September 26, 2019

26Sep

POLICY & POLITICS


North SJ Valley:


Officials warn of scammers posing as Census representatives to get information

abc30

Merced County officials are warning residents of reported scammers who are posing as county employees knocking on doors to conduct "Census activities" in order to get personal information.


It’s really happening: Council gives final OK to Highway 132 reroute west from Modesto

Modesto Bee

A Bay Area contractor got approval Tuesday night to reroute part of Highway 132 west from Modesto, an idea that dates to the 1950s. Bay Cities Paving & Grading Inc. of Concord will get $92.05 million to build 3.5 miles of new road between Dakota Road and Needham Avenue.


Central SJ Valley:


Homelessness, DA’s office, animal shelter among key Fresno County issues

Fresno Bee

Supervisor Nathan Magsig highlights key issues facing Fresno County during his State of the County address at the Fresno Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 in Fresno.

See also:


California congressional candidate’s family farm walked out on $325,000 owed to workersb

Fresno Bee

Former Rep. David Valadao’s family farm has not paid a $325,000 settlement it agreed to with workers who accused the farm of denying them minimum wage and overtime pay.


South SJ Valley:


Holly Blair found not mentally capable to stand trial

Hanford Sentinel

Judge Randy Edwards announced in court Wednesday that a psychiatrist found Holly Blair, a past Lemoore council member, not mentally capable to stand trial.


Kern County records second vaping hospitalization

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County recorded its second hospitalization for vaping-related illness on Wednesday and local officials issued a call for all county residents to heed state and federal warnings and stop vaping immediately.

See also:


State:


Californians Could Decide Next Fall Whether To Expand The State's Sweeping New Consumer Privacy Law

Capital Public Radio

A millionaire who conquered the trillion-dollar tech industry last year by forcing new consumer privacy protections into California law is mounting a new effort aimed at next year’s ballot.

See also:


Proposition 13 works and remains popular. So why are special interests attacking it?

CALmatters

Backers of an initiative to eliminate Proposition 13’s protections for some groups finally acknowledged something we have known all along: the measure is fatally flawed, would be bad for California and would shortchange school districts contrary to the stated purpose of the initiative. 


Becerra v Trump: How California is using the courts to fight the administration

CALmatters

In March of 2019, the federal Environmental Protection Agency determined that the Redwood City Salt Ponds, owned by the Agribusiness Giant Cargill, are not regulated under the national Clean Water Act.

See also:


Berkeley IGS Poll

Institute of Governmental Studies

The Berkeley IGS Poll is a periodic survey of California public opinion on important matters of politics, public policy, and public issues. The poll, which is disseminated widely, seeks to​​ provide a broad measure of contemporary public opinion, and to generate data for subsequent scholarly analysis.


Federal:


Trump and California keep clashing. Will it help him fight impeachment and win in 2020?

Fresno Bee

California Gov.​​ Gavin Newsom said Tuesday​​ he has “no doubt” President Donald Trump will be impeached. The Trump base, however, isn’t particularly impressed with the state Newsom represents, where the president lost to Hillary Clinton by more than 30 percentage points in 2016.

See also:


Trump asked Ukraine’s leader for a ‘favor’ — help investigating Joe Biden and a California company

Los Angeles Times

President Trump directly asked Ukraine’s president for a “favor” while discussing U.S. military aid to the besieged country, according to a​​ White House memo​​ of their July 25 phone call, suggesting a link that could be crucial to the Democrats’ fast-moving impeachment inquiry.

See also:


Pelosi Tells Trump: ‘You Have Come Into My Wheelhouse’

New York Times

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Trump were discussing gun violence over the telephone Tuesday morning when the president abruptly changed the topic to an intelligence community whistle-blower complaint that had Democrats talking about impeachment.


Elections 2020:


Warren takes Democratic presidential nomination lead in California, new poll finds

Los Angeles Times

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has jumped to a significant lead in the Democratic presidential race in California, solidifying her position as a front-runner for the party’s nomination, according to the​​ latest UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll.

See also:


Trump is on track for a level of defeat in California not seen since the Civil War

Los Angeles Times

President Trump lost overwhelmingly in California in 2016, and 2020 could be even worse, putting him on track for the poorest showing by a Republican presidential candidate in the state since the Civil War, a new poll finds.

