Maddy Institute – April 11, 2019

11Apr

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

Rep. Harder questions Education Secretary DeVos’ plan to cut literacy programs

Modesto Bee

California representative Josh Harder challenged Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos at a hearing on April 10, 2019. Harder, who is a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, questioned DeVos’ motives about cutting literacy programming.

Modesto places 3 employees on leave after worker’s death; review details fatal flaws

Modesto Bee

Modesto has placed three electricians on paid leave pending discipline, including up to the loss of their jobs, as a result of its review of last April’s electrocution of an electrician assistant who was part of a city crew installing a streetlight pole that made contact with a high-voltage power line.

Site near airport once designated for housing to be rezoned

Stockton Record

The site of a once-controversial residential development that never broke ground will be rezoned for another purpose. On Thursday, the Stockton Planning Commission will consider reclassifying 391 acres near Arch Airport-Sperry Road and Stockton Metropolitan Airport.

Bruce Babbitt Urges Creation of Bay-Delta Compact as Way to End ‘Culture of Conflict’ in California’s Key Water Hub

Western Water

When Babbitt speaks, people take notice, and he didn’t disappoint before a packed house at the annual Anne J. Schneider Lecture April 3 in Sacramento, offering thoughts on some of California’s thorniest water issues and proposing a Bay-Delta Compact, a kind of grand bargain to end persistent conflict surrounding the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Central SJ Valley:

Panhandling in Fresno: Proposal offers alternative option to help homeless

abc30

The latest effort to stop panhandling on Fresno streets is aimed at letting generous residents know there are better alternatives. A recent effort to make it illegal to donate to panhandlers failed in the city council. Now comes a new approach.

Who is Nunes’ lawyer in lawsuits against Twitter, McClatchy?

Fresno Bee

Lawsuits were filed by an attorney based in Charlottesville, Virginia, a solo-practitioner named Steven S. Biss who is making a name for himself suing media organizations for defamation.

With the Nunes lawsuits, Biss has thrust himself into the national spotlight and, like his client, opened himself up to criticism on Twitter and elsewhere.

City of Clovis adds more than 1,000 Acres, will generate thousands of jobs

Clovis Roundup

On April 3rd, the Fresno County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved a City of Clovis request to add 1,035 acres to the city’s Sphere of Influence for land that is designated to be a significant job generator for the region.

Madera teachers reach a contract agreement after talks of strike. Here’s how union voted

Fresno Bee

Madera Unified has reached an agreement with its teachers union, the district announced Wednesday, averting the threat of a strike. The tentative contract agreement includes a 2 percent salary increase and maintains a 3 percent escalator to the district’s contribution to health benefits.

New performing arts center coming to Reedley

abc30

Harold McClarty of HMC Farms made a million dollar donation to have the McClarty Center for Fine and Performing Arts built on the Reedley College campus. He says it’s important to the culture of the community.

Grants, EDC forefront of council discussion

Madera Tribune

The Madera City Council on April 3 began the process of allocating $1.1 million of Community Development Block Grant money that comes annually from the federal government to help needy people.

South SJ Valley:

Changes to animal services ordinances to go before Tulare County BOS

Porterville Recorder

Tulare County Animal Services has presented to the County Board of Supervisors proposed revisions to ordinances in an effort to clarify and enhance animal management around the county.

Grand jury recommends Bakersfield City Council select sales tax committee members at ‘random’ for fairness and transparency

Bakersfield Californian

A Kern County grand jury is saying members of Bakersfield’s sales tax oversight committee should have been chosen through “random drawings” to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.

State:

Californians with Real ID need more proof of address

abc30

More than 3 million Californians with federally compliant Real ID driver’s licenses will have to provide a second proof of address after the DMV failed to ask for it.

Attorney General Becerra must comply with transparency law

Sacramento Bee

Despite the landmark decision, the state’s chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Xavier Becerra, is refusing to release records as mandated by SB 1421.

California’s proposed ban on ‘Big Gulp’-style sodas is shelved

Los Angeles Times

California lawmakers have shelved a measure to outlaw “Big Gulp”-style sodas to avoid dragging down the rest of a package of bills that sponsors say is aimed at reducing obesity, including a soda tax and health warning labels on sugary drinks.

Price: Dispatches from the most daunting job in state politics

Bakersfield Californian

You want daunting? California is bluer than a Himalayan lake and getting bluer by the minute. Democrats hold virtually every constitutional office in the state, from governor on down.

