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Good morning, Fresno! It’s Tuesday, June 3. It’s National Chocolate Macaroon Day.
The California Smoke Shops Association wants a federal judge to block the City of Fresno from enforcing recent changes to city laws that could force dozens of smoke shops to close.In April, a divided City Council approved a new ordinance that beefs up oversight on city smoke shops and caps the total number of shops allowed in the city at 49, meaning potentially dozens of shops could be forced to close. The Business Journal
Many California conservatives, including elected leaders in the Central Valley, continue to scratch their heads over a now-revoked list published last week by the Department of Homeland Security that incorrectly listed dozens of counties and cities as so-called “sanctuary” communities. The wildly inaccurate list falsely designated places like Fresno, Madera, Mariposa and Merced as sanctuary communities. Local leaders are still scrambling to figure out how the list was made and what the next steps might be. KSEE
The contentious debate over the participation last weekend of a transgender female high school student in the statewide championship track meet spilled over into Monday’s Clovis City Council meeting, with community members and councilmembers clashing over the city’s role in what at least one elected leader reportedly described as a “manufactured conflict.” KMPH
More federal prison time was doled out Monday in connection with the disastrous and now-defunct Bitwise Industries in Fresno. A 31-year-old man from Connecticut received a three-year prison term. Late last year, the two disgraced Bitwise CEOs received lengthy prison terms in connection with the massive fraud case. The Fresno Bee
A 50-acre wildfire sparked late Monday in Yokuts Valley. Cal Fire reported the dry-brush blaze, dubbed the Rector Fire, was about 40% contained on Tuesday morning. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. ABC30
Southeast Fresno residents are encouraged to nominate names for a new park on Peach Avenue. City leaders broke ground on the park in February and are asking residents to submit nominations by June 15. “We’re looking for a name that reflects someone or something that has made a meaningful impact in our community,” Councilmember Brandon Vang said in a social media post. More information
OK for now,
Rob
Judge rules against Fresno County, extending terms of sheriff and district attorney – at least for now
If a Monday morning court ruling stands, then Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni and District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp will serve two extra years on their current terms. Fresno County Superior Court Judge D. Tyler Tharpe sided with the State of California and threw out recent voter-approved changes to the election […]
