December 4, 2018

04Dec

POLICY & POLITICS

 

DEADLINE: FRIDAY DEC. 7TH - Scholarship Of Up To $6,000

For The Maddy Institute Legislative Intern Scholar Program  San Joaquin Valley Spring 2019 and Washington D.C./Sacramento Summer 2019

The Maddy Institute

The Maddy Scholar Intern Program’s goal is to prepare the next generation of political, governmental, business, non-profit leaders for the San Joaquin Valley through internship opportunities in local, state and federal government offices in Washington, D.C., Sacramento and throughout the region.

 

North SJ Valley:

 

Josh Harder upset Jeff Denham. What’s next as he takes his ‘nerdiness’ to Washington?

Modesto Bee

Clues from Josh Harder’s past help flesh out a picture of the man who beat Jeff Denham in the historic 2018 midterm election for the 10th Congressional District covering Stanislaus County, CA, and the south part of San Joaquin County.

 

Are ticked off Bay Area transplants now influencing Central Valley politics?

Sacramento Bee

The mass migration of Bay Area transplants to the Central Valley is leading to stress on local services, a squeeze on available housing andlonger commute times. But will it also impact the Valley’s politics?

 

‘There are too many people’ – Modesto homeless camp nears tipping point

Modesto Bee

Has the Beard Brook Park homeless encampment reached a tipping point because too many people are jammed together in too little space?

 

Central SJ Valley:

 

Fresno ponders strategy to draw big, high-tech employers

The Business Journal

Fresno economic development officials have had a fruitful run of attracting major e-commerce distribution centers — Amazon, Ulta and Gap key among them, generating at least 4,500 jobs.

 

Supervisors may boost their pay

Madera Tribune

Madera County supervisors have set a hearing for Tuesday to consider and vote on raising their salaries by 3 percent — a raise of roughly $2,500 a year each. The board’s last increase in pay took effect July 1, 2017.

 

In the Valley of Fear

The New York Review

California’s San Joaquin Valley, from Stockton in the north to Arvin in the south, is 234 miles long and 130 miles wide. If you drive there from the Bay Area, in less than an hour the temperature will go from 57 to 97 degrees. It will keep rising.

 

South SJ Valley:

 

Bakersfield sales tax passes in final vote update

Bakersfield Californian

In a shocking turn of events, the city of Bakersfield’s sales tax measure has gained enough votes to pass. In a 97-vote decision, yes votes edged out no votes by one-tenth of one percent.

 

Bakersfield fares poorly in study ranking safest cities in America

Bakersfield Californian

Take heart: Bakersfield is not as bad as St. Louis, Mo. But it's also a far cry from Columbia, Md., listed in a study published by WalletHubMonday as the safest city in America. Bakersfield landed near the end of the pack, 150 out of the 183 cities included. St. Louis came dead last. 

 

State:

 

New members of the State Assembly and Senate sworn in at the Capitol

abc30

Democrats and Republicans put the campaigns behind them, as both members of the Assembly and State Senate were sworn in. They all pledged to work together but its clear the Democrats will be in charge. Among the new state senators sworn in were four from the Central Valley.

See Also:

     California Lawmakers Welcome New Colleagues To The Capitol Capital Public Radio

     California’s Legislature convenes as a record number of Democrats settle in to govern Los Angeles Times

     Democrats rule Legislature, but they may not be united San Francisco Chronicle

      A deep blue sea of California lawmakers takes oath of office today CALmatters

 

On Day One, hints of California’s Democratic agenda to come

CALmatters

California lawmakers kicked off a new two-year session Monday, a day full of pomp and ceremony and not a lot of substance. But a few eager legislators began putting bills across the desk, giving an early indication of some key policy fights that will shape 2019.

See also:

     New legislators must strengthen California privacy rights now Sacramento Bee

 

Is the California Republican Party content to stay dead? Or will it finally reinvent itself?

Los Angeles Times

Can anyone still doubt that the California Republican Party must reinvent itself? That, otherwise, it hasn't any hope of winning back political influence in this state, and might as well make way for a new political party to serve the role of loyal opposition?

 

Gavin Newsom has a ‘tweet by tweet’ relationship with Donald Trump

Fresno Bee

California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Dec. 3, 2018, expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for touring the Camp Fire damage in Paradise, but said Trump’s tweets make it difficult for them to cooperate.

