Maddy Institute – July 8, 2020

08Jul

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

Turlock council puts sales tax measure on November ballot, citing funding issues

Modesto Bee

Turlock voters will see a sales tax measure on their November ballots that officials say can maintain city services from public safety to road repairs. The Turlock City Council on Monday voted 4-1 to add a three-quarter cent sales tax measure to the general election, citing a need for additional revenue after years of rising costs and significant cuts in the last couple budgets.

Stanislaus reports 2,670 coronavirus cases. State says the county has 1,000 more

Modesto Bee

Stanislaus County residents can expect to see some big coronavirus case numbers posted this week. The county Health Services Agency is catching up with verifying a large wave of positive test results last week. The catch-up work is expected to add hundreds of positive tests to the county’s case total.

See also:

● California trying to stop COVID-19 spread Turlock Journal

● Stanislaus County is hammered by the coronavirus. Will schools reopen in August? Modesto Bee

Modesto-area businesses secured millions in COVID-19 relief. How some got PPP loans

Modesto Bee

The federal relief program has been fraught with confusion, but local businesses who got help still found success.

Modesto confirms COVID-19 among ‘fewer than 10’ of its city workers

Modesto Bee

The city of Modesto suspects fewer than 10 of its roughly 1,200 employees have COVID-19 and is awaiting confirmation from Stanislaus County public health, according to two city officials.

As COVID cases surge, Merced Co sheriff changes tune on stay-at-home

LA Time

In mid-May, Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke had a lot to say about California’s stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus, none of it good.

Central SJ Valley:

Fresno Co infection rate hits 9%; Madera Co on state watch list

Fresno Bee

Across the central San Joaquin Valley, the number of new coronavirus cases announced by health officials on Monday grew by more than 1,200. It was by far the most cases reported in the region in a single day since the global pandemic reached this part of the state.

Fresno’s COVID-19 tests keep pace, but a higher share of people are testing positive

Fresno Bee

After struggling for several months to ramp up its capacity to test for the novel coronavirus, Fresno County has finally achieved the state’s threshold of about 1,500 tests per day.

● Merced County confirms 258 new cases over three days, total caseload surpasses 1,500 Merced Sun-Star

EDITORIAL: Fish dinner with a side of COVID-19? Fresno restaurant owner risks our public health

Fresno Bee

Dave Fansler is passionate about serving fresh fish at his Pismo’s Coastal Grill restaurant in northeast Fresno. He is equally committed to keeping its dining room open during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent order that Fresno County restaurants could only provide outdoor dining for patrons — no indoor seating.

Will Downtown to River Parkway ‘Protected’ Bike Lane Become Reality?

GV Wire

A bike lane offering riders added protection from motorists stretching nearly 13 miles from downtown Fresno to the San Joaquin River Parkway is coming into focus.

Madera County court website hacked, redirects to portal for porn and prostitution

abc30

Madera County’s court website is now a portal to pornography and prostitution after hackers took control several days ago. “What they should be doing right now is just wiping the whole thing,” said cybersecurity expert Allan Liska of Recorded Future. “So their old website? They should consider that gone.”

What happens when a Calif town’s drinking water system fails? Ask Earlimart

Fresno Bee

This Central California town’s recent struggle getting drinking water is typical of troubles around the state.

South SJ Valley:

Local hospitals halt elective procedures as COVID-19 cases climb

Bakersfield Californian

Two Bakersfield hospitals have temporarily stopped offering elective medical procedures in order to remain responsive to more urgent cases as local COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise and push local medical centers toward to their physical limits.

See also:

● Hospitals feel the pressure in Covid spike Business Journal

● 174 new coronavirus cases, 2 deaths, reported by Kern County Public Health Tuesday Bakersfield Californian

SBDC offers updates on business recovery programs

Bakersfield Californian

Businesses looking for financial help through the coronavirus crisis will get the latest information on how to do so at a free, one-hour webinar starting at noon Wednesday. The host of the event, Kelly Bearden, director of Cal State Bakersfield’s Small Business Development Center, plans to discuss updates to three programs: the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, the federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and a local initiative called Kern Recovers.

