POLICY & POLITICS
Valley:
Andrew Janz's path to victory over Devin Nunes is a windy one toward congress
Visalia Times-Delta
After 16 years, Congressman Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) is set to face his first credible challenger in the Democratic upstart Andrew Janz. Well, that's according to Janz.
See also:
● Devin Nunes's Family Farm Moved to Iowa, Employs Undocumented Workers Esquire
Denham calls opponent ‘Bay Area Harder’ — but he spends time and money at the coast, too
Modesto Bee
On the campaign trail, Republican Rep. Jeff Denham’s opposition to the Bay Area and liberal policies is obvious. But for an office retreat earlier this year, he took his staff to his political roots in Monterey, and brought in a venerable Democrat to enlighten them.
Incumbent Andy Vidak battling newcomer Melissa Hurtado for 14th Senate District seat
Bakersfield Californian
The race for the 14th state Senate District pits incumbent Andy Vidak, a Hanford Republican, against Democratic challenger Melissa Hurtado of the Sanger City Council.
Bakersfield Californian
Former state Assemblywoman Shannon Grove is the heavy favorite in the race for the 16th State Senate District race, bearing name recognition and legislative experience that could find her coasting to victory.
Nicita challenges incumbent Fong for 34th Assembly District seat
Bakersfield Californian
One seeks to cut taxes on consumers and overhaul state regulations. The other wants to raise taxes on wealthy corporations and make sure Kern County gets its fair share of the revenues. Both say they're uniquely suited to fight for the Central Valley as the 34th District Assemblyman.
Mendes, Salas vie for 32nd Assembly District seat
Bakersfield Californian
This political dynamic is again taking center stage in the Nov. 6 election, as Democratic incumbent Rudy Salas tries to defend his seat against Republican Justin Mendes, a Hanford city councilman and former district director for his opponents' predecessor in the 32nd, Rep. David Valadao, a Hanford Republican.
Supervisor chairman pulls endorsement of candidate over child molest accusation
Fresno Bee
Sal Quintero, chairman of the Fresno, Ca, County Board of Supervisors announced he is pulling his endorsement of Oscar Garcia for auditor-controller, tax collector-treasurer because of child molest allegation.
Sheriff endorses Pitcher for KHSD board
Bakersfield Californian
“I have had the honor of working with Jenifer Pitcher for many years," Youngblood said in a statement. "When it comes to safety in our schools, she will work tirelessly to ensure our students have a safe place to go and have the tools they need to be successful in the classroom.”
Council rivals face city issues
Madera Tribune
Six candidates for Madera City Council districts 1, 3 and 5 discussed issues such as downtown development, deficits, salaries, homelessness, and blight at a public forum Monday.
Hanford City Council meets Tuesday
Hanford Sentinel
The Hanford City Council will convene Tuesday for a relatively light meeting agenda. In addition to the consent calendar and recognition of two Hanford residents, Council has only three general business items to discuss.
See also:
● City Council to get update on Surf Ranch Hanford Sentinel
Turlock police officer claims mayor tried to stifle his free speech rights
Modesto Bee
A Turlock police detective has filed a claim against the city, alleging Mayor Gary Soiseth contacted the detective’s superiors in an “attempt to influence, intimidate, harass, and silence (his) protected off-duty political activity” and freedom of speech.
EDITORIAL: Nelson Esparza: Fresno Bee recommends for city council
The Fresno Bee
Esparza teaches economics at Fresno City College, and understands a fairly new funding mechanism approved by the state Legislature — the technical name is enhanced infrastructure finance districts — that can be used to pay to repair and replace public facilities like roads, parks, water and sewer systems.
State:
Jerry Brown approves bill protecting Californians’ internet speed – Feds say they will sue
Sacramento Bee
On Sunday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill barring internet service providers from slowing customer speeds, blocking access to lawful content and offering “fast lanes” for large sites like Facebook, Google and Netflix.
See Also:
● California enacts strongest net neutrality protections in the country as Trump administration announces it will sue Los Angeles Times
● California OKs net-neutrality rules: Trump administration promptly sues San Francisco Chronicle
● California governor signs tough net neutrality bill ABC30
● US sues California over net neutrality law AP News
● Trump Administration Sues Over California Net Neutrality Law The Wall Street Journal
● Justice Dept. plans to sue California to block tough net neutrality law that stops Internet providers from favoring some websites The Washington Post
● California’s tough net neutrality bill prompts U.S. lawsuit PBS NewsHour
Gov. Jerry Brown signs a slate of bills inspired by the #MeToo movement
Los Angeles Times
The #MeToo movement has now made its mark on California law, with Gov. Jerry Brown signing a number of bills Sunday that were introduced following an outpouring of attention to sexual harassment and misconduct.
See also:
● Measures to end forced arbitration of sexual harassment claims, extend statute of limitations vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown Los Angeles Times
Myers: Once California's governor vetoes a bill, lawmakers almost never challenge the decision
Los Angeles Times
An old Sacramento adage uses baseball imagery to explain the power of California’s chief executive at the end of the legislative process: “The governor bats last.”
