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California Urges Resistance to Census Citizenship Question -- California's top elections official is urging the state's residents to oppose a Trump administration plan for a citizenship question on the 2020 census. Secretary of State Alex Padilla on Tuesday launched an online portal for Californians to submit public comments through the federal registrar opposing the question. Kathleen Ronayne Associated Press -- 7/31/18
L.A. County prosecutors decline to charge Les Moonves with sex crimes, saying allegations exceed statute of limitations -- The Los Angeles County district attorney has declined to file sexual assault charges against Leslie Moonves, the embattled chairman and chief executive of CBS Corp., saying accusations made against him date back three decades and therefore exceed the statute of limitations. Richard Winton in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Activists call on Palo Alto tech firm Palantir to end ICE contract -- A coalition of immigrant rights advocates, tech workers, and labor groups is calling on Palo Alto-based tech firm Palantir to end its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, accusing the software company of enabling immigration officials to detain undocumented immigrants. Tatiana Sanchez in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 7/31/18
Lake County evacuations drag on as fires plague area -- Weary residents of this fire-ravaged county have entered their fifth day of evacuations, power outages and smoky air, and there’s no end in sight. Emergency responders told an overflow crowd at Clearlake City Hall Tuesday morning that the battle against the River and Ranch fires was going well, but that a lack of resources and unpredictable weather meant the fight would drag on. Ryan Lillis in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/31/18
Wildfire update: Deadly blazes continue to burn across Northern California -- Julia Sclafani in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/31/18
Carr Fire in Redding now seventh worst in California history, officials say -- Residents of Redding and surrounding communities began returning home Tuesday morning, but the massive inferno that broke out more than a week ago continued to destroy homes as winds fueled the blaze to more than three times the size of San Francisco, officials said. Sarah Ravani in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 7/31/18
A new normal for California: Destructive wildfires throughout the state -- This is the new normal: There are 15 serious wildfires burning throughout California, including one of the deadliest and most destructive in the state’s history. Sonali Kohli in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Three Northern California fires have consumed 185,000 acres -- Three Northern California fires — the Ranch and River fires in Mendocino County and the Carr Fire in Shasta County — that have been roaring for days closed in on 200,000 acres burned and are days away from full containment, according to the California Department of Forestry. Fire crews continued to build containment lines Tuesday amid 100-plus degree temperatures and dirty air that made it difficult to breathe. Rick Hurd, Marisa Kendall in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 7/31/18
‘Somebody hit the wrong button’: Thousands in Shasta Lake city were evacuated accidentally, sheriff says -- As flames from the deadly Carr Fire bore down on western Redding late last Thursday night, residents of the city and nearby communities were issued mandatory evacuation orders and fled their homes. But one town was evacuated accidentally, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said Monday. Kellen Browning and Sam Stanton in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/31/18
California Policy & Politics This Morning
California wildfires still ‘growing faster than you can imagine’ -- Firefighters made small but promising headway Monday on the two main fires bedeviling Northern California, but nobody was prepared to say the danger was over as the flames in Redding and near Clear Lake were being beaten away from homes and into wilderness areas. Kurtis Alexander, Michael Cabanatuan and Kevin Fagan in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 7/31/18
Redding's Fire Tornado Was Not Your Garden Variety Fire Whirl -- Usually, meteorologists take issue with describing fire whirls as "fire tornadoes" because they form differently, and fire whirls are usually made up of much weaker winds than tornadoes. Last Thursday, though, seeing the aftermath with roofs ripped off of homes and large trees completely uprooted just outside the burn zone, even the weather experts were tempted to describe the Carr Fire whirl as a tornado. Allie Weill KQED -- 7/31/18
At least 8 dead as wildfires continue to rage across California -- Authorities on Monday were hoping that a slight break in the heat this week could help them gain control of a number of wildfires that have so far scorched more than 200,000 acres and killed eight people across California. Sonali Kohli and Ruben Vives in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Lake County ablaze again; Lakeport residents flee the newest threat -- When they yelled “fire” in the theater, it was for real. Moviegoers at the Lakeport Cinema 5, near the shores of Clear Lake, were watching the sequel to the romantic comedy “Mamma Mia!” this week when fire officials rushed into the playhouse and announced that the town of just over 5,000 residents was being evacuated because of the River Fire. Kurtis Alexander in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 7/31/18
