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ssbet77.net NBA teams enjoy showing appreciation to their fan bases, particularly when it’s holiday time. Few teams in sports support their communities more fervently than the Miami Heat , who hosted their 33rd annual Thanksgiving Celebration on Thursday. The team collaborated with organizations to distribute 600 Thanksgiving baskets and also give 450 hot meals to underserved families throughout Miami-Dade County. Advertisement It’s hard for NBA teams to maximize five consecutive off days, but the Heat (6-7) found some solace in giving back and honing its relationship with the fans. Miami hasn’t played since Monday and won’t suit up again until Sunday. “There actually have been a lot of tears — tears of joy, tears of gratitude,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said Thursday. “This is our 33rd year doing this. ... It’s turned into more than it was 33 years ago. Now, it’s a festive party. “This is our backyard here, and to share on a day like this really is amazing.” Among other Heat luminaries in attendance: three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo , team president Pat Riley and Heat stalwarts Alonzo Mourning and Bob McAdoo. The spirit of giving in this holiday season👏 We hosted our 33rd annual Thanksgiving celebration at Miami Rescue Mission to provide meals for hundreds of underprivileged families in the community. pic.twitter.com/wsTIrR5oHV — Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 21, 2024 Earlier in the week, Adebayo hosted his “Bam, Books and Brotherhood Thanksgiving Twist” event in Liberty City, where dozens of families received Thanksgiving meals, side dishes, photo opportunities and autographs. He said he enjoys such events every year and will never get tired of doing them. Bam Adebayo, A’ja Wilson and Udonis Haslem arriving for the Bam, Books and Brotherhood Thanksgiving Twist here in Liberty City pic.twitter.com/oUsAfSnsbe — Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) November 20, 2024 “You gotta really mean it when you say it,” Adebayo said. “We see a lot of people that give to the community, but they don’t be there. The biggest thing I learned about U.D. (Udonis Haslem): He was always on the frontline when he does community work. I feel like that’s the biggest representation you can have — you being there.” At this time of the year — between the dishes, high-spirited crowds and charitable moments — what was the best moment of the entire afternoon? Advertisement Riley, who earlier this week learned the Los Angeles Lakers will honor him with a statue , reflected on how important it is for Heat culture to be an extension of the NBA community, no matter the fan base or location. “I think it’s important for any organization, any business,” Riley said. “You create an environment in which everybody can flourish, and that becomes a shared vision within the organization. That doesn’t mean that a lot of people sometimes don’t agree with it, but everybody gets on board, and that’s what the important thing is. “The NBA is a giving league. I think every franchise — from the front office right on down to the players association — has this kind of spirit in their communities. ... A lot of people are going to have a great holiday because of this.” The Heat still play basketball, right? On Sunday, the Heat will host the Dallas Mavericks (8-7) in their first game since Monday’s double-digit win over the Philadelphia 76ers . The Heat have played only five home games thus far, the fewest in the NBA. They’re aiming to reach .500 again but have won three of of their last five. The biggest key to Miami’s turnaround? Since Nov. 10, the Heat are fifth in defensive rating after ranking 20th. They will seek to either maintain or improve that footing against Dallas, which will be without Luka Dončić , who is expected to miss at least the next week with a wrist injury. Dallas enters this matchup with three consecutive wins after losing a season-worst four straight. The Mavericks rank seventh in overall net rating despite being a game over .500. Last season, the Heat lost both regular-season meetings, including a 19-point loss the last time the Mavericks visited South Florida. Dončić and teammate Kyrie Irving combined for 54 points in that matchup, and the latter should be comfortable picking up the slack Sunday. Irving is second on his team in points per game (24.3) and is enjoying the most efficient season of his career (career-high 54.5 percent shooting, 53.8 percent from 3). Such potency undoubtedly will test Miami’s improved defense. Advertisement That could be an opportunity for either Jimmy Butler or Tyler Herro to carry Miami’s offense and avoid the game getting out of hand. Butler recently returned from a four-game absence with 30 points and 10 rebounds. In the two losses to Dallas last season, he averaged only 13 points. Herro is maintaining a career-high 24.2 points-per-game average, but he is shooting only 40.8 percent in his last three games. After Monday’s win, Butler jokingly called himself and Herro “1A and 1B” in terms of Miami’s scoring hierarchy. If both players catch fire on Sunday, it can help Miami reach .500 again, and the team (and its fans) could have a bit more to be grateful for as the holiday season unfolds. (Top photo: Issac Baldizon / Getty Images)

