POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
UC Merced and Merced College team up for program to help students transition
abc30
UC Merced and Merced College are teaming up to make it easier for local students to transition from high school to college -- and then community college to the university.
See also:
● New program will help students transfer from Merced College to UC Merced. How it works Merced Sun-Star
Stanislaus cases remain high as tier announcement nears
Modesto Bee
As Stanislaus County awaits a coronavirus tier verdict on Tuesday, numbers released Sunday by its Health Services Agency remained high. There were 132 new cases reported by the county exactly a month to the day it reported just 30 cases in a single day. Its four-day average is 142.
See also:
● Stanislaus County health official sheds light on reasons for uptick in COVID-19 cases Modesto Bee
● Coronavirus update: Stanislaus slips again on key criteria for reopening Modesto Bee
Workers over workspace: How Modesto can thrive in new office, post-pandemic landscape
Modesto Bee
COVID-19 has changed the idea of office work as we know it. Cities have to adapt, and experts say Modesto can capitalize on the changes.
City offers financial aid to Turlock businesses
Turlock Journal
Turlock businesses experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19 can apply for aid through the City’s Small Business Relief Grant Program through the end of November.
Central SJ Valley:
‘Waiting for Tuesday afternoon.’ Fresno restaurants brace for return of COVID-19 restrictions
Fresno Bee
Customers are just now getting comfortable with the idea of dining out again, so staffing and food costs have been a challenge as the restaurant deals with limited capacity and inability to accurately predict how many customers might be coming in on a given day.
See also:
● Money is running out for Fresno-area residents helping at-risk neighbors amid COVID-19 Fresno Bee
Cox cuts Valadao’s lead in Fresno-area race. Why Republicans remain confident in outcome
Fresno Bee
The race between David Valadao and Rep. TJ Cox tightened Friday with 2,300 votes separating the candidates. Valadao still leads in the race for District 21, but his lead was cut by nearly half since the last vote counts.
This Democrat wanted to take Kevin McCarthy and Devin Nunes down a peg. How did he do?
Fresno Bee
A Democratic political group raised $8 million in its efforts to bring Republican candidates down this year, rejecting the typical political wisdom that calls for investing only in swing districts.
Who bankrolled winning politicians, bonds in Fresno area? Campaign finances revealed
Fresno Bee
Who influences your local politicians? Special interest groups — mainly labor unions, agricultural groups, real estate interests, oil/energy groups and health care interests — top the list for many Republican and Democratic candidates in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Fresno City Hall to begin virtual permitting services
Business Journal
Fresno City Hall is opening virtual appointment slots for its Public Works Traffic Division as well as the Planning and Development Department Building and Current Planning divisions beginning Monday.
With Thanksgiving Ahead, Fresno County Supervisor’s COVID-19 Case A Reminder It’s A Risk To Gather
VPR
The Fresno County Health Department has asked more than 40 people to self-quarantine following the recent COVID-19 infection of Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau. Some of these people, including mayor-elect Jerry Dyer who also tested positive, attended an election night dinner party with the supervisor.
Tulare County election results: Several races still razor-thin
Visalia Times Delta
Last-minute vote-by-mail ballots, provisional ballots (including conditional voter registration provisional ballots), and other ballots could still tilt the races in any direction.
South SJ Valley:
As Kern heads toward purple tier, businesses move to adapt ... again
Bakersfield Californian
Many around Kern County will take advantage this weekend of one last chance to eat a meal with friends at their favorite restaurant in anticipation the county will revert to the purple tier of the state's reopening system next week.
See also:
● Gift cards for COVID tests? New proposal could make that a reality in Kern County Bakersfield Californian
● Kern Pubic Health reports 148 new coronavirus cases Sunday Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield Californian
The California Department of Justice has reportedly finished its long-awaited civil rights investigation into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, which started in 2016 to look into a purported “pattern and practice of excessive force.”
Civil Service board members serve a vital function without a lot of recognition
Bakersfield Californian
Those who serve on city commissions or boards help plan the future of their city and extend the reach of the democratic process.
State:
Los Angeles Times
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that he should have stayed home and not attended a dinner with other households at an upscale Napa Valley restaurant as COVID-19 cases soar across the state.
See also:
● Gov. Gavin Newsom took major heat for attending an outdoor dinner at the French Laundry with people from multiple households San Francisco Chronicle
California issues travel advisory ahead of holidays as COVID-19 surges
Los Angeles Times
With coronavirus infections continuing to surge in California ahead of Thanksgiving, state officials are urging residents not to travel out of state for the holiday and recommending that those who do quarantine when they return.
