Clovis Roundup – February 29, 2024

BOB KAYAJANIAN: THE ROAD TO OFFICIATING GREATNESS PG. 6

on February 14, 2024, at Clovis Community College.

February 26, 2024 – Good and bad news were provided on the status of the City of Clovis at the Clovis Chamber of Commerce’s Wake Up Clovis informational breakfast

Samantha Golden

February 26, 2024 - Everybody knows that Old Town Clovis is the best morning destination any day of the week, but if you find yourself there on one of these beautiful late winter Saturday mornings, full of sunshine with a light breeze, take a look at Pollasky Avenue between Fifth and Bullard.

That’s where you’ll find the best year-round local produce market

To start, there was the good news. Clovis continues being a fine community to live in and is still the safest in the Central Valley.

The bad news? The growth of

in the city.

Started by the Business Owners of Old Town (B.O.O.T.) a little over 10 years ago– originally in the parking lot where the Clovis DMV used to be, if you’ve lived here a while– in contrast to the rowdy Friday night Farmers Market, the Saturday morning markets are more leisurely and produce-focused.

At one end of the market, you’ll find wheatgrass, local honey, “no-spray” oranges, rainbow carrots, purple cauliflower,

the city, geographically and population-wise, is increasingly creating problems for the city—especially for the Clovis Police and Fire Departments. They are in a losing situation trying to provide the level of services befitting a city the

See WAKE UP Pg. 5

and microgreens. At the other, homemade soaps and handcrafted beard care, sourdough bread, and jewelry. If you’re not one for crowds, this is the market for you. John and Lynette Ballis, owners of Busy Bees Honey Farm out of Sanger say “The market’s a little different on Saturdays– it’s much smaller.”

Their 50 beehive small business produces several varieties of honey and beeswax products. The small crowd lends itself

February 29, 2024 - Since the grand opening of the new Clovis Senior Activity Center in mid-November of 2023, the building has been buzzing with activity.

The new larger facility located at 735 Third Street has provided the community access to expanded programs and many new classes.

The center has also brought back the popular hot lunch program as well as more opportunities for our members to volunteer, socialize, meet new friends, and try new things.

If you’ve been to the new center

@ClovisRoundup

Photo contributed by B.O.O.T. Photo of original poster promoting Saturday's Farmers Market.

Photo courtesy of Chamber of Commerce Far left: Chief Chris Ekk, Clovis Fire Department; Chief Curt Fleming, Clovis Police Department; John Holt, Clovis City Manager; Greg Newman, Executive Director & CEO, Clovis Chamber of Commerce; Chad McCollum, Economic Development, Housing and Communications Director; Andy Haussler, Assistant City Manager, City of Clovis (Photo courtesy Clovis Chamber of Commerce)

Dog of The Week President's Day at The Senior Center

Thank you to Cookie Dough's friend and owner, Jim, for sharing her with us for our Dog of The Week!

The Senior Center gets a visit from America's past: George Washington played by Larry Duba and Abraham Lincoln played by Wayne Scott. Both gave a short dissertation on their history and are featured cutting the cake at the Senior Center

Visitors at The Senior Center's President's Day Celebration Meet The Cookie Lady

Prisoner of War Meetings every third Wednesday

(From left to right) VFW Post 3225, Fresno High ROTC Cadets, and McClane High School's JROTC join the event.

Clovis Coffee Group.

Sam Buelos is an attendee at The Prisoner of War Meetings that occur the third Wednesday of every month.

Sam was a Prisoner of War in the Korean War.

(Photo submitted by Jon Eben, grandfather of Bailey) Bailey, a member of the Kastner Competitive Cheer Team, holds the first place trophy from State Championships.

(Photo from Kastner Intermediate Facebook Page) The full team poses with their banner that titles them the 2024 champions. Congrats again to Kastner for this big achievement!

Vernon Schmidt is a WW2 veteran who served in Germany and leads the Prisoner of War Meetings. To his left is his wife Vi Schmidt.

DAR honor High School Good Citizens

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

WHAT IS IN A NAME?

Contributed @ClovisRoundup

February 21, 2024 - I’m writing you about the residential area known as Stanford Addition or Bingville or even more common, Beanville or Beansville. I was told that this area was called Bingville by a longtime resident Mr. Yarborough. He said the area was called Bingville because of a big rancher who was called Mr. Bing.

I wonder if the homes that are built on top of the old Gas Station had land use disclosures about the prior land use.

I’m fascinated and frustrated about how easily miscommunication occurs and new definitions and insinuations and beliefs develop that are completely untrue.

As people said Bingville but others heard Beansville, the area took on an identity for generations now, that has racist and derogatory implications and a quite negative stigma if you live or lived in that area. Further, the term Beansville fueled the lore of Clovis being a racist town, illustrated by the City itself calling or referring to this area as Beansville.

February 17, 2024 – The Fresno-Yosemite Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American revolution held their annual Good Citizens Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 17.

The students attend 24 different high schools in a four-county area, and must demonstrate the qualities of a good citizen.

They must be dependable, follow through commitments, and must demonstrate service to others. They need to posses leadership skills, both at school and in the real world, and be patriotic.

Students wrote an essay on the subject of Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving it, with the focus question being: What are the civic responsibilities of a Good Citizen, and why are these duties, activities, and behaviors important to shaping the America you hope to experience?

The high school senior in third place was Gino Civiello from San Joaquin Memorial, and he was awarded $500. Second place went to Sophia Riser from University High School, winning $750, and first place went to Dominic Lerandeau from Clovis North High School, and his prize was $1,000. Dominic read his essay aloud during the ceremony.

The other high school student participants received an award of $50 each. Those students are: Avery Chaney from Buchanan High School, Sarah McClelland from Bullard High School, Abigail Andrade from Chowchilla Union High School, Kamryn Marlatt from Clovis

and it seems like the building is bustling and busy, it is! Here are some statistics to explain what has been going on:

• In our previous center on Fourth Street, the average daily attendance was around 120 people a day.

• In our new center on Third Street, there is an average of almost 600 people a

East High School, Jeremiah Molina from Clovis High School, Avery Easterling from Clovis West High School, Jennifer Rosales from Duncan Polytechnical High School, Hector Palomo from El Diamonte High School, Allison McColm from Fowler High School, Sydney Maroot from Fresno High School, Gavyn Groppetti from Golden West High School, Kendra Ward from Immanuel High School, Manreet Brar from Kerman High School, Camille Zavala from Kingsburg High School, Kay Griggs from Liberty High School, Emily Lopez from Madera High School, Kevin Ramirez-Cholula from Parlier High School, Katherine Calloway from Roosevelt High School, Jaxon Hoover from Sanger High School, Illiana Lopez from Selma High School, and Robert Izaak Pimental from Sierra Pacific High School.

DAR also honored the American History Essay Winners for elementary and middle school. Clark Intermediate student Josiah Lidbeck was the Chapter Middle School winner, while his younger brother Levi Lidbeck, a student at Clovis Elementary, was the Elementary School winner. Levi also won the state essay competition in his division.

In addition to friends, family, and DAR members, Congressman Jim Costa and Assemblyman Jim Patterson were in attendance. Congressman Costa made some opening remarks, while Assemblyman Patterson assisted with the awards presentation.

If you are interested in learning more about DAR or the Good Citizens Awards, you can contact DAR at fresnoyosemite. dar@gmail.com.

day, and the number keeps growing.

• We’ve added more than 1,200 new members to our rolls with more joining each day.

• Over 100 seniors each day are enjoying a hot lunch with their friends.

The center is committed to providing a great experience for all our members and friends.

We thank you for your patience as we

Either he owned all of the land and homes in this area or that many of his ranch hands lived in this area, either way it became referred to as Bingville in reference to Mr. Bing.

I had interpreted his story as the area being sort of a labor camp type of area, even if unofficially.

I’m now reading articles in the Clovis Roundup that tell a different story about how the term Bingville was developed in relation to gas powered water pumps and sounds commonly heard in the area making a bing bing sound.

I’m not familiar with pumps that made a bing bing sound. The old motors are referred to as “ hit and Miss” motors that make a pop sound when the spark plug fires every other rotation.

I’m not sure whose story is correct, but they both make sense on face value. Both sound good, but I’m not satisfied or convinced that your printer story is factual or anymore believable than mine.

I’ve reached out to the museum about another topic within this same area. A Gas Station at 5th & Fowler Ave.. It was owned by James “Homer” Bodine. His residence address was 1764 5th St., and the Gas Station was to the east of the home. Not quite to the corner of Fowler, but right there. That’s another story I’m working on in relation to this Bingville area.

I’m checking with the City of Clovis Planning department and the Fresno County Assessors office looking for records about Mr. Bing primarily and then about James “Homer” Bodine’s Gas Ststion. Sure seems that the City of Clovis would have and keep records of businesses and their owners as well as land owners indefinitely.

grow into our new space and continue to adjust classes.

If you haven’t been to the center, please stop by for a tour and to learn more about what we offer.

The Clovis Senior Activity Center is open to anyone 50 years of age or better. It’s free for Clovis residents and those living outside of Clovis city limits are asked to pay a $25 per year membership fee.

I’ve asked around and as recently as yesterday, about Bingville to those who have been lifelong residents, or grew up in Clovis and it’s 100% referred, remembered and known as Beanville or Beansville.

I feel that I can conclude with confidence, or in my opinion, the area was Never officially labeled as Beansville. It was most definitely officially created and documented as Stanford Addition.

Bingville was the slang term created by either of the two versions I’ve referenced. But, Beansville, was heard and took root in both an endearing way and also a racially insensitive way, as well. Subject to interpretation.

I would love to go door to door in that area and see what the residents in that area, believe the area is called.

I’d bet ya, 90% or more would say Beansville and Beanville and that no one would say Bingville at all, unless the Yarborough family still lives there and recalls they’re dad or grandpas stories.

I’m sharing my story and my discoveries hoping it’ll help create a story and a discovery of more real facts and that the perceived racial insensitivity that’s been associated with this area could be dismissed as an intentional phrasing to insult anyone living in that area.

Surely it’s a term or title that will forever exist irregardless. It would however, be a really great thing, to be able to definitively point to proof, that everyone was originally saying Bingville, with No I’ll intentions and unfortunately it was heard differently, just like the lyrics to many songs on the radio..You hear what you hear and you repeat it and it takes on a life of its own from there. Fascinating!

Mi'Chellee

Refer to page 11 for more information in our "Let's Talk Clovis: The De Luca Family" Article

Most classes charge a nominal fee to attend. The hot lunch program is open to anyone aged 60 years or better. The cost of the meal is a suggested donation of $2.50.

For more information, give us a call at (559) 324-2750, or go to our website at www.clovisseniors.org.

Joining the center is as easy as filling out a simple form. For hot lunches, a separate form is required and must be completed

Email:

www.ClovisRoundup.com

ANNA

STAFF

Samantha

CONTRIBUTING

LAURANN KANAMU

FOR ADVERTISING: Office: 559-324-8757

teresa@tmstevenscpa.

Mary Gadberry @ClovisRoundup

Photo by Mary Gadberry Good Citizens award winners: Second place, Sophia Riser from University High School, third place winner Gino Civiello from San Joaquin Memorial, first place Dominic Lerandeau from Clovis North High School

City Council Meeting 2/20/24

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

February 20, 2024 - At the first Clovis City Council meeting without the aid of City Clerk Karey Cha, the Clovis City Council took the time to thank another member of Clovis public service in Mike Leonardo.

Leonardo worked for over 35 years in the Clovis region in various positions of the transportation field.

Having come from Cal-Trans to work for the City of Clovis, Leonardo mentioned that he had some initial concerns.

He then continued, “This city, I looked at how well it was run…you all pull in the same direction. You may have some disagreements on some policy things, but you’re all pulling in the same direction,” said Leonardo directly to the members of the Clovis City Council both past and present.

Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoua commented, “I got to see your professionalism and your knowledge of Measure C, and your ability and willingness to work with all sorts of interest in regards to transportation, and at the same time steer us all back to the purpose of what transportation is and what transportation can do for the region. I appreciate your willingness to work with everyone and to be calm through it all.”

Mayor Lynne Ashbeck read the proclamation honoring Leonardo stating, “Mike was responsible for a variety of

WAKE UP

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

size of present day Clovis without the proper funding and staff to do so.

Presently, Clovis has a population of 125,000 people—and growing. For several years now, that growth has steadily caused city services to suffer. It’s not necessarily the quality of services that has deteriorated, but rather the demand for the services has increased while the manpower available that provides such services has stayed the same. The two departments share that in common.

Crime is rising

So how do Police Chief Curt Fleming and Fire Chief Chris Ekk feel about what their departments are facing? Not good. But their hands are tied.

Without more money to run their operations, all they can do is attempt to find ways to run as efficiently as possible with understaffed and underfunded departments.

duties to ensure the ongoing success of “Measure C”. His primary role was to carry out the board’s strategies for implementing the programs and projects funded by the 20-year “Measure C” half-cent transportation sales-tax in Fresno County.

“Leonardo eventually was promoted to District Director and ultimately held the position of Chief Engineer and Deputy Director of Project Delivery in Sacramento. May it be resolved that the Clovis City Council, on behalf of the citizens of Clovis, does honor and celebrate the retirement of Mike Leonardo.”

Towards the back half of the meeting, the City was treated to a presentation on the update of tourism by Lisa Oliveira, President and CEO of the Fresno Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As part of that presentation, Oliveira projected a slideshow and stated that the City of Clovis has been growing in social media and helped start the trend of making Clovis a destination.

“Hulu, Tripadvisor, and Expedia are some of the big ones that we’re really marketing and really trying to get people’s eyes on, and the good thing about those is they have analytics so that we’re able to track if they’re really able to see things and then getting clicks making sure that they are booking hotel rooms in Fresno and Clovis.”

