The corner of Broadway and Elizabeth Street in Fresno's Tower District is nothing but dirt, weeds, and a few outlying trees. It was once home to a police substation, but for four years, residents have dreamed of turning it into a neighborhood park. Wednesday morning, City Councilmember Miguel Arias joined...
Homeland Security in Talks to Use Fresno Convention Center for Migrant Children
City councilman Nelson Esparza is offering the Fresno Convention Center to house migrant children arriving at the southern border. And, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on Wednesday that he wants to discuss the idea. "There's a humanitarian crisis on the border. If we can be of assistance, we're...
City-Owned EV Charging Stations Damaged and a ‘Hazard’, says Councilmember
Over a dozen electric vehicle charging stations owned by the city of Fresno are not able to charge anything after being vandalized. Heavy cables used to connect the curbside chargers to vehicles were severed for the valuable copper wire inside, according to police. "Not just the ones in the city...
‘That’s Not Acceptable’ : Limited Vaccine Supply Prompts Appeal from Karbassi, Council
In a plea to President Joe Biden, the Fresno City Council unanimously passed a resolution asking for a dramatic increase in COVID-19 vaccine allocations for Fresno County. "We don't have enough vaccine," said Councilman Mike Karbassi, the resolution's sponsor. In addition to the appealing to the president, Karbassi's resolution asks...
With Fines Starting at $1,000, Fresno Considers Ban on Large, At-Home Gatherings
Fresno City Council President Miguel Arias is sponsoring an ordinance to restrict the number of people allowed within a residence. The proposed rule will be heard at a special 4 p.m. council meeting on Tuesday. It needs 5 votes to pass. The item will be heard in an open session and...
Fresno Homeless Efforts Lack ‘Clear Strategic Plan’ says Grand Jury
A “crib sheet” is required to keep track of all the local governmental and nonprofit entities working to resolve the homeless issue, the Fresno County grand jury says in findings released in its 2020 annual report. "As a result, duplicative and sometimes overlapping roles, fuzzy lines of authority, and a...
Give Kids Better Options or ‘Gangs Will Give Them Something To Do,’ Local Leaders Say
The kids spoke and the Fresno City Council reacted, promising to invest nearly $10 million dollars to support youth in the coming year. A Wednesday night summit involved several dozen young people who spoke directly to leaders at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Councilmembers said the meeting helped peel back layers and...
Council Approves $4.5M Funding for Parkway Drive Makeovers, State Kicks in Millions More
Motel 99, Parkside Inn, Day’s Inn, and Welcome Inn along Parkway Drive in southwest Fresno are part of a notorious stretch visible to drivers on Highway 99 coming into Fresno. It's dilapidated condition is now on the cusp of a transformation. In a recent document, the city said the area supports...
Council Policy Might Revoke Some Alcohol Licenses, Give Them To New Grocery Stores
In a concept of taketh and giveth away, members of the Fresno City Council say they may start revoking alcohol licenses from 'bad' retailers and use them to attract grocery stores into areas of town that don't have them. The move comes on the heels of City Council passage of...
Council Poised to Approve Alcohol Rules Without Discussion. Will ‘Bad Actors’ Be Protected?
Controversial new rules aimed at reducing the number of beer, wine and liquor merchants in Fresno are on the City Council's agenda Thursday. Though the proposed ordinance has generated considerable business and community interest in recent weeks, the vote is scheduled to occur without discussion as part of the council's...