Clovis Roundup - August 3, 2023

Clovis Way of Life: Clovis PD to host 12th annual 'Clovis Night Out'

Destiny De La Cruz @ClovisRoundup

August 1, 2023 - On Saturday, September 30th, the Clovis Police Department will be hosting their 12th Annual Clovis Night Out.

To learn more about this year’s Clovis Night Out, we sat down

with Clovis Police Department’s Captain Katy Benham along with Public Information Officer, Ty Wood.

The original idea for Clovis Night Out was based on National Night Out, which is an annual event held throughout the nation every August. The goal of National

Night Out is to “enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.”

Inspired by National Night Out, Clovis PD took their own spin on it, and thus Clovis Night Out was created.

See CLOVIS NIGHT OUT, Pg. 4

Chad McCollum Economic Development, Housing and Communications Director

July 31, 2023 - Take a moment to think of your favorite restaurant. What makes it so special?

Maybe it’s that item on the menu you order each time, even though you keep insisting you are going to try something new.

Or perhaps it’s the friendly service

Clovis Veterans Memorial District ‘Heritage Center’ missing one final piece, and it's you

However, since its inception in November of 2021, the Heritage Center has yet to see the numbers and flocks of people it once had anticipated would visit.

“Our goal is for this to be the story of our community, and we want as many people to be a part of it as possible,” says Amy Cross,

Photo courtesy of Clovis Police Department Clovis PD's 11th Annual Clovis Night Out on Saturday October 1st 2022 at the David McDonald park off the corner of Sierra and Temperance in Clovis.

Folks around Old Town

Photos by Ron Sundquist

Left, Jadon preserves the Clovis Rodeo tradition by being the 6th generation of Sassanos bull riders. Right, Marty, owner of 4th Street Antique Mall, raises Old Glory daily at 4th Street and Pollasky.

Monkey Dog Coffee to contend with proposed new Starbucks coming to Clovis

The drive-thru designs are set to accommodate a sixteen-foot lane with the industry standard being thirteen feet.

July 28, 2023 - Another Starbucks will most likely be coming to Clovis in the near future, as approval for a drive-thru at the building was sought by Clovis’ Planning Commission.

At the latest Planning Commission Meeting, board members approved the construction of a drive-thru at 250 W. Ashlan in Clovis. This location is in the same parking lot as the previously owned Pelco buildings, property currently owned by Cook Land Company and used mostly for Fresno County buildings such as the Child Welfare Services Building which was placed there last year.

Cook Land expressed their support for the construction of a drive-thru, that will most likely lead to the placement of a Starbucks at the location, in a letter sent to the Planning Commission.

Including a 780 square-foot outdoor patio area, the building, presumably to be used for Starbucks, will have double lanes used for its drive-thru with a drive-thru window located on the west side of the building.

The designs themselves were something that the Planning Commission marveled over.

“This is one of the better designs that has come before us. I think you guys have done a great job planning ahead of this stuff. I can see where the traffic for the drive-thru is not going to affect the other businesses,” said Paul Hinkle, Planning Commissioner.

One establishment that will be affected by the proposed business of a possible Starbucks is Monkey Dog Coffee, a small town coffee shop located in the same parking lot of the proposed site.

Monkey Dog’s owner, Alexander Osuna was present at the Planning Commission meeting to speak on his opposition to the construction that will become a Starbucks.

“It’s hard to gauge human error, but we’ve seen multiple near misses,” said Osuna, talking about drivers almost hitting pedestrians in the parking lot. “This drive-thru is close to where the County employees park and walk to on their break, their lunches. I think it’s gonna cause more of a hazardous issue with them.”

Despite the coffee shop owner’s warnings on traffic in the parking lot, the Planning Commission approved the construction of the drive-thru.

When asked how the probable Starbucks would affect his business, Osuna added, “I

think they play a volume game. I’m sure we’ll see an initial hit from it. But I think they serve the same thing that every Starbucks serves on every corner. So, we’ll be able to capture some of that run-off from them.”

List of cooling centers/swimming pools for the public

the public can go to cool off. The library is open until 8 PM.

July 31, 2023 - High temperatures continue this week, with a low of 92° coming Thursday, August 3rd. However, Sunday, the 6th, temperatures return to over 100°. To stay cool for those who do not have a place to go, in Clovis, the Sierra Vista Mall remains a safe place for an air-conditioned location during the day. The mall opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM.

The Clovis Regional Library is another air-conditioned library where any member of

CLOVIS NIGHT OUT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

The first annual Clovis Night Out took place at Clovis High School on August 27th, 2011. There were 16 food vendors, some of which still participate in the event to this day. In addition to the food vendors, there were about 45 other vendors, including static displays, bounce houses, fire trucks, a dunk tank, the Fresno County Library bus, and even pony rides.

“So, we have obviously grown since then,” stated Captain Benham. “And it's only ever been at three locations in our entire city.” Clovis High School, Dry Creek Park, and Sierra Meadows Park, now known as David McDonald Park.

The Clovis Senior Activity Center is a location for the seniors of Clovis.

Fresno also has several locations listed for free air-conditioned rooms. These locations include:

• Ted C. WIlls Community Center: 770 N. San Pablo

• Frank H. Ball Neighborhood Center: 760 Mayor

• Mosqueda Community Center: 4670 E. Butler

“As Captain Benham mentioned, National Night Out, nationwide, is always in August but that doesn't work in the Central Valley,” said Public Information Officer Ty Wood “but like she mentioned, this was a really good way to promote community, neighborhood safety, [and] get the police department with the members of the community.”

Wood said that most of the other city departments participate in Clovis Night Out as well. Public works, the fire trucks, the garbage trucks—and then every division from the police department. “Every division steps up, we have everything from canine to our bomb unit, our crime scene, all the specialty vehicles.”

“The live band is actually one of the big draws. People bring out lawn chairs and blankets and they get food,” said Wood.

• Pinedale Community Center: 7170 N. San Pablo Community pools in the Fresno area include:

• Frank H. Ball Pool: 760 Mayor St.

• Mary Ella Brown Pool: 1350 E. Annadale

• Mosqueda Pool: 4670 E. Butler

• Einstein Park: 3566 E. Dakota Ave.

• Fink White Park: 535 S. Trinity

• Pinedale Community Center: 7170 N. San Pablo

• Quigley Neighborhood Park: 808 W. Dakota

“And we only have local food and boutique vendors — 95% of our vendors are mom-and-pop local vendors.”

Just a few of the many vendors include: woodworking, florists, jewelry, therapy dogs, model airplanes and much more. “We’ve gone up to 100 vendors, not just including food,” said Captain Benham. “And then [there’s] our static displays, like Ty had mentioned, we do have every division within the city. But we have also included California Highway Patrol [who] comes in and does recruitment.”

