Fresno got some love from the governor last week -- or at least a visit to hear concerns. And among those voicing concerns were public safety officials, who worry they won't have enough money to handle the state prisoners the governor is sending them. Meanwhile, Fresno State prepared to open its second century of life amid tight budget times. And the city of Fresno is back to square one on its troubled Granite Park ball fields.

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

Prisoner shift

What happened: Fresno County public safety officials released a draft plan for how they will spend $8.8 million in state funds to handle low-level criminals being shifted to the county jail and probation office starting this fall.

What it means: Public safety officials say they'll use the money to open two vacant floors at the jail and hire more probation employees, but it's still short of what is needed to handle the additional criminals -- and make sure they don't end up back on the street.

What readers said:

"Sounds to me like a clear call to reform and rationalize law enforcement/incarceration in this country. Not just Fresno County, the whole valley is a particularly egregious example of questionable enforcement priorities."

-- JeffBurkhart

"All we need is Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his ways and just maybe we could curtail some repeat offenders. Right now there is no punishment only a revolving door for them to have family reunions."

--rnrgtrist

Jerry pays a visit

What happened: Gov. Jerry Brown visited Fresno on Wednesday and offered support for two key public works projects that would have a major effect on the central San Joaquin Valley -- California's high-speed rail project and a water conveyance system for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

What it means: Civic and law enforcement leaders said Brown's day-long visit -- his first since he was elected governor last fall -- gave them a chance to build a working relationship with the governor on a range of issues, including the state prison realignment that begins in October.

What readers said:

"When running for governor Jerry Brown stated that he learned from past mistakes. That is clearly not the case. High Speed Rail is not an investment in our states future. It is a liability that will be carried on the backs of Californians not yet born..."

-- thelight

"The ultimate Valley economic stimulus: WATER! Think Peripheral Canal!"

-- mnyman1214

"Realignment is going to be a disaster. It is a giant unfunded mandate that will lead to an increase in jail releases. If you think Fresno's jail is a joke now, you ain't seen nothing yet."

--ThirstyMcGoo 2

Back to school

What happened: Fresno State prepared to open its second century amid deep budget cuts and President John Welty's scathing assessment of the state's commitment to higher education.

What it means: Fresno State students will return to campus Monday to find fewer and larger classes, a shortage of teachers, higher fees and deteriorating buildings that need maintenance. And more financial troubles could be on the horizon if state revenues fall short of projections, triggering a new round of budget cuts.

What readers said:

"It's been said long enough, "Welty must go!". I no longer donate to the University specifically because he's still there. Call in Seal Team 6, take out the trash, and perhaps I'll open my wallet again to assist them."

-- CrookedStix

"Don't blame Welty, Blame Sacramento. They control the $$$ and higher taxes. Stop over-spending, make those on welfare do volunteer work for the city, county & state, cut taxes and maybe we'll have enough money for higher education. Plus, weed out all the dead beats at colleges. Less than 50% graduate on average from start to finish."

-- mypreferredagent

Striking out

What happened: Negotiations with a Southern California company to operate the city of Fresno's long-shuttered Granite Park ballfields have ended without a deal, the City Council learned Thursday.

What it means: Several City Council members said they were dismayed to learn the company, Big League Dreams, wanted the city to share the financial risk of rehabilitating the approximately 20 acres of rundown Major League-replica ballparks and weed-infested soccer fields at Granite Park. A company official said the city's expectations were unreasonable. The city plans to pursue other options for reopening Granite Park fields.

What readers said:

"One had a feeling at the outset that this deal wasn't going to happen. Even if it did the City would still come out holding the short end of the stick. Best to bulldoze down everything that isn't completed/being used and cut our losses ..." -- bigchucky

"Maybe city hall is finally learning not to speculate with taxpayer money on private investment projects. I hope when one of this city's movers and shakers ask for the same deal with the city backing it they hold to this new policy."

-- Bobolink