March 25, 2020

25Mar

POLICY & POLITICS

 

North SJ Valley:

 

City of Manteca moves non-essential services to virtual office space

Stockton Record

With the exception of public safety and critical infrastructure staff, such as water, wastewater, solid waste, the city of Manteca has moved as many non-critical infrastructure staff as possible to a virtual office space, where employees are staffing phone banks, responding to public inquiries, processing payments and conducting other city functions.

 

Stockton puts temporary moratorium on commercial evictions amid coronavirus crisis

Stockton Record

The City Council voted unanimously to put a temporary moratorium on commercial evictions of businesses hurt by the ongoing public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

 

Central SJ Valley:

 

We’re sicker and have a doctor shortage. Coronavirus can ravage Fresno area, experts warn

Fresno Bee

The central San Joaquin Valley for years has struggled to attract medical doctors, with physician-to-resident ratios well below what medical experts say is needed for adequate healthcare. That was before the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Fresno leaders clarify essential businesses during 'stay at home' order

abc30

Less than a week after the City of Fresno issued an emergency "shelter in place" order; officials are continuing to clarify what it means for families and businesses.

 

Supervisors Meeting Cancelled This Week; Some Departments Remain ‘Operational’

Sierra News

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of today’s Madera County Board of Supervisors meeting. The next regularly scheduled board meeting is currently set for April 7.

 

Kings County Board of Supervisors receive update on COVID-19

Hanford Sentinel

The Kings County Board of Supervisors held its first teleconference meeting Tuesday morning, where members received an update on COVID-19 in the county.

 

City of Porterville provides update on services

Porterville Recorder

The City of Porterville provided an update on Tuesday on all the services it's still providing. The city stated all essential services will continue for residents and the city has taken action to limit, suspend, or cancel all activities that are non-essential.

 

South SJ Valley:

 

Kern County Farm Bureau names new administrator

Bakersfield Californian

A Bakersfield resident who has introduced local students to the world of agriculture has been named administrator of the Kern County Farm Bureau. Colleen Taber replaces Ariana Joven, who has left the organization to work in government affairs for Kern's largest farming company, Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Co.

 

Small business webinars announced

Bakersfield Californian

The Cal State Bakersfield Small Business Development Center has announced two upcoming webinars that aim to help small businesses in the wake of COVID-19.

 

Kern County Licensing Unit operating by appointment only on Wednesday’s

Bakersfield Californian

The Kern County Licensing Unit will be operating by appointment only on Wednesday’s to provide key services in response to the office's closure amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

 

State:

 

California coronavirus prevention measures could last another 12 weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom says

Fresno Bee

Californians should expect social distancing measures to last at least through April as the state fights coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.

See also:

 

California is way behind in testing and tracking coronavirus. It’s a big problem

Los Angeles Times

In the race to expand testing for the novel coronavirus and track the results, California has fallen behind New York and other hot-spot states as an assortment of public and private groups pursue testing programs in an uncoordinated fashion.

See also:

 

The Views From New York And California, Both Hit Hard By The Coronavirus

VPR
Let's hear now from two of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak. In New York, state officials say cases of COVID-19 have doubled every three days. They now stand at more than 25,000. In California, hospitals are bracing for a surge of patients. NPR's Hansi Lo Wang is in New York City, and NPR's Leila Fadel is reporting from Los Angeles.

 

Civil Liberties in the Age of Coronavirus: Californians Ask Questions About More Government Control Over Their Lives

Capital Public Radio

What is too far, or has our government gone far enough? CapRadio answers a few commonly asked questions about civil liberties from our audience.

 

COVID-19 and California’s Census Count

PPIC
The COVID-19 crisis has upended the carefully laid plans for the 2020 Census in ways that might have disproportionate effects on California’s count. The Census Bureau is making important adjustments, but California needs to be particularly vigilant about the potential consequences.

See​​ also:

 

15 Years of State of the State Addresses: What Do Governors Care About Most, and What Has Changed?

EdNote

Over the past 15 years, the Education Commission of the States has read and summarized State of the State addresses delivered across the nation. In addition to cataloging governors’ education-related policy proposals and celebrations, we have published seven papers providing analysis of the top trends in education policy priorities outlined by governors.* This longitudinal data is available on our website, and our 2020 brief is available here.

 

Federal:

 

Trump wants churches full on Easter as US coronavirus cases top 50,000

Fresno Bee

President Donald Trump said he wants “everyone back at work” by Easter as confirmed cases of the new coronavirus surpassed 50,000 in the United States on Tuesday.

See also:

Trump hoping to see US economy reopened by Easter abc30

Trump Sets Easter Goal For Reopening American Economy VPR

Trump and governors in heated debate over saving lives versus the economy Los Angeles Times

Trump Hopes to Have U.S. Reopened by Easter, Despite Health Experts’ Warnings Wall Street Journal

Donald Trump Sees Best Approval Rating For Three Years Amid Coronavirus Pandemic Newsweek

Opinion: From Shutdown to Coronavirus Phase Two Wall Street Journal

Commentary: Trump’s Handling of Coronavirus Approved by 60% in Gallup Poll Bloomberg

EDITORIAL: If Trump is a ‘wartime president,’ he is leading a retreat San Francisco Chronicle

 

Federal officials reach deal on $2 trillion aid package

Fresno Bee

The White House and Senate leaders of both parties have struck an agreement on a sweeping $2 trillion measure to aid workers, businesses and a health care system strained by the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak.

