Clovis City Manager John Holt is retiring at the end of the year. Now, the city council is in the process of deciding his successor.

The city council met in a special closed session meeting Monday morning but didn’t report taking any action.

Councilmember Vong Mouanoutoua told GV Wire the purpose of the meeting was to hear potential candidates from a recruiter, Roseville-based Bob Murray & Associates. The contract, the city said, is for just under $30,000.

With no regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, the morning was when the schedules of the five councilmembers allowed for a meeting.

Holt started with Clovis administration in 2000 as a city clerk. The city council promoted him to city manager in 2021. He announced his retirement in June.

Mouanoutoua told GV Wire before the meeting the council hoped to make a hire by the end of the year. If not, the body would entertain keeping Holt on for an interim basis.

This is the fifth closed meeting discussion about the city manager since July, but none resulted in reportable action.

New Resolution Would Recognize 1984 Sikh Genocide

A group of Central Valley congressmembers last week introduced a resolution to formally recognize the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

“The Central Valley is home to a vibrant Sikh community and I’m proud to stand with them in demanding recognition and accountability for this horrific event in their history. This resolution is a small but important step to commemorate this tragedy and honor the innocent victims who lost their lives while practicing their faith,” said Rep. David Valadao, R-Kings County, co-author of the resolution with Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.

Congressmembers Josh Harder, D-Turlock, Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, and John Duarte, R-Modesto, also signed on.

In June 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered an assault at the The Golden Temple in Sri Darbar Sahib. The army killed thousands of civilians, in an attempt to suppress Sikhs.

More violence against Sikhs in India happened later that year after the assassination of Gandhi.

The local Sikh community strongly supports the resolution.

“This resolution is not just about acknowledging the past but ensuring that future generations understand the truth about the 1984 Sikh Genocide. For Sikh youth and activists, this is more than a political milestone — it’s a validation of our elders’ resilience and a commitment to never allow history to forget,” said Naindeep Singh, executive director of the Fresno-based Jakara Movement.

The Sikh community held a 350-mile march from Bakersfield to Sacramento — with stops in Fresno — earlier this month to commemorate the genocide.