What’s Up, Clovis?

CHECK OUT THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN Clovis PD Hosts Facebook Live Q & A for Municipal Codes

KARL COOKE JR.

kcooke29@mail.fresnostate.edu

The Clovis Police Department made things a little easier for Clovis homeowners and renters by holding a Q & A discussing the meanings of municipal codes and how to handle them when received.

The Q & A was held on September 15th via Facebook Live and was hosted by Clovis P.D. Social Media Coordinator Ty Wood with the assistance of Community Service Officer Abby Tiscareno.

Municipal codes are based on different types of items that residents cannot store in public view as these different items can be harmful to them as well as their neighbors or anyone else passing by the homes that are in violation of these codes.

From debris and litter to non-operating vehicles and RVs, Wood and Tiscareno made sure to cover all the different type of items that homeowners and renters need to ensure are safe and within the guidelines of the municipal codes.

One of the biggest things Tiscareno made sure to clear up was the misunderstanding of RVs, boats and trailers being allowed to stay out during the summertime. Tiscareno states that this is not true and was not meant as a permanent rule.

“We tried a trial run where we relaxed the recreational vehicle ordinance probably a few summers ago and that was between Memorial Day and Labor Day,” Tiscareno said. “Unfortunately, since then, the common thing I hear out on patrol, and in code enforcement, is ‘Well it’s between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Just so we’re on the same page, that doesn’t exist. It was a one-time thing.”

Woods and Tiscareno also informed viewers about a courtesy notice one might receive if they were to violate any of the codes explained in the video. Residents have about two weeks to comply with the notice or else they will receive a citation due to their non-compliance. Those with private properties will need to go through a lengthier process to handle their notice.

If you would like to report a municipal code violation there are multiple ways to do so. You can go to CityofClovis.com and click on the Customer Service Portal to file your request online. If you want to file a request via smartphone, you can download either the Clovis Police or Go Clovis apps to get started. For claims via phone calls, dial (559) 324-2800.

For more information on the different municipal codes and how

Courtesy of Clovis PD

Clovis PD’s Social Media Coordinator Ty Wood along with Community Service Officer hosted a Facebook live Q&A session to discuss Municipal Codes on Sept. 15, 2021.

to deal with these codes if you receive a courtesy notice or citation, visit the Clovis Police Department Facebook page and look for Clovis Municipal Codes Q & A in the video section.

CVMD Receives Award at CDSA’s Annual Conference

SYDNEY MORGAN

sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com

Clovis Veterans Memorial District received the 2021 CSDA Public Outreach and Advocacy Award.

This year, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, the California Special Districts Association’s (CSDA) Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase held their 51st award ceremony in Monterey.

There is a range of awards given out during the ceremony acknowledging achievements in various areas for both individuals and districts.

These awards give tribute to public outreach opportunities, leadership, and innovation.

Clovis Veterans Memorial District, CVMD, won the small district category award for their ‘Exceptional Public Outreach and Advocacy.’

This award is bestowed upon organizations that demonstrate extraordinary commitment and engagement to the people they serve.

The event that led to this award was the CVMD’s Salute to Patriots and Military Signing Day.

The Clovis Veterans Memorial District website states that “Our mission is to provide a permanent living memorial honoring the U.S. Military and Veterans [and] to provide facilities and support programs to promote a legacy of service for preserving our community and country’s ideals.”

This organization is directed by an elected board of directors that has been serving the community since June 11, 1946.

If interested in hearing more about the organization, they have public board meetings that are held on the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at 808 4th Street in Clovis.

Courtesy of CVMD

Clovis Veterans Memorial District was recently awarded the 2021 CSDA Public Outreach and Advocacy Award at the CSDA Annual Conference held in Monterey.

Avants.

The current principal of Fort Washington, Melanie Hashimoto, spoke of the location of the new gathering area.

“As Vice Principal he was often out on the fields where the student life is super abundant,” said Avants.

At 43-years-old, Gladding was jogging along Friant Road when a truck, driven by Rogelio Alvarez-Maravilla, his girlfriend Fernanda Lopez in the passenger seat, hit him.

The two in the truck drove off, Alvarez-Maravilla waited five days before confessing his crimes.

Lopez had even proposed fixing Alvarez-Marvilla’s truck to get rid of the evidence with the help of a third party member, 23year old Moises Valdez-Guerrero.