See also:

Negotiators close on a nearly $2 trillion coronavirus aid package abc30

Senate Reaches Historic Deal On $2 Trillion Coronavirus Economic Rescue Package VPR

Deal reached on $2-trillion coronavirus stimulus bill — largest by far in U.S. history Los Angeles Times

Deal close — but still not there — on $2-trillion economic stimulus, the largest in history Los Angeles Times

White House, Senate leaders agree on coronavirus stimulus package Roll Call

Senate to vote Wednesday on $2 trillion coronavirus bill after landmark agreement with White House Washington Post

White House Reaches Deal With Lawmakers on $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Bill Wall Street Journal

Historic $2 Trillion Coronavirus Aid Package Nears Finish Line in Congress Wall Street Journal

With Coronavirus Deal Struck, Congress Moves to Take Up Relief Package Wall Street Journal

Why Congress Should Give People Emergency Loans Instead of Handouts The Federalist

Negotiators strike deal on massive coronavirus rescue package Politico

Opinion: The stimulus package will help families, but it doesn’t go far enough AEI

Opinion: Flatten the Coronavirus Curve at a Lower Cost Wall Street Journal

 

Who’s in charge of US coronavirus response? It should be CDC, ex-director says

Visalia Times Delta

The United States' response to the COVID-19 pandemic is haphazard, uncoordinated and sorely missing the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that agency's former director told USA TODAY on Tuesday.

See​​ also:

 

Report may close door on remote voting in House during crisis, but some aren’t giving up

Los Angeles Times

A key report from House Democrats has all but ruled out the idea of voting remotely during the coronavirus outbreak, but there is growing support for the idea in the Senate, where one member has tested positive for COVID-19.

See​​ also:

 

The U.S. is on its way to becoming the epicenter in coronavirus pandemic, WHO warns

News Tribune

The United States is on the path to becoming the world’s new epicenter in the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization warned. The warning comes as the US is experiencing a “very large acceleration” in cases, Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for WHO, said in a press conference Tuesday. In the past 24 hours, Europe and the US reported 85 percent of new cases, with 40 percent of them coming from the states, according to Reuters.

 

FEMA: Defense Production Act no longer needed to secure thousands of test kits

Politico

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it ultimately did not have to use the Defense Production Act to secure medical equipment needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic, reversing an announcement by the head of the agency on Tuesday morning.

See also:

 

FALSE: The federal government is “preparing to mobilize the national guard,” “dispatch them across the US with military” and “announce a nationwide 1 week quarantine for all citizens.”

PolitiFact

In the past few days, several state and local governments have taken drastic action to try to contain the spread of the 2019 coronavirus. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced March 19 a statewide "shelter in place" order. On March 20, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all nonessential businesses to keep their employees home. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered all restaurants to close except for takeout and delivery.

See also:

 

Coronavirus Trackers:

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California

Covid19.ca.gov

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

See also:

 

Elections 2020:

 

Joe Biden found his footing — then coronavirus changed everything

Los Angeles Times

Amid a pandemic that has drowned out every other topic, Joe Biden has struggled to attract and hold attention.

See​​ also:

 

Trump, Biden Duel in Coronavirus Press Briefings

Wall Street Journal

Joe Biden appeared from the recreation room of his Delaware home Monday, wishing American families well during “difficult, anxious and confusing times.” Hours later, President Trump walked into the White House briefing room with his team of advisers, pointing to progress against the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Bernie Sanders Would Join an April Debate, Campaign Says

Wall Street Journal

Bernie Sanders will participate in the next Democratic presidential debate if one is scheduled for April, a campaign aide said, in the latest sign that the Vermont senator doesn’t plan to drop out of the race. After a string of primary defeats, Mr. Sanders’s path to the nomination has narrowed significantly.

 

Election 2020 - Tracking the Delegate Counts

Wall Street Journal

Number of delegates each candidate has received in the 2020 Democratic presidential races.

 

The surprising, enduring relevance of Andrew Yang and his ideas

Washington Post

Last week — a lifetime ago in our new coronavirus reality — in a New York City TV studio, as the Dow plummeted and cities across the country shuttered restaurants and bars, CNN host Don Lemon turned to a topic that is speeding through Capitol Hill at a pace that once seemed unimaginable.

 

The Cost of Free-College Plans

National Affairs

Free college has become a mainstream progressive policy idea. What started as a fringe proposal from Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016 became a plank in the platforms of a number of Democratic presidential contenders in 2020.

 

How easy is it today to vote by mail? It depends on the state

PolitiFact

The coronavirus pandemic has already forced more than a half dozen states to delay their Democratic primaries, with more states likely to follow. This has raised an urgent question: Could the pandemic still be dangerous enough in November that the general election will have to be held mostly or entirely by mail?

