Danielle Parra is switching races and is now running for the Fresno City Council, challenging incumbent Brandon Vang.

Parra, a State Center Community College District trustee, initially filed to run for Fresno County supervisor.

Weeks after incumbent Buddy Mendes said he would not run for reelection and endorsed former Sheriff Margaret Mims, Parra had a change of heart.

Parra said the move came after listening to residents and business owners.

“The message was consistent — District 5 needs proactive leadership now. People feel unheard and want someone who’s visible, engaged and focused on solving real issues in southeast Fresno. That’s what inspired my run,” she said.

Parra said she will focus on public safety, infrastructure, and parks.

District 5 covers the southeastern part of Fresno.

Parra Joins Two Others

Vang — who won a special election for the seat this past March — has not filed for reelection, but campaign staff says he will.

Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas, a Fresno Unified trustee who also ran in the city council special election, has filed to run in 2026.

Parra reported $20,665 cash on hand from her supervisor campaign account. Jonasson Rosas has $47,369, and Vang has $11,542. All figures are as of June 30.

In her filing with the city, Parra listed an address for an apartment complex in south Fresno that is in her SCCCD district and the council district.

A previous voting record showed Parra living in Fowler. Parra said she now lives in the “heart” of District 5.

“I’m not new to this area. I’ve been showing up for this community long before I decided to run for city council, and that commitment isn’t going anywhere,” Parra said.

Vang’s campaign manager says the incumbent is ready to take on all challengers.

“Brandon has been a resident of District 5 for 18 years. Just in the last six months, he’s done more for that district than the previous councilmember,” Vang campaign manager Pedro Ramirez said.

Luis Chavez held the seat before winning election to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Jonasson Rosas did not respond to a request for comment.

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

A Big Haul for Superintendent Candidate

A Sanger paint shop made a major contribution in a local education race.

Johnny Alvarado is running for Fresno County superintendent of schools. He picked up $30,000 from Ro’s Precise Painting & Powder Coating, the maximum contribution for a candidate running for county office.

Alvarado calls the company’s president and CEO, Romeo Garza, a longtime friend.

“He believes in my vision,” Alvarado said.

Garza was not available for comment.

Clovis Water Rates Could Rise

Water rates could increase for Clovis customers.

Staff made a presentation to the city council on Nov. 3, citing inflation. Equipment and infrastructure have gone up as much as 175% from 2017 to 2024.

The equipment is performing well but aging, staff said, requiring several capital projects.

Staff is also recommending moving away from tiered rates. The rate would increase an average of 23% a year.

Customers currently pay $28 a month, but under the proposal that would rise to $41 next year and to $63 in 2029.

Fresno residents pay an average of $46 a month.

The Clovis council would have to approve the rates, and customers would have the right to object by sending in cards, known as the Proposition 218 process. A vote could happen by February.

The last rate hike was in 2009.

Councilmembers had concerns about how higher rates might affect older customers.

Another Lawyer on the City Council?

Congratulations to Nav Gurm for passing the state bar exam. Gurm is running for the Fresno City Council District 7 seat in 2026.

The council last had a lawyer among its members when Esmeralda Soria represented District 1. Soria left in 2022 for the state Assembly.