POLICY & POLITICS
DEADLINE: TODAY - 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:
Stanislaus County Supervisor Kristin Olsen enters plea, sentenced in DUI case
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County Supervisor Kristin Olsen pleaded no contest Wednesday to a charge of driving while intoxicated. Olsen, a former state Assemblywoman, entered the plea to the misdemeanor charge in Sacramento Superior Court.
SJ County finalizes election results
Stockton Record
One month later, the 2018 election is officially over in California and San Joaquin County. The San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters beat the state deadline and certified its results early Thursday afternoon.
Central SJ Valley:
Welcome back to Fresno, Gov.-elect Newsom. Didn’t expect to see you so soon
Fresno Bee
Thought we had seen the last of Gavin Newsom around these parts. Newsom hasn’t even been sworn in and he’s already coming to Fresno for a town-hall meeting, a tour of high-speed rail construction and series of tete-a-tetes with local legislators and VIPs.
See Also:
● Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to hold town hall in Fresno on Friday Fresno Bee
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.
With no public resistance, Fresno City Council ups members’ pay
Fresno Bee
Fresno City Council voted on Thursday to give council members who begin new terms in 2019 a raise, increasing pay from $65,000 to $80,000.
Stay-at-home mother felt bullied and humiliated in front of judge during jury selection
Fresno Bee
Christa Pehl Evans talks about being questioned during jury duty selection at the Fresno Superior Courthouse last month leaving her feeling humiliated by Judge James Petrucelli, who she alleges had disdain for her job as a stay-at-home mom.
Latino philanthropists issue $150K in local grants; pledge $1M more
The Business Journal
The Latino Community Foundation has announced $150,000 in grants to local nonprofits as well as a $1 million commitment for 2019.
South SJ Valley:
McCarthy announces $17.5 million federal grant for Highway 46 widening in Lost Hills
Bakersfield Californian
A $17.5 million federal grant has been approved for widening a final segment of Highway 46 from two to four lanes, Rep. Kevin McCarthy announced Thursday.
Valadao concedes defeat to T.J. Cox
abc30
Republican Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) conceded to Democrat T. J. Cox on Thursday in the 21st Congressional District race.
See Also:
● Rep. David Valadao concedes, down by over 800 votes Hanford Sentinel
● David Valadao concedes to TJ Cox in California 21st Congressional District race Bakersfield Californian
● CA Democrats complete sweep of targeted GOP House seats as Valadao concedes San Francisco Chronicle
● David Valadao Concedes House Race in Another Setback for California Republicans New York Times
Representatives sworn in this week
Hanford Sentinel
Monday, representatives for State Assembly and Senate were sworn in at the capital, including reelected Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) and newly-elected state Senator Melissa Hurtado.
State:
Gavin Newsom has to staff up his administration fast. Here are the key jobs to watch
Los Angeles Times
Californians made their choice in November, electing Gavin Newsom their next governor. Now, Newsom faces some crucial choices of his own — who will serve in his administration. There won’t be much time to waste.
See also:
● Capitol insider, civil rights lawyer get top Newsom jobs AP
California dream now requires heavenly assistance
San Francisco Chronicle
Attaining the California dream now requires angels. Only those with access to these heavenly beings — parents, grandparents and other relations willing to underwrite their future — can realize all that our state purports to offer.
Sacramento Bee files complaint over Motor Voter records
Sacramento Bee
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla is refusing to turn over public documents that could shed light on problems with the state’s Motor Voter program, which launched earlier this year to automatically register people to vote when they visit the Department of Motor Vehicles.
My turn: Newsom must prepare for the worst. Here’s a roadmap
CALmatters
Like every California governor, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom risks natural disaster on his watch. But Newsom’s risk is worse because his term overlaps with the highest atmospheric carbon dioxide levels of the last 800,000 years—and that level is increasing.
State GOP chairman warns California is ‘canary in the coal mine’ for national party
Politico
The outgoing chair of the California GOP — the nation’s largest state Republican Party — has issued a dire warning that his state represents “the canary in the coal mine” for the party‘s national fortunes unless it confronts demographic shifts that have already turned California into a majority-minority state.
