About The Clovis Times
In last month’s issue of The Clovis Times, Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua pitched a 30-year, 7.3 billion-dollar, Measure C renewal effort.
I have been vocal and remain steadfast in my opposition to this measure.
When the original Measure C was passed in 1986, it was in response to a state government that was leaving Fresno County behind when it came to road dollars. It was a needed measure that created and extended Highways 168 & 180, widened Friant Road and Willow Avenue, and completed Veterans Boulevard, among many other projects. The original measure also offered the ability to leverage “matching funds” that vastly increased the number and scope of projects while reducing the burden on our county’s taxpayers.But we are not living in a 1986 world anymore. In the past 40 years, reasonable voices have been squeezed out as weak politicians increasingly bow to social justice activists. While promising “better roads” and “safe streets,” this current renewal effort actually reads like a progressive wish list with road “diets” (decreased driving lanes) creating more congestion, 120 miles of new bike lanes destroying roadways and causing frustration for drivers, nearly one in every five dollars being paid by residents of the entire county going to Fresno’s city buses, and more…all with the goal of getting you out of your car and on to a bus, bike, or scooter. It also does away with the requirement to utilize “matching funds” and relies solely on Fresno County taxpayers to fund it all.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors refused to put this monstrosity on the ballot because it would hurt the County and its residents. Chairman of the Board Garry Bredefeld stated, “…he [Vong] joined social justice warriors and environmental wackos on a THIRTY-YEAR transportation tax scam that will not fix roads as promised but attempt to force people to ride public transportation rather than use their cars.” Mohammad Alimi, a highly respected, 24-year veteran of the County’s Public Works and Planning Department, described language in the measure as “absurd,” “makes no sense,” “not fair,” and made it clear “we strongly oppose.”
In his Clovis Times article Vong dismissed legitimate concerns such as these as nothing more than “rhetoric and noise.” Others making “noise” against this measure include Michael Der Manouel Jr. and Brooke Ashjian of the Lincoln Club, former County Supervisor Henry Perea, common sense mayors in Kingsburg, Reedley, Sanger, and Selma, among many others. When the standard renewal process failed and the Board of Supervisors declined to put this renewal before the voters, Vong and the social justice activists took to gathering signatures to get their measure on the November ballot.
Recently, the Fresno County Registrar of Voters announced their random sample of signatures for this measure has failed. The alternative for qualifying at this point is a full review of all signatures which will be a race against time to get done for the November ballot. Hopefully, this stumble has dealt a fatal blow to this ill-advised effort. We are better off taking a breather on this whole debate than locking ourselves into a bad deal for 30 years (10 years longer than the original Measure C and its 2006 renewal). Clovis voters rejected a 2022 renewal attempt by ten points, and this version is much worse.
There is no doubt we have roads in desperate need of repair. But do not fall for the scam of “Better Roads, Safe Streets” and find out too late it just won’t deliver on its promises.
A New Chapter Begins at Fifth Street Antiques
For years, Fifth Street Antiques has been a favorite destination for collectors, decorators, and treasure hunters exploring the charm of Old Town Clovis.
Now, the beloved antique store is beginning an exciting new chapter as local entrepreneur Eric Rollins takes ownership of the histori business, preserving one of Old Town's most recognizable landmarks while bringing fresh energy and vision for the future.
Located in the heart of Old Town Clovis, Fifth Street Antiques offers more than 4,000 square feet of carefully curated discoveries. Visitors will find an impressive collection of authentic antiques, highly sought-after collectibles, vintage vinyl LPs, mid-century furniture and décor, rare books, fine artwork, Native American artifacts, estate jewelry, and countless one-of-a-kind pieces waiting to be rediscovered.
For Eric, purchasing Fifth Street Antiques was more than a business opportunity it was a chance to continue a tradition of preserving history while creating a welcoming destination where every visit becomes an adventure. Whether you're an experienced collector searching for a rare treasure or simply enjoy browsing the stories hidden within objects from another era, Fifth Street Antiques offers an experience unlike any other.
The store is also part of what makes Old Town Clovis one of California's premier antique shopping destinations. With more than a dozen antique and vintage shops, specialty boutiques, outstanding restaurants, coffee houses, and year-round community events,Old Town Clovis continues to attract visitors from throughout the Central Valley and beyond.
As Eric begins this exciting new journey, Fifth Street Antiques remains committed to the same quality, authenticity, and friendly customer service that have made it a treasured part of the Clovis community—while looking forward to creating new memories for generations of shoppers to come.
Eric Rollins is the owner of Fifth Street Antiques. He has had the good fortune to grow up around the antique business and has been shopping at antique stores and swap meets since he was a small child. Learning about antiques was like learning to talk. He specializes in toys, signs, advertising tins, photographs and American Indian items. He loves meeting new customers, so stop on in and say hello!
