December 21, 2018

21Dec

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

He lost his reelection bid in California. Now, Jeff Denham could be joining the Trump administration

Los Angeles Times

California Rep. Jeff Denham, a Republican who lost his bid for reelection, has spoken with White House officials about being nominated as Interior secretary, he confirmed Thursday.

Merced Irrigation District plans lawsuit to fight controversial Bay-Delta plan

Merced Sun-Star

The Merced Irrigation District will be filing a lawsuit to prevent water from the Merced River to be diverted to the Bay Area, according to a news release.

Central SJ Valley:

Opinion: Mayor Brand sold out Fresno’s youth with Measure P opposition. Will he change his tune?

Fresno Bee

What role will Brand play moving forward? He can join the majority of Fresnans or he can stick with his pals and continue to be a small time mayor in a big, diverse city.

South SJ Valley:

How Sanger Democrat Melissa Hurtado came to be California’s youngest state legislator

Fresno Bee

In an unlikely upset, Sanger Democrat Melissa Hurtado beat Republican incumbent Andy Vidak in California’s 14th Senate District.

Hanford swears in new Council members

Hanford Sentinel

A new chapter of Hanford city politics began Tuesday night as three new Hanford City Council members, including some familiar faces, were sworn in and a new mayor and vice mayor were selected.

Tulare County sheriff after rampage: Laws should be changed to better communicate with ICE

Fresno Bee

Laws need to be changed to allow local law enforcement to more easily communicate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in regards to criminals in jail who are deemed violent, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said Wednesday.

See Also:

●     Authorities call for changes to sanctuary state law after Tulare County rampage abc30

Orange Cove took over an animal shelter. Now the nonprofit’s workers allege neglect

Fresno Bee

Animal shelter workers in Orange Cove say they have been locked out of their facility and unable to properly care for more than 50 dogs and cats due to a battle over tax paperwork with the city.

The Wonderful Co. raises minimum wage to $15 per hour

Bakersfield Californian

The Wonderful Co. announced on Wednesday that it is increasing its minimum wage to $15 an hour for all its full-time California employees as of Jan. 1.

See Also:

●     POM Wonderful will raise its minimum wage to $15 — years before California law demands it Modesto Bee

State:

There’s never been a politician like Jerry Brown

Modesto Bee

During his half-century career in California politics, Jerry Brown has had a complex relationship with journalists, particularly those who covered him on a day-to-day basis. He once referred to “the journalistic weather” – sometimes sunny and helpful, sometimes dark and critical.

See also:

●     Skelton: When Jerry Brown retires to his ranch with the elk and rattlesnakes, what will he miss? Los Angeles Times

●     Brown’s surest legacy CALmatters

●     Colusa County makes way for Jerry Brown CALmatters

●     KQED Political Breakdown: Governor Jerry Brown KQED

Capitol Chat: New Year, New Laws

Capital Public Radio

Every year hundreds of new California laws take effect on January 1. Many of them won’t have much effect on our daily lives, but Capitol Bureau Chief Ben Adler joins Beth Ruyak to take a closer look at some that might in 2019.

Gavin Newsom will put his wineries, hotels into a blind trust

Fresno Bee

California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom pledged to release his tax returns while he’s in office and to put his business holdings in a blind trust. The Democrat’s disclosure invites comparisons with President Donald Trump.

See Also:

●     Newsom to place his stake in California wineries and hotels in a blind trust Los Angeles Times

●     Gavin Newsom putting businesses in blind trust San Francisco Chronicle

California Nation Podcast: Becerra lays out ‘resistance’ and reporters talk Kamala Harris

Sacramento Bee

California still has around 45 pending lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration, many of which involve clashes over immigration and environmental policies.

Democrats’ House takeover could mean big changes for California water policy

Los Angeles Times

Among the changes ahead when Democrats take control of the House in January, add this one: The switch will upend the balance of power in California’s water wars.

