Quantcast
Channel: CBS 47: Local News
Viewing all 7460 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Little Smiles events helps kids overcome fear of dentist

September 22, 2013, 12:09 pm
$
0
0
More than a hundred kids got some extra attention to keep their teeth healthy on Saturday.

Willow Dental Group held their first-annual Little Smiles event.

There were free checkups, x-rays, and dental cleanings for kids.

Plus games for the kids and food for families.

"We want to make the dentist a fun experience for kids. With fears that a lot of parents have they pass that down to their own kids. Then sometimes kids don't want to go to the dentist. So we want parents and kids to know that the dentist can be fun," said Tracey Anderson from the Willow Dental Group.

More than a hundred kids were seen by the dentist at Saturday's event. 
↧
Search

Fresno Police investigating shooting that left one man wounded

September 22, 2013, 12:18 pm
$
0
0
Fresno Police are investigating a shooting that left one man wounded.

It happened around 10:30p.m. Friday night at the Princeton Place Apartments.

Witnesses said the gunman ran up to one of the apartments and shot through the window.

The victim was wounded in the leg and is expected to survive.

The suspect is still on the loose. 
↧
↧

Family Holds Vigil for Murder Victim

September 22, 2013, 10:30 pm
$
0
0
Dozens who loved and knew 38-year-old Cynthia Watkins best gathered at Shafer Park in Selma to embrace each other and light a candle in her name.

Cynthia's life was cut short by a senseless act.  Police say a little more than a week ago, 50-year-old Anthony Jackson, who family members say was the father of Cynthia's youngest child, shot and killed their neighbor, 22-year-old Gerome Dixon.
Then, minutes later Jackson reportedly killed Cynthia before turning the gun on himself.

"These children are traumatized, they're gonna be traumatized basically probably for the rest of their life," said Cynthia's Aunt, Ruthie McDaniel.

What's even worse is the family told us at least two of Cynthia's three children were witness to the gruesome crime.

"He did it in front of his own child. I don't understand what type of person could do that," said McDaniel.

Cynthia was an employee for the IRS and co-workers who knew her well said she was a beautiful person inside and out.

"Just the greatest person. It's...it's hard to see someone leave like that.  Yeah, she touched our heart," said co-worker of four years, Birdie Saenz.

Cynthia's cousin, Deonah Ray said having some of her coworkers present helps with the process.

"Let them also help with our healing...and help them. We're all helping each other," said Ray.

Cynthia is survived by her 3 and 7-year-old daughters and 12-year-old son.

Cynthia Watkins Funeral Arrangements:
Page Funeral Home
2014 Arrants St. Selma, CA
Monday, September 30th @ 1PM

Funeral Expenses Donation Account setup at Chase Bank Account #3020275417
Donations are taken at any Chase branch in the area.
↧

Unemployment system delays

September 23, 2013, 1:29 pm
$
0
0
Unemployed residents in the valley are among the tens of thousands statewide who’re still waiting for their benefits.  A system upgrade has delayed payments for weeks.  Some have been waiting for over a month.

Workforce Connection at Fresno’s ManchesterCenter is busy Monday morning as people try to find out why their unemployment still hasn't come through.  Florita Mendoza spent two hours on the phone with Employment Development Department, trying to get answers.  Money was supposed to show up last week on her E.D.D. debit card.

“I do get a little frustrated.  Even when you hear them [on the phone] you're like 'I finally got a hold of you,' just to hear it's going to take a little time,” said Mendoza.

According to the state, there are tens of thousands of delayed payments.  Over the weekend, hundreds of workers tried to clear a majority of the delays.  It says most people who are eligible to receive benefits will get their money by Tuesday morning.

51-year-old Michael Losurdo has been waiting a month for his benefits.

“When the government wants their money, they want to get it now.  They charge us interest and penalties. Now are they going to do that for us?” questions Losurdo.

After paying into unemployment most of his life, he's frustrated by a system that's not working when he needs it most.

“The food is dwindling and our bills are piling up and it's hard,” said Losurdo.

