POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Modesto, other cities restrict City Hall access due to coronavirus. Not all is closed
Modesto Bee
Modesto and Turlock officials announced Monday they will restrict public access to their city halls due to the coronavirus. That was among several steps by local governments aimed at slowing the virus, which has infected three Stanislaus County residents at last report.
Stockton City Council puts moratorium on evictions, tightens restrictions on public events
Stockton Record
At a special emergency meeting Tuesday, the Stockton City Council unanimously passed a temporary moratorium on evictions and tightened restrictions for public events and dining out at restaurants in an effort to further minimize the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.
San Joaquin County declares emergency over coronavirus
Stockton Record
San Joaquin County declared a local emergency Tuesday morning related to COVID-19, the new coronavirus, which has infected 13 county residents to date.
Central SJ Valley:
California Democratic congressman owes another $30,000 in back taxes, says state lien
Fresno Bee
Rep. TJ Cox owes about $30,000 in back taxes to the state of California, according to a lien filed against him this month.
How will Fresno, Merced, Madera and Tulare county courts handle coronavirus precautions?
Fresno Bee
Central San Joaquin Valley courts are altering their schedules, suspending programs, and reducing the number of people inside its buildings in an effort to reduce the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus (COVID-19). Federal, state and local health officials have urged the public to avoid large gatherings of 50 people as a way to limit the potential exposure to the virus. And often crowded Valley courtrooms are no exception, lawyers said.
Supervisors, Visalia declare emergency over COVID-19
Visalia Times Delta
Tulare County and Visalia both declared states of emergency late last week in response to the COVID-19 virus. Fresno County and Fresno also declared a state of emergency this week.
Council declares 'Existence of Local Emergency'
Porterville Recorder
The Porterville City Council unanimously approved the declaration of the existence of a local emergency at Tuesday night's Council meeting. This will allow the city to access state and federal resources during the coronavirus pandemic, if needed.
Devin Nunes' outrageous explanation for his coronavirus comments
CNN
The ongoing threat posed by the coronavirus crisis is shining a bright light on our politicians. Some, like Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, are showing their leadership mettle. Others are Devin Nunes.
See Also:
Devin Nunes’s bad cleanup effort after his coronavirus comments Washington Post
South SJ Valley:
Complete Count Committee: Fill out Census forms online, by phone or mail
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern Complete Count Committee is urging all residents to fill out their Census forms online, by phone or mail, according to a KCCC news release.
Bakersfield Mayor Goh urges calm during coronavirus pandemic
KGET
Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh is reminding residents that there is no need for panic over the coronavirus pandemic. The mayor is delivering that message as people clear shelves and panic buy items from local stores. The hoarding is unnecessary she says.
State:
Sacramento Bee
We have entered an important new chapter in the responseto the COVID-19 pandemic: After a week filled with school closures and the cancellation of major public events of all kinds, Congress and President Donald Trump are hopefully close to a deal to address the spread of the dangerous coronavirus.
California passes $1.1 billion coronavirus emergency response package
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom late Monday secured $1.1 billion in emergency funds for the state’s fight against the rapidly spreading coronavirus that has infected hundreds of Californians and killed at least six. The California Assembly approved the main funding bills freeing up money for the state’s coronavirus response on a 68-0 vote, and the Senate passed it on a 32-0 vote.
California readies for worst-case scenarios as virus spreads
Bakersfield Californian
While urging Californians to stay united and promising “we will get back to the life that we have lived,” Newsom also acknowledged much is unknown and so the state is preparing for frightening worst-case scenarios.
See Also:
Gov. Gavin Newsom takes California on its own path Los Angeles Times
Gov. Gavin Newsom isn’t ordering coronavirus changes — he’s asking San Francisco Chronicle
California governor places National Guard on alert San Diego Union-Tribune
Can California Keep 9 Million People at Home? New York Times
Governing in crisis: California’s Newsom faces another test Associated Press
Capital Public Radio
In recent weeks, Capitol staffers have raised concerns about workplace safety during the coronavirus outbreak.
