Water Damage Restoration in Clovis, CA
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Clovis Community College in Clovis to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Clovis, CA is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Clovis. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Clovis Big Dry Creek Museum in Clovis, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Clovis.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Clovis, CA
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Magnolia Crossing Assisted Living in Clovis for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Clovis, CA, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Clovis?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Gettysburg Park in Clovis. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Clovis, CA, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Garfield Schoolhouse Arch in Clovis, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Clovis restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Clovis, CA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Clovis, CA
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Clovis, CA, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a 13 Prime Steak in Clovis. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Clovis rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Clovis, CA
Best Pumpkin Patches in Fresno County
visitfresnocounty.orghttps://www.visitfresnocounty.org/blog/post/best-pumpkin-patches-in-fresno-county/
Give your friends pumpkin to talk about! Celebrate October by visiting some of the best pumpkin wonderlands Fresno County has to offer. Create perfect, priceless, pumpkin-y memories at these local pumpkin patches!Location: 18266 E Kings Canyon Rd, Sanger, CA 93657Con...
Give your friends pumpkin to talk about! Celebrate October by visiting some of the best pumpkin wonderlands Fresno County has to offer. Create perfect, priceless, pumpkin-y memories at these local pumpkin patches!
Location: 18266 E Kings Canyon Rd, Sanger, CA 93657
Contact: (559) 400-3211
Discover one of the newest pumpkin patches in town! Sunflower Farm Stand, located just off Highway 180 and South Reed Ave, was recently known for its stunning sunflower fields open during the summer. Now, they're embracing the autumn spirit by unveiling a charming pumpkin patch.
To kick off the fall season, they're hosting their Fall Festival on Friday, September 29th. This exciting event will feature a sunflower maze, delightful horse-drawn wagon rides, a thrilling hay slide, pumpkin bowling, cornhole, and a variety of other enjoyable activities. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to purchase their fresh produce, delectable jams, honey, and home decor.
These festivities will be available every Saturday and Sunday, running from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, until the end of October.
Location:284 South Temperance Ave. Fresno, CA 93727
Sunshine's Farm, a cherished family-owned farm, is renowned for its delightful U-pick strawberry events in the summer. However, the excitement doesn't end there; Sunshine's Farm is now embracing the beauty of autumn! Experience the charm of their welcoming pumpkin patch and wander through their stunning sunflower fields, which bloom during the same season. To kick off the fall season, Sunshine's Farm invites you to their free annual Hello Fall Festival on September 30th. Join them at their farm for scrumptious food, refreshing drinks, family-friendly activities, and an abundance of other exciting entertainment!
Location: 225 W Bullard Clovis, CA 93612
Harvesting the perfect pumpkins for you and your family and friends! Wild Patch Pumpkins in Clovis has a varied selection of small, big, white, yellow, orange, and gourdgeous pumpkins for any occasion! Whether for carving Jack-o-lanterns or for your porch or for making delicious pumpkin pies, these pumpkins are carefully nurtured and gathered for everyone to enjoy. Also the ideal place to appreciate your pumpkin picking pet companions by taking a picture along with their perfectly sized pumpkins! Visit Wild Patch Pumpkins from October 1st through Halloween to get your very own pumpkin!
Location: 5365 Mendocino Ave. Clovis, CA 93619
Visit this cute little boutique cut flower farm, Sweet Thistle Farms, along with Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery where they will be having different pumpkin varieties anyone can pick from, hay rides, photo opportunities, tractor rides, food trucks, barn vendor shopping, and scrumptious cheese sampling. Kids will also get the fun opportunity to meet some of Rocky Oaks friendly goats and farm animals. And on your way out take a quick picture at Sweet Thistle Farms’ cool pumpkin wall and wagon that give off all the fall feels.
Location: 14265 E. Goodfellow Ave., Sanger, CA 93657
Contact: 559-356-3962
Wanting a less scary experience for the kids at Hobb’s Grove? Take a stroll through Billy Bob Hobb’s Pumpkin Grove! They are open for weekday group tours for schools and families. Kids will have a fun-filled educational experience and also get a school size pumpkin (included in their ticket purchase) to take home afterwards!
