POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Strong election night for Merced County incumbents, some races still too close to call
Merced Sun-Star
Results are flowing in for the three Merced County Board of Supervisors seats up for grabs on the presidential primary ballot.
Merced County voters appear to be rejecting Measure J
Merced Sun-Star
Without a late surge, Measure J appears to be headed toward rejection by Merced County voters. Measure J would have given Merced College a $247-million bond to renovate old buildings, build new ones and modernize career technical education programs.
Congressman Josh Harder looks forward to November election
Modesto Bee
Harder appeared briefly at a party at Greens on Tenth in downtown Modesto. He spoke for a few minutes before having to leave to catch a flight to Washington, D.C., ahead of a Wednesday House vote on emergency measures to deal with the coronavirus.
See also:
Live Update: Democratic incumbent Harder, Republican Howze headed for November showdown Modesto Bee
Other Modesto Area Election Results:
Ex-Modesto mayor, assembly member headed for 5th District senate runoff Modesto Bee
Condits are doing well in early vote count for Stanislaus County seats Modesto Bee
All bond measures in Stanislaus County school districts lag in early returns Modesto Bee
Prosecutors open up big leads in all three races for Stanislaus County judge seats Modesto Bee
Tubbs sees early lead in Stockton mayoral race; Lincoln close behind
Stockton Record
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs said in January that he’s confident his record will earn him a second term.
Other Stockton Area Election Results:
Multiple area candidates vie for seats in Legislature, Congress Stockton Record
SJ voters hit the polls for 2020 primary election
Stockton Record
Voters across San Joaquin County hit their polling places and dropped their ballots in the 2020 primary election. A variety of local and statewide offices were on the ballot as well as the presidential primary.
See also:
Taxes, Medicare drive Modesto voters to 2020 primary election polls Modesto Bee
‘We’re moving right along.’ Merced County residents turn out for Super Tuesday Merced Sun-Star
Central SJ Valley:
When will we know who won? Questions about Fresno County’s first election under new system
Fresno Bee
Tuesday’s primary election is the first in Fresno County under the California Voter’s Choice Act. This dramatically changed the way Fresno County votes, with every registered voter receiving a ballot in the mail in early February.
See also:
How did voting go in central San Joaquin Valley? County clerks report Fresno Bee
Computer issues caused delays on Super Tuesday in Fresno County Fresno Bee
3 Tulare Co. polling places affected by technical issues abc30
Tulare County election officials: Voting machines down Visalia Times Delta
Jerry Dyer upbeat as early returns in Fresno mayor’s race show him with sizable lead
Fresno Bee
Jerry Dyer led the Fresno mayor’s race with more than 54% of the vote after the Fresno County Registrar of Voters posted early results Tuesday night.
See also:
Fresno City Council District 4 candidate takes early lead. Still too close to call
Fresno Bee
District 4 is the only council race to draw any competition, which came in opponents Nathan Alonzo and Tyler Maxwell. No matter whom wins they’ll be the youngest person on the council dais.
See also:
‘I wish Egan well.’ Treisman concedes Fresno judge’s race to former district attorney
Fresno Bee
Former District Attorney Elizabeth Egan appeared poised to capture a seat on the Fresno County Superior Court bench late Tuesday after her opponent conceded the race.
Election 2020: Costa fends off Democratic challenge; Valadao/Cox rematch; Nunes to face Arballo
Fresno Bee
Challengers to central San Joaquin Valley congressmen in Tuesday’s primary election foreshadow some high-profile and potentially tight races this November, including against Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Devin Nunes, and Rep. TJ Cox.
See also:
Latest local election results for the Central Valley in the March 2020 primary Fresno Bee
Tight race between Jim Costa, Kevin Cookingham for District 16 abc30
Nunes grabs lead over Arballo in District 22 primary results abc30
Primary: Shuklian win, Valadao leads Cox, Salas leads Cotta, Micari leads Crocker ValleyVoice
Valadao takes early lead over Cox in 21st District as McCarthy pulls away from Mangone Bakersfield Californian
Perez, Couch take lead in supervisors races while Valadao pulls ahead of Cox in 21st District Bakersfield Californian
David Valadao leads in 21st Congressional District primary, incumbent Cox ready for race in November KGET
South SJ Valley:
Goh takes commanding lead in race for Bakersfield mayor
Bakersfield Californian
Incumbent Karen Goh quickly distanced herself from her closest challenger for mayor of Bakersfield in early election results Tuesday. With 115 of 262 precincts reporting, Goh had almost 84 percent of the votes as compared with Gregory Tatum's 10.7 percent.
