03Sep

POLICY & POLITICS

North SJ Valley:

Forty trains a day through Altamont at up to 125 mph? It could happen, weary drivers

Modesto Bee

Passenger rail service could increase 10-fold over Altamont Pass – enticing news for people who drive it daily from the Modesto area.

Universal basic income like Stockton’s gaining traction among tech titans, Democratic presidential hopefuls

Stockton Record

For decades, Republicans and Democrats alike have tried to push families out of poverty by adding restrictions to government welfare programs. There were work mandates, time limits, benefit caps — rules aimed at pointing families toward what the government thinks are good choices.

Modesto tent city gaining traction from other cities dealing with homelessness

Modesto Bee

As homeless men, women and children in Sacramento wait for three new shelters to open, another model that Sacramento officials repeatedly have rejected over the years is now quickly gaining traction.

Shell must pay $63 million in damages to Atwater, jury says

abc30

The city of Atwater won its lawsuit against the Shell Oil Company. A Merced jury ruled that the company must pay $63 million in total damages to the city.

EDITORIAL: Turlock’s revolving door is troubling, but not fatal

Modesto Bee

When former Mayor Gary Soiseth’s rocky reign came to an end late last year, people hoped Turlock’s top-end turbulence finally might end as well. Guess not.

Central SJ Valley:

Fresno is a city of 530,000 people. Why do so few of them live downtown?

Fresno Bee

Fresno has a population of 530,093, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. How many live downtown? According to Dan Zack, the city’s assistant planning director, the answer is 3,797.

Fresno cheerleader's blackface video raises ghosts of racist past

Los Angeles Times

It took two 15-year-old cheerleaders, two viral videos, a racial slur and a school board member on a tear to force this Central Valley city to confront its painful past — one of discrimination that some say has shaped the place for more than a century.

Jewish groups oppose Clovis visit by author critical of Israel policies

Fresno Bee

Clovis Community College is distancing itself from an on-campus event sponsored by a local news website that will feature a vocal critic of Israeli policies. Two Jewish groups spoke out Friday criticizing the visit Sept. 18 by Alison Weir.

CVS response to Bee story did not deal with key problems in getting cancer drugs

Fresno Bee

It is with great interest that I read the response from Dr. Brennan of CVS Health (Aug. 25, The Bee) to the article date and the editorial.

South SJ Valley:

Faraday (Hanford) Brings in BMW Veteran to Prolong Improbable Comeback Bid

Bloomberg

Faraday Future, the electric-vehicle upstart that was on the brink of insolvency last year, hired a BMW AG veteran to lead efforts to finally bring its debut car to market and raise more money.

Q&A: CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny shares hopes for new academic year

Bakersfield Californian

A new school year is well underway at Cal State Bakersfield, and President Lynnette Zelezny has one thing to say about it: it's going to be a busy year.

Short agenda for Tuesday’s Porterville Council meeting

Porterville Recorder

The agenda for Tuesday night’s City Council meeting in Porterville isn’t too lengthy, but that doesn’t mean the meeting will be over quickly. Two public hearings are scheduled for the night, followed by a single scheduled matter.

See also:

 Townsend hosts first Town Hall in Camp Nelson Porterville Recorder

Hanford City Council meeting canceled

Hanford Sentinel

In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, the Hanford City Council will not meet Tuesday evening.

Lemoore City Council set to meet Tuesday

Hanford Sentinel

The Lemoore City Council will meet Tuesday to discuss one public hearing and one item of new business.

State:

California’s version of C-SPAN is shutting down. It’s a loss for the Capitol — and the public

Los Angeles Times

California soon will be pushed back a huge step when cable TV stops telecasting sausage-making in the state Capitol.

California is experiencing a housing shortage. Why are housing permits down 20 percent?

Fresno Bee

This was going to be the year that California’s political leaders fought and won the war against the skyrocketing cost of unaffordable housing. They promised to do everything possible to build more homes and bring down the state’s mind-numbing housing prices.

Gavin Newsom, top Democrats strike deal to cap rent hikes in California

Merced Sun-Star

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and top Democrats announced Friday evening that they have reached an agreement to place limits on how much landlords can increase a tenant’s rent each year.

● Newsom strikes deal in California to cap rent increases Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: Gavin Newsom tells Southern California to plan for housing. A lot more housing Los Angeles Times

California lawmakers eye bills on vaccines, guns, housing

Bakersfield Californian

California state lawmakers have just two weeks remaining in their session to sort through hundreds of bills, some addressing volatile topics such as vaccinating children and shootings by police.

Catholic Church takes stand against 2 bills moving through Sacramento

abc30

The state legislature is trying for a second time to make medication abortion accessible to every student on a public university campus in California. The UC and CSU systems are not commenting on the legislation, but the Catholic church is. They've generated thousands of letters opposing SB-24.

Alas, paper receipt ban, we hardly knew ye: 2019 bills get winnowed some more

CALmatters

With the passage of Friday's suspense file deadline, more bills were culled from lawmakers' 2019 wish list, or altered. Among them: a push to make retail receipts electronic, an effort to encourage pets in homeless shelters and stricter rules for servicers of student loans.

Mathews: Is California the center of the world?

Bakersfield Californian

The Center of the World is in California. But California isn’t the center of the world.

Federal:

High-capacity magazines get new scrutiny as Congress returns

Fresno Bee

Lawmakers around the country are making a renewed push to ban high-capacity magazines that gunmen have used in many recent massacres, allowing them to inflict mass casualties at a startling rate before police can stop the carnage.

● If we actually told the truth about guns Washington Post

● Trump steers clear of background checks as possible solution on guns Politico

● 53 People Died in Mass Shootings in August Alone in the U.S. The New York Times

● EDITORIAL: Mass shootings — since when, America, since when? San Francisco Chronicle

How the Trump administration limited the scope of the USDA’s 2020 dietary guidelines

Washington Post

The 80 topics that will be addressed exclude the health effects of consuming red and processed meat. ultraprocessed foods and sodium.

Faced With Criticism, Trump Administration Reverses Abrupt End to Humanitarian Relief

New York Times

The Trump administration on Monday announced that it would reconsider its decision to force immigrants facing life-threatening health crises to return to their home countries, an abrupt move last month that generated public outrage and was roundly condemned by the medical establishment.

Elections 2020:

Where Each Democratic Candidate Stands In The Presidential Race In 100 Words

Capital Public Radio

Despite missteps on the campaign trail, former Vice President Joe Biden continues to retain support among key Democratic voter groups, but Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren aren't far behind.

See also:

● Can Kamala Harris break the jinx? CALmatters

● Why Kamala Harris Hasn’t Caught Fire in the Democratic 2020 Race Bloomberg

● It's now Biden, Warren, Sanders — and everyone else Politico

● Why Elizabeth Warren is the one to watch Washington Post

● Why black voters are backing two old white guys Politico

“Flip the switch:” Stuck in the polls, Buttigieg plans to beef up campaign staff

Fresno Bee

Pete Buttigieg, who has dazzled Democratic donors but plateaued in the polls, plans to accelerate his presidential campaign in the coming weeks, with a concerted push to transform his fundraising success into fastened support in the early nominating states.

● Bernie Sanders leads presidential campaigns staffing up in California Sacramento Bee

Are Democrats ready to exploit a possible lopsided primary turnout?

Stockton Record

Half a year out from California’s presidential primary, you can already envision the enthusiasm gap creating a turnout gap.

Big Tech or big labor? 2020 Democrats line up with unions

Los Angeles Times

In a rare injection of presidential politics into a state policy debate, virtually every major Democratic White House hopeful except Joe Biden has waded into a California clash between labor unions and tech giants such as Uber and Lyft over the very definition of work in a changing economy.

Democrats Can’t Afford to Leave Moderates Behind

Wall Street Journal

Some Democrats worry the party isn’t speaking to moderate voters who have proven critical to the success in the past.

California Republicans worry state's tax return law could devastate their down-ballot hopes in 2020

Apple News

Republicans in California are crying foul over a new law that requires gubernatorial and presidential candidates to disclose tax returns in order to appear on 2020 primary ballots -- worried about voter turnout implications for their party in numerous races, even though the law is largely aimed at President Trump.

Fact-checking campaign ads

Washington Post

When it comes to campaign ads, there’s a lot to be wary of.

Political campaigns are the first line of defense in election security

Brookings

Candidates, political campaigns, and political parties are on the front lines of elections and will be the first people to detect mischief or disinformation. Elaine Kamarck outlines several ways they can help protect the security of American elections.

Other:

Kevin Starr on California, in his own words

Los Angeles Times

Kevin Starr, California’s leading historian, devoted his life to chronicling the state, warts and all.

YouTube Said to Be Fined Up to $200 Million for Children’s Privacy Violations

New York Times

The Federal Trade Commission has voted to fine Google $150 million to $200 million to settle accusations that its YouTube subsidiary illegally collected personal information about children, according to three people briefed on the matter.

Facebook Touted Its Progress in Brazil Elections. Internally There Were Doubts.

Wall Street Journal

Social-media giant fell short in its battle against suspicious behavior and misinformation on site, company review showed.

MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING

Sunday, September 8, at 10 a.m. on ABC30 – Maddy Report: “Fed Courts with Judge O’Neill” – Guests: Lawrence O'Neil, Chief U.S. District Judge; McGregor Scott, U.S. Attorney General for the Eastern District; Daniel Jamison, Dowling Aaron; and Richard Watters, Miles, Sears & Eanni. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, September 8, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “More Issues, Fewer Federal Judges: What Will it Mean for the Valley?” – Guests: Lawrence O'Neil, Chief U.S. District Judge; McGregor Scott, U.S. Attorney General for the Eastern District; Daniel Jamison, Dowling Aaron; Richard Watters, Miles, Sears & Eanni; and California's Former Legislative Analyst, Mac Taylor. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.

Sunday, September 8, at 7:30 a.m. on UniMas 61 (KTTF) – El Informe Maddy: “California Supreme Court: Special Taxes Are Special” – Invitados: Liam Dillon with Los Angeles Times, Jesse Rojas with Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and Alexei Koseff with Sacramento Bee. Presentado Por: Coordinadora del Programa del Maddy Institute, Maria Jeans.

AGRICULTURE/FOOD

Getting food stamps to poor Californians is surprisingly difficult

Sacramento Bee

California has long struggled to get food stamps to the hungry. The state enrolled just 72% of eligible residents in CalFresh in 2016, the fifth lowest rate in the nation, leaving behind about $1.8 billion in federal funding earmarked for the hungry.

How the Trump administration limited the scope of the USDA’s 2020 dietary guidelines

Washington Post

The 80 topics that will be addressed exclude the health effects of consuming red and processed meat. ultraprocessed foods and sodium.

Opinion: Masumoto: Implicit bias at work in picking peaches and judging people

Fresno Bee

Every summer I’m judged. The literal fruits of my labor, our organic peaches and nectarines, are unconsciously evaluated, labeled and categorized as good or bad. People conclude my fruits are desirable based on implicit bias: attitudes that influence our actions in an unconscious manner.

Illegal cannabis farms still scarring public lands, 2 years after California legalized marijuana

Merced Sun-Star

When California voters legalized cannabis in 2016, supporters of Proposition 64 hoped it would significantly reduce the scourge of black market weed cultivation, particularly on public lands.

California is the friendliest state for marijuana businesses, law firm analysis finds

Sacramento Bee

California’s cannabis regulations are the most business-friendly in the nation, according to an analysis conducted by the legal firm.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE / FIRE / PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime:

EDITORIAL: In a civilized society, not even the most vicious crimes justify a death sentence

Los Angeles Times

As a system, capital punishment is irredeemably broken. There have been too many proven cases of prosecutorial misconduct, mistaken witnesses — some intentionally, some not — and bad science that have led to the convictions of innocent people to have faith that others will not be wrongfully convicted and executed in the future.

OUR VIEW: A $1 million here, a $1 million there adds up

Bakersfield Californian

Tehachapi correctional officer Sarah Coogle has been awarded $1.7 million in damages in a settlement agreement with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Public Safety:

High-capacity magazines get new scrutiny as Congress returns

Fresno Bee

● If we actually told the truth about guns Washington Post

● Trump steers clear of background checks as possible solution on guns Politico

● 53 People Died in Mass Shootings in August Alone in the U.S. The New York Times

● EDITORIAL: Mass shootings — since when, America, since when? San Francisco Chronicle

Democrats, wary of backlash, won’t impose $25 tax on gun purchases in California

Los Angeles Times

A proposal to tax guns and bullets in California has bogged down in the Legislature and is not expected to advance this year, its author said Friday, as lawmakers wrestle with how to respond to a string of fatal mass shootings in recent weeks.

Tulare Police receives armored vehicle from military

abc30

According to the U.S. Army, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, or MRAP, is designed to protect soldiers from improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire threats.

Selma pays police chief $125,000 settlement, can't discuss why he left

abc30

Action News has uncovered new details about Selma Police Chief Greg Garner's seemingly sudden retirement from the city.

Criminal justice reform turns to list of problem officers

Bakersfield Californian

The California Supreme Court this week ruled that a suspect's right to a fair trial outweighs the privacy rights of officers who might have a history of bad behavior.

Fire:

It’s been a quiet fire season in California — thankfully — but it’s no time to be complacent

Fresno Bee

The months of June and July saw slightly below to average seasonal temperatures throughout the Central Coast, along with much of California.

See also:

● What To Know As California’s Peak Fire Months Loom Capital Public Radio

400-acre wildfire burning in Tulare County, firefighters say. Blaze under investigation

Fresno Bee

Tulare County firefighters are trying to put a stop to a fire that broke out east of Woodlake on Saturday on dry hillsides. The Tulare County Cal Fire unit reported the Creek Fire started consuming dry grass around 3:34 p.m.

● Fire continues to burn in eastern Tulare County Visalia Times Delta

Thunderstorms cause for fire in Sequoia National Forest

Visalia Times Delta

A fire is burning in a remote area of the Sequoia National Forest. So far, the blaze has destroyed more than 200 acres of dead trees and brush, according to U.S. Forest Service officials.

Hedge funds fight over wreckage of PG&E. How much California wildfire victims get paid?

Sacramento Bee

Dueling packs of Wall Street hedge funds are waging a down-to-the-wire battle for control of PG&E Corp.

Hot issue: as wildfires spread, so do private firefighting firms

San Diego Union-Tribune

Private firefighters can help contain fires and minimize damage, but their goals aren’t always in sync with their municipal, state and federal colleagues.

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.

Small Businesses’ Faith in Economy Hits Low on Tariff Uncertainty

Wall Street Journal

Firms’ economic confidence weakest in seven years prompting companies to put investments, hiring on hold; ‘It’s demoralizing’.

U.S.-China Trade War’s Global Impact Grows

Wall Street Journal

The conflict is hurting confidence among U.S. small businesses and crimping Asian trade; ‘there is great uncertainty’.

Dating in California is going to cost you, survey says

abc30

The average cost of a date is about $226 in the Golden State - that includes a dinner for two, a bottle of wine and two movie tickets.

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Young Adult Californians Living At Home.

Capital Public Radio

Nearly 40 percent of young adult Californians live with their parents. Here's everything to know about them.

Jobs:

Many Fresno jobs are ripe for growth on this Labor Day. But what will they pay?

Fresno Bee

There are going to be plenty of jobs opening up in the Valley over the next few years. That’s the good news on this Labor Day.

CA sees record job growth but Tulare County lags behind

Visalia Times Delta

While many are celebrating Labor Day with poolside barbecues, sate officials have taken the workers' holiday as an opportunity to spotlight a period of record job growth.

A bill giving workplace protection to a million Californians moves one step closer to law

Los Angeles Times

A measure to curb the widespread use of independent contractors across the California economy moved closer to final passage in the Legislature on Friday even as Uber, Lyft and other gig economy companies mounted a fierce lobbying campaign to sidestep its reach.

See also:

 Travel agents, cartoonists and fishermen: New exceptions as California labor bill advances Merced Sun-Star

 Uber And Lyft Face An Existential Threat In California — And They’re Losing The Verge

● Uber, Lyft not included in new CA labor rule exemptions Sacramento Bee

● Meet the former labor organizer emerging as a huge threat to Uber and Lyft The Hill

● Uber, Lyft, DoorDash Threaten Ballot Fight Over California Gig-Worker Law Wall Street Journal

What does Labor Day mean in a gig economy?