See also:
● West Coast governors urge COVID quarantine after travel Bakersfield Californian
● State's advisory could impact people's travel plans as holiday season approaches Bakersfield Californian
● Cancel your holiday travel plans, or plan on self-quarantining, California officials urge Sacramento Bee
Experts, owners question California business shutdown policy
Bakersfield Californian
California’s coronavirus cases are surging and health officials say social gatherings and people not wearing masks or keeping their distance are fueling the rise. Yet it’s businesses that are paying the price in the form of revenue-sapping restrictions.
See also:
● Pandemic spikes trigger new shutdowns and new hurt for economy Washington Post
● Cities And States Are Imposing New COVID-19 Restrictions. Experts Say It's Not Enough VPR
A Black woman should fill Kamala Harris’ Senate seat, California caucus says
Fresno Bee
Black California leaders are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint a Black woman as the successor to Kamala Harris’ seat in the U.S. Senate.
See also:
● Diverse California pushes Newsom to choose sides in Senate pick Politico
● EDITORIAL: Let California voters have a real say in Kamala Harris’ replacement Los Angeles Times
Without Trump in the White House, what’s next for California Republicans?
Modesto Bee
California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson will be the first to tell you that, before last year, state Republicans were losing steam.
See also:
● California voting map of the presidential election Fresno Bee
● After California’s ‘blue wave’ to Congress in 2018? A GOP red riptide in 2020 CalMatters
Walters: What will tax increase advocates do now?
CalMatters
California voters have rejected Proposition 15, so what will advocates of higher taxes do now? Proposition 15, which would have boosted property taxes on commercial real estate by billions of dollars a year, finally bit the dust last week.
Federal:
abc30
President Donald Trump on Sunday appeared to acknowledge for the first time that Joe Biden won the White House, but made clear he would not concede and would keep trying to overturn the election result.
See also:
● Trump seems to acknowledge Biden win, but he won’t concede Los Angeles Times
● Trump says Biden ‘won’ election, then does a quick turnabout: ‘I concede nothing’ Sacramento Bee
● Trump admits Biden won, but still won't concede CNBC
● ‘He Won,’ Trump Tweets About the Election Wall Street Journal
Trump, still out of sight, focuses on his own future as pandemic worsens
Los Angeles Times
More than a week after his stinging electoral defeat, President Trump spent another day secluded in the White House on Thursday feverishly tweeting, watching television and telephoning allies — focused more on his own future than governing the nation as it struggles with a worsening pandemic.
See also:
● After Days Of Silence, China Congratulates Biden And Harris VPR
● Obama Calls Trump's Refusal To Concede Another ‘Breach Of Basic Democratic Norms’ VPR
● Biden calls Trump’s attempts to cling to power ‘embarrassing’ and says he’ll push on Los Angeles Times
● Trump’s postelection power plays risk troubles at home and abroad Roll Call
● Behind Trump’s Years-long Effort to Turn Losing Into Winning New York Times
● Can Trump still win? No. He’s already lost. New York Times
● Obama White House Veterans Urge Biden To Embrace Executive Action NPR
● Christine Todd Whitman: Time to admit Trump lost, Biden won and move forward with a transition USA Today
● Commentary: Trump is putting this country through something unprecedented. Here are three scenarios. Washington Post
Delayed start to transition of power hurts coronavirus-fighting effort, Biden team says
Los Angeles Times
With President Trump still balking at conceding electoral defeat and public health experts forecasting a horrific new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, calls intensified Sunday for the start of a formal transition to the administration of President-elect Joe Biden.
See also:
● Timeline: How The President-Elect Becomes The President NPR
● Biden Turns Up Pressure for Administration Recognition Wall Street Journal
● Biden expected to select Michele Flournoy to become first woman to lead the Pentagon Los Angeles Times
● Biden’s education transition team gets California leader: Linda Darling-Hammond Los Angeles Times
Election 2020: Trump Campaign Lawsuits, Explained
Wall Street Journal
President Trump and his allies have filed lawsuits alleging election irregularities or improper ballot-counting procedures in five states where President-elect Joe Biden leads.
