09Jan

POLICY & POLITICS

Honoring The Life of Don Jackson

Congressional Record

Congressman Jim Costa remarks in the Congressional Record honoring the life of Don Jackson, a close confidant of Sen. Ken Maddy, who was Chair of the Maddy Institute from 1999-2009 and CFO until last year.

Can Gavin Newsom be the Governor of Red California?

San Francisco Chronicle

When Gavin Newsom became governor, he promised in his inaugural address to “represent all Californians, not just those who voted for me.”

Deadline FAST APPROACHING: Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship

The Maddy Institute

Applications for two $56,000 Fellowships Due Friday, February 22^nd, 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.

North SJ Valley:

“I am not sure what we are going to do.” Supervisors wait as Berryhill a no-show again

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County’s board of supervisors in California started the new year with four supervisors on the dais, as supervisor-elect Tom Berryhill was absent for health reasons. Berryhill beat out Frank Damrell.

Central SJ Valley:

Former Clovis mayor Nathan Magsig named County Board of Supervisors Chairman

Clovis Round Up

On Jan. 8 the Fresno County Board of Supervisors marked their first meeting of 2019 with the designation of Board officers and the swearing in of elected officials.

Brett Frazier New Chairman Of Madera County Board Of Supervisors

Sierra News

The Madera County Board of Supervisors’ chamber was filled with staff and family this morning as new and returning public servants were administered the oath of office.

Sally Moreno Takes Over As Madera County District Attorney

Sierra News

When Sally Moreno raised her right hand to take the oath of office as the new Madera County District Attorney, it was to loud and sustained applause from the packed Board of Supervisors’ chamber.

He raised $9 million to challenge Devin Nunes. Now he’s out to protect voter rights

Fresno Bee

Andrew Janz, the Fresno Democrat who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Devin Nunes in one of the country’s most contentious congressional races.

South SJ Valley:

Supervisor Couch will hold the gavel this term

Bakersfield Californian

The Kern County Board of Supervisors have named David Couch chairman of the board. Couch, who was re-elected in November, received unanimous approval from his colleagues in a vote that occurred during a special supervisors meeting Monday.

County Administrative Officer receives contract extension

Bakersfield Californian

The Kern County Board of Supervisors approved a three-year contract extension for County Administrative Officer Ryan Alsop.

Did Carlton Jones orchestrate the firing of former Tulare police chief?

Visalia Times-Delta

Did former Tulare Mayor Carlton Jones orchestrate the firing of former Tulare Police Chief Wes Hensley because of an investigation into Jones’ use of city-issued credit cards?

Kevin McCarthy in Position to be a Hero

Fox&Hounds

If the GOP wants to stay in the game and restore some of its fading luster, one person who could have a lot to say about it is the new House Minority Leader, Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, who will now have the unenviable task of assuming command over some badly demoralized troops.

State:

Gavin Newsom criticizes Trump White House’s ‘incompetence’ in inaugural speech

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom, juggling a fidgety 2-year-old, called for a renewal of the ‘California dream’ at an inaugural speech that showcased his liberal agenda while criticizing President Donald Trump’s “corruption” and “incompetence.

● Judging Newsom’s Platform Capital Public Radio

● EDITORIAL: Governor Newsom’s defining challenge Fresno Bee

● EDITORIAL: Newsom lays out bold plans. We hope he doesn’t forget about our struggle Modesto Bee

New bill would make e-receipts the default by 2022

abc30

Paper receipts in the Golden State could soon be a thing of the past. Assemblymember Phil Ting of San Francisco introduced his “Skip the Slip” bill Tuesday. The bill would make all retailers offer digital receipts like emails instead of hard copies to customers.

● California lawmaker wants to move toward e-receipts San Francisco Chronicle

S.F.’s gifts to the nation — Feinstein and Pelosi

San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco may save the republic yet. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Dianne Feinstein are, in Capitol floor parlance, gentle ladies from San Francisco. More to the point, Pelosi and Feinstein are the most powerful Democratic women in Congress.

