[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6607284,"mediaKeyId","2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8","parentId",2953450,"title","Residents urge Fresno council to halt or rethink Southeast Development Area Plan over air, infrastructure concerns","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",6064000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8&start=6064&end=6064","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8/thumbnail_6064000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6607284/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Residents-urge-Fresno-council-to-halt-or-rethink-Southeast-Development-Area-Plan-over-air-infrastructure-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607284-4f7341f5caeadf4e6f5b776acf336b80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177636&Signature=NHRSZO72uRDvdCA6EW8rDHg4jdvIgxgtQg5tGdXY99jToCd7vngqzpZ4CwChEvHhFDo7cTVS9lt7iSdhi7xOjy1guslLecpfsNeKVO89mevt5ftSiip8aFaN5Bjc98X5-ZxkDDnfqQUqfCiNb14GixrdPYGnWsp-nnU8LDKEmlpaeMlhT1oh96rWlXESjP3jmJ~wOuZE3yyHF6mUSmQNWfBJ~DenyoPoOXHw4YlQW27qeliYFrCbQ~EBKAH51blEdgpz1Ub0knxObU87xba-eFIJYykDl~0-bML-FdIDyFrjyEUfxl6UZng0JOdOw2clBvWgvpTJPmKZICngpiU~gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Fresno Council, Boards, and Commissions","date","2025-04-10T22:54:31.717Z","article","Residents and neighborhood representatives told the Fresno City Council on Thursday they are concerned the proposed Southeast Development Area Plan (sometimes referenced as CETA) would worsen air quality and shift infrastructure costs onto existing neighborhoods and taxpayers.

At a scheduled appearance before the council, Jesse Neves, a new homeowner in North Fresno, said the plan would add an estimated 500,000 tons of annual carbon emissions and said that would “wipe out the city's progress on climate goals for the next 2 decades,” quoting a local news summary of city documents. “Approving CETA is approving more bad air and all the coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and chronic illness that it brings,” Neves told the council and noted Fresno’s poor air grades from the American Lung Association.

Another speaker, Erica Leonard, a District 1 homeowner, said the city’s current budget shortfall and aging infrastructure make large new infrastructure commitments risky. She said she had filed a public-records request seeking planned infrastructure improvements for her neighborhood and that the city’s projected response date had slipped beyond statutory timeframes. “Unless you tell us otherwise, we have to assume we as Fresno taxpayers will be footing that infrastructure bill upfront with no guarantee of any benefit,” Leonard said.

Council members did not take action on CETA at the meeting. Staff and councilors acknowledged the comments and said the plan will continue to be debated in future hearings; several councilors reiterated the need to balance housing goals with infrastructure and public‑health protections.

Ending: The council received public comments requesting more detailed environmental and infrastructure analyses and clearer commitments on who will pay for required upgrades if the plan proceeds. The council did not vote on the plan at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fresno City Council Meeting 4/10/25","oneSentenceSummary","At Thursday’s meeting residents and homeowners urged councilors to reconsider or delay the Southeast Development Area Plan (CETA), saying the project would increase carbon emissions, worsen local air quality and shift infrastructure burdens onto existing neighborhoods.","taxTitle","Fresno City, Fresno County, California","taxId",3699,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6607289,"Council approves contract for new 911 call center; construction to start summer 2025",164,6714000,6878000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8&start=6714&end=6878","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8/thumbnail_6714000.jpg","/articles/6607289/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Council-approves-contract-for-new-911-call-center-construction-to-start-summer-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607289-5ea9339f4bea790b1495f5e5986185bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177636&Signature=JQiayolcDNTTU-Rq46oaRPsgh8ujUmZsSgQnXS5WKOvHbIg-BmUeYA3SZ6IR8hHSI3JLsVeOY7ykYGHMqIwLySTVQk7ZCviUp~jKkU6SiiOGWt3Rbh~FVOtixSFH4RJrkSQ7LpshWhK1lNV3CjIUNMcCLUfuZ~qhuydrvR7CWlU5lIk4THmbRHtn1-4-IgvbvSi9rpfQvbva9rdwige5VMg2aVpcNz8d9sQC55y6QQbATMSqUjP3tyEOE6--XKOGUEI5n-ubTaKp6eJ8-XClEONrzYEhzzjT5jlVtu5qpmzk2xcuL2Xh1efgzClMxDUsIiaI0HXL1qlgig44anyINw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fresno City Councilors approved a contract on Thursday for construction of a new 911 emergency call center, a step city officials say will expand dispatch capacity and improve working conditions for emergency dispatch staff.

