February 19, 2020

19Feb

POLICY & POLITICS

 

California adopts first air pollution measures targeting local emissions in Central Valley

Fresno Bee

Anabel Marquez was on her way to church one day when she saw a group of people heading to a meeting. She asked what the meeting was about, and they said pesticides. She was intrigued. “Everything they said, I lived it,” Marquez said in Spanish.

 

$56,000 Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowships

Deadline Fast Approaching!  (Feb. 28)

The Maddy Institute

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. This program helps students obtain an advanced degree from a top graduate program, return home, and apply what they have learned to help make the Valley a better place.

 

North SJ Valley:

 

Warren, Bloomberg campaign spaces give volunteers bases in downtown Modesto

Modesto Bee

Presidential candidates are giving Modesto and Stanislaus County the kind of attention it rarely receives from them.

 

What does The Bee recommend in the March Primary? See our list here

Modesto Bee

In two weeks, voters will head to polls for the California March Primary. A majority of voters in Stanislaus County have received ballots in the mail and may already have voted.

See also:

     EDITORIAL: Endorsements 2020: San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 1 Stockton Record

     EDITORIAL: Endorsements 2020: Stockton City Council District 2 Stockton Record

 

Merced swears in new interim police chief

Merced Sun-Star

Former Merced County Sheriff Tom Cavallero was sworn in Tuesday as the city of Merced’s new interim police chief.

 

Central SJ Valley:

 

Millennials wield the most voting potential in Fresno County. But will they use it?

Fresno Bee

Young adults between the ages of 26 and 35 – often broadly referred to as the “millennial” generation – are the largest single group of voters by far in Fresno County.

 

Republicans hope Trump’s visit will drive ‘red wave’ in the Valley

Fresno Bee

President Donald Trump is visiting Bakersfield next week, and local Republicans hope he will sign a water bill and say a “red wave” is swelling in the state. Trump will stop in California and other Western states next week, a White House official confirmed Thursday.

 

What happened at Devin Nunes water forum with Interior Secretary? We can’t tell you. Here’s why

Fresno Bee

Nunes has routinely concealed his public schedules in California for the past several years and rescheduled fundraising events when logistical details have leaked. The water forum on Tuesday was not a private fundraiser.

See Also:

     Devin Nunes and others join to discuss water solutions for Central Valley abc30

 

South SJ Valley:

 

Trump's Bakersfield visit expected to center on increasing water deliveries from Northern California

Bakersfield Californian

The focus of President Donald Trump's visit to Bakersfield Wednesday is expected to be the finalization of controversial federal biological opinions that could lead to more water being diverted from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to farmers in the southern Central Valley and urban areas in Southern California.

See also:

       Trump delivers on pledge for wealthy California farmers ahead of Wednesday Bakersfield visit Visalia Times Delta

       Trump delivers on pledge for wealthy California farmers KCRA

 

Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders To 'Get Out The Early Vote' Friday In Bakersfield

VPR

After taking the lead in the New Hampshire Primary, Vermont Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will make his second campaign trip to the Central Valley, this time in an effort to ensure eligible citizens cast their ballots in California's March 3 primary.

See also:

     Bernie Sanders to hold rally Friday in Bakersfield Bakersfield Californian

     ROBERT PRICE: On 100th anniversary of suffrage, participation still an issue Bakersfield Californian

 

Cox, Valadao face business dealings questions

Visalia Times Delta

Two San Joaquin Valley candidates running for Congress are facing financial questions related to their past business dealings.

See also:

     U.S. Rep. Cox again dealing with IRS Porterville Recorder

 

Holly Blair found competent to stand trial

Hanford Sentinel

After receiving a certificate of competency from a state hospital, former Lemoore city councilmember Holly Blair will now be able to stand trial on several charges stemming from a June 5 arrest in Lemoore.

 

McFarland Planning Commission nixes ICE plans to open two immigrant detention centers

Bakersfield Californian

In a stunning turn of events, two proposals that would have led to the opening of two immigrant detention facilities in McFarland failed to pass the city's Planning Commission on Tuesday.

See Also:

     McFarland denies GEO Group's proposal to convert prisons into immigration detention centers Desert Sun

 

OUR VIEW: Endorsements: Vote March 3: It’s not just a ‘dress rehearsal’

Bakersfield Californian

For most incumbent state and federal candidates running in local “safe” races, the March 3 primary election may seem like an unimportant dress rehearsal for the November general election main event.

 

State:

 

Donald Trump threatened to cut federal spending in California. So why has it gone up?

