Howdy, Bishop! The City Council meeting on July 28, 2025 (6:15–9:20 p.m.-ish, City Council Chambers) was a long haul, but Bishop’s spirit shone bright. As a new Sierra Wave writer, I was thrilled to sport my press pass, but I took it off to speak as a resident during public comment, keeping it professional. The turnout was huge, with public comment running until 7:20 p.m.-ish, catching the council off guard but attentive. Their ears were open, and Bishop’s voice was loud.

 

The A-frame at 690 N. Main St. stole the show. Public comment was electric: The Guachenos showed up with stickers in support of the Chamber Building. Jennifer Beaudean, a local business owner, hailed the A-frame’s tourism boost. Jerry Core, another business owner, slammed the council’s poor timing, serving the Chamber with an eviction notice just before Mule Days. Gayla Wolf of Honey Bee Photography and Aaron Schat, another business owner, backed the A-frame’s value. Another resident voiced concerns about losing the plaques and acknowledgments around the A-frame, prompting Mayor Karen Kong to assure that was never in the plans. That’s a victory for Bishop’s heritage! There was also a man named Mr. Talmage, who spoke, stated that he used to be a Civil Engineer, and he believes the building is not structurally unsafe. John F. Harris, from the edge of town, said it best: “I don’t know anyone who is in support of destroying the A-frame.” A very short statement, but also powerful.

 

Council Member Stephen Muchovej shared that the city got an inspector that day to start an engineer’s report, which he said should be completed around early August. During my public records request act, it was confirmed that the city never had one, and this was further proof. The public's letters, comments, and support helped spark this action, and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who got involved.

 

Fire Chief Brett Russell and Police Chief Nate Derr delivered their monthly reports and had evaluations, reporting strong progress in public safety. Mule Days echoed optimism, announcing tightened finances to keep the event thriving, a win for our tourism economy. Tri-County Fairgrounds’ new director, Mike Francesconi, shared news: after years of financial hits, he’s getting the fairgrounds on track with smarter budgeting but alluded to more work needing to be done. I chatted with new City Administrator Pamela Foster, snapping her photo and offering congrats during my comment, wishing her and the council a smooth transition. I stayed until 9:20 p.m.—late, but I’m here for you, Bishop.

 

Transparency remains a sore spot, but I feel we all made progress at today's meeting. For more details, check the July 28 agenda at cityofbishop.ca.gov for more on this packed meeting. Stay tuned for the engineer’s report and other City of Bishop updates. Share your thoughts at beadlebusiness@gmail.com or suggest topics for future coverage. Let’s keep Bishop thriving!

 

Tyler Beadle - Writer for Sierra Wave Media https://sierrawave.net/bishop-fights-back-community-rallies-to-save-a-frame-demands-council-transparency/