POLICY & POLITICS
Application Window Open Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship
The Maddy Institute
Applications for two $56,000 Fellowships Due Friday, February 22nd, 2019. Through the generosity of The Wonderful Company, San Joaquin Valley students will have the opportunity to become the next generation of Valley leaders through The Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship. The Maddy Institute will award two $56,000 Fellowships to Valley students who are accepted into a nationally ranked, qualified graduate program in the fall of 2019.
North SJ Valley:
CalChamber Elects 2019 Board Officers
The California Chamber of Commerce
Election of its new board officers, including Grace Evans Cherashore as 2019 chair of the CalChamber Board of Directors. Cherashore is executive chairwoman of Evans Hotels.
Central SJ Valley:
In Hotly Contested Central Valley Congressional Elections, Some Voters Were Misled at Polls
KEQD
Modesto attorney Lisa Battista, who coordinated a group of volunteer election observers, said polling places in Stanislaus County ran out of pink envelopes used to separate provisional ballots on election night. And then confusion set in.
Latino-led Valley groups to benefit from thousands in grants funds
Fresno Bee
Five central CA San Joaquin Valley organizations are set to get new funding from the Latino Community Foundation.
South SJ Valley:
County Counsel Mark Nations says goodbye to Bakersfield for balmier shores
Bakersfield Californian
After more than 30 years in Kern County’s legal department, County Counsel Mark Nations has moved on. His last day on the job was Friday.
State:
California GOP Chairman's Dire Warning To National Republicans: 'We're The Canary In The Coal Mine'
Capital Public Radio
California Republican Party chairman Jim Brulte says his state party is the “canary in the coal mine” for the national GOP. Republicans lost all seven of California’s competitive House races in last month’s midterms, as well as every statewide constitutional office.
See Also:
● EDITORIAL: Are Republicans listening to California? San Francisco Chronicle
California’s outdated election scoreboard fuels baseless suspicion as vote count ends
Los Angeles Times
The morning after the Nov. 6 congressional midterm election in California, state, county and media websites reported that 100% of precincts had turned in their results. It was highly misleading.
Some state Democrats want to spend from surplus — Ting, Newsom more cautious
San Francisco Chronicle
Being flush with a nearly $15 billion budget surplus had some Democratic lawmakers in Sacramento already proposing tens of billions of dollars in new social and educational programs during the opening week of the new legislative session.
Gavin Newsom should embrace a digital transformation of state government
CALmatters
As the home of innovation, California bears the responsibility to ensure that the benefits of technology will be extended beyond the portfolios of the privileged few to all the residents of our great state.
See also:
● The Tests Facing California’s New Governor Capital and Main
Federal:
Meadows would bring political skill to chief of staff job. But can he control Trump?
Fresno Bee
NC Rep. Mark Meadows is a top pick for White House Chief of Staff as President Donald Trump’s has struggled to find someone to fill what has become one of the most perilous jobs in Washington.
See Also:
● Troubles past and future hinder Trump's search for a new White House chief of staff Los Angeles Times
Tim Scott wants his party to get smarter on race. His colleagues are making it tough.
Fresno Bee
Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, wants his GOP colleagues to get smarter about the judges they nominate, urging them to steer clear of candidates with questionable records on race. Republicans aren’t getting the message.
Senators to try condemning Saudi crown prince for journalist’s killing
Stockton Record
The Senate may formally condemn Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi before the end of the year, if no one stands in the way of the outgoing Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman’s plan to expedite a vote to do so on the floor.
Republicans beginning to worry about Trump re-election
Sacramento Bee
President Donald Trump's intensifying legal troubles are unnerving some of his fellow Republicans. Despite his brash stance, they believe the turmoil has left him increasingly vulnerable as he gears up for what is sure to be a nasty fight for re-election.
The president's voter fraud commission should have gone hunting in Trump country
Los Angeles Times
President Trump’s voter fraud commission was launched in 2017 on the false premise that massive voter fraud by non-citizens prevented Trump from winning the popular vote in 2016.
