October 26, 2018

26Oct

POLICY & POLITICS


Valley:


Judge denies Nunes access to secret depositions on Steele dossier

Fresno Bee

The chairmen of two congressional committees, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Cal., who sought sealed testimony in a South Florida court case from key players in the Trump-Russia investigation ran afoul of proper procedures, a federal judge in Miami said.


You may receive a postcard with correct Measure P language. It’s not an endorsement

Fresno Bee

The Fresno City Council on a split vote Thursday agreed to send postcards to all voting households in Fresno with the correct Measure P ballot language after a week of hand wringing and sorting out how the wrong language ended up on the ballot.

See also:


Local politicians call this election year: "most polarizing and violent they have ever seen"

abc30

Explosive devices addressed to high-profile political targets set off a wave of panic Wednesday. Locally, Democrats and Republicans say this election cycle is the most polarizing and violent they have ever seen.


SJ data signal high voter interest ahead of Election Day​​ 

Stockton Record

Heading into the 2016 presidential election, 334,253 residents of San Joaquin County were registered to vote. Two years later, with the Nov. 6 midterm election drawing near, the county’s registration figure has increased to 340,711, even with no presidential candidates topping the ballot.


Reporting "Fresno's Divide" Wraps Up With Open Community Conversations

VPR

There’s a divide in Fresno. The north part of the city – the area above Shaw Avenue -- has more parks, better schools. And the meat rendering plant? It’s in Southwest Fresno.


City loses key defense in lawsuit from then 15-year-old struck in crosswalk

Bakersfield Californian

A woman who sued the city of Bakersfield after she was struck by a truck in 2014 while crossing the street in a crosswalk.


EDITORIAL: The Fresno Bee’s recommendations for November election

Fresno Bee

The Bee offers these recommendations to voters for select races on the November ballot.

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State:


Newsom to visit Bakersfield on Tuesday

Bakersfield Californian

Gavin Newsom, the Democratic candidate for governor of California, is coming to Kern County to stump for a candidate named Cox. No, not that Cox. Newsom, who is facing Republican businessman John Cox in the Nov. 6 election, will be in Bakersfield to support congressional candidate T.J. Cox.

See also:


It’s almost Election Day. Our Voter Guide will get you up to speed — and save you time

Sacramento Bee

Learn about 2018 California candidates and ballot propositions. The Sacramento Bee Voter Guide includes biography information and issue positions for candidates for governor and other statewide offices, Sacramento-area members of the Legislature and Congress.

See also:


Trump’s words matter. But what millions of California voters do matters more​​ Sacramento Bee

With only a few days left until the Nov. 6 election, the United States has descended into a truly terrifying place, one that offers starkest glimpse yet of what the country could look like under another two years of unchecked Trumpism.


Podcast On Congressional Races Says California Will Help Decide Who Gets "Keys To The House"

VPR

Ben Adler describe some of the seats Democrats are hoping to flip. He explains that two races in the Central Valley, Congressional Districts 10 and 21 are being watched closely, as well as a few seats in Southern California.​​  


California Gov. Jerry Brown Joins Doomsday Clock Group

Capital Public Radio

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday criticized the Trump administration's plans to exit an arms treaty with Russia and called out "bipartisan blindness" toward global nuclear threats after he was named executive chairman of the organization that sets the "Doomsday Clock" measuring threats to humanity.

See Also:


PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government

PPIC

The PPIC Statewide Survey delivers objective, advocacy-free information on the perceptions, opinions, and public policy preferences of California residents.


Is California Turning Even Bluer?

PPIC

California is already a fairly Democratic state, but in the last two years many have wondered if it has become even more so. In the 2016 presidential election, California was one of a few states that did not shift away from the Democrats.

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Federal:


Man in Florida arrested in connection with mail bombs sent to public figures​​ Washington Post

A man in Florida has been arrested in connection with the suspected mail bombs sent to high profile figures, authorities said Friday morning.

