Measure B
State law and federal regulations mandate the removal of offensive place names. Measure B is seeking local control over renaming decisions.
While the measure is general and does not specifically target the renaming of Squaw Valley, members of the Board of Supervisors have made that case. The county has already lost its case in court.
What a "yes" vote means
A ‘yes’ vote approves amending Section 12 of the Fresno County charter to articulate the county’s control over geographic features and place names in its jurisdiction. The amendment also includes how this would not extend to other jurisdictions, including private property and anything under the jurisdiction of federal, state or other local governments.
Approving this measure does not give or take away the county’s ability to establish or rename geographic features or place names within its jurisdiction. It simply adds language to the county charter.
Arguments in favor:
Supervisor Nathan Magsig, whose district includes Yokuts Valley, has emphasized that the charter amendment is all about maintaining local control. Yet, as a county spokesperson confirmed to Fresnoland, the amendment would not change the county’s control over the names of geographic features and places.
“Subject to the State prevailing law, the County can change geographic features or place names within its jurisdiction with a majority vote from the Board of Supervisors,” Dosti, the county spokesperson, wrote to Fresnoland via email.
Recommendation
Vote “No”
Adhere to State law and Federal regulations.
What a "no" vote means
A ‘no’ vote rejects amending Section 12 of the Fresno County charter. Its language would remain as it is right now.
Rejecting this measure does not give or take away the county’s ability to establish or rename geographic features or place names within its jurisdiction. It simply rejects adding language to the county charter.
Arguments in opposition:
Fresno County’s Measure B effort is disgraceful to advocates, specifically those behind the federal renaming of Yokuts Valley, especially Roman Rain Tree. He told Fresnoland back in December that Measure B is about trying to preserve the power of local elected officials rather than community members.
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This guide was produced from candidates voluntarily completion of a questionnaire provided by LGBTQ Fresno.