Clovis Roundup - October 26, 2022

Clovis Transit makes scheduling rides

an “App”

Listed

developed by Spare Labs Inc, this application that can be used on one’s cell phone, computer or tab let allows riders of the Clovis Tran sit to schedule rides, view routes, and have an overall experience that benefits the traveler according to

City employees.

“The app is an enhancement of our services..the app for us offers addi tions that you normally wouldn’t get,” said Nick Chin, Management Analyst with the Clovis Transportation Divi sion of the City of Clovis.

City of Clovis Opens New Drop-Off Center

Located at 79 N. Sunnyside Avenue in Clovis, a new drop-off center for hazardous wastes was opened approximately around Oc tober 11th.

Ivette Rodriguez, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Clovis’ Public Utilities Department, first explained that items allowed for disposal at their site include latex and oil based paints, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, used motor oil, and antifreeze.

The site does not accept all hazardous wastes. Rodriguez ex plained that Fresno County has a permanent household hazards fa cility, and they will accept all items that the Clovis location would not.

Items not accepted by the Clovis location include chlorine, chem icals used around the house, pes ticides, gasoline, tires, or aerosol paint cans.

The site itself was created as a partnership with the Fresno County Works and Planning Department

which prizes like a bicycle, gift baskets, and even four passes to Disneyland were offered.

This was the first time in three years that DSACC held the event in person and Jennifer Whiting, Executive Director of DSACC was excited to have a crowd of around 600 gather.

“Step Up for Down Syndrome is our largest awareness event of the year and actually the largest awareness event in the Central Valley.”

J.T.

J.T. Gomez

JT Gomez/Clovis Roundup

Jennifer Whiting, Executive Director of DSACC (back) poses with a group of Down Syndrome Advocates including Tony Phillips, (middle left) 2022 Down Syndrome Association of Central California’s Advocate of the Year.

Clovis?

Photos by Ron Sundquist

Arpi (mom) and daughter Quinn, who originated the idea to

succulents to

the

Florida.

Roger Perry, famous musician, per forming at the most recent Saturday Farmers’ Market.

Busy Bees Honey Farm booth.

Mom and Daughter fundraising for Hurricane

Saturday Farmers Market in Old Town Clovis

at the Centennial Plaza on the corner of Bullard and Pollasky.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

DES HAUS

tine, but Haus said her catalyst to run for city council stemmed from the fact that Clovis had three open seats this election.

“With there being three open seats it was just a little concerning that maybe we could have someone come in and just dis rupt the system because I’ve seen so many cities that it would just be very detrimental to what made Clovis, Clovis,” Haus said.

Haus said since she has always been a “don’t talk about it be about it” type of person, she said she knew no one would be a better advocate for her kids or other families better than her.

“Our city needs tax revenue and more economic growth and development. That revenue could come to the city right now. Nobody wants to be the suburb of Fresno but some people are living in Clovis and working in Fresno and Fresno gets that revenue which in turn creates this short fall,” Haus said.

Haus said that even if Measure B pass es she doesn’t think it will be enough for Clovis.

“If we don’t start to grow in our eco nomic development market then we might have to pass a tax measure,” Haus said.

looking at what bill got passed today,” Haus said.

Haus said when it comes to under standing the “convoluted” writing of leg islation she is ready to offer more support because it is an area that can always use more help.

In a crowded field of candidates Haus said Clovis should be proud of the amount of people who are interested and willing to advocate for others. Haus said in a field of so many candidates, she feels her abil ity to work collaboratively regardless of party affiliation is what helps set her apart from the crowd.

Des Haus, who grew up in Huron and graduated from Fresno State, decided to move to Clovis with her family. Haus also works for a strategic energy company where she said she works with various organizations that are involved in the gov ernment.

Haus said she never imagined herself running for office after working with pol iticians through her regular work day rou

Economic growth and development, public safety, and local control are the issues that Haus is focusing on through her campaign. With a focus on economic growth and development, Haus said the more people who are able to move to Clo vis and experience the city is phenomenal but at the same time Haus said she be lieves there should be an opportunity for people to work in Clovis also.

Making sure no stone is left unturned in the search for options is a reason Haus said she feels qualified for the position if elected.

A hobby of Haus’ is routinely looking for grants and different legislation that are out there to provide funding to accom plish goals such as her economic growth and development plan.

“Instead of scrolling on Instagram I’m

JOSHUA PHANCO

Joshua Phanco a Clovis resident since 2005 and owner of an All State insur ance agency in Clovis for the past four years said that his catalyst to run for this position is because Phanco believes Clovis is at a “critical point”.

“We’re facing extraordinary chal lenges due to our rapid growth that I think could start impacting the Clovis lifestyle, and the Clovis way of life that we have all come to love.” Phanco said.

For Phanco, issues such as public safety, a business friendly environment to attract new businesses, responsible growth that builds on the Clovis way of life, and high standards to maintain the

quality of life in Clovis are his focus.

Phanco said he believes his expe rience as a business owner and build ing relationships with the community through volunteer opportunities is what has prepared him to potentially serve the same people he has a “connection” with.

“I think one giant qualifier is that I have good roots here. I believe that my experience as a business owner de mands a lot of you and teaches you a lot with regard to understanding how to take care of managing a budget, growth, finding ways to fund growth, finding ways to pay for growth,managing ex penses, being physically conservative

GUY REDNER

wanted to actually make a difference and try to make things better and I think by running for City Council…it allows me the opportunity to make some change,” Redner said.

Redner does not have a campaign web site nor endorsements from anyone and is personally financing his campaign com pletely out of pocket.

Redner said issues concerning the public transit system’s scheduling and the obvious bus stop markings is a cause for confusion among users

Redner called the current state of the public transit system “abysmal” for the lack of obvious bus stop markings and benches for users of the system to utilize.

“I look at the bigger picture. I look at the Clovis community and I believe look ing at what serves the community best is what needs to be done. I believe in collab orative work together and it doesn’t have anything to do with a party. So I think one thing that sets me aside is that I come from humble beginnings in Huron and I choose to live in Clovis. I wasn’t born here and when I had the opportunity to pick where I wanted to live we knew we wanted to be in Clovis,” Haus said.

and finding ways to make the most out of everything that you have.” Phanco said.

When asked what set him apart from the crowded field of candidates, he said he feels that his perspective as a small business owner who understands the feeling of “financially ranking things month to month” would help bring a unique perspective to the position.

