Valley Voice Issue 2 (4 July, 2013)

Volume XXXIII No. 2 • 4 July, 2013

www.ourvalleyvoice.com

208 W. Main St., Ste. E • Visalia, CA

Connie Conway Enjoys Where Life Has Taken Her CATHERINE DOE

The new VWR building in Visalia. Photo by: Jordon Dean

Battle Heats Up Over Future of Enterprise Zones Connie Conway

“It’s funny where life takes you,” responded Assembly Member Connie Conway when asked how she got involved in politics. “I didn’t study political science and I did not have any political background. But local government, that’s what is so great about it. It’s community service.”

Conway’s political career really started with her father. Many people in

Tulare know John Conway’s story, but it is worth repeating here. After hearing that Don Hilman was not seeking reelection, John Conway decided to run for a seat on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. He had just retired from a long career with the phone company and wanted to serve his community. There were five other candidates, in

Continued on p. 13 »

National Victory, Local Limbo for County LGBT Community TONY MALDONADO

DAVID MARSH The battle over the future of California’s 42 enterprise zones is heating up both up and down the state, causing Tulare County elected officials and business leaders a bit of concern over the future of the county’s own Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone.

Tulare County Supervisor Allen Ishida calls the effort to eliminate the enterprise zones, “just another attempt by the state of California to raise money for Sacramento at the expense of the cities and counties.” He added, “They sure like to spend our money.”

Governor Jerry Brown is leading the effort to muster support for eliminating the enterprise zone program altogether

and replacing it with a plan that would spend $400 million on a sales tax credit to promote investment in manufacturing and biotech, $200 million for a jobs program for the poor and unemployed, and $100 million to reward businesses that expand in California. Funding for Brown’s plan would come from the estimated $750 million that the state will spend this year on the enterprise zone program.

State Democratic Party leader and former State Senate Pro Tem John Burton announced his own proposal for a 2014 ballot measure calling for the elimination of the enterprise zones.

Continued on p. 11 »

Task Force Says No New Tax STAFF REPORTS

Erica & Rebecca Madrid, the first same-sex couple to marry in Tulare County since the passage and striking down of Proposition 8. Photo by: Jordon Dean

Porterville’s LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community gathered Wednesday, June 26 to celebrate the day’s 5-4 Supreme Court rulings invalidating California’s Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act, fully aware that their battle wasn’t over – neither nationally nor locally.

The court’s ruling on Proposition 8 came after a series of lawsuits beginning shortly after the proposition passed 52 - 47%.

Marriages On Friday, June 28 -- only two days after the court’s Wednesday

Continued on p. 9 »

The Blue Ribbon Task Force Committee decided Tuesday, June 18th, not to recommend an increase in Visalia’s sales tax. The committee was appointed by the Visalia City Council to investigate the possibility of putting a sales tax measure on the November ballot. After seven weeks of presentations and in-depth discussions, they concluded that not only did the city not need the extra revenue, but the ballot measure would most likely not pass.

Of the 38 committee members in attendance, the vote was 27 for and 11 against recommending that there be no tax increase. A subcommittee will present its findings to the city council during a work session on July 15. The public is invited to attend, and many

of the Blue Ribbon Task Force members plan on coming. The committee’s decision is only a recommendation, however. The Visalia City Council can still vote to put a tax measure on the November ballot, but it is highly unlikely that the council would go against the committee’s recommendation.

The task force started its research by touring major city facilities such as City Hall, Police Headquarters and the Public Works Administration.

Deputy City Manager Leslie Caviglia and Community Relations Manager Nancy Loliva worked overtime to prepare documents and Power Point presentations to educate the group about the city’s financial condition.

Continued on p. 11 »

2 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

A License to Care

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency Children of all ages throughout Tulare County need a safe place as they go through a difficult time in their lives.

Are you ready to be their shelter in a storm?

Tulare County Foster Care Licensing offers: • Ongoing training • Support and mentors • Networking

Attend our orientation July 18 Call 623-0581 to RSVP

We will hold your big hands as you connect with little ones.

Call us today. Change a child’s tomorrow.

tchhsa.org

623-0581

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Eisenhower and Me

Last month, our inaugural edition debuted a day early, on the 5th, and by the next day, by request, was on its way to France. I remain proud of our accomplishment, but to be honest, felt more like Eisenhower, on another sixth of June, 69 years ago. The paper was a success, sure, but would it be a hit? Would we, in other words, secure a beachhead of anticipation for the next issue?

I am facing similar anxiety this month. This month, for the first time in my life, I shall be Father of the Bride. I shave in the morning, when I bother to, and must confess a lack of confidence in the character regarding me across the glass.

Why, for instance, is he looking askance at me? Eisenhower, indeed! “What’s more like invasion planning than planning a wedding?” I justify my pretension in no small dudgeon. The answer, of course, comes rapidly back at me: “Try sorting a destination wedding.”

So we’ll be in Hawaii while you read this. Relaxing, right? Not in the middle of a destination wedding, which begins with packing and doesn’t actually end until you’ve packed the happy couple on their way. This will be a ten-day spree. And in organizing this adventure, the details have been endless, needlessly Byzantine, and evolving when thought to be set. This says nothing of the dress, more than a year in the making – literally – and comprising enough white material to propel a tall ship.

Now that I think about it, that might just be the best way to transport it.

Here’s what all parents say: “It wasn’t like that back in my day.” Well, it wasn’t.

And I should know. I’ve planned a destination wedding before.

Here’s where we cue a famous McCartney bass line. My wife and I were married in Gibraltar near Spain. I planned everything, this surprise, and we eloped in style. What this boiled down to was a three-day residency requirement, a lovely pre-honeymoon at the Rock Hotel, during which we had only to explore and have our papers drawn up. When it came time for the ceremony, the concierge acted as our witness. A jaunty taxi ride to Algeciras, where we rented a car for the drive to Seville – and, presto! Who said it ain’t easy?

I’d sure like to harness some of that simplicity right about now. But what I do have is far better – an efficient factotum of a wife. I may have found the North Shore resort we are shortly to invade, but it is she who has patiently shouldered the myriad responsibilities – and phone tennis – that has been this experience so far.

And what of the paper? The learning curve has been steep, and from its top we have jumped through some narrow hoops. We are, you might say, like airborne paratroopers – each issue is its own unique mission, and we only land when the paper hits the streets. It’s a leap of faith every time. Yet as Eisenhower had good people around him, so do I. In addition to a crack writing staff, the voice of The Voice, I have the judicious photographic eye of Jordon Dean. I also have two new friends in Steve Pastis and Tony Maldonado. We are as three men in a foxhole. Without them, this paper simply could not be accomplished.

— Joseph Oldenbourg

The Valley Voice is your newspaper

Published by The Valley Voice, LLC. Publisher/Editor: Joseph Oldenbourg joseph@ourvalleyvoice.com Associate Editor/Sales: Steve Pastis (steve@ourvalleyvoice.com) Staff: Catherine Doe, writer (catherine@ourvalleyvoice.com)

Jordon Dean, photographer (jordon@ourvalleyvoice.com)

Tony Maldonado, webmaster (tony@ourvalleyvoice.com)

David Marsh, writer (david@ourvalleyvoice.com)

April Heath Pastis, writer (april@ourvalleyvoice.com)

Louie Luna, sales (louie@ourvalleyvoice.com) Contact us & share your opinion www.ourvalleyvoice.com 208 W. Main St., Ste. E • Visalia, CA 93291

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4 July, 2013

Valley Voice • 3

Catching up with High-Speed Rail

CATHERINE DOE

Do your eyes glaze over every time you see an article about high-speed rail?

If so, here is a round-trip ticket to bring you up to speed on all the highlights.

In 2008, California voters approved a $9.95 billion bond to build a highspeed train from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Because of our area’s high unemployment, construction was chosen to begin in the San Joaquin Valley, with the “backbone” of the 520-mile electric train system to be between Merced and Bakersfield.

The California Rail Authority hopes to start construction of the first leg later this year, but if you expect to travel the 29-mile leg between Madera and Fresno in 14 minutes anytime soon, you will be disappointed. Four more legs need to be built before the Merced to Bakersfield section is complete – and it won’t immediately be functional, either. The California High-Speed Rail

ability. Allegations have been leveled that that the bidding was rigged so the aforementioned contractor would win.

Initially, only the three most technically sound bids were to be considered. Last August that criterion was changed to “the minimum elements required.”

Before construction could even begin, the High-Speed Rail Authority settled three lawsuits. It also scored a victory when the federal Surface Transportation Board ruled that the first 65-mile stretch of rail could be built without its oversight. Getting approval from this board is time consuming and would have made breaking ground by the end of summer impossible. The construction schedule is critical because the $3.5 million received from the Federal Railroad Administration has to be spent in the San Joaquin Valley by September 2017.

A fourth lawsuit filed by farmer John Tos, homeowner Aaron Fukuda, I think the HSR is a debacle. HSR still has not and the Kings purchased right-of-ways or picked a route. They County Board of Supervisors don’t even have a complete route to Bakersfield. allege that the The government would never give money to a authority’s plan highway project that didn’t have a route. The isn’t what voters number one priority in California is water. It is agreed to when not high-speed rail. they passed — Allen Ishida, Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

Proposition 1A in 2008.

Californians cannot carry passengers until tracks are voted on a project that was supposed laid between Merced and Los Angeles, to include private financing, be high scheduled for completion in 2022. speed instead of “kind of ” high speed, It is only then that the Rail Authority and cost much less than it is projected intends to court private investors. Until to cost today. The initial cost to build the year 2022, it’s all on the taxpayers. the High Speed Rail was $33.5 billion.

If you want to know how close the Five years later, the projected cost is tracks might be to your house, you will $68 billion, but many experts say the have to be patient. The Rail Authority real price is going to be between $98 doesn’t know yet. Just between Fresno and $117 billion. Sacramento County and Bakersfield there are 72 possible Superior Court Judge Michael Kenny combinations of alternative routes has until late August to issue a ruling. from which they have to choose.

The site of a major maintenance Bids to build the first leg between facility for the train system could mean Madera and Fresno were submitted 1,500 permanent jobs and be a magnet in January. Out of the five contractors for other quality development. Sites who submitted a proposal, Tutor Perini/ in Kings, Fresno, Madera and Kern Zachry/Parsons came in with the lowest counties are vying for consideration, and was awarded the contract. But Tutor Continued on p. 12 » Perini also scored lowest on technical

“

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The Kings River Bridge on Avenue 416 is scheduled for a December opening. (Photo courtesy of the County of Tulare Resource Management Agency)

Did the Bridges of Tulare County Get an Unfair Review?

STEVE PASTIS According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, out of the 664 bridges in Tulare County, 55 are “structurally deficient” and 75 are “functionally obsolete.” In the aftermath of the bridge collapse on Interstate 5 north of Seattle in May, and the 2007 collapse of a bridge in Minnesota that killed 13 people, how safe are the bridges in the county?

“There is no reason to worry,” said Benjamin Ruiz Jr., Engineer VI with the Tulare County Resource Management Agency. “There’s no bridge right now that we should worry about. Some require replacement for different things, but not because they are unsafe.

“We actually have a pretty aggressive bridge program for the county,” he added. “We’re going to receive funding this year to look at all bridges and we

have the expertise in house to identify if there is anything critical. The main purpose of the funding is so we can maintain preventive maintenance.”

The federal government has funds available that pay 100% of the costs to repair and replace bridges.

No matching funds are required.

“As a county, we’re trying to take advantage of the federal funding for our bridges because it’s first-come first-served,” Ruiz said.

The county’s goal is to rehabilitate or replace three bridges a year, he said, “so we’re pursuing these funds aggressively.” He said that 21 bridges in Tulare County are now programmed to receive funding, making the county

Continued on p. 8 »

4 • Valley Voice

State Senate Election May Impact Tulare County

Not many people in Tulare County will be voting in the July 23rd runoff between Andy Vidak and Leticia Perez. But come 2014, one of those two candidates will probably be representing much of Tulare County in California’s state senate. This is just one of the many twists and turns that have characterized the election.

The 16th District has been redrawn and now is the 14th State Senate District. Whoever wins this special election July 23rd will be the incumbent in 2014 and probably our future state senator.

And they could be our representative for the next twelve years until they term out.

Right now only Dinuba, Woodlake and Lindsey can vote in the special election because the senator who resigned represented the old district.

It all started when Democrat Michael Rubio resigned to spend more time with his family, and take a lucrative job with Chevron. It’s been suggested that he pay part of the million dollars that it takes to run this election since he did not fulfill his commitment to his constituents, but that is not how the game is played in Sacramento.

In the political scrum that ensued, many big name Central Valley politicians, such as Fran Flores, Nicole Parra and Alan Autry, floated the possibil-

ity of running, but either bowed out or were forced to the sidelines by their political party. The last two standing who got their party’s endorsement were Democrat Leticia Perez, from Bakersfield and Republican Andy Vidak from Hanford. Round one – over, almost.

A week before the filing deadline, Leticia Perez was told that she, in fact, did not live in the district as she had been told earlier by the elections office.

Two days before the deadline she found a home that not only had to be in the 16th senate district but was also in her Kern County supervisorial district, in which she has been a board member for three months. In addition to her place of residence, the California Constitution states that a candidate has to live in the district for at least a year before running for office. In a previous case that was similar to Ms. Perez’s situation the court declined to intervene. Kudos needs to go to Mr. Vidak who chose to focus on the issues and not go to court. Round one-now officially over.

On a side note, If she wins, Ms. Perez will be able to move back to the home she owns next year, which is in the 14th state senate district.

Round two - the campaign. There were only seven weeks for the candidates

to woo the voters, which was a hardship for them, but a blessing for the residents of the district who had to listen to a barrage of television campaign ads and receive a deluge of mailers. As far as the issues, Ms. Perez does not support raising taxes but does support raising the minimum wage. She supports fracking and building the High Speed Rail. Mr. Vidak is campaigning to oppose any new taxes, reduce the size of government and bringing jobs to the Valley.

He is opposed to the High Speed Rail and is vocal about bringing safe, clean drinking water to small communities whose water is contaminated by nitrates.

Both candidates have been successful raising money, but to the great chagrin to the Republicans, Ms. Perez’s biggest contributor is Chevron. Can you say “fracking.”

Round three – election day, May 21st. By Tuesday night Andy Vidak had 52% of the vote and was declared the winner. As Mr. Vidak celebrated his victory on Wednesday, he received a congratulatory call from President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and was already making plans for his arrival in Sacramento..

Ms. Perez conceded the race Tuesday night seeing the impossibility of overcoming such a deficit. She and the three

4 July, 2013 CATHERINE DOE other little known candidates would have had to win just over two thirds of the remaining provisional and absentee ballots to push Mr. Vidak under the 50% mark and deny him an outright victory.

And that is exactly what happened.

Andy Vidak, who lost a congressional race to Rep. Costa by the slimmest of margins, now fell short by just 115 votes to clinch the primary.

In the final analysis, Mr. Vidak did not clinch the primary, but he did soundly beat Ms. Perez 49.8% to 43.9%. Special elections, like this one, also tend to favor Republicans, increasing his chances to win the run off on July 23rd.

On the other hand, the district is 51% Democrat and only 29% Republican. Trent Hager, Ms. Perez’s campaign manager said, “I do not know of a single legislative district in California where the GOP holds a seat where their registration under 29%.” Other factors include that the district is a majority Hispanic and she will not have to split the vote with other Democrats. There is also that minor detail that no Republican has held the seat for twenty years.

But who is counting? My prediction?

Two minutes after a winner is declared it’s show time for campaign 2014.

Supervisors Approve $1.76 Million in Salary Increases A $1.76 million salary increase for county employees unrepresented by bargaining groups was approved by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors at its June 25 meeting. No opposition was presented prior to the vote.

“Seeing as no one stepped forward speaks a lot,” said Supervisor Phil Cox. “2008 was a difficult time.

Now we are reaping the benefits from staying the course. There are rewards for being conservative and making conservative projections. We are doing better than most counties in California. These employees deserve this raise. It is a just compensation.”

“I want to thank the board for being so fiscally responsible,” said Supervisor Pete Vander Poel. “The employees deserve it and I’m excited about it.”

“We are one of the few entities to get rid of furloughs and we can even increase salaries of employ-

ees,” noted Supervisor Allen Ishida.

“What we need to watch out for now are the extra costs of the Affordable Health Care Act and Realignment.”

The last time the county approved similar salary adjustments was December 2008. The board voted to approve another pay raise since then, with the proposal listed on its consent calendar, but later rescinded its decision.

