Clovis Roundup - March 16, 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

“Atmospheric river” continues to rage across the Central Valley

Andy Haussler, Assistant City Manager

Andy Haussler andrewh@cityofclovis.com

March 14, 2023 - 17 years ago, I began the process of competing for a position to work at the City of Clovis.

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

March 14, 2023 - Thunderstorms are just the latest natural hazard that has hit the Valley as of late, as even more rain and storms appear to be on the horizon.

The “atmospheric river” that has

11

recently hit across Central California has been “unprecedented” according to several sources including the National Weather Service.

Many safety warnings have been given, and dangers have surrounded daily lives including closed roads, flooding, downed

trees and powerlines and subsequent electrical blackouts causing further danger and even support from public shelters provided by the likes of the Red Cross.

It was reported that with winds up to 40 MPH, thunderstorms that rage across the Valley will have

See WEATHER, Pg. 5

I joined the City in a non-management position with the principal task of bringing additional resources to Clovis’ neighborhoods through grants for infrastructure, housing, and business development.

It was a bit of a risky move for me as it was a perceived step-down

See HAUSSLER, Pg. 5

Women Who Helped Shape the "Clovis Way of Life"

Ron Camacho

@ClovisRoundup

eventually become the Gateway to the Sierras.

A woman named Sarah Simpson, originally of Visalia, donated a parcel of land in Northeastern Fresno County in 1868 to build the Methodist Episcopal South Church. The settlement would

become the genesis of Clovis, Big Dry Creek Museum President Peg Bos said.

Many women overcame boundaries to help make Clovis the family friendly town it is today.

Bos herself is one of the most influential women in Clovis History. She spent most of her life breaking boundaries, as she was the first woman elected to the Clovis City Council, the first

Photo by courtesy of Clovis Museum Sara Simpson's grandson and great-grandchildren.

Left: Robert “Bob” Simpson, 18941977. Right: Roberta and Bud Simpson. Sara Simpson's son and grandchildren. Seven generations of the John and Sarah Simpson family have contributed to our rich heritage.

Photo courtesy of Fresno County Sheriff's Office January 9, 2023; Flooding in the area of Tollhouse Road and Pittman Hill Road near Humphreys Station.

What’s Up, Clovis?

Veterans

Singer-songwriter Jon Eben

Remembering Susie

Old Town Sightings

Photos by Ron Sundquist

Susie, a community dog who resided at Creek Park Senior Living, recently passed away. She will be missed by many!

Jon Eben wrote the Alma Mater for Clovis East High School in 1999. Eben has peformed for 30 years in the Jon Eben White Wolf Band and 8 years as the Fat and Sassy Band in San Louis Obisbo.

Left to right, Johana, Emily, Jenni and Pablo from the Vocation Plus Connections Adult Day Program.

Left to right, Laura, Officer Gens, and Kaitlyn at the American Legion Awards Dinner.

Clovis Museum hosts Garfield Elementary students.

Young Phoenix gives a salute in honor of our vets at Scoops and Soups and More.

VETS meet at Sandy's Junction in Old Town Clovis.

Prospects for warm rain atop massive Sierra snowpack raise Kings River concerns

March 7,2023 - Predictions for an atmospheric river event Thursday through Saturday that is likely to unleash tropically-spawned warm rain atop the huge Sierra Nevada snowpack up to above the 8,000feet level are causing concerns among the Kings River Water Association and other agencies.

Their biggest and most immediate uneasiness, however, isn’t with potential valleybound high Sierra water surges but with foothill streams over which there is no way to regulate high flows entering the Kings River’s valley reaches.

Although predictions of potential rainfall timing and intensity are still preliminary, Kings River Watermaster Steve Haugen said today that KRWA and other river agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are busy with projecting what sort of runoff and potential flooding with which they may have to deal.

The federal agency most concerned with flood management — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — is already acting. Fairly small flood releases were started by the Corps last month from Pine Flat Dam in response to earlier repeated major snowfall events.

Those discharges have been increased. At noon Monday, the Corps boosted the flood release from Pine Flat. Another flood release increase was scheduled at midnight last night.

A third is to take place at 12 noon today with an objective of boosting the downstream

Kings River flow at Crescent Weir south of Riverdale from 1,500 cubic feet per second to 3,000 c.f.s. Water releases from Pine Flat Dam over the next few days are likely to increase up to about 5,200 c.f.s. Many districts and canal companies are diverting river flows for much-needed groundwater recharge. However, property owners and residents need to monitor nearby river water levels and be alert for any flooding warnings.

Haugen said Pine Flat Reservoir and upstream power company reservoirs have more than 600,000 acre- feet of available capacity. Pine Flat has 558,000 acre-feet of water stored.

“Mill Creek and the other foothill streams that enter the river downstream from Pine Flat Dam are our biggest concern right now,” Haugen said. “There is no way to control or store the flows in those streams.”

Advance forecasts suggest that the peak flows in the largest such stream, Mill Creek, may produce a range from 4,500-14,500 c.f.s. Mill Creek, which carries only a trickle for much of most years, has recently carried

system,” Bos said of her mayoral run.

flows of a few hundred c.f.s. Releases from Pine Flat would be limited to minimal fish flows if very high unstorable downstream flows occur.

REDICTIONS FOR AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER event Thursday through Saturday that is likely to unleash tropically-spawned warm rain atop the huge Sierra Nevada snowpack up to above the 8,000-feet level are causing concerns among the Kings River Water Association and other agencies. Forecasters indicate the greatest amount of rainfall from the coming storm is likely to hit Friday and Friday night, possibly preceded and followed by lighter amounts. The KRWA and its 28 member irrigation agencies that serve more than one million acres on the valley floor have been working with the Corps of Engineers for the past two months on longer-range plans for handling what was already expected to be a big snowmelt runoff year.

A March 1 report based upon snow surveys measured from aircraft indicated the Kings River snowpack on the ground contained a water equivalent of 2,808,000 acre-feet.

More snow has since accumulated over the watershed with some to low elevations. Snowpack totals registered for the March 1 Kings River watershed on-the-ground California Cooperative Snow Survey show snow depths averaging 152.8 inches, 234% of the historical record average for March 1.

Average snowpack water content of 53.7 inches was measured; that is 238 percent of the historical average. Both average readings are far greater than those of historical April 1 average. April 1 is the date upon which Sierra snow accumulations typically reach the season’s maximum.

The deepest snow depth measured was 196.5 inches at Rattlesnake Creek, a snow course at the 9,900 foot elevation. The snowpack at Rattlesnake Creek and Rowell Meadow (elevation 8,850 feet) each had 66 inches of water content, the most found among the 17 courses measured.

Meanwhile, along the Kings River, sheriff’s departments and other emergency officials in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties are preparing as best they can for emergency situations that may arise.

The Kings River Conservation District, which manages and maintains Kings River flood control and protection downstream from south of Kingsburg to near Stratford on the South Fork and McMullen Grade on the North Fork system, has its levees and facilities in top condition.