See also:
Fong coasting to primary victory in 34th Assembly race, as 32nd District race remains unclear
Bakersfield Californian
Early primary election returns revealed few surprises Tuesday night in the 32nd and 34th Assembly District races. The incumbents were leading. And Republican incumbent Vince Fong appeared to be on his way to a runaway victory in the 34th.
Other Bakersfield Area Election Results:
Perez, Couch, Peters post strong leads as first elections results are posted Bakersfield Californian
Leticia Perez maintains big lead in bid to retain 5th District Supervisor seat KGET
Results show incumbent Rudy Salas ahead in 32nd Assembly District KGETDavid Couch leads in race for 4th District Supervisor KGET
Congressman Kevin McCarthy takes commanding lead in race for 23rd District KGET
Phillip Peters leads race to replace retiring supervisor Mick Gleason in the 1st District KGET
UPDATE: Medical marijuana measures D and E face rejection with all precincts reporting
KGET
Ballot initiatives regarding medical marijuana appear to have been rejected by voters with all precincts reporting. Measure D received 60.3 percent of “no” votes while Measure E had 58.13 percent of “no” votes, according to early results showing 657 of 657 precincts reporting.
See also:
Kern County voters reject both medical marijuana measures in early returns Bakersfield Californian
State:
Here’s what happened in California’s primary election while you were sleeping
Fresno Bee
Here are the current results from California’s state election, including congressional and legislative races, as well as Proposition 13.
See also:
Republicans hope for US House turnaround in California Porterville Recorder
Results are coming in for the California primary. Why counting all the ballots will take weeks Sacramento Bee
Dynasties, infighting mark California legislative battles Porterville Recorder
California will have at least 4 new members of Congress. Here’s who’s leading Sacramento Bee
How to track your California mail-in ballot through the counting process Sacramento Bee
‘This is like gridlock on the 405’: Polls have closed, but hundreds still lined up to vote Los Angeles Times
Latest election results + A Socialist in California + Death penalty persists + Unexpected tax bounty CalMatters
Dynasties, infighting mark California legislative battles Associated Press
Voting problems, long lines mar California primary voting
Porterville Recorder
Technical issues plagued polling sites throughout California as people turned out in droves, taxing a system meant to make voting easier with new technology, same-day registration and centralized vote centers in some counties.
See also:
Taking a long time to count California votes is OK with voters, poll finds Los Angeles Times
Data issue causes voting delays in these 15 California counties. State says problem fixed Sacramento Bee
Even As Vote-By-Mail Increases In California, Many Voters Opt To Vote In-Person Capital Public Radio
Fate in jeopardy for Prop. 13, $15 billion school bond
abc30
A $15 billion California bond measure to repair and modernize aging public schools looks unlikely to pass. With 93% of precincts reporting this morning, 57% voted "no" for Proposition 13 and 43% voted "yes". Proposition 13 needs a simple majority to pass.
See also:
Fate unclear for $15 billion California school upgrade bond Porterville Recorder
State voters saying ‘No’ to Prop 13 school bond measure KGET
Prop. 13 school bond measure trailing in returns Los Angeles Times
California’s largest school bond in history headed for defeat San Francisco Chronicle
Fate of huge California bond to update school facilities hangs in balance CalMatters
What to Know About Proposition 13 New York Times
Fate unclear for $15 billion California school upgrade bond Associated Press
Democratic Party ‘will come around,’ Gavin Newsom says as he votes in California primary
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was happy to see so many people turning out to vote as he and his wife First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom waited in line Tuesday morning at the California Museum to cast ballots in the state’s primary election.
Water, #MeToo, homelessness politicized, impeachment, and Trump’s dismal numbers
CalMatters
“No experts are saying take your time. It’s happening now.”—Los Angeles billionaire Stewart Resnick, who along with his wife, Lynda Resnick, announced via The New York Times a $750 million gift to the California Institute of Technology for environmental study focused on solutions to climate change.
Legislators’ charity use has prompted calls for reform — but not from the Assembly Speaker
CalMatters
Nothing to see here. That was the essence of what Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon had to say after fundraising by one member of his house triggered an investigation by California’s political watchdog agency, and payments by another prompted calls to tighten the state’s political ethics law.
California Budget Perspective 2020-21
California Budget & Policy Center
It’s been several weeks since Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed 2020-21 budget, and now Senate and Assembly budget subcommittees start their work on the state’s upcoming fiscal plan, including holding public hearings and reviewing proposals to determine how money will be spent on programs and Californians.
Lyft and Uber Start Spending to Unseat California Legislators
Wall Street Journal
After losing a difficult battle in Sacramento last year over a law that could classify their drivers as full-time employees, Lyft Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. are signaling they are ready to spend big against California legislators who opposed them.
Federal:
Officials decry anti-Asian bigotry, misinformation amid coronavirus outbreak
Los Angeles Times
As the coronavirus has spread across the United States, officials are trying to push back against Asian American bias and misinformation surrounding the outbreak. There are already signs that some are staying away from Chinatowns and other Asian communities in the U.S., sparking concern about bias.
McCarthy blasts Democrats' campaign arm for ads against Republicans on coronavirus response
The Hill
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Tuesday blasted the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) for running ads against Republican House members over the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus, accusing Democrats of playing politics as the U.S. faces a potential health crisis.
See also:
$8.3 billion coronavirus emergency bill deal reached Roll Call
Trump coronavirus effort undermined by mixed messages and falsehoods Washington Post
Congressional negotiators reach deal on roughly $8 billion in emergency coronavirus funds Washington Post
Trump Makes Room for Experts, but Still Takes a Leading Role on Coronavirus New York Times
Hill negotiators reach $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus package Politico
Commentary: The Supreme Court Hears a Stealth Attack on Abortion Rights
Bloomberg
In 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas law that required a doctor performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. On March 4, the court will hear arguments in a dramatically similar case, a challenge to a Louisiana law that has the same prerequisites the court deemed unconstitutional four years ago.
EDITORIAL: Congress is on its own in trying to hold Trump accountable
Los Angeles Times
During President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial, his lawyers argued that if Congress really wanted to obtain documents and witnesses that the president and his lawyers argued should be privileged, then Congress should have gone to court to contest the claim.
Elections 2020:
Biden’s shock Super Tuesday comeback slows Sanders as they barrel toward one-on-one race
Fresno Bee
Joe Biden’s monumental comeback in the Democratic presidential race continued on Super Tuesday, as he rolled up a string of convincing and unexpected victories over Bernie Sanders across the country and narrowed the primary to a two-person contest.
See also:
Biden’s shock Super Tuesday comeback slows Sanders as they barrel toward one-on-one race Fresno Bee
Biden wins NC as part of the Southern comeback after a faltering campaign Fresno Bee
Biden claims 9 Super Tuesday victories, revitalizes campaign Fresno Bee
Joe Biden claims 9 Super Tuesday victories, including Texas abc30
Bernie Sanders declared winner in California, the most delegate-rich state in the nation Modesto Bee
Biden Surges On Super Tuesday, Transforming Democratic Primary Into 2-Man Race Capital Public Radio
2020 Democratic primary is a Biden-Sanders race after Bloomberg drops out Los Angeles Times
Bernie Sanders takes California, but the big Super Tuesday winner is Joe Biden San Francisco Chronicle
Super Tuesday live updates: Bloomberg exits a race reshaped after Biden’s surprising show of strength Washington Post
5 takeaways from Super Tuesday Washington Post
A wild Super Tuesday boosts Biden and brings new challenges for Sanders Washington Post
Five takeaways from Biden's Super Tuesday The Hill
Biden's surge redefines the race Politico
Takeaways from Super Tuesday: Bloomberg out, Biden buoyed Associated Press
EDITORIAL: Democratic voters hit the reset button on Super Tuesday San Francisco Chronicle
Opinion: Biden blocks Bloomberg and Warren and puts the brake on Sanders’ revolution Los Angeles Times
Opinion: These myths died on Super Tuesday Washington Post
Four Californians ran for president in 2020. Vermont’s Bernie Sanders beat them all
Fresno Bee
Four Californians ran for president in 2020. None made it to Super Tuesday. Despite the lack of Golden State natives on the stage, California played a key role in the 2020 Democratic primary.
See also:
Sanders wins California, Super Tuesday's biggest prize Porterville Recorder
Many young voters sat out Super Tuesday, contributing to Bernie Sanders’ losses Stockton Record
Here’s what happened in California’s primary election while you were sleeping Sacramento Bee
Bernie Sanders declared winner in California, the most delegate-rich state in the nation Sacramento Bee
Bernie beats Biden, Bloomberg – and all California candidates – in state primary vote Sacramento Bee
Updates: Here are early California election results in state and local races Sacramento Bee
California voters choose Bernie Sanders Los Angeles Times
Latino wave put Bernie Sanders on top in California Los Angeles Times
California Democrats embrace a Socialist? We’ve been here before. CalMatters
Primary 2020: Here’s what we know about how California voted CalMatters
Millions of uncounted votes CalMatters
‘Dirty tricks’ or ‘conspiracy theories’? California’s primary rules beget mind-bender campaigns CalMatters
Live: California State Primary Election Results 2020 New York Times
Opinion: Bernie beats Biden, Bloomberg – and all California candidates – in state primary vote Sacramento Bee
Bloomberg drops out of presidential race, endorses Biden
Fresno Bee
Billionaire Mike Bloomberg ended his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination on Wednesday and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden. It was a stunning collapse for the former New York City mayor, who had his 2020 hopes on the Super Tuesday states and pumped more than $500 million of his own fortune into the campaign.
See also:
Bloomberg to suspend presidential campaign, endorses Biden abc30
Bloomberg out, Biden resurgent after Super Tuesday victories Bakersfield Californian
Bloomberg ends presidential campaign after dismal Super Tuesday, endorses Joe Biden KGET
Michael Bloomberg Quits Democratic Race, Ending a Brief and Costly Bid New York Times
Mike Bloomberg is suspending his presidential campaign, says he’s endorsing Biden Washington Post
Michael Bloomberg Ends Presidential Bid and Endorses Joe Biden Wall Street Journal
Bloomberg considering dropping out after Biden rout Politico
Live Update: Condits are doing well in early vote count for Stanislaus County seats Politico
Mike Bloomberg Suspends His Presidential Campaign And Endorses Joe Biden NPR
Warren huddles with advisers, reassesses presidential race
Fresno Bee
Elizabeth Warren was huddling with her campaign advisers Wednesday to determine if there was a reason to stay in the race after her Super Tuesday wipe-out.
See also:
Visalia Times Delta
We asked the 2020 presidential candidates questions on nine topics including gun violence, health care, climate change and immigration. Each candidate was given the same set of questions to answer. Candidates who are not featured did not provide a response; answers have been edited for length. Read the candidate's responses to each question by browsing the links below.
Election 2020: State GOP, Democratic chairs discuss strategy for cinching California
KTVU
The chairs of California's Republican and Democratic parties are gearing up for a busy election year, starting with Super Tuesday. At the top of ticket, of course, the race for president. But for both parties it's the smaller, down-ballot races that may end up being more important.
See also:
2020 Election Results Bakersfield Californian
McManus: What if no one wins a majority of Democratic delegates?
Los Angeles Times
For the first time since 1968, Democrats could end their presidential primaries with no candidate taking the majority of delegates needed to win the nomination on the first ballot at their national convention this summer.
Opinion: The Democrats’ big problem? Socialism. (And not Bernie Sanders’s.)
Washington Post
Instead of clarifying who will win the Democratic presidential nomination, each successive primary seems only to further muddy the waters. The FiveThirtyEight forecast currently projects that the most likely winner of the Democratic nomination is “no one” (65 percent) followed by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont (20 percent) and former vice president Joe Biden (15 percent).