See​​ also:

 

Other:

 

The Most Credible Journalists on COVID-19

The Factual

The spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. passed an inflection point in the last 2 weeks. The number of articles published about the global pandemic went from hundreds a day to a weekday average of roughly 1,400 articles.

 

Commentary: Battle against coronavirus poses threat to our democratic institutions

CalMatters

As states and the federal government wage a battle against the spread of the coronavirus, we also face a real threat to our democratic institutions. As we come together in this time of crisis, we also have a rare opportunity to improve the function of our democracy, from national elections to local decision making bodies, in order to better meet its promise to serve all Americans. 

 

Opinion: A loose brick in Republicans’ red wall

Washington Post

Felecia Rotellini’s father, who is 104, was incensed when his family took away his car keys two years ago. He was born in a Wyoming company town that no longer exists because the coal company that owned the town is long gone. The town of Cambria, and elsewhere in Wyoming, had many coal-mining immigrants from Italy, including some relatives of Leon Panetta, the former defense secretary, CIA director and White House chief of staff.

 

Opinion: The damage that ‘America First’ has done

AEI

The National Security Strategy that President Donald Trump published during his first year in office describes an “America First foreign policy in action.” In an introductory message, the president declares, “We are prioritizing the interests of our citizens and protecting our sovereign rights as a nation.” He insists that “‘America First’ is not America alone.”

 

Commentary: Black Americans were forced into ‘social distancing’ long before the coronavirus

Brookings

Speaking about the COVID-19 pandemic at Sunday’s Democratic presidential debate, former Vice President Joe Biden implored, “This is a crisis. We’re at war with the virus.” Without question, we have to treat the situation like the acute emergency it is.

 

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

 

Sunday, March 29, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: California Migration: The Story of Us - Guest: Judy Lin, CALmatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, March 29, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: California Migration & Immigration: Who Is Coming and Who is Going? - Guests: California Secretary of State Padilla; Sarah Bohn, PPIC; John Myers, LA Times; and Judy Lin with CALmatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

 

Sunday, March 29, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: El Censo y la Redistribución de Distritos Electorales  - Guests: Joe Hayes, Investigator del Instituto de Politicas Publicas de California, Secretario de Estado Alex Padilla y Margarita Fernandez Jefe de Relaciones Publicas de la oficina de la Auditora de California. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.

 

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

 

Coronavirus concern closes Frito-Lay chip plant in Modesto for cleaning

Modesto Bee

Frito-Lay has closed its Modesto plant for “deep cleaning” after some employees showed coronavirus-like symptoms.

 

Bitwise Pledges $100,000 To Deliver Groceries To Vulnerable Populations

VPR

As COVID-19 case numbers rise, one Fresno-based company has pledged $100,000 to help with grocery shopping.

See also:

 

Local businesses cope with grocery rush, store front closures

Turlock Journal

Cost Less Food manager Oscar Avila has witnessed plenty over the course of four decades working at the Turlock grocery store, but the pandemonium that has followed a statewide quarantine effort in light of coronavirus concerns is unlike anything he’s ever seen.

 

Kern County Farm Bureau names new administrator

Bakersfield Californian

A Bakersfield resident who has introduced local students to the world of agriculture has been named administrator of the Kern County Farm Bureau. Colleen Taber replaces Ariana Joven, who has left the organization to work in government affairs for Kern's largest farming company, Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Co.

 

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, Cal City cannabis dispensaries look to increase delivery frequency to Bakersfield

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County’s cannabis dispensaries are looking to expand their delivery services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with one business aiming to begin daily delivery to Bakersfield in the near future.

 

Farmersville marijuana dispensary staying open during COVID-19 outbreak

abc30

Customers can order online and when they get a text saying their order is ready, park in the designated curbside parking spots.

See also:

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Crime:

 

Coronavirus-related crimes capitalize on global fear, panic

Fresno Bee

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, so too do the crimes related to it — transgressions that capitalize on fear, panic and the urge to lay blame, and add to the burden on law enforcement agencies trying to protect vulnerable citizens.

 

Scammers are coming out in wake of virus threat

Turlock Journal

As federal legislators map out an economic plan to help Americans weather the financial chaos caused by the coronavirus, scammers are already making their own plans to get a hold of those checks.

 

Those who intentionally spread coronavirus could be charged as terrorists

Politico

People who intentionally spread the coronavirus could face criminal charges under federal terrorism laws, the Justice Department’s No. 2 official said Tuesday. In a memo to top Justice Department leaders, law enforcement agency chiefs and U.S. Attorneys across the country, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said prosecutors and investigators could come across cases of “purposeful exposure and infection of others with COVID-19.”

 

Public Safety:

 

Coronavirus leads to some California inmates going free; more state prison workers infected

Fresno Bee

Conditions in state prisons and county jails nationwide have sparked urgent calls for the release of thousands of inmates across the country as corrections officials rush to avoid catastrophic outbreaks of coronavirus inside institutions that could infect inmates, correctional staffers and, ultimately, their families and communities at large.

