Fresno Bee/Merced Sun-Star week in review
Historic ‘G’ sign lights up downtown Fresno again
The State Center Community College District officially restored the iconic Guarantee Savings, or “G,” sign atop its downtown Fresno headquarters in a ceremony held just before sundown on Friday. The 18-foot LED sign, which sat atop the Mattei Building for nearly six decades, once served as both an advertisement and a color-coded weather indicator for Fulton Mall shoppers. When the district took over the building in 2018, the sign was found to be in serious disrepair, with a broken electrical system, rusted panels, and structural concerns. Rather than lose it entirely, the district planned a full reconstruction using current design codes and LED lighting. The original sign was donated to the Fresno County Historical Museum after removal. The replica was reinstalled earlier in June and will be lit from dusk to dawn, with colors reflecting commemorative events.
Reported by Joshua Tehee, published June 29
Fresno State president removes five foundation board members
Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval has opted not to reappoint five longtime members of the university’s $315 million foundation board, whose terms expired June 30. Board chair Vinci Ricchiuti, completing her 32nd year on the board and serving as chairperson since 2016–17, formally noted her disagreement in meeting minutes. In addition to Ricchiuiti, other board members not invited back include: Claude Laval III, Kyle Stephenson, Richard Spencer and Nat DiBuduo. The foundation has faced scrutiny since January, when a CSU chancellor’s office review identified 46 governance and operational deficiencies, citing weaknesses in financial controls and heightened exposure to fraud, though no malfeasance was found. Jiménez-Sandoval holds authority over reappointments under bylaws adopted after the board eliminated term limits in 2022.
Reported by Robert Kuwada, published June 29
Farmer gives away nectarines amid legal battle
Reedley farmer Cesar Mora is giving away his white flesh nectarines for a second consecutive year rather than see them go to waste, as a legal dispute with Giumarra Brothers Fruit Co. leaves his 7.5-acre orchard unharvested. Giumarra, one of the largest produce companies in the nation, alleges Mora breached a 2017 contract to grow the exclusive Monalise nectarine variety by sending his fruit to another company. Mora has filed a cross-complaint alleging unfair business practices, fraudulent misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty, claiming the promised premium sales never materialized and that roughly half his fruit was culled — far above the industry average of about 15%, according to his attorney. He also alleges the nectarine variety is not patented with any U.S. or European authority, contradicting what he says he was told.
Reported by Robert Rodriguez, published June 30
Fresno railroad grade separation reshapes Blackstone corridor
A major grade separation project near Fresno City College is reshaping the Blackstone and McKinley intersection, with the city acquiring and demolishing properties to route streets beneath existing BNSF Railway tracks. Dutch Bros Coffee is among the last businesses still operating within the project’s footprint, but Director of Public Works Scott Mozier says all remaining businesses, including the popular drive-thru, will vacate by the end of 2026. Utility relocation and bridge construction to lower streets by around 25 feet is expected in 2027. The project was announced in 2023 after Mayor Jerry Dyer noted four train-related fatalities at the crossing over the prior decade. More than 35 trains and 42,000 vehicles pass through daily. Additional project elements include bike lanes, walkways, landscaping, and decorative concrete improvements.
Reported by Liliana Fannin, published June 27
ABC30 sports anchor departs after 8 years
Stephen Hicks, sports director and anchor at ABC30 in Fresno, is leaving the station after eight years. Hicks, who came to Fresno from Bakersfield’s ABC affiliate KERO-TV and graduated from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, expressed deep gratitude for the community. During his tenure, he created the 30-minute weekly program “Bulldog Breakdown,” dedicated to Fresno State athletics. His departure coincides with his July 4 marriage to a TV journalist in Los Angeles, ending years of a long-distance relationship. Also leaving ABC30 this summer is City Hall reporter Gabe Ferris, who is joining Chicago’s ABC 7. Meanwhile, the station is urging public comment to the FCC, which has demanded early review of broadcast licenses for all ABC-owned stations, including Fresno’s KFSN.
Reported by Joshua Tehee, published June 25
Fresno residential trash rates rise
Fresno residential garbage rates increased as of July 1, the result of a city council vote in June 2024. The monthly rate for a 96-gallon cart rises $3.20 to $38.70 from $35.50, while a 64-gallon cart increases $2.91 to $35.25 from $32.34 — both a 9% jump. The hikes cover gray, blue, and green bins and apply only to residential customers. Fresno Public Utilities Director Paul Amico cited higher fuel, labor, and vehicle replacement costs. This is the third of five annual increases running through 2028, when the 96-gallon rate will reach $45.24. Trash rates had been unchanged since 2009, and officials warned of a $50 million deficit without the increases. Low-income customers may qualify for a $5 monthly affordability credit.
Reported by David Taub, published June 29
This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Fresno Bee/Merced Sun-Star week in review."