Jerry Brown has some advice. Democrats should listen.

Washington Post

It is high time to recognize this 81-year-old Democrat as one of the most successful politicians — and governors — in U.S. history.

Federal:

AG Barr: ‘I think spying did occur’ against Trump campaign

Fresno Bee

Attorney General William Barr says he thinks “spying did occur” against Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

● The Mueller report is still secret. What are we waiting to learn? Los Angeles Times

● Trump shares an inaccurate graphic on Twitter that overstates his job approval by 12 points Washington Post

● Trump’s Numbers, April 2019 Update PolitiFact

● The 6 most potentially damaging congressional investigations for Trump, ranked Washington Post

Mnuchin postpones decision on handing over Trump tax returns

Fresno Bee

Wednesday has come and gone without the Treasury Department delivering President Donald Trump’s tax returns to the House Ways and Means Committee chairman.

● Treasury Department Will Miss House Committee Deadline To Turn Over Trump Tax Returns Capital Public Radio

● Trump won’t publicly release his tax returns. Politicians shouldn’t have to Los Angeles Times

● Treasury Department to miss Democrats’ deadline for releasing Trump’s tax returns Los Angeles Times

● Mnuchin Says Treasury Won’t Meet Deadline for Trump Tax Returns Wall Street Journal

● Treasury says it will miss Democrats’ deadline for turning over Trump tax returns, casts skepticism over request Washington Post

Divided Congress can’t agree on fix for ‘dangerous’ Russian election meddling

Sacramento Bee

Despite clear evidence of Russian attempts to tamper with the nation’s election infrastructure, partisan dysfunction in Congress make it unlikely that any upgrades will be approved in time for the 2020 election.

Will the Senate change tradition to ease the way for GOP legislation?

Fresno Bee

Powerful GOP senator Roy Blunt wants to make it easier to debate legislation — an historic step that would smooth the path for Republican-authored initiatives. Blunt just engineered a successful drive to change Senate rules to make it easier to approve President Donald Trump’s nominees more quickly.

EDITORIAL: Trump threatens the Federal Reserve with his latest two picks

Los Angeles Times

Having appointed several Cabinet secretaries who seemed intent on dismantling the departments they lead, President Trump has now aimed his bureaucratic wrecking ball at the Federal Reserve Board.

Elections 2020:

Here’s who could challenge Tom McClintock for Congress in 2020

Sacramento Bee

Democrat’s defeat in California’s 4th Congressional District in 2018, and the decision by 2018 challenger Jessica Morse not to run again, have many Democrats feeling less bullish about ousting Rep. Tom McClintock in 2020.

Harris gets 1st Iowa endorsement from Democratic activist

Fresno Bee

White House hopeful Kamala Harris has nabbed her first Iowa endorsement from a major state Democratic activist. The senator from California said in a statement she was proud of the endorsement.

● Democratic candidates embrace gun control in notable shift Washington Post

2020 hopeful Castro holds Trump counter rally in San Antonio

Fresno Bee

Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro is using President Donald Trump’s visit to his hometown as a chance to give a jolt to his own campaign.

Warren becomes latest presidential hopeful to release 2018 tax returns

abc30

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the latest to release her 2018 tax returns Wednesday, paid nearly $231,000 on an adjusted income of about $850,000.

Democratic presidential hopefuls appeal for union votes

Roll Call

Unions can provide campaigns with both contributions and personnel for canvassing and phone banks, and their leadership tends to overwhelmingly back Democrats.

● Far-left policies will drive a 2020 defeat, centrist Democrats fear. So they’re floating alternatives. Washington Post

Inslee: Forget impeaching Trump. Voting him out is better.

Fresno Bee

Democratic presidential candidate Jay Inslee says his party should scrap any thoughts of impeaching President Donald Trump and instead focus on voting him out of office in 2020.

Pelosi to AP: 2020 Dem ticket doesn’t have include a woman

Sacramento Bee

Ever pragmatic, House Speaker Nancy said Wednesday that she’d like to see a woman on the 2020 presidential ticket — but she’s not insisting on it.

EDITORIAL: Want a better choice for president in 2020? Try getting involved now

Sierra Star

Out of 320 million Americans why is it that we get such poor choices from which to select the president of the United States?

Other:

Remembering the Armenian Genocide by reading a last letter

Fresno Bee

Armenian Genocide remembered: Mike Karibian’s grandfather was living in Fresno, CA in 1915 when he got what would be the last letter from his brother. The grandfather never saw his brother again.

