POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Housing? Retail? Parks? Discussion will resume on downtown Modesto vision
Modesto Bee
The Modesto City Council will hold a workshop Tuesday night on the master plan in the works for downtown. The document will outline the prospects for housing, retail, entertainment and related topics over 20 years.
‘A geological and natural treasure.’ Would Stanislaus County dam put the area at risk?
Modesto Bee
A plan for a reservoir in Del Puerto Canyon west of Patterson was bound to touch a nerve. To many West Side residents and others familiar with the site, Del Puerto Canyon is a natural gem and one of the county’s scenic wonders.
Central SJ Valley:
Fresno tops the nation in unsheltered people. Can the federal government do more to help?
Fresno Bee
The Fresno area had a higher percentage last year of homeless people regarded as “unsheltered” — or living in what the government calls places “not suitable for human habitation” — than any major city in the United States.
New Valley program lets you earn a bachelor's degree in less than 2 years
abc30
The road to a bachelor's degree in business is hitting the fast track for some Valley students. A partnership between Fresno Pacific University (FPU) and Reedley College will allow students at community college to earn the advanced degree without even leaving campus.
Proposition to reduce excessive noise blocked by Fresno City Council
abc30
An effort to reduce what some call excessive noise in north Fresno near Woodward Park was blocked in city council Thursday.
South SJ Valley:
This California Farm Town Is Launching Startups Faster Than Seattle, Boston, and the Bay Area
Inc.
Bakersfield was once a punchline in Johnny Carson monologues. Now, it's punching above its weight in startup growth.
Bakersfield Californian
Cooperation between the city of Bakersfield and Kern County has once again come under scrutiny as the two entities attempt to build two homeless shelters in the city.
See also:
Second homeless meeting to be held today Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield announces improvements to city streetscapes, Animal Care Center and Visitor Center
Bakersfield Californian
The city of Bakersfield announced several pieces of good news over the weekend relating to the Recreation and Parks Department, Animal Care Center and improvements to the Bakersfield Visitor Information Center.
Lemoore City Council meets Tuesday
Hanford Sentinel
The last meeting of the year will be a light one for the Lemoore City Council, with only one item of new business to be discussed.
Street project, hemp on Hanford City Council agenda
Hanford Sentinel
In its last meeting of the year, Hanford City Council will convene Tuesday to discuss some pesky manholes on city streets.
State:
PG&E, California governor face off in bankruptcy dispute
Porterville Recorder
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will have to quickly overhaul a complex plan addressing more than $50 billion in wildfire claims to gain California Gov. Gavin Newsom's support in time to meet a make-or-break deadline for getting out of bankruptcy.
See also:
Gavin Newsom rejects PG&E bankruptcy plan, demands ‘radically restructured’ California utility Modesto Bee
California Rejects State's Largest Utility's Bankruptcy Plan Capital Public Radio
Newsom’s rebuke puts PG&E bankruptcy at a crossroads San Francisco Chronicle
PG&E stock falls 14% after Newsom complicates bankruptcy plan San Francisco Chronicle
Wall Street Could Make $1 Billion Off PG&E's Bankruptcy – and Ratepayers Are on the Hook KQED
EDITORIAL: Newsom’s choice on victim settlement won’t be his last obstacle with PG&E San Francisco Chronicle
Solar power required for all new California homes starting Jan. 1
Mercury News
California already generates more electricity from solar power than any other state. But now a dramatic expansion is about to begin as new building codes take effect Jan. 1 requiring all newly constructed homes statewide to be powered by the sun
California extends deadline to purchase health insurance
Porterville Recorder
Californians have a little more time to purchase health insurance plans that take effect with the new year.
See also:
After enrollment surge, Covered California extends deadline for Jan. 1 health coverage Sacramento Bee
Government Extends Open Enrollment For ACA Health Plans, But Only For 36 Hours Capital Public Radio
These Californians say health insurance is expensive, unnecessary. Will new tax credits help? Sacramento Bee
Sacramento Bee
In a state ravaged by wildfires, frustrated by the worsening homelessness emergency, and consumed by highly-charged debates over criminal justice, income inequality and health care, the slower-moving crisis of California’s struggling public schools is often marginalized in the state Capitol.
abc30
While internet companies have prospered with little oversight in the past decade, 2020 ushers in a new era California with more protections for internet users and the rising number of gig workers. Here is a list of the new state laws that will take effect on January 1, 2020.
