Clovis Roundup - April 13, 2023

Ranch Rodeo officially kicks off 2023 Clovis Rodeo month

A Message from Shonna

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

The first official Clovis Rodeo event of 2023 to kick off the season took place under a beautiful clear sky and fine weather last Saturday, April 10th.

Each weekend in April is an event

that all builds into the “rodeo season” here in Clovis.

“Many many years ago the board of directors here at the Clovis Rodeo decided that we should do something for the community every weekend during rodeo month,” announcer Mark Thompson said, “and we really couldn’t

do it without the community support.”

This event, like all the pre-rodeo competitions, is free and open to the public.

The Ranch Rodeo sees teams of four compete in horse and cattle events

City of

General Services Director

Shonna Halterman General Services Director

April 10, 2023 - It has been my pleasure to serve the City of Clovis for 28 years within the General Services Department. General Services consists of three divisions: Personnel/Risk Management, Facilities Maintenance and Purchasing, and Community Services which includes Public Transit, Senior Services and Recreation.

While some of our 125+ General See HATLERMAN, Pg. 5

Big Hat Days 2023 draws out “record crowd” for 85th annual celebration

Madeline Shannon @ClovisRoundup

Hat Days in Clovis.

“I’m enjoying everything — the food, meeting people,” Viernes said. “We need to enjoy ourselves, have fun and get together.”

The two days of Big Hat Days 2023 was expected to bring out 175,000 people, and about 400 vendors came out to set up booths to sell everything from wind chimes to tie-dye clothes to succulent terrariums to rubber band guns. Other popular attractions of Big Hat Days, like the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden, Kids Zone and carnival rides all drew out locals this year, especially families looking to entertain the kids for the afternoon.

“It is the laughter we

Photo by Madeline Shannon, Clovis Roundup James Hendersen, 9, and his brother, Sam Hendersen, 7, show off their cowboy hats at Big Hat Days in Clovis on Saturday. With them is their father, Jason Hendersen, sister Keanna Hendersen, 10, and brother Gabe Hendersen, 6.

What’s Up, Clovis?

Big Hat Days 2023

Community Easter Luncheon

Veteran Then and Now

Photos by Ron Sundquist

Old Town Clovis Coffee buddy "LeLand" gives "boy" a treat.

Anthony Guerrero, veteran, shares his then and now photo in Old Town Clovis.

The Clovis Senior Activity Center held a Community Easter Luncheon for seniors and their guest. It was a full house!

Big hats, big crowds and big appetites in the food court.

Fran Kilgore helped serve at the luncheon.

Workers who made the luncheon possible.

Huge crowds listened to John Pemberton and line danced during Big Hat Days.

Record rainfall poses problems to crop production for Clovis farmers

Madeline Shannon @ClovisRoundup

March 31, 2023 - As rain continues to pour down in an already-drenched Clovis, the city’s agricultural community is worried about how even more inclement weather in a city plagued by a decade-long drought will withstand any additional downpours.

“It’s the winter we all hoped and prayed for,” said Robert Rocha, sales manager at P-R Farms in Clovis. “This totally ended up being a wet year. Nobody saw this coming.”

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration predicts a continuation of significant flooding throughout the state because of a series of strong storms coming in from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in not just record rains, but record snowpack.

Already this wet season, Fresno County saw 17.48 inches of rain as of March 29, far more than the annual average of 9.09 inches. In addition to the heavy rainfall, the Sierra Nevada mountain range between Yosemite and Kings Canyon got 62 feet of snow, putting the amount of snowpack this season at 252% of normal.

“We should only be at about 30 feet,” said Carlos Molina, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Hanford. “It’s going to take a while to melt all that snow. It will be a quick melt for the lower elevations as far down as Shaver Lake, and you’ll see some effects from snowmelt in that area.”

Molina said flooding along the Kings River and San Joaquin River is very likely to continue throughout the spring and summer — possibly as far out as at least August.

“As we get into the summer, the rivers will continue to run high, possibly even until fall this year,” Molina said. “It’ll be an interesting year in terms of the rivers.”

It’s hard to imagine such inundation can follow such a long dry spell. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s animation tool that shows drought conditions in California, the San Joaquin Valley has gone from the D4 “exceptional drought” category, indicated by a deep red color, to the “none”

category, indicated by white — all in the last 52 weeks. The drastic turnaround from drought to flood led Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in 21 counties, including Fresno County, because of the increased flood conditions.

As rainfall helps groundwater conservation, crop production could suffer

After years of drought, local farmers are able to recharge their water supply after two years of 0% water allocation in some parts of the valley. The Bureau of Reclamation announced on March 28 that the Central Valley Project — which allocates water to valley farmers — would receive 80% of its water allocation under contract, up from the initial 35% allocation announced earlier in the season.

For many valley farmers, that provides a chance to replenish groundwater supplies after years of pumping groundwater almost exclusively.

“Last year was almost the complete opposite of this year,” Rocha said. “Our storms stopped very early. It was dry and warm, and unfortunately, we had to start watering with our pumps because there was no more rain. Now, we can conserve that groundwater, which is so important.”

As the rainfall helps the groundwater recharge, many Clovis farmers are worried about their ability to produce a crop on par with last year’s totals. Some saw their fields flooded so much that trees just felled themselves, toppling over in the heavy rains, one Clovis tree remover said.

“We’ve been getting quite a few calls between low-commodity prices for nuts and the inclement weather,” said Scott Houlding, a partner at Indegrow Enterprises, which provides tree removal, pruning and topping services for local farmers. “This is the first time I can say we’ve actively seen something like this. We’re in uncharted waters.”

More downpour, more diseases

With the rain come other problems, too. Some farms that rely heavily on production of nuts, like P-R Farms, are as concerned about rain as they are about hail and diseases on the trees that do lasting damage to the

crop.

“Hail definitely does more damage to our crop that’s still out there,” Rocha said. “And there’s other pests, diseases and pressures we get from there being too much moisture.”

The heavy rains get the fields so wet that it’s difficult, sometimes impossible, to spray insecticides and pesticides on the trees, local farmers said. Many farms can’t even get spraying equipment on the fields because of the flooded ground. As a result, diseases that commonly plague unsprayed trees are showing up in the fields, Rocha said.

“We’re starting to see some of the diseases that can affect the bloom,” Rocha said. “Shot hole is one that you get, and it really affects the fruit that you’re looking to develop or the leaves on the tree.”

Shot hole and bacterial blast, two diseases that can strike almond trees when the sprays aren’t applied to the trees early enough in the season, are showing up already. Shot hole, true to its name, looks like someone shot a tiny hole through the leaves of the Independence-variety almond trees, one of

the almond tree varieties most susceptible to the disease.

