When it comes to what Americans can expect for their wallets in 2025, one economist says the cognitive dissonance between inflation fears and actual spending habits will make for continued growth much like 2024. Republicans' strong showing in the November election reflected American's dissatisfaction with economic policies, said Chris Thornberg,...
Explore the Holiday Magic in California’s Death Valley
When it's not 130 degrees, the diversity of the 3.4 million acres in Death Valley can make for spectacular sights and unforgettable trips. I toured the national park on Friday and Saturday, enjoying beautiful 70-degree days and crisp 40-degree nights. The convergence of tectonic plates in eastern California created towering...
Who Is Making a Difference in Fresno? Explore This List of 2024’s Shining Stars
Two of the biggest challenges facing our city are domestic violence and the decades-long struggles to improve student achievement in Fresno Unified School District. Fortunately, we have Marjaree Mason Center CEO Nicole Linder leading the charge to educate the community about domestic violence and provide life-saving services for victims. We...
Media Relations Expert Leaves City Hall for Valley Children’s Hospital
Brandon Johansen is leaving Fresno City Hall, where he helped shaped Mayor Jerry Dyer's image. He is headed for a similar role at Valley Children's Hospital. A former reporter at ABC 30, Johansen is joining VCH's marketing and communication team starting next month. He served in Dyer's administration since December...
Suits Against Fresno EOC Claim Wage Violations, Unlawful Firing
A former recycling employee is suing the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission in a lawsuit that claims the agency failed to pay minimum wages and overtime compensation, failed to provide meal periods and rest breaks, and failed to pay him for business expenses. The complaint by plaintiff Cameron Young was filed...
Fresno Strike Ends as City Reaches a Deal With White-Collar Union
A three-hour meeting Tuesday evening between representatives of a striking union and the city of Fresno officials — including Mayor Jerry Dyer — resulted in terms amenable to both sides, ending the job action a day early. Jesse Gonzalez, president of the City of Fresno Professional Employees Association, said the...
New Fresno Judge Champions Equal Access to Justice
Maria G. Diaz splits her time as an attorney between Los Angeles and Fresno but considers the Central Valley home. Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Diaz, 55, to the Fresno County Superior Court bench. "I really believe in equal access to justice and diversity on the bench. And I...
2-Day Strike Begins at City of Fresno. More Than 300 Bus Routes Canceled.
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 Update: Fresno Strike Ends as City Reaches a Deal With White Collar Union Original Story The city's architects, engineers, and supervisors began a planned strike Tuesday morning. More than 100 bus drivers are joining them who say their co-workers aren't getting a fair shake. City of...
What Is Justice in the Bitwise Case? 5 Years or 12 Years in Prison for CEOs?
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, update with prison sentences for Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr. at this link Original story The criminal former CEOs of Bitwise Industries believe they should serve five years in prison. Federal prosecutors say it should be at least 12 years. Irma Olguin Jr. and Jake...
City, County of Fresno Reach Tax Agreement. Can Building Move Forward?
The four years the city and county of Fresno spent without an agreement on how to share property tax revenue led to contentious fights between the two bodies for each plot of land eyed for development. But now, the two bodies appear to have an agreement. In a last-minute special...