TOP POLITICAL STORIES
Local/Regional Politics:
Report calls for dramatic changes, worth $12.75 million in savings, at Kern County Fire Department
Bakersfield.com
Kern County has released an independent report that details more than $12.75 million in savings that could be achieved by changing the way the Kern County Fire Department pays firefighters, buys vehicles, and provides service to small cities and county airports.
Grand Jury: BPD has high turnover rate, low salaries
Bakersfield.com
The Bakersfield Police Department has seen an employee turnover rate of 55 percent over the past five years, according to a new report by the Kern County grand jury.
Longtime critic of Sheriff, DA files $10 million claim
Stockton Record
Frank Gayaldo’s claim, filed Wednesday, alleges that Sheriff Steve Moore, D.A. Tori Verber Salazar and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Robert Himelblau have caused him “emotional distress, aggravation (and) PTSD caused by previous county corruption.” Gayaldo’s claim also alleges that laws protecting his medical privacy have been violated.
Stanislaus County computers held ransom by hackers
Modesto Bee
About 500 computers in county Behavioral Health and Recovery Services were compromised by the cyberattack Tuesday, according to a press release issued Friday.
Lawyer: Tulare chief was investigating mayor before being suspended
Visalia Times-Delta
New accusations are thickening the plot between suspended Tulare Police Chief Wes Hensley and Mayor Carlton Jones.
Clovis elementary school joins national health program
Clovis Roundup
Miramonte Elementary School in Clovis was one of only six California schools to get accepted into the FLUency program, a national school health initiative designed to help stop the spread of illness in the classroom using technology.
State Politics:
California Politics Podcast: The state Senate hires new help for sexual misconduct investigations
Los Angeles Times
Leaders of the California Senate have taken the first big step in changing the way sexual misconduct investigations are handled, though few would argue the real work has yet to begin. On this week’s California Politics Podcast episode, we discuss the decision to hire two outside law firms to handle all investigations involving staffers or members of the Senate — a decision that some of the women demanding change says still needs to lead to a single new policy embraced by both houses of the Legislature.
See also:
· California lawmakers pledge to work together on sexual harassment – then act alone Sacramento Bee
· Sacramento: Politicians accused of sexual harassment ousted by peers The Mercury News
Who Else Might Jump into Big Statewide Races?
Fox&Hounds
We pretty much know the fields in the big races in California next year for governor and the U.S. Senate—or do we? Speculation concerning surprise entries to the major races spark the interest of political junkies and political pros. Look at some of the names put out there. Willie Brown in his San Francisco Chronicle column suggested the way former California First Lady Maria Shriver asked a question at a dinner he attended could mean she is interested in a run for governor.
California’s state budget negotiations in 2018 might be less about what to spend than when to spend it
Los Angeles Times
Few outside of Sacramento realize that some of the most important state budget decisions happen just before Christmas, in private meetings where the governor signs off on the spending plan he will present to the Legislature in early January.
California begins licensing recreational marijuana sales next month. But most won’t see pot shops in their city anytime soon
Los Angeles Times
California’s march to marijuana legalization hits its stride next month when the first state-issued licenses take effect for sales to recreational users. But most Californians won’t see pot shops springing up in their neighborhoods any time soon — and some may never see them in their communities.
Pants On Fire for claim by Travis Allen that California legalized child prostitution
PolitiFact California
Did California really legalize child prostitution? That’s the startling question our audience asked after reading a misleading op-ed by Republican state Assemblyman Travis Allen in the Washington Examiner. Allen’s opinion piece has been shared widely on social media and led several readers to ask PolitiFact California to check it out. We decided to fact-check the first line of Allen’s column, which largely reflects the rest of the piece:
Record 129 Million Dead Trees In California
capradio.org
There’s a record 129 million dead trees in California, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It means a higher fire danger and hazard to people and property.
Federal Politics:
California: Ground Zero In The Battle For Congress
Fox and Hounds Daily
“Gentlemen, we fight on the Marne,” supposedly said a French general in 1914 before the historic Battle of the Marne. Well, gentleman (and ladies), in 2018 for control of the U.S. House of Representatives we fight in California. California will determine whether Democrats seize control of the House and stop the Trump agenda in its tracks.
What’s in the Final Republican Tax Bill
The New York Times
House and Senate Republicans have released a final plan to resolve the differences between their tax overhaul bills. The legislation would cut taxes for corporations. American taxpayers, in large part, would also get cuts, though most of the changes affecting
taxpayers would expire after 2025.
