18 minute read
Clovis Happenings
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JANUARY
Saturday, Jan. 21
DINO PAINTING CLASS WITH STEVE HAMMOND A Book Barn 640 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 22
ONE HOUR TRAIL RIDE ON THE MCKENZIE McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve 2247 Auberry Rd., Clovis, CA 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 25
CLOVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCH CONNECT Cool Hand Lukes 955 Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 25
WORKSHOP – SR168 ENTERPRISE CANAL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Miss Wrinkles Pet Adoption Center 85 N. Temperance Ave., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 26
2023 CLOVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SALUTE TO BUSINESS AWARDS LUNCHEON Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 28
WINTER NIGHT HIKE ON THE MCKENZIE Hosted by Sierra Foothill Conservancy McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve 22477 Auberry Rd., Clovis, CA 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 28
WINTER WONDERLAND WINTER FORMAL HOMESCHOOL WINTER FORMAL Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
FEBRUARY
Wednesday, Feb. 1
CENTRAL VALLEY INFLUENCERS CONFERENCE Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 5
SURPLUS SALE Clovis Veterans Memorial District 320 Veterans Parkway, Clovis, CA 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 12
SWEETHEART DANCE Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 18
NATURALIST SERIES: GEOLOGY Organized by Sierra Conservancy McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve 22477 Auberry Rd., Clovis, CA 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 18 and Sunday, Feb. 19
THE WEEKEND BLENDER NOT YOUR TYPICAL COMIC CON Sierra Vista Mall 1050 Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 25
CLOVIS ROTARY 30TH CRAB FEED & AUCTION Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
ALL MONTH LONG
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY Take a Book – Share a Book Corner of Pollasky and Bullard 555 Bullard Ave., Clovis, CA CITY OF CLOVIS HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF CENTER - NOW OPEN 79 N. Sunnyside, Clovis, CA Tuesday thru Saturday – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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 CLOVIS OLD TOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
Polasky Ave., Clovis, CA Every Saturday Year-Round 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)
HARLAN RANCH FARMERS’ MARKET
HARLAN RANCH COMMUNITY CENTER 1620 N. Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA Every Wednesday Year-Round 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)
Business & Service Directory
TERESA M. STEVENS
Certified Public Accountant (559) 326-7072 www.tmstevenscpa.com
LANCE E. ARMO
Over 20 years exp, Estate planning, Business Law (559) 324-6527
Recycing & Waste Solutions
“We’ll handle it from here” (559) 275-1551
www.RepublicServices.com
Clovis Funeral Chapel
Family owned and operated 1302 Clovis Ave. (559) 298-7536 www.ClovisChapel.com
Tarpey Depot Visitor’s Center
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Contributed by Clovis Police
@ClovisPolice_CA
A three-month long investigation by the Clovis Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has led to the arrest of a suspect at his home in Selma yesterday. The Special Enforcement Team (SET) is an investigative unit at Clovis PD that handles
Photo Courtesy of Clovis Police Department
Suspect Uriel Patino has been booked into Fresno County Jail for multiple felonies.
cases primarily involving gangs, narcotics, and human trafficking. Their investigation began 3 months ago with the arrest of a suspect who was selling Fentanyl in Clovis. SET and DEA’s investigation into sales of Fentanyl and heroin led them to Selma. Yesterday afternoon, SET, Clovis Police detectives, agents from the DEA, and members of their Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team served two search warrants at apartments in Selma, coming away with the arrest of the primary suspect and the confiscation of approximately 35 pounds of Fentanyl pills. To put that into perspective, that is about 160,000 Fentanyl pills with a street value of over $1 million dollars. Over 2 pounds of heroin was also located during the search warrants. Clovis Police K9 Bodie is assigned to SET and assisted with the search warrant, locating some of the controlled substances. The suspect has been identified as 35-yearold Uriel Patino of Selma.
Photo Courtesy of Clovis Police Department
35 pounds of fentanyl pills seized during search warrants in Selma.
Patino has been booked into Fresno County Jail for multiple felony charges including possession, transportation, and sales of controlled substances. If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, help is available from the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Disorder Services. The Substance Use Disorder treatment services line is available 24 hours a day at (800) 654-3937. You can report illegal drug sales anonymously anytime by calling Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP, or by submitting a tip using our Clovis PD mobile app.
