Fresno’s city clerk for the past four years is leaving for a new job.

Todd Stermer tells Politics 101 he is leaving to become the clerk of Sacramento County. His last day is Nov. 30.

“Fresno’s really all I’ve ever known, so I’m excited to experience something different. I can bring what I’ve learned here, learn something new up there, and hopefully make good things happen,” Stermer said.

The city council hired Stermer in 2021, and recently approved a raise to $153,716. His proposed starting salary in Sacramento County is $206,106. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the contract Nov. 4.

“I was made an offer that unfortunately means I won’t be able to stay here in Fresno,” Stermer said.

Stermer recommended his top lieutenant, Bernard Canez, for the job.

The city council should increase compensation to keep it in line with what other cities of similar size pay, Stermer said.

“I’m a huge fan of hiring at the bottom and moving everybody up, and I’ve got nothing but capable people in the office right now,” Stermer said.

The clerk reports directly to the City Council, which is in charge of hiring and firing. Duties include preparing city documents, notices, and agendas; maintaining official records, and making them available to the public.

It is not immediately known how the City Council plans to handle the vacancy.

Arambula a Carpetbagger?

The consultant for Fresno City Council District 3 candidate Keshia Thomas had harsh words for another person interested in the seat: Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula.

“She has a good shot against Joaquin. Keshia is much more integrated into the neighborhoods. She’s from west Fresno herself and has knocked on a lot of doors. Joaquin has not traditionally gotten out in the field. He’s a bit of a carpetbagger from a more northern part of Fresno,” consultant Jason Carns said.

Arambula’s campaign had no comment. His listed voter registration address is near Palm and Clinton avenues.

The primary election is June 2, 2026. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two advance to a November runoff.

Other candidates who have filed paperwork include Fernando Alvarez and Anji Brown.

Current Councilmember Miguel Arias is term-limited.

Richardson Gets Married

Congratulations to District 6 City Councilmember Nick Richardson, who married Kelsey Schulteis — an attorney by trade — last Saturday, Oct. 25. Would a honeymoon at City Hall be considered romantic?

City Council President Mike Karbassi surprised Richardson with a proclamation.

“We’re super excited to start the next chapter and see what the future has in store for us. So, we are very blessed and honored,” Richardson said.

And in a smart newlywed move, Richardson called his bride the queen of District 6.

Fresno City Council Notes

Some news and notes from the Thursday Fresno City Council meeting:

The city continue homeless encampment cleanup along Highway 41 in north Fresno. The city council approved a $400,000 reimbursement contract from Caltrans, 7-0. The city has engaged in similar contracts before. This area will cover the highway between Shaw Avenue and Friant Road. Several homeless advocates spoke, opposing the contract.

The city council voted 6-1 to give the code enforcement department authority to conduct inspection of all tobacco retailers on its own. Currently, a state inspector must be present, which will no longer be required.

This is separate from legislation approved by the city council earlier this year on how to license retailers. A group of tobacco sellers is challenging the regulations in court.

“I don’t want perfect to get in the way of progress,” Arias said.

Richardson voted against, questioning if enforcement would go far enough. The item will come back at a future meeting for adoption.

Mayor Jerry Dyer said the city is in early planning stages for America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Dyer said one goal was to place American flags throughout Fresno. He wants to honor veterans and immigrants.