See also:
● Election results under attack: Here are the facts Washington Post
● Legal Avenues Closing As Trump Lawsuits Meet With Defeat Or Dead Ends
● VPR
● Can Trump win with ‘fantasy’ electors bid? State GOP leaders say no Los Angeles Times
● Could State Legislatures Pick Electors to Vote for Trump? Not Likely New York Times
● Trump Lawyers Pressured to End Role in Election Challenges Wall Street Journal
● Trump supporters and far-right groups rally in Washington to protest election results Los Angeles Times
● Commentary: Giuliani’s fantasy parade of false voter-fraud claims Washington Post
What mandate? Biden’s agenda faces a divided Congress
KGET
Biden is rushing headlong into a legislative branch ground down by partisanship, name-calling and, now, a refusal by some to acknowledge his win over President Donald Trump.
See also:
● Biden's liberal governing options shrink after Republican gains in House and narrowly divided Senate. Washington Post
● Biden Plan to Forgive Student Debt Hinges on Democratic Control of Senate Wall Street Journal
● Biden’s agenda may rest on centrist Republicans — and the return of a bygone Senate era Washington Post
● Biden expected to prioritize COVID protections, rules for federal contractors Westlaw Today
● Commentary: What divided control of Congress would mean for President-elect Biden Brookings
How a Record Number Of Republican Women Got Elected To Congress
NPR
This year's number could still grow as more races are called. The Republican Party is celebrating that as a win, just two years after Democrats had their own record-setting year electing women.
See also:
● After White House Victory, Democrats Are Divided on What Is Next Wall Street Journal
● With pandemic raging, Republicans say election results validate their approach Washington Post
● GOP women’s group looks to be a force in future elections Roll Call
The Pandemic Is Entering A Dangerous New Chapter. Here Are The Week's Big Takeaways
Capital Public Radio
It's hard to overstate how much the U.S. coronavirus outbreak has deteriorated this past week, with each day ushering in new, disturbing records.
See also:
● Covid Is Resurging, and This Time It’s Everywhere Wall Street Journal
● U.S. Adds 184,000 Coronavirus Cases In 1 Day, With No End In Sight NPR
● As Covid-19 Surges, the Big Unknown Is Where People Are Getting Infected Wall Street Journal
● Trump thought downplaying the pandemic would help the economy. Biden is betting the opposite Los Angeles Times
● A missing ingredient in COVID oversight: Equity Brookings
● Opinion: This is Mike Pence’s moment Wall Street Journal
Supreme Court agrees to hear California grower’s challenge to state farm labor law
Los Angeles Times
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a property rights challenge to a 45-year-old California labor law that allows union organizers to go on farmland to speak with workers at the start of their day or during a lunch break.
Other:
News Analysis: It’s not just Trump. This whole century has been politically stormy
Los Angeles Times
Joe Biden may have ended the hurricane-force presidency of Donald J. Trump, but his victory extends a broader trend away from relative stability to a time of remarkable political upheaval.
See also:
● Trump’s loss won’t end the Trump Show. What could possibly replace it? Washington Post
● America is exceptional in the nature of its political divide Pew Research
● Commentary: Inside Donald Trump’s 2020 undoing Politico
● Commentary: Why Obama Fears for Our Democracy The Atlantic
● Opinion: What broke the Republican Party? Los Angeles Times
Americans’ main sources for political news vary by party and age
Pew Research
Americans turn to a wide range of media outlets for political and election news, but two stand out as especially common sources.
Inside California's Pandemic Election: How COVID-19 Changes Could Shape the Future of Voting
KQED
Election officials across California are breathing a sigh of relief: An election that combined unprecedented changes and unmatched scrutiny amid a global pandemic resulted in historic levels of participation and few widespread issues.
See also:
● Opinion: The COVID Election National Review
● Valley Voices: With the election over, let’s scrap the Electoral College and fix U.S. democracy Fresno Bee
Opinion: There’s a lot Biden can do for rural America. Red-state leaders should accept his help.
Washington Post
Biden seems uniquely situated to turn away from culture wars and actually help rural Americans. His Build Back Better plan has a number of elements directed at rural America.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Foster Farms donates 800 turkeys to Central California Food Bank
abc30
Foster Farms donated 800 new turkeys to the Central California Food Bank, just in time for Thanksgiving. The food bank will be giving those birds to local families in need.