Elderly Man Dies from Injuries Sustained During Robbery
Contributed by Clovis Police
@ClovisPolice_CA
December 30th 2022: A robbery suspect was taken into custody this morning after he beat an elderly male and stole his cell phone in front of a store near Herndon/Clovis. 911 calls began coming into CPD communications center just after 8 AM regarding an elderly male lying on the sidewalk, appearing to be injured. Clovis Police Officers, Clovis Fire, and EMS responded immediately to find the victim with a head injury. A store employee witnessed the assault and was able to provide a suspect description. Officers searched the area and located the suspect with the victim’s cell phone, and he was taken into custody without incident. At this time, it does not appear that the suspect used a weapon. The 78-year-old victim was transported to the hospital with major injuries where he remains in critical condition.
The suspect has been identified as 37-yearold Joseph Wright of Fresno County. Wright is facing felony charges in relation to the robbery and battery of the victim this morning. CPD would like to thank the witnesses who called 911 immediately which allowed their officers to respond and arrest the suspect nearby and tend to the victim. ***UPDATE*** In the early hours of December 30th, 78 year-old Frank Moore was attacked outside of the Dollar Tree on Herndon and Clovis while picking up the morning newspaper. Known for routinely picking up the newspaper at this location, Moore was struck over the head by 37 year old Joseph Wright who was later apprehended by authorities. It was later reported that due to store employees' descriptions of Wright, local police were able to track the suspect nearby. Moore had been attacked and robbed of his cellphone. Already facing five felony charges including battery and assault, it was recently announced that Frank Moore, the victim, has passed away due to his injuries. Moore, hospitalized since the attack, had been lying in critical condition before his death. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynn, his three adult children Bret, Joelle, and Shelley, four grandchildren Todd, Alexis, Broc and Kaelynn, in addition to a great-grandson named Blake. A GoFundMe account has been created to help pay for funeral expenses.
Photo by Ron Sundquist, Clovis Roundup Frank Moore in Old Town Clovis.
January Declared as ‘National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month’
J.T. Gomez
jt21gomez@gmail.com
At the January 9, 2023 Clovis City Council meeting, a group of representatives from different organizations recognizing human trafficking was present to be awarded a plaque and proclamation declaring January as a month for awareness of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention. One member of the group themself was once a victim of human trafficking and thanked both government officials and the Fresno Police Department for saving her from the once harrowing experience. “On behalf of all those that we collide with, we want to thank you for everything that you guys do to acknowledge and to make sure that this doesn’t happen to another child.” Another member of the group, Christa Wiens, Executive Director of the Central Valley Justice Coalition, stood at the podium and thanked the council for their effort to “create change, and prevent human trafficking.” On the Central Valley Justice Coalition, Wiens described, “We are focused on education, outreach, and partnering.”
Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup
Members of the Central Valley Justice Coalition, the Fresno EOC, and Breaking the Chains, all advocates for the prevention of human trafficking stand in front of the Clovis City Council as the council declared January in Clovis to be a month for awareness of slavery and human trafficking.
Wiens then plugged the Central Valley Justice Coalition’s website at justice.org and let it be known that anyone can take classes on their platform at the Justice Coalition as well as through Fresno Pacific University. “Together we can not only change the culture, but we can also make a real difference in the lives of individuals before you ever hear the story.” Mayor Lynne Ashbeck, thanked the group for their presence at the meeting, praising their work both individually and collectively, and also read the proclamation on behalf of the City of Clovis., “Whereas the International Labor Organization recognizes there are an estimated 50 million people in modern-day slavery globally where one in three victims are children and whereas the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates one out of six endangered runaways were likely child sex trafficking victims and whereas the U.S. Department of Labor identified 158 goods from seventy-seven countries made by forced and child labor the City of Clovis recognizes the need for greater awareness and accountability in regard to modern-day slavery.” Amber Secundino, Program Manager for the Fresno EOC Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, recognized that every January when the Fresno EOC participates in the national recognition of Slavery and Human Trafficking, they are also “...honoring those identified individuals and survivors of human trafficking in our communities.” January 17th marks the date of the annual Pledge to Stop Human Trafficking events and potential volunteers can register for this event at P2st.org. Another event highlighted related to the “Pledge to Stop Trafficking” is a hosted event taking place on the corner of Shaw and Clovis avenues. More information can be found again on P2st.org. Secundino also relayed the information about January 11th which is national “Wear Blue Day” in which National Human Trafficking Awareness is recognized each year by the initiative of getting citizens to wear the color blue in order to recognize the horrors of human trafficking and slavery. “We are thankful for your continued support every year. This is a huge issue within our communities, and as you can see there are multiple agencies because it is really impacting our communities.”