We must advance what President Bush began by signing the Americans With Disabilities Act
San Francisco Chronicle
The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy & Innovation seeks to convene thought leaders on disability law, policy and innovation to make sure that we maximize the effect of technology and achieve the vision Bush saw when signing the ADA.
Kevin McCarthy says Democrats shouldn’t focus on investigating Trump
Washington Post
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Monday that Democrats shouldn’t focus on investigating President Trump when they retake the House majority in January because there are bigger issues facing the country.
McConnell to bring up criminal-justice bill for a Senate vote
Washington Post
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the Senate will vote this month on a sweeping overhaul of the criminal justice system that has proven deeply controversial within the Senate Republican ranks.
Trump’s Christmas Wish List: Billions for Wildfire Suppression, Unaccompanied Children
Roll Call
Just when lawmakers thought they had breathing room to hammer out a year-end spending deal, President Donald Trump drops a request for an extra $4.76 billion, technically referred to as anomalies.
EDITORIAL: At minimum, Kamala Harris should’ve known key staff member was accused of harassment
Fresno Bee
Sen. Kamala Harris is an ambitious politician who is an enticing Democratic presidential nominee for 2020. But she is weakened right now by a revelation of a former aide’s sexual harassment case.
See Also:
● Kamala Harris aide who resigned after harassment case was one of her closest confidantes Merced Sun-Star
Other:
OPINION: The right to public comment before government is important
Bakersfield Californian
A federal court recently ruled limiting the time for members of the public to make comments is constitutional.
Orange County Register
Thirty-five years ago Tracy Kidder electrified readers with his “Soul of a New Machine,” which detailed the development of a minicomputer. Today we may be seeing the emergence of another machine, a political variety that could turn the country toward a permanent one-party state.
Social media outpaces print newspapers in the U.S. as news source
Pew Research Center
Social media sites have surpassed print newspapers as a news source for Americans: One-in-five U.S. adults say they often get news via social media, slightly higher than the share who often do so from print newspapers (16%) for the first time since Pew Research Center began asking these questions.
We are former senators. The Senate has long stood in defense of democracy — and must again.
Washington Post
As former members of the U.S. Senate, Democrats and Republicans, it is our shared view that we are entering a dangerous period, and we feel an obligation to speak up about serious challenges to the rule of law, the Constitution, our governing institutions and our national security.
AEI
Given the recent resurgence of socialism, especially as it is now being embraced by young Americans, I thought it might be a good time to re-visit my 1995 essay to review why socialism: a) failed in the 20th century, b) is failing in the 21st century (e.g. Venezuela, see photo above), and c) will always fail.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, December 16, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 – Maddy Report: “California’s 2018 Election Results: A Political Tsunami?” –Guests: Mindy Romero, USC Price School of Public Policy; John Myers, LA Times; Laurel Rosenhall, CALmatters; and Joel Fox, Fox & Hounds. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 16, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “November Elections Results: State Blue, Valley Purple” – Guests: Mike Dunbar with the Merced Sun Star and Modesto Bee; Rory Appleton with the Fresno Bee; Paul Hurley, formerly with the Visalia Times Delta; and Ivy Cargile Prof. of Political Science at CSU Bakersfield. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 16, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Los Diez mas Importantes de California” –Guest: Alexei Koseff, Reportero de Sacramento Bee. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
Support the Maddy Daily
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AGRICULTURE/FOOD
State issues new rule for showing farm animals at fairs. Not everyone likes it.
Fresno Bee
Starting next year, students who show farm animals at California fairs must receive certification in food safety, animal care and ethics — or they won’t be able to participate.
Heavy metal band Metallica provides 70,000 meals to food bank while in Fresno
abc30
The legendary heavy metal band -- Metallica -- gave Fresno more than a great show over the weekend at the Save Mart Center.
This is how much in taxes marijuana customers will pay in Modesto
Modesto Bee
Marijuana customers who buy cannabis from proposed Modesto retail shops can expect to pay more taxes than they have been at other dispensaries in Stanislaus County.
Sale, possible slaughter of California horses delayed while they get their day in court
Sacramento Bee
The U.S. Forest Service has agreed to postpone the sale without limitation of hundreds of older wild horses — rounded up in Northern California earlier this fall — until after a hearing late next month.
