POLICY & POLITICS
DEADLINE: FRIDAY DEC. 7TH - Scholarship Of Up To $6,000
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:
Modesto Irrigation District justifies power prices with new study
Modesto Bee
Modesto Irrigation District board members on Tuesday embraced an important new report justifying prices for both electricity and farm water.
DA Morse leaves office in a few weeks. Here’s where he’ll be working next
Merced Sun-Star
On the heels of an unsuccessful run for re-election in Merced County, outgoing District Attorney Larry Morse II has snagged a job with the California District Attorneys Association, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Central SJ Valley:
Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to hold town hall in Fresno on Friday
Fresno Bee
Incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom will hold a town hall meeting at the Teamsters Joint 431 Hall in Fresno on Friday. It is not yet known if it will be fully open to the public, as Newsom’s transition team will not be releasing official information until Thursday.
Janz will not run for vacant Fresno County supervisor seat
Fresno Bee
Andrew Janz, the Fresno Democrat who battled Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, to a close defeat in one of the nation’s highest-profile congressional races, announced Thursday that he will not run for a vacant seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
Valley Children's is one step closer to opening large Visalia clinic
Visalia Times Delta
Tulare County Supervisors voted to move forward with a proposed commercial center despite opposition from a Visalia councilman and an environmental group.
See also:
● Tulare County approves project with Valley Children’s center The Business Journal
EDITORIAL: Wage hike for Fresno council makes sense, but members should vote for it in public
Fresno Bee
On its face, a proposal to hike the yearly salary of every Fresno City Council member by $15,000 is enough to make any taxpayer go, “Whoa, wait a minute.” But there are some good reasons for that pay bump to happen when the council takes up the idea at its meeting Thursday.
South SJ Valley:
As Bakersfield is bolstered by Measure N, state could add to cash influx by bringing back urban renewal and affordable housing program
Bakersfield Californian
Measure N — the one percent sales tax increase — was a major win for city officials as well as those hoping to see improvements to Bakersfield’s quality of life.
Bakersfield Californian
A Kern County Grand Jury has given a water district on the eastern edge of the county 120 days to correct severe inadequacies in its business practices or it will be placed in receivership through the State Water Resources Control Board.
Kern leaders urged to build collaboration among local industry clusters
Bakersfield Californian
A Bay Area economic development strategist urged Kern business and political leaders Wednesday to promote collaboration among local industry clusters as a way of helping individual businesses and the region as a whole thrive amid changing times.
State:
Promised pension benefits in California can be cut, Jerry Brown’s attorneys argue
Fresno Bee
The California Supreme Court on Dec. 5, 2018 heard arguments in Cal Fire Local 2881 vs. CalPERS. The lawsuit tests the California Rule and Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2012 pension law.
See Also:
● California Justices Question Attorneys In Key Pension Case Capital Public Radio
● California Supreme Court considers major pension dispute Los Angeles Times
● California high court signals possible agreement with state on worker pension rollback San Francisco Chronicle
● Jerry Brown’s last stand on pension reform CALmatters
● High court may not go big on first pension case Calpensions
Democrats’ spending list needs to be ‘whittled down,’ Gavin Newsom says
Merced Sun-Star
California lawmakers had been in session for just 24 hours by midday Tuesday, and majority Democrats had already proposed tens of billions of dollars in new state spending. As Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom made the rounds at the Capitol, he had a message for them: No.
See also:
Walters: Legislature, Newsom have an ambitious agenda Sacramento Bee
Orange County might still be Reagan country
Sacramento Bee
The gasps of amazement were audible nationwide: Orange County, California, known as the heart of “Reagan Country,” a place that perpetuates hard-core, right-wing beliefs from behind the orange curtain, had turned blue in the midterm congressional elections.
See Also:
● As California’s final votes are counted, here’s how the midterms helped Democrats sweep Orange County Los Angeles Times
Early primary ratchets up the pressure
Capitol Weekly
Because it’s set an earlier date for primary election voting, California is now destined to play a more important role in 2020’s presidential campaigns. Candidates who ignore that new fact of political life will “get their asses kicked,” says one of the state’s top political consultants.
