Share
Valley Voice
Art Brieno reclaimed his Hanford City Council seat Tuesday after resigning following a closed session January 26. Brieno announced his resignation in the wake of a scandal over his alleged harassment of the Community Development Director Darlene Mata.
Without fanfare or discussion, Brieno took his place on the dais Tuesday night for the regular city council meeting. He did not participate in the previous work session or a closed session where his status was discussed.
Shock ran through the online audience when Brieno returned. A clearly annoyed Rachele Berglund, lawyer for Mata, asked during public comment how a council member who “unequivocally resigned” could take his seat on the dais.
Four other people spoke during public comment dismayed that the council members could “just sit there and act like nothing was going on.” Another speaker asked for increased transparency, “It is your responsibility to share what is going on here.”
Brieno said his resignation was not legal because he never signed an agreement brokered by City Attorney Bob Dowd.
His return has implications for both Dowd and City Manager Mario Cifuentez, whose job could be at stake.
Brieno is known to be unhappy with the performance of both.
By Mark Pratter | 17 Feb 2021
RELATED TOPICS:
Gomez Guilty of Murdering Los Hooligans Bass Player
11 hours ago
Biden Says It Was a Mistake to Say He Wanted to Put Trump in a ‘Bull’s-Eye’
11 hours ago
Tesla CEO Elon Musk Appears to Confirm Delay in Aug. 8 Robotaxi Unveil Event to Make Design Change
13 hours ago
Smittcamp Asks Court to Drop His Lawsuit Against Controversial NW Fresno Project
14 hours ago
Measure P Arts Grants Spark Debate and a Meeting Tonight
14 hours ago
Tedford Exits Fresno State Football. Tim Skipper Is the Next Bulldog Up.
15 hours ago
Trump Receives Enough Delegate Votes to Officially be Republicans’ Nominee
16 hours ago
Man Dies After Rescuing His 2 Children in Mississippi River
10 hours ago
Categories
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/15173402/A-photo-provided-by-Jesse-Pope-shows-Cody-Jay-Pope-right-with-him-in-2012.-The-authorities-found-the-body-of-Cody-Jay-Pope-a-41-year-old-Minnesota-man-who-had-disappeared-two-days-earlier-after-1024x538.jpg)
Man Dies After Rescuing His 2 Children in Mississippi River
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/15150557/AP24197467333843-1024x576.jpg)
Is Inflation Finally Corralled? Powell Says Federal Reserve Believes It’s Close
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/15171647/Los-Hooligans-court_1280X720-1024x576.jpg)
Gomez Guilty of Murdering Los Hooligans Bass Player
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/15172819/President-Joe-Biden-arrives-to-speak-to-members-of-the-media-in-Rehoboth-Beach-Del.-about-the-shooting-incident-at-Donald-Trumps-rally-in-Pa.-on-Saturday-July-13-2024.-President-Biden-said-o-1024x538.jpg)
Biden Says It Was a Mistake to Say He Wanted to Put Trump in a ‘Bull’s-Eye’
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/15144853/AP24197697589922_-1024x576.jpg)
Tesla CEO Elon Musk Appears to Confirm Delay in Aug. 8 Robotaxi Unveil Event to Make Design Change
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/15120621/lawsuit-against-respiratory-care-facility_1280X720-1024x576.jpg)
Smittcamp Asks Court to Drop His Lawsuit Against Controversial NW Fresno Project
![The Wines of Fresno: Tony Kirk, Birdstone Winery](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12152749/Tony-Kirk-Birdstone-Winery-016-1-1024x576.jpg)