POLICY & POLITICS
Valley:
Maddy Associates Luncheon with Lori Ajax, chief of the California Bureau of Cannabis Control
The Maddy Institute
Today The Maddy Institute will be hosting Lori Ajax, chief of the California Bureau of Cannabis Control. Business and Community leaders have been invited to attend this private event in Fresno, CA. To become a Maddy Associate please contact us HERE.
It’s all over but the counting. Here’s how many ballots Fresno County has left to process
Fresno Bee
Election Day is over, but there are still 100,000 vote-by-mail and provisional ballots left to count in Fresno County. Registrar Brandi Orth said Wednesday morning that the process of counting about 76,000 mail-in ballots had begun.
See Also:
● Lengthy process of counting of Fresno County ballots continues Fresno Bee
● More than 100,000 ballots till need to be counted in Fresno County abc30
● Here's how to check if your vote by mail or provisional ballot was counted abc30
● Sit tight: Thousands of ballots still being counted Bakersfield Californian
● Hundreds of thousands of votes left to count in Sacramento County Sacramento Bee
● Strong turnout, strong opinions in SJ Stockton Record
● Nearly 80,000 ballots still need processing in Stanislaus County Modesto Bee
Costa claims victory over Heng in 16th Congressional District
Fresno Bee
Democrat Jim Costa has defeated Republican Elizabeth Heng in the 16th Congressional District, which includes much of the city of Fresno and parts of Fresno, Madera and Merced counties.
See Also:
● Rep. Jim Costa will retain his seat, defeating newcomer Elizabeth Heng abc30
District 10 cliff-hanger race between Denham and Harder still teetering
Modesto Bee
Republican incumbent Jeff Denham held a lead Wednesday over Democratic challenger Josh Harder, who hopes he’ll pick up ground as election workers continue processing several thousand ballots yet to count in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
See Also:
● Heated Central Valley Congressional Race Still Too Close To Call Capital Public Radio
● Josh Harder Supporters Gather And Wait For Results Modesto Bee
Nunes comfortably beats Janz in high-profile congressional race
Fresno Bee
Rep. Devin Nunes defeated Democratic challenger Andrew Janz in the Valley’s premier race in the 2018 general election. With all precincts reporting, Nunes totaled 75,111 votes to Janz’s 59,528 (56 percent to 44 percent).
See Also:
● Democrats take the House but Nunes isn’t worried Visalia Times-Delta
● Now that Nunes can no longer be Trump’s protector, maybe he can be our congressman Fresno Bee
McClintock defeats Morse in Congressional race
Sierra Star
Rep. Tom McClintock held off Democratic challenger Jessica Morse in his quest for his sixth term in California’s 4th Congressional District seat.
See Also:
● Tom McClintock Re-Elected In California's 4th Congressional District Capital Public Radio
● GOP Rep. Tom McClintock defeats Democrat Jessica Morse in deep-red Sierra Nevada district Los Angeles Times
McCarthy announces run for minority leader one day after loss of congressional majority
Bakersfield Californian
One day after Democrats wrested control of Congress away from Republicans, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy wasted no time in launching a bid for the role of minority leader, Politico reported Wednesday.
Valadao leads Cox in Kings County
Hanford Sentinel
In one of the more contentious local races, incumbent Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) went head-to-head with Democrat challenger TJ Cox in Congressional District 21.
Dem. Melissa Hurtado wins State Senate Dist. 14 in upset
abc30
100-percent of precincts are reporting that democrat Melissa Hurtado beat republican incumbent Andy Vidak with 52-percent of the vote. The Sanger City Councilmember was up against Republican incumbent Andy Vidak who took about 48 percent of the vote.
See Also:
● Vidak leads race for state Senate against Hurtado Hanford Sentinel
● Hurtado ousts incumbent Vidak in 14th state Senate race Bakersfield Californian
Rudy Salas reelected to State Assembly District 32
abc30
Salas went up for re-election against challenger and Hanford City Councilmember Justin Mendes.
See Also:
● Assembly race close, Mendes leads in Kings County Hanford Sentinel
● Salas defeats Mendes, overcoming 11th-hour deficit, to retain 32nd AD seat Bakersfield Californian
Susan Eggman holds strong lead in race for Assembly District 13
Stockton Record
Democrat Susan Talamantes Eggman appears to have scored a decisive victory Tuesday to again represent State Assembly District 13.
Madera County could get its first female District Attorney
abc30
It's history in the making in Madera County. The elections office is still counting thousands of votes but early results are showing that Sally Moreno could be the new District Attorney. Making her the first woman to ever hold that position.
See Also:
● Moreno declares victory in Madera County District Attorney race Sierra Star
Brian Poochigian takes the win in Visalia District 3 City Council
abc30
Of the three candidates vying for the only open City Council seat in Visalia-- Brian Poochigian takes the win.
See Also:
● Brian Poochigian wins Visalia City Council race, takes Gubler's seat Visalia Times-Delta
Incumbent Jazmin Robles finishes first in race for Arvin City Council seats
Bakersfield Californian
An infusion of oil and gas money into the Arvin City Council race seemed to be doing the trick late Tuesday — but then, Wednesday morning, came the final numbers.
See Also:
● Only 1 of 3 Arvin challengers supported by oil group wins seat Bakersfield Californian
Hanford City Council races remain close
Hanford Sentinel
With the first results in, Hanford City Council candidate John Draxler is leading Mayor David Ayers by almost seven percent (53.47-46.53), or a little over one hundred votes, in District A.
Atwater mayor out. Here’s what winners promise after nasty campaign year
Merced Sun-Star
The voters of Atwater ousted one-term Mayor Jim Price on Election Day, supporting the new direction the city has moved in the past two years, according to Tuesday’s winners.
Samra captures Livingston mayor race. About 20 votes separate council frontrunners
Merced Sun-Star
Former Livingston mayor Gurpal Samra is emerging as the favorite to win the four-way Livingston mayoral race, according to preliminary results.
See Also:
● Could be weeks before Merced District 6 race winner is determined Merced Sun-Star
Blame for 4th District loss turns to Jose Gonzalez in day after election
Bakersfield Californian
Fingers pointed to 4th District supervisor candidate Jose Gonzalez in the day after an election that saw incumbent David Couch beat two Latino candidates in a 68 percent Latino-majority district.
See Also:
● Couch wins big in high-profile race in newly redrawn district Bakersfield Californian
Supporters show up for ‘Get Out The Vote’ rally
Madera Tribune
California Candidate for Governor John Cox rolled into Madera to show his support for Republican candidates Rob Poythress for State Senate, 12th District; Elizabeth Heng, for U.S. Congress, District 16th; and Greg Conlon for State Treasurer.
‘Everyone was able to vote.’ Stanislaus clerk denies problems with ballots
Modesto Bee
Discord between Stanislaus County’s election office and poll watchers continued a day after Tuesday’s vote, with poll watchers continuing to claim some voters were not able to cast ballots.
See Also:
● Poll Watchers Claim Some Stanislaus Voters Couldn’t Cast Ballots Modesto Be
Few votes counted in Lemoore races
Hanford Sentinel
While the elections were too early to officially call at deadline Tuesday, with over a quarter of the early votes counted, things looked good for Lemoore’s Measure D.
Hire takes hold of Tulare County education's top spot, can he keep it?
Visalia Times Delta
The name synonymous with education in Tulare County wasn’t supposed to lose on Tuesday night.
EDITORIAL: Fresno’s parks measure failed its first test. City leaders need to try again
Fresno Bee
Measure P, a measure that would have funded work on parks in the city of Fresno California, failed. It did not land a simple majority: of votes counted Tuesday, 48 percent approved it, 51 percent turned it down.
EDITORIAL: Incumbents win big Tuesday, so it’s back to work. Now, get along and do some good
Fresno Bee
The power of incumbency was on display in Tuesday’s election in key central San Joaquin Valley races, which shows that voters were satisfied enough with the jobs those officials were doing to keep them in office.
See Also:
● Will incumbents hold congressional seats? Stockton Record
● Minority candidates see both success and veiled racism Stockton Record
State:
Democrats Poised To Regain Supermajority In California Legislature
Capital Public Radio
Governor-elect Gavin Newsom will likely have an even more Democratic Legislature to work with once he takes office in early January because of a surprise result in an overlooked state Senate seat.