Families also have the opportunity to participate in the various activities they offer like hayrides, mini corn maze, and a mystical fairy village. Don’t miss out in all this fun, reserve your spot soon!
Location: 2629 S. Clovis Ave., Fresno, CA 93725
Contact: 559-237-2294
Simonian Farms does not only grow over 180 varieties of fruits and vegetables but it has a beautiful pumpkin patch each year that is filled with beautifully picked pumpkins. Kids can also experience the haunted caboose that will sure give them a fun spooky scare! There will also be a free photo op spot for everyone to take some fall-themed pictures with the whole gang!
Location: Hillcrest 6943 S. Reed Ave. Reedley, CA
Contact: 559-638-2762
This is an all-ages event, tailored to suit your little ones needs without the scares and ghouls included! This is a patch you can enjoy a train ride, hayride, and of course gourds of all shapes and sizes! Take your littles ones for pure family fun with pumpkins galore at Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch.
Six eateries opening on a 1-mile stretch of Shaw in Clovis. What’s on the menus?
Bethany Cloughhttps://www.fresnobee.com/living/food-drink/bethany-clough/article292421279.html
A stretch of Shaw Avenue in Clovis is getting a lot more appetizing.A 1-mile section of the road — roughly between Peach and Clovis avenues — is home to six eateries that are newly opened or will be soon.The new restaurants range from small mom-and-pops to bigger companies, including chains and national franchises.And the cuisines? Everything from Mexican food to Indian pizza. There are even two Vietnamese sandwich spots just a few blocks from each other. All are on the south side of the street.The bus...
A stretch of Shaw Avenue in Clovis is getting a lot more appetizing.
A 1-mile section of the road — roughly between Peach and Clovis avenues — is home to six eateries that are newly opened or will be soon.
The new restaurants range from small mom-and-pops to bigger companies, including chains and national franchises.
And the cuisines? Everything from Mexican food to Indian pizza. There are even two Vietnamese sandwich spots just a few blocks from each other. All are on the south side of the street.
The busy stretch of Shaw is a logical place for companies to locate, said Shawn Miller, business development manager for the City of Clovis.
“It’s really a re-emerging area with the new Costco locating right over there,” he said. “It’s a good time for someone to move in there and open a business.”
The area has the right demographics for big companies with plenty of potential customers in apartments and houses nearby, he said. And the rents are right for start-ups opening their first locations.
Here’s a look at who is opening and when.
The newest restaurant is Paris Banh Mi Cafe & Bakery, a franchise that opened a few days ago at Peach and Shaw avenues, behind See’s Candies.
The business specializes in banh mi, the Vietnamese sandwiches served on French baguette-style bread with pork or other fillings. The blending of cuisines stems from when France colonized Vietnam.
One twist on the typical banh mi restaurant? You can get the sandwiches on the traditional bread, a hamburger bun or a croissant, all baked in house daily.
It’s a franchise with dozens of locations that started in Orlando, Fla., by a woman who grew up in Paris and her husband, who owned a chain of eateries in Saigon.
It also has a full tea menu, with boba, fruit teas, milk teas and slushes.
Details: Paris Banh Mi is at 300 W. Shaw Ave. Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 559-701-3779
A new Mexican restaurant is slated for the same shopping center as Straw Hat Pizza near Shaw and Minnewawa Avenue.
A sign at 30 W. Shaw Ave. says Canton Mexican is coming soon, but the restaurant concept has changed since the sign went up.
It’s going to be a Taco Tempo, according to the retail broker who leased the space, Jose Chavez of South Pacific Commercial in Bakersfield.
That’s a new franchise and a twist on the chain of restaurants created by “Mr. Tempo” — Tempo Cantina, Mr. Tempo Sports Bar & Cantina and King & Queen Cantina. Based in the Los Angeles area, the company has at least 25 locations, mostly in Southern California.
Mr. Tempo is actually Jorge Cueva, who came to the United States with his family in 1991. An undocumented immigrant who didn’t speak English, he started working by washing dishes and cleaning restrooms at restaurants. He eventually clawed his way up to manager at age 23 and began opening his own restaurants.
Forbes called him “The Michael Jordan of restaurants.”
Taco Tempo is a new concept with tacos and beer and is franchised by a separate owner. It’s expected to open in a couple of months, Chavez said.
