POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
A few early takeaways from Modesto, Stanislaus County races
Modesto Bee
Modesto mayor is a nonpartisan office, so candidates’ parties generally aren’t discussed during campaigns. But lessons can be learned from Tuesday’s results when viewed through a partisan lens.
See also:
● Update: Zwahlen, leading in Modesto mayoral race, says ‘There is a message in this vote’ Modesto Bee
Rep. Josh Harder pledges to ‘build on the work we got done’ after election win
Fresno Bee
Rep. Josh Harder, D-Turlock, has won re-election to his congressional seat, solidifying Democratic control over one of California’s battleground districts for another two years.
Merced County will stay on red tier another week, but COVID-19 data continues to worsen
Merced Sun-Star
Merced County will remain on red Tier 2 for reopening for another week, state health officials said Wednesday, despite worsening COVID-19 infection numbers.
Stanislaus County fails to meet red tier coronavirus criteria. Tier status in jeopardy
Modesto Bee
A state evaluation found that Stanislaus County has an increase in coronavirus transmission that could trigger tighter restrictions on businesses and activities.
See also:
● Coronavirus update: Daily cases again exceed key threshold for Stanislaus Modesto Bee
● Coronavirus update: Stanislaus reports 403rd death. Case growth worrisome Modesto Bee
Central SJ Valley:
There still are thousands of ballots to count in Fresno County. These races could change
Fresno Bee
Close to 90,000 ballots remain to be counted in Fresno County, leaving several races too close to call. The Fresno County Registrar of Voters Office says about 86,340 ballots remain to be counted, not including anything still in the mail postmarked before Tuesday.
See also:
● Some Fresno-area school board members could lose seat if election results hold Fresno Bee
● Where To Find The Latest San Joaquin Valley Election Results VPR
● Tulare County assures residents every vote will be counted abc30
Devin Nunes wins 10th term in Congress, defeating California Democrat Arballo
Fresno Bee
Rep. Devin Nunes has won reelection, defeating a challenge from Democrat Phil Arballo in what was a closer-than-usual contest for the nine-term Republican incumbent.
See also:
● Devin Nunes challenger Phil Arballo thanks supporters in California congressional race Fresno Bee
● Republican Rep. Devin Nunes wins reelection in District 22 LA Times
Update: Former Rep. Valadao retains lead in California rematch against Democrat TJ Cox
Fresno Bee
Former Rep. David Valadao held a slight lead Wednesday in his bid to unseat Rep. TJ Cox, D-Fresno, in a rematch of their 2018 race that could take days or even weeks to resolve.
See also:
● Election 2020 Congressional District 21 Race: Too close to call as Valadao holds slim lead over Cox abc30
● Valadao holds slight edge over Cox Hanford Sentinel
Election 2020 Congressional District 16 Race: Jim Costa beats Kevin Cookingham
abc30
Incumbent Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will retain his seat against Republican Kevin Cookingham in District 16, ABC News projects.
How much support did school bonds get from Clovis, Fresno voters in the election?
Fresno Bee
Although voters must wait to see final election results in the coming days, it appears that most Fresno County voters favored approving school bond measures.
See also:
● CUSD’s $335M Measure A Bond Likely to Pass Clovis RoundUp
● Tulare County election results: Tulare Council and VUSD races too close to call Visalia Times Delta
Unprecedented election year leads to changes in Fresno County polling protocols
abc30
Record number of Americans exercising their right to vote, election night during this pandemic year was like no other. Fresno County votes are still being processed, but County Clerk and Registrar of Voters Brandi Orth said no matter the outcome of races, it's the voters who won.
See also:
● For Many Who Opted To Vote In Person On Election Day, The Process Was ‘Smooth Sailing’ VPR
● After Historic Early Voting Surge, Fewer Hiccups on Election Day Pew Trusts
EDITORIAL: Devin Nunes, Jim Costa have a chance to work together for the good of the Valley
Fresno Bee
With victories in their latest elections seemingly in their grasp, Republican Devin Nunes and Democrat Jim Costa — the central San Joaquin Valley’s senior-most representatives — head toward final terms in their current districts.
Warszawski: Fresno’s police reform commission did its job. It’s time for politicians to do theirs
Fresno Bee
On a February morning in 2009, Fresno police responded to a call about a homeless man sleeping beneath a tree in an empty lot next to the AM/PM at Bullard and Blackstone.
Coronavirus update: Fresno-area death toll climbs
Fresno Bee
The California Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported 125 new COVID-19 cases in Fresno County, bringing the county total to 31,738 infections since the pandemic began.
