Latinos now largest group in Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is now a solidly majority-minority region - one in which Latinos increasingly represent the largest ethnic group, figures released today by the U.S. Census Bureau show.
Stockton Record article

PG&E expands solar energy deal
Pacific Gas and Electric announced Wednesday it plans to go to the desert to meet a large share of its future energy needs.
Sacramento Bee article

Forecast: California to have enough electricity this summer
Californians can expect adequate electricity this summer, according to a California Energy Commission analysis. Although the snow pack and forecast runoff averages are still below normal, there is sufficient hydroelectric to meet peak power loads even with hotter-than-average temperatures, it says.
Central Valley Business Times article

Agencies scramble for stimulus funds
Loggers buzz through a burned-out forest. A small town replaces a contaminated well. Thousands of new visitors flock to see the Central Valley's storied waterfowl, while millions are spent on California's threatened fish.
Stockton Record article

Smaller almond crop expected for 2009
Wet weather and freezing temperatures have helped shrink California's 2009 almond crop forecast by 10%. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that this year's crop will come in at 1.45 billion pounds, down from the record 1.61 billion pounds produced last year.
Fresno Bee article

Central Valley to get some EPA help for brownfields
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it plans to award about $10 million in grants bolstered by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to help communities in California clean up sites known as “brownfields” which may be contaminated by hazardous chemicals or pollutants.
Central Valley Business Times article

Builders rally for extension of tax credit for buyers
Home builders are pushing state legislators to extend a popular state income tax credit of up to $10,000 for the purchase of new single family homes.
Bakersfield Californian article

Stanislaus County transit study draws praise
Seniors and disabled people should find it easier to go places in coming years, advocates said Wednesday while praising a study paving the way for assisted transportation.
Modesto Bee article

Power plant goes online in western Fresno Co.
A new power plant is up and running in western Fresno County, just in time to meet upcoming electricity demands in the hot summer months.
Fresno Bee article

Tulare residents ask city council to end at-large election process
Residents seeking area-based Tulare City Council elections have turned in an eight-point plan in an effort to settle the matter with city officials before it reaches the court system.
Visalia Times-Delta article

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