The city of Fresno and Fresno Police Department were determined to give protesters opposing and supporting the sale of the Tower Theatre to a conservative Christian church the ability to exercise their First Amendment right to freedom of speech while keeping them safe from verbal or physical altercations. But while...
What is a Proud Boy? Fresno Chapter Leader Gives His Take.
They've been called a hate group. White supremacists. Outside agitators. The Fresno community's frustration with the Proud Boys boiled over last week at the Tower Theatre protests. City Hall officials held a news conference to denounce the group. The local leader of the Proud Boys pushes back against those assessments,...
Tensions Rising, Fresno Police to Keep Proud Boys, Tower Protesters Separated
Opposing sides of the increasingly tense protests at Tower Theatre will be separated by barriers, city of Fresno and police officials said. Police Chief Paco Balderrama said the sides will be kept separate at the every-Sunday protest over the potential sale of the iconic Tower District venue. "We are there...
Tower Theatre Off the Market? What’s Next for Iconic Venue.
Escrow for the sale of the Tower Theatre to Adventure Church has expired, but how the updated status will affect a the future of the iconic venue is unclear. The expiration of escrow was revealed in a legal brief filed with the Fifth District Court of Appeal by the attorney...
Unfiltered – The Future of the Tower Theatre Part II
In Part II of our Tower Theatre discussion, we talk to supporters and advocates of the Tower Theatre and the future of the Tower District landmark. Special Guests: Jaguar Bennett - Save the Tower Theatre Demonstration Committee Craig Scharton - Downtown Advocate James Martinez - Tower Resident
Unfiltered – Tower Theatre and Fresno PD Investigation
In this week's episode of Unfiltered, we discuss the sale of the Tower Theater to Adventure Church. We also discuss the controversy surrounding accusations that a Fresno police officer is active with a reputed hate group. Guests: Anthony Flores - Pastor, Adventure Church Damon Kurtz - Vice President, Peace...
Tower Theatre Handoff Nears: Church Pastor on Pride Fest, Working with Neighbors
Pastor Anthony Flores wants to work with his soon-to-be neighbors in the Tower District. The leader of Adventure Church says he expects to close escrow on the iconic Tower Theatre property on March 31. On Thursday, Judge Rosemary McGuire declined to grant an injunction sought by a tenant, paving way...
Tower Theatre Sale Ruling Coming This Week, Judge Says
A ruling on whether the controversial sale of the Tower Theatre can move forward will happen later this week, Judge Rosemary McGuire said. McGuire made the announcement after 45 minutes of legal arguments Wednesday from attorneys representing Sequoia Brewing Company and the Tower Theatre's owners. "The only things that she...
Is Fresno Police Officer a ‘Proud Boys’ Member? City is Investigating.
The Fresno Police Department is investigating whether one of its officers is affiliated with a hate group connected to the storming of the U.S. Capitol in January. The investigation follows allegations that the officer participated, while off-duty, in a counter-protest against groups opposing the sale of the Tower Theatre on...
Tensions Flare at Tower Theatre Protest as Sale Dispute Heads Back to Court
Tensions mounted Sunday at the recurring weekly protest at the Tower Theatre over the sale of the iconic Fresno venue. Police stepped in to warn opposing sides to simmer things down. Contrasting the music, colorful signs and dancing were opposing groups of agitators. Confrontations erupted, with face-offs escalating to exchanges...