There are 540 employees in unrepresented bargaining groups, which include the board of supervisors, county elected officials, confidential clerical workers, professionals, mid-management, executive management/department heads, probation management and assistant department heads.

Of the $1.76 million included in the salary increase proposal, $530,000 will come from the general fund.

County Administrative Officer Jean Rousseau said after more than four

years of conservative budgeting, the county is able to offer salary increases to bargaining units whose contracts are set to expire this year, or who had a reopener to current agreements.

“Tulare County is in this position today because of the conservative measures the board of supervisors has taken during the Great Recession,” Rousseau said. “Looking forward, we will continue to take cautious measures when considering salary increases, cost-of-living adjustments or equity adjustments.”

Approved salary increases include: • The board of supervisors will receive a 3 percent increase, effective 60 days after adoption of the annual budget. This will provide each supervisor with a $98,550 base salary.

• County elected officials will receive a 3 percent increase, upon adoption of annual budget.

• Unrepresented employees will re-

STAFF REPORTS ceive a 3 percent increase, effective July 14. - Probation officer-supervisors will receive a 4 percent increase, effective July 14 and 4 percent equity adjustment on January 26, 2014.

• The positions of chief deputy county counsel, attorney-supervisors, attorney-supervisor (at will), attorney civil V, and attorney-chief child support will receive an additional 2 percent equity adjustment effective January 26, 2014.

The proposed increase will be just one of a few agreements reached with different bargaining groups this year.

For example, the following bargaining groups have already reached agreements on June 11 with the county: • The Tulare County District Attorney Investigators Association (TCDAIA) employees will receive a 3 percent increase effective July 14.

• The Government Lawyers Association of Workers (G-LAW) employees will receive a 3 percent salary increase effective August 11. In addition, attorney V’s in that group will receive an additional 2 percent salary increase effective January 26, 2014.

Other bargaining units whose contracts expire this year include: Tulare County Corrections Association (TCCA); United Auto Workers (UAW); District Attorney Criminal Investigators Association Tulare County (DACIATC); and Professional Association of Tulare County Physicians (PATCOP). It is anticipated that contract agreements for these bargaining units will be brought to the board of supervisors this month.

Bargaining units whose contracts expire next year include: Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Tulare County Professional Firefighters Association (TCPFA); Professional Law Enforcement Managers Association (PLEMA); and the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (TCDSA).

4 July, 2013

Farm Bill Faces Uphill Battle in House

TRICIA STEVER BLATTLER Executive Director, Tulare County Farm Bureau Do you think of complicated subsidies or cornfields in the Midwest when you think of farm policy? You’d be partially right, but the farm bill is much more than an agricultural aid package.

You might be surprised to learn the farm bill influences you every day: from the cost and availability of your food to the tools utilized by farmers to protect farm and ranch land. Some have even said the farm bill should be renamed to reflect that its largest percentage of spending focuses on supplemental nutrition assistance and school meal programs, not direct aid to farms across America.

The farm bill is a package of federal legislation enacted every five to seven years to set the general direction for America’s farm and food policy. Congress enacted the first farm bill in the wake of the Great Depression, with the dual goals of supporting America’s farmers and ranchers and helping them to maintain their land.

In the 2008 Farm Bill, set to expire this September, there are 15 titles, with the largest portion – nearly 75 percent of the bill – spent administering food assistance programs. Comparatively, the other key titles in the farm bill – conservation, commodities, crop insurance, energy and exports – collectively only represent about $17 billion in total costs, compared to nearly $63 billion spent on food assistance programs and school nutrition programs.

Here in California, we receive a relatively small percentage of the commodity dollars that go to support subsidized crops, or program crops that are considered vitally important to our nation’s security and strategic national defense. Instead, what really is critical to California growers are the incentive funds and grant programs that help fund the replacement, retrofitting and purchase of new technologies and equipment that are too capital intensive for growers to buy outright.

The specialty crops programs, conservation, energy and research titles of a new farm bill are incredibly important in California. In a state with one of the most “unfriendly” business environments and too many onerous regulations to count – farmers need programs within the farm bill to help them comply with extreme environmental regulations, replace and update equipment, and to assist them in developing conservation

strategies. Without these key provisions, California farmers would be even less likely to succeed in passing down their family farms in today’s business climate.

California’s key priorities will be following those provisions in the bill(s) that deal mostly with: air quality and incentive programs funded in the conservation title, market access and research programs for specialty crops, and funding that is allocated for border inspection and disease and pest detection and prevention.

Amongst our top priorities, air quality funding must be included for the funding of grants and incentive-based programs to assist California farmers in achieving federal, state and local air quality standards. Considering California’s Central Valley is one of the most extreme non-attainment air basins in the U.S., it is vitally important we maintain funding opportunities for air quality improvements to be made in agriculture in the next Farm Bill.

Second, with the vulnerability of California’s borders, coast lines, ports and immigrant populations creating many unique ways for pests and disease to enter the state – the next Farm Bill must also grant sufficient funds for increased pest and disease detection and eradication programs. This, coupled with increased funding for more Specialty Crop Block Grants and research programs, will make an important contribution to helping keep

Valley Voice • 5 California farms and ranches viable.

While the Senate bill remains virtually unchanged from the version that was passed out of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee last month, as of press time, the House had not produced a viable bill and a vote taken on June 20 resulted in defeat of HR 1947. The bill now faces a very uphill battle in trying to appease both sides of the House; both political parties have strong ideas about what the Farm Bill’s spending plan should look like, and both sides have their own issues that kept the bill from getting out of the House in its final hours.

The Senate version of the Farm Bill would run an estimated $955 billion over 10 years, and the House bill approved by the Agriculture Committee would have cost an estimated $940 billion, with more savings coming from cuts to food stamps. But unfortunately due to partisan issues and finger pointing, it is back to square one for agriculture and the House Agriculture Committee after the House defeated HR 1947. Democrats withdrew support because of cuts to nutrition funding, and Republicans withdrew their support because not enough was cut from the budget. Leaders have promised a new proposal soon, however, any bill that may try to get more Republican support in an effort to seek a majority will have more difficulty in being reconciled with the Senate’s Farm Bill.

6 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

National Mensa Leader to Move to Tulare County Daniel Burg has just been elected to serve as chair of American Mensa, which with 50,000 members is the largest national group in the largest and best known high IQ society in the world. So what will this 12-year member of Oregon Mensa do next?

He’s moving to Tulare County.

Now that the schoolyear has ended, Burg plans to move to Springville later this month with his sons, David, 8, and Aaron, 5. His wife, Ember, has already made the move south to become the assistant director of the pharmacy department at Sierra View District Hospital in Porterville.

Burg, a patent attorney who became a stay-at-home dad, met his wife at a Mensa leadership conference in 2000. He was there to present a program and she was the local secretary of the Iowa Mensa group. “She started emailing me to ask about Mensa business, but the conversation drifted to other things,” he said.

His main goals as chair include maintaining financial stability, increasing membership and providing more services for Mensa members.

“We want to continue to expand our use of social media and revitalize our testing program,” he added.

Burg also plans to get Mensa more involved in community service during his two-year term. He noted a recent poll of members that supported the idea of increased visibility through community work.

“My philosophy of Mensa is sim- sans and everyone ‘gets’ it right away. ple: It is a gathering-place for intelligent We also have our more serious side, such people,” he explained in his first column as giving scholarships and trying to rein the Mensa Bulletin, stock damaged librarthe group’s national ies, but each activity magazine. “Mensa is is inevitably stamped an amorphous body

by Mensa’s blend of with no central goal wit and camaraderie. around which everyWhatever we do will thing is organized othbe uniquely Mener than intelligence. san, and that makes This is a direct contrast all the difference.” to many membership But first things organizations, which first. As this issue goes exist to, for example, to press, Burg is prehelp the needy or run paring for the move chess tournaments or to Tulare County. collect stamps. We “This is going to be have special interest a big thing, with the groups that do each boys going to differof these things, but ent schools,” he said.

Mensa’s whole is much “Springville is a differmore than the sum ent environment than Daniel Burg, Chair of American of its parts. Mensans Portland, and PortMensa. talk about the weather land is the only environand sports and the latment that they know.” est political scandal just as the rest of Burg will also notice a major differthe population does, but with a differ- ence in the local Mensa group from what ence: These people are intellectual peers. he is used to in the 800-900-member Or“It has been said that, ‘During any egon Mensa. Tulare Kings Mensa is the Mensa party a serious discussion is like- southernmost area of San Francisco Rely to break out, and during any serious gional Mensa, one of the largest and most Mensa discussion a party is likely to active local groups in the U.S. In Tulare break out,’” he continued. “Mensans are and Kings counties, there are currently quick, and lively, and conversations real- 30 members who have been getting toly move. Personally, I like the fact that I gether at Panera Bread in Visalia on the can make a pun in a room full of Men- second Thursday of each month for the

Take the Mensa Mini-Quiz

The following questions are similar to those administered on the Mensa Admission Test. Take the challenge and find out if you are Mensa material.

1. What is the 4-digit number in which the first digit is one-fifth the last, and the second and third digits are the last digit multiplied by 3?

(Hint: The sum of all digits is 12.)

6. In a foot race, Jerry was neither first nor last. Janet beat Jerry, Jerry beat Pat. Charlie was neither first nor last. Charlie beat Rachel. Pat beat Charlie. Who came in last?

2. Jane went to visit Jill. Jill is 7. Find the number that best Jane’s only husband’s mother- completes the following sein-law’s only husband’s only quence. daughter’s only daughter.

1 2 4 7 11 ? 22 What relation is Jill to Jane?

8. Marian bought 4 oranges 3. Which of the words below and 3 lemons for 90 cents. is least like the others? The The next day she bought 3 difference has nothing to do oranges and 4 lemons for 85 with vowels, consonants or cents. How much did each syllables. lemon and orange cost?

MORE, PAIRS, ETCHERS, ZIPPER 9. Start with the number of total mittens the numbered 4. Tabitha likes cookies but kittens lost, and multiply by not cake. She likes mutton the voting age in the U.S. but not lamb, and she likes What’s the answer? okra but not squash. Following the same rule, will she 10. There is at least one like cherries or pears? nine-letter word that contains only one vowel. Do you 5. What is the number that is know what it is? one more than one-tenth of one-fifth of one-half of 4,000?

Answers: pg 12

STEVE PASTIS past few years, and have recently started to hold Mensa Game Days at GameQore in downtown Visalia. Two years ago, San Francisco Regional Mensa held its regional gathering at the Visalia Marriott, featuring talks by Supervisor Phil Cox, local historian Terry Ommen, a sing-along, a paranormal investigation and talks about a variety of subjects.

Burg was asked if Mensa was an elitist group.

“In one sense, perhaps it is,” he said, explaining that people have to qualify for membership based on IQ tests. “But in another sense, we’re the least exclusive and most inclusive group. Our members include dropouts through doctorates, doctors, lawyers, schoolteachers and truck drivers. We have no restrictions. You don’t have to be voted in. If you qualify, you can be a member. It’s a big tent. We have people from many backgrounds.”

Prospective members can apply by submitting evidence of scores from prior intelligence tests, according to the American Mensa website, us.mensa.org.

Many members have qualified based on a test they took in high school, in the military or to qualify for law school.

Mensa also offers proctored tests, which have been given at the Visalia Marriott three times in the past two years. A score in the top 2 percent of any accepted test qualifies someone for membership.

For more information, email tulare-kings@sfmensa.org or visit Tulare Kings Mensa on Facebook.

HHSA Announces Meetings to Examine Vendor Fee Changes

Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) announced a schedule of meetings, one in each supervisorial district, to examine fee structure options with vendors.

At issue is a proposed change from vendors paying one annual fee to paying a fee for every event.

The issue is scheduled to be addressed at the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 27.

All meetings are scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m.

District 1 – Thursday, July 25, Exeter Hometown Emporium District 2 – Thursday, July 11, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Tulare Trade Room District 3 – Wednesday, July 31, Visalia Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Board Room District 4 – Thursday, August 8, Dinuba Recreation Department District 5 – Thursday, August 15, Porterville City Council Chambers Vendors who would like to attend, but are unable to meet on the date of their district meeting may attend any of the other meetings.

The HHSA also has an email account for comments on this issue: fee@tularehhsa.org.

Black Tie

ALEX

We’re out of dam water!

4 July, 2013

Valley Voice • 7

Independence Day – 1909 Style Visalia has always liked a good party and that was especially evident on Monday, July 5, 1909. The Merchant’s Association’s Fourth of July Committee was in charge and its members were determined to make Visalia sparkle for this patriotic holiday. A parade, sporting competitions, auto races, a balloon ascension, fireworks show and ball were all part of the plan.

Their hard work paid off, and one of the biggest celebrations in Visalia’s history played out almost flawlessly.

On the big day, thousands of people crowded into town, arriving by train, wagon and automobile.

Visalia was looking good with Main Street draped in banners, bunting and flags. Shop windows were brightly decorated. Hotel rooms were at a premium and restaurants had stocked up for the many hungry visitors.

The day’s festivities started with a big parade led by Tulare County Sheriff William Collins, the grand marshal. He was followed by several automobiles carrying Mayor Orr, members of the city council, and members of the board of education.

Numerous floats followed, including one called “Goddess of Liberty” with Miss Mabel Grant as the goddess.

This was a decorated horse-drawn float that looked like an airship with a cigar-shaped balloon on top and a fan propeller. It was called the “most novel ever seen in a parade locally.”

Other entries followed, including volunteers from the Visalia and Porterville fire departments, local fraternal

organizations, vaqueros on horseback and several commercial displays.

After the parade, the huge crowd made its way to the Tipton Lindsey school grounds (where the Tulare County Library is today) for opening exercises. Mayor Orr gave a welcoming speech and attorney Harry B. McClure read the Declaration of Independence.

C. L. Russell of Tulare, the orator of the

TERRY L. OMMEN held, starting with a six-mile motorcycle jaunt, followed by bicycle, foot and sack races. But the contest that attracted the most attention was the quartermile automobile race between Grover Weathers, in a Studebaker, and Frank Whipple, driving his Buick “White Streak.” Their first duel was called a tie, but the second was won by Weathers.

A highlight of the day was

from his contract, but members of the committee refused, explaining that considerable advertising had been done.

So at 6 p.m., with the skies still gusty, the brave professor reluctantly made his way to the launch site. The gas-filled balloon rose into the air, but quickly blew into nearby trees. The professor fell from the balloon onto the roof of a house, cutting his face and gashing his thigh. That ended the balloon ascension.

At about 8 p.m., the fireworks show began near the Santa Fe Depot at Main and East (now Santa Fe). For an hour, rockets and aerial displays kept the sky ablaze and the crowd excited. Concerned about public safety, Mayor Orr had earlier banned certain fireworks like dynamite canes, pistols, bombs and other large explosive devices. Despite these restrictions, the crowd loved the pyrotechnical display, dubbing it one of the best ever in Visalia.

The festivities ended with the grand ball at 9 p.m., when a large crowd gathered at Armory Hall. The Visalia Daily Times reported, “The music was good and the light fantastic was Miss Mabel Grant, Goddess of Liberty float, July 5, 1909 tripped well into the night.” day, delivered a “stirring address” that scheduled to be the “Grand Balloon By almost all measures, the was deemed one of the best Fourth of Ascension” by visiting “Professor” Independence Day celebration was July orations ever heard in Visalia. Miss Young. He was scheduled to lift off in a hit. The local newspaper reported, Bessie Kreiss ended the ceremony by the morning, but a strong breeze forced “It was a big day and it is safe to say singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” a postponement. Concerned about the that everybody enjoyed themselves Attention then turned to the wind, Young approached the Fourth of to the limit.” The reporter obviously sporting events. A series of races were July Committee and asked to be excused had not talked with Professor Young.

State Farm Bureau President Calls to Pass Immigration Reform

STAFF REPORTS Now that the U.S. Senate has passed comprehensive immigration reform, the leader of California’s largest farming organization says the House of Representatives should follow suit. California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger said the bill passed by the Senate will help family farmers and ranchers address chronic problems in hiring an adequate, legal immigrant workforce.

“People who work on California farms make a big contribution to our state and its economy,” Wenger said.

“It’s time we provide immigrant farm

employees with a system that recognizes their contributions and permits them to work legally on our farms and ranches.”

Wenger said the agricultural program included in the Senate immigration bill represents an agreement among agricultural organizations and the United Farm Workers on a system to benefit both farmers and their employees. It contains an agricultural program that accounts for people who want to enter the U.S. to work on farms and the people who are already in the country and can earn a chance for legal status while continuing to perform farm jobs.

