POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Officials wait for final approval before opening 182-bed homeless shelter in Modesto
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County Deputy Executive Officer Becky Meredith said as of 5 p.m. Friday officials here were still waiting for The Salvation Army’s Western Territorial Headquarters in Southern California to give its final approval to the agreement for the local Salvation Army to operate the shelter.
New approach to treat those in mental health crisis tested in Stanislaus County
Modesto Bee
In the past four years, paramedics who received special training assessed 1,473 patients in the field and took 429 of them directly to a mental health crisis center.
Feds’ settlement with Sutter over kickback, billing allegations now totals $46 million
Modesto Bee
One day after officials announced a $30.5 million settlement with Sutter Health over kickback allegations, prosecutors in Sacramento revealed the health care giant had agreed to pay an additional $15 million over claims submitted to the federal Medicare program.
Opinion: California national parks are America's most polluted
Los Angeles Times
Yosemite and most of the other national parks in California suffer from a malaise that would have sickened legendary conservationist John Muir, who reveled in Yosemite’s awe-inspiring views, among many other pleasures.
Central SJ Valley:
4 dead, 6 wounded in mass shooting at Fresno home; no arrests
Fresno Bee
At least four men were killed and six others were wounded Sunday night in southeast Fresno when gunmen sneaked into a backyard party and opened fire on dozens of people watching football. It was the third mass shooting in California in less than a week.
See also:
Fresno mass shooting update: 'It’s a pretty quiet neighborhood' neighbors say Visalia Times Delta
‘Heartbreaking, senseless tragedy.’ Fresno leaders react to mass shooting that killed 4 Fresno Bee
How do incomes in Fresno compare with rest of California? New federal data released
Fresno Bee
Counties in inland California, especially the central and southern San Joaquin Valley, continued to lag well behind urban and coastal regions in estimates of income levels on a per-person basis in 2018.
Slight dip for train ridership in Fresno, Valley. How does that stack up in the U.S.?
Fresno Bee
Amtrak trains running through central California between Bakersfield, Oakland and Sacramento carried nearly 1.1 million passengers in 2018-19, maintaining the Amtrak San Joaquin line’s status as the nation’s fifth-busiest state-supported passenger rail corridor in the country despite a slight dip in ridership.
See also:
State Audit Finds 'High Needs' Student Funding Goes to General Population
KVPR
A recent state audit - which included Clovis Unified - found that billions of dollars earmarked for high-needs students are instead being used to support the general student population.
Citizens gather to hear about future of downtown Madera
Madera Tribune
About 80 people met Wednesday night at a workshop to look over some ideas about the future of Madera’s downtown core — ideas which include the installation of street art, improved street lighting, high-visibility crosswalks, buffered bike lanes and improved landscaping.
Voting centers enhance democracy in Tulare County
Valley Voice
Voters have the option of a paper ballot or using the interactive touch screen. The touch screen technology allows easier access to voters with disabilities, including the blind and deaf. On every station there is a paddle unit for simple access and clarity.
EDITORIAL: San Joaquin Valley farmers’ new BFF? A liberal politician from San Francisco
Fresno Bee
Now, a year later, the answer is that Newsom has demonstrated strong backing for agriculture in the Valley — a surprise considering Newsom’s political history as a liberal from San Francisco, not the most farm-friendly part of the state.
South SJ Valley:
Millions of Gallons Of Oily Water Have Surfaced In A Kern County Oil Field, And More Keeps Coming
KVPR
Since July, at least a half dozen surface expressions have been reported into the state spill report database, including one in early November, totaling more than 2.7 million gallons of oil, water and mud. It’s enough to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Bakersfield Californian
A Bakersfield oil processing facility stands accused of spreading millions of gallons of hazardous waste over Kern County agricultural roads as a dust suppressant over a period of nearly three years.
Henry: Wanted: Big vision, small ego for water agency manager
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County Water Agency General Manager Curtis Creel will retire Dec. 7. The agency is the second largest contractor on the State Water Project and pays 25 percent of the bill for that massive endeavor, giving it a very big voice on most water issues.
Walters: Westlands contract shakes the waterscape
CalMatters
A few days ago, its Bureau of Reclamation announced that Westlands would be awarded the first contract under the new law, potentially providing more than a million acre-feet a year, or enough to supply 2 million families.
