A new Fresno city councilmember joined the dais as outgoing members said goodbye Thursday morning.

Nick Richardson, officially sworn in Tuesday, took the ceremonial oath of office Thursday, administered by his grandfather Thomas Richardson.

“To my new colleagues, I ask for patience as you get to know me, and as I locate all the bathrooms. But I give you my word that I will be honest, direct, stubborn and I will hold you to the high standard that your constituents do,” Richardson said.

Mayor Jerry Dyer took the ceremonial oath for his second term, read by his five grandchildren, including the youngest Charlotte — who as a baby was featured in Dyer’s 2020 mayoral campaign ads.

His governing philosophy — “we work for you.”

“Although it is OK to think highly of the position you hold, never think too highly of yourself in that position. That is what keeps us humble and is what truly keeps us grounded as leaders,” Dyer said.

He said his faith, family, and fitness have sustained him in his public career — nearly 40 in the police department, including 18 as chief, and the last four as mayor.

Also, Mike Karbassi took the oath from interim police chief Mindy Casto, and Fernanda Santiago swore in her fiancé, Tyler Maxwell. Karbassi, first elected in a special 2019 election, is in his third term and second full term. Maxwell started his second term.

Both talked about their motivations as public servants. Maxwell said the passing of his father more than four years ago, helped inspire him to “help good people in hard times.”

Karbassi also took the gavel as city council president as part of a rotation system. Next year, the rotation is out and the city council may vote on any member to serve.

Bredefeld and Chavez Say Goodbye

Garry Bredefeld and Luis Chavez, both elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, sat on the dais at the start of the meeting, offering outgoing messages.

Bredefeld highlighted accomplishments in his eight years as a councilmember, from 2017 through 2025, and a prior term, 1997-2001. He talked about reducing crime and building Chukchansi Park.

Chavez served from 2016 until this week. He resigned in the middle of his term to join the board of supervisors.

“We’re just passing through, by the time that we’re here, we’re going to make a difference in people’s lives,” Chavez said.

Both received parting gifts from the council — Justin cowboy hats. Naturally, Chavez received a white hat, and Bredefeld took the black hat.

As Bredefeld left, councilmember Miguel Arias offered his last parting shot at his frenemy.

“You don’t have the Eviction Protection Program,” Arias said, referencing a city program Bredefeld opposed.

Casto Wants to Remove Interim Title

Casto confirmed to Politics 101 that she applied for the permanent police chief job. The deadline to apply was Jan. 3.

The city named Casto acting and then interim chief after Paco Balderrama was placed on leave and then resigned last July. The city investigated Balderrama for having an affair with the wife of an officer under his command.

Dyer said he will speak with the recruiting firm, Public Sector Search and Consulting, for an update on Friday. He hopes to hire the new chief by March.

Karbassi indicated his preference for Casto.

“Do you know what the worst word in the English language is? It’s the word interim,” Karbassi said.

Condolences

Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua missed Monday’s meeting for the funeral of his father, Mouage Mouanoutoua.

Because of Mouanoutoua’s absence, the city council delayed a vote to repeal the move of meetings from Monday nights to Tuesday. Passed in November, the repeal vote to keep Monday meetings is scheduled for Jan. 21. However, Councilmember Drew Bessinger said he would be absent because of a trip to Germany.

Former Central Unified trustee Terry Cox recently lost her husband, Kevin Cox. Cox was also a longtime Fresno City Hall employee, retiring last year.

Today we recognized Kevin Cox on the Assembly floor. Kevin was a pioneer in the Central Valley beer scene. Cox passed away on Sunday, December 29th, at the age of 66. He’s survived by his wife, Terry, his children: Brian, Brandon, & Brent, and his grandchildren: Kolton & Marilyn. pic.twitter.com/NT3suU6GMF

— Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (@AsmSoria) January 9, 2025

First Latina Heads Madera County Supervisors

Leticia Gonzalez became the first Latina board chair of the Madera County Supervisor. Gonzalez, now in her second term, took the gavel on Tuesday.

“As Chairwoman, my goal is simple: to be transparent, efficient and focused on serving the best interests of all who call Madera County home,” she said. “I am committed to running fair and productive meetings and ensuring that we remain accountable to the people we serve.

“Additionally, I want to set the standard for professionalism and ensure that this board leads by example. By holding ourselves to the highest standards, we can inspire confidence and build trust in our community.”