State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) wants to help prevent suicide, especially among youth. So she authored SB 331, a bipartisan bill requiring each California county to develop a suicide prevention plan. Listen to this article: But, the bill was stopped in committee, frustrating Hurtado. “This year, the Assembly Appropriations Committee’s leadership...
Overwhelmed and Understaffed, Fresno and Caltrans Discuss Highway Clutter
Caltrans representatives told members of the Fresno City Council that they also are frustrated, overwhelmed and understaffed when it comes to cleaning up the areas near highways. It wasn't an official council meeting, but about two dozen representatives from the city, Caltrans law enforcement, and state legislative staffers met at...
Council Wants Answers on Fires, Homeless, and Trash on Highways
For weeks, Fresno councilmen Miguel Arias and Garry Bredefeld have sounded the alarm on social and broadcast media about trash and homeless encampments along Caltrans property in Fresno. A conversation on the topic was supposed to come to City Hall via a special Fresno City Council meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday....
Late Spring Wintry Weather Brings More Snow to California
Late spring wintry weather has brought rain, wind and snow to California, including a dusting of white on Sierra peaks east of Fresno. Forecasts call for snow showers Monday night in the southern Sierra. Rain and snow will remain in the forecast off and on through the week. The latest...
It Takes Guts and Snowplows to Clear Yosemite’s Tioga Road
Most years, Tioga Road through Yosemite opens in May or early June after the winter snow has melted away. Thanks to this winter's heavy snowpack, the road's opening could be delayed until after the June 21 start of summer. Right now, Caltrans road crews are clearing snow piled 5-to-7-feet deep...
Newsom Teams With Fresno on New Affordable Housing Idea
Affordable housing developed in partnership with the state will be put on the fast track in Fresno and other cities under a plan unveiled Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The housing will be built on vacant state-owned properties, many of them belonging to Caltrans. “Housing is a basic human right,...
Southbound Lanes on Grapevine Are Open Again
UPDATE, 6:53 P.M. Caltrans says the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 through the Grapevine are open again after they were closed earlier Monday because of high winds and snow. GRAPEVINE: Southbound I-5 is now OPEN! CHP is providing pacing, please exercise caution as you make your way onto and over...
‘Slow Your Pace, It’s Not a Race’ When Driving In Fog
When driving in the fog this winter, Caltrans encourages you to "Slow Your Pace, It's Not a Race." "Not only is fog dangerous to drive in, but it can turn deadly when people drive too fast," said Sharri Bender Ehlert, the district director for Caltrans."While getting to your destination on time is...
Did State Workers Help Pro-Gas Tax Effort? Watchdog Investigates.
SACRAMENTO — California's campaign watchdog said Wednesday it is investigating whether a campaign to preserve the state's recent gas tax hike violated finance rules. The Fair Political Practices Commission will look into a complaint filed by the opposing campaign that alleges state employees distributed fliers urging voters to keep the...