Walters: Trump, Newsom share a similar problem

CALmatters

Gov. Gavin Newsom punctuated his inaugural address this week with several jabs at President Donald Trump, referring at one point to “the corruption and incompetence in the White House.”

Find yourself in the California Legislature—or not

CALmatters

There are (still) more white men named James or Jim in the California Legislature than African-American and Asian-American women combined. Throw in some white Robs, Bobs and Roberts, and you have a pretty sizable “JimBob” caucus with a membership larger than the number of Republican women, openly gay or lesbian legislators, or women from any party under the age of 40.

Jerry Brown’s Impact On California

Capital Public Radio

When Jerry Brown terms out of the California governor’s office Monday, he, his wife and their two dogs will head to his family’s ranch in rural Colusa County to begin what he refuses to call a “retirement.”

Former Governors Schwarzenegger And Davis Reflect On Challenges Facing California

Capital Public Radio

Former Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gray Davis reflect on the challenges facing California when they held office and today.

California’s Future

PPIC

This multi-topic publication highlights the state’s most pressing long-term policy challenges in several key areas.

Federal:

In prime-time address, Trump argues national security ‘crisis’ at southern border

abc30

President Trump will argue there’s a ‘national security ‘crisis’ at southern border in a prime-time speech, hoping to build public support for his proposed border wall.

● Trump invokes slain California officer, calls him ‘American hero’ abc30

● Trump cites killing of Newman officer in national appeal for border wall Merced Sun-Star/Modesto Bee

● Local reactions to Trump’s address on border wall security Bakersfield Californian

● Trump invokes California crimes to argue for border wall Sacramento Bee

● Trump seeks an edge in shutdown fight with TV address Sacramento Bee

● Trump pleads on TV for wall money; Dems say he ‘stokes fear’ Bakersfield Californian

● Amid Partial Shutdown, Trump Pushes For Wall, Says There’s A ‘Crisis Of The Heart’ At The Border Capital Public Radio

● Five takeaways from Trump’s prime-time border security speech Los Angeles Times

● TV review: Trump’s Oval Office speech follows a new script but with old lines Los Angeles Times

● An emergency declaration for Trump’s wall? Not so fast, say experts San Francisco Chronicle

● FACT CHECK: Trump Speech On Border Security ‘Crisis’ Amid Shutdown NPR

● FactChecking Trump’s Immigration Address FactCheck.org

● Where walls work, part II AEI

● Trump’s prime-time address on the border wall shutdown, annotated Washington Post

● AP FACT CHECK: Trump oversells wall as a solution to drugs AP

● Trump used the Oval Office to try to create a border crisis Washington Post

● Trump says there’s a ‘crisis’ at the border. Here’s what the data says PBS NewsHour

● Fact check: Trump’s speech on the border ‘crisis’ Politico

● Chart: More undocumented immigrants, less violent crime Washington Post

● MOSTLY TRUE: Undocumented immigrants less likely to commit crimes than U.S. citizens PolitiFact California

● Illegal Immigration Is Stable Wall Street Journal

● Could Emergency Powers Build the Wall? Wall Street Journal

● At border, Homeland Security Department stats paint complex situation Roll Call

● EDITORIAL: There is no security crisis at the border Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: The ultimate fake news is ‘need’ for a border wall Fresno Bee

As Government Shutdown Goes On, Workers’ Finances Fray: ‘Nobody Signed Up for This’

New York Times

Tanisha Keller, a single mother who works for the federal Census Bureau, used to live paycheck to paycheck. Now, she is living nothing to nothing.

‘Enough trash to build a wall’: Shutdown protest delivers California waste to Trump

Sacramento Bee

California Democrat House members Jackie Speier and Jared Huffman delivered trash collected from two national parks in their state to the White House on Jan. 8. The point? To showcase the adverse impact of the government shutdown.

