POLICY & POLITICS
North SJ Valley:
Modesto’s new courthouse to have a far different look than its predecessors
Modesto Bee
The Stanislaus County Courthouse that’s set to start rising next year will follow two others with notable places in architecture history. The annual Modesto Architecture & Design Week kicked off with a Saturday evening program at the State Theatre that showcased all three buildings.
It’s our Modesto City Charter; leaders must share its future with us
Modesto Bee
The public has to approve any change to the charter, but we’ve seen that it all depends on the choices we’re offered. Remember when they decided to award themselves a fifth year in office?
Modesto’s outdoor shelter will cost $1.6M. But expert says that looks like a bargain.
Modesto Bee
The cost to set up and operate the Modesto Outdoor Emergency Shelter — the tent city housing about 420 homeless people underneath the Ninth Street Bridge in the Tuolumne River Regional Park — is expected to be more than $1.6 million.
Rep. Harder wants to fight the swamp rats (outside D.C.)
Roll Call
Rep. Josh Harder toted a taxidermied “swamp rat” named Nellie to his hearing in front of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife.
Central SJ Valley:
Fresno State News
After a historic vote last year by Fresno State students to build a new student union, philanthropists and entrepreneurs Lynda and Stewart Resnick, owners of The Wonderful Company, have made a $10 million investment to make this new facility a reality.
See also:
● Fresno State’s new student union will be named after these billionaire farmers Fresno Bee
A new California city of 120,000 is rising 5 miles from Fresno. Would you live there?
Fresno Bee
Within five miles of the Highway 41 interchange at Friant Road, quickest freeway access to Fresno’s largest and most popular shopping and entertainment area, a future city planned for more than 100,000 people rises from the dirt.
City council to vote on electric scooters as Fresno shared mobility program
abc30
The community could see more than cars and bikes on the streets of Fresno. Thursday the city council votes whether to launch a shared mobility program.
More flights, more passengers. Fresno airport braces for record fall, winter travel
Fresno Bee
One airline is extending its service to Chicago, another is increasing its number of daily flights to Dallas, and more flights will be heading to destinations in Mexico as Fresno Yosemite International Airport braces for a busy fall and winter travel season – all part of what looks like it will be a record year for passenger flow through the airport.
South SJ Valley:
Federal study finds oilfield activity lowered groundwater quality in western Kern
Bakersfield Californian
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey concludes oilfield activity has lowered the quality of groundwater in western Kern County, making it saltier and possibly affecting nearby irrigation sources but not harming drinking water.
Bakersfield payment system hacked again, exposing personal information
Bakersfield Californian
The city of Bakersfield’s online payment system has been hit by hackers once again, exposing the personal information of those who used it, according to the security firm Gemini Advisory.
Hiring process for new city manager begins as Alan Tandy's retirement nears
Bakersfield Californian
The search for a new city manager got off to an unassuming start at a public forum on Tuesday in which Bakersfield residents gave input into what they would like to see in the person who is eventually hired for the position.
Price: Can you imagine Bakersfield without oil? EPA does
Bakersfield Californian
The end of oil. Fighting words for a lot of folks. The end of Kern County's lifeblood. The end of Kern County's historical identity, of its calloused-hands persona, of its proud role as the literal engine of American mobility.
State:
Trump threat on California highway funds may be a first. Gavin Newsom calls it payback
Fresno Bee
The federal government has fought with California officials for years over the state’s chronic air pollution. It’s even threatened to withdraw highway funding from parts of the state because of selected shortcomings in California’s anti-pollution strategies.
See also:
● Nationwide safety operation aims to prevent deadly accidents on train tracks abc30
● Trump admin ramps up fight with California, threatens to withhold federal funds abc30
● Trump threatens California over air quality Visalia Times Delta
● Trump Administration Escalates Battle Over Environmental Regulations With California Capital Public Radio
● EPA threatens to cut California’s highway funding over Clean Air Act ‘failure’ Los Angeles Times
● California fires back at Trump for threatening to withhold highway funds San Francisco Chronicle
● California Defiant as EPA Threatens to Pull Highway Funds Over Poor Air Quality KQED
● Does California really have the country’s worst air quality? Mercury News
● Commentary: California, The Cradle Of Climate Jingoism Fox&Hounds
Newsweek
Climate Week, happening now in New York City, shines a light on what we do every day in California: protect our people and our planet. California does not wait for permission to take action to protect our climate.