At least 65 million tune in for Netflix NFL Christmas Day games. NBA holiday ratings also skyrocket

Firefighters and Victoria Police responded to reports of a car fire in Maiden Gully around 7pm on Tuesday, December 10. or signup to continue reading According to the CFA, firefighters responded to the incident near Rocky Rises Road about 7.03pm. Photos show the white, two-door Hyundai Excel burnt out and submerged in a body of water. Three CFA vehicles were on scene: one from Kangaroo Flat and two from Maiden Gully. The incident was declared under control at 7.16pm and safe at 7.30pm. According to Victoria Police, officers were called to the car fire about 7.20pm and the incident remains under investigation. Brodie Everist is a Bendigo-based journalist who joined the Bendigo Advertiser in 2024 after covering news in North East Victoria for two years. Reach out with news or updates to brodie.everist@austcommunitymedia.com.au Brodie Everist is a Bendigo-based journalist who joined the Bendigo Advertiser in 2024 after covering news in North East Victoria for two years. Reach out with news or updates to brodie.everist@austcommunitymedia.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates. In their final fixture of 2024, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game midway through the opening period. Arsenal’s victory takes them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool , having played one match more than the Reds, and a point clear of Chelsea following their Boxing Day defeat to Fulham. Ipswich, although much improved in the second half, have now lost five of their last six games, and remain just one place off the bottom of the table, three points away from safety. Mikel Arteta ’s men have been rocked by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury which could keep the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, out of action for the next two months. Gabriel Martinelli was handed the unenviable task of filling Saka’s shoes on Arsenal’s right-hand side and the Brazilian was involved in the only goal of the evening. The Ipswich defence failed to deal with Martinelli’s cross, with the ball falling to Leandro Trossard on the opposite side of the area. Trossard fought his way to the byline before fizzing his cross into the box for Havertz to convert from a matter of yards. It was Havertz’s third goal in four matches, his 12th of the season, and no less than the hosts, who at that stage of the match had enjoyed a staggering 91.4 per cent of the possession, deserved. Heading into Friday’s fixture, Arsenal had lost only one of their last 75 Premier League games when they had opened the scoring, and their triumph here rarely looked in doubt following Havertz’s strike. Havertz thought he had doubled Arsenal’s lead with 34 minutes gone when he converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross. But Jesus – handed his third successive start for the first time in a year – strayed into an offside position in the build-up. When referee Darren England blew for half-time, Ipswich had failed to touch the ball in Arsenal’s box, becoming just the second side to do so in the Premier League this season. Nottingham Forest were the other, away at Liverpool, before they went on to inflict Arne Slot’s sole defeat of his tenure so far. And for all of Arsenal’s possession, while they held just a one-goal advantage, Ipswich knew they were still in the game. An encouraging start to the second half for the Tractor Boys ensued, albeit without testing David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Shortly after the hour mark, Gabriel should have settled any growing Emirates nerves when he arrived unmarked to Declan Rice’s corner, but the defender headed wide of Arijanet Muric’s post when it looked easier to score. Martin Odegaard then forced a fine fingertip save from Muric at his near post after a mazy run and shot from the Arsenal skipper. Rice’s stinging goal-bound volley from the following corner was blocked by Dara O’Shea as Arsenal pushed for a game-killing second. Havertz should have tapped home Trossard’s header but he fluffed his lines. And moments later, substitute Mikel Merino’s effort was diverted from danger by a diving Muric. Ipswich looked to catch Arsenal on the counter, but the match ended without them registering a single effort on Raya’s goal. Ipswich fans goaded their opponents with chants of “boring, boring Arsenal”, but it was the Gunners who enjoyed the last laugh as they saw out 2024 with a win which keeps the pressure on Liverpool. PA