Nissan of Visalia Wins Prestigious National Award STAFF REPORTS For the third time, Nissan of Visalia has been recognized as a recipient of Nissan Motor Company’s 2013 Owner First Award of Excellence. Nissan of Visalia is the only winner of this prestigious award in Northern and Central California, and one of only 20 recipients throughout the nine-state Western Region (California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Hawaii).

The award recognizes a dealership and its employees for delivering the highest standards of customer satisfaction, sales and loyalty. The program measures output from every employee and sets extensive criteria of 10 different benchmarks for dealership operation established by Nissan North America.

“We are pleased to have been able to accomplish this goal once again because it is a challenging competition,” said Don Groppetti, president of Groppetti

Automotive in Visalia, the family-owned company that owns the dealership along with seven other factory brands. “To be the only Nissan dealership in the northern half of California to achieve this standing speaks to the dedication, hard work and professionalism of all our employees and management team.

We pride ourselves in the way we work with our customers, and this recognition confirms that these efforts have reached Nissan’s highest standards. I’m grateful for the effort and for the loyalty from our customers.”

Nissan of Visalia was the first of six dealerships acquired since 1994

by Groppetti Automotive. Other manufacturers represented include Toyota, Scion, Honda, Ford, Buick, GMC and Hyundai. The six dealerships are located along Ben Maddox Way in Visalia, just north and south of Freeway 198.

“People who are already in the country would have to pass a background check. If they don’t have legitimate work documents, they should be required to pay a fine. They should also be allowed to come out of the shadows and continue to contribute to our communities,” Wenger said.

HenotedthattheprogramintheSenate bill represents a bipartisan compromise.

“It’s not perfect but it’s a big improvement from current programs that don’t work for either farmers or their employees,” Wenger said, encouraging the House to adopt similar reforms.

“A workable agricultural immigration system benefits border security,” Wenger said, “allowing border agents to concentrate on preventing drug dealers and other criminals from entering the country. We will work to make sure our representatives recognize that and create a reformed immigration system for farmers and their employees.”

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 74,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.

8 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

Bridges

Continued from p. 3

number one in the state in total bridg- found to be significant, then you have a certain weight could not use it. potential deficiencies. They look at the “The Department of Forest- support structure for any cracking.” es in the program. “Of course, some to mitigate. Mitigation can be anything He added that these inspections bridge in Los Angeles may cost more from building a bridge with the same ry had to empty their water trucks than all of ours combined,” he added. character as the old one, or as simple as because they couldn’t carry them are done annually, unless a bridge gets “We take an in-depth look and pri- photographing and then demolishing it.” full across the bridge,” Ruiz said. a high enough rating and they may The county is not responsible for wait two years between inspections. oritize bridges that we need to look at imThe Friant-Kern Bridge, a hisCity officials have said that budmediately,” Ruiz said, adding that there toric bridge east of Exeter, is too nar- bridges that are within its cities. Even so, are six timber bridges in the county that row to accommodate the planned ex- Ruiz said he is “available to help” city engi- get-cutting measures during the rethe county has to inspect for termites. pressway from Lindsay to Highway neers if needed, but so far he hasn’t heard cession included delaying preven“Five of those we have to go back every 198. “If you’re going to put in four to from any cities. “They have their own tive maintenance on city structures. five years and supplement the supports. six lanes, it’s definitely going to have programs,” he said. “They do their own Young was asked if this included “We have four load-posted bridg- to be replaced,” Brewer said. “You thing and make use of CalTrans funding.” a cutback on bridge maintenance.

There are 17 bridges under the ju“It had some impact with cosmetic es that are not able to support a high- need to build a whole new bridge.” way legal load (80,000 lbs.),” he This doesn’t mean that the histor- risdiction of the city of Visalia, accord- issues, such as the cracking on a deck,” he added. “We’ve prioritized those. We ic bridge needs to be demolished, ac- ing to Chris Young, community de- responded. “In a perfect world, you would have a bridge we will replace this fall cording to Brewer. “You simply move velopment director and city engineer repair that. If we identified a structural that is both timber and load-posted.” the road so you avoid the bridge,” he for the city. “The overpasses on 198 issue, that’s something we can’t defer.”

Pat Natale, executive diThe fact that a bridge is rated rector of the American Society “structurally deficient” does not mean of Civil Engineers, explained that it is ready to collapse. It usually the issues that resulted in the means that the bridge requires sigcollapse of other bridges. “The nificant maintenance and repair to bridge in Washington state remain in service and will require didn’t meet current standards,” eventual rehabilitation or replacement he told the Voice from his Virto address deficiencies. A “functionginia office. “The lanes were too ally obsolete” bridge means one that narrow and the load-carrying was built to codes that aren’t as decapability was insufficient.” manding as those used today. Most He said that the 2007 of the county bridges to be replaced collapse of the bridge in Minhave shortcomings other than safenesota was the result of too ty issues, according to Ruiz. Some much weight. “They were doare too narrow or have no shoulders. ing maintenance. They kept Ruiz doesn’t believe that earthpaving the bridge and had quakes are a threat to the county’s construction materials on the bridges, calling this area “a low seisbridge when it collapsed.” mic region.” He also dismissed the The Mountain Road 319 Bridge near Three Rivers opened in April.

(Photo courtesy of the County of Natale explained why his possibility that our notorious air Tulare Resource Management Agency)organization is raising people’s quality and weather could adversely imconcern about the safety of their pact our bridges. “Just time,” he said.

The county oversees six bridg- said. “The better route is to build a new and 99 are under CalTrans.” There is bridges by issuing negative reviews. “I es built in the 1910s, seven from the bridge to the west of the old bridge at least one exception to that, however. think in any area of your county or San “We’ve actually taken the lead on Francisco or San Diego, I wouldn’t say 1920s, 36 from the 1930s, 129 from the and it would be on the frontage road.”

1940s, 84 from the 1950s, 59 from the “CalTrans performs inspections on several widening projects, and also de- your bridges are ready to collapse, but we 1960s, 20 from the 1970s, eight from all bridges in the state every two years,” veloped the project for the Santa Fe want to make sure the public is speaking the 1980s, and five built since then. Ruiz said. “As a result of their inspection, bridge,” Young said. “CalTrans let us out to public officials to make sure,” he Four of those bridges are con- they issue a bridge inspection report de- take the lead. It wasn’t in CalTrans’ Cap- said. “The crisis we’re in now is the tough sidered historical, including an arch scribing the condition of the bridge.” ital Improvement Program, but Santa economic times we’re dealing with. The bridge near Three Rivers. “It’s someThe county has scheduled Fe is a crucial corridor for us and obvi- first thing that goes is that we cut back thing that’s unique,” Ruiz explained, 18 bridges to be replaced, most- ously, the bottleneck was the 198.” The on maintenance. That’s not a good thing “the age and type of structure that it is.” ly due to age, according to Ruiz. city received a federal grant of more than to do. We need to ensure proper investHistoric bridges in California re- One near Traver was built in 1918. $6 million for the project, he added. ment in infrastructure. It’s about makYoung gave a confident yes when ing sure we properly maintain structures quire additional steps before they can Five of the bridges to be replaced be replaced or significantly altered. are “fracture critical,” according to asked if the bridges in Visalia were that are going to last for a long time.

“If your roof was starting to leak, “If you have a historic bridge, be- Ruiz. “That means if one of the connec- safe. He then explained his response.

“We have an agreement with Cal- what would you do?” he continued. fore you go in and simply tear it up and tions fail, the whole bridge collapses,” rebuild it, it has to be evaluated for its he said, noting that a “military-type” Trans,” he said. “They have an inspec- “If you don’t fix it, you will have adhistoric significance,” said Chris Brew- bridge on 319 near Three Rivers was tion unit that comes out to conduct ditional problems. We don’t have the er, architectural historian for CalTrans. replaced by a bridge that opened in inspections. They look to see if a bridge same attitude with infrastructure.”

“If it’s determined that you’re going to March. The old bridge was a load-post- is structurally sound and if it is approdemolish the bridge and the bridge is ed bridge, meaning that vehicles above priately load-rated. They look at any

Current Public Works Projects Packwood Creek Trail Project: Construct asphalt pedestrian trail along Walnut Avenue from Santa Fe Way to Lovers Lane.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 7/31/13 - Who work is being done for: City of Visalia.

Repairs to the Sanitary Sewer Lateral at Shirk Road and Goshen Avenue.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 7/05/13 - Who work is being done for: Property Owner Installation of water main and services along Walnut, Vassar, Feemster and Howard Avenues from Demaree Street to Chinowth Street.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 7/31/13 - Who work is being done for: California Water Company Installation of new sidewalk, curb and gutter and curb return at Vine Street and Dinuba Boulevard.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 7/05/13 - Who work is being done for: GM Northrup Install signal light at Demaree Street and Mill Creek Drive.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 7/05/13 - Who work is being done for: City of Visalia.

Santa Fe Trail project along Santa Fe Way from Avenue 272 to Tulare Avenue.

- Days and hours of work being

done: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 8/31/2013 - Who work is being done for: City of Visalia.

Signal Light Project at Santa Fe Street and Walnut Avenue.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 8/22/13 - Who work is being done for: City of Visalia.

Signal Light Project at Demaree Street and Ferguson Avenue.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 8/22/13 - Who work is being done for: City of Visalia Reconstruct road improvements for the Plaza Drive Interchange from Airport Drive to Goshen Avenue including auxiliary lanes on SR 198

from SR 99 to Plaza Drive. This project could cause significant traffic impact.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 9/19/13 - Who work is being done for: City of Visalia.

Repairs and improvements of existing bus stops and installation of new bus stops at various locations.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 12/31/13 - Who work is being done for: City of Visalia Offsite and road improvements along Santa Fe Way and Bridge Street from Oak Avenue to School Avenue.

- Days and hours of work being done: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

- Date of expected completion: 4/22/14

6 June, 2013

Valley Voice • 9

LGBT

Continued from p. 1

ruling -- the 9th Circuit Court of County, we have this amazing network that regard,” counAppeals unceremoniously lifted a stay now, this amazing support group, so that cil member Brian that would have prevented same-sex none of these kids have to grow up feeling Ward said at the weddings from happening for 25 days the way that we did,” Jamie Garza, a par- June 4 meeting. after the Supreme Court’s ruling; the ticipant, said. “I don’t know how else to “A l t h o u g h Supreme Court turned down a chal- express what this means to our communi- I do support anlenge over the weekend that would have ty, and what this means to me personally.” ti-bullying and suiforced the stay on weddings to return. cide prevention for The court’s announcement Proclamation fight all people, I think came down at 3:23PM Friday: sevWhile the overturn of Prop 8 and wrapping it up into en minutes before the Tulare Coun- the Defense of Marriage Act were cause the LGBT agenda ty Clerk-Recorder’s office was set to for celebration both statewide and na- is wrong, I think it close. Same-sex couples who want- tionwide, Tulare County earned the dis- divides the commued to get married in Tulare County tinction of overwhelmingly voting for the nity, and it should had to wait until Monday to marry. proposition -- 75%, the highest percent- have came forward The first couple to get married in age in the state -- and Porterville was the as an anti-suicide Tulare Counor anti-bulty after the lying meaSupreme sure, not as Court’s disan LGBT solution of m e a s u r e .”

Proposition T h e 8 were Erica proclamaand Rebection met ca Madrid. significant “ We’ve resistance been domesfrom Gurtic partners rola’s felfor about allow counmost three cilmembers years,” Eriand from Participants at a June 26, 2013 rally after the Supreme Court struck down Proposition 8 and the ca said. “It’s communi- Porterville Mayor Virginia Gurrola at June 18, 2013 Porterville Defense of Marriage Act. Photo by: Jordon Dean City Council meeting, Photo by: Jordon Dean different.. ty members now I can who gave really say, oh, she’s really my wife.” only city in the state to pass a resolution arguments inspired cess, and a replacement proclamation re“We raise two kids together -- she supporting the passage of the proposition. by personal religious beliefs; the meet- moving any reference to the LGBT comhas a six year old, he’s going to be seven toIn some ways, the climate in Tulare ings became raucous at times, and one munity on its June 18th meeting agenda. morrow … and then I have a ten year old,” County and across the state has changed man was arrested at the first meeting.

All items passed; all three topics Rebecca said. “We’ve always considered significantly since 2008. The Supreme It was found so controversial that the will be next discussed at the July 16 meetour domestic partnership our marriage.” Court rulings aside, Visalia and Porter- council added agenda items to discuss its ing at 291 N. Main St, Porterville, CA. “I think they’re more excit- ville’s city councils both passed LGBT repeal, a review of the proclamation proed about the actual wedding, ‘cause Pride Month proclamations since that they talk about, ‘oh, we’re going to time; the proclamations, non-legislative get dressed up, we’re going to go and acts, served as a token of goodwill, ac39 Years in give you guys the rings..’,” Erica said. ceptance, and support towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs) Downtown Celebration in their respective communities.

Visalia On the same day as the Supreme Visalia has, by all accounts, 559-734-7079 Court decision, LGBT community passed such a proclamation 316 W. Main St., Visalia, CA 93291 www.michaelscustomjewelry.com members and heterosexual supporters twice without any major protest. from across Tulare County gathered The same could not COMPLIMENTARY CLEANING AND in Porterville, across from its city hall. be said for Porterville.

INSPECTION OF YOUR JEWELRY “I’m not gay, but I am gay On June 4, the City of Porter3-D DESIGNS today,” Sarah Villicana, a par- ville issued a proclamation naming CERTIFIED APPRAISALS ticipant, said at the event. June 2013 as LGBT Pride Month. The RING SIZING The celebration drew a crowd proclamation was signed only by MayRESTRINGING of nearly forty people; after speak- or Virginia Gurrola; the rest of the city WATCH REPAIR WATCH BATTERIES ing across from city hall, the partic- council declined the option to sign it.

WATCH BANDS ipants painted their cars and led a “To my knowledge, there were no STONE REPLACEMENT contingent of cars around Porterville. other council members that signed the PRONG RETIPPING “Because of everybody coming proclamation, except for Mayor GurroFREE GIFT WRAPPING WITH PURCHASE together, all over .. from all over Tulare la. I just wanted to be on the record in

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10 • Valley Voice

Tulare County Economic Development Corporation The Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) is celebrating 30 years of working to attract businesses both large and small to relocate to our area, encourage economic growth throughout the county and assist local business owners seeking to expand or grow their business. Few people, however – other than local politicians and businessmen – seem aware of who the TCDEC is and the important role that it plays in our communities.

Operating out of offices in Tulare’s International Agri Center with a staff of four full-time and one parttime employees, the TCEDC are the people who travel throughout the country constantly thinking up more effective ways to showcase the quality of life and business-friendly attributes of Tulare County to businessmen and the professional consultants who often represent business interests.

The TCEDC’s extensive efforts annually include many thousands of miles traveled by the various members of the staff, with over two dozen professionally planned presentations to groups or individuals scattered across the country, as well as playing host here at home to individuals or delegations representing business owners considering the possibility of relocating their business to Tulare County.

TCEDC President Paul Saldana has led the organization for the past 12 years.

He acknowledges the fact that translating the production, efforts and successes

of his staff into an accurate numerical value is a near impossibility. Who can know how many jobs they have saved for the area through their work with existing businesses to help them grow and expand? How many employers both large and small have relocated to Tulare County as an indirect result of information distributed at one of the many trade shows the staff travels to, or information that has been passed along from one of the TCEDC’s many presentations?

Established in 1983, the TCEDC operates with a current annual budget of $650,000. Fifty percent of their budget is supplied by the eight incorporated cities in Tulare County, with each city placing a representative on the board of directors that oversees the TCEDC’s operations and funding. The remaining 50 percent of the TCEDC’s budget is supplied by a consortium of Tulare County businesses. The TCEDC also represents the economic and business-related interests of the county’s 13 unincorporated communities which are not required to contribute operational funding for the TCEDC. The business consortium, which currently numbers 28 local businesses, according to Saldana, elects another nine board members from among their group. In addition, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors also selects a representative to the board, currently Supervisor Allen Ishida. “I’m there to determine whether the money is being wisely spent,” said Ishida, referring to the TCEDC’s rather sizable budget.

The remaining two members of the board are the presidents of the two community colleges in the county, Porterville City College and Visalia’s College of the Sequoias. The colleges work closely with the TCEDC on issues relating to the educational requirements and training-related issues concerning the county’s work force.

The TCEDC staff is generally working at any given time with about 35 or 40 companies seeking information and answers while considering a possible relocation to Tulare County. Companies, or more often a consultant representing an as-yet-undisclosed company will approach the TCEDC with a list of things their company is looking for, such as the overall size of the land parcel they would need, infrastructure requirements for meeting their specific needs, questions relating to the county’s labor force or housing availability, or any one of hundreds of other issues that might concern them.