See also:
California Capitol closes to public after Sacramento County issues ‘stay at home’ order Sacramento Bee
Newsom did not issue a statewide eviction ban. Tenant groups say renters’ health could be threatened
CalMatters
Tenant advocates say renters can't quarantine, or take other measures to avoid spreading coronavirus, if they're forced from the homes officials want them to stay in.
See Also:
Federal:
US, Canada to close border to nonessential travel
Fresno Bee
The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, and the Trump administration is considering a plan to turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico, two administration officials said.
See also:
Trump mulls sending all who cross border illegally to Mexico Fresno Bee
US, Canada border to close to 'non-essential traffic,' Trump says abc30
Trump Shuts Border With Canada, Blames 'Chinese Virus' As Coronavirus Spreads Capital Public Radio
Trump says U.S., Canada agree to close border to nonessential traffic Los Angeles Times
Trump administration takes steps to close border to migrants, citing coronavirus Los Angeles Times
Trump's economic rescue package could approach $1 trillion
abc30
His proposed economic package alone could approach $1 trillion, a rescue initiative not seen since the Great Recession. Trump wants checks sent to the public within two weeks and is urging Congress to pass the eye-popping stimulus package in a matter of days.
See also:
Trump administration wants to send you a check 'in next 2 weeks' abc30
Trump wants to cut payroll taxes to cope with coronavirus fallout. Would that help the economy? Sacramento Bee
White House Pushes For Quick, Direct Payments To Americans In Response To Coronavirus Capital Public Radio
Checks to Americans will ease the slump, but it may not be much of an economic stimulus Los Angeles Times
Virus poses dreadful choice for global leaders: Wreck your economy or lose millions of lives Los Angeles Times
White House coronavirus plan aims to send $2,000 to many Americans, includes $300 billion for small businesses Washington Post
White House expresses support for immediate cash payments to Americans as part of coronavirus stimulus package Washington Post
Americans are very likely to get $1,000 (or more) checks. Here’s what you need to know. Washington Post
EDITORIAL: Trump wakes up to the coronavirus threat with a $1 trillion bailout plan San Francisco Chronicle
Amid virus, Congress' leaders resist call for remote voting
Bakersfield Californian
Congressional leaders are resisting calls to let lawmakers vote remotely, a dispute pitting the scourge of the coronavirus against two centuries of tradition that underscores Washington's struggle to adapt to recommendations that evolve daily about how to handle the pandemic.
Federal personnel chief quits abruptly amid coronavirus planning for the workforce of 2.1 million
Washington Post
The federal personnel director quit with no notice Tuesday after five months on the job, leaving the agency that oversees workplace policy for 2.1 million civil servants with no leader amid the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
We answered your questions on government action on the coronavirus
PolitiFact
PolitiFact has an open callout for your questions about the coronavirus outbreak.
Opinion: Republicans like me built this moment. Then we looked the other way.
Washington Post
Don’t just blame President Trump. Blame me — and all the other Republicans who aided and abetted and, yes, benefited from protecting a political party that has become dangerous to America. Some of us knew better.
Elections 2020:
Joe Biden had another big primary night. Now coronavirus is freezing the 2020 race.
Fresno Bee
Joe Biden’s victories Tuesday in another round of presidential primaries caps a whirlwind three weeks in which the former vice president engineered a shock political turnaround and became the Democratic Party’s likely nominee.
See also:
Biden, Sanders Remarks Show How The Coronavirus Has Upended The Campaign Capital Public Radio
5 Takeaways: Joe Biden Closer To Nomination As Coronavirus Changes Everything Capital Public Radio
Biden stays in driver’s seat, coronavirus changes elections and other takeaways from Tuesday Stockton Record
Joe Biden romps over Bernie Sanders in Florida, Illinois and Arizona in Tuesday balloting Washington Post
Biden Sweeps Tuesday’s Primaries as Voters Confront Coronavirus Fears Wall Street Journal
March 17 Primaries NPR
Sanders reassessing his campaign after 3 more big Biden wins
Fresno Bee
Bernie Sanders was trying to determine his next moves on Wednesday, after Joe Biden swept to victory in Florida, Illinois and Arizona and seized a commanding lead in a Democratic presidential race upended by the coronavirus.