See also:


CIA director briefs Trump on Khashoggi murder as son freed from Saudi Arabia

abc30

President Trump​​ has been briefed by CIA Director​​ Gina Haspel​​ on the latest in the U.S. investigation into how Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul,​​ Turkey.

See also:


Deep gender divide over Trump could influence the 2018 midterms, poll says

PBS

Men and women continue to be deeply divided on President Donald Trump’s job performance in the final weeks of the 2018 midterms, according to the latest national survey from the PBS NewsHour, NPR and Marist — a gap that could influence key races widely seen as a referendum on the president.

See also:


What Early Voting Reveals About the Midterms

Wall Street Journal

While a high-turnout midterm may favor Democrats, whose supporters are usually less likely to vote in midterm cycles, early voting data can be difficult to interpret—nevermind that American elections are notoriously difficult to forecast.

See also:


Hey, attack-ad honchos, stop stealing our Pinocchios!

Washington Post

Indeed, we had not. This is the second time this week we have caught politicians wrongly appropriating our Pinocchios for political purposes.


Defuse America’s Explosive Politics

Wall Street Journal

President Trump’s controversial leadership means that passions are high and will stay so. Things are feeling primal, tribal.​​ 

See also:


EDITORIAL: Assaulting the civil rights of transgender people isn't campaign fodder
Los Angeles Times

President Trump has made no secret of his misunderstanding of transgender people — or of his disinterest in protecting their civil rights.


Other:


“Active Measures” Film To Run In Clovis, Producer Says Russian Interference Remains A Threat

VPR

“Active Measures” is a documentary film that explores the history of Russian interference in elections -- including the 2016 US presidential election. It’s now playing in swing districts across the country, including a one night run this Saturday in Clovis.  


Candi Easter, longtime Democratic leader, has died

Bakersfield Californian​​ 

Candi Easter, former chairwoman of the Kern County Democratic Party, died Thursday after a short illness, friends said.


A story from this American Indian reservation has important lessons for America’s voter turnout problem

Brookings​​ 

Low-income youth in America are among the least likely to vote. In a new interactive report, Randall Akee describes his research showing that raising the income of the poorest households increases the likelihood that children from these families go on to vote as adults.​​ 


AGRICULTURE/FOOD


Where does milk come from? Mobile program brings the answer to the city

Fresno Bee

Fresno Christian School students got to meet Cali the Jersey cow during a visit Thursday morning by the Mobile Dairy Classroom, provided by the Dairy Council of California.


You’ll get a deal on walnuts this year. Farmers won’t.

Fresno Bee

The​​ USDA estimated in a recent report​​ that California will produce 690,000 tons of walnuts this year — up 10 percent from last year. That means you’ll save money at the grocery store. California walnut farmers, however, won’t be as fortunate.


Battle brewing in Fresno to pass measure on taxing medicinal marijuana

abc30

There's a growing battle in Fresno right now and it involves taxing marijuana for medicinal purposes.


What’s Growing On: The birds and the berries​​ 

Stockton Record

Fall is upon us, and with the season comes a profusion of color. But it’s not just leaves that bring autumn color and beauty; berries do, too.


Mad over marijuana and money, this Northern California sheriff may have walked off the job – but is still being paid

Sacramento Bee

A Northern California sheriff has apparently largely abandoned his job and moved to another state while still collecting his salary, a Sacramento Bee investigation has found.​​ 


Why Some U.S Citizens Might Have To Choose Between Food, Health, And Their Family

VPR

Celaya says the demand for food here could get worse. That’s because of safety net programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, would be added to what the government calls a "public charge."

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He voted for farm worker overtime. Farm interests try to make him pay

CALmatters

Agricultural interests have poured $420,000 in recent days into a push to unseat Bakersfield Democrat Rudy Salas Jr., who voted for a landmark bill in 2016 granting farm workers overtime.