Click on the "related link" to see how you can sign up for updates via email.

↧

Fresno Swept by Bulldog Pride

September 23, 2013, 6:23 pm
$
0
0
Bulldog merchandise is flying off shelves at the Bulldog Shop in Fresno.

I think if your whole house is painted red, you know you gotta also get the Bulldog, so I think it just kind of comes with it," said David Vartanian.

Die hard fans like Vartanian and his recently rescued bulldog, Murph are stocking up on everything red.
The Boise State game also caused stadium tickets to sellout.  It's the first time since 2008.
It's been seven years since Fresno State has beat Boise and the recent winning streak has fans pumped.
The Bulldog Shop's manager says they can't keep items in the store long enough.

"Been on the phone all the time within the last couple of weeks trying to get more merchandise. Reorder, reorder, reorder, it's exciting," said Bulldog Shop Manager, Diane Brock.

The spirit is creating a hype both off and on campus.

"A lot of the students talk. Hey, are you going to the game, let's sit together...let's tailgate together," said Fresno State Sophomore, Samantha Wright.

Now, fans will be tailgating for a team that's 3-0 for the first time since 2004.

"Super excited to be back in the top 25.  You know, I think it gives so much more recognition to not just the athletic department, but academics as well," said Vartanian.

The next home game is against UNLV, Saturday, October 19th. Kickoff is at 7PM.
It will also be homecoming.
↧
↧

Security Guard Shoots & Kills Man

September 23, 2013, 11:12 pm
$
0
0
Police responded to a deadly shooting in southwest Fresno Monday night.  Investigators say a private security guard shot and killed a man.

It happened just after 8pm on east Annandale Ave. in front of a business named Ritchie Trucking.

Witnesses tell CBS47 that a man asked the security guard on duty if he could use his cell phone.  The guard allowed him to do so and then the man reportedly threw the phone down to the ground, which caused the two men to get into a physical fight.  It led to the guard shooting the man in the chest and he ended up dying on the street.

From the police’s perspective, confrontations like this are not very common.

“Not that they don’t occur, but something to this extent we don’t hear too much about.  Maybe loss prevention where they maybe get into a tussle with people in that arena, but something like this we very seldom get calls of that,” said Lt. Phil Cooley of the Fresno Police Dept.

The security guard works for Falcon Private Security out of Fresno.  He did not appear to have been shot, but did get injured during the struggle.  He was taken to the hospital and is listed in fair condition.

Depending on what’s found during this investigation, the guard may be let off for self-defense or he could wind up facing criminal charges.

↧

Armed Suspect Shot by Police

September 24, 2013, 12:11 am
$
0
0
A suspect is hospitalized and an investigation is underway into an officer involved shooting in Fresno.

This started as a call of a domestic disturbance a man and woman fighting.

Several calls came in to 911 around 630 from customers at a mini mart near here.

Officers saw a car similar to the suspect’s car and pulled it over here on Princeton and Weber.

Fresno police pulled over this white sedan on Princeton Avenue.

Two men inside jumped out and ran off.
Two officers chased after one of the men.

“Both officers chased the individual dressed in red who they believed was involved in the domestic disturbance,” said Fresno police chief Jerry Dyer.

Chief Dyer says the suspect ran into an apartment complex.

“When the officers approached a handgun fell to the ground. When the suspect reached down to grab the gun as officers approached him one officer fired one round,” Dyer said.

The suspect was hit in the chin.
He was taken into custody.

Neighbors heard the commotion. One woman spoke with us but didn't want to show her face.

“I heard a popping sound,” the woman told us.

Neighbors say it’s not uncommon to hear gunshots in this area. But it's still scary to have something like so close their homes and children.

“They said it was a male suspect running through the back. I was worried because we have an alley that connects all the apartments,” said the neighbor.

The 24-year-old suspect is at the hospital in fair condition.
Police say he is an admitted gang member out of Chicago.

The officer who fired the shot is on paid administrative leave.

↧

Drug production causes apartment explosion

September 24, 2013, 5:42 pm
$
0
0
According to fire investigators, an explosion Monday night in Fresno’s Tower District is the result of drug production gone wrong.  A 28-year-old man was critically injured.  Similar explosions have happened about a half dozen times in the last year.

Intense flames coming from a burning apartment were captured by a firefighter’s helmet camera.    It’s all apparently the result of another drug-making operation gone wrong.  The explosion sent the man in the apartment to the hospital with burns over 80% of his body.  The other seven apartments in the building are now boarded up.

“All the sudden I heard a big boom and my house rattled, and so I ran out to look what was the noise,” said Priscilla, a neighbor who didn’t want to be fully identified.

Deputy Fire Marshal Don MacAlpine says incidents like this one are happening more and more.  This helmet camera video shows the aftermath of an explosion near FresnoState earlier this year.

“We've had at least six incidents within a short period of time.  It seems to be some sort of practice that seems to be more common,” said MacAlpine.

The practice is making "honey or hash oil" using flammable propane to extract THC out of marijuana stems.  It creates a more potent substance, but it comes with a huge risk.

“It may cause one or more people their lives, and certainly several of them, lifelong scars and injuries,” said MacAlpine.

The 28-year-old injured is in serious condition at CRMC.  He may face criminal charges once the investigation is complete.

↧
Search

Local Drug Agents Crackdown on New Designer Drugs

September 24, 2013, 6:24 pm
$
0
0
The newest ones to hit the valley are so-called club drugs called 2C –P and its cousin drug 2C-E.

According to a coroner’s report, one of the drugs was in the system of a local college student when he drowned in the central coast this summer.

CBS47'S Lemor Abrams reports.
↧
↧

Apartment Explosion Damages Businesses

September 24, 2013, 11:53 pm
$
0
0
An explosion and fire at an apartment in Fresno’s Tower District has been linked to a concentrated form of marijuana known as honey oil.

Seven people were forced out of their homes here.

The cause: a man in an upstairs apartment was trying to make a concentrated form of marijuana.

It exploded and started a huge fire. And the flames were captured on video by a fire fighter at the scene.

Take a look at these flames fueled by fumes from butane, lighter fluid, used to make a concentrated form of marijuana.

Fire investigators say the man who lives in this apartment was making what's known as hash oil or honey oil when it exploded.

“Just to hear what the cause of it was, it's scary. You never know where it's going to be how close it is. It could be right next door,” said business owner Arlene Quezada.

Quezada owns 'Dollar Diva' right across the street from the apartment where the explosion happened.

“This could have happened in the morning or the afternoon and this is a family business where mothers come in with their babies, with their children,” Quezada said. 

The force of the blast was so strong it sent debris across two lanes of traffic and into businesses across the street. 

Broken glass still litters the sidewalk.

The paint on Quezada's windows is scratched.

Amazingly there was only one serious injury - the man in the apartment that exploded suffered burns over 80 percent of his body.

Neighbors say it shook the entire street. 

“You can die, it effects not just you, everyone in the neighborhood ‘cause that stuff's serious,” said Priscilla who lives nearby. 

Fire fighters say they're seeing more of these explosions and fires caused by people trying to make hash or honey oil. This fire earlier in the summer burned several apartments near FresnoState.

↧

UCP Day to Raise Funds for Disability Programs

September 25, 2013, 12:11 pm
$
0
0

Friday, September 27th, is the inaugural "UCP Day". The non-profit hopes to collect $50,000 in donations from local businesses, community leaders and you. UCP provides educational programs and services to more than 1,000 people living with disabilities - from cerebral palsy to autism to traumatic injury - in all seven counties in the Central Valley - Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare.

Please click on the related links to donate to "UCP Day" and to learn more about UCP of Central California.

↧

California Raises Minimum Wage

September 25, 2013, 6:07 pm
$
0
0
Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation Wednesday which will raise California’s minimum wage by 25% over the next couple years.

Currently, minimum wage sits at $8 an hour.  It will rise to $9 next July and $10 dollars by January of 2016.  It puts the pay level well above the federal minimum rate of $7.25 an hour.