“That’s not to say that there haven’t been people that have been instrumental in helping businesses or operating on things. But I believe [my perspective] is unique in the sense that I have that unique position of being a small busi ness owner that has employees and has that expectation of delivering and I think that helps really bring that type of perspective to the council,” Phanco said.

said he understands the issues facing Clo vis.

“They made the change so that there’s no longer a bus fare but if you can’t catch the bus in the first place, it doesn’t matter if you would or wouldn’t have to pay for it. I had to take it when I was going to college so I know firsthand that it can be really unreliable,” Redner said.

Guy Redner has lived in Clovis in the southwest region, since 1998. He said people in that area of Clovis are often for gotten about. His catalyst for running for City Council came from being “tired of sitting back and watching it all happen”.

“With the pandemic and inflation and everything that has been going on.. I

“I haven’t reached out to anyone, and no one has reached out to me. And I think that’s the way it should be right? It should be members of the community voting for members of the community, not business es or influential people. Kind of building things the way that they want. I know that’s the way it is but I don’t think that’s the way it should be,” Redner said.

For Redner, the issue of equity among all parts of Clovis and a re-phasing of the public transit system are at the top of his list for issues affecting the community.

“The system is just completely unin tuitive. If you look at a map and try to figure out what the schedule is supposed to be…I think it needs a rework from the ground up,” Redner said.

Another issue Redner is passionate about tackling, is the issue of making Clovis more affordable to move into.

Redner said with a large student and senior population in the community he thinks that affordable housing is a good first step toward making Clovis a more “livable” city.

Coupled with transit issues Redner

Redner admits that his experience in this field isn’t the same as a career politi cian or similar to other business owners but Render said that is what separates him from the crowd of candidates running and what qualifies him for this position.

“I’m definitely stepping out of my comfort zone and I’m just a guy who wants to make a difference and I know I’m not a career politician, I’m not a busi ness owner and I know that separates me from the rest of the candidates because I know a lot of them have their own business or they’ve worked in City gov ernment before…I guess I’m just a con cerned citizen that wants to make Clovis a more livable city,” Redner said.

INTERVIEWED BY ADAM RICARDO SOLIS. FULL LIST OF CANDIDATES

OUR

City Council Approves Use of Narcan on Public Transit

our meeting, ‘If I didn’t trust you to be able to do this program, I wouldn’t even talk to anybody about it.’”

At Clovis’ latest City Council meeting on Monday October 17th, a vote to allow the nasal spray Narcan on Clovis’ public transit vehicles was approved 4-0 with the absence of one Mayor Pro-Tem Lynne Ashbeck.

Narcan is the narcotic known to treat known or suspected opioid overdose emergencies, especially when signs of breathing problems arise.

The city of Clovis plans to place Narcan on each public city transit bus moving throughout the city.

Amy Hance, General Services Manager of the City of Clovis spoke before the City Council as the staff member of record and voiced her concerns as to why she believes Narcan should be on those vehicles.

“Part of the public health response, in fact one of the primary tenets of the public health response to the opioid crisis is the easy access to Narcan or Naloxone.”

Hance went on to state that in the past two years Fresno County has had an 81% increase in “overdose deaths.”

Hance believes that with the addition of a Narcan nasal spray on each transit bus, there

DROP OFF

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

they saw a need for a more convenient loca tion of drop-off for hazardous wastes. Ro driguez explained that “…once you have a permanent facility, you can network for drop off sites like ours.” Rodriguez also explained that the site is a more convenient way of dropping off multiple hazardous wastes in one location.

Two city employees working at the site, Daniel York and Andres Barraza stated that their main priority is to make sure that when civilians come to drop off their hazardous wastes, they stay safe and more importantly stay in their vehicle. They will inspect the items brought, place accepted items onto a cart, and then dispose of the items in a holding area. Other third parties then stop by the site and transfer the wastes onto their facilities.

The employees also mentioned that in the

will be added safety for those who may incidentally overdose on fentanyl.

“The biggest danger for fentanyl is it can be added to other illicit drugs and the user does not know it’s in there.”

The City Council was in agreement with Hance including Councilman Drew Bessinger who called the plan an “excellent idea.” He then told a story about how one of his prior police captains once administered life saving Narcan to an overdosed 17 year

prior two weeks of being opened, the site has had a lot of paint drop-offs, while also having oil, antifreeze and battery drop-offs. “Paint is something that definitely accumu lates overtime.”

It is recommended that one comes early to the drop off site, which opens at 9 am, and to remain safe when pulling into the driveway off of busy Sunnyside avenue. It is also recommended that items for disposal be placed in the trunk of the vehicle for easier access when transferring.

Ivette Rodriguez reverberated, “It’s im portant for residents to know that they don’t need to get out of their vehicle. It’s very convenient. The other locations mentioned you have to get out, carry the items in. It’s important to know [here] you can stay in your vehicle.”

The site is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fresno County drop off site is scheduled to open in November.

old girl two days after receiving his issued shipment.

With this plan, transit employees will have to be trained how to administer Narcan, already having been trained to administer life saving CPR if needed.

Amy Hance feels confident in her staff however, believing in their abilities to administer the life saving drug.

“[Our transit staff] are pretty special and important people, as I told them today in

According to Hance, there is also a program like this going on in St. Louis, Missouri, and she believes that this program in the Midwest is about six months ahead of Clovis.

“I’ve been in pretty frequent contact with a colleague who works in St. Louis, Missouri in the public safety department, and he’s doing the same thing we are…he’s got Narcan out with his fire department, he then put it out with his police department and he’s now putting it on his public transit vehicles.”

Mayor Flores on fentanyl overdoses: “A lot of people are not doing it on purpose, it’s just way too much for anyone to ingest and then they die because of it. So they’re not doing it intentionally like an overdose… They’re killing our kids.”

Ultimately the council decided to approve the use and distribution of Narcan to all transit buses with a 4-0 vote to Hance’s pleasure.

“Transit vehicles who are carrying Narcan could be part of a strategy [to save lives].”

explained that the DSACC is a small organization and is not a part of a larger group across America.

DSACC was founded in Fresno in 1999 and has grown to serve around 850 individuals across Central Valley as a non-profit organization.

DSACC assists these individuals from birth throughout their life expectancy which Whiting explained is sixty plus years, and not the early thirties, a large misconception against the demographic.

On the local level, the DSACC has an advocate group that hosts activities such as

pottery classes or public speaking classes.

“Really we’re about reaching and provid ing support to the whole family, so not just the individual with down syndrome or the parent, but also siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles and everyone else whose lives are touched with down syndrome.”