City staff told the council construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 with substantial completion anticipated in fall 2026. The new facility, at the Municipal Services Center (G Street and El Dorado), will include expanded dispatch consoles, training and conference rooms, staff locker and fitness areas, enhanced server rooms and exterior patios.

Bidding for the project produced a low apparent bidder who later withdrew due to a subcontractor issue. City staff explained the local‑preference policy: if a low bidder is not local, the city may account for a $75,000 local‑preference adjustment when comparing bids; in this case the second‑low bidder, Solpack, was awarded the contract after the apparent low bidder could not proceed. The same contractor is also constructing Fire Station 12; city staff confirmed the contractor will use separate crews and does not expect schedule conflicts.

Council Member Brandon Vang, whose district includes the site, asked about school and traffic impacts; staff said the mayor and capital projects team will invite the nearby school to preconstruction meetings and take steps to do most heavy work over the summer when school is out. Staff also said there are no planned full closures of Fresno Street and that staging and traffic control will be limited to El Dorado at the MSC site.

Council approved the award 7–0. Staff said the existing dispatch center is cramped and has limited capacity for additional dispatchers — a key reason for building a larger facility.

Ending: City staff and councilors said the new center should boost dispatch staffing capacity and working conditions; staff will provide construction and traffic‑control updates as the project moves forward.","The council approved a construction contract for a new 911 emergency call center; staff said construction will start summer 2025 with substantial completion in fall 2026. A low bidder withdrew, and the contract was awarded to the next lowest bidder under a local‑preference provision.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6607294,"Fresno Council renews police military-equipment authorization after public push for community meetings and usage data",239,1017000,1256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8&start=1017&end=1256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8/thumbnail_1017000.jpg","/articles/6607294/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Fresno-Council-renews-police-military-equipment-authorization-after-public-push-for-community-meetings-and-usage-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607294-e8ec2e0aad15540e9f7539b5277ac112/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177636&Signature=P9~zPh9CF-mcllO4UwZ8gpr2oyF05U85EHx5c~NH34MqjHluQ2LpOdFV--qIaaQNbrVidYHzE1pSnBv3LQrDX4cVhaCvjw5Sd8R~ovuXMdSs6C7jrFFQdrjLZVay3fkSnVGqHTUGfv-SW6pbdtuQRNkzs7oGFiSvwYgAejXiP6RWYQC9AwDNRyEOo7gRnYuzuEunchsrwAYoYRFReEuad9yRIeHxtYxzZKKrE5-nVSGkp0Hp6HddnEPNWrR6ydZW-n-Hmy8YBeuwljYfLTKAGYHGcxpCqeOJ5XZHiW2bC6Gf7z8CwZOmKJecrfW~zKsUA3QARmNqII~FX9JJOKaRdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fresno City Council on Thursday approved renewal of the Fresno Police Department’s annual military‑equipment report, voting to continue authorization for another year while several speakers urged more public engagement and clearer reporting on how items are used.

The item came to the dais after residents and advocates asked that the council pull the report from consent and require a well‑publicized, conveniently located community meeting as required by state law (AB 481). Multiple public speakers said Fresno was an outlier in not holding a separate, post‑report community meeting before seeking council approval. Activists and residents questioned when and where such meetings occurred and asked for more transparency.