See also:
· Latest Fresno County tier for COVID-19. See how Valley counties fared in California data Fresno Bee:
● Coronavirus cases creep higher in Fresno area. What milestones are ahead for region? Fresno Bee
● Coronavirus update: As cases increase, can Fresno move closer to more reopenings? Fresno Bee
South SJ Valley:
Salas and Fong, holding decisive leads, declare victory in their respective Assembly races
Bakersfield Californian
Election results remained unchanged in the 32nd and 34th Assembly District races 24 hours after Election Day. With commanding leads held by both incumbents in the two races, the final results may have been a foregone conclusion.
See also:
● Arias, Gray lead the pack in Bakersfield City Council races Bakersfield Californian
● Republicans still not assured local congressional sweep Bakersfield Californian
The school board races we're watching, as we await final tallies
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County is still waiting for as many as 100,000 ballots to be counted, and we may reportedly not get updates until next week. This causes uncertainty in races where there may be razor-thin differences between candidates and vote counts might be low.
See also:
● Local school board race updates: KHSD, BCSD, PBVUSD and Rosedale Bakersfield Californian
● Up to 100,000 ballots uncounted in Kern, updates are days away, elections chief says Bakersfield Californian
Kern Public Health: County hits COVID-19 red tier status four consecutive weeks
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern County Public Health Services Department announced on Wednesday that the county remained in the red tier of the state’s COVID-19 economic reopening plan for the fourth consecutive week.
State:
Newsom administration to state officials: Find savings from permanent telework
Modesto Bee
Telework moved closer to becoming a permanent part of California state employment this week after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration told officials to reconsider building leases and find other permanent savings.
Calif Chief Justice Appoints New Work Group to Address Bias in Court Proceedings
California Courts Newsroom
California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Wednesday announced a new work group to update a judicial standard that outlines steps courts can take to prohibit bias in courtroom proceedings.
Past Electoral Reforms Have Prepared California for Pandemic Challenges
California Journal of Politics and Policy
The COVID pandemic has brought a plethora of challenges to our society, not the least to our democratic electoral system. The upcoming November 3 General Election will test our ability to protect what is perhaps an American’s most basic and fundamental right—the right to vote.
See also:
● Newsom: California could permanently mail ballots to all voters Politico
● There’s Nothing ‘Mysterious’ About Calif’s Mail-In Voting System, Despite False Facebook Claim Capital Public Radio
Newsom: Deluge of lobbying for Harris seat 'not something I'd wish on my worst enemy'
Politico
Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s being deluged with lobbying for his potential appointment to fill Kamala Harris’ Senate seat — but says the process is "not something I’d wish on my worst enemy."
See also:
● Gavin Newsom made it easy for Kamala Harris to decide which higher office to pursue SF Chronicle
Federal:
Judge orders sweep of postal facilities after 300,000 mail ballots not shown as delivered
LA Times
A federal judge has ordered U.S. Postal Service inspectors to sweep postal facilities Tuesday in several locations — including in six battleground states — to ensure that any mail-in ballots left behind are immediately sent out for delivery.
See also:
● Federal judge slams U.S. Postal Service and orders search for mail ballots in Texas facilities LA Times
● Judge pushes U.S. Postal Service to ensure all remaining election ballots delivered Reuters
● USPS ballot problems unlikely to change election outcomes in contested states Wash Post
McConnell Says Congress Should Pass Economic Relief Bill This Year
WSJ
Congress should pass a new economic-relief package this year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Wednesday, as prospects for Democrats’ multi trillion-dollar stimulus bill faded along with their chances for full control of the government.
See also:
● Coronavirus relief bill, omnibus spending on tap, McConnell says Roll Call
● Democrats’ ambitious agenda for 2021 runs into unexpected obstacle — McConnell’s resilience Wash Post
Presidential Election:
Who will win the 2020 election? Here are Joe Biden and Donald Trump's paths to victory
abc30
The 2020 presidential election is still too close to call Wednesday and political nerds are crunching the numbers, trying to figure out who will reach 270 electoral college votes first and win the presidency.
