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Clovis High Alum Reaches Olympic Semifinals in Tokyo PAGE 14
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Clovis Welcomes American Legion Baseball Petaluma Wins State Championship
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Mayor Jose Flores had to recuse himself from this decision due to living within 1,000 feet of the project. Olympian Honors Flores also proposed a day celebrating U.S. Olympian and Clovis sprinter Jenna Prandini’s effort in the 2021 Summer Olympics. “[She] never forgot Clovis, and
Clovis Unified School District (CUSD) parents now have the option to seek a mask exemption for their children following a governing board decision on Thursday, July 29. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) allows for medically-based mask exemptions without verification, with parents and staff having to fill out a form stating reasons for an exemption. Exemptions include medical, disability, hearing impaired, and mental health. Mental health is a recent addition to the exemption list for the upcoming school year. Among many parents who have presented to the board in the past few weeks, mental health is the basis for their arguments on eliminating mask mandates. In California, students are still required to wear masks, and an approved medical exemption is needed for a student to be maskless, not based on political views or beliefs. CUSD Board President Dr. Steven Fogg hopes that parents will fill out the exemption forms truthfully and not seek an exemption simply because they refuse to have their children wear masks. “I’m hoping we don’t have parents say, ‘The reason is I just don’t want them to wear it,’” Dr. Fogg said. “I’d be disappointed if those are the reasons.” Dr. Fogg said refusing masking based on political views or disagreement with the government
See CITY COUNCIL, Pg. 4
See CUSD, Pg. 5
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CITY NEWS
The Post 28 Leghorns from Petaluma High School won the 2021 California American Legion baseball championship, capping a weekend full of baseball in Clovis.
Clovis PD Receives ABC Grant PG 3
GABE CAMARILLO @gabecamarillo_
They were the loudest team in the room. At a dinner welcoming the six competing teams to the California American Legion baseball chamKiwanis Club Donates to New Senior Center PG 5
pionship, it was revealed that each team’s jersey would represent a branch of military service -- Air Force, Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Space Force. Then it was revealed to the unwitting players that they would perform their branch’s official song
subdivision built on the land forward. Clovis’ planning commission The Clovis City Council first considered the project at its rezoned 3.54 acres of land near June 24 meeting, where residents the northeast corner of Shaw and voiced neither comments for or Locan Avenues from a public fa- against the project, and it was cilities zone district to single-fam- approved unanimously. ily residential at its Monday, Aug. The City says the rezoning 2 meeting. is consistent with the adopted Rezoning the area from public general plan’s goals, policies, and facilities to single-family resiactions, including the housing dential pushes a projected 17-lot element. @IJustDoNews
See BASEBALL, Pg. 15
PRSRT MKTG US POSTAGE PAID SANGER, CA PERMIT 9
Mail Theft Leads to Police Pursuit and Two Arrests PG 14
in front of the entire Clovis Veterans Memorial District ballroom. When The Marines’ Hymn began playing, a loud roar erupted from two tables near the front stage. The boys jumped up, howled
City Council Updates, Recognitions ANTHONY DE LEON
CRIME
Clovis Unified Allowing Mask Exemptions for Students ANTHONY DE LEON
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What’s Up, Clovis? CHECK OUT THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN
Open Auditions for “It’s a Wonderful Life” Stage Play
Courtesy of Clovis PD
The Clovis Police Department is one of over 50 law enforcement agencies in California to recieve the ABC grant.
Clovis PD Receives ABC Grant Clovis Roundup Photo
The Front Line Cortet Assemble performing during the Holiday Cabaret show hosted by CenterStage Clovis in December 2019.
ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews
CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre will be holding auditions for its upcoming rendition of “Merry Christmas, George Bailey!” on Saturday, July 31 at 10 a.m. The play will be a live stage radio play based on the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” CenterStage is looking to cast 16 performers including adults,
teens, and three children. Auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will take place at 804 4th St. According to the CenterStage website, anyone may audition, depending on the age groups required for the selected play. No experience is necessary for a tryout. Scheduled dates for the play are Nov. 23 and 27, Dec. 2 to 4, and 9 to 11 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews
The Clovis Police Department announced the department is receiving a $47,000 grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) on Wednesday, July 28. Clovis PD Chief Curt Fleming said the grant would go toward addressing alcohol-related harm in the community. “This is important to the city to increase protection for youth and to shut down problem locations that can reduce the quality
of life in neighborhoods,” said Chief Fleming. This grant is one of over 50 awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP). The APP program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and bring penalties such as fines, suspensions, or revocations against businesses that violate the law and cause harm to the community. Additionally, funds are used to reduce alcoholic beverage sales to minors, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities,
including the sale and possession of illicit drugs. Grants from APP help strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining local police departments and ABC resources. “The program has helped improve safety in communities we serve,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “We’ve seen a real difference in the communities where the grant program resources have been invested.” Since 1995, the APP program has distributed over $40 million in California to local law enforcement to combat alcohol-related harm.
Two People Rescued After Driving into a Ditch ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews
Two people called 911 for help in the early morning hours after driving into a deep ditch in a construction zone on Wednesday, July 28. The collision happened just before 1 a.m. when a Toyota Camry crashed into a 15 to 20-foot ditch on the side of the road near Ashlan Avenue between Leonard and Highland Avenues. After receiving a 911 call, the Clovis Police Department was first on the scene, with the Clovis Fire Department and American
Ambulance arriving shortly after. Emergency workers were able to assist in removing the occupants by helping them crawl out of the vehicle and ditch. Clovis PD says the driver and passenger received moderate injuries and were transported to the hospital. A towing company removed the vehicle from the ditch, and the accident is now under investigation by Clovis PD. Clovis PD says the construction zone and ditch were properly marked with signage and temporary fencing.
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The vehicle plummeted 15-20 feet into a ditch at a construction site in the Loma Vista area.
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California Requiring Proof of Vaccination for State and Health Care Workers ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews
California is the first state in the nation to require all state employees and health care workers to provide proof of vaccination as COVID-19 rates rise, officials said on Monday, July 26. Additionally, unvaccinated employees or employees declining to present proof of vaccination will be subject to coronavirus testing at least once a week, according to the California Department of Human Resources. Gov. Gavin Newsom discussed the new guidance at a news conference hosted at Kaiser Permanente Headquarters in Oakland. Monday’s announcement effectively eliminates the “honor system” that many California employers have been operating by. “We are now asking for that verification, no longer encouraging self-attestation,” Newsom said. “This is a requirement to prove you’ve been vaccinated. And if you have not, you will be tested.” Both public and private healthcare workers will face similar requirements. There are at least 238,000 state employees, according to the California controller’s office, and at least 2 million health care workers in the public and private sectors. In a tweet following the news conference, Newsom said California will have the strongest state vaccine verification systems in the United States. Newsom added, “We’re experiencing a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Everyone that can get vaccinated—should.” The new policy for state workers will take effect on Aug. 2, while health care
Courtesy YouTube
Gov. Gavin Newsom discussing vaccine verification guidance at a news conference in Oakland on Monday, July 26, 2021.
workers and facilities will begin on Aug. 9. Health care facilities will have until Aug. 23 to come into full compliance. Although not a requirement, Newsom encourages local governments and businesses to require workers to provide proof of vaccination or once-a-week testing. The governor’s office says more than 44 million vaccine doses have been administered and 75% of the eligible population receiving at least one dose. However, the state officials say there is an increase in the number of people who
have refused the vaccine being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and dying. Officials say that this increase is due to the Delta variant, a mutated strain of SARSCoV-2. “We must do more to fight disinformation and encourage vaccine-hesitant communities and individuals,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “The Delta variant is up to 60% more infectious than the Alpha strain but many times more infectious than the original COVID-19 strain.”