Fox: Initiative Response as Simple as ABC
Fox & Hounds
One can see the potential of initiative storm clouds gathering as the new legislature is sworn in and the agenda plans of what can be safely called one-party government begins to form.
Federal:
Kamala Harris Aide resigns after harassment, retaliation settlement surfaces
Fresno Bee
A longtime top staff member of U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris resigned Wednesday after The Sacramento Bee inquired about a $400,000 harassment and retaliation settlement resulting from his time working for Harris at the California Department of Justice.
Joe Biden for president? Thank U, next
Los Angeles Times
Earlier this week, Joe Biden told an audience at the University of Montana that he was “the most qualified person in the country to be president.” He wasn’t officially announcing his run — he’d decide over the holidays, he said — but one doesn’t generally say such things unless they’re running.
Zinke-Grijalva Feud Hints at Oversight Battle to Come
The Wall Street Journal
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s harsh attack last week on Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D., Ariz.) did not faze the likely next chairman of the Natural Resources committee.
AEI
In the December issue of AEI’s Political Report, we look at views about women in Congress, women’s views of Trump, female voters’ attitudes and demography, and views on prominent women including Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Melania Trump, and Michelle Obama. We also look at views of female and male justices on the Supreme Court.
Other:
Nation bids goodbye to Bush with high praise, cannons, humor
Fresno Bee
he nation bid goodbye to George H.W. Bush with high praise, cannon salutes and gentle humor Wednesday, celebrating the life of the Texan who embraced a lifetime of service in Washington and was the last president to fight for the U.S. in wartime.
See Also:
● U.S. Navy sailor from Fresno serves as pallbearer at President Bush’s funeral Fresno Bee
● Local American Legion Honor Guard reflects on saluting George H. Bush Fresno Bee
● Former federal judge recalls being appointed to position by President George H.W. Bush abc30
● President George HW Bush funeral, family and a look back at his life abc30
● Memories of Bush humor brought smiles to sorrowful farewell Merced Sun-Star
● Hanford Marine places wreath at Bush ceremony Hanford Sentinel
● Former President George H.W. Bush Honored As 'Great And Noble Man' In State Funeral Capital Public Radio
● Now it's Texas' time to bid farewell to George H.W. Bush Los Angeles Times
● Skelton: George H.W. Bush's least-discussed but longest-lasting legacy: The Americans with Disabilities Act Los Angeles Times
● George H.W. Bush remembered in state funeral as 'a 20th century founding father' Los Angeles Times
● A man of his times AEI
● Trump Didn’t Kill the Bush Values The Wall Street Journal
● Funeral Suggests It’s Possible to Unite The Wall Street Journal
● Bush’s Trade Legacy on the Line as Trump Attempts to Replace Nafta The Wall Street Journal
● Bush funeral: Trump sits with fellow presidents but still stands alone Washington Post
Exclusive: Clues in Marriott hack implicate China - sources
Reuters
Hackers behind a massive breach at hotel group Marriott International Inc (MAR.O) left clues suggesting they were working for a Chinese government intelligence gathering operation, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Facebook Used People’s Data to Favor Certain Partners and Punish Rivals, Documents Show
New York Times
Facebook used the mountains of data it collected on users to favor certain partners and punish rivals, giving companies such as Airbnb and Netflix special access to its platform while cutting off others that it perceived as threats.
The story of 2018, in two words: 'Toxic' and 'misinformation'
Los Angeles Times
At the end of each year, lexicographers take it upon themselves to sum up the zeitgeist of the previous 12 months in a single “word of the year.” For 2018, the editors at the Oxford English Dictionary and at Dictionary.com chose “toxic” and “misinformation,” respectively.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Fruit tree owners get free lesson in pruning
Bakersfield Californian
Even those with the greenest thumbs may need some guidance when it comes to pruning trees. The University of California Cooperative Extension office is here to help again with its annual fruit tree pruning demonstrations on Dec. 12 and 13.
