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...
In Fresno, Steyer Says He's the One to Beat 'Fake' Trump
Tom Steyer says he is the Democrat who can defeat President Donald Trump. The self-described progressive presidential candidate campaigned in Fresno on Monday, all the while dismissing his low polling numbers. "(Trump) is going to run on his economic record. I spent 30 years building a business from scratch. He's...
Affordable Housing Among Striking Chicago Teachers' Demands
CHICAGO — Striking Chicago teachers who are seeking smaller class sizes and higher pay also are demanding that the nation's third-largest city do more to lower housing costs and put more resources into helping homeless students. The demand for affordable housing citywide — for students and their financially-strapped families as well as...
Perdue Comes to Valley, Hears Trade War, Deportation Concerns
LOS BANOS — The parade of plaid-shirted gentlemen sat politely in the octagonal Germino Building at the Merced County Fairground. About 200 farmers participated in a town hall meeting Friday with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and four California congressmen. Perdue answered hot-button ag issues about tariffs and labor with...
With Employees on Strike, Courts Open But not at Full Strength
Fresno Superior Court still operated Tuesday (Jan. 15), but it was anything but normal. Outside, a constant drizzle did not deter hundreds of striking court workers — judicial assistants, clerks, and court reporters. “Rain or shine, we stay on the line,” was one of the many mantras SEIU 521 members...
Senators Pay Tribute to late Randy Ghan, a Lion of Valley Labor
Hundreds mourned the death of longtime Valley labor leader Randy Ghan at a ceremony Monday (Jan. 14) at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall. At the same time, the state Senate adjourned its meeting in honor of Ghan. Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) and Sen. Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) all...
Teachers Union Says Janus Decision Has Strengthened Its Spine
A Supreme Court decision this summer was hailed by some as upholding free speech rights under the First Amendment for employees covered by a contract who disagree with the union’s political activity, including donations to campaigns. Not surprisingly, Janus v. AFSCME was seen by unions such as the California Teachers...
Cal Chamber Has Best Year Yet Steamrolling 'Job Killer' Bills
As CALmatters columnist Dan Walters notes in his Sept. 10 analysis, the California Chamber of Commerce quite often prevails in getting the Legislature to kill or quietly abandon bills that the pro-business lobby deems "job killers." But in the recently concluded legislative cycle, the chamber was even more effective than...
Newsom in Fresno: Supports Prop. 47 and Gas Tax
Visiting Fresno for the first time since the primary election, California gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom expressed support for a state law that local law enforcement leaders say has increased crime. In fact, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer directly blamed Proposition 47 for the recent homicide of Nick Kauls. Kauls, a...
Valadao on Water, Farm Labor, Intelligence Memos & 2018 Election
Congressman David Valadao (R-Hanford) scored for Valley farmers last year, when the House of Representatives passed the GROW Act (H.R. 23), which would help with water project funding, and protecting water rights. But, the bill has yet to be heard on the U.S. Senate side. Take 5 recently caught up...