“Over the years, I’ve had the Fresno Sheriff's Department’s Eagle 1 helicopter land, I've had CHP’s H-40 land, we've always had Fresno County Engine 85. It's not just focused on our city,” said the Captain.

• Roman Neighborhood Park: 745 N. First

“And it's a really good free family event,” added Wood. “We have bounce houses for the kids. Fireworks in the past and the drone show; that's always a nice finale,” “It's really cool. Seeing the little kids sit on the police motorcycle or climbing up into the garbage truck, or watching the drone show—all of it's really neat.”

“And that's kind of just over the course of how it's all developed every year,” Captain Benham said, “I always wanted to do bigger, better.”

Come celebrate with the community on Saturday, September 30th at David McDonald Park near Temperance & Sierra, next to the Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center, starting at 4PM until dark!

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup

The proposed site for construction of a new Starbucks will be located here at 250 W. Ashlan.

Clovis Roundup Staff @ClovisRoundup

California 9/11 Memorial Board announces World Trade Center attack survivor as honored speaker

officers in a commandeered bus.

August 1, 2023 - Clovis, CA - September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attack survivor announced as speaker and honored guest for this year’s 2023 California 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

The California 9/11 Memorial Ceremony is hosted annually and welcome to the public, on September 11th, 8:15 a.m. at 3485 Never Forget Lane, Clovis 93612. Today the Executive Board of Directors for The California 9/11 Memorial CA announced William Jimeno, Retired Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Detective and World Trade Center attack survivor, will be welcomed in Clovis, CA as honored guest and speaker at this year’s Memorial Ceremony.

William Jimeno – Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Detective, Retired - Biography

Will Jimeno is a retired Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Detective, who survived the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. He was buried under the rubble for 13 hours, but survived, along with fellow Port Authority police officer, Sergeant John McLoughlin.

Jimeno, a rookie cop assigned to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, saw the shadow of the airplane that seconds later hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He rode to the WTC site with 20 other Port Authority police

Jimeno and three other Port Authority officers, who were led by McLoughlin, rushed into the World Trade Center to conduct rescue operations when both towers collapsed upon them. Only Jimeno and McLoughlin survived; in total 37 PAPD officers were lost that day in the worst singleloss of police officers in U.S. law enforcement history.

The two men were ultimately located and rescued after hours of exhaustive and dangerous efforts by NYPD Emergency Services, FDNY and PAPD departments. Both men were severely injured and required months of hospitalization. Jimeno’s entombment and rescue were portrayed in the 2006 Oliver Stone film World Trade Center.

Since his ordeal and subsequent recovery, Will has become an inspiration to millions, sharing not only the horror of the day, but also the miraculous story of how “Faith, Hope and Love” carried him through the affliction and the many long days of recovery from his massive injuries. His story of 13 hours of being buried alive and the sheer will to survive is a gripping and inspiring testimony.

Will has also authored two books, one specifically for children titled, Immigrant, American, Survivor; A Little Boy Who Grew Up To Be All Three, which pays tribute to the many heroes for a new audience of young readers who may not be familiar with 9/11, while also teaching our youth to

never give up no matter what challenges are thrown their way.

Jimeno’s second book titled, Sunrise Through the Darkness; A Survivor’s Account of Learning to Live Again Beyond 9/11 is a message for anyone who has suffered trauma or loves someone who has, as well as gives honor to those that died through Will’s continued work of healing and serving others.

Jimeno always wants people to remember these words by Edmund Burke, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

As Jimeno sees it, evil will never triumph. The public is encouraged to visit the Memorial at 3485 Never Forget Lane in Clovis, CA and to pay respect to our First Responders. Visit www.california911memorial. com for more information.

and familiar faces; how everyone knows your name and the names of your kids and dog.

Whatever the reason, you keep going back. Now, think about why your “go to” grocery store, gas station, or coffee shop also ended up as your favorites.

As you ponder, let me introduce myself.

My name is Chad McCollum and I am the Economic Development, Housing and Communications Director for the City of Clovis.

One of my most important responsibilities, and the job of my City of Clovis Economic Development team, is to support our Clovis businesses. They’re the backbone of this community. They literally invest in our city and make The Clovis Way of Life possible. We spend our time, energy, and resources to make sure our business community stays healthy by focusing on the following:

• Support existing businesses

Each existing business is important to us. They have chosen to invest in Clovis and we will do everything possible to support them. Sometimes it’s as simple as a quick pop-in to say hello and learn about their short and long term goals. Or, they could be facing a particular challenge and need our assistance. Either way, we will do anything we can to ensure they are successful.

• Support businesses expansion

When a Clovis business is successful, they will sometimes outgrow their current location. This is a great problem to have! These businesses need to expand their footprint by moving into a larger commercial space, or perhaps they will want to open a second location. Our Economic Development team assists in the process of helping businesses find the perfect location to fit their needs, and work with them as they make their move.

• Support businesses looking to open in, or relocate to, the City of Clovis

We love hearing that a new business is looking to open or relocate to the City

DONNA MELCHOR Owner/Publisher dmelchor@clovisroundup.com

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

Email: info@clovisroundup.com

www.ClovisRoundup.com

Follow us on social media, @ClovisRoundup

BILLY XIONG Operations Manager ads@clovisroundup.com

STAFF REPORTERS: J.T. Gomez Carole Grosch Nikki McCabe Destiny De La Cruz

of Clovis. Sometimes it’s a brand-new business which wants to call Clovis home. Or perhaps it’s a business relocating from out of state or outside the region. We are happy to work with these new businesses to make their experience smooth and simple. Opening a business can be challenging and we walk these businesses through the process, every step of the way.

So why do we work so hard to help Clovis businesses succeed?

Every time a business, large or small, chooses to invest in Clovis- some pretty amazing things happen.

• Skilled laborers are employed to either construct a new building or rehab an existing structure.

• The area in which they choose to locate their business is revitalized and energized.

• Jobs are created. This provides opportunities for Clovis residents; our neighbors, family and friends, to work where they live.

• Tax revenue is generated, which supports our police and fire departments, maintenance of our parks and trails, and so much more.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Peg Bos - Let’s Talk Clovis

ACCOUNTING SERVICES: Teresa Stevens, CPA (559) 326-7072 teresa@tmstevenscpa.com

STORY IDEAS/CALENDAR: Laurann Kanamu calendar@clovisroundup.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE Catherine Kenney info@clovisroundup.com

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

• Residents have a place to shop, dine and play- which is what a community is all about.

