Local Politics · Fresno County
Fresno County Clerk James Kus reported that early voter turnout is climbing and tracking near the middle of recent gubernatorial election participation levels as Tuesday's midterm election approaches. On Oct. 23, the Trump Justice Department delivered a demand letter to Kus naming 670 registered voters who federal officials claim — without evidence — may not be U.S. citizens, requesting personal records and ballot segregation. Kus said the federal government has been silent since the letter arrived and that it has not impacted ongoing registration or voting processes. Fresno County is operating 54 vote centers and 69 ballot drop boxes to assist voters before Election Day.
Crime · Clovis, CA
The 12-year-old daughter of Misty Rose Gomez, 32, testified Monday that her mother and stepfather Antonio Garcia Gomez, 40, killed Clovis Unified School District teacher Geoffrey Bernardi. Bernardi's beaten body was found near a canal at Barstow and Peach avenues on Dec. 18, and he died two days later in a hospital. The daughter testified the couple fled to Michoacán, Mexico, with her and her sister after police began investigating inconsistencies in their accounts. The couple was arrested after approximately three months abroad and charged with Bernardi's murder. The preliminary hearing continued Tuesday in Department 53.
Public Safety · Fresno County
Fresno County's Department of Public Health confirmed two influenza-associated deaths, the first of the 2025-26 season, both involving people over 65. The deaths appear in county data through Oct. 24 and are among 87 total flu deaths statewide since July. Health Officer Dr. Trinidad Solis urged residents to get flu vaccines as positive test rates and emergency department visits for influenza-like illness rose above average compared to the previous two years. Vaccines are available through healthcare providers, clinics, and pharmacies at myturn.ca.gov.