California Democrats aim to boost March primary turnout with bills sent to Gavin Newsom
Fresno Bee
California voters could soon see more notifications reminding them to vote in the primary and more options to register the day of the election under bills awaiting action by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
See also:
● California’s Exclusive Electorate Public Policy Institute of California
● On National Voter Registration Day, examining ways to expand voter registration Brookings
● Group Behind California Privacy Law Aims to Strengthen It New York Times
● Privacy activist in California launches new ballot initiative for 2020 election Washington Post
Proposed 2020 ballot measure would tighten California data privacy law
Los Angeles Times
Californians would have more control over the collection of their health and financial data and there would be stiff penalties for companies that wrongly share and sell data about children under a November 2020 statewide ballot measure.
See also:
● Californians may get to vote on expanded privacy rights CalMatters
Stop vaping immediately, state of California says
Fresno Bee
Californians should stop vaping until state, federal and local officials find the root cause of a mysterious lung illness linked to vaping, the California Department of Public Health announced Tuesday.
See also:
● California to consumers: Stop vaping during health probe abc30
● California to consumers: Stop vaping amid probe into mysterious illnesses Stockton Record
● California Urging Residents To Stop Vaping Amid Investigation Capital Public Radio
● If E-Cigs Were Romaine Lettuce, They'd Be Off The Shelf, Vaper's Mom Tells Congress Capital Public Radio
● California health officials tell everyone to stop vaping right now Los Angeles Times
● Studies show how Juul exploited social media to get teens to start vaping Los Angeles Times
● California advises no more vaping as lung disease cases climb in state San Francisco Chronicle
● Juul prepares to restructure with layoffs likely San Francisco Chronicle
● Juul says its chief executive is stepping down, accepts proposed ban on flavored vaping products Washington Post
● If E-Cigs Were Romaine Lettuce, They'd Be Off The Shelf, Vaper's Mom Tells Congress NPR
Walters: Three bills that flunk the smell test
Visalia Times Delta
This is the story of three bills that, while superficially distinct, reflect the expansive tenor of the Legislature’s Democratic majority — a belief that making government larger and/or more intrusive is beneficial.
Walters: An ethical double standard
CalMatters
Countless local tax and bond measures have appeared on ballots, and the campaigns for them have become increasingly misleading. Local officials hire high-powered campaign firms to provide “information” that’s ill-disguised advocacy and often obscures the measures’ true purpose to voters.
Federal:
Trump impeachment: Freshman California Democrats say they’re ready for an inquiry
Fresno Bee
All of California’s seven freshmen Democrats who defeated Republican incumbents in 2018 now publicly back impeaching President Donald Trump.
See also:
● Rep. Josh Harder is ready for Trump impeachment vote. Here’s what changed his mind Modesto Bee
● Trump impeachment: Freshman California Democrats say they’re ready for an inquiry Sacramento Bee
● Nancy Pelosi begins Trump impeachment inquiry after more Democrats call for investigation Fresno Bee
● Pelosi orders impeachment probe: ‘No one is above the law’ Fresno Bee
● Democrats embrace risks — and potential rewards — with Trump impeachment inquiry Fresno Bee
● Here are 5 things to know about impeaching a president Fresno Bee
● Will Trump be impeached? Here’s how the process works Visalia Times Delta
● Pelosi Announces Formal Impeachment Inquiry Into President Trump Capital Public Radio
● What is a formal impeachment inquiry, and what happens next for President Trump? Sacramento Bee
● Democrats launch impeachment inquiry into President Trump Los Angeles Times
● Why now? How House Democrats shifted to favor starting impeachment proceedings Los Angeles Times
● Impeachment 101: How could Congress remove President Trump from office? Los Angeles Times
● How Ukraine found itself at the heart of intensifying Trump scandal Los Angeles Times
● ‘The actions taken by the president seriously violated the Constitution’ San Francisco Chronicle
● Pelosi, Democrats take risk with Trump impeachment inquiry Sacramento Bee
● Swing-district Democrats gamble that voters will follow them on impeachment Roll Call
● Pelosi announces impeachment inquiry, says Trump’s courting of foreign political help is a ‘betrayal of national security’ Washington Post
