BizFed Central Valley has hired former Fresno City Councilman Clint Olivier to lead efforts to promote legislation and public policy boosting the region's economy. “Our grassroots network of diverse business networks will be well served by Clint’s skills and passion for politics and communication," founding BizFed CEO Tracy Hernandez said...
Janz Insists Chief Search Not Part of 2016 Mayor’s Race. Is That True?
When Andrew Janz formally announced his run for mayor last week, he said the city should halt its search for a new police chief. Jerry Dyer is scheduled to retire in October. Police chief is one of the most important positions in this city. The voters should decide who they...
Medical and Recreational Cannabis Finally Get the OK in Fresno
More than two decades after California voters legalized medicinal marijuana, the Fresno City Council finally followed suit Thursday. On a 5-2 vote, with Steve Brandau and Garry Bredefeld opposed, the council approved an ordinance regulating the production and sale of cannabis — including recreational marijuana. It provided a long-awaited political victory...
California’s Cannabis Chief Regulator: It ‘Costs Businesses’
Could too many regulations for the burgeoning cannabis industry deter entry into the market? That's the question the state agency in charge of regulating cannabis grapples with. “We’re not pleasing anybody with our regs, whether it’s the industry, the city or the police chiefs, not everybody is happy,” Lori Ajax,...
Whelan, Esparza Compete to Represent the Heart of Fresno
The ideological balance of the Fresno City Council hangs in the district carved out of the city’s center. Brian Whelan is a Republican. Nelson Esparza is a Democrat. Many of their views are consistent with their party ideology. Both want to succeed termed-out Republican Clint Oliver to become the District...
Will Food Expo Leave Fresno? Council Approves Sponsorship Deal.
(Update 8/30/18, 10 a.m.: The Fresno city council approved the sponsorship, 6-0, as part of the consent calendar. The item was not pulled for a separate debate). Could the newly dubbed California Food Expo exit Fresno? The Fresno City Council will discuss approving a $62,500 sponsorship of the annual summer event...
Would New Fresno CC Science Building Give Blackstone a Lift?
What can be done to make Blackstone Avenue more attractive to shoppers and businesses? The question has been batted around since the end of the Manchester Mall's glory days in the 1960s and '70s when families flocked to Sears, Rhodes, GallenKamp Shoes, and a host of other merchants. But, as buying tastes...
Next Time a Fresno Kid Gets Shot, Call Your Council Tax Fighter & Give 'Em an Earful
I'm fed up with so-called leaders who complain about Fresno crime but really are more concerned about burnishing their credentials as tax fighters. As tax fighting is an essential element of getting elected in most parts of Fresno, I understand why candidates pledge to do it. But being a real leader and...
The Greening of Fresno? Voters Will Decide Cannabis Tax.
Fresno voters will decide whether they want to tax cannabis. The city council enacted step one Thursday (June 14) — deciding by a 5-1 vote to place the item on the November ballot. However, the tax would have to earn the approval of two-thirds of Fresno voters to become law....
The Great Fresno Cop Debate: 1,000 or 900 Officers?
When he campaigned for mayor two years ago, Lee Brand often cited 1,000 sworn officers as the goal for the Fresno Police Department. Listen to any of his recent speeches, like during a recent campaign fundraiser, and his goal remains 1,000 officers. Does Chief Jerry Dyer agree that 1,000 is...