Sheri and Tom Bohigian were traveling through Edinburgh last September. While enjoying a walk Sheri noticed a garbage receptacle with a clear directive. “I’m a bin, drop your litter in.” What a smart way to communicate, Sheri thought to herself. She snapped a photo and posted it on Facebook. After returning home, Sheri mentioned this positive messaging in a conversation with the Trust’s Executive Director Sharon Weaver. Sheri served on the Trust’s Board of Directors for many years and chaired the Operations and Maintenance Funding Committee, looking for funding mechanisms for parks and green space. Throughout 2017 Tom was actively involved in public hearings and other meetings about the Fresno River West project. During those meetings, Tom listened to many people testify about the problems of blight and litter in the river bottom. This former Fresno City Council member decided to take action solve the problem. Using what he and Sheri saw in Edinburgh, he added some trashcans at Fresno River West with proactive messages about taking care of the river.

Since adding his first trashcan in December of 2017, Tom has been faithfully emptying the bins as a volunteer. And he has added several more trashcans with additional positive messages. We want to celebrate the model of volunteer stewardship that Sheri and Tom Bohigian embody and thank them for their many years of service to the River Parkway Trust. The River Parkway Trust has benefited from the faithful efforts of thousands of volunteers throughout the years. Sheri and Tom are just one recent example of how members of our community contribute to the creation of the San Joaquin River Parkway. During the River West hearings there was a significant amount of discussion about the Sycamore trees that will be removed in order to create the route 5b access alternative that was ultimately approved by the San Joaquin River Conservancy Board. Next Wednesday evening, at 6:00 pm, the Fresno City Planning Commission will hold a hearing to approve the City of Fresno’s variance to their bluff protection ordinance and authorize the removal of up to 12 mature Sycamore trees in order to construct the entrance road down the bluff. We encourage you to attend the hearing and voice your concern. The meeting agenda should be posted by Friday, November 16 on this site .

Save the Date: Fresno City Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, November 21, 6:00 pm City Council Chambers 2600 Fresno Street, 2nd Floor

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