19Dec

POLICY & POLITICS

Caltrans report looks at how climate change may impact highways in the SJV

Bakersfield Californian

In some places, climate change may seem like a taboo topic to be avoided. But Caltrans is facing it head-on. The California Department of Transportation has released two new reports on the impacts of climate change on the state’s highway system and transportation infrastructure.

North SJ Valley:

Longtime Merced County Supervisor retires after nearly three decades

Merced Sun-Star

Merced County Supervisor Jerry O’Banion on Tuesday received a replica scaled Merced County vehicle, a framed tribute from colleagues and several awards and commendations for his service that spanned more than a quarter-century.

New Merced City Council members look at ahead at swearing-in ceremony

Merced Sun-Star

Two new Merced city council members took their seats Monday after their predecessors were honored for their service during tough times after the recession.

Could Jeff Denham go from election loss to Trump’s cabinet?

Modesto Bee

Outgoing Rep. Jeff Denham’s next job could be in President Donald Trump’s cabinet. The White House and various other leaders have approached Denham, R-Turlock, as a potential candidate to succeed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, said Bret Manley, Denham’s chief of staff.

Central SJ Valley:

“Can I Recycle This?” And Other Questions Addressed By Fresno’s Public Utilities Instagram

VPR

Do you know what can and can’t be recycled? Which bin do you use for your Starbucks cups, your wrapping paper or your greasy pizza box? We wondered, where does everyone go to find these answers? So we sat down with the expert behind Fresno’s Public Utilities Instagram, Xitlaly Ocampo.

South SJ Valley:

Councilman Greg Nunley remains target of Tulare investigation

Visalia Times Delta

A Tulare councilman is the subject of an investigation alleging workplace misconduct stemming from accusations he harassed and attempted to have several city staffers fired who worked on his commercial development projects.

Councilman Carlton Jones may not support loan to Tulare hospital

Visalia Times Delta

Tulare Regional Medical Center’s board wants financial help from the city of Tulare. But, it may take extensive convincing to get the $1 million “OK.” The request will likely not get full support from council member when it comes up for consideration at Tuesday’s meeting.

State:

Video: Californians and Their Government

PPIC

As Governor-Elect Gavin Newsom prepares for his first term, half of Californians think he should take a different policy direction than Governor Brown. Four in ten approve of Newsom’s plans and priorities—while three in ten don’t yet know enough to have an opinion

Jerry Brown wanted to save the planet and the California budget. How did he do?

Merced Sun-Star

Here’s a look at five key issues where Jerry Brown sought to leave a mark on California government.

Five remarkably candid tips from departing Gov. Jerry Brown

CALmatters

Are you taking notes, Gov-elect Gavin Newsom?

Jerry Brown has a $15 million surplus of his own. Here’s what he plans to do with it

Sacramento Bee

Gov. Jerry Brown is leaving, but he has plenty of political money to take with him. He’s sitting on $15 million in his campaign account. He said Tuesday he plans to raise even more, keeping his hand in politics after he leaves office.

New California Law Cracks Down On Animal Sales In Pet Stores

Capital Public Radio

Next year, pet stores will no longer be allowed to buy from breeders, or from “puppy mills,” which raise animals in poor conditions for profit. Instead, they’ll have to source their animals from shelters and rescues.

Last call bill to be revived, would be tested in 9 CA cities

abc30

The Let Our Communities Adjust Late-Night Act is expected to be reintroduced Tuesday in an effort to test the 4 a.m. closing times at bars in nine California cities, including some in the Southland. Supporters said the extra hours will boost business and culture.

See Also:

● Wiener pushes for 4 a.m. bar closures for third time San Francisco Chronicle

Federal:

Senate overwhelmingly passes criminal justice overhaul

Fresno Bee

The Senate has passed a sweeping criminal justice bill that addresses concerns that the war on drugs had led to the imprisonment of too many Americans for non-violent crimes.

● Kushner credited for pushing rare bipartisan bill Fresno Bee

● Bipartisan Criminal Justice Bill Closer To Becoming Law After Senate Approval Capital Public Radio

● Senate approves bipartisan criminal justice overhaul Los Angeles Times

● Criminal justice bill passes Senate; House approval expected San Francisco Chronicle

● Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Bill The New York Times

● Senate overwhelmingly backs overhaul of criminal justice system Washington Post

● Senate Passes Landmark Criminal-Justice Overhaul Bill in Bipartisan Vote Wall Street Journal

● Senate Sends Criminal Justice Bill to the House Roll Call

A look at where the investigations related to Trump stand

Sacramento Bee

A look at where the investigations related to President Donald Trump stand and what may lie ahead for him: WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT? Trump is facing criminal investigations in Washington and New York.