The TCEDC then sends out inquiries to the various cities and local realtors seeking to find who might best be in a position to accommodate the prospective company’s requirements. After determining which city or area has the necessary capability to satisfy the company, the TCEDC brings the two parties together and the TCEDC is then able to shift its focus to the next client.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities previously mentioned, the TCEDC is the assigned administrator of Tulare County’s Sequoia

Do You Know Your Representative?

As House Majority Whip, Kevin McCarthy holds one of the oldest political jobs in Congress, ranking third in the House Republican leadership. He is also eastern Tulare County’s representative.

Porterville, Three Rivers, and Lemon Cove residents might have wondered why Devin Nunes’ name was not on their 2012 ballot. That’s because, after redistricting, Rep. Nunes is no longer their Congressman. Eastern Tulare County is now part of the 23rd Congressional District currently represented by a fourth-generation Kern County resident, Rep. McCarthy.

The 23rd Congressional District stretches from the Sequoia National Park to northeastern Los Angeles County.

For those unfamiliar with Rep. Kevin McCarthy, be consoled that his territory has included eastern Tulare County only since the last election.

As Whip, his job was once held by lawmakers such as Merced County Democrat Tony Coelho and Texas Republican

Tom Delay. The Whip has two duties. One is counting votes before bringing legislation to the floor. The second is influencing votes to make sure the bills are passed.

According to the Fresno Bee’s Washington Bureau, “He has made his sprawling first-floor office space in the Capitol akin to a GOP clubhouse, with a rotating set of black-and-white photographs of House Republicans on the walls and the morale-rallying slogan “Full Cry” posted above one exit. He will have pizzas or other food brought in for Republican lawmakers to snack on between votes.”

Visalia and Tulare are still represented by Devin Nunes but are no longer in the 21st District. They are now the 22nd District, while Kings County has become the new the 21st District. Kings County is represented by freshman Congressman David Valadao. Coincidently, Reps. Valadao and Nunes each hail from a long line of farmers claiming Azorean decent .

Redistricting happens every ten

4 July, 2013 DAVID MARSH

Valley Enterprise Zone (see article on page 1), and tasked with promoting awareness in the business community of the enterprise zone’s variety of financial incentives designed to entice businesses from other states to relocate to economically disadvantaged and blighted areas or ‘zones’ within California.

The task of effectively promoting the enterprise zone, according to Saldana, is a natural fit with the other promotional work the TCEDC does for Tulare County, an additional tool for enhancing Tulare County and its appeal to businesses considering relocation.

The Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone is one of 42 designated enterprise zones scattered throughout California, only 40 of which are currently active. The other two zones have been designated, but thus far have not been officially activated by the state.

Among the more recent successes credited to the hard work of the TCEDC’s staff are a cheese production plant slated for Tulare and expected to eventually employ up to 200 people, and VWR, a worldwide distributor of laboratory supplies and services with sales of over $4 billion for 2011. Last November, VWR opened a new 500,000 sq. ft. plant in Visalia’s industrial park, which is expected to employ nearly 200 people when the plant becomes fully operational. The plant is also expected to contribute over $2 million in annual sales tax revenue to the city’s coffers.

CATHERINE DOE

Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield).

years upon the completion of the US Census. The new districts went

into effect during the 2012 election.

Central Valley W.O.M.E.N’S Network to Celebrate ‘Christmas in July’

Central Valley W.O.M.E.N’s Network will celebrate “Christmas in July” on Saturday, July 20, at the Lamp Liter Inn in Visalia. This event will feature a cake cutting, followed by the awarding of the CVWN’s second scholarship to a deserving student. Each member will donate a product or service for the Tricky Tray drawings, which give guests the opportunity to meet and talk with members and possibly win a prize.

CVWN was founded in August 2010 to locate and host events to promote sales and interest in its members’ products and ser-

vices. The organization limits similar businesses to avoid conflicts.

The first meeting was held on the patio of Practically Perfect Children’s Consignment Store and More in Visalia, and the first order of business was to host a Christmas boutique. CVWN’s “Holiday Marketplace Boutique” at the Visalia Holiday Inn was held less than three months later and enabled the group, which by then had grown to 10 members, to make a monetary donation to the El Diamante Music Department.

In November 2011, CVWN host-

ed its 2nd Annual Holiday Marketplace Boutique at the Visalia Convention Center, which featured 119 vendors from San Diego to Walnut Creek. Its 3rd Annual Holiday Marketplace Boutique in November 2012 welcomed 135 vendors and more than 1,500 guests. Holiday Marketplace Boutique 2013 is set for November 16-17 at the Visalia Convention Center and will include a silent auction of items donated

by CVWN members, with proceeds again going to its scholarship fund.

The group, which now has more than 30 members, is currently do-

nating proceeds from events to the CVWN Scholarship Fund and to the American Cancer Society’s Tulare Relay for Life. It is also in the process of obtaining its 501c3 for non-profit status.

Serving on the CVWN board are: Deborah Brantley, chairman and founder; Sondra Jones, co-chairman; Becky Grant, treasurer; Sharon Allison-Crook, secretary; and Sandy Barlion, board assistant. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month.

For more information, email cvwn@ att.net, call 731-4863 or visit www. centralvalleywomensnetwork.org.

4 July, 2013

Valley Voice • 11

Enterprise Zones Continued from p. 1

Opponents of the 27-year-old enterprise zone program, which offers a variety of various tax credits to businesses that expand or relocate in areas, or “zones,” that have been identified as economically disadvantaged, say that the program has become rife with cronyism and inefficiencies, and a form of corporate welfare. The zones, they say, have failed to produce any new job growth but often encourage businesses to relocate from one area of the state to another resulting in no net gain of jobs.

Proponents of the zone program, which include the state Republican Party, business groups and local governments from throughout the state, say that the demise of local redevelopment agencies has left the enterprise zones as the only remaining effective tool for promoting economic growth and prosperity in blighted and economically depressed communities throughout California suffering from high unemployment rates.

Tulare County’s Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone encompasses all of the county’s eight cities and 13 unincorporated communities. The zone designation was officially announced in January 2012, but was retroactively backdated to October 6, 2010. Each of the state’s zones has a sunset clause, and the Sequoia Valley Zone’s official end date is slated for October 6, 2025.

The Sequoia Valley Zone is administered by the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

EDC President Paul Saldana said it’s almost impossible to know just how significant of a role the tax breaks offered through the enterprise zone are to a company that is planning a relocation or even an expansion of existing companies within the zone, but “we’ve had companies tell us that the incentives offered in the zone have definitely played a role in their decision-making process. So we know that the zones do work for us.”

Saldana points to a continuing lack of awareness among small business owners who already reside within the zone as hampering the potential impact of the local zone. “Many people still have no idea that this program and the benefits that it has to offer apply to them as well,” he pointed out.

The tax credits offered under the program are: • A $37,000 credit spread over five years for each qualified employee hired • Credits on sales and use tax paid for the purchase of qualified machinery and parts • Accelerated expense deductions • Preference points on state contract bids • Five-year development fee deferral with no interest • 21-day permit fast-tracking To qualify for the tax credit, employees must meet one of 13 criteria, including current enrollment in a public assistance program, veterans, longterm unemployed, convicts released from jail or prison, or disabled workers.

Since the inception of the Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone, Visalia has seen a number of large industrial and retail companies come to town – companies such as WalMart, Dick’s Sporting

Goods and medical supplies distributor VWR, to name just a few. Citing tax laws and privacy concerns, enterprise zone administrators are generally refusing to divulge which companies have claimed the credits. Critics of the program say that the money is going to the large companies that need it the least.

According to figures released by the Franchise Tax Board, in 2009, companies worth at least $1 billion received 68 percent of the credits issued for that year. That number dropped a bit in 2010 when 65 percent of the credits went to companies in that bracket, with another 15 percent going to companies with a net worth of $100 million to $1 billion, while 6 percent of the credits went to small businesses with a net worth of less than $10 million dollars. Over 500,000 tax credits have been issued under the program since 2009, according to the state Department of Housing and Community Development, the agency tasked with overseeing the program.

A 2009 report by the Public Policy Institute of California noted that “enterprise zones have no statistically significant effect on either business creation or employment growth rates.” Opponents say that just about every independent study not paid for by zone supporters has reached the same conclusion.

Many proponents of the zones readily admit to flaws and needed changes in the program. In a June 15 letter to the Sacramento Bee, Craig Johnson, president of the California Association of Enterprise Zones, said his group supports “a number of thoughtful improvements to the program.”

The two sides are forming, but curiously enough, not along the usual political party line divisions usually evident on any major issue. Democratic mayors of the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Long Beach, Oakland and Santa Ana joined with Republican mayors from Anaheim and Fresno in a letter asking Brown to reconsider his position on the issue.

As for Brown, he faces an uphill battle in convincing legislators to back his plan as almost every legislator has an enterprise zone in his or her district and is being intensely lobbied by supporters of the zones.

State Senator Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, has authored a bill, Senate Bill 434, which would make significant changes in the program, placing a cap on the program’s cost to the state while restricting an employers ability to claim retroactive credits. The bill would also require that employees for whom the vouchers are claimed must be paid a minimum wage of $16 per hour.

Porterville Mayor Virginia Gurrola, a staunch supporter of the enterprise zone program and the city of Porterville’s representative on the EDC board of directors, traveled to Sacramento to attend the Senate hearings to discuss the possible future for the zone program.

“To eliminate the zones would deal a tremendous blow to our communities,” she said. “The benefits offered by the zones have enabled us to retain and assist in the expansion of many small local businesses in our area.”

RECYCLE THIS PAPER

With a flurry of political arm twisting and last minute vote gathering, on a third vote the state Assembly passed on Thursday a plan endorsed by Governor Jerry Brown intended to extensively overhaul the Enterprise Tax Program which the governor had labeled as “wasteful and ineffective.”

AB93, which will target and severely limit the types of businesses and employees that qualify for hiring tax credits in the enterprise zones, eliminate the state sales tax on machinery and equipment used in manufacturing and research and development and focus hiring incentives on those who are struggling to overcome barriers to employment was passed by the state Senate on Tuesday after a similar flurry of arm twisting and multiple votes needed to gather the two-thirds majority required for passage of the bill.

The bill has been sent to the governor’s desk for his signature and would become effective January 1, 2014. Financing for the new programs is estimated to cost about $600 annually and will come from the approximately $750 million California will spend this year to support the Enterprise Zone Program which will cease to operate at the end of the year.

However, businesses within the enterprise zones, the boundaries of which will continue to be recognized, will still receive tax credits and benefits for qualified employees hired before Jan. 1, 2014 who are still within their first 60 months of employment.

Democrats rushed to bring AB93 for a vote before losing their legislative super majority over the weekend when Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield resigned his seat to join the Los Angeles City Council. As a result of the last minute maneuvering and multiple revisions, the bill has left unaddressed many issues intended for clarification through future amendments and trailers to the bill.

“There’s still a lot of blanks left to fill in and we’ll continue to work with businesses under the existing plan at least through the end of the year,” said Paul Saldana, president of the Tulare County Economic Redevelopment Corporation, whose duty it is to administer the local Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone. “Many of the details will continue to trickle out to us in the form of trailer bills that will come later.”

- Update by David Marsh

Task Force Continued from p. 1

During the last meeting, the task force took the time to acknowledge that it would not have been able to come to a decision without the city staff’s hard work.

The information presented during the city tours and committee meetings illustrated Visalia’s apparent need for additional revenue. City staffing was at 1975 levels, salaries had stagnated and there have been no capital improvements to aging facilities and equipment for the last five years. It was also pointed out that Visalia needed to increase the number of police officers and fire fighters. Ironically, Visalia let go of its head of Economic Development, Ricardo Noguera, who successfully recruited new businesses that increased Visalia’s tax base. The final financial blow came directly from the California state government. Every year the state raids the city coffers of $10.2 million.

The mood in the room was leaning towards recommending a new sales tax after being educated on the city’s needs.

The tide started to turn when Renee Nagel, assistant finance director, presented the midyear budget report and showed that for the first time in five years, Visalia would have a balanced budget. After the final numbers were crunched a few weeks later, it was discovered that Visalia would actually have a $1.8 million surplus.

The 2013-14 fiscal year budget provides for many of the city’s objectives without needing the proposed tax.

Salaries will increase, capital improvements have been approved and the General Fund Emergency Reserve is going to be restored to pre-recession levels.

The 2013 survey results were the final straw. Surveying those who would likely vote in an off-year election, the committee members discovered that only 51% would lean towards approving a quarter-cent sales tax hike. Taking into consideration the margin of error of plus or minus five points, any sales tax measure would have most likely failed.

In the final analysis, the task force agreed that revenues do not meet the city’s needs in the short term. But in the long term, they believed the revenues would continue to rise at the same pace as they are currently.

It was also pointed out in the fi-

nal meeting that the city council, like the task force, is not united on the issue either. Vice Mayor Steve Nelsen was the only council member to stick his neck out last February and vote against forming the Blue Ribbon Task Force Committee. He felt it was hypocritical to vigorously campaign against Calwater raising its rates and then advocate for a tax hike. After being informed of the projected budget surplus, Warren Gubler came out strongly against a sales tax measure. “I’d rather leave the money in the pockets of our local citizens, and give the economy time to mend and to replenish city coffers,” he said.

Some members of the task force strongly disagreed with the subcommittee’s recommendation. “If we don’t pay now we will pay later,” one committee member said. “I can’t believe that everyone saw what the city presented and could think that we don’t need the tax. We can overcome the 49% who will not vote for the tax. But we need to go to work.”

Another member commented, “The problems need to be addressed today. We can’t just hope that things get better because we don’t have that much time before the population increases.”

But the rest of the comments were overwhelmingly against a tax increase, which prompted the committee to take a vote after debating for less than an hour.

After eight meetings, two city tours, analyzing survey results, and a binder full of documents, the Blue Ribbon Task Force had completed its duty and came to an agreement not to recommend the city put a sales tax on the November ballot.

Most of the documents that the Blue Ribbon Committee used to make its decision can be found on the city’s website under the heading “City Government.”

At the end of the night, Mayor Amy Shuklian thanked all the committee members and reminded them with a chuckle that she has all of their phone numbers and addresses in case she needs them to volunteer. Assistant City Manager Mike Olmos gave a heartfelt thanks to all the committee members. “You learned a lot but we also learned a lot also,” he said. “All your hard work was very helpful. I met a lot of great people and it was a lot of fun.”

12 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

Concept art of the proposed High-Speed Rail train in Fresno. (Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority.)

High-Speed Rail Continued from p. 3

but the decision will not be made until next year. A $1.5 million-dollar grant has been awarded to train Central Valley workers for jobs building the first stage of the rail system. Unfortunately, none of these funds are targeted to Tulare or Kings County residents.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has indicated that it’s not certain that there will even be a Hanford stop.

This would take Kings County out of the running for a maintenance facility.

Visalia City Council Member Bob Link has not come out for or against HSR, but has lobbied hard, along with other Visalia leaders, for a station to the east of Hanford. This would be closer to the big population centers in Tulare County. The authority has in the past leaned towards putting the station near Armo-

na, west of Hanford. At press time, the HSRA is back to neutral on where and if there will be a stop in Tulare County.

In 2008, Californians voted in favor of High-Speed Rail and against samesex marriage. Now it looks like they are regretting both of those decisions.

If the estimated year of completion is, like the cost, going to run unfettered before us, Valley residents had

better hope the High-Speed Rail Authority strictly follows the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Anyone reading this article, politicians included, will likely be using a walker or wheelchair long before this project is finished.

Rotary Foundation Donates $100K for Splash Park STAFF REPORTS The Visalia Rotary Community Foundation, which consists of all the Visalia Rotary clubs, made history at the Visalia City Council Meeting on June 17.

Rotary Community Foundation President Peter Golombek and member Al Fisher were on hand to present the city council with a check for $100,000.

The presentation marked the first of two planned donations, and the unveiling of the Rotary Splash Park designs. The second donation of an additional $100,000 will be presented in June 2014.

“The Rotary Community Foundation’s generous donation of $200,000 may be the largest private donation to a city of Visalia park facility in the history of our department,” said Vince Elizondo, director of Visalia Parks & Recreation.

Rotary Splash Park will be located in Recreation Park, and the design features spray loops, a water

bucket and larger-than-life baseballs with cooling water jets. The splash pad will cost a total of $400,000. The park will feature a shade canopy and incorporate existing landscaping.

