The City of Fresno’s Department of Transportation announced that the Fresno Area Express (FAX) is returning to the Downtown Courthouse Park Transit Center, better known as A, B, and L Shelters, effective today, December 18, 2017.

The three shelter sites at the Downtown Transit Center underwent a complete reconstruction and makeover.  Work on the project began in June of 2016 and includes an expanded customer area at L Shelter, new shelter structures and canopies, attractive lighting features, coordinated style benches, and other modern amenities that bring a more open feeling to the area.  During construction, FAX utilized temporary quarters outside the Courthouse Park along Fresno and L Streets.

FAX, the City’s public transit system, serves the community with sixteen fixed routes, half of which use the Downtown Courthouse Park Transit Center along with several rural transit systems.

The Courthouse Park project was funded by $1.9 million in Federal grants, matched by state and local dollars.

Fresno City Council today approved on a 7-0 vote a new service agreement with the North Central Fire Protection District (NCFPD) that will continue fire protection services to the City of Kerman as well as residents living in the District boundaries, effective January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. The resolution guarantees service while the City and the District renegotiate a new, long-term agreement.

This action represents the Fifth Amendment to this agreement, which will result in the fire protection services continuing to be provided by the City of Fresno on behalf of the District. The amendment will also ensure that the payments received by the District will be sufficient to cover the cost of providing the service during this period while the parties continue to work on a possible long-term agreement.

“I am pleased that we were able to reach a satisfactory agreement that will continue to provide excellent fire services to the citizens of the North Central Fire Protection District,” said Mayor Lee Brand. “Our goal has always been to find common ground and come to a reasonable solution that maintains that high quality level of service.  I appreciate the help of Supervisors Pacheco and Mendes in facilitating the meeting between my Chief of Staff and I and two members of the North Central Fire Protection District Board that led to this resolution.”

Mayor Lee Brand released the following statement after hearing that California Lieutenant Governor and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom was in Fresno for a California State Lands Commission meeting and remarked about the lack of support at the meeting for the Palm and Nees Avenues access proposal to the San Joaquin River Parkway, which is also known as Alternative 5B.: 

“I am disappointed that the Lt. Governor came to Fresno to learn about this important community issue but didn’t give me, the City or the affected parties sufficient notice about the time or nature of the meeting.  I’m also disappointed that he and the State Lands Commission chose to insert themselves in our local decision-making process without soliciting and hearing all sides of the story.  Neither Mr. Newsom nor anyone else on the Commission consulted with us about possible solutions we’re working on that could provide access at both locations.

“As the former Mayor of San Francisco, I would hope Mr. Newsom would appreciate that important local issues such as access to the San Joaquin River Parkway are complex and multi-faceted. One of the major hallmarks of my administration has been strengthening relationships with all of our local, state and federal partners, and seeking a way forward that brings everyone to the table to find a just and equitable solution. I hope to develop the same collaborative relationship with Mr. Newsom, both in his current role as the state’s lieutenant governor and in any future endeavors he may pursue.

“In the meantime, I would ask Mr. Newsom and his fellow State Lands Commission members to reconsider the decision they made yesterday.”

City Manager Wilma Quan-Schecter and Assistant City Manager Jane Sumpter announced that Henry Fierro has been named Interim Budget Manager in the Finance Department.

Mr. Fierro has been a Budget Analyst with the City of Fresno since 2002.  In his 15 years with the City, he has gained in-depth experience in governmental budgeting, financial analysis, and labor cash flow projections.  He was the project lead on the replacement of the City’s budget system in 2015.  In September of this year, Fierro was approved by the Fresno City Council to serve as a member of the City’s Deferred Compensation Board.  Prior to joining the City of Fresno, he worked as a Senior Financial Analyst at Goodrich Aerospace Aerostructures Group, Inc. in Chula Vista, California and at Bank of America in San Diego, California.

Mr. Fierro was raised in Sanger and earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance, as well as a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Fresno.  As Interim Budget Manager, Fierro will be responsible for overseeing the development and administration of the City’s annual budget, including the five-year Capital Improvement Plan.

City of Fresno offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, 2017.  Normal operations will resume on Monday, November 27. Here is the schedule for City of Fresno operations for the holiday:

Airports:  Administrative offices closed;  Terminal, concessions, and airlines normal operations otherwise.

Business License:  Office closed.  The Business Tax Web Renewal will be available for TOT (only) throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

City Clerk’s Office:  Closed.

City Hall Offices:  Closed.

Development and Resource Management:  Closed.

Dog License Division:  Closed.

Finance Offices:  Offices closed.  Business Tax TOT (only) Web Renewal and new business tax online application submittals will be available throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, November 23 and 24.

Fire/Police Departments:  Administrative offices and public counters will be closed.  Normal operations otherwise.