Gavin Newsom's fundraising machine continues to dominate the California governor's race
Los Angeles Times
The Newsom campaign had $16.2 million cash on hand as of Sept. 22 compared with the $1.7 million Cox had in the bank, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state Thursday evening.
See also:
EDITORIAL: Gavin Newsom deserves your vote for governor — but you deserve to know more about his prioritiesSacramento Bee
OPINION: We recommend: Elect Newsom governor; Kounalakis lieutenant governor Bakersfield Californian
California makes it easier for lawmakers to live outside of their districts
Sacramento Bee
Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday signed Senate Bill 1250, which addresses decades of dispute over where the state’s 120 legislators are allowed to live when holding office by loosening the legal standard for determining their primary residence.
California divorce courts go to dogs as pets gain status
ABC30
California courts could be going to the dogs - and maybe cats, too - under a new law granting judges the authority to settle disagreements over who keeps the family pet in divorce cases the same way they handle child-custody disputes.
California lieutenant governor candidates would use office to push for college affordability
EdSource
Both candidates said California should take steps to address students’ total cost of attending college: Not just tuition and fees, but also the costs of textbooks, transportation, food and housing.
Voting rolls are getting younger in California as pre-registration of teens tops 200,000
EdSource
California, in recent years, has become a leader nationwide when it comes to educating and registering young voters. Since 2015, 16- and 17-year-olds have been able to pre-register to vote; and this year, thanks to the state’s new motor voter law, teens 16 and up are automatically registered to vote when they get their driver’s license or state ID card.
See also:
● How voter turnout could affect the 2018 midterm elections Brookings
Poll: Feinstein maintains robust lead in California race
POLITICO
According to a new poll released Wednesday night by the Public Policy Institute of California, which tracked the high-profile race between Feinstein, 85, and de León, 50, the progressive Democrat who authored California’s controversial “sanctuary state” bill. The survey showed Feinstein leading de León by 11 points among likely voters — 40 percent to 29 percent — with 8 percent still undecided.
Ted Cruz’s misleading claim: California ‘is hemorrhaging population’
PolitiFact
Politicians from California and Texas tend to tussle over which state is producing more jobs, or sometimes poaching them, as well as whose economy is growing faster.
EDITORIAL: Vote yes on Prop 7 to force another look at daylight saving time
Los Angeles Times
In a few weeks, most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour as daylight saving time ends and standard time begins. Or is that one hour forward?
Federal:
Local experts call Kavanaugh investigation no-win situation
ABC30
The FBI investigation has begun into the sexual assault allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. This comes just two days after Dr. Christine Blasey-Ford and Kavanaugh testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
See Also:
● GOP senators demand probe of Feinstein’s office after Kavanaugh accusations Fresno Bee
● ‘I’m a victim of sexual assault,’ Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway tells CNN Fresno Bee
● FBI investigation into Kavanaugh is 'uncharted territory,' expert says ABC30
● As Kavanaugh nomination rivets the nation, how men are reacting ABC30
● Kavanaugh hearing spurs sex crimes victims to come forward Stockton Record
● Fight over Kavanaugh intensifies amid confusion over limits of FBI sexual assault investigation Modesto Bee
● Retired Supreme Court Justice Kennedy Silent On Kavanaugh Confirmation Capital Public Radio
● Trump Orders Limited FBI Investigation To Supplement Kavanaugh Background Check Capital Public Radio
● Experts React To Senate Judiciary Hearing On Dr. Ford’s Allegations Of Sexual Assault By Judge Brett Kavanaugh Capital Public Radio
● White House: There's no 'micromanagement' of reopened FBI probe into Kavanaugh accusations Los Angeles Times
● Americans are divided over Ford and Kavanaugh, but not as much as you may think Los Angeles Times
● On the question of Kavanaugh's nomination, some women remain on his side Los Angeles Times
● Skelton: What would a Kavanaugh confirmation mean for the midterm elections? It's all about trade-offs Los Angeles Times
● Ford testimony changing views on sex assault San Francisco Chronicle
● Harris takes advantage of her role in Kavanaugh opposition San Francisco Chronicle
● Senate panel backs Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh in a party-line 11 to 10 vote The Washington Post
● The Kavanaugh Stakes The Wall Street Journal
● The Kavanaugh Standard The Wall Street Journal
● Jeff Flake and the sorry state of compromise in Washington The Washington Post
● EDITORIAL: Kavanaugh hearing was tawdry, but it’s not all bad for California Sacramento Bee
● EDITORIAL: Republicans wisely yield to call for FBI investigation San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: Senate did the right thing on Kavanaugh nomination San Diego Union-Tribune
● EDITORIAL: A crying Brett Kavanaugh. This is what white male privilege looks like Modesto Bee
GOP senators demand probe of Feinstein’s office after Kavanaugh accusations
Sacramento Bee
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, on separate Sunday talk shows suggested Feinstein’s office might have leaked a confidential letter by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford accusing Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school.
Judge green lights congressional Democrats' emoluments lawsuit against Trump
ABC30
A federal judge has given congressional Democrats a green light to pursue their lawsuit against President Donald Trump.
See Also:
● Congressional Democrats' lawsuit alleging Trump's private business is violating the Constitution can proceed, federal judge rules The Washington Post
The Wall Street Journal
The Supreme Court hears a crucial case on regulatory deference.
Republicans block $250 million to beef up election security
USA Today
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic push Wednesday that would have provided $250 million to beef up election security.
Supreme Court Opens New Term Without Ninth Justice in Place
The Wall Street Journal
An eight-member Supreme Court, divided by ideology and clouded by uncertainty, returns Monday for a docket of workmanlike disputes while senators battle over nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation in the face of sexual-assault allegations.
EDITORIAL: America’s Institutions Have Earned Our Distrust
The Wall Street Journal
All the worry, however, may be misguided: A crisis of trust is long overdue. For example, the extreme partisanship and incompetence of the judicial-confirmation process discredits the Senate as well as the Supreme Court, which everyone is treating as an arena of party politics.
Other:
After one year, trauma of Vegas shooting lingers locally
Bakersfield Californian
Attendees recall the horror of the moment on that fateful Sunday last year. Records indicate 534 tickets were sold to residents of Bakersfield and Kern County. Two of the 58 who died were from Bakersfield.
See Also:
● Las Vegas reflects and moves forward 1 year after shooting Stockton Record
● One Year Later, Experts Dig Deeper to Find Vegas Shooter’s Motive The Wall Street Journal
● A year later, friendships forged after Las Vegas fortify against common, recurring haunt Bakersfield Californian
These three startups are here to save local news in their communities
CNN Media
The Colorado Sun, Block Club Chicago, and the Daily Memphian aspire to fill the voids in their communities left by shrinking staffs, budget shortfalls, and shuttered publications in local newsrooms. All three projects are less than a few months old -- Block Club Chicago debuted in June, while the Daily Memphian launched September 17.
Facebook Faces Potential $1.63 Billion Fine in Europe Over Data Breach
The Wall Street Journal
A European Union privacy watchdog could fine Facebook Inc. FB -1.67% as much as $1.63 billion for a data breach announced Friday in which hackers compromised the accounts of more than 50 million users, if regulators find the company violated the bloc’s strict new privacy law.
Google Chief Agrees to Testify to Congress
The New York Times
Mr. Pichai confirmed in a statement that he would testify in “due course.”
Conspiracy Theories: Do they undermine democracy?
CQ Researcher
Wood believes that as Americans become better educated, fewer of them will be interested in engaging in talk of conspiracy theories. “I have good reason to suspect we're at a conspiracy low point,” he says. “The thing that cuts against this is education, especially [higher] education,” which Wood says means more people look to scientific explanations rather than to unfounded theories.
The History of Allensworth, California
BlackPast.org
Allensworth, the first town in California established exclusively by African Americans, was founded in 1908 by a group of men led byColonel Allen Allensworth. Born a slave in Louisville, Kentucky in 1842, Allensworth became the highest ranking black officer in theU.S. Army when he retired in 1906.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
EDITORIAL: Yes on Proposition 12. Let's get rid of cages for hens for real
Los Angeles Times
What constitutes the proper and ethical treatment of animals has evolved substantially over the last few decades and, inevitably, will continue to change as people better understand the animals that share our homes as pets, roam outdoors as wild creatures, or end up as food on our plates.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Inmate-manufactured weapons possibly used in “large scale” fight at Avenal State Prison
Fresno Bee
Eleven inmates at Avenal State Prison were injured in what officials are calling a “large scale incident” at 9:12 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. No staff members were injured in the incident.
See Also:
● Large prison fight in Avenal sends 11 inmates to hospital ABC30
California bans secret settlements in sexual harassment cases
Fresno Bee
Following a year of the #MeToo movement, Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday signed bills to prevent workplace harassment and help victims of sexual misconduct seek justice. Jane Fonda and Gretchen Carlson lobbied at the Capitol.
Brown signs bill to count state's backlogged rape kits
San Francisco Chronicle
Gov. Jerry Brown signed one bill and rejected another Sunday that sexual assault survivors have long sought in hopes of forcing California law enforcement agencies to account for backlogged rape kits.
Los Angeles Times
Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday signed a bill to help hundreds of thousands of Californians convicted of marijuana crimes have felonies reduced to misdemeanors and lower-level offenses removed from their record.
California sets new limits on who can be charged with felony murder
Los Angeles Times
The new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, scales back California’s current felony murder rule, which allows defendants to be convicted of first-degree murder if a victim dies during the commission of a felony — even if the defendant did not intend to kill, or did not know a homicide took place.
Public Safety:
Chief Dyer retiring next year, 12 Fresno Police personnel promoted
ABC30
Fresno City Council Chambers were packed with police officers, along with friends and family members of the 12 men receiving promotions on Friday. Police Chief Jerry Dyer says it's a sign the department is progressing.
Police shootings will get more public scrutiny as California opens access to investigations
Modesto Bee
California will open public access to investigations of police shootings and mandate the release of body camera footage of use-of-force incidents after Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 30, 2018, signed SB 1421 and AB 748.