See also:
Bernie Sanders Will 'Assess' His Campaign Following More Big Losses Capital Public Radio
Bernie Sanders set to ‘assess’ campaign, top aide says Los Angeles Times
Democratic primaries live updates: Sanders to assess his campaign in wake of three decisive wins by Biden on Tuesday Washington Post
Trump clinches GOP nomination with Tuesday primary wins
Fresno Bee
President Donald Trump has clinched the Republican Party nomination, surpassing the necessary delegate threshold.
Could Trump delay the November election? Not without risking forfeit to a Democrat
Los Angeles Times
Voters are unnerved. Confusion is growing throughout the country as the coronavirus outbreak moves states to postpone primaries and change voting procedures in the midst of a presidential election year.
See also:
Coronavirus and elections: Could the U.S. vote by mail in November? San Francisco Chronicle
Other:
Why an excess of democracy can lead to poor decisions
The Economist
Garett Jones, an economics professor at George Mason University in Virginia, knew he was on to a good thing when he got a call from the campus police. A student journalist had written a report on a lecture that he had given suggesting that rich countries would be better off if they were less, rather than more, democratic.
See Also:
What Democracy’s History Tells Us About Its Future Harvard Business Review
Now More than Ever, Free-Speech Dogma Is Worth Defending
National Review
Former Charlottesville, Va., mayor Michael Signer argues that we must restrict speech to maintain the rule of law. He couldn’t be more wrong. ‘Two things form the bedrock of any open society,” Salman Rushdie once noted, “freedom of expression and rule of law. If you don’t have those things, you don’t have a free country.”
Opinion: It’s time to say ‘sorry’ for excluding women from American politics
Modesto Bee
American politicians appear to have made apologizing into an art form. Has a government leader gotten around to apologizing for centuries of depriving women of equal rights?
Walters: Why journalism matters
CalMatters
This is Sunshine Week, which pays homage to the principle that the public’s business should be public even though officials often try to keep us in the dark about their unsavory activities. By happenstance, last week provided Californians with four cogent examples of why independent journalism is a vital bulwark against shenanigans and coverups.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Fresno, Clovis order city restaurants to close dining rooms due to coronavirus
Fresno Bee
Restaurants in Fresno and Clovis were ordered to close their dining rooms Tuesday, though they can sell food via takeout and delivery. Bars are also ordered closed and the cities plan to enforce the closures with police and code enforcement officers.
See also:
Tulare County health officials close bars, 4 cases Visalia Times Delta
Grocery stores offer special hours, delivery for senior shoppers
abc30
Grocery stores in the Valley are now offering special hours to help seniors and other vulnerable customers shop safely during the coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19 Affects Farmworkers’ Livelihood in the San Joaquin Valley
VPR
The spread of COVID-19 is forcing many people to work from home, but for farmworkers that’s not an option.
See also:
COVID-19 Threatens Food Supply Chain As Farms Worry About Workers Falling Ill Capital Public Radio
Instacart, Amazon Fresh, other delivery services overwhelmed during coronavirus outbreak
San Francisco Chronicle
Courtney Fox felt bad. She’d gone to Draeger’s Sunday night to buy groceries for an Instacart customer in East Palo Alto, but, as usual these days, many shelves were bare. At least she got the last two bags of french fries and found a substitute for the Marie Callendar frozen meals.
Legal pot sales spike over coronavirus fears
Visalia Times Delta
The sharp rise in sales is a pattern being repeated across the country in states where recreational marijuana is legal, from California to Oregon, Alaska to Nevada. Not only are there more customers, but they're buying more at one time.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
How will Fresno, Merced, Madera and Tulare county courts handle coronavirus precautions?