For More Information, Please Contact:

STEVE HAUGEN, Kings River Watermaster, (559) 217-5249

RANDY McFARLAND, Public Information Consultant, (559) 260-2775

woman to serve as mayor, the first woman to serve on the planning commission and the first woman to receive the Citizen of the Year award from the Clovis Hall of Fame

Her parents settled in Clovis in 1903, before the town was even officially incorporated in 1912.

“Clovis was a family town where everyone knew each other. It was safe and friendly,” Bos said of growing up in Clovis.

In 1984, Bos was the first woman elected mayor of Clovis. The Gateway to the Sierras saw major growth and advancement under her leadership, including the revitalization of Old Town.

She even changed the nomenclature of councilman to councilmember.

“I had to challenge the ‘good old boys’

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce recognized Bos with the prestigious Einar Cook Leadership Award earlier this year. Besides documenting Clovis history at the Big Dry Creek Museum, Bos also contributes to the Roundup for its “Let’s Talk Clovis” segment.

Judith Preuss poses for photo at the Soroptimist International of Clovis display table during their Denim and Diamonds fundraiser dinner in 2017. (CR Photo)

Judith Preuss is another woman who helped shaped Clovis. Preuss served as vice president of the Chamber of Commerce for 19 years. In 1995 she received the Clovis Professional Business Woman of the Year Award.

At the beginning of her career with the Chamber, Pruess helped turn Big Hat Days into the commercial success that it is today.

“In 1983, the Chamber of Commerce changed (Big Hat Days) to a craft fair at the rodeo grounds, and they had so many people and it caused so much congestion on Clovis Avenue, the police department told them they could not have it there anymore,” Pruess recalled. “They went to the city and they got permission to have it on Pollasky. It just grew from there.”

She said her proudest accomplishment with the Chamber was establishing the Wild Flower Trail along the Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway.

“It was the first time the county, Cal Trans, the City of Clovis, and the Forestry Department worked together and formed a committee,” Preuss said. “It’s like the blossom trail only with wildflowers…That is my most famous accomplishment.”

Preuss is currently an active member of the Soroptimist International of Clovis, where she continues to find ways to improve the

community.

In 2012, she and the Clovis Soroptimist chapter worked with the Marjaree Mason Center to build a safe house for battered women and children in Clovis.

“We completely furnished the seven bedroom six bath house, so that was our main thing. Since then we have supported them each year, with various projects,” Pruess said.

Preuss said if she had advice for younger women, it would be to make education their top priority.

Editor’s note: This is the Roundup’s first part of a two–part series honoring Women’s History Month. Make sure to read the second part, which focuses on women who are currently shaping Clovis, in our March 30 issue.

California 9/11 Memorial Board announces new Board of Directors members

March 3, 2023 - Clovis, CA - The California 9/11 Memorial strengthens the Board of Directors by welcoming three new powerhouse members.

Sergeant Shawn Wills, Fresno – Ret. California Highway Patrol Central Division Air Ops

Retired Sergeant Shawn Wills has a long-standing relationship with the California 9/11 Memorial.

His passion for supporting the annual Memorial Ceremony precedes the Board of Directors official inception.

Shawn has assisted with leading the California Highway Patrol Motorcycle Unit and Central Division Air Ops Unit involvement for the past 20 years.

Shawn was a Hanford High School football and baseball standout. He moved on to play both sports at UCLA, where he met his wife Tara.

They moved back to the Valley to raise their children and became active in several community organizations. Shawn and Tara now run their own company, Wills Family Real Estate.

WEATHER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

detrimental effect to the snowpack that was recently put in place from prior, colder weather rains.

In addition, the National Weather Service warns that all river forecast points of interest are expected to peak Tuesday evening, March 14th, less than a week after warnings

HAUSSLER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

compared to my then-current role, but I knew there was something special about serving the community in which I lived.

I had a skill set the City’s residents needed and I was happy I could make a difference in neighborhoods and families that were my own neighbors.

Fast forward 17 years and I now know that coming to work for the City of Clovis was the best professional decision I have ever made.

The City of Clovis has indeed utilized the skills I brought with me to the role, and I am proud to say, the community is better for it. But I have gotten as much, if not more, from my time working at the City.

The City of Clovis has invested in me

“We’re honored that Ret. Sgt Wills has accepted our invitation to officially join the Board.” says Ret. Clovis Fire Captain and California 9/11 Memorial Founding Member, Jim Stemler. “Sgt Wills has been with us since the beginning and he’s one of the originals who made the air ops fly-over happen every year. We’re going to do big things with him onboard.”

McKenzie Dern, Camps and Recreation Manager at Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation

McKenzie Dern joins the Board as; a California State University, Fresno alumni, a Central Valley native, the Burn Chair representative for Safe Kids Central Valley and as the Camps and Recreation Manager for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.

As the daughter of burn survivor, Fresno Fire Captain- Pete Dern, McKenzie believes that a burn survivor is a symbol of strength and perseverance.

It is her passion to ensure that no survivor or their family feels alone through their healing journey.

California 9/11 Memorial Vice Chair, Julie DeBenedetto, “McKenzie represents everything the California 9/11 organization stands for. Perseverance. Strength. Resilience. She

were given of the incoming storm. The Pajaro River levee rupture grew up to at least 400 feet since it failed late Friday according to officials in the area. This levee separates Santa Cruz and Monterey counties according to the Associated Press. Further flooding in Monterey County was on the forecast as officials in this area believed that the Salinas River would also cause significant flooding to roadways and agricultural land.

through countless hours of trainings, supporting me through graduate school, and offering me opportunities to apply my efforts to meaningful projects. I am a much better person today than I was 17 years ago.

My family has benefited as well. The stability the City has provided has allowed my spouse and three kids to flourish and the City has allowed me to be part of that with flexibility to be at a performances, competitions, and other events.

I got to be part of the community through my family, which would not have happened, if not for the City of Clovis.

But as I reflect on this remarkable experience, if someone asked me why I work for the City of Clovis, my answer wouldn’t be what I have described.

There are a lot of great employers here in Clovis. Employers we are proud to have and

DONNA MELCHOR Owner/Publisher dmelchor@clovisroundup.com

will bring a highly valued perspective to the Board and its mission as we continue to grow our program.”

Nick Audino, Senior Vice President at Newmark Pearson

Nick Audino joins the California 9/11 Memorial Board of Directors with a wealth of experience serving community organizations.

Currently Audino sits on the Board of Directors for Cen-Cal Small Business Finance, Pearson Realty, and is Chairman of the Board of the Fresno Economic Development Department.

In past community oriented activities

Nick was a Member of the City of Clovis Economic Development Strategy Advisory Committee, former member of the City of Fresno Mayor’s Council on Industrial Development and a former member of the Economic Development Department’s task force on High-Speed Rail Relocations.

“Nick knows this community inside and out. He sees the value in what we’re doing and we’re very excited that he’ll be bringing all his expertise to our Board of Directors.

