Judge Rejects Request for Temporary Restraining Order, Leaving Fresno Smoke Shops in Legal Limbo

FRESNO, Calif. — A judge has ruled against a request for a temporary restraining order aimed at halting the enforcement of new regulations affecting smoke shops in the city. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the impact of tighter restrictions on local businesses. The Fresno City Council recently approved a series of regulations targeting smoke shops, which include heightened permit requirements and constraints on the sale of certain products. Local shop owners expressed frustration, arguing that the new rules could threaten their livelihoods and harm the local economy. In court, the plaintiffs contended that … Read more

Fresno Unified Trustee Under Fire for Breaching Confidentiality: Grand Jury Calls for Ethics Training to Address Brown Act Violations

FRESNO, Calif. — A recent investigation by the Fresno County Grand Jury has uncovered that a trustee from Fresno Unified School District disclosed sensitive information from confidential closed session meetings to the media, violating state transparency laws known as the Brown Act. In light of this breach, the Grand Jury has advised the district’s board members to undergo training focused on ethics laws, particularly emphasizing compliance with the Brown Act, which is designed to ensure public access to meetings while allowing certain discussions to remain private. The inquiry was initiated following several complaints from local … Read more

From Fields to the Bench: Valley Native with Farming Heritage Appointed as Fresno County Judge

Fresno, California—A local resident with deep agricultural roots has been appointed as a judge in Fresno County, marking a significant milestone in both personal and community history. This appointment reflects the region’s commitment to uphold justice while honoring its agricultural heritage. The newly appointed judge, a Valley native, brings valuable insights and an understanding of the complexities faced by those in farming communities. Growing up in a family devoted to agriculture, the judge is familiar with the challenges that residents confront, particularly in a region known for its diverse crops and extensive farming operations. This … Read more

Fresno Jury to Decide Groundbreaking Fentanyl Murder Case as Deliberations Begin

FRESNO, Calif. — The fate of Cassidy Gonzalez now rests in the hands of a jury after closing arguments concluded on Monday, marking a significant moment in Fresno County’s legal history. Gonzalez faces murder charges in what has been labeled as the county’s first fentanyl-related murder trial, drawing intense scrutiny and local attention. Prosecutors argue that Gonzalez deliberately provided the fentanyl that led to the death of Jade Dreith in 2022, emphasizing her awareness of the potent drug’s lethal nature. “Cassidy Gonzalez sent that message and admitted to providing the pills that killed Jade,” stated … Read more