TOP POLITICAL STORIES
Gubernatorial Candidate Chiang addresses Associates at Maddy Institute Luncheon
Video Courtesy of GVWire
On Monday August 28th 2017, The Maddy Institute hosted California Treasurer and Candidate for Governor John Chiang. Business and Community leaders were invited to attend this private event at The Point Bar and Bistro in Fresno.
See also:
· Chiang back in Valley courting voters KSEE and KGPE
Rep. Valadao and other members of Congress, scored personal loans from political supporters
Center for Public Integrity
Valley Cong. David Valadao mentioned in the article.
Rep. Denham, young immigrants agree on this path to legal status at Modesto event
The Modesto Bee
The program at issue is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. The eligible immigrants — advocates call them Dreamers — include an estimated 8,000 people in Stanislaus County, 6,000 in Merced and 11,000 in San Joaquin.
Madueño, Zwahlen commit to Congressional race
The Turlock Journal
See also:
· Democratic nurse and school board member announces bid against Republican Rep. Jeff Denham Los Angeles Times
· GOP healthcare vote inspires another challenger for California’s Rep. Jeff Denham LA Times
Capitol Weekly’s Top 100 List – 2017
Capitol Weekly
There are 22 people new to this year’s ranking compared with 2016 — changes that we believe reflect political and policy developments in the Capitol. And for those who aren’t on the list this time around: Some retired, some got new gigs, and some just weren’t as central to the political zeitgeist as they were last year. Others have simply moved up or down the ranks. The biggest single change is in our No. 1 position, which is held this year by Gov. Brown’s chief of staff, Nancy McFadden.
Washington Monthly Ranks UC Merced Among Top 10 in the U.S.
UC Merced News
The University of California, Merced, ranks among the top 10 universities in the nation for the success of its first-generation and underrepresented students, according to Washington Monthly’s 2017 College Rankings.
Fresno City Council to take final vote on proposed ban on recreational marijuana dispensaries
abc30
Fresno City Council President Clint Olivier believes the people have spoken. Prop 64, legalizing marijuana for recreational use, was passed by California voters and by a majority of Fresno voters.
State:
California state senators want big bucks for cleaner trucks and buses
LA Times
A cadre of Democratic state senators are pushing to spend nearly $1 billion over the next year to replace diesel trucks, buses and other vehicles with cleaner versions. A chunk of the money would come from California’s cap-and-trade program, which lawmakers agreed to extend last month. The program requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gases, and the state can use the revenue on initiatives that further reduce emissions.(Note: Diesel engines are among the largest sources of air pollution in the Valley.)
Billions in lower-income housing incentives nailed down by California Democratic leaders
The Fresno Bee
California legislative leaders have reached a deal on a pair of key housing bills expected to generate billions of dollars and lead to construction of 70,000 affordable housing units across the state.
See also:
· California lawmakers reach housing deal on financing Sacramento Bee
| · Democrats lack votes to pass key California housing bill LA Times
· Changes to key housing bill will give local governments in California more control over the money LA Times |
Walters: Cash from pollution permits sparks feeding frenzy in Capitol
CALmatters
August’s quarterly auction of carbon dioxide emission allowances under the state’s cap-and-trade program was a sellout after more than a year of lackluster results. Not only did it generate more than $600 million for the state, but buoyed hopes that future auctions will have similarly bountiful results and give Capitol politicians many billions of dollars to spend.
Mathews: What Kind of Party Chastises Chad Mayes While Advancing Travis Allen?
Fox and Hounds Daily
If you want to know why California has turned its back on the Republican Party, consider how the California GOP is treating Chad Mayes and Travis Allen.
California ballot measure would legalize ‘shrooms’
California could become the first state to legalize “magic mushrooms” if a ballot initiative becomes law.
California Democrats’ communication office gets six-figure remodel
Sacramento Bee
The Assembly office that assists Democratic members with press releases and constituent mail is getting a major makeover: more than $160,000 in new carpet, fresh paint, drywall and other renovations.
Voters are skeptical of a new state law that overhauls how Californians cast ballots
LA Times
A new statewide poll shows widespread voter opposition to a California law that allows counties to close polling places and instead rely on absentee ballots and a limited number of multipurpose election centers. 61% of voters said they didn’t like the idea of switching to a system of “voter centers” and all-mail ballots, according to the poll released on Tuesday by UC Davis’ California Civic Engagement Project.