See also:


Julián Castro calls for compassion, resources in Oakland homeless camp tour

San Francisco Chronicle

Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro toured a homeless camp in Oakland on Wednesday and said more affordable housing is needed to ease the crisis of people living on the streets.


Other:


Stressed Out By Politics? Here's How To Keep Caring Without Losing Your Cool

Capital Public Radio

Surveys show today's political climate is affecting people's mood, relationships and health. How do you stay engaged with democracy without letting the stress ruin your day?

See also:


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


Two of the Valley’s largest agribusiness giants announce ‘historic’ merger

Fresno Bee

Two of the Central San Joaquin Valley’s largest agribusiness companies — Fresno-based Gerawan Farming and Cutler-based Wawona Packing — have merged. The merger of the two major fruit growing and packing companies was announced in a​​ Wednesday news release.

See also:


Hundreds line up to give food in exchange for fair tickets

Fresno Bee

Food donations surged during the fifth annual Feed the Need Food Drive at Fresno State where donors dropped off cans for the Fresno State Student Cupboard in exchange for Big Fresno Fair tickets. 

See also:


US House passes bill giving pot businesses access to banking

Fresno Bee

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that would grant legal marijuana businesses access to banking, a measure that would clear up a longstanding headache for the industry.

See also:


Shoppers have been waiting: First ALDI store in the Fresno area is about to open

Fresno Bee

ALDI, a much-anticipated discount grocery store, is about to open its first store in the Fresno area. The store, at 1725 Herndon Ave. in Clovis, is slated to open Thursday Oct. 10.


Nonprofit food vendors rely on Kern County Fair for funding

Bakersfield Californian

Food vendors associated with nonprofit organizations like the Scouts rely on the business they do at the fair to provide a financial boost that may need to last all year.


California farmers face ‘catastrophic’ water restrictions. Can they adapt to survive?

Sacramento Bee

It was 2015 and, as far as John Konda knew, farming still had a viable future in the San Joaquin Valley. So he expanded. The Tulare County grower planted 75 acres of pistachios, adding to a farm he’s owned since 2003. Two years later, in order to augment his water supply, he drilled two new groundwater wells.


U.S. Farmers Get A Much-Needed Break Under Partial Trade Pact With Japan

Capital Public Radio

President Trump signed a partial trade agreement with Japan that promises lower tariffs on U.S. farm exports. The deal does not address Trump's threat to impose a tariff on Japanese cars.


California farm region faces furry new threat: swamp rodents

Associated Press

One of the most recent threats to California’s environment has webbed feet, white whiskers, shaggy fur and orange buck teeth that could be mistaken for carrots.


CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY


Crime:


Officials warn of scammers posing as Census representatives to get information

abc30

Merced County officials are warning residents of reported scammers who are posing as county employees knocking on doors to conduct "Census activities" in order to get personal information.


Public Safety:


Three Fresno cops accused of stealing $225K are ‘immune’ from suit, appeals court says

Fresno Bee

A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of three Fresno police officers who were accused of stealing more than $225,000 in cash and rare coins during an investigation into an alleged illegal gambling operation in 2013. 


Firefighters, supporters raise alarms over ALS proposal

Stockton Record

San Joaquin County’s little known Emergency Medical Services Agency came under intense fire at Tuesday morning’s Board of Supervisors meeting from those charged with putting out real fires.


‘Rapid DNA’ promises breakthroughs in solving crimes. So why does it face a backlash?

Los Angeles Times

For decades, scientists have used ever-improving DNA forensics to help solve crimes and detect suspects​​ in cold cases such as the Golden State Killer. But it has never been quick work: Laboratory analyses of genetic evidence can take weeks, even months to complete.


Tesla squad car runs out of battery chasing suspect at high speed, California cops say

Sacramento Bee

Teslas have plenty of advantages as police squad cars: They’re stealthy, cheap to refuel and environmentally friendly. But those electric vehicle advantages don’t mean much if the battery’s not charged.


When rides go wrong: How Uber’s investigations unit works to limit the company’s liability

Washington Post

Inside the 23-story Bank of America Tower in downtown Phoenix, a team of nearly 80 specialized workers grapples with some of the worst incidents that happen in Uber rides. Armed with little more than a phone headset and GPS ride data, these agents in the Special Investigations Unit have to figure out what went wrong.


Fire: 


Fallen California firefighters, including KCFD's Keith Hernandez, to be honored at memorial ceremony

Hanford Sentinel

Firefighters, family members and the public will gather this weekend for the annual California Firefighters Memorial ceremony to pay tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives.


Emergency 72: Porterville Fire Department is home to a Cal-OES service engine

Porterville Recorder

Porterville Fire Department (PFD) Station 72 is now the home of a beautiful Cal-OES (California Office of Emergency Services) Fire Engine. The truck sports a lime green paint job, distinguishing it from the PFD’s regular engines.


Charred, shrunken bone shard came from identified victim. Camp Fire death count drops

Bakersfield Californian

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office reduced the number of dead in the Camp Fire from 86 to 85 on Wednesday after an unidentified bone fragment was connected with a previously identified victim.


These Big Plans to Protect California Homes From Wildfire Fell Short in the Legislature

KQED
After 86 people in the town of Paradise lost their lives in a massive wildfire last year, California lawmakers vowed to prepare the state for future infernos. But while millions of dollars are going toward new firefighting crews and technology, some say the state is overlooking an area in dire need of help: making homes and buildings safer.


PG&E Begins Inspecting Lines After Shutoff, Though Some In Sierra Foothills Might Wait Until Thursday For Power

Capital Public Radio

Pacific Gas and Electric is inspecting lines after shutting off power for around 48,200 customers in the Sierra Foothills and North Bay Wednesday morning due to fire danger.

See also:


Sheriff’s Office revises Camp Fire victims list from 86 to 85

Enterprise-Recorder

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office has revised its official number of Camp Fire victims down from 86 to 85 after determining that some of the unknown remains actually belonged to a victim who had already been identified.


ECONOMY / JOBS


Economy:


2019 California Economic Summit Registration Opens

CAFWD

Registration has opened for 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.


Diablo Grande’s golf course to close next month. Will the resort change hands?

Modesto Bee

A notice dated Sept. 20 said it’s a “temporary closure” of the 18-hole course at Diablo Grande in western Stanislaus County. World International, the owner of the development, cited financial challenges in announcing the closure of the course.

See also:


How the Central Valley became the ‘Appalachia of the West.’ Now, new threats loom for economy

Sacramento Bee

Pockmarked with drab storefronts, modest skyscrapers and vacant lots, the downtown core of the San Joaquin Valley’s largest city offers little to inspire confidence in its future.


Opinion: Latino Workers Save America From Stagnation

Wall Street Journal

A startling fact: If the U.S. Latino population were an independent economy, its gross domestic product would be the fastest-growing among the world’s developed economies. U.S. Latino GDP is now $2.3 trillion, as​​ detailed​​ in a new report that estimates the group’s economic output by measuring their share across 71 industries.


Jobs:


New restaurant for healthy eats opening in Fresno, looking to hire

abc30

The owners of Casa Corona are opening a new concept restaurant called​​ Viva! Be Bowl'd.​​ It's scheduled to open in early September. They are looking to hire 20 people - more specifically, food preparers.


Local business: Cal Twins goes up for sale, new store opens, job fairs await

Bakersfield Californian

The class-A office complex Cal Twin Towers, at 4900 California Ave. has been listed for sale by Woodland Hills-based owner Adler Realty Investments Inc. Built for Continental Telephone in 1984, the 151,829-square-foot property has a carport-mounted solar photovoltaic system, fully outfitted LED lighting and digital climate control.


SJ workers hold strike authorization vote

Stockton Record

The Service Employees International Union, which represents thousands of San Joaquin County workers, is holding a strike authorization and no-confidence vote against County Administrator Monica Nino this week.


EDUCATION


K-12:


KHSD forum shows how district has improved with student discipline, areas to watch

Bakersfield Californian

The Kern High School District has seen improvements in student expulsion and suspension rates the past few years, but that's not to say its work is done.


Hundreds of California school administrators have pensions that exceed IRS limits

Sacramento Bee

Hundreds of California school administrators hired decades ago are collecting retirement incomes that are too big to qualify as public pensions under federal tax law. The California State Teachers’ Retirement System issued payments last year for 359 pensions over the IRS public pension limit, according to the retirement system’s data.