In continuing to speak about tourism in the Clovis area, Oliveira stated, “Clovis Unified is a huge partner of ours, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do

Crime in Clovis is rising. According to the list of crimes that rose in 2023 in Clovis, Assisting and Promoting Prostitution had the biggest percentage rise. It rose by 400%.

The second and third crimes on that followed were Arson with a rise of 187% and Extorsion or Blackmail with a rise of 150%.

While those types of crimes must be addressed, more noticeable to city residents as they drive around town is the rise in the number of homeless people.

According to both chiefs there are certain types of crime associated with the homeless. That primarily means a rise in theft and property crimes. It does not necessarily mean a rise in violent crime.

For the average residents, the types of crime that most afflict them are property crime and mail theft. The police chief suggested residents use cameras to help protect themselves and their property.

without them in having their facilities to be able to bring in new events and have people keep their families here on the weekends.”

Oliveira ended her presentation by issuing the factor that Air BnB’s do not count in the numbers provided by the Travel bureau, but when they are to come back for renewal in 2025 this is something that they would like to add on.

The council thanked her for her time and continued on with the meeting ending by changing a future meeting date and with City Manager’s John Holt’s comments regarding a change to the administrative agenda of future City

Council meetings.

Due to City Clerk Karey Cha’s absence, one issue that Holt has foreseen would be the allowance of “dial-in” comments during the Public Comment section. The public, for a time undisclosed, will be unable to dial-in by phone and issue their comments during the Public Comment section of City Council meetings.

The public will still have the opportunity to write-in comments before the council meetings, and are able to walk in to the scheduled meetings to comment, in addition to listening to live and recorded audio and video.

By the numbers…

The police department’s current budget is $54,524,000 which represents 52% of the City’s General Fund. The fire department’s budget is smaller at $24,040,600. That represents 22% of the City’s General Fund.

As is clear, the city is spending considerable amounts of money already, but the demands on both departments are more than can be provided under present budgets restraints.

To cope with those restraints, the police department has had to do away with crime prevention programs and they’re using more technology to help fight crime.

But they still need more eyes out on the street; so they want the community to lookout for crime and to alert them when they see it happen.

Clovis presently has 117 sworn police officer positions. A 2021 staffing study on 2021 indicated 138 positions were needed that year.

Three years later, the demand is higher, but the number of officers has not grown. Looking into the future, by 2027, 158 sworn police officers will be needed to provide services to approximately 130,000 city residents. That equates to 1.2 officers per thousand residents. With a constantly growing crime rate that may not be enough.

For its part, the fire department has 67 sworn positions. The department anticipates needing 6 more positions over the next few years and a total of 15 more by the end of the decade.

So, it appears the fire department is in better shape than the police department in that respect.

Fire Chief Chris Ekk informed that his department has not seen an impacting increase in the number of fires. About two-thirds of calls to his department are emergency related—medical

service types. Included in emergency calls are car accidents. He did note the department’s response time to certain areas of Clovis—mostly the outer parts of the city—can take longer for his department to respond.

Community survey: services need to be upgraded

An on-going community survey has found two-thirds of respondents feel there’s need of additional funding to upgrade the present services.

City leaders agree on that assessment. But how do they get more income for the city? That is a much too common problem with most cities and states everywhere.

The survey also indicates there’s need to retain local small businesses that create jobs. The taxes they generate brings more funding to the city to help maintain its financial stability. Achieving that objective would increase the quality and number of services.

Is the Clovis way of life a thing of the past?

Since it was incorporated in 1912, Clovis residents have worked hard to make it the best community in the valley.

Throughout the years, it has been an outstanding community. But the constant change of society is continually chipping away at what once was. Yet, the community working together can make a difference in maintaining its way of life.

GOClovis

GOClovis is an app found in the Apple store which allows users to take pictures and report a problem out in the community directly to the police department.

It makes reporting crime or other problems faster and easier. The city recommends it be used by Clovis residents.

Photo by Jess Gonzalez Clovis Police Chief, Curt Fleming, speaking at Wake Up Clovis Breakfast.

Photo by Jess Gonzalez Clovis Fire Chief, Chris Ekk, was one of multiple speakers at the Wake Up Clovis Chamber of Commerce Breakfast.

The Clovis City Council is photographed.(left to right) Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoua, Councilman Matt Basgall, Mayor Lynne Ashbeck, Councilwoman Diane Pearce, Councilman Drew Bessinger

Bob Kayajanian: The road to officiating greatness

Jess Gonzalez @ClovisRoundup

February 26, 2024 – “All Roads Lead To Selland” says it all! Fresno’s Selland Arena is an annual end of season destination goal of the best high school boys’ and girls’ basketball teams in Central California.

There, in the gigantic—but ancient arena— the teams still standing in the playoffs play for their CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Section’s Divisional Championship! Selland is also where dreams come true or come crashing down.

That makes the Section Finals is one of the biggest and most popular annual sporting events not only in our area—but in the state!

Yet, the finals at Selland go beyond the fight for championship trophies. It’s also about the thrill; the unique experience few people ever live. And it’s about wanting our area’s student athletes to feel what top college athletes live in the NCAA’s March Madness.

It’s about a man’s dream. While helping develop the concept of the Section Finals, one man who had lived the Mad Madness experience decided to mirror locally what he had seen and lived.

Because of him, Selland Arena lives its version of March Madness! That leads the teams that make it to Selland the last weekend of February thrive to play there even more in one of the 12 divisional section finals!

While he did not experience March Madness as a player, Bob Kayajanian was there—and he lived it!

Wearing his black and white striped shirt and black pants, he officiated in March Madness with the best officials in the country—because he was one of them!

This year—in the same manner he has done for nearly 20 years—Bob was the tournament director of Selland’s 12 Section Finals extravaganza.

And like in previous section finals, the feeling the student athletes lived was—big time! A respected Clovis resident, Bob utilizes his skills and vast experience as an organizer and administrator to help produce the exciting, highly entertaining, and well received event.

The Section Finals are organized by the CIF in conjunction with the Fresno County Office of Education. Brent Smither is event coordinator for the Fresno County Office of Education.

Bob’s officiating backstory

The road to organizing and overseeing the Section Finals is just one of the many ways Bob has influenced the development and growth of sports competition at all levels in Central California since the 1970s. He has done it through a step-by-step process.

His involvement in sports started early in life in Los Angeles; before fate intervened. While sliding into second base during a baseball game, he sustained an injury that required major surgery.

He was informed he would be restricted from physical activities for two years. However, the injury was much more

serious. Eventually, it negated all his involvement in sports. Yet, Bob had an undying love of sports that wouldn’t keep him away from the playing fields.

In 1963, his family moved from Los Angeles to Fresno. Being unable able to participate in physical activities, his coach at the old Washington Jr. High—now the Ted C. Wills Center--had him umpire intramural games. That was his introduction to sports officiating.

Later, while attending Fresno High, the athletic director allowed him to officiate intramural sports during his junior and senior years. He liked it.