As we’ve become an official 501c3, Nick is going to be instrumental in helping us expand in all areas – from the Memorial

With all of the flooding this year, what does this mean for Clovis? Well, according to the Associated Press the California Department of Water Resources online data showed Monday that the water content of the Sierra snowpack was 207% of the April 1 average, when it is normally at its peak.

In the Southern Sierra it was 248% of the average. Although it is believed that the incoming storm won’t be as extreme in terms of warmth, the rain that continues

provide great opportunities as well.

No, it would be the deep impact the City of Clovis has on the families who call our City home, which allows them to reach their full potential.

That is something unique to a City as an entity. We are in the business of creating opportunity for all families to flourish and that is something that is worthy of a life of service.

Allowing a family to reach its full potential requires stability which includes such things as safety, economic opportunities, access to a top-notch education, quality housing, places to play, and transportation. All of this takes critical planning for the City as it grows.

Being part of a team that is focused on creating an environment where a family can pursue education, better jobs, enjoy life in

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Peg Bos - Let’s Talk Clovis

ACCOUNTING SERVICES:

grounds, to community awareness, across all events and programs we implement.” –Terra Brusseau, California 9/11 Memorial Executive Director.

The public is encouraged to visit the Memorial at 3485 Never Forget Lane in Clovis, CA and to pay respect to our First Responders. Visit www.california911memorial.com for more information.

MISSION

The California 9-11 Memorial was organized to honor the firefighters, peace officers and military personnel, along with all first responders who died in the line of duty while attempting to save lives during the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. We also continue to honor all first responders in the Central Valley who die in the line of duty.

VISION

To teach appreciation and educate our students and community about the sacrifice, bravery and courage shown by those that were lost in service to others on September 11th and continue to be lost. By learning about the story of each person whose life was lost, it impacts the realization of sacrifice the families and friends continue to live through.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

55 Shaw Avenue #106, Clovis, CA 93612 Ph: 559-324-8757

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STAFF REPORTERS: Samantha Golden J.T. Gomez Carole Grosch

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to fall on soil will continue to oversaturate the soil, further complicating matters for a number of outlets including farmlands. In these unprecedented times there must be an unprecedented answer, and with the future forecast bringing further rains and storms, the approaching future must be planned and prepared for.

In order to receive emergency alerts from the Fresno County, please visit fresnocountyemergency.org.

their community at various events, a park, or a youth league all while having the stability of great streets and water supply, personal safety provided by police and fire, and high-quality housing is something that is extremely satisfying.

That is why I have chosen to work for my City, the City of Clovis. I hope to be here for many years to come. I am here investing, planning, and working to create opportunities for the Clovis family to flourish for the next generation and beyond.

As with many employers, the City could use a few more Clovis residents to consider employment at the City.

Come, join us, bring your skills to the team. Keep an eye on job postings and if there is a good fit come be part of our team. The Clovis family needs you.

The Clovis Roundup is a custom publication. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents or any portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited. The appearance of any advertisements in this publication does not constitute support or endorsement for any product, person, cause, business or organization named therein, unless specifically noted otherwise in the advertisement. All costs associated with producing, printing and mailing Clovis Roundup are entirely funded by our advertisers. To show your appreciation of their support, we ask you to consider patronizing these businesses and services as the need arise.

PROUD MEMBER OF PROUD SPONSOR OF ENDORSED BY

Council disagrees on use of land on northside of Alluvial Ave

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

March 7, 2023 - In between Sunnyside and Fordham avenues on Alluvial Ave sits a portion of land, approximately 1.04 acres. With that land, nothing has been officially completed yet, but works are in the making for creating some sort of housing for future families of Clovis.

What was proposed at Monday’s City Council meeting was the request to designate and rezone the subject property from a single home family residential area to a multi-family, “Medium High” density classification.

After presentations were made on the proper tests that had been done and the recommendation that the council approve the rezoning of the land, questions arose from members of single family residences surrounding the area.

These public comments, stating the wishes

of the surrounding homeowners who did not want a multi-family residence to arise in the area, forced council members to question their approval of the matter.

Councilman Matt Basgall and Mayor Lynne Ashbeck, leading the contention, stated that they aligned their views with the views of the surrounding public, complying with the public’s request to not approve a multi-family residence be built in the area.

Mayor Ashbeck stated, “[This land] should look like the houses of our neighbors,” and “I’m not convinced that this is the best thing to do or that we could do worse.”

Councilman Basgall questioned the rezoning and changing of an existing neighborhood, stating that this was his biggest issue with the land and the overall “density” of the project.

Councilman Vong Mouanoutoua however mentioned the fact that Stallion

Development and Construction, alongside the city, had already completed a plan for the land, have put time and money into the effort, and that with a plan to create a multi-family residence comes more than a few families that could therefore enroll in nearby Century Elementary School.

“I’m looking at this as the neighborhood, but also as Clovis. Rarely do we get someone coming in to offer a higher density product to allow a different mix of individuals who would like a different product than a single-family home to come into Clovis… That opportunity is rare, because we can’t build. And for a developer or investor or owner to present something like that, I look at it and I go, ‘I think it can be done.’”

One of the other bigger obstructions to the plan came from the flow of traffic, an issue that Councilman Drew Bessinger brought up.

“We do need housing, especially for our

healthcare workers, our students at the Health Sciences University, and for regular folks…We’re gonna have to do some homework on the traffic before we start shoveling dirt. If we don’t remedy that, we’re gonna have some problems and some potential serious traffic injuries….My major concern with this isn’t the land use itself, it’s the traffic problems that it’s gonna cause later.”

Historic Preservation Committee members selected

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

March 6, 2023 - The Clovis City Council officially appointed ten members of the public to the Historic Preservation Committee that will serve by assessing and acting on specific historic resources throughout the City of Clovis.

The idea of the Historic Preservation Committee was brought to light when last year the Clovis Chamber of Commerce pondered the idea of demolishing the

Carnegie Library.

A select group of members of the Clovis public attempting to save the library, which now sits on Clovis Chamber of Commerce property, came to council chambers and asked for support.

In turn, the idea was floated that a Historic Preservation Committee be formed, and now in March of this year, it has been.

The committee itself will start off as an “ad hoc” committee meaning that it will continue to meet until objectives are

completed.

Those objectives will be identified by committee members and criteria will be used to assess certain historic resources throughout the city.

The Historic Preservation Committee will also provide recommendations to City Council based on their findings of certain historic sites throughout the town, and for the time being the committee will remain solely as a group that will be used on need.

It was mentioned however, that at the end of

specific findings, if the group and Council sees fit, they could continue to make recommendations and become more of a formal committee.

For now the motion to enact the committee was approved by City Council 4-0 with one absence, with each council member selecting two members to the committee. Those members are: Sayre Miller, Adam Holt, John Wright, Tom Wright, Desiree Haus, Rachael Orlando, Ron Silva, Greg Newman, Cora Shipley, and Mark Wall.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

The lot to the lower left portion of this neighborhood, on the North side of Alluvial Avenue is currently being questioned as to what type of property will be built in the 1.04 acre allotment.

out old wood burning

candidates save up to $5000 when replacing their older devices.