See also:

     ‘We are Trump’s worst nightmare:’ Two sisters at California’s Capitol Fresno Bee

 

Giving legislators a free pass on breaking residency rules

Modesto Bee

Equity and logic would seem to dictate that state legislators should live in the districts they represent and thereby share in the daily experiences with their constituents.

 

Federal:

 

Congress seeks 2-week extension to avert government shutdown

Sacramento Bee

Congressional leaders introduced a two-week funding bill Monday to avert a partial government shutdown over President Donald Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico.

See Also:

     Congress looks to delay fight over government shutdown until right before Christmas  Los Angeles Times

     Shutdown: Congress Hopes for Best, Prepares for Worst Wall Street Journal

     Guidance for federal employees issued on government closure Wednesday Washington Post

 

House Democrats’ New Elected Leadership Team Is More Progressive and Diverse

Roll Call

The newly elected House Democratic leadership team for the 116th Congress will be more progressive, diverse and younger in terms of both age and length of service compared to the current one.

See also:

     Pelosi recommends Rep. Barbara Lee for Dem leadership job after close loss San Francisco Chronicle

 

EDITORIAL: Republicans’ bitter ballot harvest

San Francisco Chronicle

For teams that suffer a crushing defeat, there’s always complaining about the referees. Hence Republicans’ latest spin on the congressional election, which suggests that their shellacking was due to some vaguely construed irregularity rather than, say, a disastrous decision to tether themselves to a deeply unpopular president.

 

Supreme Court suggests forcing lawyers to pay bar association dues violates their free speech

Los Angeles Times

The Supreme Court cast doubt Monday on laws in at least 30 states that require lawyers to pay dues to bar associations.

 

Other:

 

At Capitol, Bush saluted as ‘gentle soul,’ ‘great man’

Fresno Bee

The nation's capital embraced George H.W. Bush in death Monday with solemn ceremony and high tributes to his service and decency, as the remains of the 41st president took their place in the Capitol rotunda for three days of mourning and praise by the political elite and everyday citizens alike.

See Also:

     Pence, lawmakers begin three days of mourning for former President Bush Fresno Bee

     They knew him in different ways, but two Bush associates agree: He had grace Bakersfield Californian

     Political Junkie Remembers George H.W. Bush Capital Public Radio

     Washington prepares for the solemnity and pomp of a state funeral for George H.W. Bush Los Angeles Times

     George H.W. Bush was a steward of stability Los Angeles Times

     At Capitol, Bush saluted as 'gentle soul,' 'great man' San Francisco Chronicle

      RIP George H. W. Bush AEI

     EDITORIAL: George H.W. Bush never stopped serving. We could use a president like him today. San Diego Union-Tribune

     EDITORIAL: President George H.W. Bush’s legacy: decency Sacramento Bee

 

Dismissed? I actually wanted to serve as a juror

Bakersfield Californian

Jury service might be second only to voting as our most important civic duty. Our concept of justice hinges on the premise that we are each presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury of our peers.

 

Marriott data breach victim? Here's what you need to know

Visalia Times Delta

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Marriott. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts say the whole ordeal could have been prevented years ago.

 

OPINION: In the Trump era, sore losers are becoming the standard, while Bush-style grace is ever more rare

Los Angeles Times

Not every candidate who lost an election last month pitched a hissy fit, screamed fraud or refused to concede.

 

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

 

How to protect your plants when frost is in the forecast

Modesto Bee

Is there a cold front in your forecast? Here is how you can protect your plants from the damaging effects of frost.

 

EDITORIAL: Congress should act to give marijuana businesses access to banks

San Diego Union-Tribune

It’s time for Congress to pass a law making it explicit that the marijuana industry has legal access to the U.S. banking system.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

 

County crackdown on underage tobacco sales yields results

Bakersfield Californian

The number of local businesses who have being caught selling tobacco products to underage customers has dropped by half from 20 percent in 2007 to an expected 9 percent this year, according to Kern County Public Health.

 

California arrest rates at historic lows, racial disparities still wide

San Francisco Chronicle

Black people were three times more likely than whites to be arrested in California in 2016, a racial disparity that has narrowed from the early 1990s when they were 3.6 times more likely to be arrested than whites, according to a newly published report.