See Also:
● Democrats Flip Some, But Not All, Contested California House Seats VPR
● Democrats on verge of supermajority in both houses of CA Legislature San Francisco Chronicle
● Inside the Fight to Turn Red California Blue New York Times
Election 2018: Results of all 11 California propositions
abc30
On Election Day, California voters approved or denied 11 different propositions, which included regulations on dialysis centers, repealing the 2017 gas tax and wider local authority on rent control. See how the propositions fared.
See Also:
● Here's How California's 11 Ballot Measures Fared On Election Night Capital Public Radio
● California voters want year-round daylight saving time. It still faces a tough road Modesto Bee
● EDITORIAL: Populism loses to big money on California initiatives San Francisco Chronicle
What Happened On Election Day In California? Here’s The Lowdown.
VPR
Californians named a new governor and rejected a contentious ballot measure to repeal last year’s gas tax and vehicle fee increases. And many of the tight battleground Congressional races remain too close to call.
See also:
● The fight goes on: Election Night 2018 Brookings
To succeed as governor, here’s what Gavin Newsom needs to do right now
Modesto Bee
Over the last four years, Gavin Newsom has campaigned in almost every corner of California. He has raised tens of millions of dollars, outlined dozens of policy goals, given hundreds of speeches and posed for countless selfies. That was the easy part.
See Also:
● Gavin Newsom ‘loves’ Sacramento, but maybe not enough to live there Sacramento Bee
● California’s new first lady seen as ‘front and center’ in the Governor’s Office Sacramento Bee
● Tax credits to labor laws. What everyone wants from California’s new governor Sacramento Bee
● Get to know your new governor: 9 things about Gavin Newsom Sacramento Bee
● John Cox was a different kind of Republican, but still lost like one Sacramento Bee
● With Newsom as Gov, California's battle with Trump intensifies LA Times
● Meet your next Gov, California. Here’s where Gavin Newsom stands on state issues Los Angeles Times
● Gov. Gavin Newsom will need to set rules of engagement with President Trump San Francisco Chronicle
● California needs a plan for LGBTQ seniors San Francisco Chronicle
● The 2018 election is over, let the governing begin CALmatters
● Newsom starts putting together his team CALmatters
● The Gavin agenda Politico
● How Strong Is the Trump Effect in California? PPIC
What Democrats’ House majority next year will mean for California
Fresno Bee
While Washington still faces plenty of legislative gridlock in 2019, Democrats’ House victories on Tuesday are bound to affect Californians and issues they care about, from immigration to healthcare to traffic congestion.
See Also:
● Democrats make US House gains in California Sacramento Bee
● Republican Rep. Steve Knight concedes to newcomer Katie Hill in north L.A. County district Los Angeles Times
● CA Democrats flip two House seats, with others too close to call San Francisco Chronicle
● “A Failing Franchise:” Is the California GOP doomed? CALmatters
So is California’s new schools chief Tuck or Thurmond? Why we don’t know yet
CALmatters
The race between Marshall Tuck and Tony Thurmond for state superintendent of public instruction has been a multi-million-dollar nailbiter. Election Day has come and gone, however, and the winner is days or maybe even weeks from being declared.
New lieutenant governor Kounalakis makes statewide election history
CALmatters
Former ambassador to Hungary Eleni Kounalakis will become California’s first woman elected lieutenant governor, charging to victory over state Sen. Ed Hernandez in a race that pitted her campaign cash and diplomatic resume against his labor connections and legislative experience.
Here's why California’s early 2020 primary is destined to pick the next president. (Nah, not really)
Los Angeles Times
Look, it would be great if California voted in a truly meaningful presidential primary. It's been about 50 years since that happened.
Big campaign spending for status quo outcome
CALmatters
A few hours before the polls closed on Tuesday, an organization that tracks California political trends reported that an eye-popping $1-plus billion had been spent on campaigns this year.
Federal:
Election unwind: Who gets the bragging rights for 2018? Who gets the blame?
Fresno Bee
Midterms typically help the party out of power in Washington, but Tuesday’s election expanded Republicans’ majority in the Senate —at the same Democrats took control of the House by a substantial margin.