Padilla warns Trump he’s ready to ‘push back’ to protect voter rights

Politico

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla is the latest state official to issue a warning to President-elect Donald Trump’s coming administration, saying he’s prepared to “push back” hard if the president-elect, who has never withdrawn his unfounded claim of widespread voting fraud in California, takes actions “harmful” to state voters.

My turn: We’ll be watching to make sure Congress keeps its promises

CALmatters

Californians voted their values of dignity, respect, and accountability at the polls in 2018. The SEIU’s effort will continue through 2020. We’ll be looking to see whether House members stick to their promises and vote their values on Capitol Hill.

Federal:

President Trump tells House GOP he won’t sign Senate bill to avoid government shutdown

abc30

President Donald Trump has told congressional Republicans he “will not sign” a spending bill passed by the Senate to avoid a partial government shutdown Friday, and he’s citing an impasse over money for a border wall with Mexico.

See Also:

●     Why some on the right are grateful to Democrats for opposing Trump’s border wall Fresno Bee

●     Trump rejects Senate bill to avert government shutdown, awaits House bill with border wall money Visalia Times Delta

●     Trump bows to conservative backlash over border wall funding Merced Sun-Star

●     House approves wall funding as shutdown nears Merced Sun-Star

●     Trump’s demand for wall moves government closer to shutdown Sacramento Bee

●     House approves a spending bill with Trump’s $5.7-billion request for border wall funds Los Angeles Times

●     Trump revives his threat to shut down part of the government Los Angeles Times

●     House heads toward a government shutdown, closing 8 years of Republican majority in chaos Los Angeles Times

●     House GOP approves Trump’s wall money as shutdown looms San Francisco Chronicle

●     Congress set to delay Trump’s wall money, wildfire relief San Francisco Chronicle

●     House Passes Funding Bill With Wall, Setting Stage for Shutdown Wall Street Journal

●     Trump threatens government shutdown ‘will last for a very long time’ if Democrats oppose House bill that includes border wall money Washington Post

●     House passes spending bill that includes funds for border wall, but government remains on track for partial shutdown Washington Post

●     House Passes Funding Bill With Wall, Setting Stage for Shutdown Wall Street Journal

●     Trump Rages Over Border Wall, Sees Shutdown for ‘Very Long Time’ Roll Call

●     House Passes Trump-Backed Stopgap; Senate to Vote Again Friday Roll Call

●     The border wall GoFundMe page sums up the Trump presidency (opinion) CNN

●     Do the Right Thing and Be a Hero, Mr. President  Rush Limbaugh

Acting AG won’t recuse himself from Mueller probe

abc30

Oversight of Mueller probe is being handled ‘appropriately” under Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, according to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

See also:

●     Contrary to earlier report, DOJ ethics official told Whitaker’s team that acting attorney general should recuse from Mueller probe Washington Post

Defense Secretary Mattis to leave in February, citing disagreements with Trump

Fresno Bee

President Donald Trump said in a Tweet on Thursday afternoon that General Jim Mattis, his secretary of defense, will be retiring at the end of February. Mattis has been on the job since the beginning of the Trump administration.

See Also:

●     Defense Secretary Mattis leaving after clashes with Trump abc30

●     Defense Secretary Jim Mattis leaving his job after clash with Trump over Syria Visalia Times Delta

●     Pentagon chief leaving after clashes with Trump over Syria troop withdrawal Hanford Sentinel

●     Defense Secretary Mattis leaving as withdrawals from Syria, Afghanistan loom Stockton Record

●     Defense Secretary Mattis To Retire In February, Trump Says, Amid Syria Tension Capital Public Radio

●     Mattis issues a sharp rebuke to Trump as he announces his departure as Defense secretary Los Angeles Times

●     Defense Secretary Jim Mattis’s resignation letter makes clear that he differs with Trump on key issues. Read it here. Washington Post

‘No surprise’: Trump defends Syria withdrawal amid backlash

abc30

President Donald Trump took to Twitter Thursday with an extensive defense of his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, framing it as a campaign promise kept amid growing bipartisan backlash from lawmakers.

