Speak up on a proposed County of Fresno policy coming to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 9, 9:30am, that would restrict County department outreach efforts, by requiring celebrations (though not clear that that means) be approved by the Board of Supervisors first.
Overview
See below for more information on this summary
The Board of Supervisors’s approval of county celebrations is on the agenda as Administrative Policy 81 which would affect county departments ability to celebrate Pride and other observances. This is item 7.
Administrative Policy 81 would require board approval “to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize those holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months” by resolution or proclamation through the Agenda Item process, other than celebrations for paid holidays and those previously approved through resolutions and proclamations. The approvals by board could later be rescinded by the BOS.
Many departments celebrate in a variety of ways, such as as displays at the libraries, which will likely be restricted if the celebration is not approved. The policy doesn’t clarify what might be restricted, such as attending and tabling at an event that is a celebration or observance, but the language seems to indicate that if observances such as Pride Month have to be on a list of holidays and celebrate to be approved by the board, that the current board may prohibit the county from officially recognizing Pride and this could not take part in events. This could apply to many other celebrations or observances in which the board might have political opposition (Celebrations as Juneteenth and Cesar Chavez Day would not be affected as they are national paid holidays and, as such, are allowed according to AP 81.)
Supervisor Bredefeld has previously mentioned opposition to Pride displays at the library and opposition to the County providing prophylactics (“condoms and lube”, in his words) at Pride festivals, though he said he wasn’t opposed to the county having health information. Supervisors Chavez and Pacheco opposed this approval requirement in their previous meetings, noting that the county takes part in hundreds of celebrations that are valuable to community members and that approving celebrations puts the Board in the position to insert partisan politics into their work. Supervisor Magsig has stated they have a responsibility as representatives to ensure the county reflects what the community wants and and that there are no inappropriate celebrations (he literally stated that a county department might try to celebrate something like porn week, which Chavez pointed to in order to observe that there are many observations that do exist that aren’t appropriate, but the county rightfully doesn’t include them as professionals).
This policy would allow politics and personal beliefs to restrict celebrations by county employees for public purposes. It also is showing bad faith towards our county departments and its leadership and staff, who work closely with the community to meet their departmental goals and missions, that they aren’t able to make reasonable decisions that best benefit the community regarding celebrations. They are also burdened with more work and thus take energy and motivation away from the important work of the county, including costing the county financially and in manpower. This policy may also result in departments simply not trying to pursue activities/celebrations that they believe won’t be approved with the current board.
Speak up!
- Show up, Tuesday, September 9, 9:30am Fresno Board of Supervisors Meeting, 2281 Tulare Street, third floor
- How to Participate in Board of Supervisors meetings
- Note that there may be a limitation on how many public comments are take. Supervisor Mendes has allowed everyone in the last meetings who were standing in line when they call for public comment
- Email public comment to ClarkBOSfresnocountyca.gov or here tinyurl.com/FBOSclerk
- The clerk to the board does print out the public comments to have available to the public at the meeting and presumably given to the supervisors
- Email your supervisors Link to Board of supervisor emails:tinyurl.com/FBOScontacts
- This will allow you to reach your supervisor personally ahead of time.
- Let others know and encourage people to write in and show up
Agenda item 7 Administrative Policy 81 info:
Full agenda for Tues., September 9: Agenda tinyurl.com/FBOS090925
“Item 7: Approve and Adopt Administrative Policy 81 – Department Celebrations and Recognitions”
August 4th 2025 update
The ability for Fresno County departments to celebrate cultural, LGBTQ+, and community heritage events continues the path towards being curtailed, after a 3 to 2 vote, the Board of Supervisors moved forward a policy that will stifle inclusivity and silence underrepresented voices. (Gary Bredefeld, Nathan Magsig and Buddy Mendes voted in favor) (Luis Chavez and Brian Pacheco opposed)
The proposed changes would require department heads to seek advance approval – potentially up to a year in advance – from the Board of Supervisors before recognizing or participating in community celebrations like Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Black History Month, and others. For decades, departments have had the discretion to engage with and support the communities they serve. That autonomy is now under threat.
The effort, led by Garry Bredefeld, reflects a growing movement among some conservative politicians to roll back recognition of LGBTQ+ rights and diversity efforts under the guise of remaining “apolitical.” Yet Bredefeld’s own remarks at Tuesday’s meeting revealed a far more ideologically driven motivation. He described gender-affirming care as “insanity,” dismissed transgender identities as “stupidity,” and disparaged inclusive language and LGBTQ+ visibility in public spaces.
“This is about censorship and control,” said Supervisor Luis Chavez, who voted against the measure. “Our staff are trained professionals who know how to best serve our community. This policy opens us up to discrimination and selective enforcement based on politics.”
Supervisor Brian Pacheco, who also opposed the proposal, questioned its supposed neutrality. “We should be neutral and not political,” he said. “And this policy is anything but.”