See Also:
● Democratic Control Of The House Is Trouble For Trump, And 6 Other Election Takeaways VPR
● Democrats retake the House, setting up divided government Hanford Sentinel
● Trump scorecard: The president endorsed all of these candidates. Did they win? Modesto Bee
● These Democrats are poised to take over some key House panels (and make things harder for Trump) Los Angeles Times
● Trump’s Minority Coalition Wall Street Journal
● A Big Night for Democrats, but Not Progressives Wall Street Journal
● Both Parties Win—and Lose Wall Street Journal
● In Suburban Strongholds, Blue Wave a Republican Wipeout Roll Call
● Suburban Voters Gave Democrats Their House Majority City Lab
● Schiff: Democratic House will tackle the oversight that GOP 'abdicated' Politico
● How Democrats won the House Washington Post
● 10 midterm takeaways Washington Post
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is forced out by Trump a day after midterm elections
Fresno Bee
President Donald Trump announced in a tweet Wednesday that he replaced Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
See Also:
● AG Sessions has resigned at the request of the President abc30
● Who is Matthew Whitaker, new acting attorney general? abc30
● Trump considering retired judge as attorney general Sacramento Bee
● Jeff Sessions forced out as attorney general Hanford Sentinel
● Jeff Sessions forced out as attorney general by Trump Stockton Record
● Trump fires Jeff Sessions, names Matthew Whitaker as interim attorney general Visalia Times-Delta
● Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions forced out by Trump, setting up likely clash over the Russia investigation Los Angeles Times
● EDITORIAL: Trump finally puts Jeff Sessions out of his misery. Now it's up to Congress to protect Robert Mueller Los Angeles Times
● Trump ousts Jeff Sessions in midterm election fallout San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: Trump dumps Sessions in raw power play San Francisco Chronicle
● AG Jeff Sessions pushed out after year of attacks from Trump over recusal from Russia probe San Diego Union-Tribune
● Jeff Sessions’ Successor Wall Street Journal
President Trump revokes CNN reporter's press pass after heated confrontation
abc30
The White House says it has suspended the press pass of CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta.
See Also:
● White House bans CNN reporter after confrontation with Trump CNN
● Trump Lashes Out During Combative Press Conference Capital Public Radio
● Trump turns his post-election reckoning into an operatic performance of grievances and pugilism Sacramento Bee
● Trump, at News Conference, Vows to Retaliate Against Any Investigations Wall Street Journal
● The ‘Open-Book’ President Lays Out His ‘War-Like Posture’ Plan Roll Call
● 64 truly remarkable lines from Donald Trump's otherworldly post-election news conference CNN
Pelosi on speakership bid: 'It's what you can do'
abc30
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the front-runner to become Speaker of the House in the 116th Congress following Tuesday's midtermelection victory, said she is confident she will win her caucus's support.
See Also:
● House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Holds Press Conference After Dems Take Back House Capital Public Radio
● Janz has two words for Devin Nunes: 'Nancy Pelosi,' Nunes unimpressed Visalia Times Delta
● After leading her party to House majority, Nancy Pelosi faces battle for speaker’s gavel Los Angeles Times
● Nancy Pelosi on track to reclaim speaker’s gavel, but she’s not a lock San Francisco Chronicle
● The Nancy Pelosi Method Wall Street Journal
● Trump, Pelosi talk about getting along - until they don't AP News
The red parts got redder and the blue parts bluer in a midterm election that underscored America's deep divide
Los Angeles Times
Democrats owe their newly elected House majority to an upsurge of votes from women, younger Americans and white college graduates, deepening divides that emerged in the election two years ago and shaping the debate within the party over how to challenge President Trump in 2020.
See also:
● What the Midterm Election Shows: America’s Two Parties Live In Divergent Worlds Wall Street Journal
● Two Areas Where Congress Can Make Bipartisan Progress Wall Street Journal
● Newly Empowered House Democrats Vow to Act After Latest Mass Shooting Roll Call
Women and diversity win big in historic state and local elections
Los Angeles Times
Much has been made of the historic firsts the election brought for Congress, with Muslims, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and African Americans winning key races along with more than 100 women.
