Clovis Roundup - May 11, 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

Josh Frost wins the Clovis PBR; Lilly Kier crowned Miss Clovis Rodeo

// PG 14

@ClovisRoundup

Trail Fest runs, bikes, walks and skates through Clovis again

A message from Curt Fleming, City of Clovis Police Chief

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

Saturday May 6th, the residents of Clovis were once again treated to booths, activities, and other events located along the Clovis trail system.

At other times throughout the year,

the trails seem to be a location for exercise or a place to get away from the intricacies of life, but on Trail Fest Day, the City of Clovis turns the trails into a gateway of popularity.

Citizens from around Clovis and other local towns are invited to walk the Clovis trails that become

the host of various food booths, exercise venues, and other fun, interesting, or informational displays. Fitness clubs, hospital wellness centers, culinary arts, as well as City of Clovis services were but of a few of the booths located along the trails on Saturday morning from 8-12.

See TRAIL FEST, Pg. 4

May 5, 2023 - My name is Curt Fleming. I am the Chief of Police for the Clovis Police Department. As the Chief of Police, it has been a true honor to lead the men and women of the Clovis Police Department these past three and a half years.

I have had the honor of serving as a police officer in two different See FLEMING, Pg. 4

Old Town Clovis hosts first Farmers Market of the season

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

May 8, 2023 - The Farmers Market season officially begun in Old Town Clovis on May 5th.

Booths lined the streets enjoying the participation of the public on Friday night.

Running from 5:30-8:30 PM every Friday night from May 5th to October 27th, Old Town Clovis will be hosting these Farmers Markets featuring “local certified

producers” and supporting the NOSH (Natural, Organic, Sustainable, and Healthy Food Industry) Program.

Old Town Clovis Farmers Market is “home to some pretty amazing produce and local products.” They guarantee “super fresh” and peak flavor produce with nearby producers attending their markets.

“The Old Town Market vibe is as fresh as the produce, with

Curt Fleming Clovis Chief of Police

Photo by Ron Sundquist, Clovis Roundup Vegetables available from Mao's Farm at the first Friday Night Farmers Market of this season.

Photo by Ron Sundquist, Clovis Roundup Clovis Senior Chorale attended Trail Fest 2023.

What’s Up, Clovis?

CHECK OUT THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Friday nights are back!

Monthly Flower Market

and vibrant

Clovis Trail Fest 2023

Sip, sip, hooray!

Photos by Ron Sundquist

On Saturday, May 6th, adults gathered to parcipate in Old Town's Wine Walk where they enjoyed wine tastings from a variety of local and regional wineries. Victoria Roberts performs for the Wine Walk.

Many smiling faces could be seen along the trail at Trail Fest. See front page story for more details on this year's event.

Beautiful

flowers were found at this month's Flower Market. The Flower Market takes place every first Thursday of the month from 8-10am, running April 6th to October 5th.

Old Town Clovis officially kicked off the first Friday Night Farmers Market of this year on May 5th. See story on the front page for more details.

New Burlington store opens; Gives $5000 to Mountain View Elementary

at this store alone,” said Burlington’s newly appointed store manager.

May 5, 2023 - The national off-price retail store Burlington, previously known as Burlington Coat Factory, has officially opened its doors to a second location in Clovis.

Located at 685 Herndon Ave, this Burlington hopes to find success in the Clovis Commons Shopping Center, alongside stores like Target and Best Buy.

The grand opening included a giveaway to the first 100 customers on both Friday May 5th and Saturday May 6th.

These customers received “Burlington WOW!” bucks which allowed them to receive a prize amount to be used for a purchase.

On Sunday May 7th, customers will receive a Burlington canvas tote, with no purchase necessary while supplies last.

In addition to the long line of customers awaiting their discounted products, were store employees, ownership, as well as Mountain View Elementary school all in wait for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I want to thank all of you for coming out and I especially want to say thank you to the team who helped me open the store and the leadership team and all the staff that we hired. We were able to create seventy jobs

TRAIL FEST

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

This was the seventh annual Trail Fest for the City of Clovis where they helped local businesses line up demonstrations, live music, and snacks across the trails system.

FLEMING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

cities during my career and I can say without a doubt that the “Clovis Way of Life” is the heart of our community.

Clovis has the best police department in the state, best employees, and serves the best and most supportive community in the valley!

To maintain our way of life, your Clovis Police Department prides itself on still being a full-service police department.

FARMERS MARKET

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

wonderful food selections and live music from local artists and foodies.”

At the opening were Mountain View Elementary administration, parents, and students who will now be benefitting from a $5000 donation from the discount store.

The money was given through AdoptAClassroom.org in which an entity is given the opportunity to donate resources to a school or schools in their local area.

