POLICY & POLITICS
So Long Silicon Valley, Hello Heartland: Top 10 Markets and Neighborhoods to Watch in 2019
Trulia Research
Bakersfield at #4 and Fresno at #6.
North SJ Valley:
Harder spins into action in Washington, defends support of Pelosi
Modesto Bee
Rep. Josh Harder’s first day in office was a whirlwind, including his swearing-in, greeting visitors to his new first-floor office, a vote supporting Nancy Pelosi for House speaker and wrangling over the federal government shutdown.
More jobs, more residents. Patterson to study annexation plan, seeks public input
Modesto Bee
Patterson, Ca., has expanded its industrial base with distribution centers with easy access to Interstate 5 in Stanislaus County. A proposed annexation calls for thousands of homes and more industrial space.
Central SJ Valley:
Governor appoints Heather Jones to replace controversial Judge Petrucelli
Fresno Bee
Controversial Fresno County Superior Court Judge James Petrucelli is retiring after nearly 20 years on the bench, replaced by court commissioner Heather Jones. Gov. Jerry Brown’s office announced the change.
See also:
● Providing court reporters to poor litigants becomes struggle in California courts Los Angeles Times
Costa tells House paymaster ‘don’t pay me during the shutdown’
Fresno Bee
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, said he does not want to get a paycheck during the government shutdown because federal employees aren’t getting paid.
Fresno flag to fly at half-staff in honor of McDonald
The Business Journal
Mayor Lee Brand announced Thursday that the City of Fresno flag at city hall will be lowered to half-staff until Monday in honor of David McDonald.
South SJ Valley:
Salas selected chair of Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Hanford Record
Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) was selected to serve as chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee by Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood).
Fuller joins Tejon Ranch board
Bakersfield Californian
Retired state Sen. Jean Fuller has joined the board of directors of Tejon Ranch Co., the real estate development and agribusiness company based in Lebec.
State:
Gavin Newsom made these 10 promises on the campaign trail. Let’s see if he can keep them
Fresno Bee
Democrat Gavin Newsom vowed while running for governor to tackle many of California’s biggest problems, from health care to homelessness to wildfires. We’re watching his efforts to keep his campaign promises.
See Also:
● Introducing PolitiFact California’s ‘Newsom-Meter,’ Tracking The Campaign Promises Of Gavin Newsom Capital Public Radio
● Will Gavin Newsom change the state’s water course? Fish and farmers will soon find out Los Angeles Times
California’s first Latino attorney general targets Trump
Associated Press
Xavier Becerra became perhaps the nation’s most influential attorney general when he was named California’s top lawyer two years ago, and he has since used his post atop what some call the “Resistance State” to pummel President Donald Trump’s administration with dozens of legal actions.
Did non-citizens vote last year? California officials still can’t say
Sacramento Bee
California officials still can’t say whether non-citizens voted in the June 2018 primary because a confusing government questionnaire about eligibility was created in a way that prevents a direct answer on citizenship.
2019 brings new laws to California
Porterville Recorder
From the workplace to public safety, a slew of new bills were signed into law to kick off the new year. The following is a selection and brief explanation of some of the newest laws that are now in effect in California.
Kevin de Léon considering run for California Democratic Party chair
CALmatters
You know what they say: If at first you don’t succeed, run to be the chair of a major California political party.
New insurance commissioner hires ex-lobbyist for company under investigation by insurance agency
CALmatters
One of two people leading state Sen. Ricardo Lara’s transition as California’s newly elected Insurance Commissioner worked until last month as the Sacramento lobbyist for a major drug maker that is the subject of an investigation by the Department of Insurance that Lara soon will head.
‘We exist’: California begins issuing state IDs with a third gender option
The Guardian
California is now allowing a third gender option on state identification cards and driver’s licenses, a major win for non-binary people that could pave the way for reforms across the country.
‘What Will I Not Miss?’ In California, a Long Farewell From Jerry Brown
New York Times
It’s time to add another name to the farewell tour circuit in this year of Elton John, Joan Baez, Paul Simon and Ozzy Osbourne: Edmund G. Brown Jr., the governor of California.
See also:
● On crime and punishment, Gov. Jerry Brown leaves behind revised rules and a new focus on redemption Los Angeles Times
● The Make-Or-Break Moment Of Jerry Brown’s Second Governorship Capital Public Radio
● Farewell Jerry Brown: What’s Next For California’s Departing Governor And The State Capital Public Radio
● Jerry Brown’s legacy: diversifying the judicial bench San Francisco Chronicle
Federal:
Delayed tax refunds. Missed federal paychecks. The shutdown’s pain keeps growing.
