FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The sole survivor of a deadly accident is reunited with her dog – thanks to Marley’s Mutts.
“Well, there was a head-on collision in Buttonwillow – two vehicles going 80 miles an hour collided, four people were killed. One person and one dog survived – it was a gal named Meghan and her dog, Scooby.” – Zack Skow
Zach Skow is the Executive Director and Founder of the Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue out of Kern County, who initiated the rescue effort.
“So, when we found out that Scooby was at the shelter with all of these injuries and his mom at the hospital with all of her injuries, we wanted to make it possible for them to be reunited.” – Zack Skow, Founder, Marley’s Mutt’s.
While Meghan was at CRMC’s burn center in Fresno undergoing skin grafts for her burns Skow rescued the battered and broken Scooby out of the shelter and posted on their Marley’s Mutts Facebook page.
Almost immediately money came in allowing them to pay for the expensive surgery to repair Scooby’s broken neck. Skow said ultimately they did it “because we can.”
“He is a paraplegic – so, he cannot feel his back legs now, but we did get him two carts that are going to help hi very much and keep him mobile, and he is happy, he is content.” — Zack Skow, Executive Director & Founder, Marley’s Mutt’s.
Thanks to Marley’s Mutt’s – and its Facebook followers – Scooby is back in Meghan’s arms as they both start their journey of healing.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A new development in the battle over contracts between the Fresno Unified School District and the Fresno Teachers Association.
FUSD putting out the following information, Wednesday November 29th:
This afternoon Fresno Unified and Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) received notice from the Fact Finding Chair that given the number of articles at issue, and the documents provided at the Fact Finding Hearing, the Fact Finding Chair extended the time needed to issue the Fact Finding report. The new date for the Fact Finding report is January 18th, 2018.
That report will have it’s recommendations – and if no agreement is reached then there is a legal right for the teachers to go on strike.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) -The Department of Water Resources updated the timetable of construction on Thursday, November 30th on the Lake Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project.
Construction on the Main Spillway included concrete finishing, joint sealing and completion of drainage systems of the main 3,000-foot gated flood Control spillway.
The finishing work is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
Back on November 1st, the DWR said the main spillway had been substantially reconstructed to handle flows of 100,000 cubic feet per second for the 2017-2018 flood season.
“Construction will continue through the winter as weather permits, and though 2018 to complete the work on the main and emergency spillways.” – Grant Davis, DWR Director.
The DWR says construction will resume likely in May depending on hydrology and snowpack conditions.
At the emergency spillway, crews have completed approximately 60 percent of the underground secant pile wall.
It’s on schedule to be completed in January, retaining tons of water and preventing the erosion seen back in February of 2017.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) -Fresno Police have a identified and are looking for the suspect in a triple shooting in the Northwest that left one man dead.
It was at 1:00pm back on October 2nd that Roberto Ramos, described as a dedicated family man, was gunned down in front of his wife Irma, and their 20 year-old son Jacob.
Bullets killing 52 year-old Ramos and injuring his family at their home on the 5900 block of West Fir Avenue.
The shooter now identified as Lavale Shawn Vean aka “Fudge”
“He’s described as 20 year old, black male and he’s six foot, 150 pounds, and his hairstyle described as dreadlocks.” – Lt. Dave Madrigal, Fresno Police Department Violent Crime Unit.
Lieutenant Dave Madrigal from Fresno PD’s Violent Crime Unit calls it an isolated incident, and he’s hesitant to disclose the connection between Vean and his victims, but said that Ramos and his family were “good people”.
U.S. Marshals are now joining the hunt as well as police from Madera, where Vean is wanted on unrelated charges.
“Lavelle has connections He’s got a lot of connections in Madera, and from what it sounds like there are some connections in Las Vegas.” – Lt. Dave Madrigal, Violent Crime Unit.
Anyone calling with information can remain completely anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP. You may also contact the Fresno Police Department – Homicide Detectives David Porcella 974-6662 or Victor Miranda 621-2452 under Fresno PD Case# 17-64695.
SUSPECT DESCRIPTION: Lavale Vean DOB 01-23-1997, Vean is a Black Male Adult, 6ft/150lbs with short dreadlocks and a large tattoo of a cross on his chest. He has connections in Fresno, Madera, and Las Vegas. Vean is on active probation for armed robbery and has additional warrants in the system out of Madera for gun related charges and Fresno for burglary charges. Vean should be considered armed and dangerous. Two outstanding suspect vehicles (below) are associated to Vean and the Homicide Investigation.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Pacific Gas and Electric Company is offering more than 200 college scholarships — totaling nearly $700,000
Scholarship applications are now being accepted for college-bound high schoolers as well as current college and continuing students in Northern and central California.