See also:

      California Arrest Rate Down 58 Percent Since 1989, Racial Disparities Remain High KQED

 

Governor — offer more hope to those serving long prison sentences

San Francisco Chronicle

Gov. Jerry Brown has issued more than 1,100 pardons and commuted more than 150 sentences since taking office in 2011 — far more than have his recent predecessors — with the latest announced Nov. 21.

 

Public Safety:

 

The off-duty killer: Suicide has become an occupational hazard for police officers

Fresno Bee

Police officer suicide is not widely talked about. Publicized deaths of officers mostly are of those who have died in the line of duty, but suicide takes more police lives nationwide than the number killed while on the job.

See also:

     Spotting Suicide's Warning Signs Could Save Lives PEW Trusts

 

Bakersfield fares poorly in study ranking safest cities in America

Bakersfield Californian

Take heart: Bakersfield is not as bad as St. Louis, Mo. But it's also a far cry from Columbia, Md., listed in a study published by WalletHubMonday as the safest city in America. Bakersfield landed near the end of the pack, 150 out of the 183 cities included. St. Louis came dead last. 

 

Small, Cheap Guns Are Back, and Some Question Their Safety

Wall Street Journal

Cobra Enterprises has been sued at least 15 times by people who claim its guns accidentally shot them.

 

Fire:

 

Insurer goes bust from Camp Fire with millions in claims unpaid. How will it affect Paradise homeowners?

Modesto Bee

Millions of dollars in potential losses from the Camp Fire have ruined a small Merced County insurance company, providing another element of uncertainty for homeowners following the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history.

See Also:

     California plans takeover of property insurer overwhelmed by Camp fire claims  Los Angeles Times

 

Camp Fire death toll falls to 85, number of missing drops to 11

Sacramento Bee

The death toll in the Camp Fire unexpectedly dropped by three Monday as coroner’s officials in Sacramento corrected a mixup involving human remains.

See Also:

     Camp fire death toll is revised to 85 Los Angeles Times

     They thought they’d die trapped in a parking lot. How 150 survivors of California's deadliest fire made it out alive Los Angeles Times

 

Woolsey fire likely worst ever to hit Malibu, with home losses topping $1.6 billion, data show

Los Angeles Times

Destructive wildfires are regular events in Malibu, but last month’s Woolsey fire could prove to be the worst ever to strike the upscale coastal community.

 

EDITORIAL: PG&E shouldn't get more help with California wildfires without big changes

San Diego Union-Tribune

With at least 88 people dead in the Camp fire in Northern California — and with Pacific Gas & Electric’s equipment once again the prime suspect as the cause of an enormous wildfire — the giant investor-owned utility could face an existential crisis.

 

ECONOMY / JOBS

 

Economy:

 

McKesson, biggest U.S. drug distributor, to move from SF to Texas

San Francisco Chronicle

McKesson Corp., the biggest U.S. pharmaceutical distributor by revenue, is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Texas, becoming the latest corporate giant to leave the Bay Area.

 

Visalia Chamber’s Emerge Program a crash course on business

The Business Journal

A group of 12 people attending the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s Emerge Program is nearing the end and ready to “graduate.”

 

China gets US tariff delay but movement on tech unclear

Sacramento Bee

China won a delay in U.S. tariff hikes but gave no sign its stance changed in a battle with Washington over its technology ambitions.

See Also:

     Senior aides push back on Trump's claim that China agreed to cut auto tariffs Los Angeles Times

      U.S. stocks make broad gains on optimism over truce in China trade war Los Angeles Times

      ‘He Said, Xi Said’ Wall Street Journal

      Trump Names Lighthizer to Run U.S.-China Negotiations Wall Street Journal

      Observations on the Trump-Xi trade meeting AEI

      The other G20 deal: China agrees to control its fentanyl production AEI

     EDITORIAL: Trump makes big trade promises, but read the fine print San Francisco Chronicle

 

Real Time Economics: Fed Sparks Market Rally

Wall Street Journal

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s subtle shift on interest rates was a big relief for markets.

 

The Economic Forecast for 2019: Less Growth and More Uncertainty

Wall Street Journal

Among the big questions: What will the Fed do? And what impact will President Trump’s trade policies have on business investment?