P-R Farms, along with many other farms in the Clovis area, are seeing the brown, dried-up leaves Rocha described as “burned off” on Independence-variety almond trees because of bacterial blast, which is also commonly referred to as citrus blast because it also strikes citrus trees.

“Certain varieties are more susceptible to this,” Rocha said. “We got freezing temperatures and then the rain that we got caused a lot of this.”

According to the National Weather Service, more rainfall in the valley and more snowpack in the Sierra Nevada in the coming weeks will only add to the excessive water supply this year. The farming community in Clovis is trying to find the silver lining, Houlding said.

“We’re a resilient sort, to say the least,” Houlding said. “We’re going to try to find a way through this. I’m amazed at what folks come up with and do.”

“People are ready to get out ,” said Diana Hunnicutt, membership director for the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, which organizes Big Hat Days every year. “We’re going to see a packed two days. We’re a little larger this year -- 400 vendors -- and a lot of new vendors are here. We have a lot of different things.”

This year was Big Hat Days’ 85th year, and originally started as a celebration of farmers, cowboys and loggers in Clovis, according to a Clovis Chamber of Commerce special newsletter. The big hats worn by these

workers were meant to protect the wearer from dust and sun while they worked, and townsfolk wore their big hats during Big Hat Days as a tribute to these men and women. Today, Big Hat Days is the Central Valley’s biggest free street festival, covering 15 blocks in Old Town Clovis. Shopping booths, food trucks, and kids carnival rides, along with the beer garden, remain staples of one of the biggest events of the year in Clovis.

The local color isn’t limited to boots on the ground or hats on the heads. On Saturday afternoon, while a multi-colored miniature train transported event goers around Old Town, a Chuckchansi Gold Resort & Casino

flag trailed a crop duster plane circling the air above Old Town Clovis. A rock band played to a packed beer garden while a long line trailed out of the security-heavy beer garden gate. And in a swirl of thousands of people, some pushing strollers, some hoisting kids onto their shoulders, one of the hat booth vendors talked up some of the hats they design and sell -- especially the big hats.

“We have six-inch brims, which end up being 18 inches from edge to edge,” said Scott Mosher, one of the vendors at the Sensations by Sybil booth, a hatmaker and retailer that travels around the country selling hats at art and wine festivals and other local events.

“That’s the biggest hat we have.”

Since the event is free and there’s no tickets sold or given out to folks who attend the event, there’s no official headcount over the course of the weekend. However, Clovis Chamber of Commerce staff said that based on their estimations, they expect they had a record turnout this year.

“This year was a huge success,” said Jenna Welch, communications director for the Chamber of Commerce. “After talking with our vendors and getting feedback from them, we can say this is one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever seen. Everyone was tired of being cooped up because of the rain and were ready to get out.”

Photo by Madeline Shannon, Clovis Roundup P-R Farms Sales Manager Robert Rocha holds up a branch of an almond tree in a Clovis field, showing shot hole in the leaves of the tree. Shot hole is a disease that can strike almond and citrus trees when trees aren't sprayed early enough in the season.

Clovis Community College Honored at City Council Meeting

April 3, 2023 - April was officially recognized as “Community College Month” by the City of Clovis during the first meeting of the month last Monday. A proclamation was read by Councilman Matt Basgall.

“Whereas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, across the nation, public community colleges serve over 7 million students; and whereas, the California Community Colleges: the largest system of higher education in the nation with 116 colleges serving more than 1.8 million students, is an essential resource for the State of California, its people, and its economy.”

He continued, “Whereas, the California Community Colleges bring higher education within the reach of every Californian through their open admissions; low enrollment fees, financial assistance programs, academic and career guidance, outstanding teaching by dedicated faculty, exceptional career training, and specialized support

HALTERMAN

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Services Department employees are behind the scenes proving support, many of them are serving our community by providing transportation services throughout Clovis and into portions of Fresno, or by creating active recreation opportunities for all ages at either our recreation sites or the senior center.

We are often asked about the new buildings being built on Third Street just east of Clovis Avenue. This area is known as Landmark Square and currently has a new senior center and transit hub under construction. The property is planned for a new Fresno County Library as well.

As the buildings have come out of the ground, we have received many questions about the facilities, their design and use. Below are the answers to many of those questions:

What are the new buildings for? There are currently two buildings being constructed:

RODEO

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

based on real ranch work. Some events, like team roping and steer stopping, may be familiar to the average Clovis Rodeo attendee, but dry work, cow work, cutting, sorting, branding, and doctoring are all unique to ranch rodeo.

“It’s all based on the western heritage and everyday ranch work,” Thompson added, “There’s not an event out there that’s not

services for students who need extra help with the transition to college or to the mastery of college-level coursework; and whereas, the State Center Community College District is one of the largest and successful community college districts in the region, serving over 53,000 students annually at our four colleges and center - Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, Madera Community College and the Career Technical Center.”

Dr. Kim E. Armstrong, President of Clovis Community College, stated that through Clovis Community partnerships and quality, high education have been brought to Clovis. She also stated that Clovis Community leads the state in California transfer rates.

“We are proud to be here in Clovis, thank you.”

Councilman Drew Bessinger believes that being afforded the opportunity to attend community college and transfer “is a bargain”, and stated that he was “very happy” that Clovis Community was “right on the border” of Clovis city limits.

The Clovis Senior Activity Center, A Smittcamp Family Legacy, and the William H. “Harry” Armstrong Transit Center. The senior center building is over 29,000 square feet and includes multiple rooms for programs and activities for anyone aged 50 or better. Four thousand square feet of the building is for a planned St. Agnes medical clinic. The transit building has a waiting area for passengers, offices, and a meeting/ training room.

What inspired the design? The buildings are on the site of an old rail line and the former Clovis Lumber yard. The architect incorporated the look and feel of the old barn-like building when designing the new buildings at Landmark Square. When the Clovis Lumber building was demolished, the corrugated metal roofing was saved. This metal roofing has a beautiful rusty patina that has been coated to prevent further rusting and has been installed as a design feature on the exterior, and a little on the interior, of the Landmark Square buildings. Also, the two different colors of exterior wood siding pay homage to the lumber industry and its

done on the ranch every day of the year.”

The top team this year was the “Dot Seven” team; JD Triffon, Reed Helsel, Brett Behlen, and Tyler Willis, who each took home a special Clovis Ranch Rodeo saddle.

Second place team “West of the Sierras” team members Stacey Schmidt, Carly Piazza, Johni Santucci, and Brooke Jackson, took home very special sets of stirrups leftover from the canceled 2020 event.

The cowgirls of “West of the Sierras” took first place in the 2019 competition.

