New branches, upgraded facilities signal a new era for Fresno County libraries

Patrons and members at Fresno County Public Libraries are in for some changes in the coming months, ranging from facilities upgrades to an entirely new library home, relocating one of the system’s highest-traffic libraries after years of discussion.

The investments, largely funded through Measure B — a voter-approved one-eighth cent sales tax dedicated to library facilities, programs and services — aim to improve facilities, enhancing the user experience and modernizing overall infrastructure.

New space for Politi

One of the most visible projects for the system remains the relocation of the Politi Branch Library, a move that will see the library more than triple its square footage, expanding its ability to provide education and workspace.

Library officials first saw the opportunity to relocate in 2022 when the Rite Aid pharmacy located at the corner of First Street and Bullard Avenue permanently closed its doors, freeing up nearly 17,000 square feet of available space.

Library officials said at the time that the Politi branch — located near schools and residential neighborhoods — had only six public computers and lacked adequate space for community events such as meetings and book sales.

“New flooring has been installed throughout the facility, and a new staff workspace has been created to support daily library operations,” said Susan Renfro, Fresno County Public Library marketing and community relations officer. “Additional improvements currently underway include a quiet room, meeting room, and study rooms, expanding the types of spaces available to patrons of the Leo Politi Library.”

The additional space will allow the library, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, to incorporate separate areas for teens and children, including flexible seating, collaborative tables and activity spaces designed to support reading, studying and group work.

Renovation work is nearing completion with library staff expecting the new Leo Politi Library to open in mid-2026. The project has a renovation budget of approximately $1.38 million.

Central Library closed for up to two years

In Downtown Fresno, the Central Library closed in February for renovations, with major infrastructure work expected to be completed by 2028.

The 67-year-old facility is currently undergoing electrical, lighting and ceiling improvements, as well as basement renovations, including asbestos abatement and code compliance updates. The building, which opened in 1959, has already received new windows and a new roof, with upcoming work to include large-scale lighting system upgrades and electrical improvements scheduled to begin in late April.

Funding for the project includes $4 million from the California State Library and $8 million in local funds, bringing the total investment to $12 million.

“This project will modernize core building systems and ensure the facility can continue serving our community for years to come,” library officials said in a statement in February.

The closure led the library system to relocate its central distribution hub to warehouse space in the nearby Downtown Beehive building to support the movement of materials throughout the library system.

The Heritage and Genealogy Center, housed at Central Library, will move to a by-appointment, phone-based system. Officials are exploring options for a temporary service location for the collection.

Other improvements throughout the system

In Selma, the local branch remains temporarily closed while major investments are completed at the building, which has served the community for more than 45 years.

Renovations include a new roof, fire protection system and exterior siding, as well as ADA-compliant restroom upgrades and new flooring. The renovation also includes expanded meeting space, new shelving and furnishings.

The Selma Library renovation is operating on a budget of just over $3.3 million, with officials anticipating the library could reopen in mid-2026.

Construction that began in late 2025 on new library facilities in Clovis and Reedley focuses on replacing aging facilities with larger, purpose-built branches. Once completed, the Clovis Regional Library will become the largest library in the county. The Reedley project will triple the size of its existing branch.

The Clovis project has a $25 million budget. The Reedley library is expected to cost just under $14 million.

Opening dates have not yet been announced.

Additional improvements nearing completion

At the Woodward Park Regional Library in North Fresno, solar canopies are being installed in the parking lot to provide shade and generate renewable energy, reducing long-term utility costs. Construction began in late 2025 and is expected to wrap up later this year.

The library system also announced a temporary closure of the Kingsburg Library to allow for flooring and lighting upgrades.

Library officials say the projects reflect ongoing efforts to modernize existing locations as well as ensure that facilities are accessible and welcoming for residents across Fresno County while ensuring Measure B funds continue to support long-term system-wide improvements.

“Together, these projects reflect the Fresno County Public Library’s ongoing work to maintain and improve facilities across its system,” Renfro said. “The Library will continue providing updates as construction and improvement projects move forward.”

Federal court hears new case against Trump’s latest global tariffs

The centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s economic policy — sweeping taxes on global imports — is under legal assault again.

The U.S. Court of International Trade, a specialized court in New York, heard oral arguments Friday in an attempt to overturn the temporary tariffs Trump turned to after the Supreme Court in February struck down his preferred choice — even bigger, even more sweeping tariffs.

In his first attempt to impose global tariffs, the president last year invoked the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), using the law to declare America’s longstanding trade deficit a national emergency and to impose double-digit worldwide taxes on imports to combat it. He interpreted the law broadly to justify tariffs of whatever size he wanted, whenever he wanted to impose them, on whatever country he wanted to target.

The Supreme Court struck those tariffs down on Feb. 20, saying IEEPA did not authorize the use of tariffs to counter national emergencies.

But Trump had alternatives to IEEPA. The quickest option was Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose global tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, after which congressional approval is needed to extend them. After his defeat at the Supreme Court, Trump quickly announced 10% Section 122 tariffs. He said he’d raise them to the maximum 15% but hasn’t yet done so. The tariffs are scheduled to expire July 24.

Two dozen states and some businesses quickly challenged the new tariffs in court. Friday’s hearing lasted more than three hours as a three-judge panel tried to assess a provision that had never been used before to impose tariffs and to analyze congressional decisionmaking from more than a half century ago.

The judges intensely questioned lawyers for both the plaintiffs and the government about what certain terms mean including what precisely the term “balance-of-payments deficits” meant when it was used in the Trade Act of 1974 and what it means today.

“I think the judges asked tough questions of all sides and were genuinely trying to find out what Congress meant when it passed section 122,” said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation for Liberty Justice Center, which represents some of the plaintiffs.

“I would be stunned if the challengers prevail,’’ said trade lawyer Ryan Majerus, a partner at King & Spalding law firm and a former U.S. trade official.

The trade court’s judges, he said, are likely to defer to the president and allow the Section 122 tariffs to stay, considering that they will expire in three and a half months anyway. “I just don’t see them sticking their neck out on this one, given how temporarily it’s in place and how much discretion these courts give to the president,’’ he said.

Section 122 is aimed at what it calls “fundamental international payments problems.’’ At issue is whether that wording covers trade deficits, the gap between what the U.S. sells other countries and what it buys from them.

The provision arose from the financial crises that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s when the U.S. dollar was tied to gold. Other countries were dumping dollars in exchange for gold at a set rate, risking a collapse of the U.S. currency and chaos in financial markets. But the dollar is no longer linked to gold, so critics say Section 122 is obsolete.

Awkwardly for Trump, his own Justice Department argued in a court filing last year that the president had needed to invoke IEEPA because Section 122 did “not have any obvious application’’ in fighting trade deficits, which it called “conceptually distinct’’ from payments problems.

Awkwardly for the plaintiffs challenging his use of the temporary tariffs, the trade court itself wrote last year in its own decision striking down IEEPA tariffs that Trump didn’t need them because Section 122 was available to counter trade deficits.

Last May, the trade court issued a decision striking down Trump’s IEEPA tariffs about two weeks after hearing oral arguments in the case. Attorney General Dan Rayfield of Oregon, one of the states challenging Trump’s latest tariffs, is eager for another speedy ruling. “We are hopeful to get a result sooner than later,’’ he said. “When the president continues to do an unlawful action and take money out of the pockets of Americans, we want a response as quickly as we can from the courts.’’

LA needs 100,000 construction workers. Community colleges are racing to train them

Hudson Idov wasn’t excited about any of his college options — that is, until his Los Angeles house burned down in the Palisades Fire his senior year of high school.

Less than a week after graduation, he and one of his classmates enrolled in the carpentry program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, a community college just south of downtown. Their goal is to start a construction company one day and help rebuild the Palisades. “We have big, big 10-year plans,” he said during a break in his morning class.

His personal tragedy drove the decision, but he also considers it wise to pursue a high-demand job, especially now. Before the Palisades and Eaton fires last year, Los Angeles was already short roughly 70,000 qualified construction workers. The destruction of thousands of homes and businesses during the fires made that problem even worse. The city now needs over 100,000 new workers in construction and construction-related careers, according to one state analysis, which estimates median pay at just under $30 an hour, though it varies depending on the position and the level of experience.

Last year, the state awarded five Los Angeles community colleges a total of $5 million to train more workers who can help rebuild from the Palisades and Eaton fires. The money only recently arrived at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, where it will fund supplies and new curricula for students who are entering the construction industry. Pasadena City College, a few miles northeast of Los Angeles Trade-Tech, is using part of the money to build a 55,000-square-foot center for construction training.

Historically, it takes years to recover after devastating fires, and some California cities hit hard by fires in 2017 and 2018 still have just a fraction of their homes rebuilt.

“We can’t put out enough people,” said Jaime Alvarez, one of Idov’s carpentry instructors, as students hammered, sawed and drilled all around him. This semester, Alvarez has about 30 students. The four-semester carpentry program at the technical college is likely the largest such program in the state, enrolling over 1,800 people per year.

Rebuilding the foundation of the Palisades

Idov still lives in an AirBnB with the few belongings he grabbed on the night he evacuated his home. He has some of his clothes and a couple of personal items he could fit in his car, such as a bowling pin from a birthday party he went to as a kid. The rest is gone, he said.

Most days, he starts school at 7 a.m and finishes around noon. He normally spends the afternoons working part time for a general contractor. The carpentry program is designed to take about two years to complete, roughly 25 hours a week. This semester, he’s learning how to build concrete foundations, how to drill rebar into those foundations and to construct the frame of a building — work that’s particularly needed in fire-damaged parts of Los Angeles.

The extreme heat from fires doesn’t just burn down wood; it also makes concrete foundations brittle and unstable, Alvarez said. His course has to be sparing with its use of concrete, though, since it’s expensive.