● Pelosi Announces Impeachment Inquiry of President Trump Wall Street Journal
● New poll shows limited support for removing Trump from office Washington Post
● How To Read the Trump–Ukraine Transcript Tomorrow National Review
● 7 takeaways from the rough transcript of Trump’s call with Ukraine’s president Washington Post
● Transcript Shows Trump Asked Ukrainian Counterpart to Look Into Joe Biden’s Son Wall Street Journal
● Trump, Joe Biden, Hunter Biden And Ukraine: 5 Questions Answered NPR
● Transcript of Trump’s call with Ukrainian president shows him offering U.S. assistance for Biden investigation Washington Post
● Trump pressed Ukraine’s president to work with Barr for dirt on Biden Politico
● Official readout: President Trump’s July 25 phone call with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky Washington Post
● White House Seeks Deal for Whistle-Blower to Speak to Congress New York Times
● Giuliani pursued shadow Ukraine agenda as key foreign policy officials were sidelined Washington Post
● Trump team brushes off impeachment inquiry, raises cash Reuters
● Why an Impeachment Inquiry Now? Democrats Cite the Clarity of the Case New York Times
● Why is the Trump-Ukraine whistleblower complaint so important? Brookings
● Inside Trumpworld, public defiance vs. private anxiety over impeachment Politico
● Trump’s Pinocchio-laden claims about Joe Biden, Ukraine and polls Washington Post
● Commentary: Will Impeachment Backfire on the Democrats? National Review
● EDITORIAL: Impeachment inquiry is a move in defense of U.S. Constitution San Francisco Chronicle
● Fact Check: Trump’s Pinocchio-laden claims about Joe Biden, Ukraine and polls Washington Post
Government survey that includes question on citizenship rattles some Americans
abc30
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey includes questions on immigration, and it's rattling some people.
'Nightmare' for global postal system if Trump pulls out, U.N. body says
Reuters
A threat by Donald Trump to pull the United States out of the global postal system could lead to a “nightmare scenario” of mail going undelivered, packages piling up and American stamps no longer being recognized abroad, the U.N. postal agency said.
John Roberts says Supreme Court doesn't work in a 'political manner'
CNN
Chief Justice John Roberts responded to attacks on the Supreme Court and the judiciary from both sides of aisle on Tuesday evening, saying that such criticism "does not affect how we do our work" and he said that the justices will "continue to decide cases" according to the Constitution and laws "without fear or favor."
Elections 2020:
The deciding factor in 2020: Are voters willing to live with Trump’s bizarre behavior?
Fresno Bee
Political analysts and followers are understandably consumed these days with the grinding mechanics of the 2020 presidential campaign — the debates, the secretly developing ground games, declared policies, the fundraising, the strategizing around key states and polls, the only interim indicators we have of the race still four months from any vote.
After first major Iowa weekend, Democrats set sights on February caucuses
abc30
After their first major weekend in Iowa, Democrats are setting their sights on the state caucuses in February.
Biden: Possible impeachment 'tragedy' of Trump's own making
abc30
Former Vice President Joe Biden, in his most direct statement yet on the topic, called on President Trump to comply with all of Congress' outstanding, lawful requests for information related to his phone call with Ukraine's president and cautioned that if Trump does not, Congress has no choice but to impeach.
See also:
● Accusations test Biden’s claim he can go toe-to-toe with Trump Los Angeles Times
● Biden to back impeachment if Trump does not comply with requests for Ukraine information Los Angeles Times
● Democratic candidates back impeachment inquiry — and a GOP challenger accuses Trump of treason Los Angeles Times
What’s behind Elizabeth Warren’s rise? It’s the logic, stupid
Los Angeles Times
When Elizabeth Warren addressed some 20,000 whooping fans in Manhattan on Monday night, she united two categories of voters that have unaccountably been pitted against each other: women and workers.
See also:
● Warren takes Democratic presidential nomination lead in California, new poll finds Los Angeles Times
● Opinion: Warren’s Profligate Sop to Seniors Wall Street Journal
Will ‘moving’ to Iowa hurt Kamala Harris with California voters?
San Francisco Chronicle
Sen Kamala Harris says she’s “f—ing moving” to Iowa, the first state in the nation to vote in the nomination process in 2020, amid falling poll numbers.