Fresno Bee
Federal, state and local health officials have urged the public to avoid large gatherings of 50 people as a way to limit the potential exposure to the virus. And often crowded Valley courtrooms are no exception, lawyers said.
See also:
Fresno County courts stay open amid coronavirus outbreak abc30
Stanislaus Court seeks emergency order to suspend trials for 30 days due to coronavirus Modesto Bee
Tulare County Courts adjust schedule Porterville Recorder
Kern County Superior Court reschedules some cases Bakersfield Californian
Courts delay trials, close doors to halt coronavirus spread. Less jury duty, slower trials Sacramento Bee
Many Californians in Prisons and Jails Have Mental Health Needs
California Budget & Policy Center
In the 1950s and 1960s, policymakers in California and elsewhere began reducing the use of state hospitals to treat people with mental illness – a policy known as “deinstitutionalization.” However, the lack of robust treatment alternatives led to a growing number of people with mental health conditions becoming homeless and, in many cases, incarcerated.
Public Safety:
Marjaree Mason Center braces for coronavirus impacts
abc30
For the Marjaree Mason Center, staying open could be life-saving for many local domestic violence victims. Leaders with the organization now worry that domestic violence cases will rise as more people are asked to stay home.
Turlock police chief to retire in October
Modesto Bee
Turlock Police Chief Nino Amirfar confirmed his plans to retire in October, ending about 30 years of service in the department and three years in the post.
Gun sales surge amid coronavirus fears — and lockdown
San Francisco Chronicle
Gun stores across the Bay Area did brisk business Tuesday, selling firearms and ammunition to customers rattled by the coronavirus pandemic and staying open in apparent defiance of the “shelter-in-place” order intended to slow the spread of disease.
Uber, Lyft Suspend Pooled Rides in U.S., Canada to Limit Spread of Coronavirus
New York Times
Uber Technologies Inc and Lyft Inc Tuesday began suspending shared rides on their ride-hailing platforms in the United States and Canada to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Uber also said it has suspended its shared rides services in London and Paris.
Fire:
Firefighters adapting new safety measures amid coronavirus outbreak
abc30
Just as firefighters spend their days protecting us, crews are now learning how to keep themselves safe during a 911 call amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Some Fresno area stores closing as coronavirus concerns spread
Fresno Bee
First, bars were closing and restaurants were closing their dining rooms. Now, some stores are closing as they try to protect their workers and shoppers from the possible spread of coronavirus. Both chain stores and to a lesser extent locally owned stores are announcing temporary closures.
See also:
Fresno, Clovis order city restaurants to close dining rooms due to coronavirus Fresno Bee
Fresno-area gym chain remains open amid Newsom’s urge for all in California to shut Fresno Bee
Layoffs from coronavirus start in Modesto restaurants; how to help your favorite spot Modesto Bee
Warszawski: While you’re staying home, Fresno, don’t forget to support our local businesses Fresno Bee
Macy’s temporarily closing all of its stores Business Journal
Stocks, oil sink again as recession fears batter markets
Fresno Bee
The vicious swings keep coming for the stock market, and the S&P 500 sank more than 3% in early trading Wednesday to erase much of the prior day's big gain.
See also:
Another Day, Another Direction For Stocks: Dow Down 1,200 Points Capital Public Radio
U.S. stocks drop sharply as coronavirus-fueled swings continue Los Angeles Times
Commentary: The economic policy response to COVID-19: What comes next? Brookings
OPINION: The Fiscal Stimulus Panic Wall Street Journal
OPINION: How to Treat the Financial Symptoms of Covid-19 Wall Street Journal
Mariposa Businesses React To Yosemite Hotel And Restaurant Closures
VPR
The National Park Service announced that while Yosemite remains open, its visitor centers, hotels and restaurants are now closed in response to COVID-19 concerns.