See also:

 

Domestic abuse victims in ‘worst-case scenario’ during outbreak, providers say

Los Angeles Times

Advocates worry that the changes to everyday life brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic — stay-at-home mandates, job losses and school closures — may worsen already strained relationships, leading to increased rates of domestic abuse.

 

Police officers of North Valley city helping community during COVID-19 outbreak

abc30

A North Valley city is doing what it can to help local restaurants and businesses. Employees with the city of Gustine are helping deliver food, prescriptions and other essential items.

See also:

 

Kern County Licensing Unit operating by appointment only on Wednesday’s

Bakersfield Californian

The Kern County Licensing Unit will be operating by appointment only on Wednesday’s to provide key services in response to the office's closure amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Balancing Justice, Public Safety: Virus Brings Changes To Courts, Jails, Arrests

VPR
What to do with a jury summons during a pandemic? That was the question Edward Lifson faced when he opened his mail and read that he was scheduled for jury duty in Los Angeles this week. Lifson believes it's an honor and a duty to serve on a jury, but, "to be honest, I would not do it right now," he says. "If they told me I had to come in I would say no."

 

Gun Stores Remain Open Despite ‘Non-Essential’ Classification

kpbs

Gun stores in San Diego County are seeing record sales during the coronavirus outbreak, but county officials say the stores should not be open under Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order. They say gun stores are not included in the list of "essential businesses."

 

EDITORIAL: Defendants who can’t tell right from wrong shouldn’t be convicted

Los Angeles Times

The Supreme Court is supposed to be the ultimate guarantor of fairness in the judicial system. The court sadly abdicated that responsibility Monday, when it ruled that states may convict a mentally ill defendant even if the defendant didn’t know that what he was doing was wrong.

 

Fire:

 

EDITORIAL: It’s no government takeover of PG&E, but it’s still a possibility for the state’s most dangerous utility

Los Angeles Times

It’s not the government takeover that many Californians were hoping for in light of the massive utility-sparked fires in recent years and the bungled “public safety power shutoffs” last fall.

See also:

 

ECONOMY/JOBS

 

Economy:

 

Dow’s best day since 1933: Stocks surge on hopes of coronavirus stimulus

Los Angeles Times

The Dow Jones industrial average surged Tuesday, posting its best day since 1933, as Congress and the White House neared a deal to inject nearly $2 trillion of aid into the coronavirus-ravaged economy.

See​​ also:

 

Opinion: Coronavirus Stimulus Should Bar Stock Buybacks

Wall Street Journal

As Covid-19 spreads and the economy falls off a cliff, a debate has erupted about public assistance to large corporations. Defenders of a generous response argue that although big companies find themselves in need of help, it is not their fault.

See also:

 

Small business webinars announced

Bakersfield Californian

The Cal State Bakersfield Small Business Development Center has announced two upcoming webinars that aim to help small businesses in the wake of COVID-19.

 

Opinion: Private Industry Mobilizes Against the Coronavirus

Wall Street Journal

President Trump can’t do right by some critics no matter what he does. For three years he’s been denounced as a reckless authoritarian, and now he’s attacked for not being authoritarian enough by refusing to commandeer American industry. The truth is that private industry is responding to the coronavirus without command and control by the federal government.

See also:

 

EDD offering help to those economically impacted by COVID-19

Turlock Journal

The California Employment Development Department is offering benefit programs to those individuals who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19.

 

Cannabis and cocktails amid coronavirus? State says carry on

CalMatters

California authorities want to keep some vulnerable businesses from collapsing during what is likely to be the worst economic crisis since the Great Recession.

 

Coronavirus Triggers Record Drops in U.S., European Business Activity

Wall Street Journal

The U.S. and Europe saw record declines in business activity in March, as economic activity slowed around the world due to measures aimed at containing the new coronavirus. Data firm IHS Markit said its composite purchasing managers index for the U.S.—an aggregate​​ measure of activity in the manufacturing and services sectors—dropped to a seasonally adjusted 40.5 in March from 49.6 in February.

 

Coronavirus Boosts Target’s Sales but Squeezes Profits

Wall Street Journal

Target Corp. said sales of food and household goods are surging because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the retailer may report lower-than-expected profits as demand falls for high-margin goods such as apparel and it becomes more expensive to staff and clean stores.

See​​ also:

 

A recession is a public health necessity – let’s keep it short

Vox

Life in a number of European countries has largely come to a halt. Bars, restaurants, schools, and universities have shut down and senior citizens are being asked to stay at home in Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and a growing number of other places.

 

Commentary: The medical capacity gap is our economic problem

AEI

It bears repeating what many others have already said: Our economic descent is a consequence of a severe public health threat. Therefore, our priority must be to create a pathway for managing the pandemic without strict reliance on social distancing. We are not there yet, or even close to being there.

 

Opinion: Trump Would Hurt Economy by Trying to Restart It

Bloomberg

President Donald Trump seems to think he can restart the U.S. economy by scaling back some of the restrictions on work, commerce and social interaction that have been put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Jobs:

 

Coronavirus concern closes Frito-Lay chip plant in Modesto for cleaning

Modesto Bee

Frito-Lay has closed its Modesto plant for “deep cleaning” after some employees showed coronavirus-like symptoms.