In this case, Principal Tom Wright says that with the money given by Burlington, Mountain View teachers will buy dry erase boards, books for classroom libraries, floor puzzles, manipulatives, and other supplemental materials for hands-on experiences in Social Studies and Science.

“On behalf of Mountain View, I would like to welcome our new local Burlington store to the area and thank them for their generous donation through their partnership with AdoptAClassroom to our school…Our teachers are so excited to purchase the tools they need for their students this year. We are thankful for the support we received from Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.”

Burlington says they are committed to supporting local students with classroom supplies that can be used to shape futures. Each time Burlington opens a new store, they participate in adopting and funding local classrooms in their local communities.

A few more of those activities included hands-only CPR demonstrations from Clovis Fire, carnival games and face paintings, fruits and beverage giveaways, and more activities for kids of all ages.

After the pandemic, Trail Fest made its way back for the first time last year as families

Our goal is to solve problems at the lowest level the first time we are made aware of them, if possible.

We always try to educate and gain compliance, which we are able to do about 90% of the time, with the help of our amazing partnership with our citizens.

Along with traffic violations, criminal violations, and other law enforcement duties, many people may not know that our department is also responsible for the city’s code enforcement, graffiti abatement, animal services, the Miss Winkles Pet Adoption

The live music on Friday May 5th was provided by South 65 and live music will be provided by a different band throughout each Friday in the Farmers Market season. Saturday morning also offers a more calm and nuanced style of Farmers Market that lasts each Saturday from 9-11:30 AM.

According to Burlington, their new location will allow shoppers to find “deals on brands they love” for items such as ladies apparel and accessories, menswear, children's

and fitness gurus made their way up and down the trails. “Everyone wanders around and we find that people end up going much further than they planned because the whole event spans six miles. So by the time they go around and get back to their starting point they’ve done that six miles,” said Shonna Halterman, City of Clovis General Services

Center, and we operate a one-of-a-kind youth diversion program.

All these functions and more allow Clovis PD to create and maintain a safe community for all who live here.

This January marked my 24th year in law enforcement, a profession that has gone through so many changes.

Despite the changes, I would still enter this most noble profession again today, if I had it to do all over.

If you’re thinking about a career in law enforcement, in my opinion, it’s one of the

These Farmers Markets do not have live music and give off a more undisturbed style of shopping sensation.

Attendees can find “everything you need for your local, seasonal shopping, including a large assortment of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.”

clothing, footwear, home decore items, and even pet care and toys.

The store will be open from 9 AM-7 PM Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM-6 PM.

Director.

Trail Fest made its way through and past the Clovis trails this year, and after another successful year the City of Clovis plans on making it back next year for more walking, biking, running and skating through to future business, activities, and demonstrations.

best and most rewarding professions out there.

If you want to explorer law enforcement jobs in Clovis, please check out our website at joinclovispd.com.

I thank the citizens of Clovis for their ongoing support of the Clovis Police Department. Together we continue to make our city a great place to live.

It will always be the mission of this department to provide superior protection and service in a manner that builds public confidence and improves the quality of life in our community.

Saturday mornings offer pastries, breads, seed and nut brittle, granola and home made pies.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor for the Old Town Clovis Farmers Market you can submit an application at the link https://oldtownclovis.org/farmers-market.

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup

The Mountain View Elementary Cheer and Pep team poses before a donation of $5000 to their school from Burlington. Burlington opened its 2nd store in Clovis at the Clovis Commons Shopping Center.

May 4, 2023 - During Monday night's council meeting Jerry Brady and Joe Hebert were appointed to the Personnel and Planning Commissions, respectively.

Jerry Brady will serve a four-year term on the Personnel Commission and will be serving a reappointment as he had served previously in the same position.

Joe Hebert, now serving on the Planning Commission had run for City Council in the November 2022 election, having lost to Council members Matt Basgall, Diane

Pearce, and Drew Bessinger who led the appointment finding.

“We had eleven very good citizens come forward…In this particular appointment there was a lot of community interest which was very heartening in the process.”

Council member Diane Pearce stated that she had concerns about Hebert’s appointment citing his work for the City of Madera and how their views on housing, planning and development don’t align.

The vote to approve each was passed 4-1 with a dissenting vote coming from Council member Pearce.

May 4, 2023 - An item was brought back to the Clovis City Council that would either allow or disallow a multi-family housing project to be built in town along Alluvial avenue.

This multi-family housing would allow twelve multi-family homes with ten, 2-bedroom units and two 3-bedroom units at the site.

However, this multi-family unit was not

supported by Clovis residents, and a few Clovis City Councilmen for a number of reasons.

One of the biggest reasons was the added frustration of Alluvial avenue and possible dangerous situations arising caused by future parking lots and added traffic.

Another issue brought to the council by Clovis residents speaking during the public speaking

portion of the item was the height of the complex and residents of the possible future complex being able to “look down” in backyards of surrounding neighbors.