J.T. Gomez
jt21gomez@gmail.com
“It’s all about the hat”, according to several wrestling teams, coaches, and team websites throughout Clovis’ high school wrestling scene. “The hat” of course, is in reference to the Doc Buchanan Wrestling Invitational hosted by Clovis High School. In its 45th year, the tournament hosts “the finest teams and individual wrestlers in the State of California.” For team results, Buchanan won the tournament taking home a team 1st place, with 242.5 points scored. Second place went to Palm Desert with 171 points scored and third place went to St. John Bosco with 167 points scored. Other Clovis Unified High Schools participated in the tournament as well and placed accordingly out of 104 total schools from across California and the Western Region of the U.S. Clovis High School, 6th place, 154.5 points Clovis North, 25th place Clovis West, 26th place Clovis East, 75th place Individual results for Clovis Schools in each weight class are as follows: 109 Rocklin Zinkin, Buchanan, 1st place Thunder Lewis, Clovis High, 3rd place 123 Nikade Zinkin, Clovis High, 2nd place Ray Harris Jr., Buchanan, 4th place 129 Joseph Toscano, Buchanan, 1st place 135 Cisco Cabrera, Buchanan, 8th place 141 Dario Lemus, Clovis High, 2nd place Regino Raiz, Buchanan, 6th place 148 Devin Alexander, Buchanan High, 5th place 155 Leo Contino, Buchanan High, 6th place 163 Joe Buck, Clovis High, 5th place Mason Espinoza, Buchanan, 6th place 173 Sloan Swan, Buchanan, 3rd place Adrien Reyes, Clovis High, 4th place 185 Jonathan Rocha, Buchanan, 7th place 198 Keanu Trelles, Buchanan, 5th place 223 Kannon Campbell, Buchanan, 3rd place David Ozuna, Clovis West, 4th place 288 Zack Limon, Clovis High, 3rd place Alec Dansby, Buchanan, 7th place
Photo Courtesy of @buchananwrestling Instagram
Buchanan High School’s Wrestling Team won the Doc Buchanan Wrestling Invitational hosted January 7-8th at Clovis High School.
Clovis Unified Football Stars Matchup in College Football Final
Photo by Michael Ford, Clovis Roundup
Kendall Milton stiff arms a Clovis North defender in the Buchanan Bears 45-21 victory over the Broncos Friday, Nov. 1 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. J.T. Gomez
jt21gomez@gmail.com
The College Football Playoff National Championship held on Monday January 9th at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California not only hosted thousands of fans, but featured two past Clovis Unified football players in the game. Running back Kendall Milton of Georgia and Linebacker Blake Baldwin of Texas Christian both went to Clovis Unified High Schools, Buchanan High and Clovis East, respectively. Kendall Milton in his junior season at Georgia rushed for 592 yards with 8 touchdowns, boosting his career at Georgia to over a thousand yards rushing with 9 total touchdowns. He also had his highest year of production in the receiving game, boasting career highs 5 receptions for 64 yards and 1 receiving touchdown this Championship winning season. Becoming back to back champion with Georgia, Milton helped the southern ‘Dogs in both championship winning seasons with 264 yards and a touchdown last season. Linebacker Blake Baldwin, a Redshirt Freshman did not see game action in the 2021 season, but did make it into two games in TCU’s run to the College Football Playoff of 2022, seeing action against Tarleton State and Iowa State according to his TCU bio. He did not play in the National Championship route by Georgia, which would find TCU as 65-7 losers on Monday night. Kendall Milton met with Sports Director Adrian Luevano from 23ABC news of Bakersfield and Kern County and stated, “Right when we get back to Athens we’re gonna take that little break, but we’re gonna get right back to work and strive for another one…Being a kid in Fresno, growing up, I never saw myself in moments like these being able to play for an SEC team, winning two nattys [National Championships]. I would say to every kid in Fresno, just keep your dreams high…Whatever you put your mind to with the work you can really achieve it.” Kendall Milton carried the ball 10 times for 33 yards and had 1 touchdown in the National Championship Final against TCU.
