Officials at Fresno Yosemite International Airport are going to use a public party planned by ExpressJet as a forum to pitch for service to Sacramento. The carrier
is getting rave reviews for flights to Long Beach, San Diego and Ontario - and the airport thinks service to the state's capital would be a hit.

So, the airport's marketing staff plans to hand out buttons at Thursday's party - from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Elbow Room - that state, "Setting our sights on Sacramento." The party is to celebrate the carrier's one-year anniversary in Fresno.

What do you think? Do you like ExpressJet and would service to Sacramento, well, fly?

Posted by Sandy Nax at 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to voice your opinion on the heated presidential election or foreclosure crisis?

A three-hour town hall meeting will be held this Saturday at the Cornerstone Conference Center in Fresno. Information gathered will be presented at the Sept. 6 National Campaign Convention in Los Angeles.
The event begins at 1 p.m. and Hmong and Spanish interpreters will be available. Food and childcare also will be provided.

The conference center is located at 1525 N. Fulton St.
Details: 559 499 1178

-- Susie Pakoua Vang

Posted by Susie Vang at 3:52 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Fresno County Supervisor Bob Waterston this week cast the key vote needed to ease a long-standing policy that prohibits county supervisors from talking with people once a land-use application is filed.

The policy has been in place since 1978, and in the past, Waterston has been among the board members who refused to change it.

But on Tuesday, Waterston switched sides, joining Supervisor Susan Anderson and Board Chairman Henry Perea in approving a change. Now, supervisors will be able to talk to people on both sides of a land-use issue before a hearing is held. The supervisors also must publicly disclose who they’ve talked to prior to the hearing taking place.

Waterston said he changed his mind because he realized the policy was keeping him from receiving information that he needed to make informed decisions.

The policy was enacted at a time when county supervisors and planning commissioners were making back-room deals with developers, former county supervisors have said.

Those former supervisors – John Krebs, Sharon Levy, John Donaldson and Armando Rodriguez – lobbied against changing the policy last year. They said county supervisors shouldn’t be discussing land-use issues behind closed doors.

The policy doesn’t apply to land-use changes that affect the entire county.

On Tuesday, Supervisors Judy Case and Phil Larson were the only ones who wanted to keep the policy intact. Larson put it this way: “If it’s not broke, I don’t think we should try and fix it.”

The policy change doesn’t take effect until July 1. That means it won’t have any effect on a controversial land-use issue that’s before the board – a request by Calaveras Materials to mine 315 acres on the south side of Goodfellow Avenue, east of Sanger.

Waterston said the board purposely delayed implementing the policy change: “That was the reason we did that. All we know about it is what staff has presented to us.”

Posted by Kerri Ginis at 1:47 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

California's fight against global warming has turned into a bit of a low-profile mud wrestling match in the electricity industry, which is the second-biggest source of carbon dioxide after motor vehicles.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Southern California utilities, such as Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, might wind up paying more than a half-billion dollars annually in extra fees. Why? Because LADWP and other taxpayer-owned utilities get electricity from the nation's dirtiest source -- coal.

The coal plants are located in Utah and Arizona, where the state has no authority. But state officials are considering regulating the "first deliverers" who bring the electricity to the state line. Usually, those are energy middlemen or utilities.

Customers' bills could soar, critics say. Millions of dollars could be siphoned from coal-reliant cities, such as Burbank or Anaheim, they say. The idea smacks of the shift of wealth that took place seven years ago in the ill-fated electricity deregulation debaucle in California.

But others say LA power customers have enjoyed some of the lowest rates in the state by using electricity created by coal-powered energy. The extra fees should be spread to other utilities for building environmentally friendly power generation, say supporters, including Southern California Edison.

The proposals have been discussed at workshops this week in San Francisco. It could be many months before any decisions are made.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

A motorcyclist eluded California Highway Patrol officers Monday night after a high-speed chase through parts of Fresno and Clovis.
The CHP began chasing the orange motorcycle at speeds of more than 100 mph about 8:30 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Highway 41 near North Avenue. The chase was reported as far north as Shaw Avenue and as far east as Willow Avenue before officers lost sight of the motorcycle.

Posted by Jim Guy at 9:18 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday announced that it is proposing PM-10 clean-air status for the San Joaquin Valley.

It is considered a big achievement, especially since PM-10 consists of tiny dust specks and chemical debris that can trigger lung and heart problems.

The good news has been going on for almost two years now, providing a classic look at Clean Air Act bureaucracy in action. Local, state and federal officials need to acknowlege this achievement, provide evidence, ask for public comment and finally announce the proposal to make it final.

The EPA announcement still needs to go into the Federal Register within the next two weeks. Then it needs another 30 days of public comment.

Afterward, there will be yet another announcement of the achievement.

Meanwhile, environmentalists last month filed suit against the EPA, saying the agency is illegally ignoring violations of the standard. There have been some dusty days that the EPA waived, due to high wind. The lawsuit must now wind its way through federal court.

No matter who wins, there will be more triumphant announcements over the same subject for months to come.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's an idea voters might like: Cut the pay for legislators and statewide elected officials. That's what the California Citizens Compensation Commission floated Tuesday at a meeting in Van Nuys., according to the Sacramento Bee's Capitol Alert. The commission could decide on the matter in late May or early June.

Here's what state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, said when reached by email: "I'm willing to do whatever the Commission decides. I think the freeze of salaries is a good idea."

Posted by EJ Schultz at 12:45 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Transformers toys and Barbie dolls went head to head to last quarter and Transformers won.

Transformers manufacturer Hasbro saw its earnings rise an unexpected 14%, according to a story in today's Bee. Hasbro is riding the wave of last summer’s blockbuster Transformers movie and all the toys consumers bought after seeing it.

Meanwhile, 49-year-old Barbie’s age is showing. Sales of the doll fell 12% last quarter, as she was beat out by younger competitors Hannah Montana and the Internet-saavy puppies and kitties that are Ganz’s Webkinz, according to this story. Barbie’s maker, Mattel Inc., posted its first quarterly loss in almost three years. Recalls of lead-tainted toys and Polly Pocket’s detachable and bite-size magnets didn’t help.

So what’s next for Barbie? Will a Rocky-themed Barbie Balboa in red, white and blue boxing shorts stage a comeback on store shelves?

Posted by Bethany Clough at 9:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

For those who keep track of global warming, NOAA's National Climatic Data Center shows that the average U.S. temperature for March ranked near the average for the past 113 years. It was the 63rd warmest March since record-keeping began in the United States in 1895.

Not bad, right? But consider the rest of the planet.

The average global land temperature last month was the warmest on record for any March. And ocean surface temperatures were the 13th warmest for March.

Combining the land and the ocean temperatures, the planet had its second warmest March on record. Global temperature averages have been recorded since 1880.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 9:03 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Tower District location of Lauck’s Bakery closed Saturday, bringing an end to 69 years of beerocks, gooey chocolate and caramel cookies and birthday cakes.

Owner Darrel Davis told The Bee in December that he planned to close the Olive Avenue bakery in coming months due to rent issues.

The Bullard Avenue and Figarden Drive location will remain open, with plans to expand and begin serving light lunches.

More details about the closure will be in Tuesday’s business section.

Davis said he knows Fresnans have plenty of memories associated with the green-and-white building. He has black-and-white photos of men in white paper bakers’ hats, and women in identical uniforms with crisp white skirts.

Do you have any memories of Lauck’s to share?

Posted by Bethany Clough at 4:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production and the National Conference of State Legislatures have released a report on state policies governing large feedlots, also know as concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.

The state survey is part of a 2 1/2 year study of industrial farm animal production and its effect on public health, the environment and animal welfare.

The study said that California "appears to be working diligently to curb any runoff from CAFOs into water sources."

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 4:08 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

If you’re looking for a job, you already know how tough it is out there.

But we were reminded this morning when a story about the state seeking paid apprentices who can earn more than $20 an hour made the phone of my colleague Robert Rodriguez ring off the hook.

He received nearly 15 phone calls about California’s ‘I Built It’ campaign. The state is looking to meet an “amazing need” for apprentices on billions of dollars worth of future public-works projects. Did I mention they get paid while receiving training?

They’re looking for 73,000 carpenters who could earn $23 an hour and 15,000 operating engineers who could earn more than $27 an hour.

The program’s Web site includes videos of each position. And this site includes contact information for each profession’s apprenticeships.

Posted by Bethany Clough at 11:29 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Mex-Cal Truckline, also known as Cal-Mex International Broker, Inc., has settled with the State Attorney General's Office for a $50,000 fine after violating state air quality laws.

An August 2006 state investigation showed that the San Diego company did not properly self-inspect its fleet of 20-plus trucks for excess diesel emissions. The company also has a terminal in Tijuana.

Mex-Cal agreed to pay $33,750 to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which was established to mitigate sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology.

In addition, $5,000 will be paid to the Office of the California Attorney General for legal fees and $11,250 to the Peralta Community College District for California community colleges that participate in the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology Program. The program is a joint training effort by community colleges, government and industry, created to help the trucking and transit industries follow state air laws.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Manuel Martinez sent us a note about his new company, www.thesolarpole.com.

The Valley resident says his product provides a unique solution for a tough housing market. It is certainly unique.

But I'll let him explain: "I developed a patent-pending real estate pole that has a solar light mounted to it for an additional 6 to 8 hours of marketing. In today's market, Realtors, sellers, builders need to stand out."

In this era of local inventors -- stripper poles, solar hat fans, Fresno scraper and grape varieties -- getting patents, Martinez might join the short list.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 12:06 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Want to be last fired? Want to keep your job? It's all about being a valuable employee, says business guru Stephen Covey, author of "The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything."