See Also:

●     Despite Remaining ISIS Threats, Pompeo Says U.S. Made ‘Caliphate In Syria Go Away’ Capital Public Radio

●     Trump orders US troops out of Syria, declares victory over ISIS; senators slam action as mistake Visalia Times Delta

●     Graham, Trump go to war over Syrian troop withdrawal Merced Sun-Star

●     Pentagon scrambles on Syria exit amid withdrawal outrage Sacramento Bee

●     EDITORIAL: Trump’s half-baked plan for withdrawing U.S. forces from Syria Los Angeles Times

●     EDITORIAL: How not to lead the world’s greatest military San Francisco Chronicle

Trump administration planning to cut number of US troops in Afghanistan by half

abc30

The Trump administration is planning to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, with the possibility that some troops begin withdrawing in the coming weeks, according to a U.S. official.

See Also:

●     Report: Trump will pull back half of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan Hanford Sentinel

●     U.S. to plan withdrawal of up to 7,000 troops from Afghanistan, officials say Los Angeles Times

Trust in the justices of the Supreme Court is waning. Here are three ways to fortify the court

Los Angeles Times

The Supreme Court has taken some serious hits to its reputation for independence and impartiality in these polarized times.

Democrats announce expanded series of 2020 presidential debates starting in June, hoping to silence complaints about the number held in 2016

Washington Post

The lineup for each debate will be determined by a lottery featuring candidates who meet specific measurements. A second debate will follow the next night if more candidates qualify than can be accommodated on the debate stage. Many Democrats complained in 2016 that the debate schedule had been tailored to benefit front-runner Hillary Clinton.

Other:

California’s legislative analyst, after decades of nonpartisan research for lawmakers, calls it a career

Los Angeles Times

Only five people have led the independent research office of the California Legislature since its creation in 1941. And each of them has had a pretty simple mantra to live by in reviewing public policy proposals and government programs: Call it like you see it.

Top 18 stories of 2018

Fresno State Campus News

National rankings, cutting-edge research and historic wins on and off the field — these stories highlight some of our best memories of the year.

The Whoppers of 2018

FactCheck.org

For the fourth year in a row, Donald Trump dominates our list of the whoppers of the year.



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AGRICULTURE/FOOD

$867 billion farm bill signed into law by Trump ‘a home run’ for California ag

Visalia Times Delta

President Trump signed an $867 billion farm bill into law on Thursday afternoon after months of heated debate and negotiation among Congress members who fought over whether the comprehensive legislation should mandate stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients and the legalization of industrial hemp farming.

See Also:

●     Trump signs farm bill, wants tighter food stamp restrictions abc30

●     Trump reminisces about ‘Green Acres,’ signs farm bill Sacramento Bee

●     Hemp is about to be legal under the 2018 farm bill. You can’t get high from it — but you can wear it Los Angeles Times

●     Trump administration wants huge limits on food stamps — even though Congress said ‘no Sacramento Bee

●     President Trump signs $867-billion farm bill into law Los Angeles Times

●     Workers could lose SNAP benefits under Trump’s proposed rule Brookings

●     Bipartisan Progress Succumbs to Partisan Setbacks Wall Street Journal

●     Trump signs massive farm bill with $867 billion in agriculture subsidies, food stamps and conservation programs Washington Post

●     Even at Farm Bill Signing, For Trump It’s All About the Wall Roll Call

●     A new Trump rule could take food stamps away from 755,000 people  VOX

Public sounds off on Modesto marijuana retailers

Modesto Bee

The Modesto City Council on Wednesday awarded its first ever permits to eight retail marijuana businesses looking to sell cannabis products out of storefronts.

Pot 101 Update: What Are The Laws Surrounding Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke?