See also:
● ‘There Isn’t Hope for Us’: Once Dominant, California Republicans Are on the Ropes New York Times
● Diagnosing California’s G.O.P. New York Times
Federal:
House Democrats seek voting rights fixes. Senate GOP says it’s already dead
Fresno Bee
House Democrats want to revise the Voting Rights Act, but disagreements on a timeline, and certain obstacles in the Republican-controlled Senate, stand in the way.
‘Nope.’ Kamala Harris denies knowing of allegations, settlement involving longtime aide
Sacramento Bee
Sen. Kamala Harris said Thursday that she did not know about the allegations of harassment made against one of her longtime staff members, who resigned Wednesday afterThe Sacramento Bee inquired about a $400,000 harassment and retaliation settlement resulting from his time working for Harris at the California Department of Justice.
See Also:
● Senior aide to Sen. Kamala Harris resigns over reports of gender harassment and discrimination settlement Los Angeles Times
● Kamala Harris aide resigns after sexual harassment settlement surfaces San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: At minimum, Harris should’ve known key staff member was accused of harassment Sacramento Bee
Shutdown looms as Nancy Pelosi rejects Trump's demand for border wall
abc30
As Democrats wait to take over the majority next year, House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi says that lawmakers should punt a debate over the president's demand for a border wall to next fall in order to avert a partial government shutdown later this month.
See Also:
● Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress Los Angeles Times
● Congress Passes Two-Week Funding Extension to Avert Shutdown Roll Call
● What’s a Continuing Resolution? Decoding This Jargon As Congress Averts a Shutdown Roll Call
William Barr emerges as Trump’s leading attorney general candidate
Los Angeles Times
President Trump is close to nominating William Barr, who served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, to permanently succeed Jeff Sessions as head of the Justice Department, according to people close to the process.
See also:
● The red flags on Trump’s new attorney general pick, William Barr Washington Post
Los Angeles Times
The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year.
See also:
● Senate confirms Kathy Kraninger as head of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; she is expected to curtail agency's powers Washington Post
Tucker Carlson says Trump is ‘not capable’ and hasn’t kept his promises
Washington Post
In an interview with a Swiss weekly, Tucker Carlson said Trump has failed to deliver on his goals and that the Republican Party "will die" without changes.
EDITORIAL: Despite Trumpism, multilateralism remains crucial to global peace and stability
Los Angeles Times
Within a span of a quarter-century, ancient rivalries and simmering tensions propelled the major nations of Europe into two devastating wars that eventually embroiled so many states that they became known as the first “world wars.”
Other:
Pres. George HW Bush buried at presidential library
abc30
George H.W. Bush, who shaped history as 41st president and patriarch of a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years, was laid to rest Thursday in College Station, alongside wife Barbara and daughter Robin.
See Also:
● President George H.W. Bush's custom-made train finishes its journey to final resting place abc30
● Thousands salute Bush funeral train 4141 on final Texas ride Bakersfield Californian
Native Americans On Tribal Land Are 'The Least Connected' To High-Speed Internet
Capital Public Radio
New Census Bureau estimates underscore the digital divide facing Native Americans living on reservations or other American Indian land in the U.S.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Cannabis company contacts city
Hanford Sentinel
The Hanford City Council met Tuesday night and it seems cannabis will be a reemerging issue in the coming New Year.
How the nutrition facts label is changing
Sacramento Bee
The Food and Drug Administration explains the updated nutrition facts label. The new serving size is based on the amount most people actually eat and drink today.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Tulare County students threaten 'Columbine-style' attack at school
Visalia Times Delta
Two students are facing serious criminal charges after Tulare County sheriff's deputiessaid the teenagers threatened a school shooting.
Supreme Court likely to keep rule that allowed separate state and federal trials in
Los Angeles Times
The Supreme Court justices sounded unwilling on Thursday to overturn a long-standing precedent that allows a state and the federal government to prosecute a person for the same crime — despite the Constitution’s ban on "double jeopardy.”