Tear down silos and work together, community college chancellor urges state educators
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County’s baccalaureate attainment rates are roughly half the statewide rate, and in rural areas fewer than three in 100 hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
Downtown businesses unify to address crime 'block to block'
Bakersfield Californian
Amid all the frustrations about crime and vagrancy downtown, business owners have begun taking matters into their own hands. Although the effort is still under development, people involved say the new spirit of collaboration and communication is working.
EDITORIAL: Come on, Bakersfield. We’re not that boring!
Bakersfield Californian
Looking to attract more tourists to Bakersfield and Kern County? Promoting The Bakersfield Sound is a good place to start. But don’t stop there.
State:
California Proposition 187: Pete Wilson's relationship with Latinos
Los Angeles Times
During our hour and a half together in his office — more than double the original time I had requested — we went back and forth about his legacy. He was annoyed.
California voters to get added access in 14 languages for 2020 elections, court rules
Sacramento Bee
Election materials in 2020 will be available in 14 Asian languages for limited-English proficient voters, the California Court of Appeal ruled this month.
Washington Post
California and 22 other states sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, asking a federal court to block the Trump administration from stripping the nation’s most populous state of its long-standing authority to set its own fuel-efficiency standards on cars and trucks.
See also:
California Sues Trump EPA in Fight Over Green Auto Rules Bloomberg
Interactive: Becerra v Trump: How California is using the courts to fight the administration CalMatters
Federal:
TV ratings ‘must be plummeting,’ GOP’s Nunes says at end of Trump impeachment hearing
Sacramento Bee
The top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee ended Friday’s impeachment hearing by saying that television ratings for the congressional proceedings “must be plummeting right now.”
See also:
Washington Post
Though President Trump has made cracking down on immigration a centerpiece of his first term, his administration lags far behind President Barack Obama’s pace of deportations.
New Trump rule to make more health care rates public
Washington Post
The Trump administration on Friday issued controversial rules compelling hospitals and insurers to give consumers more information upfront about what their care will cost — requirements that the president called a historic step to give Americans tools to shop for affordable health care.
Trump reverses course on flavored vape ban, leaving it unclear whether the government will act
Washington Post
As he had done so many times before, Trump reversed course — this time on a plan to address a major public health problem because of worries that apoplectic vape shop owners and their customers might hurt his reelection prospects.
See also:
Trump Delays Decision on Possible E-Cigarette Restrictions Wall Street Journal
FDA nominee to face questions on issues from vaping to salmon
Roll Call
When President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration appears for the first time before a Senate panel on Wednesday, he’ll likely face tough questions about some policy issues that he may not have thought much about previously.
Elections 2020:
Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders visits Fresno, asks crowd to help ‘beat Trump’
Fresno Bee
Amid chants of “Bernie, Bernie,” Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke Friday night before a large audience at Fresno City College. While the rally focused on climate change and the proposed Green New Deal, Sanders spoke about a variety of issues.
See also:
Before leaving Fresno, presidential candidate Bernie Sanders dined at this local restaurant Fresno Bee
Sen. Bernie Sanders addresses climate change deniers Fresno Bee
Presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks to large crowd at Fresno City College Fresno Bee
Sen. Bernie Sanders dines at Lime Lite in Fresno during campaign stop abc30
Sen. Bernie Sanders holds Green New Deal rally in Fresno Visalia Times Delta
Bernie is back: Bernie 2020 Green New Deal Fresno Rally Visalia Times Delta
At Fresno Rally, Bernie Sanders Calls Climate Change A Global Crisis, Touts Green New Deal KVPR
Bernie Sanders Talks Public Housing Act, DACA With Valley Public Radio KVPR
Attacking Trump and billionaires, Sanders draws thousands in Fresno GV Wire
Pete Buttigieg says he’s open to sending U.S. troops to Mexico
Fresno Bee
South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg said at a Latino forum in Los Angeles on Sunday that he’d be willing to send U.S. troops into Mexico to combat gang and drug violence. “There is a scenario where we could have security cooperation,” Buttigieg said.
See also:
Buttigieg surges ahead of his Democratic primary rivals in Iowa, new poll shows Washington Post
Pete Buttigieg looks to expand massive fundraising advantage in Palm Springs Desert Sun
Buttigieg: Free public college tuition will expand opportunity to more Americans Sacramento Bee
Los Angeles Times
California’s high-profile farmworkers union endorsed Sen. Kamala Harris for president on Saturday, soon after her rival Sen. Bernie Sanders won the support of the national nurses labor group and Los Angeles teachers.