On the relationship to Clovis and even the Rodeo Grounds, Whiting illustrated that the DSACC has grown rather large and in the span of hosting the “Step Up for Down Syndrome” event over the past thirteen years, the event has grown from around “maybe 200” to over 1200 just before the pandemic.

The Clovis Rodeo Grounds has housed the event for the past five times that they

have held it.

In addition to the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, Old Town Clovis played host itself to a cer tain scavenger hunt put on by the DSACC.

After downloading a playboard from the DSACC website, participants, anyone who shops in the Old Town area, can venture throughout Clovis’ Old Town and find a sev en inch sticker that the DSACC has hidden in specific shops.

The shops throughout Old Town are aware of the stickers and once told that a participant has found a sticker, will stamp a participant’s playboard. Prizes will be given at the end of the month of October, when the scavenger hunt ends, and also when Down Syndrome Awareness month ends.

Whiting summarized the event’s support from those who arrived and the sponsors of the event.

“We had a great group of sponsors… We’re an organization that doesn’t receive state or federal funding, so an event like this is really important for us to provide services for the following year.”

But most importantly, she explained that events like this are the perfect opportunity to get to know one another despite their dis similarities. “It’s just a chance for us to cele brate everyone’s abilities and differences. “

To find more information on the Down Syndrome Association of Central California or the Scavenger Hunt, you can find their website at https://www.dsacc.org.

as

PROUD MEMBER OF PROUD SPONSOR OF ENDORSED BY

Clovis Roundup photo

The Clovis City Council voted 4-0 to approve the use of Narcan on city public transit on October 17.

Clovis Roundup photo The new drop off center will be open in November.

CHSU Medical Students Become Certified NARCAN® Trainers

to have it in their own homes and wherever people might be overdosing,” said Dr. Vohra.

A program to certify medical students as NAR CAN® Nasal Spray Trainers began this month at California Health Sciences University (CHSU). Over 80 medical students in the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine participated in the first train ing session.

The NARCAN® certified training was offered through the CA Bridge Navigator Program, which launched in 2018 to expand access to medications used to treat opioid use disorder through Emergen cy Departments.

“Our goal is to have all CHSU medical students become certified trainers and have NARCAN® available for distribution to the community,” stated, Dr. Francisco Ibarra, Emergency Medicine Clin ical Pharmacist at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, and Adjunct Assistant Professor at California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“They will be caring for and educating Valley patients. We see a lot of opioid overdoses and actually deaths here that could be prevented,” Dr. Ibarra added.

The education portion of the training was con ducted by Dr. Rais Vohra, UCSF Professor of Clin ical Emergency Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, Interim Health Officer, Fresno County Department of Public Health, and Medical Director, Fresno Madera Division, California Poison Control Sys tem. Dr. Vohra shared his experiences as an emer gency medicine physician with administering the life-saving naloxone to patients who overdosed.

“I think of NARCAN® as the best antidote to ensure fentanyl does not claim lives. We know it works well in the emergency department and am bulance services, and now we really need people

Second-year medical residents and Substance Use Navigators from area hospitals, helped answer questions and provided the hands-on training for the NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Using training devic es, the medical students learned to administer the nasal spray on manikins in the CHSU Simulation Center.

In addition to helping save a life when a patient overdoses, the medical students were taught to be compassionate to those with opioid use disorder and help connect them to recovery resources and Substance Use Navigators for additional support and assistance.

According to the CA Bridge website, Sub stance Use Navigators support treating opioid use disorder in the hospital emergency department with immediate access to medication for addic tion treatment, navigation to ongoing care in the community, and ongoing training, resources, and mentorship.

“We’re working with vulnerable populations and people who may not have a consistent network of support. You could be the first person to show them that you are there for them when they’re ready to take that first step, with no judgement and no stigma surrounding their decision,” stated Brooke Crosswhite, second-year medical student and Overdose Prevention Task Force Leader in the Student Osteopathic Medical Association club at CHSU.

Student leaders at CHSU are planning oppor tunities for medical students to distribute NAR CAN® and train people to properly use it at health fairs, schools, and during clerkships and rotations.

For more information, contact Richele Kleiser at 559-272-8129 or visit chsu.edu.

With the app, users can schedule rides 24 hours a day, a task that previ ously was unavailable to transit passen gers. Passengers normally only had the option to call in a scheduled ride from 7 am to 5 pm, the transit’s daily hours.

Scheduling trips are also now logged in the app, allowing users to schedule rides up to two weeks in advance. Noti fications from the app will update users when rides are scheduled, when a ride is a few minutes out, and can also allow users to track vehicles and their desti nations, much like tracking a package from a delivery service.

Originally, passengers would have to call in rides each and every time to the transportation center in order to sched ule rides, and while residents still can do this, with the transit app, they now can have the option of the aforemen tioned notifications and are able to plan accordingly.

“The benefits are being able to pull up your rides and see a history of what’s your schedule and what’s up coming. Just having the ease of sched uling right there. The beauty of the app as well, is you can have someone using your phone schedule it for you.”

Having the notifications from the app is also a huge advantage according to Chin as he believes users now won’t have to wait outside for vehicles, but simply wait for a notification of a vehi cle’s arrival from the comfort of their own home.

When asked why the City decided to create the app, Chin responded, “To better serve our passengers. We’re trying to cut down our wait times, and

that’s one thing we’ve accomplished is our wait times have been cut approxi mately in half. Previously if people had to wait forty-five minutes to an hour, there’s plenty of times [now] where people are only waiting about twenty minutes.”

He went on to extrapolate that at the transit’s busiest time, the average wait time now is around twenty minutes, with the exception of a few longer waits of course. “There’s a lot of times where we’re picking up our passengers in five to ten minutes.”

The app also allows transit employ ees to see patterns and hot spots of pickups to further permit transit drivers to readily prepare routes that will allow the service of more passengers. Same day trips are being offered as well.

“It’s an enhancement of our service to be able to reach out to more pas sengers and make it more convenient to schedule and provide them with a lot more information than they ever received. Prior to the app they wouldn’t know where the bus is, they wouldn’t know how quickly the bus was gonna get to them- it allows them to plan their day more and not be waiting on public transit to arrive.”

To use the Clovis Transit, one has to be a Clovis resident and be pre-qual ified by the transit authority. As for now the app is specifically used for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) riders. Only those pre-qualified to use the Clovis Transit, will be allowed to schedule rides through the Clovis Tran sit app.

