Clovis Roundup - August 18, 2021 by Donna Melchor

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Clovis Unified Says It Will Not Break State Mandates

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CITY NEWS

The Clovis Unified Governing Board held a meeting to discuss mask guidelines on August 11 , 2021.

Republican Recall Candidate Makes a Stop in Clovis PG 3

ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

With Clovis Unified schools returning for the fall on Monday, Aug. 16, the governing board

Strenth in Knowledge: Avoid Becoming A Victim with Situational Awareness PG 6

announced it would be following all mandates required by the state regarding COVID-19 protocol at the Wednesday, Aug. 11 meeting. Over the last week, the California Department of Public Health

(CDPH) updated mandates regarding COVID-19 protocols. The first came on Friday, Aug. 6, when parents seeking a mask

GABE CAMARILLO

Courtesy of USA Track and Field/Twitter

The house had mostly cleared when Theresa Prandini received a text message from her daughter. The Prandinis hosted a watch party in their living room a half hour earlier. Even at 6:30 a.m. on Friday morning, a full living room watched Clovis native Jenna Pran-

From left to right: The U.S. women’s 4x100 relay team of Javianne Oliver, Teahna Daniels, Jenna Prandini and Gabby Thomas is awarded

See SILVER MEDAL, Pg. 4

Local business owners gathered in a beauty salon to express their disdain toward liberal policies and how those policies have affected workers and small business owners on Tuesday, Aug. 10. The gathering, held at Gentry Salon, was the first stop in the Save Our Paychecks Tour conducted by Heritage Action, an organization that says it’s “dedicated to restoring conservative principles to America.” Event coordinators said Tuesday’s event aimed to show how disastrous the left’s policies are and push back against President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “agenda.” Bree Gentry, the owner of Gentry Salon, described how her business survived the pandemic while other businesses had to close down. She blames the state for failing her, her employees, and other shops. “The state failed me. They failed me big, and not just me, but the other 24 stylists that have worked for me,” Gentry said. “Over time, the other salons in my industry had to close their shop, and they don’t get to stand in front of you and say that they’re still open.” Paul Watson, the owner of Warrior Fitness, has been outspoken about how his business was treated and affected by the pandemic and See LOCAL BUSINESS, Pg. 5

PRSRT MKTG US POSTAGE PAID SANGER, CA PERMIT 9

A Tail Pipe’s Dream: CUSD Buses Go Electric PG 7

See CUSD, Pg. 4

Clovis’ Olympic Medalist: Clovis High Alum Wins Silver with U.S. Relay Team

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EDUCATION

Business Owners Aim to Fights Leftist Policies and Controversial Beyond ANTHONY DE LEON

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www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 18, 2021

What’s Up, Clovis? CHECK OUT THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Clovis PD Encourages Safety Two Clovis PD Officers Hospitalized During Back to School

going to be students getting on and off the school bus. It’s also @ClovisRoundup the law.” The Clovis Police Department Here are some of Clovis PD is encouraging all drivers and tips to stay safe around school motorists take safety precautions zones: as students and staff return to • Slow down. school. • Follow any school rules With CUSD kicking off their for dropping off or picking up 2021-22 school year, there will be students. increased traffic in school zones. • Stop for school buses. Watch “There are going to be a lot for children rushing to catch the more parents, students and staff bus or exiting. out than residents have seen in • Whenever possible, avoid more than a year,” Clovis Police blocking the crosswalk while Department Officer Ferguson waiting to make a right-hand said. “Please drive carefully in turn. school zones, especially during • Always look both ways pick-up and drop-off times.” before crossing the street. Make Officer Ferguson also mensure cars see you. tioned to remember on what to do • Walk on sidewalks, when when it comes to school buses. available. Cross at marked cross“The easiest, safest thing to walks, preferably at stop signs or do is to stop the car when you signals. encounter a school bus with a • Watch for cars entering or stop sign and flashing red lights,” backing out of driveways or leavOfficer Ferguson said. “There are ing parking spaces.

After Fentanyl Exposure

CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF

ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

Two Clovis Police officers were hospitalized after exposure to fentanyl during an arrest on Sunday, Aug. 8. According to a Clovis PD news release, the exposure happened at 2:40 p.m. Officers were dispatched to Trader Joe’s at Willow and Nees avenues, where they encountered a suspicious individual. When officers arrived, they arrested Patrick Martin, a man with several warrants. After searching his vehicle, the officers located a plastic container filled with a white substance. The officers packed the container in a paper bag and secured it in the trunk of the patrol car. As both officers headed to

Courtesy of Clovis PD

Two Clovis PD officers were exposed to fentanyl after arresting a man wanted on several warrants on Sunday, Aug. 8.

Clovis PD headquarters, they began to have shortness of breath and an elevated heart rate. The officers stopped their vehicle, and paramedics arrived on the scene to treat both officers. According to Clovis PD, both officers were taken to the hospital and later released in stable con-

dition. A Clovis PD drug task force tested the substance, which came back positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine. Martin was booked Sunday night and transported to the Fresno County Jail for the warrants and a drug charge.

Republican Recall Candidate Makes a Stop in Clovis demographic, Kiley’s speech focused on the drought, the pandemic, and schools, all of which have ongoing significance to Clovis. Republican gubernatorial canKiley promises to allocate state didate Assemblyman Kevin Kiley funding toward water construction held a campaign event at the Clovis projects and prioritize water delivSenior Center on Saturday, Aug. 7, ery to agriculture and urban users. as he looks to replace Gov. Gavin “If elected governor, I will Newsom in September’s recall choose abundance over scarcity. election. The people of California have alKiley’s speech mainly criticized ready made that choice. They overNewsom’s tenure as governor, whelmingly voted for new water pointing to how Newsom’s corrup- storage in 2014,” Kiley said. “We tion has led to California’s decay. get more than enough water. We “No one has ever embodied, just need to manage it responsibly.” personified, exemplified corruption, The plan is to allocate 2% of the like Gavin Newsom,” Kiley said. state’s general fund every year for Kiley, 36, has represented Rock- water construction projects until the lin as an assembly member for annual water supply to California’s three terms and is among the top farms and cities increases by 5 milRepublican candidates to possibly lion acre-feet. replace Newsom in the Sept. 14 Kiley was also critical of Newrecall election. som’s handling of the COVID-19 If elected, Kiley would be the pandemic in its early stages, stating youngest governor in the nation all 49 other states have fared much while leading the largest state by better than California because they population. chose less restrictive measures. In understanding his audience’s “California’s response has been ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

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the worst of any state,” Kiley said. “Each and every one of them did things in a less restrictive manner than California. And generally, the ones that voice the greatest level of trust in their citizens did the best.” Kiley said that Newsom took corruption to new levels during the pandemic, allowing the governor’s top donors to receive substantial no-bid contracts. “Powerful interest [groups], including Hollywood, were exempted from lockdowns as small businesses died in droves,” Kiley said. Additionally, Kiley vowed never to shut down schools ever again, saying that Newsom’s shut down of schools has “inflicted untold harm on a generation of young people.” “Gavin Newsom has made it clear that he is ready and willing to shut down our schools again. But, if I am your governor, that will not happen,” Kiley said. “On day one, I will make sure every California school is open, full time, five days a week. No excuses, and no

Anthony De Leon/Clovis Roundup

Assemblyman Kevin Kiley speaking in front of an audience at the Clovis Senior Center on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.

mask-wearing.” Kiley said, “on day one, minute one,” he would end the state of emergency, wiping out all state and local emergency orders. “I will unwind Gavin Newsom’s one-man rule in one fell swoop,”

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Kiley said. “Every executive action that Gavin Newsom has taken to violate our rights and diminish our freedoms, I will take executive action to restore those rights and defend those freedoms.”

