Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Poorest Americans Dealt Biggest Blow Under Senate Republican Tax Package

16 hours ago

Trump Vowed to Dismantle MS-13. His Deal With Bukele Threatens That Effort.

20 hours ago

Ukraine Voices Concern as US Halts Some Missile Shipments

20 hours ago

Poll: Most Americans Say National Divide, Political Violence Threaten Democracy

20 hours ago

Paramount Settles With Trump Over ‘60 Minutes’ Interview for $16 Million

21 hours ago

Republicans Tee up House Vote on Trump Bill, Outcome Uncertain

21 hours ago

What’s Next for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs After His Sex Trafficking Trial?

21 hours ago

Dalai Lama Says He Will Be Reincarnated, Trust Will Identify Successor

21 hours ago
PD Commission's Celedon Declines to Explain 'Burn it Down' Tweet
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
July 7, 2020

Share

In its first public meeting Monday, the Fresno Commission on Police Reform’s second-in-command, Sandra Celedon, declined to explain a controversial tweet after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

Photo of GV Wire's David Taub

David Taub

Politics 101


Also in Politics 101:

  • Police Reform commissioners want more time.
  • Another Fresno police committee is still active.
  • County public health responds to a restaurant owner’s complaint.
  • Fresno City Council President Arias COVID-free.

At its meeting last week, the commission picked Celedon as the vice-chair. The president and CEO of Fresno Building Healthy Communities is known for her advocacy for parks. She backed the 2018 Measure P to increase the city’s sales tax for the benefit of parks. Fresno BHC is suing the city as to whether the measure passed or not.

Celedon raised eyebrows with a tweet following the civil unrest in Minneapolis. The San Joaquin Valley Sun reported that Celedon on May 28 tweeted “burn it down” with an image of the Minneapolis police precinct torched by rioters.

When asked by this reporter to explain the tweet, Celedon declined.

“That was, David, a personal tweet. I’m here on my official capacity as president of Building Healthy Communities. I’m happy to have a personal conversation with you and explain a little bit about American history so that that tweet can be referenced accordingly,” Celedon said.

Other commissioners, including Veva Islas, Pastor D.J. Criner, and commission chairman Oliver Baines, defended Celedon by objecting to the premise of the question.

Islas called it an “asinine question” and a personal attack.

[Update, 7/08/2020: the commissioners, including Baines, did not say they defended Celedon’s tweet per se. Baines said at the meeting “I don’t think it was an appropriate question either.”]

Commissioners Want More Time

During the meeting, which was held via Zoom and carried on the city’s YouTube channel, the commission discussed meeting schedules and breaking out into smaller groups.

The biggest gripe shared by members speaking on the issue: The 90-day timeline set by Fresno City Council President Miguel Arias wasn’t sufficient to carry out their work.

Baines agreed and said he would ask the council for more time. There are less than 70 days before a report is supposed to be delivered to the council.

“If we get more time, it definitely allows us to adjust the (commission’s meeting) model because we’re not as rushed. I hear that loud and clear,” Baines told his fellow commissioners. “I want you all to know that we get it and we will do that. I don’t want to belabor the point necessarily about more time, because we’re in agreement.”

Baines introduced the four subcommittees that commissioners will work on — community input, community development, police training and policy, and budget.

The chairman also laid out a timeline for future meetings. While the subcommittees will meet at least once a week, the full commission will not meet again until Aug. 3.

Islas, who is a Fresno Unified School District trustee, said more meetings are tough for elected members of the commission.

“Several of the commission members are school board members who have their own board meetings and subcommittees. Moving to different days taxes our time,” Islas wrote on the Zoom chat function. She added though, that the schedule proposed could work for her.

The commission also received a presentation from consultant Angie Manetti about state legislation dealing with law enforcement.

Brand’s Other Police Committee Still at Work

Another police advisory committee, formed in 2017 by Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, is still active. The Citizens’ Public Safety Advisory Board has met twice in 2020 to discuss policing issues. Although the committee is supposed to meet monthly and present a quarterly report to the council, that hasn’t happened this year amid the coronavirus.

According to the minutes of its Feb. 4 and June 2 meetings, the committee discussed the city’s ShotSpotter program. ShotSpotter, which is set up in some Fresno neighborhoods, can detect gunshots and immediately notify police.

The next scheduled board meeting is tonight.

Fansler vs. Public Health

“But as it stands, it’s still considered indoor dining with open windows. And, as the mandate from the state requires, that would not be permitted.”Fresno County interim health officer Dr. Rais Vohra

Restaurateur Dave Fansler is not taking the latest restrictions on how to safely operate eateries quietly.

Fansler posted a long message on his Facebook page, saying his Pismo’s restaurant can be made safe by opening its windows and turning it into a patio. Health officials disagree, and Fansler has told local media he’s been hit with multiple citations.

“Your coldhearted and insensitive willingness to crash and burn businesses and so many jobs I find quite violating,” Fansler wrote in the post directed at Fresno County Public Health Director David Pomaville.

During a media briefing on Monday, the county’s interim health officer, Dr. Rais Vohra, responded to Fansler’s statements.

“We’re asking for clarification. But as it stands now, the open windows would not be enough to consider that outdoor dining. I know that that’s a somewhat controversial statement. But as it stands, it’s still considered indoor dining with open windows. And, as the mandate from the state requires, that would not be permitted,” Vohra said.

Vohra said the health department has talked with Fansler and state agencies for clarification about Pismo’s situation.

