Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
Good morning, Fresno.
Charles Ferguson, a former Sierra USD school bus driver, is accused of 10 felony counts of lewd acts against an underage girl dating back to 2017—detectives say he abused the child when she was under 14 and he posted bail after a second arrest based on new evidence, with arraignment set for August 22.
CHP officers on Wednesday stopped a Fresno County pickup truck and seized about five pounds of cocaine from a hidden compartment — the driver was booked on multiple drug charges and held an outstanding drug trafficking warrant.
Fresno's Psalm Behpoor, general manager at Pismo’s Restaurant, was taken into ICE custody nearly two months ago — after an interview regarding a reduced 2002 burglary charge — and now awaits a court date while fearing deportation may separate him from his family.
Fresno Unified offers free meals to all students through its Community Eligibility Program — a plan that includes new fall menu items and a new app that lets parents check meal and allergen details.
Next week, about 1,000 students will begin classes at the new Terry P.
Bradley Educational Center in Clovis Unified School District as final cleaning and finishing touches were applied to classrooms, the library, and the snack bar—crews worked on the 165-acre campus in phases to ensure safety and readiness. The school honors Dr. Terry P. Bradley’s legacy and will serve seventh through ninth grade students while additional facilities are set to open in the coming months.
Fresno City Council approved a new police headquarters near the aging facility built in 1959 to address asbestos concerns, limited space, and privacy for victims.
The city will lease a 65000 square feet building for 21 years with nearly $30 million before purchase—consolidating up to 100 officers—and it is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2026.
Fresno City Council approved a $56 million bond that funds public safety projects—one project includes $12 million in building upgrades along with a 21-year lease for a new police headquarters costing an extra $30 million.
City leaders are still working to cover the future annual rent and expenses for the headquarters.
A Fresno judge who ruled on July 14th in favor of a developer for an 82-unit apartment project now faces an ethics complaint alleging he did not disclose campaign donations from that developer due to a long history of business ties — the complaint was filed on July 30th and a state commission will meet Aug. 19-20 in San Francisco to decide if a preliminary investigation will be opened.
Fresno American Indian Health Project unveiled a new mobile unit named Spirit Runner on Friday morning at its office parking lot.
The bus will offer nutritious food, educational materials and books to help local Native families amid rising grocery prices — its launch is part of a three-year effort with Save the Children.
Monster Jam Freestyle Mania
1-3 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Tickets available — Experience the ultimate in freestyle excitement with Monster Jam Freestyle Mania.
Cocktails & Connections - Nimbus Bright Marketing Discussion
5-8 p.m. — Tioga-Sequoia Beer Garden — $25 entry — Network with entrepreneurs while enjoying craft beers and marketing insights.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
2-3:30 p.m. — Downing Planetarium — $3—5 — Experience an entrancing planetarium show featuring the wonders of the universe.
Madagascar Jr. Musical Performance
2-3:30 p.m. — California Arts Academy — Tickets may apply — Experience a thrilling live musical adventure with Alex the Lion and friends as they escape to Madagascar.
Water Lantern Festival
5-6:30 p.m. — Woodward Park — Community event — Celebrate light and unity at this enchanting evening festival.
Video Editing Certificate Program
7 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Fresno Music Academy & Arts — Pricing varies — Gain expert-level skills in digital video editing and motion graphics.
Giddy Up N' Groove 2025
4-10 p.m. — Chukchansi Park — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of country music under the stars with high-energy performances and captivating light shows.
Yeison Landero with Cumbia Bass
9 PM – 1 AM — Fulton 55 — Ages 21+ — Celebrate with a vibrant Cumbia dance party to unite hearts and connect with roots.
Dog Daze Music Festival (Sunday Pass)
12:00 – 1:30 PM — Chukchansi Park — Ticket details available — Experience a lively Sunday filled with music at Dog Daze Music Festival in Fresno.
Palomazo Norteno Concert
8-10 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Join for a night of lively Norteno music with the La Borrachera Perfecta tour.
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