Mike Briggs

1959 - 2025

Fresno has lost one of its most distinctive voices in public service, the arts, and community life. Mike Briggs passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 66, surrounded by his family, months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma.

Michael Earl Briggs (b. January 23, 1959) was born and raised in Clovis, CA, a proud graduate of Clovis High School, where he was active in Future Farmers of America. In 1988, Mike married Robin Smith at his parents' home. He earned an AA in Real Estate from Fresno City College, a BS in Business, and an MA in Flamenco Guitar, studying under Juan Serrano, at CSU Fresno. Mike performed and published his guitar compositions and arrangements internationally. He taught at Reedley College, Fresno City College, College of the Sequoias, and Heald College, and was a founding member of the Fresno Guitar Society.

In 1994, Mike was elected to represent District One on the Fresno City Council, also serving as Mayor Pro Tem. As a Tower District resident, he championed neighborhood improvements, spearheading police bicycle patrols, removing parking meters downtown, and implementing trolley car service. Local media dubbed him "Fresno's Number One Crime Fighter."

In 1998, Mike was elected to the California State Assembly representing California's 29th District, including Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, and Exeter, and served as Assistant Minority Leader. During his two terms, he championed job creation, education reform, and the protection of Valley agriculture and water. He authored legislation bringing an unprecedented $100 million to the valley regarded as "the best budget ever for the Central Valley", secured grants to found the Clovis Botanical Garden and Armenian Museum of Fresno, and increased funding for valley schools. Colleagues admired his bipartisan spirit, tireless advocacy, and good humor.

After retiring from public service, Mike followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a successful real estate broker, and loved helping family and friends find new homes. He earned an MA in American History from Wayland Baptist University, his thesis focusing on the Hmong people's courageous assistance in the Vietnam War. In 2008, he founded CentralValleyTalk.com with his children, an internet TV station that gave a platform to businesses, artists, authors, and neighborhood voices for 17 years. Mike was a staple of Fresno's Tower District, known for his generosity, friendship, mentorship, passion, humor, and heart.

Though proud of his public record, Mike's proudest titles were husband, "Papa", and "Uncle Mike". He is survived by his wife, Robin; children, Kylie, Cameron, and Clayton; children-in-law, Tori and Molly; parents, Charles and Madeline; siblings, David, Daniel, and Anne; and many beloved siblings-in-law, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A public memorial will be held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District Auditorium on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hinds Hospice.