POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Stanislaus County reels from coronavirus deaths. Hospitalizations soar to new high.
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County is reporting eight coronavirus deaths per day, as local hospitals are filled with sick patients and many residents ignore a stay-home order in the days leading up to Christmas. An update Monday afternoon recorded 10 new deaths, and COVID hospitalizations soared to 363 after a brief dip to 315 hospitalizations on Sunday.
See also:
● Stanislaus adds 11 deaths, 557 cases. ICUs remain full Modesto Bee
Stay-at-home order expected to last into new year
Turlock Journal
The stay-at-home order issued earlier this month will likely be extended into the new year as state health officials plea for people to forgo gathering for the holidays.
Stanislaus County’s smaller downtowns were hit hard. Here’s how four are staying relevant
Modesto Bee
When Jennifer Brannon and her husband took over Lightly Used Books in downtown Turlock in January, they didn’t expect their first few months of operations to be upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Samaritans Foundation shuts down all services due to employee COVID case
Modesto Bee
The United Samaritans Foundation on Monday shut down all of its services, including its mobile lunch program, because one employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Merced County welcomes more new residents — while overall California population declines
Merced Sun-Star
More Americans each year appear to be deeming the Golden State a bust, thanks in no small part to exorbitant housing costs and the search for economic opportunities elsewhere. But while California’s longtime population boom slows to a sputter, Merced County is enticing more new residents compared to the state overall.
The Fall of (Stockton Mayor) Michael Tubbs
Politico
One week after the November election, Ilhan Omar, the congresswoman from Minnesota, and Melvin Carter, the mayor of St. Paul, were joined for a virtual town hall on the economy by a 30-year-old political star from California. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven’t seen him on his HBO special,” Carter said, trailing off as Michael Tubbs patched in.
Central SJ Valley:
Fresno death toll sets new record as city weighs shutdown order
Fresno Bee
As one of the regions facing the highest increase in coronavirus cases across the state, Fresno County on Monday reported 89 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the countywide total to 646 since the pandemic began, according to state data.
See also
· ‘This is very dire.’ Fresno County to bring in morgue trailers, as COVID-19 deaths soar Fresno Bee
Fresno patients are not receiving adequate care in latest COVID surge, hospital staff say Fresno Bee
Coronavirus update: Already Fresno’s deadliest month, doctors say it’s about to get worse Fresno Bee
· ICU capacity still an issue in Valley region Hanford Sentinel
● Tulare County medical workers fight 'nightmare' metrics as pandemic worsens Visalia Times Delta
● COVID-19 update: Active cases back up, ICU availability still at 0 percent Porterville Recorder
Fresno retail shutdown proposal to slow COVID-19 spread gets pushback. Will it pass?
Fresno Bee
A proposed Fresno City Council ordinance that would lead to a shutdown of all retail for at least five days could be reviewed this week — though the idea seems unlikely to pass. Proposed by Councilmember Luis Chavez, the ordinance would give the city the power to fine shops from $1,000 to $10,000 if they remain open despite the emergency order.
See also:
● Fresno retail stores could be shut down under new 5-day emergency order being drafted abc30
Did COVID-19 make Fresno’s homeless problem worse? Here’s why we might never know
Fresno Bee
Each January, Fresno service providers and volunteers go out and tally the number of people experiencing homelessness, producing a key metric that helps government officials calculate the amount of money is needed to help the people living on the city’s streets.
GOP state senator from Valley will chair Ag committee in Democrat-controlled Capitol
Modesto Bee
Republican Andreas Borgeas will chair the State Senate Agriculture Committee, a rare distinction in the Democrat-controlled Legislature. Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins made the appointment for the session that starts Jan. 11. Borgeas’ vast 8th District includes part of Stanislaus County as well as the Fresno area and much of the Sierra Nevada.
Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Help Victims and Bring Traffickers to Justice
Little Hoover Commission
More labor trafficking victims received services in Los Angeles County than elsewhere in CA. But a disproportionate number turned up in Fresno County. Only 2.6% of the population resides there, yet 21% of survivors were helped by a Fresno-based provider.
Warszawski: They wanted to turn Fresno riverside golf course into estates. State said not so fast
Fresno Bee
For decades, the state of California seemed to pay little attention to public property rights along the San Joaquin River in Fresno. Which, at least to some extent, helps explain why there’s so little public access.