19M rural Americans have little or no internet access. Here’s how they hope to change that

Modesto Bee

Researchers have come up with some whiz-bang solutions to bring robust broadband connectivity to millions of rural Americans. One involves high-altitude helium-filled balloons. Another would use “white spaces” between television broadcast channels to deliver high-speed internet.

From books to 3D printers, the many reasons to thank librarians

CALmatters

Libraries are safe, accessible, non-stigmatized places that welcome everyone, even our most disenfranchised. Libraries aren’t the cure for California’s most vexing challenges, but investing more in them makes those challenges less vexing.

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

Sunday, April 14, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “Immigration: Dreaming in a Sanctuary State” – Guests: Laura Hill with the Public Policy Institute of Calif., Taryn Luna with the Sacramento Bee and Dan Walters with CALmatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, April 14, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) –Maddy Report – Valley Views Edition: “Income Inequality and Immigration: Are They Related?” – Guests: Laura Hill with the Public Policy Institute of Calif., Taryn Luna with the Sacramento Bee, Dan Walters with CALmatters, California Budget Center Policy Analyst Luke Reidenbach, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) California State Director Tom Scott. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, April 14, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Participación en 2018: lo que puede significar para 2020” – Guests: Secretario de Estado Alex Padilla, Gisell Gasca – Mi Familia Vota y Alexei Koseff con San Francisco Chronicle. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Pruning citrus is an inside job. Here’s how you can keep your trees healthy

Modesto Bee

Citrus trees generally don’t need much pruning but an annual shaping and trim makes harvest easier and helps keeps citrus in good health. Here are tips for home gardeners about when and how to best do the chore.

California Antique Farm Equipment Show this weekend at Agri-Center

Porterville Recorder

Join the California Antique Farm Equipment Show (CAFES) this weekend, Friday through Sunday, as they celebrate John Deere and “Those Poppin’ Johnny 2-Cylinder tractors” with lots of fun for the whole family at the International Agri-Center in Tulare.

California bill to block home delivery of cannabis sidelined for year

Los Angeles Times

A state bill that would have allowed cities to prohibit home deliveries of marijuana has been sidelined for the year amid concerns that doing so would further hamper California’s lagging market for cannabis.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Modesto places 3 employees on leave after worker’s death; review details fatal flaws

Modesto Bee

New Analysis Raises Questions About Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Juvenile Justice Proposal

Capital Public Radio

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to move the Division of Juvenile Justice from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to Health and Human Services. A new Legislative Analyst’s Office report poses questions it wants lawmakers to consider.

● Death Penalty Divides California Voters, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Governor Should Investigate Horse Racing, Voters Say Quinnipiac Poll

Public Safety:

CA closer to first-in-US rules on police shootings

abc30

Last year’s police shooting of unarmed vandalism suspect Stephon Clark in Sacramento inspired the legislation that would allow officers to kill only if there is no reasonable alternative, such as verbal persuasion or other non-lethal methods of resolution or de-escalation.

● ‘Impossible standard?’ Police oppose it, but California use-of-force bill advances Sacramento Bee

● Factions take shape as California advances nationally watched police shooting bill CALmatters

Fresno Advocates Push City For An Unconventional Gun Violence Prevention Program

VPR

Advance Peace works with people who are most likely to be, or already are, involved in gun violence. Those who enroll in the 18-month Peacemaker Fellowship receive mentoring, behavioral therapy, life skills training, and internships.

Madera County Sheriff Honors Citizens On Patrol

Sierra News

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office will be highlighting their Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteers throughout the week.

Hanford Explorers continue success at competition

Hanford Sentinel

With a fresh group of Explorers, the Hanford Police Department hopes to continue its efforts of instilling the necessary skills needed by these law enforcement hopefuls to succeed in the future.

Fire:

‘It’s too much.’ PG&E rates could double if big wildfires persist, analyst tells Gov. Newsom

Fresno Bee

A UC Berkeley analyst told California Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday that PG&E’s rates could double if the bankrupt utility is blamed for more disastrous wildfires.

● PG&E electricity rates could double after more wildfires, report says San Francisco Chronicle

These California communities could be the next Paradise. Is yours one of them?

Sacramento Bee

A McClatchy analysis reveals more than 350,000 Californians live in towns and cities that exist almost entirely within “very high fire hazard severity zones” — Cal Fire’s designation for places highly vulnerable to devastating wildfires.

