Best-read: Mysterious pillar destroyed; 74-year-old charged; Central Valley job losses
Here are five stories that were among the most popular for subscribers Christmas week, with links in case you want to read the full articles.
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Beloved pillar with mysterious origins in Fresno High neighborhood demolished
A century-old pillar in the Fresno High neighborhood was destroyed in a car crash. With mysterious origins—perhaps as trolley stops or fire stations—these historic markers are cherished by the community. Residents hope to rebuild the lost pillar, with city and preservation committee support, using salvaged rubble to restore its original look. Click here to read full story.
This downtown Fresno property will soon be empty. Cue the nostalgia
The downtown Fresno Office Depot is closing, stirring nostalgia for its prior lives. The site once hosted the bustling Farmers Market and many beloved local businesses. Over decades, it was a community hub for shopping and dining. After years of decline and legal disputes, Office Depot replaced it in 1995. Click here to read full story.
Officer ‘horribly unjustified’ in fatal Christmas Eve shooting in Fresno, lawyer says
Jeremy Sanchez, 26, was fatally shot by parole officer Jorge Lopez in Fresno on Christmas Eve 2024. Unarmed and fleeing, Sanchez was struck three times during a confrontation. His family’s lawsuit calls the shooting grossly mishandled, especially considering Sanchez’s mental health issues. The incident is being investigated by state authorities. Click here to read full story.
74-year-old arrested after neighbor shot to death in Fresno, police say
Fresno police arrested 74-year-old John Gentry for the fatal shooting of neighbor Mark Tarasevic, 64, after a disturbance on December 23, 2025. Tarasevic was found with a single gunshot wound and later died. Police recovered a firearm, and Gentry was booked for murder. Investigation continues as authorities seek more information. Click here to read full story.
Central Valley surpassed all of California in job losses this year. Here’s why
The San Joaquin Valley experienced California’s highest job losses in 2025, mainly in business services, construction, and manufacturing. Factors include government deficits, tariffs, and immigration crackdowns. The region’s economic recovery lags, suffering from under-diversification. Policy and immigration impacts continue to challenge local industries, particularly oil, gas, agriculture, and logistics sectors. Click here to read full story.
This story was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by Fresno Bee journalists. This content was edited by journalists in the newsroom.
This story was originally published December 31, 2025 at 3:01 PM.
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