Investigators in the case say they received a tip earlier in the day at the same time an attorney called to report the crime(s).

They seized his parents’ dark blue Chevy Silverado, the truck that was involved in the crime, and found a dented right front fender, a large dent on the passenger side door, and dents on the window frame.

According to later reports by ABC30, there was broken glass inside the truck when it was found, and they spotted suction cup imprints on what appeared to be a new windshield.

“I feel deeply sorry for the actions I have taken,” said Valdez-Guerrero. “I wish I would’ve never gotten involved in this. It was a mistake”

At 18-years-old, Alvarez-Maravilla was being tried for the following crimes: leaving the scene of an accident, vehicular manslaughter, driving without a license and destruction of evidence.

At the end of the trial, Alavarez-Maravilla was sentenced to three years in prison for the

Sydney Morgan/Clovis Roundup

Picture taken in front of the seating area

accident that took Gladding’s life, but ended up being released after 13 months of being in custody.

As for Lopez, she was given three years in probation while Valdez-Guerrero was let off with no sentence.

That February, in 2019, Gladding’s family met with lawmakers to introduce and propose Assembly 582, otherwise known as Gavin’s Law.

Gavin’s law calls for harsh punishment for people who fail to stop at the scene of an accident, specifically ones that result in injury and death.

Susan Gladding, Gladding’s wife, told KMJnow.com, “my hope is that either the bill as it’s drafted or some version of this bill will actually get passed and, and it will be in honor of my husband.”

Currently the bill is still in the legislature, but it’s said to go before the Assembly in January.

As hundreds of people from the community gathered on the field in their orange and grey ‘Glad ding Strong’ t-shirts in honor of G. Gladding’s memory, it was clear to see how impactful he was to the people of Clovis.

CUSD

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monthly public meeting to allow parents and faculty within the district to express some questions or concerns that they hope the Clovis Unified Board Members will look to evaluate and make changes.

Part one of the public presentations expressed their frustrations about a new act taking effect starting October 1st that follow the Ralph M. Brown Act. This act allows members of the public to attend board meetings in person. However, the board may limit the number of people who attend to comply with California public health orders and guidance. The Board President may still also limit speaking time depending on the number of people in attendance.

Those who attended the meeting with this subject in mind came to the board asking for the singular message of letting their voices be heard and not be limited. Resident Dennis McCourt expressed his concern to the board about how this new act limits their ability of free speech that is expressed in the Constitution of the United States.

“We’re here to hold you in check,” McCourt said. “As the ‘We the people’ not to intimidate, not to threaten, but to exercise our first amendment rights. We’re here to support those who are willing to stand up and we’re here to encourage you to stand up as the previous speaker spoke.” The second, and most expressed, subject of the meeting was about the mask mandates for students who attend schools within the district.

Parents were not at all happy with the mandatory rule that students must wear masks when attending classes on campus. According to most who spoke in the meeting, this mandate takes away the option of free choice for the students and contradicts the meaning of the COVID vaccine. Resident Paulie talked about her issues with the mandates to the board and how her grandchildren’s freedom of choice is being taken away from them.

“I wish you would please give us parents, grandparents, and students the opportunity to have our free agency,” Paulie said. “You have your free agency to wear your mask, the kids do not have free agency to wear a mask. If you want to wear a mask wear it. If you want to get a COVID shot get it, but don’t bully those who don’t want to wear a mask, who can’t wear a mask, and will not wear a mask.”

To answer some of these concerns of COVID, Dr. Norm Anderson presented a power point showing some of the resolutions and results of the mandates by the district. According to the latest summary of positive COVID cases reported, the number has dropped to 30 cases dated from September 20th to September 26th. After showing the reports, Dr. Anderson spoke in hopes of easing the concern of those in attendance.

“We are back in school in person because of these mitigation strategies,” Anderson said. “That’s how we’re allowed to be in person, how we’re allowed to be closer than six feet apart. We’ve worked with our staff we’ve worked with our students to make sure they understand this is part of us being allowed to be in person and that’s something we believe is a safer method to bring everybody back in person.”

To view the entire meeting, please visit the Clovis Unified page on YouTube and to participate in future meetings, check the Clovis Unified School District website.

