When he campaigned for mayor two years ago, Lee Brand often cited 1,000 sworn officers as the goal for the Fresno Police Department. Listen to any of his recent speeches, like during a recent campaign fundraiser, and his goal remains 1,000 officers. Does Chief Jerry Dyer agree that 1,000 is...
GOP Choice: Cox as Loss Leader or Anyone But Gavin?
If you aren’t one of the 45,000-plus Fresno County voters who have already turned in their ballots, tomorrow is Election Day. A few observations about the candidates and campaigns: Gubernatorial Race The candidates believe the Central Valley is worth visiting multiple times. Antonio Villaraigosa has been here more than 50 (I...
Will Brand Be Kingmaker in Council Races?
Mayor Lee Brand is taking an active role in the Fresno City Council races. Tate Hill is the latest candidate to receive the mayor's blessing. Brand sent a fundraising email Thursday on Hill’s behalf, asking donors to contribute to the campaign of the District 3 candidate. “I need a council...
Judge Cans Controversial Fresno Recycling Ordinance
Recycling in Fresno parking lots will continue — despite an attempt to regulate the centers out of existence. A Fresno County Superior Court judge has invalidated a city ordinance that would limit, if not outright close, numerous recyclers operating in the city. Last year, the Fresno City Council voted 7-0...
What Happens to Parks Tax if it Competes with Public Safety?
If a public safety sales tax initiative qualifies for the November ballot, promoters of a separate parks tax initiative may think twice. Nearly 100 people attended an informational meeting organized by Fresno for Parks. The group wants to add 3/8 of a percent to the sales tax rate to go...
Better Business By Bickering? Brand & Bredefeld Bash Away.
Two Fresno leaders went head-to-head Thursday over the best way for the city to improve its business climate. And their months-long war of words continued on the city council dais, each trading insults and accusations. Councilman Garry Bredefeld and Mayor Lee Brand debated the merits of how to hold the...
What Leads Annual Wish List of Clovis Residents?
The Clovis City Council will hear results of a survey on what its citizens want Monday night. However, it is a familiar tune: public safety and street repairs. City staff will present the results of the mostly-online unscientific survey of budgeting priorities. But, a staff report says, "the response was valuable...
Bredefeld Floats Money Back Guarantee. Will it Sink or Swim?
Dueling ideas for improving Fresno’s reputation for business friendliness are headed for another showdown. Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld plans to officially introduce his "Money Back Guarantee" ordinance to his colleagues next Thursday (March 22). Showdown No. 1 happened Wednesday at the Fresno Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council in...
Soria Starts Re-Election Bid in Style. Is Higher Office Ahead?
Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria began her re-election campaign in style. Held in the Fig Garden home of her boyfriend and prominent real estate developer Terance Frazier, Soria welcomed support from a who’s who of local political and labor communities. Listen to David Taub's interview with Esmeralda Soria about her...
Caglia Industrial Park Faces a Hurdle. Neighbors File Lawsuit.
Neighbors in south Fresno are suing the city over the city council’s approval of a 2 million-square-foot industrial park. They claim the city failed to follow environmental review standards. The council passed a project proposed by Caglia Environmental on Jan. 25 with a 7-0 vote. The project is located on...