After criticizing Rep. Jim Costa for no-showing at several candidate forums, 16th District challenger Esmeralda Soria missed a live televised debate Tuesday night. Held at the Fox KMPH 26 studio (and simulcast on KMJ radio), Costa, fellow Democrat Kim Williams, and Republican Kevin Cookingham answered questions for an hour. Soria,...
Work Starts on Controversial $38M Affordable Housing Project. Supporters See It as a Model.
The groundbreaking for a $38 million dollar Fresno mixed-used affordable housing development included the usual elements of a celebratory affair — shovels, speeches, and building demolition. City leaders hope that the Blackstone & McKinley Transit Oriented Development (the builders promise a rebranded name) is the first of many more to...
Costa Slams Soria in TV Ad. Fact-Checking the Claims.
With his latest TV campaign ad, Congressman Jim Costa came out swinging against political rival Esmeralda Soria. Costa accused her of crying poverty while giving herself a pay raise as a member of the Fresno City Council. And, he took shots at her relationship with fiancé and business developer Terance...
Nunes, Costa Have Big Fundraising Edges. Cox vs. Valadao Is Tight.
Incumbents in two of the three congressional races in the central San Joaquin Valley have substantial fundraising advantages. The third race, meanwhile, is a virtual tie. Congressional campaign fundraising figures are in for 2019 from the Federal Election Commission. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) are up big in...
Dyer Offers Specifics on Safety, Homeless, Business
Jerry Dyer says Fresno residents all over the city have been consistent in sharing their priorities with him. Public safety and homelessness top the list. Dyer, a candidate for mayor, spoke to the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation on Wednesday morning at TorNino's. In a 20-minute speech, Dyer outlined his plans...
Why Did These Three Democrats Oppose Gavin's Law?
Gavin's Law, the proposed legislation to enhance penalties for hit-and-run drivers, passed the Assembly floor on Monday, 66-3. Who are the three who voted against AB 582 authored by Assemblyman Jim Patteson (R-Fresno) and named for Gavin Gladding, the Clovis Unified educator killed by a hit-and-run driver who may have...
Latino Wave Is Changing Fresno's Small-Town Political Culture
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,...
Newsom Pledges $11.5 Million to Fresno for Homeless Needs
Continuing a statewide tour, Gov. Gavin Newsom visited a mental health crisis center in Fresno on Wednesday, announcing that $11.5 million in help is coming to the area. Listen to this article: The funding will be in the form of emergency grants for the city and Fresno County. "Enough is...
Marijuana, Guns, Arias Presidency: What's Next at City Council
After a five-week layoff, the Fresno City Council reconvenes on Thursday with a jammed agenda dealing with high-profile issues such as marijuana and gun rights. Listen to this article: Last month, the council voted 4-3 to revamp regulations for marijuana businesses to operate in Fresno. The council will introduce...
Dyer's Granddaughter Stars in Debut Mayoral TV Ad
Have you seen Jerry Dyer's granddaughter Charlotte? She is the star of Dyer's $37,690 TV ad buy in his campaign for Fresno mayor. Dyer's holiday theme ad also features his wife, Diane. "Charlotte reminds us what's most important about the holiday season. Every one of us has a reason for the...