More Raw Beef Recalled After Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak
KVPR
More than 2,500 tons of raw beef are being added to a recall in connection with a salmonella outbreak that federal officials say has sickened hundreds of people across 25 states.
EDITORIAL: How a new state law will help California's hungry
San Diego Union-Tribune
Hunger and homelessness are huge issues. But charitable groups that want to help out have been hampered by a state law that generally requires those handing out free food to get food-service permits as if they were restaurants or caterers.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
UPS offers options to avoid porch pirates this holiday shopping season
abc30
It's that time of year. Box after box is being delivered to homes as holiday shopping is in full swing. It's also when porch pirates are out looking for packages to steal.
Most illicit drug dealers, users have no clue that fentanyl is in their supply
San Francisco Chronicle
Fentanyl, a powerful drug responsible for killing more than 300 Californians in 2017, may have spiked in popularity because it’s cheaper to produce than heroin, not necessarily because drug users prefer it, according to a new UCSF report.
See also:
● Fentanyl and fatal overdoses AEI
Will the Senate Surrender on Criminal Justice?
The Wall Street Journal
Republicans like the reform bill less each time they see it. They should hold off on a vote this year.
Public Safety:
‘Desperate’ parents are strapping GPS ankle monitors on teens, company owner says
Fresno Bee
Tampa Bay Monitoring in Clearwater, Florida, offers parents sturdy GPS ankle monitors to put on their teens so they can track them. The service costs about $10 a day, and includes two-way communication and a piercing siren.
Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership wants to get bigger, better
Bakersfield Californian
The discussion was energized, the ideas careening across the squared circle of 30 participants, each intent on cutting the body count and reducing the incidence of violence in the world of criminal street gangs.
A Fresno Organization Moves Beyond Healthy Food and Safe Parks to Domestic Violence Prevention
VPR
A Fresno-based organization that helps Valley communities access healthy foods and safe places to exercise is spreading its reach to help prevent domestic violence among Latina immigrants.
How to improve California’s emergency alert system
Los Angeles Times
California’s alert system is, in reality, 58 county alert systems duct-taped together, with 58 different processes and capabilities.
UC study finds police foot patrols helped decrease larceny crimes
San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Police Department’s recent strategy to reassign dozens of officers to neighborhood foot beats has contributed to a significant decline in thefts and assaults, a new study released Wednesday found.
Fire:
Carr ‘firenado’ in Redding was just the second recorded event of its kind, scientists say
Fresno Bee
The fire tornado that accelerated the July Carr Fire in Redding was an extremely rare atmospheric event, scientists said.
See Also:
● 150 Minutes of Hell: Death and survival in California’s tornado of fire San Francisco Chronicle
‘Holding out hope for something.’ Camp Fire evacuees return to Paradise, sift through ruins
Sacramento Bee
Hundreds of residents made their way back into Paradise on Wednesday, the first time they were allowed into to the ruined town since the Camp Fire roared through on Nov. 8. They combed through ashes, searched for keepsakes and reflected on what they’d lost.
See Also:
● Many of the dead in Camp Fire were disabled. Could they have been saved? Sacramento Bee
● Residents Of Paradise Can Go Home After Camp Fire Leveled Town Capital Public Radio
● With 10 Names Left, Search For Camp Wildfire Missing Winds Down Capital Public Radio
● As Evacuation Orders Lift, Some Paradise Residents Return Home To Devastation Capital Public Radio
● Return to Paradise: 27 days after Camp Fire, residents allowed in to see the ruin San Francisco Chronicle
● Kaiser commits $1.65 million to aid recovery from recent California wildfires Sacramento Bee
● FEMA: $33 million approved for Camp Fire survivors in Butte County San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: An insurance company is the latest victim of the Camp Fire San Francisco Chronicle
Piece of PG&E transmission tower removed for Camp Fire probe
Mercury News
Cal Fire investigators removed a cross arm from the PG&E transmission tower that malfunctioned minutes before the Camp Fire ignited, an attorney said Wednesday, raising questions about whether the tower’s age may have caused the failure and possibly sparked the state’s deadliest and most destructive fire.
