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

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FOR ADVERTISING AND SALES: Office: 559-324-8757 Email: info@clovisroundup.com 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. 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.

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

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.

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