Pinedale residents concerned that the City of Fresno is dragging its feet in making improvements to their neighborhood received pledges to speed up the process Monday night from Andreas Borgeas, 34, and Michael Karbassi, 24, who are running for the District 2 seat head by outgoing Council Member Brian Calhoun.

They appeared before members of Faith in Community at St. Agnes Mission Church, where hot-button issues included dangerous drivers who imperil not only Pinedale’s children, but also their homes. Trash-covered alleys were also high on the complaint list.

Faith in Community is a citywide network of 20 congregations and community groups that trains local leaders to address issues ranging from drugs, to crime, to education and to blight. About 150 people attended Monday’s session, where the audience was lively and involved.

Residents want their next council member to bring about change by speeding up implementation of the Pinedale Specific Plan, which they hope will allow for sidewalks for children going to Pinedale Elementary. The children need more crosswalks and “Children at Play” signs as well, they said. And residents want a stronger presence from Fresno police traffic officers to enforce safer driving.

Both candidates pledged to move quickly to bring about the changes those at the meeting demanded.