Daily
Fresno
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Fresno. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Community West Bank acquired United Security Bank in an all-stock merger that will boost market scale and lending capacity; the deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 and extend branch coverage across Fresno, Madera, Kern, San Joaquin, and Santa Clara counties. GV Wire
- ➤ The Fresno restaurant formerly known as Bobby Salazar’s rebranded to Mama Iguana’s on Champlain and Perrin, cutting ties with its namesake while keeping the same Riofrio family ownership. The change was announced in September and became official in November as the restaurant continues to serve home-cooked meals to the community. KMJ Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ In 1877, Francis Eisen turned a heat wave that dried his Muscat grapes along Fancher Creek east of Fresno into the start of the county’s raisin industry—an accident that sparked a tradition later built upon by local pioneers. KVPR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fresno unveiled its state-of-the-art international terminal at Fresno Yosemite International Airport on Wednesday, marking the largest expansion in its 77-year history. The 98,000 sqft, $150M project created two new gates for domestic and international flights and was funded partly by federal grants + city initiatives. ABC30
- ➤ Fifty years after fleeing war, the local Hmong community is charting a new path with Brandon Vang elected as Fresno City Council District 5 member and advancing plans for General Vang Pao Park in Merced — the park will honor the Hmong leader and serve as a cultural landmark. GV Wire
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Fresno County inspectors found health code violations at the popular Tacos El Cabezon after its opening, leading to increased inspections after public complaints. County officials added seven new inspectors following a 2024 Grand Jury report that highlighted understaffing (over 20,000 yearly inspections drive the effort). GV Wire
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ As travel budgets shrink, many locals are opting for staycations this holiday season. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite says its affordable accommodations that include ice skating and snowshoeing offer an easy way to explore nearby national parks and enjoy local adventures. ABC30
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Fresno State Bulldog Damon Jenkins left Kerman High after a four-year run with 37 wins including the school's first D-III section title and will become the new head coach at San Joaquin Memorial, replacing the Panthers after a 5-6 season. ABC30
-
Emo Night - 10 Year Anniversary
9 PM – 12 AM — Strummer's Bar & Grill — Admission ticket + one complimentary bottled water voucher — Celebrate a decade of emo night with your favorite emo and pop punk classics.
-
Fiesta Navidad
3-4:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holidays with Grammy-winning Mariachi Los Camperos in a vibrant cultural performance.
-
Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Adele
8:30-9:29 p.m. — The Grand 1401 — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting music of Adele under candlelight in an awe-inspiring setting.
-
Candlelight Concert: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
6:15-7:14 p.m. — The Grand 1401 — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting music of Joe Hisaishi by candlelight in a stunning venue.
-
Deorro New Year's Eve Party
8 p.m. — Rainbow Ballroom — Ticketed entry — Celebrate the new year with electrifying beats from Deorro at Fresno's hottest NYE bash.
-
Fresno State vs. Utah State Women's Basketball
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Save Mart Center — Reserved premium parking available — Cheer on the Lady Bulldogs as they take on the Aggies in an exciting basketball showdown.
-
2026 Fresno State Polopalooza Tournament
All day — Student Recreation Center — Check website for details — Dive into a thrilling weekend of water polo competitions and activities.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
About Daily Fresno
Welcome to the Daily Fresno, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fresno, California community. If you like the Daily Fresno, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fresno.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Fresno and across California. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Fresno
A free Fresno community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyfresno.com/sitemap