Clovis would not be the same without our “mom & pop” businesses, franchise owners, big box stores, multi-generational business owners, medical offices, shopping centers, and of course, all the shops in our beloved Old Town.

Now think again about your favorite restaurant or business. Have you been there recently?

I would encourage you to make plans to pay them a visit, to choose to spend your money in Clovis when possible, and to thank the owners of our Clovis businesses –large and small- for their investment in our community!

If you are looking to open a new business in Clovis, relocate to our community, or expand your footprint- please reach out! Remember, we work for you.

ChadM@CityofClovis.com

Clovis4Business.com

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.

Photo courtesy of 9/11 Memorial Committee The 9/11 Memorial Committee would like to invite the community to visit The California 9/11 Memorial. It is open and free to the pubic, located at 3485 Never Forget Ln, in Clovis. "We encourage the community to come and visit this free, open to the public memorial - it truly is a gem," Anna Borgeas, Executive Director California 9/11 Memorial.

“Trust in me, my friend…” Clovis Statue Dedicated to Military & Law Enforcement Dogs

Destiny De La Cruz

July 31, 2023 - Outside Miss Winkle’s Pet Adoption Center is a statue of a soldier and his dog. The soldier is depicted on one knee alongside his dog, pouring water from his canteen into his upturned helmet.

At their feet are the words, “Trust in me, my friend…”

The statue of soldier and dog is surrounded by U.S. flags in a semicircle: Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.

In front of the statue, on either side, are two plaques. The plaque on the left explains the statue’s dedication from the Clovis Veterans Memorial District Board of Directors, along with the names of the concept creator, designer, sculptor, and project coordinator.

The sculpture was dedicated in loving memory of military and law enforcement service dogs everywhere on November 11, 2014.

It was made possible by: Clovis Veterans Memorial District Board of Directors

Chairman Tom Wright, Vice-Chair Susan Frantzich, Dr. William Rice, Gordon Pickett, and Don Watnick along with CEO’s Lorenzo Rios and Bruce Thiesen. The Memorial Concept was by Lorren Smith and the Memorial Design was by Dwight Kroll. Sculpted by Scott Stearman and the Project Coordinator was Conrad Jimenez.

The plaque on the right features a very touching, heartfelt written piece by an unknown author:

“Guardians of the Night

An international tribute to service dogs Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade, I will protect you with my last breath. When all others have left you and the loneliness of the night closes in, I will be at your side. Together we will conquer all obstacles and search out those who might wish to harm others.

All I ask of you is compassion, the caring touch of your hands. It is for you I will unselfishly give my life and spend my nights unrested. Although our days together may be marked by the passing of the seasons. Know

that each day at your side is my reward. My days are measured by the coming of your footsteps. I anticipate them at the opening of the door.

You are the healing hand when I am ill. The voice of authority over me when I have done wrong, do not chastise me unduly for I am your right arm, the sword at your side. I attempt to do only what you bid of me. I seek only to please you and remain in your favor. Together you and I shall experience a bond only those like you will understand. When others see us together their envy will be measured by their disdain. I will quietly listen to you and pass no judgment. Nor will

your spoken words be repeated. I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, ever loyal. And when our time together is done and you move on in the world, remember me with kind thoughts and tales. For a time we were unbeatable, nothing passed among us undetected. If we should ever meet again on another field I will gladly take up your fight. Together we are guardians of the night. Guardians of the Night

Author Unknown

Dedicated November 11, 2014

Clovis Veterans Memorial District Trust in me, my friend…”

@ClovisRoundup

Photo by Destiny De La Cruz, Clovis Roundup

The statue dedicated to Military and Law Enforcement dogs is located outside of miss Winkle's Pet Adoption Center.

West Nile and St Louis Encephalitis virus-positive mosquitoes collected within city limits

July 26, 2023 - The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District has discovered West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in various cities, including Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Selma, and Orange Cove, as well as St. Louis Encephalitis virus-positive mosquitoes in Fresno and Clovis.

To prevent mosquito bites and discourage their breeding around your home, it is essential to take necessary precautions, as per Katherine Ramirez, the Science Education Coordinator for the district.

To avoid getting bitten, it is highly recommended to apply an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin or wear longsleeved shirts and pants when outside from dusk to dawn (www.cdc.gov/westnile/ prevention/).

Additionally, it is important to empty any

container holding water at least once a week, including your pets' water dishes, to deter mosquito reproduction (www.mosquitobuzz.net/mosquito-prevention).

The District works to control mosquitoes in cities and rural areas by applying U.S. EPA-registered insecticides during mosquito season.

To reduce adult mosquito populations, an ultra-low volume (ULV) aerosol insecticide fog may be sprayed at night in residential areas under certain conditions.

This is done using a truckmounted sprayer that drives along surface streets. Information about truck ULV spraying can be found at www. mosquitobuzz.net/scheduled-treatment-areas-for-adult-mosquitoes.

For more information about the District, for an updated map of mosquito-borne disease activity, and for locations of ULV fog applications visit the District website at www. mosquitobuzz.net.

Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center is Turning 10

July 25, 2023 - Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center is getting ready to celebrate their 10 year anniversary in November, but the celebration has already begun!

To celebrate their first decade, Miss Winkles is waiving their adoption fee! Each of their dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on their vaccinations, and microchipped. When you adopt a pet, Miss Winkles will also give you a custom engraved collar tag!

There are many cats and dogs that need new homes! One of their dogs who is ready for

adoption is a sweet 9-year old pit bull mix, named Jenni! Jenni is a sweet, affectionate older girl who is ready to be the only pet in a forever home!

If you’re not looking to add a new pet to your family, please consider donating or volunteering!

Donations are critical for Miss Winkles to continue helping homeless pets, and volunteers are always important.

In addition to adoptions, donations, and volunteering—Miss Winkles also offers microchipping services.

To learn more, visit the Adoption center, go to their website misswinkles.com or give them a call at (559) 324-2465.

Strike

July 31, 2023 - Ever since disagreements sparked between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and executives with various Hollywood film studios, productions of your favorite television programming and films have frozen.

Actors and writers are standing together on strike until a deal can be struck that both the union and studios are willing to agree on. Khetphet, or KP, Phagnasay is one of the many actors who are affected by the contract negotiations. Phagnasay stands with SAG-AFTRA and believes in the mission of the strike.

“There’s only one or two percent of actors that have been doing really well, like big movie stars,” said Phagnasay. “But I’m one of the 98 percent of actors that work project to project and sometimes we don’t make a lot. We rely on residuals to help us through some rough times…”

Phagnasay was born in Laos and eventually moved to the Clovis area. He attended Clovis High School, which is where he began to grow his passion for acting through drama classes and participating in theater productions.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Fresno State, Phagnasay went on to achieve roles in many Theatre

productions and films. He recently starred in the Netflix series, “Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”

Phagnasay said he was recently in Prague working on a new project under a major film studio when news broke of the strike. Production of the project had halted and left Phagnasay and his co-works wondering what to do.