Clovis Unified School District Coach opening new gymnastics center
Krystle Nozartash
@ClovisRoundup
A Clovis Unified School District Director of Sports in gymnastics and her team are building a center for the youngsters who enjoy competitive and recreational gymnastics. Gymnastics coach, Annie Bradshaw, has been at Clovis North High School for nearly three years. She has over 20 years experience in gymnastics, and is sharing her love and passion for the sport with younger athletes. Bradshaw holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University and has been coaching gymnastics up to level 10 competitive athletes at various gyms around the United States. For the past five years she has been a presenter for USA Gymnastics coaching conferences and is a certified gymnastics judge with National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges (NAWGJ). “I’ve done gymnastics all my life and absolutely love the sport. I wanted to open a facility where recreational and competitive athletes can both excel,” Bradshaw said. Fresno Gymnastics Center will be over 10,000 square feet, hold over 2,000 students, and feature new state of the art equipment. The equipment is set to be delivered and installed once the construction is completed, according to Bradshaw. “Our endeavors are to create a program that speaks to the love of the sport. We anticipate it growing rapidly and look forward to continually expanding and improving. We want a space where athletes and coaches alike can grow their technical knowledge and skills and still have fun,” she said. The gymnastics center will offer recreational and competitive artistic gymnastics, tumbling and parkour. Parkour is a new international gymnastics federation discipline which is the art of moving. Athletes move through obstacle courses and are judged on creativity and speed. Competitive gymnastics compete throughout the state, eventually going regionally and nationally. Recreational athletes learn gymnastics for fun or to cross train for junior high and high school sports. Classes at Fresno Gymnastics Center will range from age 18 months to 18 years old. Bradshaw and her team have already lined up some staff for the facility but will be looking for additional people to fill more positions. The gym is currently under construction on Armstrong and Shields Avenue, with plans to open this summer with the acceptance of city permitting.
Earn Rewards by Supporting Clovis Restaurants
Photo by Amy Guerra
Lunas Pizzeria in Old Town Clovis.
CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF
@ClovisRounduap
Dining out has never been more rewarding! The City of Clovis, along with the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, and the Business Organization of Old Town (B.O.O.T.) have cooked up a fantastic way to kick off the new year, simply by dining out. Every time you eat or drink at a restaurant, bar, or coffee house located in the City of Clovis, save your itemized receipt. Once you have $100 worth of receipts, bring them into the front counter at the City of Clovis Administration Building and select a $25 gift card to be used at a Clovis restaurant. You can collect up to three $25 gift cards total. “We love our Clovis restaurant operators,” said Greg Newman, CEO of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. “Local restaurants are more than just a place to eat. They provide thousands of full and part-time jobs, they provide a space where we can meet and socialize, and in many ways are the fabric of this community.” In addition to the gift cards, some participants will be able to select “Old Town Bucks”, which can be used at a dozen different restaurants in Old Town Clovis. “Old Town Clovis is home to dozens of great places to eat, drink and reconnect with family and friends,” said Heather Frantzich, Executive Director of B.O.O.T. “When our local businesses succeed, our community thrives. We are excited to partner with the City of Clovis on this program.” Begin collecting your receipts Monday, January 16, 2023, and begin redeeming them for gift cards on January 18, 2023. The program will run until February 13, 2023 or when the funds are exhausted- whichever comes first.
Photo by Billy Xiong, Clovis Roundup
Bobby Salazar’s Bree making her signature cocktail, the Shark Attack.
Photo by Clovis Roundup
The Craft House, L-R: The Triple Cheese and Bacon Burger, Thai Shrimp Tacos, and the All American Pub Burger. The Craft House is located on the corner of Pollasky and Eighth St.
Photo by Clovis Roundup
Andiamos Italian restaurant. Left photo: Clockwise from Top - Steak Salad, Spaghetti Calamari, Rigatoni Scarpata, and Penne Napoli. Right photo: Lemoncello Dessert.
Photo by Clovis Roundup
Old Town Cafe. Clockwise from L-R: French Toast, Tri-tip sandwich with a salad, Hot Pastrami and Swiss Cheese with fries, and the Western Burger with beer-battered onion rings.
J.T. Gomez
jt21gomez@gmail.com
In a Clovis Community College lecture hall, Dr. Kim E. Armstrong was sworn in as the new President of Clovis Community College. Dr. Armstrong succeeds Dr. Lori Bennett in the position, who last year announced her retirement from Clovis Community. Previously, Dr. Kim E. Armstrong has served as the Vice Chancellor for Student, Equity, and Community Affairs at Arkansas State University Three Rivers. Dr. Armstrong holds Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees from Howard University in Physiological/Neuropsychology as well as certifications in Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization. Dr. Armstrong was once selected as one of fifty nationally certified Student Success/ Guided Pathway Coaches and also was one of eight to serve as an Arkansas Holistic Student Support Coach. Dr. Kim E. Armstrong will now serve as only the third president of Clovis Community College.
After the Storm in Old Town Clovis
Top, a double rainbow shines bright over Old Town after the storms. (Photo by Ron Sundquist)
Middle, flooding could be seen throughout Fresno County. (Photo by Ron Sundquist)
Right, City of Clovis Utility crews are working to remove trees which fell due to rain and wind. To report a tree which has fallen into a city street or sidewalk, call our 24 hour Public Utilities Hotline at (559) 324-2600 or use our Go Clovis app. If it is an emergency, dial 911. (Photo Courtesy of City of Clovis)
