POLICY & POLITICS
Valley:
Devin Nunes: Farmer? Leader? Traitor? A community struggles to define its congressman
Fresno Bee
Devin Nunes has gained national notoriety as a conservative firebrand, waging open war against the Department of Justice, his colleagues, the media and anything else in the Tulare congressman’s way.
See Also:
● Devin Nunes should stop chasing windmills, go back to farming says Dinuba grower Fresno Bee
Janz reports monster fundraising month, doubles next closest state congressional Democrat
Fresno Bee
Andrew Janz, the Fresno Democrat running against longtime incumbent Rep. Devin Nunes, raised nearly $1 million in July – more than any other Democratic congressional challenger or incumbent in California.
Finally! Denham and Harder agree to terms for rare debate
Modesto Bee
Rep. Jeff Denham and challenger Josh Harder have agreed to debate before The Modesto Bee’s editorial board Sept. 20, and that could be the only time the two will square off before the November election.
Kevin McCarthy: Time to shut down Mueller investigation
Sacramento Bee
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy talks Aug. 22, 2018, about Paul Manafort's convictions, Michael Cohen's guilty pleas and the Mueller investigation. McCarthy was in Boise visiting Idaho GOP House nominee Russ Fulcher.
See also:
EDITORIAL: Silence is complicity on Trump. California Republicans are guilty Sacramento Bee
NextGen America aims to recruit youth voters at Fresno State
Fresno Bee
The group has fanned out across the state, setting up booths offering notebooks, buttons, hats and other gifts to those willing to either register to vote or sign a pledge to vote.
See also:
● How Signature-Gathering Draws Big Bucks In Election Season capradio.org
Celebrating some of the area’s brightest achievers
Modesto Bee
Some of Stanislaus County’s best and brightest were celebrated at an event Wednesday marking The Modesto Bee’s 20 under 40 2018 class. The event, held at the Gallo Center for the Arts, recognized the 20 people who went through a nomination and judging process to earn the honor.
Lemoore Council censures Councilwoman Holly Blair
Hanford Sentinel
The Lemoore City Council decided in a 4-to-1 vote to censure Councilwoman Holly Blair Tuesday. After a little discussion and a few comments from the public, all council members, aside from Blair, voted to censure – formally express disapproval of Blair’s actions.
Kern County court commissioner censured for online posts disparaging Muslims, immigrants and gay marriage
Bakersfield Californian
Former Kern County Superior Court Commissioner Joseph J. Gianquinto has been publicly censured for Facebook posts involving, among other things, expression of anti-Muslim, anti-immigration and anti-gay marriage sentiments.
Why Stockton believes a Cal State could seal its comeback
CALmatters
When Jesus Andrade looks out over the barren asphalt of the San Joaquin County fairgrounds, he doesn’t just see the smattering of swap meet vendors setting up their stalls, or the smoke rising from a nearby homeless encampment. The Stockton city councilman also envisions football fields and science labs, part of a future California State University campus that he hopes would bring his city some economic
State:
California congressman Duncan Hunter pleads not guilty to misuse of campaign funds
ABC30
A Republican congressman from California and his wife pleaded not guilty on Thursday to misusing $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses and filing false campaign finance records with the Federal Election Commission.
See Also:
● The Latest: California congressman and wife deny charges AP
● EDITORIAL: Do the right thing, Duncan Hunter. Step away Los Angeles Times
● In relentless detail, Hunter indictment lays out broad case, shows breadth and depth of investigation San Diego Union-Tribune
● $250,000 of the Hunters' alleged illegal spending, broken down by type and by who spent it San Diego Union-Tribune
Latino-Arab candidate hopes to unseat indicted Republican
AP
Democratic congressional candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar was working on a TV advertisement to boost his exposure.
California Legislature Approves Ban On Paying Ballot Initiative Signature-Gatherers By Each Voter Signature
capradio.org
The California Legislature has passed what would be a major change to the state’s initiative process. A measure on its way to Governor Jerry Brown would ban paying initiative signature-gatherers for each voter signature they collect.
