Jesse Marquez wanted to create a barbeque competition for guys like him — everyday grillers who love to feed family and friends. "I'm just a barbecue guy. I just like cooking in my backyard, my front yard, you know? I mean, I started off with the kettle grill, just like...
Major Investment Breaks ‘Cycle of Neglect’ in SE Fresno With More on the Way
A plot of land in southeast Fresno, vacant for 50 years, will receive a $76 million makeover. BDM Builders, San Jose-based developer, is making a major investment for its first series of projects in Fresno. The company revealed plans to turn the northeast corner of Jensen and Maple avenues into...
Riley’s Brewing Owner: ‘It’s Total Ash From One Side to the Other’
"The worst day of my life," said Madera County brewery owner Dan Riley on Wednesday morning. "It's a total loss. The brewery is total ash from one side to the other." Multiple explosions and a fire erupted at about 8 p.m. Tuesday night at Riley's Brewing. Small fires continued...
Veteran Clovis Councilmember Shakes up Election With Retirement News
The longest-serving councilmember in the city of Clovis will not for re-election in November, leaving the seat he's served in since 1999. "I think it's time," Jose Flores, currently serving in the mayor's role, told Politics 101 of his 24 years in office. "That is enough, I think, for me...
Auditor Blasts State’s Slow Response to California Drinking Water Crisis
The state agency charged with helping provide safe drinking water is endangering the health of nearly 1 million Californians, the state auditor said Tuesday. "Nearly a million Californians face possible long-term, negative health outcomes — including an increased risk of liver and kidney problems, as well as cancer —...
Want to Take the Perfect Selfie? Fresno Now Has a Studio for That
Finding the perfect lighting, background, and location for social media photos is easier now that Fresno has its first selfie studio. Selfie Land, located in the River Park Shopping Center, has an array of uniquely themed rooms designed for everyone from beginners to social media influencers looking to boost...
Fresno Weather: It’s a Dry Heat. Except When It’s Not.
Fresno could be on track to tying or setting a new record for consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures. Monday's forecast high of 102 degrees would mark the 15th day of 100 degrees or hotter, or about halfway to the all-time record of 30 days set in 2018. But there...
First, the Pandemic. Now, Inflation. Double-Whammy Tests Valley Food Bank.
These days, the cost of everything is up, and the Central California Food Bank — like many across the country — is struggling to keep up with demand as more low-income families turn to them for assistance. Kym Dildine, who is the local food bank's co-CEO, says she expects more...
Is Fresno Facing ‘Tax Overload’? Council Sends Latest Proposed Hike to Voters
Fresno voters will have one more tax increase to consider this November. The Fresno City Council voted Thursday to place a new sales tax increment on the ballot — this one dedicated to supporting military veterans. The proposal passed unanimously, 7-0. It had the support of Councilman Garry Bredefeld,...
Fresno Death Scene Investigator Finds Fame on TikTok by Re-Creating Bloody Crime Scenes
Much like in the television mystery "Dexter," large rolls of blood-splattered paper and plastic tarps line Jeffrey Gentry's garage walls. Gentry is a certified death scene investigator and bloodstain pattern analyst in Fresno. And, on his time off, he shares his knowledge of blood patterns with more than 81,000...