“I hope Mr. Fransler and others can understand that during this health pandemic we will continue to adhere to the advice of public health experts and we asked them to do the same. Local, state, and federal health experts all concur that indoor dining is a high-risk activity for community spread of COVID-19,” Arias told Politics 101 via email.

“Those who choose to frame this moment as a “City vs. Business” situation should invest that energy in demanding county leaders take more aggressive action to decrease the spread of COVID by addressing testing, healthcare, and housing needs of farmworkers and rural communities.”

No COVID for Arias

Arias had more than his country’s birthday to celebrate this past weekend. He also received news that he is negative for COVID-19 and that his son has recovered from the virus.

Arias’ young daughter tested negative as well.

The Fresno City Council is debating whether to make masks mandatory at all businesses and public spaces.

Arias said that his 8-year old son, Diego, had a mild case, with a headache and coughing.

Latest Update from Fresno County Health Department

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

House Republicans Say They Expect to Vote Tonight on Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill

DON'T MISS

San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Grows to 8,300 Acres, Prompts Evacuations

DON'T MISS

SLO Deputies Fatally Shoot Man in Los Osos Weeks After US Marshal Impersonation Arrest

DON'T MISS

Madera County Deputy Injured, Wanted Felon Arrested After Violent Struggle

DON'T MISS

San Luis Obispo County Wildfire Burns More Than 3,000 Acres. No Containment Yet

DON'T MISS

Wired Wednesday: Why Is State Lawmaker Taking Aim at Rooftop Solar?

DON'T MISS

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

DON'T MISS

Ex-Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Life in Prison for Plot to Kill FBI Agents

DON'T MISS

Del Monte Files for Bankruptcy. Gets Nearly $1B to Keep Producing Through Process

DON'T MISS

Who is Running for Fresno Area Offices in 2026? An Updated Look

UP NEXT

SLO Deputies Fatally Shoot Man in Los Osos Weeks After US Marshal Impersonation Arrest

UP NEXT

Madera County Deputy Injured, Wanted Felon Arrested After Violent Struggle

UP NEXT

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

UP NEXT

Del Monte Files for Bankruptcy. Gets Nearly $1B to Keep Producing Through Process

UP NEXT

Who is Running for Fresno Area Offices in 2026? An Updated Look

UP NEXT

Poorest Americans Dealt Biggest Blow Under Senate Republican Tax Package

UP NEXT

Check Out Newest Downtown Mural. It’s a Spectacular Tribute to Fresno Artisans

UP NEXT

Valley Children’s Goes Into News Business to Highlight Stories at the Hospital

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Logan Ryan Martin

UP NEXT

Poll: Most Americans Say National Divide, Political Violence Threaten Democracy

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

Madera County Deputy Injured, Wanted Felon Arrested After Violent Struggle

14 hours ago

San Luis Obispo County Wildfire Burns More Than 3,000 Acres. No Containment Yet

14 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: Why Is State Lawmaker Taking Aim at Rooftop Solar?

14 hours ago

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

15 hours ago

Ex-Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Life in Prison for Plot to Kill FBI Agents

15 hours ago

Del Monte Files for Bankruptcy. Gets Nearly $1B to Keep Producing Through Process

15 hours ago

Who is Running for Fresno Area Offices in 2026? An Updated Look

16 hours ago

CIA Review Finds Flaws but Does Not Dispute Finding Putin Sought to Sway 2016 Vote to Trump

16 hours ago

Poorest Americans Dealt Biggest Blow Under Senate Republican Tax Package

16 hours ago

Check Out Newest Downtown Mural. It’s a Spectacular Tribute to Fresno Artisans

17 hours ago

House Republicans Say They Expect to Vote Tonight on Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill

WASHINGTON – Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday struggled to pass President Donald Trump’s massive tax-cut...

13 hours ago

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks to the press, as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 2, 2025. (Reuters/Annabelle Gordon)
13 hours ago

House Republicans Say They Expect to Vote Tonight on Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill

The Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo County has rapidly expanded to 8,396 acres with no containment, prompting evacuation orders and warnings near New Cuyama. (CalFire)
13 hours ago

San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Grows to 8,300 Acres, Prompts Evacuations

Andrew Biscay, 40, was arrested Friday, June 20, 2025, after deputies found him with a fake U.S. Marshal’s badge, homemade firearm, and law enforcement-style gear during a warrant arrest. (Madera County SO)
13 hours ago

SLO Deputies Fatally Shoot Man in Los Osos Weeks After US Marshal Impersonation Arrest

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, a Madera County sheriff’s deputy was injured while trying to arrest a wanted felon, Felix Adrian Nucamendi Carrasco, 40, who later fled and was captured near Raymond Road. (Madera County SO)
14 hours ago

Madera County Deputy Injured, Wanted Felon Arrested After Violent Struggle

A wildfire dubbed the Madre Fire has burned over 3,300 acres near New Cuyama with 0% containment, officials said Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (CalFire)
14 hours ago

San Luis Obispo County Wildfire Burns More Than 3,000 Acres. No Containment Yet

14 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: Why Is State Lawmaker Taking Aim at Rooftop Solar?

Jose Luna (left), 33, and Ralph Grajeda, 45, both of Visalia, have been sentenced for their roles in the 2020 shotgun killing of Robert Soto at a local motel. (Tulare County DA)
15 hours ago

Two Visalia Men Sentenced in 2021 Motel Killing

A U.S. Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as "Main Justice," is seen behind the podium in the Department's headquarters briefing room before a news conference with the Attorney General in Washington, January 24, 2023. (Reuters File)
15 hours ago

Ex-Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Life in Prison for Plot to Kill FBI Agents

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend