‘Mom and dad are fighting.’ Fresno supervisors, mayors feud over transportation tax proposals

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors took its first look at a new law that, if passed, would give the sheriff’s office a new tool to reduce the number of sexual offenders that can live in a single-family home. 

The hearing came a day after Board Vice Chair Garry Bredefeld, Supervisor Brian Pacheco and other county leaders held a news conference introducing the law — which aims to limit the number of offenders per household to six. State law already limits the number to six, but provides no tools for local police to enforce the policy. 

Bredefeld and Pacheco introduced the new law, in part, following complaints from constituents in their districts in north and west Fresno County. 

The California Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that Jessica’s Law, which mandates where registered sexual offenders can live, was softened to allow more freedom for the criminals. The court said their ruling was due, in part, due to how limiting the restrictions were for the offenders. 

Supervisor Luis Chavez said at Tuesday’s board meeting that his office received inquiries asking similar questions. To him, it’s not his problem to find a home for the offenders, citing his experience as a foster parent.

“I don’t care where they go,” Chavez said. “…I can tell you, as a foster parent that has taken these children into my home, the level of trauma and pain and long-term mental anguish that this causes to me is just unfathomable.”

The supervisors also brought forward data claiming the sexual offenders reoffend after they leave incarceration, though no specific studies were cited. There are national studies that investigate the pattern of behavior.

The Monday morning news conference saw local leaders call out business owner John Coyle and his faith-based organization, Centers For Living — a transitional housing facility for displaced individuals, including sexual predators — as a prospective target for this new law. 

John and Dawn Coyle, the married couple who co-founded Centers For Living, both appeared at Tuesday’s hearing and said local officials have shared “inaccurate comments” regarding the organization and their practices, that their transitional living provides supportive services that “reduce risks.” They also said they believe law enforcement has provided “uneven enforcement” toward the Old Fig Garden neighborhood — where their properties are located. 

They also mentioned that their services are especially needed in Fresno with the potential for closure of the city’s homeless shelters and supportive housing properties. 

“Some of the authors of this ordinance are responding to the opinions of a very small number of emotionally charged neighbors instead of facts,” Coyle said, adding that in the seven years they have run their properties “we have never received a single violation…occupancy or zone violation” from law enforcement.

The two extended a dinner invitation to Bredefeld so that he could see the services they provide and tour the property. Bredefeld declined the invitation, adding that he did not believe the Coyles’ comments, which he characterized as “bullshit.”

The board unanimously approved the law in its introductory hearing, signaling that it’s  well on its way toward passing. 

The second hearing on the new law is scheduled for January.

County leaders bicker back-and-forth on Measure C’s future

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors hosted a presentation Tuesday on the progress made by the Council of Governments on Measure C’s renewal. 

The Board, as they did last month, continued to criticize the Council Of Governments’ spending proposal.

Fresno’s north region and the City of Clovis were among the regions that voted against the last iteration of Measure C on the 202 ballot, according to Bredefeld, who represents much of that constituency.

“I can assure you they’re going to vote it down again, and I’m going to help them vote it down,” Bredefeld said.

However, Tuesday also saw the transportation committee’s co-chairs — Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran and Mendota Mayor Victor Martinez — appear before the board to push back on their narrative that the drafting process has been a “shit-show.” 

Beltran, in particular, also criticized the Board for legitimizing the narrative that a third party could pursue a separate, signature-backed  transportation measure if they don’t like the Council Of Governments’ plan.. 

“We need to figure out how we can come together instead of arguing…How we can support one measure,” Beltran said. “Having two measures out there is not going to help…both will fail.”

County Clerk James Kus outlined the road toward getting a signature-led measure on the ballot, on the request of the board. He signaled that if such a measure were to materialize, it should have started already.

Robert Phipps, the executive director of the Council Of Governments, acknowledged the tensions between both parties and lobbied for a more reconciliatory tone. 

“We’re getting read to sit down at the Christmas table, and the family is fighting, and we don’t like when mom and dad are fighting,” Phipps said.

Bredefeld replied, “I think that ship has sailed. Mom and dad are fighting…that started long ago.”

Fresno County passes kratom sales regulations

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors finalized new regulations against products using kratom. 

Like the city, the county approved regulations against the sale of Kratom-based drugs and health supplements products, with an exception made to those with a significantly reduced amount of sedatives natural to the plant. 

The county’s sales ban will only affect kratom-based products with 2% or more 7-OH. Merchants will also be forbidden from selling kratom-based-products to customers younger than 21. 

Supporters of the plant also have claimed a range of benefits from the plant, from its use as a pain reliever to its ability to help people quit opioid addictions. Health experts have not verified those claims.

Supervisor Brian Pacheco will pursue state office in 2026

Democrat Supervisor Brian Pacheco announced plans to run for the state assembly in 2026. 

“Throughout my time as County Supervisor, I’ve worked every day to make life easier and more affordable for the people I serve,” Pacheco said in a statement.  “I’m ready to bring that on-the-ground experience to the State Assembly to deliver affordability, public safety, clean reliable water, and healthcare access for families in Fresno, Madera, and Merced Counties.” 

Pacheco’s board seat represents West Fresno County. He will pursue office in California Assembly seat District 27, which represents the Fresno, Madera and Merced region. 

Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, who currently holds the seat, announced a bid for state senate earlier this year. She endorses Pacheco’s campaign. 

Fresno County appoints new County Health Officer

The Fresno County Board Of Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Trinidad Solis as the new County Health Officer.  

Solis has been with the county since 2020. 

Her salary will be $329,030, according to county information officer Sonja Dosti.