Clovis Roundup - September 1, 2021 by Donna Melchor

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California 9-11 Memorial Clovis Historian Prepares for 20th Anniversary and Former Mayor Peg Bos Honored

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CITY NEWS

Clovis PD and Midas Offering Catalytic Converter Protection PG 3

The California 9-11 Memorial has new additions to the memorial for the 20th anniversary of 9-11. Photo shown was taken during 2019 California 9-11 Memorial ceremony.

SYDNEY MORGAN sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com

This year, 2021, marks the 20th anniversary since the 9-11 terrorist attacks that left the whole country in shock. September 11, 2001 was the day Islamist terrorist group, FEATURED

Californian Republican Candidate Larry Elder Holds Rally in Clovis PG 4

SPORTS

people over the span of the four plane attacks, including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers trying to save others trapped inside the Twin Towers. See 9-11, Pg. 5

Masks, Tension, Nazi Germany, and CUSD ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

Courtesy YouTube

The tension between the Clovis Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board and pro-mask choice parents continues to rise just two weeks into the school year, as is evident at the latest board meeting on Aug. 25. As parents addressed the board

At the CUSD board meeting, John Soares, a meeting regular, once again addressed mask mandates on Wednesday, Aug 25, 2021.

See SILVER MEDAL, Pg. 4

ALEXIS VICTORIA GOVEA @LexGovea

A celebration recently took place on Tuesday, Aug. 21 for Peg Bos at the Clovis Museum with family and friends. The event was held to honor her contributions to the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society where she served as President for 20 years. Clovis Museum President, Beth Christensen described Bos as dedicated, knowledgeable, caring, persistent. “But the word that really came to my mind with her overall was an educator because I think that’s what she’s done for the last 20 years,” said Christensen. Christensen talked about how not only has Bos had an impact on the museum, but she’s had an impact in a numerous amount of other areas such as, visiting classrooms and See PEG BOS, Pg. 4

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On 100th Anniversary, Clovis High Football Inducts Hall of Fame Class of 2021 PG 15

Al-Qaeda, executed a series of attacks against the United States. One of the four planned attacks, Flight 93, was not successful thanks to the courageous civilians that took back control of the aircraft before they could pursue the planned destination. The death toll was over 3,000

The Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society honored Peg Bos for her 20 years of dedication to the Clovis Museum on August 21, 2021.

INDEX What’s Up, Clovis? Old Town Clovis Guide Recipe

3 8-9 10

Let’s Talk Clovis Log of Shame Business & Service

11 12 13

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

Clovis Community College Clovis PD and Midas Offering Celebrates #LiveLikeMolly Week Catalytic Converter Protection On what would have been her 28th birthday, Clovis Community provided its enrolled students with food and Clovis Community College spent passed out 50 $50 Save Mart grocery the past week honoring former student gift cards. Molly Griffin by encouraging and delivThe day was also filled with students ering random acts of kindness through- sharing their random acts of kindness out campus. on social media, as students “lived like On February 21, 2015, Molly Griffin, Molly.” a nursing student at Clovis Community, Clovis Community held a book drive was killed by a drunk driver at only 23 throughout the week where people years old. donated new or gently used children’s In dedication to Griffin, Clovis and teen’s books. Community named this week ##LiveA blood drive was held on Tuesday, LikeMolly Week, the week of her and Friday was a phone a friend day. birthday. “We are excited to participate in the Griffin was described as “an incred#LiveLikeMolly movement and share ible young woman who had a passion kindness with our students. Molly is for doing random acts of kindness.” an inspiration to us all,” said Stepha“Molly was born on August 26, nie Babb, a director of marketing and which is why we have selected that communications at Clovis Community. day to spread kindness. It is a kind“We encourage everyone to participate ness movement...kindness...pass it on! not only today but continue to perform #LiveLikeMolly,” a news release stated. random acts of kindness all year long.” ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

As catalytic converter thefts continue to be an issue in Clovis, the Clovis Police Department and Midas Clovis are collaborating on theft prevention. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, recyclers will pay between $50 to $250 for a catalytic converter. And in a CBS News report in May, metals scrapped from newer hybrid cars can value between $800 to $1,500. Protective parking habits can be vital to preventing catalytic converter theft. Residents should park in well-lit areas, surveillance areas, or a garage. Extra measures can also be taken, including attaching anti-theft devices to the converter. License plate numbers or vehicle identification numbers (VIN) can also be engraved on the catalytic converter. Engraving is a service that Midas Clovis

twenty20photos

Clovis PD and Midas of Clovis is partnering up to help prevent catalytic converter thefts.

will offer by appointment at the Old Town Clovis location. This service is part of a complimentary vehicle inspection. However, the store says some fees may apply depending on the accessibility of the converter. Those interested can schedule an appointment by calling (559) 324-2800. Midas Clovis is located at 704 Clovis ave.

Sierra Vista Mall Holds First Career Fair since COVID-19 SYDNEY MORGAN sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com

The first career fair since COVID-19 was organized by Cumulus Broadcasting on August 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sierra Vista Mall. “It’s a place to bring businesses together from all over the valley,” said Chris Miller, Marketing Director for Cumulus Broadcasting. As that rate of unemployment is still an issue in the community, and the world, Cumulus Broadcasting wanted to make it easier for the people of Clovis to find a job or career both quickly and efficiently. “It’s a one stop shop for people who are interested in either getting a job, or maybe want to switch careers, or look and see what other opportunities are out there,” said Miller. According to the Employment Development Department, “the unemployment rate in Fresno County was 9.3 percent in July 2021.” The benefits of unemployment make it hard for individuals to want to go out and look for a job, but at

the end of the day it’s all about the long term goal instead of short term relief. The Sierra Vista Mall had 55 booths lined up inside, all full of eager employers waiting to tell the job seekers about their businesses. The first booth you see when you walk through the entry doors is the PHE, otherwise known as Pacific Health Education. They are seeking people who are caring of elderly people, at least 18 years of age, and who have a clean background. PHE offers a 30 day program that guarantees job placement in hospice care, whether that be in nursing homes or at home health. “You don’t need a high school diploma or GED, you just need to be able to read, write and converse in English,” said Nancy Hackett, a registered nurse at the booth. Another booth, Spherion, was hiring for occupations classified under warehouse general labor. These include jobs like forklift operators, welders, bookkeepers, and handling shipments or products. The job with the highest demand in this business was the forklift

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looking for work to talk to multiple businesses at one specific time, and see which ones are the best fit for them. “We’re anxious to get people back to work,” said Miller, “some of them will land a job right on the spot.” Career fairs are important and useful because they allow individuals to network with people and businesses within their community. They also teach people professionSydney Morgan/Clovis Roundup As you walk through the Sierra Vista Mall this is the first sight you see, booths alism, how to ‘dress to impress’, full of employers and Human Resource Managers waiting to tell people about how to utilize their experience to their business. create resumes, and the importance driver. For this particular job, Some specific jobs within of first impressions. Spherion requires 6 month prior Thomas Cuisine include cooks, With the threat of COVID-19 work experience and a certification baristas, dishwashers, dietitians, and decreasing due to vaccinations and to occupy a forklift. everything in between. The only mask mandates, the businesses that “We have nearly 100 openings requirement is to have a high school make up our city and surrounding we are looking to fill today, and diploma. communities are able to open back we’ll make the best match for the “It’s a great job for someone out up. However, they can’t reopen position you’re looking for,” said of high school, a professional chef, successfully if there are no workers. Rose Marie Ardire, the Regional or a registered dietitian,” said AshThat is why a career fair in a time Sales Manager for Spherion. ley Voorneveld, the California Hulike this is so influential for the Another booth that took part in man Resource Manager for Thomas people, the city, and the economy the career fair was Tomas Cuisine. Cuisine. overall. They were hiring for all nutrition With the ability to gather so “We’re just hopeful that things and dining positions within commany different businesses under get better and hopefully the job fair munity medical center properties. one roof it allows people who are is part of that,” said Miller.