Editorial: It is past time to let Fresno’s sales-tax hike take effect and improve the city’s parks
Fresno Bee
One of the most important court decisions in recent memory involving Fresno was handed down last week when the state’s Fifth District Court of Appeal ruled that the 2018 parks and arts tax known as Measure P had been approved by voters after all.
South SJ Valley:
COVID-19 Update:
· 'We can't afford another surge': South Valley doctors, nurses urge against holiday gatherings abc30
Money to fix sinking canal approved in federal budget. Will California pay for the rest?
Fresno Bee
Congress approved $206 million to fix the sinking Friant-Kern Canal as part of the final appropriations and COVID-19 relief package awaiting President Trump’s signature. That’s less than half of what engineers say is needed to restore the canal, which is the main artery conveying water from the San Joaquin River, from Millerton Lake to farms and communities on the eastern side of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties.
See also:
● Friant Canal Project Receives $206m From Congress Business Journal
● Congress Kicks in $206 Million to Fix Leaky Friant-Kern Canal GVWire
● Congress Appropriations Bill includes $206 million for Friant-Kern Canal Porterville Recorder
Federal spending bill includes $70 million for Kern projects
Bakersfield Californian
The roughly $900 billion pandemic relief bill passed by Congress Monday night would set aside at least $70 million for projects in Kern County, with most of the local money earmarked for construction work at Edwards Air Force Base.
Bakersfield Californian
After a four-year investigation, the California Department of Justice has entered into a “major settlement” with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, forcing changes to the department’s practices.
Tehachapi City Council picks new mayor
Bakersfield Californian
Tehachapi City Councilman Phil Smith was unanimously chosen as mayor Monday night by his fellow councilmembers. The council meeting also included the swearing in of Councilman Michael Davies representing District 3, Councilwoman Christina Scrivner representing District 2, Victoria Marsh as city clerk, and Stacy Curry as city treasurer. All ran unopposed.
Stevens out as chief executive at oil producer CRC
Bakersfield Californian
The top executive at California Resources Corp. will step down next week and be replaced on an interim basis by the local oil producer's new chairman, a civil engineer with a background in electrical power generation.
See also:
· Biden wants to make the climate fight central to his presidency. What do big oil and gas firms think about that? Washington Post
State:
COVID-19 Update:
● Coronavirus wave pushes California to brink of 2 million cases Los Angeles Times
Gavin Newsom names California’s first Latino U.S. senator to replace Kamala Harris
Fresno Bee
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Secretary of State Alex Padilla as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ successor in the U.S. Senate, making him the first Latino from California to fill the role in the state’s 170-year history.
See also:
● Alex Padilla picked to replace Kamala Harris as California senator abc30
● Newsom taps California election chief Padilla for US Senate Bakersfield Californian
● California Secretary Of State Alex Padilla To Replace Harris In U.S. Senate VPR
● The choice to replace Kamala Harris has a trade-off: no Black women in the U.S. Senate Sacramento Bee
● Alex Padilla to become California’s first Latino U.S. senator, replacing Kamala Harris Los Angeles Times
● CalChamber Issues Statement on Governor’s Appointment of Alex Padilla as U.S. Senator CalChamber
Newsom’s two big picks make history for California by advancing Latino and Black Democrats
CalMatters
In a strange and tumultuous year, 2020 delivered this paradox for Gov. Gavin Newsom: As Californians endured enormous suffering amid devastating wildfires and a deadly pandemic, their governor accumulated an unusual trove of power to shape Democratic politics for years to come.
See also
· Dr. Shirley Weber on Her Family's Journey to California and the Teachers Who Paved Her Path KQED
Endorsements building for Bay Area Democrat to be California’s next attorney general
Sacramento Bee
Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, has received a swath of endorsements in recent days from lawmakers, criminal justice advocates and Asian Pacific Islander groups as speculation grows around who Gov. Gavin Newsom might pick to take Becerra’s place as California’s chief legal officer.
California Chief Justice Launches Program to Fast Track Backlogged Criminal Cases
California Courts Newsroom
California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Tuesday announced she will launch a program to fast track the resolution of criminal cases and make retired judges available through the Temporary Assigned Judges Program to reinforce those efforts.
2020 Year in Review: Judicial Council of California
California Courts Newsroom
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye in March delivered her annual State of the Judiciary Address, calling courts “centers of social justice” that often see those in crisis who rely on the justice system.
Walters: Changing election rules alters outcomes
CalMatters
In sports, when you change the rules, you affect outcomes. That’s also true in politics as two new California proposals demonstrate...Changing the rules of campaigning, voting and other political procedures affects election results.