Staff wanted to respond to a few of the questions on SB-9 with owner occupancy of parking lots where the owner would be required to reside in one of the twelve residencies.

Another response came from the issue brought by uncertainty of “peak hour” numbers of traffic analyses’.

City Council voted to vacate the denial of the March 6th meeting in which City Council previously decided to deny the rezoning of the area after ensuring that safety amongst the traffic concerns would be dealt with in the future.

Josh Frost wins the Clovis PBR; Lilly Kier crowned Miss Clovis Rodeo

The Council then rezoned the area from Low Density Residential to Medium High Classification with a further vote.

// PG 14

Trail Fest runs, bikes, walks and skates through Clovis again

Look closely and you will notice a small but significant change on the front page header. The "O" in Clovis Roundup now reads 13 years. It is hard to believe that another year has flown by.

I would like to begin by thanking everyone, past and present, who has helped us along our journey.

Thank you to all the individuals who had a hand in producing our publication. Like any

other small business there is the constant struggle to make ends meet. So these people truly contribute because they believe in our vision.

Thank you to all our readers. After all you are the very reason for the paper.

A big thank you to all the businesses and community organizations that support us through advertising. This is the only revenue source we have. So please support these businesses and community events. Each year presents its own problems. This

DONNA MELCHOR Owner/Publisher dmelchor@clovisroundup.com

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

past year it has been about finding the right help. We are currently looking for reporters, an editor, and sales help. So if you or someone you know can contribute to our vision, please contact us.

Remember there are four different ways to read CR news. Of course, there is my favorite: the printed paper. Which, can be picked up at one of our many distribution locations. However, the best way to insure you get a copy is by subscribing.

CR is also available to read digitally online at ClovisRoundup.com. We also post articles

on social media that link directly to our website.

Finally, we email news as it happens to e-newsletter subscribers.

So, if you don’t want to miss out on current events or be the last to know, like and follow our Facebook page and subscribe to our newsletter.

And yes, we still get those calls requesting a ride on the Clovis Round Up Transit. We will continue to redirect these calls to the City of Clovis transportation department!

against backyard chickens PAGE 15

WHAT’S INSIDE

Saturday May 6th, the residents of Clovis were once again treated to booths, activities, and other events located along the Clovis trail system. At other times throughout the year,

the trails seem to be a location for exercise or a place to get away from the intricacies of life, but on Trail Fest Day, the City of Clovis turns the trails into a gateway of popularity.

Citizens from around Clovis and other local towns are invited to walk the Clovis trails that become

Curt

Fleming

Clovis Chief of Police

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.

the host of various food booths, exercise venues, and other fun, interesting, or informational displays.

Fitness clubs, hospital wellness centers, culinary arts, as well as City of Clovis services were but of a few of the booths located along the trails on Saturday morning from 8-12.

May 5, 2023 - My name is Curt Fleming. I am the Chief of Police for the Clovis Police Department. As the Chief of Police, it has been a true honor to lead the men and women of the Clovis Police Department these past three and a half years.

I have had the honor of serving as a police officer in two different

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup

The Clovis City Council is photographed. Left to right, Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoua, Councilman Matt Basgall, Mayor Lynne Ashbeck, Councilwoman Diane Pearce, Councilman Drew Bessinger.

Photo by Ron Sundquist, Clovis Roundup Clovis Senior Chorale attended Trail Fest 2023.

Clovis Fire begins rebuild of Fire Station 2

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

On April 25th, the Clovis Fire Department began the demolishing of Fire Station 2 so as to begin the rebuilding of said station. On a Facebook post it was said that Engineer Fred Edwards took the “first swap” at Fire Station 2 where he served for twenty years. Captain Tim Lesmeister took the seat after him.

Fire Station 2 had to be torn down due to structural damage and decay, but the Clovis Fire Department looks forward to the new station that “will stand for many decades”. A temporary station is located near Ashlan and Minnewawa at the Fire Training Center. Close enough to quickly respond to all citizens in the Station 2 area.

This new station is scheduled for completion in the Summer of 2024. During the interim, the Fire Station 2 crew will be relocated to Ashlan and Minnewawa.

Photos courtesy of Clovis Fire Department Facebook

Top, Engineer Fred Edwards and Captain Tim Lesmeister. Bottom, action shots during the demolition of Fire Station 2.

Clovis Rodeo Parade celebrates a Way of Life

April 29, 2023 - What always starts at the end of April, commences into the Clovis Rodeo Parade hosted by the Clovis Rodeo Association.

Although the Parade kicks things off for the Rodeo, events, including a performance from country band LOCASH, had been occurring on their rodeo grounds all week since Monday with qualifiers vying for an opportunity.

The Parade itself, brought back for the second year after Covid-19, was an event to behold with masses of people crowding the streets of downtown Clovis.

Lining the blocks up and down Pollasky and Clovis avenues, spectators were treated to floats, marching bands, horse drawn carriages and much more as Clovis specialties made their way through Old Town. While the Parade has been around for a while, coinciding with the events of the Rodeo, a few of the spectators themselves were attending for the first time. This includes Koyeh, an Australian native, visiting America for the first time.

“This is my first time in America and it’s quite a different vibe. The way people are sitting-the country side where I live in [in Australia] has quite a different vibe. We don’t have this.”

Koyeh went on to state that while seeing parades on tv, he hadn’t ever really seen a parade in person before. On his first time

visiting Clovis, Koyeh said, “It has a country vibe for sure, the people, the musicthey’re very keen to looking forward to the parade.”

Other first time viewers said that they definitely noticed the size of the crowd and the amounts of people that the parade attracts. While not attending the Rodeo itself, the parade proved to show its power in bringing outside viewers to downtown Clovis.

Other spectators who have been to the parade before recollected their thoughts on why they come out and how attending can become a tradition in itself.

“It’s always something to do and you can bring the family out. Everybody’s really friendly.”

“My favorite part is the bands….We’ve been coming to the parade probably over 30-something years. We sit in the same spot.

[To beat the crowd] We get here probably 8:45, 9 o’clock.”

“It’s a family tradition. My husband's family’s been coming down here for I don’t know, what, 40-50 years in the same spot.”

Others attending the parade were in attendance to support family and loved ones, especially those in High School and Middle School Marching Bands.

“My son and my daughter are in the parade…My son’s in the Clark [Intermediate] and my daughter’s going to be in the ‘Into the Blue’ [float].”

“[Our favorite is] Probably the middle and the high school kids. We’re just here to

support my sister. They’re gonna be in the Clovis High/Clark section.”

And of course, many of those who attended the parade also attend the Rodeo at some point during the week. Talks of the Professional Bull Riding, Live Concerts, and Barrel Racing were at the forefront of some of the “favorite” events. “We like it all, we just go out to watch whatever.”

Speaking of “liking it all”, one of the more major points of events like the Rodeo and

the Parade is the sense of community and being able to run into friends or family at a sizable event such as this. This point was made by an elderly couple on one of the final turns of the parade.

“We just like to come up and see all the people in the street. Some of them are people we know and that’s why we come, to see the people.”

For more on the parade, see page 14.

Summer Scholars College Academy

The Clovis Community College Summer Scholars College Academy offers students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades an opportunity to enroll in college courses and receive college credit.

BENEFITS:

 FREE tuition.

 EARN CSU/UC General Education transferable college credit while in high school.

 COMPLETE up to two courses during the 6-week summer session (June 20, 2023 – July 28, 2023).

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION DUE

DATES

 The Summer/Fall 2023 Online Application will open on 04/01/23

 Summer 2023 High School Enrichment Packets will be accepted starting on 04/17/23. Registration begins 04/28/23.

 Fall 2023 High School Enrichment Packets will be accepted starting on 04/24/23. Registration begins 05/09/23.

#1 IN THE STATE FOR TRANSFER

 Students rate of transfer to a 4-year institution

 First-generation students’ rate of transfer to a 4-year institution

 Latinx students’ rate of transfer to a 4-year institution

Enroll now at http://bit.ly/3nVAAYZ

Questions: Contact your high school counselor or enrichment@cloviscollege.edu

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup Preslye Ede, Miss Clovis Rodeo 2022 and Lilly Kier, Miss Clovis Rodeo 2023.

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

7. Classic Catering 8. Clovis Boot & Shoe Repair

409 Bullard Ave, 322-1380

FARMERS MARKET - FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Friday evenings, starting May 5th, from 5:30 PM Clovis on Pollasky between 3rd & 7th. The Old Town produce, with wonderful food selections and live foodies.

Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 11:30am. Located

GLORIOUS JUNK DAYS - MAY 28, 2023

In Old Town along Pollasky from 7AM to 3PM. Glorious items not normally seen at our Vintage & Antiques repurposed items, DIY projects, handcrafted artisan as well as the antiques you’ve come to enjoy in Old

to 8:30 PM. Located in the heart of Old Town Town Market Friday vibe is as fresh as the live music from our very own local artists and Located on Pollasky between 5th & Bullard.

Glorious Junk Days was created to showcase Antiques Market. Glorious Junk can include artisan items, rusty junk, and architectural finds –Old Town.