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California Republican Candidate Larry Elder Holds Rally in Clovis mandates. We want to be able to choose,” said Castro. “We believe that everybody should have a right to choose for themConservative talk radio host Larry Elder selves. It’s OK if you want it and it’s OK recently made a visit to the Central Valley. if you don’t -- you should have the right to The campaign rally was held at Clovis choose.” North High School. Another Clovis resident who attended He began by joking with the crowd stat- the rally, Karina Palmore who works in ing that he’s only been a politician for five the medical field, said what she likes about weeks and asked everyone how’s he doing Elder is that he’s not a politician. as people in the audience cheered for him. “He’s a well known person who knows Elder is running in the election to recall about the problems of California. He’s California’s Democratic Governor Gavin a resident of California,” said Palmore. Newsom. “And I participate in the recall because we During his time in the Central Valley, he don’t agree with what Gavin Newsom is brought up stories pertaining to his family doing to our state.” upbringings, systemic racism, housing, waPalmore went on to say that there’s no ter shortages as well as the vaccinations & more freedom. mask mandates. At the campaign rally, Elder also talk“I don’t drink coffee -- I drink tea and ed about family values and how both his when I become governor, assuming there father and mother have had an impact on are still mandates for vaccines and manhis life. dates for face masks, they will be repealed “I’m out here to support Larry and the before my first cup of tea,” said Elder folmessage that he’s bringing about bringing lowed by a standing ovation. family back -- bringing back the rights Elder also talked about his stance on of Americans to have the right to choose school choice. Clovis resident, Amber Cas- whether they’re gonna get vaccinated, tro is in support of Elder and believes he have the right to choose whether they’re will make a change. gonna wear a mask,” said Longtime Clovis “We are really interested in school resident, Cary Weigant. “Bringing back choice. We are tired of having our children the family values is especially why I’m out masked, and we don’t want the vaccine here. I support Larry’s family values, and ALEXIS VICTORIA GOVEA @LexGovea

PEG BOS CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

having an influence on the kids, the annual bank robbery reenactment, and her articles in the Roundup. She went on to thank Bos for her positive influence that she’s had on her life along with everyone else in the crowd and her legacy that she’s built. Bos was presented with a proclamation recognizing her service to the Clovis community along with a bench that states “IN HONOR OF PEG BOS” and includes the date of when she was the Mayor of Clovis and President of the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society.

CUSD CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

one by one, the board was subject to a slew of insults and comparisons ranging from kings to slaves to Nazis. Additionally, board members were told they are not above God or the U.S. Constitution. CUSD Board President Dr. Steven Fogg was the target of most of the insults, with one attendee, Sean Soares, accusing Dr. Fogg of pushing a “vaccine agenda.” “By the fact that you’re pushing vaccines, Dr. Fogg, that scares me because we’re on a path to ankle monitors like they’re doing in Oregon,” Soares said. “We’re on a crazy path right now. And you’re helping push that agenda, and it’s scary.” Soares, who has risen to the forefront as the voice of some parents in CUSD, said he and other parents would be filing paperwork to the California Department of Public Health claiming the state mandates are unconstitutional. Dr. Fogg disputed pushing a “vaccine agenda,” clarifying that he is not trying to persuade others to get vaccinated but has the right to express what he believes. “I am never going to come here and try to persuade anyone to do something they don’t want to do or shouldn’t do,” Dr. Fogg said.

Alexis Victoria Govea/Clovis Roundup

California Republican candidate Larry Elder stopped in Clovis to hold a rally in which nearly 1,000 people came to support.

that’s why I came out.” Weigant’s thoughts on the message he gave at the campaign rally: I thought it was fantastic. I thought he did a good job in setting his platform. I definitely support him. I see where we failed as Californians to see what’s going on, and to hold our governor accountable for what has happened. Larry is going to bring that to the

forefront and I came out here to support that. Elder stated in his campaign rally that Governor Newsom is gonna be recalled on September 14th. Followed by a big round of applause and a standing ovation with a little over one thousand people in attendance.

The celebration continued followed with some refreshments with lots of laughter, gathering to show the appreciation of Bos. Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Clovis, Lynne Ashbeck has known Bos for over 30 years. Ashbeck said she was one of the reasons why she ran for city council in 2001. “She is the role model, the mentor, sort of the model of what civic leadership should look like. She never lead for herself -- she always led for the best of Clovis,” said Ashbeck. “She always worked to find solutions...grateful for all the things that she taught me.” Ashbeck went on to say that she would describe Bos as devoted -- devoted to the city, to the community, her family, her faith

life, personal life, and her civic life. “She is determined, she is focused, she is kind-hearted,” said Ashbeck. Bos’ granddaughter Erica Pennington also shared some words on how she’s been a female inspiration in her life and how she’s always looked up to her . “She had a picture in her house -- it said: No guts, no glory. And that is Peg Bos. You have to go out and go for it or you’re not gonna get anything, and she did that all the time,” said Pennington. “She’s a role model. I’m a coach, I’m a teacher, I’m a mother now. She inspired me just to be a leader and a role model as well in what I do, and so I always brag on her.” Bos’ granddaughter went on to say she

always looked up to her grandma as she describes her as fierce, a loving grandparent who always speaks the truth. Bos gave a huge thank you to the Clovis Roundup for allowing her to write. Although the celebration was for her, she was still thanking all of her family and friends around her as she made people laugh and continued to spread her positivity. “It’s hard to believe it’s 20 years, but they’re filled with good memories of good people, donating things, information -board members that were just terrific, so I’ve been blessed,” said Bos. “A husband that supported me...thank you for coming, good friends. You’re a blessing in my life.”

“But I have a right to give you what I feel. I felt the way out of this [pandemic] is by vaccinations.” Joey Myers, a father of two students in CUSD, compared the board to an ostrich sticking its head in the sand regarding masks and vaccinations. Myers started a petition for mask choice, and as of Aug. 26, it has 555 signatures. He also stated that parents decide when mandates end, fearing that the board won’t fight for the parents regarding other issues. Nazi Germany Several parents at the board meeting described CUSD following state mandates comparable to Germans following orders given by the Nazis under the Third Reich. Justin Teso referenced Gies, Klieman, Kugler, and Voskuijl, all of the families who provided help to Anne Frank, her family, and the Van Pelts during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. Teso said it is becoming more apparent who would protect the Franks (turning toward the parents in the crowd) and who would obey and sign their death wish (addressing the board). Kyle Valenzuela referenced a quote from Nazi Dictator Adolf Hitler’s Feb. 24, 1920 speech “The Nazi 25-point Programme” where Hitler said, “The common good be-

fore the individual good.” “Another quote I think you all might agree with, from the way you’re acting, is ‘The common good, before the individual,’ Valenzuela said. “That’s what we’re preaching to the kids. Again, the common good before the individual. This is from Hitler.” He continued, “You got to look back in time and know what you’re saying. We know what you’re saying, and that’s not the right path. And you need to give that back to the parents where it belongs. Because this is America, not Nazi Germany.” Board Members Respond Dr. Fogg responded to those in attendance following public comments and said he appreciates the parents attending even if it means they berate him and the board. “I know berating school boards is the thing across the nation right now,” Dr. Fogg said. “I do work with these other six members as a board, and I just tell you from my experience that they do have the best interests of our children at heart.” Board member Susan Hatmaker was also appreciative of those sharing their concerns but denounced insults thrown at the board during public comment. “I personally don’t appreciate the insults to any individual board member or the entire board. You can say what you want to say.

That’s fine,” said Hatmaker. “But I think it’s incredibly rude for you to come in, yell at us, make threats, and be disrespectful.” Hatmaker pointed out that when parents discussed the push for mask choice, the board unanimously voted to provide parents with mask exemptions without doctor verifications. However, that option was short-lived as the state mandated that all mask exemptions must have a doctor’s verification. Hatmaker said she agreed with the parents’ concerns to the board, but many of the insults were inaccurate and outrageous. Board member David DeFrank seconded Hatmaker’s feelings toward the insults hurled at the board. “A lot of things said tonight were pretty outrageous,” DeFrank said. “And it’s pretty frustrating when this board has done quite a bit to try to afford parents as many choices permitted under the law and then to be compared to Nazis.” DeFrank hopes that the level of discussion would improve in the future but said he is not confident that will happen. “This was an emotion-filled meeting once again. We feel the emotion like you do,” Dr. Fogg said. “And I hope that we can all give each other a little bit of grace.”