Upon returning back to the United States, Phagnasay traveled to Hollywood where he stood with his fellow union members and picketed outside film studios such as Paramount and Netflix. There he connected with others in his same position and even caught glimpses of famous celebrities such as Annette Benning picket for the cause.

“It was really needed for us to get together and band together and be in solidarity across the country to tell the studios to give us our equal share. We came together like a big family…the energy is high. We have such great collaboration and togetherness in having our voices heard.”

According to Phagnasay, it is the first time in history a strike of this magnitude has taken place with actors and writers taking a stand together hand in hand against the film studios. The purpose of the strike is to demand fair compensation and seal in job protection guidelines within contracts.

“We all hope it comes to a resolution soon, so that we can all get back to work.The

longer we have this happen, the more we lose money, and the more we’re financially hit. My hope is that SAG-AFTRA and the studios sit down and hash it out and go back to the negotiating table.”

Until the strike ends, Phagnasay and other members of SAG-AFTRA are to deny any activity or promotion of studio film or television projects. To continue his career and support himself, the valley actor will work on independent projects and commercials as the strike continues.

Phagnasay also works out of a studio in the Fresno area as an acting coach, helping others with the acting bug develop their career paths. He wants people in the valley

to know even though it may be difficult, it is possible to attain a career in the entertainment industry.

“I’m a working actor. Not living in LA, not living in New York, but living in Fresno…I can say there are very few central valley actors that are working and making a living as professional actors. So it’s really rare. I never gave up my career. I pursued and continued on and it just took time. I encourage people not to give up on their dreams. If it’s something you want to do, you gotta put the work in. You can live in the Central Valley and still be a working actor. Even with the strike or events that go on, your time will come.”

Destiny De La Cruz @ClovisRoundup Nikke McCabe mnick1717@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of the Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District

Photo by Destiny De La Cruz, Clovis Roundup Statue of Miss Winkles that can be found the adoption center.

Photo by Nikki McCabe, Clovis Roundup Khetphet Phagnasay picketed outside film studios such as Paramount and Netflix.

Legion Post 147 Centennial Plaza

Clovis Chamber of Commerce

Clovis Civic Center

Clovis Elks

Clovis Fire & Police Station

Clovis Fire Station No. 1

Clovis Library

Clovis Museum

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

Clovis Senior Activity Center

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

Community Heritage Center

Mercedes Theater/Clark Intermediate

Old Town Trail

Old Town Water Tower

Old Town Service District 1.

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

6. Central Valley Community Bank

Car Wash, 409 Bullard Ave, 322-1380

Antique and Gift Shops

1. 4th Street Antique Mall 402 Pollasky, (559) 323-1636 4thStreetAntiques.com

2. A Secret Garden

FARMERS MARKET

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. Friday nights thru October 27th.

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

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.

Boutique,

Food and Drink

1. 559 Brewery

2. 500 Club

3. Blast & Brew

4. Bobby Salazar’s

5. Kuppa Joy

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

7. Full O Bull

8. House of Juju

9. Le Parisien Cafe

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

11. Michaelangelo’s Pizzeria

12. Old Town Saloon

13. On the Edge Coffee Shop

14. Outlaw Tavern

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

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

17. Salsa’s Cantina

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

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

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

Hair

Recipe

(Family Features)

As you plan your summer fun, think also about adopting healthy habits that can help keep your blood pressure under control. When your blood pressure is consistently high - a condition called hypertension - blood flows through arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. This can cause serious health problems not just for your heart, but also for your blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and brain.

Hypertension affects women and men of all ages but making small lifestyle changes can go a long way toward prevention. Start with updating your summer menu with delicious, heart-healthy recipes, like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

Following a heart-healthy eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, low-fat dairy and healthy oils, can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Developed through research by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DASH focuses on reducing sodium and limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, including fatty meats, fullfat dairy and tropical oils.

Along with adding healthy recipes to your summer menu, NHLBI’s The Heart Truth

program encourages these healthy habits that can help you control blood pressure:

Move more: Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of physical activity each week. Try keeping yourself on pace each week by shooting for 30 daily minutes of activity over five days.

Aim for a healthy weight: Research shows adults with overweight and obesity can lower their blood pressure by losing just 3-5% of their weight. Ask a friend or family member to join a weight loss program with you; social support can help you both stay motivated.

Manage stress: Reduce stress - which can increase blood pressure - with meditation, relaxing activities or support from a counselor or online group.

Quit smoking: Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels. Call 1-800-QUITNOW or find other resources available online.

Get your summer off to a heart-healthy start by talking to your health care provider about your blood pressure numbers and what they mean. To learn more about heart health and blood pressure, visit hearttruth.gov and find DASH-friendly recipes at healthyeating. nhlbi.nih.gov.

Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and Andrea Mathis (beautifuleatsandthings.com)

Servings: 4

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:

6 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 1/2 tablespoons honey

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

3 medium sweetpotatoes, peeled and sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

4 cups spring salad mix

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Sauce:

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons orange juice

1 teaspoon garlic (about 1 clove), minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes)

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (about 24 pieces)

• To make lemon honey vinaigrette: In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

• Preheat grill to medium heat. Drizzle sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill sliced sweetpotatoes on each side about 5 minutes, or until sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and let cool.

• To arrange salad, spread spring salad mix onto large platter and top with grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese crumbles.

• Top with lemon honey vinaigrette and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

8 wooden skewers (6 inches each), soaked in water

• To make sauce: Combine ketchup, soy sauce, honey, orange juice, garlic and ginger; mix well. Separate into two bowls and set aside.

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 350 F.

• Alternately thread three chicken cubes and three pineapple chunks on each skewer.

• Grill skewers 3-5 minutes on each side. Brush or spoon sauce from one bowl onto chicken and pineapple every other minute. Discard remaining sauce from first bowl.

• To prevent chicken from drying out, finish cooking to minimum internal temperature of 165 F in oven. Using clean brush or spoon, coat with sauce from remaining bowl before serving.

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled sweetpotato and blueberry salad

LET’S TALK CLOVIS:

A history of the Dallas McCabe Family from 1873 to 1982

in Fresno Flats, now known as Oakhurst.

Peg Bos Historian/Clovis Museum

Contributed

Dallas McCabe was born April 30, 1873 in Milan, Ripley County, Ind. He was the seventh of 10 children who were raised on their parents’ farm. Dallas secured his teaching credential at the Versailles Indiana State Normal and taught one term. In 1893, he became a ranch hand on a farm near the Chicago, Illinois World’s Fair.

