Enforcement of the Fresno vacant building ordinance started with an inward look. The Gottschalks building downtown, vacant for the better part of 35 years and owned by the city, was one of the first buildings inspected. The ordinance, approved by the city council last month, went into effect on Saturday....
Fresno Council Votes to Add More Cannabis Business Licenses
Update, 6/10/2021: The council voted 4-3 to approve increasing the available cannabis retail licenses to 21, up from 14. Garry Bredefeld, Luis Chavez and Mike Karbassi voted no. Only Chavez made a comment, saying he heard concerns from his constituents. Original story: Before awarding even one retail marijuana license, the...
Councilmen Big on Ideas, Short on Details for Eviction Defense
Two Fresno city councilmen made their pitch Tuesday for providing taxpayer-funded attorneys for residents facing eviction. But, the city legislators did not have answers on how much the plan will cost or what types of evictions will be covered. Councilmen Nelson Esparza and Tyler Maxwell said at a news conference...
Restraining Order Granted Against Conservative Clovis Activist
A judge has granted a restraining order requiring a conservative Clovis activist to stay away from his sister. At a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Robert Mangano ordered Ben Martin to stay 100 yards away from his sister for two years. The order also prevents Martin from owning or possessing firearms...
Fresno Cannabis Openings Delayed Again. New Target Is 2022.
[Update 4/22/21, 10 a.m.: the item to change when cannabis business permit applications would become public record has been pulled by city administration to work on revisions. It will be reintroduced on May 13, with a vote scheduled for May 27. Also, Councilman Miguel Arias and City Manager Thomas Esqueda...
Angry Activist Accosting Arias in Paso Robles Caught on Video
A prominent right-wing activist engaged in a profane diatribe against a Fresno city councilman when both happened to be at the same Central Coast restaurant for lunch on Sunday. Video from both parties showed Ben Martin yelling at councilman Miguel Arias while both men were eating with their respective groups....
Councilmember Renews Call for Separate Probe of Fresno Cop’s Proud Boy Ties
City Councilmember Miguel Arias has renewed his concerns about a Fresno police officer's alleged affiliation with a hate group. Social media watchdogs spotted the off-duty officer, Rick Fitzgerald, at a Tower Theatre protest last Sunday and tied him to other protests where he appeared to wear Proud Boys garb. The...
Church Purchasing Tower Theatre Threatens Lawsuit, Says LGBTQ ‘Welcome’
The pastor for the church purchasing the Tower Theatre is threatening litigation if services are not allowed to be held at the iconic venue. In a 12-minute YouTube message, Pastor Anthony Flores of Adventure Church expressed his love for the community, but blamed the city of Fresno for the controversy...
Conservative Trio Return to Arias’ Home. He Wasn’t There.
Just days after appearing at the U.S. Capitol during the riot there, and later confronting a U.S. senator at a Washington D.C. airport, a trio of Donald Trump supporters posted a video of themselves in front of the home of Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias. Ben Bergquam posted the video...
Despite Moratorium, Tenants Say They Are Being Evicted From ‘Last Resort’ Motel
In an effort to clean up a notorious section of Fresno and to create more affordable housing, a housing nonprofit has a deal to purchase four "Motel Drive" properties. Using millions in state funds, the deal is in place, soon to be completed. But, several long-term residents of one Fresno...