See also:
Supreme Court Wary of Double Jeopardy Claim Wall Street Journal
Public Safety:
Most companies won’t send an email out of the blue. But scammers will. Beware of phishing
Fresno Bee
Blair Looney of Better Business Bureau writes a weekly column addressing consumer concerns. This week: Tip on being careful about falling prey to phishing.
Fire:
FEMA mishandled contracts for California wildfire victims, audit says
Fresno Bee
The federal government is still mishandling the use of contracts with private companies during disasters such as California’s wildfires and hurricanes, according to a report published Thursday by the Government Accountability Office.
See Also:
● FEMA: $33 million approved for Camp Fire survivors San Francisco Chronicle
Golden 1 concert for California wildfire victims tops Newsom’s inauguration schedule
Fresno Bee
Incoming California Gov. Gavin Newsom will honor the victims of California wildfires on the night before his inauguration with a concert fundraiser.
State Launches Biggest Wildfire Cleanup Job in History … Again
KQED
This week, hazmat teams began the first phase of cleanup following the destructive Camp Fire — removing hazardous waste like asbestos and propane tanks from burn areas in Butte County. Officials say this step will take about four months to fully complete.
Number of missing persons in Camp Fire dwindles as list drops to six
Sacramento Bee
The list of missing in the Camp Fire continues to dwindle as it dropped to six Thursday while the death count of 85 stood.
See Also:
● Camp Fire: One more victim identified by Butte County officials San Francisco Chronicle
● 27 days after Camp Fire, residents allowed in to see the ruin San Francisco Chronicle
● Wildfire Victims Turn To California Department Of Insurance For Hel Capital Public Radio
Feinstein: ‘We won’t get $9 billion’ for wildfire recovery
Politico
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) expects California will receive less than the $9 billion she requested from congressional leaders to help with recovery from the deadliest and most destructive wildfire her state has ever experienced.
New Study Explains Creation Of Carr Fire's Deadly 'Firenado'
Capital Public Radio
A rare fire tornado that raged during this summer's deadly Carr Fire near Redding was created by a combination of scorching weather, erratic winds and an ice-topped cloud that towered miles into the atmosphere, according to a new study.
After deadly wildfires, regulators weigh new rules for PG&E power shutoffs
San Francisco Chronicle
Regulators are considering new rules governing how and when utilities shut off power as an attempt to prevent equipment from sparking wildfires.
See also:
● Federal judge asks California attorney general if PG&E committed state crime San Francisco Chronicle
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 due to reduced fire conditions.
See also:
● Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree To Help Prevent Wildfires Capital Public Radio
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Dow ends flat, paring early losses after Chinese tech exec's arrest
abc30
Traders worried about the possibility of a trade deal after a Chinese tech mogul was arrested in Canada.
See Also:
● John Bolton: U.S. Won't 'Turn A Blind Eye' To China's Trade Practices Capital Public Radio
● Stocks dive, then claw most of their way back Los Angeles Times
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.
‘Unqualified’ and ‘dangerous’ Trump appointee set to take over consumer agency
Los Angeles Times
If all goes according to Republican plan, this is the week a person with no experience in consumer protection will take over the consumer watchdog agency that the party has been steadily weakening to the point of irrelevancy.
California Trade Report for October 2018
California Center for Jobs & the Economy
Below are highlights from the recently released trade data from the US Census Bureau and US Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How the Great Recession hurt the middle class—twice
Brookings
Brad Hershbein discusses the disproportionately harmful effects that the Great Recession had on middle-income wage growth and on certain parts of the United States, leaving middle-class families in these areas struggling doubly to recover.
Jobs:
Valley company to pay $1.75M after denying help to pregnant, disabled staff, lawsuit says
Fresno Bee
The Family HealthCare Network, located in Visalia, CA, settled a lawsuit Thursday, after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleged discrimination against pregnant and disabled employees.