Boutique, Clothing, Accessories

1. Autumn Psalm

2. D A Designs Dancewear

3. Heart’s

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

2. Elle Style Bar

3. Fifth Street Salon

4. Hairology

5. Head to Toe Beauty Salon

6. Moxie Salon

7. Re:Treat Color and Hair Design Studio

8. Salon Innovation

Recipe

Quick and Easy Dishes from Around the Globe

(Family Features)

One of the best parts of traveling is trying the local cuisine, and that’s particularly true on an international scale. No matter where you go around the globe, however, there is one ingredient you’ll likely find is an integral part of many cultures and cuisines: rice. Grown on almost every continent, this staple ingredient is a large part of meals around the world, which means there are nearly endless varieties and recipes to try. However, you don’t need to go on vacation to try authentic-tasting international food; easy-to-make versions of popular dishes from around the globe can be made right at home in mere minutes.

Mediterranean

Known for vibrant vegetables, savory sauces and incredible tastes, the Mediterranean is also home to a few classic rice dishes such as rich and creamy risotto from Italy. Other vibrant options include Spanish specialties like arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and paella, which is made with an assortment of ingredients like seafood, spices and savory broth.

Asia

If you’ve ever been to an Asian restaurant, you’ll notice a large portion of the menu likely includes recipes made with rice. While it might be difficult to pinpoint where certain recipes originate, fried rice is a Chinese specialty. Over time, this delicious dish has made its way to many different countries and been reinvented with local ingredients. For example, this

Kale and Kimchi “Fried” Rice is based on Korean cuisine and can be made in less than 5 minutes using Minute Jasmine Rice & Red Quinoa Cups, which combine the buttery taste and aromatic scent of authentic Jasmine rice with crunchy, 100% wholegrain red quinoa in a convenient, pre-portioned cup.

Middle East

Much like other cuisines around the world, Middle Eastern cooking uses rice almost every day. A Turkish and Arab mixed dish, shawarma is now a global street food. Traditional Persian rice uses a variety of spices like turmeric, ginger and cardamom with dried fruits and nuts.

Latin America

Latin American recipes vary from country to country and region to region, but rice is essential on the side or as part of the main dish across the board. A quick and easy morning meal, this Mexican Breakfast Scramble is ready in 4 minutes. Aiding the short prep time, Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups are ready in just 1 minute and can help spice up dishes with a tasty blend of onion, green peppers and jalapenos.

North America

With bold flavors, few things say southern comfort quite like Louisiana cooking. Bring the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with rice-based dishes like gumbo or jambalaya, or by pairing rice with another popular Cajun pastime - a classic shrimp boil. Find more quick and easy international recipe ideas at MinuteRice.com.

Kale and Kimchi “Fried” Rice

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 3 minutes

Servings: 1

1 Minute Jasmine Rice and Red Quinoa Cup

1 cup kale, chopped

Heat rice according to package directions.

1/4 cup kimchi, chopped

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 egg, lightly beaten

In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine kale, kimchi and soy sauce. Cover and microwave 1 minute.

Add rice and egg; mix well to combine. Cover and microwave 30 seconds. Stir and serve.

Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with sesame oil. Add cooked shrimp.

Mexican Breakfast Scramble

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Servings: 1

1

2 tablespoons salsa

2 tablespoons queso fresco

Heat rice according to package directions.

In small microwave-safe dish, combine egg, salsa and rice.

Microwave 1 minute. Stir in cheese; microwave 30 seconds.

Serving Suggestion: For meal to go, wrap scramble in warm tortilla.

1 Minute Jalapeno Rice Cup

egg, lightly beaten

Kale and Kimchi "Fried" Rice

Mexican Breakfast Scramble

A look back at the news from February 20, 1941

Peg Bos & Elaine Bell Historian/Clovis Museum Contributed

We are sharing stories printed in The Clovis Independent on Feb. 20, 1941. M.A. Hinkley was publisher and editor of the newspaper. He stated that the paper was “a progressive newspaper in a progressive city.” It was read by more than 4,000 people and was circulated throughout Clovis and nearby communities each week. The yearly subscription was $2.

Highlights from this week in history include:

Civic leader Carl Merriman was president of the Clovis Horse Show Association, now known as the Clovis Rodeo Association. He announced that the annual Festival and Horse Show would be held on April 26 and 27. He and his wife Bessie were 1911 Clovis High graduates. They established the Merriman grocery store (NW 5th & Pollasky) in 1919.

The Horse Show Association had improved the rodeo grounds by grading the slope between the bucking horse area and the grandstand. It was noted that previously the bucking horses had to do their stunts on a slight upgrade which slowed them considerably. A wire fence between the bucking area and the track was installed to allow horse races and bucking events to be held simultaneously.

The previous season was a sell out and

additional seating was needed. The Association would add the current south cement seats in 1950. Merriman noted the financial success of 1940: “A fourth of the money borrowed to clear the property, all deficits, bills and improvement costs were paid.”

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce was actively involved with the City of Fresno to secure an Army Bomber Base at Hammer Field. The project was bounded by Winery, Shields, Clovis, and McKinley avenues.

