Fresno mayoral candidates Jerry Dyer and Andrew Janz face off in a one-hour forum moderated by GV Wire news director Bill McEwen. Click on the video above to see where they stand on addressing homelessness, recreational marijuana sales, housing, business growth and leadership in this exclusive GV Wire video forum....
Valley City in Turmoil as 3 Top Officials Put on Leave, Another Fired
Four top officials in the city of Manteca have been fired or put on leave, raising concerns among residents who say officials haven’t explained why. The city's police chief, Jodie Estarziau, was placed on paid administrative leave on Wednesday. Hers was the latest in a string of abrupt personnel moves...
Fresno Police Chief Search Team Will Include 3 Councilmen
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand has blessed a request that the city council have a larger role in the search for Andy Hall's successor as police chief. The compromise forged by the mayor and councilman Nelson Esparza comes amid lingering controversy about Hall's appointment after the retirement of longtime chief Jerry Dyer...
Brand's Police Chief Choice Reflects His Integrity, Not a Charade
You can debate whether Lee Brand's decision to select an interim police chief as Jerry Dyer's successor is the right one. You also can question the optics of his stunning change-of-course after City Hall conducted a national search that heavily involved the community. But I have no doubts about the...
New Clovis Top Cop: 'I Have Greatest Job in the Nation'
First, Curt Fleming's wife, Jackie, and their 9-year-old son, Aiden, pinned on his badge. Then, by raising his right hand and swearing an oath to protect and serve, Fleming took his place as the Clovis chief of police at a ceremony Monday at police headquarters. It's a promotion for Fleming,...
Karbassi Keeps Fundraising Lead in NW Fresno Council Race
Less than two weeks from now, voters in northwest Fresno head to the polls to elect a new councilmember. Four of the five candidates campaigning met during a GV Wire debate, which can be viewed here. And the latest financials show that businessman Mike Karbassi has done well for himself...
This Police Chief Lost Her Gun After Leaving It in Public Bathroom
San Luis Obispo's police chief posted a video apology Wednesday for losing her gun after leaving it in a restaurant bathroom. Police are looking for a man they believe may have taken the firearm the chief left behind. Police Chief Deanna Cantrell said she would offer no excuses for what...
Clovis Quickly Identifies Its New Chief of Police
Curt Fleming will assume command of the Clovis Police Department on Aug. 3, succeeding Matt Basgall who announced his retirement date in late May. Fleming, who is a captain, joined the department in 2006 after beginning his law enforcement career with the Fresno Police Department. “Captain Fleming is a natural...
Dyer Plans Leave of Absence as Police Chief to Run for Mayor
Police Chief Jerry Dyer says he'll take a leave of absence from his law enforcement to focus on his campaign for Fresno mayor. Dyer announced his candidacy Wednesday at Manchester Center. He had announced months ago his intention to retire as chief, effective Oct. 15. He said he would step...
Police Chief Jerry Dyer Jumps Into Fresno Mayoral Race
Jerry Dyer, who often has cut a larger-than-life figure in 18 years as Fresno's police chief, is aiming for an even bigger stage as the city's next mayor. Amid chants of "Jerry! Jerry!" Dyer announced his candidacy at a news conference Wednesday morning at Manchester Center, briefly outlining an approach...