Los Angeles Times

On Labor Day, most of us will think more about barbeques than jobs. But worries about the future of work and job security in a changing economy will loom in the background.

● Newsom: On Labor Day, let’s pledge to protect workers and create paths to union membership Sacramento Bee

Open forums to see 2019 Workplace Quality Survey results

Fresno State News

Please join us at one of two open forums where we will we review and discuss high-level results of the 2019 Workplace Quality survey.

$3.8 billion state worker contract has special raises for three dozen job classifications

Sacramento Bee

The contract deal Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration recently struck with the state’s largest union will cost the state about $3.8 billion.

Former Bakersfield refinery workers or their heirs may be eligible for payments

Bakersfield Californian

time, who's to say exactly who or what is to blame?

Walters: Unions win in politics, lose members

CalMatters

One of the more curious anomalies about California is that while labor unions’ political power has increased to virtual hegemony, especially in the last decade, union membership has declined just as sharply.

The Next Hot Job: Pretending to Be a Robot

Wall Street Journal

As the promise of autonomous machines lags the underlying technology, the growing need for human robot-minders could juice the remote workforce.

EDUCATION

K-12:

Fresno Unified board member threatened coach over son's match: Report

abc30

A report has revealed more threatening behavior by Slatic, who was banned from the Bullard High School campus last week.

Rodriquez named principal of Matilda Torres High

Madera Tribune

Sabrina Rodriquez, veteran school administrator, has been named principal of Madera Unified’s new Matilda Torres High School. Her appointment was announced by Superintendent Todd Lile at Tuesday evening’s meeting of the board of trustees.

Businesses receive awards for school partnerships

Madera Tribune

Camarena Health and Kern Family Farm each received a Crystal Tower Award August 27 at the 16th Annual Business and Education Shareholders’ Luncheon hosted by the Madera County Compact.

VUSD admin bails for COS, leaves Creekside

Visalia Times Delta

Visalia Unified School District has lost another top administrator — its third since board members controversially forced former superintendent Todd Oto to resign in May.

Fresno cheerleader's blackface video raises ghosts of racist past

Los Angeles Times

Lamont exploring ways to unify schools, cut out KHSD

South Kern Sol

A group of Lamont business owners are spearheading an effort to unify two school districts in their community – the first step, they say, in building a high school in their hometown.

Why California is close to banning schools from suspending disruptive kids

Sacramento Bee

California schools are suspending fewer students for unruly behavior, and advocates are hoping to bring that number down even lower.

State bill could allow school boards to decide whether parents can administer medical cannabis on school grounds

Bakersfield Californian

Senate Bill 223 would authorize a school board to decide whether to allow a parent or guardian to administer medical cannabis to a student on kindergarten-through-12th grade campuses.

Walters: Charter schools cheat the hangman

CalMatters

Elections have consequences – often beneficial ones for those on the winning side and detrimental to the losers.

Education Reform Will Weather the Left’s Assault

Wall Street Journal

Democrats are stifling school choice, but the movement has clear results and durable institutions.

Homeless California families get help finding child care

EdSource

For almost two years, Eva Morales moved from homeless shelter to homeless shelter. Sometimes she stayed with friends. On the worst nights, she slept in a friend’s car.

Higher Ed:

Q&A: CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny shares hopes for new academic year

Bakersfield Californian

A new school year is well underway at Cal State Bakersfield, and President Lynnette Zelezny has one thing to say about it: it's going to be a busy year.

Underage drinking, injuries and assaults: Fresno State fraternity suspended

Fresno Bee

The Sigma Chi fraternity at Fresno State has been suspended through the fall semester in connection with instances of underage alcohol consumption.

Thousands of California public sector workers sought student debt relief. Just 74 qualified

Fresno Bee

Less than one percent of Californians who applied to have their federal student debt canceled under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program have received relief, according to Department of Education data.

Earthquakes could kill people in many UCLA, UC Berkeley buildings, officials say

Los Angeles Times

Dozens of buildings at UCLA and UC Berkeley pose a serious risk to life in a strong earthquake, with at least 68 seismically deficient structures at UC Berkeley and 18 at UCLA, according to new university studies.