In a statement from his office, he lists eight "trust tips to recession-proof your career.

March marked 80,000 U.S. jobs lost — the worst monthly drop in 5 years. Analysts say the bloodletting will continue at unprecedented rates as the economy trends downward. Rather than sit huddled in your cubicles wondering who will be next, look for what will give you the edge.

It’s no secret that the best opportunities, promotions, and assignments go to the team members who can be trusted to get the job done. These are often the same people who get to stick around when the going gets tough. The fastest way to increase trust—and therefore your value to the company—is to demonstrate behaviors of character and competence. A basic understanding of these behaviors will help make your organization more profitable, you more promotable, and your relationships more energizing:

1. Talk Straight & Create Transparency: Tell the truth in a way people can verify and leave the right impression. Err on the side of disclosure—no hidden agendas. The more people trust you, the faster you can work (think less red-tape). Counterfeits such as beating around the bush, withholding information, flattery, and spinning actually damage trust and effectiveness.

2. Demonstrate Respect & Show Loyalty: Behave in ways that show fundamental respect for people. Exhibit caring and concern. Give credit where credit is due and speak about people as though they were present. Counterfeits—like faking respect or concern or, worse yet, showing respect for some (those who can help you), but not for all (those who can’t)—diminish trust quickly.

3. Right Wrongs: Make things right when you’re wrong. Apologize quickly. Make restitution where possible. Demonstrate personal humility, and don’t let pride get in the way of doing the right thing. Don’t rationalize, deny, or justify wrongs, and never cover things up!

4. Deliver Results & Practice Accountability: If you need to build trust fast, deliver results. Results give you instant credibility and instant trust, demonstrating that you add value; that you can contribute and perform. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver, and don’t make excuses for not delivering. Take responsibility for the results and hold yourself accountable.

5. Get Better: Continuously improve. Take feedback for the learning opportunity it is and increase your capabilities. When people see you as a learning, growing person, they develop confidence in your ability to succeed in a rapidly changing environment, enabling you to build high-trust relationships and move with incredible speed. (Efficiency costs the company less—improving their bottom line and your skill set.)

6. Confront Reality & Clarify Expectations: Lead out courageously in conversation and take the tough issues head-on. Then clarify expectations by creating a shared agreement about what is to be done up front. Pin down the specifics (results, deadlines, or dollars and cents).

7. Listen First: Really listen (genuinely seek to understand another person’s thoughts, feelings, experience, and point of view), and do it first (before you try to diagnose, influence, or prescribe). Listening first and speaking last helps you make better decisions, directly impacting the positive track record you’re building.

8. Make and Keep Commitments: Say what you’re going to do, then do it. Keeping commitments is the quickest way to build trust in any relationship. Its opposite—to break commitments or violate promises—is, without question, the quickest way to destroy trust. Be careful with the commitments you make. Be sure you can deliver, and then do.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 10:51 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

A survey by RealFacts notes apartment vacancy rates are increasing and questions why. With all the foreclosures, wouldn't the demand for apartments be soaring?

Apparently not. And it's because many of those households are renting single-family houses. That, in combination with a slowing economy that is forcing people to double up or move in with family members, is causing apartment vacancies to rise slightly in Fresno, said Marc Wilson, owner of San-Mar Properties.

RealFacts says the average occupancy in Fresno has fallen almost 1% in a year. Thus, more landlords are offering move-in specials and other concessions to renters. All this hasn't been enough to cause rent decreases though; RealFacts says the average rent climbed 2.6% over the last year.

Posted by Sandy Nax at 9:30 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

When Fresno cardiologist John Telles was named Wednesday to represent the Valley on both the state and regional air quality boards, environmentalists said they hadn't endorsed him but they would wait and see how he performs.

He has been carrying at least part of the environmentalists' message for some time.

Telles already is a familiar face at air quality seminars for the medical community, presenting the latest scientific data about the dangers. He has advocated health positions very similar to those of environmentalists at the regional air board.

He's the first of the four new board members on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District governing board. Telles is moving into a highly political climate that often turns controversial. On April 30, the board will hear public comment on the latest high-profile issue, the cleanup plan for microscopic debris called PM.25.

Telles has developed a background on PM-2.5 damage in the human body. Will his expertise be tapped at board meetings? The public will know soon.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Fresno police targeted tagging groups in an anti-graffiti operation launched Wednesday in a bid to end assaults between rival groups.

Sgt. Pete Boyer said 20 officers from crime suppression teams and the anti-graffiti unit made 10 felony arrests and 22 parole and probation searches as part of the operation. Two Bulldog gang members were also arrested.

Posted by Jim Guy at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

What better place to breast feed than at a hearing on raw milk. But while you're testifying?

It might have been a Capitol first. Speaking in support of raw milk at a legislative hearing Tuesday night, a mother began breast feeding one of her kids. People noticed but no one stopped her and the hearing went on as normal, according to staffers of Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, who hosted the hearing.

It was a sympathetic audience for sure. The hearing focused on new tighter restrictions on bacteria levels in milk. Raw milk enthusiasts came out in force to bash the new regulations, which they say are unnecessary and will hurt raw milk producers, including one in Kerman.

Posted by EJ Schultz at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Got a business that promotes fitness and healthy employees?

The California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness has launched the 2008 California Fit Business Awards and is looking for applicants -- especially from Fresno and the central San Joaquin Valley, organizers say. The annual awards program was first launched in 2003 to public, private and nonprofit companies across California seeking to recognize innovation.

The idea is to give California employers an opportunity to share business models that promote healthy workplaces, officials said in a statement. There's an estimated $28 billion a year in lost productivity, workers’ compensation and medical costs associated with obesity issues in working adults.

Applications, which can be downloaded at the task force web site, must be postmarked before June 16.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 2:20 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Nathan Magsig is accusing his opponent in the District 5 Board of Supervisors race of ducking debates and avoiding public appearances.

In a release sent out this week, the Clovis City Councilman asks “do we need to send out a search and rescue unit for Debbie Poochigian?" after he was the lone attendee at a recent debate hosted by California State University, Fresno.

“I really don’t know what to make of it,” Magsig said of Poochigian’s absences. “When there’s only one candidate who shows up to the debate, the public is the one who loses out because you don’t get to hear from both sides.”

But Poochigian, a community activist, says Magsig is wrong about her attendance record. She responded with a list of about 15 debates that she has been to or plans to go to. She said she’s also hosted town hall meetings with residents in many foothill communities. She says she couldn’t attend the Fresno State debate because of a prior conflict.

“I’m getting to as many of them as I can, I’m working really hard,” she said. “I don’t know why he is saying this.”

Magsig says that in some instances, Poochigian has said she would be at a debate and then didn’t show up. But Poochigian says she’s attended every debate she’s agreed to be at.

Posted by Kerri Ginis at 1:11 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsements Wednesday for three races in the June 3 election:

For Fresno City Council District 2, the chamber gave the nod to law professor Andreas Borgeas over college student and businessman Michael Karbassi. The chamber praised Borgeas for a busy campaign that started in August and has included walking the district to meet voters and talking with local leaders to learn about the issues facing Fresno and the Valley.

In the race for Fresno County Supervisor District 5, the chamber endorsed Nathan Magsig, a businessman and Clovis City Council Member. The chamber called Magsig a "rising star in California politics," and praised his "can-do" attitude and advocacy for taxpayers. He's facing Debbie Poochigian in the race to replace Bob Waterston.

In the race for Fresno County Supervisor District 2, the chamber picked Brian Calhoun over incumbent Susan Anderson. "He is a fiscally responsible and a consistent advocate for integrated public safety," a cause of the chamber, the organization said in a news release. Calhoun, a Fresno City Council Member, is facing Anderson and Certified Public Accountant Paul Dictos in the race.

Posted by Brad Branan at 12:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

There's no waiting for public hearings, lawsuits or bureacratic agencies in attacking the air quality problem in Beijing. Chinese officials are moving swiftly to reduce smog for the Olympics this summer.

Between July 20 and Sept. 20, Chinese officials say there will be a freeze on construction. Nineteen industries -- including steel and petroleum plants -- will have to reduce emissions by 30% this summer or risk closure. Quarrying, cement production and spray painting outdoors will come to a halt.

Maybe half the city's 3.5 million vehicles will be pulled off the roads at times.

Beijing is one of the world's most polluted cities. A brew of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide hangs in the city at levels five times higher than World Health Organization's safety standards. It is well beyond any pollution levels in the San Joaquin Valley.

Will the last-minute measures be enough for world-class athletes to perform? Some people doubt it. But Chinese officials assured Olympic officials this week that the air will be fit for the games.

Said Du Shaozhong, deputy director of the city’s Environmental Protection Bureau, during a news
conference: “Just tell everybody they don’t have to worry.”

Posted by Mark Grossi at 9:37 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Voters in Fresno County will have two opportunities Thursday to question candidates for public office.

Fresno City Council District 4 candidates will discuss how they would address the district's biggest problems.

Incumbent Larry Westerlund and opponent Susan Good will be asked to make commitments to neighborhood issues at the event, scheduled from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Thursday at North Fresno Mennonite Brethren Church, 5724 N. Fresno St.

An attorney, Westerlund is seeking his second, four-year term on the council. Good is district director for state Sen. Dean Florez.

Candidates for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors have been invited to a forum sponsored by Fresno Metro Ministry.

The public is invited to attend the community health care roundtable from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3973 N. Cedar Ave. in Fresno.

The candidates planning to attend are incumbent Supervisor Susan Anderson and Fresno City Council Member Brian Calhoun, who are running for the District 2 seat, and Clovis City Council Member Nathan Magsig, who is running for the District 5 seat.