Fresno Area Express:  Administrative offices closed.  FAX service is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will resume service on Friday, November 24 with weekend bus routes/schedule in effect.  Administrative offices remain closed; call 621-7433 for details. FAX route maps and schedules are available on the City’s website.

Parking Division:  No enforcement at parking meters and City parking facilities on Thursday and Friday.  Office closed for citation payments both days.

Parks and Recreation (PARCS):  Administrative offices closed Thursday and Friday.  No senior hot meals Thursday and Friday.  Regional and neighborhood parks open every day.  Neighborhood and community centers are closed Thursday but open Friday from 3-7 p.m.; gymnasiums open from 3-8 p.m.

Personnel:  Closed. Online applications accepted at www.fresno.gov/jobs.

Public Utilities:  Offices closed.

Public Works:  Offices closed.

Purchasing:  Office closed; Bids Online available for bids and vendor registration.

Residential Solid Waste:  There will be no collection service on Thursday.  On Friday, November 24, the regular schedule for Thursday trash, recyclables and green waste collection will be followed.  On Saturday, November 25, the regular schedule for Friday trash, recyclables and green waste collection will be followed.  Regular service will resume on Monday, November 27.  Business office will be closed.  For questions regarding residential solid waste collection, please call the Solid Waste Management Division at (559) 621-1452.

Utility Payments/Business Tax:  Payment counters closed (Fresno City Hall and Manchester Center.)  Online and phone transactions available for utility payments.

For urgent matters during the Thanksgiving holiday, please call 621-CITY (2489) or use our FresGO mobile app.

The City of Fresno today announced the launch of daily non-stop air service between Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning June 7, 2018.  The new route will provide seamless air access from California’s Central Valley to the Midwest and convenient connections to the East Coast and European destinations.  Ranked as the third largest city in the United States, Chicago serves as headquarters to several Fortune 500 companies and a variety of tourism attractions.

United Airlines’ commitment to providing non-stop service between Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport creates the opportunity for bridging future business prospects between the Central Valley and the Midwest while fulfilling a highly desired route for today’s business and leisure travelers.

“United Airlines recognizes what is happening with our growing and diversifying the economy by committing their resources to this very important market,” said Fresno Mayor Lee Brand.  “This significant investment by the airline validates Fresno is a strong market to the Midwest and beyond and furthers the growing positive momentum that we have built over the past several years.”

“Chicago O’Hare International Airport consistently ranks as one of Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s Top 10 Markets where travelers are flying and has been a priority destination of Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s continuous air service development efforts,” said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle.  “We are beyond excited to share and celebrate today’s announcement with the community and the region as well as extend our appreciation to United Airlines’ for its commitment to Fresno and the Central Valley.”

Non-stop air service to a prominent destination such as Chicago increases Fresno’s visibility as an attractive and progressive city with diverse service to major air transportation hubs.  United Airlines’ expanded investment in the Fresno market is anticipated to result in significant economic benefits for the Central Valley.

“United Airlines is looking forward to connecting more customers to California’s Central Valley,” said Grant Whitney, United’s vice president of Domestic Network Planning.  “Our new service offers customers another convenient choice to get to Fresno and Yosemite National Park from the Midwest.”

United Airlines will operate the Chicago route using the Embraer E175 jet with a schedule ideal to accommodate a one-day business trip or a multiple day stay.  The outbound flight departs FAT at 11:01 pm, arrives ORD at 5:12 am, coinciding with morning departures to the East Coast and Midwest.  The inbound flight departs ORD at 7:35 pm, arrives FAT at 10:16 pm.

United Airlines’ presence at Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to grow.  In addition to the June 2018 launch of Chicago service, the airline currently provides daily non-stop flights between Fresno and Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.  In August, the airline introduced a 737 aircraft to operate its early morning departure to San Francisco and continues to transition to larger two class series aircraft such as the E175.

Summary of new service between FAT and ORD:

City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Fresno – Chicago O’Hare	11:01 p.m.	5:12 a.m.	Daily	E175
Chicago O’Hare – Fresno	7:35 p.m.	10:16 p.m.	Daily	E175

Flight times are based on local times.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport currently offers Valley passengers daily non-stop flights to Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara, Mexico on domestic and international carriers.  Fresno Yosemite is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport

Like us on facebook.com/FresnoYosemiteInternational or follow us on Twitter @FresnoAirport

The City of Fresno, Solid Waste Management Division, will observe the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 23, 2017.  There will be no service on this day.

We will resume service the following day and provide trash, recyclables and green waste collection as follows:

Thursday, November 23, 2017 – Thanksgiving Holiday, No service.

Friday, November 24, 2017 – Thursday’s trash, recyclables, and green waste will be collected.

Saturday, November 25, 2017 – Friday’s trash, recyclables, and green waste will be collected.

Our business office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, 2017.

