Central California News Today: Fresno Robbery, Fresno State Ban, Dinuba Case & More

Central California news today for Saturday, April 25, 2026, includes a northeast Fresno armed robbery investigation, a new Fresno State campus transportation ban, murder charges in a Dinuba double homicide case, Clovis Rodeo security updates, possible Sacramento school closures, a federal fraud case involving a former Sacramento councilmember, and a new state park planned near the Fresno-Madera County line.

These stories cover crime, courts, education, local government, public safety, community events, and outdoor recreation across the region.

Northeast Fresno Robbery Investigation Continues

Fresno police are searching for suspects after an armed robbery outside a northeast Fresno restaurant.

According to ABC30, the robbery happened Thursday night in the parking lot of Saizon near Willow and Shepherd avenues. Police said two men pistol-whipped the victim and stole his watch. The victim went to the hospital for treatment of a cut to the head. Police said the suspects left in a black Honda Accord.

This case matters because it happened in a busy restaurant area that many Fresno families visit. Investigators may rely on witness tips, nearby business cameras, and traffic surveillance as the search continues.

Source: ABC30
https://abc30.com/story/police-searching-suspects-armed-robbery-outside-northeast-fresno-restaurant/18961427/

Fresno State Bans Electric Scooters, Bikes and Skateboards

Fresno State will ban electric scooters, electric bikes, and motorized skateboards on campus starting in the fall semester.

The university cited safety concerns and a rise in accidents involving motorized transportation. ABC30 reported that the new policy will treat the use of those devices as a student conduct violation. Traffic Operations can also confiscate vehicles used on campus.

The rule does not apply to ADA vehicles. Non-motorized bikes, scooters, and skateboards will still be allowed.

Some students told ABC30 the ban could make it harder to move across campus, especially during hot Fresno weather. Others raised concerns about parking costs, limited parking, and whether students had enough input before the decision.

Fresno State has scheduled a virtual information session on the ban for May 6.

Source: ABC30
https://abc30.com/post/fresno-state-bans-electric-scooters-bikes-skateboards-campus/18963306/

Murder Charges Filed in Dinuba Double Homicide Case

A Reedley man has been charged with two counts of murder in a Dinuba double homicide case.

ABC30 reported that 43-year-old Miguel Angel Saldana Garcia is accused in the deaths of 51-year-old Jose Medina and 39-year-old Irai Torres. Prosecutors said Torres was the suspect’s ex-wife and the mother of his child.

Saldana Garcia pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail. ABC30 reported that he is scheduled to return to court on May 4. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty.

The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.

Source: ABC30
https://abc30.com/post/murder-charges-filed-man-accused-dinuba-double-homicide/18954090/

Clovis Rodeo Adds Mounted Patrol and Extra Security

The 112th Clovis Rodeo brought large crowds, long-standing tradition, and extra safety planning this week.

ABC30 reported that Fresno Police’s Mounted Patrol Unit joined the security effort. Officers said patrol on horseback gives them a better view over large crowds and helps them move through areas where vehicles cannot easily go.

The event draws major attention every year because it is one of Clovis’ biggest traditions. ABC30 previously reported that the rodeo was expected to bring up to 50,000 people over five days.

Clovis police said Friday and Saturday are usually the busiest nights. Officers reported citations since Opening Day, mostly involving minors with alcohol.

The goal is to keep the rodeo safe while families, visitors, and rodeo fans enjoy one of the region’s biggest annual events.

Source: ABC30
https://abc30.com/post/clovis-rodeo-keeps-crowds-safe-heading-weekend-levels-security/18963241/

Sacramento City Unified Considers Possible School Closures

Sacramento City Unified leaders are discussing possible school closures as the district faces declining enrollment and budget pressure.

Abridged Sacramento reported that trustees discussed the possibility of closing as many as four schools over the next four to five years. However, officials have not named specific campuses.