Pistachio industry looks to reposition product amid supply boom
Bakersfield Californian
One of Kern's favorite agricultural investments is undergoing a makeover of sorts in time for what's expected to be a record crop of 1 billion pounds. California's pistachio industry has launched campaigns promoting the nut as not just a tasty snack but also a super-nutritious protein just as suitable in entrees as sprinkled over a cupcake or mixed into ice cream.
Supreme Court agrees to hear California grower’s challenge to state farm labor law
Los Angeles Times
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a property rights challenge to a 45-year-old California labor law that allows union organizers to go on farmland to speak with workers at the start of their day or during a lunch break.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
EDITORIAL: Fresno has a rare chance to reform police department. City leaders must not fail to lead
Fresno Bee
Fresno has a rare opportunity to bring about meaningful reform of its police department. The stakes are high, because history shows it is hard for the city to reach these moments, and previous attempts have fallen short.
Public Safety:
California prison guards’ union spent big and lost with tough-on-crime message
Sacramento Bee
A major backer of tougher laws in both eras has been the California Correctional Peace Officers Association. This year, after president Glen Stailey announced a new push to regain the union’s former political might, some of the group’s most expensive efforts fell short.
Bakersfield Californian
The California Department of Justice has reportedly finished its long-awaited civil rights investigation into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, which started in 2016 to look into a purported “pattern and practice of excessive force.”
What Can California Prisons Do When Wildfires Close In?
Public Policy Institute of California
In California, 24 prisons housing more than 65,000 inmates sit within five miles of fire hazard zones. Evacuating one or more prisons may prove difficult during the pandemic, given how quickly COVID-19 can spread through crowded facilities.
Fire:
Creek Fire update: Containment delayed. What’s happening and why there’s still smoke
Fresno Bee
The Creek Fire on Monday morning remained at 379,895 acres and 78% containment. There was no overnight fire activity to report, but fire managers look forward to potential snow or rain on Tuesday evening, Meitzner said.
See also:
● Creek Fire update: Snow helps crews hold line as full containment target moves to Nov. 30 Fresno Bee
● Creek Fire: 379,802 acres burned, 70% contained; date for expected full containment pushed back abc30
● Creek Fire updates: Containment increases with slow burn; ‘dozer line’ repair grows Merced Sun-Star
Visalia Times Delta
After being ravaged by wildfires, California has won a temporary reprieve. Temperatures plummeted, rain pelted much of the state, and snow dusted the mountains in the past week. Cooler weather, however, is little comfort to firefighters who know the state is still in the prime of what many still call fire season.
Sequoia Complex described as slowing down
Porterville Recorder
Officials described the fire burning as a result of the Sequoia Complex as slowing down on Friday. Today the California Incident Management team in charge of the fight against the fire will turn that management back over to the Sequoia National Forest.
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Stocks Surge After Moderna's Vaccine News Reinforce Hopes About COVID-19 Fight
VPR
Stocks surged Monday, extending a recent powerful rally, after Moderna became the second drug maker to tout progress towards developing an effective COVID-19 vaccine.
See also:
● S&P 500 closes at record as possible vaccine lifts markets Los Angeles Times
● Opinion: Pfizer’s art of the deal AEI
Vaccine Could Unlock Trillions In Spending, Leading To 'Biden Boom'
VPR
"President-elect Biden is arriving in Washington at the right time," said Shepherdson, who's the chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. "The COVID news at the point where he's inaugurated is likely to be horrific. But it won't be for much longer after that."
Retail Chains Shed Stores, but It Isn’t Good for Business
Wall Street Journal
Retailers’ preferred solution for empty stores may only be adding to their problems, according to new research and industry executives.
SEC Chairman Jay Clayton to Leave Agency at End of 2020
Wall Street Journal
Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton will step down at the end of the year, opening the door for Democrats to push for a more aggressive approach to regulation by Wall Street’s top cop.
Jobs:
Some Americans facing uncertain future as federal COVID-19 unemployment assistance programs run out
Fresno Bee
More than 21 million Americans are claiming some form of unemployment insurance. The number of unemployed Americans who have been out of work six months or more increased by almost 40 percent last month.
See also:
● Millions of Unemployed Americans Face Loss of Benefits at Year’s End Wall Street Journal
Women Workers May Not Be Faring As Well As You’d Think
Capital Public Radio
Women in Santa Clara County are the most likely in California to work a low-wage job. They also face California’s third highest gender income gap, according to a new analysis by the California Budget & Policy Center.
