POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
As coronavirus cases surge, Stanislaus County decides today on further reopening
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County’s chief health officer is set to decide Monday whether to approve the opening of 12 additional sectors in the middle of a spike in coronavirus cases. The COVID-19 illness has not gone into hiding with the warmer weather in early June.
Central SJ Valley:
Hospitalizations Up in Fresno County; Free testing in Kings County
Fresno Bee
Of those who have tested positive for the coronavirus in Fresno County, more than one in 10 have been hospitalized. Two-hundred twenty-six of the county’s 2,122 positive cases have ended in hospitalizations since the pandemic hit, according to data from the county’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
City Council Member Assesses Clovis’ Response to COVID-19
Clovis RoundUp
Businesses in Clovis have begun to reopen, and Clovis City Council member Bob Whalen thought that now would be a good time to assess how well the city did.
South SJ Valley:
Stage 3 opening set for June 12
Porterville Recorder
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released new industry guidance documents providing information for businesses to safely reopen following the statewide Stay-at-Home Order. The newly released guidance documents apply to schools, day camps, casinos, bars, gyms, professional sports, and more.
See also:
● With Kern County’s coronavirus cases on the rise, worries of a backslide increase Bakersfield Californian
Kern County Library system begins phased reopening
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County Library system began a phased reopening of its services this week with its call center resuming operations since being paused due to COVID-19 concerns.
State:
Calif has 1 week to pass a budget. Congress doesn’t plan to help in time — if at all
Fresno Bee
Washington has no plans to vote on more federal aid to the states before California’s June 15 deadline to pass a state budget — a budget that Democratic lawmakers say badly needs help for schools, health care, police and just for keeping thousands of people working.
See Also:
● “Mutually Repugnant:” Gov. Newsom And Lawmakers Pursue Budget Compromise Capital Public Radio
California schools chief to detail plan for reopening
Fresno Bee
California’s Department of Education plans to release a detailed guide Monday for the safe reopening of schools in the age of face masks and physical distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
See Also:
● Reopening California: State Superintendent releases guidelines for reopening schools abc30
● California’s guide to reopening schools prompts more questions than it answers SFChronicle.com
● California releases public school reopening guidance for fall Bakersfield Californian
● California releases school reopening guidelines CalMatters
Masks from Newsom’s $1 billion coronavirus contract gain federal approval, allowing shipments
Sacramento Bee
California will soon begin to receive shipments of N95 masks from China-based manufacturer BYD after federal regulators certified the products meet American standards, Gov.
On hold: Loan repayment for Medi-Cal doctors, dentists awaits final budget plans
CALmatters
The student loan repayment program at risk of being cut from California’s budget is funded by Proposition 56, a tobacco tax approved by voters in 2016.
Video: Californians and Their Government
PPIC
PPIC’s Mark Baldassare and Rachel Lawler discuss a new statewide survey that examines Californians’ views on the coronavirus pandemic, state and federal leaders, and a range of other topics.
Federal:
Democrats Release Legislation To Overhaul Policing
VPR
House and Senate Democrats unveiled sweeping legislation Monday to overhaul policing in the U.S., following weeks of national protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died after a police officer held his knee to Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes.
See Also:
● Chokeholds, rubber bullets and tear gas targeted in California police reform proposals Modesto Bee
● Democrats Unveil Police Reform Legislation Amid Protests Nationwide Capital Public Radio
● Democrats’ police reform bill would ban chokeholds, make civil suits against officers easier LA Times
● California would ban police chokeholds under deal struck by legislative leaders LA Times
Romney to offer alternative bill on police reform
Politico
The Utah senator criticized Democrats for sweeping legislation that has yet to gain Republican support.
See also:
● Pelosi, Democrats propose national police use-of-force restrictions like California’s Sacramento Bee
● Democrats push bigger role for courts to curb police misconduct Roll Call
● Black Americans want to stop being killed’: Democrats unveil sweeping police reform bill Politico
● Democrats Seek Policing Overhaul Amid Widespread Protests Wall Street Journal
What Would Efforts to Defund or Disband Police Departments Really Mean?
New York Times
Much is not yet certain, but here’s what is known so far about some efforts to defund or abolish police departments.
