The former CEOs of Bitwise Industries, accused of wire fraud and conspiracy in a $115 million scam that toppled the company, entered guilty pleas on Wednesday morning. Federal prosecutors said Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr. altered financial documents, lied, and cheated investors to keep the company afloat. They told...
Local Dems Outshine GOP in Latest Congressional Fundraising
Three Democrats in Fresno-area congressional races outraised their opponents for the second quarter. In fact, Democrats Rudy Salas and Adam Gray more than doubled their Republican incumbent opponents. And, House District 21 Rep. Jim Costa continues his fundraising lead over his challenger. Source: FEC; Note: Fong and Boudreaux figures from...
Bitwise Plea Deals Are In. Will Soberal, Olguin Serve Jail Time?
Two former CEOs could serve five years in prison for a scheme that sank Bitwise Industries — a once-promising Fresno technology and real estate company. In a 15-page plea deal posted late Friday — signed by prosecutor Joe Barton — defendants Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr. and the federal...
FUSD Interim Supt. Misty Her Unveils 100-Day Plan for Improved Learning
When she was appointed Fresno Unified's interim superintendent in May, Misty Her had said her goals included creating a 100-Day Plan to take into the new school year. Late Friday afternoon, the district posted the plan's framework on social media, outlining how Her will focus on two of the district's...
From Madera Wheat Field to Wine Haven: Tony Kirk’s Journey with Birdstone Winery
If you think the Central Valley is only good for its heat and truckloads of produce, think again. This region isn't just the breadbasket of America; it’s also the hidden gem of the wine world. The Central Valley's wines are like that unassuming kid in high school who grows up...
A Packed Fresno City Hall Witnesses Badhesha’s Historic Moment for Sikhs
The Sikh and legal communities packed Fresno City Hall on Thursday, honoring one of their own. Raj Badhesha is now a judge. In a special ceremony, 28 judges from multiple jurisdictions held an honorary session to enrobe Badhesha, 40, and swear him in as a judge. Coming from the Fresno...
FUSD Trustee Jonasson Rosas Billed the District for a Water Conference. She’s Also a Westlands Executive.
Fresno Unified Trustee Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas billed the district thousands of dollars for her attendance at a water policy seminar while also serving on the management team for the nation's largest public water district. In 2023, Jonasson Rosas attended the Water Education for Latino Leaders summit, billing the district $3,995...
Gavin Newsom for President? These Are His Assets and Liabilities
In the nearly two weeks since President Joe Biden’s catastrophic performance in a televised debate, the Democratic freakout over whether he can continue as their presumptive presidential nominee has not abated. Even as Biden insists that he is committed to finishing out the race, speculation continues among the party faithful...
Jailed Reedley Biolab Owner Sues City of Reedley, Federal Agents
The jailed operator of a controversial biolab in Reedley has now positioned himself on the other side of the legal system. He has sued the city of Reedley and federal agents for allegedly destroying equipment, ruining his business reputation, and excessive force. The city of Reedley last week received a...
Inside Look at Fresno County Westside Solar Plan to Power 9 Million Homes
HURON — A wide band of sun-baked land running along the Interstate 5 corridor in western Fresno County is the proposed site for a large-scale solar farming, electricity storage, and transmission project that could produce as much as 20,000 megawatts of solar-generated electricity — enough for nine million homes. Proponents...