In early March, trustees of the State Center Community College District passed a resolution to adopt a district-wide Project Labor Agreement for all of its major construction projects. In predicable fashion, the Associated Builders and Contractors, a lobbyist group for low-wage construction contractors, claimed that PLAs will increase costs, exclude...
Trump Orders Mean Uncertainty for Valley’s ‘Safety Net’ of Health Clinics
Hundreds of health clinics throughout the San Joaquin Valley that receive federal funds to provide care for low-income people are confronting multiple concerns as a result of potential cuts to Medicaid, patient fears over immigration crackdowns, and the effects of executive orders from the Trump administration. For example, a week...
How Safe Is It to Walk to School? Fresno County Wants to Find Out
Fresno County is conducting walk audits to evaluate traffic safety and keep students safe going to and from schools. The Public Works and Planning department has commenced the “Safe Streets for Students” program, designed to assess traffic around Fresno County schools. The department is overseeing walk audits at 15 school...
Can CEMEX Dig a 600-Foot Hole and Not Harm the River? Arambula Says No and Writes a Bill
A mining company wants to dig hundreds of feet down on a site along the San Joaquin River. With an environmental review of the project released, the decision now lands on Fresno County supervisors to approve or deny — and, if the project gets a green light, decide how deep...
State Center Trustees Vote for Special Interest Giveaway Over Students: Opinion
Fewer school facilities. Higher costs for taxpayers. Reduced opportunities for young people trying to build a future in the trades. That’s what we’re getting because of the State Center Community College District’s decision to pursue a construction project labor agreement (PLA) behind closed doors. This was an unwarranted, unasked for,...
RIP, Bill Lyles: One of Fresno’s Most Iconic Builders and Philanthropists
A man integral to the literal shaping of Fresno, William M. Lyles, died Wednesday at 91 years old. As president and CEO of Lyles Diversified, Mr. Lyles' life was marked by not only building, but a passion for philanthropy — especially in education — and civic duty. "It is with...
Will This Bill Be the End of California’s Housing vs. Environment Wars?
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. For years California has been stuck in a recurring fight between legislators who want the state to turbocharge new home construction and legislators determined to defend a landmark environmental protection law. The final showdown in that long-standing battle...
CA Bill Would Stop PG&E From Sticking Ratepayers With Ad and Lobbying Costs
A new California legislative bill would stop utility companies from passing political lobbying, advertising, and shareholder expenses onto energy consumers. Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), introduced Assembly Bill 1167 on Feb. 21. The bill requires utility companies to justify rate increases. It makes "unjust" or "unreasonable" charges unlawful, according to...
Clovis Sales Tax Hike Begins April 1. It Will Pay for 12 New Cops, 6 Firefighters
On Tuesday, April 1, Clovis sales tax goes up a full percentage point, making the city among the highest taxed in Fresno County, trailing only Mendota and Reedley. The hike means an additional $10 on a $1,000 washer. Or 5 cents on a $5 coffee. Clovis voters in November 2024...
Madera Drama Teacher Sees the Arts as a Gateway to Improving Literacy Skills
A few years ago, when Julian Ramos first started teaching drama, he was hoping to explore Greek tragedy with his sixth graders. Then he realized only three out of his 30 students were reading at grade level. So, Sophocles was off the table. A practical soul, he pivoted to "The...