Fresno Bee

Since President Donald Trump took office, California — the state he has threatened to “defund” — has ceased to become a “donor state” that pays more in taxes than it gets back in federal dollars. The big reason: A boom in federal spending in California.

 

California governor to address homelessness, mental health

Porterville Recorder

California's governor is expected to call for better mental health care to help the state's huge homeless population when he addresses one of the state's most pressing problems in his second State of the State speech.

See Also:

     Gov. Gavin Newsom to deliver State of the State address abc30

     Housing, Health Care, Homelessness: After A Year, Where Does Gov. Gavin Newsom Stand On His Key Promises For California? Capital Public Radio

 

Will ‘another cook in the kitchen’ help fix California’s homeless crisis? Newsom says yes

Los Angeles Times

At his annual State of the State address today, the governor may elaborate on a plan to carve the state into still-undecided regions to distribute homelessness funds.

See also:

       Opinion: So Trump wants to solve California’s homeless crisis? Here are five things he can do Los Angeles Times

       California Gov. Gavin Newsom on the homeless: 'We own this issue' The Hill

       Commentary: How to ease California housing crisis in four easy steps, and four more that are a little harder CalMatters

 

 

California Made It Easier For Voters To Switch Parties, But Retraining Election Staff Could Pose Challenges

Capital Public Radio

California voters can now change their party preference or update the address on their registration by filling out a short form at their county election office or voting location.

 

Nonprofit demands details on California insurance commissioner’s meetings with executives

Sacramento Bee

A California consumer advocacy group filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to force Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and his agency to hand over detailed calendar appointments with industry executives who contributed to his campaign.

 

California expected to apologize to Japanese Americans

San Francisco Chronicle

Nearly eight decades after the United States incarcerated more than 100,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, California lawmakers are expected to apologize for the Legislature’s role in discriminating against people of Japanese descent before and during the conflict.

 

The new thing for California politicians? Sweet charity

CalMatters

The California Legislature’s Latino Caucus recently circulated a memo offering a potential perk for members: A trip to Cuba to learn about “culture, history and possibly government structure and policy making.” The caucus’ nonprofit foundation, the memo said, would help pick up the tab.

 

Federal:

 

Trump’s California visit raises questions about Newsom’s water policy credibility

News Break

During President Trump’s visit to California this week, the commander in chief who campaigned on a pledge of shipping more water to Central Valley farms plans to stop in Bakersfield to boast about a promise kept.

See Also:

     What happened at Devin Nunes water forum with Interior Secretary? We can’t tell you. Here’s why Fresno Bee

     President Donald Trump visiting Bakersfield Wednesday abc30

     Trump’s ‘Big Voice’ in the Valley: Reelection, Water on Agenda GV Wire

     Bernhardt pitches new era of “common sense” on California’s water The Sun

     Trump's Bakersfield visit expected to center on increasing water deliveries from Northern California Bakersfield Californian

     Trump delivers on pledge for Valley farmers Visalia Times Delta

     Trump delivers on pledge for wealthy California farmers Hanford Sentinel

     On eve of Trump visit, critics ask why Newsom hasn’t fought president’s water moves San Francisco Chronicle

 

As Congress stalls on data privacy, Big Tech tangles with states

Roll Call

Top U.S. technology companies are shifting their focus to state capitals to shape emerging data privacy laws as progress on a federal bill has slowed. Trade groups representing consumer-oriented technology companies such as Amazon, Google and Facebook, as well as those working on behalf of business-oriented companies such as IBM, Intel, Microsoft and Oracle, have in recent weeks turned their attention to states.

 

When a majority is not enough to get a bill passed

Roll Call

Sometimes even popular bills just don’t move in Congress. Consider the legislation to get Medicare coverage for a condition called lymphedema, which causes fluid retention and swollen tissues when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked. It’s a common side effect for cancer patients — especially breast cancer survivors — whose lymph nodes are harmed or removed.

 

Elections 2020:

 

Everything you need to know about California’s 2020 primary election

Los Angeles Times

The California primary election is March 3. Here’s what you need to know.The deadline to register online or by mail is Feb. 18. Are you registered as a ‘no party preference’ voter? How do I vote by mail? Do you have more questions?

See also

       Walters: How’s the March 3 primary working out? CalMatters

 

Bernie Sanders stands alone at the top in California as Mike Bloomberg rises, new poll says

Fresno Bee

Bernie Sanders stands alone at the top of the pack in California, according to a new poll released Tuesday afternoon by the Public Policy Institute of California. Sanders holds his widest lead to date among the 2020 Democratic presidential field since PPIC began polling on the state of the race in California in July 2019.