California Dems question whether it’s time for Harris to drop out
Politico
Confronted by an army of reporters after speaking before 5,000 cheering Democrats in her home state, Sen. Kamala Harris delivered a defiant response to recent media reports that her flagging campaign is crippled by internal disputes and on the ropes.
Robot strawberry pickers and Gilroy gun violence. 2020 Democrats speak to California concerns
Fresno Bee
Eight Democratic candidates for president answered free-wheeling questions about their views in a forum sponsored by Univision at the state Democratic Party convention in Long Beach Saturday.
See also:
Presidential Forum: 8 Democratic candidates participate in Los Angeles forum abc30
Sanders Stars With Biden, Warren Absent At California Democratic Forum Capital Public Radio
What 8 Democratic presidential candidates had to say in Long Beach CalMatters
The shifting Democratic 2020 field is on full display at California party convention in Long Beach Los Angeles Times
Biden’s, Warren’s absence at California gather irks top Dems San Francisco Chronicle
Deval Patrick Addresses California Democratic Convention Wall Street Journal
California Democrats Still Waiting For The Full Iowa Treatment From Presidential Candidates
Capital Public Radio
When California moved its primary election up from June to March, backers hoped the nation’s biggest state would have more sway in nominating presidential candidates. But so far, the jury’s still out.
See also:
‘The future comes to California first’: Democrats’ leader wants state to host nation’s earliest primary Sacramento Bee
How a Bloomberg presidential bid could upend California’s primary
Sacramento Bee
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg has already dipped a toe into the 2020 Democratic contest. If the multi-billionaire decides to jump all the way in the race, he could make a big splash in California’s primary.
See also:
Michael Bloomberg Apologizes for ‘Stop-and-Frisk’ Policing Wall Street Journal
Cory Booker Is Waiting for Love to Catch On
Wall Street Journal
Sen. Cory Booker thinks there is time for his message of love and unity to catch fire in the roughly 80 days before Iowa’s caucuses.
The biggest health care issues of the 2020 election
Brookings
Polls show that health care is one of the top issues American voters care about, but ideas about controlling costs and expanding coverage are divided along partisan lines.
5 Effective Ways to Get Politically Involved Ahead of the 2020 Presidential Election
Vogue
In that spirit, Vogue asked advocacy groups for their advice about how Americans can prepare for the 2020 election. Here are five concrete, effective ways to participate—and, of course, don’t forget to register to vote.
Other:
Hundreds say farewell to Kaiser CEO Bernard Tyson, console his family at Oakland visitation
Fresno Bee
Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson, 60, died unexpectedly Nov. 10. His family will say farewell in an invitation-only memorial service Monday, but on Sunday, they hosted a public visitation at the Rotunda in Oakland.
New Media, Gannett shareholders clear way for merger
Stockton Record
The two biggest U.S. newspaper chains are on the brink of combining, in a deal with repercussions for news consumers and journalists nationwide.
Twitter to Restrict How Certain Advertisers Target Users
Wall Street Journal
Twitter Inc. said it would no longer allow certain types of geographic or keyword targeting for advertisers promoting any type of cause, as part of rules aimed at blocking most political-related ads on its platform.
Americans Have Positive Views About Religion’s Role in Society, but Want It Out of Politics
Pew Research
A large majority of Americans feel that religion is losing influence in public life, according to a 2019 Pew Research Center survey. While some say this is a good thing, many more view it as a negative development, reflecting the broad tendency of Americans to see religion as a positive force in society.
Pew Research
Debates over who is Hispanic and who is not have fueled conversations about identity among Americans who trace their heritage to Latin America or Spain. So, who is considered Hispanic in the United States?
Colonias to Immigrants: We Need You at Census Time
Pew Trusts
But when it comes to next year’s census? That’s the time to be as forthcoming as possible: Fill out forms on the age and race of everyone who lives with you, even distant relatives or a friend sleeping in your shed or garage.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, November 24, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: Poverty and Income Inequality in California - Guests: Sarah Bohn, Public Policy Institute of California. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, November 24, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: Poverty and the Economic Situation of California Latinos? - Guests: Sarah Bohn, Public Policy Institute of California and Mindy Romero, Director of USC Price School of Public Policy. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, November 24, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: 2019 CalFacts: Todo lo que necesita saber sobre California – Invitado: Lourdes Morales, Jacqueline Barocio y Edgar Cabral, analistas de la Oficina de Analisis Legislativo (LAO). Presentado Por: Coordinadora del Programa del Maddy Institute, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
EDITORIAL: San Joaquin Valley farmers’ new BFF? A liberal politician from San Francisco
Fresno Bee
Now, a year later, the answer is that Newsom has demonstrated strong backing for agriculture in the Valley — a surprise considering Newsom’s political history as a liberal from San Francisco, not the most farm-friendly part of the state.