After high school, Bob enrolled at Fresno City College and took sports officiating classes. Becoming proficient in his new endeavor, he was hired by the Fresno Parks and Recreation Department to officiate youth flag football.

This led to joining the San Joaquin Valley Officials Association, SJVOA, as a baseball umpire in the spring of 1969. A year later, he also started officiating football and basketball. His officiating career was on its way!

Earning the stripes

Through an outstanding knowledge of sports, hard, and a knack for officiating, Bob moved up in the ranks of the top officials in the area. In 1972 he officiated his first varsity basketball game at San Joaquin Memorial High School.

Ironically, 30 years later--in 2002--the last game he ever officiated was also at San Joaquin Memorial. Along the way, Bob worked with people very well-known in Central Valley sports circles--Ollie Bidwell, Jerry Jury, Mike Orlich, and James Lenau, among others.

The better he got at officiating, the harder he worked. Soon he started attending college officials’ meetings.

Then, realizing area officials were being overlooked and not being promoted into the collegiate sports officiating ranks, Bob got together with fellow officials Jeff Hansen, Paul Anderson, and David Curschman and joined the Fer-mar collegiate officials’ group of San Jose.

Along the way he attended officiating camps and clinics—constantly improving his skills.

Aside from sports officiating, Bob attained degrees in Biological Science, Physical Education, and Athletic Administration, achieving a double-major degree in the last two.

In 1983, while working on his master thesis, he was informed about a thick envelope arriving in the mail from the Fer-mar group.

With much excitement and anticipation, he tore open the envelope and read the enclosed letter that had a column of the names of officials being assigned to work college football games.

But, in reading down the column but did not see his name. Disappointed, he called the friend who had alerted him about the envelope’s arrival and told him he had not been assigned any games.

His friend laughed and told him to look on the left side of the letter. There he read: Referee – Bob Kayajanian. His first officiating assignment at the college level was as the head man of the officiating crew! Such an achievement was, and continues to be, unheard of!

“My eyes glanced left and low and behold…there was my name. I was the Referee, Crew Chief. My first set of games I was in charge. I started to cry.”

Part 2: “the road to officiating greatness” continues in the next edition of Clovis Roundup

Photo courtesy of Bob Kayajanian Bob, left, with trainee officials.

Water Tower Car Show: Classic Americana in Old Town

Jess Gonzalez @ClovisRoundup

February 26, 2024 – A hot part of Americana is coming to Old Town Clovis on Saturday April 13th that is sure to excite car lovers—especially lovers of vintage cars.

The newly christened Water Tower Car Show will make its first appearance in Clovis and feature roughly 500 vintage, shiny, and meticulously restored cars that were manufactured from the early 1920s to before 1980. Hot rods will also be featured.

The car show, organized by Hot Rods Fresno car club, will officially start at 7 AM and go to 3 PM in the afternoon according Connie Faught, whose husband Bill is the president of the club. “We’re telling people to come out and enjoy the show with all the beautiful cars. After a long winter nothing’s better than experiencing a great car show out in the sun in springtime.”

The event will feature car competition in different categories including Best of

FARMERS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

to more loyal customers, “We’re here every Saturday, and we have a lot of regulars that come back.”

Adam Mclane, owner of The Farm at Worman Mill, clips microgreens fresh from their nursery beds as he compares his Friday night business and Saturday morning sales. “The Friday night crowd is different,” Mclane says, “They want to listen to music and grab something to carry around and eat.” He sells convenient “Snack size” containers of buttery pea greens, or spicy radish sprouts, but he finds the nutritional motivation outweighs the serious snacking potential of his products.

McLane doesn’t have to convince people to buy his microgreens, “People are exposed to [microgreens] in restaurants as a garnish, but they’re 4 to 40 times more nutritious than regular vegetables.” Doctors recommend microgreens for their nutritional density, “But we grow them because they’re yummy, that’s why we like to eat them.” McLane treats his Saturday customers to 22 varieties of microgreens as well as vegetable starts to

Show, Legends Award and the Top 50 Awards. There will also be merchants’ awards.

What is a hot rod?

The popular slang meaning of a “hot rod,” also called a street rod, is usually used to describe pre-1949 cars specially altered for fast acceleration and increased speed.

But, like vintage (cars 25 years old or older) and classic cars (25 years old but not older than 45), so-called “hot rods” also have outstanding “paint jobs” and may have unique and attractive adornments used to make such vehicles standout to the human eye.

“Hot Rodding” started in the 1920s and 1930s in Southern California. That’s when car clubs were formed by young men who shared mechanical knowledge of vehicles, swapped car parts, and raced in their “hot rods” against each other mostly in dry lake beds in the desert.

First time in Clovis…

While this will mark the first time this car show will be held in Clovis, it has

been an annual event in Fresno’s Tower District for the last 20 years.

At that location it was known as The Tower Classic Car Show. It’s being moved to Clovis due to a conflict in the event date in the Tower District.

Proceeds from the car show will be donated to charity. According to Connie, Hot Rod Fresno has donated $100,000 to Nancy Hinds Hospice over the years. This time around they’re looking for a couple of charities to donate the proceeds.

Come one, come all!

Anyone wanting to participate with their old-time vehicle are asked to get a registration form at the events website at: hotrodsfresno.com.

Hot Rods Fresno can also be reached at 559-392-1282. The club can be followed on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM – hotrodsfresno.

Vendors interested in having a stand in the downtown area can get an application at the same website. It should be noted the car show will not have food booths.

take home to your garden. “We have pretty much everything, tomatoes, peppers, and people begged us for Fresno chilis,” McLane says.

There isn’t a lot of crossover between the vendors on Friday nights and Saturday mornings.

The owners and operators at the G&T Florists and Herbs stand say that they

only bring as much produce as they think will sell, and they do enough business to pass up on Friday nights altogether.

Busy Bees Honey Farm doesn’t sell on Fridays, because there are already two local beekeepers there selling there, but they’re the only honey stand in the Saturday market.

The Saturday morning market started in 2013 to contrast the Friday Night market intentionally, and give local farmers another opportunity to sell to a different crowd. Good nourishing produce like stone fruit and walnuts, local milk, eggs, and cheese vendors started the market, and the trend continues now.

If you’re pining for the rock n’ roll dance party, kettle corn, and street fair crowds of the Friday night Market, you’ll have to wait until

“We want people to come out and enjoy themselves and if they get hungry, there’s lots of good restaurants in Old Town Clovis where they can eat. We need to support those restaurants,” informed Connie.

See you there!

So, whether you drive to Old Town Clovis in your hot rod, vintage car, classic car or in your regular car, the Water Tower Car Show promises to be a great springtime event that all members of the family are sure to enjoy!

May 5th.

But, if you’re looking for a better place to buy guaranteed local organic produce, Old Town Clovis has you covered every Saturday morning, year round. So, grab your coffee and breakfast, and saunter down Pollasky Avenue to see what’s in season.

Photo courtesy of Connie Vaught 1938 Ford.

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup John and Lynette Ballis, owners of Busy Bees Honey Farm out of Sanger.