In the burn zone, a family’s kind impulse to feed evacuees grows into hub of generosity -- Kristy Hammeke was glued to her television when the Carr Fire pushed into Redding, turning thousands of residents into scared and disoriented evacuees. Her house in Cottonwood, a two-minute drive south of Redding in Shasta County, was safe, but her heart ached for those who weren’t so lucky. She wanted to help. Michael Cabanatuan and Jill Tucker in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 7/31/18
Two huge California fires, four firefighters dead — and the fire season just started. Why? -- The death count is growing partly because this year’s fires have been larger, more destructive and more frequent, Cox said. That’s caused by the merging of several factors, he said: extreme weather — hotter days and hotter nights — and increased development in rural areas, coupled with a heat wave and wind. The Carr fire was driven by an unusual “fire vortex” or “fire tornado” that generated its own devastating weather and path of destruction. Marisa Kendall, Matthias Gafni and Julia Prodis Sulek in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 7/31/18
Why planes can’t fight Shasta’s deadly Carr Fire -- “There’s a blanket of smoke. It’s been socked in for several days,” said McLean. “They need a flight path. They have to see the ground to be able to make drops or see obstructions. The northern stretch of the Sacramento Valley is prone to inversions because of its terrain, said climate scientist Daniel Swain of the University of California at Los Angeles. Lisa M. Krieger in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 7/31/18
Fire explodes in Lake County, forcing new evacuations in Kelseyville and Finley -- A stubborn wildfire exploded in the hills west of the quiet resort town of Lakeport Monday afternoon, sending flames surging 20 feet into the sky as they roared through dry brush and pine trees and forced a new round of evacuations that were directed at residents of Kelseyville and Finley. Ryan Lillis And Sam Stanton in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/31/18
Record Heat, Fires Worsened By Climate Change -- Heat waves are setting all-time temperature records across the globe, again. Europe suffered its deadliest wildfire in more than a century, and one of nearly 90 large fires in the U.S. West burned dozens of homes and forced the evacuation of at least 37,000 people near Redding, California. Flood-inducing downpours have pounded the U.S. East this week. Seth Borenstein and Frank Jordans Associated Press -- 7/31/18
California Prison Inmates, Guard Troops, Highway Patrol on Board to Battle Fires -- The Carr and Ferguson fires are only 2 of 17 major blazes currently being fought across the state. Each requires a dedicated team of firefighters, and as resources become strained the state is mobilizing additional sources of manpower across 125 agencies to help with firefighting efforts. Amanda Heidt KQED -- 7/31/18
Cranston fire containment grows; rebuilding work begins -- Work continued Monday in the San Jacinto Mountains to take measure of and repair the extensive damage caused by the Cranston fire, which has burned more than 13,000 acres and destroyed seven homes and five other buildings. Richard K. De Atley in the San Bernardino Sun$ -- 7/31/18
It took nearly 2 months, but Travis Allen backs John Cox for CA governor -- It wasn’t exactly a flowery endorsement or even one delivered in person, as Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa did in bestowing his endorsement on primary winner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom days after the election. Instead, Allen tweeted his endorsement, mentioning his own upcoming “Take Back California” statewide rally tour just as prominently as he did Cox. Joe Garofoli in the San Francisco Chronicle$ Seema Mehta in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Orange County lawmaker elected by gas tax anger lashes out at road construction signs mentioning the tax -- An Orange County state senator, who won a special election in June that was triggered by California’s recent gas tax increase, wants transportation officials to remove the signs that point out road repairs paid for with the funds. John Myers in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Rep. Hunter's opponent hires national strategist Joe Trippi -- Joe Trippi, a nationally known consultant who helped guide Democrat Doug Jones to an upset victory in an Alabama U.S. Senate race last year, has been named lead strategist for congressional candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar, the campaign said Monday. Michael Smolens in the San Diego Union-Tribune$ -- 7/31/18
The latest in fundraising by San Diego County’s U.S. House candidates -- It’s been almost two months since the June 5 primary, and the campaign season is picking back up for the candidates in San Diego County’s five congressional races. Fundraising in some of those contests has already reached millions of dollars. Jill Castellano inewsource.org -- 7/31/18
Despite qualms, Supreme Court refuses to block youths’ climate suit -- The U.S. Supreme Court expressed qualms Monday about the scope of a climate-change lawsuit by 21 young people against the government, but rejected the Trump administration’s request to block a trial of the unprecedented suit that accuses federal officials of endangering their futures by failing to act against global warming. Bob Egelko in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 7/31/18