See Also:
● How many women won? We tracked the midterm results Los Angeles Times
● The 2018 midterms: Another ‘Year of the Woman’ Brookings
House Republicans Launch Quick Campaigns for Leadership Elections Next Week
Roll Call
After a disappointing midterm performance, House Republicans spent Wednesday gearing up for their leadership elections next week, with candidates promising they’ll spend the next two years helping their party reclaim their lost majority.
See also:
● McCarthy announces run for minority leader one day after loss of congressional majority Bakersfield Californian
● Bakersfield's McCarthy denied speakership for the second time Bakersfield Californian
Democratic House Will Target Wall Street—but Can’t Stop Deregulation
Wall Street Journal
The midterm election won’t derail the Trump administration’s push to ease rules for banks, but Democratic control of the House will put Wall Street at the center of political battles.
See also:
● Split Congress Poses New Obstacles to Trump Wall Street Journal
● Democrats’ House Victory Complicates Passage of New Nafta, Trade Deals Wall Street Journal
● Democratic House Threatens Trump’s Business Agenda Wall Street Journal
EDITORIAL: Finally, a check on the unlawful, immoral Trump administration
Los Angeles Times
But there is some agreement: The election of a sui generis TV personality to the highest office in the land blackened the eye of American institutions. Whether you consider that a good or a bad thing depends on what you think of those institutions.
Other:
More people left CA in 2017 than moved here. Who they are and where they went
Sacramento Bee
About 130,000 more residents left California for other states last year than came here from them, as high costs left many residents without a college degree looking for an exit, according to a Bee review of the latest census estimates.
Did the Politics of Division Work? Yes and No
Roll Call
Though America has always seen progress and pushback, this election threatened to push us back a century or two
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized with fractured ribs
Washington Post
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized early Thursday morning after fracturing three ribs during a fall in her office Wednesday night, the court said.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
An organic eatery went in where? New restaurant brings healthful food to ag heartland
Modesto Bee
Say organic food and some might envision earthy-crunchy concoctions that are high on health and low on flavor.
Fresno council members react to voters voting "Yes" on Measure A
abc30
The results from last Tuesday's elections are starting to settle in across the central valley. Supporters of Fresno's Measure A ended election night on a high note and those against it were disappointed.
After cannabis vote, legal medical marijuana dispensaries on brink of closing throughout Kern County
Bakersfield Californian
The future of the marijuana industry in Kern County was thrown into disarray after voters rejected all three cannabis measures on Tuesday’s ballot.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Thousand Oaks gunman was ex-Marine who may have suffered from PTSD, sheriff says Los Angeles Times
A gunman who killed 12 people at a Thousand Oaks bar was a former U.S. Marine who may have been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, the Ventura County sheriff said.
See also:
● 'He Died a Hero.' Ventura Sheriff's Deputy Killed Trying to Stop Gunman in California Bar Shooting Time
● The Latest: 29-year-old used smoke, .45-caliber handgun AP News
● 13 dead including gunman in shooting at California bar AP News
Fire:
PG&E May Cut Power In Nine California Counties Thursday, Citing Fire Danger
Capital Public Radio
PG&E says it may proactively cut-off electricity to 69,000 customers in parts of nine Northern California counties Thursday as a safety precaution against wildfires.
See Also:
● CA wildfire threats could lead PG&E to cut power to parts of nine counties San Francisco Chronicle
Strong Santa Ana winds expected this week, triggering fire fears
Los Angeles Times
Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to blow through the Southland this week, which, paired with low humidity, could bring critical fire weather conditions to the region.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
U.S. Stock Indexes Drift Lower Following Sharp Midterm Rally
Wall Street Journal
U.S. stocks slipped Thursday as investors continued to digest the results of the midterm elections that triggered the largest postelection gain for the S&P 500 since 1982 on Wednesday.
Federal Reserve Likely to Keep Interest Rates Steady
Wall Street Journal
Federal Reserve officials are expected to keep interest rates steady at their two-day policy meeting that concludes Thursday. They will likely discuss the economy, financial markets and the future path of rates, among other topics.
U.S. stock market pushes higher after midterm elections
Washington Post
The Dow Jones industrials like a divided government — so far. The blue-chip index closed Wednesday up 545 points after Democrats took back the House in last night’s midterms and Republicans strengthened their hold on the Senate.
