Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will your Fresno commute change with Route 39’s big upgrade?

You won't want to miss Speed Dating @ Crow & Wolf on the Fresno Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
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Cheers Fresno! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will your Fresno commute change with Route 39's big upgrade?
  • How a $2 million grant could change tobacco access in Fresno.
  • Could $10,000 in help make your first Fresno home possible?

Also on today's calendar: Speed Dating @ Crow & Wolf and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 99 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Sunshine and hot, temps: high: 104, low: 70.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 104 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. CA: $15M in transportation upgrades coming for growing hub in middle of Fresno (masstransitmag.com) — Fresno's Clinton Avenue corridor is set for $15.6 million in street, bike, and transit upgrades, tied to a new 114-unit affordable housing project at Blackstone and Dakota. FAX Route 39 has already doubled weekday frequency to every 15 minutes, with more bus stop improvements and construction on the rest of the project expected by 2028.
   

2. State awards $2 million grant to Fresno Co. efforts to reduce illegal tobacco sales (sjvsun.com) — Fresno County just secured nearly $2 million to crack down on illegal and youth-targeted tobacco and vape sales, including flavored products. The grant will fund tougher enforcement, retailer education, and decoy operations through 2029, aiming to curb underage nicotine use in a county where many students live close to tobacco retailers.
   

3. Beyond Housing gets $250K for Fresno, Madera homebuyers (thebusinessjournal.com) — First-time homebuyers in Fresno and Madera counties can now apply for up to $10,000 in down payment assistance through Beyond Housing's OpenHome program, funded by a new $250,000 U.S. Bank contribution. The initiative, tied to Fresno Housing, aims to boost local homeownership and economic stability, with applications open until the money is gone.
   

4. Man accused of killing ex-girlfriend, a mother of seven, enters not guilty plea in Fresno (fresnobee.com) — A Fresno man has pleaded not guilty to murder after his ex-girlfriend, a 30-year-old mother of seven, was found fatally stabbed in his East Grove Avenue home. He remains in Fresno County Jail under observation, with bail to be addressed at a September 23 court hearing, while the victim's family plans to attend every proceeding.
   

5. This Fresno school is one of the best in CA, here's how it compares to others in the area (yourcentralvalley.com) — Families across Fresno County can see how their local high schools stack up, with University High ranked among the very best in California and tops in the Central Valley. The story breaks down test performance, AP participation, and economic challenges at schools like Clovis North and Clovis West, helping parents compare options and context for these rankings.
   

📸 Around Fresno

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fresno

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Estes Express Lines posted a job opening for Dock Worker in Fresno. Apply here.
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Costco Forklift Operator in Fresno. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fresno here.

Ok Fresno! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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