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Planning Commission Approves New State Housing Standards and New 18-Home Development in East Clovis

KARL COOKE JR.

kcooke29@mail.fresnostate.edu

Only two objectives were discussed in the Clovis Planning Commission’s latest meeting and not everything was fully approved by the council.

The meeting took place on September 23rd in-person and streamed live on the City of Clovis website, with the main subject being about housing developments and possible future amendments for the developers.

The biggest objective brought to the council was an Ordinance Amending Title 9 of the Municipal code. This is related to housing development projects standards and procedures, density bonus provisions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and review procedures.

This new ordinance was looked to be passed in order for the City of Clovis to comply with the newest laws passed by the state just this month. This would also mean that the existing code would be completely replaced to reflect these new state laws.

While there were some detailed questions that needed some answers, Pro-Tem Chair Mike Cunningham was not too fond of this new proposal that the State of California is looking to enforce with cities needing to comply.

“It’s a state law so I presume it’s binding on the city. I don’t know what the purpose of our vote is tonight other than to formalize the City Ordinance,” Cunningham said. “I’m vehemently opposed to the state shoving this down our necks. If I thought it would do any good at all I would be an adamant no on this, but I’m very understanding of how we’re handcuffed into having to do this…”

The votes for this proposal were three to one with a majority of votes voting to recommend this ordinance to the City of Clovis.

While this was more discussed and vocal

Courtesy of City of Clovis

Clovis City Planning Commission approved the newest plans for a 18-home development in the Loma Vista area at their Sept. 26 meeting.

subject that was discussed in the meeting, the council did unanimously agree on a new housing development by DeYoung Properties located on Shaw between Leonard and Agua Dulce. The lot will include 18 new single-family homes that will average a lot size of 6860 square feet.

DeYoung Properties representative Brandon DeYoung optimistically spoke on this new project of houses.

“This really is the best use of this area given the zoning for this particular location,” DeYoung said. “Win, win, win. Win for us as a developer, win for the city and a win for the community.”

All four members voted unanimously to approve this development.

For more details of the proposed subjects for this meeting, you can view the meeting on the City of Clovis website, or you can view the meeting on the City of Clovis YouTube page. The next meeting for the Clovis Planning Commission is scheduled for Thursday, October 28.

CLOVISFEST

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Convention & Visitors Bureau International Village with cultural groups, and kid-friendly areas.

From eating breakfast burritos, sipping coffee, sitting around in lawn chairs or standing, people gathered around to watch the hot air balloons launch.

Clovis resident Shiloh Martini said this was her first time at the event.

“This is the first time we brought the whole family out to actually see it because we could see it from our homes, but this experience has just been absolutely amazing,” Martini said. “The kids loved it — just being up so close and coming together as a community. It’s just been such a wonderful experience for all of us.”

Clovis resident Angelica Herrera said she woke up at 5 a.m to. be ready to leave the house by 6 a.m.

Herrera said the experience was different for her this time around.

“I first came when I was younger — when I was a teenager, so now it’s different because I’m bringing my own family,” said Herrera. “It’s special because now I get to see my kids be excited to come and look at the balloons for themselves.”

Clovis Chamber of Commerce CEO, Greg Newman said they brought in a new section to this year’s ClovisFest.

“The ClovisFest, which is very proudly sponsored by Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino — it’s just a great family fun event,” Newman said. “New this year, we have a special Made In Clovis section where we invited young entrepreneurs, crafters, hobbyists, inventors to come out to Clovis and show off their inventions and skills to the general public.” 10-year-old Mikayla Hampton started her own business called Brass + Sass and was very excited to sell her earrings that she personally made. She said an event like this helps her gain experience especially for the future.

Khaylin Bailey was another vendor in attendance who hand-makes her accessories as well. She is the co-owner of Kara Nikole Co.

Her product is multipurpose use and made out of baby teething material. It can be used as a baby teether, key chain, pacifier clips, or stress ball.

“We are so excited! We’ve only been doing this for a couple of months, so it’s been a blessing to be able to be a part of this event like this,” said Bailey.

Bailey used words to describe the ClovisFest as “super fun,” “high energy,” with lots going on from performers, music, and all the vendors.

“It’s just been a blast,” Bailey said.

Clovis resident Earl Schilling has been going to ClovisFest since it first began.

“If you look around and see the people, it’s wonderful especially in this covid time period where people are so leery about getting out, they’re happy out here now,” Schilling said. “You can just see it in their faces, and they’re enjoying everything.”