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www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Local Business Owners are Experiencing Employee Shortage SYDNEY MORGAN sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com

According to WalletHub, there are currently 9.5 million Americans unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From a country that used to believe in the “American dream,” where people work for what they want, the pandemic proved that this belief is no longer held true for a large number of people that occupy the states. Many people see that they are able to make more off of unemployment, so they aren’t in a hurry to get back to work. The statistics prove this statement as true, and that is that 25% to 40% of unemployed workers are making more than those who are working. “Expanded unemployment benefits were necessary during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep families on their feet in the midst of massive layoffs,” said Jill Gonzales, Wallethub analyst. Even so, the pandemic has begun to slow down and companies are opening up their doors again, not only for the public but also for those that, excuse the metaphor, “man the ship,” but this need is not being met at the rate the companies need. “Now is an ideal time to be looking for a job in order to get the best compensation and most benefits possible,” said Gonzales, “companies are desperate to get employees which means job-seekers have a lot of leverage and options.”

CUSD CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

exemption for their children had to acquire a signature from a medical professional for the exemption to be approved. Previously, parents only needed to sign the exemption for approval. “We were required to change this exemption process,” said CUSD Board President Dr. Steven Fogg. “That authorization was given to our district and Dr. [Eimer] O’Farrell, to be within the law.” Additionally, as of Wednesday, all teachers and school employees must be vaccinated or participate in weekly testing. Staff must show proof of complete vaccination or be tested once a week. “Employees need to prepare to provide the district with a record of full COVID-19 vaccination or participate in weekly antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests,” said Associate Superintendent School Leadership Dr. Corrine Folmer. California is the first state in the nation to implement this requirement, and districts

SILVER MEDAL CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

dini run the third leg of the U.S. women’s 4x100-meter relay. At stake for Jenna was one more chance to medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. When the baton came to Prandini, the U.S. was locked in a close battle with Great Britain and Switzerland. Prandini finished her leg putting the Americans clearly in second behind Jamaica, and anchor leg Gabby Thomas secured the silver medal for Team USA. Jenna Prandini -- high school state champion, collegiate national champion, and now an Olympic silver medalist. “It was a sense of relief in a lot of ways that she was finally rewarded for all of her

Envato Elements

Business owners are experiencing a new obstacle with reopening, a shortage of employees which have been affecting their operations.

It needs to be said that even if the current unemployment benefits pay well, people should be looking at possible long term plans rather than the short term relief they are currently receiving. “Now that COVID-19 cases have dropped dramatically and the country has largely reopened, it’s time for the free market to function again,” said Gonzales. Republican dominated states, red, are

getting back to work at a greater rate than the democratic dominated states, which are the blue states. This is shown on Wallethub, where blue states are ranked #29 while red states are ranked #23; The lower the ranking, the greater the recovery is. California is ranked #46 out of 51 states, and as of July 19th, “California had 67,418 new unemployment cases,” said Gonzales.

The good news is that each state’s current unemployment rates are less than those released this time last year. According to Wallethub, the U.S. unemployment rate sits at 5.9%, which is still high but is much lower than the nearly historic high of 14.8% in April 2020. This drop in unemployment rates is a result from both vaccinations and states loosening restrictions.

are required to maintain records and report results to the local health department. The order from the CDPH will take effect on Thursday, and schools must be fully compliant by October 15. Dr. Fogg said the mandate for employees doesn’t surprise him, given the orders required for hospitals and medical facilities. Although Dr. Fogg disagrees that mandates are the best way to govern, CUSD would not break the law. “Clovis Unified will continue to change as the laws change,” Dr. Fogg said. “The policy itself approved by the Board did not change, but how we implement it will.” Dr. O’Farrell said she understands the frustration over masks but said CDPH has the law backing its decisions given the authority Gov. Gavin Newsom has under the Emergency Services Act. “As a superintendent, I cannot and will not ask or require our 6,500 employees to break the law,” Dr. O’Farrell said. Dr. O’Farrell continued, “I just want to make sure everybody understands that we’re not picking and choosing which laws to

follow here.” Once again, the parents in attendance expressed their frustration with the board, feeling like CUSD is reneging on the previous exemption decision made at the July 29 meeting. During that meeting, the board approved the exemptions because the state only required parents to sign off on the exemptions at the time. However, the board has said an updated change was a possibility as the orders coming from the state are an ongoing situation. Both employees and parents who have filed exemptions before the change must resubmit the exemption forms with medical approval. Several parents at the meeting said finding a doctor on short notice has been difficult. Daniel Stockdale, a mother of a CUSD student, said she was given a list of over 50 different doctors, with many of them unavailable or not returning her calls. “None of them have availability right now,” Stockdale said. “One back to me this morning. They don’t have availability for two

months. That’s even for telemedicine calls.” While a significant number of CUSD parents voiced their opinions at the last several meetings, only 5.5% of families submitted a mask exemption form. Dr. O’Farrell said 95% of other families needed to be considered because they expect that CUSD will follow whatever mask exemption policy is in place while their students are enrolled. The idea of a grace period for mask exemptions was also proposed. Still, Dr. O’Farrell said that implementing a grace period CUSD would be reneging its commitment to those families and outside the parameters of the law. Dr. Fogg said parents should celebrate children being back in schools and continuing that by any means, not worrying about masks. “I wish that we didn’t have the masks,” Dr. Fogg said. “But if I have to have my grandkids wear a mask, so they go to school full time in California, then that’s what I’m going to do. And I’m going to celebrate that.”

effort and hard work,” said Jenna’s father, Carlo. “She wanted so much to come home with a medal. “She ran well, I could tell, just making up the stagger and pulling away. She was racing against some good girls on that third leg.” It wasn’t by accident that Prandini ran third, meaning she raced along the track’s curve. She arrived in Tokyo with the curved 200-meter dash as her main event. She was even a favorite to medal after winning the 200-meter national championship in 2015 and 2018. Yet Prandini did not improve upon her 10th-place finish in the 2016 Rio Olympics. She finished 5th in her semifinal heat and placed 13th overall in the 200-meter event. She did not advance to the final of her other individual race, the 100-meter dash, finish-

ing 14th overall. “I knew she was going to run well [because] she was so disappointed after the semis of the 200,” Carlo said. “She said it was inexplicable what happened in the two semis… but she shook it right off and ran very well on that turn.” The Prandini living room hollered and erupted in applause as Jenna ran. It grew louder when it became clear that Jenna would return to Clovis with a medal. She won’t be back in her hometown for a while; she will run in the Prefontaine Classic on August 21. But Carlo believes that Prandini’s Olympic performance will have an immediate impact locally. “She’s always been ‘Jenna from the neighborhood’ or ‘Jenna down the block’... we’ve lived in this community for over 40

years so people know Jenna,” Prandini said. “I think the message it sends is that, if a kid from the Fresno/Clovis area has a little bit of talent and a lot of work ethic, you can achieve some things in this world.” Jenna isn’t active on social media, so she isn’t fully aware of the supportive fervor back in Clovis or the “Go, Jenna, Go” signs pitched on front lawns. She mostly kept direct communication with her parents, family, and other loved ones. So, 30 minutes after celebrating on the track with her Team USA teammates, she texted her mother. “She told her mom she loved her and called and talked to the nieces and nephews and some folks who were still here,” Prandini said. “When she comes home, she’ll get a big hug.”