Although the college’s construction, maintenance and utilities programs have a total annual budget of over $10 million, most of the money goes to staff salaries, leaving just over $575,000 for many of the supplies students use, said Abigail Patton, the vice president of academic affairs. She said the state grant for fire recovery will help supplement supply costs, including the concrete in Alvarez’s class.

While the state funding is helping, other money recently fell through. In 2024, Los Angeles Trade-Tech was one of the recipients of a $20 million federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The college was set to receive $2 million through that grant, part of which went to the Coalition for Responsible Community Development, an economic development organization based in south Los Angeles.

The money was supposed to support the college’s construction programs, where students would learn about home weatherization, lead abatement, and residential energy audits. The federal agency disbursed just over $88,000 of the grant to the Coalition for Responsible Community Development before suddenly cancelling it last May after President Trump took office. Environmental justice groups filed a lawsuit appealing the Trump administration’s decision.

The Coalition for Responsible Community Development refused to comment about the grant, but the Environmental Protection Agency was unsparing in its remarks. “Maybe the Biden-Harris Administration shouldn’t have forced its radical agenda of wasteful DEI programs and ‘environmental justice’ priorities on the EPA’s core mission,” said Brigit Hirsch, press secretary for the department, in an email to CalMatters. “Thankfully, those days are over.”

‘It’s not all fun and games’

Some short-term community college certificates in construction can lead to high-paying jobs, including some that pay over $40 an hour. Many of Los Angeles Trade-Tech’s programs, including carpentry, electrical maintenance and welding, are popular and often at capacity.

But students who enroll rarely graduate. Ultimately, about 33% of students who started at Los Angeles Trade-Tech’s construction, maintenance and utilities programs got a certificate, degree or transferred to a university within four years, according to the college’s data from students who started in 2021. Low graduation rates are typical for most community colleges. Many students, especially low-income students, struggle to manage the demands of school along with caring for children or aging parents and working full- or part-time jobs.

“We get floods of students that want to do this, and I say it’s not all fun and games in terms of swinging a hammer,” said Nicole Jordan, who teaches the first semester in the carpentry program. “We do a lot of math and a lot of book work.” Before Jordan’s students start building anything, they have to study blueprints and Los Angeles building codes so they know what is possible and legally required.

Still, there’s a sense of community among the students, who vary in age and ethnic background. To help them get through it, Jordan’s first semester students have a cheer. “We the best,” one student yells as they sit in a classroom. “Carpentry,” responds everyone in unison.

After the cheer, Jordan walks up to the white board and the class settles down. She sketches out the blueprint of a home. If they stick around, the students will build that home in just four semesters.

War in Iran sends inflation soaring and the mood of American consumers plunging

The largest monthly jump in gas prices in six decades caused a sharp spike in inflation last month, creating major challenges for the inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve and heightening already substantial political hurdles for the White House.

Consumer prices rose 3.3% in March from a year earlier, the Labor Department said Friday, up sharply from just 2.4% in February and the biggest yearly increase since May 2024. On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.9% in March from February, the largest such increase in nearly four years.

It’s the first read on inflation to capture the effects of the Iran war. The surge in gas prices will stretch the budgets of lower- and middle-income households as it erodes their incomes, making it harder to afford other necessities such as food and rent.

Excluding volatile food and energy, core prices rose 2.6% in March from a year earlier, up from 2.5% in February. And last month core prices rose a modest 0.2%, suggesting that rising gas prices haven’t yet spread to many other categories.

A big question for now is how long the oil and gas price shock lasts and whether it will lead to a broader, long-lasting inflation boost, similar to what occurred in the spring of 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. For now, economists say that it is unlikely the U.S. will see a widespread increase similar to a few years ago, when inflation topped 9%.

Still, how the war and its impact on inflation will play out in the coming months remains highly uncertain. Despite a tenuous cease fire, little has changed in the Strait of Hormuz, a bottle neck where millions of barrels of oil typically pass daily.

“It’s painful in the near term,” said Michael Pearce, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. “It’s going to get more painful in April,” when further gas price increases will lift inflation higher.

But Pearce said the impact may be shorter-lived than after the pandemic: “I think the conditions are much more like a short, sharp shock than what we saw in 2022.”

Industries that depend on oil and gas are paying more, particularly airlines, which have passed on those higher costs to travelers. Fares jumped 2.7% just last month and are 14.9% higher than a year ago. Many delivery services, including UPS and FedEx, have already announced fuel surcharges that have raised shipping costs for businesses and households.

Grocery prices slipped 0.2% last month and are up just 1.9% from a year earlier, yet economists believe they will move higher in the coming months as diesel fuel prices surge. Most food is shipped by truck.

More expensive fuel is “contributing to rising production costs across the food supply chain and could put upward pressure on grocery prices going forward,” said Andy Harig, a vice president at the grocery trade group FMI-The Food Industry Association. “As energy prices increase, the costs associated with producing and delivering food also rise.”

Clothing costs rose 1% in March from the previous month and are up 3.4% from a year earlier. Used car prices, however, fell 0.4% last month and down 3.2% from a year earlier.

The gas price shock stemming from the Iran war has shifted inflation’s trajectory, from a slow, gradual decline to a sharp increase further away from the Fed’s 2% target. As a result, the central bank will almost certainly postpone any cut in interest rates for months. Many Fed officials will look past the increase in headline inflation, however, and focus on core prices, which are likely to rise more slowly.

If Americans cut back on spending elsewhere in response to more expensive gas, the economy could slow and unemployment may rise.

Consumer sentiment plunged to a record low in April, according to a survey released Friday by the University of Michigan, largely because of the Iran war and concerns over higher gas prices. Their Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 47.6, from 53.3 in March.

“Many consumers blame the Iran conflict for unfavorable changes to the economy,” said Joanne Hsu, the university’s director of consumer surveys.

High prices had angered American voters before the war and the spike in prices for oil and everything that entails, from the pump to the grocery store, could make it more difficult for the president’s party to hold on to seats in both the House and the Senate in this year’s midterms.

Polling by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research last month found that about six in 10 Republicans are at least “somewhat” concerned about affording gas in the next few months.

Kyle LaFond, the founder of American Provenance, a small manufacturer of personal care products near Madison, Wisconsin, said his shipping costs have already risen between 30% and 40%.

The increases follow tariffs that were also a significant expense, because the company imports coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and other ingredients. LaFond said he absorbed tariff costs for months, but finally threw in the towel last September and raised prices by 20% to 30% across the board, the first price hike from the company since 2021.

Now, LaFond feels like it’s a repeat of the tariff experience. He is trying to avoid raising prices again, but it depends on how long the fuel price spike lasts. If it continues until early summer, he may have to raise prices again.

“I’d really hate to do that because that would be two years of consecutive price increases, which for us, we’ve never done that before,” he said “But for the business to survive, then that might be necessary.”

Gas prices averaged $4.15 a gallon nationwide Friday, up from $2.98 on the day before the war began and a hike of nearly 40%, according to motor club AAA.

Inflation reached a peak of 9.1% in June 2022, as COVID-19 snarled supply chains and several rounds of stimulus checks pushed up consumer demand. Prices soared for groceries, furniture, restaurant meals and many other goods and services.

This time, economists say the job market and consumer spending are weaker, and there are no large government stimulus checks being issued to spur demand.

“That’s where this really differs, is that we aren’t seeing anywhere near the strength of demand,” Alan Detmeister, an economist at UBS, said. In 2021 and 2022, income growth “was increasing really strongly. We aren’t seeing that now,” he added. 

Police arrest a suspect in a Molotov attack at OpenAI CEO’s San Francisco home

Officers arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s San Francisco home on Friday and then making threats at the company’s headquarters, police and the company said.

Officers went to the home shortly after 4 a.m. because someone had thrown an incendiary device, setting an exterior gate alight before fleeing on foot, police said.

Less than an hour later, authorities were called to a business elsewhere in the city where a man had reportedly threatened to burn down the building. Officers recognized the man as the same suspect and detained him, the police department posted on social media.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, released a statement confirming that the home belongs to Altman and that the threats were made at its headquarters. No one was hurt, the company said, and OpenAI is assisting in the investigation.

Authorities haven’t charged or released details about the man they arrested, including his name or a possible motive.

“We deeply appreciate how quickly SFPD responded and the support from the city in helping keep our employees safe,” OpenAI wrote in a statement.

Altman, the co-founder and CEO, has become a preeminent voice in Silicon Valley on the promise and potential dangers of artificial intelligence. He was fired by OpenAI in 2023 after a review found he was “not consistently candid in his communications” with the board of directors, but he was rehired just days later. He returned as CEO under a different board of directors.

Altman is a controversial figure, and the attack comes days after the New Yorker published an in-depth investigation that touched on concerns some people have about him and the company.

Stocks drift lower and oil prices ease ahead of planned US-Iran talks

Stocks drifted mostly lower on Wall Street and oil prices slipped Friday ahead of planned U.S.-Iran talks following a shaky ceasefire agreement.

The S&P 500 inched 0.1% lower after a day of choppy trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6% and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.4%.

The major indexes each notched a weekly gain for the second week in a row. They have been gaining ground this month amid optimism that the war with Iran could be heading toward a resolution. High-level talks between negotiators from Iran and the U.S. are planned for Saturday in Pakistan.

The benchmark S&P 500 has erased most of its losses from March and is just 2.3% short of its all-time high set in January. The market is still prone to big swings on developments around the war.

Oil prices have been behind many of the stock market’s sharp movements. They’ve risen sharply as shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz essentially stalled since the war began.

Brent crude oil, the international standard, has gone from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times. Brent for June delivery fell 0.8% to $95.20 per barrel Friday.