Fresno Bee
As the partial government shutdown stretches on, employees will miss their first paycheck next week, more agencies will shutter and tax refunds could be pushed back.
See Also:
● House OK’s spending bills to reopen government, but shutdown expected to continue Visalia Times Delta
● Delayed tax refunds. Missed federal paychecks. The shutdown’s pain keeps growing. Merced Sun-Star
● Shutdown, day 13: Dems pass funding plan without wall, Trump digs in San Francisco Chronicle
● House Passes Spending Package in Bid to End Shutdown Wall Street Journal
● House adopts rules package with few Democratic defections over PAYGO provision Roll Call
● House Democrats unveil first major legislative package of voting, campaign finance and ethics overhauls Roll Call
● House Republicans came back from being written off before. They can again Roll Call
Pelosi sees ‘new dawn’ as diverse 116th Congress begins
Bakersfield Californian
Cheering Democrats returned Nancy Pelosi to the House speaker’s post Thursday as the 116th Congress took office and ushered in a historically diverse class of freshmen ready to confront President Donald Trump in a new era of divided government.
See Also:
● Most diverse freshman class of House lawmakers sworn in amid shutdown abc30
● Nancy Pelosi repeats history, recaptures the speaker’s gavel abc30
● Rep. Nancy Pelosi elected speaker as Democrats take control of House Hanford Record
● Democratic takeover of House marks a new era of divided government Los Angeles Times
● The freshman class of House Democrats is already making waves Los Angeles Times
● Nancy Pelosi elected as House speaker, and a new era begins in Washington San Francisco Chronicle
● New House Committee Chiefs Take Their Chairs Wall Street Journal
● EDITORIAL: Pelosi’s power and responsibility San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: Cheers to the unprecedented number of women taking political office today Los Angeles Times
Makeup of Cabinet is creating more hurdles for Trump
Politico
Acting agency chiefs and those with deep business ties complicate governing, as Democrats seize investigative power.
2019 will be the worst year of Donald Trump’s life
Los Angeles Times
Some presidents have really bad years. It’s a good guess that Donald Trump’s really bad year will be 2019. And it’s not yet clear whether he’ll survive, like Clinton, or be forced out of office, like Nixon.
See also:
● Rep. Brad Sherman reintroduces impeachment articles against President Trump abc30
● California’s Rep. Brad Sherman to introduce impeachment measure Los Angeles Times
● The 10 worst things Trump did in 2018 Washington Post
● The key factor in the rise of Trumpism that we continue to ignore Washington Post
● Fact-checking Trump’s freewheeling Cabinet session Washington Post
Los Angeles Times
That might make things awkward with Feinstein’s fellow Californian, Sen. Kamala Harris, who is also considering a run.
See Also:
● Feinstein says she’d back Joe Biden if he runs for president San Francisco Chronicle
● Dianne Feinstein’s 2020 pick: Joe Biden POLITICO
● EDITORIAL: A competitive primary won’t hurt Democrats’ chances to defeat Trump in 2020 Los Angeles Times
Republicans should be alarmed by this sign of intelligent life in the Democratic Party
Washington Post
There are lessons to be learned from Rep. Cheri Bustos’s success among Trump voters.
‘Judicial Fortitude’ review: Time for Congress to do its job
Reuters
Imagine a world where the legislative branch actually legislates, courts interpret laws, and executive agencies faithfully execute them. Yuval Levin reviews “Judicial Fortitude” by Peter Wallison.
EDITORIAL: Prayer at government meetings violates the 1st Amendment
Los Angeles Times
Inevitably a prayer offered as part of a public proceeding — whether it’s a city council meeting or a state legislative hearing or any other such gathering — will make some listeners feel excluded. That runs counter to the 1st Amendment’s prohibition of an “establishment of religion.”
Patent policy: Looking back at 2018 and ahead to 2019
AEI / Twenty20
As we look ahead to what important patent stories will occupy the news in 2019, let us first consider how well we predicted the future in January 2018 when we examined three key areas, two of which proved important over the subsequent 12 months.
