The next Fresno city council will be more left-leaning and majority Latino. Miguel Arias has defeated Tate Hill in the District 3 race, 58%-42%, with 100% precincts reporting. In District 5, Luis Chavez won his case for re-election to represent southeast Fresno, with a 62%-38% win over Paula Yang, with...
Fresno Council Says 'No' to Utility Hikes, For Now
Any rate hikes for Fresno utility customers will wait. The Fresno City Council rejected starting a process Thursday that would raise the bill for water, sewer and trash by about $22 through 2023 to a base rate of $118. Council president Esmeralda Soria led the way during the debate, unhappy...
Tulare Mayor in His Own Words on Ag Controversy
Does Tulare Mayor Carlton Jones’ job depend on ag? Based on the reaction to his recent comments on Facebook, it might. Social media and local talk radio lambasted Jones over the past few days over comments in a Facebook thread many interpret as negative toward the ag industry. Many are...
Tulare Mayor in His Own Words on Ag Controversy
Does Tulare Mayor Carlton Jones’ job depend on ag? Based on the reaction to his recent comments on Facebook, it might. Social media and local talk radio lambasted Jones over the past few days over comments in a Facebook thread many interpret as negative toward the ag industry. Many are...
Will Brand Be Kingmaker in Council Races?
Mayor Lee Brand is taking an active role in the Fresno City Council races. Tate Hill is the latest candidate to receive the mayor's blessing. Brand sent a fundraising email Thursday on Hill’s behalf, asking donors to contribute to the campaign of the District 3 candidate. “I need a council...
What Happens to Parks Tax if it Competes with Public Safety?
If a public safety sales tax initiative qualifies for the November ballot, promoters of a separate parks tax initiative may think twice. Nearly 100 people attended an informational meeting organized by Fresno for Parks. The group wants to add 3/8 of a percent to the sales tax rate to go...
‘I Am Absolutely Not a Slumlord,’ Says City Council Candidate
The Fresno City Council will receive a quarterly report from ASET, the city’s Anti-Slum Enforcement Team at its Thursday (April 5) meeting. One of the properties in the status report, 5035-5048 E. Lane Avenue, belongs to Sean Sanchez. The city found over 1,300 violations at the 16-unit complex. “I am...
Here's a First Look at Fresno City Council Campaign Donations
The Fresno city clerk’s office has released the first Form 497s, the documents that reveal who is donating to campaigns. Campaigns need to report every contribution of $1,000 or more from a single source. Full financial reports are not due until late April. Here is what the first report looks...
War of Wills Between Neighbors & Producers Dairy Continues
Just when the Fresno City Council was on the cusp of siding with a neighborhood over a business, it pulled back. Producers Dairy for nearly 18 months has sought council approval to demolish a building at their facility on Belmont Avenue to create for space for more trailer trucks. After...
Soria Starts Re-Election Bid in Style. Is Higher Office Ahead?
Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria began her re-election campaign in style. Held in the Fig Garden home of her boyfriend and prominent real estate developer Terance Frazier, Soria welcomed support from a who’s who of local political and labor communities. Listen to David Taub's interview with Esmeralda Soria about her...