See Also:
● Californians will gain access to police shooting investigations and videos under landmark laws Los Angeles Times
● Gov. Jerry Brown signs landmark laws that unwind decades of secrecy surrounding police misconduct, use of force Los Angeles Times
CHP's DUI checkpoint in Bakersfield yields no arrests
Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield office of the California Highway Patrol held a DUI checkpoint Friday night, and nobody was arrested.
Los Angeles Times
“California’s laws regulating late night drinking have been on the books since 1913,” Brown wrote in his veto message of Senate Bill 905. “I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem.”
See Also:
● Brown Vetoes Bill To Extend California Bar Hours Capital Public Radio
Gov. Jerry Brown Continues Mixed Track Record On California Gun Control Bills
Capital Public Radio
Gov. Jerry Brown signed several gun control bills Friday while vetoing others. He also rejected a measure that would have allowed bars in California’s largest cities to stay open until 4 a.m.
See Also:
● Gov. Jerry Brown signs law for California to ban gun sales to people under 21 ABC30
● No gun sales under age 21 in California starting in 2019 Modesto Bee
● CA bill raising age to buy guns signed by Jerry Brown The Fresno Bee
● New gun law exceptions, what that means for local gun shops ABC30
● Gun Violence: Have efforts to control firearms reached a turning point? CQ Researcher
● Recent statements involving Guns PolitiFact
No links between Ritalin and school shootings, as NRA's Oliver North claimed
PolitiFact
"The problem that we got is we are trying like the dickens to treat the symptom without treating the disease," North said. "The disease in this case isn't the Second Amendment. The disease is youngsters who are steeped in a culture of violence.
Are Americans 25x more likely to be shot & killed than others in developed countries?
PolitiFact
Candidate for California governor Gavin Newsom recently said "Americans are 25x more likely to be shot and killed than others in developed countries." In the end, we rated Newsom’s claim Mostly True.
See also:
The facts on guns in 6 charts: A 2018 midterm report PolitiFact.
Fire:
ABC30
CalFire reported the Oak Fire has been reduced to 360 acres and is at 98-percent containment.
FEMA and California wildfires: A report card
Capitol Weekly
Nearly a year after the 2017 California wildfires hit the north and south state, the report card on FEMA—the Federal Emergency Management Agency—is in.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
Incomes in the Central Valley are way up. What’s behind the bigger paychecks?
Fresno Bee
Median household incomes in the Central Valley have increased since 2010, with the largest boosts in Sacramento, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. Economists think a Bay Area influence may be the reason.
Winners and losers of the ‘USMCA’ trade deal
Washington Post
Trump and Trudeau can tout this as a major victory ahead of key elections in their countries. It’s a lot less clear whether ‘NAFTA 2.0’ is good for Mexico and U.S. automakers.
See also
Canada agrees to join trade accord with U.S. and Mexico, sending new NAFTA deal to Congress The Washington Post
● U.S. and Canada Reach Nafta Deal The Wall Street Journal
● Ten Things to Know About the Nafta Deal The Wall Street Journal
The Washington Post
Over time, however, the most radical versions of these ideas have polarized our politics, threatened our prosperity and undermined the moral legitimacy of our system. (A recent survey found that only 42 percent of millennials support capitalism.) Here are five of the most persistent ones.
U.S. Economic Growth Slated to Cool in Third Quarter
The Wall Street Journal
The pace of U.S. economic growth cooled a bit in the third quarter after a robust April-through-June period, economists say, but should remain well above the sluggish gains posted throughout the economic expansion.
Global Economy Week Ahead: India’s Interest-Rate Decision, U.S. Employment Report
The Wall Street Journal
The Labor Department releases the September jobs report.
Lower-Income Americans Drive Up Consumer Sentiment in September
The Wall Street Journal
The rise in consumer sentiment to 100.1 in September from 96.2 in August was powered by gains among households with incomes in the bottom third, according to the University of Michigan’s survey results.
U.S. Stocks Open Fourth Quarter Near Record Highs but Face Hurdles
The Wall Street Journal
U.S. stocks are entering the fourth quarter near all-time highs even as risks abound, prompting some investors to question how much farther stocks can run after a nine-year rally
Two-Thirds of U.S. Business Economists See Recession by End-2020
Bloomberg
Two-thirds of business economists in the U.S. expect a recession to begin by the end of 2020, while a plurality of respondents say trade policy is the greatest risk to the expansion, according to a new survey.
UCLA Anderson Forecast predicts an economic slowdown on the horizon
UCLA Newsroom
Over the near term, the economy remains on a strong, broad-based 3 percent growth track, but growth will slow to 2 percent in 2019 and to a near recession at 1 percent in 2020, writes David Shulman, UCLA Anderson Forecast senior economist.
EDITORIAL: What are we fighting Trump’s trade wars for?
San Francisco Chronicle
President Trump’s zero-sum view of international trade continues to produce about that much.
Jobs:
‘It’s high time.’ Public companies required to have women on boards under new California law
Fresno Bee
On Sunday, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill aimed at increasing female representation on the boards of public companies.