Other:
America’s New Democracy Movement
Project Syndicate
While media coverage since the 2018 US midterm elections has focused squarely on Donald Trump, a growing movement of citizens and activists from across the political spectrum is thinking more broadly about the future of American democracy. And progressive political reforms have been winning support in some unexpected places.
Who Killed The Weekly Standard?
The New Yorker
The Weekly Standard was killed last month, an act that had both a clear culprit and a muddy forensic trail. For twenty-three years, it was the most influential, and often the most interesting, publication of the American right, championing a less dreary and more adventurous conservatism, one that insisted that Washington was the center of human events.
LA Accuses Weather Channel App of Covertly Mining User Data
New York Times
The Weather Channel app deceptively collected, shared and profited from the location information of millions of American consumers, the city attorney of Los Angeles said in a lawsuit filed on Thursday.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, January 6, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 –Maddy Report:“State’a Fiscal Outlook: Remarkably Good” – Guests: California’s Legislative Analyst, Mac Taylor. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, January 6, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report – Valley Views Edition: “State’s Fiscal Outlook Sets the Stage for Upcoming Budget Negotiation” – Guests: Scott Graves, Director of Research for the Calif Budget & Policy Center and Mac Taylor with the LAO. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, January 6, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Medi-Cal: miles de millones para pagos cuestionables” – Guests: Margarita Fernandez, PIO State Auditor’s Office. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
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AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Scientists Have ‘Hacked Photosynthesis’ In Search Of More Productive Crops
Capital Public Radio
Scientists have re-engineered photosynthesis, a foundation of life on Earth, creating genetically modified plants that grow faster and bigger. They hope it leads to bigger harvests of food.
California’s Home Cooking Bill May be state law, but it’s not yet legal where you live
abc30
There are hundreds of new laws on the books in California this year, but one is cooking up a lot of excitement for people hoping to cash-in on their kitchen skills.
Restaurants are offering free meals to federal employees during the government shutdown
Fresno Bee
Restaurants across the country are offering free meals to furloughed federal employees during the partial government shutdown that began on Dec. 22. Customers need to show their employee badges for proof.
Food Bank offers seniors a full stomach
Hanford Record
It’s becoming increasingly common for seniors to face food insecurity – not knowing where their next meal will come from – in America, but thanks to the a partnership between the Kings County Commission on Aging and Hanford Parks and Recreation, local seniors can always mark at least one trip to the “grocery” on their calendar.
As county bans marijuana, California City positions itself as hub for sales
Bakersfield Californian
Residents of Bakersfield could soon be receiving marijuana deliveries from retailers in California City. The California City City Council voted to allow 10 delivery-only medical or recreational marijuana dispensaries to reside within city limits.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Business owner in Fresno’s Tower District downhearted by broken windows, vandalism
Fresno Bee
Broken windows & damaged property are signs of vandalism at businesses in Fresno, California’s, Tower District. Shop owners say the problem is costing them money and leaving them heartbroken.
Public Safety:
911 outage hits southwest Fresno County. 13,000 landline customers affected
Fresno Bee
The 911 emergency call system was not working in portions of Fresno County, the Sheriff’s Office said Thursday morning. About 13,000 AT&T landline customers were affected.
See Also:
● 911 system restored for 13,000 AT&T landline customers abc30
● AT&T landlines in Oildale are working again, sheriff’s officials say Bakersfield Californian
Correctional officers at Atwater prison work without paychecks, due to shutdown
Merced Sun-Star
Like correctional officers across the country, employees at United States Penitentiary Atwater are working without paychecks while the federal government remains shut down, officials confirmed Thursday.
See Also:
● Guards at Mendota prison are still going to work. They’re just not getting paid Fresno Bee
Public review of hazard mitigation plan sought
Madera Tribune
The North Fork Rancheria has developed a Tribal Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Prior to review and approval by FEMA, the Tribe would like the community to review the plan.
Fire:
PG&E sued over Camp Fire as insurance claims hit billions
Merced Sun-Star
PG&E is facing a lawsuit over Camp Fire losses by Allstate, State Farm and other insurance companies. The wildfire was the deadliest wildfire in California history.
See also:
● Camp Fire: PG&E gets sued by insurance companies Sacramento Bee
● PG&E says it started 18 wildfires since 2017 Curbed San Francisco
Here’s how Paradise ignored warnings and became a deathtrap
Los Angeles Times
The fate of Paradise was cast long before a windstorm last month fueled the deadliest fire in California history. The ridge settlement was doomed by its proximity to a crack in the mighty wall of the Sierra Nevada, a deep canyon that bellowed gale-force winds.
