Fresno's City Hall and police union reach a stalemate over pay concessions, California's high-speed rail project survives a crucial Senate vote, Clovis will give its employees a raise this year, and a Sanger cowboy is happy to be in the saddle -- even at age 90.

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

No-budge budget

What happened: Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin on Monday said her administration has no intention of embracing the police union's offer of wage/benefit concessions in exchange for a one-year contract extension.

Swearengin and City Manager Mark Scott are now focusing on surviving three years of budget pain until the police contract comes open. It expires in three years, but the clause that prohibits furloughs and demotions expires in two.

What it means: When the time comes, Swearengin and Scott said, the administration will negotiate a new contract from a position of strength.

In the event of an impasse, the administration with council approval can impose new conditions on the union.

What readers said:

"The mayor and city manager only have themselves to blame for this mess. They were the ones that supported and pushed council to approve the last FPOA extension. It never should have happened. Imagine how much better things would be if they had stuck to their guns then. You can't blame FPOA for saying the city doesn't seem to be treating this as a real crisis."

-- fresblow

"The City must change their spending habits and focus on making some sound financial decisions first, before demonizing their own employee groups before all to see. Since when can you get something for nothing? No where in the world can you get some of value, i.e. multi millions of dollars worth of employee concessions, for nothing but a pat on the back."

-- 04HDrider

HSR gathers steam

What happened: The long-awaited vote by the state Senate to approve money for high-speed rail was greeted eagerly by many Valley officials but booed by South Valley residents whose property may be cut by the rail line.

The vote could create a political headache for Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Bakersfield, whose "yes" vote disappointed some of his constituents in Kings County, where opposition to the $68.4 billion project has been fierce.

What it means: Lee Ann Eager, CEO of the Fresno County Economic Development Corp., said the project will have a big impact on Fresno's economic image: "People all over the country, all over the world, were looking at Fresno and at California to see if we were going to be forward thinkers."

What readers said:

"I don't understand why so many criticize public officials for not doing enough to stimulate the economy and help spur job growth, yet the minute they do something to do so, they get slapped in the face for doing so. I'm excited for the project and the jobs it will bring."

-- johnwells559

"How far in debt does Ca. have to be before they stop spending money we don't have. 68 million is a joke and we all know it would never come in under budget, or is it 100 million, or is it 82 million, oh who cares just build it and will find out if it will work or NOT!"

-- rnrgtrist

Mo' money

What happened: Clovis city employees haven't seen a raise in five years, but -- unlike many public employees -- they will get one this year. The city is granting employees a 1% pay increase this year and a 2% increase next year.

What it means: The city expects to have more money from sales taxes in the coming year, in part because of a new shopping center with Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods and improved auto sales.

Property tax revenues continue to drop, but the city is confident enough to add employees to its code enforcement division and to maintain service levels in parks, recreation and other areas after years of reductions.

What readers said:

"Conservative, backwards, cowboy up, dirty old "it's a way of life" Clovis, saw problems coming, took some steps that I'm sure were quite unpopular, and now are able to give their employees raises (small raises to be sure, but I bet a small raise probably feels a lot better then getting fired). ... I wonder how many City of Fresno, Stockton, or State of California employees wish they could have that?"

-- ACommenter

"Congrats to Clovis. Just one caution, however. When (and if) our economy ever recovers, we must not ignore the lessons that we have learned and the problems we have resolved regarding public labor costs. Let's not rush back to the good old days when we planted the seeds for current problems!"

-- b2burns

The cowboy life

What happened: Ninety-year-old Wilbur Plaugher stays busy riding, roping and loving his life as a cowboy. But it's just one of his many careers: Plaugher also was a rodeo clown and did some acting in Hollywood. On Thursday night, Sanger City Council members recognized Plaugher's accomplishments.

What it means: Plaugher said his most important role was as co-founder in 1971 of the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys. The fellowship now has more than 100 chapters nationwide.

What readers said:

"Can i come over and listen to stories?? Slim Pickins,Fess Parker,and this feller,well pass the buttermilk and shut my mouth,i''m hunkerin down!.I bet he knew Festus too! Go ahade on Wilbur,all my favorites!!Please write a book!!!"

-- Rick Son

Catching Up is compiled by Bee editors. Go to fresnobee.com/catchingup/ to comment or learn more about these stories.