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Fresno Diocese on Pope Francis named "Person the Year"

December 11, 2013, 12:16 pm
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It's a decision that is gaining praise among Catholics and the world. Pope Francis has been named Time Magazine's Person of the Year for "capturing the imagination of millions of Catholics around the world amid the growing disillusion with the church."

Carina Corral interviewed Colin Dougherty, the general manager of the Fresno Diocese's Catholic Television station, on Midday about the pope's newest title and whether the Catholic church has accepted the Pope's progressive ideals considered -- to some-- controversial.

Watch the video for the interview in its entirety.
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Ask the Vet

December 11, 2013, 12:44 pm
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Dr. Cheryl Waterhouse returns to answer your pet health questions and gives us some tips on what holiday items to keep your pets away from.



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Fresno Firefighters Rescue 3 Trapped in Apartment Fire

December 11, 2013, 6:03 pm
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A fire destroyed a Southeast Fresno apartment unit and displaced seven people after a fire broke out around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday.

The fire started in a downstairs unit but quickly spread upstairs at a two-story apartment complex on E. Nevada Ave. near First St. and Tulare Ave.

Firefighters responded quickly and were able to rescue three people who were trapped in an upstairs unit just as they were getting ready to jump out the window.

"My neighbor came downstairs banging on the door and she told me to please call 911. I said why, and I look out my back door and it was flaming so bad. I was more worried about the people that were in there. I didn't know if they were still in there," said Reba Markham, who called 911.

The woman in the downstairs unit was able to get out and was treated for smoke inhalation at Community Regional Medical Center.

The fire busted her window and spread upstairs.

"All these units share a common stairwell, and so that stairwell was blocked by thick, black, toxic smoke. And so the occupants on the second story were unable to get themselves out through the stairwell," said Koby Johns with the Fresno Fire Department.

The window was the only way out for these three adults. When firefighters arrived, they found a matterss on the ground as the adults were getting ready to jump.

"We threw down the mattress, we were going to jump, but the firefighters were already here with the ladder and we just climbed down the ladder," said Song Va, who was rescued.

Before getting out, her family threw their pets out the window to safety, Va said. Neighbors caught the two kittens and a hamster in a cage.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. It caused about $75,000 worth of damage, according to the Fresno Fire Department.

Besides the one person being treated for smoke inhalation, no one else was injured.
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Valley Catholics React to Pope Francis Time Magazine Award

December 11, 2013, 6:27 pm
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The secret is out.  Time magazine has named it's annual Person of the Year, and the award goes to Pope Francis.  He's the first non-European Pope in more than one thousand years, and he beat out some big names; including whistleblower Edward Snowden.

For Catholic parishioners across the Valley, the news came as no surprise.

Juan Cortez says, "Because he has done many things other things that other Pope's didn't."

Unidentified parishioner says, "I think it's a wonderful thing and I think he definitely deserves it."

As the news spread across the globe, thousands of people packed into the Vatican to get a glimpse of the world's most influential man.  An up close photo was snapped Wednesday by KSEE 24's Alex Delgado, who had front row seats to all of the excitement.

Delgado says, "There are thousands of people from all over the world.  I feel very lucky, very fortunate to be here right now."

It's only the third time in history a Pope has been given the title.  The Catholic Diocese of Fresno says there's no doubt Pope Francis earned it.

Catholic Diocese member Collin Dougherty says, "Pope Francis has of course set the world on fire. I guess that would be the best way to explain it."

Time Magazine says it was a fairly easy choice, given the Pope's humble spirit and unprecedented dialogue that spreads across religious lines.

Time Magazine managing editor Nancy Gibbs says, "He really though stood out to us as someone who has changed the tone, the focus and the perception of one of the world's largest institutions in an extraordinary way."

Those of faith believe Pope Francis is a leader who will break barriers, and make great strides within the church and around the world; time and time again.

The last two popes to receive the title were Pope John the 23rd in 1963 and Pope John Paul II in 1994.

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Freeze has Valley Citrus on Hold at Packing Houses

December 11, 2013, 7:00 pm
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Open House Addresses Fresno Water Rate Hike

December 11, 2013, 11:24 pm
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Mayor Ashley Swearengin wants to clear the air about what she says are
rumors.