Clovis High Principal Paul Andrews chaired the Chamber committee that included Clovis Mayor Luther E. Weldon and Clovis Grammar School Principal Glenn Reavis.

The City of Clovis contributed a five-acre site for a radio tower. The project would begin on March 17, 1941.

The 7,100 foot long runway was completed in November 1941. In 2012, George F. Gruner, former editor of The Fresno Bee, published “Into the Night: Hammer Field… Camp Pinedale…Fresno Fairgrounds, Central California in World War II.” He identified the following wages paid for the project: “The hourly rates ranged from 75 cents for an unskilled laborer to $1.60 for operators of derricks or cranes. Journeyman carpenters were to receive $1.15.”

Clovis stores were advertising: loin pork roast, 22 cents per pound; chicken legs six for 25 cents; apples eight pounds for 25 cents; beer four bottles for 25 cents; Sealy mattress $18.81 (springs $6.95 to $24.75); 1941 Ford $854.23; Arrow shirts $2.; men’s pajamas $1.29.

Editor Hinkley’s editorial addressed the

draftees that were being sent to military camp for a year of training. Four Clovis men (Emil Prudek, Leroy Dean, George Spiropulos and Bernard Taves) were honored by the Cecil Cox Post. By March 3, 1941, 7,000 officers and men of the California National Guard would be inducted into the army. In 1918, C.A. Booher opened a five and ten cent store at 428 Fulton but he soon realized there was a demand for used goods, furniture and household appliances. He began selling used furniture and goods. He changed his business name to Valley Furniture Company.

In 1936, he moved his business to 470 Fulton (Clovis Ave.) and would sell the property to Jim Sirimarco, popular owner of Jim’s Place, in 1941. Mr. Booher served eight years on the Clovis City Council and two years (1938- 1940) as Mayor. He was the first president of the 500 member Towsend Club. The nationwide club was founded by Francis E. Townsend to expand the 1935 Social Security Act to provide $200 pension for citizens over age 60. The citizens of this era provided us with a rich heritage.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Museum, Lee Sassano Carl Merriman

Clovis PD makes arson arrest after labradoodle “Charlie” alerts owner of fire

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

May 4, 2023 - An arson suspect has been arrested following a fire in a residential neighborhood near Peach/Shepherd.

At 2:45am on April 28, a resident was awoken by his barking dog, alerting him to a fire two streets away.

The owner called 911 and woke up the occupants of two homes, while an RV parked between the two was fully engulfed by flames.

As the fire grew and caught both homes on fire, Clovis Police & Fire arrived, assisting residents get out safely and extinguishing the fire.

Clovis Police Department investigation

showed that a suspect, known by a family in one of the damaged homes, used multiple “Molotov cocktails” to set the RV, which was parked on the side yard, on fire.

The fire grew so quickly that it set fire to the homes on each side of it, both of which had residents sleeping inside.

No one was in the RV, and there were no reports of injuries, thanks in large part to “Charlie” the labradoodle, and the quick actions by his owner.

Wednesday afternoon, Clovis Police Detectives arrested 47-year-old Andrew Dubbels of Fresno for multiple felonies including arson, child endangerment, stalking, and possession of a destructive device.

Dubbels was booked into Fresno County Jail.

2022 crimes in Clovis Fire at Fowler and Ashlan

Here is more information from our 2022 End of Year Crime Report for the City of Clovis. Crimes in dark gray significantly increased from 2021 to 2022 while crimes in light gray saw a significant decrease.

Swindling and false pretenses increased the most from 2021 to 2022 and saw a 58%

Crimes in the City of Clovis

increase. These are crimes where the suspect will write a check with insufficient funds or con someone out of their money for personal gain. Arson saw the biggest decline more than any other crime last year and had a 52% decrease.

To see the full report, check out our free mobile app or our website here: https://cityofclovis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ END-OF-YEAR-REPORT-2022-Public.pdf.

The following graph will show significant changes: dark gray is significant increase and light gray is a significant decrease. The following numbers are for charge case counts and are different from UCR recordings.

May 9, 2023 - Clovis Firefighters were on scene of a residential fire in the area of Fowler Ave and Ashlan Ave. E44 arrived first due to a medium sized singe story structure with smoke showing from the rear. The fire was quickly knocked down and brought under control. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Fresno City E10 assisted.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Police Department Charlie the labradoodle wearing a hero medal.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Police Department Dubbels was arrested by Clovis Police Detectives for multiple felonies.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Fire Department

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

Contributed by Clovis Fire Department @ClovisFireDepartment

National Walking Month & Women's Health Care Month

Thursday, May 18

JOLLY TIMES Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA

8 a.m.