Negotiators Reach Compromise on $867 Billion Farm Bill
Wall Street Journal
Compromise bill doesn’t include the tighter work requirements for food-stamp recipients proposed in House version of the legislation.
Harvard Quietly Amasses California Vineyards—and the Water Underneath
Wall Street Journal
Making a bet on climate change, the university’s $39 billion endowment has been snapping up farmland and the related water rights.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Federal, local gang sweep leads to more than 100 arrests
Fresno Bee
A sweep spearheaded by U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement netted 103 suspects and seized multiple firearms in Fresno County, authorities said Monday.
See Also:
● 103 fugitives arrested in large-scale gang enforcement operation abc30
Judge’s words to Fresno mom may not have been offensive to him, but they are to me
Fresno Bee
Judges have a difficult job, and jury duty is an important civic responsibility that many try to dodge. That said, Superior Court Judge James Petrucelli’s comments to Fresno, CA, mom were callous and out of line.
California sued over DNA database’s inclusion of people never convicted of felony
San Jose Mercury News
Comparing DNA evidence to a national database of offenders has become an increasingly powerful crime-solving tool, but the practice has spurred an evolving debate over who belongs in this massive network of potential suspects.
EDITORIAL: The Supreme Court should pull the plug on duplicate prosecutions
Los Angeles Times
The 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that no person shall be “subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” But that seemingly clear command didn’t protect Terance Gamble, an Alabama man with a robbery conviction on his record.
Public Safety:
Bakersfield police participating in 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield police will have more officers on the road looking for impaired drivers the next couple weeks as part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled" campaign.
Fire:
PG&E, facing losses over Camp Fire, vows to step up wildfire safety
Fresno Bee
PG&E, facing an avalanche of lawsuits and increased regulatory scrutiny following the Camp Fire, announced another series of safety measures Monday that it said will reduce wildfire risks.
See Also:
● There's a quick way to help prevent wildfires: Shut off the power grid Los Angeles Times
● Utilities to cover power lines, expand weather monitoring AP
Capital Public Radio
The Camp Fire killed 85 people. But at least one family didn’t evacuate and they survived. Their experience is fire prep to the extreme. It worked — but it's expensive and time-consuming. That’s perhaps one reason why so many Butte County residents didn’t take the same precautions.
Wildfire Season Is Over For Several California Counties — But Fire Officials Remain Alert
Capital Public Radio
California's deadliest, most destructive fire season in history ended on Monday for several California counties as rain and cooler temperatures have lowered the threat of wildfires. But fire officials are still on alert.
Most Camp Fire victims were older, disabled
San Francisco Chronicle
There are no children on the list of dead from the Camp Fire. No teenagers or even young adults have been identified as victims of the disaster. The 46 named victims so far were, on average, 71 years old. The youngest was 39; the oldest 95.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Holiday bustle boosting sales for local businesses by 10% or more
Bakersfield Californian
Local retailers are seeing the beginnings of a profitable holiday season as shoppers and employers alike open their wallets to a degree not seen since before the recession.
2019 Regional Economic Forecast: Fresno County
The Business Journal
By nearly every metric — employment, wages, farm receipts, home prices, construction — 2018 proved a banner year for Fresno County’s economy.
2019 Regional Economic Forecast: Madera County
The Business Journal
The overall economic outlook for Madera County looks positive going into 2019, with strong growth in retail and residential activity..
Stocks end a bumpy day slightly higher as oil prices drop again
Los Angeles Times
U.S. stock markets eked out a small win Monday despite investors being on edge because of the U.S.-China trade dispute and Britain's heightening Brexit crisis.
See also:
● December Has Typically Been a Great Month for Stocks—Until Now Wall Street Journal
A welcome pause in U.S.-China trade dispute
San Francisco Chronicle
It is good news that the heads of state of China and the United States had a constructive meeting and dinner on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Argentina.
The Debt Threat to the Economy
Wall Street Journal
As rates rise, paying back government borrowing will consume the credit needed to sustain growth.
What Explains the Trade Deficit Hitting a Decade-High?