Most sweeping forestry changes are out of key bill, sources say
San Francisco Chronicle
A typically noncontroversial part of Congress’ must-pass farm bill has become a flash point in the aftermath of California wildfires that President Trump blamed on neglected forests, prompting House and Senate leadership to intervene in negotiations over how to regulate federally owned woodlands.
See also:
● Will More Permits To Chop Down Christmas Trees Help Thin California Forests And Prevent Wildfires? Capital Public Radio
Fire restrictions lifted by Bureau of Land Management
Bakersfield Californian
Fire restrictions will be lifted Friday for approximately 650,000 acres of land in multiple counties managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Los Angeles Times
California’s booming tech industry is legendary for pouring increasing wealth into the San Francisco Bay Area, but new government data suggest that a far more primitive force is now helping to shape income demographics in the region — wildfire.
The Bond That Could Be Wiped Out by California’s Wildfires
The Wall Street JOurnal
A $200 million security, designed specifically for fire, dives 95% as PG&E is probed over disaster cause.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Trump touts 'strong signals' from China day after stock market dive over trade woes
abc30
President Trump expressed his optimism that a deal with China could be reached to end the trade war -- a day after stock markets dove over trade woes.
See Also:
● Dow dives nearly 800 points on fears of economic slowdown abc30
● China promises swift action on trade, but mystery still surrounds the agreement between Trump and Xi Los Angeles Times
● Overseas stocks slide on uncertainty over U.S.-China trade truce Los Angeles Times
● Enjoy the Trump-Xi trade war truce while it lasts Brookings
● Dow extends deep losses, triggered by uncertainty on U.S.-China trade deal Washington Post
UCLA forecasters say the U.S. economy will downshift in 2019 and 2020
Los Angeles Times
The United States is “playing with fire” in launching a trade war with China and its economic growth will plummet over the next two years as the stimulus of tax cuts and spending increases wanes and interest rates rise, according to a new forecast from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
See Also:
● Tech wreck could slow California economy, report says San Francisco Chronicle
‘Money and Government’ Review: Please Don’t Call It Socialism
The Wall Street Journal
Must a market economy always be subject to “imperfections” and in need of guard rails ordered up by various institutions?
Jobs:
UPS to pull trigger on new Visalia hub, 600 jobs
The Business Journal
United Parcel Service (UPS) is moving forward on plans for its new Visalia distribution hub this month. Blueprints call for a 425,000 square foot facility expected to employ 600 people.
Hanford Tops "Brain Drain Index," But Some Say That's Not The Whole Story
VPR
Last month, business news company Bloomberg released its annual Brain Drain Index. It uses Census data to analyze which American cities are losing advanced degree holders, white-collar jobs, and STEM career opportunities. Topping that list this year is Hanford, California.
The best companies to work for in 2019, according to their employees
Los Angeles Times
Just one employer can lay claim to being in the top five every year on Glassdoor's annual ranking of the best places to work — and no, it's not Google. Or Facebook. Or Apple.
Manufacturing growth—in the Heartland and for America
Brookings
After General Motors announced plans to shutter plants and cut jobs last week, Robert Maxim and Mark Muro outline a serious manufacturing agenda for the new Congress that would invest in workers, boost productivity growth, and support the nation’s local manufacturing ecosystems—especially in the Heartland states.
EDUCATION
K-12:
My turn: We must build strong children
CALmatters
Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom has made early childhood development one of his signature issues. We at First 5 Los Angeles and First 5 organizations across California stand ready to help him turn that pledge into reality.
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.
Free college: CA assembly member calls for 2 years of free community college
abc30
A California assembly member introduced legislation Tuesday that would provide two years of free community college for students.
