ALL Aboard: Dyer Joins New US State Department Leaders Council

Mayor Jerry Dyer is one of 22 leaders at the state or local level to join a new U.S. State Department venture, the Assembly of Local Leaders, or ALL — because everything in government has to have a branding acronym.

“This first-of-its-kind assembly will gather to discuss, inform, and address the global matters that impact our local communities, such as the climate crisis, public health, foreign investment, and economic development,” the State Department said in a news release.

Dyer said he is “honored” to be selected.

“As I serve on this committee, I hope to learn about issues occurring worldwide that will ultimately have an impact on Fresno and its diverse community, especially as it pertains to the economy.

“Given what is occurring in Armenia, Ukraine, and the Middle East, the timing couldn’t be better.  I will also be sharing some of my experiences that I have gained through visits to Guadalajara, Munster, and Vienna,” Dyer said.

ALL officially launches in January.

FPPC in Fresno

The Fair Political Practices Commission held its first regular meeting away from Sacramento in the post-recession era Thursday at Fresno State.

The meeting was held at the Peters Ellipse Gallery at the library. Several buildings on campus are named “Peters,” which caused a 27-minute delay as some were late finding the right room.

“You have a beautiful campus. I just spent the last 45 minutes walking around,” commission chair Richard Miadich said in his opening remarks.

The meeting itself moved at the pace of government — slow and plodding in parts. The shortest part was something Politics 101 pays close attention to — an update on how to interpret SB 1439, the anti-pay-to-play ordinance that went into effect this year. Legal counsel provided a brief summary to the commission.

The new law prevents locally elected officials from voting on business when a party contributes more than $250. Implementation can be confusing at times. FPPC will hold an online seminar on SB 1439 on Nov. 1.

FPPC commissioners (from left to right) Abby Wood, E. Dotson Wilson, Richard Miadich, and Elsa Ortiz meet at Fresno State. (GV Wire/David Taub)

Soria Draws Challenger

Joanna Garcia Rose

Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno, has drawn her first challenger for 2024.

Republican Joanna Garcia Rose, an Atwater auditor, announced her intention to run.

“California is on the wrong track, and it’s time we send a professional auditor to Sacramento. We need someone who will carefully examine the laws and the state’s finances so we can start turning things around,” Rose said in a news release.

Soria reported $567,422 cash on hand through June 30. Garcia Rose has already received a $5,500 contribution from Fresno developer Richard F. Spencer.

Bonakdar Wins Firefighter Support

Roger Bonakdar

Fresno City Council candidate Roger Bonakdar announced the endorsement of the city’s firefighter union.

“Roger has consistently shown support for improving public safety and understands the critical needs of Fresno’s firefighters to keep our city safe. We trust him to be a strong advocate for a safer Fresno,” Fresno City Firefighters (IAFF Local 202) president Dean Sanders and VP Brandon Griffith said in a news release.

Bonakdar is running for the northeast Fresno District 6 seat, as incumbent Garry Bredefeld is termed out.

Also running are banker Raj Sodhi-Layne and businessman Nickolas Richardson.