[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6091367,"mediaKeyId","2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0","parentId",2863153,"title","Selma Police Department reports declines in Part I crime, major gun recoveries and higher proactive patrols","audioSeconds",2054,"startMs",5739000,"endMs",7793000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0&start=5739&end=7793","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0/thumbnail_5739000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6091367/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Selma-Police-Department-reports-declines-in-Part-I-crime-major-gun-recoveries-and-higher-proactive-patrols","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091367-f72428499af7ce035c8474353efd514c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775651928&Signature=AOTpnmYz2e8asVy8z91bB7HOsv3lfgp7eWFWL5hrqPWWpEIsaFcKTuU7FWAeEfbKJ~byOtsQ99wJwGN9cJxfU1o-pbPoLE5Fj1aGRMACTLYphmPBcKhNuO6cwSDxu-TQp4yY1YYXa1NqtDcy2iVRzX62wpmC9d30GMmbZi9Z8-Nw90RENfbUGWpbqjOI9JraaAnYme3oG5kUDy5DHdY8nN3ZhuqIcZG9iSeGfW0ZJccCax~jS5jf~bChcO2Pdt2RtB2X09vE2CysasbI4vRG2L5sZuHrfoM-1lThimFDSlQfMb9a3FKiR9kZJxjGTaWWsT2yPSQXKehWPXlC6tL8oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Selma CA","date","2025-04-03T16:16:39.647Z","article","Police Chief Albert Alcaraz told the Selma City Council on April 1 that the department reduced Part I crimes across the city and made a substantial number of firearm recoveries in the past year.

Chief Alcaraz said the department recorded a 16% drop in Part I crimes between 2023 and 2024 and a 19% drop in traffic collisions in the past year. He highlighted that officers initiated a majority of calls — roughly 58% of the department’s recorded activity in the period was self‑initiated officer action, such as traffic stops and subject checks.

A central metric in the report: the department said it recovered 81 illegal firearms in 2024, a figure Chief Alcaraz described as “a major public‑safety achievement.” He credited coordinated work by patrol and investigations, plus evidence and crime-analysis support from the Fresno County District Attorney’s lab partnership.

Other highlights and operational notes

- Patrol and proactive policing: Alcaraz emphasized officer visibility and frequent self‑initiated activity as drivers of reduced collisions and crime.

- Investigations and evidence: The department reported more than 100 search warrants authored by detectives in the year and about 2,300 evidence items booked. The department said eight evidence items tested positive for fentanyl.

- Dispatch and support services: Dispatch averages and response-time numbers were presented; Chief Alcaraz noted the department’s communications personnel are integral and that calls fluctuate by weekday.

- Animal services and collaborative work: The chief praised the shelter’s “live‑release” success and coordination with the advisory committee; he said high live‑release and return‑to‑owner rates reduced patrol workload.

Council-level discussion and next steps

Council members commended officers and some members described ride‑along experiences. Council asked about additional K‑9 capacity and about staffing and equipment such as automated license‑plate readers (vendor presentation planned) and patrol AR availability. Chief Alcaraz said deployment of tools such as additional K‑9s and rifle‑style weapons requires training, staff willingness to carry equipment and funding; he indicated the department is working with the Selma Police Foundation and will bring budget requests forward.

Ending: Council thanked the department for the report and the chief said the department will continue to brief council as budget and technology requests are developed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Selma City Council Meeting Pt. 2: 04/01/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Chief Albert Alcaraz presented the department’s annual update showing a multi-year decrease in Part I crimes, a large number of illegal firearms seized and a rise in self-initiated police activity; the report highlighted staffing, dispatch, investigations and animal services metrics.","taxTitle","Selma City, Fresno County, California","taxId",71639,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6091372,"Selma seeks Fresno COG funds for road reconstructions and alley paving; council adopts resolution to apply",170,2910000,3080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0&start=2910&end=3080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0/thumbnail_2910000.jpg","/articles/6091372/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Selma-seeks-Fresno-COG-funds-for-road-reconstructions-and-alley-paving-council-adopts-resolution-to-apply","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091372-87b8caf136d292bb3208764ccd03634c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775651928&Signature=l2fBXwDzsSzyQQzeoRM6JsvjWm8RI~tyOepIH~CNfGsTT9sgV2GuDs3VTNAnHuk6F0jhUdvqlYZmzLqhvGZ7ppiXjjMAEvbuBRi1Wd0~3vEE~-biHRWKlcO~rLPiLI6nmQFDh8Ld9LwAGOCeX3VXPGjYYEALZjgDioPfxS3Aj7YzF7LL8BSyo6BuLyMcLy6vKJdIzL6TxN0bhqpI8MUE571Sz7YxAJCdNACtF3HUHgvvOeTIATy21sd-uHAtMbLdJp9Kdaz5dcvZpt8hrJqEmH-iuJxO1Hlut6GF-u1Oo2W30IfPgGZkJkykyiyaGPIMaBj5EoU6ZKSYVpqRhc3x8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Engineer Horne told the Selma City Council on April 1 that the city submitted six applications to the Fresno Council of Governments under the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) programs. The applications include four surface-transportation (pavement reconstruction) projects on Caltrans-eligible routes and two alley-improvement projects aimed at reducing dust and improving alley access.

Horne said the STBG road segments are already part of the city’s adopted 10-year capital-improvement program (CIP). He told council the alley segments targeted in the CMAQ applications had been added to the regional transportation plan (RTP) earlier to make them eligible for funding after a previous cycle left them out of the county RTP.

Why it matters: If funded, the projects would allow the city to use federal funds for major reconstructions and to reduce local match requirements by applying STBG/CMAQ grants, enabling the city to defer some local gas-tax or general-fund spending.

Project and schedule details

- Scope: Four STBG road projects (major-street reconstruction or overlay depending on site conditions) and two CMAQ alley projects focused on dirt alleys near the convalescent hospital corridor and other service routes.

- Match and procurement: The resolution adopted by council commits city funds for required local matching funds drawn from local transportation/gas-tax sources if awards are made; the projects must meet Caltrans environmental and eligibility requirements.

- Timeline: Staff said Fresno COG will score applications in June. If awarded, the city would advertise bids and program funds into the CIP; staff estimated design/completion within two years depending on environmental and Caltrans clearances.

Council discussion touched on alley access for solid‑waste collection, the city’s pavement-management index and the need to publish a year-by-year map of streets scheduled for improvements. Deputy City Manager reported the city is working on an online dashboard to map the 10-year CIP and provide yearly updates to council and the public.

Ending: The council unanimously adopted the resolution committing to the timely use of Fresno COG funds and local matches for the submitted projects; staff will return with grant-award and scheduling details if projects are selected.","City staff told the council it submitted STBG and CMAQ applications for reconstruction of major streets and alley paving to improve air quality; the council adopted a resolution committing to timely use of funds if awarded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6091377,"Votes at a glance: Selma City Council approves transportation-project resolution, tables housing rezone and passes check register",1247,4483000,5730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0&start=4483&end=5730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0/thumbnail_4483000.jpg","/articles/6091377/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Selma-City-Council-approves-transportation-project-resolution-tables-housing-rezone-and-passes-check-register","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091377-26c969b19b1085bd4e464d1c2b3b9f89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775651928&Signature=oRpU3IJZnYu58MQM6Uogx-vxgTpvZx4SNDp-9VPbXkm~H5YudfYZkCb7Zc4R-7B18dSpf4LRdEZntavswR9YoLA3C7WNQHHaWi~iOhiAVFweHbMwqvK38GrZAb0RTaESRPg72Z8Sw3njw-sLg9D70~e3-FmK8kMpclf6~PuWrDzkoOFFSoudY3x80QgYLn~yGFj7sppVRhWia6UWP7Sc2hfZiugNYbigTnzEUijSi9yCEvqfRG~kgm9tbp4H0oaUigkVyX4MkAXu7WBHZMAe9uPFcJfTPMMwQnneZI69eYIn0eZF0GlgdilOrlI0LxkbONsCbMmpJtPGgc1deXiStA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its April 1 meeting the Selma City Council recorded four formal roll‑call outcomes on consent and action items, including approval of the city’s commitment to use Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) funds if projects are awarded, approval of the city check register, and tabling of a housing-element rezone inventory item for staff follow-up.

Votes at a glance

- Items 2.1–2.4 (consent calendar): Approved by roll call. Vote: 5–0 (Councilmembers Oseguera, Avalos, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Guerra and Mayor Robertson voted yes). Motion to approve items 2.1–2.4 called and seconded; roll call taken.

- Item 2.5 (housing-element rezone inventory): Motion to table carried 4–1. Vote: Yes — Councilmembers Avalos, Oseguera, Mayor Pro Tem Guerra and Mayor Robertson; No — Councilmember Trujillo. Councilmember Avalos said he had not been provided copies of letters sent to property owners; the deputy city manager and planning staff agreed to provide the mailings and to confirm any HCD conditional‑approval deadline prior to resuming action.

- Item 2.6 (Resolution supporting timely use of Fresno COG funds — STBG/CMAQ call for projects): Adopted by roll call, 5–0. Staff presentation identified six grant applications for paving and alley work; the resolution commits the city to use awarded funds and to provide local matching funds from transportation gas-tax sources if projects are selected.

