Kings County DA Fagundes under investigation for using taxpayer money to pay sister, brother

This article was updated at June 5 at 11:50am to add that the Cliffs Hotel conference center requires room reservations, and that Fagundes stated the payments to his sister were preapproved by a Kings County Fiscal Analyst. Kings County District Attorney (DA) Keith Fagundes paid county funds of at least $8594.77 and up to $12,152 […]

‘There’s a perfect storm brewing,’ Farm Bureau president warns in D.C. visit

Arriving in Washington, D.C., amid concerns over global conflict, the pandemic and inflation, the California Farm Bureau board of directors met with members of Congress, federal agencies and others on pressing issues affecting agriculture. Discussions focused on themes including the California drought, trade challenges and immigration and farm workforce issues. “This drought is even more […]

Urban water use is latest target for drought cutbacks

With farmers across California already facing severe cuts in irrigation supplies, state officials are now imposing additional aggressive conservation measures for urban consumers and local water agencies across the state. Emergency regulations, adopted May 24 by the California State Water Resources Control Board, are now targeting California cities and communities and the state’s nonagricultural landscapes. […]

Fresno-Yosemite International ready to welcome summer travelers

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) anticipates a busy summer travel season beginning late May and beyond Labor Day weekend. Fully recovered to pre-pandemic passenger levels, FAT is forecasting record passenger volume during the summer travel period.  Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and to check with their airline for any requirements to ensure seamless travels. […]

Homeless in Visalia: A personal view

Author’s note: The following story is based in part on my recent experience helping a close friend attempt to navigate her way through suddenly finding herself homeless in the midst of a severe mental-health crisis. The names of key individuals described and quoted in the story have been changed to protect their privacy. The events […]

Hacker beats Fagundes in fundraising five to one

If money is the mother’s milk of politics, Sarah Hacker’s campaign for district attorney has abundant resources out fundraising incumbent Keith Fagundes by nearly five-to-one, according to campaign reports required by the state Fair Political Practices Commission. Whether money alone will be enough to unseat the two-term district attorney is indeterminable at this point. The […]