See Also:

     Bernie Sanders to hold rally Friday in Bakersfield Bakersfield Californian

     Bernie Sanders stands alone at the top in California as Mike Bloomberg rises, new poll says Sacramento Bee

     Bernie Sanders takes wide lead in California primary, new poll finds Los Angeles Times

     Poll: Sanders Rises, But Socialism Isn't Popular With Most Americans Capital Public Radio

     Sanders takes wide lead in California primary, poll finds Los Angeles Times

     Bernie Sanders opens up big lead in California poll San Francisco Chronicle

     California primary preview: Nevada lining up behind Bernie Sanders San Francisco Chronicle

     Sanders Leads in California’s Democratic Presidential Primary PPIC

     Sanders Leads PPIC Survey; CA Dems Still Divided CalBuzz

     Sanders rises. So does Bloomberg CalMatters

     Sanders surges into national lead in new Post-ABC poll Washington Post

     Sanders surges to top of California polls Politico

     Commentary: Sanders Sets Higher Corporate Taxes Than Rivals: Campaign Update Bloomberg

 

Pete Buttigieg finds enthusiasm, skepticism in California campaign swing

San Francisco Chronicle

Looking to jump-start his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in a state where he has yet to break through, Pete Buttigieg rallied thousands Friday evening in California’s capital.

 

Democrats set for Nevada debate, first with Bloomberg

abc30

Mike Bloomberg will confront the greatest test of his presidential campaign when he faces five Democratic rivals in a debate in Las Vegas that could fundamentally change the direction of the party's 2020 nomination fight.

See Also:

     ’We can keep Donald Trump off balance’: Bloomberg adviser makes case for his candidate in California Sacramento Bee

     Nevada Debate Could Be A 'Make Or Break' For Bloomberg, Analysts Say Capital Public Radio

     In his debate debut, Bloomberg has some explaining to do Los Angeles Times

 

The Presidential Race Moves West

Capital Public Radio

Another week, another news cycle. With the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary in the rear view mirror, all eyes are now trained on the Nevada caucuses, the South Carolina primary and the more than a dozen primaries on Super Tuesday, March 3.

 

Here’s where the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates stand on key policy issues

Los Angeles Times

The Democrats vying to take on President Trump agree on many prescriptions for the country’s problems, including undoing many of Trump’s policies. But on a wide range of issues, their ideas diverge in ways large and small.

See also:

     Presidential candidates on housing CalMatters

 

Green New Deal divides 2020 Democrats. Here’s how they’d take on climate change, wildfire

Fresno Bee

California has seen devastating wildfires in the last few years, prompting many voters to place a greater priority on the environment. With the state’s March 3, 2020 primary approaching and ballots already being mailed out, Democratic candidates will have to offer their solutions to win over voters.

 

Why Trump’s outreach to black voters is raising ethical questions

PBS
President Trump is appealing to black voters ahead of November’s general election, touting his economic record and arguing Democrats haven’t delivered for African American communities.

See Also:

     Greeted in L.A. by jeers and cheers, Trump slams city leaders Los Angeles Times

 

Labor's civil war over 'Medicare for All' threatens its 2020 clout

Politico

"Medicare for All" is roiling labor unions across the country, threatening to divide a critical part of the Democratic base ahead of several major presidential primaries.

See Also:

     As Democrats debate, powerful labor union questions impact of Medicare for All Roll Call

 

Rural California's delegate gold mine suddenly matters in Democratic primary

Politico

Vast farm regions once considered California flyover country have suddenly become stopover country for presidential campaigns two weeks before Super Tuesday.

 

Other:

 

Bankruptcy court approves McClatchy’s mediation request, fueling hope of resolution

Modesto Bee

A federal bankruptcy judge on Tuesday ruled that McClatchy Co. can enter mediation with its creditors in two weeks, keeping alive hopes of a timely restructuring of the nation’s second-largest local media company while giving a key government agency time to look into a transaction it has questioned.

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

 

California Agriculture in 2050: Still Feeding People, Maybe Fewer Acres and Cows

PPIC
Water supply concerns, regulations, labor issues, tariffs, climate change, and other challenges have prompted some rather dire predictions about the future of California agriculture. We talked to 
Dan Sumner—director of the UC Davis Agricultural Issues Center and a member of the PPIC Water Policy Center research network—about his research on California agriculture in 2050.