This is the first minimum wage increase since 2008 and it's getting mixed reviews with folks in the Central Valley.
     
The decision out of the Capitol to raise minimum wage will impact about 14% of the state's full-time work force.  It’s the first minimum wage increase since 2008.
     
Some see it as a job killer, while others view it as an economy stimulator.

“It's phenomenal that it's finally going up.  It's about time,” said Dylan Smith, a minimum wage worker.
     
Dylan Smith is eager to earn some extra cash he can spend on fun activities.

“With the necessities you need to purchase today you can't really afford to go out to a movie, arcade, karaoke or anything,” said Smith.
     
Kern County Supervisor, Leticia Perez, is also excited.

“It's a great time for Californians.  So many students, single moms and folks really struggling to get by on minimum wage, this really is a boost,” said Leticia Perez, Kern Co. Supervisor.

Perez lost her bid for a state senate seat this past summer.  However, one of her key campaign issues was to get minimum wage increased.

“I'm really proud of the fact that our campaign highlighted this issue as a way to reward hard work and also give people a sense of hope about the future,” said Perez.

“It just doesn't make sense,” said Serafin Quintanar, owner of Evan Taylor Fine Cabinetry.
 
Serafin Quintanar says this new law artificially inflates the marketplace, which in time will hurt the consumer industry.

“There are suppliers that I use which have people at minimum wage and if their costs go up they're going to increase the cost to me.  I'm in turn going to have to raise my prices a little bit and that price increase is passed on to the consumer,” said Quintanar.




↧

CSU Requests Additional $250 Million for Campuses

September 25, 2013, 7:32 pm
$
0
0

Robert Boyd takes us into the electrical room at Fresno State University.
He oversees the facilities and shows us breakers dating back to 1951.
 
"They don't make this anymore. The gear that we have actually been able to obtain, we had to buy off of Ebay as an antique," said Boyd.
 
The campus is at max capacity for electrical output.  The lifespan of the electrical grid is 25 years and they're operating on 65 years.  Plus, they've already experienced a complete outage on campus last New Years Eve, but Boyd says it's a double-edged sword.
 
"You need to put the students obviously they have a need to go to school, and we also need to be able to have the infrastructure so that we can provide that type of environment for them," said Boyd.
 
In a board of trustees meeting Tuesday, the California State University system presented a budget proposal with an additional $250 million on top of next year's projection. They plan to put a big chunk towards enrollment and a portion towards infrastructure on campuses. CSU tells us Governor Jerry Brown said the money might be put to better use to repair out-of-date buildings.

"Over the past 3-5 years, we've had to turn away between 20-30,000 students each year who were fully admissible because we did not have funding for the students," said Mike Uhlenkamp with CSU's Chancellor's Office.
 
State cuts have forced the school system to take a big hit and it's also forced them to take a look at their priorities.
Boyd tells us the total estimated need for repairs on Fresno State campus today is around $150 million dollars.
↧
↧

Fresno Police Search For Driver In Deadly Hit and Run

September 25, 2013, 11:42 pm
$
0
0
 

Police are asking for your help to find a teenager they say crashed into a pedestrian and killed him on the spot.

Police say 19-year-old Maurice Fields ran away from the scene after the deadly accident, taking a child with him and leaving another child in the mangled car.

It happened on Fruit Avenue, North of McKinley in Northwest Fresno.

Investigators work around the mangled car, that they say crashed into a man walking in the neighborhood...killing him instantly.

The impact so strong...his body was tossed through a fence, into someone's backyard.

"When I heard the first noise like a boom, I thought I'm going outside or staying inside?," said Lucy who works nearby.

Police say the car hit the man, and kept going...speeding southbound down Fruit Ave., plowing through a pole, then a second pole.

"When I hear the second time-the noise-big noise...I say
something happened outside," said Lucy.

Police say the suspected driver, identified as 19-year-old Maurice Fields, walked away from the accident with an injured 7-year old boy, and left behind a 9-year old boy, pinned in the car.

Lucy walked outside from her hair salon and tried talking to him.