Los Angeles Times
Two indisputable truths await the Southern California constituents of Rep. Duncan Hunter on election day in November: The indicted Republican lawmaker will remain on the ballot, and there won’t be any way for voters to write in the name of someone different.
California lawmakers limit nondisclosure agreements
The Business Journal
California would bar forced arbitration and nondisclosure agreements under a bill sent to Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday that enjoys celebrity backing from some in the #MeToo movement. It would prohibit employers from requiring nondisclosure agreements related to sexual misconduct as a condition of getting or keeping a job.
Federal:
The Trump administration might be deregulating more than you know (or could know)
The Washington Post
Since President Trump took office last year, his administration has been working to undo many Obama-era regulations affecting clean water, national parks, energy production and more. Most recently, President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency has proposed weakening Obama-era regulations on coal-fired power plants. (Simon Haeder is a Maddy Alum).
Fact Check: So fresh and so clean
Politico
At a rally in Charleston, W.Va., President Donald Trump waxed poetic about the United States’ environment and how downright immaculate it is.
Treasury Moves to Block New Yorkers’ Path Around Cap on State Tax Deductions
WSJ
New regulations would blunt high-tax states’ efforts to bypass a new limit on state and local tax deductions with donation programs.
See also:
Govt acts to stop high-tax states from skirting $10K cap Fresno Bee
IRS moves to block California and other states from helping residents avoid new tax-deduction limit Los Angeles Times
WSJ
Between now and Election Day, “impeachment” is the forbidden word.
See also:
Why Trump Supporters Believe He Is Not Corrupt The Atlantic
Nancy Pelosi’s Iron Grip on House Democrats
National Review
Wrapping up the week: why a Democratic House majority almost certainly means Nancy Pelosi will be speaker of the House again, why the world needs to get tougher with China, and an allegedly paranoid memo in the White House that . . . doesn’t really seem all that paranoid, considering recent history.
See also:
● Nancy Pelosi on Running Against a 'Culture of Corruption,' Challenges to Her Leadership, and Dark Chocolate KQED News
Senate approves $850B multi-department spending bill
UPI.com
The Senate approved a $850 billion spending package Thursday to provide funding for several government departments through the end of September.
Sen. John McCain, battling brain cancer, is discontinuing medical treatment
Washington Post
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who has been battling brain cancer, is discontinuing medical treatment, his family announced Friday.
EDITORIAL: Senate’s sloppy rush to confirm Brett Kavanaugh
San Francisco Chronicle
By reducing the likelihood of more revealing disclosures and outrunning any change in congressional control, the Republicans’ schedule serves their purposes, not the public’s.
See also:
When the Supreme Court Lurches Right The New York Times
Other:
Ripped from the news pages, here’s proof that we need a free press
Fresno Bee
President Trump shouts “Fake News” and stirs his sycophants to intimidate endangered journalists coping with government secrecy and deadline tension. But the press will continue
Four Bad Habits to Avoid at City Council Meetings
Cities Speak
Learning these principles and avoiding these bad habits will improve your meetings — and your decision-making.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Regulations expected to cost citrus growers $203 million a year
The Business Journal
New environmental regulations, water-saving rules, crop-protection requirements and a state-mandated increase of the minimum wage for workers are expected to collectively cost California citrus growers about $203 million a year.
Sun-Maid hopes adding a sour kick will get millennials to eat raisins
Los Angeles Times
Sun-Maid Raisins is one of the most recognizable brands in the United States. But its bonnet-wearing farm girl hasn’t kept this century-old cooperative from losing touch with consumers, especially younger ones.
California Wine Month Events Make September the Time to Visit Wine Country
The Wine Institute
Across California, wineries, regional associations and other organizations are hosting exclusive tastings, festivals, live music, food pairings, grape stomps, vineyard hikes and much more.
WSJ
The good liberals of San Francisco love to advertise their green virtue, such as their recent ban on plastic straws. But that doesn’t seem to be protecting them from the same predicament long faced by farmers in California’s Central Valley: water shortages due to the decisions of Sacramento regulators.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Golden State Killer suspect faces consolidated charges
Fresno Bee
A former police officer suspected of being California's elusive Golden State Killer faced 26 murder and rape-related charges Thursday after prosecutors decided this week to consolidate charges in counties across the state into one case.