 

Not Enough Juice: Trade, budget concerning to citrus

Porterville Recorder

California Citrus Mutual officials and those from other fresh produce industries were in Washington D.C. recently to express their concerns over such issues trade, the budget, and the workforce in the fresh produce industry.

 

Trump delivers on pledge for wealthy California farmers ahead of Wednesday Bakersfield visit

Visalia Times Delta

Hoisting the spoils of victories in California’s hard-fought water wars, President Donald Trump is directing more of the state’s precious water to wealthy farmers and other agriculture interests when he visits their Republican Central Valley stronghold Wednesday.

See also:

     Trump delivers on pledge for wealthy California farmers KCRA

As Warm Winters Mess With Nut Trees' Sex Lives, Farmers Help Them 'Netflix And Chill'

VPR
In love, timing is everything, the saying goes. The same is true for fruit and nut orchards in California's Central Valley, which depend on a synchronized springtime bloom for pollination. But as winters warm with climate change, that seasonal cycle is being thrown off.

 

California wine prices may drop to lowest in 20 years

KCRA
The price of wine is at an all-time low because of an abundance of grapes, according to a new report from the 
Silicon Valley Bank Financial Group. The State of U.S. Wine Industry 2020 report said wine prices could reach the lowest in 20 years. Some are calling it good news for wine drinkers.

 

Commentary: Unions Elbow Into Pot Industry With State-Backed ‘Peace’ Deals

Bloomberg

Unions are using an age-old technique to organize the lucrative and growing cannabis industry, and political leaders are pushing rules to give them a leg up. The potential for union expansion in the industry is huge. By some estimates, the industry will grow to $30 billion in sales by 2025.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

 

Is it ‘torture’? California inmate going to court over prison noise keeping him awake

Fresno Bee

Christopher Lipsey Jr. says he and hundreds of other prisoners have been subjected to virtual “torture” through the use of nightly welfare checks in the security housing unit, or SHU, conducted every half hour with pipe-like electronic devices that cause loud clanging noises and increase the possibility of suicide and mental degradation.

 

Analyst urges California to reject switch to short probation

Porterville Recorder

Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal to sharply reduce the time a convict is under supervised release could wind up sending more criminals to jail or prison, the reverse of what he intends, the nonpartisan legislative analyst said Tuesday.


California takes a first step toward improving its failing county jails

Sacramento Bee

California’s county jails would face greater scrutiny and potentially tougher consequences for poor conditions inside their cells under a series of proposed changes unveiled by a state oversight agency last week.

 

Public Safety:

 

Merced swears in new interim police chief

Merced Sun-Star

Former Merced County Sheriff Tom Cavallero was sworn in Tuesday as the city of Merced’s new interim police chief.

 

Clovis officers recognized for work in Fresno mass shooting case

abc30

Some of Clovis' police officers were recognized on Tuesday night for living up to the department's mission that "no crime is acceptable."

 

Fire:

 

Two firefighters killed during massive fire at Porterville library

Fresno Bee

One of the issues in trying to put out the fire: The two-story library was built in 1953 and didn’t have sprinklers inside.

See Also:

     Two firefighters killed in Porterville fire ID’d; 13-year-olds booked on manslaughter Fresno Bee

     Authorities provide updates on deadly Porterville library fire abc30

     Two dead in Porterville Library fire Visalia Times Delta

     Update: Two teens arrested in deadly Porterville Library fire Visalia Times Delta

     1 firefighter killed, 1 missing battling Porterville library fire Los Angeles Times

 

California bill bars insurers from declining fire coverage

Porterville Recorder

Amid mounting cries of California homeowners being denied wildfire insurance in high-risk areas, lawmakers want to require insurance companies to cover all existing homes, as long as they meet new safety standards.

See Also:

     California would force insurance companies to cover homes in wildfire zones under new bill Sacramento Bee

     Bill would force companies to keep insuring homeowners in wildfire zones. Will it work? Los Angeles Times

     Winter Is Wildfire Prep Season in California Wall Street Journal

 

PG&E banking on big profits after utility leaves bankruptcy

Porterville Recorder

Pacific Gas and Electric says it expects to become more profitable than ever after it emerges from bankruptcy and pays off more than $25 billion in losses sustained in catastrophic wildfires ignited by its outdated equipment.