● ‘The weakest link’: Why your house may burn while your neighbor’s survives the next wildfire Sacramento Bee

● Our state wants to burn. It’s the California way to forget Sacramento Bee

● Cal Fire Inspectors Checking Homes For Defensible Space Sierra News

● Destined to Burn: Living under the threat of wildfire in Calif Sacramento Bee

EDITORIAL: California’s disaster relief has gotten trapped in politics

San Francisco Chronicle

California fire victims are waiting on billions of dollars’ worth of federal aid from Congress. The U.S. Senate just failed to pass it, again.

ECONOMY / JOBS

Economy:

Stocks rise broadly, led by tech companies

Los Angeles Times

Stocks closed higher on Wall Street on Wednesday as solid gains by technology companies helped the market recoup some of its losses from the day before.

10 years after financial crisis, heads of top U.S. banks face questions from House panel

Los Angeles Times

Heads of seven of the nation’s largest banks told a House committee Wednesday that their institutions have come a long way since the near collapse of the U.S. financial system a decade ago.

How to prevent the next financial crisis

Bakersfield Californian

What caused the financial crisis and Great Recession? Of course, the financial bubble in the housing market was the proximate cause, but this begs the question of what inflated the bubble that burst in the first place.

The Persistence of Extreme Retirement Inequality

The New School

In both 1992 and 2010, workers in the top 20% of the earnings distribution held about half of all retirement wealth, whereas the bottom group’s share fell from 3% to 1%.

Jobs:

City of Clovis adds more than 1,000 Acres, will generate thousands of jobs

Clovis Roundup

Drug Tests Show Marijuana Use at 14-Year High Among Workers

Wall Street Journal

More American workers are testing positive for marijuana, a new report finds, as lawmakers in New Jersey and Illinois push to join nearly a dozen more states where recreational use of the drug is now legal.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Madera teachers reach a contract agreement after talks of strike. Here’s how union voted

Fresno Bee

6th graders look to future

Madera Tribune

Madera Unified School District’s Career Technical Education program hosted its second annual Career Pathway Fair in and around Hatfield Hall. The purpose is to allow students to consider possible careers — and related high school programs — before facing decisions about their later studies.

Extra time in classroom improves math and reading scores in FUSD

abc30

More time in the classroom has paid big dividends for Jefferson Elementary School in Downtown Fresno. Jefferson is one of several sites in Fresno Unified that is a Designated School Model. An extra 30 minutes a day or 80 hours a year is helping students improve in math and reading.

Delhi teachers picket school board, seek ‘fair share’ as contract negotiation impasse declared

Merced Sun-Star

More than 50 teachers and supporters showed up with picket signs at Tuesday night’s Delhi Unified School District board meeting, after negotiations for a contract with the teachers union broke down.

These educators were just named VUSD’s newest principals

Visalia Times Delta

At Tuesday night’s board meeting, school board members voted to appoint new principals at six Visalia elementary and middle school campuses. The new principals, which all went through rigorous application processes, will begin their new positions on July 1.

Crackdown on California charter schools brings out hundreds to protest at Capitol

Fresno Bee

Hundreds packed a California Capitol hearing where lawmakers considered a package of bills aimed at reforming, and restricting, charter schools in the state.

Internal memo contradicts DeVos on using federal money to buy guns for teachers

Washington Post

The memo advised that the agency’s general counsel believed DeVos did have the power to make a call about the funding and laid out arguments that could be made on both sides.

Higher Ed:

New performing arts center coming to Reedley

abc30

Back to the drawing board for Coffee and Stockdale? Maybe, say observers

Bakersfield Californian

Unless the developer who proposed dorms at the site files an appeal — and there’s still no sign he will — it may soon be time to revisit the decades-old question of what should be built on the last piece of vacant land at the busiest intersection in Bakersfield.

Walters: Community colleges wracked by data dispute

CALmatters

The goals include a 20 percent increase in degrees or some other professional credentials and a 35 percent gain in transfers to four-year colleges, but degree awards increased by less than one percent in 2017-18, he said

Evidence from California on the long-run benefits of financial aid

Brookings

Research to date has likely understated the total societal returns to financial aid programs, as some of the benefits cannot be observed until many years after students leave the college campus.

EDITORIAL: California’s bad ideas on how to prevent the next college admissions scandal

Los Angeles Times

Because the scandal brought attention to troubling but legal aspects of college admissions that favor the wealthy and connected, much of the legislation is not aimed at criminal behavior but simply at making the admissions process more equitable.

