Fresno cannabis retailers are not allowed to be within 800 feet of a school. But, what happens when Fresno Unified's signature alternative education campus will be built within 800 feet of a retailer? That is the situation facing Fresno Farms, which was one of 21 applicants granted a preliminary permit....
Three Marijuana Retail Licenses Awarded. Who’s Still Alive.
From a list of nearly 100, the number of businesses still in the running for 21 retail cannabis licenses in Fresno is now down to about 38. The city of Fresno tentatively awarded its first three licenses last week for locations around the city. All three are social equity applicants,...
Fresno Council Votes to Add More Cannabis Business Licenses
Update, 6/10/2021: The council voted 4-3 to approve increasing the available cannabis retail licenses to 21, up from 14. Garry Bredefeld, Luis Chavez and Mike Karbassi voted no. Only Chavez made a comment, saying he heard concerns from his constituents. Original story: Before awarding even one retail marijuana license, the...
Fresno Cannabis Openings Delayed Again. New Target Is 2022.
[Update 4/22/21, 10 a.m.: the item to change when cannabis business permit applications would become public record has been pulled by city administration to work on revisions. It will be reintroduced on May 13, with a vote scheduled for May 27. Also, Councilman Miguel Arias and City Manager Thomas Esqueda...
Who Wants to Be a Marijuana Millionaire? You Might Recognize These Names
Matt Garza is pitching something new. The Fresno native and former Major League Baseball pitcher has applied for city licenses to open two retail cannabis businesses. He sees them as platforms to raise money for his philanthropy. "My main motivation is to help build up our community to it, to...
City Adds 20 More Potential Cannabis Store Locations. Here’s the Updated Map.
A marijuana retailer may be coming to a Fresno neighborhood near you. The city of Fresno released the names and locations of 20 social equity applicants last week, along with the previously known 74 regular applicants. Fourteen locations will ultimately be selected from the 94 applications for retail marijuana sales....
Former Westlands Lobbyist Now Seen as Likely for Interior Secretary
The number of contenders with Valley connections in the running to become President Trump's next Interior Secretary has risen to two. Earlier this month, the name of outgoing Valley Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) surfaced as a potential choice. Denham has expressed his interest in the job, which is being vacated by...
It's Now Looking Good for Kepler Charter School
In a reversal of fortune, it appears that Kepler Neighborhood School in downtown Fresno will live to teach another day. Meanwhile, things aren't looking good for One & Only Academy proposed within Clovis Unified's boundaries. Fresno County Board of Education trustees will officially decide the fate of the two charter schools...
Recreational Cannabis Shops? Mayor Brand Says No Way.
The top story out of Thursday’s (June 14) Fresno City Council meeting was the approval of a November ballot measure taxing cannabis sales. Regulations are still needed before there is anything to tax. And two-thirds of voters would have to approve the tax for it to become law. But based...