The opportunities of California received significant advertisement at the fair. Dallas decided to seek his fortune there. He became a ranch hand for William Helm in December of 1893.

William Helm (1837-1919) arrived in this area in 1865. He became the largest sheep/ grain rancher by amassing 16,000 acres and 22,000 sheep. He would ship three wagons of wool drawn by 10 mules to Stockton.

The round trip would require 12 days. CSU Fresno is located on land that he formerly owned.

Dallas worked eight years for Helm. He then joined an ice company in Fresno that retailed “natural ice.” The company would later manufacture “artificial ice.” Dallas became foreman of their delivery system and remained with Union Ice Company/ Consumers’ Ice Company for nine years.

On May 2, 1904, Dallas married Miss Norma Wood. In 1859, her family settled

Norma’s family, traveling all the way to Sacramento, was instrumental in securing a bell for the town church. The bell remains in the little church at the Oakhurst cemetery.

Norma’s family had relocated to Clovis on the south side of Shaw Ave between Villa and Peach. We quote Robert Raymon:

“Norma used to watch a dapper young man go by in his buggy, with a fine looking horse pulling it. His name was Dallas McCabe. She stated one of her happiest days is when he finally noticed her. One of their many outings was riding the stage coach up to Shaver Lake and riding the logging flume back down to Clovis.”

Dallas had purchased 20 acres of stubble field in the Colonial Helm Tract (Shaw, Bullard, Peach and Sierra) for $1 an acre. He settled there in 1909 and planted a vineyard.

The McCabes traveled to Anaheim and met Mr. Knotts, who was operating a successful berry farm. Dallas convinced Knotts to give him some boysenberry plants, which he planted on their Sierra farm. Dallas is credited with being the first to introduce the luscious berries to our valley.

The McCabes were noted for helping young immigrant women find work in this area and were active in the First Baptist Church. Norma volunteered her time doing missionary work at the Auberry Mission.

Their only child, William Wilson McCabe, graduated from Clovis High School in 1926 and served as president of his class. Dallas joined the Earl Fruit Company and was foreman of their Clovis Glorietta &

Melvin packing houses located north of the Herndon/DeWitt area. He was director and secretary of the Colonial Helm Ditch Company. He was a trustee of the Clovis Elementary School (1919-1934) and served as road overseer.

When Dallas suffered a stroke in 1940, they sold their farm and bought a house on the east side Clovis Avenue just north of Sierra Avenue. After his death, Norma, who was

79, married her childhood sweetheart, Ernest Hoskins.

Their son Wilson believed his mother lived “too far out of town” at the Clovis Avenue home, and purchased a house for her at 516 Fifth Street, which is now The Book Worm location. On Sept. 4, 1982 tragedy struck when a candle caught Norma’s bedroom curtains caught on fire and she lost her life. The McCabes are a part of our rich heritage.

SIT BACK & WATCH YOUR SAVINGS GROW

• Open a Purple Checking account and receive $200 cash back.1

• Open a Purple Savings account and receive 3.50% APY on your first $10,000. Split rate on higher balances more than $10,000. 3.50% APY on $0.01-$10,000 and less on the higher balance.2

• Secure your savings and earn 4.25% APY by investing in our 9-Month Share Certificate today.3

1. $200 Purple Checking: *Offer does not apply if you have an existing Valley First Credit Union checking accounf or have closed a Valley First checking account within the last 12 months, including joint account ownership. $200 bonus will be credited to your new Purple Checking account 100 calendar days after account opening providing the following conditions have been met: Have an established direct deposit of $750/month or more, are enrolled in Online Banking and are enrolled in eStatements. Account must be open and in good standing to receive Bonus. Bonus Dividend will be reported as interest (dividends) assumed on IRS Form 1099-INT. Recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. New accounts subject to ChexSystems. Membership eligibility requirements apply. Membership requires a Primary Share Account opened with an initial $25 deposit plus a $5 one-time membership fee, for a total of $30.

2. Purple Savings: *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. This is split rate account with 3.50% APY applying to balances up to $10,000 and a 0.10% APY applying to the portion of the balance over $10,000. Quoted APYs accurate as of 7/28/23: subject to change without notice. Rates and yields subject to change after account opening. Valley Firsl Credit Union Purple Checking Account required to open Purple Savings. 3. 9-Month Share Certificate: *APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APYs accurate as of the last dividend declaration date of 7/28/23. Available on 9-month premium share certificates opened after 5/22/23 and offer may be withdrawn at any time. Minimum balance for premium share certificates is $10,000. A penalty may be imposed if any funds are withdrawn from the account prior to the maturity date. For complete terms, conditions and information on early withdrawal penalties, please refer to the "Share Certificate Accounts" section in our Truth-in-Savings Disclosure.

Photo Courtesy of Clovis Museum Dallas McCabe.

Live Bike Theft Recorded on Camera

Located on the front porch of the unnamed homeowner, the bike belonged to a family member of the household.

Teen driver crashes into Clovis Fire Station 1 after chase

July 25, 2023 - During the morning hours of Sunday July 23rd, a bike theft occurred near Fowler and Gettysburg. However, this bike theft holds a distinct difference amongst other bike thefts, as this theft was caught on camera.

This was the first time a theft occurred at this location and more specifically on the front porch of the house.

In the video that is featured, a man is seen walking up to the porch, eyeing the bicycle, and clearly taking it away from the porch.

Sex Crime charges dropped against Clovis East High School teacher

July 19, 2023 - Kenneth Kong Lee, a longtime educator for Clovis Unified had charges of child molestation dropped by the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office on July 14, after pleading “no contest” to misdemeanor battery.

During 2019, 54-year-old Lee was arrested after being accused of touching three students inappropriately in his Hmong-language classroom at Clovis East High School. Lee was booked into the Fresno County Jail on counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts With A Minor Age 14 or 15, as well as Annoying or Molesting a Minor.

Since then, Lee has denied any wrong doing. Lee’s supporters have stood behind him, expressing their support and belief in his innocence outside his court hearings.

Clovis East has faced a string of educators who have been accused and arrested on similar charges over recent years.

Most recently in 2021, former Clovis East

educator Kia Yang was arrested on accusation for raping one of his former students seventeen years ago.

Lee will do time on the misdemeanor charge, receiving 180 days in jail and one year of probation. His sentence begins on July 26.

July 24, 2023 - A teen-filled vehicle crashed into the Clovis Fire Station 1 located on Pollasky and Seventh street in Old Town Clovis early Friday morning.

