While the rest of the government took the day off for Juneteenth, the Fresno City Council gathered for its regular meeting.

Although there was no formal presentation for the federal holiday — commemorating when the last of the slaves on June 19, 1865, were informed of their freedom — the city held a noon flag raising at City Hall.

He Just Looks Illegal

Ever the provocateur, Councilmember Miguel Arias wore a t-shirt under his suit jacket that read, “I Just Look Illegal.”

Last week during his councilmember comments, Arias claimed a immigration raid was pending at the Cherry Avenue Auction. That never came to pass. Arias later said ICE called it off because of the diligence of the immigrant community. Others questioned whether Arias was telling the truth.

Thursday, Arias stuck to local issues — street parking problems— during comments.

Voter-Approved Commission Scrapped

In 2018, city of Fresno voters approved Measure A by 71%. The measure established a tax on legally sold cannabis with 10% of those taxes for a community benefit fund. The measure also  established an advisory committee to recommend on how to spend the fund’s money.

In six-plus years, the city council never established the committee. On Thursday, killed it outright on a 7-0 vote.

A section of the law allows the council to amend or repeal aspects of the law without taking it back to the voters. By ending the advisory committee before it started, the council exercised that option.

The council approved the item during consent calendar, without discussion. The council debated the necessity of the committee during budget hearings earlier in the month.

The city said the fund accumulated $700,000, and only 11 people applied to serve on the advisory board. The council has final word on spending.

“The amount of funding accumulated into the Fund over the last three years does not support the need for, or costs relating to, staffing a Commission to oversee the Fund,” a staff report said.

Former city councilmember Clint Olivier wrote the 2018 measure. He said the cannabis landscape has changed since then.

“The fact the council voted to change it is a testament to the city’s ability to adapt to market trends as well as constituent needs. Looks good to me,” Olivier said.

Advance Peace Advances

The council has a history of heartburn over funding Advance Peace — a program to address gun violence. Opponents argue it pays gang members to remain nonviolent; advocates say it is an effective program.

In 2022, the city cut the program’s funding after a member was arrested on gang charges. Funding was later restored.

Arias touted the success of the program, saying it helped prevent a potential gang war after a street vendor was shot and killed.

On Thursday, the council voted 6-1 to extend the $375,000 grant — coordinated with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission — for another year through 2026. Karbassi was the sole no vote.

Maxwell Staffer Leaving City Hall

The council honored Laura Garcia on her last day at City Hall. Garcia served as councilmember Tyler Maxwell’s chief of staff. She is leaving for a job at PG&E.