See also:
● Explaining Race Calls: Presidential race too early to call Bakersfield Californian
● 2020 Presidential Election Results: Live updates as Trump, Biden race to 270 electoral votes abc30
● Results Still Unclear And 5 Other Takeaways From Election Night 2020 VPR
● Biden strikes a presidential tone as he inches closer to the White House LA Times
● Long a deep-red state, Arizona flips to Biden for first Democratic win in 24 years LA Times
● Biden lead narrows in Arizona, but Trump losing ground in Pennsylvania, Georgia LA Times
● Who won Arizona? Why the call differs by media organization. Wash Post
● Vote counts continue in Georgia, Arizona; Trump mounts legal challenges Wash Post
● Who Is Winning the Election in Georgia? It’s Close as Votes Are Counted in Atlanta WSJ
● What Went Wrong With the Polls This Year? WSJ
● Trump and Biden's Paths to Victory in the 2020 Election WSJ
● How Trump, Biden Kept the Race Close In These Battleground States WSJ
● How Trump or Biden could win, mapped Wash Post
● News Analysis: No blue wave — or winner — as election outcome waits on a long count LA Times
● Commentary: Biden Had No Election Coattails WSJ
● Commentary: Trump and Biden Go to Election Overtime WSJ
● Commentary: Either Trump or Biden will win. But our deepest problems will remain. AEI
When Will We Know The Winner? Time Frames for Key States
VPR
The United States woke up the morning after Election Day not knowing who will be president for the next four years. It's not unprecedented, and with a slew of mail-in ballots to process, several key states are working to finish counting.
See also:
● What are recount rules in key states for 2020 election? McClatchy DC
● Will we know projected winner of the presidential race Thursday? Here’s the latest Merced Sun-Star
● When will we know the winner of the 2020 election? Patience is key LA Times
● Where does America go from here? ‘Too early to call’ Roll Call
● What if a state can’t agree which presidential candidate won? LA Times
● A Wisconsin Recount: How It Works, and Would It Change the Election? WSJ
● Uncertain Election Results Keep Voters on Edge WSJ
● Presidential Election Comes Down to a Few States as Vote Counting Continues WSJ
● When Will We Know the Election Results? A Guide to Possible Delays WSJ
● Why Are Election Results Taking So Long? State-by-State Look at Electoral Votes WSJ
● World watches with unease as drawn-out, contested election batters America’s global image Wash Post
● The history of pollsters blowing it decades before Trump vs. Biden Wash Post
● Fact Check: No, Biden did not receive thousands of mysteriously surfaced votes in Michigan PolitiFact
● Opinion: The election that made things worse Roll Call
Biden wins Michigan, Wisconsin, now on brink of White House
abc30
Joe Biden won the battleground prizes of Michigan and Wisconsin on Wednesday, reclaiming a key part of the “blue wall” that slipped away from Democrats four years ago and dramatically narrowing President Donald Trump's pathway to reelection.
See also:
● Biden Wins Michigan, Wisconsin as Presidential Election Comes Down to a Few States WSJ
● Biden campaign gears up for legal warfare as he nears 270 Politico
Trump team launches legal onslaught in Pennsylvania as path to election win narrows
Fresno Bee
Republicans are launching a legal onslaught on Pennsylvania’s election procedures to protect President Donald Trump’s narrowing lead in the state, a battleground he must win if he is to retain any chance of reelection.
See also:
● House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy: "The president wants to see that every legal vote gets counted" Fresno Bee
● Trump launches a legal barrage in an effort to block a Biden victory LA Times
● Don’t let Trump subvert democracy on election night Roll Call
● Close presidential election boosts chances for litigated outcome Roll Call
● Lawsuit over Pennsylvania vote handling faces skeptical federal judge Roll Call
● Sharpiegate, voter fraud claim in Arizona is False PolitiFact
● Biden gains ground in Pennsylvania as Trump tries to stop the ballot count LA Times
● Legal experts cast doubt on Trump’s bid to involve Supreme Court in election results LA Times
● Judge skeptical of ballot counting challenge in suburban Philadelphia county Reuters
● No, President Trump, ‘ballot dumps’ in key states were not a magical surprise PolitiFact
● 2020 Election Lesson: Trump’s Coalition Proved Durable WSJ
● Trump’s Florida Election Win Hinged on Big Gains in Miami-Dade WSJ
● Trump Campaign Opens Legal Fronts in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia WSJ
● Rules for recounts in presidential battleground states Reuters
● Commentary: A Disputed Election: My Lesson From 2000 WSJ
● Commentary: Cut out the ‘fraud’ claims: Trump should have sounded like Pence AEI
Twitter slaps warning on prominent Democrats' tweets prematurely claiming Biden wins
Politico
Twitter slapped warning labels on a pair of tweets by prominent Democrats that prematurely claimed Biden had won a key battleground state and the general election, the first enforcement actions of its policy against declarations leveled against liberal leaders.
See also:
● Twitter Adds "Misleading" Information Warning to Trump Tweets Hollywood Reporter
● Facebook, Twitter Grapple With Trump’s False Election Claims WSJ
● Trump and his allies boost bogus conspiracy theories in a bid to undermine vote count Wash Post
● Opinion: The Disinformationists National Review
Americans broke a 120-year-old turnout record — and are more divided than ever
LA Times
That represented 66.9% of the potentially eligible voting population, McDonald said, the largest participation since 1900 and by far the biggest of the modern era.
See also:
● Election likely hardens political limits of Biden climate agenda Axios
● Win or Lose, Trump Will Remain a Powerful and Disruptive Force NY Times
● Opinion: Win or lose, Trump was the mirror American needed Brookings
● Opinion: If Trump wins, I'm weighing options. Canada? Mexico? Secession? LA Times
● Opinion: ‘Make liberals cry again’ became the battle hymn of the Republicans under Trump Wash Post
● Opinion: Are we governable? Wash Post
● Opinion: America is battered, but a somewhat happy ending is in sight Wash Post
Local Elections:
There still are thousands of ballots to count in Fresno County. These races could change
Fresno Bee
Close to 90,000 ballots remain to be counted in Fresno County, leaving several races too close to call. The Fresno County Registrar of Voters Office says about 86,340 ballots remain to be counted, not including anything still in the mail postmarked before Tuesday.
See also:
● Some Fresno-area school board members could lose seat if election results hold Fresno Bee
● Where To Find The Latest San Joaquin Valley Election Results VPR
● Up to 100,000 ballots uncounted in Kern, updates are days away, elections chief says Bakersfield Californian
● Tulare County assures residents every vote will be counted abc30
● For Many Who Opted To Vote In Person On Election Day, The Process Was ‘Smooth Sailing’ VPR
● After Historic Early Voting Surge, Fewer Hiccups on Election Day Pew Trusts
● Top takeaways — and surprises — from high-profile races in Sacramento and Northern California Sac Bee
Devin Nunes wins 10th term in Congress, defeating California Democrat Arballo
Fresno Bee
Rep. Devin Nunes has won reelection, defeating a challenge from Democrat Phil Arballo in what was a closer-than-usual contest for the nine-term Republican incumbent.
See also:
● Devin Nunes challenger Phil Arballo thanks supporters in California congressional race Fresno Bee
● Republican Rep. Devin Nunes wins reelection in District 22 LA Times
Update: Former Rep. Valadao retains lead in California rematch against Democrat TJ Cox
Fresno Bee
Former Rep. David Valadao held a slight lead Wednesday in his bid to unseat Rep. TJ Cox, D-Fresno, in a rematch of their 2018 race that could take days or even weeks to resolve.
See also:
● Election 2020 Congressional District 21 Race: Too close to call as Valadao holds slim lead over Cox abc30
● Valadao holds slight edge over Cox Hanford Sentinel
Election 2020 Congressional District 16 Race: Jim Costa beats Kevin Cookingham
abc30
Incumbent Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will retain his seat against Republican Kevin Cookingham in District 16, ABC News projects.
How much support did school bonds get from Clovis, Fresno voters in the election?
Fresno Bee
Although voters must wait to see final election results in the coming days, it appears that most Fresno County voters favored approving school bond measures.
See also:
● CUSD’s $335M Measure A Bond Likely to Pass Clovis RoundUp
Salas and Fong, holding decisive leads, declare victory in their respective Assembly races
Bakersfield Californian
Election results remained unchanged in the 32nd and 34th Assembly District races 24 hours after Election Day. With commanding leads held by both incumbents in the two races, the final results may have been a foregone conclusion.
A few early takeaways from Modesto, Stanislaus County races
Modesto Bee
Modesto mayor is a nonpartisan office, so candidates’ parties generally aren’t discussed during campaigns. But lessons can be learned from Tuesday’s results when viewed through a partisan lens.
See also:
● Update: Zwahlen, leading in Modesto mayoral race, says ‘There is a message in this vote’ Modesto Bee
● Arias, Gray lead the pack in Bakersfield City Council races Bakersfield Californian
The school board races we're watching, as we await final tallies
Bakersfield Californian
Kern County is still waiting for as many as 100,000 ballots to be counted, and we may reportedly not get updates until next week. This causes uncertainty in races where there may be razor-thin differences between candidates and vote counts might be low.
See also:
● Tulare County election results: Tulare Council and VUSD races too close to call Visalia Times Delta
● Local school board race updates: KHSD, BCSD, PBVUSD and Rosedale Bakersfield Californian
Republicans still not assured local congressional sweep
Bakersfield Californian
Kern's most powerful politician appears to have won an eighth term in Congress after balloting Tuesday but it remained too close to call Wednesday whether his local Republican ally will return with him to Washington, D.C.
California Propositions:
2020 California election: Proposition results analysis
LA Times
In all, political action committees spent more than $785 million to support or oppose the 12 propositions on the November ballot, according to an analysis by The Times.