Capital Public Radio

Is it legal to smoke marijuana at your home despite complaints from neighbors about the drifting smoke?

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Stanislaus County Library evacuated in Modesto after claims of gun, explosive

Modesto Bee

About 25 people were evacuated Thursday morning from the Stanislaus County Library in downtown Modesto after a man made threats.

Crime once plagued San Joaquin County, but now its jail has empty beds. Here’s what it did right

Los Angeles Times

When California lawmakers unveiled a plan in 2011 to reduce the number of inmates in state prison, officials in San Joaquin County thought the timing couldn’t have been worse.

See also:

●     Twelve facts about incarceration and prisoner reentry Brookings

Gov. Brown Sues To Save California Sentencing Laws

Capital Public Radio

Outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown sued Thursday to protect one of his signature actions in office, a voter-approved measure that allows most prison inmates to seek earlier release and participate in rehabilitation programs.

California transformed its justice system. But now crime is up, and critics want rollbacks

Los Angeles Times

Over the last decade, California has led the nation in reducing its prison population. The state has shortened sentences and diverted some offenders to the counties for incarceration and supervision, transforming California’s criminal justice system into what supporters hope will become a humane model around the country.

California justices order public release of clemency record

Sacramento Bee

The California Supreme Court has ordered the public release of court records related to Gov. Jerry Brown’s consideration of a pardon for a former state lawmaker.

Lessons from the Federal Crime Bill

Wall Street Journal

Trump is succeeding when Obama failed, and many deserve credit.

See also:

●     Senate backs sweeping bipartisan overhaul of criminal justice system in victory for President Trump Washington Post

Public Safety:

Bar fight involving Merced deputies under investigation, police chief confirms

Merced Sun-Star

Merced police are investigating a bar fight last weekend involving several members of the Sheriff’s Office, possibly including Sgt. Kevin Blake, who also serves as a Merced City Council member.

Lodi police plan DUI/license checkpoint Friday

Stockton Record

The Lodi Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint on Friday at an undisclosed location within the city limits. Over the course of the past two years, Lodi officers have investigated 122 DUI collisions, which have resulted in 50 injuries.

California transformed its justice system. But now crime is up, and critics want rollbacks

Los Angeles Times

Over the last decade, California has led the nation in reducing its prison population.

California has new gun control laws for 2019. Here’s what you should know

Sacramento Bee

California has a slew of new gun control laws heading into 2019, the result of legislation inspired by America’s growing gun violence epidemic, including high-profile mass shootings in Las Vegas and Parkland, Florida.

What can you do to protect your data on Facebook?

Sacramento Bee

Facebook is under fire again, accused of sharing private messages and other user information with other companies.

See Also:

●     Thanks, Facebook! Your totally crappy year may be a boon for consumer privacy Los Angeles Times

Fire:

PG&E broke laws in 12 NorCal wildfires, Cal Fire found. Prosecutors may not file charges

Sacramento Bee

PG&E has already been convicted in criminal court for a recent deadly tragedy. Could the utility soon find itself as the defendant in a dozen more cases, charged with breaking state laws? In the wake of massive utility-caused Northern California wildfires, a handful of district attorneys in flame-scarred counties are pondering whether to charge the utility company in criminal court for misconduct.

ECONOMY / JOBS

Economy:

Dow Jones drops to 14-month low after interest rate hike, government shutdown fears

abc30

It was the second consecutive day of sell-offs after the Federal Reserve announced its fourth rate hike this year.

See Also:

●     Stocks slide again. Dow on track for its biggest monthly drop in a decade Los Angeles Times

●     ‘A tailspin’: Under siege, Trump propels the government and markets into crisis Washington Post

●     U.S. stocks clobbered, with Dow losing nearly 500 points, amid White House drama over government shutdown Washington Post

China’s Hacking State

Wall Street Journal

Indictments show cyber economic theft is a government operation.