According to health officials, as of last week, the state-wide case rate has quadrupled from as low as 1.9 cases per 100,000 in May to at least 9.5 cases per 100,000 people. The testing positivity rate has risen from 0.7% in June to 5.2%, while hospitalizations went up from under 900 to 3,000. “We’re at a point in this pandemic where individual’s choice not to get vaccinated is now impacting the rest of us in a profound and devastating and deadly way,” Newsom said.
California Prohibits Certain Mugshots from Social Media
ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews
California will be restricting which suspected criminals will be receiving their 15 minutes of shame on social media following a recent assembly bill (AB) on Friday, July 23, 2021. AB 1475 prohibits any police department or sheriff’s office in the state from sharing the booking photos of suspects of nonviolent crimes on social media platforms. Law enforcement can share booking photos of a person if they are a fugitive, arrested for certain violent crimes, or an
CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
I think she made us proud,” Flores said. On Monday, Prandini’s goal of earning a medal in the 200 meters ended with a fifthplace finish in the semi-final heats, eventually finishing 13th overall in the event. Prandini also participated in the 100 meters, finishing fourth in the semifinals. “She [Prandini] was eliminated in the semi-finals, and she tried her best,” Flores said. “She left it all on the track.” Flores also acknowledged Clovis’ other Olympian, Bryson Dechambeau, who saw his Olympic dream cut short after testing positive for COVID-19 before his departure to Tokyo.
imminent threat to public safety. In a post on Facebook, Clovis Police Department shared the news of the recent bill, adding that they would continue to post photos of unknown suspects in an attempt to identify them so they can be processed. Clovis PD PIO Lt. Jim Munro doesn’t see the new bill as a significant loss for Clovis PD. Still, he says that posting mugshots of nonviolent suspects has been of value to the department. Munro says community members appreciate knowing who Clovis PD is arresting for nonviolent crimes, especially with the rise in mail and catalytic converter
thefts. “We feel that the community likes knowing who’s committing crimes,” Munro said. While Clovis PD finds posting mugshots helpful, Munro says the department also understands why California enacted the law. “On the other side, this law was created to make sure that people arrested are not considered guilty until they go through the court process, and we [Clovis PD] understand that,” Munro said. Munro says Clovis PD will adapt to the new requirements. “We’ll just adapt and overcome as we
do with any new piece of legislation,” Munro said. “We’re flexible, and we’ll just find new ways to do business.” AB 1475 is a retroactive bill, meaning a person can request that agencies remove previously posted mugshots. The bill also states that agencies must remove mugshots posted to social media upon request if the suspect of a violent crime were not charged, found not guilty in court, or if their records were sealed or expunged. Munro said Clovis PD has yet to receive any requests for photos to be removed from its social media platforms.
“We should honor those young people who strive, achieve, and represent,” Flores said. Retirees Honored The Council recognized two long-term City employees, John McIsaac and Mike McLemore. McLemore has worked for the City as a senior building inspector for 17 years, while McIsaac worked as a planning and development services plans examiner for 33 years. During Monday’s presentation, McLemore was described as an asset to Clovis, helping people through challenging construction projects while performing his duties positively and professionally. “Mike truly cared how he impacted not
only his colleagues but the community, as evident in absolutely everything that he did,” the presenter said. “His shoes will be hard to fill.” As for McIsaac, he was described as well respected, liked, and appreciated by the development community during his time as a plans examiner, given his work ethic and effectiveness in the role. “His retirement is truly our loss, given his ability to positively traverse the world of building code enforcement in a manner that left customers satisfied,” the presenter said. “That is a skill some people never achieve.” Councilmember Drew Bessinger thanked both retirees and talked about working closely with McIsaac while doing code
enforcement for the Clovis Police Department. Bessinger said working with McIsaac and his department on crime prevention through evictions was an effective tool, specifically with places that were selling and manufacturing drugs. “You [McIsaac] made things much easier and helped reduce crime by being part of a larger team, and that was a really good thing,” Bessinger said. Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck said both McLemore and McIsaac are examples of what makes Clovis what it is. “It’s just the daily work that people will never see about our city that you all do with such grace and skill that is Clovis at heart, and really remarkable,” Ashbeck said.
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Kiwanis Club Donates to New Senior Center ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews
The Kiwanis Club of Clovis presented a $50,000 check supporting the new Clovis Senior Activity Center on Thursday, July 22. “This group [Kiwanis Club] is now part of our major donor team, and we’re just so excited to start to get some momentum with our fundraising,” said Kathy Hamlin, a member of Friends of the Clovis Senior Activity Center. Eddie DeLeon, director for the Kiwanis Club, says the club decided to raise money to go toward the senior center last year, and in May, agreed on the amount given. “We thought $50,000 was a worthwhile investment to make. For the majority of the City of Clovis to have something to enjoy, somewhere to go and some resources,” DeLeon said. DeLeon, a Kiwanis Club member for 30 years, said many of the club’s members utilize the senior center, and the club has been an active partner with the senior center for 30 years. Before the pandemic, the club would hold its meeting at the senior center. Members also participate in the Meals on Wheels program and throw an annual Christmas dinner feeding up to 500 people. Hamlin said most of the money donated would be going toward outfitting the senior center with furniture and a billiards room in the center named for the Kiwanis Club. “It’s a great day for us to know that we have that kind of support in the community, that civic organizations want to contribute to the efforts of the city,” said Clovis Mayor Jose Flores. “We appreciate what they do.” The Kiwanis Club is now alongside the Smittcamp Family Legacy, who pledged to donate $1 million in honor of Earl and Muriel Smittcamp. However, Hamlin said the senior center is still looking for sponsors who will donate and raise an additional $2 million.
Anthony De Leon/Clovis Roundup
The Kiwanis Club gifting $50,000 to Clovis and senior center representatives (left to right: Luke Serpa, Shonna Halterman, Eddie DeLeon, Kathy Hamlin, Bill Costelow, Jose Flores, and Amy Hance) on Thursday, July 22, 2021.