Jobs:
Toshiba Expects Nearly $1 Billion Hit to Get Out of U.K. Nuclear, U.S. Gas Businesses
Wall Street Journal
The moves are intended to clear away legacy problems after Toshiba went through waves of restructuring in the past three years
EDUCATION
Jury decides in student’s forced pushups case. District’s lawyer says humility is good
Fresno Bee
A Fresno teacher did nothing wrong when he ordered a 9-year-old fourth-grade girl to do pushups and other exercises in front of students for talking during a class lesson, a Superior Court jury ruled Wednesday.
Hundreds of Central Unified students receive new coats to stay warm this winter.
abc30
Hundreds of students in Central Unified School District now have a new coat to help them get through these chilly autumn mornings. Wednesday morning the district handed out the new jackets to students who are in need.
Yosemite Unified board incumbents poised to hold on to their seats
Sierra Star
Incumbent Yosemite Unified School District trustees have early leads, leaving them in good shape to win reelection.
Lodi school board race left off hundreds of ballots
Stockton Record
A Lodi Unified school board candidate who discovered his race had been left off the ballots of more than 500 eligible voters said Wednesday the error was “a travesty” and a “social injustice.”
Hire takes hold of Tulare County education's top spot, can he keep it?
Visalia Times-Delta
The name synonymous with education in Tulare County wasn’t supposed to lose on Tuesday night. While many votes are left to be tallied,Craig Wheaton, Tulare County Office of Education Administrative Services deputy superintendent, is watching from the backseat while Tim Hiredrives.
Two women will serve on KHSD board for first time in two decades
Bakersfield Californian
For the first time in two decades, the Kern High School District Board of Trustees will have two female trustees on the board.
Clovis Roundup
The Clovis Unified School District governing board underwent a few changes this election cycle.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Midterms Wash Away Nearly Half of Climate Caucus Republicans
Roll Call
The bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus lost nearly half of its Republican members in Tuesday’s elections, including co-founder Rep.Carlos Curbelo of Florida, posing a setback in efforts to break the GOP firewall on environmental issues.
EDITORIAL: Reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. And make it permanent
Los Angeles Times
For more than 50 years, fees on offshore oil and gas drilling have provided billions of dollars for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to protect redwood forests, Joshua trees, beaches, mountains, parks, trails and other natural treasures in California — and similar assets around the nation.
Energy:
Election hangovers, bold pitches at Energy Summit
Bakersfield Californian
It wouldn't be a Kern County Energy Summit without commentaries on the downsides of government regulation. But Wednesday morning's annual industry gathering also offered something for those who see the cup as half full.
U.S. Oil Falls for 8th Day in a Row as Supplies Surge
Wall Street Journal
Oil prices fell for an eighth straight session Wednesday, the longest losing streak since July 2014, after a report showed U.S. crude-oil inventories rose for a seventh straight week and U.S. oil production soared to a record.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Health Watch: Recognizing the signs of strokes in kids
abc30
The risk of stroke in children is 11 in 100,000 per year. In some cases, the cause is sickle cell disease, immune disorders, or a heart defect. Although strokes in kids aren't common, parents are advised to be concerned if a teen suffers severe headaches, dizziness or extreme sleepiness.
Human Services:
Hospital that closed in June when 1 deal fell apart now has 2 proposals to reopen it
Fresno Bee
Coalinga Regional Medical Center has two proposals to reopen the bankrupt hospital. Cura HealthCare, a Carlsbad, California, company, and Dr. Gurpreet Singh, of Modesto, will present proposals this week.
Tesoro Viejo team raises more than $15K for heart association
Madera Tribune
The Tesoro Viejo team raised $15,015 for the American Heart Association, receiving second place top team fundraising award at the 26th Annual 2018 Central Valley Heart & Stroke Walk.
New Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley hospital opens
Bakersfield Californian
The new Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley hospital opened its doors Wednesday, providing services to the public at 1100 Magellan Drive.
EDITORIAL: Will Nevada ever do the right thing and pay for the mental health patients it dumped?