"I just saw and tell him please calm down, calm down," Lucy described.

The boy didn't respond, but firefighters were able to pull him out of the car, with broken legs.

"The 9-year old was extracted after about 30 minutes and was transported by ambulance," said Fresno Fire Department Spokesman Koby Johns.

The 7-year-old was dropped off hours later at the hospital.

Police continued the search for Maurice Fields, believed to be related to the two kids.

The kids are still in the hospital, and are expected to survive.

PGE crews continue working on the downed pole and power lines, that shut off power to about 100 homes.

If you have any information on the person of interest, Maurice Fields, you're urged to call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.

↧

California Wine Month Reception at Birdstone Winery

September 26, 2013, 8:01 am
$
0
0
Tonight you can taste some of Madera's award-winning wines & help students too.
The Madera Vintners Association will host “California Wine Month Reception & Wine Tasting” at Birdstone Winery from 6pm to 9pm in honor of California Wine Month.

Guests are invited to enjoy wine tasting from over 15 local wineries, samples provided by fine local restaurants and food producers (including The Vineyard Restaurant and Cheesecake Factory), and enjoy live music too. Guests can also participate in the MVA’s People’s Choice Award by voting for their favorite wine of the night!

Proceeds benefit the MVA's Scholarship Fund to keep students studying and developing Madera wines. Tickets are $35 and are available at the door. Call 800-613-0709 or go to http://maderawinetrail.com/eventcalendar.htm.

California Wine Month’s proclamation highlights California’s wine attributes: our beautiful wine country landscape and ideal climate for wine; our talented and ingenious winemaking families, our celebrated lifestyle and cuisine; and our commitment to sustainability and the environment. The family winemakers of the Madera Wine Trail are proud to be a part of California Wine Month. Come join us and be part of the celebration!

↧
Search

Auto Theft Rate Down 30% in Fresno

November 13, 2013, 11:21 pm
$
0
0
You may recall the big announcement at the beginning of November when the Fresno Police Department took control of five beds in the Fresno County Jail.  They chose to reserve those spaces for the city's most prolific auto thieves.  Five of them now occupy those cells and they appear to be locked up for good.

"We're very excited about that," said Sgt. Tim Tietjen of the Fresno Police Dept.

Sergeant Tim Tietjen heads up the police department's Career Criminal Auto Theft Team or CCAT.  He says two weeks ago, when those men were on the streets, 15 vehicles were being stolen each day.  Now, things are looking much better.

"In the last three days we've only have five cars stolen in the city of Fresno each night.  That's incredible," said Sgt.Tietjen.

Chris Lam claims to be one of those stealing numerous cars.

"It's fairly simple as much as I hate to admit it.  It's not like you got to be a brain surgeon to do it," said Chris Lam, a self-admitted car thief.

We caught up with the 30-year old Tuesday night after he was released from jail.  Lam admits to being a meth addict, a habit which fuels his criminal behavior.

"I want to get better and I want my family to take me back," said Lam.

Police want to see that happen as well, so as part of a second phase they are giving the alleged auto thieves in those five special cells the option to enter a drug rehab program.  The deal is, they get to stay out of jail as long as they do not reoffend.

"It's really about getting people help and giving them an opportunity to live a normal life.  We hope when this is all said and done we can do that," said Sgt.Tietjen.

If drug rehab is not suitable for the suspect, police have another option.  They want to put gps ankle bracelets on them so officers can track their every move.
↧

Sales of Premium Pet Food Increase

November 13, 2013, 11:39 pm
$
0
0
Concerns over the safety of some pet food are driving more people to purchase premium food.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating chicken jerky treats from China that have sickened thousands of dogs.

Those scares are prompting owners to look more carefully at what they're putting in their pet's bowl.

Inside this north Fresno pet food store, Muriel Perkins is picky about the products she sells to her customers.

"I want them all to be organic and healthy," Perkins said.

She favors products made in American because she knows the manufacturing processes tend to be strict.

"I have several brands to choose from because I watch what we bring in here. And make sure there's nothing that's going to harm the pets," Perkins said.

