As people celebrate Independence Day, San Joaquin Valley Air District officials are warning about the unhealthy air created by fireworks. "We are asking Valley residents to be mindful and considerate of their neighbors and the many sensitive individuals whose health may be impacted by the emissions that come from...
No More Ag Burning After 2025 Says Air Board in Unanimous Vote
Agricultural burning is a practice that began in 1859 but will come to an end on January 1, 2025 after a unanimous decision by the California Air Resources Board Thursday. Former state Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter (now a member of the air board), started the process over 17 years ago...
Wildfire Smoke Blanketing Valley Is Huge Health Hazard, So Stay Indoors
Six major wildfires burning in Northern California are creating dangerous smoky conditions for Valley residents, who are urged to stay indoors as much as possible — even if it means the dog doesn't get walked. The six fires have already burned over 2,800 square miles — larger than the entire...
Calls to Defund Fresno Police Continue as Commission Seeks More Time
The Fresno Commission on Police Reform resumed business with a public meeting on Monday night that included more calls to defund the department. As it gets closer to the deadline for issuing its reform recommendations, the group continues to seek an extension of its 90-day mandate. Also in Politics 101: D'Aungillique...
Smoke Hangs in the Air as Valley Fires Trigger Health Warnings
Smoke drifting across the Fresno area from a large pallet fire in Reedley and nearby wildland grass fires is prompting health warnings from local air quality officials. The fire at fruit packaging manufacturer Maxco Supply broke out early Thursday and continued to burn throughout the morning. That led to a...
Hmong Comedian/Educator Headlines SE Asian Family Education Conference
Touger Xiong, a Hmong American comedian and educator, will be the keynote speaker Saturday at the second annual Southeast Asian Family Education Conference, "Journey to Success." Families can learn about services and scholarships and how best to support kids in school. The conference, which is co-sponsored by Fresno Unified's Parent...
Crushing Tractors Is Fun. Breathing Clean Air Is Even Better.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District received $108 million from the state Legislature earlier this year to reduce agriculture industry emissions. The program is dubbed FARMER and it provides incentives for replacing old, high-polluting tractors and other ag equipment with newer and cleaner options. The incentives cover up...
Need a New Car? Air District Will Give You Up to $9,500.
Trade in your old, tired, gross-polluting car is the new mantra of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. If you are driving a 1999 or older car, the air district wants to help put you in a new ride. Or, if you're driving an old model that guzzles...
With Criticism of Air Board Growing, Clovis Nominee Awaits OK
This winter brings with it poor air quality — and a renewed focus on the sprawling eight-county San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Dean Florez, a former Valley state lawmaker and current member of the California Air Resources Board, expressed frustration about air quality on Twitter recently. Other critics...
With Criticism of Air Board Growing, Clovis Nominee Awaits OK
This winter brings with it poor air quality — and a renewed focus on the sprawling eight-county San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Dean Florez, a former Valley state lawmaker and current member of the California Air Resources Board, expressed frustration about air quality on Twitter recently. Other critics...