POLICY & POLITICS
Valley:
Congressman Jim Costa criticizes Elizabeth Heng in new TV ads
Fresno Bee
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, began his 2018 campaign push with a bang this week, releasing two TV ads containing sharp criticism of Republican challenger Elizabeth Heng.
Stanislaus County residents weigh in on Jeff Denham, Josh Harder
Modesto Bee
With control of Congress teetering and elections just six weeks away, political junkies across the United States are watching close congressional races like the one pitting Republican Rep. Jeff Denham against Democratic challenger Josh Harder.
See also:
EDITORIAL: Interesting to see politicians run in 2 directions at once Modesto Bee
Newsom vows to address homelessness during Modesto campaign stop
Modesto Bee
Gavin Newsom, the front-runner to become California’s next governor, was greeted by a throng of enthusiastic supporters as he made a stop in Modesto on Wednesday to stump for himself, congressional candidate Josh Harder and state Senate candidate Anna Caballero.
Council to discuss new city positions
Hanford Sentinel
The Lemoore City Council has several items to vote on at its meeting Tuesday, including two new positions in the city.
See also:
● Hanford City Council meets Tuesday Hanford Sentinel
KLEA endorses incumbent City Councilman Willie Rivera
Bakersfield Californian
The Kern Law Enforcement Association has endorsed Willie Rivera, who is seeking re-election for Bakersfield City Council Ward 1.
First Amendment forum explores free-speech issues in education
Fresno State News
The Institute for Media and Public Trust will present a First Amendment forum from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, at the Leon S. And Pete Peters Educational Center in the Student Recreation Center. This free event is open to the campus community and the public.
DUI arrest details emerge as Stanislaus Supervisor Olsen’s political future weighed
Modesto Bee
Prosecutors are reviewing Stanislaus County Supervisor Kristin Olsen’s DUI arrest to determine whether to charge her, while political experts say challenges lay ahead for Olsen.
EDITORIAL: Fresno District 3 council race Fresno Bee recommends Miguel Arias
The Fresno Bee
The Bee asked the candidates about key issues facing the city. Arias proved strategic in his vision. Here are his positions.
EDITORIAL: Propositions 8 and 11 - Fresno Bee recommendations
The Fresno Bee
If The Bee could be confident that Proposition 8 would lead to better care for patients and lower bills, we would be inclined to support it. But because this measure is so complex – as is healthcare financing in general – it’s also possible that the measure could backfire and lead to less care.
State:
No Debates for Top California Offices? That Could Happen
New York Times
Oh, and debates. Except, perhaps, in the two highest-profile statewide races in California: governor and U.S. Senate. After weeks of negotiation, the candidates in those races have yet to agree on any televised debates. Instead, there is the inevitable back and forth about who is to blame for this deadlock.
Gavin Newsom, John Cox a world apart on environmental issues
San Francisco Chronicle
Gavin Newsom and John Cox both drive zero-emission Teslas. That’s about where the common ground ends between California’s candidates for governor when it comes to the environment.
Assemblyman Travis Allen weighing run for chairman of California Republican Party
Los Angeles Times
Having fallen short in his recent campaign for governor, conservative state Assemblyman Travis Allen said Monday that he is weighing a run for chairman of the state GOP with the goal of “leading California Republicans back to statewide relevance.”
GOP's latest tax-cut bill won't pass, but it could roil midterms in high-tax states like California
Los Angeles Times
But Republicans who are scrambling to hold their House majority also will be making some of their own vulnerable lawmakers in California and elsewhere take a difficult vote on a tax overhaul that hasn’t proved to be as popular with voters as party strategists had expected.
See also:
OPINION: The Election Tax Divide The Wall Street Journal
Los Angeles Times
Proposition 11 asks voters to give private ambulance companies the power to keep their workers on duty during meal and rest breaks. If a 911 call comes in, those workers could be required to put away their lunch and respond to the emergency.
Los Angeles Times
But regardless of what the court does and whether what the governor and Legislature did was legal or illegal, it was plain wrong. You don’t take money meant for financially pressed homeowners — or former owners who were improperly foreclosed on — and spend it on convenient budget balancing.