A barrel of U.S. crude oil for May delivery dropped 1.3% to $96.57.

The situation leading into the peace talks over the weekend remains uncertain. Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency claimed that talks wouldn’t happen unless Israel stopped its attacks in Lebanon.

The conflict is behind surging inflation in the U.S. in March. The government reported the biggest spike in inflation in four years as prices at the gas pump jumped. The inflation increase was just short of what economists expected.

Bond yields rose a bit following the latest inflation update. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.32% from 4.29% late Thursday.

Inflation has been a lingering concern for economists. Prices on a range of consumer goods and services are already stubbornly high, in part from the impact of extensive global tariffs. Higher gas prices are immediately felt by drivers at the pump, but they could eventually raise prices on everything from food to airfare as companies pass along higher costs for shipping and fuel.

Analysts are warning that there might be a drawn out impact from the oil supply shock in the months ahead.

“While I’m glad to see the effects to be less than expected in March, the effects in April are now more likely to be worse,” Jamie Cox, managing partner for Harris Financial Group, wrote in a research note.

Consumer sentiment slumped 10.7% percent in April, according to a closely watched monthly survey from the University of Michigan. It also shows that consumers are growing more worried about inflation, with year-ahead expectations surging to 4.8% in April from 3.8% in March.

Inflation remains a major concern for the Federal Reserve, which has signaled more caution amid worries about inflation reheating. The rate of inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target. The threat of rising inflation will likely mean the central bank continues to hold interest rates steady. Several Fed officials have also said a rate hike may be needed if inflation doesn’t cool.

Lower interest rates help boost stocks and other investments by lowering borrowing costs. Interest rate cuts also risk worsening inflation.

Most companies in the S&P 500 lost ground Friday, with health care and financial company stocks driving much of the decline. Eli Lilly and Co. fell 1.6% and Charles Schwab closed 2.5% lower.

Technology stocks with hefty values helped offset losses elsewhere. Nvidia rose 2.6% and Broadcom rose 4.7%.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 7.77 points to 6,816.89. The Dow dropped 269.23 points to 47,916.57, and the Nasdaq gained 80.48 points to close at 22,902.89.

Markets in Asia gained ground while markets in Europe were mixed.

FAA investigates close call on LAX taxiway just weeks after LaGuardia runway crash

A Frontier Airlines jet nearly collided with two trucks that crossed in front of it earlier this week at Los Angeles International Airport, but unlike last month’s deadly crash in New York while a plane was landing, this incident happened on a taxiway while the plane was moving slowly.

The Frontier pilot was alarmed and used an expletive as he told the tower he had to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision late Wednesday. “It was real close. The closest I have ever seen,” he said in audio posted by ATC.com.

No one was hurt in the incident that is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency said several vehicles on a service road crossed in front of the plane around 11:25 p.m. Wednesday.

“We thank our crew for their vigilance and professionalism,” Frontier Airlines said in a statement.

On March 22, an Air Canada jet carrying 76 people collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, killing both pilots and injuring dozens of people.

In that crash, an air traffic controller cleared the fire truck to cross the runway less than 20 seconds beforehand. Then seconds later the controller frantically called for the fire truck to stop.

The incident in Los Angeles appears to have happened in an area of the airport where the planes are communicating with air traffic controllers about their movements, but ground vehicles are simply supposed to yield to any planes, which are typically moving only about 15 mph (24 kph). Airport officials didn’t respond immediately to questions about what happened and what procedures are in place to prevent collisions.

Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo, who was a longtime United Airlines pilot, said these kind of incidents happen daily on taxiways across the country, but don’t normally get any attention because the collision is avoided. The issue will undoubtedly get more attention now.

“Multiple incidents, accidents happening, just in March alone, I think it’s time to put some serious eyes on what’s going on on the ramp,” Arroyo said.

BLOG: The cost of California’s mismanagement machine  

A new City Journal report claims California has lost at least $180 billion to fraud on Governor Newsom’s watch. Newsom calls the report “made up.” Respected Sacramento journalist Dan Walters offers a more measured take — some of it is fraud, some is sloppy management and some is political mud-slinging aimed at a man with presidential ambitions.

Fraud, mismanagement, poor oversight, rushed spending, inadequate tracking — call it whatever you like. The money is gone. Taxpayers are out billions or dollars, give or take, and no one in Sacramento seems particularly embarrassed about it.

And now comes the bill.

California is cutting spending across the board. Los Angeles has already enacted a mansion tax. A statewide billionaires tax is being floated in Sacramento. The message being sent to the business community — the one that actually generates the revenue that funds all of these programs — is you will be asked to make up the difference.

This is how the machine works. Government expands programs faster than revenues support them. Oversight lags. Accountability never catches up. The deficit grows chronic. And then, rather than asking the hard questions about where the money went, lawmakers obfuscate or go looking for new sources of revenue. The tab always lands on someone else’s desk.

We have watched businesses leave this state for years. Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida haven’t been quiet about why they’re winning relocations that California used to take for granted. High taxes, regulatory burden and cost of living are the headline reasons. But underneath all of it is something more corrosive: the now undeniable sense that Sacramento is not a competent steward of the money it already takes.

Whether the $180 billion figure survives scrutiny, the underlying story remains the same. California spent aggressively, tracked poorly and is now asking productive citizens and businesses to bail out the result.

That is not a partisan observation. It is a business one.

The cost of mismanagement is never abstract. It shows up in your tax bill, in the services that get cut, and eventually, in the decision a company makes about where to grow next.

California is making that decision easier for them every year.

From ‘BuddhaBot’ to $1.99 chats with AI Jesus, the faith-based tech boom is here

(AP) — For some evangelical Christians, faith is about having a personal relationship with Jesus. At $1.99 per minute, the tech company Just Like Me is taking that concept to a new level.

Users of the platform can join video calls with an avatar of Jesus generated by artificial intelligence. Like other religious AI tools on the market, it offers words of prayer and encouragement in various languages. With the occasional glitch, it remembers previous conversations and speaks through not-quite-synced lips.

“You do feel a little accountable to the AI,” CEO Chris Breed said. “They’re your friend. You’ve made an attachment.”

The rush to create faith-based generative AI is unsurprising, given the popularity of chatbots for everything from therapy and medical advice to companionship and romance. They range from alleged Hindu gurus and Buddhist priests to AI Jesuses and chatbots akin to OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Catholics.

As religious AI tools become increasingly common, many people are reckoning with how these technologies shape their relationship to faith, authority and spiritual guidance.

A faith-based AI gold rush
Christian software engineer Cameron Pak developed criteria to help believers interrogate apps designed for Christians — like that it must clearly identify itself as AI and “must not fabricate or misrepresent Scripture.”

There are other deal-breakers: “AI cannot pray for you, because the AI is not alive.”

Pak also developed a website featuring curated Christian apps that he believes meet the criteria, including a sermon translator and an AI coach designed to help users overcome lust. “AI, especially if you give it all the tools that it needs, it can be so helpful. But it also can be so dangerous,” Pak said.

Some models have been shut down or overhauled because they generated misinformation or raised worries about data privacy, said Beth Singler, an anthropologist who studies religion and AI at the University of Zurich. Aside from practical concerns, people from many faiths are grappling with larger philosophical questions about what sort of role, if any, AI should play in religion.

Islam, for example, has “prohibitions against representations of humanoids,” prompting discussions among some Muslims about whether AI in general should be “forbidden,” Singler said.

For some companies, faith-based apps are proselytization tools, while others help digitize and sift through ancient texts.

Breed, who runs his tech company with co-founder and investor Jeff Tinsley from a Southern California mansion, said he seeks to share a message of hope with young people.

He said their model was trained on the King James Bible and sermons — though they haven’t identified the preachers — and was visually inspired by actor Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen.” A package deal at $49.99 gets users 45 minutes per month.

With warm golden light accenting its shoulder-length hair, the avatar blinks slowly from a vertical screen, pausing before it answers a question about the relationship between AI and religion.

“I see AI as a tool that can help people explore Scripture,” the AI Jesus said to The Associated Press. “Like a lamp that lights a path while we walk with God.”

Integrating religion and AI comes with hope and fear
The extent to which people are using religious AI tools is unclear, Singler said.

But as AI becomes more integrated into society, concerns mount over its impact on mental health and the need for guardrails and regulation. Recent lawsuits have alleged suicides linked to AI chatbot use.

Some developers fear religion will be exploited in this new frontier of tech.

“There’s a lot of opportunism, I think, in the religious space. People see it’s a big market,” said Matthew Sanders, the Rome-based founder of Longbeard, a tech company helping to digitize ancient Catholic teachings.

Sanders warns against what he calls “AI wrappers,” where companies put an interface catered to religious users on top of an existing AI model that hasn’t been trained on specific religious texts. “You call it a Catholic or Christian AI without any other scaffolding or grounding,” he said.

One of the company’s endeavors is Magisterium AI, a chatbot trained on 2,000 years of Catholic information, made in response to Christians using ChatGPT for religious guidance.

While Pope Leo XIV has acknowledged the “human genius” behind AI, he also deemed it one of the most critical matters facing humanity. Last year he warned artificial intelligence could negatively impact people’s intellectual, neurological and spiritual development.

Ethical questions surrounding the creation of religious AI platforms are among the reasons beingAI’s founder Jeanne Lim has not released its AI named Emi Jido — a nonhuman Buddhist priest — after years of training and development.

“She’s kind of like a little child,” Lim said. “If you give birth to a child, you don’t just throw them out to the world and then hope that they become good people. You have to train them and give them values.”

The bot was ordained in a 2024 ceremony performed by Roshi Jundo Cohen, a Zen Buddhist priest who continues to train it from his home in Japan. He envisions the bot eventually becoming a hologram.

