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Drought Concerning Many Valley Farmers

December 29, 2013, 12:52 pm
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It has been a while since it rained but it's the lack of snow in the high country that has many farmers worried.

Farmers say without a solid snowpack in the mountains, things quickly dry up during the growing season.

A wet winter helps keep reservoir levels up during the Spring and Summer when they are in high demand.

But this year farmers say very little of the wet or white stuff has been falling.

"It seems like it has gotten worse in the last twenty years and much worse in the last four," said Joe Delbosque a valley farmer.

Some farmers say they received more than 75% less rainfall this past Summer than their yearly average and if things don't turn around during the Winter, they worry 2014 could be even worse.
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Propane Explosion Leaves Man Severely Burned

December 29, 2013, 12:57 pm
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Investigators are working tonight to figure out what caused a propane explosion in Southeast Fresno.

The explosion happened inside an RV parked at Central Valley RV Repair on E. Home Avenue near Peach.

Firefighters say a man had turned the propane system off and was checking for leaks.

He told investigators he was using soapy water, a common method used by utility companies.

But while he was inside the RV, something went wrong causing a violent explosion.

"He was inside the RV at that time. He suffered burns to his head, face and his hands and legs," said  Thomas Cope, Fresno Fire.

Firefighters say the victim suffered second degree burns.

He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Investigators say he is not an employee of Central Valley RV Repair.

The RV he was working on was completely destroyed.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. 
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Bar Fight Linked to Deadly Stabbing

December 29, 2013, 11:40 pm
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A deadly dispute in southeast Fresno.

A man was stabbed to death during a fight outside a home near Matus and Geary.

Friends have identified the victim as 23-year-old David Vasquez Jimenez.

Police say the murder is connected to another fight at a night club. Witnesses say the violence was fueled by alcohol.

Investigators say the murder was the result of a personal dispute.

A 22-year-old man is in custody for the murder.
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Reedley Family Loses Home in Fire

December 30, 2013, 1:40 pm
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A family of four is homeless after an early morning fire destroyed their home.

The fire started shortly before 3:30 a.m. Monday near Sierra and Thompson in Reedley. When firefighters arrived the home was covered in flames.

Luckily the children were not home at the time and the couple was able to escape thanks to a working smoke alarm.

"Fortunately the occupants, there were 2 in the house in the upstairs bedroom, were alerted by a working smoke alarm, and able to exit the house through an upstairs window," said Reedley Fire Chief, Jerry Issak.

Remarkably the man jumped from the second story window to get a ladder so his wife could safely escape. The cause of the fire is still not known.

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Fresno Teen Injured in Shooting

December 30, 2013, 2:21 pm
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A 17-year-old is recovering after he was shot near First and Shaw in Fresno.

The teen was on Sierra Madre near 4th Street not far from Tioga Middle School. Officers searched the area for the gunman but came up empty. The motive for the shooting is not yet known.

The teen is expected to be okay but if you have any information you're asked to call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.

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Last Day on Job for Clovis Police Chief

December 30, 2013, 2:42 pm
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Monday marks the last day on the job for the police chief in Clovis.

Janet davis is retiring and her replacement, Matt Basgall, will take over the job on Tuesday.

Basgall has spent the past 23 years with the department.
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Spike in Valley Rifle, Shot gun sales before New Law Kicks In

December 30, 2013, 5:26 pm
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Local gun stores are seeing a major surge in sales ahead of a controversial new law.  On Wednesday, the latest gun control efforts in California will kick in and will require all long guns to be registered.

Shot guns and rifles are flying off the shelves at Herb Bauer's Sporting Goods.  Sales have gone up about 20 percent in the last month, as shoppers stock up ahead of a new law; a law Rick Fernandes calls an invasion of privacy.

Fernandes says, "I don't think it should be registered.  We haven't registered them in a hundred years so why start now? It's just our government trying to get their hands on everything."

On Wednesday, a new long gun registry kicks in.  The gun's make, model and serial number will be tracked; as well as the person who owns it.

Barry Bauer, president of Herb  Bauer's Sporting Goods, says, "It's none of the government's business what kinds of rifles and they have and shotguns they have."

Those who support the law say it is the state's business to keep guns out of the wrong hands and to enhance safety.

Gun control supporter Doug Wakida says, "I'm a gun control person.  I think guns should be regulated at a certain point because it's a weapon and weapons need to be in check."

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says that argument is invalid.  She says most crimes are committed by handguns, not shot guns and rifles.

Sheriff Mims says, "My fear is that in the long run somebody might use that to actually start confiscating weapons and I am going to fight that vigorously."

In the meantime, there's fear after the first of the year gun sales will drop significantly.  Fernandes says he doesn't plan to make another purchase.

"Probably not.  No.  Not if it has to be registered," says Fernandes.