See also:
· Everything you need to know about the GOP’s final tax plan in 3 charts PBS NewsHour
· The final GOP tax bill, explained The Washington Post
· Senate Tax Positions Prevail in Conference, House GOP Doesn’t Care Roll Call
· California House Members Appear to Be Settling for Bad SALT “Compromise” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
· Shock: The GOP’s Tax Bill Is a GOP Tax Bill National Review
· Republican Tax Bill: Solid Accomplishment National Review
· Is the GOP tax bill fiscally responsible? PBS NewsHour
· Cost of Republicans’ tax cuts likely to be greater than they appear on paper LA Times
· Final tax bill dramatically softens blow to mortgage interest deductions in California LA Times
· Who pays U.S. income tax, and how much? Pew Research Center
· A look at some winners and losers under the GOP tax plan AP
· The Winners and Losers in the Tax Bill The New York Times
· A look at some winners and losers under the GOP tax plan Sacramento Bee
· GOP betting that its fix for US economy will defy warnings AP
· Why Cutting Taxes Won’t Make America More Innovative Harvard Business Review
· The GOP’s final tax bill has four fatal flaws TheHill
· Tax bill guts unpopular ‘Obamacare’ insurance mandate The Fresno Bee
· GOP tax bill could trigger $25 billion in cuts to Medicare San Francisco Chronicle
· Commuters lose transit, parking, biking benefits in tax bill PBS NewsHour
· Doyle McManus: What’s missing from the GOP tax bill? Just about anything that would help the working and middle classes Los Angeles Times
· The Myth Of Trump’s Economic Populism, As Proved By The Tax Bill NPR
Skelton: Thanks to Trump’s tax plan, victims of disasters large and small are about to get scrooged Los Angeles Times
President Trump and Republican congressional leaders are desperate to “achieve” something — anything — by Christmas. One goal is to deliver a lump of coal to disaster victims.
Other:
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds
New Yorker
In 1975, researchers at Stanford invited a group of undergraduates to take part in a study about suicide. They were presented with pairs of suicide notes. In each pair, one note had been composed by a random individual, the other by a person who had subsequently taken his own life. The students were then asked to distinguish between the genuine notes and the fake ones.
Black Bart 2017: Yes!
Fox and Hounds Daily
It’s hard year to choose a Black Bart. But it’s easy to say who can’t be Black Bart: President Trump.
When “Top-Two” Means “Only One”
The American Interest
There’s been a surge of interest in electoral reform among TAI’s columnists lately. Larry Diamond argues that the system of ranked-choice voting, on the ballot now in Maine, might be one possible way to ameliorate the viciousness of contemporary electoral politics.
New Partners for Smart Growth Conference (Feb 1-3 in San Francisco)
Local Government Commission
New Partners is the largest smart growth conference int he country, and it’s coming to San Francisco in February. This year, we have 8 thematic tracks, excellent plenaries, a range of special features and a number of pre-conferencetours.
Support the Maddy Daily HERE. Thank you!
Topics in More Detail…
EDITORIALS
What Jerry Brown must get done before he retires to that ranch up in Colusa County
Fresno Bee
As Gov. Jerry Brown completes a remarkable 15th year in California’s highest office, his standing has never been higher, nationally and internationally.
Fresno Bee
Often, the mob mentality of the internet can change minds. But not this time.
Fresno Bee
Thumbs up to Parker Rogers, 14, for submitting a story to Petco about how his rescue dog, Toby, instinctively learned how to detect his seizures from epilepsy. The story won a $5,000 grant for Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno from the Petco Foundation. Rogers’ family adopted the Toby from Labrador Retriever Rescue.
Our view: So far, Swenson golf course proposal is a triple-bogey
Stockton Record
The issue was a Stockton City Council decision to purchase an additional 21.28 acres to enable the development of a family recreation area at the north end of the then-8 year old Swenson Park Golf Course along Five Mile Creek. Some 57 years later, city leaders are considering selling Swenson Park for development.
If California is serious about climate change, the car can’t be king of our roads
Los Angeles Times
For decades, California’s landmark environmental law has worked in a decidedly un-environmental way.
California’s new pot rules violate the promise to small farmers
Los Angeles Times
During last year’s campaign for Proposition 64, which made recreational marijuana legal for adults under California law, proponents of the measure repeatedly argued that it would protect small marijuana farms and mom-and-pop cultivators, many of whom have operated illegally for decades.
San Francisco Chronicle
As far too many Californians have learned this year, rebuilding after a fire is emotionally and financially harrowing. Unfortunately, it may be even harder next year.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Pesticide chlorpyrifos added to state’s list of harmful chemicals
The Salinas Californian
The pesticide chlorpyrifos has been added to the existing list of chemicals known in California to cause reproductive harm by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
California begins licensing recreational marijuana sales next month. But most won’t see pot shops in their city anytime soon
Los Angeles Times
California’s march to marijuana legalization hits its stride next month when the first state-issued licenses take effect for sales to recreational users. But most Californians won’t see pot shops springing up in their neighborhoods any time soon — and some may never see them in their communities.
See also:
· California considers ‘green banking’ as it transitions to fully legal pot Los Angeles Times
· Jeff Sessions Isn’t Giving up on Weed. He’s Doubling Down. POLITICO Magazine
Images of California farm workers movement unearthed
Santa Cruz Sentinel
In the summer of 1975, Mimi Plumb, then a 20-year-old art student who had grown up in Walnut Creek, set out on an adventure of a lifetime with her Leica M2R camera.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Convicted of a marijuana crime in California? It might go away, thanks to legal pot.
Washington Post
Now, with California on the verge of legal recreational marijuana sales starting Jan. 1, Derege and hundreds of thousands of others could have their drug convictions wiped away, thanks to a lesser-known provision in the new state marijuana law.
Federal indictment: West Side Crips gang bust broke down sprawling criminal enterprise
Bakersfield Californian
When hundreds of law enforcement officials converged upon Bakersfield on Tuesday to carry out a daring pre-dawn raid to bust scores of West Side Crips gang members, they began unraveling a sprawling criminal enterprise.
Public Safety:
Grand Jury: BPD has high turnover rate, low salaries
The Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield Police Department has seen an employee turnover rate of 55 percent over the past five years, according to a new report by the Kern County grand jury.
Law enforcement increases DUI efforts through holiday season
Visalia Times-Delta
Before toasting to the new year, Tulare County law enforcement agencies are asking residents to designate a sober driver. From now until Jan. 1, officers will be on the lookout for drunken and impaired drivings.
The problem with prisons in America
The Economist
No country imprisons a larger share of its people than America. Its incarceration rate—693 of every 100,000—is nearly five times Britain’s, six times Canada’s and 15 times Japan’s.
Fire:
Report calls for dramatic changes, worth $12.75 million in savings, at Kern County Fire Department
Bakersfield.com
Kern County has released an independent report that details more than $12.75 million in savings that could be achieved by changing the way the Kern County Fire Department pays firefighters, buys vehicles, and provides service to small cities and county airports.
The Fresno Bee
The Thomas Fire burning in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties continued to grow for the 12th straight day on Saturday.
See also:
· CA firefighter death underscores year-round wildfire risk The Sacramento Bee
· New evacuations as massive California wildfire spreads CBS News
· Residents flee as flames approach wealthy California enclaveCharlotte Observer
California PUC rules against utility in wildfire case
The Sacramento Bee
In a case with financial implications for the devastating October wine country wildfires, state regulators Thursday denied a Southern California utility’s efforts to charge ratepayers for costs related to a series of 2007 fires.
Essential California: California’s worst fire season prompts an uncomfortable question
Los Angeles Times
More than 10,000 homes have been destroyed by wildfire this year, and hard-hit communities like Santa Rosa and Ventura are looking ahead to recovery. But with the frequency and cost of catastrophic blazes climbing, some experts say state and local officials need to look at compensating property owners to not rebuild in high-risk areas — or discouraging development there in the first place. Los Angeles Times
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Will the GOP tax bill stall California’s economic growth?
Los Angeles Times
Republicans have said that by slashing business taxes, they will supercharge the American economy, benefiting both C-suite executives and the average American. Economists generally expect a short-term boost to growth, though they doubt the cuts will be a game changer for either the larger economy or the typical worker.
$15 minimum wage to cost California 400K jobs: Study
Fox Business
California reached a deal on legislation to raise the state minimum wage across all businesses to $15 per hour by 2023, a move that could cost the state hundreds of thousands of jobs, according to a new report.
Does California really have the ‘6th largest economy on planet Earth?’