See also:

●     U.S. and more than a dozen allies to condemn China for economic espionage Washington Post

You Guess: What’s the Debt Burden for Americans Entering Retirement?

Wall Street Journal

Compare the debt load of today’s seniors with that of past generations

Oil Set for Weekly Drop as Growth and Glut Threats Rattle Market

Bloomberg

Oil trimmed a weekly decline as stock markets surged after a Federal Reserve official signaled that its interest rate policy remains flexible.

Jobs:

The Wonderful Co. raises minimum wage to $15 per hour

Bakersfield Californian

The Wonderful Co. announced on Wednesday that it is increasing its minimum wage to $15 an hour for all its full-time California employees as of Jan. 1.

See Also:

●     POM Wonderful will raise its minimum wage to $15 — years before California law demands it Modesto Bee

Fresno’s first Black Bear Diner is opening soon — and the restaurant is hiring

Fresno Bee

The first Black Bear Diner in Fresno is one step closer to opening. The restaurants are hugely popular among diners in the central San Joaquin Valley, who have long wanted to open one in Fresno.

New Law Will Protect California Employees From Defamation Lawsuits After Reporting Sexual Harassment

Capital Public Radio

A new law taking effect Jan. 1 aims to protect California workers from being sued for defamation when they accuse someone of inappropriate behavior, as long as they do so in good faith.

452 children died on the job in the U.S. from 2003 to 2016

Los Angeles Times

Child labor exists in the United States in the 21st century. It’s legal and widespread, and it’s also, in some cases, dangerous.

‘Some of them are real schmucks’: A Santa shortage is leading to some questionable portrayals of St. Nick

Boston Globe

Throughout New England and beyond, demand for professional Santas has skyrocketed. One popular gig website, where many Santa transactions occur, registered some 430 local Santa inquiries this year — up from 255 in 2015. And with schedules that have been filled, in some cases, since Halloween, many Santas have been forced to turn away would-be customers.

Lawyers Have Rights, Too

Wall Street Journal

In 18 states, they’re forced to pay fees to politicized bar associations.

‘Just Unbearable.’ Booming Job Market Can’t Fill the Retirement Shortfall

Wall Street Journal

Nearly eight million older Americans are out of work or stuck in low-quality jobs, denying them a crucial time to accumulate savings

EDUCATION

K-12:

Surprised by letters from his Clovis school, Army officer responds with his own surprise

Fresno Bee

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Austin Bailey didn’t expect to open a holiday care package from Blue Star Moms and see something from his hometown: letters written by second-graders at Dry Creek Elementary School in Clovis, where he was once a student. Bailey, 25, repaid the kindness Thursday.

Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis donate $10,000 in grants to mountain area schools

abc30

As has become tradition, the Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis gifted local elementary and middle schools some early Christmas presents in the form of mini-grants.

Dozen at Taft Elementary complain of lightheadedness

Stockton Record

Twelve students and a teacher at Taft Elementary School reportedly complained of lightheadedness on Thursday morning. Stockton Unified spokeswoman Shelley Spessard said first responders were called and evacuated the students from a classroom to the campus library.

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.

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Environment:

California is aiming for 100% clean energy. But Los Angeles might invest billions in fossil fuels

Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is leaning toward spending billions of dollars to rebuild three aging gas-fired power plants, even as California aims to eliminate fossil fuels, a goal endorsed by Mayor Eric Garcetti.

To Beat Recycling Restrictions, Bakersfield Turns Recyclables Into Compost

VPR

Recycling the right materials isn’t just a local issue—it’s international. China has historically been one of the U.S.’s top buyers of recyclables, but for over a year, it’s been putting restrictions on which materials it will import.

Feds take step to open ANWR to drilling, releasing environmental report for review

Sacramento Bee

The Trump administration took a step Thursday to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, releasing an environmental report that sets the stage for a lease sale next year and development in the 1.6-million-acre coastal plain.

