Neighbors Grossly Unfair to Bullard Students and Parents

More than three years ago Bullard parents requested improved sports facilities from the Fresno Unified school administration, FUSD school board and the City of Fresno. As the City of Fresno council member representing the Bullard area, I deeply sympathized with the parents and students in their need for an upgrade for their leaky pool and a better track to replace the existing one that must date to the founding of Rome. While I was certainly not able to fund it out of my limited council district budget, the City of Fresno eventually agreed to fund $1 million of facility improvements to upgrade FUSD athletic facilities as determined by the FUSD Board of Trustees. The eventual plan, which I strongly supported, included athletic facilities for Bullard.

And then a handful of selfish neighbors, led by Jeanette Jurkovich, decided at the very last moment to file a multi-page letter opposing the upgraded facilities claiming there would be traffic and parking concerns. The formal objection will necessitate considerable delay and cost.

How inconsiderate. This issue had been discussed at informal meetings and formal FUSD board meeting for years. The handful of protesting neighbors, many of whom have significantly benefited over the years from attending Bullard and seeing the value of their homes appreciate, pulled the ultimate NIMBY (Not in My Back Year) by telling the next generation of Bullard students and parents that they would have to live with what current exists, poor facilities and all.

Those opposing these improvements had their chance to voice their concerns. Instead they chose to let the Jurkovichs tell them what to do. Shame on them. NIMBY's of the first order.

Coming attractions..

1) End of the Coffee Stops: Serving coffee to constituents at a street corner is deemed illegal.
2) My "chauffeur" wins an award, but his "vehicle" needs an upgrade.
3) Schools need a national test: National Assessment of Educational Progress to the rescue.