Jiselle Cardenas, editor-in-chief of Fresno State's student-run newspaper, explains how the Yes on E sales tax campaign has deceptively marketed Tuesday's ballot measure. "As an advertising and public relations major, I find almost all political campaigns to be jokes, but the Yes on Measure E campaign is especially loathsome," Cardenas writes...
Top 10 Things to Look for on Fresno Election Night
■The primary election concludes Tuesday, March 5. ■Polls close at 8 p.m. Mail ballots need to be timestamped by Tuesday. ■What to look for as the results come in. The primary election concludes Tuesday at 8 p.m. Here are 10 things to look for as results start to trickle in....
Measure E Uses Parties, Giveaways to Hype Sales Tax Bid. State Watchdog Says It’s Legal.
■Measure E campaign staffers offer gift cards for following their social media page. ■A consultant for Measure E said attorneys thoroughly vetted the campaign for its legality. ■Fair Political Practices Commission says the state doesn't prohibit raffles, but local law may vary. The Measure E campaign staff is throwing a...
Did Newsom Cut Panera Bread Franchisee a Break? ‘That’s Absurd,’ Says His Office.
■Newsom administration denies seeking exemption in new fast food minimum wage law. ■The exemption applies to restaurants with on-site bakeries. ■The exemption is linked to opposition from Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn, a Newsom supporter. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration has denied a news report that he...
Want to Fix Prop 47? Petition Signature ‘Drive-Through’ Friday in Fresno
■Fix for Prop. 47 organizers have collected about 500,000 signatures. ■Ballot measure backers have until April 23 to submit 546,651 validated signatures. ■Goal is to collect 800,000 signatures to ensure qualification for the November ballot. With about 500,000 signatures gathered, organizers of the bipartisan attempt to amend California's Proposition 47...
Bravo Farms Set to Return to Visalia with Dual-Concept Restaurant
■Bravo Farms' owner Jonathan Van Ryn hopes to open the company's newest restaurant in Visalia near the end of March. ■The restaurant combines quick-service eats downstairs and more formal dining upstairs. ■Restaurant will have a gift store, featuring Bravo Farms candies, nuts, and cheeses. The owners of Bravo Farms...
Clovis Unified Releases Third School Boundary Map. What Do Parents Think?
■Clovis Unified issued a new attendance area proposal that shifts fewer students than the first two proposals. ■While some parents say the new map will keep their kids at their schools, other parents are unhappy that students will be shifted. ■The final recommendation will be released by March 29, followed...
Will Sacramento Invade Your Car to Limit How Fast You Can Drive?
■California senator proposes speed limiters on cars beginning in 2027. ■Speed limiters could be temporarily disabled by drivers or manufacturers. ■The proposal raises concerns about privacy and safety on the road. Do California lawmakers ever sleep? It seems they stay up nights coming up with new ways to intrude into...
Smittcamp Accuses Bredefeld of Dirty Campaigning. He Says His Mailers Are the ‘Truth.’
■Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp sends voters a text on behalf of Supervisor Steve Brandau's re-election bid. ■She criticizes opponent Garry Bredefeld, saying he is engaging in "dirty campaigning." ■Bredefeld responds with a voter text of his own, doubling down on his accusations against Brandau. Fresno County District Attorney...
Controversial Industrial Project Approved With Fresno at ‘Economic Crossroads’
■The city council approves a proposal to build 1 million square feet of industrial-use buildings in southwest Fresno. ■Labor organizers opposed the project because of the absence of a union pact. ■Environmental impacts of the project far less than thresholds requiring mitigation: analyst. The Fresno City Council on Thursday approved...