It has been said, "Two men look through the same jail cell walls, one sees mud and one sees stars." Certainly, this is the way that I see the Fresno parks sales tax initiative. First, I think some background is in order. At the ultimate fallout of the Great Recession, Fresno's...
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...
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...
Pot, Parks, & Race Relations Highlight District 3 Forum
Four candidates running for Fresno City Council, District 3 met in a forum Thursday (April 19) night, sharing their views and qualifications. GV Wire, in conjunction with CMAC and Fresno’s Young Leading Professionals, held the 90-minute forum in the district at the Westside Church of God. Miguel Arias, Tate Hill,...
Take 5: Veva Islas on Her District 7 Council Run
Veva Islas draws her motivation from her upbringing as the daughter of immigrant laborers. After growing up in Fresno and Kern County, she now works as a public health care advocate. She now wants to serve as a Fresno city councilwoman from District 7. She also says she can be...
Take 5: Veva Islas on Her District 7 Council Run
Veva Islas draws her motivation from her upbringing as the daughter of immigrant laborers. After growing up in Fresno and Kern County, she now works as a public health care advocate. She now wants to serve as a Fresno city councilwoman from District 7. She also says she can be...
Take 5: Fresno City Council District 7 Candidate Brian Whelan
Attorney Brian Whelan sat down with Take 5 to talk about his run for the Fresno City Council. He hopes to replace Clint Olivier, who will term out of the District 7 seat in January 2019. Whelan says he wants to empower his District 7 neighbors. He supports Mayor Lee Brand's...
Take 5: Fresno City Council District 7 Candidate Brian Whelan
Attorney Brian Whelan sat down with Take 5 to talk about his run for the Fresno City Council. He hopes to replace Clint Olivier, who will term out of the District 7 seat in January 2019. Whelan says he wants to empower his District 7 neighbors. He supports Mayor Lee Brand's...
Fresno council cancels parks PR deal
Last fall, the Fresno City Council granted a media consultant a six-figure contract to engage the public on parks. Today (January 26), they took it away. By a 4-2 vote, the council cancelled the $172,000 contract with Bertz-Rosa Strategy Creative. The move, city documents estimate, would save $150,000 (about $15,000...
Fresno council cancels parks PR deal
Last fall, the Fresno City Council granted a media consultant a six-figure contract to engage the public on parks. Today (January 26), they took it away. By a 4-2 vote, the council cancelled the $172,000 contract with Bertz-Rosa Strategy Creative. The move, city documents estimate, would save $150,000 (about $15,000...