For information on the Metro Ministry roundtable, call (559) 485-1416.

-- Brad Branan and Kerri Ginis

Posted by Doug Beeman at 7:44 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Good and bad news:
The number of houses in the foreclosure process in Fresno County in last month fell 12% from February, but was up 211% from a year earlier, according to a tracking service.

That was enough to drop Fresno County five places, ranking it 25th among California counties in population per trustee sale, ForeclosureRadar reported.

Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sacramento and Yuba counties had the dubious distinction of holding the top five slots.

Could things be getting better? Time will tell

Posted by Sandy Nax at 4:01 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Some interesting things are happening in real estate land that lead some observers to wonder, "Could this be the bottom?"

First: A report from the California Building Industry Association released Tuesday says new-home sales inched up in some parts of the central San Joaquin Valley in February from January, and noted that year-over-year declines are starting to shrink.

Second: Investors are starting to buy excess lots from builders and banks, which many take as a sign that smart money thinks prices have fallen about as low as they will go.

Posted by Sandy Nax at 1:52 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Looking for some juicy strawberries in Fresno County?

Here’s a list that appears on the Web site for the Fresno County Fruit Trail. Dennis Pollock's story on strawberry stands is here.

Here's more information.

John Xiong’s Farm (on Jensen, 1/10 mile west of Elm)
Saephan’s Farm (on Elm, near Central)
Saefong’s Farm (North & Cedar Ave)
Vang’s Strawberry (Clovis & Central Ave)
Kao Saechao’s Farm (on McCall, ¼ mile north of Dinuba Ave in Selma)
Fry Family Strawberry Patch (on Conejo, ½ mile west of hwy 99 in Kingsburg)
Koy’s Farm #1 (Mountain View & Academy in Kingsburg)
Koy’s Farm #2 (on Manning, ¼ mile west of Newmark in Parlier)
James Saelee Farm (on Manning, 1 ¼ miles east of Buttonwillow Ave in Reedley)
Chao’s Farm (on Kings Canyon, 1/10 mile east of Academy)
Xiong’s Fresh Strawberry Farm (on Belmont, 1 mile west of Academy)
Choi Nam’s Farm (McCall & Belmont)
Nelson Yang Farm (on Kings Canyon, ¼ mile west of Locan)
Saechao’s Farm (on Armstrong near Olive Avenue)
Tchieng Fong’s Farm (on Fowler & Floradora Ave, ¼ mile north of Olive)
Tchieng’s Farm (on Shaw, ½ mile west of De Wolf Ave)
Saetern’s Farm (on Shaw, ½ mile east of De Wolf Ave)
See Vue’s Farm (on Herndon, ½ mile east of Tollhouse)
Siong’s Farm (Temperance & Shepherd Ave)
Kong’s Farm (on Shepherd, ¼ mile east of Minnewawa Ave)
Ming’s Farm (on Herndon, ¼ mile east of Willow Ave)
Saetern’s Farm (on Shaw, ¼ mile east of Chauteau Fresno Ave)
Thao’s Farm (on Dakota near Brawley)
Lee’s Farm (on Belmont near Brawley)

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 12:15 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

A barrel of oil surged to almost $114 this morning. And you know what that means: more money out of your wallet at the gas pump.

Every morning on my way to work I note what gas is selling for at two stations. So far $3.69 is the highest I’ve seen, though the Web site FresnoGasPrices.com says some places are charging $3.89.

What are you seeing?

Posted by Bethany Clough at 10:02 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

With no fanfare, Modesto's Dave Cogdill took over Tuesday as GOP leader of the state Senate. Cogdill, whose district covers parts of Fresno County, was elected leader by his peers in late February. Over the weekend he moved from his modest four-room office in the Capitol annex to cushy third-floor digs in the original Capitol building.

The former occupant, Dick Ackerman of Irvine, is termed out and decided to give up the leadership post early. My first memory of the GOP leader's office was about two years ago. Lawmakers had just finished cutting a deal on a series of infrastructure bonds and Ackerman invited the Capitol press corps into his office for a casual, late night news conference. Ackerman and his top lieutenant, Sen. George Runner, sipped wine (we reporters had water, of course) as they discussed the deal that supposedly heralded a new era of bipartisanship -- at least that's what Gov. Schwarzenegger said.

Well, times have changed. Cogdill takes over as the state faces at least an $8 billion deficit for the coming fiscal year. Republicans have dug their heels in against raising taxes and Democrats are equally fixated on avoiding spending cuts. It will be a long summer, for sure.

Outside of leading his caucus in the budget talks, Cogdill, a fiscal conservative, yields little power as leader of the minority party. His most important job, perhaps, will be to help campaign for fellow Valley Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Atwater, who faces a Democratic-led recall election in June.

If Democrats can pick off Denham and win one more seat in the Senate, GOP lawmakers will lose what little power they have. The budget takes a two-thirds vote, meaning two GOP Senate members must vote "aye." If the Senate Dems take two more seats, they can pass a budget by themselves. Of course, it would still have to clear the Assembly, which will almost assuredly keep enough GOP seats to make a difference.

Posted by EJ Schultz at 9:41 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Two Kern County land owners paid an air-quality fine of more than $11,000 after authorities reported finding burning cow and sheep carcasses in two large pits on their property near Shafter.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District this week announced the 2006 case was settled about a month ago. The district monthly issues a list of violation notices and settlements over fines.

The land owners, Jesus and Micaela Orozco, were cited twice in a three-month period, officials said. It is illegal to burn animal carcasses because of the particulate matter and nuisance smells.

Officials said there were 50 to 100 carcasses in the pits. The burning may have taken place slowly over time, involving only a few animals at a time.

The first violation notice was during April. The second was in June. Officials said the second one was for a complaint about the pits still smoldering.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 8:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Results are in from Sunday's voting on delegates to represent Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama at the Democratic Party's national convention in August. The voting got more attention than usual this year.

The notable Valley names include Elsa Florez, wife of state Sen. Dean Florez,D-Shafter. She was elected as the lone Obama delegate from the 20th Congressional District (served by Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno).

The five Valley area districts will send 11 Clinton delegates and four Obama delegates.

Posted by EJ Schultz at 5:32 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Woodlake Police Chief John Zapalac is getting a head start in his bid to be elected Tulare County Sheriff in 2010.

Yep, 2010.

He held a campaign kickoff party at his ranch near Lemon Cove on Sunday attended by 85 "enthusiastic supporters," according to an announcement.

Zapalac, 57, ran against Sheriff Bill Wittman in 2006, but lost 64.4% to 35.6%

But it was only a 90-day campaign, Zapalac said. "We need more time," he said. That's why he's telling everyone now.

Wittman, 64 and in his fourth term, said in a Monday interview, "I'm certainly going to run again."

Posted by Lewis Griswold at 4:03 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

In this week’s Word on the Street:

Despite a slowing economy, one Madera lighting company is expanding, even adding a game room and cafeteria for employees.

A part owner of Campagnia restaurant plans to buy Catalano’s Market and change the name.

And two local entrepreneurs are selling little red cards that get Fresnans discounts on everything from hockey tickets to restaurants.

Word on the Street is a weekly feature in Monday’s business section, detailing the latest business openings and closings and other business news.

Posted by Bethany Clough at 9:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Environmental Protection Agency's own advisory panel of scientists last week wrote a letter to the EPA saying its new smog standard fails to protect people.

The stern letter to Administrator Stephen Johnson called for a further tightening of the standard and complained that the panel's previous recommendation had been ignored. There has been no public response from the agency, which says its decision is supported in scientific research.

Johnson on March 12 lowered the ozone health threshold from 80 parts per billion to 75 parts per billion. More than 340 counties nationally will have dirty air by that standard. The San Joaquin Valley, which has never achieved any ozone standard, probably will need another 20 years to attain the new one.

But the new standard still was not good enough, according to the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, created by Congress to advise the EPA. The committee had urged the EPA to set a standard for ozone of
between 60 parts per billion and 70 parts per billion.

According to the Associated Press, the committee said it remained convinced that the EPA’s concentration level “fails to ... ensure an adequate margin of safety” for the elderly, children and people with respiratory illnesses.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 8:54 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Fresno police used undercover officers to look for drunken drivers leaving night spots in northeast Fresno Thursday night, Sgt. Dave Gibeault said. Ten officers took part in the department's "Barwatch" operation. Gibeault said the good news was that only three people were arrested while many more got home by taxi or designated driver.

Posted by Jim Guy at 10:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said she is thankful for the flower arrangements, plants and gift baskets the public sent during her recovery from breast cancer.

But the public’s generosity also created some extra work for the sheriff. As a public official, she’s required to account for any gift she receives over $50 on her Statement of Economic Interest, or 700 form, which details gifts, loans and other income-producing jobs that could pose a conflict of interest.

With each bouquet or gift basket that came to her door, Mims had to estimate how much it cost. If she figured out it was more than $50, it got listed on her form.

“It was an effort,” she said. “Most people don’t realize you have to do that.”

In the end, Mims said she reported $2,725 in gifts, which she turned in last month to the state's Fair Political Practices Commission.

Mims said she is “grateful” to everyone who thought of her following her breast cancer diagnosis in February, but added: “I do have to follow the rules and account for it.”

Posted by Kerri Ginis at 3:14 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Frontier, which today became the fourth airline to seek bankruptcy protection in the past several weeks, pulled out of Fresno last year.

The Denver-based airline's last flight left Fresno on June 15.

Frontier posted strong ridership levels when it started service to Fresno in September 2005. City officials bolstered the operation with a $1 million grant that helped subsidize the carrier for a year and assisted with marketing costs.

But the once-a-day flight to Denver was not profitable enough to satisfy Frontier, the airline announced when it pulled out.

Click here to see the daily flight schedule at FYI.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 11:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Lincoln Club of Fresno County, a Republican organization which backs economic and business conservatives for office, has endorsed candidates for the Fresno City Council in the upcoming June primary election.

The club endorsed Andreas Borgeas in District 2, which covers northwest Fresno, Larry Westerlund in District 4, which covers east-central Fresno, and Lee Brand for District 6, which is in northeast Fresno.

Michael Der Manouel Jr., who is the Lincoln Club’s chairman, noted that the three were “clearly the best qualified, pro-business, pro-economic growth” candidates.

Next up for the club is looking at how to help each candidate get elected. Also on the agenda is the club’s mayoral endorsement.

--John Ellis

Posted by Doug Beeman at 9:24 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Fresnan and former California Secretary of State Bill Jones -- who recently told the Bee he does not intend to return to public life -- is starring in a new political ad. He's not plugging himself, but Valley State Sen. Jeff Denham.

Denham, R-Atwater, is facing a recall election on June 3. In the ad, Jones calls the recall "just plain wrong." He filmed the ad at Denham's request, he said.

As of late, Jones has been stumping for GOP presidential nominee John McCain. Bee reporter John Ellis recently reported on speculation that Jones might be in a good position to snare a cabinet post if McCain wins. Jones told Ellis: "You never say never, but it's not my intention at this point."

In the ad, Jones looks as though he never left the secretary of state's office. It was filmed at an office overlooking the Capitol, with the dome rising above his right shoulder.

Watch it here:

The "dump Denham" campaign released its first TV ad last week:

Posted by EJ Schultz at 3:19 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Several relatives called me this morning, expressing their excitement about Assembly Bill 2064, which would require California to include Hmong history in school text books.

The bill by Assemblyman Juan Arambula, D-Fresno, was cleared by the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday.

One of the mandates would include teaching of the “Secret War” in Laos — a part of Hmong history that claimed thousands of lives and displaced many others — my family included.

My parents and thousands of other Hmong and Laotian ethnic groups were forced to flee Laos because they helped America try to fight communism during the Vietnam War.

With my older siblings strapped to their backs, my parents walked barefoot through the jungle, dodging bullets and walking around landmines until they finally reached a Thai refugee camp.

After spending a few months in Thailand, my parents finally got word: A church in Mobile, Ala. had agreed to sponsor them. Speaking no English and having no money, my parents said “Goodbye” to family and friends and embarked on an uncertain path.

That path led my parents from the Mobile apartment they shared with two other families to the housing projects in Fresno. I was born at the now-defunct University Medical Center along Cedar Avenue — less than a mile north of the dilapidated apartment where I spent numerous hours listening to my parents speak about the harrowing stories of war, their struggles in the new country, and most importantly, their hopes and aspirations in their new home.

-- Susie Pakoua Vang

Posted by Susie Vang at 1:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Any J.Crew fans out there? The preppy retailer plans to open a store in Fig Garden Village this fall. Read more about it here.

There’s perks to being a retail reporter at this newspaper. I had to shop — oops, I mean research, this company via their Web site. Checking out all those little black dresses, shoes, even wedding dresses was such hard work.

Now if only I could afford a pair of $198 shoes...

Posted by Bethany Clough at 12:06 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Opponents of the Prop. 98 eminent domain measure got a boost Thursday as the influential Metropolitan Water District of Southern California voted to oppose the proposal.

The district’s board sided with an argument being pushed by the anti-Prop. 98 folks: that the measure would complicate construction of public water projects.

The initiative, on the June 3 ballot, would prohibit governments from seizing property for private use. The Metropolitan board says the initiative is too far-reaching and would “block use of eminent domain for construction of water delivery projects, acquisition rights-of-way for pipelines and canals, and acquisition of
land for reservoirs or other facilities.”

Interesting, then, that the initiative is backed by water-thirsty groups like the California Farm Bureau Federation and Fresno Cooperative Raisin Growers, Inc. Farm Bureau spokesman Dave Kranz said the organization consulted with lawyers and is confident the measure won’t hinder water projects.

The bureau “is a strong supporter of creating new reservoirs and we’re a strong supporter of property rights protection,” he said. “Those two interests are both well represented in Prop. 98.”

The Fresno County Farm Bureau hasn’t taken a position yet — and might not ever take its own view because it usually follows the lead of the statewide bureau. “It hasn’t gone to our board yet,” said Ryan Jacobsen, executive director of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. “We will be looking at it shortly.”

Posted by EJ Schultz at 11:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Sharper Image is going through bankruptcy and closing 96 of its stores, including the Fresno store, as reported in today’s story.

First, they stopped accepting gift cards.

Now, they’re throwing customers a tiny bone: They will accept gift cards online and at stores that will remain open (not Fresno) if you spend twice the dollar amount of the card.

So, if you wanted to spend the $50 gift certificate your grandma got you on a that $49.95 alarm clock on wheels that forces you to get out of bed and chase it? Sorry, you’ll have to spend another $50 out of pocket to get it.

Plenty of customers are ranting about it over at Consumerist.com.

Brookstone, another gadget retailer, at Fashion Fair mall looks like it’s trying to scoop up some angry Sharper Image customers. They’re treating Sharper Image gift cards as 25% off coupons.

Posted by Bethany Clough at 9:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The adage “dress for the job you want, not the one you have,” rings true for businesses, too. When making a presentation to a perspective client, helping a customer or grabbing coffee on the way to work, employees represent their companies every day.

But determining just the “right look” for employees can be a challenge. Lands’ End Business Outfitters is offering an opportunity in the form of apparel makeovers for three selected companies this summer.

Companies of all sizes and all industries with the need to outfit their employees have until April 28 to visit http://makeover.landsend.com and share why they need a new look for their employees.Three companies will be chosen to receive makeovers – the top makeover award is valued at up to $15,000. Lands’ End will reveal the new looks of the three companies selected in August.

Posted by Kathleen Coates at 3:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week released the latest figures on the amount of money being spent for air quality by the mining, construction and manufacturing industries.

It's $3.8 billion nationally for facilities and equipment to combat pollution. It cost another $6.7 billion for operating the equipment, filling out reports, consulting experts and other operational costs. The figures are from 2005, the latest year available.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District estimates industries here have invested $42.5 billion since 1980.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 2:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Central Valley Veterans Political Action Alliance – which represents over 3,500 active veterans – recently issued endorsements in several key races. In some races, they endorsed more than one candidate.

The endorsements include:

Fresno City Mayor: Mike Dages, Henry T. Perea, Jerry Duncan

Fresno City Council District 2: Andreas Borgeas, Michael Karbassi

Fresno City Council District 4: Larry Westerlund

Fresno City Council District 6: Lee Brand

Fresno County Supervisor District 2: Paul Dictos

Fresno County Supervisor District 5: Debbie Poochigian, Nathan Magsig

Posted by Kerri Ginis at 1:54 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Californians are well aware that the cost of housing is high but did you know the gap between what you pay for rent and utilities and your salary is growing? Statewide, it's increased an average of more than 44% since 2000, according to a report just released from the California Coalition for Rural Housing.

A just-released study calculates the gaps in various metropolitan areas. Take Visalia for instance: the average renter earns $9.23 per hour but should earn $11.77 per hour to avoid devoting more than 30% of his or her income to rent and utilities.

That's a big difference - but not as big as the coastal region. In San Luis Obispo County, the average hourly wage of a renter is $10.88, but that person should be making $20.67 per hour to avoid over paying for housing.

Here's a link to other comparisons.

Posted by Sandy Nax at 1:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Ever wondered about chucking it all, selling your business and heading to the Bahamas? It's likely that dream isn't in the cards unless the company you're thinking of selling is a hot Internet property.

But you never know.

The Herndon, Va.-based American Society of Appraisers is using Small Business Week, April 21–25, to talk about determining the value of a business.

Bruce B. Bingham, society fellow and executive director with Capstone Valuation Services LLC in New York, said in a statement, “Every CEO or president of a company should have a current business valuation in his or her desk drawer. It is the only way to make informed decisions about the direction your company should take.”

Click below to read a list of reasons why the society says getting an appraisal is a good idea.

1. Know what your company is worth. Many business owners have no idea what their business is worth; and if they think they do know, they are probably wrong. Sentiment often gets in the way of good judgment. For a fair and independent opinion, CEOs and owners should obtain a professional business valuation.

2. Understand where your company fits in the landscape. A business valuation will research and provide an explanation of your specific industry and will place your company in the competitive landscape of your specialized market. It will also tell you the market price of publicly traded companies engaged in your line of business.

3. Learn the financial condition of your company. Business owners may think they understand the financial health of their company, but having an independent review and analysis including intangible assets can confirm or deny this.

4. Be ready to make fast decisions on buying, selling and mergers. If you are faced with the option to buy, sell or attract capital for your business, you may not have time to wait to have a business valuation completed. Having a current valuation on file will enable you to strike while the iron is hot.

5. Stay current. The market is in constant flux. It is important to get regular business valuations because your company, your industry and the economy are continually changing. A business valuation report, completed by an accredited valuation expert who is a member of a professional society working in compliance with established professional standards, may be appropriate for use in courts, for financing and for tax challenges as needed.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 10:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Every week, publishers send us copies of new workplace-related books here at the Bee’s business department. I’ll try to share them with you. This week, it seems there are some unhappy workers/authors out there:

• First is “The Pita Principle: How to Work with and Avoid Becoming a PAIN IN THE ASS.” Would it be wrong to surreptitiously slip this onto one of my co-workers desks?
• Next is “The Home Office from Hell Cure,” complete with flames on the cover. My copy has an insert with the top 10 signs you have a home office from hell, including “I realized at 4 p.m. today that I was still wearing pajamas” and “Why did God invent Oprah? How are we supposed to work when Oprah is on?” You mean pajamas and Oprah are bad things?