Other:
California the most diverse state in the nation, study says
abc30
Researchers determined the more diverse states by looking at six different aspects including socio-economic, cultural, household and religious diversity.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, September 29, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “Little Hoover Commission Report: What's So Special About Special Districts?” – Guest: Carole D'Elia, Executive Director - Little Hoover Commission. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, September 29, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “Special Districts: Relevant or Redundant?” – Guests: David Fey from LAFCO Fresno; Sara Lytle-Pinhey from LAFCO Stanislaus; William Nicholson from LAFCO Merced; David Braun from LAFCO Madera; and Alan Hoffman, General Manager of the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, September 29, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “Los Diez mas Importantes de California” – Invitado: Alexei Koseff, Reportero de Sacramento Bee. Presentado Por: Coordinadora del Programa del Maddy Institute, Maria Jeans.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
California farmers face ‘catastrophic’ water restrictions. Can they adapt to survive?
Sacramento Bee
Farmers will have to start throttling back their pumps, dramatically altering how they cultivate one of the world’s most fertile valleys. Some land probably won’t survive as farms at all.
Annual grape harvest a family tradition for Lodi business
Stockton Record
The wine grape harvest is going strong in Lodi, an area where 750 growers tend more than 100,000 acres of wine grapes.
See also:
● For wineries during harvest, PG&E power outages could be disastrous San Francisco Chronicle
Big cannabis growing site approved in Stanislaus County. School officials opposed it
Modesto Bee
Supervisors approved a permit Tuesday for a commercial cannabis growing operation in eastern Stanislaus County that was opposed by some residents and school officials in the nearby the community.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
California halts prison gang peacemaking effort
abc30
California prison officials have halted an experiment aimed at forcing warring prison gangs to get along with each other after the inmates wound up brawling and even rioting when allowed to mingle together in prison recreation yards, officials told The Associated Press.
Fresno car buyers say they were deceived by well-known (Paul Blanco) dealership
abc30
One day after the state attorney general accused Paul Blanco's Good Car Company of fraud, many people stepped forward to say they too were deceived by the well-known dealership.
Public Safety:
Fresno police payouts could create fiscal emergency
abc30
Lawsuits against Fresno police are costing the city millions of dollars a year and some city council members are worried they'll soon have to dip into emergency funds to make the payments.
Nationwide safety operation aims to prevent deadly accidents on train tracks
abc30
The Merced Police Department is collaborating with Amtrak Police and Operation Lifesaver to crack down on anyone who makes the dangerous decision to try to beat a train.
See also:
● Fatalities rise in California from people stepping in front of moving trains San Francisco Chronicle
Lemoore Police Chief Darrell Smith to retire after 30 years
Hanford Sentinel
Lemoore Police Chief Darrell Smith will retire in December after 30 years of service in Kings County. City Manager Nathan Olson announced Smith’s retirement Friday. This fall, Nov. 13 will mark Smith’s sixth year as Lemoore’s police chief.
Fatalities rise in California from people stepping in front of moving trains
San Francisco Chronicle
The number of people who step in the path of a moving train is ticking up each year in California, already the state with the highest number of trespasser deaths on railroads.
Opinion: Assault victims have every right to keep their trauma and their settlements private
Los Angeles Times
The #MeToo movement has elevated the voices of sexual assault victims, making it more likely that victims will come forward. But movement supporters are wrong to attack confidential settlement agreements that can help victims get a measure of justice.
Fire:
Shadow Casters Present $2,600 Check to YLP Station 10 Firefighters
Sierra News
The Sierra Shadow Casters Motorcycle Club hosted the Sierra Moonshine Poker Run on Sept. 7 to raise money for Station 10, located in Yosemite Lakes Park and serving a wide mountain area.
‘I almost feel like we’re being punished.’ What it’s like in areas with PG&E power shutoffs
Sacramento Bee
Butte County residents that had their power shut off by PG&E because of wildfire danger gathered at a community resource tent at the Harrison Stadium parking lot in Oroville on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019.
See also:
● PG&E announces power shut-offs in Sonoma, Napa counties starting at 4:30 a.m. San Francisco Chronicle
● For California wineries during harvest, PG&E power outages could be disastrous San Francisco Chronicle
‘Not a chess game:’ Tensions rise in PG&E bankruptcy
San Francisco Chronicle
Attorneys for wildfire victims clashed with those for PG&E and its stockholders in a bankruptcy court hearing Tuesday.
California wildfires: Cell companies can’t promise indefinite service
San Francisco Chronicle
In federal filings, major cell phone carriers said they were prepared for PG&E shutoffs, but some cell sites could go dark if backup options fail during a fire.