California Janitors March From SF To Sacramento, Urging Governor To Sign Sexual Harassment Bill
Capital Public Radio
A group of around 100 janitors ended a march from San Francisco to Sacramento Friday. They’re pressuring Gov. Brown to sign a bill they say will help protect them against sexual assault while working at night.
Is California a Good Role Model?
New York Times
Depending on how you look at it, it’s one of the richest states or one of the most unequal.
Mary C. Daly Named Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President and CEO
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Daly, who has been serving as the Bank’s executive vice president and director of Research since 2017, succeeds John C. Williams as head of the San Francisco Fed.
See Also:
● Economist and trailblazer Mary Daly chosen as next president of San Francisco Fed The Washington Post
EDITORIAL: Fiona Ma should be California's next treasurer
Los Angeles Times
State treasurer is a big and important job, and we believe Democrat Fiona Ma is best suited to take it on.
‘The Browns of California’ Review: Golden State Dynasty
The Wall Street Journal
Few families are as closely intertwined with the history of California as the Browns. In a multigenerational saga that focuses on governors Pat and Jerry Brown, veteran journalist Miriam Pawel has written a vivid history of a political dynasty that has governed the Golden State for nearly a quarter century.
Federal:
Writer of confidential Brett Kavanaugh letter speaks out about her allegation of sexual assault
Fresno Bee
Earlier this summer, Christine Blasey Ford wrote a confidential letter to a senior Democratic lawmaker alleging that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her more than three decades ago, when they were high school students in suburban Maryland.
See Also:
● Woman comes forward to accuse Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct Hanford Sentinel
● California professor, writer of confidential Brett Kavanaugh letter, speaks out about her allegation of sexual assault The Washington Post
● Kavanaugh accuser speaks out on sexual assault claim Stockton Record
● Calls Grow To Delay Kavanaugh Vote After Accuser Goes Public Capital Public Radio
● Kavanaugh nomination faces delay after sex assault accuser comes forward Los Angeles Times
● Dianne Feinstein: Why I'm voting 'no' on Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination Los Angeles Times
● Brett Kavanaugh’s accuser steps forward. Have we learned anything since Anita Hill? Los Angeles Times
● Republicans pressing ahead with Kavanaugh nomination despite allegation Los Angeles Times
● Palo Alto woman who accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct steps into spotlight San Francisco Chronicle
● Kavanaugh nomination faces delay after sex assault accuser comes forward San Diego Union-Tribune
● EDITORIAL: A disturbing 11th-hour allegation against Kavanaugh San Francisco Chronicle
Feinstein thinks California still needs a Democrat who gets along with GOP
San Francisco Chronicle
It was her first morning event, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein already was running late. She was going to a South Bay wildlife refuge to give a speech that was billed as nonpolitical, but nothing an officeholder does in an election year is nonpolitical.
Irony Alert: Trump Shares PSA Warning Against Spreading ‘False Information’
Roll Call
President Donald Trump, just one day after even Republicans criticized him for claiming nearly 3,000 people did not die last year in Puerto Rico due to two powerful hurricanes, shared a FEMA tweet warning against spreading false information.
Trump Promised a Rush of Repatriated Cash, But Company Responses Are Modest
The Wall Street Journal
In all, while repatriations have soared past pre-2018 levels, independent analysts don’t expect anywhere near the $4 trillion Mr. Trump has touted.
Bloomberg May Run for President as a Democrat. His Views on Policing and #MeToo Could Be a Problem.
New York Times
Michael R. Bloomberg is actively considering a campaign for president as a Democrat in 2020, concluding that it would be his only path to the White House even as he voices stark disagreements with progressives on defining issues including bank regulation, stop-and-frisk police tactics and the #MeToo movement.
Winners and losers of the 2018 primary season
The Washington Post
We sorted through dozens of the year’s high-profile political battles, surprises and flameouts to bring you the biggest winners and losers of the season. Among the winners and losers are trends that could carry over into November’s congressional elections, where Republicans' majority (and the final two years of President Trump’s first term) are on the line.
OPINION: How Republicans Could Still Win
The Wall Street Journal
WPAi just handed the club in-depth polling of the people who matter most this midterm—1,000 likely voters in 41 competitive House districts. The results are quietly making their way to Republican leaders, and the club agreed to give me an advance look. Bottom line: Many of these races are winnable—if Republicans have the courage of their convictions and get smarter in tailoring their messages to voters.
Other:
American Democracy Is in Crisis
The Atlantic
In a piece she wrote for The Atlantic, Hillary Clinton says that, while in office, President Trump "has sunk far below the already low bar he set for himself in his ugly campaign."
See also:
● OPINION: The threat to democracy — from the left The Washington Post
● Americans stuck on the sidelines Brookings
Tronc in 'early stage' discussions about sale to McClatchy newspaper chain
Los Angeles Times
California-based newspaper chain McClatchy is in “early stage” discussions to buy Tronc, owner of the Chicago Tribune and other major newspapers, a source familiar with the negotiations said Friday.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Tough market conditions greet local table grape, almond harvests
Bakersfield Californian
Robust supplies of California table grapes and almonds are being met with sluggish prices that people in the industry say result at least partly from a trade war that has spawned steep tariffs — in China, 50 percent on the price of almonds, 53 percent on grapes — and opened opportunities for competitors in other countries.
Trained dogs set to sniff out deadly citrus disease in California
Fresno Bee
They’ve been used to detect drugs, bombs and bugs. Now a team of specially trained dogs will put their wet noses to work in California, sniffing out a fatal citrus disease with the potential to cripple the state’s $3.4 billion citrus industry.
Head Start program honors Agriland owner
Madera Tribune
The National Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Program honored Central Valley nut grower, James Maxwell of Agriland Farming Company, which is based in Madera, with the organizations’ Plate of Bounty Award at its annual conference on in March.
Lodi Grape Festival remains a tradition like no other
Stockton Record
Come for the grapes, stay for the soft tacos. Year after year — for more than eight decades now — people have returned to the Lodi Grape Festival to meet old friends, make new ones and have a little fun in a family-friendly environment.
Council to weigh recreational pot ordinance
Stockton Record
Recreational cannabis soon could be available for purchase in Stockton. The Stockton City Council on Tuesday will consider an ordinance amending its municipal code that would allow the sale of “adult-use” cannabis in existing medical marijuana dispensaries.
Teaching Craft Beer In Law School
Capital Public Radio
It isn’t enough to love beer to be successful in California’s booming craft brewery scene, you also need to know the regulations to do it right. That’s where a new class at McGeorge School of Law comes in.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Block party in NW Fresno first step in reclaiming area from crime, community leaders say
ABC30
An apartment complex that was the scene of a deadly shooting in July was the site for the Northwest Fresno community to come together for a block party on Saturday.
Madera Police cracking down on adults who buy tobacco products for kids
ABC30
It's a problem across the country. More underage kids are getting their hands on e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Rape Counseling Services of Fresno Marks 44 Years of Helping and Healing
ABC30
The numbers are startling. One out of six women is a victim of rape or attempted rape. Rape Counseling Services of Fresno offers free and confidential services for survivors of sexual assault.
Gov. Brown, if you don’t veto a bill to protect young killers, you create a legacy of pain
Sacramento Bee
A bill to protect juveniles from being tried as adults for horrendous crimes – SB 1391 – awaits Gov. Jerry Brown giving it a thumbs up or down, and putting it in to law would be mistake that would assume all young criminals are the same, resulting in more pain for the families of victims.
Public Safety:
Modesto officer found justified in 2013 and 2016 shootings
Modesto Bee
Almost five years after the incident, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office found a Modesto police officer justified in the shooting of a suspected gang associate who ran from him with a firearm.
Police chiefs warn of increased crime if California allows pot deliveries statewide
Los Angeles Times
The prospect of vans loaded with pot delivering to homes in quiet Morgan Hill makes Police Chief David Swing uneasy. Like most cities in the state, the upscale San Jose suburb has banned pot shops. But now, as California considers a proposal to allow marijuana businesses to send home-delivery vans into communities where retail stores are prohibited, Swing and others in law enforcement say they are preparing for the worst
Fire:
Mendocino Complex Firefighter's Death Caused By Retardant Drop From 747
Capital Public Radio
A firefighter battling the largest wildfire in California history was killed last month when thousands of gallons of flame-suppressing liquid were dropped from an aircraft flying barely above the treetops.
