Mayor Jerry Dyer wanted to name the new sports complex in southeast Fresno “Peach Park,” based on an online survey. However, a decision on the park’s name is being delayed.

Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza pulled the item from Thursday’s agenda, wanting to wait until the currently-vacant councilmember for the area is filled by a March 18 special election.

“I got a lot of calls from community members in southeast Fresno. I think there are quite a few lined up to speak today. My thought process was that this is really a lot of heat for a council where the southeast seat is not represented currently. And I’d like to punt that ideally until the the seat is filled,” Esparza said.

Peach Park won overwhelmingly in the survey, from a list of ag-themed names.

Members of the nonprofit Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association opposed the Peach Park name at the meeting.

“It doesn’t live up to what the park means to the community,” said SEFCEDA member and special election candidate Jose Luis Barraza.

Former councilmember Luis Chavez — now a Fresno County supervisor — sent a letter to the council supporting the Peach Park name.

His wife Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas, who is also running for the District 5 seat, disagreed.

“I appreciate the city council delaying the vote on naming our new park. I’ve heard from residents and seen the results of the poll and believe their feedback should be the driving force behind the naming of the park,” Jonasson Rosas told Politics 101.

Another New Park Coming in 2026

The council approved a $9.9 million contract with American Paving Co. to build Dolores Huerta Park, at Milburn and Dakota avenues. The 4.5-acre park will be funded from Proposition 68 and park impact fees.

“For far too long, this area has lacked the park infrastructure it deserves. That changes today! Dolores Huerta Park will not only be a place for families to gather and children to play, but it will stand as a lasting tribute to the civil rights icon who has dedicated her life to justice and empowerment,” Councilmember Annalisa Pera said in a news release.

Perea said construction will start later this year, opening in 2026.

The item passed 5-0 on the consent calendar without discussion. Esparza was absent.

Other City Council Action

Lights on Clovis Avenue between Shields and American avenues will now be synchronized. The $2 million contract with A-C Electric Company will improve 16 intersections along the route. Funding comes from federal, and regional Measure C grants.

Last month, City Attorney Andrew Janz requested $250,000 for the remaining fiscal year to keep the city’s Eviction Protection Program afloat. The city council officially approved the money on Thursday. The program provides taxpayer-funded attorneys to contest alleged illegal evictions. The money comes from carryover (unused) funds from the city attorney’s budget.

Three tennis courts at Roeding Park will be converted to four pickleball courts and two futsal/basketball courts. The council approved a $1.2 million contract with Avision Construction, Inc. Three existing tennis courts will remain.

These items also passed on the consent calendar, 5-0, with Esparza absent.

Fresno history will be on display, after the council approved a $737,279 contract with Solutions By Design. Modeled after video displays and kiosks at the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame inside the Save Mart Center, the exhibit will be installed on the third floor at City Hall. The council still needs to figure out the content.

The price does not include a $5,000 a month (for five years) for maintenance.

The current George Washington displays will move to the first floor. The council voted 5-0, with Perea absent.

And in Clovis …

The passage of Measure Y last year will help the Clovis’ five-year financial outlook, city economists told the city council on Monday. The 1% sales tax increase is expected to generate $26 million a year, which will keep revenues ahead of expenses.

However, the original Measure Y projection was $28 million annually. The city will still operate in the black, but not every hiring request may be honored. The police department requested 54 new positions over five years, but may only get 50.

The budget process starts May 19.

Clovis is known for honoring its veterans. The city found a new way on Monday. Following a 5-0 vote, honorably discharged or relieved veterans will be exempt from registration or business fees. City staff said the costs will be minimal.

Also by a 5-0 vote, the council will allow more gaming tables per location. The initial increase is from 19 to 21, and up to 29 tables by 2041. The 500 Club is the only licensed gambling operation in the city.

The council officially adopted its new district voting map for the November 2026 election. Voters will choose members for two north Clovis seats, and one in southwest Clovis. They previously were elected at-large.