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Environment:

Trump signs executive orders seeking to speed up oil and gas projects

Washington Post

President Trump signed a pair of executive orders on Wednesday seeking to make it easier for firms to build oil and gas pipelines and harder for state agencies to intervene, a move that drew immediate backlash from some state officials and environmental activists.

Energy:

Let there be LED lights: Find out why Fresno is installing new streetlights around town

Fresno Bee

Expect to see some new lights all around Fresno as the city sets out to upgrade all its streetlights. In a news release, the city says the “Light Up Fresno” program is a partnership with PG&E to convert existing streetlight bulbs to more energy efficient LEDs.

‘Solar Bill of Rights’ advances in California Legislature

San Francisco Chronicle

Clean-energy advocates advanced legislation Wednesday that aims to make it easier for Californians to use solar power despite concerns about the possible impact on customers who remain fully reliant on the electric grid.

Trump’s executive order paves a smooth path for oil pipelines

abc30

In the latest move by the Trump administration to boost fossil fuels and cut back on regulations, President Trump signed two executive orders on Wednesday.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Measles Cases Continue To Rise In California Counties

Capital Public Radio

California has a total of 19 confirmed measles cases as of April 5, with 6 of those in Butte County. Dr. Dean Blumberg will join Insight to discuss the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of measles in light of recent outbreaks.

Some supplements could increase chances of cancer: Study

abc30

Many people take vitamin supplements to add years to their life, but a new study says some supplements could increase cancer risk.

New mammogram guidelines from major medical group

abc30

A major doctors’ group is changing its guidelines on when and how often women should get mammograms for breast cancer screening.

Cosmetics industry crushes bill that would have made makeup and hair products safer

Los Angeles Times

The $70 billion cosmetics industry prevailed over California consumers Tuesday afternoon, succeeding in shelving a bill that would ban potentially toxic ingredients from makeup, hair products and other personal-care goods.

Human Services:

Bernie Sanders relaunches his Medicare-for-all health care legislation

abc30

Senator Bernie Sanders again introduced legislation aimed at providing government-run, Medicare-style health insurance for all Americans.

● Republicans Managed to Make ObamaCare Popular Wall Street Journal

● Chasing Universal Coverage Real Clear Policy

Valley Children’s recognized for nursing excellence

Business Journal

Valley Children’s Hospital is now a member of a rare group of hospitals to receive its fourth Magnet designation for nursing excellence. This makes them one of only 71 hospitals worldwide that have earned this four-year-long status four or more times.

Health Systems Get Into Specialty Pharmacies In Effort To Lower Costs Of Priciest Drugs

Capital Public Radio

Dignity Health is the latest hospital system to set up a “specialty pharmacy” — businesses dispensing complex medications that basic pharmacies generally can’t give out.

Exemptions Surge As Parents And Doctors Do ‘Hail Mary’ Around Vaccine Laws

California Healthline

Nearly three years ago, with infectious disease rates ticking up, California enacted a fiercely contested law barring parents from citing personal or religious beliefs to avoid vaccinating their children. Children could be exempted only on medical grounds, if the shots were harmful to health.

IMMIGRATION

White House power players at odds over immigration policy

Fresno Bee

As President Donald Trump rails against an influx of migrants at the border, two of the most influential White House power players are finding themselves at odds over immigration policy.

Trump administration appeals court ruling over asylum policy

Bakersfield Californian

The Trump administration on Wednesday appealed a judge’s ruling that would block the government from returning asylum seekers to Mexico to await court hearings.

Family seeks answers in immigrant’s death after detention

Bakersfield Californian

A 27-year-old man died in a California hospital after he suffered a brain hemorrhage while detained by U.S. immigration authorities, his wife said Wednesday, demanding to know what caused his injury and whether he received appropriate medical care in custody.

Gangs, violence, extortion: Gavin Newsom hears stories of deported Salvadorans

Sacramento Bee

California Governor Gavin Newsom met several people deported from the United States on Monday during his first full day visiting El Salvador as Donald Trump threatens to cut Central American aid.

2020 Census: Will All of California’s Children Be Counted?

Public Policy Institute of California

As the country gears up for the 2020 Census, one big challenge will be ensuring a complete and accurate count of young children. Nationwide, the 2010 Census missed nearly a million children under five years old, including about 210,000 young Californians.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Lemoore opposes Santa Rosa Rancheria’s land acquisition proposal in city

abc30

To many people outside of the tribe, the Santa Rosa Rancheria is synonymous with Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, south of Lemoore. But the tribe owns other properties in Lemoore and Hanford, and now, they’ve applied to have those properties accepted in trust by the federal government.