- Item 2.7 (Check register/claims): Approved by roll call, 5–0. The council discussed several line items in the check register during public comment and vote.

Notes on procedure and documentation

- Where motions lacked a named mover or seconder in the transcript, the council proceeded with standard roll-call votes; staff confirmed public-notice and packet availability for items subject to tabling.

Provenance (transcript references)

- Consent vote (items 2.1–2.4): presentation and roll call at roughly 00:58–00:59 of the meeting transcript (agenda segment starting around transcript times 3530–3553).

- Tabling of housing rezone (item 2.5): motion and roll call occurred at roughly transcript time 01:09–01:10 (segments near 4160–4178).

- Resolution for Fresno COG (item 2.6): staff presentation earlier in the meeting (segment starting near 4483), discussion and roll call later in the meeting (vote recorded at ~51:66–51:76 of the transcript lines 5166–5176).

- Check register (item 2.7): discussion and roll call recorded in the transcript at segments roughly 5178–5712 and vote recorded at 5714–5730.

Ending: Staff agreed to provide copies of mailed notices and to check HCD timelines after council concerns were raised; the council approved the transportation funding commitment and the check register by unanimous votes.","The council approved a resolution to commit to timely use of Fresno COG funds for street and alley projects, approved the check register and tabled a housing-element rezone item for further review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6091382,"Selma council tables housing-element rezoning item, requests property-notice records amid HCD deadline concern",582,3596000,4178000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0&start=3596&end=4178","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0/thumbnail_3596000.jpg","/articles/6091382/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Selma-council-tables-housing-element-rezoning-item-requests-property-notice-records-amid-HCD-deadline-concern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091382-a56ea8c1f56640f515ddb0158a4ba080/orig.mp4?Expires=1775651928&Signature=JCt8xLnnKcXN~T2-qFWjmaLyBi74jczvq4de0vnn9f7x6f2--2DKq2lNcDEb2X5WD2gkIz5ArHZOn3Xzn3T14~pspgbyVv5FehL6K5DphD-gG1pSYPnqaGQBMVOdqMJVsFzsvi4O6L~Y1iJH26SC-2ycQXijWRfWg-7d0QNjMikhUbp3guPhCYwSWczqentP-rkWb5wsrMvjlXTD31y2JAEKq0pJ3LA25bAy1DcLtBPYPI~t2ORBgH3FiCm2XIPfTOVHXXv8dJ96Y3bCF9iZtECD05yHGbL95fh4s9OEC3bEx3k0X17trEhIjEdeHyVl-UY0ZAEfRpMVrlJjY8LoGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A motion to table a citywide housing-element rezone inventory passed 4–1 at Selma City Council’s April 1 meeting after a councilmember said he had not received copies of letters mailed to impacted property owners.

Councilmember Avalos said he needed more time to review notices sent to affected parcels and asked staff to provide the actual letters the city mailed. Deputy City Manager Jerome (title used in the meeting) told the council the letters were sent to property owners identified for rezoning and that staff had received at least one call from a property owner. He said the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) conditional approval letter and public notices had been included in staff reports for prior planning commission and council hearings.

Why it matters: The rezone inventory is a required step for a certified housing element under state law; without a certified housing element the city risks losing access to certain housing and sustainability grants, staff said. Council members expressed a desire to ensure property owners had been directly notified before approving the inventory.

Council action and rationale

Councilmember Avalos moved to table the item to the next meeting; the motion carried on a roll-call vote 4–1: Councilmembers Avalos, Oseguera, Mayor Pro Tem Guerra and Mayor Robertson voted to table; Councilmember Trujillo voted no. Deputy City Manager and planning staff said they would produce copies of the mailed letters and confirm the HCD conditional-approval deadline so the council could determine whether tabling would jeopardize certification or grant eligibility.

Legal and procedural context

Staff said the city complied with public-notice requirements for a housing-element update that affects more than 1,000 people, including publishing an eighth-page ad in the local paper (the staff report listed The Sun‑Gazette/Sentinel circulation title used for legal notice). City Attorney Constanza said the city can pursue a single, comprehensive ordinance addressing licensing, leash laws, spay/neuter and anti-dumping provisions; she noted that mandatory spay/neuter tied to licensing is legally viable but typically requires a licensing trigger.