A $15-billion mystery: Who's to blame for California's most destructive fire?
Los Angeles Times
By the time it was fully contained, the 2017 Tubbs fire was the most destructive in California history, killing 22 people and destroying more than 5,000 homes.
A little smoke in the spring could spare California’s air
The Fresno Bee
But O’Mara and other witnesses told lawmakers that California and other western states may ultimately have to put up with a small amount of smoke to help prevent large-scale fires and the lung-clogging debris that come with them.
Wildfires make their own weather, and that matters for fire management
ScienceNews
These finer-scale models take hours or days to run on a computer, so they aren’t likely to replace more quick-and-dirty field models for responding in the heat of the moment. But they can help scientists figure out what’s driving a wildfire’s behavior — and learn how to better protect communities from fires
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
The Washington Post
The new tariffs would apply to more than 1,000 products, including refrigerators, air conditioners, furniture, televisions and toys. These penalties could drive up the cost of a range of products ahead of the holiday shopping season, though it’s unclear how much.
See Also:
● Trump to Announce New Tariffs on $200 Billion in China Goods The Wall Street Journal
● China Weighs Skipping Trade Talks After U.S. Tariff Threat The Wall Street Journal
● The US-China trade war has seeds in the financial crisis Brookings
Valley Economic Index falls for August; tariffs having impact
Hanford Sentinel
The San Joaquin Valley Business Conditions Index fell in August, but remains above growth neutral for the 24th consecutive month and pointing to healthy growth in the next three to six months.
See also:
Californian’s high poverty rate still leads the nation KPCC
Watch out, GOP: The economy is roaring, but most Americans aren't feeling it CNBC
California Cities Lead the U.S. in Personal Income Growth Wall Street Journal
U.S. Consumers Brighten, Upbeat About the Future Wall Street Journal
U.S. Retail Sales Rose Slightly in August Wall Street Journal
Industrial Production Rose in August Wall Street Journal
EDITORIAL: Did we learn enough from the Lehman Bros. bankruptcy to handle the next financial meltdown?
Los Angeles Times
Talk about an unhappy anniversary. Ten years ago Saturday, one of the country’s most influential Wall Street firms — the investment banking giant Lehman Bros. — declared bankruptcy, triggering a collapse in credit markets that tanked not just the U.S. economy, but those throughout the industrialized world.
See Also:
● The next financial crisis is a matter of when, not if USA Today
● 8 lessons for fighting the next financial crisis Brookings
● Why US multilateral leadership was key to the global financial crisis Brookings
Where will online orders get fulfilled? The changing geography of e-commerce
Brookings
As the brick-and-mortar slowdown continues in the face of a rapidly expanding online retail sector, Adie Tomer and Joseph Kane map the emergence of e-commerce employment across the United States and its effects on transportation patterns, job access, and local governments.
Jobs:
U.S. job openings climb to record 6.9 million
Market Watch
The number of job openings in the U.S. climbed to a record 6.94 million in July in a clear sign that a booming economy is entering the second half of the year with a big dollop of momentum.
30 ways Congress can give more power to workers
San Francisco Chronicle
Productivity is accelerating while wages have plateaued; people are working more for less. Last year, more than a third of families with at least one working adult faced difficulty meeting at least one basic need. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour has not been raised in more than a decade.
Americans Want to Believe Jobs Are the Solution to Poverty. They’re Not.
The New York Times
American workers are being shut out of the profits they are helping to generate. The decline of unions is a big reason. During the 20th century, inequality in America decreased when unionization increased, but economic transformations and political attacks have crippled organized labor, emboldening corporate interests and disempowering the rank and file.
The Human Promise of the AI Revolution
Wall Street Journal
The AI revolution will be of the magnitude of the Industrial Revolution—but probably larger and definitely faster. Where the steam engine only took over physical labor, AI can perform both intellectual and physical labor.
