(Note: this story has been updated to reflect Councilmen Garry Bredefeld's decision about not supporting placing the Brand sales tax plan on the ballot.) November’s ballot in Fresno could bring a battle of competing sales tax hikes. Mayor Lee Brand announced his plan Monday for a half-cent sales tax, with...
Will Brand Be Kingmaker in Council Races?
Mayor Lee Brand is taking an active role in the Fresno City Council races. Tate Hill is the latest candidate to receive the mayor's blessing. Brand sent a fundraising email Thursday on Hill’s behalf, asking donors to contribute to the campaign of the District 3 candidate. “I need a council...
Follow the Money: Whelan Flexes Fundraising Muscle
Financial figures are in for the first 111 days of the year of the Fresno City Council campaign. Candidates have released their Form 460, which lists how much money they raised, plus who made donations greater than $100. Certain political committees can donate more. The period covers Jan. 1 to...
‘I Am Absolutely Not a Slumlord,’ Says City Council Candidate
The Fresno City Council will receive a quarterly report from ASET, the city’s Anti-Slum Enforcement Team at its Thursday (April 5) meeting. One of the properties in the status report, 5035-5048 E. Lane Avenue, belongs to Sean Sanchez. The city found over 1,300 violations at the 16-unit complex. “I am...
Better Business By Bickering? Brand & Bredefeld Bash Away.
Two Fresno leaders went head-to-head Thursday over the best way for the city to improve its business climate. And their months-long war of words continued on the city council dais, each trading insults and accusations. Councilman Garry Bredefeld and Mayor Lee Brand debated the merits of how to hold the...
War of Wills Between Neighbors & Producers Dairy Continues
Just when the Fresno City Council was on the cusp of siding with a neighborhood over a business, it pulled back. Producers Dairy for nearly 18 months has sought council approval to demolish a building at their facility on Belmont Avenue to create for space for more trailer trucks. After...
Update: City Water Boss Esqueda Confirms He's Leaving for Executive Post at Fresno State
UPDATE: 12:02 p.m., Thursday, March 22, 2018: Fresno State acknowledged its hiring of Tommy Esqueda with a news release: “Thomas Esqueda brings a wealth of water experience in private industries, local and state government and higher education,” Fresno State Provost Lynnette Zelezny said. “A high-energy leader, he is eager to...
Get the Checkbooks Ready. 2020 Fresno Political Fundraising Starts Now
There will be no more calendar watching for Fresno political hopefuls. The days of waiting for the opening of the campaign fundraising season are over. That is because of a new interpretation by the city attorney of a 25-year old city law that limited when candidates could raise money. Now,...
Janz Wins State Dems Endorsement in Nunes Battle
For the second time, Andrew Janz is the Democrats' choice for Congress. The Fresno County Deputy District Attorney initially won his party’s recommendation during the pre-endorsement conference in January. Others objected to that result, forcing the final decision at this past weekend’s party convention in San Diego. The Los Angeles...
Janz Wins State Dems Endorsement in Nunes Battle
For the second time, Andrew Janz is the Democrats' choice for Congress. The Fresno County Deputy District Attorney initially won his party’s recommendation during the pre-endorsement conference in January. Others objected to that result, forcing the final decision at this past weekend’s party convention in San Diego. The Los Angeles...