See Also:

     PG&E reveals more about equipment near Camp Fire, Kincade Fire origins San Francisco Chronicle

     California wants to take over PG&E? Learn from Long Island’s mistake San Francisco Chronicle

     PG&E’s future CalMatters

     PG&E Reports $3.6 Billion Quarterly Loss as Wildfire Costs Mount Wall Street Journal

 

ECONOMY / JOBS

 

Economy:

 

US wholesale prices up 0.5% in January, most since late 2018

Fresno Bee

U.S. producer prices climbed last month at the fastest pace since October 2018 as higher prices for services more than offset a drop in the cost of energy.

 

Many low-income Californians don’t use credit cards. Should stores be required to accept cash?

Bakersfield Californian

A small, but growing number of businesses are no longer accepting cash. Owners say that accepting only credit cards, debit cards or digital wallets like Apple Pay is more efficient and lowers the risk of being robbed. Electronic forms of payments are gaining popularity with consumers.

 

Walters: Two crises should not be wasted

CalMatters

A crisis, it’s been said, is a terrible thing to waste. Stanford economist Paul Romer coined the phrase in 2004 in referring to the nation’s waning education levels and it’s since been adopted and adapted by others.

 

Jobs:

 

California corporations must add 1,000 women to their boards to meet gender quota law

Fresno Bee

California corporations collectively must add 1,000 women to their boards of directors by 2021 in order to be compliant with a new state law requiring more female representation, a new report says.

 

California corporations must add 1,000 women to their boards to meet gender quota law

Sacramento Bee

California corporations collectively must add 1,000 women to their boards of directors by 2021 in order to be compliant with a new state law requiring more female representation, a new report says.

 

Legal marijuana use still costs people jobs. A new California bill takes on the issue

Los Angeles Times

A spike in the number of job applicants disqualified by state agencies after failing tests for marijuana use has spawned calls for new legislation.

 

California Supreme Court Finds That Employers Must Pay Employees for Time Waiting in Security Check Lines

AALRR
On February 13, 2020, the California Supreme Court ruled that employers must pay employees for waiting in mandatory security check lines at the end of the employee’s shift according to the Court’s landmark decision in Frlekin v. Apple, Inc. (Case No. S243805).

 

California Supreme Court to Review Meal and Rest Period Premium Calculation Case

Ogletree Deakins

The Supreme Court of California recently agreed to review the California Court of Appeal’s decision in Ferra v. Loews Hollywood Hotel, LLC, 40 Cal. App. 5th 1239 (2019), as limited to the following question.

 

EDUCATION

 

K-12:

 

AmeriCorps is coming to Fresno County for the first time

Fresno Bee

For the first time, AmeriCorps will have an after school program in Fresno County because of the $13.1 million investment from California Volunteers.

 

Price tag for proposed new Visalia high school goes up

Visalia Times Delta

When Visalia voters passed the $105.3 million Measure A bond in 2018, Visalia Unified School District officials said that the state would split the $150 million cost of a new fifth high school 50-50. Those numbers have changed — a lot.

 

In the Studio: How Prop 13 Could Help Repair Aging Schools

VPR
The sole proposition before voters in March is Proposition 13, a $15 billion bond that would help to upgrade the state’s K-12 schools, colleges and universities.

See also:

     Clearing up confusion over Prop. 13 — and why CA voters should support it Modesto Bee

 

Food Fight: How 2 Trump Proposals Could Bite Into School Lunch

Capital Public Radio

The pending federal rule changes could push a million kids off free or reduced-price school meals, at least temporarily.

 

School Districts Grapple With Quarantines, Face Masks And Fear

California Healthline

In one school district, families are pulling their kids out of school. In others, students show up in face masks. Educators in one Southern California community agreed to suspend an exchange program to keep visiting Chinese students out of quarantine.

 

Highway Safety Groups Call for Action on Impaired School Bus Drivers

PEW
Two national highway safety groups are urging government officials to do more to prevent school bus drivers from getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Responding to a recent Stateline investigation, the National Safety Council and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety each are calling for changes that include beefing up oversight and putting alcohol detection systems in school buses.

 

Engaging that Arts in 2020’s Top Education Policy Priorities

EdNote

Last month, Education Commission of the States President Jeremy Anderson shared six trending education policy topics we will likely see in 2020. Arts education stakeholders and advocates may not be surprised to see that the arts were not listed among the top education issues — but don’t worry!

 

Why Charter Schoolers Are Feuding With Betsy DeVos

Forbes

Charter schools are having a rough stretch. They’ve been under attack from leading Democratic presidential candidates. House Democrats have sought to eliminate federal support for charter schools. Meanwhile, the Trump administration and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos have been seen as rock-solid allies.