Hanford meat company recalls ground beef possibly linked to salmonella outbreak
Fresno Bee
A Hanford meat company is recalling more than 30,000 pounds of ground beef, following a salmonella outbreak that sickened 10 people across six states in August and September.
Recall Issued from Wawona Frozen Foods for Potential Health Risk in Frozen Raspberries
Clovis Roundup
Wawona Frozen Foods has issued a recall on frozen raspberries and frozen berry mixes containing raspberries on October 30, 2019. The berries were only sold at Aldi Grocery Store in Clovis and Raley’s Family of Fine Stores.
A top Fresno source of organic produce from small farmers is ending its weekly boxes
Fresno Bee
One of Fresno’s most well-known sources of weekly boxes of local organic fruit and vegetables is ending its service. Ooooby is short for “Out of Our Own Back Yards.”
How a new grain could help combat climate change
PBS NewsHour
Scientists in Minnesota and Kansas are developing a grain called Kernza, which, unlike most of our food crops, is a perennial plant with a whole host of environmental benefits. While it’s still far from hitting the market widely, food producers are starting to get on board.
The pot stock bubble has burst. Here’s why
Los Angeles Times
Wall Street’s exuberance over legal weed has quickly withered into sober reality. In a matter of months, white-hot cannabis companies have flamed out in spectacular fashion. Many have lost two-thirds or more of their value.
Budding Hemp Farmers Struggle To Find Success In The 'Green Rush'
NPR
Over the past year, licensed hemp acreage increased more than 445%, according to the advocacy and research group Vote Hemp. More than 510,000 acres of hemp were licensed in 2019, versus about 112,000 acres in 2018.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
4 dead, 6 wounded in mass shooting at Fresno home; no arrests
Fresno Bee
At least four men were killed and six others were wounded Sunday night in southeast Fresno when gunmen sneaked into a backyard party and opened fire on dozens of people watching football. It was the third mass shooting in California in less than a week.
See also:
Fresno mass shooting update: 'It’s a pretty quiet neighborhood' neighbors say Visalia Times Delta
‘Heartbreaking, senseless tragedy.’ Fresno leaders react to mass shooting that killed 4 Fresno Bee
Downtown businesses unify to address crime 'block to block'
Bakersfield Californian
Amid all the frustrations about crime and vagrancy downtown, business owners have begun taking matters into their own hands. Although the effort is still under development, people involved say the new spirit of collaboration and communication is working.
BuzzFeed News
The Saugus students are not taking this horrific grief quietly: Many immediately began calling for political change in the hopes that no other student should go through the pain they will forever carry.
See also:
California’s black attorneys are 3 times more likely to be disciplined than white lawyers
Sacramento Bee
Black male attorneys are more likely to be disciplined than their white male counterparts, according to a new report released by the State Bar of California.
Poll: Marijuana should be legal, two-thirds of Americans say
Washington Post
Most Americans — 2 out of 3 — say marijuana use should be legal, according to new data from Pew Research Center that builds on a decades-long trend line.
See also:
Two-thirds of Americans support marijuana legalization Pew Research
Only 8 percent of Americans say marijuana should be completely illegal Washington Post
Car Crashes in Pot-Legal States Have Soared
Bloomberg
Car crashes in the first three states to legalize recreational marijuana have soared as law enforcement and regulators struggle to define driving high, let alone determine how to fight it.
Cannabis Use Disorder is Rising in U.S. States Where Weed is Legal
Newsweek
Rates of cannabis use disorder have risen in U.S. states where the drug has been legalized, including among children and teenagers, according to a study.
EDITORIAL: What should California do with all its convicted cops?
Los Angeles Times
It is beyond question that law enforcement officers should be held to a higher standard of conduct than the general public, and it is equally clear that some misdemeanor convictions — domestic violence, for example — show a lack of fitness to serve.
