Columbus
ABC30 Central Valley
Fresno judge considering death row inmate's request for new sentence
The fate of a man on death row is now in the hands of a Fresno County judge as she considers the inmate's request for a new sentence.Jerry Rodriguez zoomed into court Tuesday from state prison, where he has been on death row for nearly 30 years.A jury convicted him of two counts of murder and robbery back in 1995.Teenage cousins AJ and Danny Hernandez paid Rodriguez, who owned a Visalia tire shop, $2000 for custom rims in 1994.Instead of delivering the rims, investigators say Rodriguez kept the money and hired a hitman to kill the two young men."What was...
2024 list of Central Valley athletes playing D-I college football
With the college football season kicking off this Saturday, here is a list of the local athletes playing on Division-I teams.LOCAL STANDOUTSTory HortonA First Team All-Mountain West pick in 2023, the Washington Union grad is poised for a super senior season at Colorado State. Two straight 1,100+ yard receiving seasons with 8 receiving touchdowns have the Valley native on the watch list for the Biletnikoff, Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards.Josh KellyThe former Bulldog and San Joaquin Memorial grad is coming off a career year at Washington State where he pulled down 8 touchdowns and close to 1,000 receiving yards (923)....
Fresno State Bulldogs to wear black uniforms for Fright Night game
Fresno State is going back in black this fall.For the first time since 2015, the football team will be wearing their black uniforms.You can see the 'Dogs wear those uniforms on October 26th.That is for Fresno State's Fright Night game against rival San Jose State.Fresno State is calling for fans to wear black for the game in hopes of a black-out at Valley Children's Stadium.For sports updates, follow Stephen Hicks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
All California high schools must offer a personal finance class starting the 2027-28 school year
In the coming years, high school students throughout California will be learning more about how to take charge of their finances.An assembly bill sponsored by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has been signed into law requiring every high school to offer a stand-alone, one-semester course in personal finance, starting the 2027-28 school year.The California Nevada Credit Union League is a long-time supporter of the initiative.Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs, Robert Wilson, says this is a welcome change."We think it's very important that high schools learn this early, and we are very excited to hit the ground running in a...
Grieving families call for new stop sign at Fresno County intersection
A father in mourning is on a mission.William Lazo took the podium at the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday morning, demanding change in the wake of the loss of his son Sandro.The 16-year-old was riding his bicycle on Perrin Road at Fowler Avenue in Fresno County. On the evening of August 8 when a pickup truck hit him. He died at the hospital."It's been 12 horrible days since that tragedy and my family is still devastated," said Lazo.Their tragedy came just eight days after Kathy Bailey's.Bailey's son, 25-year-old Kaiden, was hit and killed by a minivan at the...
Storm could bring first snow of season in Fresno County this weekend
An incoming storm has the potential to bring the first snow of the season to Fresno County this weekend.The National Weather Service in Hanford reports that the storm is expected to bring cooler temperatures, creating a chance for a dusting of snow in the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada on Friday into Saturday.The latest data from the NWS show around a 10% to 30% chance of snow for the highest elevations from Yosemite to Fresno County.Snow levels are around 8,000 feet.By Friday, temperatures are expected to dive below the historical average to around 80 degrees in Central California.The cooldown is expected to linger through the weekend before triple-digits return next weekend.
Valley doctor urging students be up to date on physicals and vaccines
It's time to ring in the new school year as students in Central California get back to that classroom routine and hit the books once again.But they're not the only ones who have homework. Parents also have a health list to check off."Number one would be to get your kids in for their physicals and vaccinations," says Dr. Mitul Patel with Kaiser Permanente in Fresno.Dr. Patel explains to parents that getting those physicals done right away is critical, especially for kids who want to play sports."You want to get them in so your physical form is done for the year,"...
Chat with the Chief: Atwater Police Chief Michael Salvador talks about retirement
Our conversations with local law enforcement leaders are focused on connection and community.We sat down with Atwater Police Chief Michael Salvador to hear about his difficult decision to retire and his advice for the next Chief.For news updates, follow Vanessa Vasconcelos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Evacuation warnings issued as Coffee Pot Fire burns in Tulare County
The Tulare County Fire Department reports that Evacuation Warnings have been issued on Tuesday due to the Coffee Pot Fire in Sequoia National Park.The zones fall north of South Fork Drive, east of Skyline Drive, south of Mineral King Road, and west of the National Park Boundary.The fire department says people in those zones should prepare to evacuate the area if needed.The National Park Service says the blaze has burned more than 13-hundred acres with no containment.The fire was sparked by lightning on the morning of August 3rd.Officials say the fire activity has picked up, igniting heavy brush and ground fuels.
Suspect hospitalized after shooting involving CHP officers and deputy in Fresno
A man has been hospitalized after a shooting involving California Highway Patrol officers and a Fresno County Sheriff's deputy on Tuesday afternoon.The shooting happened around 2:55 pm outside of a home in the area of Grant Avenue and Seventh Street.Fresno police say the CHP's vehicle theft team was investigating a stolen truck when they found a man sitting in the driver's seat.As officers tried to speak with the man, they say he put his vehicle into reverse and rammed two of their unmarked patrol cars.Officials say two CHP officers and a deputy opened fire on the man, striking him in...