See Also:
● How to address the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence Brookings
● Machines to Handle Half of Work Tasks by 2025, Davos Group Says Bloomberg
EDUCATION
K-12:
Teens learn life lessons in the garden
Hanford Sentinel
The Green Teens is an after-school program that teaches teens about gardening as well as general life lessons. It is put on by the Storybook Garden, a nonprofit organization that aims to educate children in healthy eating, fitness, gardening, literacy and myriad of other topics.
Rosedale Middle students learn gardening in new farm-to-table class
Bakersfield Californian
Students at Rosedale Middle School are getting a firsthand understanding of the phrase “farm-to-table.”
A teacher-recruitment program set up to fail
National Review
No one should be surprised that the federal TEACH Grant program is floundering. Congress created a confusing program, and confusion resulted. Perhaps the program could be improved, but it is more likely that the TEACH Grant carries too high an administrative burden to accomplish its goals and prevent teachers from getting burned.
EDITORIAL: Marshall Tuck for state superintendent of schools
San Diego Union-Tribune
Marshall Tuck’s focus is on helping the millions of California students he fears will struggle in the 21st-century economy because schools aren’t giving them a solid foundation in critical problem-solving and literacy.
Higher Ed:
An MJC professor donned a crazy wig to teach chemistry. A national group took note
Modesto Bee
The American Chemical Society honored Steven Murov, professor emeritus at Modesto Junior College, for his colorful way of teaching chemistry.
Stanford is removing Junipero Serra's name from parts of campus
Los Angeles Times
The canonized 18th-century priest established the California mission system that critics now blame for decimating Native American communities.
4 hard questions on the future of career and technical education
Education Next
There are several questions to address to gauge whether today's embrace of career and technical education (CTE) is serious. Everybody likes it, so for CTE to amount to more than the flavor of the month, we need to settle on answers to some important questions.
Brown’s UC regents get extra-quick confirmation
CALmatters
Less than a month after being announced by the governor’s office, SEIU leader Laphonza Butler, Brown’s former finance director Michael Cohen, current community college Board of Governors President Cecilia Estolano and Solana Beach consultant and school trustee Richard Leib all won approval.
Apprenticeships:
The Importance of Apprenticeships in the New Economy
California Economic Summit
Just out of my high school vocational program, I began my career as an auto mechanic at 17 years old. My father before me had graduated from college and retired after working a white-collar career at Lockheed for 30 years. Times had already changed by the late-1980s, and, while I thought I had it all figured out, I was pretty sure most people my age wouldn’t settle at a single employer for the span of our career life.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Citing Gravity Of Climate Crisis, 'Governor Moonbeam' Launches California Satellite Proposal
Capital Public Radio
The summit brought together local, regional and national governments from countries throughout the world — along with business and industry leaders.
See Also:
● Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians Capital Public Radio
● Jerry Brown plans CA climate change satellite program The Fresno Bee
● For climate change crusaders who trekked to California, the hottest ticket was a private audience with Gov. Jerry Brown Los Angeles Times
● By announcing California's first satellite launch, Gov. Jerry Brown ends climate summit with a cosmic boom Los Angeles Times
● How to fly to a climate change summit? In a private, carbon-spewing jet San Francisco Chronicle
● For climate change crusaders who trekked to California, the hottest ticket was a private audience with Gov. Jerry Brown Los Angeles Times
● Experts: California’s a climate policy leader, but with missteps CALmatters
● Behind the Green Curtain Fox & Hounds
● California leads subnational efforts to curb climate change The Economist
● California Had Its Own Climate Summit. Now What? New York Times
Gov. Jerry Brown's carbon-free legacy—at what cost?
CALmatters
The technology to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electric power doesn’t yet exist because the main sources, solar panels and windmills, require the sun to shine and the wind to blow. Making them dependable would require enormous banks of batteries or some other form of reliable storage.