See Also:
● Brown signs bill requiring California corporate boards to include women Los Angeles Times
● State requires women on corporate boards under bill signed by Brown San Francisco Chronicle
● The Old Rules of the Workplace Aren’t Working. At Least Not for Women. New York Times
Do you pump breast milk? You have a right to private area at work under new California law
Fresno Bee
Gov. Jerry Bill signed Assembly Bill 1976, which requires California employers to provide lactating employees with a private room where they can pump breast milk. The law is hailed by breastfeeding advocates.
Labor Enforcement Issues in U.S. FTAs
Congressional Research Service
Labor provisions in free trade agreements (FTAs)—both in the U.S. and globally—were first included in the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC), the side agreement to the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
EDUCATION
K-12:
In video of her concerns, woman upset bus driver left her special needs son behind
Fresno Bee
A Fresno guardian said First Student routinely picks up or drops off her special needs student late due to a shortage of bus drivers, echoing concerns about driver shortages nationwide.
Fresno State's "Make a Difference" teach conference addresses teacher shortage in California
ABC30
Many teachers are retiring and school districts are growing in population. So, Fresno State is getting a jump start on a solution by recruiting high school students preparing them for the teaching profession before they go to college.
Modesto school district seeking $131 million in bonds. Here’s where that money will go
Modesto Bee
Mark Twain Junior High in Modesto won’t get an external makeover from proposed bond measures on the November ballot.
Panama-Buena Vista district to directly serve most special-needs students
Bakersfield Californian
The district expects that by July it will be officially approved by the state as a Special Education Local Plan Area and will join a handful of districts in Kern County that run their own special education program. The district has already begun serving students with severe disabilities.
Walters: California schools face bleak financial future
CALmatters
The report said that “while public schools in California spent about $69.7 billion on school operations in 2016-17, an additional $22.1 billion—32 percent above actual spending—would have been necessary for all students to have had the opportunity to meet the goals set by the state Board of Education.”
See Also:
● The case for spending 32 percent more on California schools EdSource
Also on California's 2018 ballot? Lots and lots of school bonds
CALmatters
About 90 school districts across the state have construction bond measures on the Nov. 6 ballot, asking local voters to approve borrowing for projects from security upgrades in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., mass shooting to air conditioning to the removal of lead from school drinking water.
Coalition puts spotlight on economic argument for early childhood investment
CAFWD
The need for making such investments is critical because the combination of low birth rates and the retirement of baby boom workers is expected to create a shortage of adults available in the future to support the economy as workers, consumers and taxpayers. Advocates thus maintain that all children receive the support and education they need to reach full educational and vocational potential.
ShotsForSchool.org
Vaccination data on your school
Should states increase funding for public schools?
CQ Researcher
In most jurisdictions, state and local governments roughly split the tab for a little more than 90 percent of education costs. States finance their share from taxes, fees and lottery revenue, while local governments depend almost exclusively on property taxes.
Community mourns loss of beloved Clovis educator
Clovis Roundup
“Mr. Gladding was always kind hearted and showed much empathy,” Hashimoto said. ”He always found meaningful ways to help students change their behaviors. Mr. Gladding was the type of person who always found the good in every individual. He valued and modeled character.”
Higher Ed:
Local program guarantees path to higher education for Valley students
ABC30
A Central Valley program making it possible for students to attend college with at least one semester paid for celebrated its scholars. "Central Valley Promise" guarantees a path to higher education for students in the San Joaquin Valley.
Abortion pill mandate for California universities vetoed by Brown
Modesto Bee
California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed Senate Bill 320 to require all public universities provide abortion pill services at student health centers. The bill was lauded as a reproductive rights victory by supporters.
See Also:
● A mandate for abortion medication on UC, CSU campuses is rejected by Gov. Jerry Brown Los Angeles Times
● Abortion pills at UC, CSU clinics vetoed by Brown San Francisco Chronicle
New California Law Aims to Save Students Money On Textbooks
Capital Public Radio
Assembly Bill 2385 urges publishers to post online detailed descriptions of changes to new textbook editions.
Holodomor-Genocide symposium is Friday
Fresno State Campus News
A symposium commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor-Genocide against the Ukrainian Nation will be held Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Henry Madden Library, Room 2206.
Open Forums: Principles of Community - How we treat each other
Fresno State Campus News
An Open Forum is planned for input into Principles of Community: How we treat each other.
Explore the Fresno Arts Scene in the Madden Library
Fresno State Campus News
What happens in the Henry Madden Library after hours? Find out!
Forum for Inclusion, Respect and Equity features Sally Kohn
Fresno State Campus News
One of the leading progressive voices in America today, Sally Kohn is the guest speaker for A Forum for Inclusion, Respect and Equity this week.
Apprenticeships:
Second cohort of Faraday Future employees complete COS training
ABC30
On Friday, some of Faraday Future's newest employees finished an intensive week long training hosted by College of the Sequoias Training Resource Center.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Natural disaster is inevitable in California. And it can define a governor's legacy
Los Angeles Times
Whether fire or earthquake, mudslide or drought, natural disaster is an inextricable part of the California experience. And it threatens to snarl the next governor’s plans.
