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.
Public Safety · Fresno County
One person was killed and six others were injured in a three-vehicle crash reported at about 4:20 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Brawley and Jensen avenues in Fresno County, California Highway Patrol said. The collision involved a southbound Ford Fusion on Brawley Avenue, a westbound Volkswagen sedan on Jensen Avenue, and an eastbound Ford F-150. A male passenger in the Ford Fusion died at the scene; six others were hospitalized with moderate to major injuries. CHP Sgt. Adrian Lopez said investigators have not determined whether the Ford Fusion stopped before entering the intersection, though Brawley Avenue has a stop sign and Jensen Avenue does not. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected as factors, and the collision remains under investigation.
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Local Politics · Clovis, CA
Clovis City Council District 1, covering the city's southwest corner from Willow Avenue to Clovis Avenue and Shaw Avenue south toward Ashlan Avenue, will hold its first district election on Nov. 3. Candidates Magsig, a commercial lending professional and son of Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig, and Sayasane, a former Fresno Police Department crime analyst and current GIS specialist at Fresno City Hall, are running for the seat. Key issues discussed include public safety funding tied to Measure Y, water rate increases, zoning for industrial/service businesses, infrastructure repairs including streetlights and sidewalks, Old Town revitalization, canal trail development, and concerns about commercial truck traffic on residential streets near Old Town. Both candidates emphasized that District 1 has been underserved under the previous at-large council structure.
Local Politics · Clovis, CA
Northwest Clovis residents will vote in the newly created District 5 City Council race on Nov. 3, pitting instructional aide Almond against incumbent Drew Bessinger, a retired Clovis police captain. District 5 spans roughly from Willow Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue and from Highway 168/Sierra Avenue north to Behymer Avenue, including the Buchanan High School area. Almond's platform emphasizes affordable housing, improved public transit, safe routes to schools, developer-funded infrastructure for new growth, and greater representation of non-white residents. Bessinger highlights his record rebuilding Clovis police staffing from 93 to about 135 officers and calls public safety the city's top priority. Both candidates address development pressures in areas like Vista Ranch north of town and existing utility-rate concerns.
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.