“It’s freeing them up and making the most use out of their time.”

The app is free and can be down loaded in whichever digital store one finds their apps.

Central Valley chapter of Make-A-Wish fulfills Clovis girl’s dream

Paisley is not a stranger to overcoming adversity.

In her infancy, Paisley was exposed to drugs and domestic violence by her bio logical mom. At eight months old, she was placed with her current adoptive family. When was two, she was rushed to Valley Children’s Hospital many times and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

But Paisley did it.

The eight-year-old overcame surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy to beat cancer.

On Oct. 6, the Make-A-Wish – a non-profit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of children with a critical illness between the ages of 2½ and 18 years old –Central Valley chapter held a Toast to Hope Fundraiser for Paisley, whose dream was to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Or lando, Florida with her family and meet all of her favorite characters.

The fundraisers took place at the resi dence of Jordan Christiensen, who serves on the Central Valley Make-A-Wish chap ter. When he found out about Paisley’s story, he instantly knew he wanted to help make her wish come true.

Paisley was from Clovis, the town Christiensen grew up in. Paisley is six, around the same age as his children. Pais ley’s cancer was similar to the one Chris tiensen’s mother-in-law passed away from.

“It was something that I think we felt connected to,” Christiansen said.

The price tag for Paisley’s trip to Florida was $10,000.

That night with about 100 people in at

tendance, $11,000 was fundraised.

“It was a special night,” Christensen said. “We got a lot of generous people that we’re surrounded with and to be able to raise that kind of money in a single night by just having some friends over and host ed an event was something that’s very spe cial to us.”

It was truly a community effort. Some members of the Clovis High School foot ball team, which Paisley is a very big fan of, made an appearance amid their season.

When Christiensen presented Clovis coach Aaron Wilkins with the idea, it was a no-brainer.

“He said ‘Anything that I can do to support her and support cause we’re all up’” Christiensen explained. “They helped out with a multitude of things. They got their agenda going on, they played the next night. It says a lot about coach Wilkins and those players in the heart that those play ers have for you for helping the little girl achieve her wish.”

Paisley is just one of the many children whose dreams came true through MakeA-Wish. Kathleen Price, Regional Vice President Make-A-Wish Foundation in California and Northern Nevada, said the best way to see dreams come to fruition is to volunteer.

“Wishes create a difference in the med ical recovery of children and 75 to 80% of our children will recover from their illness and go on to thrive and live a meaningful life,” Price said.

Photo contributed through Central Valley Make-A-Wish Foundation (Left) Paisley pictured with her Make-A-Wish sponsors. (Right) Paisley with the Clovis High School Football team.

Jesus Cano

Spooky Popcorn Spider Web

Yield: 1 spider web

1/4 cup butter

8 cups mini marshmallows, divided

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

9 cups popped popcorn, divided

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided black string licorice candy eyes

Line round pizza pan with parchment paper; set aside. In large saucepan over low heat, melt butter; stir in 5 cups marshmallows,

stirring constantly, 3-4 minutes, or until completely melted. Stir in vanilla. Remove from heat. Stir in 8 cups popcorn until coated. Spread onto prepared pizza pan in irregular round shape, about 1-inch thick, to resemble spider web.

Refrigerate about 15 minutes, or until firm.

In microwave, melt remaining marshmallows about 20 seconds, or until melted. Using spatula, string strands of melted marshmallow over popcorn spider web to create cobweb effect.

In heatproof bowl set over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips; cool slightly. In large bowl

of remaining popcorn, pour chocolate over popcorn, folding gently to coat. Spread mixture on waxed paper-lined baking sheet, separating into eight small clusters. Affix two candy eyes to each popcorn cluster.

Refrigerate 10-15 minutes, or until set.

Melt remaining chocolate chips. Cut licorice into 1-inch lengths. Using small spoon, dab circles of chocolate onto spider web. Affix chocolate-coated popcorn onto chocolate circles. Affix licorice lengths to chocolate popcorn clusters to resemble spider legs. Refrigerate 15 minutes, or until set. To serve, cut into smaller pieces.

FAMILY FEATURES

From

watching scary movies to dressing up as ghouls and goblins, spooky season means it’s time to pop up your loved ones’ favorite snacks for a ghostly good time. Before heading out to trick-ortreat, gather your minions in the kitchen for some family-friendly fun crafting these haunting yet tasty treats.

Throughout October, you can honor National Popcorn Poppin’ Month with eerie, delicious eats like Spooky Popcorn Spider Web, Green Halloween Zombies and Witchy Popcorn Balls that add festive fun to the Halloween excitement.

As a perfect ingredient in treats of all types, popcorn is beloved for its seed-to-snack simplicity as a non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free snack that’s naturally low in fat and calories. Add in its irresistible smell, taste and versatility, and it’s easy to see why it pairs so well with spooky celebrations.

Find more Halloween treats at popcorn.org.

Yield: 8 popcorn balls

16 chocolate wafer cookiesnonstick cooking spray

3 quarts popped popcorn

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

3 cups miniature marshmallows

3 tablespoons (1/2 of 3-ounce box) lime gelatin dessert mix green food color (optional)

3/4 cup chocolate chips licorice strings

8 chocolate ice cream cones

orange sugar sprinkles, placed in small dish jelly beans candy corns

Spread sheet of waxed or parchment paper over work surface and place wafer cookies on it.

Spray large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.

In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows and gelatin powder until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Adjust color with 1-2 drops food color, if desired. Pour mixture over popcorn and mix until coated.

Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and press firmly to form into eight balls. Place balls on eight wafer cookies. Press candy decorations into popcorn balls to form “eyes,” “nose” and “mouth.”

In small, microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips, covered, 10 seconds. Stir to aid melting. Repeat as needed until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon melted chocolate on top of each popcorn ball. Press licorice strings into chocolate to form “hair.”

Dip cone edges into melted chocolate then orange sugar sprinkles. Place on remaining wafer cookies to form “witches’ hats.” Place hats on popcorn balls. Allow chocolate to set about 45 minutes before serving.

Serve or seal individually in plastic wrap.

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo

Spooky Popcorn Spider Web

Witchy Popcorn Balls

Witchy Popcorn Balls

The story of John and Alta Polson

know, you’d find out who the hell he was. Now, you walk down the street and you don’t know anybody.”

Peg Bos Historian/Clovis Museum Contributed

John Polson married Alta Cole on Sep tember 1, 1921 at 6:30 a.m. at her parent’s home. The couple would drive his old Model T Ford to San Francisco for their honeymoon. The roads were narrow and they took a ferryboat from Oakland to San Francisco (Bay Bridge constructed 1933).

