Children and pets could soon be playing at David McDonald Park. McDonald, the businessman, and philanthropist, died last month at age 69. His family said he passed away from natural causes. The former CEO of security camera-maker Pelco operated one of the city’s largest companies. At its peak, Pelco employed...
Money Back Guarantee Gets 7-0 Vote, But Fine-Tuning Ahead
A proposal to guarantee that Fresno delivers planning department services on time received a 7-0 vote from the city council Thursday. But council members also made it clear that important issues must be ironed out before the "money back guarantee" plan is adopted. The bill, introduced by Garry Bredefled (District...
It's Kiss and Cry as New Council Sworn In
It was kiss and cry at the Fresno City Council chambers on Thursday (Jan. 10), as the ceremonial swearing-in took place for four members: incumbents Esmeralda Soria and Luis Chavez, as well as newcomers Miguel Arias and Nelson Esparza. But, the most often heard phrase heard throughout City Hall: “This...
Is Steyer Town Hall in Fresno a Clue to Presidential Run?
There are a few signs someone is running for president at this point in the game. Release a book and go on a signing tour. See Kamala Harris. Another is holding town halls throughout the country. See Tom Steyer. He is bringing his 5 Rights tour to Fresno on Thursday...
With Council Poised to OK Recreational Cannabis, What Will Mayor Do?
With the Fresno City Council slated to pass regulations for the cannabis business on Thursday (Dec. 13), Mayor Lee Brand remains against allowing recreational shops in the city. After an initial debate last week, the council will vote to adopt regulations allowing multiple aspects of the marijuana business in the...
Recreational Cannabis in Fresno? Council Will Vote Next Week.
The Fresno City Council spent nearly 80 minutes Thursday debating the finer points of cannabis regulations. The main question: Whether to regulate medicinal cannabis, recreational use, both, or neither. Tempers flared. Councilmembers exchanged sharp words. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer worried that he had been "used" by cannabis supporters. Councilman...
Opinion: Council Salaries Should Attract Fresno's Best & Brightest
Fresno is California's fifth-largest city. Its budget this year is $1.15 billion. But despite all of our hard work and steady population growth, we remain a city with serious challenges — and a huge reservoir of untapped potential. To move Fresno ahead and make it the city we all want...
Council Tackles Big Issues: Cannabis, Homeless, and Pay Raises
The Fresno City Council is saving its best for last. Major items such as cannabis regulation, homelessness, and farmland mitigation appear on this week's agenda. Technically, Thursday's (Dec. 6) meeting is the second-to-last for this council alignment, which includes two termed-out representatives. Still, the city’s governing body will have its...
Fresno City Council to Vote on 23% Raises in Lame Duck Session
Oliver Baines hopes to give two of his colleagues and two incoming councilmen a parting gift — a 23% raise. Baines is headed into the last month of his council tenure. He is termed out, with his service concluding Jan. 8, 2019. “It’s long overdue. I’ve had the privilege and...
$1M Grant Will Help Fresno PD Investigate Sex Crimes
Tom Laband hopes to bring justice for 694 sexual assault victims. The Fresno police lieutenant, who oversees the sexual assault unit, eagerly anticipates a $1 million federal grant. The money will help police investigate hundreds of cold cases from lab-tested sexual assault kits. “Our primary goal here is to get...