See Also:
● Accused Golden State Killer arraigned in Sacramento ABC30
● Golden State Killer suspect arraigned on charges of murder, kidnapping Visalia Times-Delta
● Golden State Killer Suspect Hears 13 New Rape-Related Charges capradio.org
2015 homicide victim, others to be remembered at Break the Silence event
Stockton Record
Stockton Angel Mothers, a nonprofit organization focused on the healing and support of mothers who have lost their children, will present the latest Break the Silence event at which a 2015 homicide victim and other loved ones lost to gun violence will be honored.
Public Safety:
Fresno County Sheriff and bondsmen oppose plan to end cash bail
ABC30
California could soon do away with its cash bail system, which requires that jailed suspects provide money to be released from custody. Under Senate Bill 10, instead of posting bail, suspects will have to be quickly assessed by probation officers, or the courts to determine if they can be released.
See Also:
● End of cash bail could have grave impacts on local agencies Bakersfield Californian
● EDITORIAL: California has the bail industry on the run. Don’t give up on bail reform now, Jerry Brown Sacramento Bee
● EDITORIAL: California bail-reform measure flawed but needed San Diego Union-Tribune
Fire:
California fires: Governor proposes easing logging rules to thin forests
Mercury News
Faced with the worst summer fire season in 10 years, Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing broad new changes to California’s logging rules that would allow landowners to cut larger trees and build temporary roads without obtaining a permit as a way to thin more forests across the state.
Yosemite finally open, but Highway 140 will be closed this weekend. Businesses upset
Sierra Star
Business owners are rankled at PG&E for closing Highway 140 this weekend after fires have already hurt the Mariposa County economy.
See also:
● California's wildfires are deterring tourists and hitting taxpayers hard, officials say Los Angeles Times
Fresno-made product is killing wildfires abroad, but not in U.S. — yet
The Business Journal
As wildfires rage across California, the staff of a small, veteran-owned box manufacturer in Fresno is working to implement a system he’s created that’s already proving its effectiveness in Europe.
Let’s not fiddle as California burns
Modesto Bee
Ultimately, the legislature’s decisions need to address the prevention or reduction of our wildfire season through a multi-prong effort that includes removing dead and dying trees, maintaining infrastructure and educating the public on how they can help.
EDITORIAL: Wildfire worries help revive a net neutrality bill
San Francisco Chronicle
Given up for dead in June, the issue of enforcing net neutrality is back with a vengeance with a key state legislative panel reversing itself. Odd as that political turnabout sounds, another unusual factor may be California’s biggest-ever wildfire.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
'Everybody would be very poor': Trump warns of stock market crash if he's impeached
ABC30
After Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to illegal campaign contributions, the president said Cohen's actions are not campaign violations.
Bank and industrial stocks slide, weighing on indexes
Los Angeles Times
U.S. stocks capped another day of listless trading with a slight loss Thursday as a slide in banks and industrial companies offset solid gains for the technology sector.
Gap's stock tumbles after namesake brand's sales decline worsens
Los Angeles Times
Old Navy has been Gap Inc.’s savior in recent quarters, but its strength — along with a companywide jump in profit — wasn’t enough to quell investors’ concerns about Gap’s namesake brand.
See also:
● Why recent stock market gains might not benefit the economy PBS NewsHour
As the trade war worsens, the trade deficit increases
Brookings
The trade war that the U.S. has unleashed on China continues to ratchet up. The next round of 25-percent tariffs on $16 billion of imports from China will go into effect Aug. 23.
See also:
● New tariffs escalate the US-China trade war Brookings
Jobs:
This new-to-Fresno chain restaurant plans to hire 200 workers. Here’s the latest
Fresno Bee
An October opening is planned for the Fresno Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, which is midway through renovating the former Elephant Bar on Blackstone Avenue. Lazy Dog is looking to hire 200 workers. A hiring center opens Friday, Aug. 24.
See Also:
● Lazy Dog Restaurant founder discusses his vision Fresno Bee
● Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar holding hiring fair to hire 200 employees ABC30
Orchard Supply Hardware is closing and Fresno shoppers are disappointed
ABC30
It is the beginning of the end for Orchard Supply Hardware. Parent company Lowe's announced Tuesday it's closing all of its 99 locations, including seven in the Fresno area.
See Also:
● Visalia's Orchard Supply Hardware will be closed soon Visalia Times-Delta
Sears is closing 46 more stores, including five in California
Los Angeles Times
Sears Holdings Corp. will be closing 46 additional Sears and Kmart stores nationwide in November as the once-colossal retailer continues to dwindle in the age of online shopping. In California, five stores will be closed in the newly announced wave.
EDUCATION
K-12:
School district says yes to ripped jeans, tank tops and no to shaming kids
Fresno Bee
A Bay Area school district in Northern California loosened its dress code, stating that students will be able to wear anything they want, within reason. The dress code was designed to avoid shaming students.
Kerman High taking action after fights during first week of school
ABC30
Kerman Unified School District ensures students a safe learning environment and expects their students to be responsible citizens at school, home and in the community. The district's superintendent says the series of four fights is very unusual.
'Really cool': Assembly aims to inspire BCSD students to join music program
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield City School District is hoping to entice elementary-grade students to join their schools' music programs by giving them a performance with all of the instruments they offer.
Education Dept. proposals on guns in schools sparks outcry
Sacramento Bee
The Education Department says it is weighing whether to allow states to use federal funds to purchase guns for schools, prompting a storm of criticism from Democratic lawmakers and educators.
See Also:
● Anger over Ed Dept mulling federal money for guns in schools AP
● EDITORIAL: Besty DeVos might let schools use federal grants to buy guns? That's dangerously foolish Los Angeles Times
Later school start times in CA gain steam in Legislature
The Sacramento Bee
School boards and teachers unions successfully shot down a legislative proposal last year that would delay start times until 8:30 a.m. at middle and high schools in California.
Higher Ed:
Fall semester kicks off for Fresno State students
ABC30
As the first bell rang at Fresno state a record number of students head back to class. This year more than 25,000 students are attending, 71-percent of them are first-generation college students.
See Also:
● Fresno State students have mixed feelings on Randa Jarrar's return Visalia Times-Delta
Why Stockton believes a Cal State could seal its comeback
CALmatters
When Jesus Andrade looks out over the barren asphalt of the San Joaquin County fairgrounds, he doesn’t just see the smattering of swap meet vendors setting up their stalls, or the smoke rising from a nearby homeless encampment. The Stockton city councilman also envisions football fields and science labs, part of a future California State University campus that he hopes would bring his city some economic
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Plastic straws only for those who ask in California? It’s up to Jerry Brown
Fresno Bee
The California Assembly on Aug. 23, 2018, approved Assembly Bill 1884, which requires that restaurants only provide plastic straws to customers upon request. Gov. Jerry Brown must now sign or veto the legislation.
See Also:
● California lawmakers vote to restrict use of plastic straws, keeping state in national spotlight on environment Los Angeles Times
● Bill restricting plastic straws passes, heads to Gov. Brown San Francisco Chronicle
● California Seeks To Be First State To Limit Plastic Straws capradio.org
Officials issue Spare the Air alert for Bay Area due to unhealthy air quality
San Francisco Chronicle
Officials announced “Spare the Air” alerts for Thursday and Friday as ozone pollution in the San Francisco Bay Area dipped to unhealthy levels due to smoke from the wildfires raging in California, Oregon and Canada Thursday afternoon.
Pesticide Studies Won E.P.A.’s Trust, Until Trump’s Team Scorned ‘Secret Science’
New York Times
Backed by agrochemical companies, the current administration and Congress are moving to curb the role of human health studies in regulation.
