governance

As 'Fracking' Debate Heats Up, Weighing Risks Key to Possible Monterey Shale Boom

Joe Moore — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:42:19 +0000

Could California be on the verge of a new gold rush? That’s the finding of a new study from USC about the potential economic impact of oil that lies deep beneath the Central Valley, known as the Monterey Shale. But extracting that oil isn’t easy, and it would require the use of a number of advanced techniques, including hydraulic fracturing. And that’s attracted concerns from environmental groups and state regulators.

State to Delay Sending Residents Fire Protection Bills

Joe Moore — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 01:32:13 +0000

The state of California is putting a temporary halt to sending out new bills to some rural homeowners in the enforcement of a controversial fire prevention fee.

The delay comes as CAL Fire is sorting through a backlog of thousands of appeals from mostly foothill and mountain residents. The state was planning to send out another round of bills in April.

City of Fresno, SPCA Look For Another Animal Control Extension, Long Term Fix

Juanita Stevenson — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

It’s a Saturday morning and they are serving up pancakes at the Central California SPCA in Fresno.

It’s a fundraiser to help support one of the organizations new programs called “Snip N’ Chip.” It’s a low cost spay and neuter service for low-income pet owners. Central California SPCA Executive Director Linda Van Kirk is happy with the turnout.

“Well, look at the crowd out there. It’s going absolutely fantastic. We are expecting a crowd of 500 to 600 this year versus the 300 we had last year, so we are ecstatic,” says Van Kirk.

Valley Fever Advocates See Hope For New Funding, New Laws

Rebecca Plevin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:29:44 +0000

For Central California families impacted by valley fever, it seemed like the long-ignored disease was finally gaining attention.

Why Unions Oppose Overhauling CEQA

Ben Adler — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:08:47 +0000

The coalition of groups that will fight efforts in the state legislature this year to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act is taking shape. It includes environmental groups, some Democratic lawmakers … and labor unions. Ben Adler reports from Sacramento on why unions are on this side of the CEQA debate.

Fresno County To Allow Developers to Select Their Own Environmental Consultants

Joe Moore — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:15:12 +0000

Developers in Fresno County will soon be able to hire firms of their own choosing to study the environmental impacts of proposed projects.

The Board of Supervisors approved the new policy Tuesday on a 5-0 vote, saying that it will speed up the development process, and help to create jobs.

On Valley Edition: Fresno's Finances; Obesity & Soda; Eco-Friendly Art & Art Américas

Juanita Stevenson — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:00:37 +0000

On this week’s Valley Edition, host Juanita Stevenson takes a look into whether a tax to pay for public safety is right for the City of Fresno. Stevenson begins with a report from the South Valley discussing the City of Visalia’s decision to implement a public safety tax and whether Fresno should follow suit.

Joining a conversation about a possible public safety tax and the state of Fresno’s finances are Fresno City Manager Mark Scott and Fresno Bee Editorial Page Editor Bill McEwen.

Proposed Pension Exemption for Some California Union Members Prompts Debate

Ben Adler — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:36:33 +0000

The author of a bill that would exempt 20,000 California union members from last year’s pension overhaul is defending the measure against criticism that it breaks a promise to voters who just approved tax increases.

Democratic Assemblyman Luis Alejo says he introduced the bill because of a conflict between the new state pension law and U.S. labor law that applies to 20,000 local and regional public transit workers. As a result, he says, $2 billion in federal transportation funds are at risk.

Fresno, Bus Driver Union At Odds Over Work Rules, Pay Cut

Juanita Stevenson — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:41:01 +0000

Drivers who operate the city of Fresno’s bus service, known as Fresno Area Express will tell you that despite that some may thing, theirs is not a cushy job.

Brown Budget Proposal Marks New Era at Capitol

Ben Adler and Amy Quinton — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:55:47 +0000

Governor Jerry Brown’s new California budget proposal marks an end to the crippling deficits that have plagued California for years. It’s also an attempt to make major policy changes – without big increases in spending. But the governor’s message of fiscal restraint could find a warmer reception from Republicans than from his fellow Democrats. Capital Public Radio's Ben Adler and Amy Quinton bring us this two-part report from Sacramento.

-----