Fox: The Supreme Court’s Chance to Reform the “California Rule”
Fox & Hounds
If only all workers enjoyed a form of the “California Rule”—that is that a worker’s retirement rights or even work positions or salaries remain in place despite changing financial circumstances surrounding their employment situation.
Wall Street Journal
Investors worry about the future while the latest NFIB employment survey shows a healthy present.
U.S. economy adds 155,000 jobs in November, below expectations. Unemployment rate was 3.7 percent.
Washington Post
The U.S. economy added 155,000 jobs in November, missing expectations for more robust growth, and the unemployment rate stayed at a 49-year low of 3.7 percent, federal economists reported Friday.
STEM careers: Why soft skills matter
AEI
Even after decades of investments, employers still say workers don't have the skills they need. STEM degrees can only carry American workers so far if they lack soft skills such as communication and empathy.
EDUCATION
California Is 1 Of Only 8 States Without A System To Track Students from Pre-K To The Workforce
Capital Public Radio
California Governor-elect Gavin Newsom praised his “cradle-to-career” education plan throughout his campaign. One of his goals is to establish a data system that tracks kids from early childhood through college and into the workforce.
K-12:
Teacher who cut student’s hair while singing anthem ‘will not return to her classroom’
Fresno Bee
A teacher at a charter school in Visalia arrested for apparently brandishing scissors as students fled won’t be coming back to her classroom, the Tulare County Office of Education said Thursday.
See Also:
● Visalia teacher arrested for forcibly cutting kid's hair in class abc30
● Husband of teacher who cut student's hair says he's shocked, confused abc30
● Visalia students react: 'This is not the Miss G. we know and love' Visalia Times Delta
Autistic student dead after being restrained at school; state suspends certification
Modesto Bee
The California Department of Education has suspended the certification of a private El Dorado Hills school where an autistic teen stopped breathing last week after being restrained by staff. The 13-year-old student subsequently died.
See Also:
● 13-year-old autistic student dies after being restrained at school Los Angeles Times
The students were absent from school. So Merced County had their parents arrested
Modesto Bee
Three parents from Merced were arrested last week after their children missed too much school after Merced County school districts and the district attorney’s office conducted a sweep to combat the ongoing attendance issues at schools.
School facilities band together for Kern Education Pledge
Bakersfield Californian
K-12 and college facilities are banding together for a new initiative called Kern Education Pledge.
CALmatters
So many school districts are having such a hard time delivering the basics of an equal opportunity for an education that one in three statewide has been targeted for special assistance, according to a comprehensive state report card released by the California Department of Education Thursday.
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.
Sudden closure of for-profit colleges in Salida and beyond leave questions
Modesto Bee
Students at Brightwood College in Salida and more than 70 other for-profit campuses were left with questions Thursday about their sudden closures.
My turn: How Newsom could create a new golden era for higher education
CALmatters
Pat Brown was a true champion of higher education, but Jerry Brown has never made support for the University of California or the Cal State system a big part of his agenda.
Financing Higher Education Capital Projects
PPIC
California faces an increasing demand for affordable higher education and a need for adequate facilities suited to a rapidly evolving economy. PPIC estimates that by 2030 the supply of college graduates will fall 1.1 million short of workforce demand. All three public systems—UC, CSU, and CCC—are working to bridge that gap.
When $500 million career pathways’ grants ran dry, so did regional collaboration
EdSource
The Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown had great expectations for new regional compacts and levels of cooperation five years ago when they invested an unprecedented half-billion dollars in a new program, the California Career Pathways Trust.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Fight against greenhouse gases stalls as emissions soar
San Francisco Chronicle
Progress in the fight against global warming has taken a big step backward, according to research published Wednesday, which projects greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil fuels will hit a record high.
Energy:
Trump EPA proposes rolling back another Obama-era coal rule
Stockton Record
The EPA’s acting administrator signed a proposal that, if approved by the Trump administration after public review, would loosen an Obama-era rule that would have required cutting-edge carbon capture techniques for new coal plants.