Tesla factory could be shut under California health order
Associated Press
The Tesla factory that employs thousands of people could be forced to close after Alameda County on Tuesday night declared it a “nonessential business” under the county’s shelter-in-place order.
Jobs:
Who’s hiring in California amid the coronavirus pandemic? Here’s where the jobs are
Fresno Bee
As the coronavirus continues to spread, the economic forecast for California looks dismal as residents change their spending habits and brace for a recession.
See Also:
Amazon, Save Mart hiring in Patterson, Modesto amid coronavirus pandemic. Apply here. Modesto Bee
Safeway is hiring more than 2,000 workers due to coronavirus demand San Francisco Chronicle
Employees hoping for financial support with amid COVID-19 outbreak
abc30
Employees are now turning to the state for financial help as closures and restrictions require restaurants to cut back on help.
See also:
Low-wage Californians worry they will be laid off as coronavirus transforms economy Fresno Bee
Fresno business forced to fire employees during COVID-19 outbreak abc30
Layoffs from coronavirus start in Modesto restaurants; how to help your favorite spot Modesto Bee
Out of work due to coronavirus? Here’s info that can help Visalia Times Delta
California state workers waiting for new coronavirus guidance after shelter-in-place orders Sacramento Bee
'You Don't Expect It To Happen To You': When Your Job Is Suddenly Gone Capital Public Radio
Coronavirus Watch: What Are Employers’ Legal Responsibilities for the Safety of an Employee’s Home Workplace? National Law Review
Is COVID-19 Recordable or Reportable to OSHA? National Law Review
California state workers waiting for new coronavirus guidance after shelter-in-place orders
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom did not provide new coronavirus guidance for state workers during a press conference Tuesday evening, saying his administration is still working out details. He plans to issue guidelines later Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
Lyft, Uber drivers seek sick leave during pandemic, or else
San Francisco Chronicle
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are asking a San Francisco judge to order the ride-hailing companies to pay them sick leave — as employees, not contractors — to protect both their customers and the public from possible exposure to the coronavirus.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Expect schools to stay closed through summer break because of coronavirus, Gavin Newsom says
Fresno Bee
California parents and students should expect schools to stay closed through summer break as efforts continue to contain the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday afternoon.
See also:
Gov. Newsom warns parents to be prepared for schools to not open until after summer break abc30
What Stanislaus educators are doing to prepare as prolonged school closures near Modesto Bee
California governor: Most schools likely out until the fall Bakersfield Californian
Newsom on coronavirus: California schools likely closed through summer break San Francisco Chronicle
Coronavirus: Newsom warns most schools could be closed until summer as lockdown expands Mercury News
Expect California schools to remain closed until summer, governor says EdSource
Interactive Map: The closing of California school districts EdSource
Newsom: 'I don't think the schools are going to open again' Politico
Local school districts to offer ‘grab-n-go’ meals
Visalia Times Delta
At 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, 25 food safety-certified staff started assembling 2,500 sack lunches to hand out to students at sites across Visalia Unified School District on Wednesday.
See Also:
Community lends helping hand to parents who will become 'teachers'
Bakersfield Californian
The upcoming temporary school closures are making some parents nervous, to say the least. Not only will their children be home for hours on end, but if parents are able to stay home with them, they'll have to take on the role of "teacher."
How will students take AP tests with schools closed? At home, College Board proposes
Los Angeles Times
Aiming to limit student exposure to the coronavirus, the College Board is proposing that rigorous Advanced Placement tests could become take-home exams and has canceled the SAT test scheduled for May 2.
See Also:
State student assessment tests and SATs in danger because of coronavirus Orange County Register
Higher Ed:
Fresno State cancels commencement due to coronavirus, other major changes planned
Fresno Bee
Fresno State on Tuesday announced a series of sweeping changes at the university to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, including canceling commencement, moving all classes online for the rest of the semester and asking students housed in dormitories to go home.
See Also:
Fresno State restructures campus life amid COVID-19 outbreak abc30
Fresno State will not be conducting 2020 commencement ceremonies in May Hanford Sentinel
Confusion, fear at Fresno City College after student’s possible coronavirus exposure
Fresno Bee
As worried staff sheltered in the two buildings and administration got on the phone with the public health department for guidance, an unrelated city-wide power outage struck the campus, leaving already-panicked workers wondering what was going on.
See Also:
FCC cancels classes through Friday Visalia Times Delta
UC Merced goes online through spring semester
Sacramento Bee
Effective March 30, UC Merced students returning from spring break will receive all instruction remotely, the university announced Monday.
See Also:
UC Merced student shows symptoms ‘consistent with’ coronavirus. Campus awaiting test results Sacramento Bee
For some students, college is their only safe haven. Now they have just days to leave
Los Angeles Times
Marie Tano, 21, found a sanctuary when she arrived to study at Pomona College from a small town in Georgia. For the first time, she didn’t have to worry about money, her food was taken care of, and she had access to healthcare, therapy and the support she needed to do well in school.
Give us a tuition break, say California students forced into online university classes
EdSource
University of California Irvine freshman Rose Oganesian understands the public health reasons to switch from in-person to online courses at universities across California during the coronavirus crisis. But she doesn’t want to get charged the same price.
See Also:
All four-year public universities in California have now moved classes online EdSource
California colleges are going online. How ready are they? CalMatters
Hispanic, black parents see college degree as key for children’s success
PEW
Hispanic and black parents are significantly more likely than white parents to say it’s essential that their children earn a college degree, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Tulare County health officials confirm fourth COVID-19 case in Tulare County
abc30
The fourth case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Tulare County. The county health department made the announcement during their town hall live-streamed on Facebook.
See also:
Tulare County health officials close bars as COVID-19 cases rise to 4 Visalia Times Delta
There are now 4 COVID-19 cases Visalia Times Delta
Non-resident tests positive for coronavirus in Kern County
Bakersfield Californian
The first patient in Kern County has tested positive for the new coronavirus, Kern County health officials said Tuesday morning, signifying the first instance of the worldwide pandemic within county borders.
Coronavirus update, March 18: Fourth positive test in Stanislaus County; no shelter-in-place plans
Modesto Bee
A man who had traveled to an “area with widespread community transmission” became Stanislaus County’s fourth reported person to have tested positive for COVID-19, health officials said late Tuesday afternoon. Specifics on his age, city of residence and his condition were not released in accordance with concerns over medical privacy.
With the start of spring on Thursday, will the stronger sun chase away the coronavirus?
Los Angeles Times
Will more direct sunlight and the warmer temperatures of spring and summer help to clear up the new coronavirus that’s responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic? The truth is, because it is a completely new virus, no one really knows.
Californians and Mental Health: What We Know About Poverty and Race
California Budget & Policy Center
As California works to improve access to behavioral health services (mental health and substance use), policymakers should keep in mind the various socioeconomic factors that can contribute to the development of mental health conditions for children, youth, and adults.
U.S. coronavirus death toll surpasses 100
Washington Post
Coronavirus has killed from coast to coast. It devastated a nursing home in Washington state and crept into the heartland. Across the United States, more than 100 people infected with the highly contagious new virus have now died — a toll that experts expect to rise quickly.
How Long Will Coronavirus Live on Surfaces or in the Air Around You?
New York Times
The coronavirus can live for three days on some surfaces, like plastic and steel, new research suggests. Experts say the risk of consumers getting infected from touching those materials is still low, although they offered additional warnings about how long the virus survives in air, which may have important implications for medical workers.
EDITORIAL: Hey, anti-vaxxers, are you ready to get your shots yet?
Los Angeles Times
Despite these extraordinary victories of science over disease, too many people have forgotten or are unaware of the havoc that certain diseases visited on the world before vaccines became available to fight them.