Meet The Newest Recruits In California's War On Climate Change: Carbon Farmers
Capital Public Radio
80 farmers are engaged in a state-funded program aimed at increasing carbon concentrations in California’s soil. Part of the state’s overarching goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change, the California Healthy Soils Initiative took effect a year ago.
Bakersfield Californian
In an effort to save the county’s recycling program, the Kern County Public Works Department is teaming up with Kern Service Conservation Corps, part of the Farmworker Institute of Education & Leadership Development, to increase recycling awareness throughout the county.
Trump Administration Prepares a Major Weakening of Mercury Emissions Rules
The New York Times
The Trump administration has completed a detailed legal proposal to dramatically weaken a major environmental regulation covering mercury, a toxic chemical emitted from coal-burning power plants, according to a person who has seen the document but is not authorized to speak publicly about it.
Vanishing Joshua trees: climate change will ravage US national parks, study says
The Guardian
In Yellowstone national park, trees are dying because bark beetles are thriving in warmer winters. Yellowstone will also become far more vulnerable to wildfires. The area burned could be up to three to 10 times higher by 2100. Joshua Tree national park in California could lose up to 90% of the habitat suitable for its namesake trees.
Courts Will Play Key Role In Addressing Climate Change, Experts Say
Climate Liability News
Two events in the lineup of Climate Week NYC demonstrated the diversity of the climate liability movement, from lawsuits against national governments and fossil fuel corporations to investigations of companies for human rights violations and for misleading shareholders on climate risks. These kinds of approaches are underway at the municipal, state, national and international levels.
Energy:
California defies Trump on climate change with new car emissions rules
Sacramento Bee
Defying the Trump administration on climate change, California’s air-pollution agency ruled Friday that automakers must comply with the state’s strict rules on greenhouse gases if they want to continue selling cars here.
Los Angeles Times
After contributing $1.7 million to put a repeal initiative on the November ballot, Republican congressional leaders and GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox are now conspicuously absent from the list of donors spending money to help convince Californians to pass the measure.
Jerry Brown Orders California to Go Carbon Neutral by 2045. Is That Even Possible?
KQED
Brown is calling for the entire California economy to become carbon-neutral by 2045.
California Is Approaching $4 Gasoline, But It Has Only Itself To Blame
Forbes
California's stringent environmental regulations have isolated it from the larger gasoline market . This, in turn, has pushed up prices for consumers even more.
EDITORIAL: As global warming continues, Trump wants to burn fossil fuels with an arsonist's glee
Los Angeles Times
Here’s some disquieting, if unsurprising, news: The world is nowhere near where it needs to be if we are to mitigate the worst effects of global warming.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Former addicts celebrate their recovery in Central Fresno
ABC30
Hundreds of former addicts celebrated their recovery in Central Fresno on Sunday. The annual Soberstock event took place in the parking lot of Manchester Center.
Climate change could make this year the worst yet for valley fever
Bakersfield Californian
The number of reported valley fever cases set a record in California in 2016, with more than 6,000 infections. That number jumped to 8,103 in 2017, an increase of more than a third — growth many experts link to climate change. This year could be the worst yet.
Loneliness and Social Isolation: Do they pose a growing health epidemic?
CQ Researcher
Some researchers contend that Americans are no lonelier than in past generations, and they say technology can bring people closer together as well as drive them apart. But others argue that psychologists, social workers, medical practitioners and policymakers should treat loneliness and isolation with the same urgency as drug abuse or other major social ills.
Human Services:
Brown signs bill that could get doctors trained in Merced
Modesto Bee
The bill established the San Joaquin Valley Regional Medical Education Endowment Fund which allows for the collection of public and private donations to support the construction and operation of a medical school.
Tower District residents taking it upon themselves to clean Fresno's alleys
ABC30
Cutting down weeds and picking up debris is what dozens of Tower District residents did Saturday morning. The group known as Alley Pals cleaned up the North Alley on Dennett Avenue between Echo and Roosevelt.
Adventist Health will pay $2.3M for potential $250M Tulare hospital
Visalia Times-Delta
One day after being criticized for a lack of transparency, Adventist Health and Tulare Regional Medical Center officials have released details regarding a potential lease.
A mandate for abortion medication on UC, CSU campuses is rejected by Gov. Jerry Brown
Los Angeles Times
Brown, who vetoed a bill requiring the health centers to provide abortion pills during the first 10 weeks of a pregnancy, said those services are already available to University of California and California State University students.
More employers offering primary care as health costs rise
Stockton Record
Big companies have long offered services to help employees recover from workplace injuries, and now more are providing primary and clinic care.
Homeless Collaborative to receive $3.8 million in state funding
Bakersfield Californian
The state of California will provide just over $2.6 million in one-time funding to the Kern County Homeless Collaborative under the Homeless Emergency Aid Program, along about $1.2 million in California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program funding.