This lawmaker blocked anti-vaccine activists on Twitter. Now he’s facing a lawsuit -- State Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, is being sued by anti-vaccine activists, who say he blocked them on Twitter in violation of their First Amendment rights. Bryan Anderson in the Sacramento Bee$ Don Thompson Associated Press -- 7/31/18
Nunes’ spat with Twitter just latest battle in war for his message -- After spending the weekend battling against Twitter on Twitter, Rep. Devin Nunes has made clear that his war on the mainstream media has now been extended to social media. Rory Appleton in the Fresno Bee -- 7/31/18
Vindicated Colonies corruption figure sues San Bernardino County, DA in federal court for $40 million -- Vindicated public corruption figure Mark Kirk on Monday sued San Bernardino County and District Attorney Mike Ramos in federal court for $40 million, alleging malicious prosecution in perhaps the biggest and most expensive prosecutorial fiasco in county history. Joe Nelson in the San Bernardino Sun$ -- 7/31/18
LAPD, other authorities arranged courthouse recording that prompted confidentiality concerns, court document shows -- A courthouse recording that raised concerns about violations of attorney-client confidentiality was made by the Los Angeles Police Department at the request of a deputy district attorney and with the cooperation of the Sheriff's Department, according to a court document filed Monday. Nina Agrawal in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Economy, Employers, Jobs, Unions, Pensions
Builder files $25 million lawsuit against Kings partnership on downtown tower project -- A new lawsuit has accused the Sacramento Kings and development partners of mismanaging their 16-story hotel and condo project downtown, leading to construction confusion, massive budget overruns and tens of millions of dollars in still unpaid bills. Tony Bizjak in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/31/18
Taxes, Fees, Rates, Tolls, Bonds
Fix California roads without the new gas taxes? Here’s what it would take -- Whether or not voters this November approve an initiative to repeal recent increases to California fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees, its proponents are already planning a sequel. Alexei Koseff in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/31/18
Homeless
Architects were asked to design appealing homeless shelters on a $1-million budget. Here's what they came up with -- One rendering shows a courtyard accented by contemporary planters and cafe tables. The tents where recently homeless people would live are shaded, and almost hidden, under wooden trellises. Doug Smith in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Interfaith surpasses goal to house 1,000 homeless, near-homeless -- Escondido-based Interfaith Community Services has announced it almost doubled the number of homeless and near-homeless people it housed in a year, surpassing a goal set in 2017. Gary Warth in the San Diego Union-Tribune$ -- 7/31/18
Opponents of temporary LA homeless housing are in the minority, new poll shows -- While temporary housing for people who are homeless regularly draws intense opposition, as evidenced by the response to projects proposed in Koreatown and San Pedro, those opponents may actually represent a minority opinion, according to a poll released Monday. Elizabeth Chou in the LA Daily News$ -- 7/31/18
Cannabis
First tests are in, and 1 in 5 marijuana samples in California isn’t making grade -- One in five batches of marijuana has failed laboratory testing since new state safety requirements kicked in July 1, according to data from the California Bureau of Cannabis Control. Failures have been triggered by inaccurate labeling or contamination from pesticides, bacteria or processing chemicals. Brooke Staggs in the Orange County Register -- 7/31/18
Education
Two more unions settle with L.A. Unified, which remains in standoff with teachers --Two more labor groups have agreed to a new contract with the Los Angeles Unified School District, but negotiations with the teachers union remain at a tense standstill. The latest to settle is Chapter 500 of the California School Employees Assn., which represents about 3,800 technicians, library aides, financial managers and other office workers. Howard Blume in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
Immigration, Border, Deportation
Immigration judges turning down more asylum seekers, as Trump administration presses for crackdown -- The number of asylum cases in which immigration judges find that an immigrant has a “credible fear” of persecution has dropped sharply this year — a shift that leads to swifter deportations and provides an early glimpse at the narrowing path to refuge for many under the Trump administration, according to a report released Monday. Jazmine Ulloa in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/31/18
POTUS 45
Trump Administration Mulls a Unilateral Tax Cut for the Rich -- The Trump administration is considering bypassing Congress to grant a $100 billion tax cut mainly to the wealthy, a legally tenuous maneuver that would cut capital gains taxation and fulfill a long-held ambition of many investors and conservatives. Alan Rappeport and Jim Tankersley in the New York Times$ Damian Paletta in the Washington Post$ -- 7/31/18
Build Border Wall or Government Will Be Shut Down, Trump Says -- President Trump reiterated on Monday his threat to shut down the federal government this fall if Congress does not deliver on Republican demands to crack down on immigration by enforcing security on the border with Mexico and building his long-promised wall. Katie Rogers and Nicholas Fandos in the New York Times$ -- 7/31/18