March 2, 2023: The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District held a “Fireplace Change-Out Show & Tell” on Thursday March 2nd at the Malaga Community Recreation Center in Fresno.

The purpose of this event was to inform attendees on fireplace removals, decommissions, and overall replacements with cleaner options such as gas or electrical heating devices.

The event also gave the opportunity for local retailers in the San Joaquin Valley to showcase their services and to connect with potential clients.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District working with retailers such as Ponderosa Hearth and Home out of Clovis, can replace old wood or pellet burning “devices” with new, cleaner, and safer options that overall benefit the Central Valley.

Programs such as this help to reduce particulate matter, one specific to the Central Valley known as PM 2.5, by reducing the amount of the pollutant that is released into the air by older wood burning devices. These devices have been defined as chimneys, fire pits, or otherwise any other unsafe avenues that are prohibited on non-burn days.

They commonly and significantly contribute to unsafe air pollution in the fall and winter months.

The program itself can help qualified

Eligibility for replacement depends on a few matters, one being that the device itself must be within the Fresno or Madera Counties, or the Valley Air Basin portion of Kern County. For qualified low income applicants, an additional $1500 can be added on top of the possible $5000.

For those who wish to only decommission and not absolutely replace a wood burning “device”, applicants may receive up to $750.

Media contact for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Cassandra Melching believes that this program is extremely important for the San Joaquin Valley, saying, “A lot of people don’t realize they’re not only impacting their own household, but wood smoke doesn’t just stay in one spot, it travels, so they’re impacting their neighbors and people who live around and animals who can suffer respiratory issues as well.” These respiratory issues of course mainly come from the PM 2.5 pollutant mentioned before.

“[PM 2.5] is one of the most harmful pollutants. It’s so small, it can get in your bloodstream and it can cause heart attack, stroke, it just brings upon all kinds of bad health conditions.”

When asked about the impact the retailers have on their communities, “We have quite a few of them that we contract with throughout the whole San Joaquin Valley. It brings in more business for them if folks know there is funding to help them make that switch.”

The retailers, such as those present at the Fireplace Change-Out Show & Tell, are not only on the front lines of the replacement of older wood burning devices, but have also become “very knowledgeable” of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control

District’s program that can assist in funding the replacements.

You can learn more on how the program works and also how to apply at valleyair. org/change-out or by calling (559) 230-5800.

On December 26, 2022, Thomas William Ramage passed away at the age of 81. His final days were spent surrounded by his loving wife, Sandi, and his daughters, Tami, Susan and Holly. Tom lived his life exactly as he wanted: as the best teacher, husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Tom devoted his life to education, beginning his career at the age of 21 in the Clovis Unified School District and remaining there for 40 years. It is difficult to overestimate the profound impact that Tom had on his students during his long career. Perhaps this is best exemplified by the numerous letters, visits and testaments from his students, even decades after he taught them. For many, Tom was a dedicated educator with a gift

for sharing his knowledge and a wonderful sense of humor. For others, Tom offered much-needed encouragement, stability and unwavering support during challenging times.

His dedication to kids extended past the school year, as a camp counselor and director at Bob Mathias/Alta Sierra Summer Camp. The relationships formed there were truly life-altering, forging decades-long friendships with his camp family, who affectionately know him as “Bobo”. At camp, Tom was greatly admired as a mentor, leader and friend.

Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Dick, and his parents, James and Ruth. At this time, the family requests that you share your thoughts about Tom on his memorial site at Forever Missed. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a future date.

Contributed The Ramage Family

Legion Post 147 Centennial Plaza

Clovis Chamber of Commerce

Clovis Civic Center

Clovis Elks

Clovis Fire & Police Station

Clovis Fire Station No. 1

Clovis Library

Clovis Museum

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

Clovis Senior Activity Center

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

Community Heritage Center

Mercedes Theater/Clark Intermediate Old Town Trail

Old Town Water Tower

Old

Service District

5. Boice Funeral, 308 Pollasky Ave, (559) 299-4372

Boot & Shoe

Antique and Gift Shops 1.

CRAFT BEER CRAWL

March 19th - Sip your way through the best of California Trucks. Get your tickets now!

VINTAGE MARKET & ANTIQUES

March 26th - Meet in the street for everything vintage, collectibles, heirlooms and more. The old Town Vintage

BIG HAT DAYS

April 1st & 2nd - BIG Hat Days is the largest two-day visitors fill the streets of Old Town to enjoy hundreds

California brews, and partake from local Food

vintage, antique, refurbished, repurposed, DIY, Vintage Market has something for everyone!

two-day festival in Central California. Over 140,000 hundreds of craft and food booths.

Boutique, Clothing, Accessories

1. Autumn Psalm 2. D A Designs Dancewear

3. Heart’s Delight

4. Ivy and Lace

5. Jackson Jewelry

6. Lulu’s Boutqiue

7.

Food and Drink

1. 559 Brewery

2. 500 Club

3. Blast & Brew

4. Bobby Salazar’s

5. Kuppa Joy

6. DiCicco’s Italian, 408 Clovis Ave, 299-3711, www.DiCiccosClovis.com

7. Full O Bull

8. House of Juju

9. Le Parisien Cafe

10. Luna Pizzeria, 349 Pollasky Ave, 299-4141, lunaclovis.com

11. Michaelangelo’s Pizzeria

12. Old Town Saloon

13. On the Edge Coffee Shop

14. Outlaw Tavern

15. Rodeo Coffee Shop, 535 Fifth St, 299-3750, rodeocoffeeshop.com

16. Roll Me Some - Handcrafted Roll Ice Cream, 530 Pollasky, 825-7204, rollmesomeice.com

17. Salsa’s Cantina

18. Soups and Scoops, 433 Pollasky, 299-9606

19. The Local, 401 Clovis Ave #102, 900-4253

20. Two Cities Coffee Roasters Organic coffee and tea - Rolled Ice Creamery, 608 4th St., 765-4652

Hair Salon and Spas

1. A Little Indulgence Salon and Day Spa

Elle Style Bar

Fifth Street Salon

Recipe

Produce Shopping on a Budget 5 Strategies to save on fresh fruits and veggies

(Family Features)

Cooking meals that bring your loved ones joy is often objective No. 1 but creating those flavorful favorites on an appropriate budget is an important aspect of wellrounded, family-friendly recipes. A few simple steps, like developing good grocery shopping habits, can put smiles on hungry faces without leaving a dent in your finances.

Consider these tips from the experts at Healthy Family Project along with its produce partners, which are on their 2023 Mission for Nutrition to improve access to fresh produce that’s essential in alleviating many public health and personal wellness challenges. This year’s partners are striving to be part of the improvement efforts by donating funds to increase the accessibility to fruits and vegetables in schools through the Foundation for Fresh Produce.

Make a List (and Stick to It)

When buying fresh produce, remember some items have a shorter shelf life. Limiting purchases to items on your list can help lower grocery spending while alleviating food waste.

Buy Local

Transportation cost is one of the biggest factors in the price of produce, meaning

buying local, when possible, can help reduce your total at checkout.

