It’s Friday, November 14. Danielle, here, absolutely basking in the fall weather this week and switching to my cool weather uniform.
🌧 More rain and a major temperature drop: high of 63 expected today.
🍔 But what about the drive-thru line? Fresno’s sixth In-and-Out Burger restaurant opened in Fancher Creek, the first for southeast Fresno, on Wednesday. ABC30
✊ Want to get more involved in the community? Several community organizations are hosting a Residents’ Summit this Saturday at the Fresno City College OAB from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Register here.
✨Downtown ice skating is (almost) back: Snag your tickets, because the Mariposa Winter Village is coming to Mariposa Plaza starting Dec. 5. Confia
1. How to fight for your neighborhood
Navigating the bureaucracy of City Hall to fight for your neighborhood can be tough, even for political veterans, reports Julianna Morano for Fresnoland.
Inez Zuniga, a resident near Homan Elementary in central Fresno, found that out firsthand, as they looked for ways to improve street safety after a tragic death of a child crossing Clinton Avenue.
They found support and guidance through the Community Land Use Academy, a program that trains residents on how to understand local policy decisions and navigate those systems, put on by Every Neighborhood Partnership.
Ivan Paz, program manager of the academy: «The solutions to a community’s problems are usually going to be found within the community. That’s our philosophical starting point.”
2. State Center Chancellor Carole Goldsmith announces retirement
Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor of the State Center Community College District, announced her retirement at a press conference Thursday.
Goldsmith began her career as a teacher at a small rural school, and worked her way up into administration at West Hills College in Lemoore, and then to the President of Fresno City College. She served as Chancellor of the community college district since 2022.
Enrollment in the state’s fourth largest community college district grew under Goldsmith’s leadership to now serve over 70,000 students. Goldsmith says she plans to focus on an affordable housing project in motion at Fresno City College and building more community partnerships prior to her departure in September of 2026.
Danielle Parra, President, SCCCD Board of Trustees: «This decision comes entirely on her terms at a time when our District is strong, stable, and thriving. Under Chancellor Goldsmith’s leadership, the District has achieved remarkable progress. Today, as we recognize her decision to retire, we do so with deep gratitude. Her vision, tenacity, and heart have left an enduring mark on this District and the communities we serve.»
3. High-speed rail authority makes official pivot from Merced
California’s High Speed Rail Authority has determined that it makes more financial sense to delay rail construction to Merced and instead focus on creating a path from Madera to Gilroy, The Fresno Bee reports.
That’s why CEO Ian Choudri is calling on changing state law that prioritizes work on the Merced to Bakersfield route — and limits work on other parts of the rail project.
Choudri’s comments have ruffled feathers in Merced, as city leaders there don’t want to be left behind.
Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto: «Keeping Merced in the early operating segment is 100% a hill to die on for us.»
Today’s newsletter was edited by Omar S. Rashad.
