■Central Valley Community Bank faces a lawsuit related to Bitwise's financial meltdown. ■Former Bitwise business partner accuses the bank of covering up fraud. ■NICbyte claims damages exceeding $50 million. A former business partner of Bitwise Industries sued the bankrupt company's bank, claiming it helped aid the fraud that eventually led...
Special Congressional Election Tuesday. How Many Have Voted Already?
■Special election for Congressional District 20 concludes Tuesday. ■Winner will serve remainder of term until Jan. 3, 2025. ■Vince Fong and Mike Boudreaux finished 1-2 in the March 5 election. Just two weeks after voters made one decision about the future of Congressional District 20, a special election concludes this...
California Isn’t on Track to Meet Its Climate Change Mandates — and a New Analysis Says It’s Not Even Close
■California's greenhouse gas emissions increased by 3.4% in 2021. ■The state needs to triple its rate of reducing greenhouse gases to meet 2030 targets. ■The state is updating its climate programs and strengthening regulations to meet these goals. California will fail to meet its ambitious mandates for combating climate change...
Bredefeld, Chavez Win Attorneys Fees from Fresno County. Court Gives Chavez Blvd. a Green Light.
■Bredefeld and Chavez win a legal victory over Fresno County. ■City of Fresno wins legal victory for Cesar Chavez Blvd. ■Former opponents support Richardson for the Fresno City Council. A Fresno County judge awarded more than $72,000 in attorney fees to Garry Bredefeld and Luis Chavez after the two Fresno...
Fresno Activists Say Population Forecasts Don’t Justify Growth. What Are the Consequences of Being Wrong?
■Population forecasts for California and Fresno County predict slowed growth in coming decades. ■Local environmental and social advocates say the population trend doesn't warrant a major investment in SE Fresno. ■Multiple studies show Fresno's wealth is increasing. This will intensify demand for single-family homes. Keith Bergthold two decades ago helped...
Clovis Faces Financial Challenges, City Manager Reveals
■Clovis budget experts say expenses are outpacing revenues. ■It could lead to a general fund shortfall of $14 million in five years. ■Councilmembers want to protect public safety. Expenses are outpacing revenues, which could put the city's general fund $14 million in the hole by 2029, city of Clovis budget...
Election Update: Tangipa Gets Lift, Valadao-Salas Rematch, Boudreaux Will Face Fong
■David Tangipa solidifies second-place margin for Assembly District 8. ■Valadao and Salas head to November 2024 rematch. ■Boudreaux holds on to second place and will face Fong in November. ■Why did Maxwell write-in votes disappear? A favorable voting update from Fresno County may boost David Tangipa into the general election....
Soria Turns to State Supreme Court After Setback in Karbassi’s Defamation Lawsuit
■Fresno Councilmember Mike Karbassi filed a defamation lawsuit against now-Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria. ■Fresno County court tossed the lawsuit, but a state appeal court reinstated it. ■Soria asks the state Supreme Court to review the appellate decision. ■Campaign financial documents show Soria paying $129,000 to attorneys and Karbassi paying $10,158. A...
Skyrocketing PG&E Rates Put the Squeeze on EV Owners
Electric vehicle enthusiasts are starting to notice how skyrocketing PG&E rates are dipping into their wallets. Long valued for their bargain-rate power, EVs are becoming more expensive to drive thanks to PG&E's recent 20% electricity rate hike. And, with more PG&E increases on the horizon, it's natural to ask just...
Kerman City Council Will Consider a Gaza Cease-Fire Proclamation
■Kerman City Council will consider issuing a Gaza cease-fire proclamation. ■The proclamation is similar to what the Madera City Council passed last month. ■The proclamation does not refer to the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks. The Kerman City Council will consider issuing a proclamation supporting a cease-fire in Gaza at its...