Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

West Bank Town Becomes ‘Big Prison’ as Israel Fences It In

2 days ago

Trump Says He’s Willing to Let Migrant Farm Laborers Stay in US

2 days ago

US Electric Vehicle Tax Breaks Will Expire on Sept. 30

3 days ago

Eyeing Arctic Dominance, Trump Bill Earmarks $8.6 Billion for US Coast Guard Icebreakers

3 days ago

Trump’s Sweeping Tax-Cut and Spending Bill Wins Congressional Approval

3 days ago

Americans Celebrate Their Independence With Record-Breaking Travel Numbers

3 days ago

US Supreme Court to Decide Legality of Transgender School Sports Bans

3 days ago

Nvidia Set to Become the World’s Most Valuable Company in History

3 days ago

Poll: 41% in US ‘Extremely Proud’ to Be American, Near Historic Low

3 days ago
Fresno Rolls Back Shelter-In-Place, Readies for Tuesday Reopen
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
May 21, 2020

Share

As soon as the Memorial Day weekend ends, Fresno residents will be free of the city’s shelter-in-place order.

Mayor Lee Brand announced the rollback — effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26 — at a noontime news conference Thursday at City Hall.


Listen to this article:


However, dine-in restaurants will be allowed to open immediately after completing a form on the Fresno County Health Department website, city officials said Thursday evening.

“Now, it’s time for Fresno to get back to work.”Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer

We are offering hope. And hope is a powerful word that guides us through the darkest nights to the light of day,” Brand said.

The end of the shelter order, in place since March 19, will allow all retail businesses to open to the public. Restrictions, such as one person per 500 square feet for some businesses, will be lifted.

Other limitations remain, such as physical distancing practices of 6 feet and wearing masks while shopping or in a government building.

“Now, it’s time for Fresno to get back to work,” Fresno Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer said.

Chavez Proposed Plan Earlier this Week

“If you don’t want to take these precautions for yourself, please take them for your grandparents, for your uncle that has a heart condition, your aunt that has diabetes, or your daughter that has asthma. This is about protecting the vulnerable.” — councilman Luis Chavez

The order replaces the previous 16 emergency orders Brand’s administration put in place since the initial proclamation of an emergency on March 16.

Brand’s announcement encapsulated many of councilman Luis Chavez’s proposed ideas to reopen the city.

“We’ve had one of the toughest eight weeks in our city’s history. This pandemic has bent our faith, disrupted our way of life or livelihood, but it has sure as hell not broken our will,” Chavez said.

The plan also includes $5 million each for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. Chavez hopes that will result in Fresno County meeting the state guideline of 1,500 tests per day.

Chavez also called for mobile testing locations school districts are providing food pickups.

Restaurants OK, Others Businesses Need to Wait for Stage 3

With the state approving Fresno County’s variance request Thursday, restaurants will be allowed to reopen with dine-in customers. Brand and Dyer said there wouldn’t be a customer cap set for restaurants, but they would have to allow for physical distancing.

Higher risk business sectors — such as gyms, hair/nail salons, and live sports/entertainment venues — will remain closed until the county gets the green light to proceed to Stage 3 of the state’s roadmap for reopening the economy.

In-person religious services are still not allowed under the state order. Dyer said “much of this is still up in the air,” but councilman Mike Karbassi wants to allow churches to conduct indoor services.

Arias on Critics

Council President Miguel Arias addressed critics of the way the council and Brand have handled the pandemic crisis.

“Let me address that very directly. A lot has been made of the constitutional rights of individuals. It’s clear for us that individuals have a constitutional right to have their opinion and at times to have extreme views. But they don’t have a constitutional right to infect somebody else with the deadly virus.” — city council president Miguel Arias

“We will continue to lead during the pandemic despite personal threats. We’ll continue to lead despite any political theater that takes place outside,” Arias said.

He also talked indirectly about a group of protesters at Arias’ residence on May 12. Arias is seen in a video shoving three men as they lingered on his condominium stairwell. Arias had asked them to leave.

“Let me address that very directly. A lot has been made of the constitutional rights of individuals. It’s clear for us that individuals have a constitutional right to have their opinion and at times to have extreme views. But they don’t have a constitutional right to infect somebody else with the deadly virus,” Arias said.

The protesters enacted a citizens arrest for battery for the incident last week. Fresno police and the district attorney’s office continue to investigate the case, with a tentative Sept. 9 court date.

“This measured and responsible reopening ensures that nobody is put at unnecessary risk doing this pandemic,” Arias said. “As the largest and most densely populated city that makes up the majority of the county of Fresno, we don’t have the luxury to be reactive, to be extreme. We actually embrace the responsibility of being measured and to protect the public health of everyone that lives in our city.”

A look at the top items in the city of Fresno’s reopening plan effective Tuesday, May 26. (GV Wire/David Taub)

Council Rejects Bredefeld Proposal

Councilman Garry Bredefeld offered an alternative proposal at Thursday’s city council meeting. In a procedural move, Arias removed it from the agenda without a hearing. Bredefeld made a motion for his proposal to return to the agenda, but it did not receive a second.

“We still have a small and extreme voice of opposition, but we’re not going to heed those loud screams no matter how loud, how personal, and how threatening they become. Our responsibility is to ensure the public safety of everyone, not just to react to the extreme views of a few,” Arias said.

Bredefeld posted plenty of reactions on Twitter.