Stock Up on Seasonal Produce

Although you can generally find any produce item at any time of year, this isn’t always an affordable practice. Knowing when your favorite fruits and veggies are in-season can save you money and allow you to use the freshest ingredients in family breakfasts like Protein-Packed Sausage

Breakfast Muffins and Savory English Muffins.

Know Your Produce Department

The front or feature table of the produce department often offers the best deals. Don’t forget to look at the end caps on each produce aisle, which sometimes display seasonal items.

Befriend the Produce Manager

Throughout each week, a “hot buy” may come into the store that didn’t make it into the weekly ad. This happens with items at the end of their seasons, in particular, or if a crop is doing well. Chat with the produce manager at your local store and he or she may inform you of special prices.

Find more grocery savings strategies and family-friendly recipes at HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project

Nonstick cooking spray

1 sweet onion, diced

1 pound turkey sausage

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In skillet over medium heat, cook sweet onion until translucent. Add turkey sausage and cook until no longer pink. Remove from heat.

4 eggs

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup protein pancake mix

3. In large mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add shredded cheese, pancake mix and cooked sausage; mix well.

4. Fill prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full with mixture. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project

English muffins

guacamole

cherry tomatoes

1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped

1 tablespoon light cream cheese

1 tablespoon crumbled turkey sausage, sauteed

1 egg

1 tablespoon basil, finely chopped

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

Toast English muffins and top with desired combinations of toppings, such as: guacamole, tomatoes and cilantro; cream cheese, tomatoes and turkey sausage; or egg, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze.

Protein Packed Sausage Breakfast Muffins

Savory English Muffins

LET’S TALK CLOVIS: ‘Clovis Rodeo Memories’

Pollasky and Clovis avenues the night before the parade. It was the halfway point of the parade.

Peg Bos & Elaine Bell Historian/Clovis Museum

Contributed

Elaine Bell is the granddaughter of Maude Kirkpatrick Bell, who was born in Clovis on April 19, 1895. Her grandfather Frank Bell was born on Aug. 14, 1886 at Big Sandy (Auberry). Maude and Frank were married on June 14, 1919.

Frank and his partner Walter Stevenson would use the lumber from the Fresno Flume and Mill when it was dismantled to build Clovis Lumber Company on the southeast corner of Third and Clovis avenues. Their business was destroyed by fire in 1939 and they rebuilt north of Third and Hughes. “I remember: U.S. Flags and rodeo banners are going up on the telephone posts down Clovis Avenue and Pollasky. Everyone who has horses are riding them into town to get them use to the streets, cars, people and noise of the city. There would be a parade with high school bands, cowboys shooting rifles in the air and big floats with pretty girls from all over the nearby Valley towns. There would be clowns and stagecoaches and the sheriff's mounted patrol [unit] and little girls with batons marching in groups and families on horseback. OH! How excited I am!

In those days (50’s and 60’s), our whole extended family would gather in Clovis for a family reunion. [We] parked our cars along the parade route on Second Street between

Clovis Lumber Company had a box of eight seats almost at the center of the grandstand so we got to see everything that was going on up close. The grand entry in those days was so big! Anyone on horseback could be part of the grand entry.

I was a city kid that always wanted to be a country kid.

My favorite clown of all, Wilbur Plaugher, came into the arena with big, baggy Levis, a black and white striped shirt and red suspenders. His pants were all stuffed and he could hardly walk!

The announcer would tease Wilbur and pretty soon a baby donkey would come out of his pants, then his border collie dog, a monkey that rode on his dog’s back and a tiny Chihuahua that he said was a “Texas Flea.” They would do all kinds of tricks. Wilbur would help keep the bull riders safe. When a rider was bucked off he would distract the bulls by teasing them, hitting them in the butt with a broom and even run and jump over their heads. Wilbur and the bulls were my favorites!

Many years have passed now and I have been blessed many times over. When I as a freshman at Clovis High, I was asked to ride the Clovis Chamber of Commerce float. The float had an antique car in the center and an arch that declared the 50th anniversary of Clovis (incorporated 1912).

Ray Beaver and I took the float all over the Valley parades. We were at the grand

opening celebration (1961) of the Lemoore Naval Air Station. What an honor that was!

I was asked to ride the float again in my sophomore year. A black stallion was rearing up in the middle of the float and I stood beside him. I wore a deep purple pair of Western pants, a floral shirt and a beautiful purple felt hat. The outfit was provided by Slim Beaver who owned a saddle and Western wear store on Clovis Avenue. Slim’s son Ray drove the float. We were off to all the parades around the Valley again.

The next year I tried out for Letter Girl and made the team. I proudly marched in front of our Clovis High Band wearing the letter “O” for two years. We marched in Long Beach and the Chinese New Year’s parade in San Francisco where firecrackers were going

off at our feet and getting pinched on our bottoms by the men along the parade route (that was a little scary). It was a five mile parade but we had a great time.

I graduated in 1964 from Clovis High School (third of four generations).

Several years out of high school I was married with children of my own. We moved east of Clovis (McCall Avenue) and raised our two children in the country. I did get my own horse, an Appaloosa named Patches who was my pride and joy. Dreams do come true. Clovis was truly a “Way of Life” and the memories are priceless!

To this day (67 years later), I still have an interest in Box No. 3 at the Clovis Rodeo.” Elaine and her family are part of our rich heritage.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Museum Elaine Bell rides in a float during the 1962 Clovis Rodeo Parade.

Suspicious Death Investigation Continues

a red 4-door Toyota Corolla on the street at the time that Barbara was walking with her dog.

Yelling “Gun!” is Dangerous, Not Funny

running away.

March 9, 2023 - Clovis Police Detectives continue to investigate the suspicious death of an adult female found on a sidewalk near Temperance/Sierra last Saturday.

Just after 7:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 4, our communications center received a call from the area of McKelvy/Vartikian, which is in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood.

Officers arrived on scene within minutes and found the injured female lying on the sidewalk next to a dog that was on a leash. While the dog was uninjured, the female was pronounced dead at the scene, and Detectives and Crime Scene personnel were called out to investigate the circumstances.

The deceased female has been identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as 67-year-old Barbara Rote of Clovis. Our investigation so far has shown that Barbara was walking her dog in a neighborhood near hers on Saturday morning.

Detectives have reviewed surveillance cameras from several homes in the area and spoken to neighbors.

According to the investigation so far, Barbara died from blunt force trauma, but it’s unknown what exactly caused her injuries.

Video surveillance from nearby homes show

An autopsy has been performed on Ms. Rote, and Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances of this suspicious death. At this time, Detectives are asking anyone with information or with video surveillance they have not viewed from the area, to come forward.

If you live in the area of McKelvy/Vartikian and have video surveillance showing a red car on March 4, between 6:45 A.M. – 7:10 A.M., or if you have information regarding this case, please call Clovis Police Detective Jaime at (559) 324-3495, or Valley Crimestoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

March 11, 2023 - Saturday night, several Clovis Police officers responded to the Sierra Vista Mall with lights and siren because someone reported an armed robbery had just occurred. An 11-year-old called 911 just after 7pm to report that someone had just threatened another juvenile with a gun, and stole their cell phone.