For questions regarding your residential holiday service schedule, please call the Solid Waste Management Division at (559) 621-1452.

The City of Fresno’s Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department has been awarded a $120,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program that will include classroom training, community events, and presentations at City neighborhood and community centers and school sites.  Best safety practices will be shown to promote a reduction in fatalities and injuries in crashes involving pedestrians and bicycles.  The PARCS Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our children and families safe and improve the quality of life through the educational presentations.

“The safety of children and families are of utmost importance, and this grant promotes awareness, allowing participants to learn the rules of the road, and gain confidence,” noted Parvin Neloms, PARCS Director.

Particularly alarming for Fresno is the number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities that happen every year, along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies.  The grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these concerns.

“Pedestrian and bicycle crashes are rising at an alarming rate,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft.  “The City of Fresno PARCS Department, with assistance from the Office of Traffic Safety, will use these tools this grant provides to help increase the safety of Fresno residents.”

Activities that the grant will fund include:

• Educational presentations on bicycle and pedestrian safety
• Bicycle Rodeos and safety courses
• Special Events
• Community Outreach
• Distribution of bike helmets, headlights, and pedestrian safety equipment

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The City of Fresno announced that it will be listing more than 35,000 city-owned assets for small cells on November 15.  Carriers, connectivity and technology companies may reserve sites through an online portal.  The City of Fresno signed an exclusive agreement with 5 Bars XG Communities to market and organize the release of its assets.

This effort puts the City of Fresno on the cutting edge with the first-ever deployment in California of a system that will help them prepare for 5G and emerging technologies, IoT and autonomous vehicles.  To meet this exponential demand, carriers, connectivity providers, and technology companies will need to invest aggressively in small cells over the next couple years.  The City of Fresno has already received significant interest from major carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, as well as technology companies, such as Facebook and Google.

The major challenge to small cell deployments has been the significant time it takes to deploy small cells.  One of the major telecommunications infrastructure companies indicated that the process takes multiple years per small cell. 5 Bars XG Communities and the City of Fresno are poised to help address this challenge.

Bryon Horn, CIO for the City of Fresno, said “Fresno is excited to be an innovator in this space with the goal to be on the leading edge of connectivity.  This is the first time something like this has been done nationally.”

The City of Fresno is planning ahead to accommodate future economic plans, including the expansion of a dedicated commuter train line to Silicon Valley over the next four-years.  The new commuter train line is expected to bring new residents, including people who are commuting daily to Silicon Valley.

5 Bars XG Communities is launching a proprietary site selection and reservation platform to enable the reservation of hundreds of these sites at one time.  The City of Fresno and 5 Bars XG Communities has created an orderly, fair, and transparent process that reduces the complexity for carriers and cities and expedites the deployment of small cells.

Monnie McGaffigan, President of 5 Bars XG Communities, said that “The City of Fresno launch is the culmination of a three-year investment and lots of hard work by our team.  We’re excited to launch the new site selection system with Fresno, who has been a strong ally in innovating in this space.”

Other Californian cities have also played a large part in changing how small cell deployments will work.  The City of Sacramento has been working to streamline its approval process for small cell deployments.  5 Bars XG Communities is in the process of deploying its first small cells in Sacramento.  5 Bars XG Communities has exclusive marketing agreements with more than 25 cities, including Alameda, CA, Irvine, CA and St. Louis, MO and is planning to expand to other cities in the coming months.

About 5 Bars

5 Bars XG Communities (XG Communities dba 5 Bars) is based in Irvine, CA.  The company provides services on behalf of cities to market and organize city assets to be leased for small cell deployments in cities and municipalities across the country.

Mayor Lee Brand and Fresno City Manager Wilma Quan-Schecter today announced that Jane Sumpter has been named the City of Fresno’s new Assistant City Manager, effective November 27, 2017.  Ms. Sumpter has served as the City’s Budget Manager since 2011, where she managed the successful implementation of the first new citywide budget system in 14 years.

“Jane is one of the most competent and professional people I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Ms. Quan-Schecter. “More important, her integrity is beyond reproach, her leadership skills are well respected, and her knowledge of the financial arena has the depth of experience we need to maintain our strong fiscal strategy.”

Ms. Sumpter has been with the City of Fresno for over 30 years, where she started as a Junior Auditor in 1987.  Over her career, she has gained experience in municipal budgeting and auditing, labor negotiations, systems implementation and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) preparation.  In December 2016, she was appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council to serve as a Trustee of the City of Fresno Employees Retirement Board representing over 1200 active employees and retirees.

Mayor Brand added, “It is my pleasure to welcome Jane to the team.  She’s done great work on our budget and we are expecting great things from her as our Assistant City Manager.”

A lifelong resident of Fresno, where her family has lived since 1919, Ms. Sumpter attended California State University, Fresno, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. She also holds an Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Fresno City College.