See also:
● Free community college could soon be a reality in California San Luis Obispo
For-profit college chain is suddenly closing campuses in Salida and elsewhere
Modesto Bee
Brightwood College in Salida is among more than 70 for-profit campuses whose closing was announced Wednesday by their parent company.
Abortion pills could be given out at UC, CSU universities in Orange County Register
Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino, re-introduces bill vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown but based on an idea supported by Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
‘We are in trouble.’ Global carbon emissions reached a record high in 2018.
Washington Post
As nations assemble in Poland for climate talks, the figures suggest there is no clear end in sight to the growth of humanity’s contribution to climate change.
See also:
● Global carbon emissions reach a new record high in 2018 Los Angeles Times
Target illegally dumped hazardous waste in California. Now, it has to pay $7.4 million
Fresno Bee
Target Corp. agreed to pay the state of California $7.4 million after the retailer was found to have illegally dumped hazardous and medical waste, as well as confidential medical records.
California faces recycling crisis after China tightens rules
abc30
There is a recycling crisis across the country and it's hitting California particularly hard. Recyclers are scrambling to find places to send all your sorted waste since China tightened rules earlier this year.
See Also:
● Carbon Dioxide Emissions Are Up Again. What Now, Climate? Capital Public Radio
● Fight against greenhouse gases stalls as emissions soar to new record San Francisco Chronicle
Energy:
California Energy Price Data for November 2018
California Center for Jobs and the Economy
Monthly updates from the most current November 2018 fuel price data (GasBuddy.com) and September 2018 electricity and natural gas price data (US Energy Information Agency).
California officially becomes first in nation mandating solar power for new homes
Orange County Register
‘Historic undertaking’ expected to boost number of rooftop solar panels across the Golden State.
Oil Drops on Lingering Doubts on OPEC+ Cuts Under Trump Pressure
Bloomberg
Crude Fades Amid Signals of Lackluster OPEC Deal to Cut Output.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
A New Wave Of Kids Is Coming Out As Transgender — And Doctors Are Trying To Keep Up
Capital Public Radio
A a growing number of transgender kids across California want to start transitioning in a more permanent way. That can mean puberty blockers, hormone shots and even surgery. But even with full parental support, they still have trouble accessing care.
Los Angeles Times
Whatever the incidence of female genital mutilation in the U.S, it is a heinous practice that should be outlawed by every state in the union.
Human Services:
Valley Children's is one step closer to opening large Visalia clinic
Visalia Times Delta
Tulare County Supervisors voted to move forward with a proposed commercial center despite opposition from a Visalia councilman and an environmental group.
See also:
● Tulare County approves project with Valley Children’s center The Business Journal
4,000 behavioral health workers will strike at Kaiser starting Monday
Modesto Bee
Roughly 4,000 behavioral health workers at Kaiser Permanente will walk out of their jobs Monday in a five-day statewide strike.
Study: Fresno leads the nation in doctor pay growth
The Business Journal
Fresno is experiencing a severe shortage of physicians, but doctors may have financial incentive for coming in and filling that need.
BPD and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital hope to learn from active shooter false alarm
Bakersfield Californian
It was the second report of an active shooter at a local hospital in the past four months.
See also:
● BPD: Man arrested in connection with two incidents falsely reporting an active shooter at Bakersfield hospitals Bakersfield Californian
Unsure About The Flu Shot? Learn About It Alongside FM89 Reporters
KVPR
Wherever you live in the Valley, whether it’s Hanford or Tehachapi or Merced, we all have to contend with the flu season. It’s already claimed one life in Kern County.
No Cash, No Organ Transplant: Patients Must Prove They Can Pay Enormous Bills
KQED
When Patrick Mannion heard about the Michigan woman denied a heart transplant because she couldn’t afford the anti-rejection drugs, he knew what she was up against.