The biggest wildfires currently burning in California
Los Angeles Times
California has seen 158,714 acres burn in wildfires this year, according to Cal Fire data, which includes wildfires 10 acres or larger. That’s a fraction of how many acreshad burned by this time last year.
ECONOMY / JOBS
Economy:
US consumer confidence drops as economic uncertainties rise
Fresno Bee
Consumer confidence fell sharply in September, a likely indication that growing economic uncertainties are taking a toll on American households.
BC's new Launchpad to give entrepreneurs a place to start, grow their businesses
Bakersfield Californian
Timothy Salvador, a Bakersfield College business administration major and former foster youth, knew he wanted to start his own business aimed at keeping foster and juvenile delinquents in school and thinking about their futures.
Webinar about small-business networking starts at noon
Bakersfield Californian
A free, hour-long webinar about how small businesses can network more effectively is scheduled to start at noon Wednesday.
2019 California Economic Summit Registration Opens
CAFWD
Register the 2019 California Economic Summit, which will take place in Fresno on November 7-8. The Summit, produced by California Forward, marks the eighth annual gathering of private, public and civic leaders from across California’s diverse regions committed to creating a shared economic agenda to expand prosperity for all.
Jobs:
California Center for Jobs and the Economy
EDD reported total employment (seasonally adjusted; August preliminary) was up 5,400 from the revised July numbers, while the number of unemployed dropped by 13,200. Unemployment rate was unchanged 4.1%.
Looking for a job? Head to the Tulare County Job Fair
Visalia Times Delta
If you're looking for a job, dust off your power suit and head to the 28th Tulare County Job Fair at the Visalia Convention Center. On Wednesday, more than 80 employers will be looking for potential candidates during the annual event.
Skelton: AB5—California's employment law is rewritten. Many aren't thrilled
Los Angeles Times
State Capitol Democrats and organized labor say their new “gig” law will correct the misclassification of 1 million California workers who are falsely deemed independent contractors. But their thinking reflects a misunderstanding.
See also:
● Uber, Lyft pitch landmark California worker proposal — and tech industry's first ballot threat Politico
● California’s new 35-story limit for freelancers Columbia Journalism Review
● California AB 5’s Author and the Governor Attempt to Clarify Law’s Scope Littler
A Group of Google Contractors Has Voted to Unionize
Wired
About 80 Google contractors in Pittsburgh voted to unionize with United Steelworkers on Tuesday, in a historic move for white-collar workers at the search giant.
See also:
● Google workers have formed a small union, overcoming tech’s long resistance Washington Post
EDUCATION
K-12:
What should designers include in Visalia’s new high school?
Visalia Times Delta
What should designers include in Visalia's new, $150-million high school? The school district wants to know, and is now seeking input from parents, students and community members in a new online survey.
210 Connect hosts Central Valley educator with compelling story
Visalia Times Delta
On Oct. 14, 210 Connect will eschew its usual panel forum format to share the inspiring story of Luz Gonzalez, the dean of Fresno State Visalia Campus.
Meet The ‘TEAM’: Burton launches leadership academy
Hanford Sentinel
Twenty-two seventh and eight grade students from Burton Middle School and their families were welcomed to a reception for the new Leadership Program at Burkey Center on Friday by BMS Principal Adriana Franco.
English Learner Trajectories and Reclassification
Public Policy Institute of California
More than 40 percent of students in California’s public schools speak a language other than English at home. In the 2016–17 school year, 21 percent of all students, or more than 1.3 million, were English Learners (ELs).
Trump administration rule could end free school lunches for about 500,000 children
Washington Post
About a half-million students could lose access to free school meals under a Trump administration proposal to limit the number of people who qualify for food stamps, drawing protests from congressional Democrats who say it could harm needy schoolchildren.
Higher Ed:
$5 million grant will bring startup coaching program to University of California campuses
Fresno Bee
The University of California is expanding an entrepreneurial guidance program to almost all of its campuses through a $5 million corporate partnership.
CSUB FMA Chapter earns FMA Superior Chapter Award for 2018-19 academic year
Bakersfield Californian
The California State University chapter of the Bakersfield Financial Management Association has earned the FMA Superior Chapter Award for the 2018-2019 academic year.