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September 11: We Will Never Forget SYDNEY MORGAN sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com

The day that followed the 9-11 terrorist attacks was the most tragic, yet one the greatest days our country has ever been through. “We weren’t Democrats, we weren’t Republicans, we weren’t black, we weren’t white, we weren’t men, we weren’t women...we were Americans,” said Todd Cook, partner in the Cook Land Company who helped expand the 9-11 memorial in 2019. People just wanted to help people. The first responders were rushing to the attack sites, the construction workers conducting search and rescue missions, clean up crews, and the people who wanted to give a helping hand to the civilians that were in turmoil after the attacks. Everyone came together to pick the country back up again and assisted in any way they could and that is why 9-12 is so remarkable. “We lost that unity we had on 9/12,” said Cook, “I would sure like to go back to those ways.” On September 12, 2001 thousands of people took part in a candlelight vigil on the Mall, in Washington D.C. These people lit candles and crowded around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C. The empathy from American citizens on that day set the reminder of how even in the

9-11 CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

In 2009, eight years after the attacks, Congress named September 11 a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Clovis 9-11 memorial site, also known as the “California 9-11 Memorial,” was established in 2002 by David McDonald who was the CEO of Pelco, a security and surveillance company. David McDonald had a vision for the memorial because he felt it was the “appropriate thing to do,” after the attacks. In December 2001, David McDonald invited many survivors of the 9-11 attacks to the memorial site to pay tribute to the sacrifices they made for the country. “1,100 New York police officers and firefighters got on a plane and landed in Fresno to be treated like rockstars,” said Andy Isolano, a retired fire prevention officer and 9/11 survivor. The event they experienced on September 11, 2002 included a dance, medals, and parades. “There’s nothing this community couldn’t do for us,” said Isolano. Even through the selling of McDonald’s business Pelco to the French company Schneider Electric in 2007, the people of Clovis vowed to protect and maintain the California 9-11 Memorial and helped it blossom into what it is today. It is successful as a non-profit because of the California 9-11 Board of Directors that was established in 2019, as well as having assistance from the businesses and people in Clovis, volunteers and donors, and support from surrounding communities. “The purpose of the Board is to facilitate and complement the efforts of the 9-11 memorial and the team that has been assembled,” said Lorenzo Rios, Chief Executive Officer for the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. The City of Clovis teamed up with Cook Land Development and extended the memorial site in 2019. The memorial is “absolutely incredible

face of the uncontrollable, the one thing we can control is our response. When it comes to the country’s efforts to make the United States safer for its people, they made some extreme changes to air travel. According to History.com, before the 9-11 terrorist attack, people could wander the halls of airports without a ticket and could board planes without having their IDs checked. “Most airports didn’t bother running background checks on their employees, and checked baggage was never scanned,” said Jeffrey Price, a noted aviation security expert. U.S. airports made some new emergency safety measures after the attacks, including the banning of selling or using knives, even plastic ones, at airports, the process of evacuating and sweeping all terminals with K-9 teams units, and discontinuing curbside check-ins. September 12, 2001 also marked the start of the United States’ military campaign, War on Terror. The United States vowed to strike back for the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It was the largest attack on U.S. soil by any foreign entity since Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. According to CNN, The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, which was an intergovernmental military alliance between 28 European countries and 2 North Amerfor the community, and it was time to take it to the next level,” said Todd Cook, partner in the Cook Land Company. This expansion plan included replicas of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon at a 1/100th scale, with names of military and first responders etched in the stone, as well as limited edition bronze statues of first responders, and storyboards that are set around the memorial that are full of facts and information about the attacks. Every part of the memorial holds its own symbolic reference to the attacks. The bronze statues signify the five members of Ladder Company five. They were the first firefighter responders who arrived at the scene, as they were located right across from the Twin Towers, and all perished during the attacks. Another symbolic aspect created by civil engineers who developed a design that casts a shadow on the Pentagon where the plane impacted. This shadow is a result from light being cast on the bronze statues at the time of the first attack, 8:46 a.m. This year’s 20th anniversary ceremony will include some never before seen events such as the unveiling of a couple new statues, a Flight 93 memorial, and the planting of the Survivor Tree. The new statue is a replica of police officer Mariah Smith who was a member of NYPD and had lost her life assisting and rescuing victims stuck in the Twin Towers. Her family has accepted the invitation and will be attending to witness the unveiling. Another statue is the Wounded Warrior statue which symbolizes the veterans wounded in the attack. As for the Flight 93 memorial, The Cook Land Company had to spend a lot of time working out the details on how to create a replica of the plane in a respectful way. They chose to create a statue made up of aircraft materials. The organizers went as far as to install sleeves in the concrete sidewalks and plan to line the sidewalks leading to the memorial with hundreds of American flags. “[The ceremony] will be a sight to behold,” said Cook.

Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto

Lights shine where the twin towers once stood at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.

ican countries, said that “an armed attack against one of the organization’s members is considered an attack against all of them.” With that permission from NATO, the United States was able to invoke a section of the charter and count on the support of its allies in mounting military operations. This moment was significant because It was the first time in the 52-year history of alliance that the NATO self-defense charter was summoned. With the present and sudden threat of

terrorism that resulted fromn the U.S. military being taken out of Afghanistan, it is important to remember that there is strength in numbers. No matter what happens, American citizens will always have a right to unite under the stars and stripes of our country and fight for freedom and peace. “Today, more than ever we need to remember the unity and the resilience of the ‘American Spirit’” said Anna Borgeas, Executive Director of California 9-11 Memorial.

From 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. the ceremony gives appreciation to first responders who were injured or gave their life to help save others during the terrorist attacks. At the beginning of the memorial ceremony, at 8:46 a.m, the first 911 call plays on the speaker. “The first 911 call, [at 8:46 a.m.] is incredibly moving and very powerful,” said Anna Borgeas, who is the Executive Director of California 9-11 memorial, “it takes somebody back to that day.” From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. the ceremony announces the winner of One Voice ‘Spirit of 9/12.’ One Voice is an educational component of the ceremony where the organizers partnered with the Fresno County office of Education and the superintendent of schools to bring forward a competition for students to submit arts and/or poetry that discusses how America came together on 9-12. There are about 120 submissions and only two are chosen; One for art and one for poetry. The winners, who are announced at the event, will go with chaperones and selected family members to New York City in September to visit the Ground Zero Memorial. Outside of Ground Zero, this memorial is one, if not the biggest, memorial site for 9-11. “It’s not a small thing, it’s one of the biggest in the country,” said Cook. The reason they built this memorial in Clovis was because of the close relationships the city has with New York and the terrorist attacks. One specific example is Todd Beamer. He was a standout baseball player for Fresno State. However, many people know him as the man who said “are you ready, okay, let’s roll” on a voicemail to his wife before a small group of civilians stormed into the cockpit on Flight 93. There was also a man named Otis Tolbert who played football for Fresno State. He lost his life during the pentagon attack. His family still resides here in Fresno county.

Another connection Clovis has to 9-11 is with Pelco who had offices in the Trade Center during the attack. According to multiple sources like Todd Cook and Anna Borgeas, the memorial and ceremony’s purpose is to ‘Never Forget’ and to ‘Honor, Educate, and Remember.’ To honor those who gave and lost their life, to educate younger generations with first hand experience and teach them the magnitude of how savage these attacks were, and to remember the shock and sorrow of the outright unexpected attacks. “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America,” said President George W. Bush in his televised address from the Oval Office in 2001. This foundation Bush speaks about is patriotism and unity within the country. As a result of the attacks, something remarkable happened. The American people chose to come together, setting aside their differences, and instead choosing to provide comfort and support. The California 9-11 Memorial Ceremony is held at 3500 Never Forget Lane in Clovis, and officially begins at 8:46 a.m. to signify the start of the attacks. “It’s very powerful and somber, yet an honor filled ceremony” said Cook. The ceremony and memorial itself is so influential today with everything happening in Afghanistan. “Right after 9-11 the United States embarked on a mission, ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’, to deny any safe haven to terrorists, that’s what started the war in Afghanistan” said Rios, who is also a U.S. Army Veteran. With the kind of actions that have been occurring in Afghanistan recently, it is important to remember why we sent our American people to that place and what it meant for our country. “I think we must remember that a threat can always come back to strike our country and the peace we enjoy is a fragile peace that we can’t assume and take for granted,” said Rios.