See also:

· Managing Your Small Business Through The Pandemic Kern Co SBA and CSUB

Local census office hopes to make up for lost time

Bakersfield Californian

There are plenty of ways for people to make their lives count, but perhaps none is easier than filling out the United States Census form. That’s the message from the local census office, which have been doing double-time the past month playing catch-up following the cancellation of several events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kern County libraries to get reprieve under new budget adjustment

Bakersfield Californian

After a slight adjustment to revenue projections, more Kern County library branches will be able to reopen than were initially anticipated. Originally, Kern County officials planned to open only eight of 24 library branches throughout the next fiscal year, which begins in July and runs until next June.

Kern County Assessor’s Office announces 2020-2021 assessment roll completion

KGET 17

The Kern County Assessor’s Office announces the completion of the 2020-2021 assessment roll. The total assessed value of all taxable property in the county as of January 1, 2020 is valued $102.2 billion, a $2.8 billion increase over the prior year, said the Assessor’s Office.

Opinion: Kevin McCarthy: Prioritize COVID aid for child care and schools to help parents and the economy

USA Today

The economic shutdown has transformed many American households into makeshift day cares, middle school classrooms and summer camps. Parents have had to take on the roles of teachers and coaches while trying to manage full-time jobs. Now, as we look to reopen parts of the economy, those same parents are facing limited to zero options for child care.

State:

Nationwide testing shortage deals setback to surging California

Sac Bee

The coronavirus pandemic is becoming an increasingly urgent situation in the Sac region and across California as a whole, both of which are grappling with record-setting influxes of new cases and quickly filling intensive care units of some hospitals.

● Trump wrong that greater testing is driving coronavirus case load Politifact

California has the most coronavirus restrictions, report says

Fresno Bee

California is the nation’s most populated state with the second highest number of coronavirus cases in the U.S., but experts say its situation could be far worse had the state not moved quickly to put measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, reports show.

Six COVID-19 cases now reported by Calif Assembly. Leg’s return date unclear

Sac Bee

The California Legislature has seven weeks to process 700 bills. But with COVID-19 cases rising in the Capitol, it’s unclear when lawmakers will return to the chambers.

● California Assembly postpones return to Sac — member and staff positive for coronavirus SF Chronicle

● California Capitol closing after Assembly member gets virus Bakersfield Californian

Federal:

Trump breaks with Fauci: US in ‘good place’ in fight against virus

TheHill

Pres. Trump by saying the U.S. is in a “good place” in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump says he will pressure states to reopen schools in fall

Fresno Bee

President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched an all-out effort pressing state and local officials to reopen schools this fall, arguing that some are keeping schools closed not because of the risks from the coronavirus pandemic but for political reasons.

● What will it take to get kids back to school? Roll Call

Trump admin makes good on vow to leave the WHO

LA Times

The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change.

● Trump WHO withdrawal could boomerang on US TheHill

America’s Leaders Can’t Agree on Reopening Protocols. Neither Can Families.

Wall Street Journal

The question of how to live life under shifting coronavirus precautions is straining relations among friends and relatives; ‘Boys, you’re too close to Grandma’

Supreme Court upholds Trump’s limits on birth control coverage

Politico

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Trump administration’s broad rollback of Obamacare rules requiring employers to provide free birth control to women, in a major victory for religious groups allied with President Donald Trump.

● Supreme Court says employers may opt out of Affordable Care Act’s birth control mandate over religious, moral objections Wash Post

● Supreme Court Backs Trump on Birth-Control Religious Exemption Bloomberg

● Supreme Court Undercuts Birth Control Access Under Obamacare NPR

Commentary: Supreme Court rules members of the Electoral College must be faithful – how that affects California

CALmatters

Coronavirus Trackers:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California

Covid19.ca.gov

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

● Coronavirus (COVID-19) CDC

● Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic – WHO

● John Hopkins Univ & Medicine John Hopkins Univ

● Tracking coronavirus in California LA Times

● Coronavirus Tracker SF Chronicle

● Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count NY Times

● How many coronavirus cases have been reported in each U.S. state? Politico

● Coronavirus Daily NPR

● Coronavirus tracked: the latest figures as the pandemic spreads Finl Times

● Coronavirus in California by the numbers CalMatters

Elections 2020:

Biden promises to boost U.S. production of coronavirus-fighting supplies

LA Times

Joe Biden is promising to shift production of medical equipment and other key pandemic-fighting products “back to U.S. soil,” creating jobs and bolstering a domestic supply chain he says has been exposed as inadequate and vulnerable by the coronavirus outbreak.