Judge asks PG&E for more documents on utility’s role in Atlas Fire
San Francisco Chronicle
A federal judge asked Pacific Gas and Electric Co. on Thursday for all the information it has about the Atlas Fire in Napa County, which killed six people and destroyed 783 buildings in October 2017.
Undergrounding power lines less costly than fire prevention
San Francisco Chronicle
Recent California wildfires have cost us all more because of unprecedented losses of structures and lives. With increasing temperatures and wind speeds projected as a result of climate change, we expect future wildfires to be even more costly.
As Wildfire Risk Increases, Home Insurance Is Harder to Find
PEW Trusts
More wildfire, particularly in Western states, has led insurers to raise their standards.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Shoppers pay final visits to Valley Plaza Sears
Bakersfield Californian
If there’s a silver lining to the closure of Sears at Valley Plaza mall, it’s the liquidation sale. Clothes, shoes and jewelry were marked down 80 percent Thursday. Tools and bed-and-bath products were 75 percent off. A refrigerator previously listed at $2,299 was on sale for $828.
Trade tensions and your portfolio
The Business Journal
A prominent economic story of the past year has been the growing tide of trade disputes across the globe. The U.S is at the center of it – most notably with China – which means investors are often subject to daily headlines debating possible implications for global markets and the economy. But are there reasons for investors to be concerned?
Could Tesla Price Cuts Mean Demand Is Slowing?
Associates Press
Tesla made about 9,300 more vehicles than it delivered last year, raising concerns among industry analysts that inventory is growing as demand for the company’s electric cars may be starting to wane.
Who was poor in the United States in 2017?
Brookings
In an annual update from the Hamilton Project at Brookings, Lauren Bauer shows that while 2017 saw an encouraging overall decline in poverty, the significant barriers that so many Americans face to work their way out of poverty suggests the need for more targeted policies.
Wall Street Journal
The stock market is sliding, interest rates are rising and trade tensions continue. What will the second two years of the Trump presidency look like economically?
See also:
● The Great Unloved American Economy Wall Street Journal
U.S. Factory Activity Decelerates Sharply Amid Global Slowdown
Wall Street Journal
Manufacturing index falls as demand for American-made products wanes.
Jobs:
Washington Post
The U.S. economy added 312,000 jobs in December, smashing expectations for year-end growth, and wages rose 3.2 percent in the year since December 2017 after nearly a decade of tepid improvements, federal economists reported Friday.
See also:
· Don’t expect 2018’s strong job growth to happen again this year, economists say Los Angeles Times
‘We are political pawns’: Local IRS workers suffering from government shutdown
abc30
IRS employees in Fresno make up the bulk of the local federal workforce and the shutdown is starting to hurt. Jason Fisk heads the local chapter of the National Treasury Employees union, which represents more than 5,000 local IRS workers.
Another victim of the shutdown: Companies can’t check if job-seekers are citizens
Sacramento Bee
E-Verify said due to President Trump’s fight with Congress over a border wall, the service will not be available. Thousands of employers rely on E-verify, which confirms people’s right to work in the country.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Incoming Gov. Newsom looking to spend more on early education
abc30
When Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom takes office on Monday he won’t have a lot of time to tinker with a spending plan. His proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year has to be presented to the Legislature by the following Thursday.
Landmark reforms championed by Gov. Brown leave deep imprint on California education
EdSource
When Gov. Jerry Brown leaves office he will leave behind a set of sweeping education reforms that occurred during his governorship, representing what many education leaders consider the most extensive shakeup of California’s K-12 public education system over any comparable period in the state’s history.
Higher Ed:
Deadline FAST APPROACHING: 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.
Nearly 180,000 Students Won’t Have To Repay Loans From For-Profit Higher Ed Company
Capital Public Radio
Under a settlement with state attorneys general, Career Education Corp. won’t collect some $493 million. It also will be more transparent about the costs and benefits of its programs.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
It’s not just trash — money lost during shutdown could have long-term effects at Yosemite
Fresno Bee
As reports of trash and human waste flooding some of the country’s most beautiful land have trickled out since the U.S. government shut down, deeper problems – and a few volunteer-powered solutions – have also begun to surface.