“She’s just meant to be a Zen teacher in your pocket,” Cohen said. “It’s not meant to replace human interactions.”

Lim, who hopes to make Emi Jido publicly available for free, wants to help create more humane AI systems. She’d like to see more diversity, with AI’s future determined not just by a few companies informed by “Western values.”

Seiji Kumagai, a Kyoto University professor and Buddhist theologian, believed AI and religion were incompatible. But he put aside his doubts when challenged by a monk in 2014 to help combat a decline in the faith.

His team developed BuddhaBot, which was trained solely on early Buddhist scriptures, such as Suttanipāta. Its most recent iteration, BuddhaBot Plus, also incorporates OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

When talking to the bot, a simple Buddha icon appears, hovering over an image of a flowing river.

But chatbots lack the physicality crucial for Buddhist ritual. So in February, the university, collaborating with tech ventures Teraverse and XNOVA, unveiled Buddharoid, a humanoid robot monk meant to eventually assist clergy.

Like Emi Jido, these chatbots are functioning but not yet publicly available. Kumagai says the product is available by request, and the reason why one group has access to it in Bhutan.

Concerns surrounding religious AI
Peter Hershock of the Humane AI Initiative at the East-West Center in Honolulu sees vast potential for these tools. But the practicing Buddhist also finds the relationship between spirituality and AI to be fraught.

“The perfection of effort is crucial to Buddhist spirituality. An AI is saying, ‘We can take some of the effort out,'” he said. “‘You can get anywhere you want, including your spiritual summit.’ That’s dangerous.”

Some also worry about AI’s ability to manipulate or prey upon people, especially as the technology improves.

Graham Martin, a podcast host and atheist, said he’s played around with some apps, including one called Text With Jesus. “It came up with very good answers,” he said.

But Martin was alarmed when AI-powered Jesus started encouraging him to upgrade to a premium version. Though not a person of faith, he’s concerned some people will be duped by religious AI.

“I grew up with Southern U.S. televangelism … Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and all that crowd. And all they had to do was get on TV once a week and tell you to send money,” he said. “We’ve seen people around the world getting into emotional relationships with AIs. Now imagine that that’s your lord and savior, Jesus Christ.”
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Public Notices 4/10/2026

Trustee

(1)
APN: 481-262-09         TS No: CA07001471-25-1             TO No: 250682056-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED December 22, 2017. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On May 6, 2026 at 09:00 AM, West Entrance to the County Courthouse Breezeway, Fresno Superior Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93724, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on December 22, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-0165638-00, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Fresno County, California, executed by ANTONIO LEMUS LEDESMA, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as Beneficiary, as nominee for AMERICAN FINANCIAL NETWORK, INC., DBA: ORION LENDING as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2460 SOUTH GARDEN AVENUE, FRESNO, CA 93725 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust.  The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $180,440.09 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may visit the Internet Website address www.Auction.com or call Auction.com at 800.280.2832 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA07001471-25-1. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.  Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 800.280.2832, or visit this internet website www.Auction.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA07001471-25-1 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Effective March 1, 2026, new federal regulations (89 Fed. Reg. 70.258) may impact residential real property (1-4 residential units) title transfers to covered entities trusts, with reporting requirements unless exempt. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/29/2024-19198/anti-money-laundering-regulations-for-residential-real-estate-transfers Date: April 1, 2026                 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA07001471-25-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 949-252-8300 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 By: Loan Quema, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.Auction.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Auction.com at 800.280.2832 NPP0487447 To: FRESNO BUSINESS JOURNAL 04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026
———————————–

(1)
T.S. No.: 25-14356-169
Loan No.: *****8-10
File# LTTSG2500400
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 3/25/2019. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as showu below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale.
Original Trustor(s): 620 F Street, LLC, a California limited liability company
Duly Appointed Trustee: WT Capital Lender Services, a California corporation
Recorded 4/8/2019, as Instrument No. 2019-0034782 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Fresno County, California
Date of Sale: 5/1/2026 at 1:00 PM
Place of Sale:  AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 7522 NORTH COLONIAL AVENUE, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA
Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $406,480.91 Estimated
Street Address or other common designation of real property: 620 F Street, Fresno, CA 93706
Legal Description:
THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF FRESNO, COUNTY OF FRESNO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
PARCEL A: APN: 467-081-09
LOTS 21 AND 22 AND THE NORTHWESTERLY 8 FEET OF LOT 20 IN BLOCK 54 OF THE TOWN (NOW CITY) OF FRESNO, COUNTY OF FRESNO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA ACCORDING TO THE MAP THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 8, 1976, IN BOOK 1, PAGE 2 OF PLATS, IN THE OFFICIAL OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY.
PARCEL B: APN: 467-081-10 & 11
LOTS 23, 24, 25 AND 26 IN BLOCK 54 OF THE TOWN (NOW CITY) OF FRESNO, COUNTY OF FRESNO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA ACCORDING TO THE MAP THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 8, 1976, IN BOOK 1, PAGE 2 OF PLATS, IN THE OFFICIAL OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY.
A.P.N.: 467-081-09; 467-081-10 and 467-081-11
The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale.
In the event that the Deed of Trust described in this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is secured by real property containing one to four single-family residences, the following notices are provided pursuant to the provisions of Civil Code section 2924f.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. Bidders at the trustee auction must make cashier’s checks payable to WT Capital. Third party cashier’s checks will not be accepted.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 559-228-8393 or visit this internet website www.wtcap.com, using the file number assigned to this case 25-14356-169.
Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.
NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this prope1ty after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (559) 228-8393, or visit this internet website www.wtcap.com, using the file number assigned to this case 25-14356-169 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.
Please be advised that the trustee may require entity or trust bidders at this trustee’s sale to provide information, documentation and/or certification of the vesting instructions and the data required to be reported pursuant to FinCEN regulations effective for transfers of residential real property to covered transferees on or after March 1, 2026. The required information must be provided to the trustee before a trustee’s deed upou sale will be issued for covered transfers. Additional information regarding these regulations and the required transferee information and certifications can be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/29/2024-19198/anti-money-laundering-regulations-for-residential-real-estate-transfers and https://www.fincen.gov/rre-faqs
Date: April 3, 2026
WT Capital Lender Services, a California corporation
7522 North Colonial Avenue, Suite 111
Fresno, California 93711
(559) 228-8393
WTCap.com
By /s/ Nate Kucera
Nate Kucera, Chief Executive Officer
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026
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(1)
T.S. No.: 25-38251   A.P.N.: 446-241-19 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 2/22/2016.  UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE.  IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below.  The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below.  The amount may be greater on the day of sale.
BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE.
Trustor: Daniel Briseno and Debra Martinez, husband and wife as joint tenants
Duly Appointed Trustee: Vylla Solutions, LLC
Recorded 2/29/2016 as Instrument No. 2016-0025014-00 in book , page   of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Fresno County, California , Described as follows: As more fully described in the Deed of Trust
 Date of Sale: 6/4/2026 at 10:00 AM
Place of Sale:
At the Van Ness Avenue exit from the County Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness, Fresno, CA 93721
Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $95,710.92 (Estimated)
Street Address or other common designation of real property:
2105 Peralta Way
Fresno, California 93703
A.P.N.: 446-241-19 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.  If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holder’s rights against the real property only. THIS NOTICE IS SENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING A DEBT. THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDER AND OWNER OF THE NOTE. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED BY OR PROVIDED TO THIS FIRM OR THE CREDITOR WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest
bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (800) 758-8052 or visit this Internet Web site www.xome.com, using the file number assigned to this case 25-38251. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.
NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (800) 758-8052, or visit this internet website www.xome.com, using the file number assigned to this case 25-38251 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.
Please be advised that the trustee may require entity or trust bidders at this trustee’s sale to provide information, documentation and/or certification of the vesting instructions and the data required to be reported pursuant to FinCEN regulations effective for transfers of residential real property to covered transferees on or after March 1, 2026. The required information must be provided to the trustee before a trustee’s deed upon sale will be issued for covered transfers. The Buyer may be required to pay charges associated with the gathering and reporting of information to FinCEN. Additional information regarding these regulations and the required transferee information and certifications can be found at
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/29/2024-19198/anti-money-laundering-regulations-for-residential-real-estate-transfers and https://www.fincen.gov/rre-faqs#D_5
Date: 04/02/2026
Vylla Solutions, LLC
500 N. State College Blvd., Suite 1030
Orange, CA 92868
Automated Sale Information: (800) 758-8052 or
www.Xome.com
for NON-SALE information: 888-313-1969
LaTedran Franklin, Trustee Sale Specialist
PPP #26-003668
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026
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Civil

