Local Politics · Fresno, CA
City of Fresno voters will decide on Measure D, a proposed half-cent general sales tax designed as an insurance policy if the countywide Measure S transportation tax fails in November. If both measures pass, Measure D sunsets and residents' sales tax stays at 8.35%; if Measure S fails and Measure D passes, the city begins collecting July 1, 2027, still at 8.35%. The tax would raise approximately $65 million annually into the general fund with no legally mandated spending plan, sunsetting in 10 years. Mayor Jerry Dyer and several councilmembers support it, while Councilmember Annalisa Perea and multiple council candidates oppose it as a potential 'blank check.' No funded opposition has been registered per city campaign finance records.
Local Politics · Fresno, CA
The Fresno City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on a five-year plan that would raise water rates for the first time in nearly a decade and adjust sewer rates for the first time in 16 years, adding an estimated $1.77 per month to a typical resident's water bill while decreasing sewer charges by $0.95. Mayor Jerry Dyer says the increases are necessary to address aging pipes and rising operational costs, stating they are unrelated to the Southeast Development Area (SEDA) project. Councilmember Miguel Arias claims the rate structure is designed to generate surplus revenue for future SEDA bonding, calling it "code for SEDA," and has asked to table the consent-agenda item pending further public discussion. City documents list funded projects including water main renewals, new wells, and operating reserve contributions. A public hearing on the proposed rates is set for Dec. 3.
Education · Fresno, CA
Two candidates—Carmen Flores, a City of Fresno communication coordinator, and Jomar Rushdan, a City of Clovis right-of-way agent—are running for the Central Unified Trustee Area 4 seat on Nov. 3, with incumbent Nabil Kherfan not seeking re-election. The district serves northwest Fresno and parts of western Fresno County including Biola, encompassing 28 schools and roughly 16,000 students. Rushdan outlined priorities including school-site master plans, road and sidewalk improvements west of Highway 99, addressing chronic absenteeism root causes, four-year financial literacy training, career-pathway partnerships with local contractors, and expanded mental-health support. Flores did not respond to multiple interview requests. Four of seven trustee seats are up for general election and one for a special election on Nov. 3.
Local Business · Fresno, CA
Owners Brandon Smittcamp, Rema Koligian, and Kevin Koligian confirmed a second Otherside Cafe will open by the end of 2027 at Palm and San Jose avenues in Fresno's Fig Garden Financial Center. The group also plans a combined Butterfish and Mayd dual-concept restaurant at Loma Vista Marketplace (Shaw and Leonard avenues), targeting a late October or early November opening, and a second Heirloom location in Clovis near Herndon and Fowler avenues for late 2027 or early 2028. Saizon, at The Row at Heritage Grove, was named to the Los Angeles Times' 2025 list of the 101 best restaurants in California.