Wall Street Journal
Tax-cut-driven domestic demand and a potentially tariff-related fall in exports contribute to wider gap.
The Secret Way Seniors Can Keep Deducting Gifts to Charity
Wall Street Journal
Americans age 70½ or older can donate IRA assets, lowering their taxable income.
Consumer Sentiment Remains Steady in the U.S.
Wall Street Journal
A strong economy and robust job growth continued to support American consumers’ upbeat outlook
Jobs:
Hiring Slows as Wages Grow, Unemployment Holds at Multidecade Low
Wall Street Journal
U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased a seasonally adjusted 155,000 in November.
EDUCATION
K-12:
CCAT launches educational mobile unit to serve children in rural communities
abc30
The outside of the Community Center for the Arts and Technology (CCAT) educational mobile unit looks like any other trailer, but if you open the door there is a world of opportunities inside.
Boy who had hair forcibly cut 'absolutely terrified', may sue Visalia teacher, says lawyer
abc30
52-year-old Margaret Gieszinger could potentially face civil charges too, since that student has hired a Fresno law firm to look into the case.
See Also:
● Visalia teacher had meltdown in class days before scissors incident, say students abc30
Protesters demand closure of school where teen with autism was restrained, later died
Sacramento Bee
Nearly two weeks after Max Benson, a teen with autism, was restrained at Guiding Hands School and later died, protesters gathered outside the California Department of Education demanding that the state close the school down.
Time ripens for much-needed school data system
CALmatters
A prudent investor would never consider buying shares of a company and then ignoring how the firm is performing in the marketplace.
To make schools safer, focus on community—not guns
Brookings
The vast majority of school shooters are white men; there’s apparently something about masculinity—seeing one’s body as an instrument of power and dominance—that contributes to a profound disconnectedness that can lead to violence when students are withdrawn from their teachers, students, and family members.
Higher Ed:
Application Window Open Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship
The Maddy Institute
Applications for two $56,000 Fellowships Due Friday, February 22nd, 2019. Through the generosity of The Wonderful Company, San Joaquin Valley students will have the opportunity to become the next generation of Valley leaders through The Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship. The Maddy Institute will award two $56,000 Fellowships to Valley students who are accepted into a nationally ranked, qualified graduate program in the fall of 2019.
Straight A's don't lead to career success: Wharton professor
abc30
A recent New York times op-ed, written by Adam Grant, Professor of Psychology at Wharton, seeks to change the notion that perfect GPAs lead to more successful lives.
CSUB holding poster presentations on plastics in the environment
Bakersfield Californian
Cal State Bakersfield will host a poster presentation on plastic pollution and the natural breakdown of plastics from 5 to 5:50 p.m., Wednesday, on the main floor of the Walter W. Stiern Library located at 9001 Stockdale Hwy.
California community colleges reject state aid tied to allowing students to seek federal loans
EdSource
Colleges fear students will take out loans they can’t manage.
See also:
● Student loan burden barring millenials from home ownership: Study CNBC
● Calculating the Risk of College Wall Street Journal
Higher Education as a Driver of Economic Mobility
PPIC
California has great wealth but also one of the highest poverty rates in the nation. The ability of Californians to move up the income ladder often depends on acquiring the education and skills needed for higher-paying jobs. But despite the state’s increasingly knowledge-based economy, too few Californians are earning a college degree.
EDITORIAL: A CSU Stockton is no sure deal, but the need for one is a sure thing
Stockton Record
To be sure, this area’s lagging educational attainment can be found in many of the 18 counties that make up the Central Valley. But what you couldn’t find is a larger Valley city with so little access to higher education.
Apprenticeships:
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ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Sale, possible slaughter of California horses delayed while they get their day in court
Fresno Bee
The U.S. Forest Service has agreed to postpone the sale of hundreds of wild horses rounded up in Northern California. Such a sale would open the horses up to be purchased by foreign slaughterhouses.
Dueling U.S. Agendas As U.N. Climate Change Summit Enters Crucial Final Week
Capital Public Radio
The U.S. hosted an event on coal and refused to endorse the findings of a dire climate science report. And yet, in official negotiations, the U.S. is working out how to implement the Paris agreement.