Create an account and enroll through the Marketplace
HealthCare.gov
Reminder: Open enrollment goes until December 15. When you visit HealthCare.gov, you can create an account, apply for coverage, see if you qualify for assistance to reduce your monthly premiums, and enroll in a 2019 health plan.
New Rules Could Open More Homes to Foster Kids
PEW Trusts
Amid an opioid crisis that has increased the need for foster care, states are struggling to find enough foster families to take in kids. A shortage of affordable housing in many places is making the problem even worse.
‘Crowdsourcing for Health Care’ Raises Spirits — and Concerns
PEW Trusts
As many as a million Christian Americans are inspired by that biblical principle of mutual aid to help pay for one another’s medical bills. Participants in so-called health care share ministries, which are generally cheaper than regular insurance, make monthly contributions to help pay the health care bills of other members. In return, they receive help when they need it.
IMMIGRATION
Federal Immigration Proposal Could Have Widespread Impact
PPIC
A proposed Department of Homeland Security rule change could affect hundreds of thousands of Californian who are currently eligible for social safety net benefits.
Nonprofits struggle to house migrants in San Diego
San Diego Union-Tribune
The federal government is dropping off migrant families at Greyhound bus stations throughout San Diego and local humanitarian organizations don’t have enough space or resources to care for them.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Club One Casino in talks to buy spiral garage, part of former Gottschalks building
Fresno Bee
The Fresno City Council on Thursday will vote on a deal to sell the city’s iconic downtown spiral garage to Club One Casino. The deal, which also includes the city-owned portion of the former Gottschalks building, is for $1.7 million.
See Also:
● Club One Casino seeks new downtown home in old Gottschalks store abc30
Tulare County Supervisors approve Sequoia Gateway project near Visalia
abc30
Because they were so thorough, Tulare County Supervisor Pete Vander Poel says developers of the Sequoia Gateway Commerce Center made it easy for him to say yes to the project. He believes it will benefit the entire region, and diversify the area's economy.
Housing:
4th Annual Code Enforcement Symposium
San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative
Come and discuss successful rental housing inspection ordinances, explore updates and hot topics in community-led code enforcement.
How Northern California’s destructive wildfires could exacerbate the state’s housing crisis
Los Angeles Times
Northern California’s recent wildfires have burned homes at a greater pace than developers are building them, deepening a housing shortage that already has left millions struggling to find affordable places to live.
Should California subsidize housing with ‘rent stamps’?
San Francisco Chronicle
It’s time for the California Legislature to take a totally new approach to meeting the critical human need for shelter. The Legislature should consider approaches that neither impose the costs of this societal need on a subset of the real estate industry nor give its benefits randomly to those in need.
California officially becomes first in nation mandating solar power for new homes
Orange County Register
‘Historic undertaking’ expected to boost number of rooftop solar panels across the Golden State.
A gentler, still incredibly controversial housing bill is back—with a powerful new ally
CALmatters
Last year, one piece of housing legislation overshadowed all others. Senate Bill 827 by Sen. Scott Wiener, Democrat from San Francisco, would have allowed developers to build four- to eight-story apartment buildings next to public transit stops around the state.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Promised pension benefits in California can be cut, Jerry Brown’s attorneys argue
Fresno Bee
The California Supreme Court on Dec. 5, 2018 heard arguments in Cal Fire Local 2881 vs. CalPERS. The lawsuit tests the California Rule and Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2012 pension law.
See Also:
● California Justices Question Attorneys In Key Pension Case Capital Public Radio
● California Supreme Court considers major pension dispute Los Angeles Times
● California high court signals possible agreement with state on worker pension rollback San Francisco Chronicle
● Jerry Brown’s last stand on pension reform CALmatters
● High court may not go big on first pension case Calpensions
Democrats’ spending list needs to be ‘whittled down,’ Gavin Newsom says
Merced Sun-Star
California lawmakers had been in session for just 24 hours by midday Tuesday, and majority Democrats had already proposed tens of billions of dollars in new state spending. As Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom made the rounds at the Capitol, he had a message for them: No.