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The City of Clovis Discusses Upcoming Shaw Widening Plans ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

A community meeting was held discussing the Shaw avenue widening project, where the City of Clovis shared the latest plans for the project. Clovis’ latest project has been widening the lanes between Sunnyside and McCall avenues. The City recently completed the distance between Sunnyside and DeWolf avenues and is now shifting its attention to DeWolf and McCall avenues. Further widening of Shaw avenue is a Measure C-funded project, and the focus of these funds is to widen Shaw avenue to its ultimate width. Measure C is a half-cent sales tax aimed at improving the overall quality of Fresno County’s transportation system, including the County and all 15 cities within the County. The project’s scope: The distance between DeWolf and Highland avenues will be widened to six lanes (three eastbound and three westbound). The distance between Highland and McCall avenues will be widened to five lanes (three eastbound and two westbound). Traffic signals will be installed at Leonard and Shaw avenues and McCall and Shaw avenues. An under-crossing will be installed for the Loma Vista Community Center. The widening coincides with the ongoing Loma Vista Community and Commercial Center Project planned for the area. Clovis City Engineer Mike Harrison

Courtesy City of Clovis

The upcoming phases for the Shaw avenue widening project were presented at the community meeting on Aug. 10, 2021.

said the first phase would be centered around Leonard and McCall avenues, with bidding on the project beginning at the end of the month. This project segment is projected to take between 10 to 12 months for completion, finishing around Sept. 2022. “In all, it’s about 10 to 12 months of construction activity,” Harrison said. “And we’re attempting to minimize the impact by providing access to all the residents.”

The City will discuss the project’s second phase in the spring, including the overpass and pedestrian crossing underneath Shaw avenue connecting north and south urban centers. Bidding for the second phase will begin in the spring, with construction beginning immediately after and projected to finish around Oct. 2022. During construction, Shaw avenue from Leonard to Highland avenues will be closed for up to six months, with de-

LOCAL BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

the State’s response to COVID-19. In May of 2020, Watson reopened his gym and was met with pushback from the Fresno City Council. Watson said the council hit his gym with thousands of dollars in fines for operating during the pandemic while also receiving threats of closure. He didn’t mince words when saying Fresno had a “stupid, dumb city council that was going along with Newsom.” Stuart Wilde, a local farmer for 15 years, expressed his annoyance with California and water conservation policies that coincide with the drought. Wilde understands the drought is an issue but feels the state is changing the rules to pit farmers against farmers to divide and conquer. “They’re dictating how much water everybody is allowed to use in a year,” Wilde said. “And they can change that allocation anytime they want.” Wilde said the land he purchased for his farm has plenty of water in an aquifer, but he has been receiving notices from the county regarding his water usage since the drought. He expressed frustration with the water from reservoirs being dumped into the ocean, and the move is “100% political.” “The state is pitting farmers against farmers because it wants large corporate entities to run things. They don’t like small businesses,” Wilde said. The Beyond

Anthony De Leon/Clovis Roundup

Gentry Salon owner Bree Gentry addressing the small crowd about the issues her business faced during the pandemic at the Save Our Paychecks Tour event on Tuesday, Aug. 10.

While business owners like Gentry, Watson, and Wilde expressed their frustrations with California’s policies and regulations affecting their businesses, they also discussed other topics. The focus shifted from small businesses trying to survive to claims of intentional tanking of the economy, push for illegal immigration for votes, vaccine passports, and Bill Gates. Watson said business owners need to stand up to the aggressive attack on

American business, which he says results from Congress and the Senate trying to “explode the national debt.” “More business owners need to take a stand and say we’re not going along with this aggressive attack on us and America,” Watson said. “We’ve got to stand up for all that [rights and freedom] because they are looking to trash the economy, make everyone more dependent, and [push] their agenda.” Additionally, Watson believes the push

tours in the area. “The main reason for that [the closure] is we want to get that fully constructed so we can continue to move further east,” Harrison said. Hairston said the project is a cooperative effort between Clovis and the County of Fresno. “A lot is within the County of Fresno,” Harrison said. “And we’ve been working very closely with the county on this coordination.” for illegal immigration is the left’s “silver bullet,” effectively allowing immediate votes in elections. “Of course, then there’s also illegal immigration,” Watson said. “That’s what they’ve [the left] been pushing, and that’s going to be their silver bullet. Not only effectively giving them immediate votes but massive costs to that.” Watson also believes citizens will no longer have their civil liberties once the government implements vaccination passports. While Watson’s focus was on the government, Wilde concentrated on Microsoft billionaire Gates and the manufacturing of the drought to “take over the agricultural industry.” According to Vox in June, Gates is currently the largest private-farmland owner in the United States, owning 242,000 acres. “The largest agricultural landowner in the United States is Bill Gates. What the hell is Bill Gates doing with farming? I mean, it doesn’t make any sense,” Wilde said. Wilde continued, “There is something going on in this country that is evil, and we have to be aware, and we have to be very wary of what they’re doing.” It was unclear whether Wilde was referring to the left, Gates, or both. However, Watson believes the real global pandemic is stupidity. “I believe there is a global pandemic out there, and perhaps you’ve heard of it. It’s called being stupid,” Watson said.

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www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 18, 2021

STRENGTH IN KNOWLEDGE Avoid Becoming a Victim with Situational Awareness lice Department, said a course has been taught pertaining to “situational awareness.” Students, faculty, and staff are given With the crime rate up, it’s crucial to tools so that they can survive any kind of have an awareness of your surroundings challenge that might present them anyin order to avoid becoming a victim. where in their life whether that’s at home Jeff Sterling, owner of California Buor in public. jinkan Dojo has over 30 years of experi“We don’t want people to be afraid of ence in training and teaching martial arts/ our environment — we want them to unself-defense courses. Sterling mentioned his biggest piece of derstand their environment, be aware of advice when it comes to safety is all about their environment and because they have this awareness, they know what to do at trusting yourself. He said by putting on any given situation,” said Flores. “Instead these classes, he hopes that people will of being afraid/paranoid, they have stratultimately gain knowledge. “A friend of mine said that the biggest egies to overcome whatever challenges might come before them — from very enemy of fear and being afraid is knowlsmall issues to very large issues.” edge,” Sterling said. “So the best thing Flores said when it comes to safety you can do to keep yourself from being scared, being afraid in any type of a situa- tips, always be prepared and always have tion where you feel that you’re threatened multiple plans when dealing with any situation. or you need to defend yourself is to have “For crime, criminals choose their knowledge, and to know how to approach victims. What strategies can you have or be familiar.” The last Tuesday of every month Ster- that doesn’t make you the victim?” said Flores. “You should walk with confiling teaches a self-defense class, which dence, avoid dark places, go with friends. is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free of Avoidance works a lot further than if you charge. With in-person schooling going back in go into a place not paying attention, being session, it’s important for students to have oblivious to your surroundings, burying your eyes into your smartphone and all of situational awareness. a sudden you find yourself in danger. So Jose Flores, Chief of Police of State remove your iPhone when you’re walking Center Community College District PoALEXIS VICTORIA GOVEA @LexGovea

Courtesy of Luengchopan/Envato Elements

Being able to know your surroundings is key to avoid being a victim of a crime.

to a parking lot, and concentrate on what you’re doing — be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that it’s safe before exiting the vehicle. Circle a parking lot before you get out of your car.” Flores went on to say that he believes

most of the skills that you need to avoid danger and to avoid problems require little physical strength — it’s mostly knowledge, it’s mostly awareness that anyone can do.