Brett Kavanaugh issues first Supreme Court opinion, in unanimous arbitration case

Visalia Times Delta

By tradition, new Supreme Court justices are assigned less-than-blockbuster cases in which to write their first opinions. Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s maiden eight-pager was just such a task.

Harris plays coy on 2020 bid: ‘I’m not going to decide right now’

Politico

The California Democrat said in an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday morning that “I’m not going to decide right now” whether to launch a White House bid. But asked by anchor George Stephanopoulos what would set her candidacy apart in a crowded 2020 field, she had an answer at the ready.

House Dems Seek SEC Rule on Political Giving Disclosure

Bloomberg

The Securities and Exchange Commission could require publicly traded companies to disclose their political spending under one of the first bills the new House Democratic majority introduced Jan. 4.

Will this new Congress be the one to pass data privacy legislation?

Brookings

Although the 116th Congress is likely to remain divided on a number of policy issues, Cameron Kerry argues there is significant momentum and a brief window of opportunity for lawmakers to pursue bipartisan legislation that protects personal information privacy.

EDITORIAL: Online disinformation isn’t just for Russia anymore

Los Angeles Times

With the conspicuous exception of President Trump and some of his supporters, Americans were appalled when it was revealed that Russian “troll farms” had launched a disinformation campaign on social media designed to influence the 2016 election.

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

Sunday, January 13, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 –Maddy Report: “Billions for Questionable Medi-Cal Payments: What Went Wrong?” – Guest: California State Auditor, Elaine Howle. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, January 13, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report – Valley Views Edition: Valley Views Edition: “The Senior Boom: Preparing for the Baby Boom Aftershock” – Guest: PPIC Analyst Laurel Beck. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, January 13, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “San Joaquin Valley Water: a comprehensive review” – Guest: Alvar Escriva-Bou, expert Public Policy Institute of California. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.

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AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Government shutdown could wreak havoc on farmers – timing couldn’t be worse

Visalia Times-Delta

The federal government shutdown could wreak havoc on U.S. agriculture and the rural economy as farmers wait on subsidy payments, loans and data they need now to make plans for the spring.

As shutdown stalls farm bailout, Trump team extends deadline

Washington Post

The government shutdown has stalled President Trump’s program to send billions of dollars to farmers hurt by the trade war with China, as the Agriculture Department office responsible for administering the payouts is closed for lack of funding.

Shutdown will not impact February food stamp benefits: USDA

abc30

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says food stamp recipients will have access to their full benefits for February, even if the government shutdown continues.

● Trump team promises shutdown won’t stop food stamp payments in February, says program lacks funds for March Washington Post

Waiting for new beer from your favorite brewer? The shutdown has turned off the tap

Fresno Bee

During the shutdown, breweries can’t get approval for beer labels from the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Those who depend on new offerings for much of their business are worried.

It’s been a good week for poultry at the Supreme Court

Los Angeles Times

Not just ducks and geese prevailed at the U.S. Supreme Court when it rejected a challenge to the California law banning the sale of foie gras and force feeding birds to get it.

● EDITORIAL: Heads up, foie gras gourmands, the pate party is over — as it should be Los Angeles TimesSan

Fresno County extends ban on growing, selling outdoor marijuana

abc30

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors renewed a one-year extension to the county’s ban on growing and selling marijuana, based on the idea marijuana is a danger.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Jones: ‘We’re on the right path’ with decline in Stockton’s homicides, nonfatal shootings

Stockton Record

Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones hopes that the decline in homicides and nonfatal shootings continues trending downward in years to come. There were 33 homicides in Stockton in 2018, a 40 percent reduction from nearly 60 two years ago.

Using Genetic Genealogy To Identify Unknown Crime Victims, Sometimes Decades Later

Capital Public Radio

DNA combined with the study of family history has been used to solve high-profile cold cases such as the Golden State Killer. Now, volunteers are using the technique to identify crime victims.