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup Adam Mclane, owner of The Farm at Worman Mill, features microgreens.

Photo by Clovis Roundup Staff

Owners and operators at the G&T Florists and Herbs assists a young customer.

Clovis

Clovis

Recipe

Better for you meals from breakfast to dinner

Mini Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Cinnamon-Maple Topping

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, culinary dietitian, on behalf of Milk

Means More

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Nonstick cooking spray

3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divide 1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into 4 serving size pieces 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1inch (half sheet) baking pan

FAMILY FEATURES

Whether you’re encouraging loved ones to start a new wellness kick or looking to add new ideas to an already-nutritious menu, families at any stage of a journey toward better health can use newfound favorites to bring fresh flavors to the table.

These dishes from Milk Means More provide an allday assortment of deliciousness from breakfast to lunch and dinner so you can bring everyone together for tasty, nutritious meals no matter the occasion. Dairy foods, like the low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese found in these recipes, are fundamental to good nutrition.

Constructing a better-for-you menu calls for a balanced diet with a variety of foods to get essential nutrients.

Mini Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Cinnamon-Maple Topping

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, culinary dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings:6

Topping:

1 3/4 cups plain Greek yogurt (fat free, 2% or 5%)

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pancakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork. Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

This balance is important for maintaining healthy gut and immune function while optimizing overall wellness. Start by ramping up your family’s breakfast with these slightly sweet Mini Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Cinnamon-Maple Topping for a protein-packed way to start the day with a healthy addition of fresh berries. Fusion cooking is on the menu at lunchtime with the spicy-sweet combo of Cajun-seasoned chicken mingling with mango and pungent blue cheese in these Chicken, Mango and Blue Cheese Pitas. Finally, finish the day with Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes – an easy-tomake family meal ready in 30 minutes. Find additional better-for-you recipe inspiration at MilkMeansMore.org.

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (fat free, 2% or 5%)

1/2 cup milk (skim, 2% or whole)

3 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla oil

1 cup fresh blueberries or chopped fresh strawberries

To make topping: Stir yogurt, syrup and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate.

To make pancakes: In mixing bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In separate bowl, whisk egg, yogurt,

milk, butter and vanilla. Add yogurt mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until combined (batter should be slightly lumpy).

Scrape batter into large plastic food storage bag. Oil nonstick griddle or large nonstick skillet. Heat over medium heat. Cut off about 1/2 inch from corner of plastic bag. Squeeze batter, about 1 tablespoon at a time, onto hot griddle. Cook 1-2 minutes per side, or until pancakes are golden brown, turning to second sides when bubbles form on surface of pancakes and edges are slightly dry.

Serve warm pancakes topped with cinnamon-maple yogurt and sprinkled with berries.

Chicken, Mango and Blue Cheese Pitas

Recipe by Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, culinary dietitian, on behalf of Milk

Means More

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Sauce:

1 cup low-fat plain yogurt

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon orange juice or lime juice

Filling:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning

1 large fresh mango, seeded, peeled and chopped

3 large whole-wheat pita rounds (or 6 small), halved

1 1/2 cups spring greens

3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (3 ounces)

To make sauce: In small bowl, stir yogurt, honey and juice. Cover and refrigerate.

To make filling: In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Cook and stir chicken with seasoning in hot oil 4-6 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from heat. Stir in mango.

Fill pita pockets with greens, chicken mixture and blue cheese. Spoon yogurt sauce on top.

Chicken, Mango and Blue Cheese Pitas

Ciriaco De Luca was born in Italy on October 14, 1888 in the small mountain city of Buonvicino. He married Maria Guiseppa Sirimarco on June 26, 1909. She was the sister of Jim Sirimarco who arrived in Clovis in the early 1920’s. Jim established the legendary Jim’s Place on Clovis Ave.

Ciriaco arrived in California on September 11, 1911 and worked at the Los Banos Miller-Lux ranch. He drove a team of mules for four years. In 1915, Italy required their citizens to return to their homeland to serve in the Italian Army during WWI. During the war, De Luca was wounded in battle three times and was discharged in 1919. Prior to his death in 1971, he received a decree from The President of the Republic of Italy that granted him the title of “Cavaliere of the Order of Vittorio Veneto”. He also received the “Italy Gold Medal” and “Service Cross”. His wife Maria died in 1915. Their son Salvatore would be raised by Maria’s mother. Ciriaco remarried again in 1919 to Marian Fasano (1899-1981). August 6, 1920, they boarded the SS Canopic for a 14-day trip bounded for Boston, MA. They settled in Gustine, CA and lived with Jim & Rose Sirimarco. Their

first child Teresa was born in Gustine on October 17, 1920. Their first son Angelo arrived on January 17, 1922. Ciriaco worked for the Gustine Carnation Milk Company.

In search of property, Ciriaco rode his bicycle 92 miles from Gustine to Clovis. He bought three lots (each 25-foot frontage) in the Stanford Addition (Bingville) from Ralph Brosi. A small shed was situated on that property.

The Stanford Addition (first survey in December, 1909) boundaries were: west, Midway (Sunnyside); north, 3rd Street; south, listed as ”County Road Previously Dedicated” (Bullard) and east, “existing County Road” (Fowler) The Stanford Addition was named for Elizabeth Stanford who was one of five persons that purchased the land from Fresno Canal & Irrigation Company.

Stanford Addition was identified as “Bingville” by the early settlers since numerous gas driven/water pumps in the area provided the melodious sound of “bing, bing”. The area was annexed (two separate actions, in 1951 and 1959) into the city.

Ciriaco and Maria arrived in Clovis on August 15, 1923 in a horse and buggy. Dominica, their third child, would be born in their shed that year, as would her sister, Rosie in 1924. They built their home in 1924. Eight additional children followed: Joe, Victor, Frank, Eda, Verona, Gracie, Clara and Virginia.

is fighting for the Central Valley and making sure our voice is heard.

De Luca’s first job here was at the Helm Ranch (bounded by Shaw, Sierra, Cedar and Winery). He also worked at the Balfe Ranch and with the WPA (poisoning squirrels). He worked at Italian Swiss Colony for 13 years prior to his retirement in 1953. Ciriaco was a charter member of the Rudolph Valentino Lodge No, 1449, Order Sons of Italy in America that was founded here in 1927. Son Frank De Luca (7th sibling of 12) remembers his parents (with other Italians in the neighborhood) dancing a folk dance called the Tarantella. Everyone in his family began working

at an early age. They would walk to various ranches to pick strawberries, almonds, figs and grapes.

Frank recalled telling his father as they were arriving at Mike Ferrara’s vineyard (near Tollhouse and Academy, 12 miles from Clovis) to pick grapes that if he and his sisters saw a snake they “were out of there”. Of the four young workers (Eda, Verona, Gracie and Frank) Verona was the first to see a snake. The young group immediately left and walked back to their home in Clovis. The De Luca’s left us a rich heritage.

It is my honor to represent the Central Valley in the State Assembly. I will never lose sight of our values of hard-work, family, and faith, because our community and our country are worth fighting for.”