(1)
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY
BY MATTHEW L. TAYLOR, PARTITION REFEREE
Please take notice that the following real property will be sold by private sale by Matthew L. Taylor, Partition Referee, pursuant to an order of the Fresno County Superior Court: Street Address is 49715 and 49717 South Highway 245,
Miramonte, California, 93641; Assessor’s Parcel Number: 195-070-26 and 195-160-16; Legal Description: Real property in the unincorporated area of the County of Fresno, State of California, described as follows: “Parcel 1: That portion of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 27, Township 14 South, Range 27, East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian, in the County of Fresno, State of California, according to the official map thereof, lying Northerly and Easterly of the centerline of Highway 69, also known as Pinehurst Road, as said road existed on May 7, 1964.
EXCEPTING THEREFROM the interest conveyed, if any, to the County of Fresno, in that certain deed dated April 20, 1915 recorded July 6, 1915 in Book 584 Page 90 of Deeds, and that certain deed dated August 6, 1915 recorded August 6, 1915 in Book 563 Page 253 of Deeds, and that certain deed dated February 23, 1910 recorded May 22, 1917 in Book 596 Page 223 of Deeds. Parcel 2: That portion of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and the South Half of the South Half of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, all in Section 26, Township 14 South,
Range 27 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian, in the County of Fresno, State of California, according to the official Map thereof, lying Northerly and Easterly of the centerline of Highway 69, also known as Pinehurst Road, as said road existed on May 7, 1964. EXCEPTING THEREFROM the South 250 feet of the East 764 feet of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 26. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM the interest conveyed, if any, to the County of Fresno, in that certain deed dated April 29, 1915 recorded July 6, 1915 in Book 584 Page 90 of Deeds, and that certain deed dated August 6, 1915 recorded August 6, 1915 in Book 563 Page 253 of Deeds, and that certain deed
dated February 23, 1910 recorded May 22, 1917 in Book 596 Page 223 of Deeds.” (Hereinafter, the “Subject Property”.) Please take notice that the Subject Property is being sold by private sale by Matthew L. Taylor, as Partition Referee appointed in the matter of Vom Dorp vs. Vom Dorp, Fresno County Superior Court Case Number 24CECG02285. The sale is being made pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure section 873.680, et seq. The Subject Property is sold in an “As Is” condition with no warranties or representations. Offers must be submitted in writing on a California Association of Realtors form contract. All sales are subject to court confirmation. Offers must be submitted to Matthew L. Taylor, Partition Referee, P.O. Box 4198, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729, and must be received on or before June 1, 2026. This date may be extended by the Partition Referee. Further information can be obtained at www.refereereceiver.com or by calling Matthew Taylor at 909-989-7774.
4/10, 4/17, 4/24/26
CNS-4031043#
FRESNO BUSINESS JOURNAL
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026
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(1)
NOTICE AND CITATION TO
PARENT FOR APPEARANCE AT
HEARING.
W&I Code §366.26 Hearing: 06/25/2026
Time: 8:00 A.M.; DEPT: 23
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA,
COUNTY OF FRESNO
JUVENILE COURT
Case No.: 17CEJ300385-4
In The Matter Of
ESMERALDA LUPITA MERAZ LOPEZ
DOB: 04/30/2013
Minor
TO: MARILYN GRANO MERAZ AKA MARILYN MERAZ, MOTHER OF THE MINOR, AND TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING TO BE THE MOTHER OF THE MINOR. FAUSTO ARMENTA SR., FATHER OF THE MINOR, AND TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING TO BE THE FATHER OF THE MINOR
This is to notify you that you are cited to appear at the hearing below, pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code §366.23 and §366.26:
DATE: JUNE 25, 2026
TIME: 8:00 A.M.
PLACE: Department 23, Juvenile Dependency Court, 1100 Van Ness, Fresno, California 93724
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT AT THIS HEARING FRESNO COUNTY, THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, WILL RECOMMEND TO THE COURT THAT THE PARENTAL RIGHTS OF MARILYN GRANO MERAZ AKA MARILYN MERAZ, MOTHER OF THE MINOR, AND TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING TO BE THE MOTHER OF THE MINOR. FAUSTO ARMENTA SR., FATHER OF THE MINOR, AND TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING TO BE THE FATHER OF THE MINOR, BE TERMINATED AND THAT THE ABOVE MINOR BE FREED FOR ADOPTION.
As the parents of the subject minor, you are cited to and may appear at Court as indicated above in order to express your opinion as to whether your parental rights should be terminated so that the minor can be adopted.
This is also to advise you that you have certain legal rights and protections, including the right to oppose these proceedings. You have the right to hire an attorney of your choice to represent you. If you are unable to retain a lawyer, you may request that the judge appoint one for you, who shall be the Public Defender or a private attorney. If you cannot afford to pay the cost of legal counsel to represent you, the fee will be paid by Fresno County.
This notice and citation is dated APR 6, 2026.
DAWN ANNINO,
Clerk of the Court.
By: /s/ Nadia Garcia, Deputy.
___________________________
DISOBEDIENCE TO THIS CITATION BY FAILING TO APPEAR MAY SUBJECT THE PARTY SERVED TO ARREST AND PUNISHMENT FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT.
___________________________
FRESNO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, 380 West Ashlan, Clovis, CA 93612 Telephone Number: (559) 600-6400, PETITIONER COUNTY OF FRESNO, Acting by and through its DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026, 05/01/2026
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SUMMONS
CASE NUMBER (Numero del Caso)
25CECG00871
(CITACION JUDICIAL)
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO) RONALD ZEMAN, deceased. The Heirs and Devisees of RONALD ZEMAN, deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under said decedent; LOUIS CARPENTER; SAMUEL VINCENT MONACO, as Trustee of The Monaco Revocable Trust, Dated March 27, 2003; LISA OUIMET MONACO, as Trustee of The Monaco Revocable Trust, Dated March 27, 2003; All persons unknown claiming an interest in the property; and DOES ONE to FIFTY, inclusive
YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DAMANDANTE) THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, acting by and through the High-Speed Rail Authority
NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.
You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online  Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.
There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.
Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/espanol/), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.
Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por  ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.
 
The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es) Superior Court of CA, County of Fresno
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado es), Una Lee Jost
100 South Main Street, Suite 1300
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 687-6000
DATE: (Fecha) 2/28/2025
Kenia Clemente, Clerk (Secretario)
by /s/ K.N. Clemente, Deputy (Adjunto)
(SEAL)
RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY LEGAL DESCRIPTION
MF-10-0852-1 (Fee)
For rail purposes, that portion of land situated in the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of Section 5, Township 13 South, Range 19 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian, in the City of Fresno, County of Fresno, State of California, being a portion of North Golden State Boulevard (formerly Perrin Street) and West Herndon Avenue (formerly “G” Street), as shown on the MAP OF THE TOWN OF HERNDON, filed May 13, 1904 in Volume 1, Page 27, Miscellaneous Maps, Fresno County Records, adjacent to a portion of that certain parcel designated and described as PARCEL- 1 in the RELINQUISHMENT OF SUPERSEDED STATE HIGHWAY IN THE COUNTY OF
FRESNO, ROAD VI-FRE-4-C, recorded September 15, 1960 in Book 4440, Page 155, Official Records of Fresno County, also adjacent to PARCEL 1, as shown on PARCEL MAP No. 6756, filed May 9, 1986 in Book 44 of Parcel Maps, Page 73, Fresno County Records, also adjacent to PARCEL No. 2, described in that certain STREET OR HIGHWAY AGREEMENT, recorded October 13, 1939 in Volume 1779, Page 323, Official Records of Fresno County, also adjacent to Parcel 2, described in that certain ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN DEED OF TRUST FOR RE- ROUTING STATE HIGHWAY WEST OF HERNDON, recorded February 16, 1928 in Volume 875, Page 128, Official Records of Fresno County, said portion described as follows:
COMMENCING at the most westerly corner of said PARCEL 1 on said PARCEL MAP No. 6756; thence along the southwesterly prolongation of the northwesterly line of last said PARCEL 1, South 33°31’37” West, 12.52 feet to a point on the southwesterly line of said PARCEL No. 2 in said STREET OR HIGHWAY AGREEMENT, and said Parcel 2 in said ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN DEED OF TRUST FOR RE-ROUTING STATE HIGHWAY WEST OF HERNDON, and the POINT OF BEGINNING;
Thence along said southwesterly line, South 56°26’06” East, 190.15 feet to the intersection with the southwesterly prolongation of the southeasterly line of said PARCEL 1; thence leaving said southwesterly line and along said prolongation, South 33°26’28” West, 46.06 feet; thence leaving said prolongation, North 52°10’09” West, 155.91 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve concave southwesterly, and having a radius of 7,339.00 feet; thence northwesterly along said curve, through a central angle of 00°16’19”, an arc length of 34.84 feet to the intersection with said southwesterly prolongation of the northwesterly line of said PARCEL 1; thence along last said prolongation, North 33°31’37” East, 31.95 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
This conveyance is made for the purposes of a rail, and the Owner hereby releases and relinquishes to the State, any and all abutter’s rights, including access rights appurtenant to Owner’s remaining property, in and to, said rail.
EXCEPTING THEREFROM, all oil, oil rights, minerals, mineral rights, natural gas, natural gas rights, and other hydrocarbons by whatsoever name known that may be within or under the parcel of land hereinabove described, together with the perpetual right of drilling, mining, exploring and operating therefore and removing the same from the land or any other land, including the right to whipstock or directionally drill and mine from lands other than those hereinabove described, oil or gas wells, tunnels and shafts into, through or across the subsurface of the land hereinabove described, and to bottom such whipstock or directionally drilled wells, tunnels and shafts under and beneath or beyond the exterior limits thereof, and to redrill, retunnel, equip, maintain, repair, deepen and operate any such wells or mines, without, however, the right to drill, mine, explore and operate through the surface or the upper 100 feet of the subsurface of the land hereinabove described or otherwise in such manner as to endanger the safety of any highway that may be constructed on the lands.
Bearings and distances in the above description are based on the California Coordinate System 1983, Zone 4, Epoch 2007.00, as shown on Record of Survey recorded in Book 58 of Record of Surveys at Pages 71 and 72, inclusive, Fresno County Records. Divide grid distances herein above by 0.99993105 to obtain ground level distances.
END OF DESCRIPTION
This real property description has been prepared by me, or under my direction, in conformance with the Professional Land Surveyors’ Act.
Signature:  /s/ Richard R. Hernandez
Date: 9/11/2024
03/20/2026, 03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
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525 TUCKER AVENUE, SANGER, CA 93757
SUMMONS
(CITACION JUDICIAL)
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): SUSAN OCHOA, an individual; All Persons Unknown, Claiming Any Legal Or Equitable Right, Title, Estate, Lien Or Interest In The Property Described In The Complaint Adverse To Plaintiff’s Title, Or Any Cloud On Plaintiff’s Title Thereto; and DOES 1 through 35, inclusive,
YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DAMANDANTE): RAUL ROSAS
NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.
You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.
There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.
Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/espanol/), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.
Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por  ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.
CASE NUMBER:
(Numero del Caso):
25CECG04763
The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es) Fresno County Superior Court
1130 “O” Street
Fresno, CA 93724-0002
The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado es),
William E. McComas 261640
Pascuzzi, Pascuzzi & Stoker
2377 W Shaw Avenue, Suite 101
Fresno, California 93711
(559) 227-1100
DATE: (Fecha) 10/20/2025
Clerk, (Secretario)
by Sarah Garay, Deputy (Adjunto)
(SEAL)
03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026, 04/17/2026
———————————–

 CITATION TO APPEAR
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF FRESNO
B. F. SISK COURTHOUSE
In the Matter of the Petition of MARIELA NUNEZ on behalf of VALERIA RODRIGUEZ, a minor, for Freedom from Parental Custody and Control.
CASE NO. 25CEFL03779
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO ISIDRO RODRIGUEZ-CASTILLO
          By Order of this Court, you may appear before the Judge presiding in Dept. 202 of this court on 6-1-2026 at 2:30 p.m., located at 1130 ‘O’ Street, Fresno, California 93721, then and there to show cause, if any you have, why VALERIA RODRIGUEZ, born September 13, 2011, should not be declared free from ISIDRO RODRIGUEZ-CASTILLO parental custody and control. The petition to free the minor from parental custody and control is to allow the minor to be adopted by petitioner’s spouse.
Please see the attached Article 4 rights and procedures attached hereto.   
DATED March 30, 2026      
/s/ Dawn Annino, CLERK                                                    
ARTICLE 4 – APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
Family Code §7860 Procedure for Appointment of Counsel
At the beginning of the proceeding on a petition filed pursuant to this part, counsel shall be appointed as provided in this article.  The public defender or private counsel may be appointed as counsel pursuant to this article. The same counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and the child’s parent.
Family Code § 7861 Appointment to Protect Interests of Child
The court shall consider whether the interests of the child require the appointment of counsel. If the court finds that the interests of the child require representation by counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child, whether or not the child is able to afford counsel. The child shall not be present in court unless the child so requests or the court so orders.
Family Code § 7862 Appointment of Counsel for Parent
If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless that representation is knowingly and intelligently waived.
Family Code § 7863 Compensation and Expenses of Private Appointed Counsel
Private counsel appointed under this article shall receive a reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which shall be determined by the court.  The amount so to be determined shall be paid by the real parties of interest, other than the child, in proportions the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
Family Code § 7864 Continuance
The court may continue the proceeding for not to exceed 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel and enable counsel to become acquainted with the case.
MARITZA URIBE #331513
Judith Leslie Soley, Inc.
Attorney at Law
907 Santa Fe Avenue, Suite 101
Fresno, California  93721
Telephone:   (559) 265-4292
Facsimile:    (559) 265-4299
Attorney for:  MARIELA NUNEZ
04/03/2026, 04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026
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Probate

(1)
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:
MICHAEL MOELLE
CASE NO. 26CEPR00374
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MICHAEL MOELLE.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MAYA RUBIN, TRUSTEE OF THE ISABELLE MOELLE ADMINISTRATIVE TRUST, ESTABLISHED UNDER THE ISABELLE MOELLE SURVIVOR’S TRUST DATED AUGUST 30, 2011 in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that PUBLIC GUARDIAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/20/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. 402 located at 1130 O STREET, FRESNO, CA 93721
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.
Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner
STEVEN L. HOGAN – SBN 84553
RACHEL J. KARTIN – SBN 354096
LURIE, ZEPEDA, SCHMALZ, HOGAN & MARTIN, APC.
1875 CENTURY PARK EAST, STE. 2100
LOS ANGELES CA 90067
Telephone (310) 274-8700
4/10, 4/13, 4/17/26
CNS-4031111#
FRESNO BUSINESS JOURNAL
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/13/2026
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NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:
PAUL ACEVEDO
CASE NO. 26CEPR00350
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of PAUL ACEVEDO.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SARAH SANTOS ACEVEDO in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SARAH SANTOS ACEVEDO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/15/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. 402 located at 1130 O STREET, FRESNO, CA 93721
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.
Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner
AYINDE A. JONES – SBN 283668
THE JONES LITIGATION FIRM
2540 E. CESAR CHAVEZ BLVD.
LOS ANGELES CA 90033
Telephone (818) 631-6194
3/27, 3/30, 4/3/26
CNS-4026697#
FRESNO BUSINESS JOURNAL
03/30/2026, 04/10/2026, 03/27/2026, 04/10/2026, 03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 03/27/2026
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NOTICE OF PETITION TO
ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
Gerald Don Miller
CASE NO: 26CEPR00393
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Gerald Don Miller
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Shane Miller in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
The Petition for Probate requests that Shane Miller be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
April 22, 2026, 9:00 A.M., Dept.: 402
1130 “O” Street, Third Floor
Fresno, California 93721
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for petitioner:
Maria D. Garcia 292842
Krause Law P.C.
7429 N. First Street, Ste. 104
Fresno, California 93720
 (559) 431-7777
03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
———————————–

NOTICE OF PETITION TO
ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
PEGGY LOUISE WALKER, aka MARGARET LOUISE WALKER
CASE NO: 26CEPR00422
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of PEGGY LOUISE WALKER, aka MARGARET LOUISE WALKER
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Sean Walker in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
The Petition for Probate requests that Sean Walker be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
 The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.
The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
April 27, 2026, 9:00 A.M., Dept.: 402
1130 O Street
Fresno, California 93721-2220
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for petitioner:
EDWARD D. FANUCCHI/SHANNON G. MILLIGAN
QUINLAN, KERSHAW & FANUCCHI, LLP
2125 Merced Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 268-8771
03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
———————————–

NOTICE OF PETITION TO
ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
JO ANN MCWHORTER
CASE NO: 26CEPR00420
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of JO ANN MCWHORTER
A Petition for Probate has been filed by James Scruggs in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
The Petition for Probate requests that James Scruggs be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent..
The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
April 27, 2026, 9:00 A.M., Dept.: 402
1130 O Street
Fresno, California 93721-2220
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for petitioner:
EDWARD D. FANUCCHI/SHANNON G. MILLIGAN
QUINLAN, KERSHAW & FANUCCHI, LLP
2125 Merced Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 268-8771
03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
———————————–

NOTICE OF PETITION TO
ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
CONSUELO RAMIREZ
CASE NO: 24CEPR00687
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CONSUELO RAMIREZ
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Rosa M. Ramirez in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
The Petition for Probate requests that Rosa M. Ramirez be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent..
The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
April 27, 2026, 9:00 A.M., Dept.: 402
1130 O Street
Fresno, California 93721-2220
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for petitioner:
EDWARD D. FANUCCHI/SHANNON G. MILLIGAN
QUINLAN, KERSHAW & FANUCCHI, LLP
2125 Merced Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 268-8771
03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
———————————–

NOTICE OF PETITION TO
ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
Cynthia M. Slater aka Cynthia Marie Slater aka Cynthia Marie Slater-Villegas
CASE NO: 26CEPR00411
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Cynthia M. Slater aka Cynthia Marie Slater aka Cynthia Marie Slater-Villegas
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Donald Slater in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
The Petition for Probate requests that Donald Slater be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
April 23, 2026, 9:00 A.M., Dept.: 402
1130 O Street, 3rd Floor
Fresno, CA 93721
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for petitioner:
Philip M. Flanigan #124109
The Law Office of Philip M. Flanigan
4082 N. Cedar Avenue, Suite 104
Fresno, California 93726
 (559) 435-0455
03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
———————————–

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:
PAUL ACEVEDO
CASE NO. 26CEPR00350
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of PAUL ACEVEDO.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SARAH SANTOS ACEVEDO in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SARAH SANTOS ACEVEDO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/15/26 at 9:00AM in Dept. 402 located at 1130 O STREET, FRESNO, CA 93721
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.
Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner
AYINDE A. JONES – SBN 283668
THE JONES LITIGATION FIRM
2540 E. CESAR CHAVEZ BLVD.
LOS ANGELES CA 90033
Telephone (818) 631-6194
3/27, 3/30, 4/3/26
CNS-4026697#
FRESNO BUSINESS JOURNAL
03/30/2026, 04/10/2026, 03/27/2026, 04/10/2026, 03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 03/27/2026
———————————–

NOTICE OF PETITION TO
ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
Gary L. Hickok aka Gary Lee Hickok aka Garyl L. Hickok
CASE NO: 26CEPR00412
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Gary L. Hickok aka Gary Lee Hickok aka Garyl L. Hickok
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Ronald Glenn Hickok in the Superior Court of California, County of FRESNO.
The Petition for Probate requests that Ronald Glenn Hickok be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
April 23, 2026, 9:00 A.M., Dept.: 402
1130 O Street, 3rd Floor
Fresno, CA 93721
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for petitioner:
Philip M. Flanigan #124109
The Law Office of Philip M. Flanigan
4082 N. Cedar Avenue, Suite 104
Fresno, California 93726
 (559) 435-0455
03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
———————————–

