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

City Christmas Tree Arrives in Fresno

November 18, 2013, 12:13 pm
$
0
0
The city of Fresno is already preparing for the holidays as city Christmas Tree arrived Sunday at City Hall.

The tree was donated by Southern California Edison. It was cut from some of their property where the company was thinning trees.

Volunteers will decorate the tree and it will be lit during a special ceremony on December 3rd in front of City Hall.

↧
Search

How Can You Help When Tragedy Strikes?

November 18, 2013, 1:34 pm
$
0
0
In the aftermath of tragedies such as the typhoon in the Philippines and the tornadoes that wreaked havoc in the midwest, people can't help but to want to reach out to and do something.

Ellen Knapp with the American Red Cross paid a visit to the KSEE 24 studios to let us know how you can help.
↧
↧

Man Killed After Being Hit by Train in Fresno

November 18, 2013, 1:48 pm
$
0
0
An Amtrak train loaded with passengers was delayed for more than an hour Monday morning after it hit a pedestrian. It happened at the train tracks near East and Church in Fresno.

Several passengers waited at the Fresno Amtrak station to be transferred from one train to another after a horrible early morning accident.

"I was sitting just a few feet from where the man was and his brand new bicycle was right under my window," said passenger Diana Delallata.

The train they were originally on was stalled on tracks for an hour and a half just before 7:00 a.m.

"The train kind of hit a pretty hard stop and then they said nobody get off the train," said passenger Jaime Madrigal.

Police say a man in his 50's was pushing his bike across the tracks. He waited for a southbound train to pass but apparently didn't see the train coming from the opposite way.

"This is really traumatic to look out your window and see a man's body there," said Dellalata.

The train dragged the man about 50 feet. He died on impact.

Police say the crossing guard arms were down and the conductor blew his whistle but the man never looked up.

As always police are warning to stop, look and listen at all railroad crossings.
↧

Miss Winkles Animal Adoption Center Opens in Clovis

November 18, 2013, 2:08 pm
$
0
0
Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center in Clovis held an open house celebration Sunday.

People waited in line to get a tour of the new shelter and on its very first day 20 animals were adopted out to new homes.

"We have just been inundated with people from our community helping us get new animals homes," said Betty Cochran, animal services supervisor with Miss Winkles.

The center is open near Temperance and Sierra. Adoption fees are only $20 dollars for both dogs and cats.

↧

Several Stabbed During Weekend Party

November 18, 2013, 2:51 pm
$
0
0
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department is investigating a weekend party in which several people were stabbed and gun shots were fired.

Deputies responded to a shots fired call near the 17500 block of West Kearney just before 1:00 a.m. Sunday. Witness reported during the party a large fight started at the residence in which shots were eventually fired.

Investigators learned five people were stabbed during the disturbance and arrived separately at Community Regional Medical Center to receive treatment for injuries ranging from superficial to serious.

Sheriff's department officials say the stabbing appears to be gang related and that a majority of the victims and witness were uncooperative with investigators.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP. Your call may remain anonymous.
↧
↧

Tickets Going Fast for Final Fresno State Home Game

November 18, 2013, 3:58 pm
$
0
0
Tickets are going fast for the final home game of the 2013 football season at Fresno State.

Representatives from the athletic department say there are approximately 4000 tickets left for the Saturday game against the New Mexico Lobos, with only $30 and above priced tickets remaining.

If the Bulldogs manage to sell out the stadium it will be the third sellout for Bulldog Stadium this year.

If the team wins on Saturday, they will host the Mountain West Championship game at Bulldog Stadium in December 7th.

Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. To get your tickets before they're gone visit: http://www.gobulldogs.com
↧

Insect Quarantine Threatening South Valley Business

November 18, 2013, 4:49 pm
$
0
0
Citrus quarantine zones are hurting mandarin growers in the south valley. The quarantines were issued in Tulare County to eliminate the Asian Citrus Psyllid, a pest that can carry a tree killing disease.

It's a slow day at BC Fruta in Strathmore. A handful of workers are packing mandarins, just enough to fill 2 pallets. the only order Abraham Betancourt has this week.

"We picked 60 bins last week, picked them up and put them in cold storage and they're still sitting there," said Betancourt.

He's been in the Mandarin business for 18 years. His buyers usually don't eat the fruit, they use it for decorations at events like the Chinese New Year, with the leaves and stems attached. The problem is, Betencourt's operation is sitting in a citrus quarantine zone where fruit has to be stripped of leaf trash before it leaves the grove.

