These last few weeks, as played out in our local media, has brought into focus the great potential that our City is destined to become.  Donald Trump’s interest in the development of Fresno’s Running Horse is proof of that.  Although no deal has been made as of this time,

Mr. Trump has made it clear that our City is worth his efforts.  Once again, an outsider sees the advantages that internally, we often overlook.

Creating A Great City  

Vision 2010 as presented in 2002 is the plan to revitalize Fresno’s downtown.  Nearly a billion dollars worth of projects have already been completed including restoration of the nationally recognized Santa Fe Depot, the gathering spaces and restaurants at Civic Center Square, a new Federal building, the expansion of Community Medical Center, Chukchansi Park and affordable mixed use housing to name a few.   This is an exciting time for our city as we continue the Vision of a vibrant downtown by creating districts with a unique style of their own including a Cultural Arts district, the Courthouse Park district, Civic Center district and a River district.  The connectivity of these districts will include street cars from downtown to the Tower district, green space, gathering areas and water features.  Additionally, an emphasis on housing is a priority to the success of the Vision particularly when attracting young professionals and empty nesters.   As the Vision continues, one thing is clear; downtown Fresno is transforming into a place where everyone can find a home.  At the heart of this transformation is the downtown river that will be a place where Fresno residents can enjoy, tourists can visit and businesses can thrive.  The time is now when you need to be a part of the process.  I encourage you to review the Continuing the Vision plan at www.fresno.ca.gov.

After all, we want our citizens to believe, My Downtown, My Choice.

U.S. Conference Of Mayors - A Memorable Event  

At the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting held inLos Angeles, Mayor Autry received an Honorable Mention in the City Livability Awards.  The award was the result of the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Initiative (MGPI) and its holistic approach to combating criminal street gangs and restoring stability to Fresno's neighborhoods.  Mayor Autry created the MGPI  to take back the streets and restore order while helping those who desire to leave the violent lifestyle to live peaceful and productive lives.  The MGPI has 92 service providers (including mental health services, job training and placement, tutoring, parenting classes, tattoo removal services, etc.) to assist former gang members with issues that hinder their ability to become productive citizens.

Late in the afternoon of the last day of the conference, a resolution was introduced on the floor encouraging the U.S. House of Representatives to pull American troops out of Iraq.  The U.S. Conference of Mayors voted 51-47 in support of the resolution.  Mayor Autry voted against the resolution, noting that the resolution was proposed at the last minute without adequate time to consider it.  Although Mayor Autry has issues with the way the war has been run, his opposition to the resolution was clearly out of concern to not send and arbitrary, ill-thought message without the appropriate time for discussion and consideration.     Before the meeting adjourned, Mayor Autry resigned from the U.S. Conference of Mayor group.

Education Legislation Update  

Univision Breaks Ground  

Preparing For The Heat  

As costs for food, gas and energy continue to rise, the City of Fresno is prepared to provide relief from extreme temperatures this summer.  Eleven City community centers will be open and operating as cooling centers from noon until 10:00 pm  when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures will reach 105 degrees.   Conversely, the Frank H. Ball Community Center will be open as a Cooling Center beginning at 2:30 pm following morning programs.

In addition, the FAX bus system will provide free transportation along normal routes to and from the cooling center sites.  When temperatures are predicted to reach 110 degrees, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services department will provide free swimming at all City pool locations.

For more information on City heat services, call the City’s One Call Center at (559) 621-CITY or visit www.fresno.gov.

Happenings Around City Hall  

In the recent weeks, Mayor Autry’s staff has rolled out his plan to further Vision 2010 for Downtown Fresno.  Recently, a presentation of the plan was given to the City Council and is now available for all of you to see.  As mentioned, the plan is available on the City website.  If you want more information, you are invited to meet with our Assistant City Manager and Deputy Mayor on Monday, July 9 or Friday, July 20th at noon in Council Chambers. 

On another note, kudos to the ISD team at City Hall.   They are diligently working on keeping us up and running during the extreme temperatures as well as working on a conversion that will make our lives easier.  We are fortunate to have a group with the talent that keeps us moving forward everyday.   Thank goodness, they come to work every day and do amazing things for the City of Fresno.  So, for this newsletter, a City Hall “shout-out” to Joann, Jeff, Renee, Patty and all of the other folks in ISD!!