POLICY & POLITICS
Valley:
It Looks Like a Mathis-Sigala Runoff in AD 26
GVWire
In Assembly District 26, the new release showed Assemblyman Devon Mathis gaining 2,123 votes, Tulare City Councilman Jose Sigala adding 2,364 votes and Visalia Mayor Warren Gubler picking up 2,043 votes. This leaves Mathis with a 324-vote first-place margin and Sigala with a 708-vote lead over third-place Gubler.
Fresno City Council approves ballot measure for cannabis business license tax
ABC30
The tax would apply to medicinal marijuana and all other cannabis business. The ballot measure now goes before Fresno city voters on the November election ballot.
Madera County District Attorney David Linn concedes in bid for re-election
Sierra Star
Madera County District Attorney David Linn's bid for re-election is over, as he trailed his two competitors by a large margin. Linn conceded the election Wednesday, saying that while there still may be some provisional ballots uncounted, he did not think it would make a significant difference.
Who will win Madera County's District 5 supervisor race? Votes are still being counted
Sierra Star
The Madera County race for District 5 supervisor still doesn’t have an official winner – but it’s leaning incumbent Tom Wheeler’s way.
Former Bakersfield Mayor Mary K. Shell has died
Bakersfield Californian
Mary K. Shell, Bakersfield's first female mayor, died Thursday morning at age 91.
Shell's passing was confirmed by family friend L.J. Radon, who said the civic icon died at home with family and her dogs at her side.
Grand jury report alleges California City officials harassed, retaliated against employees
Bakersfield Californian
California City officials harassed and retaliated against people who spoke to the Kern County grand jury for its scathing reports on the city earlier this year, according to a new grand jury report released Thursday.
Stanislaus County Sheriff candidates strike conciliatory tone as election concludes
Modesto Bee
The aftermath of a highly contested sheriff's election in Stanislaus County took on a peacemaking tone this week. In a statement, Sheriff-elect Jeff Dirkse said he looks forward to working with outgoing sheriff Adam Christianson.
State budget sets plan for construction to start on new Stanislaus Superior Courthouse
Modesto Bee
Construction of a new Stanislaus Superior Courthouse in downtown Modesto could begin next year with the approval of a California state budget that set aside funding for it. The new Modesto courthouse — a 300,000 square-foot building with 27 courtrooms — is expected to cost about $262 million.
EDITORIAL: The real ‘fake news’ is Devin Nunes’ ad about The Bee
Fresno Bee
You might be seeing or hearing an ad paid for by the campaign to re-elect Devin Nunes as congressman for the 22nd District. The Fresno Bee is the subject of his ad. Actually, his anger at The Bee is the real subject.
State:
Sragow: Ten Takeaways from California Target Book Post Primary Analysis in Sacramento
Fox & Hounds
Democratic and Republican party leaders and their consultants need to get past the grieving stage and accept that the top-two primary is the law of the land. Instead of debating who benefits and who suffers, they need to figure out how to win under the new rules.
California took a radical step to fix gerrymandering. Did it work?
Washington Post
In most states, elected officials draw district lines to benefit politicians or parties. But California handed that power to ordinary citizens and other states are considering it.
Plan to end daylight saving time advances in California
Sacramento Bee
The state Senate on Thursday approved a proposal to ask voters to repeal a 70-year-old initiative that set a biannual clock change in California and give lawmakers the power to adjust the time with a two-thirds vote.
Questions Answered On Dividing California Into Three States
The Sacramento Bee
The ballot measure does not address how to divide up the state's extensive assets. The Silicon Valley Leadership Group, made up of CEO's from tech and other companies, has not taken a stand but sees plenty of obstacles that could be costly.
See also:
● Plenty of obstacles remain if voters decide to split California in 3 ABC 7
● Had California been 3 states in last week’s primary, here’s who would have won CALmatters
A look at some recent state Assembly achievements
Los Angeles Times
Given our heritage, it is no surprise that the work we have been doing in the Legislature is reflecting that same visionary identity. Here are some of the major victories we have achieved in the Assembly so far this year.