Federal:
Trump says he won't sign COVID relief bill without $2,000 payments
abc30
President Donald Trump is now saying he won't sign the COVID-19 relief bill sent for his approval after representatives from the Trump administration worked to get a bill the president was willing to sign.
See also:
● $900b Covid Relief Bill Passed By Congress, Sent To Trump Business Journal
● Trump Slams COVID-19 Relief Bill, Asks For Changes After Bitter Negotiations VPR
● Trump threatens to torpedo COVID-19 relief bill with new demands Los Angeles Times
● Commentary: More economic relief and stimulus: Why and how Brookings
Joe Biden addresses COVID-19 stimulus bill, holiday pandemic precautions
abc30
President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday expressed empathy with struggling families and applauded Congress for passing the coronavirus relief as the nation deals with a COVID-19 surge that's casting a shadow over the Christmas holiday.
Trump Issues 15 Pardons and Five Commutations
Wall Street Journal
President Trump on Tuesday granted 15 pardons and five commutations to individuals including a former campaign adviser whose activities set off the Russia investigation, three former congressmen and several former military contractors convicted of wartime killing of Iraqi civilians.
See Also:
● Trump grants clemency to 20 people, including three former GOP members of Congress and two men convicted in the Russia probe Washington Post
Congress Acts To Spare Consumers From Costly Surprise Medical Bills
VPR
Specifically, the legislation addresses those charges that result from a long-running practice in which out-of-network medical providers — from doctors to air ambulance companies — send insured Americans "surprise bills," sometimes for tens of thousands of dollars.
Commentary: The pendulum is the pits: Can the United States make enduring regulations
Brookings
A major focus of Barack Obama’s administration was reversing the regulatory program of the George W. Bush administration. A major focus of Donald Trump’s administration was reversing the regulatory program of the Obama administration.
Other:
Fox News and Newsmax, facing lawsuits, walk back wild fraud claims about voting-machine companies
Yahoo News
Facing the threat of lawsuits for defamation, Fox News and the upstart right-wing network Newsmax have begun broadcasting segments walking back wild election fraud allegations against voting-machine and software manufacturers Smartmatic and Dominion.
Business Insider
Scientists and researchers around the world pulled off impressive feats in 2020. They unearthed huge caches of ancient bones and sarcophagi, discovered new types of black holes, and found water that could host alien life in new places across the solar system.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
GOP state senator from Valley will chair ag committee in Democrat-controlled Capitol
Modesto Bee
Republican Andreas Borgeas will chair the State Senate Agriculture Committee, a rare distinction in the Democrat-controlled Legislature. Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins made the appointment for the session that starts Jan. 11. Borgeas’ vast 8th District includes part of Stanislaus County as well as the Fresno area and much of the Sierra Nevada.
Opinion: California Farmers Looking for Regulatory Sanity
GVWire
In his sequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” Lewis Carroll depicts a fantastical world in which his heroine finds that, like a reflection in a mirror, everything is reversed, including logic. Since “Through the Looking-Glass” was published in 1871, the idiom has come to describe situations where you find the opposite of what is normal or would be expected.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Bakersfield Californian
After a four-year investigation, the California Department of Justice has entered into a “major settlement” with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, forcing changes to the department’s practices.
California’s unemployment agency involved in hundreds more investigations than usual
Sacramento Bee
California’s unemployment agency is involved in 255 active criminal investigations into suspicious activity in the state’s battered jobless system. Last year at this time it had 14 open cases.
Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Help Victims and Bring Traffickers to Justice
Little Hoover Commission
More labor trafficking victims received services in Los Angeles County than elsewhere in CA. But a disproportionate number turned up in Fresno County. Only 2.6% of the population resides there, yet 21% of survivors were helped by a Fresno-based provider
Public Safety:
California Police Share License Plate Data with ICE
GovTech
When the city of Pasadena approved the police department's request to purchase three new automatic license plate readers, Commander Jason Clawson promised the city's public safety committee the department wouldn't share any data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Fire:
We All Know Smoke Is Bad For Your Health. It Could Be Worse Than You Think
VPR
It's no secret that inhaling smoke is bad for your lungs. But now, scientists are suggesting smoke may also carry and spread infectious diseases.