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 7

Doctor Verification Required for Mask Exemptions, Latest Push for Local Control needing to verify the medical conditions. Students who cannot wear a mask must wear an alternate face covering, like a plastic The Clovis Unified School District shield. (CUSD) reversed course regarding mask exAvants said 4% to 5% of parents had emption verification during a Monday, Aug. completed an exemption form by the Friday, 8 news conference, following the latest Cali- Aug. 6 deadline. fornia Department of Public Health (CDPH) Families that turned in a form were noupdate. tified on Monday of the changes, and they On Friday, the CDPH announced that par- will now have to get a doctor’s verification ents wanting to get a mask exemption for a and resubmit the form to the district for valK-12 student would have to do so with a doc- idation. tor’s approval stating, “any exemptions must If a parent refuses to follow or doesn’t be made by a physician, nurse practitioner, or qualify for a mask exemption, Avants said other licensed medical professionals practic- the district has alternative programs for those ing under the license of a physician.” students like Clovis online or independent The statement continues, “self-attestation study. and parental attestation for mask exemptions With school a week away, Avants says the due to the aforementioned conditions do not district will be working with parents whose constitute medical determinations.” children can’t be seen by a doctor before the CUSD says it will now follow this proto- school year, and independent study accomcol, and an exemption made by parents will modations will be made available until then. no longer be accepted, shifting away from “It’s important for everyone to realize we the decision the CUSD board made at its July are working our best and quickest to stay up 29 meeting. to date with what the CDPH is requiring,” “Once CDPH updated their guidance, Avants said. “When there’s a confusion then we had committed, and we wanted to about that, or there’s lack of clarity, we’re follow the requirements for schools,” said immediately seeking clarification. SomeCUSD spokesperson Kelly Avants. times that takes a while.” At the time of the meeting, the CDPH alContinued Push for Local Control lowed for medically-based mask exemptions, Weeks after the CUSD board passed including medical, disability, hearing ima resolution for local control, the Fresno paired, and mental health, with only parents County Board of Supervisors will consider ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

supporting local school districts receiving the authority regarding COVID-19 issues at Tuesday’s meeting. Chairman Steve Brandau and Supervisor Buddy Mendes will present the resolution calling for state and federal agencies to “grant or return control over the conduct of in-person classroom instruction to local school districts and their governing boards.” The resolution states that students have been greatly affected during the pandemic. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, students throughout the country have suffered substantial setbacks to their education and to their mental, social, and physical wellbeing as the result of remote learning, making the return to normal in-person instruction imperative,” the resolution states. A passing of the resolution on Tuesday will provide CUSD with much-needed support as it continues fighting for local control since the district passed its resolution on July 29. CUSD’s resolution states the district has already undertaken a substantial effort in lowering the risk posed by COVID-19, pointing toward overhauling the HVAC systems at district sites and implementing effective cleaning and disinfection protocols. Additionally, it states, “face coverings have adverse impacts on students” and “hampers the ability of students to communicate and interpret the expression of their

peers, negatively impacting their socialization and mental health.” In a letter written by Valley Children’s Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Todd Suntrapak addressed to CUSD, he criticized the district’s push for more local control and dismissal of guidance from local and federal agencies. Suntrapak said comments from the board dismissing guidance from agencies are short-sighted. “There were comments at the board meeting that guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is not useful because those organizations ‘don’t live here,’” Suntrapak wrote. “And that, similarly, the Fresno Department of Public Health doesn’t understand Clovis because ‘they are responsible for the whole.’” Suntrapak continued, “I hope you’ll realize why I feel the urgency that you consider the risks in such short-sighted considerations.” “A pandemic does not respect the boundary line that makes a demarcation between the city of Clovis or its school district,” Suntrapak said. “I truly believe your board did not mean to accept the flawed position that CUSD could have a separate and distinct COVID experience, carved out from the rest of Fresno County, California, or the nation.”

A Tail Pipe’s Dream: CUSD Buses Go Electric SYDNEY MORGAN

sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com

The yellow bus that was released in 1939 takes a back seat to the new green buses making their way into school districts and communities. As global warming and climate change become more extreme, everyone is coming up with ways and techniques to help the issues that are associated with them. One specific way electric buses are helping the school district and community is by supporting the city’s continuous efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. According to reason.org, yellow school buses produce 14 pounds of carbon dioxide every 100 miles it travels. Green buses, also known as EV buses, eliminate the amount of carbon dioxide released, and will also reduce fuel cost. These EV, electric vehicle, buses can be spotted by their distinguishing green-painted bird flying over the entrance door. The current models of electric buses have

the ability to fit as many as 70-90 students, as opposed to the 66 a usual yellow bus can carry, and can travel 90 miles without needing to be charged. According to InsideEVs, the first electric bus was introduced in 1970 and could travel 31 miles. The batteries for these buses were originally attached to the back and would need to be charged again after two to three hours. In an article by U.S.Pirg, it is reported that the Twin Rivers School District in Sacramento County gained a $7.5 million grant and became the first school district in the country to use zero-carbon emission electric buses. It now has 30 electric buses in its fleet. The Clovis School District, as of July 2021, has purchased nine electric buses for a total of $3.17 billion and plan to buy more as time goes on. The new electric buses for Clovis Unified School District, CUSD, were funded from grants provided by San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, PG&E, and VW

Mitigation Trust Fund. According to Bakersfield news, earlier this year the California Energy Commission announced it awarded nearly $70 million to state schools to replace more than 200 diesel school buses. Priorities of which school districts these grants and buses are given to depends on the economic need, most would be in underserved communities, and those in need environmentally, meaning areas of high industrial pollution. It’s quoted from a Lion Electric article, a company that makes EV buses, that “these Courtesy of CUSD all-electric buses signify the CUSD purchased nine electric busses totaling $3.17 billion. district’s commitment to improving the local environment and the health of its communities, and we are Though it’ll take time, schools and comconfident that they will meet and exceed the munities see electric buses taking over transexpectations of the operators and students.” portation options in the future.

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Points of Interest A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. 0. P.

American Legion Post 147 Centennial Plaza Clovis Chamber of Commerce Clovis Civic Center Clovis Fire & Police Station Clovis Fire Station No. 1 Clovis Library Clovis Museum Clovis Rodeo Grounds Clovis Senior Activity Center Clovis Veterans Memorial District Mercedes Theater/Clark Intermediate Old Town Trail Old Town Water Tower San Joaquin College of Law Tarpey Depot - Visitor’s Center

www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Remember to Shop Local, Shop Small, Shop Clovis C P 10

Old Town Service District

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

A1 Lock & Key ABC Pack & Print All American Smog B and H Tire Automotive Shop Boice Funeral, 308 Pollasky Ave, (559) 299-4372 Central Valley Community Bank Classic Catering Clovis Boot & Shoe Repair Clovis Garage Clovis Smogs EECU Finest Sewing Services Halfcocked Gunsmithing Mac’s Tire Pros NAPA Auto Parts

17. 18. 19.

Sam’s TV Repair Shell Gas Station Speedee Oil Change

1 A

5 10

10 15 4

16. Rodeo Car Wash, 409 Bullard Ave, 322-1380

Antique and Gift Shops 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

16 B

4th Street Antique Mall 402 Pollasky, (559) 323-1636 4thStreetAntiques.com A Secret Garden Avon Bears, Dolls, and More Cigars Limited Clovis Antique Mall Clovis Floral Clovis Sports Cards & Collectibles Country Rose Antiques

Fifth Street Antiques Frost Oak Creek Creations Goode Ol’ Days Antiques Maxwell House Antiques Once Upon a Time Robin’s Nest Suquie’s Treasures

Miscellaneous 1.

3 Oaks Studio

A Book Barn, 640 Clovis Ave., 297-9052

4. 5.

Clovis Appliance, 602 5th St., 299-6806 Clovis Coin Shop, 442 Pollasky Ave, 326-8464

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Brick and Morter

Comfort Suites Foxtail Gallery Gottschalk Music Center JT’s Music Store Realty Concepts The Perfect Pillow

Clovis Roundup Are you a business owner in Old Town Clovis? Advertise with us and have your business listed! For more info, please email info@ clovisroundup.com

10. Cozy Cottage, 444 Pollasky, 324-1006 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 9

Boutique, Clothing, Accessories

G O

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Autumn Psalm D A Designs Dancewear Heart’s Delight Ivy and Lace Jackson Jewelry Lulu’s Boutqiue Madeleine’s Bridal Boutique Nonnie’s House Revival 23

11. 12.

The Foundry Collective Urban Ornaments

10. Sassano’s Mens Wear, 448 Pollasky Ave, 299.4430, SassanosMensWear.com

(559) 299-0471

808 4th Street www.cvmdistrict.org J

Clovis Senior Activity Center (559) 324-2750 850 Fourth Street Clovis, CA 93612

Food and Drink 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9.