 

Instacart to hire 300,000 workers to meet delivery demands related to coronavirus

Merced Sun-Star

As the novel coronavirus spreads across the United States, grocery delivery service Instacart announced Monday it plans to hire 300,000 workers to help meet growing demand for home delivery.

See​​ also:

 

Postal Workers Say They Lack Supplies, Training To Protect Themselves From Virus

VPR

With just about 500,000 employees, the United States Postal Service is one of the country's largest employers, but many workers say they're not receiving the training or supplies they need to deal safely with the coronavirus. They fear becoming carriers of another kind — catching and unwittingly spreading the virus.

 

’Outdated attitude’: Why California wasn’t ready for its state workers to telecommute

Sacramento Bee

Three weeks after California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an emergency to help address the virus, many state workers say they are facing resistance, confusion and uneven responses when they ask to work remotely.

See​​ also:

 

Coronavirus and labor law: Know your rights, from paid sick leave to working from home

Los Angeles Times

As Lee Olesky heard the first reports of the novel coronavirus in Sacramento County, where she is employed as a social worker, she began to panic. Olesky, 41, visits the homes of sick and elderly people on a daily basis, and worried she could carry the new illness to her clients. At the office, she doesn’t have an assigned seat but works at “floating” cubicles used by countless other field workers.

See​​ also:

 

SF supes to state: Enforce AB5 to protect gig workers from virus

San Francisco Chronicle

Some San Francisco supervisors are calling on government officials to quickly reclassify Uber and Lyft drivers and other gig workers as employees under AB5, California’s new law that makes it harder for companies to claim that workers are independent contractors.

See​​ also:

 

California hotels laying off thousands amid coronavirus pandemic

Orange County Register

The nation’s hotel industry has lost nearly 3.4 million direct and indirect jobs amid the coronavirus outbreak, and California is taking the heaviest hit, an industry group reports.

See​​ also:

 

California Publishes Detailed List of Essential Workers Exempt from Stay-At-Home Order

Ogletree Deakins

On March 19, 2020 California Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 directing all residents to stay at home, except as necessary to maintain “essential critical infrastructure sectors.” The order left open the potential for the governor to add additional sectors whose workers may continue to report to work.

 

Governors beg for cash as unemployment claims crush states

Politico

Governors are pleading for more financial help from Congress as unemployment claims surge to near-unprecedented levels this month, leaving states incapable of covering the mountainous costs.

 

EDUCATION

 

K-12:

 

Tulare County school open again amid coronavirus. State says ‘all schools’ should close

Fresno Bee

A small public school near Visalia remained open Tuesday despite the state Department of Education saying all California schools should “be closed to students at this time” as officials try to stem the spreading coronavirus.

See​​ also:

 

Fresno Unified spent millions on tablets. Why doesn’t every student have one?

Fresno Bee

Fresno Unified in 2018 spent $2.8 million on thousands of tablets for students, devices that could prove critical for students during the school shutdown that Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested could last for months.

 

Getting free meals from Fresno Unified during school closure? It’s coming to a temporary halt

Fresno Bee

The school district will not offer the free food service during Fresno Unified’s scheduled spring break, which runs April 6-13, Superintendent Bob Nelson reiterated on social media Tuesday night.

 

CUSD Launches Video Series

Clovis RoundUp

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic may have closed schools around the nation, but Clovis Unified isn’t letting that get in the way of connecting with students, their families and staff. The school district is about to release a new video series, called “Together, We’ve Got This!”, to teach students and their families about coping mechanisms and mental health support.

See​​ also:

 

SUSD offers help line for students, families

Stockton Record

Stockton Unified School District has established a help line for students and families during the COVID-19 class cancellation.

 

Parents finding new ways to teach children during school closures

abc30

In this age of quarantines and social distancing, the classroom has been replaced with the living room with some exceptions.

See also:

 

Commentary: We Don’t Have to Cancel the Whole School Year. Yet.

The Dispatch

Of all the ways COVID-19 has upended our daily lives—the shuttered businesses, empty streets, bare grocery store shelves—school closures might hit home the hardest. Schools serving more than 40 million students have now closed their doors, with profound effects for these kids, their parents, and their communities.

 

Commentary: Coronavirus and school closures (with John Bailey)

AEI
In just a few short weeks, the coronavirus has completely upended America’s K–12 school system. Forty-six states have closed their schools in response to the pandemic, disrupting the learning of some 54 million children.

 

Higher Ed:

 

Fresno State makes sweeping changes to cancel commencement, clear out dorms and campus

Fresno Bee

Fresno State on Tuesday, March 17 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:

 

Reedley College provides laptops, hotspots to help students take studies online

abc30

When Reedley College first closed its doors, not all students were sure they could keep up with their studies. To make sure students can make a seamless switch, Reedley College is loaning out laptops and other accessories.

 

ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY

 

Environment:

 

Here’s what a coronavirus-like response to the climate crisis would look like

Los Angeles Times

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are global crises with the power to derail economies and kill millions of people. Society has moved far more aggressively to address the coronavirus than it has the climate crisis. But some experts wonder if the unprecedented global mobilization to slow the pandemic might help pave the way for more dramatic climate action.