See also:
· Voters don’t like California’s move to voting centers in place of neighborhood polling places 89.3 KPCC
Another effort by Democrats to revamp California’s recall elections is signed by Gov. Jerry Brown
Los Angeles Times
LA Times
California’s highest court weighed in Monday on how voters raise revenue for local governments, deciding that tax increases proposed by city and county elected officials should be treated differently than those put on the ballot through citizen initiatives. No consensus has emerged over how far-reaching the ruling might be, but some said the decision could make passage easier for local tax increases to finance school, road, transit or other specific repairs or expansions.
Judge invalidates law that would have allowed public financing of political campaigns in California
LA Times
A Superior Court judge has struck down a new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown that would have allowed cities, counties and the state to provide public financing of political campaigns, ruling that it violates a ban on that use of taxpayer dollars established nearly 30 years ago, officials said Monday.
California to take ‘swift legal action’ if Trump allows drilling at national monuments
McClatchy DC BUREAU
Gov. Jerry Brown is ready to sue the federal government if the Trump administration decides to allow drilling, mining or timber harvesting at national monuments in the Golden State.
California Today: A Proposal to Split California Into Three
New York Times
California, home to nearly 40 million people, has commonly been declared ungovernable. That’s why some people think we should carve it up.
National:
Fact-checking Kamala Harris’ claim about cost of Trump’s border wall
PolitiFact
PolitiFact California dug into border wall estimates for a fact-check in April 2017. We noted at the time that cost projections for the wall vary greatly.
Feinstein Advises Patience for Trump, Risks Angering Democrats
The Upcoming Census Has Big Implications for Federal Funds Flowing to States
Route Fifty
New research sheds light on how much money is affected by the decennial population count, which is next set to take place in 2020.
Other:
Same-sex couple got Tastries wedding cake, learned later that owner refuses cakes for others bakersfield.com
Employees of the bakery took their order for a fantastic four-tier, white-and-gold wedding cake, took their deposit and sent the two women on their way talking about the exceptional service at the Rosedale Highway bakery.
FCC Instructors to ‘Unite the People’ in Panel Discussion
A panel discussion on white supremacy, the events that transpired in Charlottesville, VA., and the Alt-right will be held in the Old Administration Building Auditorium at Fresno City College on Aug. 30 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
EDITORIALS
Heartfelt Harvey response shows true colors of Valley and California. Just ask Houston.
The Fresno Bee
Texas may be California’s political rival, but our rapid response to Hurricane Harvey proves humanity and compassion count in California.
The nation responds to the horrors of Harvey
We have this “thing” with Texas. We have better weather, more jobs, more people and far better wine and cheese. They have lower taxes, fewer rules and much, much better barbecue. Their governors come here to steal our jobs, which forces us to invent more of them. Texas is deepest red, California darkest blue.
As Hurricane Harvey hits Gulf Coast, Central Valley must prepare for the coming storm
Sacramento Bee
A superstorm is coming, maybe in 10 or 20 years, maybe this winter. We must prepare. The bill is past due.
Harvey should be a warning to Trump that climate change is a global threat
LA Times
As rains fell and floodwaters rose in Houston, President Trump took to Twitter with an “oh, gosh” tweet: “Wow – Now experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood! We have an all out effort going, and going well!”
A major change to four decades of California tax
San Francisco Chronicle
In a Monday ruling, the California Supreme Court potentially removed a serious and long-standing obstacle to new local taxes. In a 5-2 decision, the justices stated that Proposition 218, which was passed in 1996 and requires two-thirds of voters to approve special local taxes, only applies to measures proposed by government officials. Local voter initiatives for such taxes and fees are different.
Anarchist hoodlums enable right-wing bigotry
East Bay Times
Unlike most of the nation, the Bay Area’s biggest problem right now is not from right-wing provocateurs, it’s from anarchist hoodlums.
Sending a feline friend to the great beyond
Madera Tribune
It took less than 10 seconds for Buddy the Cat to get rid of her pain. Buddy has been known to readers of these scratchings for the last few years as the cat who rents our house to us (two bowls of wet food and one bowl of dry food daily). She also would provide a security service by sneaking up on bluebirds, who never once allowed themselves to be caught.