See also:
● Kern County could see the end of veteran homelessness by the end of 2019, experts say Bakersfield Californian
Thousands of Californians are working while homeless, and many don't want their boss to know
Desert Sun
Pinning down exactly how many Californians are working while homeless is not easy. Many try to hide it. And it’s certainly true that most people without a place to live are out of work.
But recent estimates suggest that it’s not uncommon for homeless Californians to hold down jobs.
California Budget & Policy Center
In a new post, the California Budget & Policy Center's Director of Research Scott Graves discusses the recently released Census figures on health coverage in California. They show that after a huge drop in the uninsured rate in prior years, due largely to California's full implementation of federal health care reform, the share of Californians without health coverage dropped only marginally in 2017.
Just How Much Money Might CalPERS Have to Collect in an Economic Downturn?
California Policy Center
Equally alarming is the legal and political power CalPERS wields to force payment of these rate increases even after municipal bankruptcies where other long-term debt obligations are diminished if not completely washed away.
Foster Care: Can the system handle soaring demand?
CQ Researcher
Overworked caseworkers are boarding children in hotels, state offices and even cars while they scramble to find homes for them, even as many states cut spending on programs that benefit children and families. Meanwhile, many child welfare caseworkers and foster parents are leaving the system, citing work-related stress and the strains of caring for young victims of abuse or neglect.
Protecting Animals: Should they have rights similar to those of humans?
CQ Researcher
Activists argue that all creatures have a right to live free from pain and exploitation and that humans should give animals' needs greater consideration. Some believe animals should have legal rights similar to those accorded humans, and many oppose eating meat or using animal products of any kind.
IMMIGRATION
ICE arrests at Fresno courthouse may stop behind new sanctuary law policies
Fresno Bee
AG’s Office releases guidance and policies to limit assistance by local public agencies on immigration enforcement and ensure every California resident has safe access to public facilities.
Fresno County sheriff says she follows state’s sanctuary law. Critics say she helps ICE
Fresno Bee
Immigration advocates and attorneys say the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has actively sought loopholes in California’s sanctuary law to help federal immigration officials arrest undocumented immigrants — raising questions about the law’s efficacy.
Tulare County supervisor-elect's Sanctuary State 'tactics' under fire
Visalia Times-Delta
A supervisor-elect appears to be rallying support to offset potential protests at a meeting where the Tulare County Board of Supervisors will report the impacts of being a Sanctuary State.
Snitch or leave. He says ICE beat him into an unholy pact
Sacramento Bee
Before diving into the story of the Sacramento-based undocumented immigrant alleging that federal immigration authorities coerced him – and physically abused him – to make him their snitch, let’s get this one phony formality out of the way.
Judge: Huntington Beach Not Bound By California 'Sanctuary' Law
Capital Public Radio
A judge has ruled that California can't require the city of Huntington Beach to follow a state law limiting local police collaboration with federal immigration agents.
Migrant Children Moved Under Cover of Darkness to a Texas Tent City
New York Times
In shelters from Kansas to New York, hundreds of migrant children have been roused in the middle of the night in recent weeks and loaded onto buses with backpacks and snacks for a cross-country journey to their new home: a barren tent city on a sprawling patch of desert in West Texas.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
New dog park opens in Southeast Fresno
ABC30
Pet owners are always on the lookout for new places to take their dogs and now Southeast Fresno has a dog park to call its own.
City welcomes feedback for development of dog park
Clovis Roundup
“As a community member and user of Clovis municipal park facilities and recreation programs, your input is invaluable in helping us continue to serve the community’s needs,” the city said in a message to residents.
Homeless camp at Beard Brook park is working, but the city is looking to move it
Modesto Bee
Modesto officials say allowing homeless people to camp in Beard Brook Park on a temporary basis has worked well but say it’s not ideal and looking for alternatives.
Columnist David Mas Masumoto on the value of city parks
Fresno Bee
Parks help define a city, can serve as natural gathering spots and create identity for a neighborhood. They often have community centers that can become the heart of a neighborhood.
Successful serial entrepreneur sees Bakersfield as full of opportunity
Bakersfield Californian
Tom Maxwell is passionate about his hometown and creating a place his three daughters are proud to call home. As someone I would call a successful “serial entrepreneur,” he’s working hard to do just that.
Housing:
Sacramento home prices plateau. But will they become affordable again?
Sacramento Bee
Home shoppers were feeling beat up this spring, often finding themselves vying with up to a dozen other buyers for limited homes amid soaring prices. That frenzy, for now, is over.
U.S. Pending Home Sales Fell 1.8% in August
The Wall Street Journal
The National Association of Realtors on Thursday said its pending home-sales index, which tracks contract signings for purchases of previously owned homes, fell 1.8% from the prior month to 104.2 in August. Sales, unless they fall through, typically close within a month or two of signing.
Why Affordable Housing Isn’t More Affordable
City Lab
The GAO report, the third in a series on housing tax credits, reveals the ratio that affordable housing developers pay toward hard costs versus soft costs and price differentials from sea to shining sea.