Our investigation showed that no gun was ever seen, but the caller called because others were yelling it and

That ended up being a prank on friends. Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident.

Please make smarter decisions about when and where to pull off a good prank with your friends.

A mall on a Saturday evening is definitely not the place to be yelling “gun!”

Unfortunately, those at fault were gone when officers arrived.

Thank you to the caller who dialed 911!

Parents, please talk to your kids, and kids, don’t do something like this.

arrested following pursuit & SWAT callout

Suspect

March 14, 2023 - A suspect is in custody this morning following a pursuit and SWAT callout overnight.

Just after 11:00 P.M. Monday night, a Clovis Police Sergeant tried to pull over a car for speeding near Clovis/Dakota. The driver pulled over and cooperated, until he found out he was going to be arrested for a felony warrant.

As the driver was trying to drive off, officers smashed his front driver window with a baton just before he rammed two police cars and sped away.

Officers pursued the driver with lights and siren until he arrived home and ran inside near Fowler/Kings Canyon in Fresno. As officers were making announcements for the driver to come outside, he opened the front door and put a knife to his throat, threatening to harm himself.

At that time, our SWAT and Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) were called out to assist patrol officers.

For hours, our CNT members negotiated with the suspect after the other family members safely got out of the home.

Just before 6:00 A.M. SWAT operators used less lethal options and the suspect surrendered without further incident. The suspect received a bruise to his torso from a less lethal round and is currently being treated at a local hospital before being booked into Fresno County Jail.

The suspect has been identified as 29-yearold Mario Ramirez-Romero of Fresno. Ramirez-Romero is facing several charges including assault with a deadly-weapon, evading, vandalism, and resisting an officer.

Thankfully, no one else was injured during this incident. On behalf of Chief Fleming, we would like to thank both Fresno Police & Fresno Sheriff for their assistance.

National Slam the Scam Day March 9, 2023

ask for personal information to process a benefit increase.

March 5, 2023: On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Share scam information with your loved ones. Slam the Scam!

Recognize the four basic signs of a scam:

1. Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like the Social Security Administration. They may email attachments with official-looking logos, seals, signatures, or pictures of employee credentials.

2. Scammers mention a problem or a prize. They may say your Social Security number was involved in a crime or

3. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. They may threaten you with arrest or legal action.

4. Scammers tell you to pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire or money transfer, or by mailing cash. They may also tell you to transfer your money to a “safe” account.

Ignore scammers and report criminal behavior. Report Social Security-related scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest scam tactics. Repost #SlamtheScam information on social media to keep your friends and family safe.

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

Contributed Better Business Bureau

Photo courtesy of Clovis PD Facebook Detectives are asking anyone with information or video of the red 4-door Toyota Corolla pictured above to come forward.

Photo courtesy of Clovis PD Left, damage to the Clovis PD patrol car. Right, suspect's car.

Women's History Month

Sunday, Mar. 26 CLOVIS VINTAGE MARKET & ANTIQUES (Vintage, Antiques & Glorious Junk) Old Town Clovis 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 24 thru

Sunday, Mar. 26

FRESNO GEM & MINERAL SHOW Clovis Rodeo Grounds 748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA

Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 29

50th VIETNAM WAR COMMEMORATION

Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, Mar. 30

FREE FALL SCREENINGS

FRESNO STATE PHYSICAL

THERAPY Fresno State Campus PTIA

Building - To Schedule Appointment call 559-278-2625

APRIL

Saturday, Apr. 1

COLOR ME GREEN 5K

Friendly Color Fun Run/Walk

Dry Creek Park 855 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA 8 a.m.

Saturday, Apr. 1

TRI-TIP DINNER & FUNDRAISER

John Pemberton Performing

Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 1 and Sunday, Apr. 2

BIG HAT DAYS Old Town Clovis

Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6. p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

APRIL 9

EASTER SUNDAY

Sunday, Apr. 9

EASTER LUNCHEON Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA 11 a.m.

Sunday, April 16

CLOVIS COMMUNITY CHOIR SPRING CONCERT

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

Wednesday, Apr. 25 thru

Sunday, Apr. 30

CLOVIS RODEO Clovis Rodeo Grounds

748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA Schedule and location of events online at clovisrodeo.com

Saturday, Apr. 29

CLOVIS RODEO PARADE Old Town Clovis 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Apr. 30

WIND SYMPHONY OF CLOVIS CONCERT

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

ALL MONTH LONG

FRESNO STREET EATS Sierra Vista Mall 1050 Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA

Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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 CENTERNOW 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)

Fancher Creek participates in “Show Your Love” event

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

March 1, 2023: For the second year in a row, Fancher Creek Elementary students, family and staff in addition to the Clovis East High School Asian Club participated in the “Show Your Love” community clean-up event.

This event gave the opportunity for volunteers to pick up trash in the surrounding neighborhood surrounding Fancher Creek Elementary.

More than 100 volunteers met at the school last Saturday morning in order to participate in this event.

In total, according to Clovis Unified, 942 pounds of trash was cleaned up off the streets of the neighborhoods surrounding the school, all the while being completed in only

a couple of hours.

This was 112 pounds more than last year's event, the first year in which it was completed.

In keeping with the idea of “caring for your community”, a construction crew nearby donated a pizza lunch for the volunteers, showing their appreciation for their activism.

Fancher Creek Principal Carisa Cordova said, “It brings me such joy to see our students and their families serving their community.” She continued, “It is a great opportunity for children to learn to take pride in their neighborhood and will hopefully encourage them to keep the area clean and moving forward.”

Clovis Schools compete in multiple Playoff Rounds

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

March 1, 2023: A number of playoff caliber teams within Clovis Unified played this past Tuesday in Round 1 of State Championship Tournaments.

Rankings have been distributed and labeled by the CIF in terms of Regional and State Division Rankings. The teams are as follows:

Soccer

#2 Clovis North Boys Soccer won by a score of 2-0 against #7 Vintage High School out of Napa. They will play in the Regional Semifinal this Thursday at 5 PM, again on the Clovis East High School field.

#4 Clovis North Girls Soccer lost to #5 ranked Menlo-Atherton 1-0.

Girls Basketball

#3 Ranked Clovis West Girls Basketball will play in the Open Division against #2

Archbishop Mitty on Saturday March 4th. The Golden Eagles will travel to the hosted event by the Archbishop Mitty Monarchs of San Jose.

#5 Clovis Girls Basketball beat #12 Vanden 73-71 on Tuesday in dramatic fashion, after a late three pointer from Devin Miller put the Cougars on top. Clovis plays #4 Cardinal Newman in Larkfield-Wikiup on Thursday

in round 2 of the Division I state playoffs. #9 Buchanan Girls Basketball lost by a score of 70-44 to #8 Bishop O’Dowd In Division III, #12 Clovis East lost 62-60 on yet another last second three point shot to give the lead and ultimately the win to #5 Granada.