Vince Fong

Assemblyman

Courtesy of Clovis Museum Ciriaco De Luca (1888-1971) and Marian De Luca (1899-1981).

January 2024: Clovis Property Crime Statistics Patrol Beat Information from The Police Department

recommend it at all times for your safety. This is a felony.

February 21, 2024 – Below is information regarding property crimes in Clovis for January 2024. These statistics are as of February 20, 2024, and it's important to note that they may change slightly as reports continue to come in from the prior month.

CPD needs you to call when you're the victim of a crime to report it. Any leads will be followed up on when possible, and we use these crime statistics to allocate our patrol officers and resources.

Please remember to lock your doors, set your alarms, and call Clovis Police Deparment immediately if you see something suspicious! Typically an increase in mail theft is seen during winter months due to tax season. Please check your mail daily.

Remember that a neighbor's surveillance camera may have recorded the suspect of a crime. Communicate with your neighbors, and make a police report when crimes occur. If we know what crime is occurring in your neighborhoods, we are more prepared to combat it.

Crime Prevention Tips:

• Use motion sensor outdoor lighting or keep driveway lights on at night.

• Always lock your doors & roll your windows up. -When parking at night, park in well-lit areas.

• Call us immediately when you see a crime in progress at 911.

• Get info on creating a Clovis Community Watch neighborhood in your area if one is not organized already.

Crimes Explained:

A residential burglary occurs when someone enters a home to commit a crime, such as stealing property. Doors do not have to be locked even though we

A vehicle burglary occurs when someone breaks into a locked vehicle, with their windows rolled up, and steals property. This is a felony.

A theft from an unlocked vehicle is just that - Either a door is unlocked or a window is rolled down enough for someone to steal something without having to force their way inside. This is a misdemeanor if less than $950 worth of items are stolen. It's a felony if more than $950 worth of items is stolen.

A theft of vehicle parts includes catalytic converters, tailgates, license plates, and other similar parts on the outside of the vehicle.

January 2024:

• Residential Burglaries: 6

• Vehicle Burglaries: 21

• Theft from Unlocked Vehicles: 23

• Thefts of Vehicle Parts: 4

• How do they compare?

December 2023 (Last month):

• Residential Burglaries: 4

• Vehicle Burglaries: 25

• Theft from Unlocked Vehicles: 14

• Thefts of Vehicle Parts: 7

January 2023 (Last year):

• Residential Burglaries: 11

• Vehicle Burglaries: 14

• Theft from Unlocked Vehicles: 27

• Thefts of Vehicle Parts: 13

To stay informed daily, download the mobile app "Clovis Police" and "Go Clovis". You'll have instant access to crime maps, City phone directory, news alerts, submit requests/report issues, and more! As always, stay safe, stay vigilant, and have a great day, Clovis!

Did you know that Clovis is split into 9 "patrol beats" for police officers? Each patrol shift has an officer assigned to each of the 9 beats throughout the city which is based on the number of calls for service and population. The purpose of this is so that officers can respond more timely to priority calls and handle the calls within their beat.

If you have an on-going issue, special event for the community, or a question that is more complicated in nature, Clovis Police Department's Beat Corporals are here to assist you. Their email address is provided as the main form of contact because the Corporals work various shifts throughout the week.

For crimes in progress, to make a police report, or for an immediate need, always call 911 for emergencies and (559) 324-2800 for non-emergencies to speak to CPD's highly trained Public Safety Dispatchers. They will assist you for the majority of your needs. If you contact a Beat Corporal, just know that they work

various shifts and may not be on duty when you email them.

This information is also available on the Clovis Police Deparment's free mobile app!

Just in case you're unable to read the map, here is an explanation of where each patrol beat is:

• Beat 1: Southwest Clovis- South of Shaw, and west of Minnewawa.

• Beat 2: South central Clovis - South of Shaw, between Minnewawa and Armstrong.

• Beat 3: Southeast Clovis - South of Shaw, east of Armstrong.

• Beat 4: West Central Clovis - Between Herndon and Shaw, west of Minnewawa.

• Beat 5: Central Clovis - Between Herndon and Shaw, and Minnewawa and Sunnyside.

• Beat 6: East Central Clovis - Between Herndon and Shaw, east of Sunnyside.

• Beat 7: Northwest Clovis - North of Herndon, west of Sunnyside.

• Beat 8: Northeast Clovis - North of Herndon, east of Sunnyside.

• Beat 9: This is not an official patrol beat yet, but includes north of Shepherd, west of Sunnyside. This beat is currently covered by our beat 7 & 8 personnel.

*See next issue for answers*

Photo from Clovis Police Department Facebook Page

Clovis

Happenings

EMAIL

Women's History Month

MARCH

Thursday, February 29

thru Saturday, March 9

HELLO DOLLY

Mercedes Edwards

Theatre

902 5th St., Clovis, CA 7:30p.m.

Friday, March 1

BIG BAND & DINNER EVENT

Clovis Senior Activity Center

735 3rd St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 2

COMPOST GIVEAWAY FOR CLOVIS RESIDENTS

810 Nees Ave., Clovis, CA

Event Ticket mailed to Clovis residents 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday. March 2

CASA 3RD ANNUAL CHEF COOKOFF 2024

Clovis Rodeo Grounds 6 p.m. – 9 p..m.

Wednesday, March 6

PRESIDENTS LUNCHEON

Host: Clovis Community College

Clovis Veterans Memorial

District

808 4th St., Clovis, CA 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 10

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS clocks will go ahead one hour 2 a.m.

Sunday, March 10

WIND SYMPHONY OF CLOVIS

Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno, CA 3 p.m.

Sunday, March 17

CLOVIS COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno, CA 2:30 P.M.

Tuesday, March 12

CENTRAL VALLEY INFLUENCERS CONFERENCE

Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 16

AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY DAY

508 4th St., Clovis, CA

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturday, March 16

CLOVIS’ ALMOST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL

Clovis Ave. / Pollasky, Clovis, CA 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 17

CRAFT BEER CRAWL

Old Town Clovis

2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, March 22 & 23

Sunday, March 24

CENTRAL VALLEY GEM & MINERAL SHOW

748 Rodeo Drive, Clovis, CA

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 24

VINTAGE MARKET & ANTIQUES

Old Town Clovis

7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday, March 29

VIETNAM WAR

VETERANS DAY

Host: Clovis Veterans Memorial District

808 4th St, Clovis, CA

Vietnam Map – West Side Park

Car Show – Veterans Parkway

PLACES TO VISIT

CALIFORNIA 911 MEMORIAL

3485 Never Forget Ln., Clovis, CA

Open 365 days a year

COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTER

3rd and Veterans Parkway

OPEN Tuesday thru Saturday

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CLOVIS MUSEUM

4th & Pollasky, Clovis, CA

Open Tuesday thru Saturday

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CLOVIS FARMERS’ MARKETS

OLD TOWN CLOVIS FARMERS’ MARKET

Pollasky Ave., Clovis, CA

Every Saturday Year-Round

9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

Now & Then Photo Exhibit - Liberty Ballroom 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, March 30

FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY

7246 N. De Wolf Ave., Clovis, CA 8 a.m.

APRIL

Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7

BIG HAT DAYS

Old Town Clovis

Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Improve your home’s curb appeal

CONTRIBUTED

Noble Credit Union

We’re entering that time of year where we’re all dusting off the cobwebs and looking at our homes with fresh eyes, consider a curb appeal project!