See also:
● Prop. 14 stem cell bond holding onto lead LA Times
● Proposition 15 to loosen California’s business property tax rules is trailing LA Times
● Prop. 18, which would allow some 17-year-olds to vote, trailing LA Times
● Prop. 19, which gives new property tax breaks to older homeowners, holds lead LA Times
● Prop. 20, which would have toughened sentencing in criminal cases, is rejected by California voters LA Times
● Californians once again reject bid to expand rent control in the state LA Times
● Prop. 23, which would have imposed new regulations on dialysis industry, fails LA Times
● California voters approve Prop. 24, ushering in new rules for online privacy LA Times
● Prop. 25, which would have abolished California’s cash bail system, is rejected by voters LA Times
5 Things To Know About California’s Election Results
Capital Public Radio
Results are continuing to come in and ballots are still being counted in California, which means that some races are far from decided in the state and the nation.
See also:
● What you should know about how and when California counts ballots LA Times
● Protecting the Right to Vote in California’s 2020 Election While Keeping Voters, Election Workers and the Public Safe California Journal of Politics and Policy
● Good News for Conservatives from . . . California? National Review
Uber, Lyft win approval of California gig worker measure
Fresno Bee
California voters agreed Tuesday to let gig economy drivers continue working as independent contractors rather than as employees.
See also:
● What California’s new gig worker initiative means for Uber, Lyft drivers — and your fares Fresno Bee
● California voters embrace special rules for app-based drivers, reject rent control plan LA Times
● Proposition 22 Passes, Locking In Sub-Employee Status For Gig Workers KQED
● California voters approve Prop. 22, allowing Uber and Lyft drivers to remain independent contractors LA Times
● Lyft plans next gig-work move: making peace with unions that opposed Proposition 22 SF Chronicle
● After gig companies’ Prop. 22 win, labor groups vow challenges CalMatters
● Uber and Lyft Drivers in California Will Remain Contractors NY Times
● Voters help big business override California lawmakers CalMatters
● How California voters changed the future of work CalMatters
● Commentary: On Proposition 22, a big California victory for the gig economy Brookings
California Voters Have Their Say On Business-related Props
Business Journal
California voters weighed in on a number of propositions that would have consequences on the business community on Tuesday.
Voters reject California’s bid to end cash bail
Fresno Bee
California voters by a referendum overturned a 2018 law that aimed to end the practice of requiring many criminal defendants to post cash bail as a condition of leaving jail before trial.
See also:
● California Sticks To Cash Bail, Rejects Nation-leading Move Business Journal
● California retains cash bail, rejects punishment rollbacks Bakersfield Californian
California gives the right to vote to former felons
Fresno Bee
California will expand voting rights to nearly 50,000 parolees following a large victory for Proposition 17.
See also:
● Prop. 17, which will let parolees vote in California, is approved by voters LA Times
Politically liberal California rejects affirmative action
Fresno Bee
The campaign to reinstate affirmative action in overwhelmingly Democratic California had money, momentum and big-name backers, including Black celebrities Issa Rae and Ava DuVernay, but voters in the most populated state rejected the measure.
See also:
● California Voters Reject Affirmative Action Ballot Measure Business Journal
● Affirmative action push in Proposition 16 fails to win over California voters Sac Bee
● California voters reject affirmative action measure despite summer of activism Politico
● Voters reject Prop. 16, which would have allowed affirmative action policies in California LA Times
● Opinion: California Proposition 16 Defeated at the Ballot Box National Review
● EDITORIAL: Racial Thunder Out of California WSJ
California voters approve expansion of data privacy law
Fresno Bee
In the state that is home to Silicon Valley and serves as the headquarters for Google, Facebook and other tech titans, voters strengthened data privacy protections by approving a ballot measure that supporters tout as a model for other states.
See also:
● California voters pass ballot measure over data privacy regulation The Hill
Fox: Unions Struggle with Ballot Measures
Fox & Hounds
Public and private sector unions are strong political forces in California. While they may have once again supported candidates to their liking up and down the ballot, as this is written they have not been as successful wielding their influence on voters through ballot measures.
See also:
● Walters: California voters like Biden, unions not so much CalMatters
Opinion: California voters see what lawmakers can’t
Wash Post
But these weren’t the only winners; California voters also saved the state from itself. This is something they’ll have to keep doing if they want the Golden State to remain one of the country’s most dynamic and successful areas.
Federal Elections:
2020 Election Results: Democrats losing paths to Senate control but maintain House
abc30
The election scrambled seats in the House and Senate but ultimately left Congress much like it began, deeply split as voters resisted big changes despite the heated race at the top of the ticket for the White House.
See also:
● Republicans have edge to keep Senate, and block Biden if he wins LA Times
● Democrats' Hopes For Senate Majority Fade As GOP Beats Back Challenges VPR
● Democrats’ hopes for capturing a Senate majority fade LA Times
● Don’t look now: The fight for the Senate continues into 2022 Roll Call
● How the 10 most vulnerable senators fared on election night Roll Call
● Democrats’ path to Senate majority narrows with GOP wins Roll Call
● Senate Control Hinges on Four Uncalled Election Results With Republicans Holding Edge WSJ
Nancy Pelosi thought Democrats would win big in the House. What happened?
Fresno Bee
Nancy Pelosi and independent handicappers were predicting a big night for Democrats in the House, projecting gains that could reach 10 to 20 seats. “We intend to hold the House and grow our numbers,” the House speaker told The Associated Press last month.
See also:
● Centrist Democrats talk leadership changes after negative election results The Hill
● Dem losses could lead to calls for leadership changes in Congress Roll Call
● 9 facts about new members of the 117th Congress Roll Call
● Republicans defy expectations in the battle for Congress Roll Call
● How Democrats defending 30 ‘Trump districts’ did Roll Call
● No winners called yet in pivotal congressional races Roll Call
● Kevin McCarthy gears up to run for Speaker in 2022 Axios
● House Republicans Defy the Polls, Narrow Democrats' Majority Cook Political Report
● Tight House Races Leave Size of Democrats’ Majority Uncertain WSJ
● Commentary: A Pelosi-Schumer Defeat WSJ
Republicans retain power in states despite Democratic push
AP News
After a costly and intense political battle for control of state capitols, the composition of state legislatures and governors’ offices will look a lot like it did before Tuesday’s elections.
Other:
The real election night winners: sellers of pizza, booze and weed
LA Times
Americans were united on one front on election day: stress-eating, stress-drinking and stress-smoking to make it through the night. As election results continued to roll in Wednesday, businesses selling food, alcohol and weed reported a surge in orders.
See also:
● Election Anxiety? TV Shows About Nothing Aim to Help America Chill WSJ
Why Bush v. Gore Still Matters in 2020
ProPublica
The Supreme Court decision that handed the 2000 election to George W. Bush is widely believed not to be a precedent, yet it’s been cited in hundreds of federal and state cases since. It could play a role in this year’s election, too.
Covid Update (National):
● U.S. Sets Coronavirus Record With Daily New Cases Pushing Past 100,000 Capital Public Radio
● Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Daily Cases Top 100,000 for First Time WSJ
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Ag at Large: Olive crop advances on two canned fronts
Hanford Sentinel
Olives are one of California’s major tree crops, whether they are canned whole and in pieces as table pleasures or squeezed for their oil, which is bottled and shipped throughout the country and the world.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
No return to lock ’em up — California voters stick with less punitive justice
CalMatters
Over the last three decades, Californians have swung from “tough on crime” conservatism to a more lenient, less punitive approach to criminal justice. Based on the results of this year’s election, it doesn’t look like the pendulum is swinging back anytime soon.
Sentenced to prison, stuck in jail: CDCR starts clearing backlog blamed for violent crime surge
abc30
The Fresno County jail is starting to unclog a backup of inmates who were sentenced to prison, but have been stuck in the jail because of coronavirus issues.
Police officers accused of killing George Floyd to be tried together, in Minneapolis
Wash Post
The former police officers charged with killing George Floyd will be tried together in March in a downtown Minneapolis courthouse, though the judge overseeing the criminal case said he would reconsider a change of venue motion if security or other issues arise.
Public Safety:
California goes big on criminal justice reform, setting a more progressive path
LA Times
California voters expressed a clear appetite for criminal justice reform on election night, supporting a series of ambitious changes after a summer of mass protests sparked a painful reckoning around racial injustice and debate over the role of policing.
Fire:
Fixing Creek Fire damage is hazardous and expensive. Can FEMA help these families?
Modesto Bee
At least 100 families who lost their cabins to the Creek Fire are being denied cleanup assistance from the federal government, according to California Assemblymember Jim Patterson.
See also:
● Creek Fire update: Snow and rain are coming. Why firefighters are worried Fresno Bee
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
Americans again stockpile groceries as COVID-19 changes future of shopping, survey says
Fresno Bee
When it comes to shopping, the coronavirus pandemic has apparently left a lasting effect on Americans, who now say they plan to keep a grocery stockpile into the future.
See also:
· Supermarkets Get New Looks as Shoppers Adapt to Pandemic WSJ
Bethany Clough: What businesses thrive during a pandemic? These 5 industries are booming in Fresno
Fresno Bee
The coronavirus pandemic has been brutal on business. Some Fresno-area businesses have closed already and more probably will too. But in a twist, certain segments are actually doing well during this pandemic – some of them astoundingly well.
