The leader of the Fresno Police Officers Association says that the union's executive board "has received countless communications from members of all ranks ... that they feel betrayed and trust has been lost" in police chief Paco Balderrama. FPOA President Brandon Wiemiller made the comment in an email sent to...
FUSD Has Spent $1.5 Billion on Facilities Since 2006. It Might Ask Voters for $500M More.
Fresno Unified trustees on Wednesday will learn the results of a third community survey about a proposed $500 million bond measure for the November ballot that would raise the district's property tax rates to the highest among school districts in Fresno County. Since July 1, 2006, the district has spent...
Embattled Fresno Police Chief Cherry Picks Scripture on Social Media
Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama responded to Thursday's announcement that he is under city investigation by quoting scripture. Balderrama posted on social media (X and Facebook) Thursday night, hours after the city announced it is looking into allegations that the chief had "an inappropriate off-duty relationship he was involved in...
Gay Fresno Police Sgt. Shares His Story at Pride Flag Ceremony
Matthew Couto once hid his true identify from fellow Fresno police officers, afraid of how they might react. "I remember very vividly enjoying an evening at a gay event called Pink Wednesdays and hiding when officers drove by the patio out of fear that being seen would limit my ability...
Why Gavin Newsom’s Gun Control Constitutional Amendment Hasn’t Gone Beyond California
One year after Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed changing the U.S. Constitution to place new restrictions on gun ownership, no other states have joined his campaign for a 28th amendment. Even as Newsom continues to tout the effort — largely through social media advertisements that encourage people to sign a “petition”...
What Happens When California Schools Call for the Police?
Middle schooler allegedly attacks classmate twice, choking him severely. Police recommend attempted murder charges to district attorney. School staff calls police to report squirrel with injured leg in school courtyard. Unknown man in swimsuit briefs adorned with Australian flag trespassing at high school pool. Lifeguard sees a man follow boys...
Stoves to Big Rigs: Hydrogen Aggressively Powers Into the Valley’s Energy Profile
Los Angeles-based SoCalGas wants to demonstrate in the Valley community of Orange Cove something never tried before in California — fueling homes with hydrogen gas. The company plans to start small, pumping the hydrogen through natural gas lines at a low rate to prove it can be done. And, they'll...
Fresno Thwarts Hundreds of Daily Cyber Attacks: Budget Day Revelation
The city of Fresno held its first day of budget hearings, receiving presentations from several departments. Mayor Jerry Dyer presented the budget, a shade under $2 billion, with the general fund — the pot of money the city council directly controls — at $504 million. Despite a $47 million initial...
Two Brands Dominate List of Most Stolen Cars. Police Have Free Fix for Car Owners.
A social media challenge exploiting a weakness in Hyundais and Kias catapulted the sedans to become the most stolen autos of 2023 — and the trend isn't going away. In 2023, Hyundai and Kia car models took four of the top five spots for the most stolen cars, according to...
State Senator Wanted to Kill Fresno’s Online Sales Tax Advantage. Did He Win or Lose?
Some of the most liberal and conservative members of the state Senate agreed recently that if you buy an iPhone in Los Angeles it shouldn’t help pay for police in Cupertino. But the bipartisanship wasn’t enough to pass a bill that would change the rules allowing corporations wide discretion to...