Three restaurants cited for failure to comply with state mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic won't face criminal charges from the Fresno District Attorney's Office. Recently, agents with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control cited restaurants for operating indoors. The restaurants were Pismo's (twice), Culichi Town on West Shaw Avenue, Luna's,...
Human Trafficking Bulldog Gang Member Faces Life in Prison
A member of the Bulldogs street gang is headed to federal prison after being found guilty on drug and human trafficking charges Thursday. Filiberto “Beto” Chavez, 37, was found guilty of distributing and possessing methamphetamine, and conspiracy to engage in interstate travel for prostitution. A federal grand jury also convicted...
Abhorred by Domestic Violence Surge? Donate to Marjaree Mason.
(Editor's Note: This is an updated version of Bill McEwen's Jan. 10, 2019, column on the financial challenges facing the Marjaree Mason Center.) Domestic violence again is sending tremors through our community. A day after she obtained a restraining order against the father of their 1-year-old daughter, a Fresno woman...
What Do Top Fresno Attorneys Say About Arambula Trial?
Joaquin Arambula goes on trial next week. His freedom and his political career hang in the balance. The Fresno assemblyman faces one misdemeanor count of child cruelty stemming from an incident involving his young daughter. Arambula said he disciplined the then 7-year old with a spanking. Investigators say there is...
Feds Create Hole in Marjaree Mason Budget. It's Up to Us to Fill It.
The first rule of government should be one that's in the Hippocratic Oath: "First, do no harm." I say that because the Marjaree Mason Center — one of Fresno's best-known and most-needed nonprofits — is dealing with the fallout of the federal government's effort to help the homeless. Center Lost $224,000...
With Crime This Bad, Now Is Not the Time for a Parks Tax
This is the reality of life in Fresno, and it doesn't matter where you live. Every time you park your car, you wonder if a window will be smashed and everything inside will be stolen. This has happened to me twice in the last year. You go to work every...
Ride Along With Fresno PD As They Take Down a Pimp
The Fresno Police Department, under Police Chief Jerry Dyer, is teaming with District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp to crack down on human trafficking and educate the public that prostitution is not a victimless crime. In addition, local nonprofits such as Breaking the Chains are providing victims — many of whom are...
Ride Along With Fresno PD As They Take Down a Pimp
The Fresno Police Department, under Police Chief Jerry Dyer, is teaming with District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp to crack down on human trafficking and educate the public that prostitution is not a victimless crime. In addition, local nonprofits such as Breaking the Chains are providing victims — many of whom are...