The subject is Garry Bredefeld, so whatever he does or say, generates strong reaction pro and con.

The latest Bredefeld controversy involves a promotional video for the Sept. 24 State of the County address hosted by the Fresno County Chamber of Commerce.

The video is the work of local documentary filmmaker and television producer Jeff Aiello, whose “Outside Beyond the Lens” travel series has been showcased for years on PBS.

In the video trailer, Bredefeld adopts the persona of the Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt character in the Mission Impossible franchise — running, flying an airplane, piloting a high-speed boat, and shooting his way to glory.

Even Bredefeld’s harshest critics would have to admit the video is well done. Will it help bring a sellout crowd to the downtown convention center? The chamber of commerce certainly hopes so as it spent $7,000 on the production.

So, how did the video come to be?

Board Chair Decides State of the County’s Theme

One of the perks of being chair of the Board of Supervisors is deciding what to highlight at the State of the County luncheon. Past events have focused on agriculture. Others have highlighted the county’s goals and accomplishments.

One year, the chair spent nearly the entire luncheon droning on about the county budget. Heads bobbed. Eyes closed. Only through divine intervention did someone not faceplant into the leftover ranch-drenched salad.

Bredefeld has branded himself as a strong law enforcement supporter throughout his political career. And the conservative firebrand isn’t stopping now.

“It was my concept to highlight law enforcement and all that we do to keep people safe in the county,” Bredefeld said.

Sheriff Involved in the Project. No Overtime for Deputies

The supervisor added that Sheriff John Zanoni had an integral part in the production and deputies in the video participated in the course of their workdays.

“There was no overtime involved. We were very sensitive to that,” Bredefeld said.

Video critics posting on social media questioned the cost, the subject matter, and suggested alternative themes such as farming. More than one compared Bredefeld’s role to former Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem’s “cosplay.” Many others gave the video a thumbs-up.

Would I have made this video?

No. But it fits Bredefeld’s brand. It also has much of Fresno talking about it. Which the supervisor loves.

“People will see many more exciting things that I do in the full-length video at the State of the County to highlight public safety and law enforcement,” Bredefeld said.

Becerra Holds Big Lead Over Hilton in PPIC Poll

Xavier Becerra, who bolted from likely also-ran into the governor’s run-off, holds a commanding lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the latest PPIC polling.

Becerra leads the former Fox News commentator, 61% to 36%.

Interestingly, 73% of poll respondents said they would back a November ballot initiative to amend CEQA. The idea is to speed up environmental reviews for housing, transportation, water, health, and clean energy projects.

Voters clearly want action from lawmakers on making California affordable again. Which party can craft the right message to capitalize on this demand?

Will Somebody Grab the Keys from Paul Pelosi?

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, 86-year-old Paul, recently crashed his convertible into a parked Tesla and drove on until his car broke down in the Napa Valley.

Now the New York Times reports that he has had at least eight driving violations in the Bay Area in recent years. Among the offenses: speeding, running red lights, and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

In addition, after Paul Pelosi crashed in 2022 following dinner at a friend’s Napa Valley estate, he pleaded guilty to DUI. He received a sentence of three years’ probation and $7,000 restitution.

The Times reports that in light of his most recent accident authorities are asking Pelosi to take a behind-the-wheel test before resuming driving.

There shouldn’t be a test.

Pelosi has proven beyond a reasonable doubt he’s a risk to himself and others when driving.