See Also:
● Volunteers help keep Yosemite clean during government shutdown Fresno Bee
● Visitors cleaning up Yosemite amid shutdown abc30
● Yosemite limited access worries some Oakhurst businesses, visitors amid shutdown Fresno Bee
● Full closure at Sequoia and Kings Canyon impacts travel, business abc30
● Some services limited in Yosemite Nat’l Park Madera Tribune
● All Sequoia, Kings Canyon entrances closed as ‘chaos in the parks’ escalates amid shutdown Visalia Times Delta
● Reservations required for entrance to Yosemite National Park Porterville Recorder
● Sequoia, Kings Canyon Close Due To Health, Safety Concerns Capital Public Radio
● Litter, human waste backing up in parks as shutdown continues San Francisco Chronicle
Sacramento region’s air quality reaches worst levels since Camp Fire smoke
Sacramento Bee
The Sacramento region on Friday is expected to experience its worst air quality day since smoke from the Camp Fire passed through, according to local air districts.
Energy:
Solar power advocates seek greater role in electric grid
San Francisco Chronicle
California has taken great strides to expand the use of solar power. But, advocates say, the state could still do much more.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Recall of blood pressure-heart-kidney medicine for cancerous ingredient expanded
Fresno Bee
Torrent Pharmaceuticals expanded December’s recall of Losartan that had too much NDEA for the FDA from two lots to 10 lots. Losartan treats hypertension, heart problems and diabetes-related kidney problems.
New single-dose flu medicine now available nationwide
abc30
A new single-dose flu medicine is now available in pharmacies nationwide. The medication, called Xofluza, was designed to make the flu shorter if taken within 48 hours of onset.
Detecting depression: Phone apps could monitor teen angst
Sacramento Bee
Rising suicide rates and depression in U.S. teens and young adults have prompted researchers to ask a provocative question: Could the same devices that some people blame for contributing to tech-age angst also be used to detect it?
Marijuana Is More Dangerous Than You Think
Wall Street Journal
As legalization spreads, more Americans are becoming heavy users of cannabis, despite its links to violence and mental illness.
Human Services:
California defending Affordable Care Act pitting Red versus Blue
CALmatters
California is once again defending the Affordable Care Act, leading a coalition of Democratic states against a small army of Republican lawmakers seeking to undo the Obama administration’s signature healthcare law.
See also:
● California Leaps To Defense Of Obamacare In Fight That Pits Blue States Against Red Ones Capital Public Radio
● Democratic-Led States Appeal Ruling Invalidating Affordable Care Act Wall Street Journal
● House Democrats vote to defend ACA in court — and jam Republicans Washington Post
New Payment Model Tackles ‘Surprise Medical Bill’ Issue
Capital Public Radio
Starting this year, a California law that aims to protect consumers from high out-of-pocket medical costs will be in full effect. The latest provision ensures providers are adequately reimbursed for this care.
How the Federal Shutdown Is Affecting Health Programs
Capital Public Radio
As the partial closure of the government continues, here’s a look at the affected programs that have a bearing on health and health care.
The $9 Billion Upcharge: How Insurers Kept Extra Cash From Medicare
Wall Street Journal
CVS, UnitedHealth, Humana and other health insurers’ bids to manage Part D prescription-drug plans for seniors have been consistently off in ways that benefit the companies at the expense of taxpayers.
IMMIGRATION
Trump makes surprise appearance in briefing room to call for border wall
abc30
President Donald Trump congratulated the new House speaker and again advocated for the construction of a border wall in a surprise, first-ever appearance at the podium.
Gov’t shutdown delays immigration hearings as an already historic backlog grows
abc30
The federal government shutdown has caused U.S. immigration courts across the country to close and indefinitely suspend cases, adding to record-setting backlogs.
As shutdown continues, Latin American immigration to California remains near modern low
Sacramento Bee
Extending a trend that has lasted nearly a decade, fewer than 80,000 Latin American immigrants came to California in 2017, a sharp drop from the number seen in in the 1990s and early 2000s, new census estimates show.
Another victim of the shutdown: Companies can’t check if job-seekers are citizens
Sacramento Bee
Here’s one more casualty of the partial government shutdown: E-Verify. The website for the government-created program said due to “a lapse in federal funding” the service will not be available. Thousands of employers rely on E-verify services, which confirms people’s right to work in the country.
California teen leads lawsuit to keep hundreds of thousands of immigrants in U.S.