See Also:
● The climate talks were focused on reducing fossil fuels. The U.S. showed up and promoted coal Los Angeles Times
● That was awkward — at world’s biggest climate conference, U.S. promotes fossil fuels Washington Post
● Climate Change Emerging From the Political Shadows Wall Street Journal
Los Angeles Times
The Trump administration is poised to roll back Clean Water Act protections on millions of acres of waterways and wetlands, including up to two-thirds of California’s inland streams, following through on a promise to agriculture interests and real estate developers to rewrite an Obama-era rule limiting pollution.
A devastating report details a 'monumental' assault on science at the Department of the Interior
Los Angeles Times
Among the up-is-down, night-is-day practices of the Trump administration, one of the most dangerous and disturbing is its habit of turning America’s leading science agencies into hives of anti-science policymaking.
Climate Change Laws In New York And California Are Hurting Poor People The Most
The Daily Caller
A new report finds that climate change-related regulation in Democratic-controlled states is negatively impacting minority communities, while not effectively lowering green house gas emissions.
See also:
● Paris Is Burning Over Climate Change Taxes -- Is America Next? Forbes
● Are the goals of the Paris Accord slipping out of reach? PBS
● The Global Carbon Tax Revolt Wall Street Journal
Energy:
It’s safe and emissions free. So why is California in the doldrums around offshore wind?
Los Angeles Times
Gleaning energy from ocean wind would seem to be a California ideal: It emits no greenhouse gases, has nearly no environmental footprint, and harnesses one of the state’s most powerful and plentiful natural resources.
Walters: Rethinking California's electric utilities
CALmatters
California’s two major electric power utilities are on the hot seat as Capitol politicians ponder whether they should be protected from the financial consequences of last month’s killer wildfires.
Newsweek
“The fossil-fuel era is ending, and California is not interested in the boom-or-bust oil economy.” So wrote California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom in a February 7 letter to Kelly Hammerle, national program manager at the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
SCOTUS deals blow to two states' attempts to cut Planned Parenthood funding
abc30
The Supreme Court today dealt a blow to two states' attempts to hamstring Planned Parenthood clinics by disqualifying them from public Medicaid funds.
See Also:
● Kavanaugh and Roberts join liberals to reject Planned Parenthood case Los Angeles Times
Birth months may be linked to high risk of ADHD in young children
abc30
A study suggests children born in a specific month are more likely to be diagnosed and treated for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder.
Human Services:
Covered California: Dec. 15 enrollment deadline nears for health coverage starting Jan. 1
Bakersfield Californian
It’s open enrollment time for millions of Californians who’ve signed up for health insurance and medical care through the Affordable Care Act.
Mental health workers picket for more staffing outside Fresno's Kaiser Permanente
abc30
Mental health workers at Fresno's Kaiser Permanente Medical Center have joined a statewide five-day strike.
See Also:
● Thousands of nurses, behavioral health workers picket Kaiser statewide over patient care Sacramento Bee
● Kaiser Permanente mental health workers begin weeklong strike Los Angeles Times
● Kaiser mental health workers strike, citing long patient wait times San Francisco Chronicle
Adventist Health Bakersfield receives major industry award
Bakersfield Californian
Scores of physicians, staffers and other employees joined members of the news media Monday morning as Adventist Health Bakersfield announced one of the most significant awards they've yet received.
Patient advocates decry Trump administration move to restrict immigrants' access to healthcare
Los Angeles Times
Health officials, physician groups, hospitals and patient advocates across the country are strongly condemning the Trump administration’s proposal to restrict immigrants’ access to green cards if they use the healthcare safety net, warning of risks to public health and government finances.
Washington Post
Just over a month before this year’s open enrollment period began for 2019 Obamacare plans, the Trump administration removed an online resource intended to help members of the Latino community enroll for health coverage.
More Homes Coming for Foster Kids?
PEW Trusts
Amid an opioid crisis that has increased the need for foster care, states are struggling to find enough foster families to take in kids. A shortage of affordable housing in many places is making the problem even worse.