In addition to outfitting the debt, additional donations will pay down the debt liability the City has accrued by borrowing to construct the building. The Landmark Square project, where the new center will be located, cost the City of Clovis upwards of $19 million. “So, part of this is going to be paying down the debt to make the debt more reasonable and save the city money in the long run,” Hamlin said. Hamlin said the anticipation for the planned 2022 completion is starting to gain momentum, and once completed, will allow
all aspects of the senior center to grow. “People who utilize the current senior center on our board … are saying that they can expand with the new center,” Hamlin said. “There are more people who want to participate with the new senior center. So, all of our wonderful programs are going to be able to grow.” Flores said the City recognized that expansion of the center was needed. “We’ve had this in our mind to grow it [senior center],” Flores said. “The fall of 2022 can’t come any sooner because we know there’s a pent-up demand for more
CUSD CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
isn’t going to fly, and he doesn’t support that reasoning. “I’m hoping that the people don’t use this mask exemption to sign it just because they don’t want to wear a mask,” Dr. Fogg said. “I don’t think that’s what it’s designed for.” He doesn’t expect many kids needing an exemption and a smaller number of students who will qualify for exemptions. Parents Against Masks CUSD parents once again filled the board room challenging masking mandates, with some attempting to persuade the board to side against masks. Many parents cited several hindrances masking causes, including breathing, speaking, hearing, and social interaction. One mother, Jennifer Inman, said masks were dangerous for her child while challenging a group of medical professionals who presented to the board earlier in support of masking. “I don’t need a study to tell me that masks are dangerous for my child. Masks don’t always mean safe and healthy,” Inman said. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but doctors are not always right.” She informed the board she would not be signing an exemption, and on the first day of school, her child would be on campus without a mask. Also saying she doesn’t have the means for private school or time for independent learning. Inman asked what would happen to her
Courtesy of CUSD
Melanie Price addressing the Clovis Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board regarding mask exemptions on July 29, 2021.
child if they showed up to school without a mask. Her child’s school told her she could go to jail for her child’s truancy if they didn’t attend. “A truancy officer would come to my house and take me to jail,” Inman said. “I don’t know what the other options are. I prefer not to go to jail, but if that’s where this takes me, then here we are.” CUSD Superintendent Dr. Eimer O’Farrell said that the masking situation is
ongoing even with the board’s decision. Dr. O’Farrell cautions that CDPH could change the terms of the exemption and force schools to require a medical verification for mask exemptions soon. “I’ve heard parents say, depending on the outcome of tonight’s meeting, some parents will be making decisions about whether they will continue with the enrollment of their children in Clovis Unified or take them out,” Dr. O’Farrell said.
services and activities.” In addition to the senior center, the sixacre, 29,000 square foot facility will house the William “Harry” Armstrong Transit Center, a health clinic run by Saint Agnes Medical Center, and a new Clovis branch of the Fresno County Public Library. “We believe our investment into the new center will provide sustaining resources that will be needed into the future,” said Bill Costelow, President of the Kiwanis Club. For its donation, Flores provided the Kiwanis Club with a proclamation honoring its contribution. She is concerned about the parent’s understanding of the possibility of changes the board could make in the near future. Local Control CUSD continues its push for local control regarding COVID-19 decisions by passing a resolution advocating for allowing the district to be the decision-makers. Thursday’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. The resolution continues by saying, “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.” Regarding hindrances, the resolution also states requiring teachers to cover their face hinders their ability to create and foster a connection with students. Dr. Pat McMillan, a medical professional at UCSF, supported students wearing masks and questioned CUSD’s want for local control. “I don’t have young kids anymore, but if I did, I’d want them to have the most stringent regulations,” Dr. McMillan said. “I’d want them to be in masks and to follow the science, not necessarily the local school board.” Dr. McMillan continued. “It’s just hard for me to understand why we wouldn’t just go with the best minds in our country.”
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Clovis PD Honor Hometown Heroes at Annual Awards Ceremony ALEXIS VICTORIA GOVEA @LexGovea
The Clovis Police Department recently held their Annual Awards Ceremony. A total of 26 members of the Clovis Police Department were recognized for awards — everything from Employe of the Year, DUI arrests, Life Saving, Medals of Merit, and Unit Citations. Meredith Alexander, Clovis Police Officer was recognized with two lifesaving awards. Officer Alexander said receiving these awards is definitely special. She highlights having great instructors at the Clovis PD, which is the reason she was able to perform CPR. “I hope that I can be an example for other little kids and little girls, and let them know that they can do what I can do,” said Officer Alexander. Even though men and women are structured differently, they all have the same common goal at the Clovis Police Department and they’re all equal, she added. Another hero in the community also received recognition this year. Firefighter Paul Gilman has been serving the community for over 20 years. He was awarded firefighter of the year. Firefighter Gilman said he is very appreciative of this award as his captain nominated him for it. “It’s been just really rewarding and a humbling experience to be recognized by
Alexis Victoria Govea/Clovis Roundup
Clovis PD Officer Meredith Alexander was recognized with two lifesaving awards at the Clovis PD’s annual Awards Ceremony held in June 2021.
the peers,” said Gilman. Clovis PD Annual Awards Ceremony recipients: • Police Officer of the Year: Josh Faith • Dispatcher of the Year: Daisy Bejar • Professional Staff of the Year: Brandon Blount • P/T Professional Staff of the Year:
Kevin Llanos • Reserve Police Officer of the Year: John Wemett • Volunteer of the Year: Kathy Sumner • DUI Arrest Recognition: Jocelyn Mahoney • Unit Citation: Sean Crispin, Anthony Lee, Tom Tucker, Shawn Knapp.
• Unit Citation: Street Enforcement Team • Medal of Merit: Josh Kirk, Garrett Rogers • Life Saving: Jason Gilles, Cesar Gonzalez, Amber Cocilova, Meredith Alexander (2), Chad Specht
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Courtesy of Buchanan High School
The 2021 Buchanan Bird Brains team.
Buchanan Bird Brains Soaring Above and Beyond game prompts. The second and third day, teams assemble into groups of three known sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com to some as the “alliance.” The alliance is Buchanan Bird Brains was founded in the group of members that compete in the 2004 at Buchanan High School. They are play-off matches. a well respected, award winning robotics “Sometime during these three days a team that gives back to their community and select group of team members are called to beyond. a separate room to present our Chairman’s They have achieved The 2015 FIRST binder, a collection of all team information World Champions award as well as six from team history to outreach events to regional chairman awards which recogbusiness structure that our IR side spends nize robotics teams that are exceptional at the entire season creating alongside executspreading the values of STEM. ing our initiatives,” said Olmedo. STEM stands for science, technology, After all the Chairman’s presentations engineering, and math. It has granted the and playoff matches, everyone gathers ability for a longer life, faster travel, and together and an award ceremony is held has allowed individuals to possess greater which gives tribute to both the winners knowledge at any given time. of the regional Chairman’s award and the “STEM has improved the world around teams moving on to the World Championus and the quality of life lived today,” said ships. Sabrina Olmedo, Director of Online Media The Buchanan Bird Brains don’t stop at for the Buchanan Bird Brains. just competing though, they also spend a lot FIRST is a well known international of their time giving back to the community. non-profit organization dedicated to inspir“We take pride in our community sering the next generation of STEM innovavice and efforts to promote STEM to the tors, it ranges from K-12 grade(s) and hosts world at large,” said Sabrina Olmedo, dian annual robotics competition. rector of the online media for the Buchanan In order to compete in the FIRST compe- Bird Brains. tition, teams of high school students, coachThe Buchanan Team has a program es, and mentors have to work for six-weeks just for the future women of STEM, this is to create a robot capable of competing. called G.E.M.S. which stands for “Girls in Winning the regional Chairman’s award Engineering, Math, and Science”, and the or the robot tournament as part of an alliprogram lasts 4 weeks with 3 meetings per ance at either regional qualifier is a robotics week afterschool. team’s ticket to the World Championship The first week is dedicated to computwhich is either held in Houston, Texas or St. er-aided design and creating 3D models Louis, Missouri. online, the second week is where the girls The tournament typically lasts about 3 print out and assemble the models created days. The first day is dedicated to practicing in the previous week, the third week is dedand qualifying their robots to address the icated to basic programming, and the fourth SYDNEY MORGAN
week is dedicated to public speaking and branding. It is hosted entirely by female leaders for girls from Alta Sierra middle school. It provides a short crash-course on the engineering process as well as the business aspect of STEM. “Women are historically underrepresented in the field of STEM, and this program is how we work to change that situation and empower our female students at the same time,” said Olmedo. They offer elementary level STEM students fun activities to develop problem solving and teamwork skills, and are currently translating the children’s book they wrote into 12 different languages. The Buchanan Bird Brains also work with local nonprofits, such as ‘A Hopeful Encounter’ to bring STEM workshops to students in Laos, an area where students and children are living in poverty. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the team continued to work hard and ended up gaining the ‘Equity and Access Grant’ that they are planning on using to fund their plan that spreads elementary-level robotics teams throughout Title I schools in the Central Valley. For those with interests in sponsoring, joining the high school team, or taking part in the elementary level programs they host, you can go to their website http://team1671. com/pages/contact/ and fill out a short message forum. “We encourage and invite members with a plethora, [a wide variety], of characteristics” said Olmedo. The team has subgroups that reflect STEM, these include engineering, media,
sponsorship, outreach, and team spirit so there is a place for each type of person. “Our team has produced many engineers, analysts, animators, and programmers that become successful people in their adult years,” said Olmedo. One example of this is one of her alumni students, Chris Erickson, who was an animator from the team. His job was to create shorts which went on to win awards at a high school level, this led to him then becoming an animator for Disney/Pixar. He helped create the hit children’s movie “Big Hero 6.” Others have moved on from the team and entered into the greater world of STEM, working for companies such as Disney/Hulu, Mine Ventilation Services, Symantec, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Digital Dimensions. Some have even progressed into larger roles within the robotics world, such as former members Andrew Nabors and Dimple Ravuri who are the current Head Coach and Teacher Advisor of the Buchanan Bird Brains and Callie Carbajal who is the FIRST LEGO League Program director of Central Valley Robotics. According to their website, “Our [The Buchanan Bird Brains] purpose is to spread the appreciation of Science and Technology throughout our community and the world at large.” They have done so through community services, outreach programs, organizations and after school programs for elementary level students, as well as through the family dynamic of their team which has given members both a sense of belonging and a calling for knowledge and success.
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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 4, 2021
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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
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3 Oaks Studio
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Clovis Appliance, 602 5th St., 299-6806 Clovis Coin Shop, 442 Pollasky Ave, 326-8464
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Brick and Morter
Comfort Suites Foxtail Gallery Gottschalk Music Center JT’s Music Store Realty Concepts The Perfect Pillow
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10. Cozy Cottage, 444 Pollasky, 324-1006 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
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The Foundry Collective Urban Ornaments
10. Sassano’s Mens Wear, 448 Pollasky Ave, 299.4430, SassanosMensWear.com
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Clovis Senior Activity Center (559) 324-2750 850 Fourth Street Clovis, CA 93612
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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
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Michaelangelo’s Pizzeria Old Town Saloon On the Edge Coffee Shop Outlaw Tavern
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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
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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
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Recipe
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FAMILY FEATURES
coring big on game day requires championship-level meals and snacks that keep the crowd full and ready for action. You can take your tailgate to the house with these baked dishes that help simplify homegating so you can focus on the big screen. From a salsa-based dip and chicken wings to kick off the party to sweet brownies for celebrating victory, each of these recipes call for less than an hour in the kitchen. Clock management is key to tackling a tailgate spread, making these delicious dishes the perfect play calls on game day. To find more tailgate and homegate recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.
Just Wing It Skip the silverware at your next homegate and dive right in with a fan favorite that requires just your hands and a heap of napkins: wings. Whether you pick through your pieces or clean each wing to the bone, these Game Day Chicken Wings are perfect for eaters of all types. A simple flour-based coating keeps the recipe easy to make and baking in the oven means you can skip the messy fryer or firing up the grill. Cook until crispy then corral your party’s favorite dipping sauces from ranch and blue cheese to barbecue and more. Once your spread
is served, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the game. Visit Culinary.net to find more touchdownworthy tailgate recipes.
Game Day Chicken Wings Total time: 50 minutes Servings: 4 1/2 cup butter, cubed 1/3 cup flour 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 10 chicken wingettes, thawed dipping sauces (optional) fresh parsley (optional) Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. Arrange butter cubes on foil. In medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Coat both sides of wings in flour mixture then evenly space among butter cubes on baking sheet. Bake wings 30 minutes. Turn wings over and bake 15 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked. Serve with dipping sauces and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.
Score Big with a Salsa-Based Dip Whether your game day celebrations call for a full-blown parking lot party or homegating with your closest friends, the nibbles and noshes you serve set the stage. Building your menu with crowd-pleasing classics – including one tried-and-true favorite that offers a fresh, veggieforward taste: chilled salsa – makes your guests cheer for more than just the home team. Healthy game day snacks are important to almost half (48%) of tailgaters and 18% said they’d consider leaving a party if salsa wasn’t served, according to the “Game Day Eats Report” survey from refrigerated salsa brand Fresh Cravings. With its low calorie count packed with high flavor, salsa supports healthconscious goals. Made with ingredients like fresh tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and more, the authentic taste of chilled salsa is a universal favorite among fans. With a belief that plant-based foods should contain wholesome ingredients and bold flavors worth celebrating, Fresh Cravings refrigerated salsas are available in the produce section, next to dressings and dips, in restaurant-style or chunky mild, medium and hot varieties. Chilled salsa is an affordable and vibranttasting alternative to jarred salsa, making it a key ingredient in this Mexican Pizza Dip from celebrity chef George Duran. It’s a simple crowd-pleaser you can make in less than an hour, leaving more time for pregame festivities. For more information and game day recipe ideas, visit freshcravings.com.
Mexican Pizza Dip
Recipe courtesy of chef George Duran Servings: 6-8 Nonstick cooking spray 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound ground beef 1 package taco seasoning mix
www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Cap Off Game Day with an All-Star Combo Pregame festivities call for salty snacks and meaty morsels, but halftime eating and postgame celebrations are perfect for sweet treats. You can sweeten up your tailgate or homegate with a shareable option like Marbled Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies made with Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane sugar and dissolves and measures cup for cup just like white granulated sugar without compromising performance or taste. Featuring an undefeated combination of peanut butter and chocolate, this dessert is ideal for baking a day ahead so you can manage the clock on game day. Find more tailgating sweets at dominosugar.com.
Marbled Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa, plus additional for topping 1 cup grated mozzarella 1/2 cup blended Mexican cheese sliced jalapeno (optional) sliced black olives (optional) green onions (optional) tortilla chips Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-8-inch glass pan or large souffle dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In large saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and add ground beef, breaking up with flat wooden spatula, until fully cooked. Sprinkle taco seasoning throughout beef and combine. Place warm beef mixture in large bowl and add cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup salsa and mozzarella. Mix well until combined and pour into prepared pan. Top with blended cheese and sliced jalapeno, black olives and green onions, if desired. Bake until fully warmed and cheese is melted, 30-35 minutes. Top with small spoonfuls of salsa. Serve with tortilla chips.
Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Yield: 24 brownies Chocolate Brownies: 1/2 cup (1/4 pound) butter 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 1 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour Peanut Butter Marble: 1/4 cup natural (no added sugar) peanut butter 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder powdered sugar, for topping (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. To make chocolate brownies: In medium saucepot over low heat, melt butter and chocolate. Remove pot from heat; stir in sugar and vanilla until blended. In small mixing bowl, whisk eggs until frothy then stir into chocolate mixture. Sift flour into batter and stir just until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing to edges. To make peanut butter marble: In mixing bowl, cream peanut butter, butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat just until blended. In separate bowl, sift or whisk flour and baking powder then stir into batter just until combined. Carefully spread peanut butter marble over chocolate batter. Use knife to swirl batters together, first horizontally then diagonally. Bake 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting. Top with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.
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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 11
LET’S TALK CLOVIS:
Clovis High’s First Football Team, 1922 inexperienced team was unable to solve. But in straight football and aggressive fight, Clovis had the edge. PEG BOS Then on October 27, our team jourHistorian/Clovis Museum neyed to Parlier for the second league Sponsor game. Although we were out weighted the line charged harder than the Parlier line We are sharing the article written in the and the backs played a smashing game. 1922 Argus (now Cavalcade annual) that Captain Mishler and Magatagan made reviews the first year of football at Clovis the most yardage. Miller played a good High. defensive game at guard and Mishler and “The 1922 softball season saw the Wamsley did stellar work in the secondary game of American football for the first defense. The final score was Clovis 14, time at the Clovis High School. This was Parlier, 0. made possible through the efforts of Coach Our hardest game to lose was that with Newman (teaching staff) and Mr. McKes- Madera, November 5. Outweighed and out son (Principal), and the cooperation of the experienced cost Clovis the game, 14-7. Board of trustees. However considering that the opponents At the first call for candidates it was were playing their fourth year of football very evident that the community and stuas against our first the result was a great dents in general had the wrong impression credit to the hard fighting Clovis team. of football and what it means to the playWilliams furnished the thrill of the game ers and to the school. by dashing 70 yards for our score. However, after the first practice game The climax to our football season ocwith a team from the Fresno Technical curred on our home grounds November 10, High School, when our boys in spite of when Clovis defeated Easton13-6. Easton their scant knowledge of the game came had previously defeated Madera and held out victorious over their opponents, a new Fowler to a close score. Both Kosich and spirit for the game was developed. The Landers played a smashing game in the town team was then taken into camp. line, while Captain Mishler, Wamsley and On October 15, we met Fowler, the Morgan ruled the yardage. Morgan espestrongest team in our division, for the first cially deserves credit as a ground gainer. league game. The outcome was as well Thus our season ended with Clovis tied as could be expected. Fowler was unable with Madera for second place in our divito score on line plays. Clovis was able to sion. break through the Fowler line for yardage. The team owes much of its success to The 32-0 score was made possible by our the coaching of “Darkhorse” Newman, visitor’s forward passing game, which our whose experience as a football player has
Contributed by Clovis Museum
The 1922 Clovis High School Football Team.
enabled him to develop a hard fighting year. Much credit must be given the members of the team for their fighting spirit and sportsmanship. Captain Galen Mishler, was the outstanding star of the team. He hits hard on the offense and was our best ground gainer. On the defense he was a sure tackle and backed up the line well. Captain Elect Wamsley, although rather diminutive in size for a football player well deserves the honor of being elected captain for his fighting spirit. Tom Magatagan, Claude Morgan and George Shimamoto were the
other backfield men, and all performed creditably. On the line Monroe Landers played the most consistent game. Louis Kosich and Hubert Nevins were two good smashing tackles and Bill Miller and Carl Williams held down the guard berths. The pivot positions were held down well by Claude Morgan, Gordon Wilson and Milton Reyburn. Considering their size and newness to the game, these ends are deserving of much credit.” Clovis High’s first football team is a part of our rich heritage.
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ACROSS 1. Alter 7. Defects 13. Language of Andorra 14. One who scrapes 16. Not off 17. People indigenous to Europe 19. Of I 20. Hmongs 22. Brew 23. Sandwich shops 25. Shade trees 26. Scope or extent 28. Self-immolation by fire 29. U of Al. fraternity 3-91856 30. Automatic data processing 31. Veterans battleground 33. “___ Squad” 34. Frog genus 36. Pillage 38. Elsewhere defense 40. Graphic symbols 41. An opaque spot on the cornea 43. Capital of Yemen 44. Doctors’ group
45. Electronic countermeasures 47. Make lace 48. Chit 51. Singer Horne 53. Silent agreement 55. Short-billed rail 56. Drinking container 58. Matchstick game 59. Indian dresses 60. Trumpeter Hirt 61. The View’s first segment 64. Atomic #34 65. Plural of 41 across 67. Roof supports 69. Tears apart 70. Goat-like deities DOWN 1. Folder paper 2. Mormon state 3. Folded, filled tortillas 4. Expression of sorrow 5. Follows sigma 6. Settle in tents 7. Milk paint 8. A batter’s run 9. Little Vienna on the
Mures 10. Stems 11. Country singer Lang 12. Half tone interval 13. Arrives 15. Occupies 18. Vestment 21. Relating to US artifacts 24. One who covers with laminate 26. Dental organization 27. Pitch 30. Like a feeble old woman 32. Murdered in his bathtub 35. __ Dhabi, Arabian capital 37. Play on words 38. Alloy of mercury 39. Mushroom gill 42. Perform 43. College entrance exam 46. Praying insects 47. Entices 49. Ascends 50. Sculpture stands 52. God of Assyria 54. Data executive 55. Impudent 57. Not shared 59. Rabbit tail 62. Small amount 63. Irish revolutionary org. 66. Ben-Hur actor’s initials 68. Older citizen (abbr.)