Energy:
Elected officials urge state to stop issuing permits for fossil fuels in California
Fresno Bee
Two local elected officials — the mayor of Huron and a council member from San Joaquin — joined others on Thursday in urging Gov. Jerry Brown to phase out fossil fuel production in California.
Coarsegold solar contractor among 100 best in U.S.
Sierra Star
For the third year in a row, Coarsegold-based Kuykendall Solar was named among the Unites States’ best solar contractors by Solar Power World magazine.
Berry Petroleum brings focus, investment back to Kern
Bakersfield Californian
Berry, as the former Chevron geologist and others have taken to calling the company, has already won what amounts to a show of support from the investment community.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Cancer surgery was on wrong side of colon. State fines Madera hospital for the error
Fresno Bee
Madera Community Hospital has been fined by the state for a surgery on the wrong side of the body of a patient that led to a delay in the targeted cancer being removed.
Dangerous species of mosquitoes found in North Valley
ABC30
Efforts are underway to fight a dangerous species of mosquitoes found in Los Banos. The Merced County Mosquito Abatement found a mosquito known as the Aedes aegypti, which have the potential to transmit diseases like Zika and Yellow Fever.
See Also:
● First human case of the year of West Nile Virus reported in Merced County ABC30
State orders Mercy General Hospital to pay $75,000 penalty after patient death
Sacramento Bee
The California Department of Public Health has ordered Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento to pay a $75,000 penalty for failing to ensure a patient’s health and safety.
20 Pieces Of Legislation Are In Play At The Capitol To Stem California’s Opioid Problem. Here’s A Roundup.
capradio.org
Everyone’s got their own ideas about how to solve the opioid crisis. Here’s a quick take on California bills that could change the game.
What to Drink When You're Dehydrated
Consumer Reports
Staying hydrated regulates body temperature, allows your heart to work more efficiently, prevents headaches and muscle fatigue, aids digestion, and even boosts your mood. But in the heat of summer, it’s easy to become dehydrated without realizing it.
No amount of alcohol is good for your overall health, global study says
CNN
If you're one of the third of all humankind who drinks alcohol, take note: There's no amount of liquor, wine or beer that is safe for your overall health, according to a new analysis of 2016 global alcohol consumption and disease risk.
Why Russian trolls stoked US vaccine debates
CNN
Russia's meddling online went beyond the 2016 US presidential election and into public health, amplifying online debates about vaccines, according to a new study.
See also:
● Russian Twitter bots sought to sow discord around vaccinations: report The Hill
Alienating Voters Over Hard-Left Policies Like Missouri’s Abortion Platform Is Killing Democrats
The Federalist
The median voter theorem suggests that candidates who win elections in equally divided electorates compete to situate themselves as close to the ideological median as possible.
Human Services:
Single-payer health care shows that Democrats can be extreme, too
Fresno Bee
The progressives want single-payer health care, and they want it now. The insanity of the Trump Republican Party is obvious. But the irresponsibility of the Democratic left is quite troublesome.
Lack of political power can actually make you sick
Fresno Bee
The people who have the least influence over California’s decision-makers also have the worst health outcomes. The broad-based policies decided in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., translate into who gets sick, who stays well and even who lives the longest.
What's Tulare hospital worth? Question remains unanswered, delays Adventist
Visalia Times-Delta
The big question surrounding Tulare Regional Medical Center is: how much is it worth? That question is posing the biggest delays in finalizing a contract between hospital officials and Adventist Health.
Measure N, Visalia's public safety tax used for youth programs
Visalia Times-Delta
Approved in November 2016, Measure N is primarily used to provide money to support police, fire, roads, and parks. Visalia City Council members decided to approve 2 percent from the maintenance and emerging needs fund to help youth programs.
Trump team should manage Obamacare sign-up seasons better, congressional watchdog finds
Los Angeles Times
A congressional watchdog said Thursday that the Trump administration needs to step up its management of sign-up seasons for President Obama’s healthcare law after mixed results last year in the throes of a failed GOP effort to repeal that law.
See also:
● Trump administration needs to step up on ‘Obamacare,’ watchdog report says PBS
As America's Veterans Grow Older, The VA Faces A Long-Term Care Crisis
KPBS
On a recent morning in Camarillo, Cal., dozens of veterans, their spouses, and grown children settled into their seats at the Ventura County Office of Education, free coffees and sodas in hand, to hear lawmakers discuss what's waiting for their families as they enter old age.
IMMIGRATION
How are these immigrants combatting Trump deportation policy? They’re going to class
Fresno Bee
Organizations say both undocumented and documented individuals are flooding their offices to seek services amid fears with the current tense immigration situation in a Trump Era.
People begin the path to citizenship at FIRM
Fresno Bee
People begin the path to citizenship in classes at Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, which works with ethnic communities from Laos, Cambodia and Syria. Fears regarding immigration policies puts some on the fast track to citizenship.
Plan to strip H-1B visa holders’ spouses of right to work hits final stage
Mercury News
A policy change to strip spouses of H-1B visa holders of their right to work has entered its final review, with senior leaders in the Department of Homeland Security moving toward approval, according to a new court filing.
BC student detained by ICE allowed to post bond
Bakersfield Californian
A Bakersfield College student who was detained in May by federal immigration agents with ICE has been allowed by a judge to post bond at $10,000.
Stockton migrant center to close after losing funding
Stockton Record
Dozens of immigrant families for the past eight years have found refuge, information and empowerment at an unassuming office off of March Lane. But with the lease up and no funding secured, the center is set to close next month.
How Not to Resolve the Immigration Debate
WSJ
This column has been hoping for some time that Washington lawmakers will cut a deal that allows more immigration and forgiving treatment for those brought here as children in return for the construction of President Donald Trump’s promised border wall and enhanced law enforcement.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
The push for parks heads to ballot
Yourcentralvalley.com
Fresno for Parks' Larry Powell sits down with KSEE24's Evan Onstot to discuss a sales tax measure on the November ballot. If passed, it would provide more than an estimated $1 billion for Fresno parks over the next 30 years.
Report: Bakersfield could use more parks
Bakersfield Californian
Around 45 percent of residents in Bakersfield live within a 10-minute walk of a public park. That’s not good but it’s not the worst either, according to a new report by the Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit dedicated to bringing more parks to American citizens.
Housing:
Report: Modesto house prices have rebounded the most since crash
Modesto Bee
The Modesto area’s housing market has rebounded the most since the crash from a decade ago, according to owners.com, a real estate brokerage.
A deeper dive into California's housing and homelessness crisis
CalMatters
Over 134,000 Californians now face homelessness on any given night. Recent research conducted at UCLA found that there is a correlation between high cost of living and homelessness rates.
CalMatters
Officials at the Bay Area Rapid Transit district soon could get into the housing business.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Treasury Moves to Block New Yorkers’ Path Around Cap on State Tax Deductions
WSJ
New regulations would blunt high-tax states’ efforts to bypass a new limit on state and local tax deductions with donation programs.
See also:
Govt acts to stop high-tax states from skirting $10K cap Fresno Bee
IRS moves to block California and other states from helping residents avoid new tax-deduction limit Los Angeles Times
Tulare changes credit card policy after former mayor accused of misuse
Visalia Times-Delta
Tulare City Council voted Tuesday to adopt changes following alleged misuse by then-Mayor Carlton Jones last year. Jones has since been replaced as mayor, although he remains on the council.
List of unpaid property taxes made public today
THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
About 1,500 property owners in the Bakersfield area owe a combined $4 million in unpaid taxes from the 2016-17 fiscal year, according to the Kern County Treasurer Tax Collector's office, which has published a list of delinquencies in today's paper.
TRANSPORTATION
Gas tax projects prompt Jerry Brown’s pay raises for California highway engineers
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Jerry Brown’s last contract with the state’s highway engineers includes some sweet perks aimed at retaining the longtime road designers, planners and project managers who’d be charged with executing work funded by the gas tax he backed last year.
E-scooter bill zips through Senate; straws are on the outs
CalMatters
Bird, the Santa Monica start-up that has disrupted pedestrians by placing motorized scooters in cities across the state, is close to getting its first legislative win.