Place-based policies for shared economic growth
Brookings
Research shows that economic outcomes can vary greatly depending on where a person lives. A new book from the Hamilton Project assesses why some communities have prospered while others have struggled and outlines a policy framework for addressing these geographic disparities.
EDITORIAL: Can’t afford the rent? Then do something! Just don’t make it worse
Modesto Bee
Virtually every economist will tell you, rent control, as prescribed under Proposition 10, is a bad idea. It drives landlords out of the business and rents creep up anyway.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Walters: Misleading title hamstrings gas-tax repeal measure
CALmatters
California neglected maintenance of its highway and road network for decades. But last year, the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown finally enacted a stiff increase in gas taxes and automotive fees to catch up, even though polls indicated that most Californians didn’t want to pay more.
The Wall Street Journal
The Tax Foundation this week released its 2019 State Business Climate Tax Index, and you don’t need Mr. Cuomo to know which way the wind blows: New York has the third most onerous tax burden, ranking 48th among the 50 states on individual income taxes and 47th on property taxes.
TRANSPORTATION
Stay away from the Goshen/Demaree intersection, seriously
Visalia Times Delta
Business owners in the area say they have seen a drop in sales and customers due to the construction.
Tired of traffic and bumpy roads? California leaders have some ideas
Sacramento Bee
California Influencers this week answered this question: What do you think are the most important steps to take to improve California’s transportation challenges? Would Proposition 6 help or hurt in those efforts? Here are their answers:
California Affirms Car Mileage Rule Despite Trump Rollback
Capital Public Radio
California told automakers Friday they must still comply with the state's strict vehicle mileage standards even if President Donald Trump rolls back federal rules.
See Also:
● California sets new fuel standard in climate policy San Francisco Chronicle
California high-speed rail: A train to nowhere without a conductor
Los Angeles Times
In 2008, voters approved what was supposed to be a $33-billion railroad completed by 2020. Today — and check back tomorrow, because these numbers could change — the cost has exploded to an estimated $77 billion and the current completion date estimate is 2033.
Los Angeles Times
Top Republicans in California appear to be shifting resources away from an issue they hoped would lure voters to the polls in November: repealing the gas tax.
DMV customers’ misery is Cox’s political opportunity
San Francisco Chronicle
John Cox barely waited for his campaign bus to stop outside the Department of Motor Vehicles in Fremont on Friday before he was out the door and striding briskly to the line of people outside the government office.
Crews prepare to shore up damaged Transbay Transit Center
San Francisco Chronicle
Hydraulic jacks and newly fabricated steel beams arrived Sunday morning at San Francisco’s Transbay Transit Center, where they’ll be used to shore up the spot over Fremont Street where cracks were discovered in two girders last week.
Over 600 SFO flights delayed, canceled amid runway maintenance
San Francisco Chronicle
Hundreds of flights at San Francisco International Airport were delayed or canceled over the weekend as two heavily used runways were shut down for maintenance.
Taking a U-turn on Red-Light, Speed Cameras
PEW
Several states have moved to get rid of the cameras or squelch their use in local communities as complaints pour in from drivers who think the cameras are there to reap revenue rather than prevent accidents. The use of cameras has never survived a referendum, according to the National Motorists Association, a consumer group.
CA’s transportation is broken. The next governor can fix it
CALmatters
Elected leaders and their appointees will need to push for long-term change even in the face of short-term obstacles. Indeed, the National Governor’s Association recently released a report emphasizing the importance of leadership with the coming transportation revolutions.
WATER
Long Road Still Ahead to Fund New California Water Storage Projects
News Deeply
Although partial state funding has been secured, projects now must secure substantial water-user funding. Modern water supplies rely on a “portfolio” approach, mixing a diversified water supply system and diverse efforts to reduce water demands.
California’s Largest New Reservoir Likely to Face Water-Access Limits
News Deeply
The Sites project does not yet have water rights on the Sacramento River to fill the proposed reservoir. This environment of permanent cutbacks for existing diverters is likely to make obtaining new water rights even more difficult.
County downsizes groundwater management role, raising concerns of state intervention
Bakersfield Californian
The county informed property owners Aug. 24 it does not have the expertise or the money to actively manage groundwater use in portions of Kern where no other management authority exists. It encouraged them to join a local water district or form their own management organization, either of which would be expected to come up with a plan for making the practice sustainable.
“Xtra”
Central Valley Honor Flight holds benefit to raise money for future flights
ABC30
Early Monday morning 67 veterans will board a charter plane at Fresno's airport and head to Washington D.C. It's the 17th Central Valley Honor Flight. Every trip since 2013 has been paid for by donations from folks in the Central Valley.
Your fall guide to Tulare County starts with Vossler Farms
Visalia Times-Delta
This year, Vossler Farms, known by most for its intricate corn maze and sprawling pumpkin patch, is celebrating 19 years of tradition in Tulare County.
Where to find harvest family fun — and some fields of screams — in Modesto region
Modesto Bee
Pumpkin, pumpkin, everywhere. Lattes, crackers, cereal, cookies, pancake mixes and much more. The barrage of “pumpkin spice”-flavored food again has taken over the season — and, let’s face it, ad nauseam.