The Central Valley is set to benefit from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill being debated by Congress. While specifics are still being worked out, local leaders relish receiving tens of millions of dollars for road and highway projects. Leading the request list is $20 million to expand a dangerous stretch...
The Bark Is Back in the Bulldogs and the Tailgate Parties
There was a buzz happening in the parking lots surrounding Bulldog Stadium. And, it wasn't just because of the free flow of alcohol before noon as Fresno State celebrated the start of its 100th year of football on Saturday. Or, maybe it was. "It's breakfast booze," one tailgater told me...
Water for Farms is Top Issue as Biden’s Ag Secretary Visits Valley
Water was the top issue, but not the only one, discussed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the Central Valley on Thursday. Vilsack spent his morning at the TerraNova Ranch in the Fresno County town of Helm near Five Points. He was joined by Secretary of the Department...
NRCC Challenging Costa’s District
The Republicans are gunning for Jim Costa again. The National Republican Congressional Committee announced they are targeting the Fresno Democrat's seat for the 2022 election. That could mean more spending independent of the candidate running. Costa, D-Fresno, isn't surprised. "I've been targeted before. You know, I think they want to...
GOP Newcomer Outraises Democrat Costa in Valley Congressional Challenge
A newcomer to politics and to California has outraised Rep. Jim Costa in the first reporting period for congressional campaign fundraising. Costa, D-Fresno, could be running for his 10th term in 2022. He raised $70,498 for the first quarter of 2021. David Giglio, a Madera businessman, filed to run last...
Costa: Now ‘Not the Time’ for Concern Over Paying for $1.9T Relief Bill
Congressman Jim Costa says now is not the time to worry about how to pay for a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package that President Joe Biden signed Thursday. "This is a national emergency and whether we've been in wars or depressions, we in fact, the federal government is the only...
Congressman Jim Costa Says Photo Captures the Moment Rioters Stormed House Doors
Hours after sheltering in place in the House of Representative, Congressman Jim Costa said rioters who breached the U.S. Capitol are "traitorous." Costa (D-Fresno) spoke to the media from his Washington, DC office via Zoom. The Capitol was in lockdown and a 6 p.m. curfew in the District was already...
Costa Loses Vote to Lead House Ag Committee
House Democrats picked Georgia Congressman David Scott over Valley Rep. Jim Costa to lead the House Agriculture Committee. The internal vote among House Democrats was 144-83 in favor of Scott by secret ballot, according to a party spokesperson. Both Scott — who represents a district in suburban Atlanta — and...
Fresh Off Reelection, Costa Gathers Support in Contested Bid for House Ag Chair
Fresno Democrat Jim Costa is shoring up his support to become the next chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. More than 70 farm industry organizations sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) supporting Costa for the chairmanship in the 117th Congress that convenes in January. Costa and...
Costa Wants House Ag Post. Faces Competition.
Fresno Congressman Jim Costa has declared his intention to become chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. The position became available when current chairman Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) lost his reelection bid. Costa, a Democrat who just secured his ninth term in office, will face competition for the seat. Rep. David...