But opponents say it's a ploy to get more money.

Fresno the Mayor is holding open houes to let people know about the city's
water system improvement plan.

One was held Wednesday night at the convention center.

Enginners were there to explain that Fresno's water system is aging.

Some pipes are 100 years old.

The city wants to increase water rates to pay for repairs.

But there's a legal battle in the way.

The city and opponents are suing each other.

Opponents want the water hike issue to go to the ballot.

The city says it already has gone to the mail ballot, and the majority of
people didn't protest.

"Ballots went out . If people wanted to object and less than one third of one
percent... 495 people objected to the rate increase," the Mayor said.

"If you want to say that a six page pamphlet and on the bottom of page four
there's a no perferrated section that you could have mailed into the city. If
that's considered a vote than that's fine," says Opponent Steve Wayte.

Water rates are exected to double by 2016. The city approved the hike in
August.

Next Open House

The second open house is set for Friday from 12p to 1:30p at the Silver Doller Hofbrau in Fresno.


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Missing Man Found Safe & Sound

December 11, 2013, 11:30 pm
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The Fresno Co. Sheriff's Department says the break in this case came Wednesday evening when a woman reported finding a cold and hungry man near Kerman who claimed to be Ryan Rodriquez.

A co-worker of Rodriquez' told investigators they last saw him on Friday around 10:30 in the morning.

Rodriquez was driving a water truck near the intersection of Oakland and Butte Avenues, 12 miles north of Huron.
     
The 32-year went to refill his truck, but was never seen again.
     
Co-workers went searching for him and only found his truck parked next to the water pump.

A sheriff's lieutenant talked about what their top priority is right now.

"We're trying to determine if there was a crime involved and if there are any suspects that need to be searched for at this time," said Lt. Louis Hernandez.

The lieutenant described Rodriquez as being in fair condition in terms of health.
            
Detectives are interviewing him to try and piece together the details of his disappearance and if any foul play was involved.

Rodriquez' return comes on the day his family increased his missing person reward from $20,000 to $100,000.
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"The Voice" Finalists Visit KSEE 24 Midday

December 12, 2013, 1:00 pm
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Will Champlin and Tessanne Chin, two of the three finalists on the show, talk about their preparations leading up to the two night finale next Monday and Tuesday
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Disappearance of Ryan Rodriquez Now Deemed a Kidnapping

December 12, 2013, 5:45 pm
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The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is now investigating the disappearance of Ryan Rodriquez as a kidnapping. Previously, it was a missing persons case.  Wednesday night Rodriquez was found alive at a home near Highway 145 and North Avenue just outside of Kerman.  The family living at the home says the victim was very dehydrated and hungry.  Authorities say it appears he was kidnapped, trapped inside of a small room and held at gunpoint.
When Ryan Rodriquez showed up on Oscar Ventura's doorstep Wednesday night, he was cold, shaking and barefoot.
Oscar Ventura says, "I gave him some socks and shoes and a blanket."
The 32-year-old, who had been missing for 5 days, had a traumatic story to tell.


Ventura says, "He told me that they kidnapped him."
Ventura and his family listened as Rodriquez talked about three strange men who pulled up to his work site looking for a job. He claimed when he told them work was slow, they forced him into a van at gunpoint.
Ventura says, "They got a shotgun.  They were just pointing it at him and then the other guy brought out another shotgun and they just took him."


What happened after that, and in the days following, remains a mystery.  According to Rodriquez, his captors dropped him off about a mile away from Ventura's home.


"He told me that as long as his dad cooperated with them, he would be okay.  If not, they were going to do something," says Ventura.


Rodriquez's disappearance is now being investigated as a kidnapping case.
Thursday, KSEE24 News reached out to Rodriquez's his family, but no luck.  Meanwhile, the status of the $100,000 reward offered for Rodriquez's safe return is still unknown.  Ventura says that's the last thing on his mind.


Ventura says, "I just feel good because he's alive.  As long as he's good, you know he's okay, I don't need the reward."


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Big Losses for Small Crop Farmers After Freeze

December 12, 2013, 6:54 pm
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Several nights with freezing temperatures have left small crop farmers in Fresno County dealing with big losses.