See also:
Walters: Our laws protect criminal cops CalMatters
Some California Police Departments Don’t Review Deadly Uses of Force KQED
Public Safety:
How California got tough on guns
CalMatters
The modern American gun debate began on May 2, 1967, when 30 protesting members of the Black Panther Party marched into the California Capitol with loaded handguns, shotguns and rifles.
Fire:
Northern California to see elevated chance of power shutoff amid fire weather watch
Fresno Bee
PG&E customers should be wary of a possible power shutoff later in the week, as the utility forecasts an elevated chance of planned blackouts.
See also:
Southern California again sees fire danger amid dry winds Fresno Bee
PG&E monitoring mid-week winds for another potential power shutoff abc30
PG&E May Cut Power Again This Week To Northern California Customers Capital Public Radio
PG&E warns of potential power shut-offs Wednesday and Thursday San Francisco Chronicle
California Faces Risk of More Blackouts and Fires This Week Wall Street Journal
PG&E says about 250,000 customers could lose power in latest shutoff event in California Sacramento Bee
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
How do incomes in Fresno compare with rest of California? New federal data released
Fresno Bee
Counties in inland California, especially the central and southern San Joaquin Valley, continued to lag well behind urban and coastal regions in estimates of income levels on a per-person basis in 2018.
It’s not just farmers — U.S. exports to China may never recover from the trade war
Los Angeles Times
The Trump administration’s trade war is ravaging exports to China across the U.S. and well beyond the farm belt, new data from the U.S. Commerce Department show.
Silicon Valley is churning out new paper millionaires. Nearly all are men
Los Angeles Times
With companies such as Uber Technologies Inc., Slack Technologies Inc. and Pinterest Inc. going public this year, the question has been: How many millionaires will Silicon Valley mint? What’s not being asked is how much of that new wealth will go to women.
Cyclical Shares Propel Stock Market to Latest Milestone
Wall Street Journal
Stocks’ latest records are a testament to one thing: Investors aren’t worried about a recession happening soon. The Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 28000 in the very last minute of Friday’s trading session.
The economic impact of closing the racial wealth gap
McKinsey
The persistent racial wealth gap in the United States is a burden on black Americans as well as the overall economy. New research quantifies the impact of closing the gap and identifies key sources of this socioeconomic inequity.
Jobs:
America's workers continue to struggle despite 'strong' jobs reports
The Hill
Millions of Americans are subsisting on retail work in strip malls and shopping centers. They’re earning hourly wages, and they can’t make ends meet, much less obtain financial security or robust health care.
Women Are on the Firing Line as Automation Claims More Jobs
Bloomberg
Two-thirds of jobs in developing countries are at risk from new technologies, and women will fare worse than men.
Uber Fined $649 Million for Saying Drivers Aren’t Employees
New York Times
New Jersey has demanded that Uber pay $649 million for years of unpaid employment taxes for its drivers, arguing that the ride-hailing company has misclassified the workers as independent contractors and not as employees.
EDUCATION
K-12:
State Audit Finds 'High Needs' Student Funding Goes to General Population
KVPR
A recent state audit - which included Clovis Unified - found that billions of dollars earmarked for high-needs students are instead being used to support the general student population.
Higher Ed:
Tear down silos and work together, community college chancellor urges state educators
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County’s baccalaureate attainment rates are roughly half the statewide rate, and in rural areas fewer than three in 100 hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
Local entrepreneurs, including two CSUB teams, take home cash at business contest finale
Bakersfield Californian
Some of Kern County's most promising young entrepreneurs came together Saturday for the finale of a two-month contest in which teams of computer coders came up with business enterprises that might one day turn into Silicon Valley-style startups.
The soul-crushing cost of college in California, explained
CalMatters
California offers more generous financial aid than most other states, but gone are the days of taking free college for granted. Studies show many students struggle even to afford food and housing.
California remains the top U.S. destination for foreign students, yet enrollment is slipping
Los Angeles Times
California remains the top U.S. destination for foreign students, who primarily come from China and India, with enrollment dipping slightly in the 2018-19 school year for the first time in at least a decade, according to a survey released Monday.
Commentary: California, nation must do more to remove obstacles to veterans in college
CalMatters
If we are going to serve the veterans of our armed forces the way we expect them to serve our country, this must change. All 2020 presidential candidates need to sharply focus on the challenges our veterans face in trying to earn a college degree or credential.
