Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of June.
Good morning, Fresno.
CAL FIRE fought a Ford fire near Crawford Avenue and Highway 180 on Tuesday that started when a bird hit a power line—helicopters dropped water over steep, rocky terrain to help crews access the blaze.
They also battled a Rector fire that threatened homes and destroyed two structures, and investigations continue into that fire as well as the contained Rose fire.
A 23-year-old parolee was arrested Sunday evening in southeast Fresno after a standoff and officer-involved shooting began when he brandished a handgun during a follow-up investigation near Sierra Vista and Turner avenues — officers fired a warning shot, crisis negotiators secured his surrender, and he was taken to a hospital before being booked on charges of felony vandalism and resisting arrest.
Valley Crime Stoppers identified James William Johnson—described as a 6'1, 250-pound white male with black hair and blue eyes—wanted for assault with a firearm on a felony no-bail warrant on June 3, and authorities urge anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.
23-year-old Andrew Garcia—on parole for felony assault and domestic violence—was arrested on Sunday near Belmont and Chestnut when he threatened officers, tried to escape with a handgun by driving through a fence, and was later taken to CRMC for treatment before being booked on several charges.
An empty lot on Peach Avenue in southeast Fresno is set to become Innovation Village as a $15 million project will develop a hub for health care, construction, and cyber security technology while providing housing for researchers.
The project will involve international partners from Taiwan and a collaboration with Fresno State, with a groundbreaking planned for next year.
Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her said a Facebook post led to racist and sexist comments and physical assaults against her, yet police in Fresno, Clovis and Sanger found no reports of an attack—she continues to stand by an AI-made dossier while communications officer Nikki Henry remains on administrative leave until June 9.
A Fresno County court ruled on Monday that Measure A is invalid because state law now requires District Attorney and Sheriff elections to be held at the presidential primary stage—this decision extended the current terms of DA Lisa Smittcamp and Sheriff John Zanoni until 2028.
County officials will meet next week to decide if they will appeal—supporters and critics both expressed concerns about the change.
Fresno launched an Expanded Lawn to Garden Rebate program that pays $2 per square foot for converting front lawns to water-efficient landscaping—residential projects can earn up to $3,000 and commercial projects up to $8,000 on a first-come, first-served basis with funding partly from a $5 million grant.
Hinds Hospice in Fresno offers grief support groups to help families cope with loss, as shown by Lynn Horton who found help after her son died from an accidental overdose in January 2020.
Kathy Cromwell, the executive director, said the groups meet several times a year + give comfort to those feeling alone.
Hardy Concert
6:30 PM — Save Mart Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch Hardy live for an unforgettable night of music.
Chingo Bling Live in Fresno
8-10 p.m. — Frank's Place — Tickets vary — Experience the multi-talented Chingo Bling in a night of laughter and entertainment.
Angel Meet & Greet
7-8 p.m. — Fulton 55 — Admission Ticket required — Get personal items signed and a photo with the band at this exclusive meet & greet.
Books & Bebidas: A Silent Book Club Meetup
5:30-8 p.m. — Dulce Upfront — BYOB for books — Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with silent reading and mingling after a drink.
The Big Fresno Card Show
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Big Fresno Fair Gate — Free entry for first 50 attendees — Explore over 100 vendor tables of sports cards, collectibles, and more with food trucks and prizes.
DAD GAMES 2025
1-5 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Fresno — Ticket price includes game card and buffet — Compete in a fun-filled arcade showdown with your family for exciting prizes.
Takumi Japanese Restaurant Viewing Party
6-8 p.m. — Takumi Japanese Restaurant — $35+ — Indulge in a multi-course meal featuring grilled teriyaki and yakitori in a warm dining atmosphere.
90's Pop Tour
8-11 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Tickets available — Relive the magic of the 90s with iconic pop performances and delightful surprises.
L.A. vation: U2 Tribute
7:30-11:00 p.m. — Fulton 55 — Cost info unavailable — Experience the U2 tribute band L.A.vation delivering hit after hit from U2’s greatest albums.
Succulent Social
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Kearney Mansion Museum — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy an enchanting evening of champagne and a succulent planting workshop.
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