356 Tavern 500 Club Blast & Brew Bobby Salazar’s Kuppa Joy

DiCicco’s Italian, 408 Clovis Ave, 299-3711, www.DiCiccosClovis.com Full O Bull House of Juju Le Parisien Cafe

10. Luna Pizzeria, 349 Pollasky Ave, 299-4141, lunaclovis.com I 2

11. 12. 13. 14.

Michaelangelo’s Pizzeria Old Town Saloon On the Edge Coffee Shop Outlaw Tavern

17.

Salsa’s Cantina

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

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

P Hair Salon and Spas 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

A Little Indulgence Salon and Day Spa Elle Style Bar Fifth Street Salon Hairology Head to Toe Beauty Salon Moxie Salon Re:Treat Color and Hair Design Studio Salon Innovation

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Recipe

www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 18, 2021

FAMILY FEATURES

amily traditions and in-person connections are important parts of gatherings of loved ones, and many of those get-togethers are centered on food. The entire family coming together around a table covered with warm, delicious food to share stories and create new memories is what makes mealtime special. Forty chefs from around the nation came together to create “Come to the Table,” which offers a delicious mix of cuisines from a variety of cultures, including this sampling of classic family favorites, sweet indulgences and family-style creations all inspired by what family means to each chef. “Sales from this book will directly benefit the families we serve, so we are so grateful for each and every chef that has offered their time and talent to this cookbook,” said Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. “The way ‘Come to the Table’ has been created reminds me of a recipe that culminates in a feast for the senses. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 40th anniversary, particularly at a time when families are starting to reunite after the pandemic forced so many apart.” Visit rmhdallas.org for more information and to order the cookbook.

Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe courtesy of chef Kevin Curry Servings: 6-8 6 ounces jumbo pasta shells 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh garlic 1 medium onion, diced 5 portobello mushroom caps, gills removed then diced 1 pinch sea salt, plus additional, to taste 1 pinch pepper, plus additional, to taste 2 cups shredded kale 3 tablespoons water 15 ounces skim milk ricotta cheese 4 tablespoons pesto 1 tablespoon The Fit Cook Land spice blend 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat marinara, divided 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella fresh herbs, for garnish Preheat oven to 420 F. Bring pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain then set aside. Heat pot or cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Add pinch of sea salt and pepper as it cooks. Cook until onions turn brown and mushrooms shrink in size, about 3-5 minutes. Empty contents and set aside. Place pot back over heat. Add shredded kale and water to create steam. Toss kale in pot until it turns vibrant green; set aside to cool. In large bowl, mix ricotta cheese with mushroom mixture, kale, pesto and spice blend. In casserole dish, spread about 1/2 cup marinara on bottom. Then oneby-one, stuff each pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons ricotta mixture and add to casserole dish. Repeat with remaining shells. Cover shells with remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese. Cover casserole dish with foil and bake 20 minutes. During final 5 minutes, remove foil so mozzarella can brown. Garnish with fresh herbs and salt and pepper, to taste.

Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

Daddy’s Birthday Flan

Recipe courtesy of chef Ninamarie Bojekian Mendoza Servings: 10-12 Caramel Sauce: 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup water Cake: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (optional)

Daddy’s Birthday Flan

Green Curry

Recipe courtesy of chef Nikky Phinyawatana Servings: 2 2 cups fresh spinach 1 cup water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons green curry paste 8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken, beef or pork, sliced thin 1 small Japanese purple eggplant 2 cups coconut milk 4 teaspoons granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced 1/4 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin 8-10 Thai basil leaves, plus additional, for garnish, divided 2 cups cooked jasmine rice In blender, blend spinach and water until mixture turns green and no leaves are visible. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add green curry paste and stir to release fragrance, about 10 seconds. Add protein and cook 3-5 minutes. Add blended spinach water, purple eggplant, coconut milk, sugar and salt. Bring to boil. Add bamboo shoots and red bell pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in basil leaves and turn off heat. Serve with jasmine rice and garnish with additional basil leaves.

Green Curry

Photo courtesy of Ink Phinyawatana

Flan: 4 large eggs 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ground cinnamon, to taste In saucepan, heat granulated sugar and water over medium-low heat until melted. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 9-inch Bundt pan. Set aside. When sugar liquifies and turns golden brown, remove from heat and use silicone spatula or whisk to stir. While stirring, quickly pour into prepared Bundt pan. To make cake: In large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, use hand mixer on medium speed to beat butter and sugar, about 3 minutes, until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. On low speed, gradually beat in flour mixture and buttermilk until combined. Fold in rainbow sprinkles, if desired. Pour batter into pans over caramel sauce. To make flan: In blender on high speed, blend eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla until well combined. Gently pour through strainer and onto prepared cake batter. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Place pan in water bath by putting it in larger baking dish, roasting pan, hotel pan or similar. Pour hot water halfway up sides to create water bath. Bake approximately 1 hour. Cake should be golden brown and jiggle when shaken when done. Remove cake from water bath and cool on rack 10 minutes. Run knife or spatula carefully around edges to separate. Place plate on top of cake and, while holding it, flip over carefully and quickly. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight before serving.

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 11

LET’S TALK CLOVIS:

Forestene’s 1925 Academy Cyclone PEG BOS

Historian/Clovis Museum Sponsor

We are sharing sections of a school report written by Forestene Hogue (early pioneer family) Beckham in 1943 for a Sierra High School assignment. “The seventeenth day of July nineteen hundred and twenty-five will be a day long remembered by the people of Academy and its vicinity. It was the hottest day ever known of around here. The thermometer read 121 at six o’clock at night. At seven o’clock the storm hit with a terrific bang. The first bolt of lightning struck the hill directly in front of our home. My sister, then nine years old, seeing the fire first jumped from her chair and yelled “Oh God, Dad, look at the fire”. One of the women ran to the schoolhouse and rang the school bell for about five minutes to attract the attention of the other neighbors. By this time, unbeknown to my father, my mother took us kids to the neighbor’s houses. A different home than where he had told us to go. When we arrived there the wind started blowing with a terrible force. All of us kids were placed in a circle on the floor so we could not see what was going on outside. The wind was so strong the men fighting the fires, by this time there was more than one, could not stand up so they laid flat on the ground with their wet sacks wrapped

about their heads. The wind would pick them up and drop them again just as if they were a hot coal. It started raining and hailing but it did not faze the fires very much. The hailstones were so large they almost knocked the men out. The women and children at the store decided they would be better off over at the house across the street. Just as they got inside the house a crash was heard and the store was laying flat on the ground. The women had to stand against the doors to keep them closed. When the fire nearest our place was out the men started to the store to see if their families were still all right. Upon finding it down some of the men crawled through and could not find anyone. Daddy had not been with us very long when some men came and told him the barn had blown down and that one of our horses which was in it was still alive. This barn was a two story one. In the upper story of the barn my father had thirty ton of baled hay. The horses’ stalls were directly underneath the hay. In the stalls were a large black saddle horse called Neg, a white mule, Lib, and an old bay mare then thirteen years old by the name of Mabel. When the barn fell the saddle horse’s neck and back were broken. As the men worked to get the bay mare out they could hear the mule struggling but they were unable to help her so she smothered to death. The mare’s life was spared because a rafter hit an oil drum and held the hay off her. She lived about five years after that dreadful experience. One of the men who was at the fire lived

Contributed by Clovis Museum

The 1925 Cyclone swept through Academy and destroyed many buildings and uprooted many trees.

about a mile from Academy. When he arrived home all the home he had was just one wall. The rest of the house was lying at the foot of a hill quite a distance away without a window pane or door glass broken. His oldest son was in the house and the wind picked the house up from around him and never hurt him a bit. The mother and rest of the children were in the yard but were not hurt. The next morning it was discovered that the roof was missing off the church and the two big eucalyptus trees were up rooted and placed on top the parsonage. The next morning when the people started to get breakfast no one had a stove pipe but us. All the close neighbors brought their breakfast to our place to cook….an old

red rooster walked proudly into the house, jumped on the table and stepped in my mother’s cup of coffee. While the men were out fighting fire the women and children gathered down at the store. The women patrolled the grounds to keep curious visitors out of things. The children were allowed to keep all the candy and gum they could find. This was great fun for us kids and it kept our minds off of what we had been through the night before.” The Academy church (founded 1868) and the school remain on Madsen Avenue. Academy families continue to enrich our heritage.

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www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 18, 2021

LOG OF SHAME APRIL BLANKINSHIP AND TONI GARCIA Contributed

July 28, 2021 Around 4 p.m. over on Gettysburg Ave, a family was throwing their child a “drive by” birthday party. They went inside to get some cake and ice cream and when they came back out, someone had stolen their party supplies! Hopefully, whoever stole them used them for another child and they had a great time! What kind of pond scum steals from a child’s birthday party? Ever heard of the dollar store, buddy? GET A JOB! July 29, 2021 A man reported his wallet was stolen while he was at the local Wally World. Fortunately for the victim, he had nothing in his wallet other than his ID! Unlucky for the person who stole it. I guess crime doesn’t always pay. NOT TODAY SATAN! July 30, 2021 On Shaw Ave, at around 6 p.m., there were reports of a home break in. Apparently, all that was stolen was a wallet which contained some cash and credit cards and a pack of cigarettes. The way cigarette prices are these days, I guess the perp was desperate for one and when he saw them laying on the table, he just couldn’t help himself. Luckily, nothing else was taken but nicotine addiction must be awful to break into someone’s house, just for a smoke! July 31, 2021 Over on Terry Ave, a victim reported someone had stolen their DVD from their car! Little did the suspect know it was a DVD copy of the Ten Commandments. Hopefully they watch the movie and really pay attention to the 8th commandment, thou shall not steal. Ironic, isn’t it? August 1, 2021 At a local big box store, they reported a theft in the electronics section. The suspect got away with a hard-to-obtain gaming console. Do you know how many people have been waiting to BUY one with hard earned money and this guy just walked out of the store with it? I guess his kid was really giving him a hard time about not having one so he decided to steal it for them? Hopefully he dropped it and it broke as he was running away from the law. August 2, 2021 A construction company had a large saw come up missing off one of their construction sites. That kind of puts a damper on the whole job when you can’t cut the materials so you can complete the project. The thief’s wife must have been on him to finish that DIY bathroom and he needed to get moving ASAP! I hope your wife enjoys her new bathroom upgrade! What a jerk! August 3, 2021 A sweet gal on Peach Ave called to report that somebody broke into her car during the middle of the night and the following items were stolen from it: Subwoofer, fishing tackle box, her backpack and even the darn air-freshener! If this was a house it would be the kitchen sink! Jeesh! August 4, 2021 A chef called to report that when he arrived home his sliding glass door was open from his apartment patio and someone had rifled through his kitchen! Upon further investigation, the thief stole his good cooking pans! Talk about cutting right to the heart! August 5, 2021 At 4:30 in the afternoon a man was arrested for three warrants! He had just gotten off work and getting in his truck when an officer confronted him. Did you think those tickets were a joke pal? Judges don’t joke about court appearances, just an FYI. August 6, 2021 A man was literally arrested for stalking a woman. She asked him to stop, begged him to go away and when he didn’t listen, she called the police. They found him in his car staring into her office building. Shows over pal, show is over. August 7, 2021 Two girls who are extra stupid got caught for stealing at a local department store with random items. Some of which included: a shaving razor, mascara, a hair brush, and a face mask. Look, all I’m saying is if I’m going to jail it’s gonna to be because I test drove a Maserati too long and they report it stolen, not for mascara! August 8, 2021 There was a non-injury traffic accident on Clovis Ave just south of Herndon. Everyone was okay except one of the drivers walked away with Animal Style fries in her lap after the collision! So much for her lunch AND her white pants! August 9, 2021 A woman was arrested for having no license and no insurance when an officer saw her make an illegal turn! Did you think you were such a great driver and didn’t need to study for the test? If so you would have known not to make a u-turn on a double yellow line sweetheart. *The above Police Logs are loosely based on actual events. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. The circumstances have been created and embellished for your entertainment.

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 13

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MONEY & FINANCE

How to Stop Lifestyle Creep in its Tracks makes you 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to successfully accomplish them. Get a pencil and paper, and make a list of Have you ever caught yourself dayyour biggest financial goals. Are you looking dreaming about all of the amazing lifestyle to launch a business? Retire early? Start a changes that await you just beyond your next family? The more detail you can provide, the pay raise? Have you ever fantasized about better. Keep the list somewhere you will see how to spend a work bonus, only to have the it often so that your financial priorities are money instantly disappear into your monthly top of mind. That way, the next time you get spending? If this sounds familiar, you might an increase in income, you’ll know exactly be prone to lifestyle creep. what to fund with it. Lifestyle creep—also known as lifestyle #2: Pay Yourself First inflation—is the tendency to increase your Paying yourself first simply means putspending as your income increases. Lifestyle ting a portion of your earnings towards your creep can be financially dangerous when it savings goals before any money hits your happens so gradually that you don’t even no- regular budget. For added motivation, retice where your extra funds are going. Goods name your savings account to match one of and services that once were considered luxu- the goals on your list (see #1, above). It feels ries slowly slide into your routine spending. more satisfying to fund a specific goal or viLifestyle creep can easily sabotage your sion than it does to sock money away into a long-term savings goals and make it harder generically titled “savings account.” for you to adjust to any future decreases in #3: Build a Budget your pay. Creating and maintaining a budget is an The good news is that protecting yourself essential part of your financial well-being. from lifestyle creep is not that hard to do, You can use any budgeting method that once you spot it. We’ve rounded up five dif- works for you (apps, spreadsheets, noteferent ways you can counter lifestyle creep books or envelopes), as long as you’re able by using your money and your mind. to reliably capture and record your monthly #1: Write Down Your Goals spending. This step is so simple you might be #4: Stop Comparing Yourself to Others tempted to skip it—but don’t. Studies show It’s hard not to compare ourselves to our that describing your goals in written form friends and family—especially in the age

NOBLE CREDIT UNION

@NobleCUFresno | Sponsor

of social media. We all have access to an endless feed of our friends’ vacations, new purchases and lifestyle upgrades. The social media feed can quickly become a form of indirect peer pressure, encouraging us to spend our money in ways that we wouldn’t otherwise. Remember, your budget is your road map to fulfilling your finanCR File Photo cial goals. Don’t get let The Noble Credit Union Clovis branch is located on 175 N Clovis Ave. others distract you from between Sierra and Herndon Ave. your vision or rob you of the contentment of being happy with what costly ones. you have now. Noble Credit Union, a Forbes Best-in#5: Get Creative with Your Upgrades State Credit Union, has been treating each You know your goals, you’ve got your member with kindness, dignity, and honor budget and you’ve paid yourself first. Now while helping members make sound fiit’s OK to treat yourself a little bit! Keep in nancial decisions for 80 years. The Credit mind that the most meaningful lifestyle upUnion offers members full access to a wide grades for you might not be the ones with the range of financial education and services, highest dollar value. Lifestyle upgrades can including low-rate auto loans, MyRewards come in all shapes and sizes: a new pillow, Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, a longer charging cable for your phone, sup- online and mobile banking, and more. For plies for a new hobby… Let yourself enjoy more information about membership at Nothe simpler and less expensive upgrades so ble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit that you will become less dependent on the NobleCU.com.

