Looking for California’s biggest wave? Try Fresno. As Fresno emerges as the Golden State’s next great city, it’s also experiencing an opening up of its small-town political culture. At this transformation’s heart is the so-called “Brown Wave” — the emergence of local elected officials, who, like half of Fresno’s residents,...
DA Smittcamp Makes Endorsement in Judge Race with Former Rival
Given its political logic, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp took little time making her choice official: she is supporting Douglas Treisman for judge. Treisman is a Senior Deputy District Attorney. Smittcamp is his boss. "Doug Treisman is the person everyone in the district attorney's office goes to when they...
Candidate: Michigan City Should Be as White "As Possible"
MARYSVILLE, Mich. — A city council candidate in Michigan shocked a public forum when she said she wants to keep her community white "as much as possible." Jean Cramer made the comment Thursday in response to a question about diversity in Marysville, a city in St. Clair County, 55 miles...
Pink 'Emoji House' Leads to #AngryNeighbors in SoCal
MANHATTAN BEACH — This Southern California seaside community is in an uproar after a home was given a new paint job featuring two huge emoji on a bright pink background. Manhattan Beach residents railed against the makeover during a City Council meeting Tuesday night, with some saying the colorful home...
Police Chief Dyer Looms Large in NW Fresno Council Race
Fresno's police force is entering a period of significant change, with the man who led the department for 18 years stepping down. That makes the issue of public safety even more pivotal for candidates vying to represent northwest Fresno on the city council. Jerry Dyer will officially retire as chief...
NW Fresno Council Candidates Clash Over Police, Homeless
Candidates to represent northwest Fresno on the city council sparred over opinions about police protection, the homeless, and the previous seat holder during a candidate forum Wednesday. The four candidates also addressed questions about Fresno business-friendliness, affordable housing, and the balancing act of standing up for northwest Fresno while supporting...
Who's Next to Take on Nunes? 3 Democrats Enter the Ring.
Three Democrats have lined up to take the next shot at Republican Congressman Devin Nunes in 2020. It's an interesting trio. One runs a Fresno auto repair shop. Another bounced in and out of a Fresno City Council race before deciding to throw in for California's District 22 seat. The...
Fresno Mayor Brand Won’t Run Again. ‘It’s Time I Moved On’
Lee Brand, the 25th mayor of Fresno, will not run for a second term, he said in a stunning announcement Monday. [text-wrap] Mayor Lee Brand Interview via KMJ City Hall insiders have said Brand's exit will open the way for police Chief Jerry Dyer to run for mayor. In a...
Brand: The Public Spoke on Parks-Only Tax
Measure P failed. Mayor Lee Brand acknowledges the ball is now in his court. Brand led the effort to defeat the city sales tax initiative that would have specifically benefited parks and cultural arts in Fresno. The city's voters said no, with 51% rejecting the 3/8 of a cent tax...
Measure P Ballot Error Could Wind Up in Court
Fresno’s city clerk erred when she sent the wrong ballot language to the county clerk regarding Measure P, the proposed sales tax to benefit parks, City Hall said Monday. What voters see on the ballot omits a few lines specifying areas the initiative would benefit. Now the proponents of the initiative...