ENVIRONMENT/ ENERGY

Environment:

Cymric Oil Seep Appears To Have Stopped – But Now There’s A Much Bigger One

Valley Public Radio

In early July, our sister station KQED first reported a huge oil seep in the Cymric Oilfield of western Kern County. At that time, hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil had been bubbling up to the surface for more than two months, yet neither the public nor lawmakers had been notified.

Fresno County's mosquito abatement team swamped with calls

abc30

Fresno County's mosquito abatement team is swamped with requests for traps and complaints from residents who want crews to spray their neighborhoods.

Soil health can combat climate change from the ground up

Merced Sun-Star

Just this year, at least 10 states have introduced new soil management policies that call for further research or data collection, or offer tax exemptions, technical assistance or even grant money to, among other actions, plant cover crops, diversify crop rotations and reduce tillage that can tear apart beneficial fungi.

You’ll still get paper receipts when you shop. California kills effort to reduce them

Sacramento Bee

A bill that would have required customers to ask for paper receipts if they wanted a physical copy has been killed for the year.

Sequoia, Kings Canyon launch new smartphone app

Visalia Times Delta

On Wednesday, the parks announced a new smartphone application that allows users to track their favorite trails, attractions and sights — from the heights of General Sherman to the depths of Crystal Cave.

Shafter's air-pollution debate exposes ideological divide

Bakersfield Californian

A local committee's efforts to improve air quality in Shafter by spending some $40 million in state money have run up against a familiar ideological divide pitting environmental activism against the interests of Kern County industry.

Bakersfield struggling with recycling as markets continue to drop

Bakersfield Californian

Nearly a year after the Bakersfield City Council decided to “weather the storm” of the plummeting recycling market, conditions have worsened, and officials hope to hang on until things get better.

Earthquake fault long thought dormant could devastate Los Angeles, researchers say

Los Angeles Times

Scientists citing new research say an earthquake fault along the Los Angeles coast, previously believed to be dormant, is active and could cause a destructive 6.4 magnitude earthquake if it ruptured.

California needs to continue to set ambitious climate change goals. But let’s do our homework, too

Sacramento Bee

The influencers.

See also:

 New ‘California effect’ could save rain forest San Francisco Chronicle

 California’s fight over tailpipe emissions, explained CALmatters

 EDITORIAL: Lake Tahoe is latest victim of our addiction to plastics San Francisco Chronicle

Energy:

What would a complete ban on oil drilling and fracking mean for California?

Sacramento Bee

The influencers.

PG&E wanted to give top execs $16 million in bonuses. Here’s what the judge said

Sacramento Bee

A bankruptcy judge denied PG&E Corp.’s proposal to pay up to $16 million in bonuses to a select group of top executives Friday.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Health:

California can afford to protect the lives of black mothers. Will Legislature act?

Fresno Bee

Are black women’s lives worth $348,000? This is the current debate in the California Assembly Appropriations Committee as they decide whether to support Senate Bill 464, the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act.

CVS response to Bee story did not deal with key problems in getting cancer drugs

Fresno Bee

It is with great interest that I read the response from Dr. Brennan of CVS Health (Aug. 25, The Bee) to the article date and the editorial.

CDC urges vapers to beware as toll of lung cases rises to 215

Politico

Federal agencies today urged people to consider stopping their use of vaping products and responded to criticism from state officials by promising to share more details about a spate of mysterious lung illnesses that has grown to at least 215 cases.

Cancer overtakes heart disease as biggest rich-world killer

Reuters

Cancer has overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death in wealthy countries and could become the world’s biggest killer within just a few decades if current trends persist, researchers said on Tuesday.

Governor’s ‘Mental Health Czar’ Seeks New Blueprint For Care In California

California Healthline

In a career full of twists, turns and high-powered assignments, Thomas Insel may now be embarking on one of his most daunting tasks yet — helping California find its way out of a worrisome mental health care crisis.

Human Services:

Fresno non-profit aims to help kids with special needs get medical equipment

abc30

Families that have children with special needs are getting some much-needed equipment thanks to one Fresno non-profit. Inside the equipment closet, wheelchairs and gait trainers of all sizes line the shelves at Able Advocates.