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Growing Need at Local Food Pantries

December 30, 2013, 5:38 pm
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A growing concern in the South Valley. Food Pantries say more people are lining up for food assistance. The Visalia Emergency Aid blames cuts to food stamps and unemployment rates. The cuts to food stamps are tied to the farm bill which is stalled at the moment.
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2014 Brings New laws to California

December 30, 2013, 6:17 pm
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California is making way for hundreds of new laws in 2014.  From driving safety and immigration, to parking meters and parenting, 2014 brings with it a lot of changes.

There's a new a push to keep our roads a little safer.  Come Wednesday, tighter rules will apply to drivers 18 years and younger.  No more texting and driving by any means, not even with voice activated, hands free devices.

Ruben Muro says, "That's a good law that should go for everybody I think.  Not just teens, but adults."

Then there's beefed up protection for undocumented immigrants.  Starting January 1st, the Trust Act will limit deportations for those arrested for minor crimes and with no criminal record.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says, "The trust act will prohibit local law enforcement who run jails to holding illegal immigrants who have committed crimes and been booked into jails on the 48 hour ICE holds."

New protections for transgender students will also kick in, allowing students to play on the sports teams and use restrooms of the gender they identify with.

Richard Buck says, "I think if they're going to do the transgender laws, maybe they should just and another bathroom for transgender only."

Kids are no longer limited to just two parents.  A new law states a child can legally have three or more parents.  This comes after a court case in 2011 involving a lesbian couple.  One mom was in jail, while another was in a hospital.  The child was put into foster care because the biological father did not have parental rights.

Antonette Ibarra says, "Unless all of them have a part in raising them then yes, but if he was just a sperm donor and doesn't want nothing else, then I would say no."

Paying for faulty parking meters will be a thing of the past.  State law will prohibit city's from charging people who park at meters that don't work.

Doug Wakida says, "It's horrible and it happens all the time you get charged for it, so I think that's a very fair move."

Other laws include schools being able to punish cyber-bullying that happens off campus.

Minimum wage will also rise to $9 an hour in July.

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Car Injures Pedestrians in Fresno

December 30, 2013, 9:53 pm
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As paramedics and firefighters worked to strap a man and a woman onto gurneys Monday evening, a crowd of concerned relatives looked on.

"I come out here and they're both laying on the road and bleeding.  It's just overwhelming," said Richard Cantu, the victim's son.

Richard Cantu says his father and his wife were crossing the street, coming home from work.

"They do it every night, so they have no problem doing it," said Cantu.

The couple, who are in their late 40s to early 50s, are both in the hospital listed in fair condition.

The crash occurred on Olive Aveune between Jackson and Maple.  It is a 40 mile an hour zone.

"It does not appear the speed was excessive at this point," said Sgt. John Romo, Fresno Police Dept.

Investigators say the driver responsible pulled over right away.  Police say he was not impaired, but was behind the wheel without a valid license.  He received a citation for that, but is not 

expected to faces any other charges.

"It appears the pedestrians were at fault for crossing outside of a crosswalk," said Sgt. Romo.

Police remind people to be extra careful when walking the streets at night time.  Make sure to use designated crosswalks and wear lights or reflective clothing.
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CA A.G. Says State Would Save Millions Legalizing Pot

December 31, 2013, 12:07 am
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California was the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use back in 1996. And now voters could legalize pot.
A proposed initiative that would regulate and tax marijuana.
People we spoke with think it's a good idea.

"They can make the tax we sorely need too. It's the same as cigarettes and alcohol and what have you," said a woman we spoke with.

"I think if you're getting a fat tax on it, that's good because it's beneficial," said Aubrey Willis.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris says that legalizing pot would save the state hundreds of millions of dollars on enforcing marijuana laws. And that it would bring in millions more in tax revenue from pot sales.

Defenders of medical marijuana say it makes sense to make pot legal.

"Let's tax it, lets regulate it so it's not any more available to children, to minors. And lets quit wasting our time, money and people's lives," said Fresno attorney Brenda Linder.

Linder has represented medical marijuana dispensaries and collectives and believes pot should be regulated like alcohol.

But Fresno sheriff Margaret Mims has dealt with crime tied to huge marijuana gardens. Crime that includes murders, shootings, and robberies.

"It's all about the money. And somebody is looking for revenue and the problem is we should not be for sale. We should not be for sale and so desperate for revenue that we compromise our young people," said Mims.

Supporters need to get a little more than half a million signatures by the end of May to get the initiative on the 2014 ballot.
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Sobering Consequences of Drunk Driving

December 31, 2013, 8:53 am
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New Year's Eve and drinking, for so many, go hand in hand; unfortunately, so does driving drunk.