Americans Are Paying One Another's Medical Bills PEW Trusts One of the best-known Amish traditions is that when a member’s barn burns down, the rest of the community comes together to build a new one. |
Proposed changes to immigration laws would cost California jobs, harm public health
UCLA Newsroom
Report by UCLA, partners finds the state could lose up to $1.67 billion in federal benefits with changes to the ‘public charge’ test.
IMMIGRATION
Helping Refugees Recover With Secure Technology
Capital Public Radio
UC Davis Professor Keith Watenpaugh joins us on Human Rights Day with an update on the Article 26 Backpack project.
Immigrant asylum claims increase at U.S. southern border
Los Angeles Times
A total of 92,959 migrants filed for asylum during the fiscal year that ended in September, a 67% increase over the claims in 2017.
Mexico pledges $30 billion in development aid in part to deter migration
Los Angeles Times
Mexico’s new government — under pressure from the Trump administration to curb illegal immigration to the U.S. — will pump more than $30 billion into development for southern Mexico, an investment plan meant in part to deter illicit migration from Central America, the country’s top diplomat said Monday.
Can Trump cut budget deal with 'Chuck and Nancy' to fund his border wall?
Los Angeles Times
Sen. Charles E. Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi will meet with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday, the kickoff of up to 10 days of political posturing and negotiations over whether the president’s border wall should be funded as part of a year-end spending bill that needs to pass by Dec. 21.
ICE arrested undocumented adults who sought to take in immigrant children
San Francisco Chronicle
The Trump administration has arrested 170 undocumented immigrants who came forward to try to take migrant children out of government custody, federal officials said Monday. More than 100 of those arrested had no criminal record.
Proposed changes to immigration laws would cost California jobs, harm public health
UCLA Newsroom
Report by UCLA, partners finds the state could lose up to $1.67 billion in federal benefits with changes to the ‘public charge’ test.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Better days ahead for downtown Stockton?
Stockton Record
The city’s downtown has been something of a punch line in recent decades, an urban center whose most distinguishing features have been boarded-up windows and empty storefronts.
Sacramento Pushes Development Focused On Mass Transit, Not Parking
Capital Public Radio
New housing projects and other developments near mass-transit stations in the city of Sacramento may soon come without parking.
Housing:
Government policies are turning Fresno into a bedroom community for Bay Area
Fresno Bee
The Bay Area’s housing crisis is the chief culprit in making the San Joaquin Valley a mere bedroom community with limited commercial base. Litigation pending in Fresno Superior Court highlights causes and potential solutions.
Housing in the Central Valley is changing. But not necessarily for the better.
Modesto Bee
The Central Valley is slowly becoming a society of renters. New numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show that many counties have seen double-digit growth in renter-occupied households and only modest gains in homeownership — if not single-digit declines since 2011.
Tuolumne River Regional Park board OKs homeless camp on parkland
Modesto Bee
The Tuolumne River Regional Park Commission on Monday approved letting Modesto open a temporary homeless camp —which would provide shelter and services for several hundred people for six to nine months — on about 3 acres in the regional park.
See Also:
● EDITORIAL: Keeping the homeless dry must be highest priority for Modesto, Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
Stanford Drops Home Equity From Financial-Aid Calculations
Wall Street Journal
University joins others to help middle-income families where cost of housing is high.
Pricey real estate prompts scammers to target senior homeowners
PubliCEO
No official statewide stats exist on real estate fraud against seniors, but Bourlard said it’s enough of a problem to merit warning the elderly. She believes California’s super-heated housing market is driving scammers, and so is the age of their targets.
Pacific Sun
Sen. Mike McGuire teams up with San Jose pol to push big new affordable-housing measure.
Can Newsom Make a Dent in California’s Affordable Housing Crisis?
Capital and Main
Most experts don’t believe that the governor-elect’s target of creating 3.5 million new units by 2025 is achievable. Still, they are energized by his bold plans.
PUBLIC FINANCES
County braces for increased costs from city's sales tax increase
Bakersfield Californian
As word spread that the city of Bakersfield’s tax measure had passed weeks after the election, celebrations occurred at Bakersfield City Hall. But a few blocks down Truxtun Avenue, the reaction was much different.