Extend last call to 4 a.m. in California? We’ll drink to that
LA Times
Last call in California is 2 a.m. That’s when bars, restaurants, nightclubs and any other businesses licensed for on-site liquor sales are legally bound to stop serving alcohol, and that’s when most of those establishments close for the night.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Will Fresno pass a ban on marijuana businesses? Council members have sharp differences
Fresno Bee
After a tempestuous two-hour hearing in June, the Fresno City Council narrowly voted to take the first step to ban recreational marijuana businesses in the city. More fireworks could be in store Thursday morning, when the city’s planning department presents its draft of the proposed law to the council.
Pigs, calves could join chickens on California’s cage-free list
Nearly a decade after winning a nationally watched California campaign to require more space for egg-laying hens, the Humane Society of the United States on Tuesday moved to return to the state ballot in 2018 with another far-reaching initiative.
Research to help wean strawberry industry from chemical fumigants
Capital Press
Dole, the world’s largest fresh fruit and vegetable company, is stepping back from Southland
Los Angeles Times
Dole Food Co. is planning to sell its sprawling corporate headquarters and uproot its strawberry operations in Southern California as it seeks to sweeten its books ahead of yet another public stock offering.
Initiative would require all eggs in California to come from cage-free hens
LA Times
The initiative’s language, drafted by the Humane Society of the United States, addresses the group’s concerns that 2008’s Proposition 2 — which required hens to have more room in their habitats — did not achieve the right conditions for farm animals, including pigs and calves.
See also:
· New ballot initiative could increase California farm animal welfare standards San Francisco Chronicle
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Violence from white supremacist groups should be treated as terrorist acts, committee says
Los Angeles Times
In response to the deadly rally in Charlottesville this month, the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday approved two resolutions urging state and local law enforcement agencies to treat violent acts by white nationalists and neo-Nazi groups as terrorist attacks.
Legislator pushes California to oppose Trump-backed concealed-carry gun rights
A Democratic legislator has introduced a state resolution opposing proposed federal legislation that would allow out-of-state gun owners to pack concealed firearms in public places throughout California.
The need for criminal justice reform in America
Brookings
With one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, the U.S. prison system is in desperate need of reform. Issues of overcrowding, the school-to-prison pipeline, and racial disparity in sentencing dominate headlines and point to serious underlying problems with American criminal justice. Though these institutional flaws are becoming widely recognized, and legislators across ideological lines are attempting to enact reforms many barriers to change remain. On August 28, 2017, Brookings convened a forum focused on the need for criminal justice reform and explored possible alternatives to the existing system.
Fire:
Fire above Lake Oroville grows overnight, evacuation orders in place
The fire sparked Tuesday afternoon as a heatwave blankets much of California. It’s burning in the sparsely populated area east of Lake Oroville, about 70 miles north of Sacramento. It’s not immediately clear how many homes could be threatened by the wildfire.
1250-acre wildfire east of Springville forces evacuations
Fresno Bee
A wildfire in the mountains above Springville in Tulare County has forced the evacuation of seven small communities, officials said Tuesday.
The Pier Fire started overnight along Highway 190 east of Springville and near the Wishon Power House in the Tule River canyon. It was reported about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Railroad Fire near Yosemite closes Highway 41, could grow to 5,000 acres
Sierra Star
A blaze near Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp, reported around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, grew to 300 acres by 3 p.m., with the potential to grow to 5,000. Evacuations and road closures have been ordered.
See also:
· Crews responding to growing fire near Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp The Fresno Bee
· Tenaya Lodge to be evacuated as Railroad Fire roars through Fish Camp Sierra Star
· Railroad Fire explodes to 1,000 acres, forces complete evacuation of Fish Camp Sierra Star
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Fiber optic network expanding to Madera
The Madera Tribune
It’s not charity. It’s a commitment to equalizing opportunity.
CAFWD
Why did Governor Jerry Brown recently sign a state budget that substantially increases California’s anti-poverty spending? The 2017-18 budget expands the California Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), increases funding for preschool and child care, and provides additional support for after-school programs. The very good news: These investments should yield a non-trivial decrease in our state’s sky-high poverty rate.
U.S. economy records fastest growth in 2 years
CNN Money
During the first full quarter with President Trump in charge, economic growth hit 3%, according to revised estimates released by the government on Wednesday. That’s the strongest growth since the first quarter of 2015. It’s more than double the pace of the first three months of 2017 and better than original estimates for the second quarter. The government initially pegged second-quarter growth at 2.6% in July.