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( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - Mobile phone companies have confirmed that the issue of adjusting the prices of Telecom services has been discussed with all relevant official bodies. Based on these discussions, the companies said they have decided that a further review of service prices will take place at a later date after further study. Unnamed authorized sources have been quoted in a statement ran by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, as saying that each company will evaluate potential adjustments based on its business model and operating costs, while the price changes implemented on 17 December 2024 were currently under review. The sources reaffirmed the commitment of the telecommunications companies operating in the Kingdom to contribute to the national economy by investing in infrastructure and keeping pace with technological advances. The companies emphasised their continued coordination with the government, represented by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), towards investing in cutting-edge communications technologies and business solutions, including the expansion of the 5G network to ensure ubiquitous coverage across the Kingdom, supporting national development and enabling businesses, institutions and individuals to harness the vast potential of 5G technology. The companies also highlighted the positive impact this will have on the implementation of the economic modernisation vision and the improvement of the investment climate in the Kingdom, meeting the needs of various business sectors. In addition, the telecommunications companies underlined the importance of supporting the local community through corporate social responsibility initiatives that cover key sectors such as health, education, environment, sports and youth, as well as community solidarity efforts and support for women and people with disabilities. The companies will continue to build on their achievements in this area by expanding their programmes and initiatives to reach an even wider audience, according to Petra. The companies also recognised the importance of Jordan's entrepreneurial sector in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities, and pledged to continue supporting emerging Jordanian start-ups, young innovators and entrepreneurial ideas through a variety of programmes launched throughout the year. MENAFN24122024000028011005ID1109027988 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.None

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U.S. Cardiac Arrhythmia Monitoring Devices Market to See Rapid Expansion Over the Next Decade 2024-2032

What is the best internet provider in Sedona? According to CNET experts, T-Mobile Home Internet is the best internet provider in Sedona . The service comes with decent speeds and affordable pricing that's locked in for as long as you stay a customer. Optimum’s cable internet service is our choice for the best cheap internet in the city, but be prepared for prices to increase by $25 a month in the second year. Starlink offers some of the fastest speeds in the area, but it requires an expensive equipment purchase when you sign up for service. Best internet in Sedona, Arizona Sedona internet providers compared Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Other available internet providers in Sedona Cheap internet options in Sedona Sedona residents don’t have a ton of options when it comes to cheap internet. Optimum offers the cheapest starting price at just $40 a month, but that increases to $65 after just one year. T-Mobile and Verizon are your best bets for cheap internet in the long term, and you can get meaningful discounts if you bundle with one of their eligible cellphone plans. What’s the cheapest internet plan in Sedona? Source: CNET analysis of provider data. How to find internet deals and promotions in Sedona The best internet deals and the top promotions in Sedona depend on what discounts are available during that time period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. Sedona internet providers such as Optimum may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Starlink, T-Mobile and Verizon run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of deals, check out our guide on the best internet deals . How fast is Sedona broadband? There is a major lack of fast internet options in Sedona. According to the FCC , less than 1% of residents have access to 100/20Mbps speeds, which is practically unheard of for a city of its size. For comparison, 99.8% of Flagstaff residents can get those speeds. If you’re looking for high-speed internet in Sedona, Verizon is the only provider in Sedona that offers gig speeds, and it’s only available to around 1 in 4 residents. Fastest internet plans in Sedona Source: CNET analysis of provider data. What’s a good internet speed? Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC . Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need How CNET chose the best internet providers in Sedona Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone , laptop , router or kitchen tool , it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov. This guide leverages an in-house artificial intelligence tool called RAMP, which is trained on our own writing and uses our database to generate content about specific internet service providers that our writers can use in determining and presenting our picks for a given guide. Check CNET’s AI policy for more information about how our teams use (and don’t use) AI tools. Because our database is not exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of our pre-publication fact-check. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) and FCC reports . To explore our process in more depth, you can visit our How we test ISPs page. What’s the final word on internet providers in Sedona? Living in Sedona has a lot of perks, but the internet isn’t one of them. Our top pick, T-Mobile Home Internet, is typically the third or fourth best option when we look at internet providers in a city. In Sedona, T-Mobile is the best provider, offering fast speeds and fair prices. Optimum’s cable internet service has a lower starting price, but prices increase by $25 a month after the first year. Starlink is a decent backup option that offers faster speeds than Optimum, but you’ll have to buy the equipment for $599 upfront. Internet providers in Sedona FAQs What is the best internet service provider in Sedona? T-Mobile Home Internet is the best internet service provider in Sedona, with a price tag of $50 per month, download speeds up to 245Mbps and no equipment fees, data caps, or contracts. Optimum and Starlink are decent backup options, but they have drawbacks like price increases and high equipment costs. Is fiber internet available in Sedona? Fiber internet from Optimum is technically available to a handful of homes in Sedona -- around 0.2% of the city, according to FCC data. Who is the cheapest internet provider in Sedona? Optimum offers the cheapest starting prices of any internet provider in Sedona at $40 a month. That said, prices increase by $25 a month after the first year. T-Mobile and Verizon both offer home internet service starting at $50 monthly. Which internet provider in Sedona offers the fastest plan? Verizon 5G Home Internet offers the fastest internet plan in Sedona, with 1,000Mbps download speeds.

Whether or not Minnesota Wild fans believe in Santa Claus is irrelevant as families all across the State of Hockey gather near their Christmas trees, real or artificial. Whether or not they believe, truly, in the second round of the NHL playoffs is the real factor determining their level of holiday spirit. Save for a recent blip of four straight losses, this has been a hockey season filled with unexpected fun from a team for whom preseason expectations were low. The Wild entered the three-day holiday break in solid contention for the top of not only the Central Division but also the Western Conference with a 21-10-4 record after a 4-3 victory over the Blackhawks on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT As the NHL enjoys a holiday break that comes just a few games shy of the 2024-25 season’s midway mark, we offer a quintet of wishes that would help bring a Merry Christmas and, even more importantly, a Happy New Year to the State of Hockey. The Wild have not seen top-line center Joel Eriksson Ek or veteran defenseman Jake Middleton play a game in weeks. They lost top-line winger Mats Zuccarello for a month. They lost mainstay goalie Filip Gustavsson for a week. They have had live through games without Marat Khusnutdinov, Yakob Trenin, Jakub Lauko, Jonas Brodin, Ryan Hartman and Jared Spurgeon. Even superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov missed a game after a nasty knee-on-knee check during a November win in Edmonton. The injury bug pays a visit to every team at some point, and we hear lots of brave talk about the “next man up” and other cool clichés. But a healthy roster in 2025 could mean the difference between sneaking into the playoffs and contending for a new banner for the Xcel Energy Center rafters. On Dec. 6, the Wild won convincingly in Anaheim by a 5-1 count. Roughly 19 hours after that game concluded, they had to face the powerful Kings in downtown Los Angeles and lost 4-1. Last weekend, a home loss to Utah was followed, less than 24 hours later, by a visit to Central-leading Winnipeg, which won handily. On Jan. 11, they will play in San Jose, then have roughly 19 hours to get to Las Vegas for a night with the Knights. Like injuries, everyone deals with schedule quirks, especially in a season like this when things are condensed due to the two-week break for the 4 Nations Cup in February. But the spate of back-to-backs in different rinks has certainly done Minnesota no favors in the realm of getting healthy and staying healthy. Of the Wild’s 21 wins, two have been notably impressive. In October, they went on the road to Florida and blasted past the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers 5-1. A month later, in Edmonton, they rallied from an early deficit and beat the Oilers — who were within one