How Companies Are Making Customers Pay for Trump’s Trade War -- These companies face a choice. They can bear the higher costs themselves and report weaker profits, which might crater their stocks. Or they can charge more for their products, in effect making their customers bear much of the financial burden of the tariffs, at least for a while. Many companies are opting for the latter. Peter Eavis in the New York Times$ -- 7/31/18
Layoffs from Trump tariffs are piling up. So are calls for more bailouts -- Jane Hardy, the chief executive of a company that makes lawn-care equipment, says she had to lay off 75 employees this summer because of President Trump’s trade war. Heather Long in the Washington Post$ -- 7/31/18
-- Monday Updates
Ron Dellums, former congressman and Oakland mayor, dies at age 82 -- Ron Dellums, a Marine turned antiwar activist and feisty Democratic politician, was never one to walk away from a fight, no matter who started it. Rachel Swan in the San Francisco Chronicle$ Rick Hurd in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 7/30/18
California says this chemical causes cancer. So why is it being sprayed into drinking water? -- A year ago, the active ingredient in Roundup, the nation’s most widely used weed-killing herbicide, was added to California’s official list of chemicals known to cause cancer. Ryan Sabalow in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/30/18
Crews scramble to hold the line on wildfires in Mendocino, Lake counties -- Even with calm winds, a stubborn wildfire burning in the hills west of this quiet resort town on the shores of Clear Lake is still surging. The River Fire – one of two fires that make up what is being called the Mendocino Complex – crept to within one mile of the city limits Sunday night. And with the winds expected to kick up Monday afternoon, fire personnel are scrambling to hold the line. Ryan Lillis in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/30/18
At least 8 dead as wildfires continue to rage across California -- Authorities on Monday were hoping that a slight break in the heat this week could help them gain control of a number of wildfires that have so far scorched more than 200,000 acres and killed eight people across California. Sonali Kohli in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 7/30/18
Carr Fire nears 100,000 acres, firefighters make small progress -- Firefighters battling the raging Carr Fire in Shasta County made only small progress overnight against a blaze that already has burned nearly 100,000 acres and resulted in the death of six people. Approximately 38,000 people have been evacuated, and the fire has burned 98,724 acres. Rick Hurd, Marisa Kendall in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 7/30/18
‘Hallelujah!’ Some Redding residents allowed to return home as fire evacuations lifted -- Jubilant and relieved residents began to return to their homes in Redding on Monday, four days after fleeing for their lives from the Carr Fire that swept in Thursday night and laid waste to huge swaths of the community. The “repopulation” of neighborhoods began Monday with hundreds of homeowners being allowed to pass through National Guard checkpoints and return to areas that had been evacuated but not destroyed in the blaze. Molly Sullivan, Tony Bizjak and Sam Stanton in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 7/30/18
Taylor: Oakland measure to prevent displacement hits home with tenants -- Oakland is taking the issue of displacement seriously. Last week, the Oakland City Council voted to place a measure on the November ballot that would yet again expand tenant protection. Otis R. Taylor Jr. in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 7/30/18
Trump schedules meetings based on ‘Fox & Friends’ coverage: report -- President Trump reportedly schedules last-minute meetings with White House officials based on “whatever he saw on ‘Fox and Friends.’ ” A former White House official told Politico that the president has “lots of flexibility” in working his schedule around whatever topics interest him, often what is discussed on that morning’s Fox News program. Avery Anapol The Hill -- 7/30/18
Trump Administration Mulls a Unilateral Tax Cut for the Wealthy -- The Trump administration is considering bypassing Congress to grant a $100 billion tax cut mainly to the wealthy, a legally tenuous maneuver that would cut capital gains taxation and fulfill a long-held ambition of many investors and conservatives. Alan Rappeport and Jim Tankersley in the New York Times$ -- 7/30/18
Money crunch at stem cell agency -- California’s stem cell agency gave away $14 million this month, which could be described as less than a drop in its $3 billion bucket. But the talk at the agency’s awards meeting July 19 was not about largess. Instead it was about the lack of cash, lack of time and the need to split “babies” and “buckets.” David Jensen Capitol Weekly -- 7/30/18
Fox: A New Tax That will Get a Hang-Up from Legislators -- Why is a savvy politician like Jerry Brown proposing a new tax increase with only one month to go in the legislative session of an election year? Such a strategy goes against conventional wisdom because legislators up for election don’t want to defend a new tax increase. Yet, Brown argues that the 911 emergency system desperately needs an upgrade and he proposes a tax increase to achieve it. Joel Fox Fox & Hounds -- 7/30/18