CSU proposal to require a 4th year of high school math would exempt some students
EdSource
Seeking to ease concerns that a proposal to require four years of high school math for freshman admissions would make it harder for certain students to attend California State University, senior administrators of the 23-campus system are proposing to exempt some students from the requirement and help schools expand their course offerings.
BC's new Launchpad to give entrepreneurs a place to start, grow their businesses
Bakersfield Californian
Timothy Salvador, a Bakersfield College business administration major and former foster youth, knew he wanted to start his own business aimed at keeping foster and juvenile delinquents in school and thinking about their futures.
COS recognized for implementing new law changing student placement
abc30
A new law is bringing big changes to California community colleges and how they place their students. One local school has been singled out as a success story.
ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY
Environment:
Trump threat on California highway funds may be a first. Gavin Newsom calls it payback
Fresno Bee
The federal government has fought with California officials for years over the state’s chronic air pollution. It’s even threatened to withdraw highway funding from parts of the state because of selected shortcomings in California’s anti-pollution strategies.
See also:
● Nationwide safety operation aims to prevent deadly accidents on train tracks abc30
● Trump admin ramps up fight with California, threatens to withhold federal funds abc30
● Trump threatens California over air quality Visalia Times Delta
● Trump Administration Escalates Battle Over Environmental Regulations With California Capital Public Radio
● EPA threatens to cut California’s highway funding over Clean Air Act ‘failure’ Los Angeles Times
● California fires back at Trump for threatening to withhold highway funds San Francisco Chronicle
● California Defiant as EPA Threatens to Pull Highway Funds Over Poor Air Quality KQED
● Does California really have the country’s worst air quality? Mercury News
● Commentary: California, The Cradle Of Climate Jingoism Fox&Hounds
Environmental science is facing a public-trust crisis. Here’s how to fix it
Sacramento Bee
The non-partisan PEW Research Center reports that only 35 percent of Americans think environmental scientists provide fair and accurate information. Worse, only 17 percent thought environmental scientists were transparent about conflicts of interest.
See also:
● How a scrappy federal IT program can be a model for US climate action Brookings
● What 1,000 CEOs Really Think About Climate Change and Inequality Harvard Business Review
Los Angeles Times
Among the many Legislature-approved bills awaiting action by Gov. Gavin Newsom before the Oct. 13 deadline is a bill that targets one easily dispensable source of disposable plastic: the small bottles of soap, shampoo and lotion that hotels stock in guest rooms.
Wall Street Journal
If the ruling by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals is allowed to stand, parties will have an incentive to sue their adversaries and ask juries to settle what are essentially differences of opinion.
Markets Insider
The bank's Global Markets Institute, led by Amanda Hindlian, warned of "significant" potential risks to the world's largest cities, which are especially vulnerable to more frequent storms, higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and storm surges.
See also:
● New climate report: Oceans rising faster, ice melting more AP News
EDITORIAL: At the U.N. climate summit, children lead while the world’s politicians act like children
Los Angeles Times
Leaders of at least 65 countries attending the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York City this week committed to increasingtheir efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
See also:
● U.N. Panel Details Effects of Climate Change on Oceans and Ice Caps Wall Street Journal
● New U.N. climate report: Massive change already here for world’s oceans and frozen regions Washington Post
Energy:
California may postpone shutdown of power plants that kill fish and sea lions. Here’s why
Fresno Bee
California has been pushing for years to drive fossil fuels out of its electricity grid. Now it thinks it might have tap the brakes — and keep a fleet of natural gas-fired plants operating past their scheduled expiration dates — to make sure the state has enough power.
See also:
● These fish-killing gas plants were set to close. California may throw them a lifeline Los Angeles Times
● California could face power shortages if these gas plants shut down, officials say Los Angeles Times
Price: Can you imagine Bakersfield without oil? EPA does
Bakersfield Californian
The end of oil. Fighting words for a lot of folks. The end of Kern County's lifeblood. The end of Kern County's historical identity, of its calloused-hands persona, of its proud role as the literal engine of American mobility.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Stop vaping immediately, state of California says
Fresno Bee
Californians should stop vaping until state, federal and local officials find the root cause of a mysterious lung illness linked to vaping, the California Department of Public Health announced Tuesday.
