The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on a new emergency response model to use non-law enforcement agencies to respond to non-violent calls for service. Council Member Herb Wesson writes on Facebook, "We have gone from asking the police to be part of the solution, to being the only solution for...
Powerhouse SoCal Agency Urges Newsom: Delay VMT Law
A powerful Southern California government agency is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to delay the controversial VMT law. The Southern California Association of Governments — which represents six counties and more than 19 million people — spoke of housing shortage concerns and immediate negative impacts on minorities. Making separate requests of...
Valley Recognizes Armenian Genocide: 'Never Forget'
Social distancing didn't stop commemorations of the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Valley. There were no crowds of people, but crowds of video messages instead. Video Messages and Tributes "We may not be able to stand together in memorial, but we can stand together in spirit," said...
Fresno Community Leaders Share Tips on Defeating COVID
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, fire chief Kerri Donis, Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula, and other leaders provide tips on staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak in a new community service announcement. All of the participants were sheltering in place and utilized teleconferencing to shoot the video. Pastor DJ Criner and Fresno...
Fresno Shelter-in-Place Order Extended to April 12
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand announced the extension of the city's shelter-in-place order through April 12 during a news conference Thursday morning at his northeast Fresno home. "All indications are we have yet to see the worst of this pandemic. I know how difficult this is for everyone," Brand said. "My...
Police and Fire Chiefs Ask Public For COVID-19 Heads-Up
The chiefs of Fresno's police and fire departments reassured the public they are ready and able to respond to emergency needs Thursday afternoon. But Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis is asking for the public's help to warn first responders if they have COVID-19 symptoms when calling for service. "We are...
'Toughest Decision I've Made in My Time Here,' Says Mayor
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand says knew there would be pushback on his decision to impose a shelter-in-place emergency order — even one calling for voluntary compliance. He was being inundated with phone calls from worried business owners. And he knew Fresno County and Clovis leaders likely would further evaluate the...
Unique Urban Farm Sprouts from SW Fresno's $66M Climate Grant
Organizers broke ground Tuesday on a 7.5 acre 'urban farm' in southwest Fresno designed to expand access to healthy food in an area challenged by persistent poverty. When it opens, the unique community space will give residents in the area access to planting areas for growing their own vegetables, along...
If California Stopped Giving Away Billions, It Wouldn’t Need New Taxes
You'd think that California, which boasts the world's fifth-largest economy, would have ample tax revenue for schools, roads, and a public safety net. But, in some people's eyes, the taxes and fees generated by our $2.75 trillion economy aren't sufficient to cover the Golden State's needs. Thus, on the 2020...
Newsom Teams With Fresno on New Affordable Housing Idea
Affordable housing developed in partnership with the state will be put on the fast track in Fresno and other cities under a plan unveiled Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The housing will be built on vacant state-owned properties, many of them belonging to Caltrans. “Housing is a basic human right,...