The giant of Santa Clara County

Curbed

Garlic is inescapable in Gilroy, California. First, there is the smell, which, on a warm Sunday afternoon in early September, engulfs the city like a sheath, from which the only respite is indoors.


CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:


‘Violence is always ugly.’ Chowchilla police release video of struggle during arrest

Fresno Bee

Chowchilla police this week released body camera videos of a lengthy struggle between officers and a man wanted on a felony warrant in response to a separate social media video of the incident posted by a bystander.

See Also:


Police say fatal shooting by officer was justified. A judge says a jury must decide

Fresno Bee

The family of a Fresno, CA, man who was shot and killed by police in 2015 can move forward with its civil rights lawsuit that accuses the Fresno Police Department with excessive force, a judge ruled this week.


Judge: Whistleblower’s report on inmate psychiatric care can be made public

Fresno Bee

A federal judge in Sacramento said she would allow a whistleblower report on psychiatric care inside California’s prisons to be made public Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller says employee names and titles can be redacted for now, but she will review that later.


Public Safety:


Pro Measure P: Fresno can have parks and public safety

Fresno Bee

Fresno is on the verge of becoming a world-class city, and we have a choice to be bold and change the narrative this Nov. 6th by voting yes on Measure P.


Misinformation persists in Atwater. Sheriff says — again — he won’t absorb city police

Modesto Bee

Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke spoke publicly at an Atwater City Council meeting Monday in an attempt to shoot down misinformation about the police department there.


Two die in apparent fall in Yosemite National Park

Modesto Bee

Park rangers are recovering the bodies of two people who died while visiting Yosemite National Park.


'High-risk' DUI offenders targeted in Tulare County

Visalia Times Delta

Probation officers tasked with making sure high-risk DUI offenders comply with court orders are hoping an $87,004 grant from the​​ California Office of Traffic Safety​​ will help keep the public safe.​​ 


Police to host prescription drug collection on Saturday

Bakersfield Californian

The Bakersfield Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will be hosting a collection site on Saturday for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.


Administrators of Kern County's Secret Witness program hope to bring it back from the brink

Bakersfield Californian

Information gathered from Kern County’s Secret Witness program has been used to track down suspects in murder cases, but lately funding for the program has dried up, and the tips have disappeared.


Ready For Anything: How One Emergency Department Director Works To Reduce Risks Of Violence

VPR

In our series, Part of the Job, we’ve looked at how California’s health institutions are trying to reduce the rate of violence and harassment against those who work in health care. Working in one of the highest risk areas of a hospital only adds to the challenge.


State Corrections in the Wake of California’s Criminal Justice Reforms: Much Progress, More Work to Do

California Budget and Policy Center

In recent years, lawmakers and voters in California have adopted a variety of significant reforms to the state's criminal justice system.​​ 


Fire:​​ 


‘Fire-floods’ are the new threat in California disasters. Where will they strike next?

Fresno Bee

Areas in Shasta County burned by the Carr Fire in 2018 are prone to another risk when the rainy season starts. Scientists explain why wildfire-burned hillsides can't absorb as much water, and why debris flows and flooding are more likely to happen.​​ 


ECONOMY / JOBS

Economy:


Merchants hope street fair gives new life to Country Club district​​ 

Stockton Record

The iconic older business district along Country Club Boulevard will come alive Saturday in the form of a street fair.


Stocks climb, pulling the Dow and S&P 500 back into positive territory for the year​​ 

Los Angeles Times

U.S. stocks surged Thursday as strong earnings reports from market bellwethers such as Microsoft and Comcast gave a boost of confidence to investors shaken by the recent wave of selling.

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U.S. economy grew at annual rate of 3.5 percent in 2018’s third quarter

Washington Post

The U.S. economy slowed in the third quarter to a still-strong 3.5 percent annual growth rate, as free spending from consumers and the federal government carried the load.