Federal:
From Border Security To Tobacco Age, Both Parties Tout Key Wins In Spending Deal
Capital Public Radio
Congressional leaders unveiled new highlights for a fiscal year 2020 budget agreement. It boosts spending for census, federal workers and the military, election security and border security efforts.
See also:
Congress could raise federal age to buy tobacco to 21 as part of spending bill abc30
Lobbyists and interest groups win big in $1.4-trillion federal spending bill Los Angeles Times
Federal Spending Agreement Adds Up to Nearly $1.4 Trillion Wall Street Journal
Spending deal to include $1.375 billion for border barriers The Hill
Congress reaches deal to fund gun violence research for first time in decades
The Hill
Federal agencies will receive $25 million from Congress to study gun violence in a government spending deal reached by House and Senate negotiators — a major win for Democrats who have long pushed for dedicated funding to research the issue, a source told The Hill.
See also:
What Else Disappears If The ACA Is Overturned?
NPR
Trump administration health officials have said they will continue to enforce the health law, pending a final ruling from the Supreme Court. But that is not a guarantee that President Trump won't change his mind.
Elections 2020:
Congress Allocates $425 Million For Election Security In New Legislation
Capital Public Radio
The bipartisan agreement was completed on Monday. Critics say the money is better than nothing but that more structure — and more consistency — are needed.
Democratic leaders push to end labor dispute and save debate
Porterville Recorder
Democratic officials are pushing for an end to a labor dispute that threatens the party's sixth presidential primary debate, scheduled for Thursday on a California university campus.
See also:
Presidential candidates rarely discuss California’s issues. They should at the next debate Los Angeles Times
Most Californians want someone who can beat Trump. Is Joe Biden the most likely to do it?
Sacramento Bee
As Californians weigh their options ahead of the state’s March 3, 2020 primary, Democrats are increasingly considering electability when deciding which candidate to support.
See also:
Bay Area donors question Buttigieg about lack of African American support
San Francisco Chronicle
Pete Buttigieg is near the top of the polls in overwhelmingly white states like Iowa and New Hampshire, but he’s hearing questions from donors at his private fundraisers in the Bay Area about what he can do to attract more support from African American voters.
See also:
Buttigieg Distanced Himself From Liberals, and His Campaign Took Off Wall Street Journal
Lawsuit: Bloomberg's sexist remarks fostered degrading culture
abc30
New details emerging on the allegations against Democratic presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is accused of sexism and making crude remarks toward women at his company.
Other:
Check out the Fresno Bee’s top stories of 2019
Fresno Bee
From restaurants and shootings, to politics and supermodels, these are the top stories in Fresno in 2019.
Barack Obama Says Women Could Solve Many Of World's Problems — Which Men Have Caused
Capital Public Radio
If more women were put in charge, former President Barack Obama says, "There would be less war, kids would be better taken care of and there would be a general improvement."
Utah Tests Ranked-Choice Voting’s Conservative Appeal
Pew Trusts
Last year, Utah lawmakers approved a statewide pilot program for ranked-choice voting in municipal elections. The system allows voters to rank candidates by preference in the hopes of preventing costly runoff elections in crowded races.
A New Look at How States Block Local Laws in Areas Ranging From Guns to Taxes
Route Fifty
States around the U.S. have all sorts of laws on the books to block, or “preempt,” cities, towns and villages from enacting their own local policies on issues like the minimum wage, gun safety, rent control, plastic bag restrictions, and taxation.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, December 22, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: PPIC: Reducing Recidivism Among Felons - Guest: Justin Gross, Public Policy Institute of California. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 22, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: Recidivism: Statewide Data and a Local Program That Works - Guests: CSU Fresno Professor Emma Hughes, Project Rebound Director Jennifer Leahy, and Project Rebound Rebound Arnold Trevino. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, December 22, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: Indices de Reincidencia y Programas de Apoyo - Guest: Joe Hayes, Investigator del Instituto de Politicas Publicas de California, Esther Olmos y Anita Flores con Project Rebound de Fresno State. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Fresno County farming company sues Sun-Maid Growers for not buying its golden raisins
Fresno Bee
A longtime Sun-Maid grower has filed a lawsuit against the raisin giant, alleging it broke its promise to buy the farmers’ popular golden raisins.
Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust
Stories that aren’t getting enough media attention include the impact of changes in farm overtime laws, groundwater regulation, labor shortages, impact of tariffs on local farmers, mechanization and the political environment in Sacramento.