De León's challenge in the Senate race: to oppose Feinstein but keep his future intact
Los Angeles Times
Kevin de León stresses that he isn’t naive about his chances of taking down Sen. Dianne Feinstein in November’s general election. It’s a formidable hill to climb in five months.
Ivanka Trump heading to California for fundraisers with Kevin McCarthy
Los Angeles Times
Ivanka Trump will travel to California next week to attend fundraisers with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, according to an invitation obtained by The Times and media reports.
Federal:
Los Angeles Times
A long-awaited review of the FBI’s actions during the 2016 campaign concludes former FBI Director James B. Comey and others mishandled the bureau’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails and improperly shared information about that investigation with the public.
See also:
● DOJ Clinton Report Blasts Comey, Agents, but Finds No Bias in Conclusion Wall Street Journal
Prosecutors Investigating Michael Cohen for Possible Illegal Lobbying
Wall Street Journal
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are investigating whether Michael Cohen, the longtime personal lawyer for Donald Trump, illegally engaged in secret lobbying.
See also:
Pence turns VP’s office into gateway for lobbyists to influence the Trump administration Washington Post
Podcast: What happened at the Trump-Kim summit in Singapore?
Brookings
In this episode, five Brookings experts offer their reactions to the recent summit between President Trump and Kim Jong-un, their analyses of the key outcomes, and their assessments of what comes next.
See also:
● The clock is ticking for Trump to dismantle North Korea weapons AEI
Supreme Court Strikes Down Law Barring Political Apparel at Polling Places
New York Times
The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Minnesota law that prohibits voters from wearing T-shirts, hats and buttons expressing political views at polling places.
See also:
● EDITORIAL: The Supreme Court strikes down a dress code for voters Los Angeles Times
Other:
What can be done about the ‘fourth branch of government’?
AEI
Woodrow Wilson brought the administrative state into existence a century ago. Since that time, an ever-increasing number of agencies and bureaucracies have issued regulations that affect almost every aspect of American life, forming what some have called the unelected “fourth branch of government.”
Public CEO
It’s no secret: Public agencies are inundated with files. A rise in digital records coupled with the use of personal devices, email accounts and diverse communication channels has lead electronic records to become increasingly problematic for agencies.
Republicans embrace the ‘cult’ of Trump, ignoring warning signs
Washington Post
The Republican Party appears united now not by fealty to ideas or policies but to a man, one who defied the odds to win the presidency and who has magnetically drawn the party’s power bases to himself.
National Review
One indicator of progressive hatred of Donald Trump that deserves more contemplation is this: The Democratic party is moving left with breathtaking velocity.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, June 17, at 10 a.m. on ABC 30 – Maddy Report: “Public Employee Union Dues: “Fair Share” v. “Free Speech” – Guests: Laurel Rosenhall with CALmatters, Steve Smith with California Labor Federation, Dan Walters from CALmatters, and John Myers from LA Times. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, June 17, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “Will Valley Public Employees Get a Fair Share After Fair Share” – Guests: Lacy Barnes, President of State Center Federation of Teachers and Vice President of American Federation of Teachers in California; Tad Weber, Editorial Page Editor for the Fresno Bee and Mike Dunbar, Editorial Page Editor for the Modesto Bee and Merced Sun Star. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, June 17, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “State Auditor To UC: UCPath on the Wrong Path” – Guest: Margarita Fernandez, PIO State Auditor's Office. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
Support the Maddy Daily HERE.
Thank you!
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Study Ranks Wonderful Co. as Top Growth Leader in Produce, Consumer Packaged Goods
Los Angeles Business Journal
Wonderful Company, which grows, markets and sells pistachios, almonds, citrus fruits, pomegranates, bottled water, wine and floral arrangements, took the top spots among mid-sized U.S. companies with sales between $1 billion and $5.5 billion.
Improving Produce Traceability Could Make Food Safer – And These Companies Are Tackling It
Valley Public Radio
Produce can be difficult to trace from farm to fork, through the sometimes dozens of suppliers, distributors and wholesalers that make up the produce supply chain—but two recent initiatives are attempting to change that.
