Jim Patterson will run for a final term in the state Assembly and not for Congress. But, it could lead to a re-election battle against a fellow Republican assemblyman. In an announcement Tuesday, Patterson, R-Fresno, endorsed Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig in the congressional race to replace Devin Nunes. "Nathan...
Gavin’s Law Fails Again in Sacramento
A third attempt to increase the penalties on hit-and-run drivers has failed in the state Legislature. "Gavin's Law," championed by Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, failed to advance past the body's appropriations committee, effectively killing it. The bill was placed in the "suspense file," where bills go to die without a...
Local Assemblyman Calls State Unemployment Officials ‘Dimwitted Accomplices’ of Fraud
A Fresno assemblyman wants hearings and investigations after reported fraud of unemployment benefits. State and federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that the Employment Development Department paid out $40 million in claims to 20,000 state prison inmates across California. Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) didn't mince words during a media teleconference he held...
Patterson Blasts EDD for Slow Handling of Unemployment Claims
Since mid-March, 2.7 million Californians have filed for unemployment benefits — more than all of the claims California processed in 2019 combined. The state's Employment Development Department has been overwhelmed, causing delays for many people seeking assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The people in Sacramento are making promises, and the...
Why Did These Three Democrats Oppose Gavin's Law?
Gavin's Law, the proposed legislation to enhance penalties for hit-and-run drivers, passed the Assembly floor on Monday, 66-3. Who are the three who voted against AB 582 authored by Assemblyman Jim Patteson (R-Fresno) and named for Gavin Gladding, the Clovis Unified educator killed by a hit-and-run driver who may have...
Free Rides for 3 Assemblymen, and Wild Cards in House Race
Fresno Republican Assemblyman Jim Patterson is unchallenged on the March ballot. So are Republican Assemblyman Frank Bigelow of O'Neals, and Democratic Assemblyman Adam Gray of Merced. But in a Valley congressional race that is expected to be highly competitive, two mavericks — a father and son from outside the region...
White House Slams Congressman TJ Cox. He Responds.
The White House is taking aim at Congressman TJ Cox (D-Fresno), leading to a battle of words. Deputy Press Secretary Steven Groves trashed the 21st District representative. Listen to this article: "It’s clear now more than ever that Congressman TJ Cox is putting his support for Nancy Pelosi over...
Millions in Highway Funds Should Be Restored, Valley Leaders Tell Panel
Dozens of Valley politicians and transportation leaders showed up to a face-to-face meeting with state commissioners, asking them to keep funding for local highway improvements intact. The California Transportation Commission met Friday in Fresno to discuss the recent funding controversy over projects on Highway 99 and 46. Representatives from Madera...
Pay with Credit Card at DMV? It's Coming to Fresno
SACRAMENTO — California's DMV is trying to improve customer service by accepting credit cards, upgrading its website and offering clearer instructions on how to obtain a new federally mandated ID, according to details announced Tuesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Fresno will be one of the test sites in October for...
DMV is Adding Hours Statewide, But Only at 1 Fresno-Clovis Office
As part of the California Department of Motor Vehicles' ambitious effort to improve its reputation for long lines and shoddy customer service, DMV is expanding the hours of 53 field offices. A couple of caveats: It's only one more hour per day of operation, and it's being applied only to...