(KMJ) The “marketing ninja” behind the Fresno Grizzlies blockbuster promotions is now mashing up gangsta rap and burgers. Sam Hansen, the young man who gave us the Fresno Tacos and Three Amigos uniforms, is busy putting the finishing touches on his latest creation – the Powamekka Cafe. It’s a “pop up” restaurant honoring the late…… MORE
Sex Crime Convict Brock Turner Serves 3 Months, Released
SAN FRANCISCO (AP/KMJ) – A former Stanford University swimmer whose six-month sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman sparked national outcry has been released from jail after serving half his term. Brock Turner walked out the main entrance of the Santa Clara County jail Friday and plans to head to his native Ohio to live…… MORE
Japanese End Ban on Certain U.S. Wheat Exports
Wheat industry groups welcomed Japan’s announcement to end the temporary ban of U.S. white wheat exports. Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture announced imports resumed Thursday, with the purchase of 58,000 metric tons of U.S. white wheat. The Ministry had temporarily suspended new purchases following the July announcement by the Department of Agriculture that a small…… MORE
Valley Law Enforcement Leaders Urge No Vote On Prop 57
FRESNO (KMJ) – A dozen Valley law enforcement and human rights leaders are urging voters to say no on Prop 57, holding a press conference on Thursday, September 1st at the Fresno County Deputy Sheriff Association. Prop 57 on the November ballot is the early release of criminals initiative for those who have committed non-violent offenses, but…… MORE
UCLA: 70% of CA Healthcare Costs Covered by Taxpayers
FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — 70 percent of what’s spent on healthcare in the Golden State this year, will be covered by taxpayers. The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research attributes the large figure to the significant expansion Medi-Cal. Nationwide, about 45 percent of healthcare expenditures are covered by the public, according to federal data, although some believe…… MORE
S&P: California Among Least-Prepared for Economic Slowdown
FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — S&P Global Ratings is urging California state leaders to do a better job of preparing for the next economic slowdown. Their latest report outlines a simulated stress test, which aims to determine just how prepared a state is for a loss of revenue. California ranks among the worst in the nation, when it…… MORE
VIDEO: City of Fresno, Police Dept. Sued in Dylan Noble Death
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The city of Fresno and the police department are being sued for the shooting death of unarmed teen Dylan Noble. In June, Noble was struck by gun fire four times by two officers when he failed to comply with their orders. The wrongful death lawsuit identified the FPD officers as Ray Camacho and…… MORE
Swearengin Endorses Brand for Fresno Mayor
FRESNO (KMJ) — Outgoing Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin is throwing her support behind Councilman Lee Brand to replace her in 2017. “I’m very pleased today, to recommend to the people of Fresno that Lee Brand serve as Fresno’s next mayor”, announced Ashley Swearengin. Swearengin formally endorsed Brand at a Thursday news conference outside Fresno City…… MORE
CA May Soon Require Background Checks for Uber, Lyft Drivers
FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — If a bill making its way to the desk of Gov. Jerry Brown is signed into law, background checks would be required for drivers of ride-sharing companies, such and Uber and Lyft. The Calif. Public Utilities Dept. currently regulates those services, but doesn’t mandate criminal background checks. The measure aims to protect passengers…… MORE
Republican Poochigian Endorses Democrat Perea
(KMJ) Republican Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Poochigian is breaking from the GOP by announcing Thursday her support and endorsement of democratic Supervisor Henry Perea for Fresno Mayor rather than republican Councilman Lee Brand. In a news release, Poochigian says she’s worked closely with Perea over the years “maintaining core services, and balancing the county budget…… MORE