See also:
● California to consumers: Stop vaping during health probe abc30
● California to consumers: Stop vaping amid probe into mysterious illnesses Stockton Record
● California Urging Residents To Stop Vaping Amid Investigation Capital Public Radio
● If E-Cigs Were Romaine Lettuce, They'd Be Off The Shelf, Vaper's Mom Tells Congress Capital Public Radio
● California health officials tell everyone to stop vaping right now Los Angeles Times
● Studies show how Juul exploited social media to get teens to start vaping Los Angeles Times
● California advises no more vaping as lung disease cases climb in state San Francisco Chronicle
● Juul prepares to restructure with layoffs likely San Francisco Chronicle
● Juul says its chief executive is stepping down, accepts proposed ban on flavored vaping products Washington Post
● If E-Cigs Were Romaine Lettuce, They'd Be Off The Shelf, Vaper's Mom Tells Congress NPR
Action News Investigation: How many students have measles vaccination at your child's school?
abc30
Measles is one of the most contagious viral infections known to man. The measles virus can live up to two hours in an airspace where an infected person coughed or sneezed.
See also:
● California vaccine bill: Feminine hygiene device and misused photo at anti-vaxxer rally Washington Post
● How anti-vaxxers target grieving moms and turn them into crusaders
● against vaccines NBC
West Nile virus showing up in county
Madera Tribune
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced that on Sept. 7, a 2-year-old unvaccinated Andalusian stallion began experiencing clinical signs of West Nile virus (WNV), including fever and recumbency (down and unable to rise).
Human Services:
California abortion rate drops to historic low. Here’s where the state ranks in U.S.
Sacramento Bee
The abortion rate in California has fallen to the lowest level in decades, a trend that corresponds with a drop in pregnancies, new data show.
California health advocates urge bold action to improve quality of Medi-Cal managed care plans
Sacramento Bee
The California Health Care Foundation, working with researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, urged state legislators in a report released Wednesday to take bold steps to improve the quality of Medi-Cal managed care plans.
Kaiser Permanente gets high rating for Medicare plan
Business Journal
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rated Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Medicare health plan a 5 out of 5 — the highest in Northern California, and among the highest rated in the country.
Pelosi offers Medicare negotiation plan to curb drug prices
Business Journal
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, trying to seize the agenda on a top consumer issue, announced an ambitious prescription drug plan Thursday that would allow Medicare to negotiate prices for seniors and younger people.
On-Site Health Care Could Help Seniors Stay at Home
Pew Research
The nation’s older population is growing rapidly — it’s projected to nearly double by 2050. Many seniors want to stay in their homes, but when they grow older and more infirm, that isn’t always possible.
IMMIGRATION
Trump’s travel restrictions on Muslims re-litigated in House committees
Fresno Bee
Administration officials Tuesday defended President Donald Trump's ban on visas for some majority-Muslim countries, arguing that the restrictions are a necessary security measure.
Thousands of migrants. One deadly week.
Visalia Times Delta
In one week, thousands of migrants overwhelm the U.S. border. We reveal their dangerous journeys and the broken immigration system that awaits them.
Trump Administration To End 'Catch And Release' Immigration Policy, Says DHS Chief
NPR
The Trump administration will no longer allow migrant families apprehended at the border to enter the U.S. under the immigration policy commonly known as "catch and release."
Los Angeles Times
President Trump used part of his speech at the United Nation General Assembly Monday morning to rail against “open-border activists, who cloak themselves in the rhetoric of social justice.” He went on, “The policies are not just. Your policies are cruel and evil.”
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
Diablo Grande’s golf course to close next month. Will the resort change hands?
Modesto Bee
The owner of the Diablo Grande resort community has notified homeowners that the remaining golf course will close effective Oct. 19.
Modesto’s outdoor shelter will cost $1.6M. But expert says that looks like a bargain.
Modesto Bee
The cost to set up and operate the Modesto Outdoor Emergency Shelter — the tent city housing about 420 homeless people underneath the Ninth Street Bridge in the Tuolumne River Regional Park — is expected to be more than $1.6 million.
Housing:
Here’s how California’s rent control law would work
Curbed LA
Within the next few weeks, the governor is expected to enact rent control in California by signing Assembly Bill 1482. That means the state would begin to regulate how much your rent can increase every year, limiting it to 5 percent, plus the local rate of inflation.
Opinion: Thoughts on the Recent Legislative Session; The Housing Crisis Unresolved
Fox & Hounds
While the legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom had some solid accomplishments in the recent session, they fell short in dealing with California’s great curse of homelessness and the related shortage of housing affordable enough for working people.