California requires ‘humane’ space for farm animals. Now, pork industry is suing
Sacramento Bee
California voters, by approving a ballot initiative last fall aimed at treating farm animals more humanely, decreed that pregnant sows should have at least 24 square feet of space to themselves. The initiative bans the sale of pork in California produced under conditions that violate that standard — regardless of where the pigs come from.
100 years of tiny seashells reveal alarming trend threatening West Coast seafood
Sacramento Bee
Roughly 100 years worth of tiny shells resting on the Southern California seafloor have revealed an alarming trend that could spell trouble for the West Coast seafood industry, a new study says.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
L.A. County judge denies Abbasi's motion to disqualify Kern County judge
Bakersfield Californian
A Los Angeles judge has denied a petition filed by Bakersfield cannabis activist David Abbasi through which Abbasi hoped to oust Kern County Superior Court Judge Stephen Shuett from presiding over a civil gun violence restraining order against the activist.
Merced police chief announces retirement, after 23 years on force
Merced Sun-Star
Merced Police Chief Christopher Goodwin announced his retirement on Monday after 23 years with the department. Goodwin, 50, was appointed acting chief two years ago. He officially became the city’s top law enforcement officer 18 months ago.
Use of Death Penalty in U.S. Continues to Wane
Wall Street Journal
The number of people sentenced to death dropped this year to the second-lowest level since 1973, as executions have fallen into disuse in all but a handful of states.
EDITORIAL: The welcome but glacial dismantling of California’s bail system
Los Angeles Times
Although California’s historic move to eliminate money bail is on hold pending a voter referendum in just under a year, good work by forward-looking attorneys and activists is helping to ensure a more just criminal justice system now.
Public Safety:
California promises aggressive enforcement of new privacy law
San Francisco Chronicle
When California’s internet privacy law takes effect in January, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra will be watching to see how large companies that deal with sensitive information like health data, Social Security numbers and dating patterns adjust to the new consumer protections.
Congress reaches deal to fund gun violence research for first time in decades
The Hill
Federal agencies will receive $25 million from Congress to study gun violence in a government spending deal reached by House and Senate negotiators — a major win for Democrats who have long pushed for dedicated funding to research the issue, a source told The Hill.
See also:
ProPublica
Reliable statistics on deaths and near-deaths from abuse and neglect can help shape better policies to protect children. A new report shows the breadth of government failures to collect and report this information.
Fire:
Prescribed burns above Springville
Porterville Recorder
Fire personnel on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest have been busy conducting prescribed fire operations on Forest Service managed land near Balch Park. Since late November, the District has burned several hundred piles along the Balch Park Road.
PG&E, California governor face off in bankruptcy dispute
Porterville Recorder
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will have to quickly overhaul a complex plan addressing more than $50 billion in wildfire claims to gain California Gov. Gavin Newsom's support in time to meet a make-or-break deadline for getting out of bankruptcy.
See also:
Gavin Newsom rejects PG&E bankruptcy plan, demands ‘radically restructured’ California utility Modesto Bee
California Rejects State's Largest Utility's Bankruptcy Plan Capital Public Radio
Newsom’s rebuke puts PG&E bankruptcy at a crossroads San Francisco Chronicle
PG&E stock falls 14% after Newsom complicates bankruptcy plan San Francisco Chronicle
Wall Street Could Make $1 Billion Off PG&E's Bankruptcy – and Ratepayers Are on the Hook KQED
EDITORIAL: Newsom’s choice on victim settlement won’t be his last obstacle with PG&E San Francisco Chronicle
Fire-starting weed or ecological scapegoat? The battle over California's eucalyptus trees
The Guardian
The fight over a celebrated exotic plant highlights questions over California’s future amid the climate crisis.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Stocks rise on Wall Street as rally stretches to fourth day
Porterville Recorder
Stocks closed broadly higher on Wall Street Monday, extending the market’s gains from last week and sending the major indexes to record highs.
See also:
Stocks rise on Wall Street as rally stretches to fourth day Los Angeles Times
Mexico, U.S. seek to dispel tension over labour tweak to trade deal | Reuters
Reuters
The U.S. and Mexican governments on Monday sought to defuse a controversy over Washington’s plan to monitor Mexican labour standards under a new regional trade deal, with Mexico saying it was satisfied by U.S. assurances it was not sending inspectors.