 

Jobs:

 

Wawona Packing settles with injured former employee for $4.5 million

Fresno Bee

Wawona Packing Company has agreed to pay one of its former employees $4.5 million to settle a lawsuit over serious injuries he received from a car crash.

 

Fresno ponders strategy to draw big, high-tech employers

The Business Journal

Fresno economic development officials have had a fruitful run of attracting major e-commerce distribution centers — Amazon, Ulta and Gap key among them, generating at least 4,500 jobs.

 

Labor pushes to protect California ruling that redefines who is an employee

Merced Sun-Star

Seeking to protect a legal victory they believe is the most important for California workers in a generation, organized labor and its allies on Monday will launch efforts to bolster a recent state court decision on independent contractors.

 

Where Population Growth Doesn't Equal Wage Growth

PEW Trusts

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Sun Belt cities have drawn flocks of new residents looking for warm weather, recreation and a low cost of living. But instead of creating widespread wealth, the influx has led to a proliferation of low-wage jobs in stores and restaurants that cater to tourists and retirees.

 

EDUCATION

 

K-12:

 

More California kids would attend preschool under push in Legislature

Merced Sun-Star

Democrats return to the California Capitol on Monday with their strongest political advantage in decades poised to fulfill a huge item on their list of pent-up demands: Vastly expanded access to preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.

See Also:

     Free preschool gains momentum with California lawmakers San Francisco Chronicle

 

Wildfires Present Challenges For Students, School Districts

Capital Public Radio

California wildfires have had a major impact on students and educators across the state. A CALmatters report found more than 1 million students missed time in the classroom, due either to evacuations or the impacts of the smoke which covered much of the state.

See Also:

     Weeks after fire destroyed Paradise, children happily return to school Fresno Bee

     Students hit by Camp Fire go back to school abc30

     Children Return To School Three Weeks After Camp Fire Capital Public Radio

     Thousands of students return to school in Butte County after Camp Fire Chico Enterprise Record

      Camp Fire: 28,000 Butte County students return to school weeks after tragedy San Francisco Chronicle

      Tears, hugs mark reunion of Paradise students and teachers EdSource

 

Higher Ed:

 

Apply for 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.

 

Abortion pill mandate at California universities returns after veto by Jerry Brown

Fresno Bee

California State Sen. Connie Leyva has re-introduced a bill that would require state public university health centers to provide abortion pills. The bill was approved in the last legislative session, but vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

 

Faulty payroll system leaves hundreds of University of California employees without checks

Sacramento Bee

Hundreds of University of California employees, including graduate and undergraduate students, have reported either missed or miscalculated paychecks since UC rolled out a new payroll system earlier this year.

 

UC Berkeley reaches settlement with College Republicans in discrimination suit

San Jose Mercury News

Under the terms of the settlement, the school will pay Young America’s Foundation $70,000 in attorney’s fees and consider changing its major events policy.

 

Higher Education Priorities

Public Policy Institute of California

Last week in Sacramento, PPIC researcher Lunna Lopes outlined key findings from the latest PPIC Statewide Survey, which focuses on higher education. The following day in San Francisco, PPIC president Mark Baldassare and Monica Lozano, president of the College Futures Foundation, talked about the survey’s implications for governor-elect Gavin Newsom.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

 

Environment:

National Assessment of Climate Change: Part I

Madera Tribune

The Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) was released by the government last week, specifically at 2 p.m. EST on Black Friday. It was then revealed in Monday’s newspapers and on broadcasts and telecasts.

See also:

       Leaders stress need to win support for climate measures Sacramento Bee

       ‘Just a lot of alarmism’: Trump’s skepticism of climate science is echoed across GOP Washington Post

       Trump's pick for EPA already rolling back climate change protections CNNPolitics

       Climate change is ‘most important issue we face,’ UN chief says PBS NewsHour

 

California needs one single-use plastic law to rule them all

Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to give its final blessing this week to a sweeping ordinance that will prohibit some 1,300 restaurants and other food vendors in the unincorporated portions of the county from automatically handing out plastic straws or coffee stirrers with to-go beverages.