● Biden preparing for ‘multiple scenarios’ on COVID-19 vaccine: Official ABC

● Progressives wary as Biden talks compromise with GOP TheHill

● Column: Stop worrying about Biden’s vice presidential choice LA Times

● YouGov Polling: Biden Skeptics Are Moderate Democrats RealClearPolitics

● Picking the vice president Brookings

● Biden’s correct claim about the Trump administration Politifact

Trump’s Handling of COVID-19 Is Creating Headwinds for November

PPIC

The top issue facing the people of California today is the coronavirus outbreak, according to California’s likely voters. How state and federal leaders respond to this unprecedented crisis will be on voters’ minds when they cast ballots in the November election. In the May PPIC Statewide Survey, we find that widespread voter disapproval of Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic is creating headwinds not only for the incumbent president but also for Republican candidates in House elections.

Guardrails line the journey in the life of a mail-in ballot

NBC

With the integrity of vote-by-mail becoming a political issue and the coronavirus driving demand for it, there are steps to ensure validity.

CDC Suggests Alternative Voting Methods As Trump Mounts Attacks On Mail-In Ballots

Forbes

The Centers for Disease Control quietly issued new guidance on voting safely amid the coronavirus pandemic, including a recommendation for “alternative voting methods,” as President Trump ramps up attacks on mail-in voting ahead of the November election.

Explainer: Fraud is rare in U.S. mail-in voting. Here are the methods that prevent it

Reuters

With the number of Americans voting by mail on Nov. 3 expected to nearly double due to COVID-19, election experts see little reason to expect an increase in ballot fraud, despite President Donald Trump’s repeated claims.

As November Looms, So Does the Most Litigious Election Ever

NY Times

Last week alone, three federal rulings set election parameters in three states. And scores of legal fights spawned by the pandemic are shaping who will vote and how.

Walters: 2020 ballot measures are mostly do-overs

CALmatters

Four months out from November’s election — and just three months until mail voting begins — outcomes of virtually all major California races are preordained, including a win by the Democratic presidential nominee, assumedly Joe Biden.

OPINION: CA voters must stop app-company scheme to profit at workers’ expense

Modesto Bee

The COVID-19 pandemic is showing us the best and worst of the gig economy. The best: drivers and shoppers becoming first responders to keep home-bound seniors fed and transport nurses to work.

Commentary: Supreme Court rules members of the Electoral College must be faithful – how that affects California

CALmatters

Thanks to how the Electoral College is structured, Californians have much less power in electing the next president than voters in less populous states.

Other:

What the loss of my brother during COVID-19 taught me about our personal relationships with local news (Spoiler: it’s complicated)

Medium

I didn’t even hear my phone buzzing. It was 4 am and the end of another stressful week of work and family affairs heightened by the third month of the coronavirus pandemic. I was wiped out that Friday morning in May and my first Zoom meeting of the day wasn’t for several hours, so there I lay resting in a coma-like state.

OPINION: How did masks morph from personal protection into divisive political symbols?

Fresno Bee

On a Saturday afternoon a few decades ago, my family was sitting in a packed cinema in the sub-basement of a Tokyo skyscraper. The movie was about an American family, sick of urban stress, moving to a wilderness cabin deep in the forest. The movie father warned his children to be careful, “Our nearest neighbor is 25 miles away.”

What Were Governors Focused On Before COVID-19?

PEW

Governors’ State of the State speeches (44 gave them this year) offer a snapshot of 2020’s stunning reversal of fortunes, in which many states that started the budget year with surpluses suddenly have billion-dollar gaps.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

California Growers To Harvest Record Almond Crop

My Job Depends on Ag Magazine

Hold on to your John Deere cap — California growers are anticipating an estimated 3 billion pound almond crop this year, the largest in history.

