After Fresno police chief’s resignation, some Latinos say he deserves a second chance
In the Spotlight is a Fresno Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email tips@fresnobee.com.
News of an investigation into an “inappropriate relationship” by Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama with a non-city employee, followed by the chief’s resignation on Tuesday has left Latino leaders wondering if the city’s first Latino police chief was treated fairly.
Although not condoning what turned out to be a two-year affair with the wife of a police officer under his leadership, people who spoke to Vida en el Valle had a range of opinions and feelings:
▪ Support for the police chief despite the allegations, citing his positive impact on the community.
▪ Concern about double standards when it comes to city leaders.
▪ Concern that Latino leaders face added scrutiny when making mistakes.
▪ Balderrama deserves a second chance.
Balderrama, 47, resigned Tuesday morning, the same day a five-month investigation was completed. City Manager Georgeanne White said the investigation did not find that Balderrama broke any rules. But she and Mayor Jerry Dyer said Balderrama made a poor decision to get involved with the wife of one of his police officers.
Double standards?
Juan Arámbula, who served three terms in the state Assembly, said he doesn’t know the facts regarding the allegations. He pointed out there have been incidents in the past where Fresno police officers have engaged in different activities that resulted in investigations.
Arámbula said Balderrama has done a good job during his tenure.
“I would be sad if he were not here, because I think he is making us safer. He’s making us a better community,” said Arámbula, who spoke prior to Balderrama’s resignation. “I hope that he stays. I think he deserves a second chance.”
Venancio Gaona, a longtime community advocate, said the police chief’s indiscretions were “disappointing to some people.” He said that in the past, other city leaders, including the current mayor, have been embroiled in controversy over the years with no consequences.
“And I think that, depending on who you are, sometimes ethnically, they seem to be more attentive to details than with other people,” said Gaona.
Like Gaona, Gloria Hernández wants to see the results of the investigation before jumping to conclusions.
“I don’t like to judge people,” said Hernández, a longtime critic of Fresno police. “We need to listen to what the city or whoever is going to report on it. You want to wait and find out what the outcome is.”
Disappointment among Latinos
Armando Valdez, the director of the Community Center for the Arts and Technology, said the situation with Balderrama is “very disappointing.”
“We never had too many Latinos in high positions. And unfortunately, those that have reached the top have somehow fallen down,” he said.
As a person who encourages young people to become something special in their lives, Valdez said he always uses leaders like Balderrama as role models for youth to continue looking as high as they can go.
“And when we see situations like the chief of police, doing that type of thing, other folks in other high positions, falling down like that, it’s very disappointing,” Valdez said. “You know, and it kind of hurts.”
Valdez said he was very proud to see Balderrama as a leader, especially because he’s a Latino with roots from the same Mexican state as Valdez’ parents.
“It’s kind of heartbreaking,” said Valdez.
Radio Bilingüe founder/executive director Hugo Morales said the allegation about Balderrama is “very unfortunate.”
“I feel sad for everybody concerned. I don’t know the particulars, but it’s really sad,” Morales said. “As a Latino, I feel that we Latinos who are in a position of influence are under a microscope.”
“When an incident like this, which does merit attention, involves a Latino you know, it’s just very difficult,” Morales said. “It’s sad to see that for everybody involved, everybody impacted. It’s sad.”