About a mile down the street from Paris Banh Mi is another banh mi spot, this one family owned.
Le Banh Mi Bistro opened in April at Shaw and Clovis avenues, near Planet Fitness. It’s owned by the Le family with the name of the restaurant referencing both the family name and translating to “The” in French.
Most of the menu is the sandwiches served on baguette-style bread, including a grilled barbecue pork sandwich and another with a crispy pork belly made in house. The “classic grand daddy of them all” is the Saigon special with ham, pork belly, head cheese (the bits from the head of a pig) and a pork pate, said owner DJ Le.
The recipes were handed down from grandmother to mother to him, including the crispy pork belly made the Vietnamese-Chinese way that takes 72 hours, Le said.
His mom also works at the restaurant.
“Mom’s very particular of how things are done — very old school,” he said. “It’s one way or the highway.”
One thing different about this place: Its banh mi is unusually large.
“The guys are sizing up their whole forearm to it and that’s like the iconic image for the shop now,” he said.
The restaurant started as a mobile food vendor, selling at the River Park farmers market and others. It makes its own bread and almost everything else from scratch.
Details: Le Banh Mi Bistro is at 610 Shaw Ave. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The building that once housed a Mattress Land was torn down and Panda Express is being built in its place.
At 288 W. Shaw Ave., between See’s Candies and Crunch Fitness, the previous building was labeled a “total eyesore” by Clovis planning commissioner Amy Hatcher.
The bones of the building are up, with still more construction left to be done.
The building will look a little different than a typical Panda Express. Last year, the project went before the Clovis Planning Commission and a the owner of the shopping center said it would be the company’s new “Panda Home” design.
The style debuted in Texas with a curved roof line, Chinese characters on the exterior and dragons depicted in murals and as neon signs.
The center owner said Panda Express is looking at opening in February. It has started hiring for all positions.
Tandoori Pizza serves both Indian-inspired and American pizza. Midway between Minnewawa and Clovis avenues, it opened in the spring.
It has the classics, including an “all-meat” combination and a vegetarian pizza.
But the star of the menu here are the 17 pizzas with Indian flavors. They range from butter chicken pizza to lamb kabab pizza. Pizzas come in various spice levels, with numerous vegetarian options. Crust options include traditional, thin, gluten-free and cauliflower.
Pasta, chicken wings, and cauliflower “wings” are also available.
Details: Tandoori Pizza is at 270 Shaw Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 559-509-2000.
Construction is hopping along at the future Vallarta Supermarket in the shopping center at 170 W. Shaw Ave. near Villa Avenue. The store is shooting for a mid-November opening.
If the store is anything like all the others, it will have an in-store restaurant called La Cocina.
Vallarta did not share details about its plans for prepared food.
Other Vallarta stores have seating areas where people can dine on freshly prepared food, or they can get it delivered via DoorDash.
The menu at the other Fresno stores includes burritos, pupusas, ceviche — and pozole on weekends. The horchata drink is also a popular seller. Large portions for families or catering events are also available.
This story was originally published September 25, 2024, 3:39 PM.
The Fresno Bee
Bethany Clough covers restaurants and retail for The Fresno Bee. A reporter for more than 20 years, she now works to answer readers’ questions about business openings, closings and other business news. She has a degree in journalism from Syracuse University and her last name is pronounced Cluff.
Clovis Unified’s Measure A faces close vote. See Fresno County school bond results
Leqi Zhonghttps://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/education-lab/article294911824.html
Fresno Unified’s $500 million school bond appeared headed toward approval, while support for Clovis Unified’s $400 million bond to build a new high school and intermediate school sat just above the required 55% voter threshold.The Fresno and Clovis school bonds headlined the dozen Fresno County school bonds on the November ballot that would raise a combined $1.3 billion for facilities spending. Voters appeared to support majority of school bonds, according to ballot returns tallied as of 12 a.m. Wednesday.As of midn...
Fresno Unified’s $500 million school bond appeared headed toward approval, while support for Clovis Unified’s $400 million bond to build a new high school and intermediate school sat just above the required 55% voter threshold.