Better Together STEM Scholarship recipients will receive $10,000 to help as they pursue education in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity or environmental sciences.
The winners of PG&E’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) scholarships will receive from $1,000 up to $10,000 for achievement and community leadership.
Applications & criteria are on PG&E’s website www.pge.com/
Applications are due Feb. 5th.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Arrests are made during a SWAT search investigating vehicle burglaries.
Swat teams from the Clovis Police Department and the Fresno County’s Sheriff’s Office served search warrants at two homes in Squaw Valley, on November 30th in the early morning hours.
An explosive device was located and disposed of at one home, and 4 stolen vehicles were also located on the property and recovered.
Two suspects were arrested; 41 year-old Jeffrey Stubblefield of Squaw Valley (above) will face charges for possessing stolen property, possessing an explosive device, and being a felon with a firearm.
39 year-old Brandon Cardenas of Fresno (below) was arrested for possession of meth, and possession of a controlled substance, and obstructing an officer.
Both men were booked into Fresno County Jail.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno is the nation’s 99th safest city in 2017.
Wallethub.com compared 182 of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas on 35 key indicators of safety, from assaults and murders to the number of first responders like police and firefighters, to the risks of natural disasters like earthquakes, and flooding.
Nashua, New Hampshire was the safest U.S. city – Ft. Lauderdale the least.
Irvine topped the list of safest California cities at number 44, San Bernadino was the least safe at 180.
Other cities ranking lower than Fresno include Sacramento, 110; San Francisco 114; Modesto 130, and Bakersfield 141; with Los Angeles right behind at 142.
Visalia, Madera and Hanford metro areas were not included in the list.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ)- A cyber security consortium is taking place Tuesday, December 5th in Downtown Fresno.
Brian Olson is the organizer, with more than 10 years as a cybersecurity expert for the healthcare industry.
He says everyone in our society needs to be more award of cyber security.
Olson says they will have Keith Tresh (above) and Dr. Keith Clement as featured speakers
Keith Tresh was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown on October 6, 2016, as the commander of the California cybersecurity integration center (Cal-CSIC) within the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Tresh is a veteran of State service and prior his appointment as the commander of Cal-CSIC, he was the chief information officer at the California High – Speed Rail Authority.
Dr. Keith Clement is a Professor of Criminology at Fresno State University. He serves as Chair of the Workforce Development/Education Subcommittee of the California Cybersecurity Taskforce. Clement also serves as Executive Director of the National Council for Emergency Management and Homeland Security (NCEMHS) and as Vice-Chair of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Public Safety Education Advisory Board.
The Central California Cyber Security Consortium is from 12:00 to 1:30 Tuesday, December 5th at the Bitwise South Stadium at 700 Van Ness Ave.
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A child in the North Valley has died of her injuries after being struck by a car, Merced police now looking for the driver.
It was just before 4:00 o’clock on Monday afternoon when 3 year-old Dayveonna Polk was hit.
Merced Police Officer Craig McKeeman telling the Sun Star that a small child, 3 years old with her siblings and mother were crossing the street at 18th and R in a cross walk, and based on witness statements a dark red or maroon colored Honda blew the southbound light then fled the scene without stopping.
Dayveonna had been flown to Valley Children’s in critical condition on Monday, December 4th, but was unable to survive her injuries, the family reports that she died when her heart gave out early tuesday morning.
A candlelight vigil was planned in Merced for 5:30pm Tuesday at the site at R and 18th streets.
Merced Police hope that surveillance footage will identify the driver and vehicle – that they now believe is a purple, late model 90’s Honda accord.
Call with any tips: Officer McKeeman 209-388-7752 or Merced PDTipster Line 209-385-4725, or text “TIP411” (847411) including “ComVIP” as keyword in text.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ)- The identity of a woman whose body was found in a Fresno canal has been released.
Just before 2:30pm, on December 3rd, a motorist reported seeing an injured person lying in a dry canal near the intersection of Brawley and Jensen Avenue.
Sheriff’s Deputies arrived on scene and determined the woman was actually dead.
Sheriff’s Spokesperson Tony Botti says Fresno’s Coroner is on the case.
“We have identified the woman, her name is Debora Deaver, she is a 48 year old resident of Fresno. our staff at the Coroner’s Office performed an autopsy on her. We didn’t have anything concrete to rule what her cause of death was so we are going to wait for toxicology tests before making that determination.” -Tony Botti, Sheriff’s Spokesperson.
Botti says homicide detectives are investigating this case as a questionable death.
If you have any information about this case, please contact Detective Brian Schulte at (559) 600-8207, Brian.Schulte@fresnosheriff.org or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – An officer involved shooting in Central Fresno sends a man accused of selling drugs to the hospital.
Before noon on Wednesday, December 6th, a witness tipped off police about a drug dealer selling product on the 4200 block of Fountain Way.
Fresno PD’s MAGEC unit watched suspect Bert Harris sell drugs and were attempting to serve a felony warrant.
Police Chief Jerry Dyer says they believed Harris was armed when he grabbed a bike and was chased into the apartment complex on the 4600 block of east Shields.
[Photo: KMPH]
“Harris got off of his bicycle was confronted by the sergeant, ran through the complex, just and before Harris got to the pedestrian gate to exit, he reaching into his right front pocket, and pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun, and turnd towards the officer. Our sergeant fired one round at Harris, striking him in the hip area.” – Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
Harris was taken to CRMC. He was talking when he left in the ambulance and Chief Dyer says he’s expected to survive and face a number of felony charges including drug charges, resisting arrest, and terrorist threats.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJj- Fresno County Sheriff’s Detectives investigating the 5th homicide of the year in Orange Cove.
Just after 1:30 pm on Wednesday, December 6th, a call came in of shots fired.
The apparent crime occurring on ‘H’ Street between Anchor and Cove.
Sheriff’s Spokesperson Tony Botti says Orange Cove PD found a man lying on the sidewalk who was injured, took a closer look, and found that he was deceased. “We believe we know who the victim is – a Hispanic man around 40 years-old.”
Botti says investigators are trying to nail down what actually happened. and find out how many suspects were involved because witness reports vary, some say a car was fleeing the area, others say someone left on foot.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno City Council votes to approve $38 million dollar affordable housing project.
The project requires the City of Fresno to kick in 5 million, 30 million would come from state loans, grants and cap & trade funds, with developer Integrated Community Development adding to the pot.
Mayor Lee Brand told Council if Fresno didn’t approve the project other cities would grab the funds.
The 4-story unit, located at Blackstone and McKinley would be mixed use — housing on the top, commercial space on the street level.
Esmeralda Soria telling Council it would provide needed housing for 88 families.
Councilman Steve Brandau disagreed with the cost, saying it was cheaper for the city to just buy potential apartment dwellers their own home.
Council Member Gary Bredefeld agreed.
Council President Clint OIiver also voiced mixed feelings.
While the final vote was not unanimous, 5 to 2 and 4 to 3, the project was approved.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A warning of random gunfire on Valley roads.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Madera County Sheriff’s Office are working together warning that motorists be aware of someone shooting at cars.
One woman has been injured by gunfire.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Spokesperson Tony Botti says it’s random but they believe the incidents are related.
“Between November 27th and December 7th, there have been four separate reports of vehicles being struck by gunfire. Two occurred in Fresno County and two occurred in Madera County. Only one case resulted in a person suffering injuries.” – Fresno County Sheriff’s Spokesperson Tony Botti.
Around 6:45 am on November 27, 2017, a vehicle traveling on Madera Ave. (Hwy. 145) near Avenue 8 ½ was hit with bullets. This is in Madera County. No one in the vehicle was injured.
Around 4:30 pm on December 1, 2017, a vehicle traveling on N. Dickenson Ave. near W. Shields Ave. was struck by bullets. The driver was also hit. The woman called law enforcement and was treated for her injuries, which were determined to be non-life threatening. This occurred in Fresno County.
Around 4:30 pm on December 4, 2017, a motorist driving on Madera Ave. (Hwy. 145) near W. Barstow Ave. had their vehicle struck by gunfire. This occurred in Fresno County. No one in the vehicle was injured.
Around 6:45 am on December 7, 2017, a vehicle traveling on Madera Ave. (Hwy. 145) near Avenue 6 was struck by gunfire. This is in Madera County. No one in the vehicle was injured.
Detectives do not have a clear description of the suspect(s) or their vehicle(s).
Victims said they heard loud bangs as another vehicle passed them, going the opposite direction on the roadway, and with the exception of the woman who was hurt, they all later checked their vehicles and found bullet holes.
Anyone with additional information contact Sheriff’s dispatchers at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno State’s Victor E. Bulldog III stage design winners were chosen, Friday.
Fresno State’s Lyles College of Engineering challenged students to design a stage for Victor E.’s Bulldogs’s appearances.
On December 8th, students presented their ideas for the University’s live mascot.
The stage will allow Victor E. to sit, lie down and be elevated comfortably, making it easier for photo opportunities with people standing by his side, especially the elderly.