win of the Cup last season — by a 5-3 count. Beyond those two games, the Wild have generally beaten the teams they should beat (San Jose, Anaheim, Chicago, Nashville, Columbus, etc.) and have had trouble with the NHL’s elite. ADVERTISEMENT Heading into Friday’s visit to Dallas, the Wild are a collective 1-6-1 versus the others among the top five in the West — Winnipeg, Vegas, Edmonton and Los Angeles. And it’s worth noting that after those signature wins in Florida and Edmonton, both of those foes won handily during visits to Minnesota in December. More wins, and more signature wins, are going to be needed if this team is to contend for anything notable. In the smiling Russian kid that wears number 97, the Wild have their first true contender for NHL most valuable player honors in the quarter-century history of the franchise. His seemingly nightly habit of getting pucks past the opposing goalie — honed by hours and hours of “we need to drag him off the ice” work post-practice — is like nothing Minnesota fans have seen, maybe ever. On July 1, Kaprizov will be a free agent, and Wild owner Craig Liepold vowed in a preseason meeting with reporters that no other team will offer Kaprizov more money or more years on his next contract. That might mean an eight-year pact worth $15 million a season. Having given fans a taste of the good life with a superstar wearing green and Iron Range red, keeping Kaprizov in Minnesota is their most important New Years’ resolution. The entertainment complex that Marcus Foligno dubbed the “Kirill and Zuccy” show is a sight to behold, with numbers 97 and 36 showing off some amazing chemistry as they torment opposing goalies and defenses. But the Wild need more than an amazing top line if they are to play games in May. The holiday break perhaps comes at the best time for a few players mired in some mid-winter doldrums, such as Marcus Johansson (six straight games without a point), Matt Boldy (one assist in the past five games) and Ryan Hartman, who has not appeared on the offensive score sheet in more than a month, going an unexpected 16 consecutive games without a goal or assist. “I’ve had opportunities to score. I think I’ve made plays where some guys have had opportunities, the puck just hasn’t gone in,” Hartman said as he headed into the Christmas break. “Obviously, if they do, it’s going to make you feel much better.” ADVERTISEMENT And as the Wild’s unexpectedly great season moves into 2025, that is something all Wild fans can agree on. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

The Fresno City Council gave dozens of school children attending last Thursday’s meeting a perhaps more-honest-than-intended display of local politics at work. In addition, the focus by Councilmember Nelson Esparza on his political future came on a day in which the council punted on a consequential land-use decision affecting hundreds of residents and businesses. Five of the group’s seven members returned from lunch that day nearly 45 minutes late, as elementary students from Golden Charter Academy filled the chambers, waiting to hear if plans for their new campus would be approved. Among the tardy group was District 7’s Esparza, who had a fundraiser at the lunch hour for his California Senate race, according to multiple sources. for Senate District 14, a seat held by Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced, who terms out 2026. Council President Annalisa Perea had directed members to return by 1:30 p.m., breaking a lengthy hearing on the South Central Specific Plan in half. But it wasn’t until well after 2 p.m. that the five late members began coming in. Esparza and Councilmember Tyler Maxwell were among the last to show, coming in at about 2:15 p.m. Perea and Councilmember Miguel Arias returned on time. Sources told GV Wire that Esparza’s fundraiser — which included industrialists and business advocates — had been planned for a long time. However, council meeting dates and times are set the previous year. In this case, the fundraiser was the same day of the South Central Specific Plan hearing — the outcome of which would have affected at least some of Esparza’s potential donors. Ultimately, Esparza ended up recusing himself halfway through the hearing because of a donation unrelated to Thursday’s fundraiser. ‘I Wouldn’t Miss a Critical Vote Like That’: Esparza The South Central Specific Plan, five years in the making, would have changed land use policies in the area designated for industrial development. With that area long known as the city’s industrial hub, many business owners showed up opposing how the proposed changes would affect their businesses. Social justice advocates and neighbors showed up, too, and said the plan didn’t provide sufficient health and quality-of-life protections for residents in the area. The council ended up rejecting the plan on a 6-0 vote, saying it would be best to send the plan — costing at least $1 million — back to the drawing board. The day before the meeting, GV Wire reached out to Esparza about the fundraiser