State’s Progress on 5 Million Zero Emission Vehicles by 2030: Q2 2018 Results
California Center for Jobs & Economy
The latest new vehicle sales data from California New Car Dealers Association indicates that new vehicle sales remain on track again to exceed 2 million for the year, even though Q2 sales were down slightly by 0.7% compared to the same quarter in 2017.
WATER
Growers getting a few extra weeks of water
ABC30
Growers in the Fresno Irrigation District will get a few extra weeks of water deliveries this season. The Fresno Irrigation District credits a better than expected snowpack runoff and late storms.
Jolting California officials, Trump administration looks to rewrite rules for Delta water
Sacramento Bee
The Bureau of Reclamation told California officials it wants to renegotiate the rules on water pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. That could help the Central Valley Project, hurt the State Water Project.
Water Education Foundation
Farmers in the Central Valley are broiling about California’s plan to increase flows in the Sacramento and San Joaquin river systems to help struggling salmon runs avoid extinction.
San Luis Reservoir Algal Bloom Advisory at "Warning" Level
California Department of Water Resources
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today lowered a danger advisory that had been in effect since August 10 at San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, but continues to urge the public to avoid water contact until further notice due to blue-green algae.
Clean water is near for Hillview Water Company customers in Oakhurst
Sierra Star
Hillview Water Company customers in Oakhurst can finally expect clean tap water this fall, 20 years after the water’s contamination was discovered by the company.
See also:
EDITORIAL: California cannot wait on clean drinking water crisis. Speaker Rendon, let legislators vote Sacramento Bee
EDITORIAL: ‘Shock and awe’ not right for Central Valley water fight
San Diego Union-Tribune
The farmers of the Central Valley have for years argued that they get little sympathy from state water bureaucrats despite their huge importance to California’s economy in arguably the world’s most fertile agricultural region.
Editorial Board: Valley shows up big at Capitol water rally
Modesto Bee
In buses, trucks, cars and on trains, the Valley came to Sacramento on Monday. They set up tents and tables, hauled in tubs of water and created a proper media event.
“Xtra”
Merced vet given highest civilian honor for time in Air Force special operations
Fresno Bee
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, presented the Congress’s highest civilian honor on Thursday to Donald Heran, a retired Air Force pilot and lieutenant colonel with the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor of the CIA, and the U.S. Special Operations Command.
Fresno's adoptable animals to be featured on popular social media account
ABC30
Their videos are likely to have popped up on your social media feed at one time or another, adorable, curious, and even crafty animals are showcased on The Dodo.
Chill out at 3 superior shaved ice shops in Clovis
ABC30
Summer temperatures can become bearable with the addition of the right frozen dessert, and shaved ice is near the top of the list. But where to find the best version of it in Clovis?
Legendary rock group Chicago to play 2018 Big Fresno Fair
ABC30
Legendary rock group Chicago is returning to Fresno this fall to play at the Big Fresno Fair. Fair organizers announced Thursday that the rock band will play on Monday, October 8 to play all their hits.
Comedy comes to downtown Hanford
Hanford Sentinel
The Rock N Roll Deli will become a comedy deli Friday night, offering ha-hamburgers and silly chili. This is the second installment in a free, monthly comedy showcase at the downtown eatery.
Take me home! Cats available for adoption
Bakersfield Californian
These four cats at Kern County Animal Services are looking for their forever homes. Can you help?
Discounted parking passes for Kern County Fair go on sale Thursday
Bakersfield Californian
Discounted parking passes for the 2018 Kern County Fair go on sale today for $7 at all Kern County O'Reilly Auto Parts locations. Parking passes for the fair are normally $10.
Sept. 1 is free fishing day in California
THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging all Californians to give fishing a try for free Sept. 1, during the department’s annual free fishing day.
From the Beach to the Mountains, 9 of California's Best Camping Destinations
LA Weekly
It might be a touch late to make camping plans for Labor Day weekend, but the unofficial arrival of fall means it's the best time of the year to get your camping gear out of storage and sleep outside-ish for a night or a few.