POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Coronavirus update, June 15: Huge spike in Stanislaus County cases, hospitalizations Modesto Bee The number of Stanislaus County residents who have died of the virus remained at 34 on Sunday, according to its Health Services Agency. But positive tests spiked to 1,212, up from 1,100 on Saturday. Another 18,096 residents […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Coronavirus update: Turlock mom shares story, some theaters, galleries reopening Modesto Bee The number of Stanislaus County residents who have died of the virus remained at 34 on Saturday, according to its Health Services Agency. Positive tests rose to 1,110. Another 17,764 residents have tested negative. The positivity rate was […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Beyond COVID and social unrest, Valley’s big problem remains declining groundwater Merced Sun-Star In these extraordinary times, managing groundwater for long-term sustainability may not seem like a top priority. But in the San Joaquin Valley — where groundwater supplies have been declining for decades — excess pumping is a […]

POLICY & POLITICS COVID-19 deaths in 3 months = Valley Fever deaths in past 5 years Bakersfield Californian As cases of coronavirus continue to climb and new deaths are reported each day in Kern County, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But here’s one way to put them in perspective: COVID-19 has now […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Coronavirus update: Stanislaus gyms, bars reopen Friday; latest on Yosemite  Modesto Bee The number of county residents who have died of the virus remained at 33 on Monday, according to its Health Services Agency. Positive tests stand at 937. Another 15,760 residents have tested negative. The positivity rate was 5.6%, […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: As coronavirus cases surge, Stanislaus County decides today on further reopening Modesto Bee Stanislaus County’s chief health officer is set to decide Monday whether to approve the opening of 12 additional sectors in the middle of a spike in coronavirus cases. The COVID-19 illness has not gone into hiding […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: As coronavirus cases surge, Stanislaus County decides today on further reopening Modesto Bee Changes would take effect Friday or later. County prepares for next steps in reopening Turlock Journal The coming week could see the re-opening of more businesses in Stanislaus County, including bars, gyms, hotels and family entertainment […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Calif town (Atwater) declares self a ‘sanctuary city for business’ amid coronavirus Los Angeles Times The leaders of Atwater had just declared it a “sanctuary city” for businesses in defiance of California stay-at-home orders when they showed up at the future home of Jessie Chauhan’s Rapid XPress Car Wash. […]

POLICY & POLITICS For the first time in 33 years, the Central California Women’s Conference won’t happen Fresno Bee For the first time in 33 years, The Central California Women’s Conference won’t be happening. In a statement Wednesday, the conference’s board of directors announced the cancellation of the event for 2020 “due to the health and economic […]

POLICY & POLITICS North SJ Valley: Merced mayor, city manager at odds over costs incurred during coronavirus pandemic Merced Sun-Star The Merced City Council on Monday unanimously terminated its coronavirus emergency declaration. But despite the united vote, discussion over the handling of the local emergency revealed a less than unified City Council and staff. Protesters and police […]