and whether it would interfere with his vote on the plan. He said he has had private gatherings “here and there” that have been by invitation only. He declined to confirm if he had scheduled a fundraiser for Thursday. “Event or no event, I wouldn’t miss a critical vote like that,” Esparza said in a text message to GV Wire. “I’ll be there for the meeting.” Related Story: Calls made to Maxwell, Luis Chavez, and Garry Bredefeld about why they were late returning to the council meeting were not returned. Councilmember Mike Karbassi told GV Wire’s David Taub he was late because he was caught in traffic after helping a client at his business. Shortly after 2 p.m., as the children were growing restless, councilmembers began filing in. Later, charter school officials and students got good news. On a 7-0 vote, the council denied an appeal that would have blocked Golden Charter Academy from proceeding with construction of its new campus. Esparza’s Recusal After the lunch hour, Esparza indicated that he had to recuse himself from voting on the South Central Specific Plan because of a donation made to his campaign on Oct. 25. Prior to the recusal, GV Wire made an inquiry to Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz about the fundraiser. The recusal arose because the donor had spoken earlier during the public comment portion about the plan at Thursday’s meeting, Esparza said Janz told him. “The city attorney recently advised me in the last 20 to 30 minutes or so that at the beginning of the proceeding, I did not have a conflict, but because of an SB 1439 conflict, a contribution I received back on Oct. 25, someone who provided that contribution spoke during public comment and at that point a conflict was created mid-item,” Esparza said during the meeting. “I want to be clear there was no conflict until the public comment occurred.” SB 1439 prohibits elected officials from voting on matters that affect a donor who gave more than $250 to a campaign in the past year. Labor groups and political action committees are exempted. A late contribution report filed on the California Secretary of State’s website shows a donation from Bill Betts of the Betts Company for $5,500 on Oct. 25. The company is in south central Fresno. Mike Betts, who is Bill Betts’ father, spoke during the meeting about the negative impact the South Central Plan would have on Fresno’s economy. Mike Betts declined to comment to GV Wire about the donation. Esparza told GV Wire that the recusal was done out of an abundance of caution. SB 1439 limitations include donations from any representatives of an organization affected by a vote. Culture of Silence Continues The council will next decide whether to create an ad hoc committee to finalize the South Central Specific Plan — if the desire to finish it even exists. The prevailing attitude at City Hall appears to be to rely on state law specifying mitigation measures for new industrial impacts. For certain: Anyone on the ad hoc committee would have great influence over thousands of acres of land. Janz, the city attorney, did not respond to a question about whether or not Esparza is eligible to be on the committee. Related Story: While Esparza recused himself from voting on the South Central Specific Plan, he stood by the claim that he does not have any conflict in a statement sent to GV Wire. Esparza has not responded to further questions from this publication. Stakeholders Caught Off Guard Much of the south central plan occurred with little notice for business and property owners. After five years of work, the plan arose suddenly and was rushed to the finish line. The first hearing at the planning commission occurred in November. Despite commissioners’ objections to the plan at that meeting, Planning and Development Department Director Jennifer Clark urged commissioners to send it up to city council. Two weeks later, it got a hearing, catching many stakeholders off guard. The city relied on one round of letters in October to one group of property owners to inform them of potentially drastic changes to their investment. One more round of letters went out to all property owners two weeks before the meeting. Legal notices were also published in the Fresno Bee. Greg Obloy, vice president of Crown Enterprises, flew from Michigan after being informed of proposed changes to land the company owns. Others had no idea about changes. Property owner Heather Muell’s father attended every meeting in 2019 when the city asked about concerns. Not once was rezoning discussed, she said. It wasn’t until they decided to open the letter from the city that they found out about downzoning. Environmental justice groups were also caught off guard. Leslie Martinez with Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability said the 2019 resolution that spurred the plan called for the final proposal to go before the community steering committee before advancing to the planning commission.DOJ’s Antitrust Division Says Compliance Programs Must be Updated to Address Changing Technology