Fresno County Board names Bridal chair, Chavez vice chair; proclaims National Mentoring Month

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 6 designated Supervisor Bridal as chair and Supervisor Chavez as vice chair, presented a plaque to outgoing chair Buddy Mendez and adopted a resolution recognizing Pleasant Mattress Inc. for its role in the county’s NEO workforce program.

The board also proclaimed January 2026 as National Mentoring Month in Fresno County, citing the role mentors play in strengthening families, schools and communities. An unidentified speaker thanked staff and supporters for their work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and emphasized investing in future leaders.

During a recognition item, the board presented a plaque and commemorative gift to Buddy Mendez for his service as chair. An unnamed board speaker praised Mendez’s tenure, noting the gavel commemorated years served as chair in 2016, 2020 and 2025 and calling his work “phenomenal.”

On workforce development, the board adopted a resolution honoring Pleasant Mattress Inc. for its contribution to the NEO program. Speaker 4 summarized the program’s metrics, saying it has operated for nearly 10 years, has placed about 2,500 people into employment with roughly 450 partner businesses and has reimbursed $23,500,000 in wages, which the speaker described as both an incentive and working capital for local businesses.

There were no vote tallies or mover/second details provided in the transcript for the officer designations, the proclamation or the resolution. To watch the full meeting, the board directed viewers to the Fresno County YouTube channel.