When Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a much-revised 2024-25 state budget this month, he became visibly irritated when reporters pressed him about raising taxes to cover a $44.9 billion deficit, particularly the corporate tax hikes that left-leaning groups have suggested to avoid spending cuts in health, welfare and education programs. “When...
A Radical Lesson From El Salvador to Solve Fresno Housing & Homeless Crisis
Several months ago, I sat on a bench for 24 hours and had conversations with people about all kinds of topics but mostly about the needs surrounding housing and homelessness. The interaction that touched me the most was with a young mother with her very young daughter who brought me...
Will Becerra Run for Governor? He Tours UCSF Fresno With Costa
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is rumored to be a candidate for California governor in 2026. During a visit to Fresno on Monday, he didn't tip his hand. "What I can say there is I am thrilled that the president gave me a chance to be Secretary...
What Drives California’s Budget Decisions? A Lot of Politics, Not as Much Data
Frustration came through loud and clear as legislators hurled question after question at the head of the state’s homelessness interagency council: Why, after years of planning and billions of dollars invested, is there so little to show for the effort? “You come into a budget committee and there’s no numbers,”...
California Wine Squeezed Dry: What Does It Mean for Valley Grape Growers?
A problem has been fermenting in the wine industry and an industry insider says the cure is pulling out tens of thousands of acres of vineyards across the state. In the 1990s, when Baby Boomers were in their 30s and 40s, coming into their own, the "French Paradox" health fad...
Deadly Deer Disease Found in Madera County: What Does It Mean for Humans?
For the first time on the West Coast, a deadly deer disease appeared, alarming researchers and raising questions about how the disease jumped. On May 7, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced they had found two deer with chronic wasting disease — one in Yosemite Lakes in Madera...
Innovative Foster Youth Housing on Fast Track to Opening in Fresno
Valley Teen Ranch broke ground Wednesday at Herndon and Polk avenues on a 96-unit campus they say will break the cycle of homelessness for Fresno County foster youth. The organization says youth could move in as early as December. The Welcome Home Campus from Valley Teen Ranch will offer modular...
Clovis Tightens the Vise on Sin With New Ordinances
Clovis City Councilmembers on Monday took measures to prevent businesses from selling more than they advertise. As Fresno City Councilmembers debate how to regulate tobacco businesses, Clovis councilmembers created their own remedy for "smoke shops" that often sell more than just cigarettes and vaping products. The Clovis council also went...
Neighbors Appeal 4-Story NW Fresno Apartment Project. What Are They Saying?
A 4-story apartment complex overlooking a northwest Fresno neighborhood will go before the city of Fresno Planning Commission on Wednesday after several neighbors appealed the project. A neighbor of the complex at Herndon and Prospect avenues is organizing residents to oppose the project, saying the 82-unit development will clog traffic...
What Drove Fowler City Manager to Surprise Resignation?
Wilma Tucker surprised Fowler City Hall when she turned in her resignation as city manager at the May 7 city council meeting. Tucker served for three years after holding the same role in Fresno from 2017 to 2021 when she was known as Wilma Quan-Schecter and Wilma Schecter. "The joy...