 

Fur sales could be coming to an end in California

Fresno Bee

Assemblywoman Laura Friedman on Dec. 3, 2018, introduced legislation to ban the sale of new fur clothing and accessories in California. San Francisco has already prohibited fur sales and Los Angeles is headed there.

 

Energy:

 

Schwarzenegger would time travel to terminate fossil fuels

Sacramento Bee

Arnold Schwarzenegger says he wishes he could travel back in time like the cyborg he played in "The Terminator" so he could stop fossil fuels from being used.

 

In the Blink of an Eye, a Hunt for Oil Threatens Pristine Alaska

New York Times

For decades, opposition to drilling has left the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge off limits. Now the Trump administration is hurriedly clearing the way for oil exploration.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

 

Health:

 

It’s looking a lot like flu season could be heading to the Valley for the holidays

Fresno Bee

What would the holidays be without … influenza? It has been a relatively flu-free fall so far, but it’s beginning to look like flu season at hospitals in the central San Joaquin Valley.

 

Is wisdom tooth surgery getting teens hooked on opioids?

Fresno Bee

Wisdom tooth removal in teens often comes with prescription opioids. That increases the risk patients become addicted to painkillers, Stanford researchers’ new study in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine finds.

 

Human Services:

 

More undocumented immigrants in California would get health care under Democrats’ plan

Fresno Bee

Influential California Democratic lawmakers are re-introducing health care bills Monday to give immigrants without legal status access to Medi-Cal. Gavin Newsom campaigned on expanding access to health care.

 

Gavin Newsom will not fulfill his health care promise

San Francisco Chronicle

Candidate Gavin Newsom promised the people of California that he would get them universal health care. Gov. Gavin Newsom is not going to fulfill that promise. And that’s fine. He won’t be the first politician to make a commitment on the campaign trail that didn’t happen once he took office. He certainly won’t be the last

 

Without an Obamacare penalty, many are planning to drop health plans. The consequences could be dire

Los Angeles Times

Millions of people likely to dump their health insurance because of a provision in last year’s Republican tax bill that repeals the Obamacare tax penalty, starting in 2019, by zeroing out the fines.

 

Trump administration lets Medicare plans off the hook

Washington Post

The Trump administration is holding off on punishing Medicare Advantage plans for error-ridden doctor directories — further evidence the conservative-led Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is showing special favor to the alternative program over traditional Medicare offerings.

 

Federal Judge Voices Concerns About Justice Dept. Approval of CVS-Aetna Deal

Wall Street Journal

Judge says he’s considering ordering that merged assets be held separate for now.

 

The $21 trillion Pentagon accounting error that can’t pay for Medicare-for-all, explained

VOX

America can afford universal health care, but proponents still don’t have a specific plan.

 

IMMIGRATION

 

California lawmakers denounce Trump administration proposal to restrict green cards

Los Angeles Times

California lawmakers on Monday denounced a federal proposal that would restrict green cards for those likely to receive public assistance, calling it a “xenophobic,” “classist” and “racist” plan to target the state’s most vulnerable immigrant families.

 

Did California's Border Closure Cost $5.3M In Economic Loss? Are 'Billions' At Stake?

Capital Public Radio

During a recent visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, California’s Democratic Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom claimed the Trump administration’s temporary border closure last month cost $5.3​​ million in economic loss in the area and that future shutdowns could run into the billions of dollars.

 

Congress Poised To Punt On Government Spending Fight Over Border Wall

Capital Public Radio

After the death of former President George H.W. Bush top Hill leaders decided to prepare a two-week funding bill to postpone a fight over President Trump's demand for $5 billion for a border wall.

 

Openness to foreigners essential to U.S. identity, say most Americans

PEW Trusts

For a large majority of Americans, the country’s openness to people from around the world “is essential to who we are as a nation.”

 

LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

New Visalia tourism district puts its best foot forward

The Business Journal

A coalition of hoteliers and marketers has spent the last year promoting one message: Come to Visalia. Now, as 2019 approaches, this team hopes to see the fruit of its labors.

 

Community sponsors step up to preserve Amestoy's classic neon sign

Bakersfield Californian

A story published last month in The Californian appears to have inspired a number of people in the community to step forward in an effort to save a vintage neon sign in east Bakersfield and get it to its new home at the Kern County Museum.