“Lifting lockdown finally. However, still mandating masks inside every business. No science or data to support this. Will continue to hurt businesses. People shopping in Clovis instead,” Bredefeld said.

He also posted, “Our citizens won today.”

Chavez: Protect the Vulnerable

As of Wednesday, the county reported 1,338 positive cases out of 15,181 tests, an 8.8% infection rate. The hospitalization rate of positive cases is 12.4% (166 cases).

There have been 20 deaths countywide, although at least nine of those cases had underlying conditions.

“Those aren’t just numbers. That’s somebody’s father, grandfather, mother, sister, brother. Those are losses that we mourn for every day — people that won’t get an opportunity to celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, or another birthday,” Chavez said.

Chavez said Fresnans can’t become complacent. Following physical distancing protocols means the difference between prolonging measures or getting back to normal,” he said.

“If you don’t want to take these precautions for yourself, please take them for your grandparents, for your uncle that has a heart condition, your aunt that has diabetes, or your daughter that has asthma. This is about protecting the vulnerable,” Chavez said.

Brand Planning For Budget Ahead

“We will get through it. We’re not as bad as the other cities.”Mayor Lee Brand on the upcoming budget

The pandemic will cause an estimated $32 million budget hole for the next fiscal year. Brand is preparing his plan for city spending.

“We know there’s going to be as a major challenge,” Brand said.

He added that Fresno is in better shape than other big cities like Los Angeles and Anaheim.

“There’s still a chance of getting some of the CARES (Act) money applied to revenue shortfalls, but we can’t rely on that. It’s possible there will be another act of Congress. We can’t rely on that. So we’re got to go forward next week based on what we know, what we have right now. We will get through it. We’re not as bad as the other cities,” Brand said.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again

DON'T MISS

What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.

DON'T MISS

Trump to Sign Tax-Cut and Spending Bill in July 4 Ceremony

DON'T MISS

Madre Fire Spurs Evacuations Across 3 Counties, Grows to More Than 70,000 Acres

DON'T MISS

Clovis, Sanger, Madera, and Bass Lake Will Light the Sky With Fireworks Shows Tonight

DON'T MISS

Oil Dips Ahead of Expected OPEC+ Output Increase

DON'T MISS

613 Killed at Gaza Aid Distribution Sites, Near Humanitarian Covoys, Says UN

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Authorities Investigating Suspicious Death of Transient Man

DON'T MISS

West Bank Town Becomes ‘Big Prison’ as Israel Fences It In

DON'T MISS

Israeli Military Kills 20 in Gaza as Trump Awaits Hamas Reply to Truce Proposal

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Rachelle Maria Blanco

UP NEXT

Fresno Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint on Fourth of July, Boost Holiday Patrols

UP NEXT

Fresno Crash Involving Unlicensed Teen Driver Sends Woman to Hospital

UP NEXT

RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a ‘Profound Legacy’

UP NEXT

Valadao, Costa Spar on What Passage of Trump’s Bill Means for Medicaid Recipients

UP NEXT

Kaweah Health Names Its New Chief Nurse. She’s From Texas

UP NEXT

Clovis Police Say At-Risk Missing Woman Found Dead in Mariposa County

UP NEXT

Fresno Police Recover Some of the $40,000 in Fireworks Stolen From Bullard High Team

UP NEXT

Riverdale High School Coach Arrested for Allegedly Arranging to Meet Minor

UP NEXT

Could Cuddly Colby Be the Darling Gem for You?

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing

4 hours ago

Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99

10 hours ago

Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says

10 hours ago

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US

11 hours ago

San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Grows to Nearly 80,000 Acres, 30% Contained

11 hours ago

Musk Announces Forming of ‘America Party’ in Further Break From Trump

11 hours ago

Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 59, Including 21 Children

11 hours ago

California’s Politics Drifts Right While New York’s Leans Left

11 hours ago

How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again

2 days ago

What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.

2 days ago

TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports

TikTok is building a new version of its app for users in the United States ahead of a planned sale of the app to a group of investors, The I...

4 hours ago

A logo is displayed over a door at the U.S. headquarters of the social media company TikTok in Culver City, California, U.S. January 17, 2025. (Reuters File)
4 hours ago

TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports

Boxes of aid are stacked as Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it has commenced operations to begin distribution of aid, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 26, 2025. (Reuters File)
4 hours ago

Hamas Government Office Rejects US Accusation of Involvement in Gaza Aid Site Attack

A volunteer searches for flood victims after deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, U.S., July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores
4 hours ago

Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 78, Trump Plans Visit

Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk listens as US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Washington, DC, U.S. on November 13, 2024. (Reuters File)
4 hours ago

Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing

A 22-year-old suspected DUI driver crashed into a parked CHP motorcycle and tow truck on Highway 99 near Fresno, narrowly missing an officer and bystanders, CHP said Saturday, July 5, 2025. (CHP)
10 hours ago

Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99

A service member of a drone unit of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo of the Ukrainian Armed Forces controls a heavy combat drone while it flies over positions of Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk Region, Ukraine June 12, 2025. (Reuters File)
10 hours ago

Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says

An Israeli tank maneuvers in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, July 6, 2025. (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
11 hours ago

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US

The Madre Fire near New Cuyama has burned nearly 80,000 acres as of Sunday, July 6, 2025, morning, prompting widespread evacuation orders and warnings across three counties. (CalFire)
11 hours ago

San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Grows to Nearly 80,000 Acres, 30% Contained

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend