A delegation from one of Fresno’s oldest sister cities, Münster, Germany, is visiting town this week.

Monday, the two cities signed an economic marketing alliance.

Münster mayor Markus Lewe said the two cities have several problems in common — climate change, transportation, and homelessness. Meetings this week will discuss common solutions.

“We have a lot of different ideas. And so we connect together and we do it more and more between the administration,” Lewe said.

The signing took place during a Fresno Economic Development Corp. meeting. Other events this week include a proclamation at Thursday’s Fresno City Council meeting and attending a Grizzlies baseball game.

“I never before have (attended) a baseball game … but I’m very happy that I have the chance to visit with the game,” Lewe said.

And, no, munster cheese does not come from Münster, Germany — it is actually named for Munster, France.

“The cheese is from a monastery, but Münster is not from a cheese,” Lewe explained.

Münster and Fresno have been sister cities since 1983.

Other Fresno sister cities:

• Etchmiadzin, Armenia;
• Taishan, China;
• Châteauroux, France;
• Verona, Italy;
• Kochi, Japan;
• and most recently Guadalajara, Mexico.

Also in Politics 101:

• A labor strike at Fresno County jail pushed back for a month.
• City meets with Hmong volleyball community.
• Visalia leader named to a federal post.

Jail Strike Delayed

A strike threatened by local jail workers has been pushed back a month. The Fresno County Public Safety Association planned to walk out on Monday but has now set a new strike date of June 20.

Money is driving the labor strife.

“The Association does not want to endanger the public as we are dedicated public servants who simply want to use our legally protected activity (a strike) to draw attention to the fact that we are paid 41% less than a similarly classified (deputies),” the union said in a news release.

Fresno County went to court last week and earned a partial victory, limiting how many correctional officers could strike.

The county says they have offered base pay increases of 11% as well as improvements in healthcare and retention bonuses.

City Meets With Hmong Volleyball Community

City leaders met with the Hmong volleyball community about lingering tensions over court time.

When the city placed signs in April at public tennis courts that volleyball was not allowed, Hmong community members felt they were targeted. The signs quickly came down, but hurt feelings remained.

Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell said improvements are coming to Vinland Park. These include two grass volleyball nets, lighting upgrades, and court improvements — multi-use nets, resurfacing, and restriping.

The city will also upgrade its electronic-based reservation system.

Last Thursday, Maxwell, Mayor Jerry Dyer, and city staff talked to the community at Vinland Park.

Tonight I met with our Hmong community at Vinland Park to announce some major investments taking place in the coming weeks, including: new lighting, new multi-use volleyball nets, resurfacing/restriping courts to allow for more volleyball, and a new court reservation system. pic.twitter.com/xH6fJtMn2m

— Tyler Maxwell (@Maxwell4Fresno) May 20, 2022

Visalia Native Named to Federal Post

Maria Gallegos Herrera, who has held leadership roles in state government and the private sector, has been named to a federal post.

Last week, the Biden Administration named Gallegos Herrera as USDA State Director, Rural Development. The Visalia Democrat previously served as the Central California Regional Director for Gov. Gavin Newsom, and before that as a manager at Self-Help Enterprises.

“USDA’s Rural Development mission area is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. State Directors lead offices that offer grants, loans, and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services,” the White House said.