Community college ‘free-for-all’: Why making tuition free could be complicated
Brookings
Here’s the first issue: Some states have chosen to go all in on community colleges, while other states do very little. Will politicians from states with low community college attendance be reluctant to support subsidizing students in other states?
Apprenticeships:
New apprenticeships offer fast-track to California IT jobs with salaries up to $100,000
Sacramento Bee
A new apprenticeship program aimed at filling vacant information technology jobs in California state government offers a chance for many public employees to boost their pay, according to SEIU Local 1000.
After decades of pushing bachelor’s degrees, U.S. needs more tradespeople
PBS NewsHour
Now California is spending $6 million on a campaign to revive the reputation of vocational education, and $200 million to improve the delivery of it.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
It hasn’t rained in Fresno in nearly six months. That could change this week.
Fresno Bee
Fresno may get its first rain since late May. Cold air in Southern California is expected to bring some precipitation to the Valley on Wednesday. It would mark the third latest start to the wet season in the Central San Joaquin Valley since 1881.
See also:
First storm of the season expected to bring widespread precipitation to Southern California this week Los Angeles Times
Two-thirds of state 'abnormally dry,' but climatologists say not to worry — yet
abc30
The U.S. Drought Monitor is now categorizing two-thirds of California as abnormally dry. The monitor reports Thursday that more than 81% of the state is considered dry, including a small percentage in the first stages of drought.
Could drone deliveries help the environment? Let’s unpack that
Los Angeles Times
Items are shipped from factories, shuttled between warehouses and finally trucked to your home. This convenience comes at an environmental cost — transportation accounts for 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with medium- and heavy-duty trucks accounting for nearly a quarter of that.
The U.S. Natural Gas Boom Is Fueling A Global Plastics Boom
NPR
Natural gas is mostly used for heating homes or fueling power plants. But when it comes out of the ground it contains another key ingredient — ethane, a building block of plastics — that is now fueling another booming industry.
Cap & Trade Is Supposed to Solve Climate Change, but Oil and Gas Company Emissions Are Up
ProPublica
Countries have called California’s cap-and-trade program the answer to climate change. But it is just as vulnerable to lobbying as any other legislation. The result: The state’s biggest oil and gas companies have actually polluted more since it started.
Opinion: California national parks are America's most polluted
Los Angeles Times
Yosemite and most of the other national parks in California suffer from a malaise that would have sickened legendary conservationist John Muir, who reveled in Yosemite’s awe-inspiring views, among many other pleasures.
Energy:
Millions of Gallons Of Oily Water Have Surfaced In A Kern County Oil Field, And More Keeps Coming
KVPR
Since July, at least a half dozen surface expressions have been reported into the state spill report database, including one in early November, totaling more than 2.7 million gallons of oil, water and mud. It’s enough to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Bakersfield Californian
A Bakersfield oil processing facility stands accused of spreading millions of gallons of hazardous waste over Kern County agricultural roads as a dust suppressant over a period of nearly three years.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
New approach to treat those in mental health crisis tested in Stanislaus County
Modesto Bee
In the past four years, paramedics who received special training assessed 1,473 patients in the field and took 429 of them directly to a mental health crisis center.
FDA sends Dollar Tree warning letter for selling 'potentially unsafe drugs' from Chinese suppliers
abc30
In the Nov. 6 letter to Dollar Tree CEO Gary Philbin, the FDA identifies Chinese manufacturers that failed to test products and cited an example where “rodent feces (were) found throughout the manufacturing facility.”
Trump reverses course on flavored vape ban, leaving it unclear whether the government will act
Washington Post
As he had done so many times before, Trump reversed course — this time on a plan to address a major public health problem because of worries that apoplectic vape shop owners and their customers might hurt his reelection prospects.
See also:
Trump Delays Decision on Possible E-Cigarette Restrictions Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
Some of the most common invasive heart procedures in America are no better at preventing heart attacks and death in patients with stable heart disease than pills and lifestyle improvements alone, according to a massive federally funded study.
Cannabis Use Disorder is Rising in U.S. States Where Weed is Legal
Newsweek
Rates of cannabis use disorder have risen in U.S. states where the drug has been legalized, including among children and teenagers, according to a study.
Majority of anti-vaccine ads on Facebook were funded by two groups
Washington Post
The majority of Facebook advertisements spreading misinformation about vaccines were funded by two anti-vaccine groups, including one led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to a study published this week.