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Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly Returns, So Does the Magic ANTHONY DE LEON @IJustDoNews

As ClovisFest makes its return, so too does the Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly, where multicolored nylon, like a kaleidoscope of color, and wicker baskets adorn the sky. And in a RE/MAX balloon, a familiar face can be seen, that of Bob Locklin — referred to as Magic Bob because of his work as a magician. Currently an instructor at the Clovis Institute of Technology, Magic Bob has worn several hats, hot air balloon pilot at the forefront. Magic Bob began piloting in the early ‘70s, then moved to balloons on May 9, 1997, a day he still remembers vividly. “I went up to Tracy to crew on a balloon for a guy… I had my first flight with him,” Magic Bob said. “I said, ‘Wow, I like this.’ So I went out to crew the next day up in the Sacramento area and got on another flight … by then, I was hooked.” Since then, with 24 years as a pilot and 20 years instructing younger, Magic Bob has flown all over the southwest and even Mexico. Magic Bob has years of history as a pilot — and with Clovis — playing an integral part of the fun fly’s inception. The fun fly origin dates back to 1997 when the California Balloon Festival was in its last year, which had a history dating back to the 1980s. With it being the festival’s final year, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce worked with Magic Bob to keep an annual hot air balloon event afloat in Clovis.

Photo contributed by Magic Bob

Magic Bob has been a hot-air balloon pilot since 1997.

“We came up with the idea of doing a fun fly, where it was not competitive,” Magic Bob said. “So, in ‘98, we just invited a bunch of people to come out to the fun fly.” Magic Bob and the Chamber of Commerce decided to schedule the fun fly alongside ClovisFest weekend. At the time, ClovisFest was held in September, like this year’s event and will be for the next four years. Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly’s Return Like countless other events in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines enacted by the state forced the 46th annual ClovisFest and fun fly to cancel. “It was not a surprise. I knew it was happening,” Magic Bob said. “We knew it was inevitable.” Magic Bob knew the event would be canceled when the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — the world’s largest hot

air balloon festival and a multimillion-dollar generating event — announced it would be postponing its 2020 festivities. Fortunately, as of early August, the event is making its return despite a smaller number of participants. Magic Bob invites experienced pilots from all over to participate, with as many as 20 pilots in years past. However, Magic Bob says the numbers are starting to dwindle due to pilots moving or retiring. “[In the] last several years, because a lot of people moved or retired, we’ve been down to eight to 10 balloons,” Magic Bob said. Magic Bob says pilots moving on has been a trend in the local hot air balloon community, “Up until a year or two ago, we had like five or six active pilots here,” Magic Bob

said. “But, we’re all getting older.” For this year’s event, Magic Bob says he has nine balloons signed up, with a possibility of additional balloons as the fun fly draws closer. The Day of the Flight When floating thousands of feet in the sky, Magic Bob says only one word describes the feeling. Peaceful. “To me, it’s very peaceful,” Magic Bob said. On the day of the fun fly, pilots and festival-goers get to experience peacefulness. For pilots, they begin setting up their balloons at 6 a.m., just before the sunrise starts to peak out. And as the sun rises, the balloons take flight from the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. Once in flight, balloons head toward Valley Children’s Hospital, which has been a landing spot in the past. Festival-goers who will not be participating in the voyage can still take a flight in a tethered balloon for a fee. “People can pay to get in the balloon and go up and down for a couple of minutes,” Magic Bob said. “It’s to get a feel for what it’s like to be in a balloon, and we take them up easily 50 to 100 feet.” In the past, Magic Bob has taken between 300 to 400 passengers into the air of the ClovisFest weekend. ClovisFest is held in Old Town Clovis over two days, Saturday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the fun fly, balloon inflation starts on both days at 6:15 a.m.

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 7

Thieves with Thousands of Stolen Mail Arrested

Courtesy of Clovis PD

29-year-old Keith Fisher was arrested earlier this year for heroin sales and has been re-arrested on Thursday, Aug. 26 for the sales of Fentanyl.

Clovis Drug Dealer Rearrested for Fentanyl CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF @ClovisRoundup

Clovis Police Department has re-arrested 29-year-old Keith Fisher, a known Clovis drug dealer, for felony drug sales. In early 2021, an investigation of heroin sales led Clovis Police’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) to Fisher’s home in east Clovis where he was arrested. In the morning of Thursday, Aug. 26, while investigating the sales of Fentanyl SET officers was back at Fisher’s home. The suspect was re-arrested and charged with felony drug sales and felony child endangerment due to a young child being in a residence where unsecured Fentanyl was accessible. A woman in the residence was also

arrested and charged with felony child endangerment. The child was turned over to Fresno County Child Protective Services. During the investigation, officers recovered 2.5 ounces of Fentanyl as well as additional evidence. Fisher is currently being held at the Fresno County Jail. Fentanyl-related deaths has been on the rise. It is 50-100 times more deadly than Morphine. The Clovis Police Department is encouraging parents to educate and talk to their children about the dangers of Fentanyl as well as legal and illegal substances. If anyone has information about the sales of narcotics or other illegal substances, please call (559) 324-2800 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

Courtesy of Clovis PD

Clovis PD has arrested two suspects in possession of thousands of stolen mail on August 17, 2021.

Heiss was also charged with a felony for committing a crime while on bail. The list of charges are expected to increase as additional victims of the mail On August 17, Clovis Police detheft are currently being contacted. tectives served a search warrant at an The Clovis Police Department encourapartment complex in Fresno. During ages residents to avoid being victims of the search, detectives found thousands mail theft by checking your mail often and of stolen mail from over 100 addresses across the Central Valley including Clo- if possible, go “paperless” for bills and bank statements. vis and some as far as San Diego. With stolen mail, criminals can get Clovis PD arrested two suspects, access to personal information and docu32-year-old Randall McKinney and 34-year-old Bobbi Heiss, both of Fresno. ments that can be used to steal your idenBoth have been booked into Fresno tity. They can open accounts in your name County Jail with a number of charges and commit fraud. that include identity theft with prior Report any suspicious activity or thefts convictions, possession of forged checks in progress to Clovis PD by calling 911 or and card making equipment, and mail (559) 324-2800. theft. CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF @ClovisRoundup

Prize-Winning Local Author Debuts Memoir “It took two months to decide what to do with us because there was no will. We were orphans of the court,” said Morris. “As far In July 1968, a local news story made as the world knew, they sent us to live in the national headlines: “Madera Couple, Parents Bay Area happily ever after, right? That’s not of 10 Children, Killed”. The tragic accident what happened. We did not ride off into the was the result of a five-car collision caused sunset with a pile of money.” by a 61-year-old habitual drunk driver. The In fact, the trust fund had problems that parents, Robert and Joyce Morris were the allowed abusive and nefarious fostering of only fatalities. the children. The orphaned children aged 3 to 17 des“This good Catholic straight arrow does a perately wanted to stay together. A trust fund whole 180, and it’s all about sex, drugs and was set up by the Madera Tribune and man- rock ‘n’ roll, the hippies, Vietnam era, Fillaged by the Bank of America. more, all of that,” says Morris. The story went nationwide and interAfter sharing her story with people, they nationally, including coverage by Walter suggested Morris should write a book. After Cronkite on the CBS Evening News and the a revelation at Mass, she put her gift of writStars and Stripes in Vietnam. The Madera ing into action. Years of research, interviews, Tribune alone carried almost continuous fol- and heartfelt emotion followed. low-up stories. “It wouldn’t leave me alone,” says Mor“I was 17 years old when we became ris. national news,” remembers Kathi Morris, the By writing We Were the Morris Orphans oldest of the ten.”For seven years, it didn’t 4 Brothers, 5 Sisters & Me, Morris gives a matter where I went. If I told people my moving account of the true story that picked name, they would ask if I was one of those up when the news coverage ended. Morris orphans. “In her long-awaited memoir, Kathi Mor-

CAROLE GROSCH

cgg266@comcast.net

ris tells the rest of the story of the ten Morris orphans—through raw emotions, heartbreaking recollections, and unexpected moments of humor. Her book will touch your heart and give you faith in the resiliency of the human spirit. Ultimately, it is a message of hope that you are stronger than you think,” wrote Linda Gannaway, Ed.D., Speaker, Coach, and Author of The Power of Life Lessons. Morris won Grand Prize at the Sardine Factory in Monterey, California (where the movie Play Misty for Me was filmed) for her written tribute on their fiftieth-anniversary commemoration. In addition, the memoir was a finalist in the 2019 San Francisco Writers Conference. After reading We Were the Morris Orphans, CJ Collins, editor, and writer, commented, “You take the reader on a journey that at first seems safe, and then you gradually pull out the stops with emotional events that slay the reader. You put me on an emotional roller coaster that both thrills me and pulls me apart - thrills me because the writing is so good and pulls me apart because the writing is so good.”