These projects improve the value of your home plus the overall look and style of your home.

After all, when your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, it makes coming home that much better.

Here are several simple, low-cost curb appeal improvements that you can do in a day, a week, or a month …

Dress up the front door.

Your home's front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door some color with paint or by installing a custom wood door.

Clean off any dirty spots around the knob and use metal polish on the door fixtures.

Install outdoor lighting.

Low-voltage landscape lighting can add great value to your home while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees or the house or can illuminate a walking path. Consider installing solar fixtures (but understand that their light levels are not as bright or as reliable).

Add energy-efficient replacement windows.

Let us be the first to tell you, old, drafty single-pane windows are out!

Adding energy efficient replacement windows can save you $100s a year in heating and cooling costs, while improving the curb appeal of your home, and reducing neighborhood and street noise.

In addition to improvements to the outside of your house, adding some quick fixes to the inside of your home can help increase its value.

Update the kitchen.

There’s no doubt that the kitchen is the heart of most homes, and because of this, kitchen updates can pay off. In fact, a little paint goes a long way.

Get the biggest bang for your buck on a kitchen remodel by looking at color. Fresh paint, in modern colors, can quickly update the look of your kitchen. Plus, paint is relatively cheap.

Stage the rooms.

Take a good look at your furniture, pictures and knick-knacks. Sometimes, there can be too much.

Most homes are cluttered, so use those fresh, Spring Cleaning eyes to edit your home décor to make a more peaceful environment.

Add basic updates.

Quickly add significant value to

your home by making easy changes like paint (inside and out), or some maintenance like plumbing repair, roof repair, or replacing cracked and chipped cement walkways and driveways around your home.

Projects like these will keep your home in tip-top shape. Quick fixes don’t need to cost a lot, but if you’re strapped for cash in the short run, consider obtaining a loan from a financial institution.

Noble Credit Union offers an equity line of credit and an equity loan. Whatever you’re looking to do and

Saturday, April 13

WATER TOWER CAR SHOW 2024

Old Town Clovis on Pollasky

10 a.m. – 3 p.m

Sunday, April 28

110th CLOVIS RODEO

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA

ALL MONTH LONG

U.S. FLAG RETIREMENT DROP BOX

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

808 4th St., Clovis

Three Flag Retirement

whatever fits your budget, Noble is here to help.

Noble Credit Union, voted the 2024 best credit union in Central California by the Business Journal, offers offer members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including low rate auto loans, MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, online and mobile banking, and more.

For more information about membership at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit NobleCU.com.

CUSD Releases Third Proposed Attendance Map

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

February 21, 2024 - After discussion at the latest CUSD School Board meeting, Clovis Unified has released a third boundary map for possible induction in the future of Clovis Unified.

That map was released to the public with the intention of providing information and options for the public to have.

According to a CUSD released statement, Clovis Unified is in the midst of a months-long school attendance boundary study determining necessary updates that seek to balance school attendance capacities.

This includes the plan for the opening of the Terry Bradley Educational Center and to prepare for future housing growth and influx of new students.

Two initial map proposals (Scenario 1 and Scenario A) were released in January for review and feedback, and they were followed by several community meetings.

No decision has been reached and all three map scenarios remain under consideration.

On March 29, a final and fourth recommended map will be released for review, and the CUSD Governing Board will decide whether to take action on it

in April.

If updates are approved, the new attendance map would take effect next year, in the Fall of 2025.

When that new attendance map is to take place, there was discussion at last week’s board meeting as to whether which groups of students will have to move schools and which would be granted the option of staying with their original schools.

According to another CUSD statement,

this third released scenario builds on the two scenarios released in late January and includes changes that reflect an analysis of community feedback to this point while still achieving the goals of the study mentioned above. Wherever possible, the newly released scenario attempts to address requests made on the number of students that will be impacted by proposed moves, the use of future development areas that will help balance enrollment and minimize impact of existing homeowners,

and an attempt to keep whole neighborhoods together rather than move a certain subsection to other school sites. Also included in the report is the impact of refining areas of the map where study areas split houses that are across a residential street from each other.

CUSD states, “Community feedback we’ve received about requests to expand access to transfers and/or extend options for students wishing to remain at their existing schools are still being analyzed against the goals of the study. When a final recommendation is released in late March, more information about the extent to which the district can make accommodations to address that feedback will be available." “The third scenario will be discussed at upcoming school SART/Parent meetings, and we encourage you to watch for more information from your local school for the date and time of meetings in your area. To view the Silver Scenario and/or to submit online feedback visit https://www.cusd.com/ BoundaryChangesTBEC.aspx.”

A lady said that someone bought land in the area that they want to improve and that’s why they started the land being built there.

Students and Parents Come to Teacher’s Defense

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

February 22, 2024 - A Clovis Unified Orchestra teacher was recently put on administrative leave within the school district, and now parents and students

are coming to his defense.

Michael Chang, the Orchestra Director for both Clovis North High School and Granite Ridge Intermediate School was recently placed on administrative leave by CUSD for his involvement

with an incident involving students in the classroom.

According to a non-confirmed petition, begun on “change.org”, the circumstances regarding Mr. Chang’s departure involved an incident related to “a situation involving playful wrestling among students” that Chang handled with “lightheartedness and humor.”

Acknowledging Mr. Chang’s response to this event as a “mistake”, Clovis Unified parents and students came to his defense at the Wednesday February 21st school board meeting.

Stating that Mr. Chang has made an impact on students throughout his time at CUSD, and has “made learning music fun for his students”, parents and students alike spoke during the public comment section of the CUSD board meeting, asking the board to reinstate Mr. Chang back to his position.

“We urge the board to reconsider your decision. We are not going to get a teacher who is as dedicated and inspirational for his students as Mr. Chang,” said one public speaker.

According to Clovis Unified Superintendent, Dr. Corrine Folmer, “Personnel matters are confidential and not for public discussion. Our commitment as a district to the Clovis North Orchestra remains strong. With that I just want to extend and say your words are heard and thank you for coming tonight.”

A total of 15 students and parents came before the school board to support Mr. Michael Chang and ask for his reinstatement back into his position with the Clovis North Orchestra, an award winning program when directed by Chang.

The petition to support the reinstatement of Michael Chang was started and had reached almost 500 signatures a day into its creation.

Photo from CUSD Website.

Photo taken from Facebook Mr. Chang (left) with student Jason Yang (right), performing Yang's original composition "Harmony" for the Clovis Unified Governing Board in November 2021.