Human Services:
Coronavirus tests remain limited in Merced County, statewide. This is who can be tested
Fresno Bee
In Merced County, limited supplies of testing kits coupled with the region’s preexisting medical provider shortage has restricted the ability to conduct tests.
See Also:
His coronavirus crystal ball – From Spain, he says what will happen next in Sacramento Sacramento Bee
California has tested 3,487 people for COVID-19 as of Monday, March 16 Los Angeles Daily News
My Coronavirus Test: 5 Days, a Dozen Calls, Hours of Confusion New York Times
Fresno to add hundreds of shelter beds to curb coronavirus spread among homeless
Fresno Bee
Fresno County is making available over 300 new shelter beds for homeless residents as early as Tuesday evening in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
See also:
Bakersfield homeless service providers face challenges amid coronavirus pandemic Bakersfield Californian
Caltrans suspends homeless camp cleanups amid coronavirus outbreak Sacramento Bee
Coronavirus surge will strain California hospitals, Gov. Gavin Newsom warns
Fresno Bee
Californians’ behavior in the next eight weeks will determine how burdened hospitals will be as they treat a projected surge in patients infected with the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.
See also:
California health providers postpone elective surgeries to prepare for coronavirus surge Fresno Bee
Local medical offices feeling the effects of coronavirus outbreak abc30
Modesto hospitals prepare for coronavirus outbreak. Data from other countries is scary Modesto Bee
Hospital workers make masks from office supplies amid US shortage Bakersfield Californian
Military releases 2,000 ventilators, up to 5 million masks for coronavirus response Sacramento Bee
Hospitals are straining. The big wave coming could break them Los Angeles Times
Coronavirus: California issues warning about disinfecting wipes Mercury News
Coronavirus Threatens Strained Rural Health Care System PEW
OPINION: American Hospitals Can Avoid Italy’s Fate Wall Street Journal
Worried about California nursing homes? This database offers grades, list of violations
Fresno Bee
Approximately 82 percent of the nearly 1,200 nursing homes — 976 separate facilities — in California have been cited with some sort of infection prevention and control violation in the past two years, a Sacramento Bee review of survey reports found.
Houchin appeals for volunteers to give blood as donations drop 80 percent
Bakersfield Californian
There is a dire need locally for blood and platelet donations, local officials said Tuesday in an appeal for volunteers to give blood. "I am calling on the people of Kern County to do what the people of Kern County do — respond," Mayor Karen Goh said at the Houchin Blood Bank on Truxtun Avenue.
Senior care facilities in Merced suspend visitation to prevent spread of coronavirus
Merced Sun-Star
Senior care facilities in Merced are suspending visitation to help diminish the spread of coronavirus. Park Merced Assisted Living and Mission Gardens Assisted Living sent memos to family members of residents at both facilities on Monday to inform them that visitation had been suspended, except for end-of-life visits.
See Also:
Care home residents are isolated by COVID-19 rules. Modesto center has an idea to help Modesto Bee
Modesto residents shop for elderly amid coronavirus outbreak, visit mall Modesto Bee
Coronavirus Isolates Californians in Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care Facilities KQED
Los Angeles Times
More than 8 million Californians are living under shelter-in-place orders — the nation’s most stringent public health measures yet — as state and local governments rush to address the coronavirus pandemic.
See Also:
‘No one’s going to jail over this’: Police taking soft approach to COVID-19 stay-at-home enforcement Mercury News
Parenting Time Considerations During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic [VIDEO]
National Law Review
The coronavirus pandemic is creating special challenges all of us, but in particular for parents of children who are separated or divorced. In many districts, schools are closing for several weeks, but there are still many employers who have not. In the case of first responders, healthcare workers, or other essential employees, employers cannot allow their employees to work remotely from home.
IMMIGRATION
H-1B: Premium processing suspended for upcoming visa application season
Mercury News
Applicants for the H-1B visa hoping to accelerate their submissions by paying extra for “premium processing” won’t be able to obtain that service when this year’s application period opens April 1, federal authorities announced.