EDITORIAL: Fish dinner with a side of COVID-19? Fresno restaurant owner risks our public health

Fresno Bee

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

Madera County court website hacked, redirects to portal for porn and prostitution

abc30

Public Safety:

It’s hot, AC is out and staff at California prison have COVID-19: ‘I feel so helpless’

Fresno Bee

It’s another boiling summer in the San Joaquin Valley, where temperatures often top 100 degrees. And once again, the air conditioning is on the fritz at the Mendota federal prison 35 miles west of Fresno.

· Top medical officer for Calif prisons ousted amid worsening coronavirus outbreak LA Times

Prop 47 and Racial Disparities

PPIC

Proposition 47, the 2014 ballot measure that reclassified certain property and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, has reduced racial disparities in arrests and bookings. However, serious racial inequities remain.

Fire:

Calif state firefighters accept 7.5% pay cut in deal with Newsom Administration

Fresno Bee

California state firefighters are taking a 7.5% pay cut in exchange for two flexible days off every month under a one-year agreement with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration.

This strong wildfire message shows how dangerous fire season has become

Sac Bee

In 2018, the most destructive wildfire season in California history struck with more than 8,000 fires throughout the state. Placer County Sheriff’s Office knows the devastation fires cause and shows just how dangerous fire season has become.

ECONOMY/JOBS

Economy:

Modesto-area businesses secured millions in COVID-19 relief. How some got PPP loans

Modesto Bee

When Congress unveiled its $2.2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package in late March, a bill that included not only one-time payments to many Americans but also loan opportunities for small businesses, Eric Miedema immediately went to sign up for a loan.

More closings of businesses possible

Porterville Recorder

The message was clear from Tulare County Health and Human Services Director Tim Lutz: If the county doesn’t show improvement when it comes to its number of COVID-19 cases, the rollback of industries opening will continue for a longer period.

SBDC offers updates on business recovery programs

Bakersfield Californian

See also:

· Managing Your Small Business Through The Pandemic Kern Co SBA and CSUB

Small Businesses Offer Key Fiscal Support for Government

Fox & Hounds

The recent flurry of stories about small business woes often miss an important part of the picture: Small businesses’ role in helping fund government’s important responsibilities.

Retailer group asks governors to make masks mandatory

TheHill

A trade association representing major U.S. retailers on Tuesday urged state governors to issue orders requiring that people wear masks when shopping, arguing it would provide clarity for consumes and protect workers.

Federal Aid Helped Wide Swath of Small Businesses, Needy or Not

Wall Street Journal

More than 90 industry sectors each had more than 10,000 firms approved for PPP loans during the coronavirus pandemic, new data shows.

Jobs:

SF-based Levi’s to cut 700 office jobs due to coronavirus-related slump

abc30

Levi’s said Tuesday that it will cut 700 office jobs, or about 15% of its worldwide corporate workforce, as it deals with a sharp drop in sales due to the coronavirus pandemic. The SF-based jeans maker said the layoffs will save it about $100 million a year and won’t affect workers at its stores or factories.

See Also:

● Levi’s to cut 700 office jobs due to virus-related slump Bakersfield Californian

Uber drivers to set own rates in parts of California

SF Chronicle

Uber is letting drivers in Southern California and Sac set their own fares, a feature it will soon bring to the Bay Area and the entire state. It’s part of the SF ride-hailing company’s attempts to show that drivers are independent, and therefore should not be classified as employees under AB5, California’s new gig-work law. AB5 makes it harder for companies to claim that workers are independent contractors, the business model that Uber relies on.

DOL Aims to Fast-Track Worker Classification Rule to 2020 Finish

Bloomberg

The Labor Department is accelerating a plan to propose and finalize this year a worker classification regulation defining when workers are independent contractors or employees under federal wage law.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Fresno Unified says extra assistance may be needed to catch students up this fall

abc30

As Valley districts prepare for the upcoming fall semester, many parents and teachers are wondering if the time away from the classroom could impact students’ grades. Parent Tacie Avedikian says homeschooling over the past semester has not been easy.

Trump says he will pressure states to reopen schools in fall

Fresno Bee

● What will it take to get kids back to school? Roll Call

States sue US Dept of Ed over virus relief funds for schools

Fresno Bee

The U.S. Department of Education is attempting to take pandemic relief funds away from K-12 public schools and divert the money to private schools, California and four other states argued in a lawsuit filed Tuesday against the Trump administration.