“Spring 2014 is the projected opening for Rotary Splash Park,” added Elizondo. “The Visalia Community Rotary Foundation believes in our city and these monies show their continued investment and commitment to our community.”

The Visalia Rotary Community Foundation’s motto is “Moving forward by giving back.” To learn more about the foundation, visit www.visaliarcfoundation.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ vrcfoundation. For more information on the city of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department, call 713-4365, email Recreation@liveandplayvisalia.com or visit www.liveandplayvisalia.com.

Scoring your Mensa Mini-Quiz

Rotary Community Foundation President Peter Golombek and member Al Fisher presented the Visalia City Council with a check for $100,000. From left to right, Visalia City Council Members Steve Nelsen and Bob Link, Fisher and Golombek.

1. 1,155

4. Cherries (Tabitha only 8. Oranges cost 15 cents 9-10 - Mensa material! Try likes food with two syllables.) each; lemons cost 10 cents to join.

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7-8 - Good chance you mother’s husband is Jane’s fa5. 41 (4000/2=2000, qualify for Mensa. ther, his daughter is Jane, and /5=400, /10=40, +1=41) 9. 216 (3 kittens @ 4 mit5-6 - Not bad, you might Jill is her daughter.) tens each = 12x18. Kittens make Mensa.

6. Rachel have 4 paws.)

Below 5 - You must have 3. Zipper (The others had a bad day. Why not try can be anagrammed into the 7. 16 (Each number adds 10. Strengths the games at www.us.mensa. names of cities: Rome, Paris, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectiveorg/games?

Chester.) ly, to the proceeding numScoring: Count the number.) ber of correct answers.

ONLINE, ON MOBILE, AND EVERYWHERE YOU ARE www.ourvalleyvoice.com Twitter: @ourvalleyvoice Facebook: fb.me/ourvalleyvoice

4 July, 2013

Conway

Conway agrees with the governor’s budget assessment. “I am a fiscally conservative person,” she explained. “Maybe I am too close to the subject to be less objective. I know what the overall debt is. I know what we are handing off to our children. They say we have a surplus, right? It’s not counting all that we owe. It’s not counting the $11 billion we owe the federal government.

There is no extra money. There is none.

The projected debt is so overwhelming I stagger to think about it. The ‘surplus’ does not take into account this debt. I believe that Californians would be more conservative if they knew.”

Concerning Visalia’s toying with the idea of putting a sales tax increase

would be the boom beyond booms.

You want to talk about jobs? 2.5 million by 2020. Even the governor said Continued from p. 1 it would be a boom to the economy. cluding a well-known incumbent. He Whenever my friends across the aisle won, edging out the incumbent by only say we need more revenue, I say, well a few hundred votes. He was a popular here is some. If California really needs supervisor and served two terms. Unmore revenue, let’s stop driving busifortunately, he died midway through ness out. If you really want more revehis third term when only 65 years old. nue then let people work. Create more Ten years later, Connie Conprivate sector jobs, then you will have way contemplated running for a seat more revenue. Get off the back of busion the Tulare County Board Superness and quit regulating them to death.” visors. Like her father, she would Conway brushes aside fracking’s run against a popular incumbent. environmental concerns. “No one has “I didn’t file until the last showed me any scientific proof. You minute but people said, ‘You have would think that the people who knew to do this, Connie,’” she said. fracking would contaminate the water Also, like her fawould come to me, but no.” ther, she would be up Conway received a 100 I had a pleasurable and memorable time serving against five contendpercent pro-jobs rating from with Connie. She is absolutely the right person ers. In the final tally, the California Chamber of she narrowly beat out representing us in Sacramento. Connie has a Commerce for her votes to the incumbent by the singular leadership ability and people ability to keep taxes low and get peosame margin her faple working again. But the be the minority leader of the assembly. There is ther had won his first promise of jobs hasn’t conno one I know who could do a better job than term 20 years earlier. vinced her to support CalConway served her. ifornia’s High-Speed Rail. on the Tulare Coun— Allen Ishida, Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

“My question is who ty Board of Superis going to get these jobs?” visors for eight years she said. “Will the workbefore being elected to the California on the November ballot, Conway was ers come from here? Will they come Assembly in 2008. She is serving her noncommittal. “I’m neither endorsing from somewhere else? I don’t think we third term, representing the 26th Asit nor saying don’t do it. I will just say have a lot railroad engineers standing sembly District, which includes Tuthat it will be harder to pass if it is not around in the unemployment line.” lare, Kern and Inyo counties. Her eight defined. This is one of the crazinessIf there were private investors for years as a supervisor refined her polities of government. So the feds do what high-speed rail, Conway would be more cal mores, and she often calls on her they do, and add a tax or a ‘fee,’ Then supportive. “It’s not private; it’s governTulare roots when negotiating bills or the state runs its little deal. Then the ment and our taxpayers are going to have voting on legislation in the assembly. counties have their measures and fees. to subsidize it. The thought of the highConway’s official title is minority There is no coordination. So what speed rail has a lot of romantic appeal, but floor leader, but in Sacramento they call happens to the local government is that unfortunately there are facts involved.” her the Republican Assembly Leader. It’s they get dumped on all the time. That’s Assembly Member Conway has 18 a title she’s had since 2010, when Demwhat leads them to consider raising taxes.” months to go before the end of her term, ocrats held a simple majority and had Conway expounded that we end and already three people have declared to work with Republicans to get their up with federal taxes, state taxes, county their candidacy for her seat. One of the bills passed. Democrats currently hold taxes, local taxes, water board fees, hos- favorites to win will be Rudy Mendoza, every statewide office and a super-mapital board fees and more. “Bottom line, mayor of Woodlake and field representajority in both houses. Simply put, the all these things come out of one pock- tive for Congressman Devin Nunes. With Republicans have become redundant. et,” she said, meaning the taxpayer’s. Conway’s support, he has already secured But Conway’s ability to work across the The word realignment is another fi- an impressive array of endorsements. aisle has had a mitigating effect. “Now nancial red flag for Conway. “Realigning Conway has also thrown her supwe don’t have the ability to block, which a program means realigning money, and port behind Republican Andy Vidak, makes my job a lot harder,” she said. local government is most often the losAccording to Conway, Proposier.” When the state “realigned” the pristion 25 was the biggest game-changer on system they transferred thousands in California politics. This allowed the of minimum-security prisoners out of state legislature to pass a budget with a state jails and sent them to county jails. simple majority instead of a two-thirds “Oh excuse me. You made vote. “Everyone used to have more relthe plan but you forgot the monevance,” she said. “Now to pass a budey,” is how she reacted to the govget it only takes 41 votes out of 80.” ernor’s realignment proposal.

Of course, the only part of PropTulare County only receives a osition 25 that the electorate remempittance of state money to compenbers is “don’t pay the bums” when the sate for the hundreds of prisoners legislature doesn’t pass a budget on dumped into its jails. But as Contime. “They didn’t see the fine print way stated, it is typical for the Cenabout how their vote would affect tral Valley to be left behind. Whereas California’s budget,” said Conway.

Marin County receives $52,000 per She feels the same way about prisoner, Tulare County only collects Governor Jerry Brown’s recently passed $12,500. Along with most other ValProposition 30. “By the vote of the peoley lawmakers, Conway has loudly ple, they want this money to go to the protested this inequity and submitted schools. I want them (the government) a letter of protestation to the governor. to do what they said they would do, Wading through the Bills and as far as we can see, they are not.”

Twelve hundred bills have passed Although she did not endorse Proposition 30, she has been support- the state legislature and a disproportionive of the governor’s budget. Brown ate number pertain to gun control or was quoted as saying, “Anybody who fracking. When asked which, if any, of thinks there is spare change around these, she supports, Conway said, “Not here has not read the budget.” Con- one. As far as gun control, California way reacted, “Who would have ever has the most stringent laws in the counthought that Jerry Brown would be one try, so why we are doing this? I don’t of the most conservative Democrats in know. As far as fracking, the only bill the assembly? At times, he seems to be I would support would be ‘let’s do it!’”

“If you want to talk about a real channeling his inner Republican and I am supporting his fiscal conservatism.” estate boom, Silicon Valley boom, this

“

”

Valley Voice • 13

who is running for the state’s 16th District Senate seat in a run-off election July 23rd against Leticia Perez. “I’m very enthused for Andy. Part of life is living and we are a sum of our experiences. He is a small business owner and farmer and very involved in water issues. All those issues are so important no matter what side of the aisle you fall on. Those issues impact the Central Valley more than any other.”

When asked if Democrat Leticia Perez had the same experience, Conway simply said, “No.”

Where is the Republican Party Today?

Former Senator and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole recently said, “Reagan wouldn’t have made it.

Certainly, Nixon couldn’t have made it, because he had ideas. I think they ought to put a sign on the national committee doors that says ‘Closed for Repairs.’”

When asked where she thought the Republican Party was headed, Conway replied, “I think as in anything in life, we should all strive to do the best we can and take personal inventory. So as a party I think we’re doing that. Times change. I think the Republican Party has basic tenets that keep us politically aligned. What happens as a Republican, I will tell you, people want to define me. I prefer to have the opportunity to define myself. I prefer to be judged on my own merit. But it’s a sound-bite world and we are constantly under attack from the other side. It’s a controlled media world except for the few independent people like you guys. Seriously.”

Conway will be termed out of office at the end of next year and has limited political options. She lives in the same state senate district as fellow Republican Jean Fuller of Bakersfield but has no intention of challenging her. Fuller doesn’t term out until 2018.

According to Conway, a political career “wasn’t part of my life’s plan. I want to be productive and contribute to the community.” But as far as her life after office, “I couldn’t tell you what that looks like. I just know that I want to finish strong.”

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14 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

News in Brief…

Warren Gubler Announces City Council Reelection Bid “After consulting with my family and after much soul searching, I have now decided to run for a second term,” announced Visalia City Council Member Warren Gubler in a prepared statement. “Four years ago when I first ran, the local economy was in the dumps and Mooney Boulevard was half vacant. In 2013, the local economy is rebounding and boulevard is roaring back.

“We have balanced the city budget and now we are experiencing budget surpluses,” he continued. “But there is still more I’d like to accomplish. I want to finalize the General Plan update, get moving on building the 911/emergency operations center, the new southwest fire station, the new animal control facility and finish the water conservation plant upgrade. My goal is for city to accomplish this without raising taxes. I’m a known commodity this time around, and hope to serve Visalia for another four years. As a former college trackster, I will be running full speed in this campaign.”

New Tax Assessments Sent to County Auditor Tax Assessor Roland Hill has delivered the preliminary 2013-14 tax roll to the county auditor so that current tax rates can be attached to properties.

“We are up from last year by 2.98 percent,” he said about the new tax assessments. “It’s indicative of what we know and read – that the real estate market has gotten healthier over the past year.”

Some people may not be happy with a higher property tax, even if it means the real estate market is healthier.

“As of July 2nd, if you don’t agree with your assessment, you can file an application for a changed assessment up to November 30,” he said. For more information, call 636-5100 or visit www.tularecounty.ca.gov/assessor.

Dollar Tree Stores to Open in Exeter, Lindsay Dollar Tree stores will open in Exeter and Lindsay next month, bringing more than 30 new full and parttime jobs to each community, according to Wayne Millies, director of sales and leasing for the Whitlatch Group.

The Exeter location is the former Nickel’s Payless store, a 10,500-square-foot building at 426 N. Kaweah Ave. The Lindsay location is the 13,500-square-foot, former Nothing Over 98¢ Store in the Olivewood Plaza Shopping Center at Hermosa Avenue and Highway 65.

“They’re the second most active retailer in terms of opening stores this year,” Millies said, adding that they are only behind Dollar General.

Release Set for Tulare County Annual Crop and Livestock Report The 2012 Annual Crop and Livestock Report for Tulare County will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 23, in the board’s chambers at 2800 Burrel Ave., Visalia. Copies of the report will be available during the presentation. Agricultural Commissioner Marilyn Kinoshita will present the report and offer brief comments regarding its contents.

Annual Crop and Livestock reports are prepared

by Agricultural Commissioners each year as required by law. Included in the reports are the acreage, production and value of each of the many crops grown in the county. The reports are used by the media, legislators, insurance companies, financial institutions and many others interested in the value of commodities produced.

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The Lifestyle Center Offers Teens Free Gym Membership The Lifestyle Center is giving Tulare County teens a chance to work out for free this summer through Teen Fitness Connection.

Teens who are eligible can work out through Saturday, August 10, at The Lifestyle Center.

To be eligible, teens must be 16-19 years of age, live in Tulare County have a parent/guardian present at the time of enrollment, have a photo ID at the time of enrollment and not have been a previous member or guest.

Applications for the Teen Fitness Program are available at The Lifestyle Center or online at www.thelifestylecenter.org/Specials/specials.asp. Applications will be accepted until the program is full at 100 memberships.

For more information, call 624-3409 or 624-3410.

Tulare Schools Children Raise Money for Coins for Caring Tulare area school children donated generously this year to Coins for Caring, which benefits the homeless women and children of the Lighthouse Rescue Mission.

Many children gave their allowance or money earned from their chores to the less fortunate. Schools participating in the 2012-2013 Coins for Caring Drive included: Mulcahy, Los Tules, Heritage, Cypress, Garden, Sundale Middle School, Live Oak, Pleasant, Cherry Avenue, Roosevelt, Maple, Kohn, Buena Vista, Wilson, Mission Valley, Palo Verde and Tulare Christian School.

Tulare Christian School earned $250 donated by Tulare Cabrillo Club to buy books for their school library.

Vincent Salinas Announces his Candidacy After nine years on Visalia’s planning commission, Vincent Salinas announced that he will be running for Visalia City Council in November. His platform will be greater transparency, making sure the community has more of a say in how the city is run, including more input into the city’s capital improvements.

Mr. Salinas is formally from the Northern California town of Newark, where he served on the city council from 1991 to 1995. He moved to Visalia in 2000.

Family HealthCare Network Names New Officers Family HealthCare Network announced that Henry Cisneros, DDS, has been named the new chief clinical officer for the organization, and that Brandon T. Foster, Ph.D., has become the organization’s new chief quality officer.

Cisneros has been with FHCN for 19 years, including serving as its chief dental officer and vice president of dental affairs. In his new role, he is responsible for the overall functioning of the clinical departments, including dental, medical, behavioral health, nutrition, imaging, pharmacy, telemedicine and health education.

Cisneros received his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of California Irvine, and earned his DDS from the University of Minnesota. He was recently recognized by the National Association of Community Health Centers for his service to the migrant population and received the 2013 Outstanding Migrant Health Public Service Award.

Foster served FHCN for 11 years as a medical director and an integrated behavioral health provid-

er. He was an adjunct assistant professor for A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine Medical School. In his new role, he will oversee efforts to improve quality of service delivery for FHCN. Foster received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Idaho State University and his master of arts in general experimental psychology from California State University Fresno. He received his bachelor of arts in psychobiology from Occidental College in Los Angeles. He has been published in numerous publications including Laboratory Experiences in Introductory Psychology, Child and Family Behavior Therapy and Current Psychology. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and of the California Primary Care Association.

With 12 health centers, Family HealthCare Network serves more than 156,000 medically underserved patients annually. For more information, visit www.fhcn.org.

Kaweah Delta Welcomes First Class of Resident Physicians Kaweah Delta began its graduate medical education programs on July 1, welcoming its first class of resident physicians to its classrooms. Twelve resident physicians in two programs – emergency medicine and family medicine – began their first day of residency as Kaweah Delta Medical Center launched the first two of five planned graduate medical education programs.

“We’re thrilled to start a new era at Kaweah Delta as a teaching hospital,” said Lindsay Mann, chief executive officer of Kaweah Delta Health Care District.

“I would invite our community as they have the opportunity to meet our first class of resident physicians to welcome them warmly as we do here in Visalia.”

After completing two weeks of orientation, resident physicians will begin a two-week period of introduction to their specialties. From there, they will rotate throughout the hospital caring for patients, under the supervision of staff physicians.

When they are not caring for patients, resident physicians will train inside Kaweah Delta’s Margaret Foley Graduate Medical Education Center. The center houses offices, classrooms, conference rooms and a lounge, and opens up into a newly expanded Lynn Havard Mirviss Education Center where resident physicians can be observed training on SimMan, a portable and advanced patient simulator that challenges and tests clinical and decision-making skills during realistic patient care scenarios.

Kaweah Delta received more than 700 applications to the residency programs. The following resident physicians were chosen as the first class of Kaweah Delta’s Graduate Medical Education Program: Emergency Medicine – Daniel Fong, MD, University of Toledo; Trung Le, MD, University of Texas at Houston; Sean Oldroyd, DO, Western University of Health Sciences; Ty Philipson, MD, American University of Antigua; Matthew Poliakoff, DO, Lake Erie College; and James Tse, DO, Western University of Health Sciences.