As Bakersfield is bolstered by Measure N, state could add to cash influx by bringing back urban renewal and affordable housing program
Bakersfield Californian
Measure N — the one percent sales tax increase — was a major win for city officials as well as those hoping to see improvements to Bakersfield’s quality of life.
Public-sector pensions assume record-high investment returns
AEI
Pension plans’ manipulation of actuarial assumptions to hide pension costs is a disservice to both government employees and the broader public.
EDITORIAL: A tax on California gun sales? It's worth considering
Los Angeles Times
The social costs of gun ownership in the U.S. have reached staggering levels, though given the lack of reliable data collection the public is left to sift through conflicting estimates of the numbers of firearms Americans actually own.
TRANSPORTATION
Report: Add $1.6 billion to high-speed rail in the Central Valley
Visalia Times Delta
Rushed construction and poor management have cost the California High-Speed Rail Authority $600 million in budget overruns, according to a recent report published by State Auditor Elaine Howle.
See also:
● Southern California politician wants constitutional amendment to kill high-speed rail Curbed San Francisco
● OPINION: Elias: Governor Brown’s mixed legacy San Diego Union-Tribune
● New Proposed California Initiative Seeks to End Bullet Train Project USA Herald
● OPINION: 2018: A year of progress and change for California’s high-speed rail project Global Railway Review
Safety systems running late as railroads request extensions
San Francisco Chronicle
A new system designed to make trains travel safer is being delayed again as railroads across the country ask for extensions of up to two years.
WATER
Modesto Irrigation District justifies power prices with new study
Modesto Bee
Modesto Irrigation District board members on Tuesday embraced an important new report justifying prices for both electricity and farm water.
Bakersfield Californian
A Kern County Grand Jury has given a water district on the eastern edge of the county 120 days to correct severe inadequacies in its business practices or it will be placed in receivership through the State Water Resources Control Board.
Satellite Images: Snow Returns to the Sierra After Slow Start
KQED
The snow season got off to a slow start, with the first storms not settling in until nearly Thanksgiving. Since then, accumulations have caught up and then some.
New water deal isn’t a political certainty
CALmatters
Water supply is clearly the most important long-term issue affecting California’s future. It’s also the most politically complicated.
“Xtra”
Brothers Derek and David Carr bringing third annual football talk to Valley Children’s
Fresno Bee
Brothers Derek and David Carr will be at Valley Children’s Hospital on March 2 for the third annual “Inside the Huddle.” The brothers talk football in front of an audience with proceeds benefiting the hospital.
These two dozen restaurants are expected to open in 2019. Here’s what we know about them
Fresno Bee
About two dozen new restaurants and breweries are expected to open in 2019. They include Ampersand, new restaurants at River Park, Teazer, Mad Duck and more.
Shelter adoption fees halved for holidays
Madera Tribune
Adoption fees have been reduced by half at the Madera County animal shelter in an effort to get all the animals a new home for the holidays.
Gotta get downtown on Friday, Saturday for special events
Bakersfield Californian
Talk about a coincidence: You're more likely to experience two full moons in a month (or a blue moon) than a First Friday and Second Saturday in the same week. But here we are in December with two days packed with activities downtown.
Arts Council of Kern reception to highlight local female artists
Bakersfield Californian
Before you settle in for the Christmas Parade downtown, swing by the Arts Council of Kern's Access Center Gallery for a new show.
"So Many Cultures" Come To Fresno With "The Lion King" Tour
KVPR
Last week, for the first time, downtown Fresno’s Saroyan Theater transformed into the Pridelands, complete with larger than life giraffes, and an iconic warthog-meerkat duo. Actors Martina Sykes and Gerald Ramsey, who play Shenzi and Mufasa, came to the station to talk about the show and how they take a well-known animated film and translate its music and themes to the stage.
Why Do Americans Still Love It's a Wonderful Life?
Zocalo Public Square
The 1946 Classic Shines a Transcendent Light on the Lives of the Weary and Disillusioned