● States sue US department over virus relief funds for schools Porterville Recorder

● California sues to block more federal coronavirus money from going to private schools SF Chronicle

● Trump rips CDC, threatens school funding TheHill

● Trump at Odds With C.D.C. Over Safety Precautions to Open Schools NY Times

● Opinion: School-Closing Costs Are Crushing Children and Parents Bloomberg

Higher Ed:

UC welcomes our next president: Michael V. Drake, M.D. Univ of California

The Univ of California Board of Regents has appointed Michael V. Drake, M.D., as the 21st president of UC’s world-renowned system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, three nationally affiliated labs, more than 280,000 students and 230,000 faculty and staff.

● Univ of California names its first Black president, appointing Ohio State leader to top role Sac Bee

● Michael Drake, former Ohio State leader, picked to replace Janet Napolitano SF Chronicle

● Michael Drake, former UC Irvine chancellor, named Univ of California president EdSource

Fresno State resets football timeline while awaiting CSU approval to return to workouts

Fresno Bee

For Fresno State, Monday was supposed to be the day. The Bulldogs were to report to campus, take a coronavirus test, head into quarantine for seven days and on July 13, when allowed by the NCAA to start eight hours per week of mandatory workouts and film review, they would be ready to go.

A Fresno State honors society has closed its door after nearly 100 years

Fresno Bee

Founded at Fresno State in the fall of 1925, the Tokalon Women’s Honors Society was established to highlight women’s achievements. Female students applied for scholarships and lifelong memberships. Applicants were awarded based on their commitment to their field of study and the Fresno State and Central Valley community.

Valley Voices: Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Fresno State cannot be compared to a Confederate monument

Fresno Bee

Statues and monuments have come under scrutiny across the United States following the tragic death of George Floyd. In our Central Valley, an online petitionhas placed Mahatma Gandhi — a man who inspired world-wide nonviolent revolutions against colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and violence — in the middle of a debate.

Most Fall classes at College of the Sequoias to be held online, officials say

abc30

Most of the students at College of the Sequoia will continue virtual learning through the fall semester, administrators announced on Tuesday. Officials with the community college said all lecture courses would be moved online for instruction.

UC welcomes our next president: Michael V. Drake, M.D. Univ of California

● Univ of California names its first Black president, appointing Ohio State leader to top role Sac Bee

● Michael Drake, former Ohio State leader, picked to replace Janet Napolitano SF Chronicle

● Michael Drake, former UC Irvine chancellor, named Univ of California president EdSource

ICE says international students cannot remain in US if schools are online only

Fresno Bee

International students taking classes in the U.S. this fall could be deported if their schools switch to online-only learning during the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidelines released Monday by the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement agency.

● New ICE guidelines say international students must leave the U.S. if classes go online LA Times

● Trump Visa Rules Seen as Way to Pressure Colleges on Reopening NY Times

● Harvard Says U.S. Visa Rules Upend College Pandemic Planning Bloomberg

● Harvard, MIT sue to block Trump administration from stripping student visas amid pandemic TheHill

● Harvard, MIT Sue Trump Administration Over International-Student Wall Street Journal

College in the time of coronavirus: Challenges facing American higher education

AEI

COVID-19 presents unique challenges for colleges and universities, constraining their ability to offer core services safely and threatening their financial health.

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

Environment:

Calif’s pollution regulators go toe-to-toe with Trump. Watchdog says they come up short

Sac Bee

A California environmental advocacy group urged the state’s air pollution regulator and agriculture department to do more for minority communities in an annual report card it published last week.

Condors’ comeback now includes first return to this Calif national park in 50 years

Fresno Bee

California condors may be on the comeback in the Sierra Nevada. The massive birds used to occupied the region — where they were known to nest inside giant sequoia trees — until the 1980s, when the remaining population was trapped to prevent extinction.

Threatened frog species released into Calif forest after successful breeding program

Fresno Bee

A group of wildlife biologists in Northern California took another step in the conservation effort of the threatened Foothill yellow-legged frogs on June 30, releasing 115 of the frogs into the Feather River in Plumas National Forest.