Jobs:


Raises for California state workers to top $1.4 billion this year, LAO says

Sacramento Bee

Wages for California state workers are on pace to climb by $1.4 billion in the state’s current budget year, speeding a trend of rising pay for public employees that began last year when a wave new contracts took effect.


EDUCATION


K-12:


Black students in Visalia faced ‘racial hostility,’ says ACLU complaint

Fresno Bee

A federal discrimination complaint filed Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union alleges black students at Visalia Unified School District endured a “racially hostile environment” and school officials failed to take action to protect them.

See Also:


Edison High School students take part in 'Women in Manufacturing Day'

abc30

Women make up about a third of the manufacturing workforce in the U.S. Female students from Edison High School got a real life look at manufacturing in the Valley.


Gaston Middle School fighting hunger on campus with food pantry

abc30

Take a look inside Gaston Middle School's Food Pantry and it looks like any other hallway on campus, but open the cabinets and you'll see that's it's much more. It's one of only two in all of Fresno Unified.


Is the real problem the test, not California students?

Sacramento Bee

Several years into the​​ Common Core curriculum standards, and four years into the tests on those standards, California students are not doing well. Not even half passed the English test, and the picture was significantly worse on the math test.


Higher Ed:


CSUB sets stage for American 'Dreamers'

Bakersfield Californian

The theater department at Cal State Bakersfield is taking it head-on with its presentation of "Dreamers: Aquí y Allá," a new play about young undocumented immigrants affected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.


New food pantries at Clovis Community College feed into student success

Clovis Roundup

Being a college student can be tough. Between part-time jobs, a loaded academic schedule and maintaining a social life, it can be hard to even find the time – or money – to eat.


Institute of Technology welcomes new cosmetology and barbering program

Clovis Roundup

Looking for the right beauty school can be a hairy situation, but not for the students at Institute of Technology.


Never Finished That College Degree? New California State University Online Program Might Help.

Capital Public Radio

There are likely tens-of-thousands of former California State University students who dropped out of college even though when they were within sight of getting their degree. I was one of them.


Apprenticeships:

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ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Environment:


Brown’s successor can do much better on the environment. Here’s how.

Fresno Bee

While Gov. Jerry Brown boasts a strong record on the budget and climate change, he has been too timid on taking on Big Oil and too stubborn on the misguided Delta tunnels.


Government ranks 18 US volcanoes as ‘very high threat’

Sacramento Bee

A federal agency is updating the threat from US volcanoes, finding a dozen of them have increased in danger.

See Also:


5 Major Crops In The Crosshairs Of Climate Change

Capital Public Radio

The plants that nourish us won't disappear entirely. But they may have to move to higher, cooler latitudes. Some places may find it harder to grow anything at all, because there's not enough water.


Energy:

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HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:


Case dismissed against Fresno doctor accused of conspiring to do unlawful Botox injections

Fresno Bee

A Superior Court judge on Thursday dismissed a criminal case against Fresno, Ca, Dr. Mark Lawrence Nazarian, saying the California Department of Consumer Affairs had insufficient evidence against the doctor.


New less visible way to straighten your teeth in the Valley

abc30

The days of bracing yourself for braces may be over. People across the Valley now have a new option that makes smile straightening a lot less visible.


Analysis: Low number of lung cancer deaths saved California more than half a billion

CALmatters

California’s low rate of lung cancer deaths saved nearly 5,000 lives in 2014—and saved Californians at least $500 million just in that year, according to a CALmatters analysis in consultation with public health researchers. Those savings will likely grow into the billions of dollars in the decades ahead, experts say.


Drop in adult flu vaccinations may be factor in last season’s record-breaking deaths, illnesses

Washington Post

Fewer than 4 out of 10 adults in the United States got flu shots last winter, the lowest rate in seven seasons and one likely reason that the 2017-2018 season was the deadliest in decades.

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Human Services:


Trump says new proposal will lower some US drug prices​​ 

Stockton Record

Under the plan, Medicare payment for drugs administered in doctors’ offices would gradually shift to a level based on international prices. Prices in other countries are lower because governments directly negotiate with manufacturers.

See Also:


Low-income residents under 26 can apply for the Community Health Care Program

Hanford Sentinel

Uninsured, low-income young adults in three Valley counties can apply for coverage through Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program.


CA nurses go national with ‘Medicare-for-all’ campaign

Sacramento Bee

The union representing 100,000 nurses across California has shifted its “Medicare-for-all” campaign from California to the national stage, perhaps relieving political pressure on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom to fulfill what the union sees as his top campaign promise: Delivering a single-payer health care system in the nation’s largest state.


Hospital Emergency Departments, Public Charge

Bakersfield Californian

California is about to elect a new governor, but where do they stand on health? We talk to a reporter from Kaiser Health News for some insight.


How One Emergency Department Director Works To Reduce Risks Of Violence

Bakersfield Californian

In our series,​​ Part of the Job, we’ve looked at how California’s health institutions are trying to reduce the rate of violence and harassment against those who work in health care. Working in one of the highest risk areas of a hospital only adds to the challenge.


Prop. 11 Would Change Rules For Private Ambulance Workers In California

Capital Public Radio

Supporters say requiring paramedics and ambulance employees with private companies to remain on call during breaks helps with emergency readiness. Opponents say the measure is a way for companies to avoid paying legal costs.


As November Approaches, Where Do Candidates For Governor Stand On Health?

VPR

As we approach the midterm elections, we wanted to examine the health platforms of some of California’s highest profile candidates: The two men running for governor.


Pro-Con: Proposition 4 would authorize $1.5 billion in bonds for children’s hospitals

CALmatters

My son Max was born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. Max had his first surgery when he was three months old. In the 13 years since then, he has undergone 13 surgeries and received three pulmonary valves and four pacemakers. Earlier this year, he had open-heart surgery to replace his valve.


What’s That Sound? The Monster in the Budget

Roll Call

No one wants to address it, but rising health care costs are draining federal revenues and pumping up deficits


IMMIGRATION

Ronald Reagan was right on amnesty for immigrants. Here’s why.

Fresno Bee

The 1986 immigration law backed by Ronald Reagan was well-conceived and humane, reflecting the practical wisdom of a president from California. Today’s immigration battles are not because amnesty failed, but because of our collective failure to understand what made the 1986 law successful.


Mattis expected to send at least 800 troops to US-Mexico border

abc30

A U.S. official says Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is expected to sign an order as early as Thursday sending 800 or more troops to the southern border to support the Border Patrol.

See Also:


If Parents Get Deported, Who Gets Their Children?

PEW Center

As the Trump administration increases immigration enforcement actions against working adults, grandparents and other extended family members — often immigrants themselves — are stepping in to care for many of those children left behind.


High-Immigration States Diverge on Census Citizenship Question

PEW Center

Arizona, California, Florida and Texas all have large immigrant populations, so if the new citizenship question on the 2020 census dissuades immigrants from participating, the resulting undercount could cost all of them seats in Congress and billions in federal money.


LAND USE/HOUSING


Land Use:


24th Street widening project is officially underway

Bakersfield Californian

The Thomas Roads Improvement Program officially broke ground on Thursday morning on the long-awaited 24th Street Project.


Housing:


California rent control initiative appears headed for defeat

Sacramento Bee

The fight for stronger rent control in California appears headed for a fiery demise, according to the latest poll by the Public Policy Institute of California.


The California Dream Series: The Block That Prop. 13 Built

Capital Public Radio

It was within reach. That was the lure of the California dream. "The highest possible life for the middle classes," is how the late historian Kevin Starr described the promise of the Golden State.