John was twelve when his family ar rived from Pawnee, Oklahoma in 1909. He remembers riding his bicycle down Fulton (Clovis Ave) to the Sunnyside area of Fresno. He would leave his bike and take the streetcar to downtown Fresno. His unguarded bike would be there when he returned.

Adventurous John would ride down the 1893 flume from Shaver Lake to the Clo vis Lumber Mill, which was located at the present site of Clark Intermediate School.

The courting couple would ride the train to Big Creek to see the snow in the winter. One date they both remember occurred on November 10, 1918. It was during WWI and John had been drafted and he was ship ping out from Fresno with 450 draftees. The armistice was declared thirty minutes prior to their scheduled train departure.

While describing “early” Clovis, John stated: “In those days if you walked down the street and saw some guy you didn’t

Alta was born in Clovis in 1900. Her grandfather Jacob A. Cole and his brother Stephen Cole arrived in Clovis in 1872. Stephen homesteaded 320 acres in the Red Bank district. His son Clovis Cole became nationally known as the “Wheat King of the United States”. Our town bears his name.

Alta’s father Alvin R. Cole was the son of Jacob Cole. Alvin was a ranch er and would also serve as Clovis Marshall. Alta graduated from Clovis High School in 1918. She began train ing as a nurse at the Fresno Burnett Sanitarium. Her tenure was during the flu epidemic and after eight exhaust ing months she decided to enroll at the Fresno Normal School and become a teacher. She received her teaching credentials in 1920. She taught in our elementary schools and also served as principal.

John graduated from Clovis High in 1918 and earned 16 athletic letters by ex celling in tennis, basketball, baseball and track.

John worked for the Fresno County Agriculture Department for 37 years. He dedicated 54 consecutive years as a judge of agricultural exhibits at the Fresno Fair.

John served as a Clovis School Board member for three terms and on the City of Clovis Planning Board. He was elected to the Clovis City Council and was elected

Mayor in 1972.

During his reelection bid in 1970, he received a questionnaire from the Clovis City Employees Association and the Clovis City Fireman requesting specific informa tion that John believed would obligate his decisions to the two groups. He refused to answer the questions and published a news paper ad stating he represented all the peo ple of Clovis and would make his decisions based on that premise.

Another reelection ad stated that he had accomplished the following: “Two 4-lane

State highways in Clovis, 2 miles on Shaw, 1 mile on Clovis Avenue and one 4-lane County highway, Willow Avenue and Da kota to Shaw; looking for tax benefits of new subdivisions.”

In 1984, John was selected grand mar shal of the Clovis Rodeo parade. He had at tended the first 1914 Clovis Festival found ed by the Clovis Woman’s Club that would become the Clovis Rodeo Association.

Both John and Alta remained active community leaders until their deaths. They are a part of our rich heritage.

Courtesy of Clovis Museum

Alta Polson (1900-1998) and John Polson (1897-1996).

Registered Sex

Offender Arrested

POLICE LOG OF SHAME

Wednesday, October 5

Police received five reports of an unknown suspect vandaliz ing vehicles in the area of Peach Ave and Gettysburg Ave. The suspect was reported as wearing a gray hoodie with lettering on the back and dark pants, and accomplished over $2,300 in damage to vehicle tires.

Thursday, October 6

A man shopping at The Home Depot on Shaw and Willow Aves called police when he came out to his work truck to find his toolboxes and tools they contained stolen. Total value of the missing items reported was $4,000. Be mindful of what items you leave out in the open while away from your vehicle, and try to get those items secured.

Friday, October 7

A call for service of suspicious activity on October 12 led to follow up and the arrest of a registered sex offender.

Officers responded to a parking lot near Shaw/Clovis regarding a suspicious male sit ting in his truck, apparently watching females.

Officers located the truck and contacted the driver who was identified as John Grimes, a transient sex offender registered in Fresno.

While it was determined that no crime had occurred, officers got information during their investigation that Grimes had been living in Clovis.

Officers advised Grimes that he was no longer allowed in the business or parking lot

where he was contacted which is private prop erty.

Follow up was done the next day at the Clovis residence near Barstow/Minnewawa, and it was determined that Grimes had been living in a vehicle at the residence for 4 years, while registering in Fresno as a transient.

Grimes was arrested for a felony viola tion of his registration requirements and was booked into the Fresno County Jail.

We would like to thank the initial caller who reported the suspicious activity which sparked this investigation by our patrol officers and Investigations division.

For information on registered sex offenders in the state of California, see the Megan’s Law website here: https://meganslaw.ca.gov/.

Police received a report of stolen property in the area of E Shepherd Ave. A family that had been out that morning en joying a bike ride together left their three beach cruisers and a mountain bike unattended outside their home to return and find all the bikes stolen. With weather improving and gas prices worsening, bicycles are prime targets for theft. Try to always secure yours at home in the backyard or garage to pre vent this from happening.

Sunday, October 9

Police received a report of several items stolen from a vehicle parked outside a home in the area of E Shepherd Ave. Items stolen included a moving dolly, an inflatable 16 foot water slide with a blower, and four parachutes. Seems like someone’s planning an elaborate bank heist, a fun one complete with water slide.

Monday, October 10

Police received a report of $60,000 worth of golf items stolen from a Taylor Made Golf company vehicle. The suspect is un known with morals not up to par, so we will call him the Bogey Bandit.

Tuesday, October 11

Police received a theft report from a local construction com pany. An unknown suspect drained 22 gallons of gasoline by drilling a hole into one of the gas tanks of the company’s vehicles.

Wednesday, October 12

Police responded to a report in Old Town Clovis at On The Edge Coffee House. If you’re familiar with Old Town Clovis, then you know that the cafe has a piano located in front of their shop for the general public to play music and enjoy. Some poor soul, possibly with musical anhedonia, damaged the piano.

Thursday, October 13

Police received a report about a suspect that stole potting soil from True Value Hardware. Here’s your sign that times are tough, when people resort to stealing dirt.

Friday, October 14

Another report was received by police about stolen gaso line from the construction company that was hit on Tuesday, October 11. An unknown suspect once again drilled a hole into the gas tanks of two of the company’s vehicles and got away with the gas. If you ask me, it’s time to order some donuts and coffee and set up a stake out.

