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Monday, October 19, 2026
Local Politics · Fresno County
Fresno County voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to approve Measure S, a half-cent transportation sales tax that would replace the expiring Measure C for 30 years starting July 1, 2027, projecting roughly $7.4 billion in revenue. Unlike prior Measure C renewals requiring a two-thirds vote, Measure S needs only a simple majority because it was placed on the ballot as a citizens' initiative with verified petition signatures. The measure prioritizes neighborhood road repair (targeting a Pavement Condition Index of 70), school-zone safety projects, and public transit funding, with annual independent audits by a citizen oversight committee barring elected officials. If Measure S fails, the half-cent tax ends June 30, 2027, reducing sales tax rates unless another measure replaces it.
Local Politics · Fresno County
A comprehensive guide to the November 2026 ballot for Fresno County voters covers local measures including a replacement for Measure C called Better Roads, Safe Streets—though as of Aug. 10 it had not yet appeared on the ballot amid a promised legal challenge by county supervisors—as well as tax measures in Fresno, Orange Cove, Coalinga, and the Sierra Kings Health Care District. The guide lists contested races across city councils, state legislative districts, congressional seats, Superior Court judgeships, school boards, community college districts, and special districts. Voters must register by Oct. 19 to participate. Several incumbents are running for other offices, creating open seats in Fresno City Council, county supervisor, and multiple school board races.
Local Politics · Fresno, CA
The Fresno City Council voted 6-1 on Thursday to postpone initiating a public process for water and sewage rate increases until after the November midterm election, citing uncertainty over local ballot measures Measure S (county transportation) and Measure D (city general tax). The proposed changes would add about $1.77 per month to a typical resident's water bill while reducing sewage costs by roughly $1; rates have not increased in nearly a decade. Councilmember Nick Richardson cast the lone dissenting vote, urging colleagues to act now rather than risk a 16-year gap. Separately, the council voted to oppose Fresno County's exploration of privatizing the local library system.
Education · Fresno, CA
Incumbent Joshua Sellers, a Fresno city firefighter first elected in 2022, faces newcomer John Nale, owner of Ziveli Winery in Biola, in the Nov. 3 election for Central Unified School District Trustee Area 1. The district serves approximately 16,000 students across 28 schools in northwest Fresno and parts of western Fresno County, including Biola and areas near Kerman. Sellers' platform emphasizes a long-term facilities master plan, addressing chronic absenteeism (22.5% in 2024-25), expanding career technical education, and opposing SEDA sprawl development until existing neighborhoods receive infrastructure. Four of seven board seats are up for general election and one for special election on Nov. 3.
Education · Fresno, CA
Incumbent Harman Singh, appointed in March 2026 after Natalie Chavez left California, faces newcomers Erica Gonzalez Piedra and LaVera Smith in the Nov. 3 election for Central Unified School District Trustee Area 3. The district serves northwest Fresno and parts of western Fresno County, including Biola and areas near Kerman, with 28 schools and roughly 16,000 students. Area 3 encompasses Rio Vista Middle School and River Bluff Elementary, with students attending Justin Garza High School. Piedra emphasized facilities planning, school safety infrastructure such as crossing routes at Herndon Avenue and Veterans Boulevard, English learner support, and dual-language programs including Punjabi. Smith did not respond to interview requests, and Singh's responses were cut short in the article.
Social Events · Fresno, CA
Fresnoland and the Maddy Institute at Fresno State are hosting Ballots and Brews on Friday, October 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Summer Fox Brewing in the Tower District. The event will feature discussions with leaders across the political spectrum on transportation taxes (Measure S) and potential changes to the Fresno City Council composition. Registration is available via a link provided by the organizers.
Read the full Monday, October 19, 2026 edition →
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About Your Local News in Fresno
Every night we go through the news sites and public notices that cover Fresno, CA. When several outlets report the same council vote, you read about it once.
The email goes out before 6am. Where the original article is free to read, we link to it.
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