Finding work with good wages is challenging for many Mendota residents. Located about 34 miles west of Fresno, the town's work opportunities usually consist of farm labor. But the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission is expanding the options through its Valley Apprenticeship Connections program. VAC, which started in Fresno in...
$58 Million a Year From Parks Sales Tax
When voters went to the polls in 2018 to vote on Measure P — the Fresno sales tax for parks — advocates projected $35-$39 million in annual revenue. But, as Mayor Jerry Dyer unveiled his Fiscal Year 2023 budget on Wednesday, that figure came in much higher. The city...
Fresno Schools Chief Reacts to Texas School Shooting: ‘If You See Something, Please SAY SOMETHING’
Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson said Wednesday he is heartbroken and sickened by the mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas that claimed the lives of 19 children and two fourth-grade teachers Tuesday. In a Facebook post and a statement released by the district, Nelson urged the Fresno...
Steve Kerr Pours His Heart Out Over Texas School Shooting: ‘When Are We Going to Do Something?’
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, whose father was assassinated in 1984 in Beirut, said he wouldn't field basketball questions during the news conference before Tuesday night's fourth game of the NBA Western Conference finals in Dallas. Steve Kerr on today's tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas. pic.twitter.com/lsJ8RzPcmC — Golden...
GV Wire Exclusive: Chavez Authors Sales Tax Measure to Support Fresno Veterans
Fresno veterans deserve help, says Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez, and he wants to make sure they get it. "We need to treat our veterans with the dignity and respect that they deserved. And this is a start," Chavez said. Watch: V Is for Veterans After floating the idea...
Police Chief Rebuffs Second-Guessers on Fresno Save Mart Suspect Barricade
In the criminal case that has been the talk of the town, Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama said police knew a suspect holed up inside a northeast grocery store was there the entire time. "I really believe that he was still in there. And the reason I believe that...
Fresno Teachers, District Gear Up for What Could Be Tough Contract Talks
Fresno's teachers union has already started to position itself in preparation for contract talks. If recent events are any indication, negotiations this time around may not be as cordial as last time. Fresno Teachers Association attempted to turn up the heat on the district last week with a news...
Why Bitwise is Asking for Slowdown on Measure C Renewal Bid
Backers of Measure C — the Fresno County sales tax dedicated to transportation — are pushing for a renewal on the November ballot. Meanwhile, dozens of advocacy groups are asking Measure C leaders to apply the brakes. The half-cent sales tax, first enacted in 1986, expires in 2027. The...
Bullard Coach Calls Trustee a ‘Liar’ on Racial Slur Accusation, Says ‘Investigate Me’
Bullard High School Coach Don Arax fired back this week at Fresno Unified Trustee Keshia Thomas over her accusation that he had used a racial slur to her middle son when he was a Bullard student and football player. Arax said he would welcome a "thorough" investigation into the...
Local Restaurant Workers Get Well-Deserved Thanks … and a Party
After two years of pandemic closures, followed by the post-COVID reality, the local restaurant industry made Monday a night to unwind. The local chapter of the California Restaurant Association celebrated its workers with an Appreciation Bash. Food trucks fed the crowd, with several vintners and brewers quenching thirsts. "Every...