Schilling added that it’s wonderful what Clovis has done to allow this to happen.

Priscilla Montell, Operations Director with the Clovis Chamber of Commerce said: “We really really push it being so many different parts for our community — between the hot air balloons and then the International Village and the kid zone. We have so many different areas for kids and people to just enjoy themselves. It’s a free event, so that’s important to offer the community and get a chance to come out and breathe the fresh air and have something to do.”

Alexis Victoria Govea/Clovis Roundup

ClovisFest kicked off the Sept/ 25-26 weekend-filled event with their signature Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly.

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City Council Recognizes Clovis Fire Dept Chief Binaski, New City Clerk Appointed

ALEXIS VICTORIA GOVEA

@LexGovea

This past week city council members gathered at the Sept. 20 board meeting as they opened up recognizing the City of Clovis Fire Chief John Binaski as Fire Chief of the Year. The award was presented to him at this year’s California Fire Chiefs Association annual conference.

Chief Binaski has served for 29 years in the fire service. He also has many professional credentials and is an active member on the California League of Cities Board as a director along with other involvement in different areas both past and present.

Chris Ekk, Deputy Fire Chief of the City of Clovis said Chief Binaski has influenced a lot of departments around here and used words to describe him as a “coach” and “mentor.”

“I don’t even know if he sleeps either — he works hard, but he always finds time to help people if they need it,” Ekk said. “And even though all those, the list of tasks that he does in all the boards and he spends time with those agencies, it’s never taken away for his true commitments to the city.” Ekk added that the amount of time, effort and passion that Chief Binaski puts into the fire department and city is commended.

Everyone applauded Chief Binaski at the meeting. He said it is a great honor and although he received the award, he still gave recognition to the people in his

Courtesy of City of Clovis

Karey Cha was appointed as the new City Clerk at the City Council meeting on Sept. 20. Cha worked as the Deputy City Clerk for the last six years.

department.

“We’ve established a great team. We come together as a group,” Chief Binaski said. “We try to do what really is best for the citizens, best for our agency, and really try to move us forward.”

He added on the service with pride and excellence elaborating on how the Clovis fire department goes out and gives their 110 percent effort no matter who it is or where they are (used helping the Porterville Fire Department as an example).

“And that’s why I say it’s really a department award, I’m just the face of it,” Chief Binaski said.

Along with recognizing Chief Binaski at the city council meeting, there were other items on the agenda as well. Project outlines were on display, as well as planning and development services pertaining to improvements and more.

Street sweeping charges were brought up at the meeting. Street sweeping budget has fallen short.

A $0.50 cent increase was proposed (for 2022) from $2.25 to $2.75 per month — annual 4 percent increase July first beginning in 2023 and then evaluated annually. The council accepted the increase in street sweeping charges.

To wrap up the meeting, there was a confirmation of the city manager’s appointment of city clerk.

City Manager, Luke Serpa was very pleased to present Karey Cha’s appointment as city clerk.

Cha has helped with getting them up to speed when it comes to running council meetings, modernizing the software that goes on behind-the-scenes, and putting together the agenda.

Serpa said Cha has been a tremendous asset to them.

“I don’t think we’d be where we are at without her,” Serpa said.

Cha has been working with the city for about six years working in the administration office, as deputy city clerk and started as an economic development intern.

She said she’s had such a wonderful experience getting to learn from everyone over the past years.

Cha said she is looking forward to working as the city clerk.

“I am so excited and incredibly just honored for this opportunity,” Cha said.

Benghazi Attacks: The Story No One Talks About

SYDNEY MORGAN

sydneyamorgan19@gmail.com

Do you know about the attacks that occurred in Benghazi, Libya in 2012?

Often the answer is no, but as it occurred on the anniversary of 9-11 and was yet another attack committed against the United States, it should be recognized.

On Sept. 11–12, 2012, the Benghazi Attacks, both in the U.S. Consultant and the CIA Annex, resulted in the deaths of four Americans: Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty.

According to Britannica.com, on the night of Sept. 11, about 150 Islamic militants from the Ansar al-Sharia, associated with Al-Qaeda, stormed the front gate of a U.S. compound and set fire to the outpost.