See also:
U.S., Mexico Appear to Settle Labor Controversy in USMCA Wall Street Journal
New North American Trade Deal Seen as Template for Deals to Come Wall Street Journal
EDITORIAL: U.S.-China trade deal is barely a first step to ending the trade war San Francisco Chronicle
How California’s ‘woman quota’ is already changing corporate boards
CalMatters
Public companies headquartered in California have until Jan. 1 to name at least one female director. The new law has prompted both anticipated lawsuits and boardroom diversity.
Peter Thiel at Center of Facebook’s Internal Divisions on Politics
Wall Street Journal
Facebook Inc. senior leadership is increasingly divided over how to address criticism of the company’s effect on U.S. politics, with board member and billionaire investor Peter Thiel serving as an influential voice advising CEO Mark Zuckerberg not to bow to public pressure, according to people familiar with the matter.
Jobs:
This California Farm Town Is Launching Startups Faster Than Seattle, Boston, and the Bay Area
Inc.
Bakersfield was once a punchline in Johnny Carson monologues. Now, it's punching above its weight in startup growth.
Popular sports website blames California labor law as it cuts ties with freelancers
Sacramento Bee
A popular sports website is severing ties with California-based freelance writers, and blaming a new state law taking effect Jan. 1 that dictates which kinds of workers must receive full employment benefits.
See also:
SEIU Local 1000 feud escalates with big union leave cut for vice presidents
Sacramento Bee
The board of directors for SEIU Local 1000 voted Friday to reduce the amount of time three top officers may be paid for union work, in a change likely to aggravate tensions between the officers and the union’s president.
Fashion Nova’s Secret: Underpaid Workers in Los Angeles Factories
New York Times
The online retailer makes fast fashion for the Instagram elite. The way many of its garments are made is much less glamorous.
See also:
EDUCATION
K-12:
Going for the gold: KHSD board votes to name new high school Del Oro
Bakersfield Californian
Kern High School District's 19th comprehensive high school finally has an official name attached to it: Del Oro High School.
Sacramento Bee
In a state ravaged by wildfires, frustrated by the worsening homelessness emergency, and consumed by highly-charged debates over criminal justice, income inequality and health care, the slower-moving crisis of California’s struggling public schools is often marginalized in the state Capitol.
Desegregating schools: More than just getting the numbers right
Brookings
Integrating public schools is tough, even in places where the population is varied enough to make it numerically possible. And after decades of experience, we still know very little about how to make it work.
Higher Ed:
New Valley program lets you earn a bachelor's degree in less than 2 years
abc30
The road to a bachelor's degree in business is hitting the fast track for some Valley students. A partnership between Fresno Pacific University (FPU) and Reedley College will allow students at community college to earn the advanced degree without even leaving campus.
Opinion: Trump's Campus Anti-Semitism Executive Order Undermines Free Speech
National Review
President Trump’s executive order targeting anti-Semitism on American college campuses is the wrong solution to a pressing problem. In fighting such bigotry, we must always be mindful of the free-speech rights of college students and faculty.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Paris Disagreement: States Split on Climate, So U.S. to Miss Emissions Target
Pew Trusts
Collectively, the 24 states that have formed the U.S. Climate Alliance are nearly on pace to reach the emissions targets set forth in the agreement, and governors say their progress in the absence of federal leadership is a success story.
See also:
EDITORIAL: The world needed a bang from the Madrid climate meeting. It got a whimper instead Los Angeles Times
Former air deputy helped EPA Chief Wheeler threaten California
E&E News
Newly released emails shed more light on the key role played by a former EPA political appointee in Administrator Andrew Wheeler's threat to revoke California's highway funds.
Energy:
Solar power required for all new California homes starting Jan. 1
Mercury News
California already generates more electricity from solar power than any other state. But now a dramatic expansion is about to begin as new building codes take effect Jan. 1 requiring all newly constructed homes statewide to be powered by the sun.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Travelers with measles may have infected others at Los Angeles airport, officials say
Fresno Bee
Southern California health officials are warning travelers that three people who flew through Los Angeles International Airport this month were infected with the highly contagious measles virus.
See also:
Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at LAX abc30
California health officials warn of possible measles exposure at LAX CNN
After fatal school shootings, antidepressant use spikes among student survivors
Los Angeles Times
The children who experience a school shooting but live to see their parents and friends again are often called survivors. But by at least one measure of mental health, they too are among a gunman’s victims, new research finds.
Study linking police violence and black infants’ health is retracted
Los Angeles Times
A provocative study that linked police killings of unarmed black people with health problems in black infants has been retracted due to problems with the data used in the analysis.
