ISSUE | INCREASED POLICING IN TOWER DISTRICT: The Fresno Police Department has beefed up it’s presence in the Tower District nightlife scene in the past two years
Neither candidate seems to have an issue with increase of police patrol in the area, but they have different approaches on how to deal with crime in the area.
We spoke to the candidates. Their comments about the issue are below.
Where Rob Fuentes stands
“Public safety is a major concern for many residents of the Tower District. I have been told over and over again by residents and business owners of the need for more preventative patrols and community policing, where law enforcement work proactively to solve public safety issues.”
“So I am a proponent of our law enforcement doing exactly that, working proactively to prevent crime, reduce drunk driving, and build stronger, more community-based connections with residents and business owners throughout our neighborhoods.”
Fresno City Council District 1 candidates Rob Fuentes, left, and Naindeep Singh, right, during a Fresno City Council forum, Friday, April 17, 2026 in downtown Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com Where Naindeep Singh stands
“Tower District faces a real problem, and the city has a plan to fix it, but still hasn’t executed it.
I’ve attended the meetings. I’ve spoken with business owners and property managers about what they need. I’ve listened to residents and visitors describe what makes them feel unsafe. The data on violent crime is mixed: fewer crimes reported, but the disorder is real. Boarded buildings, broken windows, public urination and defecation create environments where people don’t want to be and businesses struggle. That’s not just a police problem, that’s code enforcement and design.”
“The Tower District Specific Plan is the community’s own plan from years of discussion. It calls for three things: proactive code enforcement, consistent police presence at peak hours with dedicated beat officers who know the neighborhood, and investment in what brings people back: art, retail, walkable streets, and a public library.
None of that is happening. Here’s what I will do: enforce code violations systematically, ensure the federally-funded Metro Bike Unit grant is fully deployed at peak hours and special events, and work with the county to move the library from petition to property.”
This story was originally published September 19, 2026 at 2:12 PM.
Related Stories from Fresno Bee