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PREVIEWING THE TRI-RIVER ATHLETIC CONFERENCE: Preseason Rankings and Players to Watch

GABE CAMARILLO

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The 2021 Central Section football season is nigh, and when Madera South plays at Mission Oak on Thursday, high school football will return to the Central Valley for the first time in… Four months. Clearly, it was a short offseason, but a lot has changed. Stud players graduated, familiar faces moved to new places, and the Central Section introduced a new playoff format. One thing that remains the same, however, is Clovis High at No. 1 in the Clovis Roundup preseason football rankings, just as they were in the spring.

that struggled late in close losses to Central and Buchanan last season. Clovis returns six starters on that side of the ball -- senior safeties Cody Gale and Isaiah Salsedo, junior cornerback and kick returner Jaden Carrillo, senior linebacker Kenny Lafaele, and senior defensive linemen Christian Smith and Tyler Boragno. Another defensive player to watch is 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior Tovie Martin, who moves exceptionally well for his size. He’ll play both defensive end and interior. Hammond said, “I really expect that after we get halfway through the season, [Tovie] will be recruited very hard.” 2. CENTRAL HIGH GRIZZLIES

2021 Spring Record: 4-1 Top offensive players: QB Dayton Tafoya RBs Jesiah Lindsey / Ah’marion GainesSmith WRs Marquise Greene / Braylen Hall T Tanner Hirschler Top defensive players: DE Jeremiah Shelton DE Amarian Hunter Below is a season preview of each team CB Imari Conley in the Tri-River Athletic Conference entering LB Marcus Ramirez the 2021 fall high school football season. All Key departures: stats courtesy of MaxPreps. RB/LB Aidan Fortenberry (transfer), T 1. CLOVIS HIGH COUGARS Kasen James, QB DJ Stevenson, DE Jeff 2021 Spring Record: 3-2 Armstrong Preview: If its talent comes together, Top offensive players: there is no reason why Central won’t reclaim QB Nate Johnson the TRAC crown after losing it to Buchanan RB Tristan Risley in April. It’s all about consistency for the WR Nic Viau Grizzlies, who welcome junior quarterback T Jahlon Jimenez Dayton Tafoya to the fold. Tafoya is learning Top defensive players: a new offense after transferring from Clovis DB/WR Carlos Mack West, but his ability to extend plays and feed DE Christian Smith his playmakers make him an ideal fit in head S Cody Gale coach Kyle Biggs’ offense. S Isaiah Salsedo And the offense is deep and loaded with Key departures: playmakers. Running backs Ah’marion DE Connor Price, DL Ayden Merrihew, Gaines-Smith and Jesiah Lindsey bring difWR Andrew Dowie, TE Parker Morgan ferent styles to the position, leading Biggs to Preview: Clovis High is the highest-ranked football team in the TRAC thanks refer to the duo as “Thunder and Lightning.” to its talented individual players. Whether the Gaines-Smith is a power back with a dash favorites win the league depends on how they of agility, and Lindsey has the speed and vision to take an open hole in the defense for come together as a team. a touchdown. 6-foot-3 senior wide receiver What hasn’t been said about superstar Marquise Greene will be Tafoya’s top target, senior quarterback Nate Johnson yet? He but there are plenty of receiving options. brings game-breaking speed to the position, running the 100-meter dash in 10.49 seconds Sophomore Braylen Hall, the team-leader in last May. The Utah commit also improved as receptions last spring, sophomore Noel Felix a passer last season, throwing for 1,022 yards III, junior Ladanian Streets and senior Kamin 4 ½ games (he missed most of the Central ren Taylor are all difference-makers in a deep wide receiver pool. game due to injury). Defensively, Central returns two-time AllThen there’s senior running back Tristan State senior defensive end Jeremiah Shelton, Risley, the guy that head coach Rich Hamthe only Grizzly starter remaining from the mond called the best running back he’s ever coached in 13 years. Risley led the TRAC in 2019 state championship team. Shelton led the Grizzlies in tackles (31) last season. He’ll rushing as a sophomore, and he rumbled for be flanked by defensive end Amarian Hunter, 722 yards and 11 touchdowns in five games who recently made the position switch from last spring. Clovis also returns its top wide linebacker. Junior Imari Conley and senior receiver from the spring season, senior Nic Elijah Lindsey will control the perimeter as Viau, who reeled in 417 yards and averaged cornerbacks, and hard-hitting junior safety 17.4 yards per catch. Kaleb Tennsion is expected to make an imWhat puts the Cougars over the top is adding senior cornerback/wide receiver Car- pact. 3. BUCHANAN HIGH BEARS los Mack, who transferred from Edison High after spending his elementary and middle 2021 Spring Record:5-0 school days in the Clovis High region. The Top offensive players: Oregon State commit helps bolster a defense Preseason TRAC rankings: • Clovis High • Central • Buchanan • Clovis East • Clovis West • Clovis North

Gabe Camarillo/Clovis Roundup

Clovis East WR Maddox Merlo.

QB Jayden Mandal RBs Caden Rodgers / Michael Runnels WR/LB Josiah Ayon Top defensive players: DE/TE Gavin Nelson LB Logan Studt CB Robert Johnson S Jerry Rangel Key departures: S/WR Hayden Petersen, WR Darrien Gaines, WR Stephen Shelley, C Zack FIsh Preview: Yes, the defending, undefeated TRAC champions come in third in the preseason rankings, but to no fault of their own. The Buchanan High Class of 2021 played a big role in the Bears’ title season. Hayden Petersen won TRAC Player of the Year and wide receivers Stephen Shelley and Darrien Gaines eased the transition for transfer quarterback Jayden Mandal. Petersen, Shelley, and Gaines have graduated, as well as four starters on the offensive line and several more defensive contributors. Mandal, now a junior, opened up Buchanan’s offense last spring with his ability to make big plays through the air. The Fresno State baseball commit also displayed late-game poise by leading game-winning drives against Central and Clovis. Mandal’s biggest target this fall is senior wide receiver/ outside linebacker Josiah Ayon, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound threat. Mandal will also wheel it out to either of his top running backs, senior Caden Rodgers and junior Michael Runnels. Rodgers and Runnels get it done in the running and passing game using different styles, with Rodgers a bigger back than the speedier Runnels. Buchanan will rely on both, as it typically leans on its running backs. Buchanan’s defense, despite losing Petersen, is loaded with talent and experience. There is the all-senior secondary consisting of cornerbacks Robert Johnson and Ezekiel Swayne, and safeties Jerry Rangel and Harrison Kalpakoff. Rodgers and super sophomore Logan Studt return from last season at the linebacker position, plus Ayon as the roving linebacker. The defensive line is led by thirdyear starting senior end Gavin Nelson, with senior Drew Washburn on the other side and tackles Levi Little and Roman Fries forming the middle.

4. CLOVIS EAST TIMBERWOLVES 2021 Spring Record:2-3 Top offensive players: RB/LB Devin Lopez WR Maddox Merlo T Dominic Mannion Top defensive players: LB Gabe Sinor DT Brandon Contreras S Alex Dejarano Key departures: S/RB Jacob Tafoya, QB Sean Kelly, K Bryant Thao Preview: It’s hard to replace legacy guys like quarterback Sean Kelly or Air Force cadet Jacob Tafoya, but that’s what fifth-year head coach Ryan Reynolds is tasked with this season. As far as replacing Kelly, Clovis East has a battle between junior Brady Feramisco and freshman Ty Miller. Reynolds said, “We’re going to have a little competition with Brady and Ty. Ty is a freshman kid who carries himself like a junior. A lot of the seniors respect him and see his work ethic… and Brady is pushing him and has a year under his belt at the varsity level.” The team’s best player on offense or defense may be All-TRAC senior running back/ linebacker Devin Lopez, who ran behind Tafoya last season and takes on starting duties in the backfield this fall. 6-foot-3 junior Xavier Garcia, senior Maddox Merlo, and junior Carson Sandoval will be key wide receivers in an offense that continues to blend its runfirst identity with a passing game. Offensive success will rely on the offensive line’s pass blocking and how quickly the T-Wolves can expand that aspect of their attack. Clovis East returns three seniors to the O-Line and starts juniors at the center and tackle position. Defensively, All-TRAC Mike linebacker Gabe Sinor leads the cause and, alongside Lopez, makes a formidable middle of the defense. Clovis East has seven returners on defense and a new defensive coordinator from Bullard High School, Brandon Nagle. 5. CLOVIS WEST GOLDEN EAGLES See TRAC PREVIEW, Pg. 15

