(Update, 8/08/18: an interpretation from City Attorney Douglas Sloan is now included) After months of signature gathering and deadline hustling, the final decision on whether Fresno voters will decide on a parks tax takes place Thursday (Aug. 9). But questions have emerged on just how many votes are needed in...
Fresno for Parks Submits Signatures. But Is Compromise in the Works?
Moments before submitting signatures to the city clerk, advocates for a sales tax to benefit parks were one short of a nice round number. In order to achieve it, they even asked a cameraman covering the occasion if he was a registered Fresno voter. Absent that, Fresno for Parks turned...
A Better Fresno Is Within Our Grasp. Will We Do the Smart Thing?
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand isn't giving up on seeing a half-cent public-safety and parks sales tax — split right down the middle — make it to the November ballot. Despite the rejection of his proposal by the Fresno City Council, he's determined to see the plan's resuscitation and, ultimately, $44...
Parks & Public Safety Advocates Work Behind Scenes on Sales Tax
In what one City Hall insider described as a game of chicken, two sides advancing sales tax plans are attempting to work out a deal. Multiple sources tell GV Wire that Fresno for Parks, the Ashley Swearengin-led group advocating for a 3/8ths of a cent sales tax plan, has met...
Next Time a Fresno Kid Gets Shot, Call Your Council Tax Fighter & Give 'Em an Earful
I'm fed up with so-called leaders who complain about Fresno crime but really are more concerned about burnishing their credentials as tax fighters. As tax fighting is an essential element of getting elected in most parts of Fresno, I understand why candidates pledge to do it. But being a real leader and...
The Greening of Fresno? Voters Will Decide Cannabis Tax.
Fresno voters will decide whether they want to tax cannabis. The city council enacted step one Thursday (June 14) — deciding by a 5-1 vote to place the item on the November ballot. However, the tax would have to earn the approval of two-thirds of Fresno voters to become law....
High Times: Fresno Medical Marijuana Could Be on November Ballot
Fresno's newly-released budget proposal could have the city seeing green, and that's not just the color of money. Fresno voters could decide on allowing medical marijuana shops in a potential November ballot item. And, the city would create two new staff positions involving the dispensaries. That, perhaps, is the most...
$91 Million Loss to Fresno From Online Tax Plan, Brand Testifies
Mayor Lee Brand is hoping to convince the state legislature not to move forward with a plan to change California's laws on taxing online retailers. He testified before a state Senate committee in Sacramento on Tuesday (May 22). A proposal by Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), SCA 20 would alter the...
Grizzlies Home Opener Brings Glitz, Good Vibes and a Loss
When can a 13-0 loss be classified as a pitcher's duel? When the Fresno Grizzlies give up 11 runs in the ninth inning to the Tacoma Rainiers. Regardless of the final score, an announced crowd of 10,198 fans enjoyed the glitz and glamour of the home opener Tuesday night. Parker...
Not All Get to Hear LA Congressman Lieu’s Views
Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles) spoke at a Fresno town hall Thursday night (April 5) intended to deliver access to a constituency that can’t speak with their own congressman. A Central Valley Indivisible representative said the group invited Lieu to bring his “Adopt-a-District” event because local Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare)...