Family Medicine – Fahad Hashmat, MD, Dow Medical College; Kamel Kamel, MD, University of Cairo; Ehab Swehli, MD, University of Al Fateh; Asma Tariq, MD, Aga Khan Medical College; Aisha Umbreen, MD, King Edward Medical College; and Marwan Zoghbi, MD, University of Autonoma de Guadalajara.

4 July, 2013

Valley Voice • 15

Understanding Child Abuse: The Community’s Role TULARE COUNTY CHILD CARE WELFARE SERVICES Every year nearly 15,000 allegations of child abuse and neglect are received by Tulare County Child Welfare Services, which represents almost 9,000 children. This is approximately 6 percent of the child population of the county. While allegations do not equate to actual abuse or neglect, this number is staggering and suggests that most of us probably know or have observed a child who has been reported to the county or who has experienced abuse.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is more than bruises or broken bones. There are many forms of abuse, and they may go unseen, unnoticed or disregarded. It is important that we all know the general signs and symptoms of the various types of child abuse and what to do when we suspect a child is being mistreated.

Neglect.

Neglect is the most common form of child abuse. In legal terms, neglect is when a child experiences serious physical harm or illness as a result of the failure or inability of his or her parent or guardian to adequately supervise or protect the child, or the failure to adequately supervise or protect the child from the actions of an individual with whom the child has been left, or the failure to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter or medical treatment. In more simple terms, neglect is when a child’s basic needs are not met by their parent or guardian and, as a result, they experience some form of harm.

Signs of neglect can include the wearing of clothing that is inconsistent or inappropriate for the current weather conditions, persistent poor hygiene, having untreated injuries and illnesses, or being consistently unsupervised.

It is important to note that in certain situations, a parent or guardian who once was able to care for his or her child may begin to neglect the child due to the parent’s physical or mental illness or substance abuse disorder.

Emotional abuse.

Emotional abuse can severely damage a child’s mental health or

social development, leaving lifelong psychological scars. Examples of emotional child abuse include belittling, shaming or humiliating a child, or frequent yelling and threatening. Exposing a child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it is domestic violence, another sibling or even a pet, is a significant form of emotional abuse as well.

A child who has experienced emotional abuse may be overly withdrawn, fearful or anxious about doing something wrong. Additionally, the child may show extremes in behavior. For example, he or she could be extremely compliant or extremely demanding, or be extremely passive or extremely aggressive. Children who have experienced emotional abuse generally do not develop a strong attachment to the parent or caregiver.

Sexual abuse.

Aside from the physical damage that sexual abuse can cause, the emotional trauma is also very detrimental. Sexually abused children are tormented by shame and guilt. They may feel that they are responsible for the abuse or brought it upon themselves. Keep in mind that sexual abuse does not always involve body contact; it includes exposing a child to sexual situations or explicit material.

While some signs of sexual abuse may not be obvious, this form of abuse can have a significant impact and may affect a child for the rest of his or her life. Children who have been sexually abused are more likely to engage in risky behavior and develop substance abuse disorders. They also have twice the suicide rate of their peers.

What to do if you suspect abuse.

First and foremost, if you are unsure about whether a child is being abused, know that it is your duty to report possible abuse; it is not your duty to determine if abuse is occurring. There are experts whose job is to determine if abuse is occurring, including Child Welfare Services, law enforcement and the juvenile courts. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or if a child tells you that he or she has been abused, you should report it immediately. Know

that it is perfectly normal that you may feel a little overwhelmed and confused, here are a few strategies to help: 1. If you feel that a child is in immediate danger or has been severely injured, call 911.

2. If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing some form of abuse, call the 24-hour Tulare County Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 3311585. You can anonymously provide information, and a social worker will assess the information to determine the appropriate course of action in each particular situation.

Not every case reported to the hotline will result in an investigation by Child Welfare Services. Each report will be assessed based on certain criteria to determine whether it warrants Child Welfare Services to open a case and conduct an investigation.

3. Try to be a good listener. Create a trusting, safe and comfortable situation in which the child may talk to you.

4. If a child tells you that he/she has been abused, reassure the child that he/she did nothing wrong and that what happened is not his/her fault. It takes courage for a child to come forward about abuse.

5. Do not try to determine for yourself if what the child is saying is true or not. This is the role of law enforcement, Child Welfare Services, and the Juvenile Court. If you are skeptical, do not express your doubts to the child.

6. Respect the privacy of the child and the child’s family by only speaking about the situation to the appropriate individuals.

7. Do NOT confront the offender. This could be very unsafe for both you and the child.

What happens next?

Once a report has been made to Child Welfare Services or law enforcement, an assessment will immediately be made as to whether the child is considered to be in immediate risk of danger, in which case a social worker will respond to the family’s home or the child’s school within two hours to perform an assessment of the situation. In cases where a child is not reportedly in immediate danger, a social worker has ten days to conduct an assessment. In either case, if it is determined that the child is not at risk, the case will be closed. If it is determined that the child is at risk, the case is opened and a social worker will meet with the family and other necessary parties as part of an investigation to determine the best course of action for the child and family. When appropriate, Child Welfare Services provides children and parents with a range of services to improve family functioning, keep families intact, and ensure the safety of the children.

Often times individuals have reservations about reporting child abuse because there is the fear that the children will be immediately removed from their home. It is important to know that only when it is found that a child is in immediate danger of being seriously injured, or is in an otherwise life-threatening situation, will the police or a Child Welfare Services respond and take custody of the child. And in every such case, the matter is reviewed by a juvenile court judge within 72 hours to determine the appropriateness of the intervention and the necessity of the removal.

Child abuse is a challenge that every community faces. It requires the collaboration of community members and public service agencies to protect children who are experiencing abuse and to break the cycle of abuse. By reporting suspected child abuse, you take the first step to identifying and helping children and families in need.

This presents an opportunity to make a change in that child’s life and to do your part to help eliminate child abuse.

The Importance of Keeping Teens Engaged JEFF SCOTT, TULARE COUNTY LIBRARIAN As children get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to find ways to engage and entertain them. Certainly in the summer, without school there is far more time available and too few activities.

Fortunately, libraries have consistently stepped up to the plate to provide safe, engaging and educational activities that appeal directly to teens. Go to any local library and they can talk about their plans – from reading programs to gaming.

At the Tulare County Library, we’ve spent years developing our services, collections and programs to appeal directly to teens. As a result, this summer, we are undertaking our biggest project yet: a summer reading program created and implemented entirely by teens. “A Summer to Die For” is teen-owned and operated.

Tulare County Library teens created the program with the help of Tulare County Library Teen Librarian Faythe Arredondo and the Digital Media Lab.

Based on the popular Clue board game, teens can solve a murder mystery this summer and win one of our giveaways.

Participants will be randomly assigned a color: scarlet, plum, peacock, white, mustard or green. Password-protected websites, monitored by our teen librarian, are provided to each team.

They will then watch their team video, but they must watch carefully, for in the video lay the essential clues. Clues can then be found in books in the library, clues that will unlock more parts of the webpage. Collect enough clues and, if you are smart enough, you might solve the murder. At the end of the program, the full video will be revealed and a winner announced. The first one to successfully solve the puzzle wins the game.

There are other ways for teens to have fun this summer. They can win prizes for reading the most books, attending teen programs and for generally being active at the library. Another great way to participate is going

to the Tulare County Library Teens website, www.tclteens.org. There you will find book reviews and suggestions.

There are a number of series to get teens back into reading this summer.

Some popular new series highlighted by our teen librarian and our teens include: • Surviving High School series by M. Doty • Die For Me by Amy Plum • Soul Seekers by Alyson Noel • Klaatu Diskos series by Pete Hautman Some other popular series right now: • Divergent by Veronica Roth • Delirium by Lauren Oliver • Matched by Ally Condie Some teen series and titles have been made into movies as well: • “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins (released

last year, Catching Fire) • “City of Bones” (Mortal Instruments series) by Cassandra Clare (coming soon) • “Beautiful Creatures” (Caster Chronicles series) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (released this spring) • “Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky (released last year) • “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green (in production) • “The Lightning Thief ” (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordan (released last year) • “Ender’s Game” (Ender’s Saga #1) by Orson Scott Card (coming this fall) The Tulare County Library provides a host of activities for teens all year long. For more information, visit http://tularecountylibrary.org.

16 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

Visalia Chamber Announces 2013 Award Winners The Visalia Chamber of Commerce munity gathering place. The Rawhide honored businesses and individuals that “consistently go above and beyond to support our community” at its 60th Annual Awards Celebration, held on June 20 at the Visalia Convention Center. This event has been an annual tradition since 1952 when C.T. Buckman received the first Man of the Year award.

This year’s winners include: Man of the Year – Steve Salomon – As Visalia city manager, Salomon has fought for local control over local funds, helping the city to open two new police substations, two new parking structures, a new fire station and 10 new parks, as well as complete other city infrastructure projects.

Woman of the Year – Nina Clancy – Clancy runs two Montessori schools in Visalia and plans to open a third school this fall. She served on the Visalia Education Foundation and the Visalia Board of Education, and is actively involved in County Center Rotary. As past president and past governor of Rotary District 5230, she led the district to its highest level of Rotary Foundation giving in its history. She has also been active in humanitarian efforts throughout the world, particularly in Africa.

Small Business of the Year – Gerald Schneider, D.D.S. – Since opening his doors in 1988, Schneider and his team teach dental education throughout the community and work to constantly keep themselves educated on current procedures and technology.

Medium Business of the Year – Rawhide Ball Club – The Visalia Rawhide offers professional baseball at affordable prices and has created a vibrant com-

has partnered with the Visalia Rescue Mission to provide an opportunity to those in its program to gain work experience. The ball club allows many community organizations to use its venue for fundraising events and has sponsored many youth organizations through the Rawhide Baseball Foundation for Kids.

Large Business of the Year – Valley Business Bank – The bank opened its doors in 1996 in Visalia and now has five branches throughout the Central Valley.

Visalia Business Bank has been the top performing bank in Tulare County for the past three years, based on profitability and other measures. The bank’s strong performance has allowed it to create many entry level and professional jobs locally, which has helped the local economy.

Agri-Business of the Year – Koetsier Dairy – Koetsier Dairy is a family-owned and run operation that provides raw milk to Land O’Lakes to be made it into butter and marketed internationally.

Non-Profit of the Year – Visalia Rescue Mission - Ben-E-Lect, in partnership with the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, presented the first annual Non-Profit of the Year award to the Visalia Rescue Mission. The mission was established in 1981 to help the homeless, the formerly incarcerated and those suffering with addiction by providing shelter services, three meals a day and a nine-month recovery program.

CFO of the Year – Russ Desch, Visalia Medical Clinic – As CFO of Visalia Medical Clinic, Desch ensures that budgets are kept and that VMC is a positive place to work and a provider of quality healthcare for the Central Valley.

Kaweah Delta’s New Helipad

STAFF REPORTS

Kaweah Delta Health Care District’s new helipad was used 17 times in its first three weeks. The helipad, which enables the district to transport patients in and out by helicopter, brought four hospital transfers in and 13 transfers out during that time.

Before the helipad went operational in early June, Kaweah Delta staff completed several months of intensive training to receive patients who arrive by helicopter.

In May, the community celebrated the completion of the $2.7 million helipad.

“The helipad’s installation will have far reaching effects for the region,” said Dr. Nichole Meissner, director of trauma at Kaweah Delta. “It will help trauma victims get treatment faster, and treatment in the first hour has a significant impact on survival, especially when it comes to trauma.”

With the helipad, a person who is traumatically injured in Springville could land at Kaweah Delta in just 12 minutes.

A newborn in need of a higher level of care could be at Children’s Hospital Central California in just 18 minutes or

Stanford Medical Center in 69 minutes.

The community, which helped bring the helipad to Kaweah Delta through $2.3 million in donations to Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation, will benefit greatly from the helipad, said Dena Cochran, vice president of development at Kaweah Delta. The foundation raises money to increase the level of patient care at Kaweah Delta.

Kaweah Delta has one of the busiest emergency departments in the state, treating 86,000 patients this past year. It is the only level III trauma center in Tulare and Kings counties. Since that designation in 2010, the number of trauma patients has increased over 200 percent to over 1,100 trauma patients each year.

Established in 1963, Kaweah Delta Health Care District is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. The district offers a comprehensive scope of services including a pediatric hospitalist program to nationally-recognized orthopedic and cancer programs. For more information, visit www.kaweahdelta.org.

Tulare County Symphony Season Offers Something for Everyone DONNA OROZCO

Visalia Rawhide GM Jennifer Pendergraft

Visalia Rawhide GM Brings New Perspective to Game

APRIL HEATH PASTIS Few people know that there’s a woman making history in Visalia.

“I’m rare,” admits Jennifer Pendergraft, general manager of the Visalia Rawhide. “I know I’m one of only nine female GMs… I think its one of those things that after I’m out of it, I’ll look back and be like, ‘Dang, that was really cool.’”

Right now, however, Pendergraft is too busy working to dwell on her place in the history of professional baseball.

As a general manager, Pendergraft has a lot of responsibilities, from managing the park facility to community involvement, to making sure the team’s vision for the future is kept on track. The job requires a lot of hours and commitment, whether you’re a man or a woman.

“Like other sports, baseball has traditionally been male dominated,” said California League President Charlie Blaney, “but fortunately, that is changing, thanks to the great work of people like Jen.” He added that Pendergraft was a very hardworking and loyal assistant general manager for several years. “Quite simply, she has earned the promotion.”

“Baseball is so traditional,” Pendergraft says. “So much of it’s been done the same way for years and years and years and years.” In some ways, she says, that’s been an advantage for her. “I’m very much an out-of-the box type of thinker and I read between the lines. I just kind of make judgment calls based on what I’m feeling and what I’m seeing and the big picture.” Sometimes, others look at her as if to ask, “Who’s this girl?” Many times, however, they find it refreshing. She can make changes because she’s not stuck in one mindset. “I think they see that, too.”

Blaney agrees, “In the short time Jen has been GM, she has earned the praise and respect from all those who have worked with her: her staff, fellow GMs and the umpires.”

Tom Seidler, president of the Visalia Rawhide, said gender was not an issue in hiring a general manager.

“Absolutely not. I hired the best person for the job,” he said. “She’s been the best employee I’ve hired in 20 years in

baseball. I couldn’t be more proud of what she has accomplished for the Rawhide and as a leader in the Visalia community.

She understands that a professional baseball team isn’t just a business, but also a public trust and a community asset.

“The ballpark,” Seidler added, “has hosted more events this year than any time in its 68-year history – truly the community gathering place.”

While women are still outnumbered in the industry, things are definitely changing from how they were 20 years ago, Seidler said. “Jennifer, and other women GMs today, serve as role models to future female executives.”

“I’m comfortable being a role model,” Pendergraft says, and she has advice for young girls looking to get into the field. “We have a lot more eyes on us, not that people are waiting for us to mess up, but because we are not a part of the tradition of this sport. It’s not traditional for a woman to be involved. So, for you to be embraced and accepted into this man’s world, it takes a lot. You have to have thick skin. You have to have a really high work ethic. If a guy has the same work ethic as you, it’s more natural for this industry to lean towards the male. It’s a better fit for them. Women have to work especially hard to get their feet in the door.”

Pendergraft enjoys going to schools on career days and offering advice to those interested in going into baseball as a career. This advice is something she wishes she had been given when she was in school. “I kind of stumbled into working into baseball,” she said.

Pendergraft grew up in Oregon and knew that Portland was the headquarters for sports companies such as Nike, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear and a softball-specific company called Ringer. So she majored in business with an emphasis on graphic design, hoping to get a position at one of those companies. “I wanted to work in sports in some way,” she said. When she was about to graduate from Lee University

Continued on p. 18 »

The Tulare County Symphony opens its 2013-14 season in September and, as usual, Music Director Bruce Kiesling has programmed something for everyone.

For those who want the big classical standbys, there are symphonies by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Berlioz.

If you like music on the lighter side, there is the annual outdoor Pops concert and the very popular Holiday Concert (which includes both an afternoon and evening performance this year).

For those who like Americana, there are two concerts planned featuring Copland and a whimsical piece featuring the dulcimer. And for those who can’t wait for the annual concert featuring movie music, this season the symphony will perform the live music from the film classic “Casablanca.”

Kiesling will again offer humorous and enlightening information about the music. Last year, the symphony started including surprise encores at the end of each concert, which audiences now eagerly anticipate.

