With a goal of innovation in the agriculture industry, the federal government is pouring $65 million into the Fresno-Merced Future of Food Innovation Coalition. President Joe Biden announced 21 winners at an event this morning. "California continues to lead the nation in a wide range of forward-thinking initiatives, so it...
Drama Erupts in Local Dem Party Over ‘YT’ Volunteer Appointment
Within the Fresno County Democratic Party, even a volunteer job with a well-known political consultant can cause drama. The local party agreed to work Jason Carns — who has helped guide several local Democrats to election victory — to work on their voter database. But one member of the Central...
Grizzlies Miss Rent Payments on Ballpark. City Looking at Collection Options.
The Fresno Grizzlies have not paid their rent at city-owned Chukchansi Park since the COVID-19 pandemic began, officials with Mayor Lee Brand's administration said this week. City leaders are now looking at options for how to collect. Also in Politics 101: City policy prevents commercial tenant eviction. Brand calls pending...
Hot Dog! Former Intern Franks Buys a Piece of Fresno Grizzlies.
Derek Franks is now part owner of the Fresno Grizzlies. Not bad for a guy who started with the team as an intern in 2004 and dressed as a hot dog. The Pacific Coast League team announced it offered Franks, currently the team president, the opportunity to buy stock in...
Will It Be a Grand Old Party? State Republicans to Decide if Future Is With Trump.
Much has been written and previewed regarding this weekend’s state Republican Party convention in Sacramento. Party delegates will choose a new chairperson. Three candidates pose two different points of view — former Assemblyman Travis Allen, party activist and writer Steve Frank, and the head of the California Trailblazers program, Jessica...
Former Westlands Lobbyist Now Seen as Likely for Interior Secretary
The number of contenders with Valley connections in the running to become President Trump's next Interior Secretary has risen to two. Earlier this month, the name of outgoing Valley Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) surfaced as a potential choice. Denham has expressed his interest in the job, which is being vacated by...
Valadao’s Lead is Razor Thin. A Deep Dive Into Remaining Ballots.
Will the Democratic Blue Wave knock Rep. David Valadao out of his 21st congressional seat? The race is now so close that the winner — the three-term Republican incumbent or challenger TJ Cox — might not be known until the Dec. 7 deadline for counties to certify the election. But...
Should Bus Drivers Get Bonus for Just Showing Up? Councilman Says No Way.
Another union representing Fresno municipal employees could earn extra money just for showing up to work. And, councilman Garry Bredefeld has a problem with that. At Thursday’s council meeting, the body is scheduled to vote on approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the city and the Amalgamated Transit Union, representing...
Fresno, Get Ready for Utility Rate Hikes
The Fresno City Council will start the process of raising utility rates at its meeting Thursday (Oct. 11). The overall rate would drop 13 cents next July and then gradually climb in 2020 through 2023. The city says the rates will continue to be among the lowest in the state....
Cox Blasts High-Speed Rail as 'Monument to Corruption'
Earlier this month, Gavin Newsom rolled into Fresno on a big blue bus. Thursday (Sept. 27), his gubernatorial opponent John Cox rolled into town in a big green bus. Cox, the Republican candidate, met with Sheriff Margaret Mims, taking a tour of a jail program. Then, his bus rolled to...