With masks at the ready, ICE agents make arrests on first day of California coronavirus lockdown
Los Angeles Times
In the darkness of the early hours Monday, about a dozen immigration agents gathered outside a Starbucks in Bell Gardens. For the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, who make daily arrests, it was supposed to be business as usual.
See Also:
Trump administration takes steps to close border to migrants, citing coronavirus San Diego Union-Tribune
Citing Coronavirus, Trump Will Announce Strict New Border Controls New York Times
LAND USE/HOUSING
‘A stressful environment.’ Fresno-area shelters impacted by demand, canceled fundraisers
Fresno Bee
Fresno homeless shelters and organizations serving vulnerable populations — such as victims of domestic violence — brace for an increased need, along with “extra challenges,” amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.
Bakersfield homeless service providers face challenges amid coronavirus pandemic
Bakersfield Californian
Various area homelessness service providers have adjusted their protocols and are facing a number of resource challenges as the coronavirus pandemic progresses. The Bakersfield Homeless Center is having difficulty finding supplies like baby wipes, diapers and toilet paper, and is in higher need of donations than usual, according to the center’s CEO, Louis Gill.
House-hunting? In the age of coronavirus, you might have to do virtual tours
Los Angeles Times
On Monday, Compass sent out a nationwide memo to its staffers offering advice on setting up virtual house tours, adding that it’s currently working on additional online tools to aid the process. It noted that agents can still decide to give in-person tours of their properties.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Facing loss of income or food due to coronavirus? Here’s how to get help
Fresno Bee
For those facing the loss of income or other support due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are programs and agencies that can help. Below is a list of resources. This list will be updated as needed.
You just got a tax deadline extension
Visalia Times Delta
Most Americans can get a three-month reprieve to pay their income taxes for 2019, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday in a press conference.
See Also:
OPINION: A Tax-Delay Boost Wall Street Journal
Trump wants to cut payroll taxes to cope with coronavirus fallout. Would that help the economy?
Sacramento Bee
Looking for big help thanks to a cut in the Social Security and Medicare tax? Don’t count on it right away. President Donald Trump has long sought a reduction or temporary halt to the payroll tax. Workers and employers each pay 6.2% for Social Security until their income reaches $137,700, and 1.45% in most cases for Medicare. The highest earners pay another 0.9% in Medicare tax.
TRANSPORTATION
Fresno FAX limits passenger load due to coronavirus concerns
abc30
Fresno FAX buses are limiting their passenger loads to ten people or less starting Wednesday, March 18, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
DMV allows some customers to avoid going to a DMV office for 60 days
Hanford Sentinel
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Motor Vehicles today asked California law enforcement to exercise discretion for 60 days in their enforcement of driver license and vehicle registration expiration dates beginning March 16.
WATER
Fresno area dries up after a wet 24 hours. Another storm front may bring more rain
Fresno Bee
The Fresno area experienced a wet 24 hours , as a storm brought significant rain (and some snow) to the Valley. The main storm front came in Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, dumping close to an inch (.97 to be exact) of rain on the Fresno area.
See also:
California mountains blanketed in snow after March storms Sacramento Bee
California Department of Water Resources
There is clear evidence of the vulnerabilities in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) posed by climate change and earthquake risk. As sea levels continue to rise, the Delta will be faced with increasing water levels and salinity, which will dramatically alter and harm water quality and supply locally and for 27 million Californians across the state.
“Xtra”
Major movie theater chains shut down amid coronavirus. Here are some at-home options
Fresno Bee
As businesses shut down to slow the spread of coronavirus, several major movie theater chains are doing the same, but there are still options to watch the latest box office hits.
Cooped up, bored and on a budget? Here’s how to stream TV without paying a dime
Los Angeles Times
The reality is starting to set in: Coronavirus has a lot of people stuck at home. Sports are shut down. Some people are temporarily out of work or might be soon. Budgets for luxuries — like premium TV —are tightening.