Photo contributed by Kathi Morris

Kathi Morris will debut her memoir on Nov. 30,

Cathi Morris currently lives in Clovis and is retired from a thirty-five-year career with the IRS. Her greatest joys are her children and grandchildren. We Were the Morris Orphans is available for paperback preorder at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Post Hill Press, or kathimorris.com. The release date is November 30, 2021.

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

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

www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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

Old Town Service District

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

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

17. 18. 19.

Sam’s TV Repair Shell Gas Station Speedee Oil Change

1 A

5 10

10 15 4

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

Antique and Gift Shops 1.

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

16 B

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

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

Miscellaneous 1.

3 Oaks Studio

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

4. 5.

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

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

Brick and Morter

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

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

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

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 9

P Boutique, Clothing, Accessories

D J G O

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

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

11. 12.

The Foundry Collective Urban Ornaments

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

L N

(559) 299-0471

808 4th Street www.cvmdistrict.org J

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

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

6. 7. 8. 9.

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

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

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

11. 12. 13. 14.

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

17.

Salsa’s Cantina

15. Rodeo Coffee Shop, 535 Fifth St, 2993750, rodeocoffeeshop.com 16. Roll Me Some - Handcrafted Roll Ice Cream, 530 Pollasky, 825-7204, rollmesomeice.com

18. Soups and Scoops, 433 Pollasky, 2999606 19. The Local, 401 Clovis Ave #102, 900-4253 20. Two Cities Coffee Roasters Organic coffee and tea - Rolled Ice Creamery, 608 4th St.,

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

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

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Recipe

www.ClovisRoundup.com . Wednesday, September 1, 2021

FAMILY FEATURES

hether you prefer watching your favorite teams in-person or on TV, tailgate season means it’s time to break out your party’s favorite foods from appetizers and snacks to all-out meals. Go long for a touchdown-worthy tailgate or settle in for game day on the couch with these recipes for a bold burger, sweet-and-spicy wings and creamy coleslaw. For an appetizing pregame warmup, try this assortment of nacho toppings to give your whole party something to cheer about. Find more recipes to amp up your tailgate atmosphere at Culinary.net.

Perfect for pairing with game day dishes of nearly any variety, nachos allow a special amount of personalization for guests of all ages and taste preferences. Along with tortilla chips, of course, try nibbling on these topping options throughout your party: • Shredded cheese • Melted nacho cheese • Sour cream • Guacamole • Salsa • Black olives • Shredded meat • Sliced peppers • Diced tomatoes • Corn • Beans Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Grass-Fed Wagyu Burger with Red Radish Chili Pickles 2 tablespoons onion jam Red Radish Chili Pickles: 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar To make Red Radish Chili Pickles: In 2 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons sliced fresh red chili peppers 1/2 cup sliced red radish

Wagyu Burgers: 1 1/3 pounds First Light New Zealand Grass-Fed Wagyu Grind salt and pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon grainy mustard (optional) 2 tablespoons rice bran oil 4 hamburger buns 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 4 lettuce leaves 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced

small saucepan, heat vinegar, water and sugar. Add chili and radish; remove from heat. To make Wagyu Burgers: Season Wagyu grind with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in mustard, if desired. Form into four patties. Lightly brush both sides of burgers with oil. In frying pan, sear burgers over high heat then reduce heat to medium and cook until well caramelized. Flip and repeat process on other side. In frying pan, lightly toast burger buns. Spread mayonnaise on buns; top with lettuce, tomato and burger.

Honey-Dill Coleslaw

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 4 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed 1 package (16 ounces) coleslaw mix 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion salt, to taste pepper, to taste In small bowl, combine honey, sour cream and dill. In large bowl, toss coleslaw mix with onion and honey-sour cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

Honey Sriracha Grilled Wings Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 8 4 pounds fresh chicken wings water 3 cups rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce 2 tablespoons salt 2 cups honey, divided

Heat grill to 225-240 F. In large bowl, rinse wings with cool water. Add rice wine vinegar, Sriracha, salt and 1 cup honey. Fold to incorporate all ingredients and coat wings evenly. Place wings on grill, cover with lid and cook 12-14 minutes before turning once and cooking additional 15-18 minutes.

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 11

LET’S TALK CLOVIS:

History of Clovis Telephone Service PEG BOS

Historian/Clovis Museum Sponsor

Alexander Graham Bell secured the first telephone patent in 1876. There were over 3 million telephones in the US by 1904. We are extracting information from “Those Were the Days” by CUSD in 1976, an undated article released by The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company faxed in 1996 from Fresno External Affairs and an article written by Dr. Wilbur Beasley. Robert E. L. Good (first Clovis merchant) established his store at the southwest corner of Fourth & Fulton (now Clovis Ave) in 1895. A telephone system was placed in his store in 1900 (?). Nora DeGraw, sister of Bessie, was his bookkeeper and she operated the telephone jacks that were hung on a wall. The line connected Clovis with Fresno. An additional telephone line was also installed at Good’s to serve a stage line that was operated by Mr. Swartz. That line connected his stations at Academy, Letcher and Copper King Mine to Fresno. Edward Webster built his two story Webster building (northeast corner of 5th and Pollasky) in 1904. He opened a drug store at that location and also established our first telephone office that remained there for approximately six years. Billy Atwood purchased the Webster drug store and moved the contents (including the telephone service) to the lower floor of the

Harwell two-story house that was built in 1902, at 423 Pollasky. Later, the Emil Prudek barbershop located there. A barbershop continues there today. Steve Titcomb (former worker on the Santa Fe RR and partially blind) became our first full time telephone agent. His wife began managing the Atwood drug store. Titcomb served as the telephone engineer where he established rural lines and was credited as the real father of our telephone system. Bessie DeGraw Frazee Beasley was born in Lincoln Nebraska, 1880. She married Steve Frazee, a pioneer copper miner, who was killed in a mining accident prior to the 1909 birth of their daughter Frieda. Bessie became a telephone operator for Mr. Titcomb for $4.00 per week in 1910. Bessie recalled there were 36 telephones in Clovis at that time. She and Titcomb rotated shifts at the switchboard from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Titcomb’s five-year-old daughter was a capable assistant when needed. She was noted for her accuracy. In 1912, the agency moved its one-position switchboard to a building back of Max’s Smoke Shop (location not documented). Bessie became the manager and was assisted by two girls and a male night operator, Mr. Search. Mr. Ghilotti built a duplex building in 1922 near the southwest corner of Pollasky and 6th Street; now Bullard Ave. Clovis City Hall occupied one side and Pacific Telephone Company the other side. The telephone office would remain there until the dial telephone system was installed

in Clovis on August 13, 1953. Staff size at that time was four operators on duty (total employed 12 operators) who averaged 8,000 daily calls. The new prefix of Cypress 9 was initiated at that time. The 1953 building remains at the northwest corner of Shaw and Pollasky. In 1918 Bessie married pioneer automobile dealer Claude Beasley. Both were active/involved citizens of Clovis. Bessie retired as manager in 1948. Her son Dr. Wilbur Beasley, recalls: “She had gone Contributed by Clovis Museum Front: Lilly Grey, Frances Busick, Emi Whittaker, Betty Foster. from the old days of magStanding: Lutie Moore neto powered switchboards through electrical powered ones. Literally thousands of calls were phones and phones were shared. The frustrathandled with a “Number, please…Another ing party lines in some areas would try the miracle took place in that operators had to patience of Job. Operators would leave their eavesdrop to know when to say, ”Are you posts to deliver an urgent message. The opthrough?” and no scandals ever erupted from erators knew the location of our doctors and their care. Professionals to the core, secrets would respond quickly during emergencies. were kept to the grave.” Harry Balfe (millionaire from New York Mrs. Lutie Moore would become manwho built the famous Clovis Balfe ranch in ager when Beasley retired. She started as an 1919) entrusted his number to Bessie and operator at age 17 in 1916 and stayed until her girls to monitor his calls. He would send her marriage in 1920. She would return to his chauffeur to deliver a box of candy to work vacation reliefs. In 1925, she returned demonstrate his appreciation. to full time and would complete 33 years of Bessie and Lutie (combined) provided 71 service. years of public telephone service to Clovis. Many of us remember the time when They and their staff provided us a rich neighbors and friends did not have teleheritage.