Valley doctor created app to give patients VIP access

abc30

A Fresno doctor is trying to help patients get medical help faster. Dr. Greg Copeland is the founder of Trebow. Copeland showed us how it works. A patient downloads the app and can communicate with their team of doctors and physicians.

Flu season is around the corner, Valley doctor says get vaccinated early

abc30

With kids back in school, flu season is just around the corner. It typically starts in October. But pediatrician Dr. Marty Martin says it's a good idea to get children vaccinated early.

Houchin's new CEO finds his calling

Bakersfield Californian

Brad Bryan doesn't need the money. He runs Houchin Community Blood Bank because it's what he wants to do.

Death, made in Mexico: Traffickers embrace fentanyl

Los Angeles Times

Developed decades ago as a painkiller of last resort, fentanyl has surpassed heroin and prescription pills to become the leading driver of the opioid crisis and is now the top cause of U.S. overdose deaths.

Will Gavin Newsom’s plan lower prescription drug costs in California?

San Francisco Chronicle

Eight months ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a plan to lower the state’s prescription drug costs. The central idea: By consolidating the market power of state agencies into one statewide pool, California could gain greater leverage to negotiate with drugmakers.

Why legislation that promises patient protection is bad medicine

CALmatters

We all agree that drug prices are high, but a proposal before the Legislature would make that situation worse, even as it seeks to solve the problem.

How ‘Medicare for All’ Went Mainstream

New York Times

In the last presidential election, the idea of abolishing private health insurance was confined to the far left of American politics. Now it’s the central argument of the Democratic primary race.

How Veterans Affairs failed to stop a pathologist who misdiagnosed 3,000 cases

Washington Post

The pathologist who had misdiagnosed Copelin’s diseased tissue in 2015 was intoxicated, the hospital’s chief physician told the couple. He had failed to see the squamous cell carcinoma on the slide before him, the doctor said.

IMMIGRATION

Trump is stripping immigrant children of protections, critics say. Supporters say he’s closing loopholes

Los Angeles Times

The policy shift is among the latest in a string of reversals by the administration in protections for immigrant children, who have been the most prominent collateral damage in its crackdown on migrants at the southern border.

Faced With Criticism, Trump Administration Reverses Abrupt End to Humanitarian Relief

New York Times

LAND USE/HOUSING

Land Use:

‘First time I’ve ever sold an island’: Agent lands Delta deal worth $1.195 million

Fresno Bee

A Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta island is going for $1.195 million. Tony Wood of KW Commercial is the listing agent for the nine-acre land area near Brannan Island in Isleton, about one hour south of Sacramento.

Housing:

Fresno is a city of 530,000 people. Why do so few of them live downtown?

Fresno Bee

Fresno has a population of 530,093, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. How many live downtown? According to Dan Zack, the city’s assistant planning director, the answer is 3,797.

California is experiencing a housing shortage. Why are housing permits down 20 percent?

Fresno Bee

Gavin Newsom, top Democrats strike deal to cap rent hikes in California

Merced Sun-Star

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and top Democrats announced Friday evening that they have reached an agreement to place limits on how much landlords can increase a tenant’s rent each year.

● Newsom strikes deal in California to cap rent increases Los Angeles Times

● EDITORIAL: Gavin Newsom tells Southern California to plan for housing. A lot more housing Los Angeles Times

Modesto tent city gaining traction from other cities dealing with homelessness

Modesto Bee

As homeless men, women and children in Sacramento wait for three new shelters to open, another model that Sacramento officials repeatedly have rejected over the years is now quickly gaining traction.

Lawmakers Tackle A Severe Housing Shortage For Renters Who Have Federal Vouchers

Capital Public Radio

The biggest federal housing program for low-income renters is failing to help many Californians because there aren’t enough landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers for rent. State lawmakers are considering two solutions, a carrot and a stick.

PUBLIC FINANCES

Democrats, wary of backlash, won’t impose $25 tax on gun purchases in California

Los Angeles Times

COMMUNITY VOICES: SB 24 is totally unnecessary

Bakersfield Californian

Gov. Gavin Newsom may soon find himself in a bit of a pickle. Turns out the governor’s chief fiscal adviser, the California Department of Finance, is staunchly opposed to Senate Bill 24, the bill that will require all of California’s university student health centers to provide on-campus medical abortions. It’s the same bill Newsom promised on the campaign trail he would sign, no questions asked.