Commentary: Hating Donald Trump won’t be enough for Democrats to win
AEI
Barring a seismic makeover, Donald Trump is poised to run for reelection disliked by most Americans. Even as his job approval ticks up in recent polls, the public’s view of Trump is largely settled. The RealClearPolitics average has Trump facing a double-digit deficit in personal popularity. Fifty-four percent of the public have an unfavorable opinion about him while 43 percent view him favorably.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, March 8, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: California’s Concealed Carry Permits: The Wild West of Permitting? - Guest: California State Auditor Elaine Howle. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, March 8, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: Concealed Carry Permits: Are Valley Standards the De Facto State Standards? - Guests: Fresno Co Sheriff Margaret Mims, Tulare Co Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, and Stanislaus Co Sheriff Adam Christianson. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, March 8, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: Higher Education and Path in California - Guests: PPIC Olga Rodriguez and Marisol Cuellar. Host: Maddy Institute Program Coordinator, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Rampaging insect shows up in California, alarming farmers. ‘Like the coronavirus’
Fresno Bee
It originated in the wilderness of Asia. It spreads quickly. It’s already causing millions of dollars in economic losses in the United States. And it may already be spreading through California.
World's Largest Producer of Raw Dairy Products
abc30
Where does your food come from? This dairy farm wants to connect their consumers back to the food they eat every day. Organic Pastures in Fresno, CA is the world's largest producer of raw dairy products.
Meet the Dog Who's Saving the World's Fruits and Vegetables
abc30
You've heard of police dogs, but what about agriculture dogs? Soya is one of two dogs employed by the Fresno County Department of Agriculture.
States scramble to prepare ahead of food stamps rule change
abc30
From Hawaii to Pennsylvania, states are scrambling to blunt the impact, with roughly 700,000 people at risk of losing benefits unless they meet certain work, training or school requirements.
Lemoore nonprofits receive donation as part of Blattner food drive
Hanford Sentinel
Two local nonprofit groups received a pleasant surprise Tuesday morning in the form of a large donation.
Kern County voters reject both medical marijuana measures in early returns
Bakersfield Californian
The two measures on the ballot that would have overturned a ban on medical cannabis sales in Kern County both fared poorly in early election returns.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Gavin Newsom wants to close one state prison. Why not two? Analyst sees greater savings
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to close one state prison. The independent Legislative Analyst’s Office recommends closing two, the office announced Friday. The state could save $100 million more per year by closing two, the analyst’s office said in the report.
The death penalty question: Riverside County and Gov. Newsom's execution moratorium
Desert Sun
It's been nearly a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom halted all executions in California, yet it appears his moratorium has had little, if any, impact on the criminal justice system in Riverside County, which in recent years has led the nation in new death sentences imposed.
Ninth Circuit Rules Only Named Plaintiff Must Have Article III Standing For Class Certification
Littler
In Ramirez v. Trans Union, the Ninth Circuit addressed whether, at the class certification stage of a putative class case, only the named plaintiff or all class members must have Article III standing (i.e., a concrete injury in fact) to certify a class.
Opinion: The sad truth about why domestic abuse victims recant their stories
Modesto Bee
Those of us who work in the field come from a place of belief without judgment. Domestic violence thrives under cover of darkness. Many individuals feel shame about their abuse. They have been controlled and manipulated into believing that the violence was their fault.
Public Safety:
New Selma police chief eager to stop crime in community
abc30
Over the weekend in Selma, a woman and child were shot. Late last year, a man was gunned down in front of his own home. It's violent cases like these that the new Selma Police Chief, Joseph Gomez, hopes to solve and put a stop to in the near future.
Planning Commission Approve Digital LED Signs, Loma Vista Fire Station plans
Clovis RoundUp
The City of Clovis Planning Commission approved a one-year extension to the vesting tentative tract map TM6166 located at the corner of Gettysburg and Highland Avenues. TM6166 is an 18-acre, 86-lot non-gated, single-family planned residential development that was originally approved in March 2017 as part of a 27-acre land annexation.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
US stocks rise in early trading as volatile swings continue
Fresno Bee
Stocks rose on Wall Street early Wednesday to claw back some of their sharp losses from the day before in yet another day of big swings for the market.