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LOG OF SHAME APRIL BLANKINSHIP AND TONI GARCIA Contributed

August 11, 2021 A sporting goods store located on Herndon Avenue reported that someone came in and stole some name brand men’s clothing items. Look sucka, name brand expensive items are reserved for people who work hard! They are NOT for lowlife thieves to just wander around looking like ballers. GET A JOB AND PAY FOR THOSE THREADS! August 12, 2021 A woman reported threats made to her teenage daughter on social media by two other high school gals. I love how they are ten feet tall behind the keyboard but in person are 99lbs soaking wet and scared out of their false eyelashes when police come have a chat with them. PSA: Making threats online is just as illegal as spouting them out of your mouth little Miss. Button it up! August 13, 2021 A business on Clovis Avenue reported that someone disassembled and stole their metal solar parking awning, during the night. Well, deductive reasoning tells me this will be found near the canal or the side of the freeway as an upgrade to an encampment. Keep an eye out folks! August 14, 2021 Some chick was caught trying to steal an electric edger from the garden section of a large store. She had it in the cart and walked out but the employee stopped her! Ummmm, either work for the money to buy that edger or get yourself a pair of scissors and start cutting grass blades sister! These are your choices. August 15, 2021 A man on Poloson was arrested for having EIGHT warrants! EIGHT! Yes, the catch and release system is working GREAT. Let’s just keep letting criminals go, they are absolutely trustworthy enough to show up and face their consequences in court! #Not August 16, 2021 A woman ordered a brand new pair of Crocs and had them delivered to her door. Unfortunately her Ring camera door bell caught a very tall man stealing the package! They won’t even fit you man! Bring the girls kicks back! August 17, 2021 A man stopped for speeding was arrested when they ran his name for warrants! Surprise, he had two! You probably should have been speeding to your court dates pal instead of running around town at midnight like a scurry mouse! August 18, 2021 A man was arrested for trespassing at a home improvement store. The man was a repeat offender to the store where he has stolen in the past. He had been told to not return, however, he must have forgotten and come back to the store. Unfortunately, the employees did not forget, and he was escorted to jail. If you have a bad memory, I do not recommend being a thief or you will be in more trouble than you bargained for. August 19, 2021 An unidentified female stole a custom-made wreath off someone’s door. The woman was caught on the doorbell camera stealing the wreath over on Chennault Ave. I am not sure if the owner should be offended, they stole it or flattered the person liked it so much they had to steal it. Hopefully the suspect learns to leave people’s home décor alone or they might find themselves in jail next time. August 20, 2021 At a hotel off Shaw Ave, there was a report of a room burglary. The loss for the victims were their two suitcases filled with clothes from their recent vacation. Apparently, the thief was in dire need of a new disguise after they were spotted lingering around on the same floor. Luckily, it was only clothing but now the victims must walk around with the clothes on their backs until they return home. August 21, 2021 A pair were arrested at a local Wally World for theft. As it turns out, it was a couple in a romantic relationship. If they were looking for a romantic getaway, they will not be getting it in county jail after they were booked on theft charges. Couples that do crimes together, do time together! August 22, 2021 An erratic driver was pulled over around lunch time. When the officers pulled him over and conducted a field sobriety test, he failed. Apparently, the driver had a few too many mimosas at Sunday Brunch with his family. Unfortunately for the driver, the mimosas landed him with a DUI in jail. Maybe next time, he should have asked for a ride home or taken a bus. August 23, 2021 A shopper at the local Wally World, was putting their items into their car when a random person in the parking lot came up and stole a bed sheet set that they had just bought from the store. The thief must have been very desperate for a costume for Halloween, and they thought the sheets would be the best idea to wear out to get free candy. No amount of candy is worth a theft charge! August 24, 2021 Over on Helm Ave, a resident of an apartment complex had noticed their car had been vandalized. The car was keyed with very inappropriate words. It seems that someone’s girlfriend was very upset and keyed the wrong person’s vehicle with the assumption that her boyfriend had cheated. This unlucky resident now has some awful words scratched onto their car for something they didn’t even do. Criminals suck. That is all. *The above Police Logs are loosely based on actual events. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. The circumstances have been created and embellished for your entertainment.

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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 13

Connect with us @ClovisRoundup

MONEY & FINANCE

3 Rules of Smart Money Management You might think that 10 states that you pay, and pay well, cents on the dollar is not for having things now. If you can going to get you very far. wait until later, and put money Are you keeping the three smart money But consider this: You can away specifically for the purchaslaws? You should, because if you do these get used to living on 90 es you have in mind, you will three things, you’ll have no financial worcents for every dollar you have outsmarted the debt monster. ries. Really! These are the only three things earn, and after 10 months, No debt. you need to do to get your finances under you will have a full How much do you pay to get control. month’s salary put away. things sooner? Look at your inThere’s been a lot of information going Not bad, huh? In 10 years terest rate and figure it out. Debt around about how to be smart with money, time, you can technically isn’t cheap. When you realize how to invest wisely, where to save and take a year off. how much smarter it is to buy things like that. It’s all good information, 2. The Law of Organithings when you have the money and maybe you want to get into that eventu- zation. Quick: How much on hand, you’ll actually begin to ally; but the foundation of having no money money is in your share enjoy the wait. problems is really very simple. There are just draft (checking) account If you’re serious about getting three laws you need to keep. Follow them right now? How about your your finances under control, foland you’ll find yourself with extra cash on savings account? How low the three laws of smart money CR File Photo Noble Credit Union Clovis branch is located on 175 N Clovis Ave. between your hands within just a few short months. much do you owe on your The management. Sierra and Herndon Ave. Ready? Here they are! credit card? If you don’t Noble Credit Union, a Forbes 1. The Law of 10 Cents. When you keep know, and if it would take Best-in-State Credit Union, has this law, you take 10 cents of every dollar you more than three minutes to find out, with the money saved on late fees, insuffibeen treating each member with kindness, you earn or receive and hide it. You can you’re not keeping a law that’s easily kept. cient funds fees and all the other expenses of dignity, and honor while helping members hide it in your credit union savings or share According to the Law of Organization, you not having your finances in order. The Law make sound financial decisions for 80 years. certificate account, in your mattress, or in should develop a clear picture of what is of Organization will help you avoid all that The Credit Union offers members full aca hole in your backyard. It doesn’t matter. where at all times and update it frequently. and more. cess to a wide range of financial education Get used to living on 90% of your income Set up a system for tracking all your ac3. The Law of Enjoying the Wait. It’s and services, including low-rate auto loans, while 10 cents of every dollar gets put away. counts. Quicken is a good one, but there are widely accepted that good things come to MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and Some people call this “paying yourself first.” others too. It’ll take a few hours to set it up, those who wait. If you must have things equity loans, online and mobile banking, and Whatever you call it, follow this rule and but once you’ve done it, regular maintenance before you have the money for them earmore. For more information about memberyou will soon be on your way to building a shouldn’t be more than 20 minutes a week. marked, you’ve fallen prey to the great ship at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252very comfortable nest egg. Think also of how much you can buy American debt machine. The Law of Waiting 5000 or visit NobleCU.com.