Disposable medical scope approved by FDA to stop superbug infections
Los Angeles Times
In an attempt to stop patients from being infected by lethal superbugs, federal regulators have approved the first fully disposable duodenoscope, a commonly used medical device.
E-cigarettes found to increase risk of chronic lung diseases
San Francisco Chronicle
Like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes significantly increase a user’s risk of developing asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a UCSF study shows.
See also:
Vaping Nicotine Linked To Increased Risk Of Chronic Lung Disease Capital Public Radio
Extending Medicaid After Childbirth Could Reduce Maternal Deaths
Pew Trusts
Nationwide, drug overdoses, suicides and pregnancy-related chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are contributing to a rise in deaths among women during pregnancy, childbirth and the first 12 months after delivery.
Urban Trees: A Smart Investment in Public Health
The City Fix
Urban trees can transform city neighborhoods, contributing to a wide range of public health gains. Investing an additional $8 per person, on average, in planting and maintaining urban trees in American cities, could have a significant impact.
Human Services:
Behavioral health workers picket Kaiser’s facilities over patient access to care
Fresno Bee
Behavioral health clinicians rallied Monday outside Kaiser Permanente’s Sacramento Medical Center on Morse Avenue, demanding their employer speed up follow-up appointments for patients, as part of a weeklong strike that will affect more than 100 of the health care giant’s facilities statewide.
See also:
California Kaiser Mental Health Workers Launch Strike; Problems 'Keep Getting Worse' Capital Public Radio
Kaiser mental health workers picket outside SF medical center San Francisco Chronicle
Kaweah Delta caps Emergency Department visitors
Visalia Times Delta
A patient can have two visitors for company, but three's a crowd in Kaweah Delta Medical Center's Emergency Department.
California extends deadline to purchase health insurance
Porterville Recorder
Californians have a little more time to purchase health insurance plans that take effect with the new year.
See also:
After enrollment surge, Covered California extends deadline for Jan. 1 health coverage Sacramento Bee
Government Extends Open Enrollment For ACA Health Plans, But Only For 36 Hours Capital Public Radio
These Californians say health insurance is expensive, unnecessary. Will new tax credits help? Sacramento Bee
The Giving Spirit: Delta Health Care
Hanford Sentinel
Delta Health Care provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of the community such as breastfeeding support and services, nutrition education & counseling, onsite cooking demos, school-based health centers, health education, outreach and the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program.
What Else Disappears If The ACA Is Overturned?
NPR
Trump administration health officials have said they will continue to enforce the health law, pending a final ruling from the Supreme Court. But that is not a guarantee that President Trump won't change his mind.
IMMIGRATION
ICE asks federal judge to toss courthouse arrests lawsuit
Fresno Bee
Immigration officials defended the agency's policy to make arrests at state courthouses in a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit.
Report highlights ‘detrimental’ treatment of minors by border patrol agencies
Los Angeles Times
Several children, both immigrants and citizens, have been “detrimentally impacted” by the enforcement actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, a report from the American Friends Services Committee found.
U.S. to send asylum seekers to Honduras, bypassing American asylum
Los Angeles Times
Under a September agreement, Central Americans seeking asylum at the southern border could be sent to Honduras without the chance to apply in the U.S.
CNN
Dongyuan Li's operation, You Win USA Vacation Services Corp., helped Chinese customers -- including doctors, lawyers and government officials -- travel to the United States to give birth so their children would receive US citizenship.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
‘The Tioga’ sign goes up on historic building, breathing new life into Merced icon
Merced Sun-Star
The ongoing renovation of the historic Hotel Tioga in downtown Merced made an important step closer to completion on Monday, as crews installed a massive sign atop the building.
Clippers arena complex gets fast-track approval from California governor
Los Angeles Times
Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved fast-tracking the billion-dollar arena complex the Clippers want to build in Inglewood, as plans for the project continue to advance.
Housing:
Fresno tops the nation in unsheltered people. Can the federal government do more to help?
Fresno Bee
The Fresno area had a higher percentage last year of homeless people regarded as “unsheltered” — or living in what the government calls places “not suitable for human habitation” — than any major city in the United States.
U.S. Supreme Court will not take up Boise’s controversial homeless camping case
Fresno Bee
The U.S. Supreme Court will not take up Boise’s appeal in the case of Martin v. Boise, which addresses whether the city can ticket homeless people for “camping” in public,. Last September, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that cities cannot prosecute people for sleeping on the streets if there is nowhere else for them to go.