Public Safety:

San Joaquin Valley Sheriffs Blame ‘Sanctuary State’ Laws For December Murders

VPR

Two murders were allegedly committed by immigrants in the San Joaquin Valley last December, and some county sheriffs are blaming California’s “sanctuary state” law for the crimes.

● New Stanislaus County Sheriff talks department needs, hopes for future and sanctuary laws abc10.com

● The Myth of the Criminal Immigrant The New York Times

Appeals court upholds law barring immigrants in U.S. illegally from owning guns

Los Angeles TImes

A law barring immigrants who are in the country without authorization from owning guns does not violate the 2nd Amendment, a federal appeals court decided Tuesday.

Democrats unveil background check bill on anniversary of Gabby Giffords shooting

abc30

Democrats released the universal background check bill Tuesday and have vowed to pass the measure through the House in the first 100 days of the new Congress.

● Democrats Introduce Bill Expanding Background Checks on Gun Sales Wall Street Journal

California police unions are preparing to battle new transparency law in the courtroom

Los Angeles Times

Just as a landmark police transparency law is going into effect, some California police agencies are shredding internal affairs documents and law enforcement unions are rushing to block the information from being released.

Court says California violates rights of poor defendants by imposing fees

San Francisco Chronicle

California is violating the rights of poor defendants by attaching fees to misdemeanor criminal convictions regardless of their ability to pay, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday. The ruling by the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles singled out payments imposed by state law to help fund court operations and maintain a statewide restitution fund for crime victims.

Fire:

Gavin Newsom wants fire-spotting cameras in California forests – and a lot more

Fresno Bee

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday he’ll ask the Legislature to spend $105 million on containing wildfires. He also reached out to President Donald Trump on fire safety.

● Gov. Gavin Newsom announces plans to improve California’s wildfire prevention efforts Los Angeles Times

● On day 2, Gov. Newsom calls for greater California fire safety San Francisco Chronicle

● California governor proposes wildfire investments, 911 fee AP

Trump cuts off federal funds to California to fight ‘Forrest fires’

Roll Call

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he has ordered FEMA to withhold funds from California’s state government until officials there “get their act together” fighting “Forrest fires” (misspelling “forest”). But he tweeted he thinks that is “unlikely.”

My turn: We must reduce fire risk. Here are steps California must take

CALmatters

Winter rain cannot wash away the tragedy of the 2018 fire season for Northern California, the deadliest in state history. If the fires of 2017 were a wakeup call, the 2018 megafires were an air raid siren. We must take immediate steps to reduce fire risk, protect our rural communities, and ensure the sustainability of our forests, water, and wildlife.

USA had world’s 3 costliest natural disasters in 2018, and Camp Fire was the worst

Visalia Times Delta

The USA led the world in catastrophes last year. Racking up an overall damage cost of $16.5 billion, the devastating and deadly Camp Fire that ravaged California in November was the world’s costliest natural disaster in 2018.

See Also:

● When Paradise became hell: The story of the Camp Fire in Northern California Modesto Bee

● What Questions Do You Have About Camp Fire Recovery? North State Public Radio Wants To Know Capital Public Radio

● News Network: Following Camp Fire Survivors Capital Public Radio

3 PG&E electric executives departing amid ongoing wildfire scrutiny

San Francisco Chronicle

Three of PG&E’s top executives on the electric side of its business are retiring, marking a shift in key leadership as the utility endures heavy scrutiny over its role in recent devastating wildfires.

● EDITORIAL: PG&E’s disastrous string of wildfires should not lead to state bailout San Francisco Chronicle

ECONOMY / JOBS

Economy:

Report: Sears reaches 11th-hour deal to stay in business

abc30

It looks like Sears will stay open for now. The retail chain has reached an 11th-hour deal to keep 425 stores from shutting down, according to CNN.

