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.
Public Safety · Tulare County
Bear incidents in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have increased 125% since 2020, reaching 356 by late September 2026, with year-to-date property damage totaling $17,358 compared to $898 in 2020. As of Sept. 28, 61 incidents involved unsecured trash and 19 involved human food, while Giant Forest, Halstead Meadow, and Cedar Grove recorded the highest frequency of bear-vehicle collisions over the past three years. Park superintendent Woody Smeck urged visitors to secure food and scented items and admire bears from a safe distance. Over seven years, only two human injuries occurred, but 18 bears were injured and four killed in vehicle collisions.
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.
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Local Politics · Clovis, CA
Two candidates—former Clovis police chief Basgall and retired fire captain Wilson—are competing in the Nov. 3 election for Clovis City Council District 4, covering northeast Clovis north of Bullard Avenue and east of Sunnyside Avenue through Harlan Ranch along Highway 168. Basgall, who led the department for six years before retiring in December 2019, highlighted his experience navigating the Great Recession staffing crisis and championing Measure Y, which raised roughly $30 million in its first year to fund police hiring. He identified a $50 million to $100 million water treatment plant as the major infrastructure challenge for northeast growth expected within a decade, while opposing new taxes and suggesting Mello-Roos districts or developer contributions to fund it. The article's profile of Wilson, who has attended Clovis City Council meetings since the early 1990s, is cut short before his policy positions are detailed.
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.