See also:
● Had They Bet On Nuclear, Not Renewables, Germany & California Would Already Have 100% Clean Power Forbes
● Can California Achieve a “Carbon Neutral” Economy? Scientific American
Video: Managing Drought in a Changing Climate
PPIC
After noting that California is already seeing changes from a warming climate, she said that “a lot of things we’re recommending are going to be very important and very useful as soon as we can do them.” She reviewed the report’s four main suggested areas of reform: plan ahead, modernize the water grid, update water allocation rules, and find the money to pay for these reforms.
See Also:
● Experts Warn California Still Unprepared for Future Droughts SCVNews
Are Republicans softening on carbon taxes?
Marketplace
It's a controversial idea that pretty much divides Americans along party lines. But not exactly. Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Florida introduced a bill back in July that would institute a carbon tax — and he's signed up two GOP co-sponsors.
Energy:
State narrowly escaped grid scheme
Madera Tribune
For months, the concept of a Western regional electricity grid advanced steadily through the Legislature, pushed by Gov. Jerry Brown and a phalanx of financial and utility giants including investor Warren Buffett and the AES electric generating firm, operator of 127 power plants.
See Also:
● The Road To California’s Coveted Electric Highway Is Congested; Will A New Alliance Help Clear The Way? Capital Public Radio
The Price Californians Will Pay
Wall Street Journal
Jerry Brown signs the statewide ban on fossil-fuel power by 2045.
See Also:
● California wants to go carbon-negative. No one knows the cost San Francisco Chronicle
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Many women want to get clean, but something else comes first. New program helps
Fresno Bee
Frasieur’s Home is a bridge between inpatient treatment for substance abuse and self-sufficiency for women who do not have a safe or healthy place to return to after treatment.
Flu shot clinics kick off this weekend in Fresno County
ABC30
The changing of the seasons don't just involve summer to fall. Flu season will be here before you know it as well. We dealt with one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory last year when 7 people died in Fresno County from flu-related illness.
See Also:
● County, businesses gearing up for start of flu season Bakersfield Californian
Pediatric Surgical Patients Arrive in Style
Modesto Bee
Doctors Medical Center added a new transport to their pediatric surgical program. A new Mercedes Benz for their smallest patients. The goal of the new car is to reduce anxiety and stress for the pediatric patients.
San Joaquin County is No. 2 in California for syphilis
Stockton Record
More county residents had syphilis last year than in each of the past 20 years, according to information from the San Joaquin County Public Health Services.
How Suicide Trainings, Community Connections Could Patch Holes In Amador’s Mental Health Safety Net
Capital Public Radio
Amador County has the third-highest suicide rate in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health. It’s nearly three times the state average and twice the rate in Sacramento.
As opioid death toll worsens, California doctors will soon be required to perform database checks
Los Angeles Times
For decades, California has kept a prescription history database for doctors and pharmacies to consult, but many healthcare providers have ignored it — and the potential life-saving clues it provides.
In California, saving teeth and money—one mouth at a time
CALmatters
In California, the state with highest poverty rate, tooth decay in children outpaces the national average. Hoping to save both teeth and money, the state is addressing the problem with an overhaul of Denti-Cal, part of the Medi-Cal health system for low-income Californians.
'Aspirin-a-day risky in old age' - major study
BBCNews
There are proven benefits of the drug for people after a heart attack or stroke. But the trial found no benefit for healthy people over the age of 70, and the pills increased the risk of potentially fatal internal bleeding. Experts described the results as very important and cautioned against self-medicating with aspirin.
Human Services:
How many of your Fresno neighbors are on food stamps, welfare? You may be surprised
Fresno Bce
More than one out of every five households in both the city of Fresno and Fresno County receive food stamps or other supplemental food assistance – by far the highest rates of people getting food aid among California’s most populous cities and counties.
Supes vote for $100k to support animal shelter
Madera Tribune
Madera County supervisors have voted to extend their financial support of the work of The Friends of Madera Animal Shelter volunteers in spaying and neutering local pets.
Pacific health fairs a big boost to Medicare beneficiaries
Stockton Record
The evidence is in: Medicare beneficiaries who attended one of University of the Pacific’s Part D drug plan health fairs during the past 11 years saved an average of $1,049 annually on their out-of-pocket prescription medicine costs.