Ending: Council directed staff to provide the copies of mailed notices and to confirm any HCD timeline after the meeting. The council asked staff to confirm whether an April 15 deadline would be implicated and to return with materials before resuming the vote.","Councilmember raised concerns about property-notification records for proposed rezones in the housing element; the council voted 4–1 to table the item to allow staff to provide documentation and confirm any HCD deadline.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6091387,"Selma animal-shelter advisory committee urges more staff, dedicated funding and stronger ordinances",1428,1154000,2582000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0&start=1154&end=2582","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863153-78c5fc7f2fe8aaa1237eeccde738e4e0/thumbnail_1154000.jpg","/articles/6091387/Selma-City/Fresno-County/California/Selma-animal-shelter-advisory-committee-urges-more-staff-dedicated-funding-and-stronger-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091387-65923ec47b87a150e8ab4a5090f26460/orig.mp4?Expires=1775651928&Signature=NsT~kXiPZZu4EWG4dyNMLImuGCYuKqQQfiHhcSg0Nes2RG2cGV2KioUVyPbx-8fWvnO~91SDrGlQ7f0Ua0e2DeK5bdDcfwmBmHb~ewmeojHpf4CuPXaQPDKJD4eHPv8Sgmfs4rqjaW5ZHXiG3uFwTlThpf0s35M4hHoyz17P6bYNgkWE8Lo5akLFdVCAG1QkuwFCETsefKo-fhHkMQeORJB8pUFmSxZLgRf~MgGiPopazWGEhnxIiNpBuvLaMn8JHz3O1K984vw4DVpexCzDKYhfdbo8GWO8MxOj4Uxi5Ol4XAtz5IvEANDHyr40q-DrrN304EnoUZTAFLGWtjC4Pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Arvin Sandhu, a member of the Animal Services Advisory Committee, told the Selma City Council on April 1 that the city shelter is understaffed and operating at levels the committee described as insufficient to meet daily care and outreach needs.

At a report to the council, Sandhu said the shelter had 51 animals and only three employees at the time of the committee’s latest visit, adding, “They only have 3 employees.” The committee asked the council for funding to fill approved positions, more bilingual staff and a better volunteer protocol to avoid staff burnout and improve animal outcomes.

The committee said the shelter has spent roughly $400,000 on facility repairs and upgrades since a change in contractor late in 2023. Sandhu said the committee will request a line-item breakdown of those costs so it can determine whether the funds were grants, city allocations or other sources. He said much of the work included insulation, plumbing and other infrastructure needed to make the facility usable for the expanded program.

Why it matters: Committee members told council that staffing shortages affect day-to-day care — kennels are being spot-cleaned rather than washed daily — and limit outreach such as adoption and spay/neuter clinics. The committee recommended shifting budget priorities away from additional management positions and toward “downline” animal-care staff and kennel technicians.

Committee recommendations and council response

- Staffing: The committee said positions were approved in December 2023 and on later occasions but were not filled; the committee recommended hiring additional animal care officers and field services staff and making bilingual ability a hiring priority. The committee said recruiting for two positions was underway and that hiring processes would take at least a month.

- Volunteers and youth programs: The committee urged development of formal volunteer protocols to expand use of high-school and community volunteers for routine tasks and to create a pipeline from volunteer to paid employment.

- Programs and outreach: Members recommended reinstating frequent low-cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinics tied to license deadlines and called for a dedicated shelter website or PetPoint feed to make adoptable animals easier to find.

- Ordinances and enforcement: The committee pressed for mandatory microchipping, spay/neuter requirements tied to licensing, and stronger anti-dumping penalties. City Attorney Constanza told council such ordinances are legally possible but are best structured together in a comprehensive animal ordinance.

Council members and staff responses emphasized partnership. Councilmember Oseguera and other council members said they had accompanied the committee on a site visit. City Manager staff and department directors said they would provide follow-up: a staffing plan, a breakdown of the $400,000 in repairs, and options for volunteer protocols and ordinances. The council asked staff and the committee to return with specific budget and ordinance language during the budget cycle.

A committee data snapshot provided to council said 40 animals were euthanized last year (mostly “failure to thrive”) and 44 died (largely bottle‑fed kittens). The committee said those figures underscore the shelter’s need for more fosters, veterinary support and staff capacity during “kitten season.”

Ending: Council members thanked the advisory committee and asked staff to include staffing-level recommendations and projected costs during the upcoming budget discussions. The committee said it will continue regular visits and provide specific draft ordinance language to the city attorney.","An advisory committee told the Selma City Council that the city-run shelter is understaffed, has spent roughly $400,000 on repairs and needs clearer ordinances and funding to reduce shelter population and improve services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Selma Police Department reports declines in Part I crime, major gun recoveries and higher proactive patrols

Selma seeks Fresno COG funds for road reconstructions and alley paving; council adopts resolution to apply

Votes at a glance: Selma City Council approves transportation-project resolution, tables housing rezone and passes check register

Selma council tables housing-element rezoning item, requests property-notice records amid HCD deadline concern

Selma animal-shelter advisory committee urges more staff, dedicated funding and stronger ordinances