These side jobs are becoming more available as the pandemic goes on
Los Angeles Times
When the pandemic struck, some side hustles fell by the wayside. You’d be hard-pressed to find a mystery shopping, tour guide or restaurant job at the height of the stay-at-home orders, for instance. However, several industries are now picking up steam.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Fresno High’s mascot is racist, Native Americans say. Push to change takes next step
Fresno Bee
A Fresno man who sparked a movement earlier this year to change Fresno High School’s Native American themed mascot said the district’s online town hall discussion on Thursday was insulting.
Over 30% of Fresno homes may have no parents to watch kids while distance learning, study says
abc30
As students continue distance learning, studies show that many may not have a parent at home to help, including kids in the Central Valley.
Horace Mann Elementary becomes first school in Kern to close again because of COVID-19
Bakersfield Californian
Horace Mann Elementary School, a Bakersfield City School District campus on the city's east side, has been shut down because of multiple COVID-19 cases, according to district officials.
What Prop. 15’s Defeat Means For California Schools
Capital Public Radio
Voters narrowly defeated Proposition 15, the tax measure that aimed to eliminate decades-long protections for commercial properties – dashing hopes of billions of dollars flowing into California’s cash-strapped public schools and community colleges in the coming years.
See also:
● The Pendulum Was Swinging Toward Reopening Schools. Then Came the Surge. Pew Trusts
Higher Ed:
UC Merced and Merced College team up for program to help students transition
abc30
UC Merced and Merced College are teaming up to make it easier for local students to transition from high school to college -- and then community college to the university.
See also:
● New program will help students transfer from Merced College to UC Merced. How it works Merced Sun-Star
New magazine highlights value of a college degree
Fresno State News
Hot off the press, the fall/winter 2020 issue of Fresno State Magazine examines the value of a college degree in today’s climate while weaving in stories of a Fresno State student, a recent graduate just starting out in the workforce and an established alumnus who now runs a successful business.
See also:
● Getting to Graduation on Time at California State University Public Policy Institute of California
Fresno Pacific University freezes undergraduate tuition for 2021-2022
Hanford Sentinel
Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at Fresno Pacific University will see no increase in tuition for 2021-2022.
What's Next For Higher Education After Voters Reject Affirmative Action?
VPR
Forty-two states in the U.S. have affirmative action laws in place, but California voters recently rejected the idea for a second time with the defeat of Proposition 16.
Opinion: Biden’s plan for higher ed is good—but it could be better
Brookings
“The Biden Plan for Education Beyond High School” offers a broad proposal for making public higher education accessible to more Americans.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Rain’s been missing from Modesto’s rainy season so far. That may change this week
Modesto Bee
Perhaps this week, Modesto will get its first measurable rain of the season. The National Weather Service forecast says Tuesday will bring a 40% chance of rain after 10 a.m., increasing to a 50% before 10 p.m. Through Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, there’s a 30% chance of showers.
Washington Post
The Trump administration has called for oil and gas firms to pick spots where they want to drill in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as it races to open the pristine wilderness to development and lock in drilling rights before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
Energy:
A Quick Look at the Biden-Harris Clean Energy Plan, and its California Connections
StreetsBlog Cal
The Biden-Harris Clean Energy Plan is a 400-plus-page project of “Clean Energy for Biden,” a group of clean economy leaders, advocates, policymakers, and former government officials that came together in April to help formulate a platform and help get a new president in the White House.
Forbes
Solar and wind power are set to overtake coal as the largest producer of global electricity by 2025, the International Energy Agency said in a report that forecasts a massive increase in renewable energy investment as the world’s largest countries move to reduce carbon emissions.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Rising COVID-19 cases could drive Fresno-area hospitalizations. Here’s latest trend
Fresno Bee
The average number of coronavirus patients being treated in hospitals across Fresno County and neighboring counties in the central San Joaquin Valley has been on the rise in recent days, fueling concern among health officials about a strain on medical resources in the region as infection rates climb.
See also:
● Fresno County COVID-19 daily case average tops 200. Prisons drive Kings County surge Fresno Bee
● Fresno County nears 34,000 cases ahead of critical update Fresno Bee
● Coronavirus update: Fresno County adds 276 COVID-19 cases, with no new deaths Fresno Bee
● Kern Public Health: 243 cases of coronavirus reported Saturday Bakersfield Californian
● Coronavirus update: Stanislaus rise in hospitalizations, cases mirrors nation Modesto Bee
California Is 2nd State To Surpass 1 Million Coronavirus Cases
VPR
California has reached more than 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases, becoming only the second state to reach the bleak milestone since the start of the pandemic.