Los Angeles Times
Few Californians will have any idea why they’re being asked to vote this fall on workplace conditions in the private ambulance industry. But the backstory is a reminder of how ballot measures are the ultimate Plan B for those who don’t get satisfaction from the Legislature.
What Consumers Should Know About Commercial DNA Testing
Wall Street Journal
Less costly genetic testing has let millions of people unlock the information in their DNA. Yet there’s a lot about these tests they don’t know—but should.
Germ warfare: Doctor offers $1 million for research on potential cause of Alzheimer's
NPR
Is Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia worldwide, caused by a germ? By "germ," we mean microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. In other words, is Alzheimer's infectious? The "germ theory" of Alzheimer's has been fermenting in the literature for decades. Dr. Leslie Norins, a physician turned publisher, thinks it's worth looking into.
Congress must not delay the Cadillac tax for health care
The Hill
It is often inspiring when lawmakers reach across the aisle to find common ground. In this case, though, the bipartisan consensus is wrong. The Affordable Care Act’s “Cadillac tax” on high-cost employer-provided health insurance helps correct a major flaw in the tax system. Congress should accelerate the Cadillac tax, not delay it.
Proposition 8: More regulation of kidney dialysis centers
CALmatters
nder Proposition 8, profits will be limited to 15 percent above the amount spent on treating patients, leading to increased investment in care. By connecting the cost of patient care to profits, the proposition will push these big corporations to invest in hiring additional staff, improving overall clinic hygiene, reducing insect infestations, and buying new equipment.
IMMIGRATION
Study finds undocumented immigrants have less reported chronic disease than Americans
Sacramento Bee
Undocumented immigrants are significantly less likely to seek health care or mental health treatment, a new study from Drexel University finds. They are also less likely to be diagnosed with certain chronic diseases.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
‘Upscale’ hotel and conference center could be coming to Oakhurst
Fresno Bee
The Madera County Board of Supervisors will soon vote on a $20 million project that would bring a hotel and conference center to Oakhurst in three to four years.
See Also:
● Conference center and hotel could come to Oakhurst ABC30
Hidden Gems: The National Landmark 100 Feet Beneath Your Feet
KQED
Discovered by miners in 1854, the cave is now family-owned and open every day for 45-minute tours. Hardcore cave enthusiasts come from all over the world to check out this natural wonder that’s just an hour east of Sacramento.
Housing:
Even if you can afford a new home, here’s why you can’t find one in the Central Valley
Fresno Bee
Home construction companies in the Central Valley and much of California are unable to find enough workers while the economy is booming and buyer demand is high. The labor shortage is driving up house prices.
See also:
What you need to know about California's housing crisis CALmatters
California housing crisis podcast: What the Legislature did in 2018 and what's coming next Los Angeles Times
A decade after the Great Recession, effects of housing bust linger in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield's housing boom was absurd in retrospect — giddy and wild, to be sure, but also unsustainable and, in a few cases, criminal.
Madera code inspectors plan to check half of the cities homes
ABC30
Madera's new rental inspection program is taking aim at all of the city's estimated 8,500 rental properties, or about half of the cities homes and apartments. Inspectors so far have determined 30 to 40 percent of the rentals inspected have issues.
Homeless booted from river during clean up in Visalia
Visalia Times Delta
On Friday, Langley was at a homeless encampment as bulldozers made their way down a dirt path soon to be a Visalia walking trail connecting St. John's Parkway to Riverway Sports Park.
See also:
Bezos to tackle homelessness Madera Tribune
Cities, even other countries, taking note of tent shelters San Diego Union-Tribune
California's homeless population jumps 13.7% in one year HousingWire
Afraid of rent control? Here’s why you should vote yes on Prop 10 anyway
Sacramento Bee
California’s Proposition 10, to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, really isn’t about rent control. It’s about restoring local control to let cities and counties manage the affordable housing crisis and protect tenants.