See also:
● EPA announces plan to ease carbon emissions rule for new coal plants Washington Post
Trump Administration Aims to Boost Energy Production, Cut Protections for Sage Grouse
Capital Public Radio
The Interior Department is moving forward on revisions to Obama-era conservation plans for the greater sage grouse. The changes would ease restrictions on energy development.
U.S. becomes a net oil exporter for the first time in 75 years
Los Angeles Times
The United States turned into a net oil exporter last week, breaking 75 years of continued dependence on foreign oil and marking a pivotal — though likely brief — moment toward what President Trump has branded as "energy independence."
HEALTH/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.
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. And both were false. Bogus. Lies.
Growth in U.S. Health-Care Spending Slows
Wall Street Journal
Spending up 3.9% in 2017 versus 4.8% in 2016, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
IMMIGRATION
Valley immigration groups make last push against proposed Trump public charge rule
Fresno Bee
Some Valley immigrant rights organizations are making a last push this week to remind the public time’s running out to voice their opinion on a controversial Trump administrationproposal that would make it more difficult for people to obtain legal residency — if they are likely to receive government assistance.
Congressional reps urged to take action to protect migrants at U.S.-Mexico border
Fresno Bee
Faith and community leaders convened Thursday evening outside of Rep. Jim Costa’s office in Fresno, urging local congressional representatives to help protect migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Sheriff's Office to report on ICE access to Kern County individuals at TRUTH Act forum
Bakersfield Californian
On Tuesday, local advocacy groups and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office will reveal data about the local immigrant community at Kern County’s first Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act forum.
Trump’s asylum ban may violate international law, top UN official says
San Francisco Chronicle
As Justice Department lawyers urge a federal appeals court in San Francisco to reinstate President Trump’s ban on asylum for thousands of undocumented immigrants, the United Nations’ top refugee official has weighed in, telling a federal judge the restrictions appears to violate U.S. obligations under international law.
Impose Boundaries on Immigration Law
Wall Street Journal
Inconsistent rulings by circuit courts, especially the Ninth, have created chaos. Here’s a solution.
Migrant Family Separations Didn't End Despite Executive Order
AP
The Trump administration separated 81 migrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border since the June executive order that stopped the general practice amid a crackdown on illegal crossings, according to government data obtained by The Associated Press.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Fresno approves sale of spiral garage, former Gottschalks building to Club One Casino
Fresno Bee
The Fresno City Council on Thursday voted to sell the city’s spiral parking garage and city-owned portion of the former Gottschalks building to Club One Casino, which plans to renovate both facilities and relocate there.
Council rejects appeal of proposed cell tower
Stockton Record
A resident’s claim that a proposed cellphone tower would impact views and aesthetics was rejected by city leaders. The Stockton City Council on Tuesday voted 6-1 to deny the appeal of a use permit for a 75-foot cellphone tower located at 2050 W. Fremont St.
Housing:
California Lawmakers Propose Host of Bills to Help Low-Income Renters and the Homeless
KQED
Lawmakers in Sacramento kicked off the new legislative session this week with a handful of proposals to help low-income residents avoid homelessness, and help get the tens of thousands of Californians without shelter off the streets.
Contentious California Plan To Expand Housing Near Transit Gets New Life
Capital Public Radio
A bill designed to increase housing near transit stops in California died quickly last spring. Now, it's back in the fall with a new name and more support.
California Gives Final OK To Requiring Solar Panels On New Houses
Capital Public Radio
Single and small multi-family homes must include solar panels starting in 2020. Recent extreme weather events such as wildfires and drought make the need clear, a state official says.
See Also:
● California officially becomes first state to require solar panels on new homes Los Angeles Times
Millennials aren’t breaking traditions. They’re just broke.
Washington Post
Younger generations can’t kill industries they’ve been shut out of.
Risk is building in the housing market
AEI
A healthy economy and growing leverage will continue to support housing demand until it doesn’t.
EDITORIAL: Redevelopment was costly, wasteful — and sorely missed?