1 in 5 California high schoolers who responded to a state survey say they have considered suicide, analysis shows

Daily Bulletin

About one in five California students surveyed by their school districts have thought about killing themselves, according to a new analysis by the Southern California News Group. But not every school district asks students about whether they’re considering suicide.


More math adds up to more Long Beach high school students eligible for college

EdSource

As California grapples with how much math students need to qualify for admission to its public universities, leaders of at least one school district say they have it figured out.


Higher Ed:


Clovis Community College Expected to Surpass 13,000 Enrollments

Clovis RoundUp

Clovis Community College might be relatively new within the community college scene in California, but that hasn’t stopped the college from flexing its academic muscle.


A college education in prison opens path to freedom

CALmatters

One of the first things Charlie Praphatananda did when he got out of prison was vomit. After 22 years inside, hurtling down the freeway at 70 miles an hour was overwhelming, a feeling he’d have again and again in the coming days and weeks as he learned how to send text messages, use Facebook and reconnect with his family. 


Video: Career Education and Economic Mobility in California

PPIC
Career education, also known as vocational education or career technical education (CTE), prepares a wide range of Californians for employment and economic advancement. Community colleges are a major provider of career education in California, offering short- and long-term certificates along with associate degrees across a variety of fields of study.


American Universities Must Choose: Do They Want to Be Equal or Elite? 

Time

As freshmen again arrive on campus,​​ Harvard,​​ Princeton, and​​ Yale​​ all boast that their incoming classes include more students from modest backgrounds than ever before. All three trumpet financial aid programs that require zero contribution from students whose families have annual incomes below $65,000. 


Opinion: The Senate Takes On Campus Censorship

Wall Street Journal

Universities have long been centers of political correctness. But campus administrations increasingly seem to be indulging students who, when faced with uncomfortable ideas, complain of feeling “harmed” or “unsafe.” This is reaching its breaking point and making it hard for professors to teach.


Apprenticeships:



ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY


Environment:


Why humpback whales and condors are at the center of California’s latest lawsuit against Trump

Fresno Bee

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced on Wednesday a lawsuit to challenge the federal government’s move to roll back regulations that protect threatened animals and wildlife under the Endangered Species Act. 

See also:


Fact check: Does California have the nation’s ‘worst’ air quality?

Fresno Bee

In a letter to California’s Air Resources Board, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler this week​​ accused the Golden State​​ of having the worst air quality in the nation.


California boosts efforts to eradicate nutria in the Central Valley

abc30

Most of the nutria in California has been found in Merced County and now the Department of Fish and Wildlife is deploying new tactics to prevent the widespread destruction the rodent can cause.

See also:


Oceans have been 'taking the heat' of climate change, UN report says

abc30

The world's oceans are increasingly feeling the heat from climate change, threatening marine life, islands and coastal communities, a new United Nations report says.


Bloomberg, California team on climate satellites

Stockton Record

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is teaming up with California to use satellites to track climate pollutants.


Fact check: Does California have the nation’s ‘worst’ air quality?

Sacramento Bee

In a letter to California’s Air Resources Board, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler this week​​ accused the Golden State​​ of having the worst air quality in the nation.


Yosemite rangers battle trash buildup from rock climbers

San Francisco Chronicle

Several climbing rangers participating in this year’s​​ Yosemite Facelift, a six-day trash pick-up that draws about 2,000 volunteers each fall. In recent years, the annual trash tally has hit about 15,000 pounds.


Jerry Brown to head California-China institute to fight climate change

San Francisco Chronicle

Former Gov. Jerry Brown is teaming up with China to continue his climate crusade. Brown will chair the newly formed California-China Climate Institute, a trans-Pacific research initiative to develop and export policy to curb greenhouse gas emissions.


Caltech Gets a Windfall for Climate Research: $750 Million

New York Times

It will take huge efforts, according to experts, to avert disasters related to climate change. Commitments from reluctant leaders to reform the global economy. Shifts in the daily routines of citizens. And research from the world’s greatest minds — lots of it.


EPA tells California it is ‘failing to meet its obligations’ to protect the environment

Washington Post

Trump officials will notify California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Thursday that the state is “failing to meet its obligations” to protect the environment, just days after the president mocked its biggest cities for their “tremendous pollution.”


Energy:



HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES


Health:


At least 7 teens have died playing football this year — but are other sports safer?

Fresno Bee

They collapsed during practice and games. One never got up from a hit. Another went into cardiac arrest. At least seven students between the ages of 12- and 18-years-old have died during sanctioned games and practices at their middle and high schools this season, according to media reports.


Kids should not have sugary, caffeinated drinks, medical groups say

abc30

It's estimated a third of the kids in the US are either overweight or obese. Sweet drinks and juice boxes popular with kids are seen as a significant problem.


Dozens get free vaccinations at Fresno County clinic ahead of flu season

abc30

Local health officials are hoping everyone six months and older will get the vaccine before it is too late.


Kern County records second vaping hospitalization

Bakersfield Californian

Kern County recorded its second hospitalization for vaping-related illness on Wednesday and local officials issued a call for all county residents to heed state and federal warnings and stop vaping immediately.

See also:


Juul Replaces Its C.E.O. With a Tobacco Executive

New York Times

The vaping powerhouse Juul Labs replaced its chief executive with a veteran of Big Tobacco on Wednesday, deepening the company’s turmoil and raising doubts about the very future of the e-cigarette industry.

See also:


Human Services:


Kaiser Permanente reaches tentative deal with unions, averting October strike

Fresno Bee

Kaiser Permanente announced Wednesday that it has​​ reached a tentative four-year contract agreement​​ with a coalition of three of its unions, averting an​​ October strike by more than 80,000 workers.

See also:


California health advocates urge bold action to improve quality of Medi-Cal managed care plans

Merced Sun-Star

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.


For The Homeless, Medical Insurance Often Falls By The Wayside

Capital Public Radio

An estimated 130,000 people are homeless in California, according to the last statewide count in 2018. Virtually all would qualify for Medi-Cal, but it’s unclear how many have actually enrolled and are receiving care.


California abortion rate drops to historic low. Here’s where the state ranks in U.S.

Sacramento Bee

About 133,000 abortions took place in California during 2017, down from about 157,000 abortions in 2014, according to the nonprofit Guttmacher Institute. California had the ninth-highest abortion rate in the U.S. in 2017.


Cost of Employer-Provided Health Coverage Passes $20,000 a Year

Wall Street Journal

The average total cost of employer-provided health coverage passed $20,000 for a family plan this year, according to a new survey, a landmark that will likely resonate politically as​​ health care​​ has become an early focus of the presidential campaign.


IMMIGRATION


Iranian students were accepted to U.S. schools. Then their visas were revoked without explanation

Los Angeles Times

20 Iranian students had planned on starting graduate studies in fields, when their visas suddenly were revoked by the U.S. government. The students, the majority of whom were bound for University of California schools, said they received no explanation.


U.S. announces asylum deal with Honduras, could send migrants to one of world’s most violent nations

Washington Post

The Trump administration announced a migration deal Wednesday that will give U.S. immigration authorities the ability to send asylum seekers from the border to Honduras, one of the most violent and unstable nations in the world.


LAND USE/HOUSING


Land Use:


Shoppers have been waiting: First ALDI store in the Fresno area is about to open

Fresno Bee

ALDI, a much-anticipated discount grocery store, is about to open its first store in the Fresno area. ALDI took over an empty Fresh & Easy grocery store near the corner of Fowler Avenue.


Fresno County Purchases University Medical Center Building

Business Journal

According to a post on the county’s Facebook page, approval for the sale of 33 acres on the old University Medical Center campus at Cedar Avenue and Kings Canyon Road was made Tuesday. The purchasing party, Construction Management Group (CMG), plans to renovate the facility, which has been unused for 12 years. 

See also:


Housing:


Being a Fresno slumlord is about to get more expensive. Here’s why

Fresno Bee

Fresno’s moving toward a new policy that would punish landlords who refuse to proactively fix problems cited by code enforcement — with the end result being substantially larger fines.


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.


Homelessness in Fresno is a Big Problem. Tiny Houses Might Help.

GV Wire

Can tiny houses help reduce homelessness in Fresno? The Fresno Rescue Mission believes so. While the effectiveness of the city of Fresno’s “no camping” ordinance, complete with possible $1,000 fines and jail time, is debated, the Rescue Mission is forging ahead with a creative housing plan to help reduce homelessness.


