On day one of a three-day strike, many vocal protesters held signs outside their Fresno County offices. While some places had limited staff inside, only one office closed down. All 14 employees of this social services center in Kerman went on strike, forcing the county to post a notice out front.
"One of the the head officials put signs on the door saying the office will be closed until Thursday," said Diane Lopez, a county worker on strike.
Lopez says she feels for those who can't use the office Monday, but says most residents have been supportive.
"They're counting on us and we're here to serve them. We know they need us and we're more than willing, but we also need to fight for our rights," said Lopez.
The county is directing Kerman residents to a Fresno office during the strike.
"We're adjusting and adapting as the day goes on," said John Navarratte, Fresno County CAO.
Many people trying to use the roughly 20 libraries closed Monday were surprised to find the doors locked.
"I mean, what do you do now?" said Edward Ponce who wanted to use the computer at the library.
16 libraries in Fresno County remained open, and the county is hoping to get more volunteers to staff them all. A sign at the County Clerk's office warned people the wait may be long, but one woman said it took no time at all to get a marriage license.
"I thought it was going to be forever in there but it was actually fast," said Shanice Oviedo.
For essential workers who chose to strike, the county had replacement workers ready to go. Some departments like records had no workers strike Monday.