3 facing drug charges following death of Atwater prison employee
The investigation into the death of an employee at U.S. Penitentiary Atwater has led to charges against three people, including one inmate.On August 9, correctional officer Marc Fischer became sick after coming into contact with a substance in the mail room, according to the Bureau of Prisons. Fischer was taken to the hospital, where he died. Loved ones have said he was close to retirement at the time.The U.S. Attorney's Office has now filed multiple drug-related charges against USP Atwater inmate Jamar Jones, as well as Stephanie Ferreira of Indiana and Jermen Rudd III of Missouri.The charges include...
3 displaced following apartment fire in northeast Fresno, officials say
Three people are displaced after an apartment unit caught fire in northeast Fresno.Fire crews responded around 6:30 am Tuesday to an apartment complex on 6th Street near San Ramon Avenue.Officials say flames were coming from a unit on the second story.Firefighters were able to knock down the fire and prevented it from spreading to other apartments.No one was inside at the time of the fire.A neighboring unit was damaged from firefighting efforts, with two people moved into a vacant apartment.Authorities believe the fire started in the bedroom and are investigating what sparked the flames.
Fresno patient one of the 1st in US to get new Alzheimer's treatment
A long-time Fresno doctor is part of a ground-breaking treatment in the fight against Alzheimer's.In July, the FDA approved Kisunla for people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.On Monday, one of the first patients in the United States received the drug intravenously at the office of Dr. Perminder Bhatia in northeast Fresno.RELATED: Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to knowThe neurologist says this new treatment is not a cure, but it has proven to be effective in slowing the progression of the disease.For Dr. Bhatia, this treatment is especially meaningful. His mother passed away from Alzheimer's.He says he's grateful to help provide his patients with a fighting chance.Kisunla is delivered by IV every four weeks.
Major renovations to Downtown Fresno public library
The Downtown Fresno County Public Library is undergoing some major renovations.If you're in the area of Mariposa and O streets, you will likely notice big equipment and work crews.Upgrades are being made to the library roof, windows and electrical work.Staff members say that while they are working to minimize disruptions, the library may need to close periodically to the public for safety reasons.All patrons are encouraged to regularly check the library's website for the latest hours of operation.
Man dies after crashing car into canal near Sanger, authorities say
A man has died after crashing their car into a canal near Sanger.The California Highway Patrol and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office were called to the scene at about 5:45 am Tuesday on Rainbow and California avenues -- that's just outside of sanger.When emergency crews arrived, they found a white Toyota overturned in the canal with reports of someone still inside the car.A man was pulled from the water and declared dead at the scene.He has not yet been identified.The CHP is investigating to determine what caused the crash.
Video of principal appearing to dance inappropriately with mascot raising concerns in Atwater
A video going viral of a high school rally in Atwater is raising concerns among parents.Video shared by ABC30 Insider Ryan Attebery shows principal Robert Nunes dancing with the school's mascot.Nunes is initially seated in a chair as the mascot dances in front of him.Then Nunes is seen firing a confetti cannon before trading places with the mascot.Many are calling the dance inappropriate."Could be a good dude. I don't know him, but I hear a lot of students sticking up for him," explained Attebery.Attebery has a son at the school and two young daughters.He says he posted the video to...
Man has close encounter with bear that broke into Oakhurst mobile home
A man in Oakhurst had a close encounter with a bear that had stolen food one night before coming back for more.Christopher Smith was house-sitting for his mother in her mobile home when an entire bag of dog food disappeared from the laundry room last week.He thought racoons had eaten it.But the next night, a big bear got into the home.Smith says he instinctively rushed to protect his two children and pets.Then the bear swiped at his foot, injuring him."The fear hit first and then the adrenaline hit and as soon as the adrenaline hit, all the thoughts came in of what I need to do and how short of a time I might have for this bear to get over the washer and dryer, get through the door an get into the house," recalled Smith.Smith says the bear seemed to have a routine and came around the mobile home for at least four nights around midnight.The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the encounter, including DNA from Smith's injuries.Officials say the results will determine if the bear will be relocated.
Valley Democrats look forward to the Democratic National Convention
Democrats have descended upon Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, including Valley delegate Eric Payne."There it is a lot of excitement. You just see folks with their T-shirts. You see folks with their paraphernalia everywhere. Such good energy here," said Payne.On Monday night, delegates like Payne, and viewers watching from home, will hear from the First Lady and President Joe Biden, which the vice chair of the Fresno Democratic Party says represents the transition of power within the party."I think Biden will talk about what he's done and that it's time to turn the banner over to Kamala Harris, that...
Family mourns woman killed in Merced as suspect's preliminary hearing is postponed
The family of a woman who was killed outside a Merced party in 2023 is continuing to fight for justice.The victim's loved ones say Kaylie Lynn Allen was near Grogan and West Avenues when she was shot and killed.Tears fell from Cheryl Dunigan's face as she remembered her granddaughter."If you were friends with her, you were friends for life. She always stuck up for the underdog. She loved animals, very caring. Full of love, full of life," recalled Dunigan.Merced police say Allen was shot and killed outside a party on April 21st, 2023 by Jose Kevin Valencia-Zavala.The suspected shooter was...
ABC30 Central Valley
20K+
Posts
268M+
Views
ABC30 Action News brings you breaking news, weather, exclusives and original programs from Central California.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.