Saturday, October 15

Police received a report of several items stolen from a vehicle parked on the street in the Willow Ave and Gettysburg Ave area. The items stolen included the victim’s wallet and several valuable Apple products, like an iPad, Macbook, Apple watch and Airpods. Please remember not to leave valuables unat tended in your vehicle, especially sitting in view of passers-by.

Monday, October 17

Police received a theft report from local business Best Party Rentals. The business had one of their Ion Block Rocker blue tooth speakers stolen by an unknown suspect. Apparently someone wanted to “rock their block” without paying the bill.

Tuesday, October 18

Sometimes, decorating your home for the holidays can quickly turn from something done for personal enjoyment to a nasty competition between neighbors. This may have been the case when police received a report of stolen Halloween decora tions, including miscellaneous inflatable lawn decorations and a bat motion projector.

If anyone has

Courtesy of Clovis PD John Grimes.

Clovis Roundup Staff

HALLOWEEN

Clovis

4th

a.m.

TRUNK

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

NEW COVENANT HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

Clovis,

Oct.

Woodworth and 4th St. Clovis, CA Friday, Oct. 28

p.m.

8 :30 p.m.

FALL WINEWALK Location: Old Town Clovis Saturday, Oct. 29 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA Saturday, Oct. 29

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CLOVIS HAUNTED TRAIL

Location: Parkway Trails Shopping Center Willow & Nees, Clovis, CA Saturday, Oct. 29, Kids Hour 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 thru Monday, Oct. 31

Location: 1744 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA Saturday, Oct. 29 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

FRESNO STREET EATS

Location: Sierra Vista Mall Every Saturday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sunday Market, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

VIRTUAL JOB FAIRS Check online at HireX for dates and times of Virtual Job Fairs throughout the Month of October *Entry-Level *Healthcare *Diversity *Veterans

NOVEMBER 2022

VET BIZ RALLY POINT SUMMIT

Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA Wednesday, Nov. 2 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

RUMMAGE SALE AND CRAFT FAIR

Location: Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA Thursday, Nov. 3 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

OLD TOWN FLEA MARKET

Location: Clovis Rodeo Grounds 748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA Saturday only Early Bird / 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 / 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 / 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

4TH ANNUAL VETERANS MOTORCYCLE RUN

Location: Clawson Motorsports 6334 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno, CA Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 a.m.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

Location: New Life Community Church 2165 Gettysburg Ave., Clovis, CA Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 a.m.

TWO CITIES MARATHON Location: Clovis Community College 10309 N. Willow Ave., Fresno, CA Sunday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 a.m.

SENIOR SCAM STOPPER Location: Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA For information call: 559-4462029 Wednesday Nov. 9 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

SINGIN IN THE RAIN Location: Mercedes Edwards Theatre 902 5th St., Clovis, CA Nov. 10, 11, 12 thru Nov. 17, 18, 19

VETERANS DAY Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District Friday, Nov. 11 Starts at 7 a.m.

BED DELIVERY DAY Location: Derrel’s Mini Storage 955 N. Willow Ave., Clovis, CA Saturday, Nov. 12 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

CHRISTMAS VENDOR POP-UP

Location: 3317 Purdue Ave., Clovis, CA Saturday, Nov. 12 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CLOVIS TAILGATE BBQ THROWDOWN Location: Elks Lodge 535 Woodworth Ave., Clovis, CA Saturday, Nov. 12 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

THANKSGIVING FOR VETERANS DINNER Location: American Legion Post 147 508 4th St., Clovis, CA Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING Location: Old Town Clovis Pollasky Ave. and 5th St. Thursday, Nov. 17 5p.m. – 8 p.m.

CLOVIS STREET FAIR

Location: Dry Creek Park 855 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA Friday, Nov. 18 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

SHREDFEST – CLOVIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

Location: Clovis Rodeo 748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA Saturday, Nov. 19 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

Location: Old Town Clovis Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26 and 27 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Every weekend thru Dec. 18

WIND SYMPHONY OF CLOVIS CONCERT Location: Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno, CA Sunday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m.

PLACES TO VISIT

CALIFORNIA 911 MEMORIAL

Location: 3485 Never Forget Ln., Clovis, CA Open 365 days a year

COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTER

Location: 3rd and Veterans Parkway

OPEN Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CLOVIS MUSEUM

Location: 4th & Pollasky, Clovis, CA Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CLOVIS FARMERS’ MARKETS

FRIDAY NIGHT FARMERS’ MARKET

Location: Old Town Clovis Friday, April 29 - Friday, Oct. 28

5:30 p.m. – 8 :30 p.m.

CLOVIS OLD TOWN FARMERS’ MARKET

Location: Old Town Clovis Every Saturday Year-Round 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

HARLAN RANCH FARMERS’ MARKET

Location: 1620 N. Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA Every Wednesday YearRound

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)

Clovis Community College Holds President’s Breakfast

On October 25, in what is likely one of her last public appearances as President of Clovis Community College, Dr. Lori Bennett spoke at the President’s Breakfast held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

In her address, she spoke about the students of Clovis Community, coming out of the pan demic, and the growth that has been occurring at the college in the past five years.

“When I started as President in 2016, we had about eighty-five employees, less than a hundred, today we have over two hundred… [We had to hire] to support our growing num ber of students. For the last three years we served an average of over 13,600 students each year on our campus.”

Dr. Bennett then mentioned specifics at Clovis Community College including their number one major which is biology. Because so many students choose to transfer into the healthcare profession, they choose biology as their major. “34 percent of our students are STEM majors.”

“Our college has been strategic in reflecting on our work, so that we can remove barriers and provide support systems to improve ac cess to help students to succeed.”

When talking about program building and curriculum at the campus, Dr. Bennett men tioned that there are now over one hundred degrees and certificates offered at Clovis Com munity College. When she first began, there were only twenty-six.

Before mentioning an update on the new Applied Technology building, Bennett ex plained the importance of being able to con nect to the community of Clovis, in addition to Fresno as well, with transportation programs such as the FAX bus routes from Fresno.

“With this addition we are now connected to

community and public transportation.”

Speaking with the Superintendent of Clovis Unified, Dr. Eimear O’Brien, it was mentioned that Dr. Bennett’s allusion to the Summer at S.E.A. program is a welcome addition to CUSD. “I told one of my colleagues ‘I want to be sure that we are ensuring that all of our kids know about that program’…We’ll be making sure that all of our students have access to that.”

Dr. O’Brien then wished Dr. Lori Bennett a happy retirement before she praised her efforts of the last seven years.

“I’m happy for her to be moving on in her retirement, but for sure she can look back on a great career…She has been very passionate about what she’s done, she’s a doer, and I will tell you, what she’s done over the last seven years is quite extraordinary…She can certainly look back on huge accomplishments over a short period of time.”

“I‘ve worked very closely with her, people may not realize that I meet with her every couple of months. We sit down, have breakfast and we review how our education pathways, K-12 are feeding into her programs.”

Before Rico Guerrero, Executive Direc tor of the State Center Community College Foundation, came to the podium to mention fundraising opportunities like the 6th Annual “Giving Tuesday” that will take place No vember 29th, Dr. Bennett bid one last thank you and farewell to the large crowd inside the ballroom.

“I just wanna say thank you for all of your support, for your friendship during my time as President at Clovis Community College. It has truly been an honor being at this college, and to help build it into what you heard from the presentations today….Together we’ve created opportunities, one student at a time.”

Recession FAQs

Noble Credit Union @NobleCUFresno | Sponsor

While there’s talk of a possible recession, not all recessions are created equal. Reces sions are complex, intimidating, and varied. So we look for simple, easy, and general answers on how to deal with them. But broad generalizations have created recession myths that aren’t always true.

Are Recessions Bad for Everyone?

Not necessarily.

Recessions are the result of a downturn in the economy, and yes, that means they are generally bad. But every recession is differ ent and some people are affected more than others. For instance, if you have a fixed mort gage payment, your monthly housing cost is going to stay the same during a recession, while renters might see a hike in their prices.

If a recession hits, do some research on how it is affecting the economy and how that might, in turn, affect you.

Industries that provide essential services and see steady growth typically fair well during a recession. These include industries like healthcare, food, and basic transporta tion.

Industries that are less essential or rely on a lot of investors to stay afloat tend to do poorly during recession. These include restaurants, bars, retail, leisure, and hospital ity.

Should I take drastic action?

Probably not.

Even though recessions can negatively affect your finances, drastic actions can cause

more harm than good. It might be tempting to cash out your retirement account to prevent losses, but you’ll often lose more in penalties and future interest than losses caused by a recession.

It’s also a poor idea to pull all your money from financial institutions. They are one of the safest places to keep your money and are insured to cover $250,000 of each account. This protects over 99% of users.

It’s fine to make financial adjustments due to a recession, but there is no need to panic.

Should I avoid big financial decisions?

Not if you’ve done your research and weighed your options. Recessions should be taken into account before making big fi nancial decisions, but they are one of many factors that need to be considered. You don’t need to put everything on hold because there is a recession.

Maybe that business you want to start could help meet a need caused by the reces

sion, or that new job you’ve been eyeing will make you happier overall. Every decision comes with risk, and you should ask yourself if the recession raises the risk higher than its worth.

Should I avoid buying a new house?

Many people wonder whether they should wait for a recession to be over before buying a home. While interest rates might be higher, you can still find great deals and responsible options. If a good home becomes available and you can afford it, the fact that there’s a current recession should not be something that holds you back.

Can’t you just tell me exactly what to do?

Unfortunately, no.

Everyone’s situation is different. When a recession hits, take the time to examine how it might affect your specific situation. Just because the economy is taking a downturn, doesn’t mean you have to as well.

Take your time, do your research, and reach out to experts who can help you make financial decisions that will work best for you.

Noble Credit Union has been treating each member with kindness, dignity, and honor while helping members make sound financial decisions for 81 years. The Credit Union offers members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including savings and money market accounts, share certificates of deposits, low-rate loans includ ing auto, VISA, 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.

Clovis Community College kicks Off Fall Semester with Rocktoberfest

Rocktoberfest is Clovis Community College’s biggest event of the semester, but for Patrick Stumpf, Senior Program Specialist of Student Service Administration, this year’s event just felt a little bit more special.

As he puts it, this event helped put the word “community” back into Community College.

“Students have been through COVID over the past few years and hopefully they’re looking to just come out, hang out and kind of re-engage with us,” Stumpf said. “It’s so important to re-engage with them we’re all here to support each other.”

The two-hour event took place on Oct. 20 and played host to various offcampus organizations, food vendors and campus resources with Clovis Community College. In addition, representatives from Fresno State, Menlo College, Fresno Pacific and Grand Canyon University were present.

Clovis Community’s farmer’s market, in which they partner with the Central Valley Food Bank, also took place. Students were able to take fruits and vegetables home with them.

The most popular booth was the Classified Senate Tacos, which fundraises scholarship money for many of its students.

“I think it’s so important to be able to see all of the resources they’re putting together for us,” Jackson Ramos, a firstyear student, said. “It really feels like they care for us.”

One of the organizations that came out was the Resources for Independence In the Central Valley. The program is designed to help empower independence and improve lives by providing services and programs to residents in the Central Valley.

Arshak Ohamyan said that events like this allow his organization and many others to spread the word about the services offered, while also allowing students the opportunity to help out.

“In case if they know someone with a certain disability, they will know we are here every time in Fresno and all over Central Valley and we will help them,” Ohamyan said. “A lot of people understood that we are here and they did learn about the assistive technology that we offer and referred us to certain people who have a disability.”

Stumpf said the most important thing about this event is to set up students for success.

“It’s always so rewarding to see them come back to give back in and recognize the experience that they were able to have and try to create that for our students now,” he said.

CR File Photo

The Noble Credit Union Clovis branch is located on 175 N Clovis Ave. between Sierra and Herndon Ave.

Courtesy of Clovis Community College

CCC President Lori Bennett addressing the audience at the Clovis Community College President’s Breakfast event on October 25, 2022.

Jesus Cano @Jesus_Cano88

Jesus Cano/Clovis Roundup Clovis Community College’s Rocktoberfest took place on October 20. The event was filled with vendors, food, and live entertainment.

CUSD Junior High Students Recognized Nationally

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

Two CUSD Junior High students from Granite Ridge Intermediate were recently recognized on a national scale for inventions developed by the adolescent intellectuals.

CUSD Recognizes National School Psychology Week

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

At the Oct 19th Clovis Unified School Board meeting, the Clovis School Board took part in celebrating the National Association of School Psychologists.

National School Psychology Appre ciation Week will commence the week of November 7-11th, yet at the Octo ber 19th school board meeting, CUSD School Psychologists were present and honored by the school board.

School Board President Tiffany Stoker Madsen read the proclamation recognizing the upcoming week as well as CUSD’s school psychologists.