● Sears’ Eddie Lampert gets another chance to try to buy the company Los Angeles Times

After NAFTA fight, Trump threatens another trade battle with Central America

Merced Sun-Star

Now that the Trump administration has revamped the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is eyeing kicking key countries out of its sister pact, the Central American Free Trade Agreement or CAFTA.

Businesses set to boom

Porterville Recorder

The City of Porterville has big plans for the new year. Talk of infrastructure projects has been floating around town, and indeed, new businesses and buildings will be calling Porterville home very soon. 2019 is looking hopeful regarding new places to eat and shop around town.

California bill would require businesses to offer e-receipts

Associated Press

California would become the first state to require businesses to offer electronic receipts unless customers ask for paper copies under legislation proposed on Tuesday. Many businesses and consumers already are moving toward e-receipts, said Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting of San Francisco.

The era of US-China cooperation is drawing to a close. What comes next?

Brookings

After 2018 marked a turning point in U.S.-China relations, Bruce Jones argues the new challenge for Washington and Beijing is to find the framework and the personalities to manage a new era of strategic competition and avoid a descent into conflict.

Jobs:

Caught in the shutdown, U.S. workers in California and elsewhere brace for missing paychecks

Los Angeles Times

Governing Magazine estimates that 41,478 Californians work for one of the closed federal departments and agencies, and are currently either furloughed or working without pay, a substantial slice of the 800,000 federal employees affected by the shutdown.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Fresno is ‘ready’ for universal preschool. But is Newsom’s plan the best way to fund it?

Fresno Bee

Freshly sworn-in Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to propose a nearly $2 billion plan to expand early childhood education in California, with $1.5 billion coming from a one-time general fund expenditure that some say is a precarious way to fund education.

New McLane High quad area considered investment for school and community

abc30

After six months of construction, the new quad area of McLane High School is now complete. Students at the Central Fresno campus held a celebration Tuesday morning.

Bakersfield youngsters head back to school after break

Bakersfield Californian

Students throughout Bakersfield returned to school Monday following their winter break. Here, we checked in with the kids at Casa Loma Elementary School.

Making Career Education Affordable in California

PPIC

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recently announced plans to eliminate rules put in place during the Obama administration that require career-education colleges to show that the credentials they award lead to gainful employment. In California, these rules have helped shift enrollment from expensive for-profit institutions to public community colleges, which offer career education programs at much lower cost. Indeed, California’s community college system is one of the most affordable higher education institutions in the country.

Retiring State Board President discusses funding, data and a critical need for more training

EdSource

Michael Kirst retires this week after eight years as president of the State Board of Education, satisfied that the key pieces of Gov. Jerry Brown’s education policies he helped create are solidly in place. But in an interview, he expressed worry that a failure to sufficiently fund training for teachers and principals in the new academic standards, school climate and other supports for students could undermine expectations for achievement and erode the public’s faith in the new system.

Higher Ed:

Deadline FAST APPROACHING: Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship

The Maddy Institute

Delta College President Kathy Hart to retire in September

Stockton Record

San Joaquin Delta College President Kathy Hart announced late Tuesday that she will retire in September after devoting 25 years of her life to the college.

Success is not a sequence

AEI

The “success sequence” — the argument that avoiding poverty depends on graduating from high school, getting a full-time job, and marrying before having children — is enjoying a minor resurgence in policy circles of late.

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Newsom names former Obama official as California EPA chief

Mercury News

Jared Blumenfeld of San Francisco will oversee air, water, toxics and recycling policy.

U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions Are Once Again On The Rise

Capital Public Radio

A newly released report shows that the United States’ CO2 emissions spiked last year. A booming economy and busy transportation sector are to blame.

See Also:

● Carbon emissions are up. Don’t blame Trump, this is on all of us Los Angeles Times

● US carbon emissions rise sharply in 2018 — after 3 years of decline CNNPolitics.