Posted by Bethany Clough at 10:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

How much are San Joaquin Valley residents willing to pay for clean air? That's not a new question. You are already paying $7 per vehicle for Valley air quality.

Now, two lawmakers would increase it to $37. We're talking about almost $100 million a year for pollution-control devices on trucks or helping to buy new ones. We're also talking about getting some of the dirtiest cars off the road. Diesel trucks and dirty cars are among the biggest smog problems the Valley has.

Is that sticker shock to you? Is that too much? Should we be paying to help the trucking industry clean up its vehicles? If not, why shouldn't we? The public has a history of helping industries achieve clean air.

The two lawmakers are Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, and Assembly Member Juan Arambula, D-Fresno. Just in case you want to contact them.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The recent Big Valley Blowout Sale at Fresno's Save Mart Center over the weekend raised $15,200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central California, officials of the event said.

Dealers sold 152 vehicles.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 6:45 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

We're not sure if this is a big deal, but we thought you should know: the number of houses that entered escrow in Fresno and Clovis last month took a terrific jump from March 2007.

The president of the Fresno Association of Realtors said the number of "pending" sales totaled 559 - up from 391 in March 2007 and even up from 536 in March 2006. But before you get too excited, it should be known that the number of deals that fell through also increased. Association president Don Scordino attributed that to the difficulties involved in buying foreclosures, which are a major part of the market now.

Still....

Posted by Sandy Nax at 4:46 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Kings County and city officials have kicked around the idea of consolidating emergency dispatch services for many years.

But it's probably going to be several more weeks -- if not months -- before officials decide whether to continue looking into the consolidation of dispatch services for police and fire agencies.

Supervisors expressed their support for the idea during Tuesday's meeting. Consolidation, they said, would mean faster response times, communication between entities would improve and public safety concerns in rural communities would be better represented.
"It makes sense that we all be on the same page," Supervisor Alene Taylor said.

However, Kings County Sheriff Chris Jordan and police chiefs from Hanford and Corcoran opposed the idea of consolidating services.
"Larger doesn't always mean better," Jordan said. Having separate dispatch centers allow communities to customize services, he said.

County Administrative Officer Larry Spikes said he and his team will continue to research and find examples of communities that have consolidated dispatch services.

And so for now, the talks continue.

-- Susie Pakoua Vang

Posted by Susie Vang at 2:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Rep. Jim Costa will need plenty of patience at one of the week’s most anticipated congressional hearings.

In theory, the Fresno Democrat’s membership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee will give him a chance Wednesday to question Army Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker about Iraq.
In practice, the afternoon-long hearing will be an endurance test that reveals as much about Capitol Hill as it does the status of the ongoing Iraq war.

“Sometimes, members use their time as an opportunity to spout their own wisdom,” Costa acknowledged Monday. “It sometimes amazes me, when they don’t take their five minutes to get off a couple of questions.”

Hearings today and Wednesday mark the first time Petraeus and Crocker have appeared together on Capitol Hill since they delivered a similar progress report in September.

The three leading presidential contenders — Democratic Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain — are each returning from the campaign trail for the high-profile hearings.

If the past is any guide, they will frame questions with a broader audience in mind.

“It’s not only the Iraqi government that, in my view, has failed to pursue a coherent strategy; I think our own has as well,” Clinton, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, declared during her allotted question period in September.

Generally, lawmakers arriving at the start of a hearing ask questions in order of seniority. Junior committee members such as Costa can sometimes wait for hours while their more senior colleagues exhaust the list of common questions. In the meantime, camera crews pack up and leave. The hearing itself may be called for darkness before everyone bats.

In September, for instance, Costa lost his chance to ask questions when the joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees ended after about six hours.

“He wasn’t even close,” said Costa’s press secretary, Brett Rumbeck. “He was probably 20 members away from getting his turn.”

Costa is ranked 23 out of 27 in seniority among Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats. He is the only representative from the Sacramento or San Joaquin Valley serving on the panel, on whose behalf he led a brief congressional delegation trip to Iraq last month.

Typically, the committee’s two senior members talk for up to 10 minutes each. The subsequent questioning alternates between Democratic and Republican lawmakers, each allotted five minutes. Costa, for one, has 22 Democrats and 21 Republicans ahead of him in seniority.

Added up, Costa can anticipate waiting at least four hours before he gets his five minutes in the spotlight. He’s hoping to ask about the recent spike in Iraq violence and a controversial Iraqi military offensive into Basra, among other areas.

“Hopefully, there will be a chance to get to people a little bit down the line (of seniority),” Costa said.
Seniority won’t be the only convention followed this week.

Expect fulsome expressions of gratitude toward the heavily decorated Petraeus, even from anti-war lawmakers. The transcript of September’s hearing, for instance, shows that at least 15 separate lawmakers took time to, as Rep. Elliot Engel, D-N.Y., put it, “thank you for your service.”

Expect questions that resemble speeches. In September, for instance, Rep. Bob Wexler, D-Fla., opined against the war for five minutes before ending with a rhetorical question. Wexler used 430 words to express his opinion and 30 words to ask, essentially, “How many more” Americans will die in Iraq?

Expect, as well, demonstrations both inside and outside the Rayburn House Office Building hearing room.

Modesto resident Zac Applequist, an Army veteran of Afghanistan, is among several hundred Vets for Freedom members rallying today on Capitol Hill in support of Petraeus and Crocker. Police, meanwhile, are preparing to eject anti-war demonstrators who may disrupt the hearings, as happened last fall.

--Michael Doyle / Bee Washington Bureau

Posted by Doug Beeman at 1:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Irritated by long lines, flights that don't arrive on time and lost luggage? You're not alone.

But there are some airlines that make their passengers happy. The Associated Press released Airline Quality Rating report scores for the largest airlines for 2007. It resulted in the following ranking:

Click the link to read the list.

— 1. AirTran
— 2. Jet Blue
— 3. Southwest
— 4. Northwest
— 5. Frontier
— 6. Continental
— 7. Alaska
— 8. United
— 9. American
— 10. Delta
— 11. US Airways
— 12. Mesa
— 13. SkyWest
— 14. Comair
— 15. American Eagle
— 16. Atlantic Southeast

Source: 2008 Airline Quality Rating report

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 12:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) announces the open nomination period for the Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) honors program.

Annually since 1938, The U.S. Jaycees has sought out the 10 young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of America’s youthful achievers. The deadline for consideration for the 2008 honors is April 15.

Of the more than 600 young Americans honored since 1938, many were recognized before the achievements for which they are now known: John F. Kennedy, Gerald R. Ford, Ann Bancroft, Gale Sayers, Elvis Presley, Dan Quayle, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Larry Holmes, Bill Clinton and Peyton Manning.

For more information visit www.usjaycees.org or call 1-800-JAYCEES.

Posted by Kathleen Coates at 10:54 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

From buying lower-grade cuts of steak to taking group Pilates classes instead of private ones, a survey by Fortune magazine finds the wealthy are spending less on luxury items. See an illustrated slideshow about how else they’re cutting back here.

Posted by Bethany Clough at 10:07 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Californians like the idea of raising taxes on folks who drive gas-guzzling vehicles. They also would like to see discounts offered to people who buy cleaner-running vehicles.

Those were the results from a San Jose State University poll, described last week by the San Francisco Chronicle.

What do you think? Would you support higher taxes and fees to clean up the air? Or are we paying enough right now?

According to the Chronicle, here's what Californians told San Jose State:

• They support raising vehicle registration fees, which now average $31, to an average of $62 and having higher-polluting vehicles pay higher rates and cleaner cars lower rates.
• They want to offer rebates of up to $1,000 for people who buy new cars that emit very little pollution, and levy a surcharge of as much as $2,000 on those purchasing gas hogs.
• They would like to see a mileage-based tax that would replace the current 18-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax. The per-mile amount would vary depending on how much a vehicle polluted the air.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Clovis City Council plans to present a proclamation honoring Franco's Restaurant's 50 years in business in Clovis tonight.

The restaurant was the oldest Mexican restaurant in in the community when it was to close March 29. As reported by reporter Gabriel Alexander in the Clovis Independent recently, the restaurant was "the dream of a farmworker who wanted a better life for her children will have come true."

Franco's Restaurant opened as Franco's Taco House on Pollasky Avenue just south of Eighth Street in 1958. Tacos were 25 cents, and Pollasky Avenue was a dirt road.

"It's time to retire," restaurant manager Rosalie Sandoval told Alexander. "We just wanted to make it to 50. That was our goal and we accomplished it."

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 2:01 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Jeff Eben's mayoral platform is interesting in that it leans heavily on his Clovis roots and his experience as a Clovis Unified school administrator.

For example: His mailer includes a picture from his days as the principal at Clovis East and endorsements from local sports figures such as Fresno State coaches Pat Hill, Steve Cleveland, Mike Watney and John Baxter. Also endorsing Eben are former Oakland Raiders star quarterback Daryle Lamonica, former Fresno State basketball standout Tyrone Bradley, Clovis Unified Superintendent Terry Bradley and developer Scott Ellis.

But there's a glaring problem with the brochure: many of the people endorsing him reside in Clovis, not Fresno -- a fact that will enable opponents to keep painting Eben as a carpet-bagger.