See also:
● California ‘absolutely’ in a surge, top health official says Fresno Bee
● California hits 1 million coronavirus cases as L.A. County urges travel quarantine Los Angeles Times
● It started with one sick woman in San Jose. Now, the coronavirus has spread to 1 million Californians Los Angeles Times
● California sees fastest growth in new daily coronavirus cases CNN
● The Pandemic Is Entering A Dangerous New Chapter. Here Are The Week's Big Takeaways Capital Public Radio
● Covid Is Resurging, and This Time It’s Everywhere Wall Street Journal
● U.S. Adds 184,000 Coronavirus Cases In 1 Day, With No End In Sight NPR
● Opinion: This is Mike Pence’s moment Wall Street Journal
After COVID-19 Diagnosis, Nearly 1 In 5 Are Diagnosed With Mental Disorder
NPR
New research has found that nearly 1 person in 5 diagnosed with COVID-19 is diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder like anxiety, depression or insomnia within three months.
Human Services:
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine boasts a nearly 95% effective rate in early data
Los Angeles Times
Moderna said Monday that its COVID-19 vaccine was proving to be highly effective in a major trial, a second dash of hope in the global race for a shot to tame a resurgent coronavirus that is now killing more than 8,000 people a day worldwide.
See also:
● Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine Shines In Clinical Trial VPR
● Moderna’s Covid Vaccine Found 94.5% Effective in Early Analysis Bloomberg
● Moderna Says Its Covid-19 Vaccine Was 94.5% Effective in Latest Trial Wall Street Journal
● Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine found to be nearly 95 percent effective in a preliminary analysis Washington Post
WHO chief warns that vaccine alone wouldn't end COVID pandemic
CBS
The head of the World Health Organization said Monday that a vaccine would not by itself stop the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic is raging months after it broke out, with infections soaring past 54 million and claiming more than 1.3 million lives.
See also:
● COVID-19 Vaccine Answers Start to Arrive, but Americans Still Have Concerns Consumer Reports
Gathering for Thanksgiving? See COVID-19 risk levels in your county with this map
Fresno Bee
Coronavirus infections are surging in nearly every state across the U.S., overwhelming hospitals and maxing out intensive care unit capacity in some cities.
See also:
● Consider canceling Thanksgiving. Get tested regularly for COVID-19, health officials advise Fresno Bee
● Change your Thanksgiving plans now, Valley officials urge families abc30
● Don’t gather on Thanksgiving. But if you insist, here’s how to do it safely amid COVID-19 Sacramento Bee
● How should Thanksgiving be celebrated during the pandemic? Officials urge staying home Los Angeles Times
● 38 percent of Americans planning on having Thanksgiving dinner with 10 or more people The Hill
● Protective Gear You Really Need During the Pandemic Consumer Reports
California voters approve stem cell bond, sending billions for medical research
Fresno Bee
California voters have approved the passage of $5.5 billion in bonds for stem cell research. Proposition 14 won approval, with 51% of the vote so far, according to the Associated Press.
See also:
● California’s Stem Cell Agency Will Get A Funding Boost From Prop 14. Here’s A Look At Its History. VPR
Despite ACA Coverage Gains, Millions Still Suffer 'Catastrophic' Health Care Costs
VPR
When it comes to worries about high health care costs, having health insurance doesn't necessarily spare you, according to a study recently published in JAMA.
See also:
● Obamacare Has Republican DNA: So Why the War to Kill It? National Interest
IMMIGRATION
Federal judge rules head of DHS didn't have authority to suspend DACA
abc30
A federal judge in New York ruled Saturday that Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf assumed his position unlawfully, a determination that invalidated Wolf's suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields young people from deportation.
See also:
● Department of Homeland Security head didn’t have authority to suspend DACA, judge says Los Angeles Times
● DACA Is Restored After Court Rules DHS Head Served Illegally Wall Street Journal
● Judge rules acting homeland security secretary appointment unlawful, which could have implications for DACA Washington Post
Revised U.S. citizenship test requires more correct answers to pass
The Hill
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday announced a new naturalization test with more than two dozen additional questions and a higher number of correct answers required to receive a passing score.