 

Higher Ed:

 

Fresno State professor credits college with saving his life

abc30

A Fresno State professor is sharing his story on how he overcame all the odds and finished his education. He credits his college education with saving his life and is now paying it forward. Marcus Shaw said he never considered college as a kid.

 

UC Merced Professor Challenges Myths Around African-Americans and Swimming

VPR
The stereotype that black people do not swim is pervasive, despite the rich aquatic culture that enslaved West Africans brought to the colonies. FM89's Kathleen Schock spoke with UC​​ 
Merced history professor Kevin Dawson about that largely forgotten history, and the intersection of swimming, race and power in America.

 

Opinion: Dropping the SATs could make UC admissions more biased

Los Angeles Times

The University of California’s faculty leaders, after a yearlong review, have recommended keeping the SAT and ACT in UC admissions. Yes, there have long been concerns that test scores are influenced by family income, parents’ education and race.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

 

Environment:

 

California adopts first air pollution measures targeting local emissions in Central Valley

Fresno Bee

Anabel Marquez was on her way to church one day when she saw a group of people heading to a meeting. She asked what the meeting was about, and they said pesticides. She was intrigued. “Everything they said, I lived it,” Marquez said in Spanish.

 

Former PG&E lawyer named new regional EPA chief in California

Los Angeles Times

Days after the Environmental Protection Agency’s top official in California was abruptly removed, the agency announced Tuesday that it would replace him with John W. Busterud, a former lawyer for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., the state’s largest electric power provider.

 

Growing Bricks And More Ways To Shrink Concrete’s Carbon Footprint

Wall Street Journal

Cars. Airplanes. Power plants. Cows. These are among the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions that scientists say are warming the climate. Another culprit? Concrete.

 

Commentary: With Big Oil’s Future in Doubt, New BP Boss Sets His Vision

Bloomberg

Bernard Looney will outline his low-carbon ambition on Feb. 12. Company may set target for broadest category of emissions.

 

Energy:

 

California law requires rooftop solar on new homes. How the rule is already being tested

Sacramento Bee

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District and clean energy advocates will square off at the state Capitol Thursday in what is being billed as a fight over the future of solar energy in California.

 

What’s Next For The Energy Grid

Wall Street Journal

Today, the U.S. electric grid connects more than 9,000 electricity producers to millions of consumers through 6 million miles of transmission lines managed by more than 3,000 different private and public organizations. In the coming years, these numbers are set to expand, while the demand for renewable energy grows.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

 

Health:

 

Health watch: Saving hearts from birth

abc30

Camden Thuringe knows his mom and dad will always be there. He's been a regular of pediatric cardiologist Abhay Divekar since he was just hours old. "He was born, and he was really blue," says Jenny Thuringe, Camden's mother.

 

Kern County gets fourth flu death of the season

KGET
Kern County has seen another flu death this season, according to health officials. The Kern County Public Health Services Department said there are a total of four deaths for this season, the first of which was announced in December. This year’s total isn’t close to reaching the 27 deaths that occurred last season.

See Also:

     Fourth flu death confirmed in Kern County Bakersfield Californian

 

The Youngest Children Are Falling Out of Health Insurance

PEW
The first years of life play an outsize role in human health. They are foundational to the development of the brain and the cardiovascular, immune and metabolic systems. Early childhood is when medical interventions to correct problems in any of those areas are most likely to succeed.

 

CDC Issues Coronavirus Guidance

Ogletree Deakins

On February 7, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), February 2020. The interim guidance contains numerous recommendations employers may wish to consider as questions relating to the coronavirus 2019-nCoV arise.

See Also:

     Federal OSHA Releases Guidance on 2019 Novel Coronavirus for Employers Ogletree Deakins

 

Trump’s Good Idea: Get Drug Regulators Out Of Vaping

Forbes

“I should never have done that f- - -ing vaping thing,” President Trump said in January on a phone call with Health and Human Services, HHS, Secretary Alex Azar. Mr. Trump was likely referring to having publicly pushed for a ban on flavored electronic cigarettes, rather than leaving the matter to the Food and Drug Administration, FDA.

See Also:

     Efforts to Combat E-Cigarette Misuse Could Backfire RealClear Health

 

Human Services:

 

Following gain, California to reopen health coverage signups

Hanford Sentinel

More than 1.5 million people in California have purchased health insurance through a taxpayer funded marketplace, state officials announced Tuesday, the first increase in enrollment after three years of decline.