Trump says a corporate tax cut would create more jobs. Economists aren’t so sure.
The Washington Post
President Trump is slated to land in Missouri on Wednesday to give a much-awaited speech about his plans for tax reform, the next target on his legislative agenda. Few details of his speech were available in advance, but the address is expected to fire up the debate about who really wins when taxes are slashed.
More evidence of the construction worker shortage
KPCC
A new survey from the Associated General Contractors of America found that 70 percent of construction firms are having a hard time finding skilled workers like carpenters, bricklayers, electricians and plumbers.
What Autonomous Vehicles Could Mean for American Workers
RAND
Autonomous vehicles—vehicles that drive themselves some or all of the time—are projected to hit American roads within the next few years. They promise safer transportation, greater mobility for millions of Americans, improvement in how space is used, and a host of other benefits. But they will also have enormous impacts on the workforce, some negative and positive, some subtle and surprising.
K-12:
Toy Lending Library Aims To Reach Fresno’s Youngest Learners
Valley Public Radio
Downtown Fresno’s 116-year old ‘Helm Home’ has been a landmark for generations because of its distinctive shape. The mission revival-style home, sometimes called the Alamo House was once at risk of being condemned, but today it’s been impeccably restored to its former glory with high ceilings and flawless wooden floors.
It may take a bond measure to get a fifth high school in Visalia
Visalia Times Delta
With schools facing classrooms overfilling with students and enrollment only going up, Visalia Unified School District hopes to build a new high school — with the help of local taxpayers.
New principal named at Yosemite High School
Sierra Star
Regina Carr has been named the new principal of Yosemite High School.
Smarter Balanced scores could be delayed two more weeks
The California Department of Education now hopes to publicly release statewide results of the Smarter Balanced assessments in math and reading by Sept. 13, after a delay caused by inaccurate data received from its test contractor
See also:
· California standardized test scores delayed by error in special education students’ scores Los Angeles Times
State could reap big economic benefits with later school start time
EdSource
While California legislators debate a bill to ban secondary schools from starting before 8:30 a.m., a new report shows the change could contribute $10.2 billion to the state’s economy within 10 years and $24.8 billion after two decades.
See also:
· School start times at 8:30 a.m. could add billions to the US economy Business Insider
The next generation of California public school students will skip the ‘mission project’
SFGate
The fourth-grade tradition of building a California mission out of Popsicle sticks and sugar cubes is being pushed aside by the state as history lessons change to reflect all cultures and more accurately depict the past.
Washington Monthly Ranks UC Merced Among Top 10 in the U.S.
UC Merced News
The University of California, Merced, ranks among the top 10 universities in the nation for the success of its first-generation and underrepresented students, according to Washington Monthly’s 2017 College Rankings.
Indigenous Activist Winona LaDuke Wins Spendlove Prize
Winona LaDuke has dedicated her life to social change, working nationally and internationally on issues of justice, equity and the environment alongside indigenous communities.
Out-of-state enrollment at UC colleges a concern
Visalia Times-Delta
As a new school year gets set to open on the nine campuses of the University of California, it’s fair for parents of prospective students to ask once again, as many have for at least the last eight years, whose UC will it be?
UC ripped again in latest audit that finds bungling of payroll upgrade
SFGate
A state audit released Thursday rips the University of California again — this time for bungling a plan to streamline its payroll systems.
CSUB wasn’t first choice, but Statesman of Stockdale helped make it the right one
For too many of us who grew up in Bakersfield, we see our hometown university as just “Cal State.” CSUB is so much more. As a naïve 18-year-old, I thought attending the local state school would hamstring my opportunities for success. Experience has proven me gravely wrong.
With Limited Federal Funding, Valley Struggles To Expand Medical Training Programs
Valley Public Radio
As we reported earlier this summer, the Fresno area could soon be home to two medical schools. While that may seem like a great opportunity for creating home-grown doctors, research suggests local residencies and fellowships could be more important for keeping doctors here. But the Valley lags behind the state in those training opportunities, too. In the second installment of Struggling For Care, we learn how local health leaders are working hard to expand those positions—despite a 20-year-old federal law that puts a limit on funding for medical training.