Council members and the city attorney said the staff notice posted the report to the city website within the timeline required by AB 481 and that the council meeting itself satisfied the state’s meeting requirement. Members of the public disagreed, saying a Brown Act council meeting does not provide the same opportunity for discussion and questions as a separate community engagement session.

During discussion, councilors pressed the police to provide clearer usage statistics. Chief of Police and staff pointed to report sections listing uses (for example, the report lists drone deployments). Council members requested a concise table that shows how often each type of equipment was used in the prior year and a written decommissioning and disposal protocol explaining how the department removes equipment from service and prevents diversion of weapons or sensitive equipment to nonlaw‑enforcement hands.

Council Vice President Miguel Arias moved the renewal; the motion was seconded and passed without opposition (vote 6–0). Council members said they expect follow‑up memos with a usage table, clarification on where and how community meetings will be held, and formal decommissioning procedures for items such as drones and older robots.

Ending: The renewal preserves the department’s current authorizations while prompting staff to provide clearer public reporting and internal procedures; advocates said they will continue to press for additional community engagement and transparency.","Council renewed the Fresno Police Department's annual military equipment authorization amid public calls for better community engagement and clearer usage statistics for items such as drones and robots. Councilors asked the department for clearer utilization tables and for written decommissioning protocols.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6607299,"Fresno Council urges California parole board to deny release for convicted sex offender Rudolph Acosta",78,1871000,1949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8&start=1871&end=1949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8/thumbnail_1871000.jpg","/articles/6607299/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Fresno-Council-urges-California-parole-board-to-deny-release-for-convicted-sex-offender-Rudolph-Acosta","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607299-db861ba2af2552486b75e31429555d25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177636&Signature=AVbbGFVdTYlk4y~YBMhOvWtUhu-Q1vVg4oUwFI7vaOdOCsLsZncRt7zaRL7C2yaJDKtUilUXe-KIS9g4I3eTw2SDWFvJ9NGUaIXlOJYDfb4x8qcZLcvaZEJb0aR9NZB6lE6AxoeFx5VYKGFaNWnrzil0CMxhexIGYRHB8nthOPCe8gPcKNKNIH~QfvJjZREkt-VgB5utz2XR1KDcsy2uGYtNt-KVTKCKxOjR2fK2BqJUQZ~sWrN-kxZatBtfV-QvQPTLZ-QUtVpGbnxG7S3NNWzkBZG7zuuMJLf1FHG66DPZqokuRG0rk29HuDcPQQWzIjqAzu-4RJo1YfYg5FwBzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fresno City Council on Thursday approved a resolution urging the California Board of Parole Hearings to deny parole for Rudolph Martin Acosta, a convicted offender whose crimes drew testimony from survivors during the meeting.

Council Member Annalisa Perea introduced the resolution and invited one of the victims to address the council. “To even consider releasing him sends a message that time alone can erase the terror that he has inflicted,” Perea said as she framed the resolution.

A survivor, identified at the meeting as Myrna, told the council she was attacked as a teenager and described long-term trauma. “I plead, I ask, I beg you, please keep him where he is,” she said. Myrna said she had learned that two of the known victims later died by suicide and that others continue to struggle with addiction.

Perea said she would coordinate with state Assemblywoman and launch a petition and letter-writing campaign to ensure the parole board receives a large volume of opposition letters. Council Vice President Miguel Arias seconded the motion to adopt the resolution.

The council voted 6–0 in favor. No fiscal action was attached to the resolution; it is a formal request from the city to the state parole authority expressing the local elected body’s position on a pending parole matter.