● Ex-Trump adviser Michael Flynn’s sentencing abruptly delayed so he can continue cooperating; judge hints that prison time was possibleHanford Sentinel

● Yes, Russian trolls helped elect Trump Sacramento Bee

● Judge postpones sentence for Michael Flynn after blasting his conduct: ‘Arguably, you sold your country out!’ Los Angeles Times

● Facebook and Twitter get an avalanche of criticism about Russian interference Los Angeles Times

● Trump to shut down charity after lawsuit said he used it for personal and political benefit San Francisco Chronicle

● Michael Flynn Admits Guilt: ‘I Was Aware’ Lying to FBI Was a Crime Roll Call

● Michael Flynn’s sentencing delayed after judge tells the ex-Trump adviser he might not avoid prison Washington Post

● EDITORIAL: Russian interference in the election was worse than we thought Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: The lie that could get Michael Flynn locked up San Francisco Chronicle

Key Kamala Harris aide moves, sending a signal about her 2020 plans

Sacramento Bee

Sen. Kamala Harris’ chief of staff is departing her Senate office to take on a senior adviser role at her political action committee, yet another signal the California Democrat is preparing to launch a 2020 bid for president.

● Is Kamala Harris ready for the national stage? Staff misconduct scandal raises doubts Sacramento Bee

● Kamala Harris travels to Afghanistan with GOP senators San Francisco Chronicle

Federal Panel Of Judges Dismisses All 83 Ethics Complaints Against Brett Kavanaugh

Capital Public Radio

The judges acknowledged that the complaints are “serious” but noted there is no existing authority for lower court judges to hold Supreme Court justices accountable.

Senate to pass bill that would keep government open, deny Trump wall funding

Washington Post

The Senate prepared Wednesday to pass a short-term spending bill that would keep the government open through the New Year but deny President Trump the money he wanted for his border wall — a stark retreat for Republicans in their final days in control of Congress.

See also:

● McConnell to Introduce Stopgap Spending Bill Wall Street Journal

Here Are the House Members Who Have Skipped Votes This Lame-Duck Session

Roll Call

More than 40 percent of House members have missed at least one vote this lame-duck session, leading to attendance problems that have prohibited the outgoing Republican majority from advancing legislation that Democrats don’t want to help them pass — and a smaller subset have missed at least half of all lame-duck votes.

Other:

Here are some easy things that newsrooms can do right away to improve their image with the public

Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust

Here’s a short list of improvements that media companies can make immediately to restore trust and credibility.

As Facebook Raised a Privacy Wall, It Carved an Opening for Tech Giants

New York Times

Internal documents show that the social network gave Microsoft, Amazon, Spotify and others far greater access to people’s data than it has disclosed.

Digital Data Gives Billboard Owners More Reason to ‘Love a Good Traffic Jam’

New York Times

The increasingly lengthy commute isn’t just a traffic jam. It’s a captive audience for advertisers.

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

Sunday, December 23, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 –Maddy Report:“HSR’s New Business Plan: Finally on the Right Track?” – Guests: Tom Richards, Vice Chair of the High Speed Rail Board of Directors; Tom VanHeeke from the LAO; and Jon Coupal with the Howard Jarvis Tax Payers Association. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, December 23, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report – Valley Views Edition: “State Spending: High Speed Rail and Other Big Ticket Items” – Guests: Tom Richards, Vice Chair of the High Speed Rail Board of Directors; Tom VanHeeke from the LAO; Jon Coupal with the Howard Jarvis Tax Payers Association; and California’s Legislative Analyst, Mac Taylor. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, December 23, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Como Entender las Reservas del Presupuesto Estatal” – Guests: Jacqueline Barocio & Lourdes Morales, investigadores de LAO y Alexei Koseff, Reportero de Sacramento Bee. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.

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AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Recent E. coli outbreak leads to recalls of sandwiches, cauliflower and lettuce

Fresno Bee

Adam Bros. Farms announced a recall of cauliflower, green leaf lettuce and red leaf lettuce after the FDA found a reservoir near an Adam Bros. farm had E. coli with the same DNA fingerprint as in the current outbreak.

See also:

● FDA E. Coli Investigation Leads To Recall By Santa Barbara Grower Capital Public Radio

Family who sold building to Central California Food Bank tours facility

abc30

Tuesday morning Lou Amendola owner of Valley Wide Beverage visited the Central California Food Bank for the first time. Amendola sold the building at a discounted price to the Food Bank after moving to a new facility. He also made a $1 million dollar donation.

Circle of life? Turlock plant will make organic fertilizers from rendered animals

Modesto Bee

A plant in west Turlock will soon make fertilizers for organic farmers from the rendered remains of farm animals. Starting Jan. 2, Darling Ingredients Inc. will turn out products made with bone, blood, meat and feathers.

How To Become A Farmer In California? Get A Mentor

Capital Public Radio

For only the second time in a century, the number of U.S. farmers under age 35 is increasing. New farmers in California are quickly realizing being good at growing kale isn’t enough to keep a farm afloat. Could business mentorship programs help?

Stoned on pot, but clear-eyed about legalization’s threat to California’s legendary cannabis culture

Los Angeles Times

When the timber industry declined, and the salmon fisheries collapsed, illegal cannabis revived this part of California. Generations of families depended on it.

Trump Set to Sign Farm Bill, Minus the Food Stamp Changes He Wanted

Roll Call

Lawmakers expect President Donald Trump to sign the farm bill legislation Thursday even though it excludes Republican priorities Trump supported such as changes to food stamps.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Senate overwhelmingly passes criminal justice overhaul

Fresno Bee

The Senate has passed a sweeping criminal justice bill that addresses concerns that the war on drugs had led to the imprisonment of too many Americans for non-violent crimes.

● Kushner credited for pushing rare bipartisan bill Fresno Bee

● Bipartisan Criminal Justice Bill Closer To Becoming Law After Senate Approval Capital Public Radio

● Senate approves bipartisan criminal justice overhaul Los Angeles Times

● Criminal justice bill passes Senate; House approval expected San Francisco Chronicle

● Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Bill The New York Times

● Senate overwhelmingly backs overhaul of criminal justice system Washington Post

● Senate Passes Landmark Criminal-Justice Overhaul Bill in Bipartisan Vote Wall Street Journal

● Senate Sends Criminal Justice Bill to the House Roll Call

Public Safety:

Trump administration issues final rule banning bump stocks

abc30

443 days since the gunman in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history used “bump stock” devices, the Trump administration made good on Trump’s promise to ban them.

● An Atlasof American Gun Violence The Trace

● Trump Administration Set to Ban ‘Bump Stock’ Firearm Devices Wall Street Journal

● EDITORIAL: Trump finally acts on gun safety with bump-stock ban San Francisco Chronicle

California police union seeks state Supreme Court review of new law disclosing internal investigation records

Los Angeles Times

A police union is asking the California Supreme Court to block the release of internal officer investigations before a new state law takes effect next year.

My turn: Jerry Brown must not grant mass clemency to death row inmates

CALmatters

Two years ago, California had a great debate on capital punishment. Two initiatives squarely presented the question of whether to scrap the death penalty or repair it. The arguments were fully and vigorously presented, and the people made their choice. They chose to mend it, not end it.

Fire:

California Knew the Carr Wildfire Could Happen. It Failed to Prevent it.

Pro Publica

Dozens of interviews and a review of records show that virtually every aspect of the blaze had been forecast and worried over for years. Every level of government understood the dangers and took few, if any, of the steps needed to prevent catastrophe.

ECONOMY / JOBS

Economy:

Plunging oil prices weigh on energy stocks. Other stocks rise

Los Angeles Times

After two days of huge losses, U.S. stock indexes ended the day back where they started Tuesday. Energy companies sank as crude oil plunged 7%, but technology and consumer-focused companies climbed.

See also:

● U.S. Oil Prices Down Almost 40% From High Wall Street Journal

U.S. Trade With Major Trading Partners

Congressional Research Services

The changing dynamics and composition of U.S. trade pose both opportunities and challenges for U.S. trade relations. These developments have intensified congressional interest in U.S. trade policy and heightened congressional demand for comparative analysis of U.S. bilateral trade flows.

(Editorial) California Companies Flee Business-Hostile State In Droves

Investor’s Business Daily

California’s business environment has gone from bad to worse, with thousands of businesses pulling up stakes and moving elsewhere. But don’t take our word for it. Just ask the 1,800 companies that either relocated or “disinvested” in the formerly Golden State in 2016.