The freeze is affecting the thousands of farms across Fresno County.

At Fong Tching's farm on Highland and McKinley Avenues, several nights of below freezing temperatures have damaged about 80 percent of his crop--a loss Tching equates to about $20,000, accounting for the crops lost and the time it will take to plant new vegetables.

"It makes me worry because everything I depend on my crops--my food, and everything, it's all in my crop," Tching said.

He's one of 1,300 Asian farmers in Fresno County who harvest small crops like his to sell their products in farmers markets.

Every year, freezing temperatures are a concern. Farmers take precautionary steps, such as using plastic to cover their plants. But this year, it wasn't enough.

"It works when the temperature gets down to 30, but then the last couple nights, we had temperatures down to 26, 27, and even though with a plastic, it didn't seem to help," said Michael Yang, a small farm agricultural assistant with the University of California's Cooperative Extension.

Splitting open some vegetables, Yang showed how some of the vegetables were frozen within, making the product unmarketable.

"They have to be uprooted because you can't wait, they have to replant, put new crops in here," Yang said.

The process to uproot, replant and harvest can take about 60 days, Yang said.

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Eyewitness News Investigates: Use Tax Collection

December 12, 2013, 11:00 pm
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Eyewitness News investigates taxes and online shopping.  Many people find shopping online a convenient way to search for the best deals while checking off their Christmas list.  But if taxes aren't included on a purchase, you may have to pay big later.

Everyone loves finding a great deal, but if you don't have to pay taxes on something you buy online, the state says, you still owe.  It's trying to get the word out to collect over a billion dollars. 

Traditional brick and mortar stores are holiday staples for fresno shopper Debra Johnson.

"The old fashioned way of Christmas shopping to hear the music, to hear everybody talking, and see everybody happy," said Johnson.

But not everyone gets as excited to hit the malls.  Online shopping continues to gain popularity.  This year's Cyber Monday sales were the highest ever, about 20 percent more than last year's sales according to IBM data.

Nicole LeFore is one of the millions who logs on to find deals.  This year she's knocking out about 70% of her shopping list online.

With the internet, you can check all stores in one location, and if it's cheaper to get it on the internet, you can get it then or there," said LeFore.

The State of California is warning people to check their receipts and make sure retailers are charging sales tax.  Some smaller retailers out of state aren't legally required to tack it on, but shoppers are required pay something called "use tax."  Jaime Garza with the State Board of Equalization explains:


"Use tax is the very same thing as sales tax and you're going to pay it on purchases made out of state from retailers online, mail order, for products that you're going to bring into California to use in California," said Garza, Deputy Director of External Affairs.

Garza says every item adds up and the state is currently missing $1.1 billion in use taxes.  The money could go to pay for more teachers or police officers.  Every shopper is responsible for reporting their untaxed purchases when they file their taxes.  But LeFore doesn't think most people will actually do it. 

"We're charged enough taxes as it is.  I don't think the average person even realizes if they're being charged sales tax or not," said LeFore.

Garza says the state has made it easy to figure out what you owe, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

We have ways to find people who don't pay use tax.  If you're caught not paying you can be charged penalties and interest. 

The state says that by educating more people about use tax, more people are now starting to pay it.

Click on the related link for more information on use tax.
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High Five: Five Festive Weekend Events in the Valley

December 13, 2013, 8:31 am
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There are plenty of festive activities to do during this second-to-last weekend before Christmas. Here's a handful of suggestions in this week's High Five!

-A scroll through Fresno's Chaffee Zoo will get you in the Christmas spirit. 18 acres of the zoo are now covered in lights for the 5th Annual Zoo Lights. Go for a stroll through brilliantly lit pathways, take a photo with Santa and enjoy live entertainment. It's 5-8pm all weekend long. Tickets start at $6 for adult, $4 for children ages 2-11.

-A holiday tradition returns to the Valley this weekend. The Central California Ballet has three performances of the Nutcracker. There's a 2:00 matinee on Saturday and Sunday, and an evening performance Saturday at 7:30. Ticket prices start at $25 for adults, $18 for kids 12 and under.

-Another musical production for the whole family: the Children's Music Theaterworks presents "Beauty and the Beast, Jr." It's at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Fresno. Tickets are just $10 for kids. Visit www.cmtworks.com for show times.