See also:
The impact of spreading virus on businesses and economy Porterville Recorder
CalPERS fund drops by $15 billion amid market plunge and coronavirus fears
Sacramento Bee
The value of California’s largest public pension fund dropped by at least $15 billion this week as U.S. and international markets fell amid coronavirus fears.
Jobs:
California unions would get more details on job applicants under proposed law
Sacramento Bee
The state of California would be required to provide more information to unions each time it fills a job under a new proposed law.
Public employees can’t skip work because of coronavirus. How can they keep safe?
Sacramento Bee
Wash your hands and don’t discriminate against minorities. That’s the essence of an email CalHR Director Eraina Ortega sent out to California government employees Tuesday as fears of the COVID19 strain of coronavirus circulated.
California Pregnancy Disability Leave: FAQs and Common Pitfalls
Ogletree Deakins
In this podcast, Karen Tynan and Jill Schubert cover the key provisions of California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law, including the interaction with other leave statutes, permissible uses for leave, common pitfalls for employers, best practices for documentation, and more
Commentary: California offers low-income workers a hand, not a hand-out
CalMatters
Since the 1970s, America’s debate about ending poverty has been polarized by the trope of “welfare queens,” women who have numerous kids in order to receive increased benefits and live a life of luxury.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Fresno Unified school bond gains momentum while Clovis, Central continue to struggle
Fresno Bee
As Tuesday night election results poured in late into the evening, Fresno Unified’s school bond was passing and picking up momentum, while bonds for Clovis and Central Unified lagged below the needed 55% threshold required to pass.
See also:
Raymond-Knowles Union Bond Measures Narrowly Defeated
Sierra News
Preliminary voting results from Tuesday’s election show Measure P and Measure Q, two local bond issues to modernize facilities in the Raymond-Knowles Union Elementary School District, being narrowly defeated.
Head Start Program Taking Applications for 2020-2021 School Year
Sierra News
The Madera/Mariposa Regional Head Start preschool program is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year. Mountain Head Start in North Fork offers a full day program of six hours. Oakhurst Head Start offers a 3.5 hour afternoon program.
Fate in jeopardy for Prop. 13, $15 billion school bond
abc30
A $15 billion California bond measure to repair and modernize aging public schools looks unlikely to pass. With 93% of precincts reporting this morning, 57% voted "no" for Proposition 13 and 43% voted "yes". Proposition 13 needs a simple majority to pass.
See also:
Fate unclear for $15 billion California school upgrade bond Porterville Recorder
State voters saying ‘No’ to Prop 13 school bond measure KGET
Prop. 13 school bond measure trailing in returns Los Angeles Times
California’s largest school bond in history headed for defeat San Francisco Chronicle
Fate of huge California bond to update school facilities hangs in balance CalMatters
What to Know About Proposition 13 New York Times
Fate unclear for $15 billion California school upgrade bond Associated Press
Parents: More must be done at KHSD to keep students safe
Bakersfield Californian
Parents don't know what to do to keep their children safe, but one thing is for certain: they have had enough. Tensions and emotions ran high Monday night during the KHSD Board of Trustees meeting as several parents shared their lack of confidence in the district when it comes to student safety.
The Perennial Case for School Choice
National Review
Families without economic means can’t afford to access the same “public” schools as their wealthy neighbors a district over, leaving them with no choice but their district school.
Commentary: Finally, a school data system emerging
CalMatters
California has a very fragmented approach to education — a collection of institutional silos that only occasionally communicate with each other and often are more competitive than cooperative.
Higher Ed:
Merced County voters appear to be rejecting Measure J
Merced Sun-Star
Without a late surge, Measure J appears to be headed toward rejection by Merced County voters. Measure J would have given Merced College a $247-million bond to renovate old buildings, build new ones and modernize career technical education programs.
EDITORIAL: Fresno City students riding the bus for free? Priceless. Ending that service is unwise
Fresno Bee
The possibility that students attending Fresno City College and Clovis Community College are in jeopardy of losing free bus transportation to and from the campuses is a needless problem that should be quickly solved.