KQED
High school freshman Crista Ramos used to be mostly preoccupied with school, friends, and soccer practice with her team, the Richmond Lionesses. All that changed in January when the Trump administration announced plans to end the humanitarian protections that allow her mother and about 260,000 other immigrants from El Salvador to lawfully live and work in the United States.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
More jobs, more residents. Patterson to study annexation plan, seeks public input
Modesto Bee
Patterson, Ca., has expanded its industrial base with distribution centers with easy access to Interstate 5 in Stanislaus County. A proposed annexation calls for thousands of homes and more industrial space.
Volunteers help keep Yosemite clean during government shutdown
Fresno Bee
Trash and human waste problems have threatened national parks across the country as an ongoing government shutdown has reduced staffing to critically low levels. But a concerned group of locals have banded together to ensure Yosemite National Park is not trashed beyond recognition as thousands of tourists storm the unmanned gates.
Fresno Is 2019’s 5th Worst City for an Active Lifestyle
WalletHub Study
To determine where Americans have the best chance of balancing a healthy diet with ample physical activity, WalletHub compared the 100 biggest U.S. cities across 38 key metrics. The data set ranges from average monthly fitness-club fee to bike score to share of physically inactive adults.
Housing:
Fresno County’s failed housing, land use compliance is discriminatory, says suit
Fresno Bee
A lawsuit filed recently in Fresno County Superior Court has accused county officials of discriminating against low-income residents.
More people took one-way U-Haul trips to Sacramento area than any other city in 2018
Sacramento Bee
More U-Haul trucks made one-way trips into the Sacramento area than any other city in America last year, according to migration data from the rental company.
The price of residential land for counties, ZIP codes, and census tracts in the US
AEI/ Twenty20
Researchers used data on the appraised land value from a data set of more than 16 million appraisals to produce annual estimates of the average price of land used in single-family housing.
PUBLIC FINANCES
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TRANSPORTATION
You’ll soon have a shorter wait to catch a Sacramento light-rail train on weekends
Sacramento Bee
Sacramento Regional Transit announced Thursday that beginning Sunday, Jan. 6, light rail service will increase from 30-minute intervals to 15-minute wait times during busier travel hours.
See also:
● Seeking More Riders, SacRT Increases Weekend Light-Rail Service Capital Public Radio
WATER
California snowpack below average in year’s first survey – ‘anything is possible’ for water supply
Fresno Bee
Despite a flurry of recent winter storms, the California Department of Water Resources’ first snow survey of the year came up short of average Thursday.
See Also:
● Snow survey shows water content is below average abc30
● California Water Below Normal In Season’s First Snow Survey Capital Public Radio
● As effects of drought linger, California snowpack measures below average — but better than last year Los Angeles Times
● First snow survey shows water content just ‘adequate.’ But there’s hope for improvement San Francisco Chronicle
● First 2019 snow survey finds below-average conditions The Business Journal
2 farmers fined for ‘kidding around’ with Water Resources Board
Madera Tribune
The State Water Resources Control Board has reached a $10,000 settlement agreement with two property owners over allegations that they deliberately made misstatements in reporting water diversion and use for diversion years 2009 through 2015.
What new water deals mean and what work is left to be done
Modesto Bee
California’s State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project span several northern watersheds, converging in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where their pumping stations operate a stone’s throw away from one another.
Water and the Future of the San Joaquin Valley
PPIC
Authors of a new PPIC study and a diverse group of experts will discuss key issues and solutions to some of the valley’s looming challenges.
“Xtra”
Here are the top 10 concerts that came to the Valley. Tell us we’re wrong
Fresno Bee
For many music fans, 2018 will be marked by acts that didn’t make it to the area. Still, there was an impressive number of bands and musicians swinging through the central San Joaquin Valley this year, which we present here in a best-of 2018 top-10 list.
Clovis Martial Arts Academy moves to bigger and better location
abc30
A local martial arts studio is teaching children more than just the sport – it’s teaching them morals and values.
CCWF brings holiday cheer
Madera Tribune
Staff from the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) provided toys and bikes to two local schools and to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.
Take me home! Dogs available for adoption
Bakersfield Californian
These three dogs at Kern County Animal Services are looking for their forever homes. Can you help?
Mr. Worldwide meets the new governor: You can see Pitbull and Gavin Newsom for $25
Sacramento Bee
Concert tickets? $25. The chance to see Gavin Newsom’s famous hair and Mr. Worldwide at the same event? Priceless.