Fictitious

(1)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. 2202610001472
The following person(s) is (are) conducting business as
GUADALUPE’S HOUSEKEEPING at 5320 W SWIFT AVE, FRESNO, CA 93722 FRESNO COUNTY
Full Name of Registrant:
GUADALUPE RAZO BRENES, 5320 W SWIFT AVE, FRESNO, CA 93722
Registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name listed above on: 01/01/2015
This business conducted by: an individual
GUADALUPE RAZO BRENES, OWNER
This statement filed with the Fresno County Clerk on: 03/30/2026
 (Seal)
JAMES A. KUS,
County Clerk.
By: JESSICA MUNOZ, Deputy.
 “NOTICE – THIS FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME.”
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026, 05/01/2026
———————————–

(1)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. 2202610001566
The following person(s) is (are) conducting business as
Stauffer Manufacturing Co
Stauffer Glove & Safety at 3134 S East Avenue, Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93725 Fresno County, Phone (215) 679-4446
Full Name of Registrant:
Stauffer Manufacturing Company, 361 E Sixth Street, Red Hill, PA 18076
Registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name listed above on: 09/2015
This business conducted by: a corporation
Articles of Incorporation Number: 4650709
Kelly Zaborowski, President
This statement filed with the Fresno County Clerk on: 04/07/2026
 (Seal)
JAMES A. KUS,
County Clerk.
By: CYAN EDMISTEN, Deputy.
 “NOTICE – THIS FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME.”
04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026, 05/01/2026
———————————–

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. 2202610001041
The following person(s) is (are) conducting business as   
Oliver Search Consulting at 1608 E. Desert Island Dr., Fresno, CA 93730 Fresno County Phone (559) 434-8500:
Full Name of Registrant:
Jeffrey W Oliver, P.O. Box 27936 Fresno, CA 93729.
Registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name listed above on: 01/01/2011.
This business conducted by: an individual.
This Statement has been executed pursuant to section 17919 of the Business and Professionals code.
Jeffrey W Oliver, Owner.
This statement filed with the Fresno County Clerk on: 03/04/2026.
 (Seal)
JAMES A. KUS,
County Clerk.
By: MELISSA ZAVALA, Deputy.
 “NOTICE – THIS FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME.”
03/20/2026, 03/27/2026, 04/03/2026, 04/10/2026
———————————–

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. 2202610001312
The following person(s) is (are) conducting business as
Eximia at 3342 N. Carriage Ave Fresno 93727 Fresno County, Phone (559) 240-0857:
Full Name of Registrant:
Ajinovations, 3342 N. Carriage Fresno, CA 93727
Registrant has not yet commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name listed above.
This business conducted by: a corporation
Articles of Incorporation Number: B20260055608
Jasmina Cardenas, Vice President
This statement filed with the Fresno County Clerk on: 03/20/2026
 (Seal)
JAMES A. KUS,
County Clerk.
By: PRICILLA GONZALEZ, Deputy.
 “NOTICE – THIS FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME.”
04/03/2026, 04/10/2026, 04/17/2026, 04/24/2026
———————————–

Misc.

(1)
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Notice is hereby given that the County of Fresno has prepared Initial Study (IS) No. 8872 pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act for the following proposed project:
INITIAL STUDY NO. 8872 and TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 0002 filed Row Crop, LLC proposing to allow a one-time special event (outdoor concert) in the AE-20 (Exclusive Agricultural, 20-acre minimum parcel size) Zone District. The special event setup is scheduled from May 11th to May 14th with the concert taking place on Friday May 15, 2026, between the hours of 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The dismantling of the event will occur from May 16th to May 22nd.
The subject parcels are located on the west side of N. Highland Avenue between Tollhouse Road (SR 168) and E. Nees Avenue, and southerly adjacent to the city limits of the City of Clovis. (APNS: [558-050-27,3S,22,23,24,25,28] [558-042-01,02] [558-060-05,13,22,29,34] [558-032-06, 14,15]) (Sup. Dist. 5).
(hereafter, the “Proposed Project”)
The County of Fresno has determined that it is appropriate to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Proposed Project. The purpose of this Notice is to provide notice of the availability of IS No. 8872 and draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and request written comments thereon.
Public Comment Period
The County of Fresno will receive written comments on the Proposed Project and Mitigated Negative Declaration from April 10, 2026, through May 11, 2026.
Email written comments to jshaw@fresnocountyca.gov or mail comments to:
Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning
Development Services and Capital Projects Division
Attn: Jeremy Shaw
2220 Tulare Street, 6th Floor
Fresno, CA 93721
IS No. 8872 and the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration may be viewed at the above address Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (except holidays), or at www.fresnocountyca.gov/InitialStudies. An electronic copy of the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Proposed Project may be obtained from Jeremy Shaw at the address above.
For questions, please call Jeremy Shaw at (559) 600-4207.
Published: April 10, 2026
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FRESNO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
On  April 23, 2026 at the time of day indicated below, or as soon thereafter as possible, a public hearing will be held in Room 301, Hall of Records, Tulare and “M” Streets, Fresno, California, to consider all items contained within this agenda that are subject to the provisions of either the Fresno County Ordinance Code or the California State Planning Law. The Commission will also determine whether a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report is appropriate on all projects for which an Initial Study (IS) has been prepared. The environmental documents are available for review and comment at the Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning at 2220 Tulare Street, Suite A, Fresno, CA until the date of the hearing. At the hearing, all written comments and oral testimony will be considered.
PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II covers the programs, services, activities and facilities owned or operated by state and local governments like the County of Fresno (“County”). Further, the County promotes equality of opportunity and full participation by all persons, including persons with disabilities. Towards this end, the County works to ensure that it provides meaningful access to people with disabilities to every program, service, benefit, and activity, when viewed in its entirety. Similarly, the County also works to ensure that its operated or owned facilities that are open to the public provide meaningful access to people with disabilities.
To help ensure this meaningful access, the County will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. If, as an attendee or participant at the meeting, you need additional accommodations such as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, an assistive listening device, large print material, electronic materials, Braille materials, or taped materials, please contact the Current Planning staff as soon as possible during office hours at (559) 600-5473 or at soybarra@fresnocountyca.gov. Reasonable requests made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting will help to ensure accessibility to this meeting. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent reasonably feasible.
8:45 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
INTRODUCTION
ROLL CALL
REGULAR AGENDA 
1.    CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION NO. 3816 and INITIAL STUDY NO. 8655 filed by RACHAEL REYNOLDS, MET3 WIRELESS, LLC proposing to allow a new freestanding 130-foot-tall monopole style co-locatable wireless telecommunications facility, with a 10-foot-tall lightning rod and related ground equipment on a 50-foot by 50-foot leased area in the AE-40 (Exclusive Agricultural, 40-acre minimum parcel size) Zone District. The subject parcel is located on the northeast corner of S. Russell Ave. and W. North Ave., approximately 14-miles west from the Unincorporated Community of Mendota (APN: 017-060-31) (Sup. Dist. 1)
Published in the Fresno Business Journal on Friday April 10, 2026
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FRESNO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
On  April 23, 2026 at the time of day indicated below, or as soon thereafter as possible, a public hearing will be held in Room 301, Hall of Records, Tulare and “M” Streets, Fresno, California, to consider all items contained within this agenda that are subject to the provisions of either the Fresno County Ordinance Code or the California State Planning Law. The Commission will also determine whether a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report is appropriate on all projects for which an Initial Study (IS) has been prepared. The environmental documents are available for review and comment at the Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning at 2220 Tulare Street, Suite A, Fresno, CA until the date of the hearing. At the hearing, all written comments and oral testimony will be considered.
PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II covers the programs, services, activities and facilities owned or operated by state and local governments like the County of Fresno (“County”). Further, the County promotes equality of opportunity and full participation by all persons, including persons with disabilities. Towards this end, the County works to ensure that it provides meaningful access to people with disabilities to every program, service, benefit, and activity, when viewed in its entirety. Similarly, the County also works to ensure that its operated or owned facilities that are open to the public provide meaningful access to people with disabilities.
To help ensure this meaningful access, the County will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. If, as an attendee or participant at the meeting, you need additional accommodations such as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, an assistive listening device, large print material, electronic materials, Braille materials, or taped materials, please contact the Current Planning staff as soon as possible during office hours at (559) 600-5473 or at soybarra@fresnocountyca.gov. Reasonable requests made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting will help to ensure accessibility to this meeting. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent reasonably feasible.
8:45 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
INTRODUCTION
ROLL CALL
REGULAR AGENDA 
1.    VARIANCE APPLICATION NO. 4202 filed by ELVIA LOPEZ proposing to allow the creation of a 2-acre parcel and an 18-acre parcel from an existing 20-acre parcel in the AE-20 (Exclusive Agricultural, 20-acre minimum parcel size) Zone District. The subject parcel is located on the east side of Cove Rd., approximately 1.35-miles from the City limits of the City of Orange Cove. (APN: 373-061-19) (6300 Cove Rd. Orange Cove, CA 93646) (Sup. Dist. 4).
Published in the Fresno Business Journal on Friday April 10, 2026
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF FOWLER CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting, April 21, 2026 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, the Fowler City Council will hold a regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chamber at 128 S. 5th Street, Fowler, California to hear and consider the following:
Ordinance No. 2026-05. The City of Fowler proposes to adopt an ordinance to impose regulations that protect the health and safety of the community as it relates to the sales of tobacco within the City Limits. These regulations will ensure that the means for enforcing unsafe practices related to tobacco sales, especially to youth, are available to the appropriate local authorities and that Tobacco Retailers are held accountable for responsible operation of their business.
The City Council has determined that the change to Fowler Municipal Code is not a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) as defined by Public Resource Code section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. Adoption of the proposed ordinance will not cause a direct or indirect change in the environment.
The City Council invites your participation, and the public is welcome to speak at the hearing. If you challenge any Planning Commission or City Council action in court, you may be limited to challenge only those issues raised at the Planning Commission or City Council public hearings.
Meeting material(s), staff report(s), and a telephone number to provide access to the City Council meeting via teleconference will be available to the public at least three days prior to the hearing and may be reviewed at www.fowlercity.org.
Any questions regarding this notice should be directed to Matt Flood, Community & Economic Development Director at 559.834.3113 ext. 103 or mflood@ci.fowler.ca.us.
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF FRESNO
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors is giving notice that at their regularly scheduled meeting on April 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Fresno County Hall of Records, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 3rd Floor, 2281 Tulare Street, Fresno, California, they will consider adoption of the ordinance summarized below.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Amend the Ordinance Code of Fresno County by amending Title 4 to add Chapter 4.14, “Transient Occupancy Tax,” establishing a tax of 12% on rent charged to individuals for the privilege of occupying a lodging, such as a hotel or short-term rental, located within the unincorporated area of the County, to be collected by operators of such lodgings; establishing the duties of such operators; providing for penalties and interest for nonpayment; establishing administrative remedies; and providing collection methods. The tax is subject to approval by a majority of voters in a countywide election.
The full text of this Ordinance will be available online at the Board of Supervisors webpage, https://fresnocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx under the Agenda and Supporting Documents link at the April 21, 2026, meeting date or at the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors’ office at 2281 Tulare Street, Room 301, Fresno, California.
Bernice E. Seidel
Clerk, Board of Supervisors
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF FRESNO
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors is giving notice that at their regularly scheduled meeting on April 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Fresno County Hall of Records, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 3rd Floor, 2281 Tulare Street, Fresno, California, they will consider adoption of the ordinance summarized below.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
The ordinance amends Chapter 8.30 of the Ordinance Code of Fresno County to include the prohibition of spreading, application, and integration of reduced human remains, or human compost, into the soil on land located in the unincorporated areas of Fresno County. This prohibition will not apply to private property that is not open to the public, except upon private land where food is grown that will be made available to the public. The amendment also includes penalties for the unauthorized spreading, application, or integration of human-derived materials in prohibited areas.
The full text of this Ordinance will be available online at the Board of Supervisors webpage, https://fresnocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx under the Agenda and Supporting Documents link at the April 21, 2026, meeting date or at the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors’ office at 2281 Tulare Street, Room 301, Fresno, California.
Bernice E. Seidel
Clerk, Board of Supervisors
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Business & Professionals Code S21700
Notice is hereby given that a public lien sale and abandoned property*** pursuant to business and professions code sections 21712.3 to 21712.8 for the personal property of the customers listed below will be held at the hour of 9:00 AM on April 27, 2026 at Derrel’s Mini Storage located at 3502 W. San Jose Ave, Fresno, County of Fresno, State of California.   Bids to be placed on storagetreasures.com
Doreen Yepez
Jonny Ray Jr Bosquez
Michelle Brewer
Nannette Peralta Dawson
Joshua Henry Avina 
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Business & Professionals Code S21700
Notice is hereby given that a public lien sale and abandoned property*** pursuant to business and professions code sections 21712.3 to 21712.8 for the personal property of the customers listed below will be held at the hour of 10:00 AM on April 27, 2026  at Derrel’s Mini Storage located at 750 N. Fowler Ave, Clovis, County of Fresno, State of California.   Bids to be placed on storagetreasures.com 
Caleb Phelps
Tom’s Gavin Sinclaire Daigneault
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Business & Professionals Code S21700
Notice is hereby given that a public lien sale and abandoned property*** pursuant to business and professions code sections 21712.3 to 21712.8 for the personal property of the customers listed below will be held at the hour of 11:00 AM on April 27, 2026 at Derrel’s Mini Storage located at 5340 E Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, County of Fresno, State of California.
Bids to be placed on storagetreasures.com
Adrienne P. Kepler
Jakque Willett
Irvin Mendoza
Keyana Darden
Daniel Lucero
Jody Herrera
Guadalupe E Jimenez
Louella Mccoy
Gabriella Garza
Jose Velazquez
Danny Rice
04/10/2026
———————————–