Boys Basketball

In Division I, #1 ranked Clovis West Boys Basketball won against #16 St. Ignatius College Prep by a score of 78-73. The Golden Eagle boys will play the #9 ranked Granada Boys of DIvision 1 on March 2nd at the Clovis West gymnasium. The game starts at 7 PM.

Also in Division 1, #7 Clovis North lost in a tight contest, 63-59 to #10 San Ramon Valley.

This concludes many of Tuesday’s contests and precedes the upcoming round two of state and regional playoffs for many Clovis teams.

Clovis high school athletes advance in CIF winter sports playoffs

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

March 3, 2023: The Clovis North Boys Soccer team, playing in the D1 State Championship Tournament, advanced to the final round.

The CIF Division 1 State Championship will be played against Davis High School, presumably at Davis High School in Davis, California.

The game will commence at 3 PM this Saturday, March 4th.

The Clovis High School Girls Basketball team has also advanced to the next round of their playoff bracket.

They will play at St. Mary’s on Saturday, in

the Semifinal round after defeating the #4 seed Cardinal Newman.

The Clovis West Girls Basketball team still awaits their first round of playoffs which will occur on Saturday when they play Archbishop Mitty in the Open Division.

Finally, the Clovis West Boys Basketball team was eliminated from the playoff on Thursday night when they lost to #9 ranked Granada 70-62.

Coming in as the #1 seed, Clovis West had previously beaten St. Ignatius College Prep in the first round of playoffs, 78-73, after losing in the Valley Championship to the St. Joseph Knights out of Santa Maria.

Clovis Soccer/Basketball Playoff Runs Come to End

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

March 5, 2023: The Clovis North Boys Soccer team ended their playoff run this Saturday as they lost to Davis High School by a score of 1-0.

The Broncos finish the season as TRAC and Central Section Champions, as well as Regional runners-up.

Clovis West Girls Basketball also played in their first round of State Playoffs in the open division.

Unfortunately for the Golden Eagles, they lost to the #2 ranked team in the Open Division, Archbishop Mitty, by a score of 63-43. Finally, the Clovis High Girls Basketball team, competing in the Semifinals of the Division I State Playoffs lost to #1 ranked

St. Mary’s.

With a score of 55-48, St. Mary’s College Preparatory will face off against Oakland Tech in the Regional Finals, one step before the State Championship.

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup Clovis West Girls Basketball Coach Craig Campbell vocalizes to his team after winning the Valley Championship on Saturday.

Photo Courtesy of Fancher Creek Elementary Facebook Fancher Elementary students help to pick up trash near their school.

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup The moment the clock hits zero; Clovis West Girls Basketball won their 11th straight Central Section Championship Saturday.

Buchanan Robotics Team Hosts 15th Annual Robotics Open House

March 5, 2023 - The FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 1671, the Buchanan “Bird Brains” of Buchanan High School hosted an Open House at their high school for the 15th year running.

This open house showcased the team’s, as well as other local schools', progress in robotics over the last year.

According to Dimple Ravuri, Teacher/Advisor for the Bird Brains, FIRST® Robotics is a program that allows Pre-K through high school students to create real, working robots to compete in tournament-like competitions.

These teams and their robots then get the chance to compete against other programs from across the world as in fact, in 2015, the Bird Brains were named World Champions for their efforts at the FRC World Championship.

This year, the FRC World Championship, looks to host more competition teams than it did in 2022, and hopes to be their biggest event ever according to their website.

To start the competition season, the Buchanan Robotics team hosted an Open House and revealed their robot, which this year happens to be a robot that can pick up mini traffic cones, and inflated cubes that will then have to balance on a pedestal. This year’s robot must be efficient in specific motor skills such as using its balance or picking up specific items.

The new challenge for this year’s competition was revealed in January, and students were given 6-8 weeks to unveil their product. Dimple Ravuri explained that the process first begins with the technical team

coming up with a computer-aided design of the robot.

“They use SOLIDWORKS [a 3D CAD Design Software] to design the robot all on the computer. They then start prototyping, which takes about two weeks to do that. Every kid wants to come up with an idea, so they prototype it with wood first to see if it works or not.”

After this, Ravuri explained that with the assistance of the machine shop on campus at Buchanan High, funded by the CTE Pathways program in Clovis Unified, the team is able to have all of the parts of their robot “machined” in house.

The process before relied on dependence of sponsors from off campus, but now the team is able to control every aspect of the robot’s creation.

Final steps after this include wiring and using Java, a computing and language program platform that programs the robot to do what it needs to do for competition.

According to Dimple Ravuri, teams like the Buchanan Birdbrains make it a priority to spread STEM knowledge through their local community.

They have gone to elementary schools, libraries and farmer’s markets to increase participation in FIRST® robotics, reaching around 2000 people last year.

In fact, Buchanan High School wasn’t the only school present at the Open House, as many elementaries from the surrounding Buchanan area were present with different STEM projects of their own.

Team 1671 hosts multiple FIRST Lego League scrimmages, qualifiers, and also assists with the regional championship. The Bird Brains volunteer and host outreach events, having traveled internationally to

spread the message of STEM.

Plenty of this year’s team members were freshmen who finally were able to join on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dimple Ravuri explains that while there may be specific growing pains when it comes to the younger competitors, the team is excited to compete and is grateful for the

opportunity.

Their next competition, the Central Valley Regional, comes this March 9th-12th, free to the public at the Fresno Convention Center. Buchanan High alongside the Clovis West and Clovis North Robotics Teams look to take part in this competition.

Buchanan High Jazz Band Plays at School Board Meeting

March 2, 2023: The Buchanan High School Jazz Band performed at Wednesday's CUSD School Board meeting in honor of CUSD’s celebration of “National Music in Our Schools Month”.

Under the direction of Barb Shinaver, the band performed two selections, “Just Kiddin’” by Elaine Elias and another selection by Melba Liston.

Geoffrey Dean, Coordinator of the Visual Arts Program throughout Clovis Unified, introduced the band by saying, “The Buchanan High School Jazz Band has a long legacy and strong reputation across the state for its consistent, high level of achievement and ability to play professional literature. This band regularly performs within our community and has had over forty charts that they proudly have in their arsenal that they are ready to perform at any moment.”

After the performance, Board Member Dr. Stephen Fogg said, “Thank you so much for your effort, keep going and we are so proud of you.”

Board Member Tiffany Stoker-Madsen related, “It just says so much about your instructor to be able to teach you all of those instruments in such a short time…Thank you so much for cheering up our night and kicking off our Music [appreciation] month.”

Five Year Financial Forecast Presented to City Council

monies used for projects and funded for reserves are assisting in maintaining the 23%.

brought to the budget.

Chief Curt Fleming.

March 13, 2023 - The five year plan, brought back every March for reintroduction, brings information on growth, expenditures, staffing needs and other financial impacts for the City of Clovis.

The main emphasis of this is the general fund which includes everything from public safety, parks, safety as well as other avenues.