Changes caused by worsening wildfires in California forests will last centuries
Los Angeles Times
The single-engine Cessna was buzzing 1,000 feet above a Northern California burn scar as UC Berkeley scientist Scott Stephens shifted excitedly in his seat and peered out the window for a better view.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Fresno, Valley businesses got billions in COVID relief loans. Here’s who received the aid
Fresno Bee
When the threat of the novel coronavirus first prompted broad shutdowns of many retailers, restaurants and others, Congress quickly enacted a massive federal loan program to help businesses keep employees on the payroll and stay afloat in the pandemic.
Industries Applaud The Latest Version Of PPP Relief
Business Journal
As the second Covid relief package awaits President Trump’s signature, some industries are breathing a sigh of relief. Details are starting to come out of the 5,000-plus page document that includes the governmental spending budget through September 2021.
See also:
● Commentary: The bad and the good in the new payroll protection program AEI
SBDC webinar will delve into new recovery package
Bakersfield Californian
Details of the new, $908 billion pandemic recovery package will be discussed by local business professionals during a free, hourlong webinar starting at noon Wednesday.
Amid Holiday Rush, Small Business Owners And Workers Worry About Their Futures
Capital Public Radio
For Jocelyn Doan, the owner of Glam Hair and Nails salon near Elk Grove, the pandemic and its shutdowns have been chaotic.
Jobs:
These are the 23 states raising the minimum wage in 2021
abc30
Workers in certain professions and companies of certain sizes are exempted from minimum wage guidelines in some states. Cities and other municipalities may have set higher minimum wages than their state has.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Joe Biden picks Connecticut schools chief Miguel Cardona as education secretary
abc30
President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Miguel Cardona, Connecticut's education chief and a lifelong champion of public schools, to serve as education secretary. The selection delivers on Biden's promise to nominate someone with experience working in public education and would fulfill his goal of installing an education chief who stands in sharp contrast to Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Dr. Shirley Weber on Her Family's Journey to California and the Teachers Who Paved Her Path
KQED
As Gov. Gavin Newsom orders the closure of Orange County beaches, Scott and Marisa talk with Assemblywoman Dr. Shirley Weber, D-San Diego, about the ongoing stay-at-home order and the timeline of the Legislature's return to Sacramento.
Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, and Romo
included in this omnibus spending bill was a $900 billion pandemic aid package in which $54.3 billion will be allocated to an “Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund” to assist states and their school districts in responding to COVID-19...
Opinion: How to make American patriots
Washington Post
These are the contours of the battle over patriotism in the curriculum: Should students learn of their country’s virtues or shortcomings? Should they leave class feeling proud or ashamed?
Higher Ed:
UC Merced professor criticized over ‘hateful’ tweets. Here’s what the university says
Fresno Bee
It was unclear Tuesday whether UC Merced would take action against a professor whose personal Twitter account allegedly shared anti-Semitic tropes and other disparaging comments and images about Jewish people.
'Already Behind': Diversifying The Legal Profession Starts Before The LSAT
VPR
When Ingrid Lopez Martinez received DACA status during her senior year of high school, it transformed her perception of the law. Instead of seeing it as a system used to limit her immigrant family's potential, she for the first time saw the law "as a transformative tool for justice."
How Business Schools Can Help Close the Gender Gap
Harvard Business Review
It’s no secret that women are under-represented in high-paying jobs in management. While numbers vary across industries, a recent survey in the financial services sector found that while women represented 58% of human resources, 46% of marketing, and 35% of legal executive roles, they held only 13% of technology, 17% of finance and 21% of operations executive roles.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Fog, storms, COVID-19 pose risks over holiday in Fresno, San Joaquin Valley
Fresno Bee
Fog and coming rain will pose more risks over the holidays in Fresno and the central San Joaquin Valley, where intensive care unit beds are almost gone as coronavirus surges across the region.
Washington Post
President-elect Joe Biden has promised a “transition” away from fossil energy, the main sources of carbon dioxide emissions that have put the planet on a path toward dangerous warming. A few big oil and gas companies are thinking about what it would mean to shift — or even shrink — their businesses.
Energy:
Stevens out as chief executive at oil producer CRC
Bakersfield Californian
The top executive at California Resources Corp. will step down next week and be replaced on an interim basis by the local oil producer's new chairman, a civil engineer with a background in electrical power generation.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
‘This is very dire.’ Fresno County to bring in morgue trailers, as COVID-19 deaths soar
Fresno Bee
Fresno County is already experiencing its deadliest month of the coronavirus pandemic, and doctors say they expect even more people to die in the coming weeks as COVID-19 cases continue to surge locally.
ICU capacity still an issue in Valley region
Hanford Sentinel
The Kings County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday morning and received the last COVID-19 report of the year before the board returns on Jan. 5.