Commentary: The cost of ignoring college aid
AEI
A new index created by Oren Cass, executive director of American Compass, has come under much criticism for overstating how difficult it is for families to support a middle-class lifestyle. But there is still room for more criticism, particularly regarding how Cass measures the price of college.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Rampaging insect shows up in California, alarming farmers. ‘Like the coronavirus’
Fresno Bee
It originated in the wilderness of Asia. It spreads quickly. It’s already causing millions of dollars in economic losses in the United States. And it may already be spreading through California.
California is taking aim at Uber and Lyft’s outsized climate consequences
CalMatters
To understand California’s climate change challenge, look no further than its popular ride-hailing companies. Uber, Lyft and other companies make up a tiny piece of the biggest greenhouse gas polluter in the state: transportation. Yet their contribution to climate-warming emissions is outsized, drawing attention from researchers and lawmakers and raising an ambitious question: how can the state rein in emissions from gig economy companies built on drivers who own their vehicles?
EDITORIAL: We compost everything else in California. Why not dead bodies?
Los Angeles Times
Addressing climate change doesn’t just mean taking cars off the roads and shutting down coal-burning plants. It requires rethinking everything humans do that contributes in ways large and small to our carbon footprint.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Fewer than five Fresno County residents have been tested for coronavirus
Fresno Bee
Fewer than five people have been tested for coronavirus in Fresno County, but all tested negative, health officials said Tuesday. Those tests were administered by the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention before Friday, according to Fresno County Interim Health Director Rais Vohra.
See also:
How did the global coronavirus outbreak start? Answers on the origins of the virus Fresno Bee
Who is getting sick from coronavirus? These age groups and people are most at risk Fresno Bee
Fresno County officials, doctors meet to discuss Coronavirus abc30
Newsom on efforts to get coronavirus testing done without patients ‘getting a huge bill’ Sacramento Bee
California To Dispense 21 Million Masks To Help Hospitals Combat COVID-19 Capital Public Radio
Battling coronavirus, California distributing millions of face masks to healthcare providers Los Angeles Times
Coronavirus panic buying isn’t necessary. It can make things worse, experts say Los Angeles Times
Coronavirus deaths in U.S. increase; official warns of many more cases Los Angeles Times
Coronavirus fight at key moment in U.S.: More deaths, but still time to contain disease Los Angeles Times
Coronavirus and kids: What parents and pregnant women need to know San Francisco Chronicle
Check Before You Burn rule hoping to minimize health risks
abc30
When you burn wood, fine pieces of soot and ash can get into the air and enter a person's lungs, causing serious health problems, especially for those already suffering from lung and heart disease. The Check Before You Burn season was designed 17 years ago to minimize health risks.
Health Watch: The different health threats vaping brings
abc30
Wade Taylor switched from smoking cigarettes to vaping because he believes it's safer. "There's like 400 and something chemicals in a cigarette," Taylor said. Doctor Ilona Jaspers says while that's true, vaping presents a different health threat than smoking.
Beginning Of The End For Roe? Supreme Court Weighs Louisiana Abortion Law
Capital Public Radio
In a redo of an issue decided just four years ago, a newly constituted Supreme Court once again weighs abortion regulations.
Human Services:
Community Medical Centers chief Tim Joslin to retire in July
Fresno Bee
Tim Joslin, president and CEO of Fresno-based Community Medical Centers for the past 15 years, will step down from the position this summer. Joslin’s retirement will be effective July 3, when Craig Castro will take over the role. Castro is currently Community’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Gov. Newsom wants to overhaul California’s mental health care system. Here’s a plan for that
CalMatters
When Gov. Gavin Newsom focused this year’s State of the State address on California’s looming crisis of homelessness, he vowed to improve the state’s mental health programs. “We will be laser-focused on getting the mentally ill out of tents and into treatment,” the governor said.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Selma gets grant for brand new city park
abc30
A Selma neighborhood will soon welcome a new park. The city received a grant of nearly $4.5 million thanks to Proposition 68.
