Although Rob Bonta did not appear at Andrew Janz’s news conference this week about a $1.4 million state tobacco enforcement grant, Fresno’s city attorney is still winning favor with the state’s top law enforcer.

Bonta, the state Attorney General, sent a news release about the statewide program two days later. In the Bonta email, a quote from Janz is featured in the paragraph right after Bonta’s statement.

Janz’s billing played higher than officials from Long Beach, Vallejo, Modesto, Chula Vista, and Rancho Cordova.

Since the Fresno City Council hired Janz in 2022, he has increased the city’s prosecutorial profile — fitting since he previously served as a prosecutor for the Fresno County District Attorney’s office.

The city council has tasked Janz with going after wage theft, and he has mounted a crackdown on illegal tobacco and marijuana sales through his oversight of code enforcement.

Related Story: Janz Objects to Valley Children’s Letter Sent to Fresno Officials

Feds Appoint Election Monitor

The federal Department of Justice will be monitoring the Nov. 5 election, to make sure democracy goes about uninterrupted.

In the Eastern District of California — which includes the Central Valley, all the way to the Oregon and Nevada borders — Kevin Khasigian is the Assistant U.S. Attorney assigned with the job, the DOJ announced.

Khasigian will oversee any voting rights complaints, threats of violence to election officials, and fraud, the DOJ said.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

“Election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

Residents can report complaints to Khasigian at (916) 554-2723.

Khasigian served in the same role for the 2022 election. He works in the  ivil division of the Asset Recovery Unit in the Sacramento office.

A DOJ spokesperson said the department receives a few election complaints a year.

Fresno Jail Almost Finished

The renovated Fresno County west annex jail is almost open.

A ribbon cutting is expected around Thanksgiving, Sheriff John Zanoni told the Fresno County Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting.

“It’s been quite a journey,” Zanoni said of the multiple change orders during construction.

Supervisor Nathan Magsig joked there would be all-you-can-eat bread and water at the opening.

The fire marshal issued a temporary certificate of occupancy on Sept. 9.

Staff also provided updates for new libraries in Clovis and Reedley. Both will feature community meeting rooms. Clovis will also have a teen space.

Parlier Proud of New Park

The city of Parlier cuts the ribbon on new Fig Tree Park this Saturday.

With the environment in mind, the park features improved drainage, drought-tolerant vegetation, and plenty of green space.

Parlier High School’s welding class played a role, helping design and craft the park benches.

“Fig Tree Park represents more than just a new recreational space — it stands as a testament to the City of Parlier’s commitment to sustainable urban design and a future that honors its past while building towards a greener tomorrow,” the city said in a news release.

Festivities start at 10 a.m. at 1035 Tulare Street in Parlier.