PUZZLE ANSWERS
www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 4, 2021
LOG OF SHAME APRIL BLANKINSHIP AND TONI GARCIA Contributed
July 14, 2021 There was a report of vandalism around 10:40 a.m. at a pharmacy. Someone had reported that their rear windshield wiper had been taken. If you really needed one, buddy, set up a Go Fund Me next time instead of stealing from random people. Windshield wipers are super cheap, a lot cheaper than a trip to jail, JUST SAYING! July 15, 2021 Police were called to a theft of a local coffee shop at around 5:50 a.m. Items were missing, including some coffee mugs and tumblers. I understand the desire for those tumblers, buddy, but are they worth a theft charge? Probably not. Safer to just buy your own! July 16, 2021 A pizza place reported vandalism on their delivery car. The car had the catalytic converter stolen! Unfortunately, if anyone is experiencing late delivery times, it might be due to their car being vandalized by pond scum! They definitely will not be implementing the “30 minutes and it is free” policy during these trying times! July 17, 2021 At around 8:30 in the morning, residents of an apartment complex reported theft from their vehicles along with vandalism. Fishing poles were stolen from one vehicle and a floating inner tube was taken from another. Sounds like these thieves are looking forward to a relaxing time at the river but should be looking at time in jail. Hopefully, these thieves catch charges instead of fish! July 18, 2021 Over off Karen Ave, a resident reported a vehicle break in. Thieves stole a purple backpack and charging cords. Was the thief a 12-year-old girl? I get that times are tough but your parents not giving you money for back-to-school shopping and cords to charge your phone so you can snapchat your friends, is no need to steal from others! July 19, 2021 An elementary school reported vandalism on their campus. Their windows had been damaged by two suspects who were apprehended. Perhaps they were still holding a grudge on their 3rd grade teacher for giving them detention for unruly behavior. Sounds like it was probably a good call by their teacher if you ask me. Maybe jail will teach them what detention couldn’t. July 20, 2021 Over on Shaw Ave, two friends were caught joyriding in a stolen car. Not only were they driving around in a stolen vehicle, but they were also carrying drugs. One suspect had warrants out for their arrest. They caught a ride around town, just in the back of a police car heading downtown to jail. Next time, just catch the bus, buddy, instead of criminal charges. July 21, 2021 A man reported his minivan stolen at nearly midnight. With modern day tracking of cars, why would anyone still attempt this? You may as well drive straight to prison. July 22, 2021 A white plastic chair was stolen off of a woman’s apartment patio. Why in the world would you risk jail time for a $12 chair? I hope the first time you sit in it the leg breaks and you come tumbling down to the ground like Humpty Dumpty! July 23, 2021 Drunk and disorderly, a man was picked up right before midnight while trying to go through a drive through...on foot. Look pal, a Happy Meal would probably help you sober up but there are rules and etiquette about that whole “DRIVE” through. July 24, 2021 Two men were picked up at Shaw and Peach for possession of narcotics. A woman driving by called police when she saw the two men in a fist fight. The police rolled up on them before they even knew what was happening. No need to fight over the joint in your back pocket, no one is getting it now! July 25, 2021 A woman was arrested for being drunk in public and I swear, just once, I would like to hear that a drunk girl was just having a great time and got to tipsy. But no, it’s always full blown drunkenness over a boy, who dumped her. She was so drunk she couldn’t hardly walk. The best revenge is to live well sisters! Forget that alcohol drama that lands you in the drunk tank! July 26, 2021 A man was cited and released without his keys for driving with no car insurance. Driving is a privilege folks, not a right! Break the law, get in trouble. Simple as that! *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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MONEY & FINANCE
Does Your Work-From-Home Outfit Boost Your Productivity? NOBLE CREDIT UNION @NobleCUFresno | Sponsor
The number of people working remotely is on the rise—and so are new trends in work-from-home fashion. For many, the ability to wear loungewear during work hours is a huge perk. Not only is it more comfortable than typical workwear, but it also saves time when it comes to ironing, laundering, and getting ready in the morning. Before you commit to a lifetime of hoodies and sweatpants, however, consider this: studies show that there is a link between dressing up for work and your overall productivity. According to science, clothing can influence the way we think and feel though symbolism and through routine. Using Symbolism Enclothed cognition is a term that describes the psychological effects of wearing certain types of clothing. In a 2012 study, cognitive psychologists Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky gave participants a white lab coat to wear while taking an attention test. Half of the participants were told they were given a doctor’s coat; the other half were told they were given a smock typically worn when painting. Even though the coats were identical, the participants who believed they were wearing
a doctor’s coat outperformed those who believed they were wearing a smock. The symbolic value attached to certain articles of clothing can influence our behavior when we wear that clothing. Following the lab coat experiment’s logic, donning a blazer can increase your confidence and focus, while wearing a sporty tracksuit might help you make healthier choices as you go about your day. Building a Routine The simple routine of getting dressed can also contribute to productivity. According to behavioral scientist Nick Hobson, even small rituals can carry tremendous psychological and biological benefits. By getting dressed at the same time every morning, you start your day off with a little more order and structure than you would by rolling out of bed and logging on in your PJs. That little bit of structure can alleviate stress and help create a healthy boundary between your workday and your personal time. The so-called “Mr. Rogers effect” of changing clothing before and after work gives your brain the signal that it is time to focus or that it is time to relax. Striking a Balance If you’re dreading a future without elastic waistbands, don’t despair—dressing for increased productivity doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. You
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can take advantage of the scientific findings above by choosing pieces that make you feel confident and capable. For some, that might mean classic office attire, like blazers and long-sleeved shirts—for others, that might mean a daily “uniform” consisting of jeans and a T-shirt. Whatever you choose, be sure to stick to the routine of changing your clothes before and after work for maximum impact. Give it a try—if you’re having trouble staying focused throughout your day, try out some new work-from-home outfits. Although it may seem frivolous, dressing up for work (even when you work from
home) has a measurable effect on your mood and productivity levels. Noble Credit Union, a Forbes Bestin-State Credit Union, has been treating each member with kindness, dignity, and honor while helping members make sound financial decisions for 80 years. The Credit Union offers members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including low-rate auto loans, MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, online and mobile banking, and more. For more information about membership at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit NobleCU.com.
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ROUNDUP
Clovis High Alum Reaches Olympic Semifinals in Tokyo
GABE CAMARILLO
@gabecamarillo_
The three words were painted on storefronts in Old Town Clovis and printed on signs staked in front lawns around town. “Go, Jenna, Go!” With her hometown fully showing its support for her, Jenna Prandini competed 5,300 miles across the Pacific Ocean, running in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter sprint events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The Clovis High alum qualified for the 200 m dash at the U.S Olympic Track & Field Trials last month, finishing second in the final with a time of 21.89 seconds. She later learned that she also qualified in the 100 m dash after Trials first-place finisher Sha’Carri Richardson was pulled due to testing positive for a banned substance. Prandini ran her first round 100m heat on Thursday, July 28, and finished third with a time of 11.11. She qualified for the Saturday morning semifinal, but did not advance to the final, running another 11.11 to finish 14th out of 23 semifinalists. Her Olympics did not end there, however. A day later, Prandini ran away with first place in the opening round of the 200m dash, her main event. Running in Lane 2, she made up for the staggered start in the first 100 meters and kept her lead over the last 100.
She coasted the final 10 meters and finished with a time of 22.56, placing her in the semifinal round that took place only eight hours later. Prandini competed in the 200m semifinal at 3:25 a.m. PDT Monday morning. She started strong, holding second over the first 150 meters of the race. Yet she faded in the final 50 and finished fifth in her heat, even though her time (22.57) was only a millisecond slower than her first round first-place finish. Finishing 13th out of 25 semifinalists, Prandini did not qualify for the 200m final, bringing her Olympic games to an end. TrackTown USA, where Prandini competed during her collegiate career at the University of Oregon, tweeted after Prandini’s last race: “Proud of our duck.” Clovis showed its pride too throughout Prandini’s time at the Olympics, especially during her highlight moment in Tokyo. After Prandini’s first round 200m victory, the NBC broadcast showed video of a watch party in Clovis, with Jenna’s parents, Carlo and Theresa, celebrating with a joyful group of onlookers. “That’s terrific,” the race broadcaster noted. “That might be the most packed friends and family scene that we have seen of any of the athletes here in track and field.” Every shirt visible in the Clovis crowd had three words: “Go, Jenna, Go!”