Sacramento Bee
A 2013 investigation by The Sacramento Bee uncovered how Nevada officials bused psychiatric patients to California and other states. Now, they plan to appeal a jury verdict over their disgraceful patient dumping.
IMMIGRATION
Trump to Sign Immigration Directive Revamping Asylum System
Wall Street Journal
President Trump is expected to sign a directive this week that will make official his plans to revamp the U.S. asylum system, part of his broader push to crack down on undocumented migrants entering the U.S. illegally.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
River Park openings: Two restaurants, a new store and a mystery for Fresno shopping area
Fresno Bee
River Park is getting a flurry of new businesses. Two new restaurants are opening, more are on the way and a new boutique is coming soon.
What’s happening with Jack in the Box? Here’s why some Fresno-area locations are closed
Fresno Bee
Three Jack in the Box restaurants are closed in Fresno and Clovis California, one near Fresno State, another on Clovis Avenue and one that closed years ago to make way for California’s high speed rail project.
Housing:
California turned down rent control, but will Sacramento do it anyway?
Sacramento Bee
Rent control advocates in Sacramento on Wednesday said they will push forward with a local renter-relief ballot measure, despite the decisive defeat this week of Prop. 10, a statewide effort to curb rent hikes.
The rent control initiative just lost: What’s next for renters?
CALmatters
Proposition 10, the statewide ballot initiative that would have allowed California cities to expand rent control, has gone down to defeat. And while the state may not finish counting votes for weeks, it looks like Prop. 10 is going to lose badly.
California Midterm Results: Funding for Affordable Housing and a Rent Control Defeat
New York Times
More money for subsidized housing and a resounding defeat for rent control and activists: That was the message Californians seemed to send to state and local governments on Election Day.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Los Banos sales tax hike passes. Here’s the update on Westside Merced County races
Merced Sun-Star
The sales tax in the City of Los Banos will jump from 8.25 percent to 8.75 percent with the extra revenue funding a slew of city services, if Tuesday’s Measure H ballot results hold.
Trump indicates he'd consider raising some taxes to win middle-class relief
Politico
President Donald Trump said today he would be willing to make "an adjustment" to recent corporate and upper-income tax cuts to bring Democrats to the table on his proposal to further cut taxes for the middle class.
Some GOP Lawmakers Reckon With Their Tax Vote Record
Wall Street Journal
As a tough midterm battle in southern New Jersey shows, tax cuts aren’t delivering voters for some Republican candidates.
TRANSPORTATION
Has the love affair with driving gotten stuck in traffic?
Washington Post
America’s love affair with the automobile and those dreams of roaring off on open highways are on the wane as the nation grapples with too much stop-and-go traffic and too many hours spent behind the steering wheel.
WATER
Newsom and Brown wade into California water wars to delay plan to help fish
Fresno Bee
An eleventh hour request from Gov. Jerry Brown and incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom prompted California water regulators to delay their vote on a proposal that would keep more water in the San Joaquin River and its tributaries to benefit struggling fish populations, leaving less for farmers and nearly 3 million people from the Bay Area to Modesto.
See Also:
● Board agrees to Newsom-Brown request to delay decision on water plan Modesto Bee
● EDITORIAL: Water board’s concerns don’t include us Modesto Bee
● Trump is weaponizing California's water issues Los Angeles Times
● State board again delays vote on contentious river plan Los Angeles Times
● Brown, Newsom wade in to delay plan to withhold water from cities, farms San Francisco Chronicle
“Xtra”
Fresno veterans parade is largest in the nation — and it’s changing dates this year
Fresno Bee
The largest Veterans Day parade in the country will march along downtown Fresno on Monday, and the organizers behind it are working hard to make sure no one misses it.
Honor veterans with local events this weekend
Bakersfield Californian
Whether you are a veteran yourself or just want to thank them for their service, there are several ways to celebrate Veterans Day this weekend.
Acclaimed poet, author Gary Soto leads tours at self-titled museum
abc30
A special treat by one of California's most influential writers. Poet, author and Fresno City College graduate, Gary Soto, led personal tours at the museum named after him at his Alma mater on Wednesday.
City Council To Vote On Funding For Fresno Landmark
Business Journal
The Fresno City Council is scheduled to decide Thursday on funding to restore a historic building in Downtown Fresno.