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Thank You Message from Mayor Autry |
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On behalf of my entire family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the community for the numerous heartfelt condolence cards, letters, e-mails and phone calls that we received following the passing of my mother. We are humbled that so many people have shared words of sympathy and encouragement during this difficult time.
My family and I are honored by the many donations given to the Community Food Bank and Salvation Army freeze |
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relief funds in my mother’s name. We are thankful for each and every gift that was made. My mother would be pleased to know that donations in her memory are serving to assist those farm laborers who were most affected by this winter’s deep freeze.
Everyone has been so kind and generous during this difficult time. My family and I do not know how to truly thank all who have offered us their support and messages of condolence this past month. We feel truly blessed to have so many friends in this community and I thank God for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of such a generous and caring city.
God Bless,
Mayor Alan Autry |
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Governor Schwarzenegger Talks Gangs |
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Combating gangs using an innovative program dubbed the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Initiative (MGPI) has captured the interest of California’s Governor. On March 21, 2007, an informational meeting was held with Governor Schwarzenegger, Mayor Autry, City and County law enforcement officials and interested dignitaries.
To view the press conference, go to http://www.fresno.gov/default.htm and click on video under the Governor supports Mayor’s Gang Initiative header. |
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The Human Tragedy of Immigration Raids |
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As mentioned in his 2005 State of the City Address, Mayor Autry described illegal immigration as a failed federal crisis with deleterious consequences, falling squarely on the shoulders of local government left to address the issues of overcrowding jails, swamped emergency rooms and overburdened social services. At that time, the Mayor also proposed a two year moratorium on all immigration to ensure that this critical and complicated issue, decades in the making, would receive the adequate time, attention and focus necessary to achieve real and lasting reform.
Two years later, Federal agents conducted arbitrary, early morning raids in the smallFresno County town of Mendota on farm workers as they headed to work in the fields. The human tragedy of these raids resulted in children being separated from their parents, literally torn apart by a total disregard for the obvious violation of the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution. The effects had a devastating effect on the people of Mendota that was felt throughout all of Fresno County, including Fresno’s Mayor.
Although Mayor Autry believes in a nation of laws that must be respected and enforced, by not insisting that the laws be applied equally, we are all guilty of tacitly supporting lawlessness in the name of the law. Supporting a secure border and opposing the illegal abuse of power are not two opposing positions. They can and must work together toward a fair resolution.
Mayor Autry is but one of a growing number of voices demanding real reform right away. We cannot view the immigration issue as someone else’s problem. It belongs to every American. |
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"10,000 Affordable, Accessible Homes by 2010" |
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Having safe, available, affordable housing is crucial to improving the economic and physical well-being of our community. In his 2006 State of the City address, Mayor Autry called for the formation of a Blue Ribbon Committee to complete an action plan that would fulfill the goal of providing 10,000 affordable housing units by the year 2010.
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The thirteen members who were appointed to serve on the Blue Ribbon Committee put together the Final Report that was presented to the Mayor on March 16. The plan emphasizes smart growth, urban reinvestment, in-fill and transitional housing, financing resources and innovative government incentives.
The report will be presented to the City Council for approval. The 10 x 10 Blue Ribbon Committee will continue to meet at least once a month to im-plement and monitor the recommendations and bring forth policy and other recommendations to achieve the goal of providing 10,000 affordable, accessible homes in the City of Fresno. |
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Education Matters |
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A vibrant, successful community thrives when the educational system is responsive to the changing needs of the residents it serves. The recent departure of the City of Fresno’s Education Liason, John Madrid, who now serves as General Manager for the California Charter School Association, has provided the City of Fresno the opportunity to invite Amy Arambula to join Team Fresno as the new Education Liaison. Amy will partner with local and state educational agencies to improve the educational opportunities benefiting all in our community. |
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Greek Consul Visits Fresno |
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On Friday, March 16, Mayor Autry welcomed Greek Consul General Xenia Stefanidou to the City of Fresno. Ms. Stefanidou was accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rockas of Fresno during her visit. Ms. Stefanidou is the first Greek Consul to visit Fresno and stay longer than one day. She remained in Fresno for three days to meet with Greek professors at CSU, Fresno and the |
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local Greek community, travel to Yosemite National Park and attend a performance by the Fresno Community Chorus.
The Consul General’s visit with Mayor Autry was filled with pleasantries and good conversation with topics that ranged from athletics, history and religion to agriculture, government and immigration issues. Mayor Autry talked of a visit he made to the island of Malta and his desire to again visit the Mediterranean, specifically a visit to Greece. |
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Doing Business in Fresno for Over 71 Years |
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City of Fresno Economic Development Director Scott Johnson and City Council-member Jerry Duncan congratulated James McKoane, owner of Clawson Motorsports at a groundbreaking ceremony announcing the final phase of a 60,000 sq. ft. building addition and renovation to the Clawson Motorsports Blackstone business |
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location. This final phase, expected to be completed in August of 2007, is projected to increase their employee base from 70 to more than 100 employees. Since the first days of "Clawson Boat Works", founded in 1936 by Harold "Jack" Clawson, the business has had only one vision - growth! 71 years later, owner James McKoane believes that this is one building project that will benefit the local economy with more on-hand product and better customer service in a family friendly environment. | |
City Awards and Honors
FAX Receives a Special Recognition Award
FAX Drivers Recognized by Passengers
FAX fixed-route drivers Vincent Parker, King Wynn, Sr., Pamela Taylor, Timothy Holmes and Handy Ride driver Mark Suzuki were honored at the City Council Meeting for their commitment to excellence in passenger service.
Fresno Fire Department Captain Danny Escobar was honored by the American Red Cross at their annual Heroes Breakfast.
Assistant Director of Public Works, Scott Mozier, passed the State examination for the Registered Professional Traffic Engineers.
Mayor on the Move
03/16/07 – Met with Greek Consul General Xenia Stefanidou.
03/16/07 – Held a press conference denouncing the illegal immigrations raids in Mendota .
03/19/07 – Appeared as a guest on the Ray Appleton Show on KMJ Radio.
03/20/07 – Presented resolution to Council denouncing the Mendota
immigration raids.
03/21/07 – Hosted a special meeting with Governor Schwarzenegger and local law enforcement regarding the Mayors Gang Prevention Initiative. A press conference with meeting attendees followed .
03/22/07 – The 10 x 10 Blue Ribbon Committee presented Mayor Autry with their Final Report to the Mayor.
03/23/07 – Appeared as a guest on KVPT Valley Press with Jim Tucker.
03/29/07 – Served as Keynote Speaker at the Tulare Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.
03/29/07 – Participated in meeting hosted by Governor Schwarzenegger in Sacramento with the Big 16 Mayors and Police Chiefs to discuss gangs.
03/30/07 – Hosted a meeting with Stanford University students who were in the Fresno area on an alternative spring break learning trip. |
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