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Arias Explains Switcheroo on Anti-Panhandling Signs
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
April 12, 2019

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On Wednesday, three city councilmembers — Miguel Arias, Garry Bredefeld, Paul Caprioglio — publicly supported the “Help Us, Help Fresno” proposal.
Their idea? Place signs discouraging motorists from giving to panhandlers at busy intersections and instead ask for donations to charities helping the homeless.

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Politics 101
David Taub
Arias strongly endorsed the signs at a street corner news conference: “It takes more than a dollar to help someone from the street. … (These signs) encourage a new and modern way of giving to people who need it the most.”

Arias Flip-Flops His Support

But during the debate in council Thursday, two of Arias’ progressive colleagues opposed the signs. Esmeralda Soria said they didn’t send the right message. She also wanted to wait until low-barrier homeless shelters open to gauge their effects on panhandling.
Arias then wondered aloud if the signs should say different things in different neighborhoods. He concluded the signs should be consistent throughout the city. He eventually voted no, along with Soria and Nelson Esparza, killing the ordinance with a 3-3 vote.
Politics 101 caught up with Arias for an explanation.
“Our goal has always been to bring forward a comprehensive solution that can be unanimously supported by the council and the public,” Arias said.
Arias wants to bring a revised proposal back to the council with increased community support following additional revisions. That includes the sign’s wording and waiting until the shelters opened.
You can watch the video by clicking on the image above.

Was She Singing About Miguel and Garry?

Perhaps Katy Perry had Arias and Bredefeled in mind when she sang “Hot N Cold.”
Hot and cold. Yes and no. In and out. Up and down.
Last week, Bredefeld called Arias a bully and rude over the SB 1 gas tax spending. They were seen days later palling around at a Grizzlies game. They sniped at each other on Twitter only hours following that.
Still, a few days after that, they were on the same side about the panhandling signs. Then Arias voted against his own ordinance. Bredefeld called him disingenuous on the dais and continued the insult barrage on Twitter.
“Miguel Arias, the fraud and bully who promotes class warfare, wasted everyone’s time including the Police Chief, and pandered to those who support panhandling. He betrayed his own constituents and businesses who want us to help them stop panhandling. Pathetic.”


Bredefeld is a psychologist. Maybe he can recommend a good couples therapist.

Who’s Who Political Event Part 2

It was safe to say that Bredefeld did not attend Arias’ fundraiser at Oggi Cosi Si Mangia restaurant in the Tower on Thursday night.
But, the who’s who of Fresno politics (left wing division) showed up. Congressman TJ Cox and one-time congressional candidate/possible mayoral candidate Andrew Janz attended. So did Soria and Esparza.
Politics 101 spotted at least four people who were at Arias’ event who also attended a party for Supervisor Steve Brandau earlier in the week.
For the record, the wine was better at Arias’ party.

Congressman TJ Cox (left) poses with Fresno councilman Miguel Arias at the latter’s April 11 fundraiser (GV Wire/David Taub)
 
Andrew Janz, Mike Karbassi and Congressman TJ Cox pose at Miguel Arias’ April 11 fundraiser (GV Wire/David Taub)
 

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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