SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A bill to raise California’s cigarette tax by $2 per pack was introduced Wednesday in the state Senate, a hike that supporters say would curb smoking deaths and critics argue would place an unnecessary burden on consumers and small businesses. Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, introduced the distribution tax, which also would…… MORE
MADERA (KMJ) — The minor alleged to have started the Willow Fire is expected to be let out of juvenile detention into his mother’s custody. It’s ahead of his court date, set for just over a week’s time. A clinic in Fresno has been selected to then psychologically evaluate the minor. The Willow Fire scorched…… MORE
(KMJ) – The Fresno County Sheriff’s search and rescue team is ramping up its efforts to locate a hiker still missing in the Sierra National Forest. 62-year old Miyuki Harwood got separated from her group early Friday morning. The group was hiking near Horsehead Lake, which is about 100 miles northeast of Fresno. Wednesday morning,…… MORE
(KMJ) The “Rough Fire” continues to char thousands of acres of the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests. As of Wednesday, the lightning-sparked blaze, had burned more than 53,000 acres and is 21% contained. According to the US Forest Service, more than 1,900 firefighters are on the front lines. There will be a community meeting regarding…… MORE
Investigators in San Luis Obispo County are asking for the public’s help here in the Central Valley to locate a “person of interest” who may have information regarding the cause of the recent Cuesta fire. They were last seen driving a white crew cab dual pickup, which was towing a 5th wheel RV and Volkswagen…… MORE
A break in the case of missing hiker Jane Friesen with the discovery of skeletal remains, that police say are most likely hers. On Monday, August 24th, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer made the announcement with Friesen’s family by his side. “It’s a high probability because we have not been able to confirm the identification…… MORE
SACRAMENTO (KMJ) — Three state agencies each have $25,000 dollars to give away, but only to the those who have a good idea to help them do what they do. The three departments are: Caltrans – who want your ideas on improving areas such as crash barriers and reflective signs. The Department of General Services…… MORE
A K-9 officer responding to an accident is the victim of an accident. At 5:30 am on August 25th, Fresno Police were being dispatched to Golden State and Jensen, to the site of a pedestrian hit and run accident. One K-9 officer was driving a Ford F-150 truck to the scene, heading southbound on Fulton…… MORE
Valley Children’s Hospital is recipient of another large gift. Its Emergency Department Waiting Room has been renamed after two of the hospitals largest supporters – Manuel and Kayte Mancebo. Kayte died last November, but her husband Manuel wanted to honor her love for the hospital. CEO Todd Suntrapek: “Her husband is continuing on in…… MORE
(KMJ) The “Rough Fire” continues to char thousands of acres of the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests. As of Tuesday, the lightning-sparked blaze, had burned nearly 52,000 acres and is 17% contained. According to the US Forest Service, more than 1,900 firefighters are on the front lines. There will be a community meeting regarding the…… MORE