The design of the stage must be lightweight, portable, 2-feet by 3-feet wide and 30 inches tall and must hold up to 80 pounds, and must also be compatible for vehicle storage.
The winners; Thomas Bayhi, Johnny Armanino, Garry Gong, Arnold Park, and Rogelio Romero will get a chance to build the stage and will take home $1,000.
The stage will also be showcased at Fresno State’s Vintage Days, April 20-22, and at the Lyles College Projects Day on May 8th.
UPDATE: Kern High School District Police say there was NO GUNMAN at Arvin High.
FRESNO, CA (KMJ)- Arvin High School was on lockdown Monday on a report of a person with a gun near campus, but school officials say all students are fine.
There have not been reports of shots fired.
Deputies were sweeping the campus, and streets around the school were closed.
Garden in the Sun Park was a staging location for parents, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
Just after 1:20p.m. Kern High School District Police said there was NO GUNMAN at Arvin High.
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno Police announce an intense crackdown on DUI after a deadly weekend on Fresno streets.
Five people died within a 24-hour span in a series of accidents on Fresno streets.
Fresno police say two motorcycle riders were killed on Friday, December 8th after noon when they collided with an SUV at Tulare and Willow.
Saturday morning, Daniel Mendez, 53 and his wife Ramona Mendez, 43, of Fresno were delivering papers for the Fresno Bee and were killed after a speeding car read-ended them at Kings Canyon and Apricot.
Later, that same morning a 5th person, a man in his 20’s was killed at Weber and Princeton, when he was struck from behind while on his bike.
Chief Jerry Dyer says not all the accidents were because of drunk drivers but nonetheless they are still going to increase patrols and their former Bar Watch Operation is being reinstated to find would-be drunk drivers
Fresno PD will also dedicate another sergeant and ten officers to their Neighborhood Traffic Unit, and utilize overtime to be part of the DUI operations – Chief Dyer says to “search, find, and remove drunk drivers” from Fresno roadways.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is calling it a homicide.
55 year-old Jennifer DuPras and her 88 year-old mother Cynthia Houk were found inside a house on the 6200 block of Colonial on Monday, December 11th in Northwest Fresno.
According to staff at Kingsburg Elementary Charter School District, Superintendent Wes Sever was notified by authorities that one of the victims was their former Kingsburg Elementary School principal.
DuPras had been principal at Washington Elementary, and was with the district for 27 years. She has been sixth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary and principals at Rafer Johnson and Lincoln Elementary. She also had worked one year at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
Sarah Ballard, the Executive Assistant to Superintendent Sever, says the news has hit the school district pretty hard, and they are deeply saddened; “She was an award-winning principal, great leader, incredible mom and most importantly she’s loved and will be greatly missed.”
Ballard says that counselors are being made available in the district.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Tony Botti says injuries that DuPras and her mother sustained indicate a violent act.
They are asking that anyone in the area with surveillance cameras contact them at the Sheriff’s Office.
Kingsburg Elementary Charter School District, Superintendent Wes Sever released this statement on Facebook:
Dear Parents,
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. On December 11th, 2017, it was reported that Jennifer DuPras, recently retired principal from Washington Elementary School, was found to be deceased. Jennifer DuPras has been a part of our Kingsburg Elementary Family for more than 26 years. Mrs. DuPras was an award winning principal, a great leader, and incredible mom, and most importantly a friend to all. The loss and circumstances of her passing is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school community.
Our school district has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of a professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. At our school sites, we have counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We encourage you, as parents, to also feel free to use our resources.
We have enclosed some information that may be useful to you in helping your child at home. (See parent email) If you would like additional information or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your school site.
We are deeply saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need.
Sincerely,
Wesley Sever, Ed. D Kingsburg Elementary Charter School District Superintendent
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Aggravated assaults, robberies, rape – violent crime is down nearly 10% in the city of Fresno, but that’s where the good news ends…
Fresno’s Police Chief Jerry Dyer says murder is plaguing the city.
There have been 53 murders compared to last year’s 38 at this time period.
Gang members are primarily the victims, and the suspects.
Domestic violence, and murder among family members are other factors causing the numbers to rise.
The Southwest, Southeast, and Central parts of Fresno are the hot spots, and in response Chief Dyer is assigning 21 more officers to be be divided among those districts.
Holiday theft and “porch pirates” (seen above) continue to be a problem so Valley residents are warned to keep items out of cars and have their holiday packages delivered to an office or PO box to avoid being stolen off porches.
Chief Dyer says with 39 new officers sworn-in on Tuesday, the police force that was crippled during the recession losing 100 officers, is regaining its strength.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
