Nick Richardson is walking to work on his first day.

Richardson, the Fresno City Councilmember-elect for District 6 (northeast) announced he is leaving Todd Beamer Park next Tuesday at 7 a.m. and will take six hours to walk the 15 miles to City Hall.

When he arrives at 1 p.m., he said he will walk into the clerk’s office to take his formal oath of office.

Richardson plans five stops along the way, inviting supporters to walk some or all the route with him.

Stunning political observers, Richardson won the council seat over a more well-funded and endorsed candidate, attorney Roger Bonakdar.

Fifteen miles should be an easy hike for Richardson. After all, he is a Marine Corps reservist.

Chavez Hires Experienced Expert for Chief of Staff

Luis Chavez hired a heavy hitter for his chief of staff.

When Chavez takes office as a new Fresno County Supervisor on Tuesday, he brings Larry Salinas — a behind-the-scenes political veteran — to guide his staff.

Salinas worked 23 years in government relations for higher education — with the UC system, Fresno State, Cal State system, and the State Center Community College District. He also has experience with PG&E and as a staffer with former Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante, and three members of Congress.

“As we turn the page and increase collaboration between the county and city, Larry Salinas brings a wealth of professional, academic and personal knowledge and experience,” Chavez told Politics 101.

Chavez, who will resign his seat as a Fresno City Councilmember when he accepts his new job, said he will focus on homelessness, health, and other social services.

“I look forward to establishing an office that goes above and beyond in truly engaging residents of Fresno. I’m incredibly humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving the county of Fresno and the best way to honor that is to roll up our sleeves and get to work!” Chavez said.

Voters will go to the polls for a March 18 special election to fill the soon-to-be vacant seat. Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas, Brandon Vang, and Jose Leon Barraza are the top contenders. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two will meet in a runoff special election.

High School Student Wins Costa Ap Contest

A Visalia high school student won an app contest hosted by Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.

Sarah Park, a student at the Independence Law Academy, created “MyPie,” a diet tracking tool. She won the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Costa’s district.

She said it was “inspired by my personal journey to improve my health and the realization that you truly are what you eat. This experience has shown me that with the right mindset, anyone can bring their ideas to life through code.”

“MyPie” is based on the USDA’s “MyPlate” food diagram. Congress says that since the challenge started in 2016, congressional “mentions of computer science and coding have increased 2,000%.”