Fresno Bee/Merced Sun-Star week in review

Blackstone Avenue road diet kicks off in Fresno

Construction is underway on southern Blackstone Avenue in Fresno, reducing three vehicle lanes to two each way to make room for wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and elevated bus platforms. The $7.3 million project, funded primarily through California’s Regional Early Action Planning grant program, runs from Pine Avenue to State Route 180 and on Abby Street from Olive to Highway 180, with completion expected in early October. The corridor has recorded 20 pedestrian fatalities between 2008 and 2022, and Fresno was ranked the seventh most dangerous city for walking and biking by Smart Growth America. Director of Public Works Scott Mozier called it a “shorter-term inconvenience for long-term gain.” Two additional phases between McKinley and Dakota avenues are slated for 2027.

Reported by Liliana Fannin, published June 18

High-speed rail CEO defends Merced station move

Merced advocates are pushing back against the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s plan to relocate the city’s bullet train station outside of downtown. Rail authority CEO Ian Choudri argues the move is best for Merced, citing limited downtown space, construction disruptions, and a significant funding gap. He told The Bee the relocation could save $1 billion — money the project does not currently have. Lety Valencia, director of organizing for Faith in the Valley, warned at an April board meeting that community investments tied to a downtown station are now at risk and that downsizing would mean fewer local jobs. Meanwhile, Merced deputy city attorney Frank Quintero indicated the city is willing to engage with the new proposal, saying local stakeholders look forward to developing a strategic plan for the alternative location.

Reported by Erik Galicia, published June 18

Horn Barbecue faces wage-theft probe

Fresno’s City Attorney’s Office has launched a wage-theft investigation into Horn Barbecue, the now-closed restaurant from chef and Fresno native Matt Horn. The office confirmed the investigation was referred by the state, but offered few additional details while it remains pending. Horn Barbecue opened at Fresno’s Granite Park in January to significant fanfare, with Horn celebrated for his James Beard Award nomination and Michelin’s Bib Gourmand recognition. However, within months, multiple employees filed unpaid wage claims with the state. By June, a dozen claims had been submitted to the Department of Industrial Relations before the restaurant officially closed. State data shows claims were also filed against Horn’s restaurants in Oakland and the Sacramento area. Of those, three have been dismissed.

Reported by Joshua Tehee, published June 22

New sports complex coming to Clovis Community College

Construction is underway on the Clovis Community College ISE Diamond L.I.F.E. Sports Complex, a multi-use athletic facility planned for a long-vacant corner lot in north Fresno. The complex will feature a competition soccer field, an all-weather track, bleachers, a press box, and approximately 4,075 square feet of additional amenities. The $14.9 million project is funded through $10.69 million in campus funding and $3.5 million from a bond. A $500,000 donation from Jami Hamel De La Cerda, founder and CEO of Diamond Learning Center, Inc., helped make it possible, and the complex is named after her sons. Athletic Director James Sewell says nine of the college’s 11 intercollegiate teams currently compete off campus. He envisions the facility as a hub for student athletes and hopes to host high school and youth events as well. Occupancy is planned for spring 2027.

Reported by Hana Tilksew, published June 24

Fresno Unified changes mascots at three schools

Fresno Unified School District has replaced the mascots at three schools to comply with Assembly Bill 3074, a California state law passed in 2024 that prohibits K-12 public schools from using Native American-related mascots, team names, and nicknames. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, making the district one of the last to revise before the deadline. Tenaya Middle School’s Braves become the Titans, Tioga Middle School’s Tomahawks are now the Hawks, and Lowell Elementary School’s Warriors are renamed the Lions. The law does allow an exception if a school receives written consent from a local, federally recognized tribe. Some schools, including Clark Intermediate School and Sanger High School, have retained their mascots through tribal consent.

Reported by Leqi Zhong, published June 21

Valley Children’s Hospital plans $73M expansion

Valley Children’s Hospital is expanding its Madera campus with a new $73 million Ambulatory Pavilion, set to break ground next spring and open to patients in 2029. The facility will be built on open land north of the main hospital building, on a campus that has grown to more than 700 acres since the hospital relocated from Fresno in 1998. Spokesperson Zara Arboleda said the project is being funded from the organization’s reserves, with no money diverted from patient care. The pavilion’s design will also consider the needs of children with autism, building on the hospital’s George’s Pass program. CEO Todd Suntrapak said the center is designed to make the hospital experience more coordinated, compassionate and supportive for families navigating their children’s medical care.

Reported by Erik Galicia, published June 23

This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 8:56 AM with the headline "Fresno Bee/Merced Sun-Star week in review."