Human Services:
New Trump rule to make more health care rates public
Washington Post
The Trump administration on Friday issued controversial rules compelling hospitals and insurers to give consumers more information upfront about what their care will cost — requirements that the president called a historic step to give Americans tools to shop for affordable health care.
Feds’ settlement with Sutter over kickback, billing allegations now totals $46 million
Modesto Bee
One day after officials announced a $30.5 million settlement with Sutter Health over kickback allegations, prosecutors in Sacramento revealed the health care giant had agreed to pay an additional $15 million over claims submitted to the federal Medicare program.
RAND
Policymakers have long discussed allowing people under the age of 65 to buy into the Medicare program. Medicare buy-in proposals would create a voluntary new option for eligible people to enroll in Medicare.
IMMIGRATION
Gavin Newsom pardons 3 immigrants facing deportation from California
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom granted pardons to four Californians on Friday, three of whom were considered at increased risk of deportation because of criminal offenses they committed when they were younger than 20.
DACA, Prop 187, and the legacy of the Trump immigration enforcement revolution
CalMatters
The Trump administration has implemented unprecedented immigration enforcement policies, prompting challenges from state governments, advocacy groups and the University of California.
'We're very close': Pelosi and Mnuchin meet to break border wall impasse
Politico
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met Thursday for some of the most productive talks in months over how to break a bitter funding stalemate largely over President Donald Trump's border wall.
Washington Post
Though President Trump has made cracking down on immigration a centerpiece of his first term, his administration lags far behind President Barack Obama’s pace of deportations.
Americans’ immigration policy priorities: Divisions between – and within – the two parties
Pew Research
Two-thirds of Americans (67%) say it is very or somewhat important to establish a way for most immigrants in the country illegally to remain here legally, according to the survey.
Asylum officers rebel against Trump policies they say are immoral and illegal
Los Angeles Times
But across the country — according to asylum officers, including Stephens, as well as government officials — asylum officers are calling in sick, requesting transfers, retiring earlier than planned and quitting — all to resist Trump administration immigration policies.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Fresno’s poorest neighborhood changed the city. How residents took their community back
Fresno Bee
Wealthier residents moved north and the ones who stayed behind dealt with what was left — deteriorating apartments and homes that became breeding grounds for drugs, gangs and prostitution.
Modesto golfers lose out as McHenry Avenue driving range closes abruptly
Modesto Bee
Modesto golfers have lost their only dedicated practice facility with the sudden closure of Nor Cal Performance Golf Center this month.
The Beauty Premium: How Urban Beauty Affects Cities’ Economic Growth
CityLab
A study finds that the more beautiful a city is, the more successful it is at attracting jobs and new residents, including highly educated and affluent ones.
Housing:
Officials wait for final approval before opening 182-bed homeless shelter in Modesto
Modesto Bee
Stanislaus County Deputy Executive Officer Becky Meredith said as of 5 p.m. Friday officials here were still waiting for The Salvation Army’s Western Territorial Headquarters in Southern California to give its final approval to the agreement for the local Salvation Army to operate the shelter.
Temporary housing facility for women to open today
Bakersfield Californian
For at least 51 women, they will have temporary housing and several other services provided to them just outside of Lamont. The historic Sunset Camp — a housing complex for migrant workers — will be getting its first wave of residents today.
Price: What difference does it make how they became homeless? They're cold
Bakersfield Californian
Pointing out that homeless people should have been more responsible for themselves, or waxing nostalgic about the alleged mindsets of previous generations of homeless folks don't serve any purpose now. We need solutions, not recriminations, no matter how much truth may lie therein.
Commentary: California’s new renters' protection act reflects tenants' power
CalMatters
In a historic victory for renters and tenants, California will soon become the third state in the country to implement statewide rent cap. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation capping rent increases at 5% after inflation, for the next 10 years.
Is Gavin Newsom’s housing policy ‘rudderless’? Advocates want more done to lower California costs
Sacramento Bee
In his first 10 months in office, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved $1.75 billion in new spending on housing programs and helped pass new laws to prevent evictions and rent spikes. Still, permitting of new homes has slowed since Newsom became governor.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Swell of pensioners earned six figures in 2018 compared to previous year
Bakersfield Californian
In 2018, Kern County led the charge in one measure by welcoming the highest proportion of public service employees into the six-figure range of any pension fund statewide.
How FedEx Cut Its Tax Bill to $0
New York Times
The company, like much of corporate America, has not made good on its promised investment surge from President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.