These hikes are your best bets for taking a break from coronavirus blues

Fresno Bee

As summer hits high gear and restless masses yearn to get outside, the pandemic still requires restrictions at national parks and other popular recreation areas. But options abound for those in the know. Rather than fight for a Yosemite reservation or a Lake Tahoe parking space, consider some of these lesser-known Sierra Nevada outings where you can stretch your legs without rubbing too many elbows.

Energy:

PG&E Exits Bankruptcy; Newsom Signs Bill Creating Backup Utility Plan

California Energy Markets

Pacific Gas & Electric on July 1 emerged from the bankruptcy reorganization it began a year and a half ago, a day after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed “failsafe” legislation that would turn PG&E into a nonprofit utility if things go wrong.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

Fresno’s COVID-19 tests keep pace, but a higher share of people are testing positive

Fresno Bee

After struggling for several months to ramp up its capacity to test for the novel coronavirus, Fresno County has finally achieved the state’s threshold of about 1,500 tests per day.

● Merced County confirms 258 new cases over three days, total caseload surpasses 1,500 Merced Sun-Star

Fact Check: Is Mask Wearing Causing Fungal Lung Infections? No, This Is Another Bogus Claim On Facebook

Capital Public Radio

A widely-circulated Facebook post claims people are checking into emergency rooms with fungal lung infections due to wearing masks to prevent COVID-19. “People are starting to enter ERs with fungal lung infections from wearing masks!! Take breaks from your masks.”

Scientists warn of potential wave of COVID-linked brain damage

Reuters

Scientists warned on Wednesday of a potential wave of coronavirus-related brain damage as new evidence suggested COVID-19 can lead to severe neurological complications, including inflammation, psychosis and delirium.

Can you get infected again after recovering from coronavirus?

abc30

Can you get infected again after recovering from the novel coronavirus? One of the first COVID-19 patients in California says his doctors noticed a disturbing trend: the number of antibodies in his system began diminishing, leading to worries about reinfection.

There’s a new mosquito in town, and it’s trigger-happy

Bakersfield Californian

Phone calls have been pouring in to the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District at 10 times the rate of last year.

Human Services:

EPA approves 2 Lysol disinfectants tested to kill novel coronavirus on surfaces

abc30

The Environmental Protection Agency has begun to approve surface disinfectants specifically proven to kill SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus, in laboratory testing. The agency announced Monday that two products, Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist, were both approved last week.

Walgreens to open doctor offices in stores, company says

Fresno Bee

Walgreens announced Wednesday that it is partnering with VillageMD to open between 500 and 700 full-service doctor offices in stores across the country, the company said.

Local hospitals halt elective procedures as COVID-19 cases climb

Bakersfield Californian

See also:

● Hospitals feel the pressure in Covid spike Business Journal

● Editorial: We still don’t know enough about what’s causing COVID-19 to surge LA Times

U.S. pumps $1.6 billion into Novavax’s COVID vaccine development

LA Times

Novavax Inc., one of the front-runners in the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, will receive $1.6 billion from the U.S. government, the biggest contribution yet from the Operation Warp Speed program.

Supreme Court upholds Trump’s limits on birth control coverage

Politico

● Supreme Court says employers may opt out of Affordable Care Act’s birth control mandate over religious, moral objections Wash Post

● Supreme Court Backs Trump on Birth-Control Religious Exemption Bloomberg

● Supreme Court Undercuts Birth Control Access Under Obamacare NPR

Creating a more equitable healthcare system

Brookings

“COVID-19 showed starkly that our health system is riddled with inequities that literally killed people in the last few months.” Instead of returning to normal, Stuart Butler calls on America’s leaders to build a more equitable health system by integrating medical and nonmedical services, expanding telehealth, improving care for older adults, and providing more flexibility in healthcare spending.

IMMIGRATION

‘It needs to stop.’ Calif leaders urge Gov to stop ICE transfers from prisons

Fresno Bee

Charles Joseph says he was granted parole in May of last year after spending 12 years in prison. Joseph, convicted of robbing a convenience store in 2007, looked forward to reuniting with his mother and wife, who waited in the parking lot the day of his release. He never got to see them, he said, because he was immediately detained by ICE.

Trump Visa Rules Seen as Way to Pressure Colleges on Reopening

NY Times

International students will be required to take at least one in-person class to keep their visas, at a time when many universities are prioritizing online instruction.