See Also:

     Surge In Covered California Enrollment As Californians Avoid Penalty, Receive State Aid Capital Public Radio

     California loosens its individual mandate for health insurance Los Angeles Times

     New penalty, extended deadline drive increase in California health insurance sign-ups Sacramento Bee

     Covered California enrollment holds steady amid Obamacare decline San Francisco Chronicle

     California loosens its individual mandate for health insurance Tech Investor News

 

National study gives Tulare County hospitals low ratings for healthcare

Visalia Times Delta

The latest national quality study by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) gave Tulare County hospitals mediocre or poor grades. Porterville's Sierra View Medical Center received a one-star rating, the lowest grade CMS gives. Kaweah Delta Medical Center received two stars.

 

States Adopt ‘Bring Baby to Work’ Plans But Lag on Paid Leave

PEW
Courtney O’Brien’s tiny office at the Vermont Department of Transportation building a few miles from the state capital city of Montpelier looks like a mashup between a nursery and a workspace. That’s because it is.

 

Opinion: The global gag rule on abortion and reproductive health care must be repealed

Sacramento Bee

This month marks three years since President Donald Trump reinstated and expanded the Global Gag Rule, jeopardizing life-saving global health programs and making it even harder for people in developing countries to access crucial reproductive health care – care that we know saves lives.

 

IMMIGRATION

 

McFarland Planning Commission nixes ICE plans to open two immigrant detention centers

Bakersfield Californian

In a stunning turn of events, two proposals that would have led to the opening of two immigrant detention facilities in McFarland failed to pass the city's Planning Commission on Tuesday.

See Also:

     McFarland denies GEO Group's proposal to convert prisons into immigration detention centers Desert Sun

 

9 Ways Trump Has Overhauled Immigration to the US

KQED
During President Trump's first term, the transformation of federal immigration policy has been far-reaching and so broad that experts say the effects could last for years — even if he isn't reelected. Here are nine ways he has overhauled immigration in the U.S.

 

LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

Public hearing on proposed new hotel, Rescue mission also on City Council agenda

Porterville Recorder

A public hearing will be held tonight at the Porterville City Council meeting on a Conditional Use Permit for a new hotel in Porterville. The Council will open a public hearing during tonight’s meeting to discuss a CUP for the Porterville Inn.

 

COMMUNITY VOICES: Is an executive order to impose classical style architecture for federal buildings coming?

Bakersfield Californian

Classical architecture can be an excellent expression of space and volume in its place but the administration’s proposal to make classicism the preferred style for federal buildings is, at the very least, offensive. The idea that “Making Federal Buildings Beautiful Again" expresses the notion that recent federal architecture isn’t beautiful.

 

Housing:

 

US home construction dips 3.6% in January

Fresno Bee

Construction of new homes edged back slightly in January after a December surge that had pushed home construction to the highest level in 13 years.

 

Emergency winter shelter offers homeless help to improve their lives

Stockton Record

The building is plain inside and out. But since mid-December, a nondescript portable on the campus of the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless has been a place where homeless men have found refuge from the cold and rain, and bunked down for the night.

 

Affordable housing complex opens in Goshen

Visalia Times Delta

Sixty-six families moved into new, affordable homes in Goshen last month. Self-Help Enterprises, its partners and community members gathered Friday at the new apartment complex, Sequoia Commons, for a ceremonial grand opening.

 

California law requires rooftop solar on new homes. How the rule is already being tested

Sacramento Bee

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District and clean energy advocates will square off at the state Capitol Thursday in what is being billed as a fight over the future of solar energy in California.

 

How much does California really spend on homelessness? Democrat wants a final answer

Sacramento Bee

A California Democrat is calling for a statewide assessment of every dollar cities and agencies spend on homelessness so the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom can calibrate a new strategy to fight the crisis.

 

Will ‘another cook in the kitchen’ help fix California’s homeless crisis? Newsom says yes

Los Angeles Times

At his annual State of the State address today, the governor may elaborate on a plan to carve the state into still-undecided regions to distribute homelessness funds.

 

Opinion: So Trump wants to solve California’s homeless crisis? Here are five things he can do

Los Angeles Times

They want to help. That’s what we keep hearing from President Trump’s minions about California’s massive homelessness crisis.

 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on the homeless: 'We own this issue'

The Hill

For years, California’s leaders have ignored the state’s homeless population and their policies have made it worse. Today, that homeless population has gotten so large that Californians have a humanitarian issue on their hands.