Friday, May 19

Saturday, May 20

SHREDFEST CLOVIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday, May 26

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK

GREEN BUSH SPRING

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA

6 p.m. until dusk

Saturday, May 27

CLOVIS MEMORIAL RUN

850 4th St., Clovis, CA

EARLY BIRD Registration now open at www.clovismemorialrun.com

7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Sunday, May 28

901 5th St., Clovis, CA

6 p.m. until dusk

Tuesday, June 13

LET’S TALK CLOVIS

Speaker: Chief Master Sargent Retired

Jeffrey “Chip” Dodson

US Air Force Experiences (including Air Force One and Khobar Towers)

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

808 4th St., Clovis, CA

6:30 p.m.

Friday, June 16

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Pipe on the Hob Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

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.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA

4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 13 and

Sunday, May 14

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

8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 14

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.

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK RED DOG ASH Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA

6 p.m. until dusk

Friday, May 19

CLOVIS STREET FAIR Dry Creek Industrial 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

Kick-off Party – Friday, May 19

Crow & Wolf Brewery

Hot Rod Event – Saturday, May 20 Old Town Clovis on Pollasky Registration 7 a.m.

GLORIOUS JUNK DAYS (Vintage Antiques and Glorious Junk)

Old Town Clovis

7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

JUNE

Friday, June 2

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK West 45 Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA

6 p.m. until dusk

Friday, June 9

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Ripe for Pickin’ Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park

Thursday, June 22

CLOVIS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Business, Food & Wine Expo Featuring Women in Business Register at www.clovischamber.com Contact at events@clovischamber.com

559-299-7363 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

ALL MONTH LONG

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKUP Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA

Mondays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

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.

FRIDAY NIGHT FARMERS MARKET (FRIDAY NIGHTS THRU OCT. 27) Old Town Clovis Pollasky & 5th 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

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)

Josh Frost wins the Clovis PBR; Lilly Kier crowned Miss Clovis Rodeo

April 26, 2023: Bull rider Josh Frost (Roosevelt, Utah) won the Clovis PBR and a check for $12,500.

He was the only rider, out of ten cowboys who made it to the final go, to make his 8 second ride. Frost made his winning 87-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeo's bull Hot 'n Ready.

The action continued Thursday night with the first performance of PRCA professional rodeo action starting at 6:00 p.m. followed

by a concert with California cowboy Nate Smith.

Clovis also took a moment in the evening to honor their good friend and PBR entertainer, Flint Rasmussen, who started at the Clovis Rodeo 25 years ago. He made his final appearance in the Clovis Rodeo arena.

Clovis Rodeo Association President, Ron Dunbar and Arena Director Vince Genco helped to honor him before the final round of bulls. Flint is not leaving the PBR, but he will no longer be entertaining fans from the arena dirt.

Clovis Rodeo Parade rides through Old Town

J.T. Gomez

jt21gomez@gmail.com

April 29, 2023 - The Clovis Rodeo Association celebrated its 109th Clovis Rodeo competition with its annual parade lead off by this year's Grand Marshals Judy Hedrick and Susan Frantzich.

The Clovis Rodeo Parade was brought back last year, for the first time since 2019.

The 109th commemoration continued the long-standing tradition.

Floats, marching bands, schools, and Clovis associated businesses and other enterprises participated in the walking down from Pollasky to Clovis avenues. All the while, groups of fans, families, and spectators alike took photos and participated in the joyous occasion.

The rodeo crowned their 2023 Miss Clovis Rodeo. Lilly Kier from Madera, California was crowned during intermission. Her sponsor is the Clovis Soroptimists.

Wednesday's concert by LOCASH included a surprise appearance by their friend, and rising country music star, Kane Brown.

Country music's Michael Ray performed after the rodeo on Friday, April 28. The fan favorite Rodeo Parade took place on

Saturday, April 29 through the streets of Old Town Clovis.

Gold Card Rodeo action and a Special Kids Rodeo in partnership with Break the Barriers took place Sunday, April 30 before the Rodeo Finals at 2 p.m.

The rodeo grounds are located on Clovis Avenue between Bullard and Shaw in the heart of downtown Clovis.

109th Clovis Rodeo Parade

Photo courtesy of Clovis Rodeo Facebook

2023 Miss Clovis Rodeo, Lilly Kier from Madera.

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup Grand Marshals Judy Hedrick and Susan Frantzich headline the Clovis Rodeo Parade on Saturday April 29th.

Clovis City Council votes against backyard chickens

May 1, 2023 - At the Monday City Council meeting held in the Clovis City Hall Chambers, a controversial topic in Clovis was finally decided upon by the City Council. That topic of course was on if chickens were to be allowed to be owned as pets within the city limits of Clovis, a topic that was first brought before the council as far back as 2020.

The debate of whether or not chickens should be allowed as pets had become a heated topic as both sides, for and against, were present to argue their point of view on the subject.

In supporting the decision to deny chickens as pets, public speakers at the City Council meeting stated that the risk of disease amongst other fowl as well as transmission to people was but one detail as to why they believed chickens should not be allowed.

From the Council’s side, they believe that the added burden to both animal control and police officers who were called a total of thirty-seven times on chicken related incidents, according to a Clovis City Staff report, was not worth the support.

This added strain to Clovis PD also comes with the expense of having to house chickens at their animal receiving and care center, where chickens would at times be placed in dog kennels.

Another point was brought up that there is an added increase in predators coming inside of city limits with the increase of chickens in backyards as prey.

Still, those in support of keeping chickens as pets voiced their concerns for their children and teaching them the importance of “knowing where one’s food comes from.”

“They need to know that their food doesn’t just come from the grocery store,” said one public speaker. Another cited a few other

Local firefighters compete in Urban Run

Clovis Firefighters joined other local agencies in the Urban Run which took place in downtown Fresno. Firefighters ran 3 miles in their turnout gear to raise funds for the burn foundation. Our members took home 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 10th place in the event. Great job, gentlemen!

California cities with higher densities than Clovis that allow chickens as pets under city ordinances.

Despite claims made during the course of the evening, City Council still decided that the added burden amongst the police force and the fact that their city staff recommended the denial was enough to push for a vote of denial of chickens as pets. They also acknowledged that this decision

was taking a part of the “Clovis Way of Life” away from residents, although the final decision was made after the council “[Did not] see it for the good of the community” today.

The vote passed 4-1 with the opposing vote coming from Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoua. Chickens will no longer be allowed as pets within the city limits of Clovis.

Photos courtesy of Clovis Fire Department

Contributed by Clovis Fire Department @ClovisFireDepartment

May 8, 2023 - At the latest City Council meeting, a list of properties were highlighted as locations that have been cited for code enforcement across town.

These locations each have had certain citations due to reasons ranging from animal related nuisance to neighborhood conditions.

What the City of Clovis Code Enforcement team is looking for is “compliance” as was mentioned at the council meeting.

The first step in citing is a warning and the

first fine amount is fifty dollars, after which the fines can increase upward to $1000.

Citizens can be fined for a number of reasons such as having a car that needs to be towed away or overgrown weeds in one’s yard.

Properties that were listed at the city council meeting have had up to thirty plus visits in some cases.

If someone gets a citation they are able to appeal it through the City of Clovis.

Assistant City Manager Andy Haussler says each of the locations that were cited had the

opportunity to appeal and either had not or had their appeals denied.

A few residents made their way to the meeting in last ditch efforts to appeal to the council not to allow for the abatements against their properties.

However, despite their claims, the council was not moved and voted to approve their city staff’s work, approving the liens on the properties.

The liens will be put into place with the County of Fresno. Each property has had ample opportunities to pay those fines, says Haussler.

Each of the property addresses were listed on the city council agenda and are listed below.

2395 Beverly Avenue 607 Coventry Avenue

Purvis

Clovis City Council administers code enforcement across town City

a total of $74,720 while a total cost for PartTime Instructors ranged up to $107,936.

going through the possibilities of providing a membership fee as most of their members come from out of town.

May 8, 2023 - General Services Manager

Amy Hance gave an update to the Clovis City Council at last Monday’s City Council meeting on certain subjects including the Clovis Senior Center.

Focusing on the Senior Center because the Recreation Center had already cost out of their programs, Hance spoke on total cost of operations for the service year of 2022-2023 which according to a graph cost around $808,200.

In terms of revenue the Senior Center made a total of $172,000 and used $636,200 of General Fund Support.

According to another chart, Part-Time Instructor wage for the years 2022-2023 cost

According to the same chart, Class User Revenue totaled $71,794.

In Hance’s presentation, she mentioned that class fees are designed to offset some of the direct costs from the City, while a small portion of the total cost of the operation was constituted.

The calculation of cost recovery included wage and benefits for class instructors, cost of class materials, and additional staff, set-up, and facility costs.

Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoa asked about the possibility of a membership fee instead of the normal fee and cost per class that was described as payments received by participants to the Senior Center.

It was mentioned that city staff is currently

Classes have been filled to capacity recently, and Hance mentions that they are looking forward to moving into the newly developed Senior Center which hopes to open by the summer of 2023.

Councilmember Diane Pearce asked about whether or not private citizens or enterprises could help sponsor a specific class or number of attendees to the Senior Center.

To this, Hance responded that they do have relationships with many individuals in the community that help support the Senior Center.

The motion was made to not approve as the recommendation was made by City Council to continue to talk with seniors, get a

set plan ready in six months to come back to council for “official implementation of fees”. The motion passed 4-1.

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of City of Clovis

The new Landmark Square development will feature a new senior living center, a transit center, and a new county library.