Driving drunk can be a deadly combination with years of consequences. DUI Lawyer Terry Wapner explains the last effects of a DUI charge including fines, license suspension, lost work, possible jail time...the list goes on.

Watch the video for the interview in its entirety. 
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Avoiding the Dreaded DUI

December 31, 2013, 12:34 pm
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Michael Chaffey of We Be Sober joined KSEE 24 Midday to talk about how they want to help you get home safely after those New Year's celebrations.
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Valley Teens Using E-Cigarettes to Smoke Marijuana

December 31, 2013, 5:48 pm
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E-cigarettes are now at the center of a new trend, putting Valley kids in danger.  The Fresno County Sheriff's Office  is battling a brand new crime inside classrooms. Several Clovis students have been caught smoking marijuana oil out of electronic cigarettes.

The problem is many e-cigarettes don't look like cigarettes, but instead pens or pencils that kids are expected to have in the classroom.  It is against the law to sell e-cigarettes to minors, but somehow kids are getting their hands on them and they're now using them to high.

The devices have become more and more discreet.  E-cigarettes are now disguised in colorful designs.  They've become undetectable and dangerous.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says, "This gets passed around at a school, they don't know what's in it.  You never know what's in it so it's a scary prospect."

According to Sheriff Mims, teens are replacing nicotine formula with concentrated marijuana, in wax or liquid form.  Once the substance is vaporized, there's hardly a smell.

"So a young person could be in a school with one of these that looks like a crayon or a pencil or a pen and could be smoking marijuana and the teacher would never know the difference," says Sheriff Mims.

The problem came to light recently after at least one Clovis student was caught with liquid weed inside a classroom.

John Avila with the Fresno County Narcotics unit says, "Scary to us because of the different things kids can utilize this for.  They can insert heroin into the cartridges and smoke heroin."

Parent Kristine Vonhurst says, "I think it's horrible.  I don't how the children can get their hands on them."

Regardless, the trend is hitting the Valley and it's happening inside schools.  Sheriff Mims says teachers and parents now need to know what to look for.

"I'm totally aware and my eyes are open, because I thought it was a pen," says Vonhurst.
    
Sheriff Mims tells says she will be meeting with all school superintendents in Fresno County next month, and she'll be alerting them about this latest trend and what to look for.

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Man Found Shot in Alley Near Fresno State Dies

December 31, 2013, 6:32 pm
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The man who was shot in the head Monday night in an alley near Fresno State has died.

The Fresno County Coroner's office has identified the victim as Cameron Ireland, 23, of Fresno.

Police responded to the area of Sixth Street and San Bruno Avenue west of Fresno State just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

Police said witnesses told them they saw Ireland being pushed out of a moving vehicle.

One neighbor said he heard a commotion and at least one gunshot before going outside to see what had happened.

"I'm quite sure it was about one that I heard. And when I came out, right there by that car, the boys was standing around and he was on the ground. And then next thing you know, cops," Robert Percy Taylor said.

Ireland was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in very critical condition but died early Tuesday morning.

Police said witnesses saw a light-colored vehicle drive away at a high rate of speed.

Tuesday, detectives investigated at the Kings Court Apartments where Ireland lived.

"Right now we're talking to family members, so the coroner will be talking to them as well. But right now, we're looking at a gang-related incident," said Lt. Mark Salazar with the Fresno Police Department.

Police have not yet named any suspects.

This is the city's 40th homicide of the year. Last year, there were 51 homicides in Fresno at the end of the year, Salazar said.

Police ask anyone with information on this case to call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP. Police are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

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Preventing DUI Tragedies

December 31, 2013, 9:44 pm
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Police are out in full force patrolling streets and running DUI checkpoints.  They're reminding people to ring in the new year responsibly by not mixing drinking and driving.

It's the final push of the avoid the 21 winter holiday campaign which has been in effect nearly three weeks.  So far, officers have made 151 DUI arrests.  Last year at this time there were 126 DUI arrests.

Whether it's through pulling people over or just the mere presence of a patrol car, police are on a mission this New Year's Eve to stop drunk drivers.

"Have a great time, drink and have fun, but get a sober driver.  Call somebody," said Officer Joe Ploharz, Fresno Police Dept.

For the last three and a half years we be sober has helped folks end the night safely by driving them and their car home.  They'll take you anywhere in the Fresno - Clovis area for a flat rate of $40.

"We know you want to have fun.  We know you're going to go out and we just want you to get home safe.  That's why we're here," said Michael Chaffey of We be sober.
     
If you get busted for DUI it can cost up to $12,000 in fines and legal fees.  Plus, your license is automatically suspended, which is a huge turnoff to employers.

"Today it's an insurance issue and you could lose your job and you may never get a job because of it," said Terry Wapner, an attorney.
     
The consequences escalate if you crash and hurt others.

"You could be facing felonies if there's an injury accident.  If more than one person is injured it's mandatory prison," said Wapner.