TRANSPORTATION

Forty trains a day through Altamont at up to 125 mph? It could happen, weary drivers

Modesto Bee

Passenger rail service could increase 10-fold over Altamont Pass – enticing news for people who drive it daily from the Modesto area.

Finding the alternate route to your alternate route

Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield and Kern County's transportation network this summer is shaping up to be the most tied-up, gridlocked, hair-on-fire mass of road and highway construction ever devised by humankind.

CEO Report

HSR

The purpose of this monthly CEO Report is to keep the Board and the public apprised of important events and milestones related to the high-speed rail program. Although there is no Board meeting in August, I want to inform Board members of recent progress on a number of important fronts.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority celebrates creating 3,000 construction jobs

Global Railway Review

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has reached a new milestone by creating a 3,000-strong workforce which has currently delivered 119 miles of new high-speed railway infrastructure.

High-speed California-to-Las Vegas train plan is a go

ABC News

Video.

California Cap-and-Trade Investments: 20 Agencies, $914 million in 6 Months

StreetsBlog Cal

The most recent auction in California’s cap-and-trade program, which puts a price on emissions, showed a strong market for carbon allowances now and into the near future. The California Air Resources Board announced this week that the money from those auctions is being invested at a quickening pace.

Faraday Brings in BMW Veteran to Prolong Improbable Comeback Bid

Bloomberg

Faraday Future, the electric-vehicle upstart that was on the brink of insolvency last year, hired a BMW AG veteran to lead efforts to finally bring its debut car to market and raise more money.

Uber And Lyft Face An Existential Threat In California — And They’re Losing

The Verge

“These companies have been in existence for years now. And they’ve known that their drivers have these complaints and these problems, and they’ve done nothing to address it”

● Meet the former labor organizer emerging as a huge threat to Uber and Lyft The Hill

● Uber, Lyft, DoorDash Threaten Ballot Fight Over California Gig-Worker Law Wall Street Journal

EDITORIAL: Subsidize My Electric Car, Please

Wall Street Journal

Auto makers want Congress to expand this gift to the affluent.

WATER

Was it raining in Fresno on a 100-degree day? (Yes) Will we get any more?

Fresno Bee

Did you notice a few sprinkles outside Monday? Coupled with heat nearing the triple digits, the central San Joaquin Valley saw some light rain on Labor Day, and the chance could continue for the next several days.

Lead Found in Drinking Fountains at 17% of California Public Schools

Wall Street Journal

The state only requires schools to take action if lead levels exceed 15 ppb. But the CDC says there’s no safe blood lead level for children.

The U.S. Wants to Adopt a Cap-and-Trade Plan for Water That Isn’t Working

Wall Street Journal

In Australia, dead kangaroos and a scandal called Watergate are results of flawed plan for water market.

“Xtra”

Garden of Eve Farm Grows Thousands of Sunflowers

abc30

In addition to selling sunflowers, Garden of Eve grows over 50 acres of certified organic vegetables, 30 varieties of flowers, raise 1000 pastured laying hens, and oversee 20 farm team members.

Dove hunting season kicks off with new conditions

abc30

The start of a brand new dove hunting season began Sunday, with new changes for hunters. Hunters are no longer allowed to use ammunition containing lead, even while hunting on private property. All ammo used during the dove season must be made of steel.

See also:

● Locals open dove hunting season in style at Pyrenees Cafe Bakersfield Californian

Take me home! Animals available for adoption

Bakersfield Californian

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

In fall, experience the awe and adventure in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks

Los Angeles Times

The giant trees of Sequoia National Park will fill you with awe — and give you a crick in your neck from staring up at them.

Test yourself with our new free game: PolitiTruth

Think you can tell the difference between True and False?

Do you really know what is fake news?

Support the Maddy Daily

HERE

Thank you!

Maddy Institute Updated List of San Joaquin Valley Elected Officials HERE.

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.

This document is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, The Maddy Institute at California State University, Fresno does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the document. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe: mjeans@csufresno.edu