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Clovis Olympian Honored as Cougars Defeat Drillers in Home Opener 7-yard line with 20 seconds left. Johnson took off on a scramble but failed to get out-of-bounds to stop the clock. Time ran In front of a packed Lamonica Stadium out and the first half ended. on hand to celebrate the Olympic-sized “It wasn’t really a great first half for achievements of a past Clovis Cougar, [our] offense especially,” Johnson said. the Clovis High football team used a big “At halftime, Coach Hammond got in our second half to pull away from the visiting faces and told us we had to pick it up in Bakersfield Drillers on Friday, 34-14. the second half.” 40 minutes prior to the 7:30 p.m. kick“We had a couple little things that were off, the line to buy game tickets ended at the difference between getting scores,” the amphitheater in the middle of Clovis Hammond said. “We easily could have High School’s campus, several hundred had 28 points at halftime. So, we had that feet away from the stadium. A high deconversation, and I think one of the best mand is typical for a Cougars’ home open- things about Nate is we’re both very paser, but an extra throng of fans arrived at sionate people and we can have that conLamonica to welcome home Clovis’ own versation and get back together because Olympic star. there’s love and trust.” With her 2020 Olympic silver medal In the third quarter, Clovis drove down around her neck, Jenna Prandini rode into to Bakersfield’s 18-yard line and stalled the stadium on Ol’ Blue, a restored 1957 again, turning the ball over on downs. fire truck. Its sirens blared as she waved Drillers quarterback Ty Monteiro connectto the crowd and reminisced on her time ed with receiver Daylon Leach for an 81attending football games as a Clovis High yard touchdown pass that, with a successstudent. ful two-point conversion, tied the game at “I’ve never rode on the fire truck be14 with 2:50 remaining in the quarter. fore, but I ran the flags onto the field as the The Drillers threatened to upset Jenna [student-body] president,” Prandini said. Prandini Night, until the Cougars’ offense She later performed the official coin woke up to the tune of 20 unanswered toss, won by her alma mater. points. Clovis elected to receive the kickoff Johnson threw his only touchdown pass and scored first on an 8-yard touchdown of the evening to Viau, a 17-yard strike to run by Tristan Risley in the first quarter. give Clovis a 21-14 lead at the end of the On the next Bakersfield drive, junior third quarter. Clovis cornerback Jaden Carrillo interFollowing an interception by Clovis secepted a pass and returned it to the 5-yard nior Ulysses Pulido at his own 5-yard line, line. Bakersfield recovered a fumble on a Risley scored the game-sealing touchdown botched handoff two plays later, squander- from 22 yards out. ing Clovis’ opportunity to add to its lead. Back-up running back Terraj Manning Clovis went ahead 14-0 when Risley scored a 62-yard touchdown with nine secscored his second touchdown, a 1-yard onds left to finish the scoring. plunge with 9:38 left in the second quarter. Risley had 143 yards rushing, 34 yards The drive was aided by a 51-yard comple- receiving, and three touchdowns on the tion between quarterback Nate Johnson night. Bakersfield played with two high and wide receiver Nic Viau. safeties for most of the game, so HamBakersfield responded with a long drive mond went to his senior workhorse often. that took over seven minutes and ended “That’s one less guy in the box for Risin a 4-yard touchdown run by sophomore ley, so it makes it hard not to say, ‘Okay running back Tybo Rogers, cutting the we’re going to run it,’” Hammond said. Drillers’ deficit to 14-6. Risley is already at 303 yards and six Clovis missed another chance to extend touchdowns in two games this season, and its lead when they reached Bakersfield’s Hammond said he is quickly approaching

GABE CAMARILLO

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Gabe Camarillo/Clovis Roundup

2020 Olympic silver medalist Jenna Prandini received a proclamation from Clovis Mayor Jose Flores at halftime of the Clovis High-Bakersfield football game.

the school’s all-time rushing record. It’s possible the record may be broken before league play. “I’ve been keeping my head down, getting as many yards as I can and not thinking about anything else,” Risley said. “No pain, nothing. Everything I’m doing is getting to that end zone.” Risley might have been more motivated by the fact that a former middle school track and field coach watched him play Friday. “[Prandini] coached me when I was in middle school at track,” Risley remembered. “She helped me through hurdles and do what I want to do for football and track and keep my speed up. It’s a big deal to have her here.” While Risley and the Cougars were in the locker room at halftime, on the field, Prandini received a proclamation from Clovis Mayor Jose Flores, remarks from Clovis Unified School District Superintendent Eimear O’Farrell, and a street sign that read “Jenna Prandini Drive.” A portion of Wrenwood Avenue north of Clovis High School campus will be re-

named in honor of Prandini. “Every day after volleyball practice, I got picked up on that street by my mom,” Prandini said. “I know that street very well… I didn’t know it was happening, so when [Flores] handed me that plaque with my name on it, it was pretty crazy.” Clovis High students will now wait for pickup on Jenna Prandini Drive. Prandini addressed the Lamonica Stadium crowd directly after she received the proclamation and street sign. “It’s so amazing to be able to share this amazing night with you guys,” Prandini said. “From elementary school to Clark to all the way to Clovis High, my family, my teachers, my coaches, my teammates have all pushed me to get this Olympic medal. I couldn’t be any more proud to come back home and share it with you guys. Thank you so much for the support. I felt it all the way in Tokyo.” Clovis (2-0) will play at Ridgeview next Friday, while Bakersfield (0-2) will travel up north again to play at Central High.

Buchanan Dominates Bullard in Home Opener JESUS CANO

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Buchanan Bears running back Caden Rodgers has one goal in mind this season — rush for 1,000 yards and record 100 tackles. Rodgers said that he thinks he is the best running back in the Central Valley, and if he can keep performing the way he did in Buchanan’s victorious 27-0 home opener against Bullard, his campaign might have some legitimacy to it. “I want to show who’s the best back in the valley,” Rodgers said. “I know when I’m running down the field I’m the best.” But Rodgers also wants to savor every moment he can on the field, as he is well

aware that playing football on a Friday night isn’t always going to be a guarantee. In Northern California, many programs had to postpone or cancel their scheduled games due to the wildfires burning near Sacramento. Central High School canceled it’s game after there were threats of an alleged shooting on campus. And many programs are struggling to field players due to COVID-19 contact tracing. Rodgers even admits that his team has had players go in and out due to contact tracing. “We all got to do our part and it’s just every time we step on this field we gotta perform,” Rodgers said. “That’s the best we can do with what we got.”

And the Bears did so. Buchanan was able to score on its first drive of the game, a 49-yard touchdown from Mandal to Josiah Ayon that put the Bears in front 6-0. But that was all the noise Bullard allowed Buchanan to make in the first half, as Jayden Mandal only completed two passes in the first half and held down to 55 yards — where a bulk of the yardage came in that touchdown pass. “We knew we were the better team coming out here, we just had some things we got to tweak,” Rodgers said. “We were shooting ourselves in the foot in the first half. We knew that once we get on track we’re gonna start rolling we’re gonna show who’s a better

team here.” And the second half was more productive for the Bears, as Rodgers broke through for a long 37-yard touchdown run to increase their lead 13-0. As the end of the third quarter approached, Rodgers broke loose again for a 27 yard run, setting up Buchanan at Bullard’s six yard line. A couple plays later, Mandal connected with Michael Runnels for a four-yard reception, making it 20-0 at the end of the third quarter. Rodgers again scored in the fourth quarter to make it a final 27-0, helping the Bears start the season off 2-0. The Bears will hit the road next week and play Paso Robles.

