Former Clovis police chief Matt Basgall has raised the most money among 10 Clovis City Council candidates.

Of the 10 candidates, Basgall has a wide margin in campaign contributions, as well as the most in reserve.

Ballots will be sent to all voters in the mail next week. They can be returned by the mail, or in person at the county election office in downtown Fresno, or when voting centers open — some starting Oct. 29.

Clovis voters can select up to three names on the same ballot. Only one incumbent — Drew Bessinger — is running. He ranks third in fundraising for the election cycle and has the second-most cash on hand.

Incumbents Jose Flores and Bob Whalen are not running for re-election. Whalen was elected as a Fresno County judge in June and will take his seat in January.

GV Wire will host a forum with the top candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 19, live on CMAC.

Also in Politics 101 …

• Central Valley native appointed to a federal commission.
• Jewish history exhibit opens.
• Hurtado visits the White House.

Renteria to Federal Commission

Central Valley native Amanda Renteria will serve on a federal board advocating for Hispanic Americans.

President Joe Biden appointed Renteria to the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.

Renteria has long served as an advisor to Democratic candidates, including Hilary Clinton during her 2016 presidential run.

The Woodlake native once ran for Congress and governor. She currently is CEO of Code for America, whose mission is to make America “work well for everyone.”

Jewish History Exhibit Opens

In time for the Big Fresno Fair, and the High Holiday season, a new exhibit highlighting the history of Jews in Fresno opened on the Fresno Fairgrounds at the Fresno County Historical Museum.

Compactly designed by curator Jeanna Francis in the form of the Star of David — the six-sided star — the exhibit notes Jewish contributions to business, agriculture, and culture in Fresno. It also offers information about Jewish religion and customs.

Did you know that Marks Avenue is named after Bernhard Marks, an agricultural pioneer? He fled anti-Semitism in Poland and helped develop irrigation systems in the Valley.

The exhibit has an interactive screen to learn more about people, landmarks, and contributions. It features information on Holocaust survivors including Hanna Krebs. Her husband, John Krebs, served in Congress in the 1970s.

Hurtado at White House

State Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) visited the White House last Friday, participating in a Hispanic Heritage Month reception in the East Room.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden delivered remarks during a 15-minute ceremony.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, also attended.