-The 2nd Annual Holiday Boutique is being held at the Clovis Bingo Hall. It's Saturday from 9am-2pm. Expect 30 vendors and door prizes every 30 minutes. Donate a toy for Toys for Tots and get three raffle tickets. It's also a great way to shop local and get some items crossed off your Christmas list.

-You can also donate a toy and get a free pancake breakfast with all the sides at Tailspin Tommy's. The toys collected will go to kids at Allensworth Elementary, located in a low-income area. The toy drive is happening Saturday from 7am-9am. The aerodrome eatery is located inside the terminal at the Fresno-Chandler airport.

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4.1 Earthquake Rattles the Valley

December 13, 2013, 8:35 am
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It was a rude awakening for thousands of residents who felt a 4.1 earthquake that rattled the Valley.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck just before midnight Thursday. The epicenter was just a few miles southeast of Kettleman City.

Dozens of peaople commented on the KSEE24 Facebook page about feeling the temblor.

"Felt the quake in Fresno. It sounded like somebody was running on my roof. My boyfriend said it was like Santa was doing a pre-test run before Christmas," wrote Sheyla Aucar.

"We not only felt it. We also heard the rumbling that sounded like a freight train," wrote Exetta Akhund in Visalia. 

Folks from Porterville and Exeter also posted our on Facebook page that they felt they quake, too. 
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Fresno St. Fans Lead the Pack for Vegas Bowl Tickets

December 13, 2013, 12:39 pm
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The Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl is just about a week away. Showgirls and Bowl reps are in town rallying fans to get out to Sin City to support the Dogs!

Derek Carr and Fresno State Bulldogs will try to beat USC in an all-California showdown next Saturday.

John Saccenti, the associate executive director of the Vegas Bowl and a couple show girls, were featured on Midday to talk about the big match up. Saccenti says it's the match-up the bowl reps were hoping for. He also gave us another tips for Bulldogs fans. The Red Wave will be seated in the television area during the nationally televised game. So far, Bulldogs fans lead the pack in ticket sales.

Watch the video for the interview in its entirety.

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Meet our KSEE Buddy "Radar"

December 13, 2013, 1:21 pm
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Our KSEE Buddy segment is back! Meet Radar, who is available for adoption at the Central California SPCA.
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Eminent Domain Begins in Fresno for High Speed Rail

December 13, 2013, 6:04 pm
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The State Public Works Board has given approval, after voting 3-0 Friday, for the California High Speed Rail Authority to start the process of seizing its first property through eminent domain to begin construction on the project.

The property is at Divisadero Avenue and G Street in downtown Fresno. It's currently being used as a state parole office.

Between Fresno and Madera, there are 380 properties that will be impacted by high speed rail plans. About 40 of those properties have already signed contracts, according to Don Grebe, director of real property for the rail authority.

Eminent domain is the right of the government to seize private property for public use.

Beginning the process of eminent domain means the rail authority is now allowed to access the land to begin construction. Attempts to contact the owner, Frank Solomon, Jr., were unsuccessful.

On Belmont Avenue, a vacant building that used to be a photo shop is next in line to be seized.

Meanwhile, nearby business owners are waiting to find out the fate of their properties.

"I'm a little nervous about the process because obviously I've been here a long time, we're a third generation business. We've been here a long time. We want to keep going. I'm nervous about moving because sometimes customers don't follow," said Brett Jayne, owner of Advance Muffler & Auto Services.

Jayne said he's been waiting to hear an offer from the rail authority who appraised his property earlier this year.

Several businesses on one side of Belmont Avenue, such as Jayne's, would be impacted by high speed rail plans. On the other side of the street, La Tapatia Tortillas is spared.

"I guess I'm torn. It's a greater good, but at the same time, I do feel for the businesses that are going to be impacted or affected," said Justin Rushing, plant manager at La Tapatia Tortillas.

Now that approval has been given, an expert will appraise the property, and a jury trial will decide the value of the property.

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Central CA Citrus Farmers Stop Packing to Inspect Freeze Damage

December 13, 2013, 6:51 pm
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Ag inspectors are taking one more look at the Central Valley citrus crop.
Valley farmers are reporting major losses in the citrus industry.

KSEE 24's Lemor Abrams is live at at a citrus farm in Fresno County with
precautions farmers are taking.

Keith Nilmeier is still trying to catch his breath after over a week
monitoring icy temperatures on his 60 acre orange grove.

"Coldest we've had outside our groves...20 degrees," said Nilmeier.

To add to the stress, the packing houses estimate that up to 30% of the
industry's navals, and up to 70% of clementines...are lost.

"Is that a wipe out? No, but it will make it harder on the industry to go out
and find fruit...and where it's good," said Nilmeier.

Now valley farmers are being asked to stop packing atleast two days after
harvesting.

Inspectors want to check fruit for freeze damage.

"Sometimes I assume...stay away when they're cutting my fruit simply because
you get frustrated when you see what you got," said Nilmeier.

State and county inspectors sliced open more samples Friday.

But Deputy Ag Commissioner Fred Rinder says it's still too early to tell how
much damage to expect.

"Once information we get is compiled with other counties...it's going be what
it's going be," said Rinder.



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Man Shot in Foot at Fresno's Fashion Fair Mall

December 13, 2013, 10:26 pm
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This outbreak of violence comes at the busiest shopping time of the year as everyone is getting ready for Christmas.  

The shooting took place about 7:30 p.m. when the mall was packed with people.  Police say it appears to be an isolated incident which is possibly gang related.

Reports are that a man and woman were leaving JCPenney when they noticed three or four Hispanic men wearing red clothing get into a car.  The vehicle then began to slowly follow them around the parking lot.  The driver allegedly got so close he brushed the woman with his vehicle, which caused the man she was with to yell at the driver smash out one of his windows.

The driver then jumped out and fired one single shot into the man’s foot.  As the victim bent down, the suspect followed up by pistol whipping the side of his head which gave him a good size cut.  The suspect then drove away.

Priority number one for police is to locate the suspect’s car.  The department utilized its helicopter to try and track the vehicle.  Meanwhile, detectives looked at surveillance video captured by the mall’s camera system.

The victim is from Madera and claims to be a former gang member.  He told police he believes the man who shot him is a bulldog gang member.
Police are looking for help from witnesses.  If you know anything that can help solve this case, call valley crime stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).

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Bulldogs Fans Snatch Up Vegas Bowl Tickets

December 14, 2013, 9:38 am
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Fresno State football fans have already bought more 6,000 tickets to the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.

The Bulldogs will face off against the USC Trojans on Saturday, December 21st. Kickoff is 12:30.

Friday on Eyewitness News at Noon, Jenny and Zara interviewed John Saccenti of the Las Vegas Bowl and two Vegas showgirls about the big game.

Watch the interview here.
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Officers Urge Caution During Busy Shopping Season

December 14, 2013, 9:39 pm
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One day after a shooting in the parking lot of Fresno's Fashion Fair Mall sent one person to the hospital, the parking lots and shopping center are packed with busy holiday shoppers.

Saturday, safety was at the forefront of many shoppers' minds.

"I always keep my head on a swivel, like anybody should. If someone's too close, if somebody bumps the bag, always look down," said Nathan Rothe, a holiday shopper.

Law enforcement officers are also taking extra precautions. On Black Friday, they kicked off the annual Operation Christmas Presence, where officers from multiple agencies step up patrol in busy shopping centers through the holiday season.

"We do have our mounted patrol, our motors; our tactical units are now focused a little bit more on the malls," said Lt. Mike Doyle, field commander with the Fresno Police Department.

Law enforcement officers urge people to avoid overloading their arms with bags to avoid being an easy target, don't leave bags in visible areas of the vehicle, and shop in groups when possible.

"Just stick together because there's a big crowd, so we have to stick together and hold hands," added Cecilia Zapata, a holiday shopper.

Officers urge shoppers to do their part to help the public's safety. They say, if you see something suspicious, report it to security officers.

"People get focused on one thing, you know, they got to get this or that. I focus on what I have to do, but I'm also watching everybody around me, just to be safe," Rothe said.

If shoppers feel unsafe getting to a parking lot, many shopping centers have security officers who can walk shoppers to their vehicles.

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