beginning Monday because of dry, offshore high winds that could spark wildfires.
See also:
PG&E seeks to recover array of costs, higher monthly bills loom
Mercury News
PG&E customers face the prospect of higher monthly bills due to the utility’s requests for more revenue to ensure it can cope with an array of events including wildfires, coronavirus challenges and other catastrophes.
Natural-Gas Prices Surge, and Winter Is Still Months Away
Wall Street Journal
Natural-gas prices have surged, prompting worries about winter shortages and forecasts for the most expensive fuel since frackers flooded the market more than a decade ago. U.S. natural-gas futures ended Friday at $5.105 per million British thermal units.
Opinion: To prevent electricity shortages, save nuclear and coal plants
AEI
Given the appeal of emission-free sources of energy, it’s popular these days to talk about producing much more of our nation’s electricity from solar power. But so far, solar is generating more enthusiasm than electricity.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Fresno County reports California’s first case in 2021 of this mosquito-borne illness
Fresno Bee
California’s first positive case of St. Louis encephalitis in 2021 has been reported and it’s in Fresno County. The mosquito-borne illness, in rare and extreme cases, can cause inflammation of the brain, according to the Fresno County Department of Public Health.
COVID Vaccine For Kids Ages 5 To 11 Is Safe And Effective, Pfizer Says
VPR
The first results from the highly anticipated trial studying the effectiveness and safety of the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 showed promising results.
See also:
Low dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective in children ages 5 to 11, companies’ study finds Washington Post
Pfizer, BioNTech Say Covid-19 Vaccine Is Safe for Children Aged 5 to 11 Wall Street Journal
Valley Children’s Doctors Brace For a Rise In Rare Children’s Condition Following Delta Surge
VPR
There were nearly 5,000 reported cases of MIS-C and 41 related deaths in the nation, as of Aug. 27, the CDC said. That included nearly 600 cases in California. The Fresno County Department of Public Health did not have data on local cases and referred KVPR to Valley Children’s Hospital.
How Ivermectin Became The New Focus Of The Anti-Vaccine Movement
VPR
How did a science question about the efficacy of an inexpensive, everyday drug become an inflamed public morality debate — where people on both sides believe the wrong position could cost lives?
Booster Shots:
Former FDA Scientist Says More Data Is Needed On COVID-19 Booster Shots
VPR
Yesterday, a committee of experts appointed to advise the FDA voted overwhelmingly against recommending a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine for people aged 16 and up.
See also:
The Pfizer Booster Shot Is Only Being Recommended For People 65 And Over VPR
FDA panel votes in favor of Pfizer COVID booster shots for some. What to know Fresno Bee
US panel backs COVID-19 boosters only for elderly, high-risk The Business Journal
COVID booster shots: Who is eligible after the latest FDA guidance? San Francisco Chronicle
How Fauci and the NIH got ahead of the FDA and CDC in backing COVID booster shots Los Angeles TimesFDA panel votes against broad rollout of Pfizer booster shot, endorses narrower use Politico
An FDA Panel Says Only High-Risk Americans And Those 65+ Should Get COVID Boosters NPR
FDA expert panel calls for scaling back COVID booster shot plan to people 65 and older Mercury News
FDA panel endorses coronavirus boosters for older adults and those at risk of serious illness Washington Post
Health Experts Urge Patience on Wider Use of Covid-19 Booster Shots Wall Street Journal
Doctors Left to Decide Who Gets Extra Covid-19 Vaccines Amid Booster Debate Wall Street Journal
Editorial: Bad Advice on Covid Vaccine Boosters Wall Street Journal
Big gap between Pfizer, Moderna vaccines seen for preventing COVID hospitalizations
Los Angeles Times
Amid persistent concerns that the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines may be waning, a report by the CDC finds that America’s workhorse shot is significantly less effective at preventing severe cases of disease over the long term than many experts had realized.
See also:
Moderna’s Covid-19 Vaccine Best Prevents Hospitalization, CDC Study Indicates Wall Street Journal
Low dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe, effective in children ages 5-11, companies’ study finds, a key step toward approval Washington Post
Is a variant worse than Delta on the way? Viral evolution offers clues.
National Geographic
Experts are exploring trends in the ways viruses mutate to understand why highly contagious variants like Delta emerge—and what might come next.
Human Services:
Valley Hospitals Stretched Thin By Latest COVID-19 Surge
VPR
Yet again, Central Valley hospitals are overflowing with COVID-19 patients, which has stretched our medical systems thin and created disturbing consequences for anyone in need of critical care.