PolitiFact California
State Senate leader Kevin de León spotlighted California’s economic and social achievements during his speech this week at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
America’s Inequality Machine Is Sending the Dow Soaring
Bloomberg
The Great Recession is a speck in the rear-view mirror for America’s financial markets. They’ve advanced far beyond pre-crisis levels. In fact, Goldman Sachssays you can go back a century before 2008, and still not find a “bull market in everything” like today’s.
If the real economy had roared back the same way, Donald Trump might not be president. Instead, it’s been a grind. While unemployment is near a two-decade low, wages have grown slowly by past standards. They’re nowhere near keeping pace with the asset-price surge.
Why declinism, while often tempting, is usually wrong
AEI
Declinisms share some traits. They have more purchase in times of turmoil and uncertainty. They are also prone to thinking that the circles of hell can be avoided only with a great catharsis or a great charismatic figure. But most of all: they ignore signs of improvement that point to less drastic ways out of trouble. Declinists have a big blindspot because they are attracted to daring, total, all-encompassing alternatives to the humdrum greyness of modest solutions. Why go for partial and piecemeal when you can overturn the whole system?
Jobs:
Occupational Licensing Reduces Interstate Mobility
Economics21
Occupational licensing has come under increased scrutiny across levels of government, and desire for reform is bipartisan. The Federal Trade Commission has held two roundtables disseminating research about the effects of licensing on economic opportunity. The Council of Economic Advisers in both the Obama andTrump administrations has suggested that these regulations impede work and opportunity.
EDUCATION
K-12:
It’s early, but newcomers already say they want a seat on the Fresno Unified school board
Fresno Bee
The election is nearly a year away, but newcomers already are throwing their hats into the ring to become a trustee on the Fresno Unified school board.
California releases school report cards, flags worst performers
The Mercury News
About one-quarter of California’s school districts don’t make the grade in serving students — either in achievement or other areas assessed under the state’s new school report cards.
What Pre-K Means for Your Pre-Teenager
The New York Times
Just how important is good preschool in the course of a child’s life?
Higher Ed:
Can Mitchonomics Fix the Broken Business of Higher Ed?
Bloomberg
With return on investment increasingly important to students, given the price of attending and the corresponding debt, Purdue has something to sell: static costs and a good job if you graduate, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Santa Barbara area fires impacting Kern air quality
bakersfield.com
If the air feels a little thicker, and your throat a little scratchier, you can thank the fires on California’s Central Coast.
If California is serious about climate change, the car can’t be king of our roads
Los Angeles Times
For decades, California’s landmark environmental law has worked in a decidedly un-environmental way. Enacted in 1970, the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, was supposed to create an environmental review process for building projects and, in theory at least, ensure that new developments did a minimum of harm to the communities where they were located.
California regulators sign off on the state’s ambitious 2030 climate change plan
LA Times
California climate regulators on Thursday approved a detailed plan for the state to meet its 2030 carbon reduction goals.
Energy:
California renters could soon get rooftop solar
Over the next decade, roughly 150,000 low-income renters in California will see their apartment buildings outfitted with solar panels — and their electricity bills drop.
Tax Bill Would Scrap a Billion From Western States
Pew Trust
As Congress speeds toward a vote on its massive tax overhaul, the lack of funding to cover the costs of the package means Western states are poised to lose nearly $1.3 billion in oil, gas and coal royalties.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Deadline extended one week for January Covered California plans
89.3 KPCC
The deadline to sign up for an individual health insurance plan on the Covered California exchange for policies that start Jan. 1 has been extended by one week, due to a “surge in demand.” Californians now have until Dec. 22 to sign up for coverage.
Walters: Universal health care doable for less cost
CALmatters
When the Legislature reconvenes and the campaigns for governor heat up next year, Californians will be hearing a lot – and a lot of hot air – about universal health care.
Is universal health care a real goal in California? Here’s a way to save money doing it
Modesto Bee
When the Legislature reconvenes and the campaigns for governor heat up next year, Californians will be hearing a lot – and a lot of hot air – about universal health care.
California lawmakers propose health coverage for immigrants
Fresno Bee
California, flush with cash from an expanding economy, would eventually spend $1 billion a year to provide health care to immigrants living in the state illegally under a proposal announced Wednesday by Democratic lawmakers. The proposal would eliminate legal residency requirements in California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, as the state has already done for young people up to age 19.