Vocational Ed:
After decades of pushing bachelor’s degrees, U.S. needs more tradespeople
PBS NewsHour
California is spending $6 million on a campaign to revive the reputation of vocational education, and $200 million to improve the delivery of it.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
California Needs To Invest Billions For Flood Protection
Capital Public Radio
Tropical Storm Harvey has dumped 15 trillion gallons of water on southeastern Texas. Scientists warn that with climate change, future storms will be wetter and more intense – that includes in California. The state will see more rain than snow, straining an aging Central Valley flood protection system.
Harvey marks the most extreme rain event in U.S. history
SFGate.com
The National Hurricane Center broke the news: “A preliminary report from one Texas rain gauge has broken the Texas tropical cyclone rainfall record. Southeast of Houston, Mary’s Creek at Winding Road reported 49.32 inches as of 9 am CDT. This total is higher than the previous record of 48 inches set during tropical cyclone Amelia of 1978 at Medina, Texas.”
LA Times
Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday offered support for Assemblyman Chad Mayes, who recently lost his Republican leadership post because of his support for the cap-and-trade climate change program championed by Democrats.
California state senators want big bucks for cleaner trucks and buses
LA Times
A cadre of Democratic state senators are pushing to spend nearly $1 billion over the next year to replace diesel trucks, buses and other vehicles with cleaner versions. A chunk of the money would come from California’s cap-and-trade program, which lawmakers agreed to extend last month. The program requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gases, and the state can use the revenue on initiatives that further reduce emissions.(Note: Diesel engines are among the largest source of air pollution in the Valley.)
Californians asked to conserve energy Tuesday as temperatures soar
San Jose Mercury
With sweltering heat expected to deliver triple-digit temperatures Tuesday to much of the state, the California Independent System Operator issued a flex alert, asking residents and businesses to voluntarily cut back electricity use between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Beyond Rooftops: States Move to Encourage Community Solar
Pew Trusts
The number of U.S. homeowners who have their own solar panels has been growing steadily since 2000. But as that market slows, the industry’s focus is shifting to the huge swath of customers who can’t put panels on their own roofs.
Al Gore and Jerry Brown on America’s Renewable Future
Time
Cities and states around the U.S. are vowing to fight climate change, using President Trump’s decision to leave the Paris accords to galvanize their movement. Many climate policy experts say there is promise in a bottom-up approach, with sub-national governments leading charges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and spur innovation in clean energy regardless of what might be materializing on the national stage.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
With Limited Federal Funding, Valley Struggles To Expand Medical Training Programs
Valley Public Radio
In the second installment of Struggling For Care, we learn how local health leaders are working hard to expand those positions—despite a 20-year-old federal law that puts a limit on funding for medical training.
Bill would regulate middlemen who help set Calif. drug prices
89.3 KPCC
One of the bills in the California legislature designed to address high prescription drug costs would take aim at the middlemen who negotiate pharmaceutical prices by bringing them under the state’s regulatory purview.
That health politics reality show (part one)
AEIdeas
When it comes to what passes for health policy conflicts, we may not have “fake news” but there’s no shortage of “false drama.”
IMMIGRATION
‘Sanctuary state’ measure likely to become law in California
The Sacramento Bee
California’s so-called “sanctuary state” bill, introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to deport “bad hombres” and undocumented immigrants, is well on its way to becoming law.
See also:
· Immigrant advocates hold prayer service in Gov. Jerry Brown’s office to support ‘sanctuary state’ legislation Los Angeles Times
· Ads target ‘sanctuary state’ bill as it nears the finish line Sacramento Bee
Federal agents rescue immigrants from alleged forced labor
The Bakersfield Californian
Federal prosecutors say nearly a dozen immigrant workers living in squalid conditions were freed from a forced labor ring in Northern California.
As Trump weighs future of DACA, Dreamers fear the end is near
San Jose Mercury News
Dreamers and immigration activists across the nation are bracing themselves for the likely end of DACA, a controversial program that has granted more than 800,000 young undocumented immigrants temporary deportation relief.
LAND USE/HOUSING
California lawmakers reach housing deal on financing
Sacramento Bee
Legislative leaders and Gov. Jerry Brown have reached a deal on a trio housing bills expected to spur new construction across the state and begin digging California out of an unprecedented housing shortage that has led to soaring rents, mass evictions and a homeownership rate at its lowest point since World War II.