Rose Institute Hosting Two Conferences on Local Redistricting
PublicCEO
2021 Redistricting: New Rules for California Local Governments will offer a full day of presentations and panel discussions by California experts. The Southern California conference will take place on Claremont McKenna College’s campus on April 15, 2020. The Northern California conference will take place on June 8, 2020 in Concord.
Housing:
Vacancies in this California government department are slowing Newsom’s housing agenda
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ambitious plans to build houses and reduce homelessness in California depend on a state department that is understaffed, lacking permanent leaders and struggling to adjust to change, according to documents and interviews.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Why Do Late Boomers Have So Little Retirement Wealth?
Center for Retirement Research
The brief’s key findings are: With the gradual shift from defined benefit plans to 401(k)s, younger age cohorts would be expected to have more retirement wealth in 401(k)s. However, data for the Late Boomers at ages 51-56 show a surprising drop in 401(k)/IRA assets compared to earlier cohorts at the same ages.
Commentary: Wealth inequality in America has skyrocketed — unless it hasn’t. And it might not have.
AEI
One of the supposedly indisputable economic facts about “Late Capitalism” America is soaring wealth inequality. By some calculations, the wealth share of the top one percent has grown by about 10 percentage points — from around 30 percent to 40 percent — over the past three decades. That’s a big jump.
TRANSPORTATION
No coins, no problem: Buying a ticket to ride the bus in Fresno is about to get easier
Fresno Bee
For many bus riders in Fresno, forgetting to bring $1.25 in exact change can mean a missed ride or losing money, as FAX buses don’t make change. A new system is about to give people more options to pay fare without exact change.
Construction for Roundabout on Temperance and Alluvial to begin March 9
Clovis RoundUp
Starting Monday, Mar. 9 construction for a multi-lane roundabout will begin at the Temperance and Alluvial intersections. The City of Clovis has begun notifying drivers with signs that traffic will be impacted in the area. All businesses will remain open through the duration of the construction.
White House Wants 'Greater Cooperation' From Airlines For Coronavirus Fight
Capital Public Radio
Vice President Mike Pence has summoned the CEOs of major airlines to the White House on Wednesday to talk about data used to track down the fellow passengers of people later found to have coronavirus.
The electric-vehicle industry is thriving in Southern California, report says
Los Angeles Times
California is already a world leader in the embryonic electric vehicle industry but needs more government help to flourish, according to a new report from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. And while Tesla, based in Northern California, gets most of the EV attention, Southern California is becoming a hub of EV manufacturing in its own right.
WATER
Tom McCarthy named new head of Kern County Water Agency
SJV Water
Tom McCarthy, head of the Mojave Water Agency, was named as the new General Manager for the Kern County Water Agency at its board of directors meeting Thursday. Agency directors approved a five-year contract for McCarthy including total compensation “not to exceed $415,000 annually,” plus $60,000 in relocation fees.
Los Angeles Times
After one of the driest Februaries on record across much of California, the first day of March brought a dash of rain and a dusting of fresh powder to the parched landscape. The storm, which rolled into Los Angeles County on Sunday afternoon, dropped less than one-tenth of an inch of rain on the coast, while higher elevations saw between one-quarter and an inch of precipitation.
See also:
California Had Its Driest February on Record. Here’s How Bad It Was. New York Times
“Xtra”
Fresno State welcomes Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan
Fresno State
Ms. Brennan will draw on her extensive experience as a journalist and moderator to provide an overview of the most important stories that drive the 24-hour news cycle. During her talk, she will also draw parallels between domestic and foreign stories to bridge the gap between the local and the global. The event with Ms. Brennan is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 17 at the Save Mart Center and will be followed by a question-and-answer session from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Visalia Times Delta
Two very different shows headline the month of March at the Visalia Fox Theatre—one very homegrown and the other very unique.
abc30
From the farm to the city, the annual Chowchilla Western Stampede Cattle Drive is set to arrive Friday in Chowchilla with style and fanfare surrounded by rodeo royalty.
Here’s where to find your best California spring break — without the crowds
Los Angeles Times
To avoid crowds, never mind boisterous parties, the trick is to go where they aren’t. Check out these vacation destinations in California geared toward families, couples and laid-back travelers.
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Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.
The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
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