 

EPA Plans to Waive Some Compliance Requirements Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Wall Street Journal

The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to waive compliance requirements and deadlines for a range of industries, including oil refiners, water utilities and sewage plants, as it seeks to help businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, according to Trump administration officials.

 

Energy:

 

PG&E: ‘COVID-19 Crisis Will Not Affect Storm Response’

Sierra News

As another spring storm is expected to bring winter-like weather throughout much of PG&E’s service territory this week, including eastern Madera County, PG&E is urging its customers and their families to stay safe and have a plan.

 

Oil producers brace for sustained slowdown as outlook dims

Bakersfield Californian

Despite receiving a privileged designation from the state during the coronavirus pandemic, Kern County oil producers are hunkering down as dismal market conditions make it unlikely that investment and hiring in local oil fields will return anytime soon.

 

Commentary: Energy charts of the day

AEI

In the midst of all of the gloomy economic news lately, there are few bright spots in the US energy sector illustrated in the charts below. 1. Chart of the Day I (above) shows the “greening of America” that has been taking place over the last decade thanks to the revolutionary hydraulic fracturing technology that politicians like Bernie Sanders want to​​ ban at the national level in the future and Gov. Cuomo who has already banned fracking at the state level in New York.

 

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

 

Health:

 

Fresno County public health officer: In coronavirus pandemic, stay calm, stay apart

Fresno Bee

These are uncertain, stressful and disruptive times for all of us as we adjust to life with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and cope with declarations of states of emergency, school closures, social event cancellations, restaurant and bar closings and most recently a shelter in place order in the city of Fresno.

 

Five new coronavirus cases in Fresno County, 18 total. Valley cases continue to rise

Fresno Bee

Five new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were reported in Fresno County on Tuesday, bringing the county’s total up to 18.

See also:

 

We’re sicker and have a doctor shortage. Coronavirus can ravage Fresno area, experts warn

Fresno Bee

The central San Joaquin Valley for years has struggled to attract medical doctors, with physician-to-resident ratios well below what medical experts say is needed for adequate healthcare.

See​​ also:

 

A 17th coronavirus case confirmed in Tulare County. It is travel-related

Fresno Bee

Health officials have confirmed another case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Tulare County. This brings the total number of cases in the central California county to 17. The new patient is between the ages of 26 and 40 years old and is in self-isolation at home, health officials said.

 

Warszawski: Good to see you outside, Fresno. Now obey social distancing or parks could close, too

Fresno Bee

More dogs got walked last weekend in Fresno and Clovis, I’ll wager, than over any weekend in years. More people jogged through their neighborhoods. More families went out for bike rides, or piled into the car for a trip to Woodward Park.

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Panic attack symptoms? Google searches for health info double as coronavirus rages

Fresno Bee

As coronavirus continues to spread, fear and anxiety grow among many. Searches for “panic attack symptoms” are up 100% compared to what’s been typical over the past year, according to data from Google.

 

Health officials: Two more coronavirus cases in Kern, bringing total to 15

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County Public Health officials confirmed two more case of the coronavirus Tuesday, bringing the local total to 15. All but one of the 15 cases are located in the Bakersfield area. The other is in an area west of Bakersfield.

 

Coronavirus update: Stanislaus County records 11th case of the virus. Still no deaths locally

Modesto Bee

The coronavirus is spreading in Stanislaus County, the area’s top public health officer said in a Monday night Facebook Live chat. Dr. Julie Vaishampayan said the “system we have in place to monitor illness in people presenting to the hospital emergency departments in our county started showing an increase in people coming in for respiratory complaints such as cough or shortness of breath over the past few days,” she said.

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Does HIV put you at higher risk from coronavirus? Here’s what the experts say

Sacramento Bee

Certain people with HIV may get very sick from coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with a low CD4 cell count -- also known as a T-cell count -- and who aren’t on HIV treatment have the greatest risk, the CDC said.

 

Red, itchy eyes may be another symptom of coronavirus infection, experts say

Sacramento Bee

Red, itchy eyes and tears could be an early symptom of a coronavirus infection, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. As a result, the academy is warning ophthalmologists to be wary of patients with conjunctivitis (pink eye), combined with “fever and respiratory symptoms, including cough and shortness of breath.”

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Lancaster teen is possible coronavirus death; his father is also infected, mayor says

Los Angeles Times

A Lancaster teen who may have died of the coronavirus was killed by septic shock, and his father is also infected with the virus, the city’s mayor said Tuesday. Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris said in an interview that the father “had close contact on the job with the public daily.” It’s unclear how the teenager got the virus.

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California is way behind in testing and tracking coronavirus. It’s a big problem

Los Angeles Times

In the race to expand testing for the novel coronavirus and track the results, California has fallen behind New York and other hot-spot states as an assortment of public and private groups pursue testing programs in an uncoordinated fashion.

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FDA Approves Plasma Treatment for Coronavirus on Conditional Basis

Wall Street Journal

The Food and Drug Administration has begun to allow doctors to treat some patients with the blood plasma of patients who have recovered from the coronavirus-caused Covid-19 disease. The treatment must be approved on a case-by-case basis, and patients must meet certain conditions, the FDA said.