What Markets Are Telling Us as Election Results Roll In
WSJ
Markets often get politics wrong, but it’s rare to see them price in all three of the plausible results of a presidential election—Republican, Democrat and long-drawn-out legal battle—in one night.
See also:
● Stocks Close Sharply Higher After Biden Gains Swing-State Votes WSJ
● Why Is the Stock Market Up as Election Results Come In? WSJ
● Stocks Climb, Extending Biggest Weekly Rally Since April WSJ
● A dark economic winter The Hill
Fed Prepares for Uneventful Meeting After Completing Policy Revamp
WSJ
Federal Reserve officials are likely to continue discussions Thursday about how to provide more support to the economy should the recent rebound fizzle. But this week’s meeting is shaping up to be uneventful, with no new policy announcements.
U.S. Treasury to Moderate Pace of Borrowing Over Coming Months
WSJ
The Treasury Department said it will continue to shift financing to longer-dated maturities over the coming quarter, but at a more moderate pace than earlier this year, as the government faces uncertain and potentially sizable borrowing needs as a result of COVID.
Jobs:
Unemployed in California? You could see your benefits extended through the holidays
Modesto Bee
Qualified jobless independent contractors, business owners and others not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits can now get seven more weeks of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance payments.
U.S. Unemployment Claims Held Nearly Steady Last Week
WSJ
The pace of the labor market recovery showed fresh signs of cooling last week, with new applications for unemployment benefits holding nearly steady as virus cases surged in several states.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Fresno's Kepler Neighborhood School welcomes students back with new safety precautions
abc30
A Fresno charter school is making big changes to keep its students safe on campus. At Kepler Neighborhood School in downtown Fresno, every day starts with a dance party.
California to consider shorter Smarter Balanced tests this spring
EdSource
On Thursday, the State Board of Education will vote on whether to revise and shorten the state’s annual standardized Smarter Balanced tests in math and English language arts.
Commentary: California students will fight for the ethnic studies education we deserve
CalMatters
California education officials are working on an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum which will deeply impact students for decades. Will it help our communities understand each other better and fight racism, or open the door to bias, division and hate in our schools?
Higher Ed:
CalMatters
Proposition 16 failed, but students at public colleges and universities in California have been trying to increase representation of students of color at their campuses for years and will continue their efforts.
Virtual Event: Higher Education and Economic Opportunity in California
Public Policy Institute of California
PPIC Higher Education Center director Hans Johnson will outline a new report on broadening the benefits of a college degree, and a panel of experts will discuss strategies for expanding access and completion.
Video: Supporting Student Parents in Community College CalWORKs Programs
PPIC
In any given year, 10%–15% of adults in CalWORKs—the state’s primary cash assistance and Welfare-to-Work program—enroll at a community college; single mothers make up about two-thirds of these adults seeking higher education and training.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
The US Left The Paris Climate Agreement This Week. Where Does That Leave California?
Capital Public Radio
Nearly 70% of Americans said before the election that climate change is important for them to consider when picking a president, according to a Pew Research Center survey from August.
See also:
● U.S. formally exits Paris accord on curbing climate change LA Times
'A Refuge From The Roar': Yosemite Welcomes Visitors - No Reservation Necessary
VPR
The summer is traditionally the busy season for Ottley, but because of the pandemic, Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides did about half of its usual business.
Energy:
Natural-Gas Drillers Outshine Oil Peers as Covid-19 Surges
WSJ
A split reality is emerging for U.S. shale drillers: Those that primarily pump oil are still struggling to survive, while those that produce natural gas are slowly seeing signs of recovery.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Coronavirus update: Fresno-area death toll climbs
Fresno Bee
The California Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported 125 new COVID-19 cases in Fresno County, bringing the county total to 31,738 infections since the pandemic began.
See also:
● Coronavirus update: Stanislaus reports 403rd death. Case growth worrisome Modesto Bee
● U.S. Sets Coronavirus Record With Daily New Cases Pushing Past 100,000 Capital Public Radio
● Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Daily Cases Top 100,000 for First Time WSJ
A record number of US children tested positive for coronavirus last week, report says
Fresno Bee
More than 61,000 children were diagnosed with the coronavirus in the U.S. last week — the highest number reported in one week since the pandemic began, according to a report from The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.
See also:
● California’s COVID-19 efforts fare better than national average, but hospitalizations are rising LA Times
● Coronavirus updates: U.S. shatters records with more than 100,000 new cases in a single day Wash Post
Many coronavirus patients may have only gastrointestinal symptoms, study says
Fresno Bee
A review of 36 published studies on COVID include thousands of patients found that nearly one in five infected individuals may only show gastrointestinal symptoms during their battle with coronavirus, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
See also:
● When coffee smells like gasoline: Covid isn’t just stealing senses — it may be warping them Wash Post
AstraZeneca Expects Covid-19 Vaccine Trial Results This Year
WSJ
AstraZeneca PLC said late-stage trials for the Covid-19 vaccine it is developing with the University of Oxford are on track to produce results “later this year,” with a potential rollout soon after, subject to regulatory approval.