Section Sports Finals; surprising and predictable

Jess Gonzalez @ClovisRoundup

Feb. 24, 2024 – There were surprises, but more often than not, the higher ranked teams prevailed during the Central Section Basketball Championships Finals at Fresno’s Selland Arena this past Friday and Saturday.

The 12 division finals were a basketball junkie’s delight with some very competitive games that had fans sitting on the edge of their seats.

Girls Division 1 surprise

One of the surprises was a team used to winning big at this level—the Clovis West Girls. However, contrary to previous years in which they won in blowouts, the Girls Division 1 final went down to the wire with No. 1 CW winning 45-41 over No. 2 St. Joseph’s of Santa Maria.

For many fans seeing the Lady Eagles at risk of losing at Selland was extremely unusual. They came into the finals with an imposing 29-2 record and had won 11 straight Section Finals. For their part, the Lady Knights were 23-5 coming in. But, from the opening tip-off it was evident St. Joseph’s had talent and were not intimidated by CW. The teams traded baskets and took turns taking the lead with exciting scoring runs. It was nip and tuck game all the way.

For CW versatile 5’2” point guard Athena Tomlinson was doing everything on the court as she lived up to her press clippings. For St. Joseph’s 6’2” forward Avary Cain was a major force. She showed great quickness and basketball smarts as she scored 15 points from inside and out.

However, when she fouled out with 6:09 to go in the game, St. Joseph’s lost it heart and soul. Her team showed much character in continuing to battle, but they could not overtake CW. St. Joseph’s aggressiveness gave CW fits, but they paid for it.

Aside from Cain, they lost two other players to fouls including point guard Kai Oani who scored 10 points. No one fouled out for CW.

Forward Riley Walls led CW with 13 points followed by Ariah Smith with 11.

Playing a key role in the CW victory was 6’3” junior center Alexis Swillis grabbing key rebounds and scoring 8 points.

Both CW and St. Joseph’s now move on to the California state playoffs.

Clovis North beats the big guys

In the Boys Division 1 final, coming in there were contradictions and deceiving appearances. But, when all was said and done, Clovis North defeated St. Joseph’s of Santa Maria by a score of 69-61.

At 26-5 for the season, Clovis North came in as the No. 1 seed in the section while St. Joseph’s was the 2 seed with a glowing record of 30-2—having won its last 17 games. Yet, in California state rankings, St. Joseph’s was ranked 13th coming in while Clovis North was ranked 16th.

Just warming up, St. Joseph’s looked big and strong—very imposing. For its part Clovis North appeared small and thin. With a pair of 6’9” players, plus 6’6” star Tounde Yessoufou, St. Joseph’s looked big and powerful. But looks don’t count in sports—just heart.

Clovis North was quick and aggressive and played tough under the human trees. They outscored St. Joseph’s in the paint

even though the Knights dominated that area early with tremendous dunks. The first half was a war with the Santa Maria team leading by one—26-25 at the horn. Yet whatever Coach Tony Amundsen told his troops at halftime worked. The Broncos outscored the Knights 20-10 in the third quarter and then traded baskets with St. Joseh’s the rest of the way to take the Section Final.

Talented Yessoufou of St. Joseph’s was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points. However, his output was offset by Broncos Conner Amundsen with 21 points and Jordan Espinoza with 20.

St. Joseph’s goes into the State playoffs with only their third loss of the season.

Clovis North, who lost to Clovis West at the end of the TRAC season, goes into the playoffs with momentum.

Boys State Wrestling Championships

Feb. 23, 2024 – Bakersfield Poway High School of San Diego won its 5th state title with 290.5 points establishing a new scoring record for the boys state high school wrestling championships held in Bakersfield.

Buchanan High School of Clovis placed second with 255 points while little Gilroy scored 206 points to place third. The Clovis Cougars ended up in 5th place with 144 points. Bakersfield placed 6th with 124 points.

Individually, Clovis area wrestlers captured two golds and two silver medals at the state meet. Rocklin Zinkin, a sophomore at Buchanan, won the 113-pound title with a UTB 2-1 decision over Edwin Sierra of Poway. His cousin Nikade Zinkin, a junior at Clovis, also took home a gold medal in defeating Jeff Lopez of

Clovis West with a 3-0 decision. Besides Lopez’ silver medal won by area wrestlers, the other one went to Joseph Toscano of Buchanan who lost a tough 2-1 decision to Moses Mirabel from Gilroy.

Girls State Wrestling Championships

Feb. 23, 2024 – Two Clovis area girls won state titles to repeat their golden performances from 2023.

At the 115-pound division, Isabella Marie Gonzales, a junior at Clovis East, became a two-time state titlist in winning a 6-1 decision over Kylee Golz, a junior at Trabuco Hills.

The second Clovis area to become a two-time state winner in girls wrestling was Leilani Lemus a sophomore at Clovis High School. She captured the 170-state crown by defeating Alexandria Perez, a junior at La Costa Canyon, with a 5-0 decision.

Walnut High School became a first-time state girl wrestling team champion by scoring 96 points while Clovis East finished 9th with 47 points.

Photo by Jess Gonzalez Clovis West girls vs St. Joseph’s of Santa Maria.

Century - Old Bank Robbery re-enacted

February 27, 2024 - On Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, the infamous 100-year-old robbery of the Clovis First State Bank was brought to life at the Clovis Dry Creek Museum by the melodrama that has by now become a tradition.

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the bold robbery and escape that transpired on Feb. 5, 1924.

The melodrama took place inside the Clovis Dry Creek Museum, which was a bank building in 1924. Twenty to

twenty-five guests were allowed inside at a time to watch the short presentation and see the original vault.

“It’s a great family event in Old Town, one that celebrates Clovis history,” said Jayne Robinson, president of the museum board. “People were waiting at the door when we opened. We had over 200 guests. The actors dressed in attire of the day; they were all excellent, couldn’t have asked for better.”

Robinson stressed how the work of volunteers helped make the museum a special part of Clovis history.

The event was free of charge, however donations were accepted.

The Cast

• Owl - K.C. Carrol

• Lone Wolf - Michael Austin

• Moll - Annika Austin

• Teller - Josh Villaneuva

• Sheriff - John Cordeiro

Judith Preuss, a volunteer at the museum, worked as a greeter on the west side of the museum.

“It was a gorgeous day!” she said. “I think at least half of the crowd was not the usual Old Town crowd. I met a

distant cousin who came with his wife from Sanger just to get coffee and walk around. Nobody seemed to mind waiting and ‘schmoozing’ with strangers.”

Interested in Clovis history? The Dry Creek Museum is in the heart of Old Town at 401 Pollasky Ave.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am - 2:00pm, and Friday during the farmers market from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.

For special arrangements, call 559-2978033 to schedule.

The Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society maintains The Clovis Big-Dry Creek Museum.

Photo by Samantha Golden (From left to right) Mike Murphy, Annika Austin, Michael Austin, Josh Villaneuva, John Cordeiro

Photo by Samantha Golden (From left to right) Mike Murphy, K.C. Carrol, Michael Austin.