“Whereas school psychologists are trained to assess student and school based barriers to learning, as well as individual strengths, utilize data based decision making, implement research driven prevention and intervention strategies, and evaluate outcomes and improve accountability. And whereas, we recognize the vital role that school psychologists play in the personal and academic development of our Clovis Unified School District students.”

District-Wide Psychologist Pro gram Specialist Kristine Lachs stood at the lectern and thanked the board for their support and acknowledge ment of the psychologists in the dis trict. She then spoke about the group and the talented individuals that repre sent CUSD.

“On behalf of our group, they are about the hardest working group -they

work day in and day out with some of our absolutely most challenging, most complex cases that we have out there.”

Cy Hiyane and Tiffany Masten, representatives for the school psy chologists of CUSD then spoke to the school board on topics relating to both the increased workload of a school psychologist, and the negotiation of a union contract between ACE and CUSD.

After listing off requirements that she as well as other school psycholo gists undertake, Tiffany Masten rec ognized that her caseload has doubled and this has caused her to devote less of her time to students.

“There is a correlation between stu dent to psych ratio and our profession al activities. The most consistent find ing is that as this ratio increases above 700 students, school sites engage less in activities related to mental and be havioral health, instructional support and prevention.”

Cy Hiyane reported that ACE and Clovis Unified have met thirteen times and have totaled sixty-five hours in formal negotiations. They have come to agreements on five out of nineteen proposals.

To close her public presentation to the school board, Tiffany Masten recognized the importance of having adults present for the time and mind of a child.

“We know that resilience requires that a child have a presence of at least one supportive, caring adult.”

Household Hazardous Waste Residuos peligrosos domésticos

Un Residuo Peligroso Doméstico (RPD) es cualquier producto dañino, tóxico o inflamable. Esto incluye muchos de los artículos que utilizamos todos los días como químicos para limpieza, baterías, luces fluorescentes, pesticidas y pintura. A pesar del uso común de estos artículos, no se pueden desechar en los contenedores regulares de basura y se debe hacer de la forma adecuada.

El servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos puede aceptar RPD residencial sin costo alguno y se encuentra abierto los sábados de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Está ubicado en 18950 W. American Ave., Kerman, CA.

container and must be disposed of properly.

The Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility is able to accept residential HHW at no cost and is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. It is located at 18950 W. American Ave., Kerman, CA.

There are also many locations across Fresno County that can accept certain types of HHW. Information on where to take different types of HHW can be found at the Fresno County Household Hazardous Waste website.

For more information on HHW, call the Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility at (559) 600-4259 or Republic Services at (559) 275-1551.

También existen muchos lugares en el condado de Fresno donde aceptan ciertos tipos de RPD. En el sitio web del servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos, podrá encontrar información sobre dónde llevar los distintos tipos de RPD.

Para más información sobre RPD, llame al servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos al (559) 600-4259, o a Republic Services al (559) 275-1551.

Clovis Community College Hosts Presidents Forum

Clovis Community College held a President Finalists Forum at their campus in a lecture hall on Monday, Oct. 12, 2022.

Open to the public, the purpose of the Presidents Forum was to allow the final four candidates for President at Clovis Community College the opportunity to answer questions in front of an audience to illustrate why they deserve to be the next President of Clovis Community.

Perhaps most importantly, Chancellor Dr. Carole Goldsmith was also in attendance. Goldsmith, Chancellor of the State Center Community College District, is largely in charge of making the decision as to who will be appointed to the Presidency.

Dr. Goldsmith suspects that she and her team will move forward with a candidate sometime between November and December of this year.

The candidates, asked questions by moderator Jill Board, consultant for the Association of Community College Trustees. Each candidate was given an hour to elaborate and extrapolate upon their answers in front of the crowd as well as Dr. Goldsmith.

Those present at the forum were handed slips of paper that listed a schedule of the candidates’ allotted times and a QR Code that when scanned opened up a candidate feedback form, allowing participants to provide their opinions on each of the candidates.

The hope was that with the feedback from viewers of the forum, Chancellor Goldsmith will have some backing on which she and her team can make a decision.

First, Dr. Kenneth Lawson, Vice President for Instruction at Skagit Valley College in Washington, spoke to the crowd in the lecture hall.

Dr. Lawson, with over twenty years of experience at the community college level explained his belief that Clovis Community already has a foundation that is growing, and under his leadership, he plans to look for further opportunities of growth.

He then spoke about connecting to students and the “one student at a time” mission statement that is currently housed at Clovis Community College.

The next candidate, Monica Chahal, who holds a Masters Degree and currently serves as the Chief Instructional Officer at Clovis

Community College, cited her thirty year experience in the California Community College system in various capacities as one of her best qualities.

Chahal historicized her grandfather’s experience as a chemistry instructor in India as the foundation for what she calls “the driving force” of her work.

The third candidate, Dr. Kim Armstrong, Vice Chancellor for Student, Equity and Community Affairs at Arkansas State University Three Rivers differentiated from her fellow candidates by taking her time detailing her experience and accolades as well as her devotion to the students of both Arkansas and Illinois.

Earning a Bachelors Degree, Masters

Degree and a Ph.D from Howard University in Physiological/Neuropsychology, she was selected as one of only fifty nationally certified Student Success/Guided Pathways Coaches and one of eight selected to serve as an Arkansas Holistic Student Support Coach.

The final candidate, taking the 2:30-3:30 P.M. slot to answer the moderated questions, Dr. Marshall Fulbright III, relied on his over twenty-five years of education experience to relate to questions related to how he would advocate for students at Clovis Community College.

In his concluding statements, Dr. Fulbright stated that his perspective was “unique because of all the facets, intersectionalities that I have”.

Relating to a prior question where he was asked about uniqueness amongst students, he stated that there were “things you can see, and things you don’t see”, when viewing students through a particular lens.

To view the Presidents Forum in its entirety, one will have to venture to the SCCCD Youtube Page to find the recording of all four candidates. This will be posted by 6 P.M. October 10th. This forum will then close at 12 P.M. October 11th, the same time that comments and feedback provided to Chancellor Dr. Goldsmith and her team will close.

Dr. Goldsmith: “I have a difficult decision coming ahead. All four candidates seemed to represent the best and the brightest that the administration found not only here in California but across the nation. I was very impressed by all four candidates, so I’m looking forward to hearing what the audience members said.”

JT Gomez/Clovis Roundup Dr. Kenneth Lawsom speaking at the President Finalist Forum at the Clovis Community College lecture hall on Monday, Oct. 12, 2022.