Yes, our tax system needs reform. Let’s start with this first step.
Washington Post
Our rough estimates suggest that at least 70 percent of the “tax gap”— defined as owed but uncollected taxes — comes from underpayment by the top 1 percent. This contributes to legitimate concerns that our tax system unfairly advantages the elite.
Opinion: France Tried Soaking the Rich. It Didn’t Go Well.
Bloomberg
Economic theories tend to make a host of simplifying assumptions that might break down under a very high-tax regime. Historical experience is of some help, because the U.S. had very high top income taxes in the 1950s.
TRANSPORTATION
Valley leaders remain worried plans to widen Highways 99 & 46 won’t move forward
Fresno Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to redirect Central San Joaquin Valley highway dollars toward rail projects has been met with great skepticism from Valley leaders, who say the highways are not only dangerous but are a major part of the economy.
See also:
Caltrans backtracks on cuts to funding for Highways 99 and 46 following outcry San Joaquin Valley Sun
Do you drive Highway 132 just east of Modesto? Expect six days of major detours
Modesto Bee
Six straight days of major detours will start Sunday, Nov. 17, on a mile of Highway 132 running east from Modesto. The California Department of Transportation is closing that stretch to allow for track repair by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.
See also:
Slight dip for train ridership in Fresno, Valley. How does that stack up in the U.S.?
Fresno Bee
Amtrak trains running through central California between Bakersfield, Oakland and Sacramento carried nearly 1.1 million passengers in 2018-19, maintaining the Amtrak San Joaquin line’s status as the nation’s fifth-busiest state-supported passenger rail corridor in the country despite a slight dip in ridership.
See also:
Price: That high-speed fiction looks a lot more like fact now
Bakersfield Californian
Although work has been underway north of Fresno since 2015, the reality of high-speed rail has been clearly evident only over the past several weeks at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley.
Sacramento’s bike death toll is one of nation’s worst. Here’s why cyclists still resist helmet laws
Sacramento Bee
A detailed new federal study says head injuries are the big reason for bike-related deaths, but no states require adult bike riders to wear helmets.
US aviation fatalities increased by 13% in 2018, says NTSB
CNN
The number of people killed in US aviation accidents increased by 13% from 2017 to 2018, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
California Says It Won’t Buy Cars From GM, Toyota, Others Opposing Tough Tailpipe Standards
Capital Public Radio
Starting immediately, California state agencies will no longer buy gas-powered sedans, officials said Friday. And starting in January, the state will stop purchasing vehicles from carmakers that haven’t agreed to follow California’s clean car rules.
See also:
California bans government purchases of most gas-powered cars under Newsom climate order Sacramento Bee
WATER
Henry: Wanted: Big vision, small ego for water agency manager
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County Water Agency General Manager Curtis Creel will retire Dec. 7. The agency is the second largest contractor on the State Water Project and pays 25 percent of the bill for that massive endeavor, giving it a very big voice on most water issues.
Walters: Westlands contract shakes the waterscape
CalMatters
A few days ago, its Bureau of Reclamation announced that Westlands would be awarded the first contract under the new law, potentially providing more than a million acre-feet a year, or enough to supply 2 million families.
Global Warming Is Bad for Everyone Except Dam Builders
Bloomberg
Scientists built 130,000 “virtual dams” and found they could generate 7% of the world’s electricity in real life.
“Xtra”
How this winery's red blend is helping homeless animals in Fresno
abc30
The Kings River Winery is helping to fill the void. They released a special red blend Sunday called "Rescue Red" and it has the Valley Animal Center's logo on the label.
Stuebbe: Arts-career program would be more than song and dance
Bakersfield Californian
In light of the assault by our state government on the main industries supporting our local economy, these kinds of programs can help diversify the job opportunities in Kern County and give our young people a future here.
Tachi casino unveils high-limit gaming experience
Business Journal
Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore celebrated the grand reopening of its newly remodeled High Limit (HL) Gaming Room this past Wednesday. The HL Gaming room now includes what casino officials call “Premiere VIP Slot experiences” as well as dedicated slot technicians to assist with machines and payouts.
Plenty of comedy, tributes, music and more make up Modesto region entertainment
Modesto Bee
Comedian, impressionist and ventriloquist Terry Fator is taking a break from his Las Vegas show to revisit the Gallo Center. He’s been performing the past nine years at the Mirage Hotel in Vegas.
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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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