See Also:
● EDITORIAL: Rent control isn't the answer to California's housing crisis, but it could help. Yes on Prop 10 Los Angeles Times
● EDITORIAL: Chronicle Recommends: No on Prop. 10 San Francisco Chronicle
● EDITORIAL: Proposition 10: Vote no on rent control, a 'solution' that worsens housing crisis San Diego Union-Tribune
EDITORIAL: Chronicle recommends: Yes on California Prop. 1
San Francisco Chronicle
Proposition 1, put on the ballot by the state Legislature, would authorize a $4 billion bond to help fund housing-related programs.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Fresno County announces 2018/2019 budget plans
ABC30
Fresno County is about to tackle its more than $3 billion budget for the coming fiscal year. County Administrator Jean Rousseau outlined the budget proposals at a news conference.
Devious people want to deprive taxpayers of their watchdog
Modesto Bee
Let’s just imagine you are a member of a taxpayer’s watchdog group and you are being lobbied by dozens of people and groups to endorse a sales tax increase to pay for street improvements. You know your streets are in abysmal condition, they need repair, your city management refuses to spend your money on streets, and everyone is in despair over lack of repair.
Congress must not delay the Cadillac tax for health care
The Hill
It is often inspiring when lawmakers reach across the aisle to find common ground. In this case, though, the bipartisan consensus is wrong. The Affordable Care Act’s “Cadillac tax” on high-cost employer-provided health insurance helps correct a major flaw in the tax system. Congress should accelerate the Cadillac tax, not delay it.
TRANSPORTATION
Uber glitch leaves drivers unpaid and frustrated
Sacramento Bee
Drivers for the ride-hailing company Uber are frustrated over a glitch that is keeping them from being paid immediately.
The best way to see California is by bicycle
San Francisco Chronicle
Especially for lovers of our Golden State, bicycle travel is the way to know it, and love it, more deeply.
California’s most epic bike route is ready to be built
San Francisco Chronicle
A bill to convert the publicly owned line into a destination for bikers and hikers. The bill was approved by the state Senate and Assembly and is now headed to Gov. Jerry Brown, who has until the end of September to decide whether to sign it.
WATER
Should you be worried about arsenic in your drinking water?
Fresno State News
For the first time, the California Water Institute is holding a symposium discussing arsenic and its effects on our drinking water.
10 tons of trashed removed from American River during annual cleanup
Sacramento Bee
The American River Parkway Foundation collected more than 20,176 of pounds of trash from the American River Saturday in just three hours.
More critical water storage is finally coming to California. It took nearly 40 years.
Sacramento Bee
California officials have been pushing for more natural water storage since the last large-scale facility was built in 1979. Now they’re finally going to get it, thanks to political pressure, President Donald Trump and some congressional creativity.
“Xtra”
Fresno State beats UCLA before strong Red Wave presence
Fresno Bee
Fresno State defeated UCLA 38-14 on Sept. 15, 2018, from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena to snap a 10-game losing streak to Power Five conference opponents.
See Also:
● Bulldogs bring the beat down to the Rose Bowl ABC30
● Bulldogs and Bruins create fan friendly tailgate experience ABC30
Arte Americas Offers A Chance To Immerse Yourself in Latino Culture
ABC30
Whether its Dia de Los Muertos altars created by local artists or pieces coming from Mexico, Arte Americas is offering opportunities to immerse yourself in Latino culture.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo renovating old section of park
ABC30
Odds are If you have recently visited the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, you might have noticed the former giraffe area is empty.
It’s all Greek — and a lot of fun — at Modesto fest
Modesto Bee
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church has another food festival under its belt.
Oakhurst past, present, future shine on Heritage Day
Sierra Star
Before the Heritage Day crowd took in the history of Fresno Flats, they were treated to the sights and sounds of the Heritage Day Parade, which began at 10 a.m. and highlighted 35 of the community’s politicians, groups, businesses, schools and organizations.
Literacy & Book Fair Family Day at the Park loaded with books, games and smiles
Stockton Record
Good times were had by all Saturday at The Record’s Literacy & Book Fair Family Day at the Park.
The fair is here!
Bakersfield Californian
The great Kern County Fair is almost here! With a theme of "Fair Friends Forever!," this year's fair runs Sept. 19-30.
See Also:
● There's plenty new to celebrate at the great Kern County Fair Bakersfield Californian