See also:
In The Fight Against COVID, Health Workers Aren't Immune To Vaccine Misinformation
VPR
As new data shows 1 in 500 Americans has died from COVID-19 and the delta variant continues to surge across the country, the next challenge many health care leaders face is within their own staffs.
See also:
California to receive $19.2-million federal boost for maternal, child health programs
Los Angeles Times
California’s home visiting programs for parents and children will receive a $19.2-million federal funding boost. The home visiting programs teach parenting skills, provide information on safe sleep positions, injury prevention and nutrition and screening young children for developmental delays.
IMMIGRATION
Senate parliamentarian deals blow to Dems’ immigration push
Sacramento Bee
Democrats can’t use their $3.5 trillion package bolstering social and climate programs to give millions of immigrants a chance to become citizens, a crushing blow to what was the party’s clearest pathway in years to attaining that long-sought goal.
See also:
Senate parliamentarian won’t allow citizenship pathway for immigrants in Democrats’ spending bill Los Angeles Times
Immigration Measure Can’t Be Included in $3.5 Trillion Package, Senate Parliamentarian Says Wall Street Journal
Senate parliamentarian nixes immigration measure in budget bill Washington Post
Democrats blocked from including immigration reform in party-line spending bill Politico
Senate parliamentarian nixes Democrats' immigration plan The Hill
Senate parliamentarian rejects Democrats’ immigration bid Roll Call
Thousands Of Migrants From Haiti Are Waiting At The U.S.-Mexico Border
VPR
A massive migrant encampment under the International Bridge connecting Del Rio, Texas, with Ciudad Acuna in Mexico has grown to more than 14,000 people. Most of the migrants are from Haiti.
See also:
In Overwhelmed Del Rio, Texas, Migrants Cross the Border Freely Wall Street Journal
US launches mass expulsion of Haitian migrants from Texas Mercury News
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Bakersfield's vacant storefronts get a closer look
Bakersfield Californian
Forgotten retail spaces are about to get more attention under one of the city's new strategies. City staff plan to take an inventory of local store vacancies then choose one or more properties for a demonstration project, possibly downtown or at former East Hills Mall.
Housing:
Not enough housing: What Stanislaus County, its cities are doing about it
Modesto Bee
In an effort to meet housing needs across Modesto and Stanislaus County, county leaders and stakeholders on Tuesday presented a new, large-scale plan to address the local inventory crisis.
‘It’s been a mess.’ Hear from Fresno renters, landlords struggling to access help
Fresno Bee
A once homeless veteran borrowed $1,500 from his mother to pay rent while he waited to hear back from the Housing Retention Grant Program. That decision, he said, cost him approval for the program.
California Landlords’ Summit on Homelessness to cover housing shortage
Bakersfield Californian
The California Landlords’ Summit on Homelessness, which aims to address housing shortage solutions, is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday online. Landlords, real estate and housing industry professionals can register online at clsh21.eventbrite.com.
California could forfeit millions of dollars meant for struggling renters, auditor warns
Los Angeles Times
California must step up its effort to distribute federal funds to renters struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic or the state risks forfeiting millions of dollars in assistance, the state auditor warned Thursday.
More duplexes. Gavin Newsom signs bills aimed at creating more affordable housing in California
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom moved Thursday to create more affordable housing in California, signing a list of bills that would allow more duplexes and small apartment buildings in certain neighborhoods.
See also:
Strategic coordination planned to address affordable housing, homelessness CalMatters
California enacts 2 laws to slice through local zoning rules Sacramento Bee
What California’s new SB9 housing law means for single-family zoning in your neighborhood Mercury News
California's new single-family zoning law probably won't produce much new housing in San Francisco San Francisco Chronicle
Newsom backs denser zoning for single-family neighborhoods San Francisco Chronicle
What just happened with single-family zoning in California? Los Angeles Times
Victorious in recall, Newsom refocuses on California housing crisis CalMatters
Gavin Newsom signs two laws to ease California’s housing crisis.
New York Times
After Years of Failure, California Lawmakers Pave the Way for More Housing New York Times
California Housing Is a Crisis Newsom Can Take Into His Own Hands New York Times
Can You Still Afford a Mortgage?
New York Times
With the quick escalation of home prices during the pandemic, it’s become increasingly difficult to qualify for a typical mortgage.