Eben, the city of Fresno's deputy mayor, is the candidate with a platform that most resembles what Alan Autry has focused on during his two terms. Eben highlights public safety, solar energy, improving air quality, downtown revitalization and promoting the arts, athletics and vocational programs in public schools. Eben says he would increase school choice by backing an urban charter initiative.

The mailer is busy with slogans such as "Tough*Tested*Ready," "Celebrate Fresno -- You've Got To Love It," "Hope Opportunity Preseverance Equity" and "Fresno is a united city where every man, woman and child regardless of age, race, religion or socioeconomic status has the right and responsibility to create their personal wins by fulfullling their HEART, strengthening their SPIRIT, and always believing in the power of HOPE!"

With Autry terming out, Eben is positioning himself as the most Autry-like candidate and trying to appeal to the mayor's supporters.

Posted by Bill McEwen at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Former Clovis resident and Fresno State grad Linda Welsh is sponsoring a naming contest for her Santa Cruz-based gourmet coffee line, WelshSpirit Coffee Co., and is inviting her Valley friends to join.

The company mascot has been "alive and well for six years," she says, but "'The Little Dragon Guy' has earned the right to a name of his own."

Deadline for submitting names is May 20. Go to www.RabitsrunJava.com for contest details. A panel of judges will make the final decision on the little dragon's name.

Posted by Kathleen Coates at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

AT&T Inc. plans to invest more than $290 million in Northern California and Reno to expand wireless coverage this year, company officials said today.

The company plans to add 80 new cell sites in the area this year, further expanding its higher-speed wireless network. Fresno, Madera and Merced counties are all to receive network enhancements, said Brooke Burgess, a company spokeswoman.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 10:46 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Two large labor unions won’t back either candidate in the District 5 Fresno County Board of Supervisors race.

Representatives of Service Employees International Union Local 521 — which represents nearly 5,000 county employees — said they won’t endorse Clovis City Council Member Nathan Magsig or community activist Debbie Poochigian. They are vying to replace Supervisor Bob Waterston.

Joining in that decision is SEIU United Healthcare Workers West, which represents about 10,000 Fresno County home health care workers.

“Our members weren’t confident enough that either candidate would support issues important to our members and the people they serve and care for,” said Tom Abshere, director for SEIU Local 521.

That means the candidates won’t have the money and manpower that typically comes with a union endorsement.

One person who will benefit from SEIU’s support is Supervisor Susan Anderson. The union has endorsed her in the Board of Supervisors District 2 race, where she is facing Fresno City Council Candidate Brian Calhoun and certified public accountant Paul Dictos.

Abshere said the union, which has long supported Anderson, will “work to get her re-elected.”

-- By Kerri Ginis

Posted by Nancy Price at 4:25 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Fresno Clovis New Car Dealers Association plans to issue a $50,000 scholarship check at its next luncheon meeting -- scheduled at noon April 23 at Fresno City College in the Auto Tech Computer Lab, Rm. T-110 C.

Rick Christl, Fresno City College applied technology dean, and Marty Kamimoto, auto technology instructor, will give a tour of their facility.

Details: Mark S. Rapin, (559) 486-2480

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 3:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

There's no excuse for vandalism ... or is there?

Retired Cal Fire Capt. Dale Drozen said that during frequent trips along Highway 41 below Coarsegold, he's noticed that a display of a fiberglass horse on a wagon with other smaller figurines often was knocked down.

Drozen was dismayed by the obvious repeat vandalism. But whoever owns the little roadside display always restored it.

This week, Drozen saw the vandal, obviously getting ready to do his dastardly deed again. But it wan't what he expected.

Standing on the wagon was a very determined billy goat, head down and tail wagging furiously.

As Drozen drove past, that goat was about to give the old plastic horse another thrashing.

-- Charles McCarthy

Posted by Jeff Bils at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

A Robeks Juice store has opened in Clovis at 3140 Fowler Ave. in the Vons’ Shopping Center. A grand opening is scheduled April 12.

Clovis Robeks owner is Prashant Patel.

The company said in a statement that the menu features blended-to-order fruit smoothies, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, high-protein baked goods, snacks and the Robeks line of proprietary nutritional boosts and supplements. Also offered are green tea shots, organic wheatgrass shots, acai bowls and shakes and freezes.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 11:48 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the largest uniformed law enforcement agency in the country, has launched a "Virtual Job Fair" to fill 2,200 mission support and operational support positions ranging from entry-level to mid-career jobs located throughout the U.S.

Since the virtual world has no hometown advantage, recruiters recommend it for interested applicants to apply for the open spots, regardless of their location.

The top five jobs are:
1. Mission Support Assistant (142 Vacancies)
2. Automotive Mechanic (138 Vacancies)
3. Information Technology Specialist (Vacancies 137)
4. Sector Enforcement Specialist (136 Vacancies)
5. Mission Support Specialist (130 Vacancies)

To enter the Virtual Job Fair, go to www.cbp.gov/Careers. For a listing of all CBP vacancy announcements, visit www.USAJobs.gov.

Posted by Kathleen Coates at 9:21 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Terry Conboy, a mechanically inclined Fresno landscaper, wants to plug the lawn-care industry into solar. Conboy is pitching for a Valley Clean Air Now grant to fund his efforts, which include beefing up regular electric lawnmowers so they can be used daily as commercial equipment.

"I just think it's time to bring solar power and electric lawn mowers together," says Conboy.

He has spoken with Neuton, a Vermont-based lawn mower manufacturer, about buying their products. He is talking with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. But he says he needs the public to buy into it.

"We all need to do something," he said. "I decided to do this when my daughter had to drop out of a track event because of her asthma."

He said he would first develop the electric equipment, which could be charged from solar panels and a 2,000-watt portable generator during the day. The panels could be installed on trailers that carry the equipment. Batteries could be swapped out as needed.

He would like the government to get involved, too.

"Put a better view on the industry," he said. "When we picture a lawn maintenance crew, this lets you picture a clean crew with clean equipment and clean air."

Posted by Mark Grossi at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Pro-Jeff Denham forces are repeating their charges that paid signature-gatherers behind the recall petition aimed at the state senator broke California law.

At a press conference this week, a spokesman for the Friends of Jeff Denham Against the Recall outlined what he said were potential violations and called on law enforcement and elections officials across California’s 12th Senate District to investigate.

“What we have here are obvious, systematic violations of the law,” spokesman Kevin Spillane said. “The integrity of California’s election system is at stake.”

Even if proven true, the allegations probably won’t have any effect on the recall attempt. Gov. Schwarzenegger set the recall election for June 3.

Spillane said more than a third of the paid signature-gatherers aren’t registered to vote in Denham’s district — a violation, he said, of the state’s election code. Some claimed addresses that don’t exist or are hotels, he said.

The head of the Sacramento-based company that hired the signature gatherers, Discovery Petition Management Company, said her workers did nothing wrong.

Eileen Ray acknowledged that her company used some non-local signature-gatherers for the job, for which Discovery was paid at least $246,000. But she argued that’s not illegal.

State Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, launched the recall attempt in July after Denham, R-Atwater, joined most other Senate Republicans in refusing to break a stalemate and approve a state budget.

So far no one has announced plans to seek Denham’s seat if the recall effort succeeds, although Monterey County Supervisor Simon Salinas has expressed interest.

Candidates have until Saturday to file to run. A certified list of candidates will be released April 9.

--Corinne Reilly/Merced Sun-Star

Posted by Doug Beeman at 12:17 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

It’s not a surprise to state the obvious, but it’s true — if you want the endorsement of the Fresno County Republican Party, it helps to be a Republican.

But for a few hours this week, it looked as though the GOP was turning its back on one of its own.

In an endorsement list published Tuesday, the name of Republican Jim Lopez of Bakersfield was missing. He is running for Congress against the incumbent, Fresno Democrat Jim Costa, in the November general election.

Turns out it was an oversight, and Lopez’s name was added the next day.

“That was our mistake,” said Carol Cummins, a GOP volunteer. “We are definitely behind him.”

Also on the list are incumbent congressmen George Radanovich of Mariposa and Devin Nunes of Visalia are. Costa, Nunes and Radanovich all have congressional districts that include Fresno County.

The local party also weighed in on three local political races which are non-partisan, but have more than one Republican seeking the seat.

Tops among these is Fresno mayor, where current Council Member Jerry Duncan won the local GOP’s endorsement, even though four other Republicans are also seeking the seat. They are Ashley Swearengin, Jeff Eben, Doug Vagim and Jim Boswell.

Another is the District 2 seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, where Republican and perennial candidate Paul Dictos got the nod over incumbent Susan B. Anderson, who is also a Republican. The third candidate is current Fresno City Council Member Brian Calhoun, who is registered “decline to state.”

The other race is District 5 for the county board, with two high-profile Republicans — Clovis City Council Member Nathan Magsig and party activist Debbie Poochigian, whose husband Chuck spent several years in the state legislature.

Poochigian won the endorsement.

Republicans endorsed Clovis Republican Mike Villines for re-election in the 29th Assembly District; Cliff Archer, who will face incumbent Democrat Juan Arambula in the 31st Assembly District in November, and Danny Gilmore, who will face Shafter Mayor Fran Florez, a Democrat, in the battle to replace termed out Hanford Democrat Nicole Parra in the 30th Assembly District.

In the Fresno City Council races, endorsed were:

--Andreas Borgeas in District 2;

--Larry Westerlund in District 4;

--Lee Brand in District 6;

The local GOP also endorsed several judges up for re-election to the Fresno County Superior Court, as well as Glenn LoStracco, who is seeking the superior court seat now held by W. Kent Levis Jr., who is retiring.

--John Ellis and E.J. Schultz

Posted by Doug Beeman at 10:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The 210 Center in Visalia opened to applause Thursday afternoon as a gathering place for youth and young adults courtesy of First Presbyterian Church.

