Good morning! It’s Thursday, Aug. 27. This is Rob. (Hi again!)
Regenerative agriculture: Because of its natural heat and drought resistance, some valley farmers are working with regional schools like UC Merced to cultivate agave amid increasing water restrictions. KVPR
‘We want it’: Fresno teachers union launches petition to bring back $2 million file trip funding at Fresno Unified schools. GV Wire
Best hospitals list: Saint Agnes was named Fresno’s top hospital and No. 41 in California by U.S. News. The Business Journal
A new commission: “The new Fresno Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access had an efficient, if not lonely, inaugural meeting.” The Fresno Bee
Ranked: These are the 68 oldest family-owned businesses in the Central Valley. The Business Journal
1. ‘We don’t have the tiny homes’
Just weeks after the Fresno City Council voted to sue the Poverello House in connection with a botched tiny homes construction project, the Fresno-based nonprofit has filed a lawsuit against the project’s contractor, seeking to recover money they say they paid for work that was never completed.
The lawsuit comes after Fresnoland reported previously that the City of Fresno was planning to launch litigation against the Poverello House for their inability to deliver on a 2023 contract to build 26 tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness.
The Poverello House cut a deal to build those homes with contractor Dave Clevenger and his business, PreFab Innovations — 26 tiny homes for about $2 million; money fronted by the City of Fresno.
The status of the city’s planned lawsuit against Poverello House remains unclear.
Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz on Wednesday declined to elaborate on how the Poverello House’s lawsuit might affect the city’s plans to file their own suit against the nonprofit.
Janz: “What I can say is that Poverello still owes the City and taxpayers nearly two million dollars.”
Read the full Fresnoland story here.
2. Fine dining in Fresno gets messy
Since Fresnoland’s Vince Mancini broke the news last week that the city’s newest high-profile restaurant cut ties with its founding chef while also bouncing paychecks, tensions at Fresno’s fledgling fine-dining restaurant have grown increasingly personal in public.
Now more employees are speaking out, disputing Miller’s claims and characterizations of the restaurant’s financial health and ability to regularly pay employees on time.
“I can tell you that from myself alone and even other employees that have reached out to me, it was probably double that,” said Christian Billman, a former sous chef at Bulle.
Miller did not respond to a list of detailed questions regarding the emerging claims, though earlier this week, in an interview with The Fresno Bee, Miller described at least some of his now-former employees as “losers.”
Ex-employees also describe issues with vendors, declining standards and clashes with management.
Billman: “We had negative reviews about it early on, about kids being turned away because of the dress code. I remember very specifically, a day where we were just trying to fill the doors at this time, Tom turned away a 12-top party because they just weren’t dressed how he wanted. It’s ironic to me from a management perspective, because it’s like, we need money right now, and you just turned away a 12-top because they’re dressed a certain way.”
Read the full Fresnoland story here.
3. Five things to do in Fresno this weekend
The Pinoy Street Food: The weekend series is coming to Fresno at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 at 6048 N. First St. Fresno. “Get ready for a day filled with the Filipino street food favorites you know and love, plus good food, good vibes, and plenty of reasons to gather with your pamilya and barkada.” Pinoy Street Food
Cosmic Baseball: Baseball takes on a new light at Chukchansi Park on Saturday Aug. 28 and Sunday, Aug. 29. “Fans can watch the Chili Peppers and Glow Mojis take the field under black light in a jaw-dropping spectacle that’s part baseball, part neon-fueled party, and 100% unforgettable. Neon uniforms, UV-reactive baseballs, and electrifying entertainment are all things fans can expect at the event in 2026.” Chukchansi Park
Record swap: The Fresno Record Swap takes place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. at BarrelHouse Brewing Fresno, at 145 E Paseo Del Centro. BarrelHouse
Live performance: Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr. is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book.” California Arts Academy
Science comes alive: From 11 a.m. to noon each Saturday for a hands-on, brains-on activity designed to spark curiosity in kids of all ages. “Watch as your kids experiment, create, and explore the world of science, whether they’re mixing colors, making dino footprints, or crafting glowing skies inspired by the northern lights.” Fresno Discovery Center
Today’s newsletter was edited by Danielle Bergstrom.
