The Fresno City Council backed up Mayor Jerry Dyer's request to formally oppose a proposed rate hike by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. on Thursday. And, part of the motivation was as clear as the city of Fresno's yearly bill from PG&E— $27 million for gas and electric services. PG&E...
Casino Move Put on Hold; Fresno Council Discusses Vaccine Mandate
Card dealers, security guards and animal rights advocates all lined up to speak in support of Club One Casino moving from its downtown location to Granite Park. "We just want to get back to work," was the constant refrain. Dozens upon dozens of former Club One workers, laid off because...
Fresno Begins Providing Legal Help for Evicted Tenants as Protection Nears End
The city of Fresno has begun providing legal assistance to renters who have been "unlawfully" evicted from their homes, two councilmembers who support the program said Tuesday. "The Eviction Protection Program promises to be a game changer for Fresno renters who have historically been left behind when it comes to...
‘Thumb on the Scale’ — Groups Criticize Local Leaders on Political Map Update
A diverse coalition of community groups says Fresno government leaders are looking out for themselves — rather than voters — as they move forward on drawing new district boundaries for elected offices. They are questioning the decision by both governments to hire a Los Angeles demographics firm to assist with...
‘Inexcusable’ — Black Leaders Rally in Fresno for Fired City Administrator
Black leaders in Fresno are upset over the recent firing of one of the city's top administrators, calling the move 'inexcusable and disrespectful." "We are mad as hell," said Eric Payne organizer of a rally held Tuesday morning at City Hall. Former City Clerk Yvonne Spence, who is Black, isn't...
Did Police Get What They Need from Fresno’s New $1.4 Billion Budget?
The Fresno City Council passed the $1.4 billion budget by a 5-2 vote. Council members debated on how well city funding improves police. Councilmembers Garry Bredefeld and Mike Karbassi, who both voted no on the budget, felt more could have been done. "Every one of us campaign on (public safety)....
Fresno Developer Criticizes District Attorney as Council Delays Granite Park Vote
One day after Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp sounded a warning about a Fresno City Council vote on settling a lawsuit about Granite Park, Terance Frazier criticized the move. The City Council was scheduled to vote on settling a lawsuit Frazier and his nonprofit Central Valley Community Sports Foundation...
How Far Should Fresno Help Evicted Renters? Council Debates.
The Sixth Amendment of U.S. Constitution provides the right to counsel in criminal cases. A group of advocates — and at least one city councilmember — want that privilege to extend to Fresnans facing eviction. Last week, Fresno City Council President Luis Chavez introduced his Rental Mediation Program. His plan...
More Than Symbolic: Fresno To Create Office to Combat Asian Hate
Update, 4/08/2021, 5 p.m. The Fresno City Council approved the anti-Asian hate resolution with a 7-0 vote. Original story: When members of the Fresno City Council discuss a resolution condemning anti-Asian hate in Fresno and throughout the country, they hope it is more than just words. "I didn't want a...
Former Fresno Cop Joins Council Race for Tower Area Seat
A former Fresno police officer has filed paperwork to run for Fresno City Council. Jeremy Preis filed his candidate intention statement this week, joining Annalisa Perea and Cary Catalano to run for the seat that represents central-west Fresno, including a portion of the Tower District. District 1 Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria...