Update, 11/14/2019, 9:30 a.m.: Councilman Luis Chavez pulled the General Plan item from today's council agenda, continuing it until Dec. 5. He says he wants to wait for Mayor Lee Brand to return from his vacation in order to support the resolution. Also, Councilman Miguel Arias added his name as...
Gov. Newsom Says Highway 99 is 'Top Priority'
Gov. Gavin Newsom says funding Highway 99 is a "top priority," dispelling the notion that a September executive order diverted money from improvement projects in Madera and Tulare counties. "As it relates to Highway 99 in particular, it is a top priority for our administration, a top priority for our...
Fresno's Homelessness Crisis Needs Immediate United Action
The issue of homelessness in Fresno County is not new, having been a part of our community since our foundation more than a century ago. However, an issue once seen as a blight or nuisance limited to specific pockets of our county has followed in the steps of our state...
Apple Commits $2.5B to Combat California Housing Crisis
CUPERTINO — Apple has committed $2.5 billion to ease California's housing crisis, eclipsing similar pledges by fellow Silicon Valley giants Google and Facebook to address a lack of affordable housing in the region they call home. Apple's pledge Monday includes a $1 billion fund to build new homes for households...
Fox News' Judge Jeanine Isn't Coming to Central Valley
Judge Jeanine Pirro's scheduled visit to Tulare is not happening. The Fox News personality was scheduled to speak at a rally organized by the Valley Young Republicans PAC on Nov. 7. However, the event is no longer mentioned in the group's social media. The International Agri-Center in Tulare, where Pirro's...
New California Laws Aim to Speed Housing Construction
SACRAMENTO — A new California law aims to stop communities from delaying construction of new housing projects. It's one of 18 housing bills signed Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. State lawmakers have passed dozens of bills aimed at boosting funding for affordable housing, easing development restrictions and helping renters facing...
Will US Supreme Court End Inclusionary Zoning?
In a story that largely has flown under the radar, a major case involving inclusionary zoning in California could be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. A tip of the hat to City Lab's Kriston Capps for his story about a fight over inclusionary zoning in Marin County that began...
Sale of Long-Vacant UMC Lauded as a Big Win for Fresno
Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig says the sale of the county-owned University Medical Center campus is a win-win-win. "It's a win for the city of Fresno, a win for the residents not only of the city but also the county, and the county government — it's a win for us....
Newsom Wanted to Go Bold on Housing. Have He and Lawmakers Delivered so Far?
On the campaign trail and after taking office, Gov. Gavin Newsom promised bold action to confront the issue he called California’s greatest challenge: making housing affordable again. Or at least returning us to a world where this house doesn’t sell for $900 grand. The rhetoric was lofty: A “Marshall Plan” for...
Lawmakers Tackle a Severe Housing Shortage for Renters Who Have Federal Vouchers
By Manuela Tobias, The Fresno Bee and Jackie Botts, CalMatters As California struggles with a crisis in affordable housing, state lawmakers are trying to improve a severe shortage of housing available to renters who have federal Section 8 vouchers. The vouchers allow tenants to pay only 30% of their income...