Jobs:

Partial government shut down could affect thousands in Yosemite, Oakhurst

abc30

A partial government shut down seems likely, and it could impact thousands of National Park and U.S. Forest Service employees. If your headed to Yosemite National Park, however, Visitor Center employees say you may not even notice.

To Sort Up To 35 Tons Of Recyclables A Day, This Bakersfield Facility Relies On A Unique Labor Force

VPR

The Bakersfield ARC, or BARC, isn’t just a recycling facility. It’s a non-profit that assists, employs, and educates adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Parkland parents call for unity as Trump doubles down on arming schools

Fresno Bee

President Donald Trump doubled down on recommendations to arm school personnel to stop mass shootings as students and parents from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. called for Americans to focus on steps that can be agreed on instead of political differences.

Fresno unified students with special needs will return to newly renovated classrooms

abc30

It’s a big week for Rata High School! The high school serves just over 50 students with special needs. And thanks to voters back in 2016, they were able to get the funding to make $5.4 million in changes to help their students.

The Trump administration is making school lunches less healthy again

Washington Post

The Trump Admin is making school lunches less healthy. Last week, it codified a substantial relaxation in federal standards that the Agriculture Department says were too demanding. In fact, the requirements were not the burden the administration makes them out to be. If anything, they should have been tougher.

Higher Ed:

Application Window Open Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship

The Maddy Institute

Applications for two $56,000 Fellowships Due Friday, February 22^nd, 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.

Valley’s first medical school gets OK to accept applications

The Business Journal

The Central Valley’s first four-year medical school has received the OK to accept applications from students.

Democrats poised to offer two years of free community college

San Francisco Chronicle

Democratic lawmakers are pushing for California to cover the cost of two years of tuition for students who commit to enrolling in community college full-time right out of high school.

Walters: Should California make it easier to practice law?

CALmatters

Does California have too many lawyers, or too few? That’s the unspoken question underlying a complicated debate within California’s legal community over whether the examination that would-be attorneys must pass to be licensed is too difficult.

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Environment:

Jerry Brown wanted to save the planet and the California budget. How did he do?

Merced Sun-Star

Here’s a look at five key issues where Jerry Brown sought to leave a mark on California government.

Dangerous surf could close Ocean Dunes SVRA and Pismo State Beach this weekend

Bakersfield Californian

A high surf advisory has been issued through Thursday for Ocean Dunes SVRA and Pismo State Beach, potentially closing the parks for undetermined periods of time through the weekend, the California Department of Parks and Recreation announced Tuesday.

“Can I Recycle This?” And Other Questions Addressed By Fresno’s Public Utilities Instagram

VPR

EDITORIAL: The world needs great strides to fight global warming. Climate talks in Poland delivered only baby steps

Los Angeles Times

On Saturday night, at the end of two weeks of meetings in Katowice, Poland, delegates from nearly 200 nations gave themselves a standing ovationfor their accomplishments in combating climate change. But even though they no doubt worked very hard on a very difficult issue, the fact is that their enthusiastic self-congratulations were undeserved.

Energy:

The Energy 202: Lots of people support the ‘Green New Deal.’ So what is it?

Washington Post

Before the 2016 midterm elections, it was a campaign slogan little known outside progressive activist circles. Now after the election, it is supposedly supported by most American voters. Even if many of them still said they have no idea what it was.

See also:

· U.S. Oil Prices Down Almost 40% From High Wall Street Journal

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Federal labor panel rules against Kaiser, union says. Health care giant says otherwise

Fresno Bee

Health care giant Kaiser Permanente has been dinged by federal labor regulators, the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions announced Monday. But Kaiser disputes the conclusion reached by the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, representing 85,000 employees, including some 1,300 in Fresno, who are seeking a new contract.

Covered California extends enrollment period after ‘ridiculous’ court decision

Modesto Bee

People have until Friday to sign up for health coverage to begin Jan. 1, thanks to an extension granted by the state-run health exchange.

● Gov. Brown warns of ‘backlash’ for Republicans in 2020 if Obamacare repeal is upheld Los Angeles Times

● The Republicans’ fruitless quest to kill Obamacare Washington Post

● Despite ACA Ruling, Medicaid Expansion Likely to Proceed PEW Charitable Trust

California Gov. Brown Talks Health Care, 4 Terms In Office

Capital Public Radio

California Gov. Jerry Brown predicted Tuesday that Republicans would face disastrous electoral consequences if a federal judge’s ruling to strike down the Affordable Care Act holds.

