ERICA FRANCO-CABRERA, CHIEF OF STAFF

Erica always knew that she wanted to work in politics. As a small child she would get up early to watch the news and was extensively involved in student government as Freshman Class Vice President and Senior Commission at Selma High School.

Erica completed her B.A. in Political Science at California State University, Fresno. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Leadership and Organizational Studies at Fresno Pacific University and is slated to graduate in May 2009.

Erica’s service with District Three began in 2004 when her Political Science professor directed her to Council President Sterling’s office for an internship. As Chief of Staff, Erica is the District Three jack-of-all-trades, and works closely with the Council President around the clock. She is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District Three Office.

Erica’s goal, however, in executing all of her responsibilities is always to help the District Three community gain access to resources and locate services to promote a higher quality of life. What she loves most about District Three is that nothing is ever the same. Each day brings a new challenge that she enthusiastically rises to meet, re-fuelling that love of politics she discovered as a young girl.

Contact Erica at: Erica.Franco@fresno.gov

KAHLIAH A. LANEY, COUNCIL ASSISTANT

Kahliah knew she wanted to work in the political arena the moment she saw former President Bill Clinton play the saxophone on the Arsenio Hall Show.

Kahliah graduated from the University of California, Davis with a double major in English and Sociology. While attending UC Davis, Kahliah was active in the student political forum as a student senate intern and Internal Affairs Commission Chair.

She also interned for Council President Sterling in the summer of 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Office of Appointments and Confirmations and worked as a file clerk and legal assistant for Malovos and Mendoza, LLP and the Goldberg Law Firm. Prior to working in District Three, Kahliah was a staff writer for Converge magazine. She has plans to pursue a graduate degree at California State University, Fresno in the fall of 2009.

As Council Assistant, her duties include coordinating district events, attending functions on behalf of Council President Sterling, creating press materials, addressing constituent concerns and collaborating with community based organizations to bring beauty, success, and prosperity to District Three.

What Kahliah loves most about District Three are its constituents. They are the most passionate, committed, and diligent residents in Fresno and make her job fun and rewarding.

Contact Kahliah at: Kahliah.Laney@fresno.gov

SEE MOUA, STAFF ASSISTANT

See never imagined she’d be working with an elected official but actually planned to become a teacher.

See is currently enrolled in California State University, Fresno’s Business Administration Program. Before coming to District Three, she was employed as an office assistant for Dr. Thu Huynh’s Optometry Office.

As Staff Assistant, her duties include answering and directing constituent calls and expediting constituent requests, and maintaining office organization and efficiency. Besides outstanding office efficiency, See brings fuels to help the District Three community reconnect with the city as a whole.

What she likes best about District Three is its diversity and though she is not the teacher she thought she would be, she enjoys working in District Three and looks forward to her continued service.

Contact See at: See.Moua@fresno.gov

CARL L. JONES, EXECUTIVE ANALYST

Carl has a long and deep rooted background in politics. With a career spanning over thirty years, he’s worked across the country as well as across numerous government sectors and brings a wealth of expertise to the City of Fresno.

A graduate of Boston English High School, Carl served in the United Sates Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. In 1973 he worked for State Representative Robert L. Fortes as a legislative aide but then moved to Washington D.C. in 1979 as a staff member for the Center for Urban Environmental Studies, Inc. which was established by then State Assemblyman Larry Young.

Carl assumed a new post in 1981, becoming the legislative aide to the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, chaired by then State Senator Clarence M. Mitchell III. Then, in 1986, Carl joined the Boston Housing Authority under the administration of former State Representative Doris Bunte. Finally, after operating his own business for several years, C.L.J. Associates, an equal opportunity consultant firm, Carl accepted a position as Executive Director for the Massachusetts Legislative Black Caucus.

As the Fresno City Council Executive Analyst, Carl’s duties include: Providing staff support to the Mayor or City Council Members; organizing constituent activities in assigned Council Districts; collecting and compiling data; conducting surveys and preparing reports on assigned activities and acts as a liaison between council districts in creating council-wide legislation among many other things.

Carl is looking forward to using his political know-how to help continue efforts to make Fresno a national city of distinction.

Contact Carl at: Carl.Jones@fresno.gov