Courtesy of Kevin Morris
Jenna Prandini, who graduated from Clovis High in 2011, ran two events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. It was her second time competing in the Olympics.
DOUBLE THREAT:
How AK Okereke Found Success on Court and in Classroom Okereke balanced a busy academic life with a starring role on the court. He became the Broncos’ top scorer his senior If not for COVID-19, it’s likely that year, a result of his new, more aggressive AK Okereke would have received serious offensive approach. looks for a Division-I basketball scholar“What I think changed with him is that ship. he became a lot more aggressive at shootJust ask those who watched the 6-foot- ing the three,” said Clovis North boys’ 7 forward play. basketball head coach Tony Amundsen. “I think everyone was sleeping on “His sophomore year, he was trying to him,” said Demetrius Porter, who coached fit in with the team, so he would get his Okereke in AAU basketball. baskets where he could, going to the rim “No pandemic, he would probably have and rarely shooting threes. Then his junior several Division-I offers.” year, I was begging him to shoot more beThe unique thing about Okereke, who cause I knew he could shoot the ball.” led the Clovis North boys’ basketball team Enter Porter and the Elite Basketball to the Central Section Open Division play- Organization, also known as EBO, who offs last season, was that he didn’t need approached Okereke about joining their his on-court talent to gain admittance into AAU team after his junior season. America’s prestigious universities. AK agreed, and Porter turned him into A 4.72 GPA in the classroom made a confident scorer by surrounding him Okereke a valedictorian and helped him with other talented Central Valley hoopers. earn acceptance letters from Notre Dame, “It had to be kind of like a sink or swim Cornell and UCLA. Hours spent in the situation,” Porter said. “You can’t take a gym were followed by more hours workday off when you’re going against A.J. ing on homework from his AP and honors George every day. You can’t take a day off classes. when you’re going against Jaden Geron. “It was school, then practice right after, You’ll get embarrassed.” then church after that, and coming home to Okereke said it was “a tough start” eat, shower, and do homework after that,” but he built chemistry with his new teamOkereke said. “[The scholarships] were a mates, and EBO held its own on the tourdream come true, really. The long nights nament circuit. staying up until 2 or 3 a.m. getting projects “We were going to Arizona,” Okereke done, pushing myself... once I opened up said. “We were going to Utah, playing the those acceptance letters, I realized it was top competition. It was a grind there, beall worth it.” cause we were playing against Division-I
GABE CAMARILLO
@gabecamarillo_
Gabe Camarillo/Clovis Roundup
AK Okereke rises for a jump shot against Bakersfield Christian on April 8, 2021.
athletes. Coming back here, I was like, ‘If I can score on them, I can definitely score on these guys.’” Okereke averaged 22.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game his senior year. He saved his best for the last game of his high school career, recording 39 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and six blocks in a state playoff loss to then-state No.7 Chaminade Unfortunately for AK, his big season coincided with a period where recruits struggled to get noticed by colleges, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s so many college players that are in the transfer portal, and that narrowed
his chances of finding a place because these Division-I teams are picking up kids from other colleges that are transferring,” Amundsen said. “The COVID year has been tough on the 2021 class.” Thus, Okereke plans to attend Cornell without a basketball scholarship, but with a major in economics in mind. His love for basketball is still there, but those who know AK realize he is bound for more than basketball. Porter said he told the EBO team: “All you guys have NBA dreams and it’s cool. But AK is going to either make it to the NBA, or he’s going to be owning y’all in the NBA, because that’s how smart he is.”
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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 15
Nate Johnson Enters Senior Season With Cougars After a Summer To Remember
once he made an official visit to the University of Utah on June 3, Johnson felt at home. It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Nate He made an official visit to Ann Arbor Johnson. and the University of Michigan the next Back in January, he had yet to start his week. It didn’t change his mind; on June first high school game at quarterback. 18, Johnson verbally committed to the By July, he was competing with 19 oth- Utah Utes. er passers from around the country to earn “I made the commitment so early, a spot in the prestigious “Elite 11.” because I didn’t really want to wait too In between was a five-game high school long,” Johnson said, “and the reason why football season, a highly productive junior I committed to Utah is coaches-wise, year that ended in winning TRAC Offenplayers, fans, the environment out there in sive Player of the Year, a Central Section Salt Lake City was a lot different than Ann track & field championship, and a verbal Arbor. So, Utah basically has me.” commitment to a Pac-12 school. The day after he announced his com“It’s been wild,” Johnson said. “It’s mitment, Johnson finished his high school been a busy summer since football ever track & field career at the Central Section started. From January to now, it’s just foot- Masters meet. He won a Section champiball, track, then football. It’s been a busy onship in the 100-meter dash, clocking a past seven months, and I’m enjoying it so time of 10.52 seconds. far.” That same athleticism also helped Even before Johnson started for Clovis Johnson stand out at an Elite 11 regional High, he was lauded by head coach Rich in June. Running a 4.56 40-yard dash and Hammond as “the most talented quarjumping a 37-inch vertical, Johnson had terback I’ve ever had.” Johnson already the highest rating of any quarterback at the received seven offers from Division-I col- Los Angeles camp. lege football teams, including the UniverHis mix of passing and athletic gifts sity of Michigan and Fresno State. landed him an invitation to the Elite 11 Then, Nate Johnson arguably lived up Finals. He was one of only 20 U.S. high to the hype last spring. school quarterbacks invited, an honor no Johnson passed for 1,022 yards and other Central Valley quarterback has rerushed for 307 more, with 13 total touchceived in over a decade. downs (eight passing) in five games. Four “Just competing with the top guys in and a half, technically, since he had to sit the country and seeing everyone, getting most of the season opener vs. Central with to know them and watching how they go leg cramps. through drills, mentally I was thinking, His junior season brought him three ‘Okay, this is what to do,’” Johnson said. more offers from Power 5 schools, but “Just going to the camp, I learned a lot
from it, especially from players and coaches.” Johnson said two of the quarterbacks he learned from at the Elite 11 Finals were Spencer Rattler of Oklahoma and Dorian Thompson-Robinson of UCLA, both of whom previously made the Elite 11. Johnson found his name in the Top 11 three days into the camp and, although he did not make the Elite 11 at the camp’s
conclusion, he went home both impressed with himself and motivated for the future. “I was actually excited, because only playing quarterback really for about a full year and being in the top 11 for the first three days, I was like, ‘Wow, this is crazy,’” Johnson said. “It will motivate me to be a better player. Even if I didn’t make the Elite 11, I just have to go back to work.”