See Also:

●     Trump Administration Takes Next Step Toward Oil Lease Sales In Arctic Refuge Capital Public Radio

●     Trump administration moves closer to oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Los Angeles Times

Oil Set for Weekly Drop as Growth and Glut Threats Rattle Market

Bloomberg

Oil trimmed a weekly decline as stock markets surged after a Federal Reserve official signaled that its interest rate policy remains flexible.

Energy:

Safety improvements, upgrades being installed at PG&E substation across from Northwest Promenade

Bakersfield Californian

Work is underway at a Pacific Gas and Electric substation on Rosedale Highway. A project to install new electric equipment, enhance existing equipment, and upgrade electric lines to improve safety in Kern County was announced at the beginning of November.

Key lawmaker calls for ‘systematic change’ in PG&E management, board

San Francisco Chronicle

A state lawmaker who helped Pacific Gas and Electric Co. secure key legislative aid this year has called for a management shakeup in light of state regulators’ claims that the utility falsified gas pipeline safety records.

Oil Set for Weekly Drop as Growth and Glut Threats Rattle Market

Bloomberg

Oil trimmed a weekly decline as stock markets surged after a Federal Reserve official signaled that its interest rate policy remains flexible.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Selfie-related hand injuries becoming more common

abc30

It’s a sign of the times – and maybe a sign of our culture. People are taking so many selfies, they’re getting “Selfie Wrist.” One local doctor tells us how to recognize the signs and symptoms and has expert advice on what you can do.

Human Services:

Fresno hospital fired this whistle-blower in messy heart doctor drama. He wins $4.5 million

Fresno Bee

A whistle-blower at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno who reported misdeeds by a heart surgeon only to be fired has been awarded $4.5 million by an arbitrator.

Elk Grove’s first hospital could open by 2022, with up to 24,000 new jobs

Modesto Bee

California Northstate University announced plans to build the city’s first hospital starting as early as next year. The facility would hold 250 beds and cost about $750 million.

It’s not a shelter, but Turlock’s homeless will have a new option during winter nights

Modesto Bee

The Turlock Gospel Mission plans to open its day center at night over the next few months to offer homeless people a place to get out of the cold, get something to eat and rest.

Amputee Gait Clinic helps community find balance

Fresno Campus News

This clinic provides pro bono services to individuals with limb loss, as well as their caregivers.

IMMIGRATION

Tulare County sheriff after rampage: Laws should be changed to better communicate with ICE

Fresno Bee

Laws need to be changed to allow local law enforcement to more easily communicate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in regards to criminals in jail who are deemed violent, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said Wednesday.

See Also:

●     Authorities call for changes to sanctuary state law after Tulare County rampage abc30

Veteran launches GoFundMe to pay for Trump wall

abc30

A GoFundMe campaign attributed to a Florida veteran is seeking donations to help fund a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

See Also:

●     Congress doesn’t want to fund the wall. So Trump fans started a GoFundMe drive Los Angeles Times

DHS Secretary Nielsen says asylum seekers will be forced to wait in Mexico

abc30

The U.S. has reached a deal with the Mexican government to force asylum seekers at its southern border to remain in Mexico while waiting to bring their cases.

See Also:

●     Mexico appears willing but unready to hold US refugees Sacramento Bee

●     Mexican immigration chief says his country is unprepared for the deal it made with the U.S. on asylum seekers Los Angeles Times

●     Migrants will be forced to remain in Mexico while asylum claims are weighed, U.S. and Mexico agree Los Angeles Times

●     Trump administration reaches deal that will force asylum seekers to wait in Mexico as cases are processed, DHS’s Nielsen says Washington Post

‘The toughest year’: US immigration changes dominated 2018

Merced Sun-Star

Under Trump, a relentless stream of US policy shifts made 2018 a tumultuous year for immigration enforcement.

Will Immigration Reform Make a Comeback Next Year?