See also:
Supreme Court does not take up homeless camping. Modesto stays on its course Modesto Bee
Supreme Court Refuses To Hear Boise Case, California Cities And Counties Continue To Consider Options To Address Homelessness Capital Public Radio
Supreme Court leaves cities with only one option on homelessness: Build more housing Los Angeles Times
Supreme Court decision on homeless case is a blow to cities wanting more policing powers Los Angeles Times
U.S. Supreme Court ruling protects right of homeless to sleep outside San Francisco Chronicle
Bakersfield Californian
Cooperation between the city of Bakersfield and Kern County has once again come under scrutiny as the two entities attempt to build two homeless shelters in the city.
See also:
Second homeless meeting to be held today Bakersfield Californian
St. Paul's will once again go to the city for approval to open a warming center
Visalia Times Delta
As temperatures continue to dip into the 30s, St. Paul's Episcopal Church is hoping once again to open its doors to those without shelter. First, they must get approval from Visalia's Planning Commission and the public.
One-stop shop for real estate opens in Fresno
Business Journal
If you travel along Van Ness Avenue near Fresno City College, you may have noticed a new business with “The Hub” on a sign out front of a former dental office. This place is about real estate, said Michael Zuber, a former Silicon Valley executive who retired in his 40s and lives off the proceeds from rents of more than 200 homes he owns.
Brothers must pay $6M over California-based housing scheme
Fresno Bee
Two brothers who ran a Southern California business that supposedly offered rental listings for hard-to-find Section 8 housing have been ordered to pay $6 million for what federal officials called a scam that preyed on low-income, disabled and older people.
PUBLIC FINANCES
With challenges to Prop 13 on the horizon, coalition reminds voters of benefits
Bakersfield Californian
Several initiatives appear to be challenging the long-held assumption that Californians overwhelmingly support the proposition, which keeps property taxes relatively low. A statewide coalition has formed to combat the sentiment that Proposition 13 needs to be overturned.
See also:
CalChamber Board Votes to Support School Infrastructure Bond, Oppose Split Roll Ballot Measure
CalChamber
The California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently voted to support a ballot measure that would help finance school facilities, and oppose another measure that would impose a split roll property tax on commercial and industrial properties.
New push in California for immigrant tax filers to receive tax credits
Los Angeles Times
Though immigrants who are in the country illegally do not receive a Social Security Number, they are able to file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN. This excludes them from CalEITC.
These 91 companies paid no federal taxes in 2018
CNBC
Nearly 100 companies in the Fortune 500 had an effective federal tax rate of 0% or less in 2018, according to a new report. The report looks at the first year since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 went into effect.
How California’s pension fund is confronting climate change
CalMatters
Climate change is upending life around the world. Flooding, fires, and freezes, droughts, tornadoes, and disasters once thought to be extraordinary seem to have become commonplace.
TRANSPORTATION
Upgrades and repairs to affect traffic in Merced this week, city says
Merced Sun-Star
Traffic signal upgrades and utility repairs will affect traffic in Merced this week, according to the city. Traffic on both northbound and southbound M Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction at the intersection of M Street and Main Street on Tuesday.
Facing war with Trump, troubled California bullet train pushes biggest contract ever
Los Angeles Times
The California bullet train authority is moving ahead with an aggressive plan to issue its biggest contract in history, steering into sharp criticism by federal regulators and even the state-appointed peer review panel that it is overreaching.
See also:
Feds forbid bullet train bids for track, systems. California moves ahead anyway. Now what? Sacramento Bee
Feds to Cities: Paint the Town Red!
Streets Blog USA
The Federal Highway Association approved new guidance this week that will dramatically expedite the process for approving the use of red paint to indicate a dedicated bus lane.
WATER
‘A geological and natural treasure.’ Would Stanislaus County dam put the area at risk?
Modesto Bee
A plan for a reservoir in Del Puerto Canyon west of Patterson was bound to touch a nerve. To many West Side residents and others familiar with the site, Del Puerto Canyon is a natural gem and one of the county’s scenic wonders.
Waters Off California Acidifying Faster Than Rest of Oceans, Study Shows
New York Times
California’s coastal waters are acidifying twice as fast as the rest of the oceans, a study published Monday shows. And some of California’s most important seafood are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
See also:
“Xtra”
Dining, Snow Play and New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Bass Lake
Sierra News
The Sierra Nevada is beautiful when dusted in fresh snow and Badger Pass Ski Area is the perfect place to learn to ski and snowboard. Yosemite’s stars shine bright during the holiday season. Experience an old tradition – Christmas.
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
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