Petaluma’s first run. “I saw the first baseman go off towards CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE his glove side because the [back-pick] wasn’t very good,” Henschell said. “I saw that and in approval, ran to the stage and belted out started breaking toward home. Luckily I got the song. With arms draped around each oth- around the tag.” er, the Post 28 Leghorns of Petaluma High Petaluma won four games at the state tourSchool sang and embraced the seven gold nament in a variety of ways -- by a game-tyletters on their jersey: “Marines.” ing bunt single and walk-off win Saturday; by “Our buddy, Chris Young, is from San strong pitching and defense Sunday; and by Diego and he’s a Marine,” said Petaluma sheer power on Monday and Tuesday, when head coach Spencer Finkbohner. “When he they combined for 29 runs in 10 innings bestood up and got us ready to rock and roll tween the two games. during the dinner, I said, ‘It’s going to be all “One through nine, every guy can do a bad for these boys. They don’t know what’s job, lay a bunt down and get the next guy coming.’” up,” Henschell said. “We hit through the linePatriotic spirit ran high among the six up probably five times today in five innings teams who took turns singing their branch’s so it’s just a great job.” song. At the end, Petaluma was picked as The Leghorns’ offensive dominance on the most spirited by Mark Gardner, a former the diamond made their off-the-field antics all Clovis High and MLB pitcher who spoke at the more amusing. the dinner. For one, Petaluma has carried around a The Leghorns won the first “competition” large wooden pencil along with a necklace of the state tournament. Four days later on a made up of enlarged paper clips. Attached warm Tuesday morning, they won the final to the paperclips is a drawing of the popular competition, defeating Post 113 Napa ValSpongeBob SquarePants character “Doodleley Baseball Club, 13-0, at Buchanan High Bob” with the character’s catchphrase written School. The five-inning rout secured the above it. Leghorns’ third California American Legion After his game-tying bunt Saturday, Elvis baseball title in four years. Zarco proudly wore the necklace. “It’s just the 707, Petaluma and Sonoma “It’s our rally DoodleBob,” Zarco said. County, and all the good ball players that “Whenever we get a double or home run or come out of there,” said Leghorns designated big hit, we always throw it up.” hitter Jake McCoy. “It’s young talent, it’s the Then there was the issue about Zarco’s cream of the crop, and every time it’s going first name. to be this way, so we’re just going to keep He went by “Mario” to coaches, teamgoing.” mates and even the public address announcer McCoy went 3-for-4 with a double and over the first three days of the tournament. three runs batted in Tuesday. Petaluma played Petaluma went to MB2 Raceway in Clovis with power and speed, stealing 11 bases in after a game, and “Mario” needed to type in the championship game. Leadoff hitter Gabe his first and last name. That’s when “Mario” Henschell swiped two bags in the first inning revealed his name was Elvis. alone, including a steal of home plate to score “The lady at the counter didn’t believe
him, so he had to get his ID out,” Finkbohner said. “Ever since then, we said we’re going to start calling him Elvis, and I made it a point to tell the announcer it’s not Mario. It’s Elvis.” Clovis makes it as tournament host city Elvis Zarco announced his real name to teammates and coaches while exploring the attractions and things to do in Clovis, the American Legion state baseball tournament’s newest host in over 40 years. After spending decades in Yountville, the tournament plans to return to Clovis next year and wants to progress to bigger markets such as the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego. “We’re looking for places where baseball is supported at a large level and Clovis, obviously with the success of the Buchanan teams, is that,” said Autrey James, Commander of the Department of California American Legion. “What better place to start your tour of California, if you will, than a home of national champions. Being here on this field means a lot to us.” Moving the tournament from small-town, rural Yountville to a metropolitan area like Clovis was an ambitious task for state tournament director Ray Flores. The transition was made easier with help from Clovis Veterans Memorial District, who hosted the welcome dinner and sponsored the event, as well as volunteers from American Legion posts across California who helped run the event. “We had already been talking with the good folks here at C.V.M.D,” Flores said. “For five years, they’ve been asking, ‘Can we host the program?’... We took a look at it. We built the business case and we said we can do this.” The tournament also offered a chance for Clovis and the Central Valley to reflect on its history with American Legion baseball. Tom Sommers, who played for the 1960 Roosevelt
High American Legion state championship team before playing professionally, spoke at Friday’s dinner. “I think American Legion taught me a lot of lessons,” Sommers said, “that we had to be tough, we had to be in great shape, and we had to play our very best every game.” Gardner played American Legion baseball in the summer of 1979, and he remembers the informalness of the game back then. “I don’t even know if we got a hat or anything, but it was just a t-shirt with a post number on there and we went out and played,” Gardner said. “The key word is opportunity. It gave me an opportunity to play and in the summertime, it’s hard to find people to go out and play. This organizes it and gets them out there.” Gardner went on to pitch for Fresno State and four MLB teams before coaching in the Big Leagues for 15 seasons. American Legion was a pit stop on his journey. “It was funny watching all of the kids line up at the dinner to get a photo with Mark Gardner,” Autrey said. “Here’s a kid who came to Clovis when he was four years old, grew up in baseball, played American Legion baseball, made it to the Majors and now has three World Series rings. You know what that tells these kids? If he can do it, anybody can do it.” While Clovis offered an opportunity to look at what American Legion has delivered in the past, it also allowed local veterans to watch the next generation of Legion ball players. Bruce Thiessen, former CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District and U.S. Army veteran, appreciated the loud singing at the dinner from the Petaluma Leghorn “Marines”. “You can’t beat it,” Thiessen said. “That’s what you’re trying to instill in young people today -- team spirit.”
GABE CAMARILLO
@gabecamarillo_
BASEBALL
Gabe Camarillo/Clovis Roundup
Nate Johnson (left) looks over the defense during Clovis High’s first fully-padded practice on Saturday, July 31, 2021.
16 . Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper Connect with us @ClovisRoundup
www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Mail Theft Leads to Police Pursuit and Two Arrests ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews
A Clovis pursuit leads to the arrest of two women after a witness saw them stealing a large amount of mail Wednesday morning. An alert Clovis Police Department community service officer witnessed suspects Dallas Johnson and Tara Burcher, both of Fresno, stealing the mail in the neighborhood of Sunnyside and Nees Avenues around 10 a.m. Johnson and Burcher led police on a pursuit after failing to adhere to an attempted traffic stop. The suspects led police traveling through north Clovis, Old Town Clovis, and ended on Highway 168 near Owens Mountain. During the pursuit, the suspects reportedly threw hundreds of pieces of mail out of the vehicle. A Clovis PD officer used a pursuit intervention technique (P.I.T) to safely end the pursuit and stop the vehicle without injuring anyone involved. The suspects were arrested, facing multiple charges, including mail theft, possession of stolen property, and burglary tools. Johnson is currently on parole for robbery and had an active parole warrant for her arrest. Both were transported and booked in the Fresno County Jail. Detectives continue to sort through the recovered property and are contacting victims. Mail Theft Rising Wednesday’s arrests are just one of
Contributed by Clovis PD
Dallas Johnson and Tara Burcher, both of Fresno, were arrested after leading Clovis PD on a pursuit for mail theft.
many incidents of mail theft, which the Clovis PD warn are on the rise. The department says that it has seen an increase in mail theft city-wide. “We encourage you to take proactive steps and make it difficult to become a victim of mail theft and fraud,” Clovis PD posted on Facebook. “Criminals get access to your personal information and
documents to be able to steal your identity, open fraudulent accounts in your name, and commit other types of financial fraud.” Clovis PD provides tips for mitigating the threat of mail theft: • Checking mail daily. • Citizens should go “paperless” for bills and statements that allow it.
• Residents should immediately report any suspicious activity or thefts in progress to Clovis PD anytime by calling 911 or (559) 324-2800. • Signing up for “Informed Delivery” by the US Postal Service. The free service allows residents to “digitally preview mail and manage packages scheduled to arrive.”