Developer to turn old Fresno hospital into affordable housing

abc30

Changes will be coming to the old University Medical Center Campus. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved the sale of 33 acres on the campus to Fresno-based Construction Management Group.


Bakersfield narrows search for new location for homeless shelter

Bakersfield Californian

The city of Bakersfield is one step closer to selecting a location for a new low barrier homeless shelter. After a citywide search, the city has issued letters of intent to two properties that will be kept under wraps until Oct. 23, when the City Manager’s Office hopes to bring a purchase agreement before the City Council.


Homeless people could lose the right to sleep on sidewalks if Western cities have their way

Los Angeles Times

As California and other states in the West continue to wrestle with an explosion of homelessness, a growing number of local governments have set their sights on a court decision that has allowed people to legally bed down on sidewalks overnight.


EDITORIAL: How Gavin Newsom can stop NIMBYs from blocking homeless housing projects

Los Angeles Times

AB 1197 would not allow projects to run roughshod over residents’ legitimate concerns about safety or the local environment, mainly because it wouldn’t touch any of the other state regulations and local ordinances governing development.


PUBLIC FINANCES


2020 may see tax battle royal

CALmatters

Although the state is enjoying multibillion-dollar budget surpluses, thanks largely to a vibrant economy, California voters may face a bewildering array of tax increase proposals next year.


TRANSPORTATION


Speed limit changes could be coming to Fresno streets near you

abc30

Some Fresno drivers may have to pump the brakes as the city has introduced new speed limit changes and additions to more than 40 stretches of roadway.


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.


It’s really happening: Council gives final OK to Highway 132 reroute west from Modesto

Modesto Bee

A Bay Area contractor got approval Tuesday night to reroute part of Highway 132 west from Modesto, an idea that dates to the 1950s. Bay Cities Paving & Grading Inc. of Concord will get $92.05 million to build 3.5 miles of new road between Dakota Road and Needham Avenue.


California drivers might soon pay $4 a gallon for gas

Los Angeles Times

California drivers may soon pay $4 a gallon at the pump after refinery upsets pushed up the wholesale market in San Francisco to the strongest level in almost seven years.

See also:


California high-speed rail board member under investigation for potential conflict

Los Angeles Times

The state Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating allegations that Ernest Camacho, a board member of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, has a conflict of interest — the second such investigation the watchdog agency has launched involving the bullet train.


WATER


California’s groundwater law could reduce productive agriculture land substantially

Fresno Bee

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act will force Central Valley farmers to reduce groundwater pumping to keep aquifers from becoming dangerously depleted. 

See also:


A new California fight against Trump over water, fish, the Delta and the environment

Fresno Bee

California is fighting a plan by President Donald Trump’s administration to push more water through the Delta – a move state officials say would harm endangered fish species and deprive millions of Southern Californians of water.


Report details extent of water contamination in California

Associated Press

Chemicals used for carpets and anti-stain products have been found in water sources for 7.5 million people in California, detailing the extent of the problem as state regulators work to develop safety levels for the contaminants that have been linked to cancer.


“Xtra”


Craft beer is coming to Fig Garden Village. Bay Area business plans Fresno taproom

Fresno Bee

Fresno’s craft beer boom is about to hit​​ Fig Garden Village. A small craft beer taproom is in the works, slated to open in the​​ former We Olive​​ olive oil shop, between The Vault Fine Jewelers and Talbots.


New Web Site Offers ‘Virtual’ Tour of Yosemite

Sierra News

A new web site — Virtual Yosemite — is now offering a virtual reality (VR) tour of Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas. The new site, which went live this summer, provides high resolution, 360-degree panoramic views from over 200 locations throughout the sprawling park.


Cocktail party fundraiser to aid Kings County foster children advocates

Hanford Sentinel

CASA of Kings County is planning to spark hope during this weekend’s cocktail party fundraiser. The fundraiser features a cocktail party where all the proceeds will go back to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kings County. 


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.


Walk for Apraxia in Modesto raises money to help children with speech disorder

Modesto Bee

A walk in the park to help kids talk.  On Sept. 28,​​ Walk for Apraxia​​ is having its second annual local event in La Loma Park in Modesto. All ages are welcome.


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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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