The Fresno and Clovis school bonds headlined the dozen Fresno County school bonds on the November ballot that would raise a combined $1.3 billion for facilities spending. Voters appeared to support majority of school bonds, according to ballot returns tallied as of 12 a.m. Wednesday.
As of midnight, reports from the Fresno County Clerk show Fresno Unified’s Measure H had 61.65% approval. Clovis Unified voters, meanwhile, cast “yes” votes in 55.17% of ballot returns for Measure A — a percentage that falls 0.17 percentage points above the required 55% voter approval. Central Unified’s Measure X had 61.24% voter approval in the county’s latest returns.
Here are the results as of Tuesday night.
Fresno Unified’s largest-ever $500 million bond would prioritize repairs for schools in the worst condition, as well as add fences and single-point entrances for schools, replace aging portables and ensure schools comply with ADA accessibility requirements.
The area’s current tax rate of $213.86 is the second highest of all K-12 school districts in Fresno County. If Measure H passes, the rate will rise to $238.86.
Measure H was the most contested K-12 school bond in the county leading up to the election.
Susan Wittrup, Fresno Unified’s board president, opposed the bond, as did Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, former Fresno Unified Trustee Brooke Ashjian, and Granville Homes developer Darius Assemi. Opponents criticized the bond’s increase in property taxes and its allocation plan because it would mean some affluent areas, such as the Bullard region, would get less funding than their taxpayers paid into the bond.
The six other school board members defended the district’s public engagement process and supported the bond’s focus on equity. Supporters also included the Fresno Teachers Association, Fresno Chamber of Commerce, and the League of Women Voters of Fresno.
The district’s $400 million Measure A would go toward modernizing school facilities and safety and technology improvements. District leaders say they need to pass the bond to finish construction of the new Clovis South High School.
No increase will be added to the current tax rates of $155 per $100,000 of assessed property value if the new bond passes. It’s an extension of the district’s existing school bond, and Clovis Unified’s tax rate has not been changed since 2012.
“We remain hopeful that late voting returns will push us over the 55% needed for Measure A’s success because it is critical for our community’s future,” Clovis Unified Superintendent Corrine Folmer said in a statement Tuesday night.
“While I do not yet know the outcome of Measure A, what I do know is that I am extremely proud of our Clovis Unified team for the efforts they put into sharing factual information about the purpose and need for this bond measure,” Folmer said. “(I’m) especially thankful for the incredible team of volunteers who have been working round the clock in our community to advocate for its passage.”
The Clovis Unified bond narrowly sat above of the approval threshold with about 46% of ballots counted as of 12 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Fresno County Clerk.
With the inflation and rising construction costs, the district is running out of funds to finish the academic buildings for the new educational center that will house Clovis South High.
About $180 million from the new bond would be earmarked for construction, according to the school district. The district budgeted $250 million for the project in the last bond and has invested $330 million in the construction so far.
District spokesperson Kelly Avants said in an earlier interview that if the bond fails, the district has enough funds to complete construction of the middle school and some shared facilities on time to receive students next year.
“So we definitely want our community to understand that it was a thoughtfully put together budget at the time, and we are really caught in a situation as anyone else who started trying to build something before the pandemic and is trying to finish it after the pandemic, that the costs have escalated beyond anything that we have seen in modern history,” said Avants.
Central Unified’s bond measure would make repairs to the district’s aging schools. According to the district’s project list, five elementary schools and two high schools would be modernized if the bond passes, renewing classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, admin buildings and other school facilities.
A new agricultural lab would also be constructed at Central High School.
Central Unified’s current tax rate is $222.03 per $100,000 of assessed property value. If Measure X passes, a lower tax rate of $215.57 will be extended.
Located at the western edge of Fresno, Central Unified is the fastest-growing school district in the Fresno area with over 16,000 students enrolled last academic year. The district opened a new high school in 2021 and is in the process of building a new elementary school. With some schools over 75 years old, the district just redrew its attendance boundary maps in the spring to re-balance enrollment at schools, which will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year.
This story was originally published November 5, 2024, 9:51 PM.
The Fresno Bee
Leqi Zhong is the education reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a Master’s degree in journalism. Before moving to the Central Valley, she covered tech, business, and internet safety and regulations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Leqi grew up in China and is native in Cantonese and Mandarin.