Los Angeles Times
The new two-year legislative session wasn’t even one day old when Democrats introduced bills to spend countless billions of tax dollars.
House Republicans Recast Tax Bill, Seeking New Momentum
Wall Street Journal
Proposals have struggled to gain support in both chambers of Congress
Collecting Online Sales Taxes for the Holidays
PEW Trusts
Big states such as California, New York and Texas likely will miss out on millions in sales tax revenue this holiday shopping season because they have failed to implement laws and regulations for collecting state sales tax from online purchases.
Should California implement a major tax hike on high-end money managers?
KPCC
California Democrats have regained the supermajority in the state legislature – and there’s been speculation Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) might re-introduce a bill now that the Dems have more power.
EDITORIAL: California’s golden pension rights need fixing
San Francisco Chronicle
In a matter of months, California may get an answer on fixing its unsustainable public pension system. The state Supreme Court is due to rule on a politically loaded case that could open the door to peeling back retirement benefits in the name of fiscal need.
TRANSPORTATION
Electronic vehicle charging stations coming to Lemoore
Hanford Sentinel
The Lemoore City Council met Tuesday and approved both a change in location for an electronic vehicle charging station and a new mural.
Freeway envisioned north of Modesto draws federal money
Modesto Bee
Federal highway officials approved a $20 million grant for the North County Corridor, a future expressway skirting Modesto, Riverbank and Oakdale in north Stanislaus County.
They tried to make intersection near Riverbank safer. Collisions now higher than ever
Modesto Bee
The intersection where Stanislaus County Deputy Tony Hinostroza died in a crash last month had undergone upgrades two years ago as a result of a previous tragedy. But the number of crashes there has increased dramatically since then, according to data from the California Highway Patrol.
Sacramento Pushes Development Focused On Mass Transit, Not Parking
Capital Public Radio
New housing projects and other developments near mass transit stations in the city of Sacramento may soon come without parking.
Investor Frenzy for Scooter Startups Cools
Wall Street Journal
Shared electric-scooter companies Bird and Lime temper their valuation goals as they deal with vandalism and other growing pains.
WATER
Kern proposes walking away from groundwater management role it previously embraced
Bakersfield Californian
County government is considering pulling out of a coalition of local water agencies after failing to secure blanket immunity from lawsuits that could arise from efforts to rein in local groundwater pumping.
Adapting to an Uncertain Water Future
PPIC
As the world’s biggest climate meeting continues in Poland this week, the growing threats from climate change―and the lack of large-scale action to match the risks―have been much in the news.
EDITORIAL: We’d prefer a deal. But we’ll fight to protect our rivers if that’s what it takes
Modesto Bee
The state water board will vote on Wednesday whether to adopt draconian measures to help salmon. We hope by then negotiators have come up with a better option.
See Also:
● Late twist threatens state’s salmon San Francisco Chronicle
“Xtra”
These restaurants are open on Christmas, plus where to buy a whole holiday meal
Fresno Bee
Looking for food to eat on Christmas Day? Some restaurants in the Fresno area like Marie Callender’s and Ruth’s Chris Steak House are open and serving. Grocery stores offer meals you can reheat at home.
Here are the deadlines for sending those last-minute holiday cards and packages
Fresno Bee
The final days to ship Christmas or holiday packages and cards via U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS, as well as shipping deadlines for stores like Walmart, Target and Amazon.
Visalia Fox Theatre brings back tradition
Visalia Times Delta
The holidays are all about tradition and memories, and The Visalia Fox Theatre brings back traditional Christmas shows and memorable holiday movies this month. But change is inevitable, and there will be a few changes this year.
Holiday Stroll returns to downtown Lemoore
Hanford Sentinel
Like the old adage says, sometimes it takes a village to complete a worthwhile endeavor. Luckily, that’s just what the holiday season is about.
How to take advantage of Yosemite in winter
San Francisco Chronicle
The ice rink in Yosemite Valley reopened this month at its historic location just west of Curry Village — or what the park now calls “Half Dome Village.”
Wall Street Journal
The best fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, children’s books and more.