Few California pharmacists prescribing birth control
Reuters
A California law allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control sought to make it easier for women to obtain contraception, but few drug stores provide the service, a new study finds.
In Election Year, Drug Industry Spent Big To Temper Talk About High Drug Prices
NPR
Facing bipartisan hostility over high drug prices in an election year, the pharmaceutical industry’s biggest trade group boosted revenue by nearly a fourth in 2016 and spread the millions collected among hundreds of lobbyists, politicians and patient groups, new filings show.
Drug industry lawsuit shows it wants to keep patients in dark on pricing
Los Angeles Times
The drug industry really, really doesn’t want you to know that it’s ripping you off with frequent and questionable price increases for prescription meds. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the industry’s main lobbying group, filed a lawsuit the other day seeking to derail a California law that will require 60 days’ notice before drugmakers raise prices beyond a certain threshold. The law, SB 17, is set to take effect Jan. 1.
National health expenditure report shows we have not solved the cost problem
AEI
For the third consecutive year, national health spending has outpaced economic growth. The latest update from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finds that national health expenditures (NHE) rose 4.3 percent in 2016, 1.5 percentage points faster than growth in gross domestic product (GDP).
California activists applaud state’s new cell phone safety advisory
The Mercury News
California’s new cell-phone safety guidelines for adults and children are being welcomed by the public health, environmental and First Amendment advocates who successfully sued the state to release guidelines that had been languishing since 2009.
Kaweah Delta on prowl for more parking
Visalia Times-Delta
Kaweah Delta is on the prowl for more parking around their busy downtown Visalia campus, said CEO Gary Herbst.
Human Services:
Big tax hit on way so spend $1B on Medi-Cal for illegals
Manteca Bulletin
Assemblyman Phil Ting says he’s concerned about how the federal tax cut proposal will end up being a tax increase for middle-class and working-class Californians.
Urine empire, lax oversight expose flaws in California rehab laws
OCRegister
A success story was a scam, according to prosecutors, who have accused the Ganongs of fraud. They say the family used a network of doctors and others to bilk insurers out of as much as $22 million for tests that were unnecessary or never performed.
IMMIGRATION
California lawmakers propose health coverage for immigrants
Fresno Bee
California, flush with cash from an expanding economy, would eventually spend $1 billion a year to provide health care to immigrants living in the state illegally under a proposal announced Wednesday by Democratic lawmakers. The proposal would eliminate legal residency requirements in California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, as the state has already done for young people up to age 19.
What California needs from Santa: immigrants
San Francisco Chronicles
What does California really need? We’re a rich place with nearly 40 million residents, which should be more than enough people. Except that it’s not.
Tax, Finance And Inadmissibility Advice For Immigrants
Forbes
When I went to law school students generally felt the most complicated area of the law was tax. We all feared tax because it seemed like you had to be a genius to understand it.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Turning a corner? Whiskey maker has plans for downtown Bakersfield
The Bakersfield Californian
Born of fire-ravaged oak from the Piute Mountains of Kern County, a corn base and a private distillation process, Wade Bowen’s handcrafted American whiskey has found a loyal following since he perfected his recipe nearly a decade ago.
In California, Salinan Indians Are Trying To Reclaim Their Culture And Land
NPR
I grew up in San Luis Obispo, a small town about 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in central California. I was raised primarily by my grandmother, Anna Herrera. She was a very affectionate woman who liked to tell jokes and stories and take walks along the river behind her small house.
Housing:
New, $1 billion program will bring rooftop solar to California renters
The Mercury News
Over the next decade, roughly 150,000 low-income renters in California will see their apartment buildings outfitted with solar panels — and their electricity bills drop.
California officials say housing next to freeways is a health risk — but they fund it anyway
Los Angeles Times
It’s the type of project Los Angeles desperately needs in a housing crisis: low-cost apartments for seniors, all of them veterans, many of them homeless.
PUBLIC FINANCES
For stories on “federal tax reform” See: “Top Stories – Federal Politics,” above
SEIU union members agree to modest ‘bridge” contract with the County of Kern
Bakersfield.com
Members of Kern County’s largest union, the Service Employees International Union, Local 521, voted Wednesday to approve a “first step” contract with the County of Kern.
California’s state budget negotiations in 2018 might be less about what to spend than when to spend it
Los Angeles Times
Few outside of Sacramento realize that some of the most important state budget decisions happen just before Christmas, in private meetings where the governor signs off on the spending plan