 

How states are responding to coronavirus, in 7 maps

Politico

States have enacted a wide range of policies in an effort to "flatten the curve" and address the economic effects of the novel coronavirus. While all 50 states have declared states of emergency, giving governors emergency powers, the policy response from states has been wide-ranging.

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Will taking ibuprofen for COVID-19 cause more health problems? It’s complicated

PolitiFact

Got a fever? Feeling achy? If so, it makes sense that you’d want to take ibuprofen, the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory often recommended for those symptoms. But recent claims on social media warn that this everyday remedy could increase the risk of complications with a COVID-19 infection.

 

Human Services:

 

We’re sicker and have a doctor shortage. Coronavirus can ravage Fresno area, experts warn

Fresno Bee

The central San Joaquin Valley for years has struggled to attract medical doctors, with physician-to-resident ratios well below what medical experts say is needed for adequate healthcare. That was before the coronavirus pandemic.

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Here’s what Fresno County is doing to stop the spread of coronavirus among the homeless

Fresno Bee

Fresno County employees are working to house about 300 homeless people in an attempt to control the spread of the novel coronavirus under an effort approved on Tuesday.

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Valley Children's Hospital accepting supply donations

abc30

Valley Children's Hospital is accepting donations from the community for its healthcare professionals as supplies continue to wane during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Madera Community Suspending ‘Non-Urgent’ Operations, Procedures

Sierra News

Madera Community Hospital officials announced Tuesday that “in response to the spread of coronavirus, and in order to support safe care, a safe environment and continual readiness,” the hospital is suspending “all non-urgent/non-emergent operative and invasive procedures” effective immediately.

 

Conservatives gutted the social safety net. Now, in a crisis, they’re embracing it.

Washington Post

Throughout his term, President Trump has chipped away at the social safety net, proposing budgets that gutted housing assistance, food stamps and health insurance for the poorest Americans. When Congress rejected those cuts, the Trump administration enacted rules to make it harder to access federal benefits, such as requiring recipients to work.

 

How social distancing could ultimately teach us how to be less lonely

Washington Post

As recently as late February, practically no one had ever heard of “social distancing,” the awkward term for staying away from others to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. It was introduced by public health officials in the last days of February; by the end of the first week of March, it was trending on social media. By the 12th, it had passed “Taylor Swift” as a Google search term; on the 17th, it had passed “Joe Biden.” (The president will no doubt be relieved that “Donald Trump” is still far ahead.)

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We’re Too Dependent on China for Too Many Critical Goods. Especially Medicine.

The Dispatch

During the Cold War, the Western alliance came together to create COCOM, the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls, an export regime aimed at barring the sale of sensitive military and dual-use technologies to the Soviet bloc. The time has come to build its analog, an alliance committed limiting key strategic imports and exports to and from the People’s Republic of China.

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IMMIGRATION

 

Mesa Verde detainees susceptible to coronavirus sue for their release

Bakersfield Californian

Thirteen immigrant detainees held in Bakersfield and Yuba County have sued U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their release.

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LAND USE/HOUSING

 

Land Use:

 

Parks officials answer crowding with closures to fight virus

Bakersfield Californian

Yosemite, whose striking features like Half-Dome draws about 4 million visitors a year, closed indefinitely on Friday at the request of local health officials to all people except park employees, concessionaires and residents with homes inside the park's boundaries.

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Housing:

 

Coronavirus hits home for renters, landlords alike

Turlock Journal

The coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly every facet of everyday life, leaving many renters, landlords and property management companies uncertain about the future.

 

Tulare County supervisor calls for eviction moratorium

Visalia Times Delta

Suspending evictions is "an urgent need to protect Tulare County residents" amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Supervisor Eddie Valero said during Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting.

 

Bakersfield Homeless Center again seeks funds from city and county amid budget shortfall

Bakersfield Californian

Less than two years after the Bakersfield Homeless Center received $400,000 from the city of Bakersfield and Kern County to address a funding crisis, the nonprofit is back, saying more money is needed to keep services available to the area’s poorest residents.

 

Stockton puts temporary moratorium on commercial evictions amid coronavirus crisis

Stockton Record

The City Council voted unanimously to put a temporary moratorium on commercial evictions of businesses hurt by the ongoing public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

 

Coronavirus help: 2 big California apartment landlords offer rent-deferral plans

Orange County Register

Two large California residential landlords are offering financial help for tenants suffering from coronavirus-related layoffs or income losses. The coronavirus fallout has already ravaged the local economy and caused significant job losses. That, in turn, has increased pressure on various industries to adjust pricing. The spotlight has been on landlords as rent is considered a tenant household’s biggest expense, and an April 1 payment is coming due.

 

No Sheltering in Place for California’s Homeless

Capital & Main

How do you shelter in place when you have no “place”? For California’s exploding homeless population – and for those racing to blunt the impact of the novel coronavirus as it sweeps through the state – it is a question in desperate search of adequate answers.