‘Epidemic’ of dangerous youth e-cigarette, vaping use, surgeon general declares

abc30

The U.S. surgeon general on Tuesday issued a strong warning against e-cigarette use by young people, called it “unsafe” in any form and termed vaping an “epidemic.”

Human Services:

Camarena Health Offers Pediatric Care

abc30

Parents have a new place to take their sick or injured children. Camarena Health recently opened a new pediatric site in Madera.

Councilman Carlton Jones may not support loan to Tulare hospital

Visalia Times Delta

Assisted living’s breakneck growth leaves safety of dementia patients behind

The Business Journal

They found Bonnie Walker’s body floating in a pond behind her assisted living facility in South Carolina. There were puncture wounds on her ear, her temple, her jaw and her cheeks.

209 families will be able to be helped out of homelessness as state releases more funds to county

Bakersfield Californian

The Bakersfield Homeless Center will be receiving a little more help for its mission of assisting the less fortunate. The Kern County Department of Human Services will be paying the Homeless Center an additional $346,128 on top of $568,800 it already pays the center to provide a variety of homeless prevention services for the county.

Healthcare Wastes Tons Of Usable Supplies—And This Clovis Organization Takes Them

VPR

Saint Agnes is getting rid of these surgical supplies not because they’re expired or broken, but because the hospital has replaced them with newer models. In fact, medical equipment in America is dumped at alarming rates because of upgrades, new hospital contracts and even doctors retiring.

Suicide Among Veterans Is Rising. But Millions for Outreach Went Unspent by V.A.

The New York Times

Suicide prevention efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs fell off sharply in the last two years, even though reducing the high suicide rate among veterans is the agency’s top clinical priority, according to a new report.

San Francisco sues drug companies over marketing of addictive painkillers

San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday accusing Purdue Pharma and other pharmaceutical companies of fueling the nation’s epidemic of opioid addiction by deliberately misleading doctors and the public about the dangers of powerful painkillers.

See also:

· EDITORIAL: More Lawsuits = Higher Drug Prices Wall Street Journal

IMMIGRATION

As a gov’t shutdown looms, here’s a look at the border wall

Merced Sun-Star

President Donald Trump and Democratic lawmakers are in a standoff over funding the government, and the main sticking point is Trump’s demand for $5 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

● Trump seems to retreat from threat to shut down the government over money for a border wall Los Angeles Times

Judges push back against ‘zero-tolerance’ immigration policy

Sacramento Bee

The 14 defendants had been charged with entering the country illegally. But there was a problem: When their cases were called in court, they could not show up because they had already been deported.

Hispanic Caucus Calls For Investigation Into Migrant Child’s Death

Capital Public Radio

After touring the two border facilities where Jakelin Caal was detained before she died, the congressional delegation called for better medical facilities and trained personnel at ports of entry.

Several Thousand Migrant Children In U.S. Custody Could Be Released Before Christmas

Capital Public Radio

In a surprise policy change, the Department of Health and Human Services plans to speed the vetting of sponsors so that more migrant children can be released from custody.

In Trump’s America, more bosses are accused of weaponizing the immigration crackdown

Los Angeles Times

During Trump’s first year as president, arrests of immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally jumped 41%, stoking fear of deportation in immigrant communities. Such arrests accelerated even more in 2018, increasing 55% over 2016

An Immigration Compromise That Just Might Work

Wall Street Journal

Trump gets his wall, the ‘Dreamers’ get to stay, and both parties go home happy for Christmas.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Hearst Castle bus company suddenly shuts down — leaving State Parks in a scramble

Fresno Bee

The company that runs Hearst Castle’s tour buses, Silverado Stages, shut down over the weekend, leaving California State Parks in a scramble to find a backup contractor to shuttle guests up to the hilltop estate.

Housing:

See how Fresno’s rental rates compare to the rest of California

Fresno Bee

Fresno apartment rents rose by nearly six percent in 2018, but they’re still much lower than those in other parts of the state.

Merced housing prices are growing the fastest in the Valley, report says. Here’s why

Merced Sun Star

Home prices grew faster in Merced County in 2018 than in any other county in the Central San Joaquin Valley, according to a recently released business report.

HUD report shows some promise in effort to reduce homelessness

Modesto Bee

A new federal report provides a possible glimmer of hope for the homeless crisis that has gripped many cities up and down the West Coast.