Here’s a quick look at the season. All concerts except the Pops will be held at the Visalia Fox Theatre and begin at 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 - Pops in the Park The season kicks off with its traditional pops concert at Zumwalt Park in Tulare. It’s an opportunity to bring a picnic, enjoy the festive outdoor atmosphere and listen to the symphony as it performs from the bandstand. Music will feature Broadway, movie and other favorites.

will join with the orchestra to perform a number of American folk hymns.

Dec. 14 - Annual Holiday Concert The symphony joins with many talented valley soloists and choirs for this annual showcase of favorite seasonal pieces, singalongs and winter music. This year, an afternoon concert has been added along with the evening performance.

Jan. 18 - American Brilliance Many locals recognize the name of Clay Jenkinson as the person who visited Visalia to portray Thomas Jefferson.

This time, he portrays another president, Teddy Roosevelt, as he narrates composer Chris Brubeck’s musical biography, “Teddy Roosevelt: In Cowboy Land.” (You may remember that Brubeck was featured with the symphony several years ago, accompanying a slide show of Yosemite images.) Another Copland favorite, “Four Dance Espisodes” from “Rodeo,” completes the program.

(If you have a copy of the season brochure, please note that the January and February concerts have swapped places.)

Feb. 8 Locals Night Four symphony musicians - concertmaster Susan Doering, principal cellist Valerie Walden, cellist Dieter Wulfhorst and principal horn player Elisha Wilson - will be featured in different pieces with the orchestra. The evening ends with Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 5,” known for its biting satire and wit.

March 15 Casablanca After last year’s groundbreaking performance of “Psycho,” the symphony received suggestions of other films to accompany.

“Casablanca” was a popular choice.

This classic Humphrey Bogart-Ingrid Bergman movie will be shown Clay Jenkinson as Teddy Roosevelt will highlight the January 18 concert. on the big Oct. 19 -Triumphant Tchaikovsky! Fox screen, with all the muTchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4” sic performed by the symphony. has become a staple of the orchestral April 12 Fantastique! repertoire and remains one of the most Here’s an instrument you don’t offrequently performed symphonies from ten hear with an orchestra. Guest soloist the late 19th century. It is also ranked as Stephen Seifert will perform “Blackberry one of Tchaikovsky’s best symphonies. Winter,” a soulful peek into Appalachian Also on the program are two interesting folk music, on the dulcimer. (You can pieces, “Route 66” and “Le Tombeau hear him play it on YouTube.) The seade Liberace,” which feature guest so- son ends with Berlioz’ “Symphonie Fanloist Michael Brown at the piano. tastique,” one of the most famous RoNov. 23 - Celebrate the Harvest mantic works for orchestra and the piece Aaron Copland originally created for which Berlioz is most known.

“Appalachian Spring” as a ballet and Season tickets are on sale at the symlater rearranged it as an orchestral suite. phony office in Montgomery Square on It includes the Shaker melody “Simple Main Street or by calling 732-8600.

Gifts.” In addition, a countywide choir Various season packages are available.

18 • Valley Voice

Kings Fair Promises a ‘Bang-Up Time’ STAFF REPORTS This year’s Kings Fair has the theme “Have a Bang Up Time at the Kings Fair!”

In that spirit, a fireworks display will explode over the fair grandstands on the 4th of July to honor the nation’s birthday.

“This year it shaping up to be a major entertainment event not to be missed,” said Angie Avila, Kings Fair CEO. “I’m personally looking forward to the fireworks to open our fair with a bang!”

The entertainment lineup for this year’s fair includes: JJ Brown Band, and Poor Man’s Poison on Thursday; Cadillac Cowboys, IMCA Modified and Sprints, and 559 Cage Fighting on Friday; Bringing It Back, IMCA Modified and Sprints, and Steel Magnolia on Saturday; and a Hispanic concert to celebrate Hispanic Family Day on Sunday. In addition, performances by hypnotist Chris Maybrey and the Next Big Thing Talent

Show will also be live on stage nightly.

The Kings Fair will take place at the fairgrounds in Hanford from 5 p.m. to midnight, Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7. Fair admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children under 10, and $6 for seniors over 60. Children under five are admitted free. Also available are four-day season passes for $14, and family passes for $16. Family passes include two one-day adult admission tickets and two one-day children admission tickets.

The Kings Fair is dedicated to showcasing agricultural and related industry, commerce, customs and cultures of Kings County while sustaining and developing family entertainment and enhancing the economic vitality of Kings County and The Kings Fair. For more information, call 584-3318 or visit www.kingsfair.com.

4 July, 2013

TCOE Theater Company to Perform ‘Shrek the Musical’ The Theatre Company is preparing to produce possibly the first amateur version of Shrek the Musical in Central California. Theatre Company director Brian Roberts was able to obtain the rights to the popular Broadway musical when it became available earlier this year.

Shrek the Musical, which is based on the Oscar-winning movie of the same title, is a fairytale turned upside down. Instead of a handsome prince, Shrek the ogre is the unlikely hero who attempts to rescue an imprisoned princess, Fiona. Shrek will be played by Redwood High School’s Jack O’Leary. In the musical, Princess Fiona, who is imprisoned in a castle for most of her life, grows from childhood to adulthood.

As she grows, Fiona will be played by three actresses - Abby Cantrell, Mikayla Hays and Carli Caviglia. Redwood High School’s Ricky Reyes plays Shrek’s chatty sidekick, Donkey. The show features over a dozen musical numbers and plenty of adventures and comedy. One of the highlights of the show is a large, flying dragon, which guards the castle where Fiona is imprisoned.

STAFF REPORTS “Shrek is a tremendous challenge for any actor as they not only have to portray larger-than-life fantasy characters, but deliver demanding performances while wearing outrageous costumes and intricate makeup,” says Mr. Roberts. “Our performers are up to the challenge and are thrilled to be working on such fun and fresh material. The Central Valley’s premiere of Shrek promises to be two hours of high energy entertainment with lots of humor wrapped in captivating music.”

The Theatre Company will perform Shrek the Musical seven times in July.

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on July 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. Matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. on July 20 and 27. Tickets will be available July 5 at both TCOE Visalia offices: 2637 West Burrel Avenue and 7000 Doe Avenue, Suite A. General admission tickets are $12 per person. Reserved VIP seating is $20 per person. Any remaining tickets will be available at the theater’s box office 30 minutes before each performance. For more information, call the Theatre Company at (559) 651-1482.

Pendergraft Continued from p. 17

Benifiting: Relay For Life

CVWN Scholarship Fund

Downtown Visalia

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Friday, July 26, 2013 @ 12:00 NOON VISALIA FOX THEATRE 308 W. Main St. -- Downtown Visalia RSVP to: 786-7475 Ask for “Gary W” -- VP of Public Relations www.toastmasters.org • Like us on Facebook: Visalia Toastmasters DON’T MISS THIS RARE and VALUABLE EVENT!

“Discover Toastmasters. It Can Change Your Life!”

Tennessee, she searched Google for positions that would allow her to work in sports.

“I just happened across a website called PBEO.com,” she said about the Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities website, where teams post their job openings. “Before I stumbled across that, I hadn’t even considered working for a sports team. When you go as a fan, you don’t really think about what goes on behind the scenes at all. And, the more I read though those job descriptions, I was like, you know that might be right up my alley.”

Pendergraft took a swing at it and submitted a resume. “I thought it was kind of a long shot because at that point I really had no true work experience because softball had been my job. I played that to get myself through school.”

Pendergraft played softball for Amity High School in Oregon, and Lee University in Tennessee.

“Nine was my softball number too,” she smiled, pointing out that as the ninth

currently serving female general manager, the number has been lucky for her.

“I’m not sure why I’m the chosen one but its pretty cool. Every time I think about it I just kind of get really humbled.”

After graduation, Pendergraft had two choices. She could take a position at Ringer, the softball brand in Portland, or take the internship at Visalia Rawhide.

“I chose this just to get into it and see what it was all about,” she explained. “I figured I would regret it if I didn’t. And, I’m glad I did, because I found my passion.”

Visalia was a perfect fit for her.

“I’m from a really small town, really small town. I graduated with 65 people in my high school class. This is the biggest city I’ve ever lived in.” Combined with her love for hot weather and the high level of community involvement, Visalia was the perfect place.

“It’s such a small town feel and the community is so passionate for its organizations and its baseball team and everything so it’s easy to feed off of their passion and it was easy to get involved

Continued on p. 22

Have a meeting? Need a room?

Why not come to the Courthouse Gallery and Exeter Historical Museum, where there is a meeting room for most types of events?

With room for nearly 100 people, the conference room upstairs has kitchen facilities and a panoramic view. Need more room? Expand into the patio downstairs.

Located in the old Mt. Whitney Light and Power building, the Courthouse Gallery & Museum now showcases the best artists of the area. Come visit the gallery and museum and stay a while in historic Exeter, Tulare County’s Mural City.

The Courthouse Gallery & Museum 125 South “B” Street Exeter, California 93221

(559) 592-5900

www.exeterhistoricalmuseum.com Saturdays & Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

19 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

The Arts Visalia North American Print and Drawing Exhibition includes the work of (l-r): Mark Hosford, Matthew Hopson-Walker, Brett Colley and Janet Best Badger.

Arts Visalia Presents Print and Drawing Exhibition Arts Visalia’s newest exhibition, the Arts Visalia North American Print and Drawing Exhibition, a national juried art competition, opened to the public on July 3.

For this competitive exhibition, artists age 18 and older were able to submit up to three artworks for consideration for inclusion in the exhibition, with cash awards up for grabs in recognition of a select number of artworks.

All of the works submitted for consideration were required to have been made within the past three years, making this exhibition a good representation of current trends among artists. Visitors will see a wide array of works in terms of technique, subject matter and artistic direction.

Tasked with the job of pouring through all of the submissions and selecting the works to be included in the show was Kurt Kemp, Sonoma State University art professor, who studied printmaking at the University of Iowa, from which he received a Master of Fine Arts with honors. He has exhibited widely throughout the United States and internationally, and his works are included in numerous private and public collections including Harvard University’s Fogg Museum of Art, the Palace of The Legion of Honor in San Francisco, the Houston Fine Arts Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

In all, 90 artists from throughout the United States and Canada submitted 262 artworks from which 37 pieces by 30 artists were selected.

“Having been on both sides of the equation, artist and jurist, it was my intent to marry the elements of aspects of technique and craft with the abilities of the artist to communicate to their audience,” Kemp explained. “From the overall response and the

KEVIN BOWMAN, DIRECTOR OF ARTS VISALIA quality of the entrees, it seems to me that there is no better time than now to be an artist who chooses to work on paper. The variety of approaches to printmaking and drawing, and the virtuosity of the various mediums seems more than enough proof of this.”

The inclusion of one’s work in a juried exhibition of this scope serves to enhance an artist’s resume and affords them the opportunity to compare their work to that of other artists. Similarly, visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see artworks by artists they are not likely to have encountered previously, to get a sense of what professionals in the fields of printmaking and drawing are making right now.

A few artists from Tulare County and the Central Valley had works selected for the show, including Ellen Milinich, John Coppola and Matthew Rangel, all of Visalia, as well as Matthew Hopson-Walker of Fresno. In addition, three former College of the Sequoias art program alumni, each of whom have since moved on to other pastures, had works chosen for the exhibition. These included Francisco Alonzo and Chris Wallace, who have recently completed master of fine arts degrees from Cranbrook Academy of Art and the University of North Texas, respectively, and Rogelio Gutierrez, who is now an assistant professor of art at Arizona State University.

The exhibition will be on display through August 2, with an opening reception to be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 5. Admission to both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public. Arts Visalia is located at 214 E. Oak Ave. in Visalia. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.artsvisalia.org.

Whiskey and Devil Chaplain, Sonny & the Sunsets to Perform at the Cellar Door Sound N Vision will present several concerts at the Cellar Door this month, including shows headlined by The Whiskey and Devil Chaplain at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, and Sonny & the Sunsets at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

The one-time-only reunion show on July 20 marks three years since the original Whiskey and Devil Chaplain lineup played their last show together.

The group was well known for weaving indie roots, folk and straight-ahead Americana music to form their tightknit fabric. The band formed in 2007 with six Visalia musicians: Nicholas Ryan Hernandez (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Keith Richard Crain (banjo/ vocals) Daniel Story Rice (lap steel guitar), Matt Sampietro (drums), Steven Potorke (bass) and Rob Dudley (lead guitar). These friends toured along the West Coast, making fans along the way while packing out venues; even selling out SF’s famed Bottom of the Hill.

Though many of the band members have moved on to start new bands, The Whiskey and the Devil Chaplain holds a dear place in many Visalians’ hearts.

This show is the only chance to catch the band reunited with the original lineup.

Visalia natives The Gospel Whiskey Runners are set to kick off the night.

Recently TGWR have been packing the

Cellar Door and performing across the country, primarily due to their internet radio buzz. Band leader Jerrod Turner once said, “Our goal has been to bring our hope-filled songs to those who are stuck in the darkest places in this world.

We’ve sung in bars, churches, nightclubs, street corners and homeless shelters.

Playing music for people at all of these venues has opened up conversations about the songs we sing and why we sing them. We would like to let the music continue to be a means of filling ears and hearts with the sweet news of hope.”

San Francisco’s Sonny & the Sunsets, who perform on July 24, have just released their new record, “Antenna to the Afterworld,” to much critical acclaim.

For the past five years, frontman Sonny Smith has been a crucially influential songwriter in the Northern California scene, with over 11 acclaimed releases in that half-decade.

Pitchfork Media gave the new album an impressive 7.7 rating.

Back in 2010, Sonny & the Sunsets played Sonny & the Sunsets Visalia, delivering folky garage 60s-ish gems. This time, the band should be taking things to a slightly spacier syth land.

In either event, Smith’s songwriting will once again take center stage. His unique storytelling and characters always seems to be his strong point.

Por tland’s The Memories are set to play the middle slot; delivering laidback, sunny sum-

mer-vibe guitar jams.

Making a very rare performance is all-Visalia band foot of feathers. Kent Stahl (vocals/guitar), Aaron Estes (guitar/vocals), Eric Abbott (bass/vocals) and Matt Sampietro (drums/vocals) lock in amazing four-part vocal harmonies; as witnessed during their spot-on Beach Boys cover of “Sloop John B” the last time they played Cellar Door.

The guys twist and turn their extensive record collections to absorb a lot of ground; musing primarily on mid-tempo guitar rock through the ages. Their unique songs stand strongly alongside the best of their contemporaries.

For tickets and more information about these and other SNV shows, visit www.snvfoundation.org.

The Whiskey and Devil Chaplain

MUSIC

July 5 – Roxy Gunn Project – 9:30 p.m.

The Roxy Gunn Project will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia. 2 Hours Later will also perform. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation.org.

July 6 – 5 Live – 8 p.m.

5 Live will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia.

For more information, visit www. snvfoundation.org.

July 10 - Happy Together Tour 2013 The Turtles, Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Gary Lewis and Mark Lindsay will perform at Tachi Palace.

July 12 – Mezcal – 9:30 p.m.

Mezcal will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia.

The Jay Smith Trio will also perform.

For more information, visit www. snvfoundation.org.

July 19 – Futurebirds – 9:30 a.m.

Futurebirds will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia. Diarrhea Planet will also perform. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation.org.

July 20 - Sara Evans - 9 p.m.

Multi-platinum Country star Sara Evans will perform her number 1 singles, “No Place That Far”, “Born to Fly”, “Suds in the Bucket” and “A Real Fine Place to Start,” at Eagle Mountain Casino. For more information, visit www.eaglemtncasino.com.

July 20– The Whiskey and the Devil Chaplain – 8 p.m.

The Whiskey and the Devil Chaplain will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia. The Gospel Whiskey Runners will also perform. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation.org.Saturday, July 24 – Sonny & the Sunsets – 9 p.m.

Sonny & the Sunsets will headline

this 21+ show at the Cellar Door The Memories and foot of feathers will also perform. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation.org.

July 26 – Keyser Soze – 9:30 p.m.

Keyser Soze will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia. White Glove Service will also perform. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation.org.

July 27 - Johnny Winter – 7:30 p.m.

DSL presents Johnny Winter, along with Sonny Landreth and Gary Hoey, at the Visalia Fox Theatre. Tickets are $35, $45, $55 and $65. For more information, call 625-1369 or visit www. foxvisalia.org.

July 27 – Kisser – 8 p.m.

This all-female Kiss tribute band will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation. org.

August 1 – Kris Korsgaden & the Beef Wellingtons – 8 p.m.