Walmart will spend $145M to upgrade locations. This Merced County store is included

Merced Sun-Star

Atwater’s Walmart Supercenter is included in the cluster of 21 stores opening or getting a makeover in California in the corporation’s $145 million plan for this year, according to officials.

With Rabobank facilities in need of a facelift, city proposes $2.3 million in improvements

Bakersfield Californian

In more ways than one, the Rabobank facilities are showing their age, and the city hopes to fund about $2.3 million worth of improvements over the next year through revenue raised from the city’s 1 percent sales tax increase.

Site near airport once designated for housing to be rezoned

Stockton Record

Housing:

The Political Battle Over California’s Suburban Dream

City Lab

State Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 50 would rewrite the state’s single-family zoning codes. What’s wrong with that? A lot, say opponents.

PUBLIC FINANCES

‘The federal government really jacked us’: How Trump’s tax cuts are working out for Californians

CALmatters

While millions of California families saw their federal taxes fall this tax season, the Jarvis family is among an estimated 1 million households who are paying more—actually some $12 billion more, according to the Franchise Tax Board.

See also:

● Six Tax Changes Retirees Should Know Wall Street Journal

● WSJ/NBC Poll: Many People Aren’t Noticing Their Tax Cuts Wall Street Journal

● Early look at H&R Block data shows average tax bill dropped in 2018 San Francisco Chronicle

● Defying Data, Kudlow Says Trump’s Tax Cuts Covering Their Costs Bloomberg

$350,000 in cash? California marijuana taxes still make growers – and tax collectors – nervous

Merced Sun-Star

California still doesn’t have a better way to collect taxes from its burgeoning, licensed marijuana industry three years after voters passed an initiative to legalize recreational cannabis and 23 years after they sanctioned medical marijuana.

● Bags Of Cash, Armed Guards And Wary Banks: The Edgy Life Of A Cannabis Company CFO NPR

Congress is about to ban IRS from free online tax filing

San Francisco Chronicle

Just in time for Tax Day, the for-profit tax preparation industry is about to realize one of its long-sought goals. Congressional Democrats and Republicans are moving to permanently bar the IRS from creating a free electronic tax filing system.

● What if April 15th was just another spring day? Making taxes simpler and fairer Brookings Institution

Will CalPERS board shake-up continue this year?

Public CEO

A former CalPERS board member, J.J. Jelincic, plans to run against the new CalPERS board president, Henry Jones, as he seeks a fourth 4-year term on the board of the nation’s largest pension system.

TRANSPORTATION

We’re paying what?! CA gas prices surge above $4

abc30

California gas prices have jumped 53 cents in the past 30 days. In the meantime, analysts don’t expect the prices to fall by the end of the month.

WATER

Legislation to repair Friant-Kern Canal receives 7 – 0 bipartisan support, advances to appropriations committee

Porterville Recorder

Senate Bill 559 (SB 559) advanced through the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water by 7-0 vote. The legislation, which received bipartisan support, will invest $400 million from the State’s General Fund towards the Friant-Kern Canal, one of the Central Valley’s most critical water delivery facilities.

Turlock flushes water system after coliform detected

Modesto Bee

The city of Turlock reported that routine testing detected coliform bacteria in the city’s drinking water last month, triggering additional tests to make sure the water was safe to drink.

Bruce Babbitt Urges Creation of Bay-Delta Compact as Way to End ‘Culture of Conflict’ in California’s Key Water Hub

Western Water

“Xtra”

Today is Dolores Huerta Day, and not just in California

Bakersfield Californian

Today is Dolores Huerta Day in three states. The Washington legislature last month unanimously passed HB 1906, designating April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day. In July 2018, a similar California law proclaimed April 10 Dolores Huerta Day in this state.

Award-winning violinist returns to Gallo Center for next Modesto Symphony program

Modesto Bee

Award-winning violinist Angelo Xiang Yu returns for the next Modesto Symphony Orchestra program. Associate Conductor Ryan Murray will lead the MSO as it presents Sibelius’ Concerto for Violin in D minor on Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

Video: Fresno County Horse Park & Harris Farms

Your Central Valley

See how the Fresno County Horse Park and the Harris Farms Horse Adoption Program work together to bring their love of horses to the community.

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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.

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