Congress Might Allow Frustrated Landlords to Seek Rent Relief
Pew Trusts
A measure moving through the U.S. House of Representatives would allow landlords to apply without tenant approval for federal aid to cover back rent they are owed.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Opinion: The great retirement debate: Is America really headed for a retirement security cliff?
AEI
As a nation, we face consequential questions about the looming challenges facing Americans as they prepare for retirement.
TRANSPORTATION
Downtown Fresno is getting a parking meter makeover
abc30
When paired with the ParkMobile app, the new meters will allow people to avoid hustling back to the car to add coins or time with their credit or ATM card. After all, nobody likes a parking ticket.
Council pushes back roads decision as citizens criticize bond proposal
Turlock Journal
The Turlock City Council on Tuesday decided they need more time to commence the planned roads program initiative, forgoing a contract approval with consultants who had proposed exploring lease revenue bonds as a way to fund road repairs.
See also:
Some Turlock residents seek delay of road repair contracts. Why did bond concerns arise? Modesto Bee
Editorial: Green Welfare for the Rich
Wall Street Journal
What Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget bill taketh from affluent Americans in higher taxes, it giveth some back in green welfare. Behold their gussied-up $12,500 electric-vehicle handout.
Five ways regional leaders can prepare future infrastructure workers now
Brookings
Policymakers are focused on creating more jobs and supporting more workers following the COVID-19 recession.
WATER
Fresno City Council votes to sue water agency over costs to repair Friant-Kern Canal
Fresno Bee
The Fresno City Council voted Thursday to sue the Friant Water Authority for declaratory relief to protect city ratepayers for paying the price for damage to the Friant-Kern Canal allegedly caused by Tulare County farmers.
See also:
City of Fresno suing Friant Water Authority Porterville Recorder
Friant Water Authority responds to City of Fresno suit Porterville Recorder
Fresno votes to fight share of Friant-Kern Canal repairs, possibly jeopardize water supply San Joaquin Valley Sun
Illegal marijuana farms take West's water in 'blatant theft'
Hanford Sentinel
Illegal marijuana growers are taking water in uncontrolled amounts when there often isn't enough to go around for even licensed users. Conflicts about water have long existed, but illegal marijuana farms — which proliferate despite legalization in many Western states — are adding strain during a severe drought.
TID recognized for advancing sustainability practices
Turlock Journal
The Turlock Irrigation District was awarded a Beacon Leadership and Innovation Award at CSDA’s 2021 Annual Conference in Monterey. TID is the first-ever special district to receive a Beacon Award for excellence in advancing environmental sustainability.
Water transfers helped farmers survive this year. Now, all eyes are on the coming water year
Bakersfield Californian
Water transfers, trades and sales doubled this year as drought left San Joaquin Valley farmers scrambling for supplies. “This has been kind of an exceptional year for transfers,” said Sam Boland-Brien, program manager at the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights.
Improving California’s Water Market
PPIC
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act mandates that local groundwater users bring their groundwater basins into balance by the 2040s, a process that will ultimately help individual users and their communities build resilience in an era of climate change.
See also:
Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley
PPIC
The San Joaquin Valley is ground zero for the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). It has the largest groundwater deficit in California and faces some of the worst impacts from overdraft, including land subsidence and drying wells.
See also:
New Opportunities for Trading Surface Water in the Sacramento Valley under SGMA PPIC
Event: Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley PPIC
“Xtra”
It took 40 seconds, but Fresno State’s last-minute win over UCLA will last forever
Fresno Bee
It was about 12:30 a.m. by the time Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener made it out of the locker room at the Rose Bowl, where he had just led the Bulldogs to a 40-37 victory over No. 13 UCLA.
Hanford to see a number of events through September and October
Hanford Sentinel
While many events were canceled last year, organizations around the area are moving forward with plans for in person events this fall. From live music to Halloween events and town awards, there are options for those who wish to participate.
Downtown Merced ‘Barcade,’ Yosemite Crossings project among new businesses coming soon
Merced Sun Star
Local officials say several new business offerings are on their way to the City of Merced, including a wine and tapas bar, a cookie and desert shop, burger restaurant — and a new “Barcade.”
Yes, We're Calling It Hispanic Heritage Month And We Know It Makes Some Of You Cringe
NPR
Not Latino Heritage Month. Not Latinx Heritage Month. Not even a compromise or a combination of the three: Hispanic/Latino/Latinx Heritage Month.
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
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