San Francisco Chronicle
As California policymakers have struggled to address the state’s housing void and its cruel consequences, many have loudly lamented Gov. Jerry Brown’s elimination of hundreds of local redevelopment agencies and, with them, their substantial contribution to affordable housing.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Workplace porn lawsuit costs Caltrans nearly $1.5 million
Sacramento Bee
Caltrans must pay almost $1.5 million to resolve a five-year-old lawsuit filed by a former state employee who alleged she experienced workplace retaliation after she complained about her colleagues sharing pornography at work.
Oil giant Koch Industries try to stop the attempt to expand the electric vehicle federal tax credit
Electrek
With a new Republican-backed effort to expand the electric vehicle federal tax credit, the Koch brothers are urging senators to vote against it – putting their political donation dollars at work.
TRANSPORTATION
Workplace porn lawsuit costs Caltrans nearly $1.5 million
Fresno Bee
A San Joaquin County judge on Dec. 6, 2018 directed Caltrans to pay $850,000 in legal fees to an attorney who filed a workplace discrimination case on behalf of an employee who found porn at work.
McCarthy announces $17.5 million federal grant for Highway 46 widening in Lost Hills
Bakersfield Californian
A $17.5 million federal grant has been approved for widening a final segment of Highway 46 from two to four lanes, Rep. Kevin McCarthy announced Thursday.
Trump fuel economy rollback is based on misleading and shoddy calculations, study finds
Los Angeles Times
The Trump administration’s proposal to roll back fuel economy standards relies on an error-ridden and misleading analysis that overestimates the costs and understates the benefits of tighter regulation, an independent study by leading economists, engineers and other experts has found.
'Dieselgate' money sparks a fight
CALmatters
Next week, the California Air Resources Board will vote on a plan to spend a $200 million chunk of that money on a network of EV charging stations, and the plan is being challenged by a dozen legislators and electric vehicle charging companies.
Scooters could improve mobility in low-income areas, but they have an image problem
Marketplace
Cities around the country are grappling with what transportation planners call "the last mile problem": how to get people who don’t drive from a transit stop to their final destination faster than walking. It’s an especially big issue in low-income neighborhoods where many people don’t own cars and transit service can be spotty.
Volvo Charges Up E-Garbage Trucks to Get Ahead of Tesla’s Rig
Bloomberg
In a few months time, Swedish truck-making giant Volvo ABwill deliver its first all-electric model. The battery-powered eight-wheeler will ply the streets of Germany’s northern port city of Hamburg, picking up garbage.
WATER
PPIC
Managing water remains one of the great challenges for California. Population growth, a shifting climate, and declining ecosystem health are putting pressure on the state’s water supply and flood management systems. New policies are needed to address these challenges.
No Longer a 'Boys Club': In the World of Water, Women Are Increasingly Claiming Center Stage
Water Education Foundation
In the world of water, 2018 could easily be called the "Year of the Woman," with noteworthy appointments of women to top leadership posts in California and at the national level. Women have had their hands in water issues for a long time, but their growing presence has been spotlighted by those key appointments and the understanding that in what’s traditionally been a male-dominated field, women are seizing the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and have their voices heard.
“Xtra”
Marine identified 77 years after Pearl Harbor attack to be buried beside parents in Madera
Fresno Bee
Nieces of Marine Jack Cremean held each other and cried as a plane containing the remains of their uncle approached Wednesday at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, 77 years after he was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
See Also:
● As legendary Pearl Harbor generation passes, should we, will we, remember? Bakersfield Californian
● Old friends share perspectives on Pearl Harbor, WWII, to Modesto’s ‘Silver Panthers’ Modesto Bee
Take me home! Dogs available for adoption
Bakersfield Californian
These four dogs at Kern County Animal Services are looking for their forever homes. Can you help?
Bakersfield Christmas Parade kicks off holiday season
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County residents came in droves to downtown Bakersfield Thursday evening to view the annual Christmas Parade.
The Best Fiction and Nonfiction of 2018
Wall Street Journal
The 10 books that defined our year.