Quote of the Week
“In fact, it’s fairly ironic that the very people often accused of selling the San Joaquin Valley’s water to LA for profit, are now accused of keeping it from the same region.”
— SJV Water Editor Lois Henry on the false conspiracy theories surrounding the LA wildfires and California’s richest farmer
This Week in Fresnoland
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Fresno
While the nation prepares to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy Monday, did you know that Dr. King had a history with our city, too?
Check out Gregory Weaver’s 2024 report on MLK’s historic rally in Fresno in protest of a California housing law that would legalize racial discrimination from landlords.
Gregory spoke with then-85-year-old Jim Aldrege, who attended the rally over 60 years ago, about the influence of King’s visit on the local NAACP and farmworker movements.
Then, for a round-up of what’s happening this MLK day across Fresno, take a look at Gisselle Medina’s report for Fresnoland.
Gisselle spoke with members of Fresno’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Committee about the significance of this year’s events in “marching toward progress where Black families have access to equity.”
Farmers chime in on Border Patrol’s inland immigration sweep
A week after a surprise operation from Border Patrol in Kern County that resulted in at least 78 arrests, elected officials, advocates and farmers still have unanswered questions about how broad the operation was.
Watch networks and immigration attorneys told Fresnoland’s Gisselle Medina the sweeps appeared to target Latinos and farmworkers and that detainees were stopped at places like Walmart.
Farmers in Kern and Fresno County, who reported absences on their farmworker crews of up to 85% last week, also questioned whether Border Patrol’s operation was a targeted operation focused on apprehending immigrants with criminal records or a broader sweep, Fresnoland’s Julianna Morano reported.
Though it appears that Border Patrol’s Kern County operation is over, advocates say the anxiety for immigrant workers will linger.
Utilities officials resign, still dispute election results
Three defeated utilities board members in Tulare County formally stepped down from office Friday, after more than two months of disputing the election results that cost them seats, Fresnoland’s Diego Vargas reported.
The resignations also came just minutes before the Friday noon deadline imposed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the three ousted members would continue their effort to reverse the election results after agreeing to step.
The three former members of the Orosi Public Utilities District — Reynaldo Rivas, Maria C. Gonzalez, and Johnny Sandoval — have argued that a map error that excluded as many as 213 district voters should invalidate all the district’s election results. State and county officials have acknowledged the mapping issue but blamed it on the district for submitting incorrect maps.
Safety tips for immigration raids
Conflicting details, employees missing work, and countless stories of fear and anxiety — fueled at least in part by the Border Patrol’s vague and unverifiable statements and some of their more bizarre social media posts — are motivating future plans of immigration advocates in the wake of recent raids that are only expected to increase under a second Trump administration.
Fresnoland’s Gisselle Medina spoke with immigration and civil rights experts about how community members can stay safe and protect their rights if and when they are stopped by immigration agents.
Elizabeth Camarena, an immigration attorney based in Fresno, said one of the most important tips for families is to make plans with their loved ones if they encounter immigration authorities.
“It’s our job to protect our communities as much as we can,” said Armida Mendoza, a Fresno immigration attorney and volunteer with Faith in the Valley’s watch network, “and to use our tools—like knowledge—to defend and support ourselves.”
Clovis gearing up to fight Sacramento
Just months after reluctantly ending its century-old at-large voting system, the Clovis City Council initiated steps this week to explore becoming a charter city — a move that city leaders framed as a bid to preserve local authority over issues like prevailing wages, voting rights and housing development, Fresnoland’s Gregory Weaver reported.
The potential transition to charter status, which would require voter approval, represents the latest chapter in Clovis’ efforts to maintain local control amid growing state mandates. City officials estimate the effort could cost about $120,000 to develop.
At the heart of the Clovis charter discussion lies a growing tension between local governance and state oversight. “It comes down to the battle with Sacramento,” said Councilmember Diane Pearce, who expressed particular interest in voter ID requirements. “The idea that Sacramento has eroded local control basically with every session and it gets exponentially greater every time they get together.”
Outside the Lines
Almost as soon as Los Angeles began to burn, SJV Water was flooded with emails detailing wild conspiracy theories falsely accusing billionaire power couple Lynda and Stewart Resnick of “hoarding” as much as 80%(!) of the state’s water and, diabolically withholding it from desperate firefighters. It’s total nonsense. SJV Water
Steve Stark, the new CEO of Madera Community Hospital, says staffing shortages and building issues are part of why the hospital has blown past its original reopening date of last summer. KVPR
California is abandoning its regulations phasing out diesel trucks, anticipating rejection from the incoming Trump administration. CalMatters
Looking for a job in Fresno? The Fresno County Economic Development Corporation launched its Good Jobs Central Valley website where you can find career options and no-cost training programs. Instagram
The Fresno Animal Center is urgently seeking community support due to a significant increase in the number of dogs in its care. The shelter operates at critical capacity, housing nearly 300 dogs, including 70 newborn puppies and their mothers. For more information, visit fresnoanimalcenter.com
“Two Fresno area hospitals must pay tens of thousands of dollars after state health officials found they put patients at risk of injury, harm or even death.” The Fresno Bee
Block Beat
FRESNO CITY COLLEGE: Join Interim Fresno City College President Dr. Kim Armstrong and Pastor Ed Thomas as they gather to commemorate Dr. King’s 1964 march for civil rights at Ratcliffe Stadium. Marchers will meet in front of the courtyard near the President’s Office at Fresno City College Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. | Fresnoland
CITYWIDE: Want to nominate Fresno’s next Poet Laureate? The Fresno Arts Council is accepting nominations until Jan. 24. Nominate your favorite local poet here.
FRESNO HIGH: Local band Phantom Fruit will be celebrating the release of its EP, “Diamonded, Bloodied, Jesus,” at Dulce Upfront near Fresno High Friday, Feb. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will also feature art from Stephanie Ayon, Mike Adame, Joseph Rios, Claire Evans and A is A. | Instagram
CHINATOWN: Fresno indie bookstore Judging by the Cover is looking to expand to a bigger location near their current place in Chinatown. They’ve launched a $20,000 fundraiser over the next month to help double their inventory, renovate the new space and budget for events. Donors can get perks ranging from a tote bag to a shelf sponsorship, depending on the size of their contribution. Instagram
HURON: “Last night, we voted in support of the Sanctuary City status for the City of Huron, a hardworking community in the heart of the richest agricultural land in the world,” Huron Mayor Rey León shared in a social media post Thursday. Instagram
FRESNO AND CLOVIS: In 2024, at least 37 restaurants closed across Fresno and Clovis, The Fresno Bee reported – “more than in previous recent years and even during the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The Fresno Bee
FRIANT: A custom-designed, 700-acre cattle ranch home near Friant was listed for $5.62 million. Business Journal