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

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impact in the creation of Clovis. When will they be finished? We hope to open the senior center and transit hub in late Fall 2023. Keep an eye on the City of Clovis social media pages for our grand opening events.

Who are the new buildings are named after? The Clovis Senior Activity Center, a Smittcamp Family Legacy, is named after the Smittcamp Family. The Smittcamp family has generously donated $1 million toward the construction of the new building. The prominent agriculture, food, and beverage company family has been an integral part of Clovis for over 80 years. Patriarch Earl Smittcamp enjoyed many bridge games and activities at the senior center, and his family supports our mission of creating active leisure opportunities for our senior citizens. The family philanthropy is in honor of their parents, Earl and Muriel Smittcamp and their lasting legacy to the community.

The William H. “Harry” Armstrong Transit Center is named after the former Clovis City Councilmember who served as an elected

Both teams will be invited to the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association’s finals in the fall.

As part of the ceremony after the event, two participants were recognized for their age. Presley Carver, 12, was the youngest to compete in Saturday’s Ranch Rodeo, and Tucker Slender, 89, was the oldest. Slender was given the same award four years ago, and continues to compete every year with his team of mule riders.

As always, Rodeo Association volunteers

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official for 46 years. Harry was instrumental in the initial passing and renewal of Measure C which provided much needed funding for public transit, streets, and freeways including Highway 168. Harry was a true statesman with strong ethics and values and a commitment to “Do the right thing.” The lobby of the transit center will display a life-sized bust of Harry along with plaques outlining his many accomplishments and service to Clovis and its residents.

The dedicated employees of General Services and I are proud to serve the people in our community. Whether it’s our Personnel and Risk Management staff helping internal and external customers, our facilities maintenance staff keeping our buildings in top shape, our transit operators and staff providing essential transportation services, or our recreation and senior center employees creating active recreational opportunities for all ages, we are committed to providing the best service to our community. The motto of General Services is “We Exist to Assist” and we do indeed.

arrived early to prepare the grounds for the event, managed the livestock during the event, and stayed after to clean up. Volunteers are essential to the function of all Clovis Rodeo events. “The bottom line is, we couldn’t do it without all this help,” Thompson said about the volunteers, “because nobody gets paid here, even our judges don’t even get paid.”

The next Clovis Rodeo event of the month will be Jackpot Roping on Sunday April 16th at 7AM.

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Photo courtesy of City of Clovis

Members of Clovis Community College including Stephanie Babb, Director of Marketing and Communications (front, far right) and Dr. Kim E. Armstrong, President of Clovis Community (front, second from right) pose with the Clovis City Council at an April 3rd meeting. April was named “Community College Month”.

Soroptimist International of Clovis Host Dream It Be It Girls Conference

April 4, 2023 - Eager high school girls attended the Dream It Be It Girls Conference at Buchanan High School on March 20, 2023. The annual event was sponsored by Soroptimist International of Clovis (SIC). Approximately fifty teens welcomed the opportunity to learn how to plan a successful future.

The interactive and educational workshop provided the tools and support that enable dreams to come true.

Throughout the room a small number of girls were seated at tables, each with Soroptimist mentors. As a guide, each girl completed a workbook that asked inventory of her goals, values, and interests as well as solutions to obstacles she might face. Lively discussions were conducted as ideas were exchanged.

“I made new friends today," said one senior. “It helps to know I am not the only one trying to figure things out. This is such a relaxed friendly atmosphere...everyone is easy to talk to. We can learn from each other.

An inspirational speaker stressed setting goals and having faith. “Your life as an adult is what you make it,” she said. “You can make your life better. You are not alone.”

After a short break for the lunch provided by SIC, attendees had a chance to visit the various career and educational stations. Each station handed out information and was staffed by representatives that gave job

presentations and answered real life career questions. It was a chance to talk to those working in the field and get an idea of what each job was really like.

The Flight Science course from Reedley College provided a computer model of a flight simulator for girls to try. Pilot and flight instructor, Lexi Lawrence, encouraged, “You can do this too!”

For those who were interested in Aviation Maintenance, mechanic, Darla Castillo talked about Reedley’s Maintenance program that is accredited through the Federal Aviation Administration. The Aviation Department at Reedley College anticipates the acquisition of additional Skyleader 600s soon.

Gurnick Academy, Clovis Adult School, and Camarena Health were represented by those in the health field and nursing. Workforce Connection answered questions about their vocational programs.

Law enforcement was represented by the Fresno County Sheriff and the Fresno Police Department. “This is a tough but rewarding career, there’s something different each day,” said one female officer. “There are a lot of different areas you can go into, and you can do this job and be a single mom.”

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that provides girls and women with access to education and training they need to be their best. Dream It Be It is part of the “Dream” programs of Soroptimist International of the Americas: Live Your Dream Education Awards for Women; and

Dream It Be It for teens.

Next on the agenda for SIC is the April 15 Cottage Tea at the Belmont Country Club, where the recipients of the Live Your Dream Awards will be featured. Plans are for “an

afternoon filled with food, fashion and fun!” from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $50. For more information, visit siclovis.org.

Photo by courtesy Soroptimist International of Clovis Students trying out a computer demonstration of a flight simulator, courtesy of Reedley College.

Sassano’s Provides Clovis Rodeo Grand Marshal’s Hats

April 13, 2023 - One of the many traditions of rodeo season in Clovis is the presentation of the hat and buckle to the Grand Marshal(s) of the Clovis Rodeo Parade.

Susan Franzich and Judy Hedrick went to Sassano’s Mens Wear in Old Town Clovis, an anchor for the shopping district for over 80 years and the traditional place to select Grand Marshal hats, to make their selection. “They both picked pretty traditional styles,” owner Greg Sassano said, “different from each other, but they know what they like.”

We won’t see the hats until the parade, but Sassano let us know that the ladies didn’t go for anything too fancy; just some nice Stetson and Resistol straw hats, with popular front dips and brims.

If you’re thinking about getting a new western hat ahead of Rodeo Week, Sassano recommends that you choose a style you like off the rack.

“Felt or fur, you can usually shape them

with steam,” Sassano said, “but most of the new straws are treated and it takes a lot of steam to penetrate the treatment. If you overcome that coating then you’ve lost some of the integrity of the hat.”

He explained that most modern straw hats feature a coating, or treatment, that makes it glossy and gives it better integrity. Palm hats, with their naturally pliable fibers, aren’t treated so they can be shaped any way the wearer wants.

“Most of these new ones have a wire in the brim, so if you want to change it you just kind of have to carefully bend it,” Sassano concluded.