The brick building at 210 W. Center in Visalia was once a nightclub.

Now there's a stage, lounge, coffee bar, prayer room and conference room, and the center's mission is to give youth and young adults a place to congregate. Ten local churches are working with First Presbyterian to offer programs.

"It's sponsored by a church, but a lot of the stuff that will happen will not be be religious," said Rev. Rich Hansen. For instance, non-religious entertainment will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings as an alternative to the bar scene.

The 8,000-square-foot building was built in 1916 as a Studebaker showroom. It later became a Montgomery Ward and a toy store before becoming a series of nightclubs. When the opportunity arose, next -door neighbor First Presbyterian bought the property in January 2005. It was refurbished from the floors to the rafters.

On April 15, a coffee shop will open to the public of all ages as a revenue producer.

Public hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Posted by Lewis Griswold at 6:29 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The School-to-Career programs from the Kings County and Tulare County offices of education collaborated with College of the Sequoias today to host the 14th annual Giant Tech Prep Expo at COS in Visalia.

More than 760 high school students from Kings and Tulare counties registered to compete in 33 academic and trade competitions.

Hanford High School was the sweepstakes winner for all of the competition categories. Points were awarded to each school based on first-, second- and third-place awards in each category.

Expo competitions provide high school students with an opportunity to gain recognition for their skills. Competitions also promote student participation in career and technical education programs within the community.

Posted by Kathleen Coates at 2:58 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Better Business Bureau in Central California is warning construction companies to be wary of a scam using a fake letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The faxed letter, printed on what appears to be authentic department of transportation stationary, claims to be from a senior procurement officer and requests that the company must provide financial information before it can be considered for bids.

One central California company fell victim to the scam but realized its mistake before the scammers could complete an $18,676 wire transfer of the company’s funds to a foreign bank account.

The BBB urges anyone who receives a fraudulent letter from the department of transportation to contact the federal Office of the Inspector General hot line at 1-800-424-9071.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 2:22 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

If you missed the Fresno mayoral forum Wednesday night at Bankers Ballroom, click here for The Bee's podcast and here for The Bee story by City Hall reporter Denny Boyles.

Next Wednesday night, the City Council candidates will square off in another forum at the same location. You can submit questions for the forum at www.fresnofusion.com.

Posted by Bill McEwen at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

With nine of the 11 candidates for mayor on hand and 21 possible questions, listening to Wednesday's candidate forum was like watching the lightning round of a television game show.

The candidates were given the questions ahead of time, but not told which they would answer. Then they were given just 45 seconds for each answer.

All of the questions dealt with downtown revitalization and redevelopment.

It made for good entertainment, a little like watching the early audition rounds of American Idol where you're never sure what's about to happen.

At one point, candidate Ashley Swearengin told the crowd she felt like she was on a speed-date, then quickly added "not that I've done that! I've just seen it on television."

The candidates talked so fast at times that they sounded like auctioneers pitching livestock at the County Fair.

Finally, after moderator Jim Tucker asked the group to speak more slowly, it was possible to hear more about their positions on the issues affecting downtown.

Which was good, because the forum may have also been the first chance for a lead pack to break away from the group. Seven of the nine candidates had clear plans, and an obvious passion for downtown.

The only problem was trying to get someone in the audience to say which candidate did the best. There were seven organizations sponsoring the forum, so most of those watching the debate were connected to a sponsoring group. Everyone said they liked to hear what the candidates thought, but no one was ready to name their top pick.

But if you judge by the crowds around them when the forum ended, Council Member Henry T. Perea, Swearengin and Council Member Jerry Duncan might be the front runners to make the two-candidate run-off after the June 3 primary.

-- By Denny Boyles

Posted by Nancy Price at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

A federal grand jury investigation of Organic Pastures Dairy Co. has been delayed indefinitely.

Ken Gorman, a lawyer representing the dairy, said he was notified Wednesday that two employees who had been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury today in Fresno do not need to do so.

Gorman said he has been in contact with Mark E. Cullers, an assistant U.S. attorney in Fresno, offering testimony from Mark McAfee, a principal in the Kerman dairy, which sells and champions raw milk, and e-mail exchanges with Food and Drug Administration officials on labeling issues from 2002 to 2004.

"[Cullers] said he is postponing the hearing to review additional documents from his investigators and our documents," Gorman said. "We appreciate the position he has taken on exchanging information."

Cullers did not return a call seeking comment.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 11:07 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Gold may be setting records, but its skyrocketing price doesn’t appear to be detering newlyweds from buying bands of the metal.

Most of the hubbub is in the commodities markets. At jewelry stores, the pace is a bit quieter.
Jewelry doesn’t double when the price of gold does, said DonWolfe, chief financial officer at Fresno’s Warner Co.

Rings are usually between 58% and 75% gold, depending on whether it’s 14k or 18k gold, he said, and pure gold is too soft alone, so it is blended with other alloys, including copper, zinc and nickel. The gemstone is also large percentage of the cost, he said.

But men may be in for a bit of sticker shock. At Fresno’s Orloff Jewelers, an average 14k yellow gold men’s wedding band sells for $500 or $600, up from between $225 and $275 five years ago, said Josh Jensen, an official with the company.

Gold’s rising price — which hovered at about $910 per ounce Thursday — has jewelers’ attention, but mostly it’s business as usual.

-- By Bethany Clough

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 10:34 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Did you know the government regulates how many grapes can detach from the bunch you buy in a bag at the grocery store? A story in today’s Bee details how California grape growers are trying to get the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow more loose grapes in bags.
At least one grocery store representative disagrees, saying consumers don’t like runaway grapes.

Posted by Bethany Clough at 9:49 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

You just paid $3.59 per gallon for gasoline -- or something like $50 to fill up. Maybe you can save a little of that gasoline this weekend.

Shop online and have your purchase delivered in an air-friendly truck, powered by compressed natural gas. United Parcel Service is adding 21 new CNG trucks to its Fresno fleet, which already has about 100 CNG trucks.

Two-thirds of the UPS fleet in Fresno is now CNG, officials say. They say they send these trucks to Fresno because the Valley has some of the nation's worst air quality.

The advantage: CNG-powered vehicles emit 85% less NOx and 70% less reactive hydrocarbons than similar gasoline powered vehicles. NOx and the hydrocarbons create ozone, which corrodes your skin, eyes and lungs.

So, by cruising the Internet instead of Blackstone Avenue, you're saving gas money and helping air quality.

Posted by Mark Grossi at 9:18 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

May 13 Update: After the Clark County Public Schools board interviewed Santiago Wood and John W. Thompson
for the position of interim/corrective superintendent, they removed themselves for consideration last month, according to the Clayton News Daily.

The newspaper also reported they pulled out after critical comments about Thompson's and Wood's abilities to lead the troubled Atlanta-area public school system were aired. Wood said the comments were intended to promote another candidate -- a charge denied by James Bostic, a liason to Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, who was sent by the governor to assist the district.

You'll never guess who is one of two finalists for a superintendent's position in Georgia.

Former Fresno Unified boss Santiago Wood, who was fired here in 2004.

He is competing with John W. Thompson to become the interim/corrective superintendent of Clark County Public Schools, a one-to-two-year position that entails turning around the troubled system.

The district is the fifth biggest in Georgia with about 52,000 students. Clark County is south of Atlanta.

Thompson, the former superintendent of Pittsburgh (Pa.) Public Schools, is asking for $275,000 a year, 24-hour security and $2 million for his consulting team, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Wood told the newspaper that he would like $185,000 a year, a modest monthly expense allowance, a one-time $2,200 housing fee and moving expenses.

Wood lists many accomplishment during his tenure in Fresno. You can read the candidates' resumes here and the newspaper story here

Posted by Bill McEwen at 6:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Finding a cheap taco could be a little difficult in Tulare County a week from today. That's because county staff members are hoping that taco truck vendors take some time out of their day to meet with them at 9 a.m. April 9 at the Tulare Board of Supervisors Chambers in Visalia.

The county wants to discuss proposed rules that would change where, when and how taco trucks can operate.
But don't call them "taco trucks." County officials prefer the term "mobile food vendors."
County officials say restaurant owners have been complaining about these mobile food vendors for years for taking away business while not having to pay property taxes.

When the Board of Supervisors seemed ready to vote on the new rules in December, they were surprised as dozens of these vendors -- mostly Spanish speakers -- showed up to say the rules would put them out of business.
Now county officials say they are ready to hear their input on the proposed rules. County spokesman Eric Coyne says the county has started to reach out to this community by providing notices en Espanol.

Since reporting this story in December, I've needed a decent excuse for posting a link to this Web site that tracks taco trucks across California. It might be able to help you find or avoid taco trucks, depending on where you stand on the issue.

Also, taco trucks aren't just an issue in Tulare County. Here is a link to our friends at the Sacramento Bee about a mobile food vendor ordinance up there.

Posted by Erik Lacayo at 4:24 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Plans for a Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market in Fresno appear to be working their way through the planning stages, despite a three-month break by the company in opening new stores.

Marlene Murphey, executive director of the Fresno’s Redevelopment Agency, previously confirmed that the company selected the Old Fresno Hofbrau site on Tulare Street for one of its first Fresno stores.

Fresh & Easy is owned by British grocer Tesco, and stores are about 10% the size of a regular grocery store and sell gourmet prepared foods and staples.

Spokesman Brendan Wonnacott did not confirm plans to open a store in Fresno, but said the retailer is proceeding with the construction and site selection of all its stores. The break was pre-planned to see what tweaks are needed, he said.