“We firmly believe that this was a pre-calculated, pre-planned attack that was carried out specifically to attack the U.S. Consulate,” said Libyan President Mohammed el-Megarif, who told NPR, National Public Radio, on Sept. 16 2012.

As U.S. envoy Chris Stevens stepped into the ambassador role in Libya in 2011 as a result of Obama’s order to meet with Libyan officials “in search of Muammar Gaddafi’s weapons stockpiles [and] to open a cultural center.”

U.S. security personnel had recommended adding more security in the months before the attack; This request was turned down.

“Having an extra foot of wall, or an extra-half dozen guards or agents would not have enabled us to respond to that kind of assault.” said a State Department regional security officer in response to the attack.

According to NPR, two days before the Benghazi attack both the U.S. officials and Libyan Militiamen met to discuss the lack of security.

Hours before what occurred in Bengahzi, there were angry protests in Cairo that began as a response the an anti-Muslim video made in the United States.

The U.S. Consulate, where Stevens resides, reports being under attack at about 9:40 p.m., local time, by Islamic Militants on Sept. 11.

According to NPR, after the islamic militants gained access to the compound grounds, Stevens and an information technology specialist, Sean Smith, hid in a safe room inside of the compound.

Unfortunately, this followed the plan of the attackers as they set fire to the building these two men were in.

Jim Clapper, the director of national intelligence at the time, stated that the group

Image from Fox News story “Remembering the 2012 Benghazi attack.”

From left to right: Chris Stevens, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith, and Glen Doherty.

of individuals who attacked the U.S. compounds were “a mob” of Islamic extremists.

This attack’s significance often goes hand in hand with the notion that there was not enough security for U.S. Ambassador Stevens.

According to NYP, New York Post, no one was en route to the outpost even after pleas were made for help.

When diplomatic security agents, federal enforcement who’s responsible for the security of Foreign Service personnel, finally arrive at the consultant they find Smith, who had died from smoke asphyxiation prior to their arrival, but are unable to find Stevens.

According to NPR, the surviving Americans, after searching for Stevens, evacuated the consultant to go to the nearby CIA Annex.

The survivors later find out that Chris Stevens was found alive by local libyans and was taken to the hospital by local libyans, where he was pronounced dead.

At about 1:15 a.m. on September 12, a rescue team from Tripoli arrived in Benghazi. The team notified Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State at the time, that the Amercians needed to be evacuated at 2:00 a.m. However, according to ballotpedia.org, there was another attack that broke out at 4:00 a.m. at the CIA Annex. Two former Navy SEALs, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty who were acting as CIA security contractors, were killed during this attack.

The surviving Americans and annex staff were evacuated to the airport and out of the country with the help of a Libyan militia. The amount of American survivors filled up two whole planes. These planes took off around 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 12, nearly 12 hours after the first attack. According to NPR, Libya’s president said he believes “Al-Qaida is behind a deadly attack in eastern Libya that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other U.S. staffers.”

Another important thing to know about this event is that it was the first violent killing of an American Ambassador since 1988.

“The White House and State Department faced withering criticism, accused of providing insufficient security at the consulate, of responding too slowly as the crisis grew, and of pushing the spontaneous attack explanation that appeared baseless,” said John Bacon, reporter for USA Today.

Obama, who was president at the time, alongside H. Clinton, faced most of the criticism.

On August 7, 2013, the U.S. The Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced charges were filed against several suspects, the only name announced public was Ahmed Abu Khattala, a Libyan militia member.

“We will continue our efforts to bring to justice those who were responsible for the Benghazi attacks,” said Obama.

Ballotpedia.org states that Khattala was charged with providing material support to terrorists, using a firearm in a crime of violence, and killing a person in an attack on a federal facility.

The U.S. State Department acknowledged on October 10, 2014, that the requests that were made for additional security in Benghazi were in fact denied.

“We were left behind. That’s just the truth. No support came. Period.” said Kris Paronto, one of the CIA security contractors at the CIA Annex.

ABC News released the results from a public opinion poll showing that 51 percent of Americans supported a congressional investigation, whereas 42 percent said they think there was enough investigation.

According to Ballotpedia.org, the investigation was not given a deadline to conclude.

There are many theories of why the attack on Benghazi occured, who was involved, and how America was reluctant to send help to its own people, but at the end of the day all that matters is that we remember and recognize events like this so history doesn’t repeat itself.