Good morning! It’s Tuesday, April 14. This is Rob & Omar.
Aggressively balmy: Sunny skies, highs in the low 70s today. NOAA
Honoring veterans: The 34th Central Valley Honor Flight will take the next group of local veterans to Washington, D.C. ABC30
Listen up! The U.S. Forest Service recently announced that it would be closing three-quarters of its research facilities – including one in Fresno. KVPR
Last call! Want to create your own sweded film, but don’t know where to start? CMAC has you covered. Two free classes are available to help you learn how to pick a project and build a production plan, among other tools. Class begins at 6 p.m. tonight. CMAC
1. Law firm to answer for fake case citations
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, a law firm that represents the City of Fresno in many of its civil lawsuits, will have to answer for how and why fake and improper case citations ended up in its court filings.
The law firm will need to demonstrate in a court hearing this afternoon why it shouldn’t be subject to a $10,000 fine over “frivolous contentions” in violation of state law.
The December court filing, which was entered into an eminent domain lawsuit, had at least four references to judicial rulings that do not exist, along with several other references improperly citing case law.
The potential $10,000 fine looks similar to fines issued over fake and improper case citations in recent memory, including one of the same exact amount issued to a California attorney who admitted to using ChatGPT to draft an opening brief.
2. Heads up, super-speeders
A Fresno-area legislator wants to crack down on so-called “super speeders” — California drivers with multiple speeding convictions on their records, KMPH reports.
Introduced earlier this year by Assemblymember Esermalda Soria, D-Merced, the “Stop Super Speeders Act,” would establish a five-year pilot program in more than half a dozen California counties, including Fresno.
If passed, the law would require speeders with multiple convictions to install “Intelligent Speed Assistance” devices in their vehicles, similar to devices attached to vehicles operated by drivers with DUI convictions.
Traffic safety remains a serious concern in Fresno, with data from Smart Growth America running the city as the seventh worst in the nation for pedestrian deaths.
Joe Martinez, Families for Safe Streets-Fresno, lost his 21-year-old son to a speeding driver in 2014.
Martinez: “This common-sense bill will slow down the worst-of-the-worst speeders, saving lives and preventing more families from suffering. We are thrilled it passed out of committee today, and we look forward to continuing to push for its full passage.”
3. Earth Day event set for Saturday
For decades, Fresno residents, particularly south and westside citizens, have dealt with some of the worst air in the nation.
A free Earth Day festival on Saturday aims to help residents better protect themselves from the air they’re forced to breathe.
Here’s more on the event, according to KMPH:
- “Interact with the region’s best in sustainable businesses, nonprofits, and organizations.
- Explore and test electric vehicles
- Take part in a Community Bike Swap, where cyclists trade gently used parts, tools, and accessories
- Meet experts and businesses offering real tools for greener living during Fresno’s first Green Home and Garden Show
- Get hands-on with the new DIY Zone, focusing on upcycling, repair, and creative reuse
- Enjoy a judged art exhibition examining humanity’s impact on the planet through creative expression”
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the west lawn of Fresno City College. For the full event schedule, follow this link.