So, with the assistance of Sassano’s staff, the Clovis Rodeo 2023 Grand Marshals chose high quality, cool straw hats for the traditionally hot Clovis Rodeo Weekend.

Since Sassano took over for his father, Les Sassano, he hasn’t been able to go see the rodeo. “I’m so glad to be a part of something [with the rodeo],” Sassano said, “because it’s been so long since I’ve been able to be out there.”

City Council Gives Go-Ahead to 500 Club to Increase Gaming Tables

the city as a “vehicle” in helping them get on the ballot for November 2023.

April 6, 2023 - At Monday’s City Council meeting, the 500 Club Casino located in Clovis requested that they be allowed to increase the amount of gaming tables in their casino from 20 to 51.

This request comes on the outset of a moratorium placed on gaming institutions set in place in 1996 that was recently not passed through this year.

Each year, state legislature would have to reinstate the moratorium in order to limit gaming institutions in the amounts and sizes of their properties.

With the lapse of this moratorium, the 500 Club realized they had a slim chance to increase the number of tables currently operating at their casino. However, in order to do so, they will need a special election that will require voter approval to allow this increase.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, the 500 Club asked for consideration of that special election.

The Clovis City Council made it clear that the 500 Club themselves would pay the fees included when requesting an election such as the county clerk fee, and would only use

However, with AB431, the fear for the 500 Club is that state legislature can go back and rescind the ballot even if passed in November 2023.

There is the off chance that even with full voter approval that the 500 Club will not get to increase the number of gaming tables if they want.

This is something that councilman Drew Bessinger calls “unconstitutional”.

“This is like the second or third thing that’s come up [tonight] that’s retroactive. I’m thinking, it’s just not constitutional.”

The 500 Club claims that they would like to increase the amount of their tables to 51 in order to compete with Fresno casinos.

To this, Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoua in full support asked, “Why stop there?”

“I think you’re asking for 51 so you can match Fresno. My thought is, ‘Why stop there? Why not be the best in the Central Valley?’”

The City states that they will need all information gathered by August in order to place the item on the November election and maintains that they will request that the 500

Club pay for all fees required.

With the unknown variability of AB431, the City Council still gave direction for the City to continue on in the proceedings of placing it on the ballot.

Mayor Lynne Ashbeck on the topic: “If they want to proceed with it, it’s their call. This falls on you as the applicant to let staff know

that you’re interested…That will include public safety and doing what’s possible in [seeing to] the added burden of adding 31 more tables and law enforcement and all those other issues that need to be addressed. If the 500 Club wants to proceed and is willing to pay for it then I’m thinking we all see that it’s okay.”

A private Clovis Rodeo Association (CRA) event will be held during the week of rodeo to present these gifts to the honorees, before

their grand entrance for the parade at 9AM on Saturday, April 29th.

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup Bob Parks and Greg Sassano's Men's Wear In Old Town Clovis.

Photo by Ron Sundquist, Clovis Roundup 500 Club Casino is located in the Western Village Shopping Center at 771 W Shaw Ave.

American 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

San Joaquin College of Law

Tarpey Depot - Visitor’s Center

Old Town Service District

1. A1 Lock & Key

2. ABC Pack & Print 3. All American Smog

4. B and H Tire Automotive Shop

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

6. Central Valley Community Bank

& Shoe

Antique and Gift Shops 1.

CLOVIS RODEO

April 26 - 30, 2023 - Tickets are on sale now for clovisrodeo.com for more details!

CLOVIS RODEO PARADE

April 29, 2023 - Traditionally held the Saturday of different categories wind through the streets of

the 109th Clovis Rodeo. Check out of rodeo week, more than 120 entries in 27 "Old Town Clovis".

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

Recipe

FAMILY FEATURES

If healthier eating holds a prominent spot on your list of goals, you may feel it’s necessary to eliminate some of your sweetest favorites. However, committing to a nutritionally friendly way of life doesn’t have to leave desserts by the wayside.

Instead, rethinking nighttime treats with betterfor-you ingredients like California Prunes as a quick substitution can make healthier eating easy. As a versatile ingredient that can replace added sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes, prunes can also add nutrients important for bone and gut health.

Plus, the copper in prunes inhibits bone breakdown, while boron plays a role in calcium metabolism and polyphenols can help decrease bone breakdown through their antioxidant power. As a fruit that’s high in vitamin K, which helps improve calcium balance and promotes bone mineralization,

Vegan Brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 9

Prune Puree:

16 ounces pitted California prunes

1/2 cup hot water

To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.

Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.

To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.

Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.

Chocolate Energy Balls

prunes are also a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (roughly 4-6 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome.

They’re easy to use in recipes that can become favorites in your household such as these Chocolate Energy Balls. Enjoyed as an easy, on-the-go snack, they’re a perfect way to refuel for an adventure, recharge after a workout or to simply savor as a healthy snack.

Chocolate lovers rejoice: This rich, delicious, glutenfree, grain-free Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake is naturally sweetened using prunes instead of added sugar. If brownies are more your style, prunes can also take the place of eggs in these Vegan Brownies for a familyfriendly treat that won’t wreck your eating plan.

To find more better-for-you desserts, visit californiaprunes.org.

Brownies: nonstick cooking spray

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil

1

2 cups light brown sugar

10 ounces California prune puree

1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

flaky sea salt, for garnish

Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla. Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan. Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

Recipe courtesy of Meg van der Kruik on behalf of California Prunes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Yield: 24 pieces

Prune Puree:

16 ounces pitted California prunes

1/2 cup hot water

Energy Balls:

1 cup old-fashioned or gluten-free oats

2/3 cup toasted, unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup creamy natural nut butter (peanut or almond)

1/2 cup pecan meal

1/2 cup prune puree

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.

Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.

To make energy balls: In mixing bowl, stir oats, coconut, nut butter, pecan meal, prune puree, cocoa powder and vanilla until completely combined.

Cover and chill in refrigerator 30 minutes. Once chilled, use small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to measure equalsized amounts of mixture then form into balls by applying gentle pressure to dough using palms. Do not roll as balls will break apart.

Store covered in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.

Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 55 minutes

Yield: 1 cake (8 inches)

Cake: Coconut oil spray

14 tablespoons butter, chopped

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup cocoa powder

10 soft, pitted prunes, chopped small

1/3 cup maple syrup

6 eggs

1/2 cup coconut sugar

1 cup almond meal

Ganache:

1 cup full-fat coconut milk

1 1/3 cups dark chocolate morsels

To make cake: Preheat oven to 300

F. Lightly spray bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with coconut oil spray. Place round piece of parchment paper in bottom of pan and lightly spray with coconut oil spray.

In small saucepan over low heat, place butter and vanilla. Use sieve to sift cocoa into saucepan. Stir with spatula until completely smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

In bowl of food processor fitted with “S” blade, place prunes and syrup. Top with cooled butter mixture then process until smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl, scraping all chocolate mixture from food processor with spatula.

In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip eggs and coconut sugar on high speed 7 minutes, or until tripled in volume.

Add one-third of egg mixture to bowl with chocolate mixture. Using spatula, gently fold together until completely combined. Add almond meal and remaining egg mixture to bowl and gently fold to combine. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55 minutes, or until set. Once cooked through, transfer cake to cooling rack and cool completely in pan.

To make ganache: In top of double boiler, melt coconut milk and dark chocolate until completely smooth. Pour prepared ganache over cake. Serve immediately for molten fudge effect or allow to completely set.

Vegan Brownies

LET’S

TALK CLOVIS:

Clovis Rodeo Grand Marshals

Peg Bos & Elaine Bell Historian/Clovis Museum

Contributed

We are sharing information on a few of the men and women who were Clovis Rodeo Grand Marshals during the Rodeo’s 105-year history.

The first Grand Marshal (1916) was Charles H. Atkinson. Minutes from the Clovis Board of Trustees addressed him as the volunteer Fire Chief.

George Phebus joined the Rodeo association in 1928. George was Grand Marshal in 1934. His son Rex Phebus was Grand Marshal in 1994. Rex joined the association in 1938 and served on their board for more than 50 years.

Dr. Jim Pendergrass was Grand Marshal 1937, 1938 and 1942. He served as mayor from 1928-1930. Duane Wamsley and Carl Larson shared the title of Grand Marshal in 1942 with Dr. Jim. Dr. Jim’s daughter, Erma, was Rodeo Queen in 1940. Duane Wamsley married Erma in 1945.

No Grand Marshal was selected or parade held during World War II.

Lawrence “Shorty” Sassano was Grand Marshal in 1963. His son Leslie was selected Grand Marshal in 2004. Shorty’s father Aniello Sassano established a shoe repair business in Clovis. It is the oldest family owned business in Clovis. Sassano’s Men’s Wear is now owned by Les’ son Greg Sassano.

Bob Simpson was selected Grand Marshal in 1969. His 4-month-old great grandson Gary Hill shared the saddle with him during the parade. Bob was born in Academy in 1894 and would spend his life as a cattle rancher there. His grandfather John Greenup Simpson donated land in 1868 for the Academy Church, 1872 Academy School and the Academy Cemetery. Members of his family are actively involved in preserving the historical church and school.

Ted Forbes was Grand Marshal in 1976 and served as Rodeo President 1954-1955. His son Dan served as Grand Marshal in 1997 and as Rodeo president 1965-1968. Dan was honored as Fresno County’s Cattleman of the year in 1977. The Forbes cattle ranches were in the Piedra area.

Jay Robinson (1923-2010) was Grand Marshal in 1995. He is quoted in a 1982 Fresno Bee article that he began helping at the Clovis Rodeo when he was five. Jay served as Rodeo President, 1957-1959. His brother Bob was born in Academy (19262012) and was the 2009 Grand Marshal. The brothers learned their livestock skills while working with their dad (Jay) at their Sierra pack station.

Four women have been selected Grand Marshals. Lucretia McMurtry (age 92) was the first woman honored in 1982. Lulu and Mrs. H. E. Armstrong organized the first Spring Festival Day in 1914. Lulu’s father (A.P. Smith) was a wheat rancher in Academy. Lulu would drive her four sisters in a horse and buggy to Clovis to attend school. She graduated from Clovis High in 1909 and married the dashing Dr. McMurtry in 1911.

Beth Crabtree was the second woman honored in 1990. She married Rae Crabtree (1974 Grand Marshal) in 1931. They operated Crabtree’s Pack Station from 1931 to 1965. Their 6-month-old granddaughter Tish Wilhite rode in the 1962 Clovis Rodeo Parade with her mother Jo. In 1982 Tish was Miss Rodeo California and was among the ten finalist in Miss Rodeo America that year.

A 2008 Clovis Independent article reported that Tish held the eighth place national ranking in the National Reined Cowboy Association. She buys 2-year-old untrained quarter horses and after training and showing them, they are sold, and the cycle begins again.

In 2003 Betty Mouliot became the third woman to be honored. She and her husband Martin (Grand Marshal in 1991) arrived in Clovis in 1943. They bought a ranch on Copper Avenue and lived in a house that

was originally a stage coach stop. They owned Mart’s Grocery store (1948-1956) at the northwest corner of Pollasky and Fifth streets. Their son Pete joined the Rodeo Association in 1988 and has served on the Rodeo Board of Directors.

In 2017 Jodie Simpson Everett became the fourth woman to become Grand Marshal. As reported earlier, in 1853 her great grandfather John Greenup Simpson arrived in the Academy area. The Simpsons and other pioneers in that area would foster the city of Clovis. Jodie’s father Edwin W. Simpson was Grand Marshal in 1956.

The traditions of the Clovis Rodeo Association are a part of our rich heritage.

*Update: There are now six women that have been selected Grand Marshals. The 2023 Clovis Rodeo Grand Marshalls are Judy Hedrick and Susan Frantizich.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Museum 1982 Clovis Rodeo Grand Mashal, Lucretia “Lulu” McMurtry 1889-1995.

Clovis Police Hosts DUI Checkpoint April 7, 2023

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

April 8, 2023 Clovis, Calif. – The Clovis Police Department held a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, April 7, 2023, from 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM on northbound Clovis Ave. at Palo Alto Ave (between Sierra & Herndon) in the City of Clovis. The checkpoint resulted in 7 DUI arrests and 5 drivers license violations. Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During checkpoints, officers look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Clovis Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Corporal Bradford said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Clovis Police reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-thecounter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavymachinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

7 DUI Arrests

5 Driver’s License Violations

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Clovis Police Department releases list of Top 10 Intersections for Citations during 2022

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

April 10, 2023 - Here is more information from Clovis Police Department's 2022 Year End Crime Report! Listed are the top 10 locations that officers issued traffic citations last year.

Clovis Police Department's Year End Crime Report provides information on annual calls for service, call types, crimes against property and persons, and more. To see the entire report, see the link below or their free mobile app.

Top 10 Intersections for Citations in 2022-

1. Teague/Halifax (next to Alta Sierra Intermediate School): 75

2. Ashcroft/DeWolf (next to Reyburn

Intermediate School: 54

3. Gettysburg/Helm (next to the Boys & Girls Club of Clovis): 42

4. 5th/Clovis: 41

5. Barstow/Clovis: 40

6. Shaw/DeWitt (just west of Clovis Ave): 39

7. Shaw/Cole (Sierra Vista Mall): 36

8. Shaw/Sunnyside: 35

9. Santa Ana/Minnewawa (Near Costco & Tarpey Elementary School): 34

10. Herndon/McKelvy (just west of Temperance): 32

Our 2022 Year End Crime Report is available now on our free mobile "Clovis PD" app, or here: https://linktr.ee/ ClovisPolice_CA

National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week

Contributed Clovis Animal Services

This week is National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week! We are so thankful for our incredible officers and the work they do for animals in our community, responding to calls for service each and every day and helping care for animals in our Receiving and Care Center! Please, leave a comment to help us thank them for what they do!

ClovisAnimalServices.com – (559) 324-2450

Building A Model Community for Animal Care

It's time to rodeo in clovis

Saturday, Apr. 29 109th CLOVIS RODEO PARADE Old Town Clovis 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Apr. 30

/ Shepherd City of Clovis and Clovis Community Foundation 10 a.m.

WALK AND TALK WITH

MEDICAL STUDENTS

Clovis Senior Activity Center Dry Creek Park 885 N. Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 25 thru Sunday, Apr. 30

109th CLOVIS RODEO

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA

Schedule and location of events online at clovisrodeo.com

WIND SYMPHONY OF CLOVIS CONCERT Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno, CA 3 p.m.

MAY

Friday, May 5

FRIDAY NIGHT FARMERS MARKET (FRIDAY NIGHTS THRU

OCT. 27) Old Town Clovis Pollasky & 5th 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 6

TRAILFEST Old Town Trail/Dry Creek Trail 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Saturday, May 6

SPRING WINE WALK Old Town Clovis 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 7

CLOVIS COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno, CA 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 11

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Saturday, May 13

JEFFERSON 12TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW Jefferson Elementary School 1880 Fowler Ave., Clovis, CA

CLOVIS’ MAY-GARITA PUB CRAWL Old Town Clovis 453 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA

–

Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14

OLD TOWN FLEA MARKET (Rodeo Grounds) 748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA

MOTHER’S DAY

Thursday, May 18

CLOVIS MAYORS’ BREAKFAST Clovis Veteran’s Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA

7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Friday, May 19

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Friday, May 19

CLOVIS STREET FAIR Dry Creek Park 567 Park Creek Dr., Clovis, CA 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, May 19 thru Sunday May 21

CLOVIS OLD TOWN MOTORAMA CAR SHOW Old Town Clovis on Pollasky

Saturday, May 20 SHREDFEST CLOVIS POLICE DEPARTMENT Clovis Rodeo Grounds 748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 27

CLOVIS MEMORIAL RUN 850 4th St., Clovis, CA Registration now open at Clovismemorialrun.com

7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Sunday, May 28

GLORIOUS JUNK DAYS (Vintage Antiques and Glorious Junk) Old Town Clovis

7 a.m. – 3 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 FRESH MARKET/ HARLAN EATS HARLAN RANCH COMMUNITY CENTER

1620 N. Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA

Every Wednesday

Year-Round

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)

Bitwise Industries, Inc., seeks a Web Application Developer, in Fresno, CA: Dsgn & dev web apps, recommend syst solutions, integrate apps, complete apps dev, & support users. Sal $120-150k/yr. Email res to Liz E. Negrete at lnegrete@ bitwiseindustries.com

Extrusion Engineer: Manage all extrusion related processes including equipment upgrade & maintenance, raw material selection, new technologies, quality control & technician training & management. Monitor on a daily basis production labor & office areas to ensure hazards are identified & assesses as per Ocupational Health & Safety, etc. 4 yrs exp. in job offered or as Technical Drip Line Specialist or Production Manager. 40 hrs/wk. Job Site

Luna Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant under new ownership

March 29, 2023 - After over 50 years of ownership by the Liberta family, Luna Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant has been sold to new owners.

“I’m not going anywhere, it’s just that I lost my partner and I need help,” says Bert Liberta.

The restaurant has been operating in Old town Clovis since 1969, when Bert’s parents, Italian immigrants Carmela and Franco Liberta, opened the restaurant after moving from New York with their young children.

Luna’s is an Old Town Clovis staple with over 50 years of serving Italian food to the community, and for some local families this means four generations have dined at the restaurant.

Their banquet room has hosted hundreds of celebrations, and a stop by Luna’s for a pre-football game meal has been a decadeslong tradition for many families. Additionally, many Clovis locals worked their first job under Carmela Liberta’s watchful eyes.

Bert Liberta, who continued his parents’ work, has been running the business alone since his brother David passed away late last year. He says that he’s been working 14 to 15 hours a day at the restaurant, beginning at 4:30 in the morning.

“Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my easy days,” Liberta says, “I get to put in 10 or 11 hours.”

Liberta’s work at Luna’s began at 6 years old. “I went to work, walked to school at Weldon, then Clark, then Clovis high. When I got my license I drove,” Liberta says, “We make so much of our stuff from scratch, so

work starts early and goes late.”

He says that his work ethic comes from being a first generation child. “They taught me the value of freedom, patriotism, God, everything,” Liberta says, “My mom was a strong, godly woman. She always said the definition of freedom is hardship and sacrifice. She always said ‘Don’t tell me, show me.’”

Having grown up in Old Town Clovis, Liberta knows how important a love for the area is to the people who shop and dine locally.

Liberta recalled being known by all the business owners growing up, and watching the area evolve and change over the years.

“I just spoke at the museum about growing up here, a couple weeks ago, ‘cause I’ve been around a long time, in this same area,” Liberta said, “I told them, I must be getting

old if you want me to talk about the history of Old Town!”

“God’s blessed us, my business, my family, but I don’t take it for granted. I couldn’t do it without Him, or my wife. She’s been a big supporter, and very positive influence in my life.”

Liberta stated that the new owners already own several other buildings in Old Town Clovis. “These are Clovis people, they know the heritage of Clovis, and the business,” Liberta said.

The sale was finalized this month, shifting Liberta’s responsibilities from those of an owner to manager and operator.

“The main reason [for the sale] is that I couldn’t keep doing this all by myself,” Liberta said,“I’m still there every day running the restaurant. Nothing will change, or if anything, things will get better.”

Max L. Rouff 1924-2023 “It is the laughter we will remember”

Max Rouff, 98, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023 at the Veterans Home of California—Fresno.

Born in 1924 in Wenatchee, Wash, Max and his older brother David were adopted by Fred and Anna Rouff, from Los Banos, Calif. Max attended Los Banos High School and held numerous school, Merced County and California State track and field records.

Following the devastating attack at Pearl Harbor, Max graduated high school early and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942.

Max attended Marine Corps Recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and served with the 4th Marine Division.

Max fought honorably with the division fighting through the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. After sustaining injuries during the battle of Iwo Jima and returning to Los Banos, he began his 50+ year entrepreneurial journey.

He began with whitewashing barns for farmers and ranchers in the surrounding Los Banos area. Working with customers in the rural areas, he started a butane/propane and appliances company called Max L Rouff & Company. This way he was able to service his customers who required propane and

provide them appliances that were compatible. During this same time-period he also opened RoMax, which was a heating and air conditioning company. Then he saw a need for better quality water and started Central Valley Culligan, Inc. He quickly realized that customers needed a way to finance his equipment and formed, with other business leaders, Central Valley Finance Inc. In later years, Max added Culligan Bottled Water as the last of his business operations. In 1998, Max retired and sold his business to US Filter Corporation.

Max was married to Betty Hansen, also from Los Banos, from 1949 to 1954. During this time, Max’s oldest daughter, Cheryl Ann, was born. In 1957 Max married Marlene Henderson and they were married 67 years, adding Tara, Carrie, Leiann, Dana and Mark to the family.

He was an avid horseman and spent time at the Hansen Ranch during cattle drives and brandings, later teaching all six of his children the joy of horseback riding and being outdoors. With the girls, he attended all training sessions and horse shows for years. With Mark he went to rodeos and ropings and beamed with pride. Max also loved motorcycles, buying his first one the day his son Mark was born. Mark went on to ride motocross during his teenage years with Max again right by his side. He loved every

minute of all of it.

Max moved his family from Los Banos to Clovis, Calif. in 1971. Max was a true family man, with six children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren (with one on the way). He made sure he was at each of his children’s events, whether it was horse shows, football games, motocross races, 4H or theater productions. He was known for being a man who loved to laugh, who taught his children to make memories and to find the positive and love in every situation.

He loved to tease and play pranks on those he loved. He is known within his family as being the one to start food fights at Thanksgiving dinner, allowing his grandchildren to “sneak” up on him to put a cream pie in his face, and bringing a horse in the house during holidays or special events. He did all of this just for the fun of it and to make sure everyone was laughing.

In his personal and professional life Max was known for being a good man, a man of his word, a man whose handshake meant something. A quote he lived by was “It is the laughter we will remember.”

Max is survived by his wife Marlene as well as his six children, Cheryl, Tara, Carrie, Leiann, Dana and Mark along with their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother David.

Services will be held on May 1,2023 at the National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Ca. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made out to the Central California Veterans Home Foundation (CCVHF), 2811 West California Ave., Fresno, CA 93706. This foundation was created for the sole purpose to support the Fresno Veterans Home.

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

Contributed

Rouff Family

Photo courtesy of the Rouff Family Max L. Rouff 1924-2023 “It is the laughter we will remember.”

Photo courtesy of Luna Pizzeria

Luna Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

Photo courtesy of Liberta Family David will be remembered as a man who loved his family, his business and the community. David was generous and fun-loving, and will be greatly missed.

Clovis High Schools Participate in Fresno Easter Classic Baseball Tournament

Ramon High School by a score of 13-6.

April 6, 2023 - Three CUSD High Schools participated in the Fresno Easter Classic Baseball Tournament over the spring break. Each of the three teams, Buchanan, Clovis East, and Clovis North played four games with a double header on day one of the tournament.

Clovis East and Clovis North also hosted games for the rest of the tournaments at each of their respective baseball fields.

Buchanan High School went 3-1 in the tournament with wins against Camas, Jesuit, and Red Bluff high schools.

Their only loss came at the hands of San

J.P. Acosta won MVP for the tournament and Braden Guentz pitched 6 no hit innings in the 13-0 win against Red Bluff.

Clovis East High School won their first two games against Hoover and Davis high schools. Only giving up two runs at this time, Clovis East was looking at making a run for the championship on Wednesday night.

However, with a 3-2 loss to Buchach Colony and 4-1 loss against Camas on Wednesday morning, Clovis East found themselves going 2-2 for the tournament.

Clovis North High School had their first game end in a tie 5-5 with Edison High School after nine innings. The game ended

in the tie due to tournament rules. They later lost the second of their double header that night 8-0 to Amado Valley. They then lost 6-5 to San Ramon on Tuesday night before winning their only game of the tournament against Reedley by a score of 6-1.

The championship game was played at Clovis East Stadium with Bullard facing off against Redwood High School out of Visalia.

Bullard would go on to win the championship game by a score of 5-3 after a five run outburst in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Can Schneider of Bullard would win co-MVP alongside Buchanan’s J.P. Acosta, and Most Outstanding Pitcher awards would

Clovis East High School Hosts FFA

Field Day

with more competition to come.

Saturday April 1st, as the 85th Annual Big Hat Days Festival commenced in Old Town Clovis, down Shaw Avenue to the east side of Clovis, students from across the state were participating in a FFA competition held at Clovis East High School.

This competition, held at the McFarlane-Coffman Agriculture Center, saw over 350 high school aged students compete in FFA activities such as Veterinary Science, Meat Science, Equine Science, and Vegetable Crops.

According to CUSD, in the past, regional ag programs have hosted individual programs but the competition held at Clovis East will mark the first time a competition “of this size” will be hosted locally. Teams who attended the event were deep into competition season according to CUSD,

Jennifer Knight, Clovis East Agriculture Department Chair said, “We are proud to provide a high caliber contest for our fellow chapters throughout the state…We are excited to host this comprehensive field day for the first time.”

Agriculture Department Administrative Assistant Amanda Shoffner stated, “Our goal is for students to develop a passion and understanding of the agriculture industry that will stick with them through adulthood. Although we recognize not every student will end up with a career in agriculture, every student can become an ‘Ag-vocate’.” Full results can be found at judgingcard.com under the “Clovis FFA Field Day - 2023” tab.

Clovis East High School, the only participating Clovis area school in the competition, placed in each event.

Clovis Vietnam War Veterans and families honored for service and sacrifice

March 29, 2023 - Vietnam War Veterans from the Clovis area were honored in a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the United States’ withdrawal from one of the most divisive conflicts in American history on Wednesday, drawing a crowd of 400 to Clovis Veterans Memorial District. “This is so meaningful for all of us who came back from Vietnam,” said John Cline, a veteran Army medic who served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. “Whether we were in the country, in the theater or even back here in the States, the way we were treated when we came back was horrendous. Never allowing that to happen to any other veteran group is one of the most important things.”

The Vietnam War, which lasted from 1954 to 1975, killed more than 58,000 American soldiers, according to official estimates. The war also killed 2 million civilians, 1.1 million Viet Cong and North Vietnamese fighters, more than 200,000 South Vietnamese soldiers and more than 4,800 soldiers from South Korea, Australia, Thailand and New Zealand who fought alongside American forces.

That conflict was one unlike any other, something veterans of the Vietnam War acknowledge. Many alive during that time remember the war was so unpopular that even soldiers coming home from the Vietnam War were met with disdain and spite — or, in some cases, literal spit.

“I flew into Fort Lewis, Washington, I walked down a long aisle, there was a flag down at the end and there was some lights on it, and a sign that said, ‘America is proud of you,’” Cline said. “That was my welcome home. Then I got spit on at the San Francisco airport. We never want anyone else to be treated like that ever again.”

According to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 933, more than 9 million American soldiers fought in the Vietnam War or otherwise served their country in the armed services between Nov. 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975. Vietnam War veterans currently make up the largest veteran group in Clovis, with 2,000 of them currently living in the city.

“We did what we had to do, just following orders,” said Don Moyer, who served as a sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division in the Quang Tri province of Vietnam. “We’re very proud to have helped the Vietnamese people and to do what we could serving our country.”

Wednesday’s program saw about seven Killed in Action certificates presented to surviving family members of American soldiers killed during the war, along with 50 certificates for widowed spouses and 150 certificates for veterans and their spouses, presented to married couples at the ceremony. Pins were also awarded to veterans, spouses of veterans and immediate family members of Vietnam War soldiers, with the musicians of AUSA Sounds of Freedom Band playing in the background.

For those who came to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away,

an event like the Vietnam War commemoration provided a chance to be part of the community and have their soldier’s service acknowledged.

“It’s very special,” said Nancy Huey, the widow of late Air Force serviceman Robert Huey, who served from 1957 to 1961. “It brings awareness. We need to have more people know about our veterans and how wonderful people who have served in the service are.”

Approximately seven servicemembers from Clovis died during their service in Vietnam, out of 58,286 American soldiers who were

killed in the war, according to event organizers. Almost 50 years after the end of the war, an average of 600 Vietnam War veterans pass away every day nationwide.

“They say you die twice -- once when you die, and again when everyone forgets who you are,” said Alex Fabros, president of Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 933 and a Vietnam War veteran himself. “One of the main things for today was to thank the men who were killed and the wives of the servicemen who passed away and wives of servicemen still living today.”

go to Joey Volchko of Redwood and Keynen Gomez of Bullard.

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

Madeline Shannon @ClovisRoundup

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup A group of students from different California High Schools judge different meats during the Meat Science competition on Saturday April 1st.

Photo by Madeline Shannon, Clovis Roundup Don Moyer, who served as a sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, signs his name to a giant map of the Vietnam region. Veterans of the Vietnam War wrote their names in the places in which they served during Wednesday's Vietnam War veterans day ceremony.

State Center Chancellor Reflects on National Community College Month: We are the Valley’s Community College

States Congress authorized and requested then-President Ronald Reagan to issue Proclamation 5418, establishing a “National Community College Month.” This recognition celebrates a uniquely American institution and treasure – the community college.

Today, the California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation with 116 colleges serving more than 1.8 million students. This system is an essential resource for the State of California, its people, and its economy.

serving over 53,000 students annually in both urban and rural settings at our four colleges and centers – Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, Madera Community College and the Center at Oakhurst and Career Technical Center.

The State Center Community College District is a successful provider of educational opportunities for students seeking to enter the workforce and/or wish to transfer to a four-year university, with 41% of our students being the first in their families to attend college.

approved our facilities bond.

State Center’s construction projects reflect the community’s commitment to ensuring all residents can access a better future through education and job training. Our construction projects certainly bring additional jobs and revenue to the area in the short term; the long-term impact is far more significant.

The colleges of SCCCD provide the backbone of workforce development and public safety, producing the vast majority of employees — including nurses and first responders — for the Central Valley.

Opinion Editorial

Dr. Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor State Center Community College District

March 31, 2023 - For far too long, our valley has struggled with disparities in health and access to healthcare, employment, wealth, basic technology, and education. We have experienced rising racial tensions while simultaneously aligned with rising racial consciousness.

These challenges have been exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic and political divisiveness. And all these challenges stand a greater chance at resolution with an educated citizenry.

State Center Community College District (SCCCD) is central to that resolution. Indeed, at no other time have community colleges mattered more.

April is a special month for 7 million Americans, including 1.8 million Californians and more than 53,000 valley residents who are pursing higher education at a community college. In 1985 the United

The California Community Colleges bring higher education within the reach of every Californian through an open admissions policy that allows everyone to be accepted, a low tuition rate of only $45 per unit, extensive financial assistance programs, superb academic counseling and career guidance, outstanding teaching by dedicated faculty, exceptional career training, and specialized support services for students who need extra help with the transition to college or to the mastery of college-level coursework.

The central valley has a legacy of innovation in education that continues today. Fresno has a special place in this history as holding the distinction of being home to California’s first, and the nation’s second community college – Fresno City College was founded in 1910 and has ultimately changed higher education in the state. State Center is home to both the first and oldest community college in California and the newest, located in Madera.

Fresno City College is part of the State Center Community College District, which is one of the largest and most successful community college districts in the region,

The colleges of State Center Community College District have increased associate degrees awarded over the past five years by 50%, outperforming the state which saw a 24% increase.

And during that same period, the colleges of State Center Community College District have increased the total number of awards –degrees and certificates – by 80%, far above the state average.

While challenges remain, our colleges are moving the region forward in terms of academic success, improving the economic vitality and lifting all our communities.

Our student success is a testament to our dedication to our students and reflects their resilience and desire for a better life.

The community’s dedication to building a better future through higher education is also evident by the passage of State Center’s capital improvement facilities bond back in 2016.

Progress can be witnessed through our wide range of construction projects in various stages of development — including the much-anticipated West Fresno Campus.

We are thankful to the Valley voters who

Our community-sponsored construction projects are either completed – Fresno City College Parking Structure, Madera Community College’s Academic Village 2 and Reedley’s Math, Science and Engineering – or will be completed soon – Applied Technology Building at Clovis Community College, Fine and Performing Arts in Reedley, First Responder Center in Fresno and two Child Development Centers. Again, many thanks to the voters of our region for passing the ballot measures that support the infrastructure projects to make our Valley stronger. As we host many ribbon cutting ceremonies, the entire community is welcome. After all, we are the “Community’s” College.

The word “community” is a value we all hold dear and is the driving force in all we do. In recognition of “National Community College Month” this April, I hope you will join me, along with State Center’s 4,000 employees and 53,000 students, in celebrating the good work we have done together.

With your continued support, the Valley’s future is bright.

Contributed State Center Community College District