Affordable housing and US housing markets

AEI

AEI Resident Scholar and Codirector of the Center on Housing Markets and Finance Lynn Fisher joined "Banter" to discuss affordable housing and the current state of US housing markets.​​ 


PUBLIC FINANCES


Modesto leases exceeded spending limits; fixes aim to prevent future problems

Modesto Bee

Modesto officials have found lease agreements that exceeded city council spending limits, including nearly $500,000 in rental fees for a modular trailer that’s been used at a work site since 2003.


TRANSPORTATION


‘Fraud, waste and abuse.’ Modesto auditor’s review of road project sparks controversy

Modesto Bee

The Modesto City Council cut ties with its first auditor on grounds he didn’t uncover wasteful spending. The current auditor is in hot water with top city officials perhaps because she’s doing too much.


Modesto Plans a New Road Diet

StreetsBlog

The city of Modesto was awarded approximately $3.9 million from California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) to make Paradise Road, one of the most dangerous streets in town, a little safer. The project includes a road diet to calm traffic speeds and new bike lanes.


Gas tax repeal lacks ‘momentum’ in new poll of California voters

Sacramento Bee

Proposition 6, which would undo a recent increase to gasoline and diesel taxes, is trailing among likely voters in a Public Policy Institute of California poll released on Oct. 24, 2018.

See also:


High-Speed Rail Authority Settles Suit In Central Valley

Capital Public Radio

California's high-speed rail authority settled a lawsuit Wednesday with Shafter, Calif., the small Central Valley city the train is expected to run through.


When electric isn’t good enough

curbed

Sacramento is the staging ground for a fight to make drivers spend less time on the road.


WATER


Valadao announces grant for Stratford

Hanford Sentinel

Monday, Congressman David Valadao (R-Hanford) announced the community of Stratford as the recipient of federal grant funding to ensure the community has access to an adequate, clean water supply.


In Water-Stressed West, an Old Water Efficiency Metric Needs a Reboot

News Deeply

The acre-foot yardstick has been a reliable standby for water agency officials to explain water use to the public. But it may be time to recalibrate our thinking on that as communities plan new development.


“Xtra”


River Park’s newest restaurant opens. Look how many kinds of meat it sells

Fresno Bee

River Park’s latest restaurant is open for dinner.​​ Texas de Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse​​ has taken over the former​​ Chevy’s Fresno Mex spot​​ that closed in late 2016 — and it looks drastically different from its predecessor.


Rock band 'Cake' performing at benefit concert for congressional candidate Andrew Janz

abc30

The race in the 22nd congressional district has taken an unusual turn. A rock band is coming to Fresno for a benefit concert in support of Democratic challenger Andrew Janz.


The 5 best spots to score chicken wings in Fresno

abc30

Looking to sample the best wings around town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top sources of chicken wings in Fresno, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to satisfy your cravings.


Second annual Dia de los Muertos next weekend

Hanford Sentinel

We all have skeletons and we all die,” Silvia Gonzalez Scherer said, adding “We’re all the same in that aspect, we’re all connected.”


All Hallows Fantasy Faire ready to burn it up in Lode​​ 

Stockton Record

Historical Celtic culture, costume characters, entertainment and the burning of the harvestman are all part of the 10th annual All Hallows Fantasy Faire on Saturday and Sunday at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.


Opera Modesto to celebrate 35 years, honor late founder at Gallo Center gala

Modesto Bee

Opera Modesto will fly high to celebrate its 35th anniversary as a company, its new name and new general and artistic director.


Take me home! Dogs available for adoption

Bakersfield Californian

These three dogs at Kern County Animal Services are looking for their forever homes. Can you help?


Long-running Broadway hit 'Chicago' hits Bakersfield Nov. 13

Bakersfield Californian

The latest Broadway in Bakersfield show is coming next month and this one has all that jazz.


Morro Bay State Park and Morro Rock

California Through My Lens
Morro Bay is a beautiful little town located along highway 1 in between the elephant seals of Cambria and the sprawling beaches of Pismo.​​