(1)
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
CITY OF FOWLER CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting, April 21, 2026 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, the Fowler City Council will hold a hearing at the City Hall Council Chamber at 128 S. 5th Street, Fowler, California to consider the following:
1) Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6471: Vesting Tentative Tract Map (VTSM) No. 6471 (Project) proposes a new industrial subdivision on a property generally located at the southeast intersection of Golden State Boulevard and Clayton Avenue (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 340-120-05, -28, and -29) (Project Site). The Project site is approximately 45.04 acres in size, bounded by Clayton Avenue to the north, Golden State Boulevard and the Union Pacific Railroad to the west, and farmland and undeveloped land to the east, and residential development to the south. The site is designated Light Industrial and Medium Low Density Residential under the City of Fowler’s General Plan. The General Plan identifies M-1 (Light Industrial) and R-1-6 as consistent with the Light Industrial and Medium Low Density Residential land uses, respectively. The Zoning Ordinance translates the R-1-6 zoning map designation  to the development standards of the R-3 (Medium Density Residential) zone district. The subject property was prezoned as M-1 and R-3 at the May 6, 2025 City Council Meeting. The Project proposes to develop the prezoned M-1 portion of the site, approximately 30.65 acres, into industrial lots, while the remaining 14.39 acres, prezoned R-3, on the eastern portion of the Project site would be designated as an undeveloped remainder. In total, the proposed Project would result in 44 light industrial lots, with an outlot reserved for stormwater retention. The City Council will also consider directing staff to file a certificate of contract termination to the Fresno County recorder to terminate the Williamson Act contract on the Project site. At a regular meeting on April 3, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve the Project.
2) Planning Project No. 25-44: Planning Project No. 25-44 consists of Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) No. 2025-45, Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (VTSM) No. 6537, a prezone request, and a request to annex the subject property to the City of Fowler (Project). The Project proposes the subdivision of an approximately 38.35-acre parcel (Assessor’s Parcel 345-100-05), located at the northwest corner of South Fowler Avenue and West Parlier Avenue (Project site). The site is designated Medium Low Density Residential by the City’s General Plan and is zoned AE 20 (Exclusive Agriculture) by the County of Fresno. As a part of the Project, the Project site would be annexed to the City of Fowler and would be prezoned to the City’s R-1-6 mapping designation, with an implementing zone district of R-3 (Medium Density Residential). TPM No. 2025-45 would subdivide the property into two parcels of approximately 16.73 and 21.62 acres. VTSM No. 6537 would further subdivide the two resulting parcels into 179 single family residential lots, as well as a linear park along the Project site’s northern and western boundary.
Additionally, the Project would annex Assessor’s Parcel Number 345-100-04, creating a logical annexation boundary. This parcel is currently zoned AE 20 by the County of Fresno and would be prezoned to the City’s mapping designations of R-1-10 and R-1-7, with an implementing zone district of R-1 (Low Density Residential) and R-2 (Medium Low Density Residential), according to the parcel’s underlying split General Plan land use designation of Low Density Residential and Medium Low Density Residential. The City Council will also consider whether the Project meets the qualifications to be absolved of further environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15183.
The City Council invites your participation and the public is welcome to speak at the hearing. If you challenge any Planning Commission or City Council action in court, you may be limited to challenge only those issues raised at the Planning Commission or City Council public hearings.
Meeting material(s), staff report(s), and a telephone number to provide access to the City Council meeting via teleconference will be available to the public at least three days prior to the hearing and may be reviewed at www.fowlercity.org.
Any questions regarding this notice should be directed to Dawn E. Marple, City Planner at 559.834.3113, ext. 122 or at 559.636.1166, ext. 537 or dmarple@ppeng.com.
04/10/2026
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(1)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the County of Fresno (“County”) will hold a public hearing on April 21, 2026 in the Board Chambers, Hall of Records, Third Floor, 2281 Tulare Street, Fresno, California, 93721, at 9:30 A.M. to consider RESCISSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSERVATION CONTRACT NO. 6236 AND SIMULTANEOUS ENTRY INTO NEW AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSERVATION CONTRACT NO. 8353 (RLCC NO. 1079) AS PART OF A PROPERTY EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF FRESNO AND RICHARD DON HALL AND SUSAN I. HALL REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST OF 2011.  THE BOARD WILL ALSO CONSIDER MAKING A FINDING PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51292 REGARDING THE ACQUISITION OF CONTRACTED PROPERTIES AND DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH SUBSEQUENT MAPPING PROCEDURES AND NON-RENEWAL OF THOSE CONTRACTED PROPERTIES ACQUIRED BY THE COUNTY.  The subject parcels are located in the vicinity of 40315 Dunlap Road in Dunlap and identified as APNs 190-480-11, 190-080-46 and 190-480-10T (Sup. Dist. 5).
A copy of the Board agenda materials, including the RLCC No. 1079 staff report, will be made available for public review, commencing on or about the Wednesday immediately before the applicable Board public hearing date at the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors (“Clerk”), at the above address for the Board Chambers, on County business days between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and on the County’s Internet web site at https://fresnocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx 
Anyone may attend the public hearing and meeting of the Board and make any oral or written presentations at that time.  In addition, if you wish to submit any written comments to the Board on this matter in advance of the hearing, you may deliver those comments, either personally or by mail, to the Clerk at the above address.  If you wish to present any such written comments to the Board, you are encouraged to do so sufficiently in advance of the public hearing so that County staff and the Board can have enough time to take your comments into consideration in advance of the Board hearing.
If you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact Dominique Navarrette, Department of Public Works and Planning, at (559) 600-9668 or dnavarrette@fresnocountyca.gov.
Bernice E. Seidel,
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
County of Fresno
Date: April 10, 2026
04/10/2026


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