Spanish Speakers Experience Discrimination At Valley Food Pantries
Valley Public Radio
Families have been facing discrimination at food sites because they’re speaking Spanish. The majority of people Food Link Tulare County serves are Latinos and farm workers.
House Committee Farm Bill Would Increase Food Insecurity and Hardship
California Budget and Policy Priorities
Its changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would cause more than 1 million low-income households with more than 2 million people, particularly low-income working families with children, to lose their benefits altogether or have them reduced.
See also:
● The Farm Bill and the sugar program: Time for reform AEI
Trump administration pushes changes to farmworker visa
Fresno Bee
The Trump administration is moving ahead with an overhaul of the guest worker program that admits hundreds of thousands of temporary farm workers each year, easing access to agricultural labor even as even as its conservative allies push for a crackdown.
A Trumped-up charge against Canadian dairy tariffs
Brookings
President Trump and his Administration have based their public spat—and that is putting the term mildly—with Canada on that country’s “270 percent” tariffs on U.S. dairy imports. Some facts would help to put this claim in perspective.
Should Fresno tax marijuana operations? Voters to decide in November
Fresno Bee
The Fresno City Council on Thursday voted to put a cannabis business license tax measure on the November ballot. After hearing pleas both from pastors against allowing medicinal marijuana and from cannabis patients, the council voted 5-1 to approve the resolution.
See also:
● Leave Marijuana Policy to the States National Review
A tax on illegal pot shops? Riverbank still would want its cut, puts it to voters
Modesto Bee
Voters in Riverbank will decide in November whether to impose a marijuana tax that's unlikely to ever be used.
Proposed US banking fix for marijuana may not open all doors
AP News
A proposal in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana could encourage more banks to do business with cannabis companies, but it appears to fall short of a cure-all for an industry that must operate mainly as a cash business in a credit card world.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Victims of Golden State Killer could be eligible for restitution from California
Los Angeles Times
A proposed bill related to the state budget may make alleged victims of the Golden State Killer or East Area Rapist eligible for restitution from a fund used to compensate victims of crimes.
$4 million to help curb arrests of foster children
San Francisco Chronicle
For years, California foster care shelters have been places of punishment for abused and neglected children whose minor outbursts often landed them in the local juvenile hall. Now, with a $4 million allocation in the new state budget, California lawmakers have moved to end the dubious practice.
Public Safety:
A California initiative tried to keep people out of jail. It's working, report says.
Sacramento Bee
Proposition 47 — the 2014 ballot measure aimed at reducing penalties for certain nonviolent drug and property crimes — contributed to lower recidivism rates and did not lead to a rise in violent crime, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California.
See also:
● EDITORIAL: Prop 47 is helping lower California’s recidivism rate Mercury News
CHP program teaches senior driving safety
Hanford Sentinel
The impact of aging on driving varies widely, but the gradual and incremental effects on vision, flexibility and response times. That is why the California Highway Patrol Hanford area office is conducting an "Age Well, Drive Smart" class in Hanford on Tuesday.
Activists hope Juneteenth campout will spark discussion on violence, police shootings
Stockton Record
Local activists hope that a three-day event in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza will spark a larger discussion aimed at putting an end to gun violence and officer-involved shootings.
Hillary Clinton, in San Francisco visit, calls gun safety ‘a political necessity’
San Francisco Chronicle
Speaking to an audience of gun control advocates in San Francisco, Hillary Clinton said Thursday that this year’s voting for members of Congress should “finally be the election that turns the tide against the gun lobby.”
Fire:
Power Companies’ Mistakes Can Cost Billions. Who Should Pay?
New York Times
Utilities say they must be shielded from liability or the electric grid will suffer. Critics say that puts the burden on ratepayers, not investors.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Donald Trump Approves Tariffs on About $50 Billion of Chinese Goods
Wall Street Journal
President Donald Trump approved tariffs on about $50 billion of Chinese goods, as the U.S. ratchets up its trade fight with Beijing over China’s alleged pressure on U.S. firms to transfer technology to Chinese partners.