According to Finance Director Jay Schengel, the budget is currently balanced. He does warn of great increases that are coming for sewer, water, and sanitation.

Replacement vehicles have been funded for the city, with most vehicles being leased throughout the city including fire trucks.

An emergency reserve of 23% remains while the goal is 25%. It was explained that revenues and demand for expenditures have been hindering progress in the process.

Emergency reserve dollars and one time

Sales tax dollars in terms of a trend line in the last several years have accosted seven digit gains as “people are changing” what they spend money on. These numbers for sales tax revenues are optimistic according to city staff.

Growth in one time revenues has been unsustainable therefore forcing city staff to reset their ongoing basis in a forecast. Large spikes in one time monies that have been spent on one time projects, in order to continue certain programs, have represented over $27 million.

Enterprise funds, one of the few places where revenues exceed expenditures, have been planned for according to city staff. One time capital committees at regional facilities incur expenditures. One time land purchases that have spiked in the past couple of years have increased costs for the city, but without these a balance would not be

Property taxes were 1.1 million above what was projected, but that is due to growing faster than anticipated, meaning more homes built within city limits in the past year. A certain lag may affect property taxes and the city’s projection as if the homes the city believes will be built are not built, there may be a budget deficit that the city does anticipate.

On Measure C, if the proposition were to go away, several million dollars would decrease and therefore decrease the general fund.

The TOT increase will start to see funds in $500,000-600,000 in next year’s budget. Forecasting for five officers next year, and with three officers coming for each year looks to be the outcome of this expected budget increase.

Even if the city is able to hire the five officers in the next year and three per year in the next four years, they will still be 15-20 positions behind the desired number by Police

Councilman Matt Basgall asked, “I said it as Chief, I’m saying it now, we are gonna lose parts of this city if we don’t figure this out now…Do we need to start looking at how we spend our money, how we make our money?”

Basgall then quickly mentioned the possibility of advocating for a public safety tax.

City Manager stated that as of now, without the added $500,000-$600,000 to the public safety budget, 87% of the $100 million general fund budget is being used for public safety.

“We either increase the reserves, or decrease expenditures.”

Councilman Bessinger then floated the idea of using the reserve funds, funds that City Staff would not support using, in order to further fund public safety, stating the council as a whole has the ability to “set the direction”.

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com Clovis Roundup Staff @ClovisRoundup

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup This years competing robot for the Buchanan Bird Brains will be able to pick up items and balance them and itself in competition. The robotics team completed all aspects in the creation of this robot and will compete for the first time March 9th-12th.

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup A portion of the Buchanan High Jazz Band plays for the CUSD board meeting Wednesday night. Barb Shinaver (far right) is seen directing.

County of Fresno/National Weather Service Warn of ‘Unprecedented’ Incoming Storm

especially with as many trees that have fallen in the past, due to oversaturation of the grounds and heavy winds.

at the top of the page. Multiple speakers insisted that all register for these alerts ahead of the winter storm that will take place this weekend.

March 7th, 2023 - The County of Fresno held a special media briefing in which they had participants speak about the incoming weather this weekend.

At the media briefing, Emergency Services Manager Terri Mejorado spoke to the media stating that the upcoming storm looks to have a warmer impact than previous storms, this time not necessarily bringing snow below 3000 feet.

However, with the warmer storm means more rain that will melt snow quickly and produce possibly even more dangerous conditions than before. Mejorado emphasized an awareness of one’s surroundings,

Mejorado stated that Emergency Services are meeting up to three times a day with multiple branch directors and their agencies, trying to plan ahead for this incoming storm. They in turn are then working with emergency managers in local communities to properly plan ahead.

Most importantly, from the words of multiple speakers during the media briefing was the mention of the website and resource fresnocountyemergency.org.

This link will take viewers to the Fresno County Emergency website in which they will be able to view updates as well as register for emergency alerts on the red banner

Kristian Mattarochia from the National Weather Service warned that the impacts of this storm have never been experienced before in this region of California and he predicts that 6-8 inches of rain will melt the heavy snow that sits at the lower elevations of around 2000 feet.

Mattarochia then stated that this storm, unprecedented county wide, will be “unlike any weather event” and it is of the utmost importance to communicate the severity of this situation.

Fresno County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Brandon Pursell stated that the Fresno County

Sheriff’s office is staffing 24 hours a day with rescue personnel, and that effective today at 1 PM an evacuation warning was made to “let people know that they may need to evacuate” at some point within the next week. Lieutenant Pursell too mentioned that people should prepare for a shelter in place order.

Just as the Kings River Water Association mentioned, the “biggest and most immediate uneasiness [is] with foothill streams over which there is no way to regulate high flows entering the Kings River’s valley reaches.” With the incoming rain, this uneasiness will not seem to go away.

Register for emergency alerts at fresnocountyemergency.org.

Public Debate Continues: Should Chickens Be Allowed as Pets?

March 13, 2023 - “I don’t want chickens in my city!” That was one public comment at this week’s Clovis City Council meeting.

A few public commenters came out to speak their mind on the growing number of residents in Clovis that are housing hens and roosters in their backyard, raising baby chicks and farming eggs.

The complaints against those who have chickens in their backyards came from Clovis residents who have had chickens trespass into their backyards due to the surplus of chickens in neighboring backyard lots.

These complaints in addition to the unwelcome visitors ranged from noise complaints, smell and odor, as well as to other disturbances such as possibilities of avian flu or other sickness brought on by the chickens and “other exotic birds.”

One public speaker stated that a resident’s auto-immune disease was being activated because of their next door neighbors’ chickens.

On the flip side, protesters who are against residents keeping and raising chickens, stated their argument on behalf of keeping chickens in backyards.

“Chickens are really quiet..You give them a little food in the morning and they’re quiet.”

“I’ll take chickens over twenty cats any day.”

These comments were just a few made on behalf of those who have chickens in their backyard.

The argument of rising costs to eggs was also made as well as the argument that Clovis was “built” on farming, and to take that away from residents would be dismissable.

“You’re turning this town into a city full of concrete,” said one public commenter supporting the chicken-filled backyards.

“My wife–she loves the chickens in our backyard.”

No matter the support for either side of

the spectrum on this issue, the Clovis City Council may have a difficult choice looming ahead of them, as previous councils have had in the past.

This issue has come before the city council before when a request to deny chickens in town was approved.

Clovis resident s have the oppor tunit y to par ticipate in the annual Cit y wide Yard Sale the weekend of A pril 8 - 9.

Seller s c an regis ter their yard s ale at the website prov ided by Republic Ser v ices and lis t items they have for s ale Regis tration begins at www.republicservices.com/municipality/clovis-ca March 6th and continues through A pril 9th, the las t day of the s ale .

If you li ve in a multifamil y residence or a home governed by an HOA , please consult with your proper t y manager or HOA prior to regis tering to sell.

F or more information, please cont ac t a Republic Ser v ices rec ycling coordinator at 559. 2 31.1826 or v isit Republicser vices.com

©2022 Republic Services, Inc.

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com