 

Should Tejon Ranch project be approved? L.A. County to vote on building a new city where fire hazard is high

Los Angeles Times

A long-debated development in a remote, uninhabited part of Los Angeles County could be vulnerable to dangerous wildfires of the type California has seen in recent months, prompting concerns about the safety of building there.

 

Why rural America needs cities

Brookings

While there are real economic challenges confronting America’s small towns, many of which struggle to add jobs and retain population in today’s knowledge-driven economy, Nathan Arnosti and Amy Liu argue it would be a mistake to enact policy solutions to save rural America at the expense of cities.

 

Housing:

 

‘There are too many people’ – Modesto homeless camp nears tipping point

Modesto Bee

Has the Beard Brook Park homeless encampment reached a tipping point because too many people are jammed together in too little space?

 

Rental prices increases 2% over the last year in Fresno

abc30

Rent for apartments and other properties in Fresno has managed to remain flat over the past month.

 

Task force to take on gentrification in Fresno. But is it enough?

Fresno Bee

Fresno City Council on Thursday voted to create a task force that will monitor and try to avoid displacement in downtown neighborhoods after a earnest conversation about gentrification.

 

First payment on property taxes due

Bakersfield Californian

The first payment of Kern County residents’ property tax installments will become delinquent if not paid by 5 p.m., Monday. In order to avoid a 10 percent late penalty, property tax payments must be paid either online, in-person or postmarked before next week.

 

State senator wants to eliminate California Constitution obstacle to low-income housing

Los Angeles Times

Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) wants to eliminate Article 34 of the state Constitution, which requires a citywide public vote before new low-income housing projects that receive public funding are built. The provision was added to the Constitution through a ballot initiative in 1950, and Allen said it was a relic in need of repeal.

 

California legislator revives bill to boost apartment complexes near transit

Los Angeles Times

A California state senator has revived a major effort to boost homebuilding near transit, a proposal he says is necessary to address the state’s housing affordability and climate change challenges that have only deepened since his initial bill failed earlier this year.

 

San Diego County wants to build 10,000 new homes in fire-prone areas

San Diego Union-Tribune

The San Diego region has no shortage of homes next to fire-prone hillsides covered in highly flammable chaparral and grasslands. The undulating, arid topography has carried flames at mind-boggling speeds in some of the state’s most destructive blazes.

 

The best and worst metros for first-time homebuyers

AEI

AEI scholars Edward Pinto and Tobias Peter calculate the median home-price-to-income ratio for the 50 largest metropolitan areas.

 

PUBLIC FINANCES

 

First payment on property taxes due

Bakersfield Californian

The first payment of Kern County residents’ property tax installments will become delinquent if not paid by 5 p.m., Monday. In order to avoid a 10 percent late penalty, property tax payments must be paid either online, in-person or postmarked before next week.

 

Bakersfield sales tax passes in final vote update

Bakersfield Californian

In a shocking turn of events, the city of Bakersfield’s sales tax measure has gained enough votes to pass. In a 97-vote decision, yes votes edged out no votes by one-tenth of one percent.

 

Proposed ballot measure would cut California's inherited property tax breaks

Los Angeles Times

California law gives children who inherit their parents’ homes a tax break that keeps their property taxes low — even if the heirs don’t live there.

See Also:

     California homeowners get to pass low property taxes to their kids. It's proved highly profitable to an elite group Los Angeles Times

     She inherited a house, then adjustable rates kicked in San Francisco Chronicle

 

My turn: California must keep its promise to our public servants

CALmatters

Every year, about 25,000 California Public Employees’ Retirement System members retire. Their average monthly income in retirement will be $2,876. These professionals dedicated their careers to the public good. In return, they deserve the same commitment from California. That comes in the form of security in retirement.

 

EDITORIAL: The state’s smart move to help Californians save for retirement
Los Angeles Times

By the rest of the world’s standards, Americans aren’t very good at saving money, and especially not at saving for their dotage. That’s why we applaud California officials for launching a good but controversial program last week to help lower-income workers build individual retirement accounts.

 

States Rush to Collect Online Sales Tax

PEW Trusts

State and local governments, responding to a June U.S. Supreme Court decision, have begun to collect sales taxes from out-of-state retailers. But depending on tax systems already in place, the process will go much more smoothly in some states than in others.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

Valley drivers should use ‘extra care’ as more rain, snow to come, NWS advises

Fresno Bee

National Weather Service forecasters Saturday warned drivers to be extra careful during the coming days, as rains accompanied by fog are expected to continue in Fresno and the Valley, plus more snow in the mountain regions.