Efforts to Limit Pollution by Building Housing Near Transit Centers Meet Stiff Resistance

Public CEO

Over the past dozen years, the California environmental lobby has never seemed more powerful in the Legislature and in state government. Under Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown, the Golden State has passed bold laws and emerged as the global leader in government efforts to combat climate change – with Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom certain to continue this tradition.

Existing-Home Sales Suffer Largest Annual Drop in Four Years

Wall Street Journal

Sales fell on an annual basis in October, as higher mortgage rates reduce home affordability.

PUBLIC FINANCES

PolitiFact California: Does California Have A Budget Surplus Of Nearly ‘$30 Billion,’ As Gov. Jerry Brown Claimed?

Capital Public Radio

Gov. Jerry Brown will leave the state with a sizeable surplus when his term ends next month. But just how large is that pot of excess money?

A holy mess: Churches, other nonprofits confront parking tax

Politico

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the parking benefits that churches, synagogues, hospitals, colleges and other nonprofits offer their employees are suddenly taxable.

Trump Tax Cuts Boosted Growth and Jobs, but at What Cost?

Wall Street Journal

The deficit has ballooned, and most of the benefits went to corporate profits rather than employees.

(Not so) Happy birthday to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Brookings

Nearly one year after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, William Gale recaps how this major tax overhaul is expected to impact U.S. economic growth, the deficit, and income inequality in the near- and long-term.

TRANSPORTATION

Caltrans completes $4.7 million project in Merced County

Merced Sun-Star

Caltrans has completed a $4.7 million project along stretches of Interstate 5 and State Route 152, according to a news release. The California Department of Transportation said it has upgraded and rehabilitated a total of 18 bridges along stretches of those roads in Merced County.

Caltrans report looks at how climate change may impact highways in the SJV

Bakersfield Californian

The Oil Industry’s Covert Campaign to Rewrite American Car Emissions Rules

New York Times

When the Trump administration laid out a plan this year that would eventually allow cars to emit more pollution, automakers, the obvious winners from the proposal, balked. The changes, they said, went too far even for them.

EDITORIAL: Can Newsom overhaul a broken DMV?

Modesto Bee

Changing the DMV’s leadership is a good step forward, but fixing its problems will be harder than replacing the names on the stationery. Gavin Newsom’s thoughts on the DMV are well-documented, giving voters a chance to hold him accountable for his handling of its problems.

See Also:

● Deputy director tapped to lead embattled California DMV San Francisco Chronicle

WATER

California utility regulators failed to properly oversee water suppliers, state audit finds

San Diego Union-Tribune

State utility regulators have not provided the public clear information about water-rate increases or made sure that suppliers notified customers about hearings related to those rate hikes, a new state audit has found.

“Xtra”

Here are 5 holiday events to do this week, with all that time we know you don’t have

Fresno Bee

Most people aren’t likely looking to add to their “to-do” list the weekend before Christmas. That doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities. Here are five holiday-appropriate events worth checking out.

Sneak peek: Haron Jaguar’s Super Bowl commercial is advertising downtown Fresno – and cars

Fresno Bee

Haron Jaguar Land Rover’s new commercial is as much about Fresno as it is about selling luxury cars. The downtown dealership released a sneak peek of a commercial it will air during the Super Bowl. It is slick.

Black Migrants: Photographs of California’s Forgotten Agricultural Past

CivilEats

Photographer Ernest Lowe documented the lives of Black farmworkers in California’s Central Valley in the 1960s, then revisited the region in 2015 to reconnect with his subjects. The resulting photographs are now on display.

‘Lion King’ breaks records in Fresno

Hanford Sentinel

Disney’s “The Lion King” broke The Saroyan Theatre’s record for the highest grossing engagement ever when it exceeded $3 million at the box office and entertained more than 35,000 theatergoers during its two-week engagement in Fresno.

Family to hand out blankets, clothing and more to homeless on Saturday

Bakersfield Californian

After more than a month of work, Ida Figures and her family are getting ready to hand out blankets, clothing and hygiene products to around 200 homeless people across the city on Saturday. Those who receive a packet of items will also get a few food items as well.

13-year-old Bakersfield native to compete in the US National Figure Skating Championships

Bakersfield Californian

While most 13-year-old girls are getting ready for junior high, Melania Delis is preparing to compete at the 2019 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships in January.

Tiler Peck brings ‘Ballet Now’ documentary to Fox Theater

Bakersfield Californian

Sitting on a plane waiting for takeoff, ballerina Tiler Peck was able to squeeze in an interview with her hometown paper.