See also:
● Trump says there will be no defunding, dismantling, disbanding of police UPI
● When protesters cry ‘defund the police,’ what does it mean? abc30
● Illustration: Police Have High-Dollar Gear, but Resistance Is Priceless New York Times
● After Protests, Politicians Reconsider Police Budgets and Discipline New York Times
● The Looming Fight Over How to Police the Police New York Times
● Calif poised to pass one of nation’s toughest police use-of-force standards CALmatters
● Large majority of Americans support protests of George Floyd’s killing and say police need to change, poll finds Washington Post
● Editorial: Defund Police, Watch Crime Return Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
On June 1, federal police in riot gear fired gas canisters and used grenades containing rubber pellets to scatter largely peaceful demonstrators. Their actions cleared the way for President Trump to walk to the historic St. John’s Church for a three-minute photo opportunity.
See also:
● The battle of Lafayette Square and the undermining of American democracy Brookings
Coronavirus Trackers:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.
See also:
● California Department of Public Health
● Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic – WHO
● John Hopkins University & Medicine John Hopkins University
● Tracking coronavirus in California LA Times
● Coronavirus Tracker SF Chronicle
● Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count New York 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 Financial Times
● Coronavirus in California by the numbers CalMatters
Elections 2020:
Biden Opposes Efforts to Defund Police
Wall Street Journal
Joe Biden opposes efforts to defund police in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, his campaign said.
See also:
● Biden’s bad foreign policy ideas The Atlantic
LA Times
California Republicans keep maiming themselves, taking positions directly opposite from where most voters stand. The latest: They’re fighting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to send all registered voters mail ballots for the Nov. 3 election.
See also:
● Trump’s Vote-by-Mail Attacks Worry Some Officials PEW
Latinos on track to be largest share of nonwhite voters in 2020, Pew says
NBC
In the next presidential election, 32 million Hispanics will be eligible to vote, just slightly more than the 30 million voters who are black.
Other:
Diversity In Fresno: How Racial Covenants Once Ruled Prestigious Neighborhoods
Valley Public Radio
A few weeks ago we brought you a report about how rare maps are shedding new light on the history of racial discrimination in Fresno.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Porterville Recorder
At least one beloved summer tradition in Porterville can’t be stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gisler Farms has posted on its Facebook page it’s looking to open on June 15 for the 2020 season. “We are looking at opening around June 15th for our 2020 season,” the Facebook post stated. “Just in time for Father’s Day! We will post an exact date as we get closer!”
‘There’s only so much we can do’: Food banks plead for help
Politico
Congress resists demands to increase food stamps as the program becomes increasingly partisan in the Trump era.
China Cancels Some U.S. Farm Shipments, Maritime Executives Say
Wall Street Journal
Orders, among them 23 cargoes of soybeans, are canceled as tensions rise between Washington and Beijing.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Visalia Jeep incident continues into a second week of investigations, DA says
Fresno Bee
The investigation into an incident in which a Jeep struck two women during a Visalia Black Lives Matter protest has stretched into its second week. No arrests have been made and no charges have been filed.
Wrongful death claim filed in southeast Fresno shooting of man by police officers
Fresno Bee
Police had received 911 calls the man was possibly high on PCP and tried to hit his nephew with a shovel.
What is qualified immunity? Here’s how it affects lawsuits against police officers
Sacramento Bee
As protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis, enter their second week, lawmakers are revisiting “qualified immunity” and how it impacts lawsuits against police officers.
See also:
● Opinion: Police Brutality: The Ferguson Effect National Review
Gunmen, “militia” patrol rural CA Black Lives Matter protest
Sacramento Bee
From the Central Coast to the north state, Black Lives Matter protesters are taking to the streets in some of California’s smaller cities and encountering armed individuals who say they want to protect property.
See also:
● Dozens of militarized citizens seen in Oakdale amid protests FOX40
Public Safety:
What Would Efforts to Defund or Disband Police Departments Really Mean?
New York Times
Much is not yet certain, but here’s what is known so far about some efforts to defund or abolish police departments.
See also:
● Trump says there will be no defunding, dismantling, disbanding of police in U.S. UPI
● When protesters cry ‘defund the police,’ what does it mean? abc30
● Illustration: Police Have High-Dollar Gear, but Resistance Is Priceless New York Times
● After Protests, Politicians Reconsider Police Budgets and Discipline New York Times
● The Looming Fight Over How to Police the Police New York Times
● Deal: California poised to pass one of nation’s toughest police use-of-force standards CALmatters
Can peer intervention improve policing?