Wall Street Journal

Congress was close to passing a comprehensive deal on immigration reform at the beginning of the year. Then it fell apart. WSJ’s Gerald F. Seib takes a look at key elements of the bill and whether lawmakers could revive it next year.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Orange Cove took over an animal shelter. Now the nonprofit’s workers allege neglect

Fresno Bee

Animal shelter workers in Orange Cove say they have been locked out of their facility and unable to properly care for more than 50 dogs and cats due to a battle over tax paperwork with the city.

Housing:

Analysis of Plan to Significantly Reduce Homelessness in the City of Fresno, and County of Fresno

Office of Fresno County Supervisor Sal Quintero

A historical look and analysis of homelessness in the Fresno metropolitan and rural areas in order to use a logical and common sense approach to aligning existing services for population reduction management.

How Housing and Neighborhood Quality Affect Children’s Mental Health

How Housing Matters

How does the quality of where we live affect our children’s development? The impact of housing and neighborhood quality on physical health has long been studied in the public health field, but studies that aim to assess those same impacts on mental health are less common.

PUBLIC FINANCES

Jerry Brown predicts ‘fiscal oblivion’ if pensions are off limits for government employers

Sacramento Bee

Gov. Jerry Brown warned this week that public agencies in California are on a track to “fiscal oblivion” if they’re barred from adjusting retirement benefits for their employees.

America Is Competitive Again

Wall Street Journal

The tax cuts of 2017 have boosted growth and job creation, just as the White House team intended.

Washington on $10 Billion a Day

Wall Street Journal

How long can America survive a slightly smaller federal government?

The Fiscal Ship

Fiscal Ship

Try your hand at balancing the federal budget.

TRANSPORTATION

Stockton Airport Adds Direct Flights To Los Angeles

Capital Public Radio

This will be the first time in 15 years the Stockton Metropolitan Airport will offer daily service to a large international hub.

A California milestone for EVs

CALmatters

Nearly half the electric vehicles on the road nationally are in California, the electric car advocacy nonprofit Veloz reports.

WATER

Merced Irrigation District plans lawsuit to fight controversial Bay-Delta plan

Merced Sun-Star

The Merced Irrigation District will be filing a lawsuit to prevent water from the Merced River to be diverted to the Bay Area, according to a news release.

Catch A Snowflake And Help Scientists Understand How Winter Storms Change The Sierra Nevada

Capital Public Radio

Scientists are partnering with kids to help catch snowflakes. Their goal? Working with students to study what crystals can tell us about snow, the weather and how climate change impacts our water supply.

“Xtra”

Santa, Mrs. Claus visit Valley Children’s Hospital with assist from firefighters, police

Fresno Bee

Santa Claus arrived at Valley Children’s Hospital on Thursday morning in a procession of fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles driven by firefighters and officers from throughout the central San Joaquin Valley.

See Also:

●     Madera County deputies spread holiday cheer with random acts of kindness Fresno Bee

●     CASA, Ruiz Foods brings holiday cheer to local children Visalia Times Delta

●     CHiPs toy distribution makes holidays bright for disadvantaged kids Bakersfield Californian

Matoian receives Fresno Chamber’s top award

Fresno Bee

Mathias “Matty” Matoian was named by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of its 2019 Leon S. Peters Award for business leadership and community service. Matoian led family-owned OK Produce for nearly 30 years.

Yosemite’s ski area, formerly known as Badger Pass, opens early

abc30

Snowboarders and skiers could celebrate a white Christmas as they head to Yosemite National Park. The ski area formerly known as Badger Pass opened on Thursday morning.

See Also:

●     Yosemite National Park‘s ski and snowboarding area opens for the season Los Angeles Times

New ‘Brew U’ course open to the community

Fresno State Campus News

The team with the best recipe will have their beer produced by Full Circle Brewing Co.

Take me home! Cats available for adoption

Bakersfield Californian

These four cats at Kern County Animal Services are looking for their forever homes. Can you help?