Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said a new retirement perk for elected leaders keeps compensation in line with comparable cities. Union leaders aren't so sure. "Many of the other jurisdictions ... also provided pensions to their elected officials. The city of Fresno has not. And so this was a way to...
Valadao Retains House Seat Despite Vote to Impeach Trump
Republican U.S. Rep. David Valadao has overcome a huge Democratic voter registration edge and his vote to impeach President Donald Trump to keep his seat. The Hanford dairyman edged Democrat Rudy Salas in the 22nd District race. With 98% of the ballots counted Monday night, Valadao had 52% of the...
Bredefeld Puts Patterson on Blast. Is He Dropping Clues About 2024?
Garry Bredefeld says he is evaluating his electoral plans for 2024. But, he seems to have found a target — Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno. Last week on KMJ radio, Patterson — who is termed out of the Legislature in 2024 — said he is considering running for Fresno County supervisor...
Who’s Got the Best Shot at Operating Fresno’s Tower Theatre?
With more than two years of controversy, protests, court cases, a bidding war with a local church, and concerns about its upkeep, Fresno's historic downtown Tower Theatre is set to come under new management. After purchasing the venue for $6.5 million, the city sought proposals from groups interested in managing,...
Quiet Vote Gives Fresno City Council Up to $13,000 More in Compensation
The Fresno City Council has approved perks worth more than $13,000 annually for its members. By a 4-1 vote, the council on Thursday consented to a Dyer administration proposal to participate in receiving money in the city's deferred compensation plan. They also voted to increase reimbursements for expenses for the...
Welcome to Crazy Town AKA Fresno City Hall, Andrew Janz
Rampant distrust, backstabbing, and a commitment to doing the public's business behind closed doors are the distinguishing marks of today's Fresno City Council. Into this mess steps Andrew Janz, a prodigious Democratic Party fundraiser who has eyes on entering the House of Representatives someday with many of the Dems there...
Clovis ‘MAGA Guy’ Arrested on Gun Charge. He Says It’s Politically Motivated
A Clovis man known for his right-wing activism and confrontational social media videos, was arrested Wednesday on a gun charge. Josh Fulfer, 44, called the accusation a misunderstanding and questioned whether the actions of the state Dept. of Justice were politically motivated. Fresno County jail records show Fulfer was arrested...
Patterson Reveal Could Spell Epic Conservative Battle for Fresno Supervisor Seat
Confirming the swirling political rumors, Assemblyman Jim Patterson announced he is running for Fresno County Supervisor in 2024. "I'm often asked. All right, Jim, what's going to happen when you come back home? I'm going to just be as frank as I can. I am coming home," Patterson, R-Fresno said...
Well-Known Name in Local Politics is New Fresno City Attorney
On the same day that the former city attorney took the stand in a court case against a sitting councilman, the Fresno City Council hired his replacement. Andrew Janz, a violent crimes prosecutor with the Fresno County District Attorney's office and former mayoral and congressional candidate, was named as the...
Judge Orders Fresno City Council President to Stand Trial
Fresno City Council President Nelson Esparza will stand trial for allegedly attempting to extort the city attorney. However, a judge reduced the most serious charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. Judge Brian Alvarez ruled at a Tuesday preliminary hearing there is enough evidence for Esparza to answer the charges...