SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – The nation’s major suppliers of lead paint have agreed to pay California’s largest cities and counties $305 million to settle a nearly two-decade old lawsuit. The settlement announced Wednesday comes after years of legal and legislative battling in California and other states. The settlement is with the Sherwin-Williams Company, ConAgra Grocery…… MORE
Patterson Honors Small Business of the Year
CLOVIS (KMJ) – A veteran-owned business is this year’s 23rd Assembly District Small Business of the Year. “Tactical Ops Brewing” in Clovis was honored by Assemblyman Jim Patterson. Owners Brandon Broussard and Justin Campagne combined their passion for high quality craft beer and their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans. With the majority…… MORE
Farm Groups Evaluate H-2A Proposal
Agriculture groups are evaluating the Department of Labor’s H-2A proposal announced earlier this week. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall welcomed the proposal, thanking the Trump administration for “recognizing the need to reform” the program. However, noting the rule is lengthy, Duvall says AFBF will “evaluate it closely for its potential to assist…… MORE
Auditor Uncovers CA State Government IT Security Flaws
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California’s auditor says parts of state government need to do more to safeguard the information they collect, maintain, and store. A report released Tuesday by Auditor Elaine Howle’s says it found “high risk deficiencies” when it surveyed information security practices at 33 government entities. Those entities are not required to meet…… MORE
Quick Arrest Made in Shooting of Hanford Boy
HANFORD (KMJ) – An arrest in the case of a Hanford boy who was shot in his home. After a rapid investigation that took mere hours, Kings County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested 29-year-old Rowdy Paulo and charged him with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and shooting a firearm at an inhabited dwelling. “He would…… MORE
Calif. Readies $1.6 Billion Rail Design Contract
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California is moving toward awarding a $1.65 billion contract to design and construct the tracks and system for the first segment of its beleaguered high-speed rail project. The California High Speed Rail Authority’s board of directors on Tuesday approved releasing a request for qualified bidders for the project. Rail officials hope…… MORE
Magnitude 4.3 Quake Rattles Bay Area, Felt in Valley
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.3 has rattled parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. There are no immediate reports of damage. The quake struck Tuesday afternoon 9 miles (14 kilometers) south of Brentwood, California. People took to social media to say they felt a sharp jolt in the…… MORE
Newsom Appoints Fresno’s Soria to Homeless Task Force
FRESNO (KMJ) – Governor Gavin Newsom, announcing the names of the regional leaders and statewide experts who will advise him on solutions to the state’s homelessness epidemic. Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria will join a statewide group for meetings across the state to assist local governments in crafting strategies to address homelessness.. “We’ve been working…… MORE
Campers Evacuated as Firefighters Battle Wildfire 60 Miles Northeast of Fresno
FRESNO (KMJ) – Campers are evacuated as firefighters battle a new wildfire in the Sierra National Forest 60 miles northeast of Fresno. The Fish Fire was reported Monday evening near the Fish Creek campground. Firefighters say the fire is burning heavy brush and fallen trees at a moderate rate of spread. So far about 95…… MORE
Bill Would Increase Farm Debt Coverage
A bill passed by the House Judiciary Committee would increase the amount of farm debt covered by chapter 12 bankruptcy. Last week, the committee passed the Family Farmer Relief Act. Introduced by New York Representative, Democrat Antonio Delgado, the bill would increase the current debt limit used to determine whether a farmer is eligible…… MORE