PEW
Washington state may become the first state to implement peer intervention training for city and county law enforcement recruits, said Sue Rahr, executive director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
See also:
● Police Actions Spur COVID-19 Concerns PEW
Lone Wolves, Self-Styled Anarchists: The Disparate Actors Accused of Protest Violence
Wall Street Journal
Officials warn extremists groups have infiltrated some George Floyd protests; criminal charges, investigations reveal still-hazy picture
Fox & Hounds
One response to the protests over police treatment of black communities is a proposal by some current and former California district attorneys to prohibit candidates running for prosecutor positions from receiving police unions’ donations and endorsements.
Fire:
Windy, dry weather raises California fire danger
Fresno Bee
Windy, dry weather raised fire danger in California on Monday. The National Weather Service issued Red Flag warnings for LA and Ventura counties and for the southern Sacramento and northern San Joaquin valleys.
Hunters Fire near Mariposa 15% contained; evacuation in effect
Fresno Bee
An evacuation order remained in effect north of Mariposa, where the Hunters Fire had burned 180 acres and was only 15 percent contained Monday morning.
See Also:
● Fire causes mandatory evacuation in Mariposa County Fresno Bee
Calif Was Set To Spend Over $1 Billion to Prevent Wildfires. Then Came COVID-19
VPR
With the coronavirus pandemic eroding state budgets across the country, many communities risk having this disaster make them less prepared for looming climate-driven disasters.
And Now … Fire Season. This Year, It’s Especially Important to Prepare. Here’s How
KQED
Wildfire season is not going to wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to subside. After a winter of lackluster rainfall, Northern California is facing a worse-than-average outlook.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Tulare County shopping centers slowly reopen
Visalia Times Delta
Tulare Outlets and Visalia Mall have slowly reopened stores.
California movie theaters can begin reopening Friday after coronavirus closures
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration added movie theaters to list of venues that can reopen with reduced capacity Friday, his office announced Monday.
Commentary: State should protect essential businesses from frivolous and predatory lawsuits
CALmatters
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an extremely trying situation for essential businesses, which have stepped up in amazing and heroic ways to provide the goods and services that Californians rely on daily.
A US recession began in February in the face of coronavirus
Sacramento Bee
The U.S. economy entered a recession in February as the coronavirus struck the nation, a group of economists declared Monday, ending the longest expansion on record.
See also:
● U.S. economy officially entered recession in February Washington Post
● Wall Street tilts higher again on hopes for economy LA Times W
● World Bank Sees 5.2% Decline in Global Economy in 2020 From Coronavirus Wall Street Journal
Child care is still the missing ingredient for a fast economic recovery
LA Times
After weeks at home, Ana Arroyo, 28, is ready get out of the house and back to work. Her employer, Merced County Community Action Agency, has reopened and her job is just waiting for her. But she can’t return — because there’s no one to watch her six-year-old son, Javier.
Small Rural Businesses Fight for Bailout Aid
PEW
Unclear federal guidance and bank disinvestment are just a few of the reasons rural business owners have struggled to access funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, critics say.
‘Cruise Ships on Land’: As Las Vegas Reopens, a Huge Test for Casinos
New York TImes
While the contact-tracing challenges faced by Las Vegas are extreme, they highlight larger systemic problems in monitoring the coronavirus across the country.
Jobs:
Help Wanted: Job opportunities in the Central Valley
abc30
With so many people’s jobs in the Central Valley impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, we’ve compiled a list of available job opportunities for anyone looking for work.
While Nation’s Unemployment Rate Drops, Can Californians Refuse to Return to Work?
Clovis RoundUp
People across the country are returning to work following COVID-19 shutdowns and that’s having a positive effect on the nation’s unemployment rate.
See also:
● Don’t Cut Off Unemployment Benefits Now Wall Street Journal
Pandemic unemployment benefit is set to expire. Will a back-to-work bonus replace it
Sacramento Bee
In a few weeks, that extra $600 a week that California’s unemployed workers now get will be gone — and it’s unlikely Washington will revive it.
The jobs numbers weren’t fraudulent
National Review
Donald Trump’s critics are rightly concerned about the damage he is doing to institutions and norms. By hinting that the books are cooked when good economic news unexpectedly appears, they are guilty of the same crime.
How businesses can keep employees safe from coronavirus
Wall Street Journal
Companies can deploy routine testing and tools like pooling samples to detect outbreaks.