The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Fresh & Easy would delay opening new stores for three months, with one retail consultant saying sales were well below expectations.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 4:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Will County Bank release its 2007 financial report today as it has promised?

Merced-based Capital Corp of the West, the bank's holding company, said that after two delays, it will submit its Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The bank has projected a $4 million loss.

Read the bank's statement online.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 11:53 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

This is your one-stop shop for info, news and analysis on the Fresno mayoral race.

If you want to see what the candidates are saying about themselves, check out these Web sites by clicking on the candidate's name.

Jim Boswell: http://www.jimboswellformayor.com/

Tom Boyajian: http://www.votetom08.com

Mike Dages: http://www.dagesformayor.com

Jerry Duncan: http://www.jerryduncan.org

Jeff Eben: http://www.ebenformayor.com

Henry T. Perea: http://www.perea2008.com

Ashley Swearengin: http://www.ashley4mayor.com

I couldn't find Web sites for Ignacio Garibay, Barbara Hunt, Henry Monreal and Doug Vagim.

If you know of Web sites for any of them, please post in the comments section below.

Thanks

Posted by Bill McEwen at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Today, California joined 10 other states in a lawsuit to force the EPA to do what the U.S. Supreme Court ordered a year ago: Come up with a way to protect people from the effects of greenhouse gases.

A detailed EPA proposal on greenhouse-gas controls -- presumably aimed at the automobile industry -- went to the White House in December, environmentalists say. It hasn't been seen since.

But, aside from the legalities and politics, are greenhouse gases really pollution? Are they causing asthma and premature death? What do you think? Tell us in your comments.

Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and methane. But the big air quality problems in the San Joaquin Valley are ozone and particulate matter.

Greenhouse gases are dangerous because they raise the temperature of the planet, many scientists say. The warming is linked with the melting polar ice. Many species, such as the polar bear, might be wiped out. The Earth's ecosystems are changing.

Environmentalists see it as an emergency. David Baron, managing attorney at Earthjustice’s Washington, D.C., office today said:

“This Administration is fiddling while the planet melts. A full year after the Supreme Court’s ruling, EPA continues to stall. Meanwhile, the threats from global warming are mounting at an alarming rate. So today, we’re asking the circuit court to put an end to EPA’s footdragging."

Posted by Mark Grossi at 10:49 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Federal Reserve now allows consumers a closer look at problem mortgages.

The maps are maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and will be updated monthly, according to The Associated Press. They specifically target sub-prime and alt-A mortgage loans.

Have a look at your on your ZIP code.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 5:48 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Students in Fresno State animation, interior design and video courses got help from Hollywood.

Pixar Animation Studios has donated computer software programs worth $150,500 that will "dramatically shorten the amount of time it takes to create videos and film," university officials said in a statement.

The new software – Renderman Pro Server 13.5.3 and Renderman Studio 1.01 – will allow students to complete a film image in less than an hour.

Typically, projects can take up to 40 hours to render – the process of converting a single frame of film from its rough form into a finished product. Rendering can involve adding textures or lighting to an image, for example. The time requirements make it difficult for students to do their work because of the limited number of computer stations available.

“Pixar’s RenderMan product is by all accounts a strong industry standard used by many – if not most – of the largest studios in the world,” said David Gaines, the Fresno State information technology consultant/manager who secured the gift. “Studios such as Industrial Light and Magic, Weta Digital, Jim Henson Studios and Manex VFX are just a few that incorporate Pixar’s products into their production flow.”

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 5:30 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Tax errors can cause major felays to your refund.

Or so says the Franchise Tax Board. With two weeks left before the April 15 tax deadline, the board today offered last-minute tips and outlined the top tax filing errors that delay refunds.

“There is time left for even the most complicated returns,” said State Controller John Chiang. “A taxpayer can file his or her return online today and have a refund in the bank well before April 15.”

Tip: file online. Those who file online and have their refunds issued by direct deposit often get refunds within a week. Paper returns requesting check-issued refunds will take six to eight weeks. To find out more, go to the Web site.

The 10 most common errors include:

1) Estimated Tax Payments – Claimed amounts do not match FTB records.

2) Payments and Credits – Amounts either incorrectly added or subtracted from total tax.

3) Withholding Credits - Amount of withholding claimed does not match W-2s.

4) Estimated Tax Transfer – Incorrect refund amount transferred from previous tax year.

5) Excess State or Voluntary Plan Disability Insurance (SDI/VPDI) -- Excess amount is not substantiated.

6) Exemption Credits – Claimed amounts miscalculated due to income limitations or computation errors.

7) Amended Returns - Incorrect amounts transferred from original return to amended return.

8) Tax – Wrong amounts selected from the tax table on paper returns.

9) Renter’s Credit – Wrong amounts claimed for filing status, income limits exceeded, or not qualified due to residency status.

10) Deductions – Incorrect amounts claimed for standard or itemized deductions.

The Franchise Tax Board’s new “My FTB Account” service can help taxpayers avoid many of these errors by allowing them to view their estimated tax payments, California wage and withholding information, and other useful information online. Electronic filing programs, like CalFile and ReadyReturn, also catch many errors before the return is submitted.

Need Extra Time?

California automatically gives taxpayers a filing extension on their state returns to Oct. 15. But if you owe tax this year, make sure you pay that amount by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties. If you can’t afford to pay by April 15, you can request a payment plan online. You will generally qualify if you owe less than $25,000 and can pay your taxes within five years.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 5:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Got hearings?

If it has to do with raw milk, state legislators in California certainly do.

First there was Assembly Member Nicole Parra's hearing Jan. 16 on new standards for bacteria levels in the state's raw milk. Now there are plans for a joint commitee hearing April 15 in the California Senate into the safety of raw milk for human consumption.

Organic Pastures Dairy Co. in Kerman, a raw milk producer, has posted some information on expected witnesses at its Web site.

Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, chairman of the Sentate Agriculture Committee, and Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, chairman of the Select Committee on Food-Borne Illness, are expected to conduct the hearing in Sacramento.

The raw milk faithful are already martialing their forces for the hearing that is expected to include testimony from state officials favoring tight controls on raw milk -- or the outright abolition of any sales.

Posted by Mike Nemeth at 5:10 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

So, dear blog readers, maybe you can help me. I'm looking for advice. Feel free to chime in.

Here's the issue:

We own a small rental house that is more than 50 years old, but is paid for. We also have a daughter in high school who wants to attend college out of state. Should we sell the former to pay for the latter? It means losing rental income, but also avoids going into debt to finance her education.

Thoughts?

Posted by Sandy Nax at 2:33 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Becky Maze, one of four Republicans seeking the party nomination to run for state Assembly from the 34th Assembly District, was quick to send out a press release this week touting her endorsement by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Political Action Committee.

But for Maze, a Visalian who wants to replace her term-limited husband Bill in the Assembly, the endorsement appears to be a classic case of having the glass half-full. That's because Bob Smith, a retired deputy sheriff from the Barstow area of the sprawling Assembly district, is holding the other half of the glass.

Both candidates received the Jarvis endorsement, according to Kris Vosburgh, the director of the Los Angeles-based PAC.

"We don't usually dual-endorse," Vosburgh said today (Tuesday, April 1). "But all things being equal with multiple candidates putting on credible campaigns, we felt out of the group these two were the best qualified ... and we believe we could work with either of them."

Vosburgh said the endorsements were based the candidates' answers to questionnaires asking them about tax-related issues including Prop. 13, the landmark property-tax initiative spearheaded by the late Howard Jarvis in 1978, and requirements for a two-thirds vote for tax increases.

Vosburgh added that an endorsement in the primary makes sense in districts such as the 34th, which encompasses most of Tulare and San Bernardino counties, all of Inyo County and part of Kern County, because the June primary is widely expected to be more competitive than the general election in November. Districtwide, Republicans outnumber Democrats, 46% to 33%.

Tulare County Supervisor Connie Conway of Tulare and Jon Zellhoefer, an engineer and educator from Inyo County, are the other Republicans in the primary.
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Posted by Tim Sheehan at 2:09 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Today, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) said it is accepting applications from local governments interested in low-interest loans to build single-family houses on vacant urban parcels. The state allocated $20 million for cities, counties, housing authorities and others.

The money comes from two housing bonds - Proposition 46 and 1C - that voters approved in 2002 and 2006. Applicants can receive a loan of up to $5 million at an interest rate of 3%. With government agencies pinched for funds, this could be a way for Valley governments to finance badly needed affordable housing.

Posted by Sandy Nax at 2:08 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Bee Editorial Page boss Jim Boren and I have teamed up on a weekly political podcast airing Monday afternoons on fresnobee.com.

You can hear our first effort by clicking here. or by going to the home page of fresnobee.com and clicking on the multimedia header.

Our goal is to provide information and analysis on local and state topics while occasionally venturing into national issues and political races as well. If we do our jobs right, you'll find that "Boren and McEwen on Politics" is as good as NPR's "It's All Politics."

And, yes, we are getting rid of the cheesy packaged photos of us on fresnobee.com and replacing it with a fresh shot of us in front of Fresno's City Hall.

We focus on the Fresno mayoral race in this week's podcast. Here are my odds for each of the 11 candidates making it out of the June primary and into the November runoff to replace Alan Autry, who terms out in January:

Henry T. Perea -- 6-to-5
Ashley Swearengin -- 9-5
Jerry Duncan -- 11-5
Jeff Eben -- 5-1
Tom Boyajian -- 10-1
Mike Dages -- 25-1
Doug Vagim -- 500-1
Henry Monreal -- 1,000-1
Jim Boswell -- 10,000-1
Ignacio Garibay -- 1,000,000-1
Barbara Hunt -- 10,000,000-1

Posted by Bill McEwen at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)