See also:
● Semi-emergency pod: What California lawmakers did on housing in 2019 Gimme Shelter
Mathews: Trump Intervention on Homelessness Would Get Californians Off the Hook
Fox & Hounds
Our officials haven’t been able to get a handle on a wickedly complicated problem—despite huge investments of money and time on homelessness. The public thus blames, correctly, local and state officials who can’t rally to address homelessness.
PUBLIC FINANCES
California’s More Than Dreamin’ about Public Banks
Public CEO
A bill to set in motion massive structural economic change could easily be hundreds, maybe thousands of pages long. AB 857 — which creates a legal pathway in California for public banks owned by city and county governments, where cities and counties would deposit public dollars — clocks in at a mere 29 pages.
Nation: California’s pension debt cannot be ignored
CalMatters
The student team recommended several actions to lawmakers and pension managers. Almost all were ignored. Public pension debt doubled to more than $1.052 trillion in 2017, the last year of complete data.
TRANSPORTATION
California DMV technology is ‘alarming.’ Can the new director turn things around?
Fresno Bee
While many of the DMV’s problems come back to technology, Steve Gordon will also try to reduce fears surrounding the department’s ability to process federal Real ID cards and automatically register eligible California voters through the Motor Voter program.
See also:
● What you need to know about the REAL ID abc30
New Bullard-to-Herndon connection opens. Fresno leaders say it’s just the beginning
Fresno Bee
The city of Fresno announces the opening of a stretch of the Veterans Boulevard project that will connect Bullard Avenue with Herndon Avenue.
City council to vote on electric scooters as Fresno shared mobility program
abc30
The community could see more than cars and bikes on the streets of Fresno. Thursday the city council votes whether to launch a shared mobility program.
More flights, more passengers. Fresno airport braces for record fall, winter travel
Fresno Bee
One airline is extending its service to Chicago, another is increasing its number of daily flights to Dallas, and more flights will be heading to destinations in Mexico as Fresno Yosemite International Airport braces for a busy fall and winter travel season – all part of what looks like it will be a record year for passenger flow through the airport.
Fatalities rise in California from people stepping in front of moving trains
San Francisco Chronicle
The number of people who step in the path of a moving train is ticking up each year in California, already the state with the highest number of trespasser deaths on railroads.
WATER
California farmers face ‘catastrophic’ water restrictions. Can they adapt to survive?
Sacramento Bee
Farmers will have to start throttling back their pumps, dramatically altering how they cultivate one of the world’s most fertile valleys. Some land probably won’t survive as farms at all.
Water Policy Priorities for a Changing California
Public Policy Institute of California
California’s “water grid”—the network of reservoirs, aquifers, rivers, and water conveyance and flood control infrastructure that connects much of the state—was built for a climate that no longer exists.
California, environmental groups sue EPA over protection of salt ponds
San Francisco Chronicle
The lawsuits claim the Trump administration’s decision to halt protections of 1,365 acres of salt ponds in Redwood City under the Clean Water Act was illegal.
“Xtra”
New brewery headed to downtown Fresno. The meaning of its name might surprise you
Fresno Bee
Yet another brewery is planning to open in downtown Fresno. This one, the South of Shaw Beer Co., plans to open in the Peerless Building at Broadway and Amador streets early next year.
Take a ‘Stroll Down Penny Lane’, have some laughs, more Modesto region entertainment
Modesto Bee
“Stroll Down Penny Lane” comes to the State Theatre, a live performance with accompanying films of the music of Paul McCartney. The show includes songs spanning McCartney’s career performed by Bay Area musicians who delve into the music origins.
A jazz-hot opener for Dukes Memorial Concert Series
Bakersfield Californian
The Dukes Memorial Concert Series begins its 14th season with a lot of new faces and broad range of musical styles.
Film fest brings the best of Mexican cinema to Bakersfield
Bakersfield Californian
Of all the many streaming services — a list that seemingly won't stop growing as each studio decides it needs its own — not a single one will have all the films in a festival coming to Maya Cinemas this week.
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The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno was established to honor the legacy of one of California’s most principled and effective legislative leaders of the last half of the 20th Century by engaging, preparing and inspiring a new generation of governmental leaders for the 21st Century. Its mission is to inspire citizen participation, elevate government performance, provide non-partisan analysis and assist in providing solutions for public policy issues important to the region, state and nation.
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