Editors’ note: This article was corrected to state that a doctor who inspectors said stole federally controlled drugs was an anesthesiologist, not an emergency department physician. It was also corrected to clarify that the statements confirming the report’s version of events were in the inspectors’ report and in the response to it. Failure to monitor […]
Former Hanford finance director Paula Lofgren’s explosive discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination lawsuit pulls back the curtain on what she describes as a toxic workplace where a moody and autocratic city manager Mario Cifuentez made sexual advances toward her and describes Community Development Director Darlene Mata as a “nasty” and “rude” person. Lofgren also […]
At the Visalia City Council’s meeting on August 2, the council voted to remove some protections for agricultural land from the city’s general plan. The 2030 General Plan is the city’s blueprint for development. The three backers of removing the program said the Agricultural Mitigation Program was either unworkable or could be offset by other […]
Attorneys for Tulare County have filed an appeal to a Tulare County Superior Court Judge’s decision allowing a Farmersville couple to sue in the wake of an allegedly mishandled search warrant service by deputies of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). Appeal to Higher Court In a June 18 decision, Hon. Nathan Ide ruled […]
Although the city of Hanford’s attempts to silence an outspoken planning commission member may be interpreted as a violation of his free speech, the city attorney Ty Mizote said Jason Kemp Van Ee was reprimanded for inaccurate and possibly biased statements on social media. Jason Kemp Van Ee decided to resign without taking legal action. […]
Tulare Public Cemetery District (TPCD) unanimously censured Trustee Alberto Aguilar for disclosing information discussed during closed session. With Aguilar recusing himself, the trustees also voted to send the matter to the Tulare County Grand Jury for an investigation. Though reported in the Sun-Gazette that the grand jury could remove Aguilar, the grand jury does not […]
On July 7th the Fresno Chaffee Zoo unveiled a new complex designed to hold their prized animal ambassadors. The animals are integral to the zoo’s outreach program and play a key role in educating the public. According to Fresno Chaffee Zoo Chief Executive Officer Jon Forrest Dohlin, this new complex will provide better opportunities for […]
A handful of former members of Visalia’s now-defunct Environmental Committee have gone rogue, and one of the men who put them out of business couldn’t be happier to see them carrying on their work in a new setting. Only Mandated Committees In what appears to be a new way of doing business at Visalia […]
A set of autumn hearing dates in a case accusing Assemblyman Devon Mathis (R-Visalia) of harassment and wrongful termination have been vacated, but the beleaguered legislator may still end up in court over the matter. New Attorney Janie Sustaita De Raadt, a former Mathis staffer, says she’s found a local attorney willing to pursue […]
Half of the Visalia City Council still feels it’s too risky to allow cannabis-related businesses to operate inside the city limits and asked staff at city hall not continue their exploration of opening the city to the state’s fastest-growing industry. Plenty of Interest The move comes despite a flow of continuous inquiries from business […]