In regards to Southeast Fresno economics, we are currently working to bring forth new successful businesses to the area to open up shop. We are also working with programs to help increase job opportunities in the community.

• Regional Jobs Initiative
  The mission of this program is to develop a long and short term strategy for the creation of 25,000 to 30,000 jobs within the next 5 years. It is our hope that the Southeast community will directly benefit from this program in terms of new net job creation.
  
• Businesses to Southeast
  The Home Depot, El Pollo Loco restaurant, The 99c Store and FAMSA are only a few of the businesses opening up their doors in recent years. With our section of Fresno rapidly growing, we hope to one day have a shopping located on Tulare and Clovis Ave that will rival River Park.

I am working on the future site of Save Mart, which will be located in the Kings Canyon Rd & Clovis Ave shopping center. On the North-East corner of Chestnut and Butler, Vallarta Supermarkets will take the place of the former Save Mart supermarket store. This store is equipped with a full service meat department, a bakery, and a restaurant. A shuttle is also provided to the customers that purchase their groceries at Vallarta Supermarkets.

• Farmer’s Market
  We are hoping to get a Farmer’s Market up and running soon on Kings Canyon Rd for the Southeast community.

We have also been busy looking for ways to raise money to go towards various charities and non-profit organizations in all of Fresno. Some of the numerous organizations include:

• Lane Association
• Harvest Day Thanksgiving
• Lane Cruisers
• Toys for Tots
• Neighborhood Watch
• Cruise Control
• Jazz Festival
• Ladies Aide to Retarded Children
• Arte Americas
• Sequoia Middle Football Uniforms
• Sunnyside High Choir Band & Soccer
• Fresno Fuego Soccer Team
• Buss passes for Seniors
• Eyeglasses for Senior
• Butler Mennonite Church
• Various block parties in District 5

Our office also works on the annual Celebrity Poker Tournament at Club One Casino. Last year’s event raised over 21,600 dollars! We are hoping to supersede that amount at this year’s tournament, for our local and greater area charities. Following is a list of charities that received a portion of the funds raised at 2004’s Celebrity Poker Tournament.

• American Cancer Society
• Fresno Chaffee Zoo
• Marjory Mason Center
• Valley Children’s Hospital
• Chaffee Zoo Maintenance Fund
• Catholic Charities
• The Paverello House
• Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Fund
• Boys & Girls Club West