After an attempted stop in Fresno by Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputies, a chase took place between both Fresno and Clovis.

Deputies first tried to pull the vehicle over on Blackstone and Gettysburg in Fresno just before 3:30 AM on Friday morning.

The teen driver, transporting three fellow teens sped away from the stop and led deputies into Clovis.

This is where the chase ended, into the gate at Clovis Fire Station 1, in fact. According to City Staff, there was damage to the rear wrought iron gate, and three personal vehicles parked in the parking lot were also damaged. Three of the teens were detained while a fourth ran off and was not caught. The impending charges for the driver may include a felony evading officers charge in addition to a weapons charge. No one was seriously injured in the crash.

Valley streets and dark corners of the internet may be a little safer after a possible child predator was arrested in Sanger on July 21 at a park where investigators believe the 47-year-old man was going to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex.

The Sanger Police Department’s Investigative Unit discovered Chanh Sitthi, a resident of Clovis, had been messaging a young girl online.

Officers intercepted their conversations and found Sitthi had knowledge of the girl’s age after continuing with inappropriate messages being sent.

Sitthi had been arrested but since Friday has currently bonded out of jail.

The department posted online about the arrest, warning that there are many hidden dangers that children can fall prey to.

Detectives hope this incident serves as a reminder for parents or guardians to remain aware that incidents like this can happen to any child, even your own.

The department wrote in the facebook post, “As parents, guardians, and community members, it is our collective responsibility to educate and protect our children from potential threats in the digital realm.”

“Please take the time to have an open and honest conversation with your loved ones about the risks associated with chatting with strangers online. Teach them to recognize the warning signs and the proper steps to take if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened.”

Clovis man arrested for attempted meetup with a 13 year old girl

Contributed Clovis Police Department

Nikki McCabe mnick1717@gmail.com

Nikki McCabe mnick1717@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Envato Elements

Photo courtesy of Clovis Police Department Clovis East High School teacher Kenneth Lee, 50, was arrested for sexual misconduct with a student on Mar. 13, 2019.

World Cancer Support Month

SUMMER IS HERE

COOLING CENTER INFORMATION

SIERRA VISTA MALL

Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

AUGUST

CHUKCHANSI GOLD’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, August 26 – Sweden: The Music of ABBA [with the Australian Bee Gees Show: A Tribute to the Bee Gees]

Saturday, August 5

THE GREAT AMERICAN FREEDOM REVIVAL

Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 9

WAKE UP CLOVIS

KNOW YOUR MONEY: How to Spot a Counterfeit

Clovis Community College Herndon Campus 390 W. Fir Ave., Clovis, CA 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Saturday, August 12 HOT AUGUST DAZE Clovis Elks Club 535 Woodworth Ave., Clovis, CA 8 a.m.

Friday, August 18 CAR SHOW IN OLD TOWN At Clovis Farmers Market Pollasky, Clovis, CA 4:30 p.m.

Friday, August 18 CLOVIS STREET FAIR 567 Park Creek Dr., Clovis, CA 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, August 26

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

Thursday, August 31 FREE HEALTH SCREENING Clovis Senior Activity Center

850 4th St., Clovis, CA

SEPTEMBER

CHUKCHANSI GOLD’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, September 16 –

Julian Torres [Sings the music of Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernandez and More]

Saturday, September 23 –

Dustin Lynch [Country Music Award winning recording artist]

Friday, September 1

BLUE GRASS IN THE PARK Grass Less Traveled Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

Friday, September 8

BLUE GRASS IN THE PARK Sycamore Bend Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

Friday, September 15

MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT FARMERS MARKET Old Town Clovis Pollasky & 5th 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 17 OLD TOWN MARKETPLACE

(ANTIQUES AND GLORIOUS JUNK)

Old Town Clovis 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday, September 22

2023 CLOVIS POLICE FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

Eagle Springs Golf and Country Club

Friant, CA 7:30 a.m.

Saturday & Sunday

September 23 & 24

CLOVISFEST OLD TOWN CLOVIS

September 26 – 29

CENTRAL VALLEY VETERANS

2023 STAND DOWN

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8900

3585 N. Blythe, Fresno, CA For Information call John Schuler at 559-977-3697

Saturday, September 30

12TH ANNUAL CLOVIS

NIGHT OUT CLOVIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

David McDonald Park, Clovis, CA

4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

ALL MONTH LONG

U.S. FLAG RETIREMENT DROP BOX Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis

Three Flag Retirement Drop Boxes on site Drive Up Box is available 24/7

PLACES TO VISIT

CALIFORNIA 9-11 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

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)

Foam of fury: Welcome to foam fighting and role play

Nikki McCabe mnick1717@gmail.com

July 31, 2023 - As Brad Pitt would say, “The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club.”

The Foam Fighting Coalition of the Fresno and Clovis area definitely breaks that rule, and encourages anyone interested to come join in on the Live Action Role Playing (LARP) fun and be a part of an inclusive community.

Talon Young, administrator for the group, wanted to bring the community of foam sword fighting to the valley. Young brought the group to formation back in 2008, and has been growing the community ever since.

“There was a lot of needless division in the foam nerds in the area when I started it up, so I wanted to make a friendly space for us to co-habituate since some people are more drawn to the different games,” said Young.

“The idea was that if we got someone at one game that would like another better or be a better fit ,we can show them the right direction to move towards.”

Young said that the world of foam fighting can interest anyone who has a passion for the renaissance or medieval fantasy world. In the game, everyone can live out their imagination and become a unique persona. The game has rules that they stick by to ensure safety.

“No headshots, a strike to a limb disables that limb, a strike to the body or ‘core’ kills you, and any two limbs disabled kills you as well. The weapons we use have to pass a safety check as well since they are what we hit each other with. The goal is to pad the weapon and not the person.”

According to Young, there are 50 members currently part of the coalition, which includes sub groups Amtgard and Belegarth. Amtgard is a game where members can have magical powers and battles are much lighter, which makes it safe for ages 12 and up to

join. The group of Belegarth is considered to be a more full contact battle game that is only for those 16-years-old and up.

Jared George, who goes by ‘Ra’ in the game of foam fighting, is a long time veteran member of Belegarth and Amtgard. He has been part of the foam fighting community for 12 years now. George said the community welcomed him with open arms and will do the same for anyone else looking to be a part of something.

“Most foam fighting groups are very open and accepting of the LGBT community, and allow people with disabilities to play,” said George. “There is no reason for anyone not to be able to participate in a fun and welcoming community no matter what their limitations are.”

George said not only is there foam fighting to do, but the group will also take part in arts and crafts activities. The act of battling his opponents is something he craves to practice within the group.