A powerful display was setup in a shopping center at the corner of Ashlan and Blackstone.  It featured a car that's been in a DUI crash, an ordinary bed and a casket.  Next to it was a written message, "Pick your bed for 2014."

Enrique Reade came up with the idea.

"All we want to do is save lives.  That's it," said Enrique Reade, Anti-DUI activist.
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Formula for Successful New Year's Resolutions

January 1, 2014, 7:13 am
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Lose weight, eat healthier. Many of you are vowing to be a new you this new year. Year after  year, so many people make promises to themselves they don't keep. Holistic Health Coach Kristina Beck has a formula for a successful resolution.

She offers advice such as be passionate about your resolutions, make reasonable goals, pencil them in and have accountability.

Watch the video for her interview in its entirety.
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Southeast Fresno Stabbing is City's First Homicide

January 1, 2014, 5:23 pm
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Fresno police are investigating the city's first homicide of the year.

Police suspect 23-year-old Jessica Wills of Fresno of stabbing her friend, a 31-year-old man who was visiting from Anaheim.

Just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to the area of E. Shields and Fowler avenues in front of the Villa del Sol Condos and found the man with a fatal stab wound to the chest.

"There was crime scene tape everywhere. Stuff like that. There's still blood spatters in a couple places in there," said Jonathan Woodley, who lives nearby.

This homicide is a shock to some neighbors, like Eva Weaver, who said the neighborhood is typically quiet.

"I know we've seen some things go down at the end of the street. This one was kind of too close to home," Weaver said.

She and her husband stayed up to ring in the new year then went to sleep. They woke up Wednesday morning to see Shields Avenue blocked off as a crime scene.

"It's a sad way to start things," said James Weaver. "We've been here over nine years, and it's a very quiet area," Eva Weaver added.

Before the fatal stabbing, the people in the group had been drinking during the New Year's Eve celebration, police said. A fight then broke out and turned violent.

While police investigate this case, some neighbors said it's a sad way to begin a new year.

"It's just a sign of the times. It happens, and it's going to continue to happen," said David Stocker.

The Fresno County Coroner's Office has not identified the victim.

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Struggling to Make Ends Meet

January 1, 2014, 6:09 pm
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Many Americans out of work are starting off the new year struggling even more now that their long-term unemployment benefits have run out. 
 
The last of the federal government's extensions expired December 28th.  The senate could vote on a new unemployment benefits bill once lawmakers return to session January 3rd, but of course there's no guarantee. 
 
The standard length of time for someone to receive unemployment checks is 26 weeks.  However, California's situation has been so bad the last couple years the government allowed some people up to 99 weeks.  Now that the deal has expired, everyone past that 26-week mark will not see another dime.  
 
Fresno County's unemployment rate is 12.6%.  Jose Gallegos of Clovis is a part of that statistic. 
 
"It's tough, it's really tough," said Jose Gallegos, a job seeker. 
 
The 43-year old has more to worry about than just himself. 
 
"I'm a single dad.  I've got three still at home.  One under 18 and the other two are struggling to go to college," said Gallegos. 
 
Gallegos was working as a maintenance man for local retail stores until his employer laid him off last May.  He's since filled out applications just about everywhere. 
 
"I've got 60 alone I can think of top of my head," said Gallegos. 
 
Gallegos just received a letter notifying him that his 26-week collection period is up and he will not get anymore unemployment checks. 
 
"It's not fair that the government goes, we're just going to cut it off here," said Gallegos. 
      
He's now in a bind and wonders how he'll even make his rent. 
 
"I don't want to make a condominium out of cardboard boxes for my children," said Gallegos. 
 
1.3 million Americans across the country are in the same boat.  214,000 are Californians.  It's prompted president Obama to publicly call out lawmakers.  He's urging them to extend long term aid by passing a new unemployment benefits bill.  The sticking point is that it has a $25-billion. 
 
"If congress refuses to act it won't just hurt families already struggling, it will actually harm our economy.  Unemployment insurance is one of the most effective Ways of boosting our economy.  When people have money to spend on basic necessities that means more customers for our businesses and ultimately more jobs," said President Barack Obama. 
      
Gallegos agrees and has a message of his own for Congress. 
 
"Let's switch places for 30 or 60 days.  You have my job and I have yours," said Gallegos. 
 
There is a program out there called Keep Your Home California.  It can give you up to $3,000 a month toward your mortgage payment for a full year.  To see if you qualify, visit the web link we've setup on this page.
 

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Baby New Year Born in Clovis at 12:01 a.m.

January 1, 2014, 7:28 pm
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Fresno County's first baby of 2014 was born just one minute past midnight. Her name is Bella Adeline Rubio. It was a special delivery that was actually scheduled for December 31st.
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