● New ICE guidelines say international students must leave the U.S. if classes go online LA Times

● Harvard Says U.S. Visa Rules Upend College Pandemic Planning Bloomberg

● Harvard, MIT sue to block Trump administration from stripping student visas amid pandemic TheHill

● Harvard, MIT Sue Trump Administration Over International-Student Wall Street Journal

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

Building Permits Update: May 2020

LAO

California recorded 6,430 housing permits in May, down 32 % from May 2019. While this was above the April figure of 5,383, it was the lowest May total since 2012. These figures show the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown.

Housing:

Clovis set for low-income apartments to help homeless. How much will it cost to build?

Fresno Bee

An empty lot in Clovis could be the new site of a low-income apartment complex that would help also house homeless residents. The Butterfly Gardens project from the Illinois-based developer group UPholdings could begin construction by March 2021. But the developer still needs to secure funding.

After COVID-19: Prevent Homelessness Among Survivors of Domestic Abuse

RAND

With the implementation of stay-at-home orders, victims found themselves trapped in a home with an abuser, leading to more frequent abuse. Now, victims who can leave abusers confront a new crisis: housing.

PUBLIC FINANCES

IRS could owe you interest if tax refund isn’t issued by certain date

abc30

The ABC 7 I-Team continues to investigate complaints about people waiting for months for their tax refunds. But that wait could eventually mean more money for you. A lot of people don’t know this, but just like you would owe the IRS interest if you’re late on paying your taxes, the IRS owes you interest if they don’t send your tax refund by a certain date.

A deal lets 5 counties off the hook

CALmatters

Five California counties got a huge windfall from miscalculating how local property taxes are divvied up with schools. Under a legislative deal, they will keep most of the extra money.

Recession Forces Spending Cuts on States, Cities Hit by Coronavirus

Wall Street Journal

Education takes the brunt of reductions; governments have cut 1.5 million jobs since March, with more expected.

See Where Your State Gets Its Money

PEW

COVID-19 is taking a major toll on tax collections, which are the largest source of revenue for 44 states.

What States Can Do to Mitigate Local Fiscal Stress

PEW

Timely state assistance can mean the difference between fiscal stability and fiscal emergency for cities and counties.

TRANSPORTATION

Will Downtown to River Parkway ‘Protected’ Bike Lane Become Reality?

GV Wire

A bike lane offering riders added protection from motorists stretching nearly 13 miles from downtown Fresno to the San Joaquin River Parkway is coming into focus.

Caltrans Adopts Action Plan to Increase Walking, Bicycling Statewide

SCV News

Caltrans is adopting a set of new, high-priority actions to improve access to walking, bicycling and transit options throughout California.

Amtrak medical chief explains coronavirus safety measures on trains, in stations

Sac Bee

Enhanced cleaning, more space for physical distancing, travel flexibility and a contact-free travel experience are Amtrak’s new standard of travel during coronavirus pandemic, says Amtrak Medical Director Dr. Ann Kuhnen.

Rookie RV Drivers Jam America’s Roads—Watch Out

Wall Street Journal

First-time owners, dodging Covid restrictions, hit the highway but struggle to maneuver the large rigs; ‘that can’t be good’.

WATER

What happens when a California town’s drinking water system fails? Ask Earlimart

Fresno Bee

This Central California town’s recent struggle getting drinking water is typical of troubles around the state.

Merced County warns public to stay out of Merced River below Lake McClure

Merced Sun-Star

Merced County officials and the Merced Irrigation District are warning the public to avoid the Merced River below Lake McClure beginning Thursday, as there will be a significant increase the river’s flow, according to a news release.

What happens when a California town’s drinking water system fails? Ask Earlimart

Fresno Bee

This Central California town’s recent struggle getting drinking water is typical of troubles around the state.

“Xtra”

Fresno Co Civil War reenactment getting a facelift but not until 2021. Here’s why

Fresno Bee

Last year, the Fresno County Historical Society began the process of re-imagining its yearly Civil War Revisited fundraiser. The group was looking for a living-history event driven less by battle reenactments and more by the stories and histories that developed the central San Joaquin Valley in the late 19th century.