POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Here are some victories Merced County can count from state budget, state leaders say Merced Sun-Star The $215 billion budget deal reached this week in California comes with a number of highlights for Merced County, including investments in education, health care and a new fire station on the Westside. […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: ‘California Priorities’ panels examine health and care of kids, seniors Modesto Bee Issues of health and care as they relate to children and senior citizens were discussed by two separate panels Thursday at a downtown Modesto event. Harder: U.S. Senate: Do the right thing and pass the Dream Act […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Turlock balances $40M budget by partially closing a fire station, making other cuts Modesto Bee The Turlock City Council has approved a spending plan for the upcoming budget year that calls for big reductions in services, including closing one of the city’s four fire stations one third to one […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: EDITORIAL: The good, the bad, the young and the old — Thumbs up and down in Modesto Modesto Bee In this column, look for references to people on either end of life’s extremes — childhood, and golden years. Be sure to see the last item, an invitation to a […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Stanislaus County budget is $1.38 billion. Cannabis, parks and cameras spur hiring Modesto Bee Stanislaus County unveiled a $1.38 billion budget for the year starting July 1, with some additional hiring and funds dedicated to addressing homelessness. Central SJ Valley: Black Lives Matter banner controversy sparks lawsuit against Fresno […]

POLICY & POLITICS Preparing the Way for a Central Valley Renaissance CAFWD Commentary: Governor’s inland California initiative is welcome news in the region rich in agriculture and working to close economic gaps. Only 11% of the population ages 25+ in one college district possess an associate’s degree or higher. Newsom’s Biz Adviser Visits, Earns Praise […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Grand jury: Bad behavior, infighting keep Tracy City Council from working together Stockton Record Multiple complaints of bad behavior and infighting between Tracy City Council members prompted a second investigation by the San Joaquin County civil grand jury aimed at bringing peace and stability to city administrators and staff. […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: How will Merced spend $225 million? Here’s a look Merced Sun-Star The Merced City Council appears to be on its way to approving a $255 million spending plan, which could include a new recreation center, welcome signs and other new programs. Central Valley Regional Airport? Could happen, Stockton Metro […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Ralph Lee White, who is planning town hall on violence, says he’s running for mayor Stockton Record Septuagenarian Ralph Lee White, a participant in Stockton politics for nearly one-half century either as a council member or a thorn in the side of officeholders, said Tuesday afternoon he will challenge […]

POLICY & POLITICS California’s long-overlooked Central Valley holds new allure for 2020 candidates Los Angeles Times California’s interior is a destination, not a pass-through. Three Democrats — Buttigieg, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke and former U.S. Housing Secretary Julián Castro — have campaigned in the valley so far, leaving some residents giddy at the unusual attention. North SJ Valley: Should […]