See also:
● Trump announces tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods CNN
● White House Hits China With New Tariffs, Ramping up Trade War Roll Call
● Trade war could wipe out gains of GOP tax law, former top Trump economic adviser says Washington Post
● U.S. tariffs boost trade tensions and protectionist theory Marketplace
● U.S. and China announce new tariffs in escalation of trade war Washington Post
● Free Trade Already Puts America First National Review
AT&T, Time Warner close $81B merger 2 days after judge OKs
Sacramento Bee
T&T has completed its $81 billion takeover of Time Warner, one of the biggest media deals ever. A federal judge approved the combination just two days earlier over objections by the Trump Justice Department that it would hurt consumers.
See also:
● AT&T completes purchase of Time Warner, ushering in new era for Warner Bros., CNN and HBO Los Angeles Times
Jobs:
Google barely moves needle on gender, diversity in workforce
AP News
Google barely raised the number of women and under-represented minorities among its ranks, while it got less white and more Asian over the past year, according to the search giant’s fifth annual diversity report.
EDUCATION
California lawmakers approve 2018-19 state budget; how schools, colleges will fare
EdSource
Gov. Jerry Brown will leave office at the end of this year with the state providing more money for schools each year for seven years straight.
K-12:
Wonderful College Prep Academy 2018 Graduation
Bakersfield Californian
Delano's Wonderful College Prep Academy class of 2018 graduation was held Thursday evening at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield.
Manteca Unified promotes interim chief to top job
Stockton Record
Manteca Unified Board of Trustees announced Tuesday evening as the meeting began that interim superintendent Clark Burke was promoted to superintendent, formally replacing outgoing superintendent Jason Messer.
California falls shamefully short on preschool – and parents are paying the price
Sacramento Bee
Today, only half of California’s 4-year-olds and 21 percent of 3-year- olds are enrolled in either a public preschool or federally funded Head Start, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research. By comparison, 90 percent of 5-year-olds attend a public kindergarten.
California budget includes increase for infant and toddler care but not enough to meet demand
EdSource
Despite pressure from early childhood advocates to invest close to a billion dollars in infant and toddler care in next year’s budget, the agreement lawmakers approved Thursday reflects a compromise, with significant increases in child care slots for low-income families but no new funding for preschool.
EDITORIAL: A new chapter in California’s war on school accountability
San Diego Union-Tribune
This week, for the second time in nine months, the U.S. Department of Education has rejected the State Board of Education and the California Department of Education’s proposed compliance plan as inadequate.
Higher Ed:
Former Fresno State AD says President Castro's 'whisper campaign' forced his resignation
Fresno Bee
Former Fresno State Athletic Director Jim Bartko says in a claim against Fresno State that he was forced to resign after being subjected to President Joseph Castro's "whisper campaign" and that the university should pay him $3 million in damages for emotional distress, defaming him and for "conscious disregard" for his legal rights.
California AG to announce debt relief for former Corinthian Colleges students
Business Journal
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has scheduled a Thursday morning press conference to announce a settlement of $67 million of debt for former students of Corinthian Colleges.
In Harvard Affirmative Action Suit, Filings to Provide Rare Look at Admissions Process
Wall Street Journal
A closely watched lawsuit accusing Harvard University of discriminating against Asian-American applicants is approaching a critical juncture, as court filings later this week are expected to reveal new details about how the school’s undergraduate admissions process affects different ethnic and racial groups.
EDITORIAL: Of course students at UC and Cal State campuses should have access to medication abortions
Los Angeles Times
This is a sensible and smart addition to the healthcare services already provided to hundreds of thousands of women at UC and Cal State campuses, many of whom fall into the age range of women (20-24) with the highest rate of abortion.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Triple digit heat impacting the Central Valley
ABC30
The months of June through August are the busiest time of year for the construction industry. It is also the time of year some cities relax rules on when work can begin, allowing for the work day to start at 6 a.m.
White House to meet automakers, California on fuel efficiency rule
Reuters
White House officials will have a new round of meetings with an automakers trade group and California’s “clean air” agency next week before unveiling a proposal to reverse rules aimed at increasing fuel efficiency, participants said on Thursday.
