Fresno Daily Local Headlines: Budget gap, SEDA pause, van chase, dense fog

Top local headlines

City budget: another tough year ahead

Fresno officials told the City Council on Feb. 26 that the city is projecting a $23.3 million deficit for the fiscal year that starts in 2026 and runs into 2027. Staff said departments are being asked to map out roughly 5% cut plans, after several years of belt-tightening.

In the same meeting, the council approved an extension tied to a long-delayed downtown housing proposal near Chukchansi Park, giving the developer more time to line up financing and keeping city support in place for now.

Fresno Unified pauses formal opposition to the Southeast Development Area

On Feb. 25, trustees voted to table a resolution that would have put the district on record against the city’s Southeast Development Area plan, a proposal that could open thousands of acres for new housing on the city’s southeastern edge. Supporters of the resolution argued the growth plan could strain school finances and enrollment planning; the majority opted to hold off on taking an official position.

Stolen medical transport van chase ends with arrest

Police said a suspect was taken into custody Feb. 26 after a reported stolen medical transport van was followed through parts of Fresno and into nearby foothill areas before returning to the city. Officials said the van struck another vehicle during the incident, with injuries not expected to be life-threatening.

Dense fog returns to the Valley

The National Weather Service warned that dense fog is likely to cycle back into the San Joaquin Valley, especially during overnight and early morning hours through Saturday morning. Drivers should plan extra time, use low-beam headlights, and be ready for sudden drops in visibility.

Sources

• https://fresnoland.org/2026/02/27/they-dont-have-a-lot-of-options-left-fresno-projects-23-3-million-budget-deficit/
• https://fresnoland.org/2026/02/26/threats-from-the-mayor-fresno-unified-board-stalls-effort-to-fight-seda/
• https://ca.news.yahoo.com/stolen-medical-van-recovered-police-021717878.html
• https://www.weather.gov/hnx/m