Mike Karbassi's special election victory Tuesday is particularly notable. Not only did he win, but he crushed a crowded field. With six names on the ballot, and four of them running serious campaigns, the odds weren't on Karbassi's side for avoiding a November runoff. Yet he did. As of the...
What Did John Harris and Newsom Talk About? Water, of Course.
Gov. Gavin Newsom started his Valley tour Tuesday night (July 23), appearing at a fundraiser in Coalinga at the business of a noted Republican donor. John Harris, chairman of Harris Farms and a philanthropist, is known to support conservative causes. Earlier this month, he hosted Vice President Mike Pence for...
Brand Still Can Be a Political Kingmaker
What does Mayor Lee Brand plan to do with his $450,000 political war chest? Brand amassed most of that amount in 2018, taking contributions from the who’s who of Fresno business and politics — public safety unions, developers, and attorneys. Since his announcement Monday (May 20) that he is not...
Will Alonzo's Establishment Support Help Him in Council Run?
Nathan Alonzo officially announced his 2020 campaign for Fresno City Council District 4, covering the east-central part of town. The political establishment stood in support of Alonzo’s run — the mayor, the incumbent, the police chief, the sheriff, the chamber of commerce, and the police union, among others. Yet, the...
Johnson's 'Small' Donors? They Include Big Labor.
At Monday’s (Feb. 11) Board of Supervisors forum, candidate Nasreen Johnson criticized Steve Brandau for taking developer contributions. “My campaign comes from folks like you, writing small contributions. That’s how I’m running my campaign. I’m not tied to any developers, and I truly have the voice of the people and...
It's Kiss and Cry as New Council Sworn In
It was kiss and cry at the Fresno City Council chambers on Thursday (Jan. 10), as the ceremonial swearing-in took place for four members: incumbents Esmeralda Soria and Luis Chavez, as well as newcomers Miguel Arias and Nelson Esparza. But, the most often heard phrase heard throughout City Hall: “This...
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...
Update: Downtown Guarantee Building Will Be New State Center HQ
[Update 3/07/18]: Finally, State Center Community College District comes back to downtown Fresno. By a 7-0 vote in closed session, the Board of Trustees approved purchasing the Guarantee Building for $10.6 million. The seller is GBB Holdings/Arcus Private Capital. Measure C funds will be used for the purchase. The 80,100 square...