Portugal Joins Gov. Brown’s Under2 Coalition To Fight Climate Change
Capital Public Radio
Portugal became the latest country to join California Gov. Jerry Brown’s global push to address climate change on Thursday when Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa met with Brown to sign a climate agreement during a visit to Sacramento.
Energy:
Sunny side up: Fresno tops California cities, second in nation, in solar power per person
Fresno Bee
Fresno has been lauded as the U.S. city with the second-highest solar power generating capacity per person, second only to Honolulu, Hawaii. The recognition of the city by Environment California Research & Policy Center in its April 2018 "Shining Cities 2018" report was celebrated Wednesday by Fresno City Council President Esmeralda Soria.
Dormant But Risky – New State Law Aims To Prevent Problems From Idle Oil And Gas Wells
Valley Public Radio
For every three active wells in California, there’s another one well that’s not doing anything—and yet they, too, can deteriorate and contaminate the air and water over time. Now, a new state law aims to prevent those hazards.
Green Car Congress
The proposed ICT regulation includes a transition to zero-emission technologies while enhancing transit services.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ California Here We Come
Hanford Sentinel
Health care is a big political issue, but no place more than in California. In San Francisco last week, voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure upholding a ban on flavored tobacco products — over the vehement objections of the tobacco industry.
Here’s what the suicide epidemic looks like in California
Sacramento Bee
California residents are committing suicide at unprecedented rates. Suicide rates are particularly high in rural parts of California where mental health care is scarce.
See also:
● How Childhood Trauma Contributes to Skyrocketing Suicide Rates National Review
Kern County sees it first human case of West Nile virus in 2018
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County has its first reported human case of West Nile virus this year, the county Public Health Services department said Thursday. The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and can cause flu-like symptoms.
Covered California sees big rate hike from federal tax law, but not from Trump's legal moves
Los Angeles Times
Covered California’s premiums are expected to rise significantly next year. But the head of the state’s insurance exchange said the Trump administration’s legal bid to dismantle protections for people with preexisting medical conditions will likely not contribute to the increases.
Soaring costs, loss of benefits top Americans' healthcare worries
Reuters
For over a year now, Americans have listed healthcare as the most important problem facing the country, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.
Human Services:
With An Aging Population, Elder Abuse Is A Growing Concern
Valley Public Radio
According to the National Council On Aging, 1 in 10 Americans over age 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse, yet estimates suggest that only 1 in 14 cases are actually reported to authorities.
Democrats Expect Pre-Existing Conditions Defense Will Resonate in 2018
Roll Call
Democrats have seized on the Justice Department’s announcement that it will not defend the 2010 health care law’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions, sensing an opening for the midterms.
See also:
Exploring the link between housing and health
Marketplace
Several studies have shown the economic benefit of supportive housing. For example, a program in Los Angeles saved the county 20 percent on medical and social services for those who got housing, after factoring in the cost of the program.
Giving Group Homes a 21st Century Makeover
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Recognizing that children fare best when they’re living at home with a family, child welfare officials have pushed to minimize the use of group homes. And a new federal law will place even greater restrictions on their use.
IMMIGRATION
Trump: ‘I certainly wouldn’t sign’ House GOP immigration compromise
Washington Post
President Trump said Friday that he would oppose a compromise immigration bill cobbled together by House Republicans – dealing a significant blow to GOP leaders who have scrambled to rally support for the bill.
See also:
● Ryan: No Guarantee Immigration Compromise Will Pass Roll Call
● Senate now open to considering House immigration plan Modesto Bee
● GOP immigration bill overturns policy of separating families who cross the border Merced Sun-Star
Furor over family separation now a part of House debate over immigration
Los Angeles Times
House Republicans could move to strictly limit the Trump administration’s policy of separating children from their parents at the border under immigration legislation expected to be considered next week.
See also:
● House GOP wades into family separation storm Politico
Feds won't transfer some immigrant suspects to California custody, citing 'sanctuary state' law
Los Angeles Times
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in recent months have refused to transfer some suspects wanted by California law enforcement agencies for crimes including sexual assault and drug possession.