See also:
● Tulare County medical workers fight 'nightmare' metrics as pandemic worsens Visalia Times Delta
● COVID-19 update: Active cases back up, ICU availability still at 0 percent Porterville Recorder
● Stanislaus adds 11 deaths, 557 cases. ICUs remain full Modesto Bee
● Coronavirus wave pushes California to brink of 2 million cases Los Angeles Times
US deaths in 2020 top 3 million, by far most ever counted
abc30
This is the deadliest year in U.S. history, with deaths expected to top 3 million for the first time - due mainly to the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Reaches Deal With Pfizer For 100 Million More Vaccine Doses
VPR
The Trump administration says it has reached a deal with Pfizer to buy an additional 100 million doses of the company's COVID-19 vaccine, effectively doubling the federal government's supply from Pfizer.
Low Demand For Antibody Drugs Against COVID-19
VPR
Federal officials are disappointed to find that the monoclonal antibody drugs they've shipped across the country aren't being used rapidly. These drugs are designed to prevent people recently diagnosed with COVID-19 from ending up in the hospital.
Why a negative COVID test doesn’t ‘clear’ you for holiday gatherings
Los Angeles Times
Amid growing signs that many people are not heeding warnings to avoid Christmas gatherings and travel, some people are getting COVID-19 tests in hopes of being “cleared” to enjoy the holidays in groups.
See also:
● Why experts say getting a COVID test before Christmas with family isn’t enough Fresno Bee
Human Services:
‘California is in a crisis.’ Overwhelmed hospitals beg families to avoid holiday gatherings
Fresno Bee
In an extraordinary plea, California’s major health care providers on Tuesday called on residents to resist the temptation to hold in-home family Christmas gatherings this week, saying those events will trigger yet another surge on top of an existing wave of new COVID-19 infections.
See also:
● Fresno patients are not receiving adequate care in latest COVID surge, hospital staff say Fresno Bee
● Coronavirus update: Already Fresno’s deadliest month, doctors say it’s about to get worse Fresno Bee
● 'We can't afford another surge': South Valley doctors, nurses urge against holiday gatherings abc30
● 'Tired and hurting:' Front line workers plead not to gather for holidays Porterville Recorder
● Child care workers should be prioritized for COVID vaccines, lawmakers tell Gavin Newsom Fresno Bee
● COVID-19 reaches California veterans homes that had largely avoided virus Sacramento Bee
● California once quelled COVID with stay-at-home order. Why this one isn’t working as well Los Angeles Times
Memorial Hospital unveils new modular building as a part of surge plan
Bakersfield Californian
In lieu of a tent Memorial Hospital set up a brand-new temporary building in the parking lot outside the emergency department. Local hospitals are beginning to roll out their surge
Paramedics In Emergency Rooms, Long Hospital Transfers – How Ambulances Are Meeting COVID-19 Surge
VPR
With the latest COVID-19 surge, we know that hospitals are in crisis: Patients are being cared for in hallways and conference rooms, nurses and doctors are being forced to take care of larger patient loads than usual, and field hospitals are being opened to take care of those who aren’t in need of critical care.
plans as COVID continues to rise in Kern County.
With Fresno's African American COVID-19 Coalition, Leaders Aim To Curb Virus And Build Trust
VPR
It’s a Tuesday afternoon in downtown Fresno, and a line of cars has wrapped around the block from the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission to Chukchansi Stadium. A petite karaoke singer belts out George Harrison on the sidewalk, while the drivers, masked and corralled into reserved parking spots, wait for Testing Tuesday to begin.
Is Your State Doing Enough Coronavirus Testing? Use Our Tool To Find Out
VPR
The nation is at a pivotal moment in the fight against the pandemic. Vaccines are finally starting to roll out, but the virus is spreading faster than ever — and killing thousands of Americans daily. And it will be months before enough people get inoculated to stop it.
Vaccine opponents outline online campaigns to sow distrust in coronavirus vaccine
Washington Post
Leaders of anti-vaccine groups described the coming coronavirus vaccine as a pivotal opportunity to sow distrust in vaccination and laid out planned online campaigns to do so, according to a report from an organization opposing misinformation online.
Opinion: No vaccine can end America’s pandemic of ignorance and irrationality
Washington Post
It is tempting to herald a new age of scientific progress in which pioneering technology opens up limitless possibilities... But before we get too giddy, don’t forget that alongside near-miraculous advances in science come near-unbelievable examples of human irrationality.