Human Services:
Tulare County Announces Health Office Closure
Business Journal
The Tulare County Health and Human Service Agency (HHSA) has confirmed that an employee at the Visalia In-Home Support Services has tested positive for Covid-19.
Dignity Health offering additional free flu vaccine drive-thru clinics
Bakersfield Californian
Dignity Health Mercy & Memorial Hospitals will be hosting additional free drive-thru flu vaccine clinics throughout Kern County in the coming weeks.
Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force will host additional testing sites
Bakersfield Now
The Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Kern County Public Health are holding additional free COVID-19 testing sites as it continues to work toward increasing Kern County’s testing numbers.
Next president will need to repair trust in health agencies
Roll Call
The winner of this week's presidential contest, regardless of the outcome, will be faced next year with the challenge of leading agencies whose reputations have suffered badly during the pandemic under the direction of President Donald Trump.
Face Masks Are Again in Short Supply as Covid-19 Cases Surge
WSJ
A surge of Covid-19 cases and stockpiling of N95 masks in much of the country have put fresh strains on the supply of critical protective gear, manufacturers and health officials say.
IMMIGRATION
California, 3 other states sue to allow new immigrant applications to DACA program
SF Chronicle
The Trump administration is ignoring the law and a Supreme Court ruling by slashing eligibility for DACA, the program allowing young undocumented immigrants to live and work legally in the United States, California and three other states said in a lawsuit Monday.
Bakersfield Californian
A federal appeals court has overturned a ruling that temporarily blocked two immigrant detention centers from opening in McFarland.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Calif State Parks Announces Recommendations for $5.6 Million in Local Recreational Trail Projects
Sierra Sun Times
Calif State Parks announced recommendations for $5.6 million in funding for eight local non-motorized trail projects under the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Recreational Trails Program (RTP).
Housing:
Why liberal California keeps saying no to rent control
LA Times
In one of the most liberal states in the country, California voters have twice had an opportunity to expand rent control statewide amid a historic housing affordability crisis. And both times voters have given a resounding “no” to the idea.
PUBLIC FINANCES
See the numbers: California state worker union membership dips amid pandemic
Fresno Bee
Membership rates for California state unions have dropped slightly amid the pandemic, according to an analysis by The Sac Bee of State Controller’s Office data. The State Worker published a story on the trend Monday.
Americans Were Given the Coronavirus Option to Raid Their 401(k). Most Didn’t.
WSJ
Few American households have raided their retirement accounts to make ends meet. Faced with the prospect of surging unemployment and a declining economy, Congress in March passed a law that temporarily allows Americans to use their retirement money today.
Column: Sorry your mom’s dead. Now give us some money
LA Times
It’s bad enough that people have to struggle to cancel unwanted contracts and subscriptions — a needlessly difficult process that some companies seem to impose deliberately in hopes of raking in extra fees. It’s worse if you also happen to be dead.
TRANSPORTATION
From Vision to Reality: Lessons Learned in Complete Street Implementation
Western City
When then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation creating the Active Transportation Program (ATP) in 2013, communities throughout California took note.
How Electric Buses Are Hailing the Future of City Transport
Bloomberg
Across the world, cities are looking to early adopters such as Santiago as they seek to slash carbon emissions and cut air pollution by switching to electric buses.
How Coronavirus Ravaged Travel in 2020
WSJ
Is travel rebounding? The numbers say no, not really. In April, the Middle Seat tallied up the devastation in the travel industry from the Covid-19 pandemic, looking at key numbers that illustrated the impact. More than six months later, it’s time for another look at the numbers.
WATER
EPA Awards $252 Billion for California Water Infrastructure
California Water News Daily
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has awarded $252 billion for water infrastructure via State Revolving Funds(SRFs) in California. SRF funding assists states, tribes and territories with infrastructure projects that protect surface water and provide safe drinking water.
“Xtra”
This Unidentified Plane Flew Over California. The Air Force Won't Admit It Exists.
Popular Mechanics
The image depicts a flying wing-shaped aircraft leaving a contrail in its wake. An observer reportedly took the photo while the aircraft was over the Military Operating Area at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Bethany Clough: New Fresno area restaurants: At least 30 have opened since COVID-19 pandemic started
Fresno Bee
It may seem counter-intuitive to talk about restaurants opening in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic. Some have shut their doors for good.