Democrats lack votes to pass key California housing bill
LA Times
State Democrats remain short of the votes they need to pass a key part of the package of legislation aimed at addressing California’s housing crisis. Three Democrats in the Assembly told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday afternoon they remained undecided on Senate Bill 2, a measure that would add a $75 fee on many real estate transactions to fund low-income housing development. SB 2 requires a two-thirds supermajority vote of the Assembly to pass. Assuming no support comes from Republican lawmakers, Assembly Democrats can only afford to lose one member of their caucus.
Changes to key housing bill will give local governments in California more control over the money
LA Times
Cities and counties will have more control over money designed to help the state combat its housing affordability crisis under amendments to key legislation unveiled Tuesday. SB 2 from state Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) would charge a $75 fee on mortgage refinances and other real estate transactions and funnel the money to housing subsides. The fee, which would raise roughly $250 million a year, wouldn’t be charged on home or commercial property sales.
Billions in lower-income housing incentives nailed down by California Democratic leaders
Sacramento Bee
California legislative leaders have reached a deal on a pair of key housing bills expected to generate billions of dollars and lead to construction of 70,000 affordable housing units across the state.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Watchdog group sues City of Taft alleging it wouldn’t give up pay records
The institute behind Transparent California, the government watchdog website that regularly posts salary information of public employees across the state, filed a lawsuit against the City of Taft this week after it refused to provide pay data for its employees.
Supervisors approve budget, assure public that parks and roads will get attention
Kern County supervisors approved a final county budget Tuesday, working to assure concerned members of the public that quality-of-life issues such as parks, flood control and road repairs are prioritized even as the county struggles to dig out from under a $28.3 million structural deficit. This year an increase in property tax revenues and frugal spending by county departments eased a dire budget picture, said County Administrative Officer Ryan Alsop.
California ruling could make tax measures easier to pass
The Mercury News
An anti-tax group is warning that a California Supreme Court ruling will lead to more local taxes, but legal experts say the justices’ decision was narrowly focused and additional lawsuits will decide whether it also lowered the threshold to pass tax hikes.
California lawmaker pushing for ‘robot tax’
ABC10
Should California have a “robot tax?” A California lawmaker has launched an initiative to get the state to tax companies that replace humans with robots.
GOP’s Pro-Family Tax Reform Might Have a Catch
Bloomberg View
Since 1981, every major tax cut in the U.S. has included tax relief targeted at parents. The 1997 budget deal coupled a capital-gains tax cut with the creation of a tax credit for children. President George W. Bush expanded that credit as part of his 2001 tax cuts, and accelerated the phase-in of the expansion in his 2003 tax cuts.
TRANSPORTATION
Electric school buses, delivery trucks will help `kill dirty diesel,’ California lawmakers say
The Mercury News
Parked east of the Capitol steps was a long line of vehicles as clean as they were large, including a yellow school bus, a UPS delivery truck and an AC Transit bus — all with electric or hybrid motors.
WATER
Whistleblowers hope Trump will revisit Klamath water officials who misspent $32 million
The Fresno Bee
Investigators have confirmed that a federal water agency misspent $32 million in funds meant to protect fish and wildlife in the Klamath basin of California and Oregon, a finding that Obama-era officials attempted to sideline after whistleblowers first alerted them to it.
Oroville Dam: Filling the large void in the damaged spillway
The Mercury News
As construction efforts at the Lake Oroville spillways remain focused on repairing and reconstructing the gated flood control spillway, also known as the main spillway, roller-compacted concrete is placed to fill the large void between the upper and lower chutes of the spillway. Crews also install forms in preparation of pouring concrete for the spillway walls.
“Xtra”
Bill McEwen Leaves Fresno Bee For GVWire.com
Valley Public Radio
Longtime Fresno Bee reporter, columnist and editor Bill McEwen has a new job as news director for GVWire.com, a news website run by Fresno-based housing developer Granville Homes. After 37 years in the local news business, McEwen joined us on Valley Edition to talk about his role in this new venture, plus his thoughts on editorial independence, and how GVWire will cover news stories involving the Granville company. McEwen also shared his thoughts about the current controversy surrounding Fresno Unified School Board President Brooke Ashjian’s anti-LGBT remarks, city hall politics and other issues.
Downtown Visalia gets brewing with Brew Fest
Visalia Times Delta
The Downtown Visalia Brew Fest returns for the second year and is overflowing with bottomless craft beer tastings and entertainment that will stretch into the night.
California Celebrates Labor Day 2017
California Labor Federation
So many Labor Day weekend events and actions happening around the Golden State! Find one near you.