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On 100th Anniversary, Clovis High Football Inducts Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Gabe Camarillo/Clovis Roundup

2020 Olympic silver medalist Jenna Prandini received a proclamation from Clovis Mayor Jose Flores at halftime of the Clovis High-Bakersfield football game.

stepped to the podium at the induction dinner on Saturday, Aug. 21. Earlier in the night, the eight individual inductees and In its 100 years of football, Clovis High the 1970 football team were honored. BeSchool has produced eight Central Section low are highlights of their achievements: championships and 19 league championNick Nishi ships, but only one coaching staff led the Nishi was a three-sport athlete at CloCougars to their zenith from 1974 to 2002. vis High School in the late 1930s. He was Bill Biggs, Jack Bohan, Jack Erdman, nominated for the Sassano Blanket Award Mike Freeman, Larry Kellom, John Sexin all three sports -- football, baseball, and ton, and Cliff Wetzel formed the Hallmark track and field -- and won the award in Varsity Assistant Coaching Staff, a collec- football. After his high school career, Nishi tion of coaches who won over 250 games, joined the Army as a volunteer, even after 13 league titles, and seven Valley champi- being sent to an internment camp with onships at Clovis High School. his family. He served his country during The Hallmark staff highlighted the World War II as a member of the Military Clovis High Football Hall of Fame Class Intelligence Service (MIS). Nishi’s son, of 2021, which included eight individual Travis, spoke at the induction dinner and players and Clovis High’s first Valley accepted the honor on his father’s behalf. Championship team, the 1970 Clovis CouJan Faris gars. Faris played football for Clovis High Tim Simons, a Class of 2018 inductee, School, Bakersfield College, and Fresno worked with the Hallmark staff through all State. He played on Fresno State’s undeits success. He served as an assistant coach feated 1961 Mercy Bowl championship under Dr. Jim Fugman for Clovis High’s team, a team already immortalized in the 1974 Valley championship season, then Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame. While in succeeded Fugman as head coach in 1976. high school, Faris was the team captain for Simons remained at the helm through the the City-County All-Star Game and earned 1999 season and although some would two All-League selections at tight end. He come and go, the same core of seven assis- lost his life in a car accident at age 29. tant coaches stayed with Simons. Phil Borjas “Good things happen when that many The Clovis High Football Hall of Fame guys stick together and are dedicated to is the latest to honor Borjas. He was intheir profession,” Simons said. ducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of The multiple league and Valley chamFame with the 1969 Fresno City College pionships speak to that. The bond of these football team, the Fresno City College men, which kept them together for 28 Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004, and the years, is almost as impressive as the wins Fresno City Football Hall of Fame Wall in and accomplishments. 2012. Borjas was an all-conference defen“They became like brothers,” Simons sive back at Fresno City in 1969 and 1970, said. “We didn’t mind spending that much playing a key role in the Rams’ 1970 state time together because we enjoy each othchampionship. Borjas also played at Freser’s company anyway… They all became no State for two seasons. very good friends of mine. I went through While in high school, Borjas was a personal tragedy in my life during a time named Clovis High School Athlete of the when my wife passed away, and there were Year during his senior year, a City-County my friends who supported me so well.” All-Star in both football and baseball. He Once Simons departed in 2000, Kellom shared one of the more memorable stories took over head coaching duties and led the of the induction dinner. Borjas recalled beHallmark staff to one more Valley champi- ing hit hard and knocked down by Edison onship in 2002. High (Fresno) linebacker and future NFL Bohan and Wetzel have since passed player Charles Young but getting up and away, but the remaining five coaches back into the game. GABE CAMARILLO

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Dan Pishione Pishione filled many roles when he played at Clovis High School -- punting, PATs, kick-offs, and field goals. He was also a dynamic running back and wide receiver in the wishbone offense who played a big part in Clovis High’s 1974 Valley championship. Pishione suffered a devastating knee injury that ended his college recruitment from multiple Division-I schools including Notre Dame. At the induction dinner, Pishione spoke of leaning on his family to overcome the injury and its aftermath, and he recalled defeating No. 1 Sanger at Lamonica Stadium’s inaugural game. Ken Fontes Fontes started for three seasons at nose guard and was a member of the 1984 Valley championship team as a sophomore. He also wrestled at Clovis High and became the 1987 state heavyweight champion. Upon graduation from Clovis High, Fontes wrestled at Garden City College, Fresno City College, and Portland State. He earned All-American status at the latter two schools and placed in the national wrestling tournament while at Portland. Kelvin Olivas Olivas led the Cougars in rushing during its 1984 Valley championship season with 1,475 yards, averaging six yards per carry. He brought the Cougars back to the Valley title game in 1985 when he led the team again in rushing and touchdowns. The Sassano Blanket Award winner his senior year, Olivas is still Clovis High’s all-time career leading rusher with 2,663 yards, as well as the all-time leader in carries with 447. Notably, he played football only at 155 pounds. He won a Valley championship in wrestling at 145 pounds. Mike Metzler Metzler started at tight end on the 1990 North Yosemite League championship team while also starting on the varsity basketball team. As a senior, he started on the undefeated 1991 Valley championship team that ended the season ranked No. 16 in the country. He played in two Valley championship games during his senior year -- in football against Clovis West, widely regarded as among the greatest Central

Section football games ever played, and in basketball. He focused on football in college and started on the undefeated 1993 Fresno City College football team. He moved on to the University of Arizona from 1994-96, where he currently ranks in the top 10 in career receptions and touchdown receptions. Jordan Christensen Christensen had a historic 2001 season at quarterback where he set Clovis High single-season records for most completions (233), completion percentage (67%), passing yards (3,299), and touchdown passes (38). He is also the all-time passing leader in Clovis High School history with 5,574 yards. He holds two more all-time records at the school: career touchdowns (59) and completions (412). He led Clovis High to back-to-back Valley title game appearances in 2001 and 2002, winning it all in 2002 after missing the 2001 championship game with a broken collarbone. He played collegiately at Fresno State. Teammate Billy Jack Erdman said of Christensen, “Jordan was one of the toughest and grittiest leaders I’ve ever been around. He’s someone who exuded confidence and brought the best out in his teammates.” 1970 Clovis High Football Team The 1970 Clovis Cougars defeated Bullard High School, 27-15, for the school’s first ever Valley championship. Head coach Dennis Lindsey and the Cougars won their first four games but suffered their only loss of the season in Week 5 to Fresno High. The Cougars rebounded to win its remaining five games to secure the North Yosemite League championship and one of four playoff spots. In the championship game against Bullard, a rematch of a Week 4 game that Clovis won, the Cougars received a pregame boost when the Clovis High cheerleaders arrived at the game in a helicopter landing at midfield. Key players included Ken Lake, Ben Childers, Ray Luna, the team’s leading rusher, Rick Jelmini, and quarterback Bobby Prieto.

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Cougars Victorious Against Apaches in Opening Game JESUS CANO @Jesus_Cano88

The sound of helmets clashing, the marching band warming up to the tune of their fight song and crowds cheering echoed throughout Tom Flores Stadium in Sanger. It was a big day for many athletes in the Central Valley, as high school football made its return to the gridiron. But for Clovis High School quarterback Nate Johnson and running back Tristan Risley, it was simply just another day at the office, as the offensive duo combined for five touchdowns in the Cougars 35-12 opening night victory over Sanger. The pair have been doing this for a while, dating back to middle school when the two suited up in the Clovis Cowboy Youth football program, in some instances even playing against each other. “It’s just really crazy now we went from being like eight year olds in oversized jerseys and oversized pants, to now being seniors in high school and playing beside them it’s just really fun.” Johnson said. The two bring more than just talent on the field according to head coach Rich Hammond. “You’re looking at that senior leadership that you expect to have in a team and those guys really kind of came out and led everybody to start the game.” Hammond said. But the team’s strong chemistry goes beyond the two star players, as years of playing experience dating back to even before high school just make playing much easier. “We just felt good. We’ve been playing since middle school and elementary school,” Risley said. “So we just connect really well and no matter what I’m calling my blocks and they’re doing their jobs right and I’m

Courtesy of Clovis High School Football

Clovis receiver Nic Viau evades defenders after catching a ball from Nate Johnson.

doing my job right.” The team orchestrated a productive offense to kickoff the game, as in the first drive Johnson connected with Nic Viau for a 70-yard touchdown to give Clovis the early 7-0 lead. As Sanger took over on offense and threatened in the red zone, Carlos Mack – a transfer from Edison High School – stepped up to intercept a what would be game-tying touchdown pass. That set up an 80-yard drive that culminated in Risley running in for an easy one-

yard touchdown to make it 14-0. He scored on the following offensive drive with seconds left in the first half, scoring in all three of their possessions to make it 21-0. Johnson connected with Viau for a 15yard touchdown to extend Clovis’ lead 28-0 heading into halftime. Clovis gave up two touchdowns in the second half to Sanger to cut its deficit 28-12, but Risley capped off the night with a 39yard touchdown to post up the game’s final score of 35-12. Despite the victory, Hammond made it

clear in his postgame talk with the Cougars that the team had a decline in the second half and needed to remain productive throughout the entire game. “We just miss things by a little bit. You expect to see that in a game one right, you’re not going to be perfect or fine,” Hammond said. “I thought we just made little mistakes that we got to correct, and that’s the process of practicing and having these game experiences so you can keep learning and growing as a team.”

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