 

Tioga and Glacier Point roads close for season

Madera Tribune

The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in Yosemite National Park are closed for the winter season. There have been several storm systems that have moved through the park over the past two weeks.

 

Gas prices drop, Gasbuddy predict prices will continue to fall

abc30

We're seeing cheaper gas prices at the pump. According to Gasbuddy, prices in Fresno have fallen $0.10 per gallon in the past week - averaging $3.66 a gallon.

 

California lawmaker tries again to gradually ban gas cars

San Francisco Chronicle

After an unsuccessful  legislative effort  that would have eventually banned the sale of new gas-powered cars, a more modest proposal could move the state toward the same goal.

See also:

       Trump, Looking Beyond GM, Seeks to End All Electric Car Tax Credits, Kudlow Says  Wall Street Journal

       How To Cure The Range Anxiety Of Electric Cars  Forbes

 

Late Car Payment? A 'Kill Switch' Can Strand You

PEW Trusts

Rudimentary kill switches have long been sold to the public as anti-theft devices for less than $50 apiece. But many subprime auto lenders across the country are using more sophisticated versions to ensure that car buyers make their payments.

 

WATER

 

Huge Delta water deal backed by Dianne Feinstein, Jerry Brown, Kevin McCarthy

Fresno Bee

California’s most senior Democrat and most powerful Republican in Washington are teaming up to extend a federal law designed to delivermore Northern California water south, despite the objections of some of the state’s environmentalists.

 

Water Advice for Governor-Elect Newsom

PPIC

Each fall, the PPIC Water Policy Center hosts a public event to review water policy priorities for the coming year. This year’s panel discussionsfocused on ways the new administration can promote water policies and practices that benefit the state’s people, economy, and environment.

 

Droughts, Floods, Failing Dams: What Climate Change Means For Water In The U.S.

VPR

The fourth National Climate Assessment has a whole chapter on water, and one of its conclusions is that human-caused climate change is already affecting water quantity and quality in the U.S.

 

Finding New Uses for Fracking Waste Water

PEW Trusts

Fracking requires a huge amount of water, a major concern in dry Western states that otherwise welcome the practice. But New Mexico thinks it can mitigate that problem by pushing oil companies to treat and recycle fracking waste water for use in agriculture — or even as drinking water.

 

“Xtra”

 

Beating Boise State on the road, in the snow, for MW title. Biggest Bulldogs win ever?

Fresno Bee

Here’s why Fresno State’s 19-16 victory over Boise State for Mountain West Conference football championship is a landmark. The San Joaquin Valley has been waiting for this result for more than 20 years.

 

Smiles and cheer at the first of two walk-nights for Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane

Fresno Bee

Van Ness Blvd was closed to cars for the first of two walk-nights along the nearly 2-mile long Christmas Tree Lane Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 in Fresno. A second walk-night, and the last for this year, is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11.

 

Did you know Fresno makes local booze? Here’s where to get whiskey, vodka, more

Fresno Bee

While wineries and breweries have found a home in the Valley, the Fresno area, including Oakhurst, Atwater and Madera, CA, has a growing list of distillers making vodka, gin, bourbon, whiskey, vermouth and brandy.

 

Madera Sunrise Rotary Club sends books to the military

Madera Tribune

Madera Sunrise Rotary Club wants those serving in the military to know they are appreciated, according to Anita Damiano of the Sunrise Rotary Club.

 

Get ready for a busy Thursday in downtown Bakersfield

Bakersfield Californian

December in Bakersfield is always busy, but this Thursday evening, there's so much going on that those who want to avoid crowded roadways.

 

The nation's Christmas Tree? It's in California.

California Sun

The General Grant, a giant sequoia in Kings Canyon National Park, earned the designation in 1926. As the story goes, a little girl, beholding the natural wonder, exclaimed, "What a wonderful Christmas tree it would be!" Thinking it a fine idea, locals pitched the idea to President Calvin Coolidge, who proclaimed it so. Every December, a ceremony is held at the tree with carols and prayers.