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'Inexcusable' — Black Leaders Rally in Fresno for Fired City Administrator
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 3 years ago on
July 13, 2021

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Black leaders in Fresno are upset over the recent firing of one of the city’s top administrators, calling the move ‘inexcusable and disrespectful.”

“We are mad as hell,” said Eric Payne organizer of a rally held Tuesday morning at City Hall.

Yvonne Spence

Former City Clerk Yvonne Spence, who is Black, isn’t talking publicly about her termination. She also declined to confirm whether she’s hired a lawyer to contest the action against her.

But the Fresno City Council, which fired Spence by a 4-3 vote on June 10, appears concerned. The council will discuss potential litigation by Spence in closed session at its meeting on Thursday.

The City Council has not revealed why they fired Spence. Councilmembers Miguel Arias, Garry Bredefeld, Nelson Esparza and Esmeralda Soria voted to dismiss; Luis Chavez, Tyler Maxwell and Mike Karbassi voted against.

Sources with direct knowledge of Spence’s dismissal say she was fired because of performance issues, despite being given a raise in March. They cite a mistake with the 2018 Measure P parks tax ballot language — which caused the city to mail a postcard to every voter with corrected wording — and a rocky roll-out of the city’s new agenda system as reasons.

Black Leaders Rally

Black leaders spoke in support of Spence, even though they know she is unlikely to be reinstated.

“It is critically important that our city council accept full responsibility for the inexcusable and disrespectful termination of Ms. Yvonne Spence, a loyal, dedicated, extremely competent employee who has served this city,” said Dezie Woods-Jones, a leader with the Black Women Organized for Political Action.

“Until Yvonne Spence is treated right with honor and dignity and respect, we are not going away,” longtime activist Mary Curry said.

Among other things, the group called the Fresno Collective of Black Leaders, called on the city to establish an anti-racism task force; hold a workshop to address economic and community development for minority communities; and audit city hiring practices.

Members of the group also called for community action.

“When it comes down to re-election, that you keep this in mind of what just has taken place. This must stop. In order for it to stop, we have to remove the people who continue to practice these kind of practices. I hope that you stand with those that are listening. Change is coming,” said Debbie Darden of the Golden West Planning Committee.

Sabrina Kelly, a commissioner on the Fresno Housing Authority, called for change in a more nuanced manner.

“We’re going to continue to facilitate these critical conversations with elected officials, those who are in position now and those who want to run at a later date. And we’re going to continue to amplify and elevate these issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. So, no, we’re not just going to sit back and take this,” Kelly said.

The group plans to protest before Thursday’s City Council meeting.

Nine Years as Clerk

Spence served as Fresno’s city clerk from 2012-2021. She was replaced on an interim basis by assistant clerk Briana Parra.

In the fall of 2018, Spence’s office erroneously sent the Fresno County Elections Office outdated language to be printed on the ballot. The City Council addressed the issue by sending out correction notices to city voters.

In April, the city clerk’s office rolled out a new online system for posting public meeting agendas. However, confusion over how to access the agendas and participate in City Council meetings over a live streaming platform rankled some councilmembers.

The City Council will also vote at Thursday’s meeting to increase the salary for the city clerk position.

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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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