"All my fruit is in the quarantine zone, all my buyers are in the quarantine zone so they nearly shut me down completely. I'm selling 2 to 3 pallets a day and that's a lucky day," claims Betancourt.

There are two quarantines in Tulare County. The zones are expected to grow because Asian Citrus Psyllids keep popping up. A little over a week ago three were found in traps in different towns.

The Psyllid is known to carry a tree killing disease called Huang-Long-bing. Fortunately, HLB hasn't made it to the county but the threat is enough to merit restrictions.

"Things are going well it's just that there's a few more hoops to jump through in Tulare County quarantine zones. They either get rid of the leaf trash at the grow site or do a pre-harvest treatment."

Bettencourt says it's costing him $300,000 dollars a week. He has more than 100 employees but there's no work for them. He says if things don't pick up he'll have to tear out his trees and plant something else.

"I'm gonna kill 3,500 trees, I'm gonna kill them faster than the Psyllid," said Bettancourt.
↧

Giving Back this Holiday Season

November 18, 2013, 6:13 pm
$
0
0

The season of giving is upon us in the Central Valley.  The holidays are right around the corner, and as most of us prepare to celebrate with family, friends and lots of food, it's good to remember those who are less fortunate.  That's why non-profit organizations across Fresno are now accepting holiday donations.

For Jack Carter, a homeless Fresno man, the holiday season is bittersweet.

Jack Carter says, "Obviously we don't have cooking facilities.  Most of us have no access to our families."

Carter has been living on the streets of Fresno for three years, but every Thanksgiving and Christmas, he finds comfort inside the Poverello House.

"To be able to have a nice Thanksgiving dinner, or Christmas dinner with turkey and all the trimmings, it's a wonderful time.  Very nice."

About 3,500 meals are served at the Poverello House between the two holidays.  Each year, the organization relies on donations of food, turkeys, silverware and toys for thousands of kids.

Poverello House executive director Cruz Avila says,  "Just to see the smiles on their faces, that's a big blessing in itself."

'Tis the season of giving at the Salvation Army as well.  Monday, it held a fourth annual turkey drive, to help feed thousands of thanksgiving meals to residents at senior citizens homes.

Fresno Salvation Army Lt. Carlos Armendariz says, "The sad thing is a lot of times some of them are often forgotten, so to be able to provide a meal for families to be able to sit around the table, it's heartwarming."

The need continues at the Fresno Rescue Mission, where donations are down this year.  Christmas stockings for kids, warm clothes and all kinds of holiday foods are on the wish list.

Fresno Rescue Mission CEO Larry Arce says, "The need is always growing."

For people like Carter, no donation is too small.

"It really shows that there is some caring in the community around here," says Carter.

You can also give this season by joining us for our annual KSEE 24 Catholic Charities Turkey Drive, and CBS 47 Fresno Rescue Mission Food Drive.  Both will be held Tuesday, November 26 in the parking lot at 5035 E. McKinley Ave.  The events will run from 7am to 7pm.

↧
Search

Fresno State Enrollment Increase Depends on CSU Funding

November 18, 2013, 6:25 pm
$
0
0
Less than two weeks away from CSU Fresno's freshman and transfer application deadline, the university already has a 21 percent increase in applications compared to this time last year, according to Bernie Vinovrski, associate vice president at  Fresno State's enrollment office.

More people applying may mean more people will be turned away.

But Fresno State President Joseph Castro hopes to secure about $6.5 million from the CSU system to open more seats.

"Because of this significant demand, I've requested funding from the CSU system Chancellor's office to support 800 additional students in 2014-15," Castro said last week at a press conference to talk about his first 100 days in office.

The amount of freshman and transfer applications has increased each year by 8 to 10 percent in the last five years, Vinovrski said.

The University Outreach Office has been working with these student populations.

Earlier contact with these students helps make sure they're on track to transition from high school or city colleges.

"Students are looking at us as a destination campus. We are popular.  We have great academic programs. So we're just seeing a lot more interest in our campus," said Frances Pena-Olguin, director of university outreach.

The jump in interest for Fresno State is one the numbers reflect; the increase in applications is higher at 21 percent, compared to the system wide's average of 13 percent.

"Even if we get the [funding for the additional] 800, there still will be about 3,500 students who are fully eligible for admission that we'll not be able to accommodate," Vinovrski said.

University officials hope they'll know within 4 weeks whether they'll receive the additional funding from the CSU system.

The deadline for freshman and transfer students to apply is November 30.
↧
↧

Life as A Repo Man

November 18, 2013, 8:45 pm
$
0
0
         It can be a dirty, dangerous job the life as a "repo man."
         
        Each recovery operation is different... targets include cars, boats, and heavy machinery. Agents never know what type of reaction they might get from owners.
            
        Tony Botti took a ride with a local repossession team.

        Watch the above video for the entire special report.

        
↧

Father of Man Beaten in Elbow Room Fight Speaks Out

November 18, 2013, 10:00 pm
$
0
0


The father of a young man beaten in a violent restaurant fight over the weekend is speaking out.

Nick Burriel, 23, was rushed to the hospital Saturday night after a confrontation involving another man at the Elbow Room in Fig Garden Village.

Burriel was seriously injured and is still fighting for his life.

Meanwhile police are still investigating exactly what happened.

↧

Tombstone Turmoil

November 18, 2013, 10:47 pm
$
0
0
Under the Los Banos Calvary Cemetery's current policy, only fake flowers are allowed to serve as grave site decorations.  But many who have loved ones buried there say that's too strict and simply unfair.

During the cemetery's monthly board meeting Monday evening, close to 30 people crammed into a tiny room to urge leaders to work with them.

"You've done nothing but disrespect us and our loved ones," said Noah Jones.

Noah Jones and his wife Ashley lost their three-month old daughter Sidney in 2010.  A princess tiara and pack of skittles are just a couple affectionate items now resting at her tombstone.

"She'll never have a room.  This is where we come to leave little things for her and we're being told we're not allowed to do that.  It's not right," said Ashley Jones.

Pat Silva was saddened to receive a letter saying a hand-carved wooden cross needs to be removed from her father's burial site.

"My husband made the cross out of a tree and my dad sat under a tree the last 10 years of his life," said Pat Silva.

Ramona Azevedo claims cemetery personnel has thrown away mementos without even notifying her.

"Everytime I come I think my stuff is going to be gone," said Ramona Azevedo.
     
She's been warned to remove souvenirs from her mother's gravesite.  Over concerns they might get caught in lawnmowers and injure maintenance crews.

"It's not really about safety.  It's about being a big bully and throwing your power around," said Azevedo.

But Board President Geri Alves says it's about setting boundaries.

"They are putting items and it's getting out of control.  From one to another it's getting more and more," said Board President Geri Alves.

Alves hopes to adopt a new policy in the next few months.

Reporter:  "Do you foresee you guys being more flexible than you currently are though?

"All I know is we want to do what's best.  To try and work with the people and what's good for the cemetery also," said Alves.

Folks say they will continue to fight by showing up to every monthly meeting until they get their way.

↧

New Clovis Police Chief Appointed

November 18, 2013, 11:50 pm
$
0
0
The city of Clovis has a new police chief.

The council voted unanimously to appoint Matt Basgall as the next chief. Current police chief Janet Davis is retiring next month.

Basgall worked his way up through the ranks at the Clovis Police Department. He started at the agency in 1990.

"My family's grown up in Clovis. I love this community. And when the opportunity presented itself and was going to allow me to be the chief for Clovis. It was really something I wanted to do," Basgall.

Several candidates were interviewed for the position. Basgall was chosen by Clovis city manager Rob Woolley.

"He was very well experienced. He's 23 years. He's worked in every division and he's very well qualified, so it made the selection very easy," Woolley said.

Basgall has worked on some of the biggest cases for the Clovis Police Department.
In that time, the city has grown. And it continues to expand with more people moving into the community.

"The philosophy of Clovis has always been to handle any call no matter how small in nature it may appear to be. That calls important to somebody and that's something we want to continue to do," Basgall said.

He says the last five years have taught the city how to be creative, with lower tax revenue and smaller budgets. And he plans to look for ways to provide stellar service with the resources available.

The last three police chiefs in Clovis have come from within the department.  Janet Davis retires December 30th.  Basgall takes over December 31st. He will be sworn into office the first week in January.

↧
↧

Fire Damages Old JC Penney Building in Downtown Fresno

November 19, 2013, 9:36 am
$
0
0
A fire broke out inside the old JC Penny building in downtown Fresno.

The fire broke out Monday afternoon on Tulare and Fulton. Bystanders told arriving firefighters that someone had entered the building after the fire broke out. Firefighters entered through a second story window and found the person. Thankfully, he wasn't hurt.

He told firefighters that he entered the building because he believed people were still inside.

The fire only caused minimal damage.

↧

Where Do Valley Cities Rank in Safest Cities List?

November 19, 2013, 9:42 am
$
0
0
A new report lists the 50 safest cities in the Golden State and only one valley city made the cut.

The safewise report used the most recent FBI crime data, safety initiatives and security programs within the past few years.

The city of Corcoran reached number 42 on the list. Data from the recent crime report showed Corcoran had zero arsons reported in 2011.

According to the list, the safest city in California is Saratoga, which is near the Santa Cruz mountains.
↧
Search

Solar Energy: How Much Can You Really Save?

November 19, 2013, 10:23 am
$
0
0
If you haven't invested in solar energy yet, you could be missing out on some big savings now and in the future.

Drive through most any neighborhood in town and you're likely to see at least one roof with solar panels. Solar energy is becoming more and more mainstream these days so as valley residents start trying to keep up with the Jones's you can be sure there's a deal waiting to be had.

But Solar City regional vice president says if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

"You also want to make sure that if you're going to have a long term warranty on your solar system, if you are buying cash, or you're doing it on a lease, you want to make sure they're going to be there in 10 or 20 years to be able to service it and warranty it," says Dennis Cox.

But once you settle on a deal Cox says you can begin saving anywhere from 5 to 20-percent. It just depends on how much energy you consume.

Says Cox, "people often associate the size of the house with how much solar they need, and it's actually your usage habits and how many people are in the house. The more people you have in the house, the more showers, more clothes are washing, more dishes are being washed, turning on and off tv's, opening and closing doors. That has a big contributing factor as to what people use."

And the savings could be even greater now with the passage of AB 327. It basically rectifies the outdated rate restrictions that were put in place during the energy crisis. And those put the Central Valley at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the state.

"It makes it more fair. That's exactly what it does. So, if you're a solar customer in Carmel you're not paying the same price for energy that I'm paying in Fresno. With or without solar, you're still not paying much," says state assemblyman Henry T. Perea.

But those restrictions are no more and now when you make the switch to solar, it could mean even more extra cash in your wallet. But can you get it for free? Cox says the installation is free, you're just paying for the energy you consume.

"We put the system up on the roof for you at no cost out of your pocket up front and you purchase the electricity over a long period of time," says Cox.

And Cox says the way it works is similar to a utility. At the end of your solar lease, you can buy it out, or continue to lease it.

"When they retire nuclear power plants you don't own any of those means or any of the new ones."

So you can save money by making the switch now but Cox says with several solar technological developments in the works customers could be saving up to 40% on energy in the next decade.
↧

Delano Homicide Investigation

November 19, 2013, 11:04 am
$
0
0
Delano police are looking into the shooting death of a 20-year old man.

It happened Monday night at Kaibo Park near Jasmine and 22nd street. When an officer arrived on scene, they found a man shot in the chest. He died at the hospital.

His identity has not yet been released.
↧
↧

Honor for Area Japanese-Americans Incarcerated in Prison Camps

November 19, 2013, 10:52 am
$
0
0
Local farmers and business owners Dennis and Bonnie Simonian are dedicating a memorial tower to honor the memory of the many Japanese-Americans from Fresno County who were incarcerated in prison camps.

The memorial tower is located at the corner of Jensen and Clovis Avenues. It is built from lumber salvaged from the camps in Arizona where many of the Japanese-Americans from the Fresno area were sent.

An inscription on the obelisk translates as "Soul Consoling Tower."

Watch the video for more information.

↧

Ask the Doctor: E Cigarettes

November 19, 2013, 11:11 am
$
0
0
Looks like fewer kids are smoking or chewing tobacco. But the CDC worries about the rise in popularity of Electronic - or "E" - cigarettes.

They're heating elements that release vapors that can contain flavorings and nicotine.

Our medical expert Dr. Giatri Dave paid a visit to the CBS 47 studios to talk about them. You can see more in the above video.
↧

Lindsay Man Gets 630 Year Sentence for Child Molestation

November 19, 2013, 11:54 am
$
0
0
A 41-year-old Lindsay man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was sentenced on child molestation charges against two children.

Richard Trevino Tamez received the sentence of 630 years to life after he was found guilty of committing several felony sex acts on the children who were four and six years old at the time of the crime. He was also found guilty of using force or fear on the children.

The crimes occurred between 2001 and 2003 in the Exeter area.

Tamez was also found guilty of committing molestation back in 1997.

↧
Viewing all 7460 articles
Browse latest View live
Search