“The combat aspect draws me in because I get to choose whether I want to be good at fighting or not. I get to choose how hard I want to work at getting good at fighting. I enjoy the aspect of being able to practice strategy or small combat tactics. It is kind of like playing chess with your friends.”

It is always made clear that when participants are fighting, that they do not use it to vent out aggressions or else someone could get hurt.

“It is not what the game is for, to be fighting angry or to get your aggression out like that. I make it a point for myself and others to never fight upset or angry. Fighting is not for venting, it is for comradery.”

Nick Stevens is a fairly new member of Amtgard. Stevens suffers many disabilities that make it dangerous to participate in strenuous activities. LARP made it possible for Stevens to still be involved by practicing archery with plastic arrows.

Stevens said after a year of joining the close

Eucalyptus trees on Armstrong and Polson to be trimmed in effort to preserve them

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

July 12, 2023 - Three large eucalyptus trees at the intersection of Armstrong and Polson in Clovis are being trimmed as of July 12th. The trees themselves have been declining in health and have developed decay. Branches being trimmed will support tree health and will help the city of Clovis preserve the trees for as long as possible.

to “keep an eye out” for the health of the trees themselves.

With trimming done by BrightView Tree Care Service out of Madera, there was some concern that the trees themselves eventually would have to come down completely.

knit group, it helped to alleviate any nervous or shy feelings, and live out a totally different persona.

“The character is extroverted which helps push me out of my comfort zone,” said Stevens.

“I’m usually going to wear my sweatshirt and hide in the corner and draw in my sketchbook and not talk to anybody. But when I am here, I really move past that and I am able to just get out of my own head.”

George added that, “A lot of people I've

met in this game have talked about how they didn’t have friends before joining this game. I never would have met any of my friends here that I have now if not for foam fighting.”

Amtgard meets every Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Treasure Ingmire Park in Clovis. Belegarth meets Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dry Creek Park. There is also a fighter practice available for both games and uses simplified rules on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. at Bicentennial Park.

American Legion Clovis ‘Nighthawks’ to play in state championship for second year running

Update:

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

By

pruning trees, including the single tree across Polson Avenue, the city will be able

However, with road work coming in the area as soon as July 17th, the potential total removal of the trees will have to wait as the City of Clovis mulls over possibilities. The City of Clovis maintains that they hope to minimize any potential tree damage.

The Clovis Nighthawks, a 19 and under travel baseball team that plays under the likeness of the American Legion Post 147 will play for a state championship for the second year in a row. This team, composed of student-athletes from Clovis area high schools, had to win a best of five series against a Madera area team, the “Madtown Merchants” this past weekend of July 13th-15th.

With only four out of fourteen returners to the Clovis Nighthawks, the team will now travel on to UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium to play in the state championship. Here they will play other district winning teams on July 19th-24th for the chance to be crowned state champions.

The Clovis Nighthawks have players officially listed from Buchanan High School, Clovis High School, and Clovis West High School alongside Washington Union and San Joaquin Memorial.

The team finished in second place last year to state champion Petaluma.

The Nighthawks played in the State Tournament held at UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium over the weekend of July 20-24th. Each American Legion team represented a branch of the American Military, and this year, the Clovis Nighthawks were assigned the Army as their branch. In their first game of the State tournament, they lost to last year’s State Champions, Petaluma by a score of 6-2.

The next day, playing under the threat of elimination, the Nighthawks won by a score of 6-0 against the Post 492 Panthers out of San Diego. The Nighthawks would again win under the threat of being eliminated against the Post 364 Tomcats of West Hills High School in Santee, California. This game was a lopsided score of 11-0.

Unfortunately for the Post 147 Nighthawks, their winning streak would end on Sunday, just missing out on a championship game the following Monday. They lost their final game of the season by a score of 5-3 to the El Segundo Blues out of El Segundo. Two teams will represent California in the Regionals, the State Champions Yuba City Post 705 and host city of the Regional Tournament, the Fairfield Expos.

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup The two large eucalyptus trees to the north of Polson Avenue on Armstrong Avenue wait to be trimmed as of July 12th, while the third tree on the south side of Polson has already been trimmed.

Photo courtesy of Talon Young LARP Foam fighting Coalition gathers at different parks throughout the Clovis area for a day filled with foam swords and camaraderie.

CUSD reveals Hirayama Elementary logo; honors ‘Fibber’ Hirayama

July 24, 2023 - At the July 10th CUSD school board meeting, the future name and logo for the new Hirayama Elementary School was revealed in front of the late and honorable “Fibber” Hirayama’s family.

Hirayama Elementary will be recognized as the Hirayama “Heat”, with a logo that identifies itself to its school. The Hirayama Heat will finish construction and be established officially in 2024, on the corners of Fowler and McKinley.

Laura Reynolds, Principal of Hirayama Elementary, was as excited to reveal their logo as she was to be honoring the family members of Fibber Hirayama who were present at the school board meeting. These family members included sons of Hirayama, Brian and Kevin, who spoke about their father at the insistence of board member Dr. Stephen Fogg.

“Our father was a man that received many honors and awards for numerous accomplishments, but I would have to say, naming the elementary school after him, he would consider that was the greatest award/accomplishment of his life…Thank you very much on behalf of our family, this is just unbelievable.”

A tee-shirt was also presented and given to board members with the Hirayama Heat logos on the backs and it was revealed that backstops and dirt is being broken out at the school site.

The resolution, read by board member Clint Olivier stated, “Whereas Mr. Satoshi ‘Fibber’ Hiravama left a legacy that demonstrates the values of living life with curiosity, wisdom, humor and devotion to others, and whereas that legacy will serve as a model for students attending the District's 35 elementary school opening it 2024 at Fowler and McKinley avenues. Now, therefore be it determined that Satoshi ‘Fibber’

Minarets High School Horse Judging Team seeking donations

Destiny De La Cruz

July 31, 2023 - Minarets High School in O’Neals, California is home to the O'Neals-Minarets FFA Chapter Horse Judging Team.

The FFA is the Future Farmers of America, known for Agriculture Education. The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership,

HERITAGE CENTER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Director of Operations for the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

Cross believes that the one thing missing from the Heritage Center is indeed, the people, the community, coming in and exploring the different aspects that the Heritage Center may provide, distinct from other museums such as the Big Dry Creek Museum, or the Clovis Museum.

These separate galleries however assisted the CVMD in the creation of the Heritage Center, and instead of thinking of each museum as a separate entity, one may do best to think of the Heritage Center as a culmination of multiple local Central Valley Museums.

