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For the eighth year — and the first time in Fresno — California Forward is holding an economic summit focused on how to improve the Golden State across many different sectors.
And, according to California Forward’s co-chairman Pete Weber, the two-day event — dubbed “Regions Rise Together” — will be the biggest in history.
Pete Weber talks about the local economy at Fresno Rotary luncheon on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 (GV Wire/David Taub)
Public policies that improve the economy, the environment, and social equity play a role in upward mobility. Weber said the state no doubt is good on the economy, questionable on the environment, and shameful on social equity.
There also is a disparity between where the jobs are growing (coastal regions) versus where the population is growing (the Valley), according to Weber.
But Weber is optimistic about Fresno County’s growing manufacturing industry. He also pitched a plan for more cargo to be shipped from ports in the south to the north end of the state via rail instead of relying on trucks traveling through the Central Valley.
Gov. Gavin Newsom will deliver the summit’s keynote address on Friday at 10:30 a.m.
“He’s given every indication that he really cares what happens in the Valley, and every other region left behind,” Weber said.
But, Weber added, “We are not waiting for Superman or Superwoman to come to save us. We are doing amazing work in our community. We are making progress in building our human capital like never before.”
Related Story: Valley Economy Will Get a Close Look From Newsom at Summit
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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