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TRAC PREVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

2021 Spring Record: 0-4 Top offensive players: RB D’Ante Benjamin RB/LB Mychael Crawford WR/CB Marshel Sanders Top defensive players: DE Brian Evans S/WR Markel Sanders DB/WR Bryan Villa DL/TE Jaden Gonzales Key departures: DE Marcel Sanders Jr, WR Isaiah Howard, QB Dayton Tafoya (transfer), DE Derek Moreland Preview: Former Clovis West and Fresno State linebacker Eric Brown enters his first season as head coach with a lot of new faces on the team. Sophomore Tyler Patrick, a backup quarterback on varsity last season, and returning JV starter Ryan Markarian will compete for the starting QB job. The battle may not be decided for the first few weeks of the season, but whoever starts will feed senior running back D’Ante Benjamin. Junior Mycheal Crawford is another name to watch in the backfield. Limited varsity experience on the offensive line is a question mark for Clovis West, which graduated three multiple-year starters in Nickolas Herrera, Sterling Williams, and Matthew Nolt. Clovis West will also miss its two leading receivers from a season ago, Isaiah Howard and Preston Kilbert. Super sophomore Marshel Sanders will take on a receiving role while playing cornerback, and his junior brother Markel can similarly split time between receiver and safety. Even with big brother Marcel off to San Jose State, the Sanders brothers will make a big impact in the fall. Brown said, “They just have a great attitude, and they’ve got a great family that is supportive of them… and they’re multi-

Gabe Camarillo/Clovis Roundup

Left: Buchanan LB Logan Studt. Right: Clovis North Offensive line.

sport athletes, so you know that they’re really good athletes and they stay in shape all year round.” It’s also worth mentioning that senior safety Bryan Villa, who tied for the team lead in tackles (31) last spring, is one of the most important returning defensive players for Clovis West. 6. CLOVIS NORTH BRONCOS 2021 Spring Record: 0-3 Top offensive players: C Dashiel Hein RB Peyton Mathias Top defensive players: DE/RB Paul Sharp LB Ryan Pyzer Key departures: S/KR Michael Jacot, OL Andrew Wiens, DT Aaron Ruacho Preview: Clovis North suffered the most from the COVID-19 pandemic among the TRAC teams. The Broncos dealt with an out-

break during training camp, then another one that wiped out two games. A vast majority of expected senior starters did not play, and quarterback Dean Scrivner was thrust into starting the final game against Central despite never playing a snap at the position before then. It’s a new season and a new slate for Clovis North. Scrivner, senior Alec Guerrero and sophomore Jack Petrissans will compete for the starting quarterback job. Third-year head coach Michael Jacot believes the strength of the offense is the running game. Senior Peyton Mathias, junior Jonathan Harvey, and senior Paul Sharp form the Broncos’ committee of running backs. First team All-TRAC offensive lineman Andrew Wiens graduated, but the Broncos return four seniors up front -center Dashiel Hein, guard Aron Garcia, and tackles Adam Gerena and Austin Smalley. Clovis North will also heavily employ a tight end in senior Justin Virgen.

Clovis North is switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme, taking advantage of a senior quartet of linebackers highlighted by Ryan Pyzer. Clovis North’s starting defensive front seven has one junior; the rest are seniors. It’s the strength of a defense that currently has a young secondary. THE ROUNDUP’S CENTRAL SECTION TOP 10: Clovis (last season: 3-2) Central (last season: 4-1) Buchanan (last season: 5-0) Liberty (last season: 4-0) Frontier (last season: 4-1) San Joaquin Memorial (last season: 5-1) Garces (last season: 2-3) St. Joseph’s (last season: 5-0) Kingsburg (last season: 5-0) Bullard (last season: 4-2) On bubble: Tulare Union, Sanger, Clovis East, Clovis West

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Coaches, Athletic Directors Express Mixed Response to New Playoff Format There’s another scenario that Penberthy finds equally harmful to smaller schools. “We’re going to have big schools that are Clovis East head football coach Ryan having ‘down seasons’ to their standards, Reynolds is trying to rebuild a program that be a number one or two seed in Division-IV won two Central Section Division-I chamand Division-V and just trash small schools,” pionships during its heyday in the 2000s. Penberthy said. “That’s the reason I’m comLuckily for the Timberwolves, he has experipletely against it.” ence doing so at a previous coaching stop. Penberthy personally stands against the An assistant coach under then-head coach new playoff format. He represented the Tim Murphy at Clovis East, Reynolds folleague of private schools at last October’s lowed Murphy to Clayton Valley Charter Board of Managers meeting, but since most in Concord, CA. He was part of a coaching private schools were in favor of it, he voted staff that resuscitated the Ugly Eagles and for the playoff proposal. It passed with a 27won multiple Division-II North Coast Sec17 vote margin. tion championships. Yet Reynolds knew the Providing the perspective of a large rebuilding effort was aided by the fact that school athletic director, Clovis North AD Clayton Valley played in D-II instead of D-I, Coby Lindsey said that, despite large schools where nearby De La Salle dominated. having a few programs that excel in Divi“We were able to be in a Division-II, have sion-I, “not every program is at the same some success, win some championships, and level.” Gabe Camarillo/Clovis Roundup keep the snowball rolling,” Reynolds said. “Why should a struggling program be Clovis East head football coach Ryan Reynolds directs a player during practice. “If we were in Division-I, we would’ve nevpenalized and placed in the highest division, er won a championship and never would’ve because all of the school’s other sports are snowballed.” in the playoffs, and hopefully, eventually, school of approximately 200 students. The doing so well?” Lindsey said. This season, a new Central Section play- win Division-I championships.” Eagles won the 2020 Central Section Divi“The whole purpose [of playoffs] isn’t off format will be implemented that seeds It’s a sentiment shared by Clovis North sion-V basketball championship but under to put you in a place where you’re going teams based on season-by-season perforfootball head coach Michael Jacot. The the new playoff format, they could have been to win the whole thing. The purpose is that mance, and no longer by school population Broncos are rebuilding too after going winmoved up a division and lost its chance at a you’re supposed to be surrounded by teams or “competitive equity.” less and suffering from COVID-19 issues championship. that have the same competitiveness that you Clovis Unified School District can no in the spring football season. Jacot said he That is the biggest complaint made by have.” longer keep all its athletic programs compet- wants to reward his players with a title shot coaches, parents, and administrators of tradiThe debate and differing opinions will ing at the Division-I level, where Clovis East after playing through a tough Tri-River Ath- tionally lower-division schools. continue into the high school sports season has been non-competitive for a decade. letic Conference. “It’s going to come back to bite small and likely flare up when playoff seedings Eight teams will make the Division-I Now that Clovis North won’t be forced schools, big time,” Penberthy said. “We’re come out. But Central Section commissioner football bracket, with 16 teams filling out into D-I playoffs, there’s an opportunity to going to see some of these small school pro- Ryan Tos expected there to be a discussion each of the divisions after that. Reynolds do that. grams that have done fairly well at the D-IV regarding an imperfect solution. believes this is the boost Clovis East needs to Yet the increased optimism among the or D-V level and have been able to compete “If there was the perfect system, I climb back to the mountaintop. TRAC coaches is opposite among coaches against some bigger schools in individual wouldn’t be working here,” Tos said. “I’d be “For schools like [Clovis East] who are and administrators of traditionally lower-di- games, but when it comes to playoff time... traveling the country sharing it with every rebuilding, it’s really great for us,” Reynolds vision schools. Jon Penberthy is the athletic they are going to be put into the Open [Divi- other state association, because everyone’s said. “It allows us to have a lot more success director of Fresno Christian Schools, a sion].” trying to figure this stuff out.” GABE CAMARILLO

@gabecamarillo_

Clovis Roundup - August 18, 2021

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