Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias is temporarily serving as spokesperson for Madera Community College.

Arias attended the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation breakfast Wednesday morning, at the Fort Washington Country Club, where he was seated next to MCC President Angel Reyna.

He is believed to be filling in for Cory Burkarth, who remained listed as the media contact on the State Center Community College District website as of Wednesday afternoon.

Burkarth drew criticism last year for allegedly dressing as an MCC mathematics instructor in a mocking Halloween costume, prompting a district investigation reported by GV Wire’s Edward Smith.

Cory Burkarth

District officials declined to comment on Burkarth’s employment status.

“By law, personnel matters are confidential and we are unable to provide further information,” SCCCD spokesperson Jill Wagner said.

Burkarth told Politics 101 that he remains employed, denied the allegations, and said he is on paid administrative leave.

Hanford Hires New City Manager

The Hanford City Council promoted Chris Tavarez as its new city manager. He starts Feb. 2.

A public service veteran, Tavarez has worked at Hanford City Hall since 2021, according to The Hanford Sentinel. He previously served as the city’s finance director and has also worked for the cities of Visalia and Exeter.

Chris Tavarez

“I look forward to leading the city’s exceptional staff as we deliver critical capital projects, foster business and residential development, and maintain stability for the organization and the community we serve,” Tavarez said in a news release.

Tavarez served as Hanford’s interim city manager since last August, replacing Mario Cifuentez, who left for a job in Cottonwood, Arizona, the Sentinel reported.

The city plans a public swearing-in ceremony for Tavarez on Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium, 404 N. Douty St. in Hanford.