Community members overwhelmingly voiced opposition during public comment. Among them was Fresno State assistant professor Russ Zokaites, who attended with his husband and their adopted son. “This would directly affect our family,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining a county government that is welcoming and affirming of all its residents. “I think it’s really important that we maintain the mission of the county—being open, diverse, and accepting.”
The new restrictions would not only impact celebrations, but also control how discretionary funds are used for public events. This could muzzle departments from engaging with the diverse populations they serve and will effectively erase marginalized groups from public visibility.
Even though Bredefeld insisted LGBTQ+ literature would remain in libraries, he has repeatedly attacked Pride displays and sought to limit any visible acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ existence in county spaces – adding fuel to growing concerns about censorship and government overreach.
Supporters of the policy were sparse. One was Tammy McMahon Gorans, a school teacher. She invoked the story of Chloe Cole, a vocal anti-trans activist, to support restrictions on LGBTQ+ recognition – framing the move as protecting children from “inappropriate” content.
But opponents argue the real danger lies in using isolated narratives and political fear-mongering to erase entire communities.
“This policy sends a chilling message,” said one local resident after the meeting. “That some people don’t belong here. That some celebrations, some families, some identities—aren’t welcome in Fresno County.”
Stay engaged as this policy will come back to the board in an upcoming meeting, most likely in September. Text ADVOCATE to 5598621040 to join our advocacy text alert list.
🚨 LGBTQ+ Community Again Under Attack in Fresno County 🚨
Tuesday, August 5, the Board of Supervisors will consider the process of approval of celebrations by county departments/ staff.
None of the options that are presented are good choices that are good for our county, though they noted in the agenda that there are countless other options that could be considered. We need to oppose all the proposed options and insist that the current process of leaving such decisions in the hands of the department leadership continue. We also need to continue to oppose/protest the newly passed Administrative Policy 80 that requires Board of Supervisor approval for county participation in what they will determine to be “non-county” activities. (See CVCA blog on Critique of AP80)
The county government is adding required approval steps for celebrations, in the broadest sense, in accordance with the newly approved Administrative Police 80 regarding county participation in “non-county tasks” that adds delays and unnecessary red tape to the simple act of celebration. The best action the county could take is repealing Administrative Policy 80 for the same reason that we had opposed the policy on July 8. As far as action, we should still continue to oppose AP 80, as government red tape and overreach that creates impediments to the county departments in their work of meeting their departmental mission and goals.
Approval of any of the options on this agenda items means any internal or community celebration would have to be approved by someone: Either the CAO (option 2) or Board (option 1) or else the county staff couldn’t have ANY celebrations if they are those that are parts of presentations or recognitions that the board approves to put on the agenda (option 3).
However, if these options are opposed, according to the agenda:
“ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S): If the recommended action is not approved, the status quo will remain in effect. “
If one of the options are approved, it could mean that such things as displays at libraries celebrating certain occasions, such as pride, banned book week, Women’s history month, etc, could be prohibited or possibly require the Board of Supervisors to approve. Or celebratory displays not approved by the board of supervisors in any other county space.
This is a ridiculous overreach that adds no benefit, oversteps on the judgement and direction of departmental leaders who are tasked with the day to day functioning and well being of the departments in their efforts to serve and meet the needs for the well-being and health of the community, and imposes more burdens on the staff while impeding efforts to build and maintain a healthy work culture due to micromanagement.
We must oppose the unnecessary burden that is caused by Administrative Policy 80 and assert that there should not be this added administrative step for our departments to take and ask the board to reject all of these and continue to place approval in the hands of those in the departments.
Why are we micromanaging our departments on something like celebrations? Our departmental leaders are tasked with ensuring that they are following the Fresno County mission and guidelines. They and the staff are also tasked with an enormous amount of work in their day to day operations and the board of supervisors should be seeking how to support our county staff and departments rather than adding extraneous extra work and delays. We shouldn’t be creating more challenges for our county and that includes maintaining a welcoming, positive work environment. Having more hoops to jump through just to do something celebratory is an impediment to a positive work space as well as to the efficient functioning of the county. As well, our community’s well being benefits from celebrations.
Fresno Board of Supervisors Meeting
Tues., Aug. 5, 9:30am, in person only
2281 Tulare Street, third floor
Agenda
Email public comment to [email protected]
How to Participate in Board of Supervisors meetings
Agenda items of note:
- 9. Discuss and provide direction on an approval process for any celebration and recognition by County departments
- Agenda information
- Administrative Policy 80, approved at the last BOS meeting
- Fresno County Vision Mission Guiding Principles
From the agenda info:
As requested on June 10, 2025, the recommended action is seeking your Board’s direction on a process for any such celebration and recognition as described by County departments for the purpose of ensuring continuity, accountability and transparency. The following options are not exhaustive but are presented for your consideration and discussion:
- Option 1 – Board Approval: County departments may celebrate all approved County holidays and any theme, event, day, week or month that is approved by the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation. Other recognition or celebrations must be approved by the Board of Supervisors. To accomplish this, the CAO would create a policy, similar to Administrative Policy 80, whereby departments may bring an Agenda Item to your Board with a list of all requested celebrations or recognitions excluding County holidays and those already approved by resolution or proclamation. Ideally, departments would plan in advance and submit an item to the Board for the next six or twelve months.