“We do a lot of collaboration with other museums, because it's a big story to tell,” Community Heritage Center Coordinator Vaughan Rios says about the work that’s been done with other museums around the Valley. A small list of entities that have helped the Heritage Center include the Big Dry Creek Museum, the Legion of Valor, the Sierra Historical Society, the California Military Museum, and the Museum of the Sierras. Each of these organizations helped with specific aspects of the Heritage Center whether it be donated items such as military equipment for the World War I display, or helping to build the flume exhibit as the Museum of the Sierras did.

The idea behind the creation of the Heritage Center first started in 2014 when small meetings were held with the discussion on preserving the heritage and ideals of the community of Clovis.

According to Cross, besides telling separate stories of perseverance and hard work, the Heritage Center also stands as a symbol of how the community of Clovis came together around the time of World War I.

personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Since officially receiving its charter in 2008, the Horse Judging Team has gone on to have many successful years, including winning the California FFA State Title this year at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

This young team of ag students has worked hard to participate in contests throughout California, and with success comes more opportunities!

That being said, the Minarets FFA Horse

“I think that story can be seen into transitioning to how our school district was founded and how the city has grown. I think it really goes to show the grit of Central Valley and its growth,” said Cross on the overall theme of the Heritage Center.

Rios added, “I think part of it too is a lot of people think of this as ‘no man’s land’, it’s not LA or it’s not San Francisco, and it’s like, ‘Well, wait a minute, we have really cool stuff going on here. We want to have a reason for people to stop in and show off for a minute.’”

A part of that “showing off” that the Heritage Center intends to do is the story of the multiple different races and ethnicities that live not only in Clovis but throughout the Central Valley.

The reasoning for not doing so already has come from the modest amount of visitors that they have had so far. The displays currently at the Heritage Center are still the same from their opening in 2021.

“We really want to expand on some of the themes that we currently have so that we can help tell the entire story,” says Cross as she laments on those who have visited the Heritage Center so far.

“There are so many stories that we’re telling, but there are so many more stories that, in this time frame [World War I], that we can still tell. We’re looking at telling the Japanese-American story, the Sikh story, all the different cultures of the Valley, how they came together and how they were apart of the farming and the agriculture and the ranching.”

Finally, one of the most important aspects of the Heritage Center has been its volunteerism, a feature that it hopes to continue.

There are multiple different positions to get involved with the Heritage Center including greeting, research, or helping out with field trips and tours.

Rios reminded that representation at both

Judging is seeking sponsorships to represent the state of California at the National FFA Convention this October 29th-November 5th in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Costs will include registration for the conference, hotel, flights, uniforms, rental car, and meals for the team. They have a goal of $9,000.

If you are interested in donating, you can mail a check made out to Minarets FFA, with “Horse Judging” in the memo to:

Minarets High School c/o Keeley Hall 45077 Road 200 O’Neals, CA 93645

If you have questions feel free to email the FFA Advisor for Minarets High School khal@mychawanakee.org

Thank you for considering helping our local agriculture students!

ends of the age spectrum are key to helping the Heritage Center grow and continue as a museum in both Clovis and the Central Valley.

“We’ve had some younger people come in [to volunteer] and it’s really been interesting to see their perspective and what they find really fascinating…We’re definitely looking for a broad spectrum of volunteers.”

The interactive displays definitely remain one of the key exhibits in the Heritage Center that hope to get more visitors to come in.

Being given the opportunity to hear what the founders of the City of Clovis may have or actually were recorded saying at one point in time gives audiences the chance to feel more attuned to how Clovis was actually built.

But the story remains that the Heritage Center is not just about Clovis. “I think you

can’t tell the Clovis story without telling the Valley story,” mentioned Cross when speaking about both histories of Clovis and the Central Valley.

“Farming wasn’t just a Clovis thing, it was regional. The flume started in the Sierra’s and came here. We’re not looking at boundaries, we’re looking at the history of our community as a whole.”

The Clovis Veterans Memorial District and their Community Heritage Center look to continue to tell the story of how the Central Valley and Clovis have impacted each other over the years.

With the intended public’s involvement, they hope to bring even more production value to the community.

The only way to find out if they have succeeded in this, is to go and visit Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM- 5 PM.

Hirayama

be honored as the namesake of Clovis Unified School District's 35th elementary school with the mascot of ‘The Heat’ and the school colors of red, white and gold.”

J.T. Gomez

Photo courtesy of Clovis Unified School District One of the future logos for the “Hirayama Heat”, the newest elementary school coming to Clovis Unified in 2024.

@ClovisRoundup

Photo by Photo J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup

The Community Heritage Center, on Veterans Parkway in Clovis, is the CVMD’s historical museum created in 2021.

Tough like Tristen: The hope for victory in the fight against cancer

Nikki McCabe mnick1717@gmail.com

July 31, 2023 - Can you be tough like Tristen? Tristen Graham, 9-years-old, set the bar very high as he has battled cancer not once, but twice after a recent relapse.

Back in 2019, parents Tiffanie and Tyler Graham received the news that Tristen was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The Graham family has been fighting ever since to make sure they can call Tristen a cancer survivor.

In December of 2021, Graham had achieved kicking cancer out of his life, and celebrated by ringing a bell that survivors blare in the hospital after treatment is done.

Graham had transitioned back to everyday life, getting back to school and playing sports. April 3 of this year was the day the Graham family realized their battle was not over.

Since then, Tristen and his family have been preparing for intense medical treatments that will help get rid of the cancer. Tristen has also been carrying a backpack everywhere with him that is helping to provide immunotherapy.

Now Graham is recovering at Stanford Cancer Center after undergoing several radiation treatments and receiving a bone marrow transplant from his father.

Tristen’s parents prepared his trip to Stanford on July 3 by having all of their supporters line the streets of Dewitt avenue in Clovis to send him off with the love and

hope they have for him to be cured.

Multiple small businesses such as Pharaohs Car Club of Clovis, Moravia Wines, and Monkey Dog Coffee have stepped up raising funds to show support for the Graham families’ mission.

The Graham family has been very active in

the community to spread Tristen’s story and raise funds to aid in his cancer battle. This year the 4th annual Tough Like Tristen Golf Tournament will be held on September 16 at the Sherwood Forest Golf Course in Sanger for anyone wanting to help support their cause. Multiple community fundraisers have been

held and the Graham’s have received continued support from the community through their gofundme which has amassed to $45,730.

The Graham family have set their goal to hopefully reach $60,000. If you would like to donate, you can donate online at their gofundme.com.

Photo courtesy of the Clovis Fire Department, Facebook Crews on Truck 41, Engine 42, and Engine 43 joined to support a member of our department in the drive-by send off of his nephew, who is also a member of the Clovis community.