IMMIGRATION
Biden: Reversing Trump border policies will take months
Bakersfield Californian
President-elect Joe Biden says it will take months to roll back some of President Donald Trump’s actions on immigration, tempering expectations he generated during his campaign and one that may rile advocates pushing for speedy action on the issue.
Dozens Of Women Allege Unwanted Surgeries And Medical Abuse In ICE Custody
VPR
One former detainee says she was already in a hospital gown this past July, waiting to be wheeled into surgery, when she began to suspect something was very wrong. Jaromy Floriano Navarro thought she was getting an operation to remove a cyst on her ovary — until the driver who brought her to the hospital said otherwise.
California Police Share License Plate Data with ICE
GovTech
When the city of Pasadena approved the police department's request to purchase three new automatic license plate readers, Commander Jason Clawson promised the city's public safety committee the department wouldn't share any data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Warszawski: They wanted to turn Fresno riverside golf course into estates. State said not so fast
Fresno Bee
For decades, the state of California seemed to pay little attention to public property rights along the San Joaquin River in Fresno. Which, at least to some extent, helps explain why there’s so little public access.
Editorial: It is past time to let Fresno’s sales-tax hike take effect and improve the city’s parks
Fresno Bee
One of the most important court decisions in recent memory involving Fresno was handed down last week when the state’s Fifth District Court of Appeal ruled that the 2018 parks and arts tax known as Measure P had been approved by voters after all.
Housing:
Did COVID-19 make Fresno’s homeless problem worse? Here’s why we might never know
Fresno Bee
Each January, Fresno service providers and volunteers go out and tally the number of people experiencing homelessness, producing a key metric that helps government officials calculate the amount of money is needed to help the people living on the city’s streets.
Eviction Looms for Millions, Despite New Federal Aid Package
Pew Charitable Trust
With the new federal moratorium set to expire in just over a month, and some state moratoriums already lifted, the winter is shaping up to be a dire one for renters and homeowners.
Property rights: addressing blight in your community while respecting constitutional property rights
PublicCEO
Homelessness has been an issue at the forefront of the minds of California lawmakers for years now. As housing prices continue to climb and the COVID-19 pandemic ravages on, more people find themselves without shelter and local agencies are struggling to find a balance between respecting the property rights of the unsheltered population and keeping their cities clean and safe.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Second stimulus checks: See how much money you might receive under the new stimulus bill
abc30
Many Americans could start receiving direct payments from the federal government as early as next week as part of a $900 billion pandemic relief bill passed by Congress Monday evening that's now headed to President Donald Trump for a signature.
TRANSPORTATION
California DMV extends behind-the-wheel driving test suspension through Jan. 4
abc30
The California Department of Motor Vehicles will continue its temporary suspension of behind-the-wheel testing until at least January 4. The DMV previously announced a two-week halt in driver testing through December 28.
Many in California still traveling despite stay-at-home orders, tracking data show
Sacramento Bee
California residents have not greatly reduced their visits to stores and workplaces since Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered them to stay at home in early December, according to a Sacramento Bee review of mobility trend data collected by Google from cell phones.
Pete Buttigieg wants to put ‘millions’ of electric cars on US roads
electrek
Pete Buttigieg, casually known as “Mayor Pete” since he was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, for eight years, was nominated last week by President-elect Joe Biden to be secretary of transportation. Buttigieg reiterated what he wants for the future of electric cars in the US late yesterday afternoon.
WATER
Money to fix sinking canal approved in federal budget. Will California pay for the rest?
Fresno Bee
Congress approved $206 million to fix the sinking Friant-Kern Canal as part of the final appropriations and COVID-19 relief package awaiting President Trump’s signature. That’s less than half of what engineers say is needed to restore the canal, which is the main artery conveying water from the San Joaquin River, from Millerton Lake to farms and communities on the eastern side of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties.
See also:
● Friant Canal Project Receives $206m From Congress Business Journal
● Congress Kicks in $206 Million to Fix Leaky Friant-Kern Canal GVWire
● Congress Appropriations Bill includes $206 million for Friant-Kern Canal Porterville Recorder
“Xtra”
Performing in the pandemic, by zoom, drive-in and doorstep
Fresno Bee
A good way to hear what we’ve missed this year is to listen to Sam Cooke’s landmark live album, “Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963.” On a warm January night in downtown Miami, Cooke was well into his torrid set when, in the middle of “Bring it on Home to Me,” he asks the audience to join in.