■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...
Sunshine Week: Blinds Remain Partially Drawn on Transparency at Fresno City Hall
■This is Sunshine Week, focusing on the openness and transparency of government. ■Main Fresno City Hall meetings are open and easily accessible. ■The Fresno City Council continues to make decisions in secret. When it comes to open meetings and public access, the city of Fresno is one of the better...
Surprise, Surprise! 2024 CA Primary Turnout Wasn’t a Record Low
■7.3 million ballots cast, a turnout of about 33%. ■Turnout won't be a record low but is dismal for a presidential primary. ■Newsom appoints a new leader for the state's political watchdog agency. The latest official tally from the Secretary of State’s office shows that 4.8 million ballots have been counted from...
Surprise, Surprise! 2024 CA Primary Turnout Wasn’t a Record Low
■7.3 million ballots cast, a turnout of about 33%. ■Turnout won't be a record low but is dismal for a presidential primary. ■Newsom appoints a new leader for the state's political watchdog agency. The latest official tally from the Secretary of State’s office shows that 4.8 million ballots have been counted from...
Oscar Moments: Talk of War & Peace, a Coronation for Nolan, and Ken-Demonium for Gosling
■Director Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" captures seven Oscars. ■Emma Stone wins her second Oscar for her performance in "Poor Things." ■Host Jimmy Kimmel answers a social media post from Donald Trump with “Isn’t it past your jail time?” There was talk of war — past conflicts, and current ones — and pleas for...
Election Update: Assembly Candidates Tangipa and Helsel in Tight Race for Runoff
■David Tangipa narrowly holds the runner-up spot in AD 8. Will it hold up? ■Nick Richardson pads his margin for a runoff spot in Fresno City Council District 6. ■Also-ran Melissa Hurtado makes endorsement in congressional race. ■Fresno planning commissioner responds to plan to replace him. David Tangipa may have...
Prominent Fresno Businessman Todd Mumma Convicted in Child Porn Case
A federal jury convicted prominent Fresno businessman Todd Eric Mumma, 60, of secretly videoing a minor and receiving child pornography on Thursday. Court officers detained Mumma after the verdict. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17 by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Mumma faces a minimum sentence...
Prominent Fresno Businessman Todd Mumma Convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
A federal jury convicted prominent Fresno businessman Todd Eric Mumma, 60, of sexually exploiting a minor using hidden video recording devices on Thursday. Court officers detained Mumma after the verdict. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17 by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Mumma faces a minimum...