Premium pet food costs more than grocery store brands. But companies like Solid Gold Health Products for Pets uses only ingredients produced in this country and those that are chemical free.

"Foods made outside the U.S. don't have to face the same manufacturing protocol that we do here," said Leasa Greer with Solid Gold.

Greer says each batch of their food is tested before it leaves the manufacturing facility. And they only use American-made and chemical-free ingredients to ensure the quality of the food remains high.

Their sales have increased over the past ten years.

"Just like we try to feed our kids the best we can, customers, pet owners, are starting to do the same for their pets," Greer told us.

Greer says one way owners can protect their pets from potentially dangerous food and treats is to read the packaging and see where the product is made.

"If a pet food, either a treat or a pet food, is made outside of the U.S. it has to be labeled with the country of origin. If it's made in China it has to say made in China on the packaging," Greer said.

↧
↧

Charity Auto Preview for Children's Hospital Thursday Night

November 14, 2013, 10:05 am
$
0
0
What do brand new cars and children have in common? Well the answer can be found inside the Annual Auto Show Charity Preview event.

The Fresno Clovis new car dealer association has partnered with KSEE 24 for the second annual preview show on Thursday. The goal is to raise money for Children's Hospital of Central California.

A 2014 Honda Civic is just one of the many cars you'll be able to see at the charity auto preview and on top of getting a first look inside these brand new vehicles, you'll also be helping local children.

Doctor Robert Kezirian has been a physician at Children's Hosptal of Central California for more than 20 years. He spends his days trying to make kids feel better.

"The bottom line is that no one stands as tall as he who kneels to help a child," said Kezirian.

And now local car dealerships are taking that stand to help valley children. For the second year in a row new car dealers across Fresno and Clovis are partnering with KSEE 24 and the Educational Employees Credit Union to raise money for the hospital.

"What a better place than to give back to our children," says Manual Prieto, President of the Fresno Clovis Dealers Association.

It will all take place at the Auto Show Charity Preview Event on Thursday. For a small donation of just $50 you'll be able to explore the ins and outs of the latest cars, trucks and SUV's on the market.

"Not only that, they get a chance to get some hors d'oeuvres, they'll be some wine, they'll be some music so there will be some entertainment," says Prieto.

All proceeds will go directly to Children's Hospital. Last year the event brought in $25,000, money Dr. Kezirian calls invaluable.

"They are putting food in children's mouths here, they're contributing in buying antibiotics. The sky is the limit, I'm hoping we can raise as much as we can but if we can break that record that would be awesome."

So there you heard it, the sky is the limit and with your help organizers hope this event will continue to grow and continue raising more and more money every year. The event takes place Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
↧

Heavy Traffic Expected Near Woodward Park Sunday

November 14, 2013, 10:22 am
$
0
0
Heavy traffic is expected near Woodward Park on Sunday and motorists are advised to use alternate routes if driving in the area.

Approximately 5,000 runners are expected to take part in the Color Me Rad race event held at the park on Saturday, November 17th. All of Woodward Park will be utilized for the event. 

Audubon Avenue from Friant to Del Mar will be closed for the duration of the event and all closures and park facilities are expected to reopen around 3:00 p.m. 

For more information on the Color Me Rad event visit this link: http://www.colormerad.com/race.i?raceid=202
↧

Fresno Police Arrest Suspected Serial Rapist

November 14, 2013, 11:11 am
$
0
0
The Fresno Police Department announced on Thursday that they have arrested a man they say raped five women dating back to July of this year.

Thirty five year old Carlos Ramirez was a resident of Sanger at the time of his arrest. Police say the women Ramirez is accused of raping are all African American and four of them are between the ages of 18 and 24.

"In each of the cases Ramirez either used a handgun or a tazer in order to install fear into the victims so they would either get into his vehicle or he would prevent them from escaping by activating the tazer or pointing the hand gun at them," said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer

Police say they are also looking for a second suspect.

We will continue to follow this developing story and will bring you information as soon as it becomes available.
↧
Viewing all 7460 articles
Browse latest View live
Search