District leaders said Sacramento City Unified has too many underused buildings. The district is also facing a projected $170.5 million deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Other options remain on the table. Staff also discussed changing attendance boundaries and shifting students to campuses with more space.

This issue could affect families, transportation, class sizes, and neighborhood school identity. Parents and staff will likely watch closely for public meetings and any list of campuses under review.

Source: Abridged Sacramento
https://www.abridged.org/news/school-closures-sacramento-city-district-possibilities/

Former Sacramento Councilmember Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case

Former Sacramento Councilmember Sean Loloee pleaded guilty in a federal fraud case tied to Viva Supermarket.

CBS Sacramento reported that Loloee pleaded guilty to counts involving obstruction of a Department of Labor investigation, conspiracy to defraud the IRS, wire fraud, money laundering, and false tax returns.

Federal prosecutors said the case involved labor practices, payroll records, tax reporting, and COVID-19 relief funds. Prosecutors also said Loloee used two sets of books to underreport taxes and track hidden payments.

Loloee is scheduled for sentencing on October 15. Other defendants connected to the case are scheduled for trial on September 28.

Source: CBS Sacramento
https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/sacramento-sean-loloee-pleads-guilty-grocery-store-fraud-scheme/

New State Park Planned Near Fresno-Madera County Line

A new state park is planned along the Fresno-Madera County line.

ABC30 reported that Governor Gavin Newsom toured Sycamore Island in Madera County as part of an announcement about three new California state parks. The planned Central California park includes the Parkway area on the Madera-Fresno County line.

State officials said the expansion also includes Dust Bowl Camp in Kern County and Feather River Park in Yuba County. The Natural Resources Secretary said the properties will not cost the state anything upfront because they are held by entities willing to transfer them to California State Parks.

The San Joaquin River Conservancy said the Parkway site could become a state park within about two years. Officials also plan to hold public meetings to help decide what features the park should include.

For local families, the park could bring more access to open space, walking areas, biking, river recreation, and outdoor gathering space.

Source: ABC30
https://abc30.com/post/gov-gavin-newsom-announces-new-state-parks-including-fresno-madera-county-line/18945249/

Quick Facts

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Main topic: Central California news today
• Cities and areas covered: Fresno, Dinuba, Clovis, Sacramento, Madera County, Fresno County
• Top public safety story: Northeast Fresno armed robbery investigation
• Top campus story: Fresno State motorized scooter, bike, and skateboard ban
• Top court story: Dinuba double homicide murder charges
• Top community story: Extra security at the 112th Clovis Rodeo
• Top recreation story: New state park planned near the Fresno-Madera County line

What Is Confirmed

Fresno police are searching for suspects after an armed robbery outside Saizon near Willow and Shepherd avenues.

Fresno State plans to ban electric scooters, electric bikes, and motorized skateboards on campus starting in the fall semester.

A Reedley man has been charged with two counts of murder in a Dinuba double homicide case.

Security at the 112th Clovis Rodeo includes mounted patrol and several law enforcement agencies.

Sacramento City Unified trustees discussed possible school closures, but no specific campuses have been named.

Former Sacramento Councilmember Sean Loloee pleaded guilty in a federal fraud case.

California officials announced plans for a new state park along the Fresno-Madera County line.

What Is Still Developing

Fresno police have not announced arrests in the northeast Fresno robbery case.

Fresno State students may continue to respond to the campus transportation ban before the fall semester.

The Dinuba double homicide case remains active in court. The defendant has pleaded not guilty.

Clovis Rodeo security updates may continue through the final weekend of the event.

Sacramento City Unified has not named any schools for possible closure.

Sean Loloee’s sentencing is scheduled for October 15.

Officials still need public input before finalizing features for the planned new state park.

That is today’s Central California news update from Central Valley Entertainment. Follow Central Valley Entertainment for daily local news, crime updates, court stories, school news, food, business features, events, and community coverage across the region.