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PUBLIC FINANCES

 

No guarantee of forgiveness on property tax penalties, interest in Fresno County

abc30

Fresno County's tax collector and supervisors are not committing to any property tax relief for people whose health or finances took a hit because of the coronavirus. Property taxes, technically, are already due all across California.

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California governor says virus likely to curb state spending

Bakersfield Californian

With nearly 40 million people stuck at home because of the coronavirus, California's governor on Tuesday warned state agencies to prepare for less money from the government that will likely postpone many of the state's ambitious spending plans.

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Opinion: Should Californians fix Prop. 13 or the state’s whole system of taxation?

CalMatters

One of the most important decisions facing Californians this November is whether to make any changes to Proposition 13. While voters continue to give Proposition 13 an overwhelming nearly two-thirds approval rating, there are serious questions about whether the tax cap still accomplishes more good than harm.

 

Opinion: During Time of Crisis Property Tax is Stable—for Now

Fox & Hounds

The state of California is bracing for a hit in revenue because of the COVID-19 crisis. Income taxes, sales taxes and corporate taxes, the three pillars holding up the state budget, are expected to fall precipitously. Property taxes, however, may not be reduced much, if at all, thanks to California’s Proposition 13 property tax system.

 

Opinion: Public opinion on wealth taxes and the wealthy

AEI
In December 2019 Gallup asked people to think about the issues that would probably be discussed in the 2020 presidential campaign. “Taxes” tied with “budget deficit” and “race relations” for ninth place out of the 16 issues in terms of importance. Twenty-three percent told Gallup’s interviewers that a candidate’s position on taxes would be extremely important to their vote in November.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

Coronavirus slices Amtrak ridership, forcing reduction of Central California schedule

Fresno Bee

Amtrak services across the country, including the Amtrak San Joaquin trains that flow through the central San Joaquin Valley, are being curtailed as the passenger rail system faces sharply reduced ridership because of the coronavirus outbreak.

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Fresno COG’s Community Outreach Mini-Grant Program – Application released

Fresno Council of Governments

The Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) is seeking assistance from community organizations, schools, agencies and businesses to solicit ongoing public input into key activities associated with the preparation of the 2022 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the Sustainable Communities Strategy Scenarios within it. In order to ensure diverse and extensive input on the 2022 RTP from people and populations throughout the region, Fresno COG is requesting help to expand community outreach that garners significant public input.

 

Trump to postpone Real ID deadline because of coronavirus, giving relief to California DMV

Sacramento Bee

President Donald Trump announced Monday afternoon that he plans to postpone the Oct. 1 deadline for Americans to obtain a Real ID card because of the coronavirus outbreak, relieving pressure on states like California where millions of people have yet to apply for the new kind of driver’s license. Trump did not say what the new deadline would be.

 

U.S. to bring home stranded Americans using planes that deport immigrants

Los Angeles Times

With pressure mounting over Americans stranded outside the United States because of coronavirus-related travel restrictions, the government plans to use its planes that deport migrants to bring U.S. citizens home, a senior administration official said Monday.

 

How the Virus Got Out

New York Times

The most extensive travel restrictions to stop an outbreak in human history haven’t been enough. We analyzed the movements of hundreds of millions of people to show why.

 

WATER

 

Early spring will continue to be somewhat wet in the Modesto area

Modesto Bee

The Modesto area looks to get a little more rain from early spring storms this week, along with snow in its Sierra Nevada watershed.

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“Xtra”

 

Coronavirus got you down? Here are five good things happening in Fresno to cheer you up

Fresno Bee

From free pizzas delivered to hospitals to a stranger helping a mom buy milk, acts of kindness are happening all over the Fresno area.

 

Virus Diaries: Spin Class The Latest Business To Deliver

Business Journal

CycleBar Fresno is taking the workout to you with a program to rent out bikes for people’s homes. The 30-day bike rental program includes a CycleBar bike and indoor cycling shoes for people to access streamed classes on Facebook and, soon, Instagram.

 

Clovis Veterinarian Offers Advice on Adopting Pets

Clovis RoundUp

With many stuck at home because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, some may be considering adopting a furry friend to keep loneliness at bay. Pet companionship offers several health benefits, after all. According to the National Center for Health Science Research, studies show that people with pets generally had lower heart rates and stress levels than people did not have pets.

 

Kings River-Hardwick faculty organizes parade to spread cheer

Hanford Sentinel

The only thing spreading at Kings River Hardwick is good cheer. The school’s faculty organized a makeshift automobile parade Tuesday afternoon to show that the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t dampened the Wildcats’ spirits.

 

New adoptable pets in Hanford. Pick your new dog or cat!

Hanford Sentinel

Browse through local shelter pets available for adoption.

 

Some Northern, Central California lakes still open to fishing

Stockton Record

Many anglers have wanted to know about the status of fishing in the lakes, reservoirs, rivers and other waters of northern and central California during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Online dance classes are booming: 8 places to keep you moving through quarantine

Los Angeles Times

Dancers, choreographers and studios are turning to online platforms including Instagram and Zoom to keep people moving through the coronavirus outbreak.

 

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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.

                                                      

This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.

 

 

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