Trump's Border Wall Builders Carry On Even Though Projects May Never Be Completed
VPR
The completion of President's Trump's signature wall on the U.S.-Mexico border is very much in doubt. Before winning the presidential election, Joe Biden flatly told NPR: "There will not be another foot of wall constructed in my administration."
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
That new massive building in Ripon going up off Highway 99? Here’s what’s going in.
Modesto Bee
That big building being built off Highway 99 in Ripon that you keep wondering about looks imposing for a reason.
Investors move forward with The Cue despite downtown's challenges
Bakersfield Californian
Hopes for good luck are implied whenever Champagne flutes are raised to the heavens. But the symbolism seemed more confident than wishful when two dozen people did it Friday morning at 19th and Q streets.
Housing:
No oversight. No transparency. Grand jury slams Fresno government’s homeless response
Fresno Bee
Fresno’s response to homelessness lacks oversight and cohesion, which threatens progress, according to a new report issued by the Fresno County Grand Jury. “This lack of coordinated effort has contributed to the problem rather than support successful outcomes,” they wrote.
Fresno Housing to host national HUD competition
Business Journal
U.S. Housing and Urban Development selected Fresno Housing as the host for its 2021 Affordable Housing Competition. Graduate students from accredited colleges and universities will form teams and tour the five affordable housing developments in Firebaugh built and operated by Fresno Housing.
Turlock homeless storage facility project moves forward
Turlock Journal
Turlock’s homeless individuals will soon have a place to securely store their belongings, following the City Council’s approval of a loan to the Turlock Gospel Mission to purchase property for the purpose of a storage facility.
How to find and apply for affordable housing programs, such as Section 8
Los Angeles Times
More than 17 million people live in rental housing in California, and more than half of them are rent burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income for housing.
PUBLIC FINANCES
In California, fate of tax hikes depends on who is asking
Bakersfield Californian
This 2020 election, California voters narrowly defeated a $12.5 billion statewide business property tax increase that would have benefited schools and local governments, offering a rebuttal to the state's reputation as a liberal paradise dominated by tax-and-spend Democrats.
Governments Set to Show More Patience in Tackling Pandemic Debts
Wall Street Journal
Government debts are piling ever higher as the coronavirus pandemic heads toward its second year, with many businesses and households in parts of the world still reliant on the public purse to stay afloat.
Walters: What will tax increase advocates do now?
CalMatters
California voters have rejected Proposition 15, so what will advocates of higher taxes do now? Proposition 15, which would have boosted property taxes on commercial real estate by billions of dollars a year, finally bit the dust last week.
TRANSPORTATION
California issues travel advisory ahead of holidays as COVID-19 surges
Los Angeles Times
With coronavirus infections continuing to surge in California ahead of Thanksgiving, state officials are urging residents not to travel out of state for the holiday and recommending that those who do quarantine when they return.
See also:
● West Coast governors urge COVID quarantine after travel Bakersfield Californian
● State's advisory could impact people's travel plans as holiday season approaches Bakersfield Californian
● Cancel your holiday travel plans, or plan on self-quarantining, California officials urge Sacramento Bee
Business Insider
In 2016, one of his last acts as vice president was helping secure funding for Amtrak through a $2.45 billion loan for the Northeast Corridor, the name for Amtrak's line between Boston and Washington along which numerous major cities lie.
WATER
Private wells & Water quality: A free Facebook Live event with The Fresno Bee
Fresno Bee
There are simple things you can do to protect yourself. Please join us for an informational Q&A event with local water experts to learn more about well maintenance and water quality.
The Water, Energy, and Technology Center
Join us on November 20 at 10:00 am to discuss the current and future state of the irrigation industry with Aric Olson, President of Jain Irrigation, Inc. We will be covering topics such as where irrigation innovation is needed in the areas of permanent crops and how technology could fill the gaps.
Capital Public Radio
The Sacramento region is not prepared for a mega-flood and won’t be for nearly a decade, says Rick Johnson, executive director of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency.
“Xtra”
Tickets go on sale for HolidayLights at CALM
Bakersfield Californian
Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual HolidayLights at CALM, this year presented in a drive-thru format. The California Living Museum announced that you can buy tickets online at calmzoo.org, through Vallitix.com, in person at Valley Strong Credit Union branches or at the CALM gift shop. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
'Brighten The Corner Where You Are': Finding A New Way To Be Thankful In A Pandemic
VPR
"My philosophy is: I can't fix the country or the world or even the town, but I can brighten my own corner," he said.