See also:
● As Businesses Reopen, Workplace Testing Is the ‘Wild West’ PEW
Losing sight of workers in protecting paychecks
Brookings
Last week, Congress updated the Paycheck Protection Program to allow businesses more flexibility in using taxpayer funds during this time of economic hardship. Aaron Klein argues that this hastily designed safety net shifts the focus from helping workers stay afloat to helping businesses, and undoubtedly many workers will fall through the cracks.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Are these Fresno students ‘falling through the cracks?’ Parents push for changes
Fresno Bee
Blanca Contreras’ son has been learning English since he was in the first grade — and it’s been a struggle. As her son prepares for middle school in Fresno, she worries his academic difficulties will soon cause his school to classify him as a Long-term English Learning student.
See Also:
● Why Fresno parents are pushing for changes to English Learning program Fresno Bee
California schools chief to detail plan for reopening
Fresno Bee
California’s Department of Education plans to release a detailed guide Monday for the safe reopening of schools in the age of face masks and physical distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
See Also:
● Reopening California: State Superintendent releases guidelines for reopening schools abc30
● California’s guide to reopening schools prompts more questions than it answers SFChronicle.com
● California releases public school reopening guidance for fall Bakersfield Californian
● California releases school reopening guidelines CalMatters
● California pediatricians question school reopening guidelines Politico
Higher Ed:
A University of California regent, a sex harassment accusation and what an investigator found
SF Chronicle
An investigator hired by the University of California has rejected a doctoral student’s allegation that UC Regent George Kieffer sexually harassed her by repeatedly resting his hand on her upper thigh during a dinner for student leaders in SF six years ago, The Chronicle has learned.
College Students Want Their Money Back
PEW
Students have filed more than 100 lawsuits seeking compensation for closures during the pandemic.
Virus exposes sharp economic divide: College vs. non-college
Bakersfield Californian
For an American workforce under continuing threat from the coronavirus, the best protection might just be a college degree. Friday’s jobs report for May delivered a major pleasant surprise, with lower unemployment and 2.5 million added jobs, instead of the darkening picture that had been widely expected.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Amazon rainforest fire season starts with outlook for record burn
Sacramento Bee
A month from now, the skies over parts of Brazil will fill with smoke. It’s fire season in the Amazon, and the planet’s largest rain forest is heading for another record burn. Every year, illegal loggers use bulldozers and chainsaws to rip through huge swaths of jungle, land that’s then set on fire to make way for crops or cattle.
Energy:
California Energy Price Data for May 2020
California Center for Jobs and the Economy
Monthly updates from the most current May 2020 fuel price data (GasBuddy.com) and March 2020 electricity and natural gas price data (US Energy Information Agency).
Naval Energies joins Offshore Wind California group
reNews.biz
Naval Energies has more than 12 years of experience in floaters for wind turbines and is currently exploring working on plans to use its semi-submersible floater in a pilot wind farm in France on the Atlantic coast with the wind turbines of Groix & Belle-ile.
Why are fossil fuels so hard to quit?
Brookings
“To deal with the challenge of climate change, we must start by understanding the fossil fuel system—namely how energy is produced and used.” In a new Brookings Foreign Policy essay, energy expert and engineer Samantha Gross explains how energy is produced and used and what it will take to transition toward a greener future.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Calif nursing home COVID-19 deaths doubled last month, State pushes more testing
Fresno Bee
Deaths in California nursing homes from COVID-19 more than doubled during the month of May, as skilled-care facilities for the elderly continue to disproportionately bear the brunt of the pandemic across the United States.
See also:
● Fresno Co. COVID-19 cases double in last 2 weeks, restaurant and bar owners fear they may have to close again ABC30 Fresno
● Fresno not meeting key coronavirus benchmarks set by state Fresno Bee
Coronavirus update: Recoveries in county continue to increase
Porterville Recorder
There are now 1,449 people in Tulare County who have recovered after testing positive for COVID-19. That’s the number that was reported by Tulare County Health and Human Services on Monday as the number of those who have recovered continues to increase.
See also:
● Coronavirus update: Positive cases in Stanislaus County over 900 as rates raise Modesto Bee
California pediatricians question school reopening guidelines
Politico
Pediatricians are urging school districts to reopen this fall without delay and suggesting that requiring students to wear masks and submit to daily temperature checks may not be worth the logistical nightmare it could become.
UCSF studying stem cells as possible coronavirus treatment
SF Chronicle
UCSF’s Dr. Michael Matthay wasn’t thinking about a pandemic in January when he launched a clinical trial to investigate whether certain stem cells could effectively treat a serious form of respiratory failure.