- Option 2 – CAO Approval: County departments may celebrate all approved County holidays and any theme, event, day, week or month that is approved by the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation. All other celebrations or recognition must be approved by the CAO, who is accountable to the Board of Supervisors.
- Option 3 – County Holidays & Board Resolution/Proclamations Only: County departments may celebrate all approved County holidays and any theme, event, day, week or month that is approved by the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation only.
- the County celebrates the following paid holidays where many County offices are closed in recognition: · January 1st – New Year’s Day · January 20th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day · February 17th President’s Day · March 31st – Cesar Chavez Day · May 26th – Memorial Day · June 19th – Juneteenth · July 4th – Independence Day · September 1st – Labor Day · November 11th – Veterans Day · November 27th – Thanksgiving Day · November 28th – Day after Thanksgiving Day · December 25th – Christmas
July 2025 Meeting Details
Supervisor Garry Bredefeld has sponsored a dangerous effort to erase LGBTQ+ visibility and public health outreach—calling Pride participation “unacceptable”, demanding inclusive library book removal and demanding the removal of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) from county services.
Now, he’s pushing a new policy to block any county department from distributing needed resources (such as health materials) —unless politicians approve it first. That vote is happening Tuesday, July 8 at 9:30 a.m.
📍 Hall of Records – 2281 Tulare Street, 3rd Floor, Fresno
This is more than just policy—it’s a direct attack on our community.
Write the Board
📣 Take action now, use the form above. Chooser “Read or Edit the Petition” and make it your own. Include your address, if you feel comfortable.
✅ Show up July 8. Pack the room. Be visible. Let them know we’re watching.
Don’t let silence become policy. Email. Call. Show up.
Use your voice to speak out against this LGBTQ+ targeted resolution.
1. Join us in attending the board meeting on July 8th at 9:30am at: Fresno County Hall of Records, 2281 Tulare Street, Room 301, Fresno, CA 93721 (arrive early and sit up front, to join the speakers line)
2. Contact the Supervisors. (use the form mailer above) OR even better, write your own, personal message, letting them know why you oppose this policy.
3. Get your friends, family, and community members involved. Share this page and encourage them to join our advocacy text alerts by texting “advocate” to 559-862-1040.
Talking Points
1. Creates Bureaucratic Red Tape
- Requires departments to seek Board approval for every small expenditure for public outreach—even when directly tied to their mission.
- Delays programs, burdens staff, and adds unnecessary paperwork.
- Creates barriers that get in the way of meeting deadlines and funding requirements.
2. Increases County Costs
- The County is facing serious budget challenges—yet this policy adds more workload for county staff and More staff time means more public money spent, without any added value.
- This would also increase the workload for the Board of Supervisors who might not find this to be the best use of their focus.
3. Overly Broad and Vague
- Vague terms like “non-County event” and “not related to County services” are subject to political or personal bias.
- What is considered a “public purpose”? Nearly everything county departments do is for the public.
- Could prevent staff from attending a conference or other public event that would help in providing county services, even if the department determines it to be beneficial or necessary if the supervisors think that they should not be involved.
4. Undermines Public Health and Outreach
- This policy directly threatens essential community health services such as:
- Distributing condoms, vaccines, and health education materials
- Attending large public events (e.g., Fresno Pride, Black Maternal Health events, or vaccine clinics)
- The Department of social services doing outreach for Medi-cal, Calfresh, employment assistance, etc.
- These efforts are required by program mandates and improve public health outcomes.
- Every $1 spent on condoms saves $7 in healthcare and social service costs.
5. Disproportionately Harms Marginalized Communities
- LGBTQ+ youth, communities of color, and low-income residents rely on free health outreach from county agencies.
- Limiting department participation in community events limits access to lifesaving information and resources.
6. Politicizes Basic Government Function
- Public health and outreach are core government responsibilities—not “outside causes.”
- Using policy to block certain events (like Pride) is a misuse of power and creates dangerous precedent.
- Policies should be based on science, efficiency, and service delivery—not ideology.
7. Lack of Transparency
- Implementation details will be hidden in an internal “Management Directive” not available to the public.
- The Administrative directive won’t be public.
8. Negatively Affects Other Critical Departments
- The impact extends well beyond Public Health. Departments like Behavioral Health, Elections, Social Services and Libraries all rely on public outreach and event participation to fulfill their responsibilities.
- Behavioral Health provides mental health resources and education at public events—this policy adds barriers to that critical work.
- Elections staff often table at community events to increase voter registration and civic participation—this could now require formal Board approval for each engagement.
- Libraries engage the public through outreach at community fairs, literacy programs, and educational events. This policy creates administrative hurdles for those efforts too.
- These departments are fulfilling essential, nonpartisan services, and should not be burdened with unnecessary red tape or political gatekeeping.
Additional information from our friends at Central Valley Community Action.
