News of the past week included emotional funeral services for a police officer killed last month and a pair of important political developments, including a state probe into possible campaign-finance violations by two of Fresno’s most prominent leaders.

Here are the top stories of the past week, along with selected comments posted by readers on fresnobee.com.

Retirees win ruling

What happened: A judge ruled against Fresno Unified School District in a case filed by retired employees. The suit began after the district and its unions agreed in 2005 to start charging retirees up to $70 per month for what were supposed to be free lifetime health benefits.

What it means: Unless officials decide to appeal, the ruling could cost the cash-strapped district at least $4 million, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said.

What readers said:

“That’s the bad thing about these generous benefit packages for government employees. They are the devil to get rid of.”

-- jghall

“Good for the teachers. These men & women have worked very hard over the years to help shape the future. They should get what they were promised.”

-- smedina22

A sad farewell

What happened: The Valley said good-bye to another slain officer with funeral services on Monday. Reedley police officer Javier Bejar was lauded as a hard-working and ambitious officer who died doing what he loved best.

What it means: The services drew thousands of residents and officers from across the state. Bejar was shot in a Feb. 25 standoff that also claimed the life of Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy Joel Wahlenmaier. A second deputy was wounded.

What readers said:

“God placed Javier on this earth to fill the role of a peace keeper … His career was cut short, but his job was done.”

-- danvrf1

“I have to say that he sounded like one hell of a guy. Officer Bejar, you will be missed by many. May you rest in Peace.”

-- puppylove08

Rumors confirmed

What happened: Valley state Sen. Roy Ashburn on Monday acknowledged that he is gay, confirming rumors that intensified after his arrest in Sacramento on suspicion of driving under the influence.

What it means: Ashburn, a Bakersfield Republican, is not seeking re-election this year. But his statement drew criticism from those who called his many votes against gay-rights bills hypocritical. Ashburn said he voted the views of his constituents.

What readers said:

“Give us a break Roy. You lied (or misled) to your constituents, friends and family. You epitomize EXACTLY what is wrong with the current breed of politicians today.”

-- stevefsu1

“A politician who actually has voted the way the constituents want instead of pushing a personal agenda? What a concept! Do you think it will ever catch on?”

-- FresnoCounty

Pereas face probe

What happened: State political watchdogs said they are investigating possible campaign-finance rule violations involving Fresno County supervisor Henry R. Perea and his son, Fresno City Councilmember Henry T. Perea.

What it means: State officials didn’t detail the allegations, but records show the elder Perea contributed $133,000 to the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, soon before it paid $143,165 to a consulting firm that worked on the younger Perea’s unsuccessful 2008 mayoral campaign. These transactions, if intended to skirt donation limits, would violate state rules.

What readers said:

“Let me guess. If the charges are proven true, a ‘rogue’ staff member or volunteer will get blamed.”

-- JohnnyR

“We shouldn’t be so quick to ‘tar and feather’ elected officials before we have all the facts. Our community is above mob rule.”

-- kiamk

Twist of the week

What happened: Fresno State officials, looking to make more room for students despite crushing budget pressures, are nudging so-called super seniors -- those who haven’t graduated despite accumulating the units they need -- to move on.

What readers said:

“You cannot keep changing majors forever in hopes of ‘finding yourself.’ Find yourself first by working if need be then go back to school.”

-- datacruncher