See also:
● Federal immigration agents try to overtrump California’s sanctuary law CALmatters
'Prison-like' migrant youth shelter is understaffed, unequipped for Trump's 'zero tolerance' policy, insider says
Los Angeles Times
According to Kenneth Wolfe, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman, the government contracts with 100 shelters in 17 states. The facilities now house 11,313 children.
Trump Ordered Troops to the Border, But They’re Doing Busywork
Politico
They have been carrying out a variety of tasks assisting the U.S. Border Patrol in the months since their initial deployment, but all with one thing in common: They’re as far away from the border as possible. In reality, the hundreds of troops deployed in southern Arizona are keeping up the rear, so to speak; in one assignment, soldiers are actually feeding and shoveling out manure from the stalls of the Border Patrol’s horses.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Mud No More: In Kern County, Lamont Residents Look Forward To Sidewalk Project
Valley Public Radio
Despite this community’s rich agricultural production of cotton, potatoes, and grapes, many neighborhoods are without sidewalks. Now, after years of planning, a handful of local nonprofits are working together to make Lamont streets safer and friendlier to its pedestrians.
Yosemite grove of giant sequoia trees reopens to public after $40M restoration
CBS
The home of some of the world's largest and oldest sequoia trees will re-open to the public Friday for the first time in three years.
At Risk in a Big Quake: 39 of San Francisco’s Top High Rises
New York Times
A report by the U.S. Geological Survey includes a list of buildings that are potentially vulnerable to a large quake. Some of San Francisco’s most prominent high rises are on the list.
Housing:
Nation’s top three most expensive places for renters: all in Bay Area
Mercury News
If you want to rent a two-bedroom apartment in the South Bay, you’d better make close to $50 an hour — or roughly $100,000 a year — according to a startling new report that pegs all three of the nation’s most expensive regions for renters squarely within the Bay Area.
High cost of housing drives up homeless rates, UCLA study indicates
Los Angeles Times
In a study contained in the latest UCLA Anderson Forecast, released Wednesday, UCLA found that higher median rent and home prices are strongly correlated with more people living on the streets or in shelters.
Capital Public Radio
The median price of a California home has jumped 21 percent over the last three years. That means it’s harder for lower-income Californians to buy a house. It also means more and more California households making six figures don’t have the savings they need for a down payment.
Your Home-Equity Loan May Now Be a Lot More Expensive
Wall Street Journal
Last year’s tax overhaul prohibited interest deductions for home-equity loans and home-equity lines of credit, known as Helocs, unless the funds are used for certain types of home improvements.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Which city of Fresno employees were paid the most in 2017?
Fresno Bee
If you think Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer or Mayor Lee Brand made the most money in 2017 of all city employees, those are good guesses. But they're wrong.
A tax on illegal pot shops? Riverbank still would want its cut, puts it to voters
Modesto Bee
Voters in Riverbank will decide in November whether to impose a marijuana tax that's unlikely to ever be used. It's illegal to open a cannabis dispensary here without a permit from City Hall, and without a special deal spelling out how much of a dispensary's income the city can take.
$200 billion California budget sent to Gov. Jerry Brown
Sacramento Bee
California lawmakers approved and sent Gov. Jerry Brown a $200 billion state budget on Thursday, using revenue from a rosy economy to build $16 billion in reserves and steer hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding to universities and programs for the homeless.
See also:
● California lawmakers meet deadline, sending nearly $200-billion state budget blueprint to Gov. Jerry Brown Los Angeles Times
● State budget: more money for schools, homelessness San Francisco Chronicle
● California lawmakers approve 2018-19 state budget; how schools, colleges will fare EdSource
● California budget includes increase for infant and toddler care but not enough to meet demand EdSource
● California’s Budget Deal - Here Are The Details Capital Public Radio
● California lawmakers pass budget expanding help for poor AP News
State lawmakers approve $755 million for office renovation
AP News
Lawmakers on Thursday approved spending $755 million to renovate their own office building as part of the state budget. The plan appropriates the money to rebuild the statehouse annex, the building attached to the Capitol that houses most legislative offices.
Swinging for the fences, California sports teams keep asking lawmakers for special deals
CALmatters
Now is when professional sports teams hoping to build new stadiums staff up with Sacramento lobbyists, typically seeking to speed up construction of their new digs by persuading lawmakers to grant them exceptions from state environmental rules.
Social Security Needs Immigrants
Wall Street Journal
Without working-age immigrants steadily expanding the American labor force, the Social Security trust funds would be going broke even faster than they are now.
TRANSPORTATION
New high tech system will better sync lights on Herndon Avenue
ABC30
About 50,000 cars travel down Herndon Avenue each day. Ten years ago, the lights were synchronized, but if there was an accident or traffic jam, the system didn't automatically adjust. But soon, it will.
Overflowing VA parking leads Fresno to start permit program
ABC30
People who live near the Fresno Veterans Administration Hospital are used to seeing hundreds of cars parked in their neighborhood, but the street congestion won't be so severe in the future.
Green Car Congress
The proposed ICT regulation includes a transition to zero-emission technologies while enhancing transit services.
Electrify America to spend $44 million on Sacramento-area electric vehicles
Sacramento Bee
The city of Sacramento on Wednesday announced a $44 million investment by Electrify America to bring hundreds of electric vehicles to the city over the next year, an initiative officials hope will encourage sustainability, simplify transportation and ease traffic downtown.
EDITORIAL: Sacramento, make way for electric buses and cars. It’s a good thing.
Sacramento Bee
The city of Sacramento and VW just put out a more detailed list of how a $44 million windfall will be spent on electric vehicles. They’re on the right path – both to dramatically increase EV use, especially in underserved neighborhoods, and to more closely tie Sacramento and UC Davis.
Why Railroads Are Making Freight Trains Longer and Longer
Wall Street Journal
Pressure from investors and competition from trucking drive railroads to add cars to improve efficiency. But some say the trend is misguided and, potentially, a safety hazard.
WATER
They are building 11,000 new homes in Folsom. But will there be enough water?
Sacramento Bee
It's like a new city springing to life: 11,000 homes and apartments, three public schools, a pair of fire stations, a police station, a slew of office and commercial buildings and 1,000 acres of parks, trails and other open space. Expected population: 25,000. But will it have enough water?
How Much Water Is Available for Groundwater Recharge?
Public Policy Institute of California
A key question for many valley water managers is how much water will be available for recharge in the long term. This is especially important in the San Joaquin Valley, which has the biggest imbalance between groundwater pumping and replenishment in the state.
As Colorado River Levels Drop, Pressure Grows On Arizona To Complete A Plan For Water Shortages
Western Water
The state’s main water agencies have been unable to agree on who should speak for Arizona before committing to a proposed Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan. Still, there is an increased sense of urgency to get something done, with a record-low snowpack in the Colorado River Basin contributing to the driest 19-year period on record.
“Xtra”
At close to 90 years old, this downtown theater is still a great place to rock
Fresno Bee
In October, the Warnors Theatre will celebrate its 90th anniversary. As a reminder that the downtown Fresno icon is also a viable music venue, and a damn cool place to see a rock show, New Rock 104.1 hosts its Summer Roundup concert on Sunday.
Fair, Parks Department create Fair Camp for youth
Madera Tribune
The Madera District Fair and Madera City Parks Department have joined to create a day camp program geared towards bringing fair activities to Madera’s youth earlier than the fair this year.
For Novelist Steve Yarbrough, A New Book Brings Back Memories Of Fresno
Valley Public Radio
The Central Valley has a rich literary tradition spanning generations. The connection often extends even after a writer leaves the valley – as is the case with acclaimed novelist Steve Yarbrough.
ABC 30
Have you made plans for the weekend yet? If not, we have a few ideas for your consideration.
Valley Cultural Calendar Thursday, June 14, 2018
Valley Cultural Coalition
Great things are happening in the Valley. Here's a list of VCC member offerings to keep you busy and entertained!
Eastbound and found: Community shines with festival
Bakersfield Californian
Downtown gets a lot of love, but we are all about events celebrating other Bakersfield neighborhoods, like the East Bakersfield Festival happening at Jefferson Park on Saturday.
Take me home! Cats available for adoption
Bakersfield Californian
These five cats at Kern County Animal Services are looking for their forever homes. Can you help?
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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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