Mayor Jerry Dyer approved of the lifting the statewide stay-at-home order, but strongly encouraged Fresnans to continue to wear masks. His request came after a demonstration Saturday by a small group protesting mask wearing in stores that prompted a police response. "I'm just asking people, can you just please abide...
Fresno Police Chief Hall Signs Off After 42 Years With ‘Thank You’
After 42 years of service, former Fresno police chief Andrew Hall "signed off" on Thursday. Hall gave way to new chief Paco Balderrama on Monday, completing a 16-month run as police chief. Surrounded by many colleagues at police headquarters, including his predecessor and now Mayor Jerry Dyer, Hall took part...
Fresno’s New Police Chief Says No Honeymoon Period. ‘Violent Crime is Number One.’
Paco Balderrama thought he would have a honeymoon period as Fresno's new police chief. A recent surge in violent crime changed his mind. "Initially, I had a 30, 60, 90 day plan to kind of ease in and get to know everybody, not just the department members, but also the...
As Mayor, Dyer Wants to Float All Boats With Huge Economic Boom
Fresno Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer will never be confused with Joe Biden. But Biden's presidential winning "One America" theme echoed Dyer's "One Fresno" slogan from earlier in the year. And, just like Biden, Dyer promises to represent all of his constituents while tackling a daunting list of challenges complicated by the...
What’s Next for Lee Brand, Who Quietly Made Fresno a Better City?
Lee Brand soon will exit politics and the Fresno mayoral chair as a man of his word, hoping that residents all over the city prosper, and riding the high of bringing Southwest Airlines here. Freed from the grind of leading California's fifth-largest city amid the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic,...
City’s Next Police Chief Has Different Views Than His Predecessors. Here’s What He Said.
When the national search for Fresno's next police chief launched — for the first time — last year, Paco Balderrama didn't think he was ready. In April 2019, he had just become the first Latino deputy chief in Oklahoma City's history. He didn't feel he had enough experience at that...
Fresno’s First Latino Police Chief Introduced to Community. Brand, Dyer, Hall Offer Strong Praise.
Paco Balderrama is Fresno's next police chief. "I'm very, very humbled to be here," Balderrama said at an introductory news conference. "My experience is that the higher you go, the smaller you feel; and you feel this small because you feel the pressure of the responsibility and the people's lives...
‘Every Police Dept. Should Mirror Its Community’: Paco Balderrama Named Fresno Police Chief
Paco Balderrama is Fresno's next police chief. The outgoing Oklahoma City deputy chief announced his departure to Fresno in a news release in that city. "Although it’s not easy to leave this city and department that I have called home for over two decades, a new challenge and opportunity await my...
Could Balderrama Be New Fresno Police Chief?
An announcement about Fresno's next police chief could be made as soon as Tuesday, sources with first-hand knowledge tell GV Wire℠. However, those same sources would not confirm other media reports that the new chief will be Paco Balderrama. Balderrama, 44, is currently deputy chief in Oklahoma City. According to...
Council Quickly Sets Saturday Meeting Over Threat to Fresno Grizzlies Status
It's Single-A ball or nothing for the Fresno Grizzlies, Major League Baseball has told the city. On Saturday, the Fresno City Council will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the matter in closed session. In a letter sent to city officials, MLB Deputy Commissioner Daniel Halem said the Fresno franchise...