Despite Reports Of Trashed Parks, Yosemite Visitors Are Not Deterred

VPR

While the state is experiencing a transition of power and new laws for the new year, lawmakers in D.C. still haven’t made progress on how to reopen the federal government. That means some National Parks like Sequoia and Kings Canyon are currently closed, but the more popular park in our area – Yosemite – is still entertaining guests.

● Joshua Tree National Park Will Close After Visitor Damage During Government Shutdown Capital Public Radio

● Park officials first say Joshua Tree is closing, but then say it will reopen by end of week Los Angeles Times

● Yosemite a mess, but kids show there’s hope for future San Francisco Chronicle

Community Engagement At Center Of New State Law On Air Protection

VPR

When it comes to monitoring air quality, we typically turn to air regulators, like the state and the local San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. But a recent state law is taking on a new strategy: Putting air quality in the hands of the community.

America’s freedom of navigation operations are lost at sea

AEI

For all its tough talk on China and increased activity in the South China Sea, the Trump administration’s credibility in Southeast Asia is eroding.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Muscular Dystrophy Association takes operations online

Business Journal

Kim Minchue may not be working in a physical office anymore, but that’s not going to stop the work she’s doing for Fresno’s chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Madera physician earns his board certification in infectious disease

Business Journal

Bakht Roshan, MD, has successfully completed board certification in infectious disease from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), according to a news release from Madera Community Hospital.

Cancer Deaths Decline 27% Over 25 Years

Wall Street Journal

Improvement reflects reduced smoking but obesity could influence future projections.

Human Services:

Newsom Moves To Bring Down Drug Costs, Expand Affordable Coverage

Capital Public Radio

Changes in drug price negotiations could bring down costs for Medi-Cal enrollees if Gov. Gavin Newsom moves forward with a proposal released Monday.

See Also:

● Newsom comes out swinging on day one Business Journal

● Universal Health Care Push Expected To Regain Momentum In Newsom’s First Budget Capital Public Radio

● Washington governor, NY mayor push expanded health coverage Business Journal

● Gavin Newsom’s health plan could help lower your insurance costs – or make you pay a fine Sacramento Bee

● Price Drugs According to What They Do Wall Street Journal

Transparency In Hospital Pricing The Goal Of New Federal Law – But Will It Work?

VPR

When we talk about healthcare in this country, one of the most common complaints is the price tag—monthly prescriptions that chip away at retirement savings and emergency procedures that can cause bankruptcy.

St. Paul’s gets OK for warming center, $10,000 from Visalia

Visalia Times-Delta

In December, it wasn’t clear if Visalia’s only warming center would open to the city’s homeless population. Now, funding is rolling in to make sure the center has what it needs to serve those looking for a warm place to lie down.

SVMC receives good marks for patient safety

Porterville Recorder

Sierra View Medical Center’s safety efforts are paying off, according to a nationally recognized scoring system that tracks how safe hospital patients are from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

USDA Races to Use Budget Authority for Food Stamp Benefits in Shutdown

Roll Call

The Trump administration said it will cover food stamp benefits in February using its authority under a provision of an expired continuing resolution that allows it to obligate federal funds within 30 days of expiration.

US population growth hits 80-year low, capping off a year of demographic stagnation

Brookings

While 2018 was a year of economic revival with historically low unemployment and rising wage growth, demographic indicators stand in contrast, seemingly ushering in an era of population growth stagnation.

IMMIGRATION

Government 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.

How ICE Arrests Created Fear And Paranoia For High Schoolers In The Valley

VPR

Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, an undocumented high schooler in Delano received a text from her parents. It was a photo of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in their town. Her parents were on their way to work.

The Myth of the Criminal Immigrant

The New York Times

The Trump administration’s first year of immigration policy has relied on claims that immigrants bring crime into America. President Trump’s latest target is sanctuary cities.

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

This Couple Went to Every National Park in America and Says These Are the Best

Travel and Leisure

Last year, former National Geographic travel photographer, Jonathan Irish, and NASA employee, Stephanie Payne, embarked on a journey to see all of America’s 59 national parks in 52 weeks. Sierra National Forest mentioned.

Housing:

Housing Woes Threaten California’s Middle Class

Fox&Hounds

California’s housing crisis is the worst threat to our middle class lifestyle since the recession.

PUBLIC FINANCES

Kern County could save millions through leasing part of its fleet

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County expects to save millions of dollars by leasing hundreds of its vehicles through a third party instead of purchasing those vehicles.

Newsom’s first budget a balancing act for competing promises

Associated Press

Gov. Gavin Newsom gets his chance this week to show how he’ll resolve a central tension in his platform: advancing expensive new programs while maintaining robust savings.

Pension Funds, Meet the “Super Bubble”

Fox&Hounds

Earlier this month, outgoing California Governor Jerry Brown predicted “fiscal oblivion” if California’s state and local agencies are not granted more flexibility to modify pension benefits.

Federal Deficit Climbs Again, Putting It on Track for $1 Trillion This Year

The New York Times

The federal budget deficit continued to rise in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and is on pace to top $1 trillion for the year, as President Trump’s signature tax cuts continue to reduce corporate tax revenue, data released Tuesday shows.

A California-Nevada Tax Brawl

Wall Street Journal

The Supreme Court gets another chance on state sovereign immunity.

Have We Got a Carbon Tax ‘Dividend’ for You

Wall Street Journal

Rent seekers, virtue signalers and green lobbyists will love it. Taxpayers not so much.

TRANSPORTATION

DMV warns of longer wait times if it doesn’t get more money

Fresno Bee

The Department of Motor Vehicles wants a special budget boost and is warning lawmakers that Californians could suffer painful delays if it doesn’t get the extra money.

Millions of California residents may be unable to fly in 14 days without extra ID

abc30

In 14 days, millions of Californians might find themselves barred from flying anywhere without a passport or other federally accepted ID. The DMV needs to be granted an extension for its Real ID program in 48 hours – by Thursday, January 10. The clock is ticking.

Meadows Field vs. LAX? Not really, but local buy-in goes a long way

Bakersfield Californian

Mark Witsoe, three months into his job as director of the Kern County Airports Division, facilitates it all, of course, but he wants to make something clear: He’s not here to turn Meadows Field into LAX Jr.

WATER

Newsom inherits a ‘whole bunch of headaches’ despite last-minute water deals by Brown

Sacramento Bee

As his term as governor drew to a close last month, Jerry Brown brokered a historic agreement among farms and cities to surrender billions of gallons of water to help ailing fish species. He also made two big water deals with the Trump administration — one to shore up support for his struggling Delta tunnels project, the other to transfer some of urban California’s water to Central Valley farmers whom the White House supports.

“Xtra”

New Fresno-based app aims to help you skip lines at bars by letting you order from your phone

abc30

A new Fresno-based app is aiming to help you skip the line at local bars by letting you order drinks from your phone and spend more time with friends.

Three explorers find themselves on journey into time at Modesto’s Prospect Theater

Modesto Bee

When three Victorian female explorers find themselves on a journey forward into time in the latest play from Prospect Theater Project. “On the Verge” runs Jan. 11-20 at Prospect’s downtown Modesto theater.

What’s the buzz? Bumblebee ready to meet local fans this weekend at Walmarts

Bakersfield Californian

With the holidays over and Santa safely back at the North Pole, whom can children drag their parents out to see now? How about a Transformer?

Fresno Poet Lee Herrick Writes Poems That “Call You Out” In New Book, “Scar And Flower”

VPR

The San Joaquin Valley is home to a number of renowned poets, past and present. Just yesterday, Juan Felipe Herrera, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, got a shoutout during Governor Gavin Newsom’s inauguration.

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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.

The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.

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