This is the first installment of a two-part story detailing features editor Sydney Ray’s morning with Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin. For the second installment, read the Feb. 2 article, Mayor confronts frustration, goals.
While for many politians are shadowy, unaccessible figures, the positive influence of Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, an FCHS alumna, on the community of Fresno is already apparent to many.
When I was offered the opportunity to spend a day with the mayor called “shadowing,” I jumped at the chance. As The Feather Online has covered other mayors in years past, I was anxious to see and report what a typical day as a high-profile politican entails.
I arrived early to Fresno’s City Hall, located in the center of downtown, Jan. 13. Once I met everyone in the Mayor’s office, I anticipated her arrival anxiously as I sat outside her office.
Once Swearengin arrived, she shook my hand and warmly welcomed me. She invited me back into her office and began preparing for the busy day which awaited us.
She handed me some papers to read regarding the morning procedures. Several minutes later, her assistant reminded us it was time to go.
We hopped in the car and drove across the street to the new Fresh & Easy market, located on Tulare and R streets. Swearengin shook hands with the customers who were all lined up at the door, awaiting the opening of the market.
Then we snuck through the automatic sliding glass doors where we were greeted by employees who offered us samples. A few minutes later, Swearengin went up to the podium and immediately commanded the attention of the entire store.
She gave a speech, thanking the store employees, customers and especially Fresh & Easy CEO Tim Mason. She pointed out that this new market was downtown Fresno’s only grocery store. She was followed by a speech by Mason.
After Mason’s speech was completed, Swearengin motioned to me that it was time to leave. We rushed off to the car, waving goodbye to the customers who were still waiting outside as we left.
During the car ride, Swearengin offered me a chance to ask her some questions.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Swearengin moved to Fresno during the middle of her ninth grade year. She came to Fresno Christian the next year as a sophomore, where she was on the cheer teem. The mayor spoke highly of her experiences at FC.
“Fresno Christian High School was instrumental because I was going to a small school without a lot of resources,” Swearengin said. “Students had the responsibility of organizing everything. It was a tremendous leadership-development opportunity.”
Swearengin’s accomplishments at FC led her to be rewarded with a scholarship to California State University, Fresno, which she attended.
“Fresno State is what rooted me here,” Swearengin said. “The university helped me develop my long-term connections.”
Next, we arrived at a Granville Homes development. The friendly neighborhood was swarmed by police officers, both on foot and in patrol cars.
After mingling with the mayor and several of her political acquaintances, I noticed that a couple black SUVs followed by yet another police car were approaching. I was awestruck as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped out of the vehicle.
I watched silently as he walked to the podium. His bodyguards ensured his safety by blocking off a path from the crowd. He was joined by Swearengin and other leaders from the community.
Swearengin spoke first, thanking the governor and the community leaders who were present.
Next it was time for Governor Schwarzenegger to speak. He took his place at the podium and spoke about the housing market and creating jobs. For a transcript and video of the ceremony, click here.
After his speech, which was followed by several other messages and a question-and-answer session, he hopped in his SUV and was gone. It was also time for the mayor and me to leave.
For more information, check out Swearengin’s Web site or the May 22, 2008 article, Alumna fosters mayoral dreams.