Coronavirus Jumps the Border, Overwhelming Hospitals in California
New York Times
Hospitals are airlifting patients to facilities hundreds of miles away to handle an influx of Americans and U.S. green card holders sickened in Mexico.
Washington Post
The global health agency said Tuesday much rema ins unknown about asymptomatic transmission. A comment by a WHO official on Monday — calling such asymptomatic transmissions “very rare” — attracted widespread criticism of the organization. Less than 24 hours later, WHO convened a special news conference to walk back its comments.
The effect of large-scale anti-contagion policies on the COVID-19 pandemic
Nature
Governments around the world are responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic1 with unprecedented policies designed to slow the growth rate of infections.
When 511 Epidemiologists Expect to Fly, Hug and Do 18 Other Everyday Activities Again
NewYork Times
Many epidemiologists are already comfortable going to the doctor, socializing with small groups outside or bringing in mail, despite the coronavirus. But unless there’s an effective vaccine or treatment first, it will be more than a year before many say they will be willing to go to concerts, sporting events or religious services. And some may never greet people with hugs or handshakes again.
Opinion: Tribalism Comes for Pandemic Science
The New Atlantis
Can our polarized country act on provisional knowledge?
Human Services:
Health officials assist Tulare’s homeless population as COVID-19 pandemic continues
abc30
The South Valley is reaching out to its homeless population as the pandemic continues to grow. Kaweah Delta’s street medicine program, Tulare County health officials and the Kings-Tulare Homeless Alliance spent several hours working with Tulare’s homeless last week.
Kings County offering free COVID-19 testing
abc30
Kings County is working to expand testing in the community. Health officials say they’ve set up a rotating schedule to provide free testing throughout the county, starting on Monday. It’s available for everyone, including those who are uninsured or undocumented.
On hold: Loan repayment for Medi-Cal doctors, dentists awaits final budget plans
CALmatters
The student loan repayment program at risk of being cut from California’s budget is funded by Proposition 56, a tobacco tax approved by voters in 2016.
IMMIGRATION
Why Latino leaders say Calif should offer tax breaks for undocumented families
Fresno Bee
Democrats’ latest budget plan in Sacramento includes two tax breaks for undocumented families and health coverage for older immigrants, regardless of their immigration status.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Yosemite National Park to reopen this week. Here’s what you’ll need to get in
Fresno Bee
Yosemite National Park will reopen to the general public Thursday, and reservations are now required for day-use visitors to get in, park officials confirmed Monday morning. The park’s expansive backcountry reopened Friday, but only for those with existing wilderness or Half Dome permits.
Housing:
Borrowed time: Climate change threatens U.S. mortgage market
Politico
“Everyone is exposed” as taxpayer-backed loans and insurance face a coming storm.
California home sales volume lays low
ftJournal
26,300 new and resale home transactions closed escrow in California during April 2020. The number of homes sold was 31% lower than a year earlier. Expect to see this sharp decrease continue through much of 2020, the result of economic volatility, historic job losses and coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Opinion: If budget represents our values, we must protect Calif’s most vulnerable
CALmatters
When California’s economy is strong, like it was in January, passing the state’s annual budget was a pleasant responsibility. Ample tax dollars and a significant surplus meant that most policy priorities received funding and those programs warranting increases received them.
Why Latino leaders say Calif should offer tax breaks for undocumented families
Sacramento Bee
Democrats’ latest budget plan in Sacramento includes two tax breaks for undocumented families and health coverage for older immigrants, regardless of their immigration status.
Federal Budget Deficit Nears $2 Trillion For Fiscal Year
Wall Street Journal
U.S. budget gap more than doubled in May as the pandemic undercut federal revenue and triggered spending increases.
TRANSPORTATION
BART, METRO add rail service to meet ridership demand
Progressive Railroading
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in SF and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County(METRO) in Houston, Texas, today added rail service as ridership begins to tick up as stay-at-home restrictions are lifted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WATER
Managing Freshwater Ecosystems in a Pandemic
PPIC
Efforts to maintain the health of California’s freshwater ecosystems have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet maintaining momentum on this work is key to reducing the impact of a hotter, drier climate.
“Xtra”
‘What is the future of theater?’ Capital Stage grapples with coronavirus, racial justice
Sacramento Bee
On March 11, Capital Stage held its first preview for “Admissions,” a play focusing on privilege, nepotism and inequality in the college admissions process. The next day, following public health guidance for the coronavirus, the theater canceled all of its shows for the remainder of the month.