Ending: Council members said the resolution was intended to amplify survivors’ voices and to influence the state parole process by demonstrating clear local opposition to release.","The council unanimously approved a resolution urging the California Board of Parole Hearings to deny parole for Rudolph Martin Acosta, a convicted offender tied to crimes in the Tower District. Survivors addressed the council during the meeting.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6607303,"Fresno, County Move to Curb Copper-Wire Theft; Council OKs Local ordinance",135,1904000,2039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8&start=1904&end=2039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953450-0725f5120a84c1b2c0190782e2e06da8/thumbnail_1904000.jpg","/articles/6607303/Fresno-City/Fresno-County/California/Fresno-County-Move-to-Curb-Copper-Wire-Theft-Council-OKs-Local-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607303-d5372db4aa176605c7a216d5bc81f31d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177636&Signature=UeBa2PHmeIisRnXHkuJUV1-pywj2DarPcTRNLFQIGYpu9TzkQrwGzBWW3AOFop4nwSeRGk0oLReXwjK8l1yU9lKkZEH98QN65YBPZ5OD-edZHzFDD0Y4nbunBaInVk7ZZXAdgGHaIkBOv-D2lCzHL2OGcedWSU8CEyhmLdk8mr-uw5QzuOBCNWbSiG8cK9BSVayr-vVUqFNxYpc3GaqUGpiOz9QKveqGuB4Tf1DeYs8EOSEGLpx4qfqtjWLet~FUHKXf6kbWS77eiyXppSxMnrxK5s8VfnAdVZzj-M30m0T7IGVA9EsEc0y9L6yrIaLWZdZzA0OHol7d6ljgAFgTHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fresno City Councilors on Thursday approved a new local ordinance targeting the possession of stripped commercial scrap metal, a step council leaders say will help curb a recent rise in copper-wire thefts that damage infrastructure and local businesses.

The ordinance, which the County of Fresno adopted earlier in the week, creates criminal and administrative tools aimed at people found in possession of stripped copper and other commercial metals without a clear lawful purpose. Council members framed the measure as part of a joint, city-county strategy to deter theft and recover stolen material.

Supporters said the thefts have real costs for residents and businesses. “Copper wire theft is ruining our community, affecting medical care, and increasing the cost of business ownership,” Mayor Jerry Dyer read from a letter submitted by a local physician, citing an instance in which thieves removed HVAC coils from a medical office and left hundreds of patients sweltering while repairs were arranged.

Supervisor Gary Bredefeld, who joined the council for the vote, said the county and city worked together to tailor ordinances that focus on people transporting or possessing stripped commercial metal, rather than on recyclers covered under state law. “The criminals don’t pay attention to jurisdictional lines, so we need to work together,” Bredefeld told the council. He said law enforcement agencies including the sheriff’s ag‑crime unit supported the measure.

Council members also emphasized the financial toll on public infrastructure such as streetlights and telecommunications equipment, and promised coordinated enforcement. Council Vice President Miguel Arias said the change is intended to give police, prosecutors and code enforcement new options to seize stolen materials, issue fines and pursue criminal charges.

The ordinance was approved 6–0; the measure will return for final adoption in a subsequent meeting as required by local procedure. City staff and county attorneys said they designed the language to avoid conflict with state law and to make prosecutions more straightforward for local law enforcement.

Officials said they will monitor enforcement and coordinate with the District Attorney’s office. Council members requested follow-up to confirm how prosecutions will be handled across city and county jurisdictions and whether additional resources will be required for city or county prosecutors.

The council set the item for final adoption at a future meeting.

Ending: Councilors said they view the ordinance as the first of several collaborative steps with the county to address recurring thefts that damage infrastructure and raise costs for residents and businesses.","The Fresno City Council voted unanimously to approve a local ordinance targeting possession of stripped commercial scrap metal, part of a coordinated city-county push to reduce copper-wire and other metal thefts that officials say have driven up repair costs and interrupted services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Fresno council to halt or rethink Southeast Development Area Plan over air, infrastructure concerns

Council approves contract for new 911 call center; construction to start summer 2025

Fresno Council renews police military-equipment authorization after public push for community meetings and usage data

Fresno Council urges California parole board to deny release for convicted sex offender Rudolph Acosta

Fresno, County Move to Curb Copper-Wire Theft; Council OKs Local ordinance