 

Commentary: How to ease California housing crisis in four easy steps, and four more that are a little harder

CalMatters

The Construction Industry Research Board Report should be a wakeup call to California lawmakers. The report shows that 110,218 housing unit permits were issued in 2019, a 7% decrease from the prior year.

 

PUBLIC FINANCES

 

Biggest-ever CalPERS pension tops $400,000 per year

Fresno Bee

A former top investment official at CalPERS received the largest pension the retirement system has ever paid last year, according to Transparent California and reviews of pension data by The Sacramento Bee.

 

Many low-income Californians don’t use credit cards. Should stores be required to accept cash?

Bakersfield Californian

Last May, Burger Patch first opened its doors in midtown Sacramento with a sign that said “No Cash Accepted.” The owners of the organic and vegan burger joint were worried that a cash register might invite theft. But customers kept showing up with only cash. Sometimes the cashiers would accept it, working around the digital system; other times, they’d simply give the customer a free meal. About a month in, Burger Patch changed course, deciding to install a cash register after all.

 

Walters: Newsom’s spending more, saving less

Bakersfield Californian

During his first year as governor, Gavin Newsom largely hewed to Brown’s cautious approach to state finances. However, his second budget, unveiled last month, deviates from that course in a way that could spell fiscal calamity should the state be hit by the recession that Brown always saw on the horizon.

 

Commentary: Economic effects of wealth taxation

AEI

Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have introduced plans to enact an annual wealth tax. Under these proposals, the net worth of wealthy households would be taxed at rates between 1 and 8 percent per year. The tax base would be as broad as possible to minimize tax avoidance.

 

Commentary: When bad ‘facts’ downplay a good economy, part 2: Are most Americans really living paycheck to paycheck?

AEI

Many of us get much of our news and information from social media. But much of that news and info is distorted or just plain wrong. Take this graphic I saw on Facebook. It’s the sort of thing a friend might share with you.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

Reedley DMV opening office Saturday for people to apply for REAL ID

abc30

Do you still need to apply for a REAL ID? The DMV office in Reedley is holding a special sign-up event this Saturday. The Department of Motor Vehicles announced seven offices across the state will take part in the event to encourage people to apply before the October 1 deadline.

 

EDITORIAL: Speeding cars kill. So why is California slow-walking efforts to slow them down?

Los Angeles Times

The way California cities are required to set speed limits is outdated, absurd and downright dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists — and it’s not even backed up by scientific research on safety.

 

WATER

 

Sierra snowpack withering in California’s dry winter. New satellite image shows the bad news

Fresno Bee

The image is disturbing and leaves little doubt about California’s growing predicament: The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is a sad whisper of it was a year ago, a withering testament to the lack of precipitation in the state’s increasingly dry winter.

See Also:

     Portions of the Valley in moderate drought conditions abc30

 

Trump’s California visit raises questions about Newsom’s water policy credibility

News Break

During President Trump’s visit to California this week, the commander in chief who campaigned on a pledge of shipping more water to Central Valley farms plans to stop in Bakersfield to boast about a promise kept.

See Also:

     What happened at Devin Nunes water forum with Interior Secretary? We can’t tell you. Here’s why Fresno Bee

     President Donald Trump visiting Bakersfield Wednesday abc30

     Trump’s ‘Big Voice’ in the Valley: Reelection, Water on Agenda GV Wire

     Bernhardt pitches new era of “common sense” on California’s water The Sun

     Trump's Bakersfield visit expected to center on increasing water deliveries from Northern California Bakersfield Californian

     Trump delivers on pledge for Valley farmers Visalia Times Delta

     Trump delivers on pledge for wealthy California farmers Hanford Sentinel

     On eve of Trump visit, critics ask why Newsom hasn’t fought president’s water moves San Francisco Chronicle

 

Lawmakers Open Groundwater Fight Against Bottled Water Companies

PEW
Washington state, land of sprawling rainforests and glacier-fed rivers, might soon become the first in the nation to ban water bottling companies from tapping spring-fed sources.

 

“Xtra”

 

Clovis will celebrate its 108th anniversary

abc30

The city of Clovis is celebrating its 108th anniversary on Thursday, February 20th! The Clovis Regional Library is hosting a special reception for the city's milestone.

 

Price tag for proposed new Visalia high school goes up

yourcentralvalley.com

The Valley is famous for spectacular fruit and nut tree blossoms and they’re just starting to bloom. Mid-February to mid-March is prime time for the Fresno County Blossom Trail.