After arranging a 60-person roundtable with Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, is Ashley Swearengin interesting in working in his administration? “I am not. I am very happy with the work I’m doing at the Central Valley Community Foundation," Swearengin said. "I love being able to continue to make the Valley better. But...
Jerry Brown’s Last Stand on Pension Reform
Six years ago, as California strained to emerge from the Great Recession, Gov. Jerry Brown worked a minor political miracle — a rebalancing of the massive state pension systems for public employees. Shuttling between unions and the strapped governments on the hook for public sector benefits and paychecks, Brown scaled...
Newsom Waffles on Valley Appointments to University Boards
Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom hedged on a campaign promise to appoint Valley members to the University of California and California State University boards. Newsom paid Fresno his first visit since winning election last month. He appeared at three events during the day. Newsom said he couldn’t make a Valley appointment, even...
Improving Special Ed Top Priority For New FUSD Trustees
Three new members will join the Fresno Unified School Board on Wednesday, and all say improving special education will be among their top priorities. "That is something that is very high on my list," said Terry Slatic, who will succeed Brooke Ashjian representing the Bullard High School area. Slatic believes the board...
My Turn: We Must Build Strong Children
Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom has made early childhood development one of his signature issues. We at First 5 Los Angeles and First 5 organizations across California stand ready to help him turn that pledge into reality. The new governor’s goal of prioritizing funding for “cradle-to-career” programs gives me hope that in ...
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...
Commentary: Legislature, Newsom Have an Ambitious Agenda
The Legislature reconvened this week with Democrats celebrating sweeping election wins that give them immense majorities in both sides of the Capitol and they are intending to use them. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom presided over the state Senate’s opening session, saying, “the world is looking to us.” Newsom will be...
Newsom Says State Must Address Mexico Border ‘Crisis’
SAN DIEGO — California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom said Thursday the state must do more to address what he called a "humanitarian crisis" at the border with Mexico. Newsom said he planned to discuss the large caravans of Central American migrants when he attends Mexico's President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's inauguration...
Bauman Steps Down as California Democratic Party Chair
SACRAMENTO — California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman is resigning following sexual misconduct allegations. Bauman announced his decision Thursday, hours after Governor-elect Gavin Newsom called for him to step aside. Bauman released a statement that does not specifically address the allegations against him. He says he's come to the realization...
Newsom Must Keep His Big Promise to the Valley: Editorial
Fred Ruiz eloquently stated earlier this year why the San Joaquin Valley needs representation on the University of California Board of Regents. "The San Joaquin Valley is the heart of California’s fertile agricultural region. It is home to more than 4 million Californians, and to diverse, distinctive and dynamic communities," Ruiz,...