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For the past year, I’ve been helping all of us stay abreast of what’s happening in our Valley through the Valley Solutions Newsletter. I depend on it to keep me informed of what’s happening in and around our hometowns. — ADAM GRAY.
About the author: Mike Dunbar, aka MAD, is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker who worked for McClatchy Newspapers in the Valley. Mike also worked for the State Assembly. Reach him at [email protected]
Candidates ready to serve on Fresno City Council
Fresno Bee. Candidates line up to fill open Fresno City Council seat
Synopsis: With councilmember Luis Chavez’s departure to join the Fresno County Board of Supervisors next month, two candidates have already gotten in line for the job. Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas, a Fresno Unified School District trustee (who is also married to Chavez) and southeast Fresno economic development advocate Jose Leon Barraza.
Deadly pit bull still on the loose in Madera County
GV Wire. Madera County woman mauled to death by dogs; one still on the loose
Madera deputies responding to an emergency call found the victim dead at the scene. The dogs involved in the incident were contained, but one escaped during their transfer to animal control. Residents should be on the watch for a large white pit bull mix running loose. Do not approach any loose dogs but call 9-1-1 immediately.
What happened to Fresno EOC CEO?
GV Wire Leadership Shake-Up at Fresno EOC? New Acting CEO Named
While the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission is dealing with a $3.3 million budget deficit, they are now headed by an “acting” chief executive officer as listed on Monday night's EOC Commission agenda. The agency’s chief operating officer Michelle Tutunjian was listed as “acting” CEO rather than former CEO Emilia Reyes. Spokesman Jose Moreno III declined to comment, except to say that “as personnel matter are handled internally, any updates or announcement will be shared publicly should there be any relevant information to communicate.”
The Design Behind Fresno’s Water Tower
KVPR. The Story behind Fresno’s historic water tower
Joe Moore talks about the European inspiration for the tower’s design by Frank Lloyd Wright contemporary George Washington Maher.
Craig beats out Costa for Top House Ag Committee Seat
The Hill. Craig wins seat to lead Dems on House Agriculture Committee
Rep. Angie Craig was voted in as Democrat’s top member on the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Jim Costa, the second-ranking member of the committee who has been on the Hill more than 2 decades, was defeated in a secret 121-91 vote.
Tews appointed by USDA to CBPR Board
California Ag Net. Cindy Tews Reps CA on USDA Board
Cindy Tews, co-owner of Fresno Livestock Commission with her father Phil, has been appointed by the USDA to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board starting February 2025. The board has been authorized since 1966 to help develop new markets, strengthen existing ones and conduct valuable research and promotion. Tews previously served as chair for the California Beef Council in 2022.
One Vote wins for Zonneveld in Laguna ID race
GV Wire. Fresno County Recount Produces One-Vote Victory for Water District Incumbent
The race for the Laguna Irrigation District board seat between incumbent board president Frank Zonneveld and challenger Wes Harmon ended in a tie of 101-101. A recount started by Harmon was stopped with one ballot outstanding because it was thought to have been double counted. Once the recount was stopped, it could not continue unless another voter in the district requested it. Zonneveld’s son Andrew asked, and the recount restarted, Zonneveld was declared the winner by one vote.
MAD Take: Remember that old line about how every vote counts?
Fresno County wants Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Your Central Valley. Fresno councilmember raising funds for Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Fresno City councilmember Tyler Maxwell along with Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco are hosting a private fundraiser to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Fresno County. Funded by Parton, the library gives free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Those who would like to donate can go to the Fresno County Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Page.
Getting a Passport to a Career
CalMatters. Master Plan for Career Education
Governor Gavin Newsom presented an outline of the state’s Master Plan for Career Education, pointing to the need to translate student work experience into college credit. This new kind of transcript – dubbed “Career Passports” – will help workers showcase both academic and professional knowledge.
MAD Take: A worthy goal, though Modesto’s VOLT Academy, which newly elected Congressman Adam Gray helped bring to the Valley, is a shining example of education working with businesses to train skilled workers and create opportunities for employment.