Kris Korsgaden & the Beef Wellingtons (featuring former Mars Volta member Adrian Terrazas-Gonzalez) will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia. Not Perfect Humans will also perform. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation. org.

August 1 – Bad Suns – 8 p.m.

Bad Suns will headline this 21+ show at the Cellar Door in downtown Visalia. Light Thieves will also perform.

For more information, visit www. snvfoundation.org.

August 6 - Trace Adkins Country star Trace Adkins perform his number one hits “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “You’re Gonna Miss This” and many more at Eagle Mountain Casino.

For more information, visit www. eaglemtncasino.com.

EVENTS

July 4 – Fourth of July Celebration – 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The city of Exeter will celebrate the Fourth of July in Exeter City Park, Chestnut & E Streets. The annual festivities begin with a pancake breakfast under the arbor, a two-mile walk and 10k run, and a horseshoe tournament. The celebration will also offer face painting and mini train rides, as well as a variety of arts and crafts and plenty of food. Live local entertainment will begin at 10 a.m. featuring stories from local members of the military and the classic rock sounds of Limited Slip performing from 1-3 p.m.

The Exeter Lion’s Club will present a free fireworks show at dusk at Lions Stadium, located on east Rocky Hill Drive. For more information call the Exeter Chamber of Commerce at 5922919 or visit www.exeterchamber.com

art, painting, watercolor class, plein air painting at the Pumpkin Hallow Bridge, open artist studios and galleries, restaurants, clothing, leather work, jewelry, ceramics and more. Pick up a map at Anne Lang’s Emporium to find your way. If you want to show your art, call 561-3463. For more information, visit www.1stsaturdayTR.com.

July 4 - Thursday Farmers Market – 5-8 p.m.

Downtown Visalia, Church and Main.

Locally grown produce and handmade products. Live Music by Ol’ 55.

July 10 – Earth, Moon and Sun – 2 & 3 p.m.

This presentation will be at Pena Planetarium, located in the Educational Enrichment Center on the southwest corner of West Main Street and Woodland Drive in Visalia. For information, call 737-6334 or visit www.tcoe.org/ planetarium.

July 5 - Friday Night Dance – 7 p.m.

Dances featuring concert-style entertainment with live bands are held weekly at the Tulare Senior Center. The entrance fee is $7 per person.

July 6 - Visalia Farmers Market – 8-11:30 a.m.

Sears Parking Lot at the corner of Mooney Boulevard and Caldwell Avenue. Locally grown produce and handmade products. Live Music by Richard Villanueva.

July 6 - The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale – 9 a.m.

This event will be held at Tulare Public Library, 475 North M St., Tulare. For more information, call 685-4517.

July 6 - 1st Saturday in Three Rivers – 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

This event will feature music, a booksigning, wood carvings, metal

July 9 - Tuesday Tulare Farmers Market - 5-8 p.m.

Tulare Outlets, 1407 Retherford Street, Tulare. Locally grown produce and handmade products. Live music by Ted Nunes.

July 10 - Community Blood Drive/Ice Cream Social - 12-4 p.m.

This event at Westgate Gardens Care Center, 4525 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia, is open to the public.

July 11 - Thursday Farmers Market 5-8 p.m.

Downtown Visalia, Church and Main Streets. Locally grown produce and handmade products. Live Music by Glen Delpit.

July 12 – Dawn of the Space Age – 7 p.m.

This presentation will be at Pena Planetarium, located in the Educational Enrichment Center on the southwest corner of West Main Street and Woodland Drive in Visalia. For information, call 737-6334 or visit www.tcoe.org/ planetarium.

(See full listings at at www.ourvalleyvoice.com.)

Johnny Winter to Headline Visalia Fox on July 27

YOUNG FOLKS

July 8-11 - S.M.A.R.T. Lab - 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Porterville College Foundation’s S.M.A.R.T. Lab (Science, Mathematics And Resource Technology) program is a unique opportunity for students. This fun-filled week features life, physical and earth science for kids, grades 4th-6th. The mobile lab is utilized to demystify math and science so that all students feel the joy that follows understanding. The foundation awards $50 scholarships totaling $1,000 to Tulare County low income elementary school students for attendance to the summer camp. Elementary school science teachers identify candidates for the scholarship.

July 11 - Oklin Bloodworth – Music with a Kiddie Beat! – 11 a.m.

This musical performance for children will be held in the Children’s wing of the Tulare County Library in Visalia.

For more information, call the Children’s Department at 713-2731 or visit http://tularecountylibrary.org/summerreading2013.html.

July 11 - Omni Puppet Theater – 3 p.m.

This puppet show for children will be held in the Children’s wing of the Tulare County Library in Visalia. For more information, call the Children’s Department at 713-2731 or visit http:// tularecountylibrary.org/summerreading2013.html.

July 12 – “The Lorax” – 8:15 p.m.

The Tulare Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Movies in the Park, a family event at Zumwalt Park.

Admission is free. For more information, call 684-4310.

July 13 - E & M Reptile Show! - 2 p.m.

Tulare Public Library, 475 North M St., Tulare, will host this event in the Kids’ Space as part of its Summer Reading Program. For more information, call 685-4517.

July 18 - Boswick the Clown – 11 a.m.

& 3 p.m.

This educational comedy act for children will be held in the Children’s wing of the Tulare County Library in Visalia. For more information, call the Children’s Department at 713-2731 or visit http://tularecountylibrary.org/ summerreading2013.html.

July 19 – “Brave” – 8:15 p.m.

The Tulare Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Movies in the Park, a family event at Zumwalt Park.

Admission is free. For more information, call 684-4310.

July 20 - More Than S’Mores Learn to use everyday foods from the supermarket and a variety of fun techniques for a great fireside meal everyone can make and enjoy. You and your family will get to sample each item on the menu. Have a delicious, stress-free time camping in your national parks.

Come and enjoy at the Lodgepole Campground. All ages welcome. $5 per person; $20 for a family of five.

Purchase tickets at any visitor center or at www.sequoiahistory.org.

July 20 - Special Craft Activity - 2 p.m.

Tulare Public Library, 475 North M St., Tulare, will host this event in the Kids’ Space as part of its Summer Reading Program. For more information, call 685-4517.

July 25 - Thomas John – 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.

This juggling and comedy act for children will be held in the Children’s wing of the Tulare County Library in Visalia. For more information, call the Children’s Department at 713-2731 or visit http://tularecountylibrary.org/ summerreading2013.html.

July 26 – “Wreck-It Ralph” – 8:15 p.m.

The Tulare Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Movies in the Park, a family event at Zumwalt Park.

Admission is free. For more information, call 684-4310.

Johnny Winter, voted one of the top 100 guitarists of all time in Rolling Stone Magazine, will headline a concert at the Visalia Fox Theatre on Saturday, July 27. Also performing will be Sonny Landreth and Gary Hoey.

Winter signed with Columbia Records in 1969 and quickly built a reputation for combining classic blues with Texas funk and his own high energy. Constantly shifting between primal country blues in the vein of Robert Johnson to scorching electric slide guitar, he has been one of the most influential guitar players in rock, bridging British blues rock and Southern rock, a path later taken by such acts as the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Winter, one of the top arena rock acts in the mid-70s, has recorded almost 40 albums of classic rock and blues. In the

late 70s, he produced and played on a series of Grammy-winning albums with Muddy Waters, who affectionately referred to Winter as his “son.” The recordings served as a “comeback” for his idol while also refreshing his own deep and unwavering love of the blues.

Today, Winter performs to sold out shows worldwide. He performed with the Allman Brothers at the Beacon Theater in Manhattan on the 40th anniversary of their debut. In addition, he has been headlining such prestigious events as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Swedish Rock Fest, Warren Haynes X-mas jam and Europe’s Rockpalast viewed by millions.

For more information, visit www. foxvisalia.org.

COMMUNITY

July 11 - A Quilting Talk - 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Juanita Cairns of the Orange Blossom Quilters Guild discusses quilting in the Upstairs Meeting Room of Visalia Library. For more information, call Carol at 713-2707 or visit http:// tularecountylibrary.org/summerreadingadult.html.

July 11 - Tulare Kings Mensa – 5:30 p.m.

Tulare Kings Mensa, the high IQ society in the South Valley, will meet at Panera Bread, 4103 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, for coffee, bagels, sandwiches and conversation. Prospective members encouraged to attend. For more information, call 280-9774.

July 12 & 13 – Summer Retreat Dr. Marcus L. Penn will show how to take care of yourself at this event at Dr. Rucker’s Wellness Center, 2305 Midvalley Ave., Visalia, from 6-8 p.m. on July 12, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 13. For more information, call 635-1746.

July 18 - Funeral Planning Workshop 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Funeral planning workshop given by a local funeral home in the Upstairs Meeting Room of Visalia Library. For more information, call Carol at 7132707 or visit http://tularecountylibrary.

org/summerreadingadult.html.

July 20 – Mensa Game Day – 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tulare Kings Mensa, the high IQ society in the South Valley, will hold its second game day at GameQore, 107 E. Main Street, Visalia. This month’s game is Fluxx, a Mensa Select board game.

Prospective members are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 280-9774.

July 23 - Lower Back Pain - 6 p.m.

Tulare Public Library, 475 North M St., Tulare, will host this informative talk.

For more information, call 685-4517.

July 25 - Master Gardeners Presentation - 6:30-7:45 p.m.

A presentation on gardening given by the Tulare & Kings Master Gardeners in the Upstairs Meeting Room of Visalia Library. For more information, call Carol at 713-2707 or visit http:// tularecountylibrary.org/summerreadingadult.html.

September 12 - Healthy Feet Versus Unhealthy Feet – 6 p.m.

Paul R. Mayo, D.P.M., will be the speaker as part of The Lifestyle Center’s free monthly wellness series at 5105 W. Cypress Ave. For more information, call 624-3400.

22 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

You Can Create a Beautiful Garden in Spite of this Heat!

CECILE GARRISON

It’s hot and you should probably wait until mid-September to plant perennials, winter annuals, native grasses and shrubs. However, you can still breathe new life in lackluster flowerbeds by adding a few annuals and perennials you will enjoy up to and through our frosty winter.

It will be much easier if the new plants only get morning sun. However, I have planted annuals and perennials in the all-day sun and shaded them with umbrellas in the afternoon.

It is possible to keep new plants alive through our summer heat. Plant in the late afternoon and think “water!” Submerge the plants you get from the nursery in a bucket of water until all air bubbles rise to the surface.

Be sure and loosen the root ball and plant only as deep as it is in the nursery container. The soil you plant in should be moist and loose. Check the root ball with your finger or a moisture meter frequently and add water as needed until you see new growth.

Remember to add a bag or two of composted steer manure topped with mulch when renovating tired beds.

Pink ruellia is a tried-and-true perennial that will blend nicely with existing annuals. It blooms nine to ten months per year, is

drought-tolerant, and disease and pest-resistant.

It is not as invasive as the blue Mexican petunia.

Lantana comes in yellow, orange, red-orange and many other solid and blended colors. Purchase now in a one gallon container and it will cover four to five feet by late fall.

Blooms are continuous with no deadheading required. It may lose its leaves in a hard frost but will come back in the spring year after year.

The chaste plant comes in bush and tree forms. It is also disease and pest-resistant and drought-tolerant. It blooms continuously summer through fall but requires regular pruning to keep a nice shape.

A few annuals to plant now for success in the sun are cosmos, zinnias and echinacea. Just remember the planting tips listed above. I recently filled a shady bed with white impatiens. Ferns and hosta could also be planted now in shade.

So, good luck with renovating tired beds and/or starting new ones. Remember to plant in late afternoon preferably in the shade and use lots of water on the plants and in yourself!

For more information, contact Cecile Garrison at ocecile123@yahoo.com, or visit w w w. g o u rd s a n d r o s e s . c o m .

Pendergraft Continued from p. 18

with the community and just dive in.”

After the one-year internship, she’d made up her mind. “I just fell in love with everything about it.”

Her parents, Jodee and Scott Pendergraft, she said, thought she was a little crazy. “A lot of it was because they were kind of like me. They didn’t really understand what it entailed and so to them it was more like, ‘How on earth can you make a career out of that?’”

“At first I didn’t really think it was going to be a career,” her father explained. “I know the pay isn’t that good, and she had some other job opportunities, so I assumed it would be a fun little adventure for a couple of years. Little did I know that it might turn into something more long term.”

He also admits, “Another feeling I had was a bit of jealousy. How sweet is it to have a ballpark as your office?”

He was never worried about her decision, however. At the worst, he considered it a short-term adventure before she got a “real job.” He would never try to talk her out of her dream.

“Jennifer is a very strong person, so I knew she could hold her own,” he said. “My perception of the baseball business back then was you had to be related to someone to really get ahead, so I feared she would hit some sort of glass ceiling at some point. Thanks to a kind and generous person like Tom Seidler; he’s rewarded her for the blood, sweat and tears she puts into her work.”

“Baseball is a lot of hard work,” Seidler said. “We frequently work 12 to 14-hour days, often seven days a week.” Working that close with people for long hours, you start to think of each other as family.

“There’s also a lot of times when you pitch in and help someone else in a different department, whether it’s receiving shipments of peanuts or distributing pocket schedules around the

community, so we all ‘pitch-in’ and help out as members of a family would,” Seidler explains. “One reason why Jennifer got to her current position is she was always helping out others on staff and making us better as an organization.

“Another integral part of the Rawhide family is our host families,” he said.

“Jennifer has managed and improved that program each year, to where it is now the best in the country. One hundred percent of players and coaches live with host families, and the relationship between local Visalia families and these professional baseball players continues as players move up to the major leagues.”

Being a former player, the players are nearest to Pendergraft’s heart.

“I think the league has the potential to raise their minor league players not only on the field but off the field through community involvement and through public speaking and through all of these things they’re going to need to do at the major league level,” she says.

The Rawhide is the farm team for the Arizona Diamondbacks so the ultimate goal is to help them move comfortably into the major league environment.

“They need to start learning now.” To help develop the players, Pendergraft started a player community outreach program.

The players are split into groups of five community teams, rotating them to give them exposure in five areas including schools, sports (like a baseball camp), business (speaking at service clubs), media (interviews for newspapers, radio and TV) and community service (serving food at the Visalia Rescue Mission).

“I want them to get exposure in all this.

It’s going to be uncomfortable, but they need to learn that.” Baseball, she said, is not all about what you do on the field.

“You need your players to be able to conduct themselves professionally and you need them to be able to speak

Yellow lantana is drought-tolerant, and disease and pest-resistant.

to different crowds,” she says. “You need them to be a fan favorite so that they fill the seats, you can sell their t-shirts, they get votes for the all-star team, you know. It’s all part of the game.”

The program wasn’t met with enthusiasm with everyone in the ballclub, Rawhide Manager Bill Plummer admits. “We had a few clashes at the start.” Initially, players were being scheduled to be out in the community too close to game time.

As the director of player development, that caused him some concern. “But we worked it out,” he said, adding that program has been great for the community.

“Jennifer’s done a great job. I think she’s going to be an outstanding GM. She’s so energetic and has a lot of good ideas.” fect because I was on the same schedule.”

She’s seen players who get released having a hard time making a transition out of baseball. “Its so hard to give up something that’s been a part of your life for so many years and for these guys they did it professionally; they did it all through college, all through high school.” She makes it a point to talk to the players, even the coaches some times, to get them thinking about what they would do if they didn’t have baseball.

“Some of them have a plan and they know what they’ll do – a lot of family-run companies and what-not, but some of them just have no idea at all and they haven’t even thought about it and that’s dangerous,” Pendergraft says. “And so I’ll kind of drop suggestions. Working in baseball is pretty fun and its a lot of work, but at least in terms of your scheduling it doesn’t throw you out of whack and you still feel like you’re a part of the game.”

Pendergraft’s biggest frustration is that it takes a long time to make changes. “I like things to happen very quickly,” she says. “I make sure that things happen very quickly if it’s in my

hands. But a lot of the time it’s out of my hands and you have to change the mentality of everyone that’s been in the game for years and years and years.

I’ve come to find that its very challenging and sometimes its not even possible but, by golly, I’m still going to try.”

Pendergraft credits Seidler for giving her the confidence to make changes that she thinks needs to be made.

“He’s just always said, whatever you want to do run with it. Run it by me first to make sure I’m on board and its in that same direction we want the organization to go. But he’s let me take stuff and run with it. He’s never, obviously, never discriminated against my gender, my age, anything. And I know for a fact, I couldn’t have gone anywhere else and worked for any other team and gone on the same path that I have with him.

“I’m very lucky and I know that,” said Pendergraft about being one of the small group of women chosen to be general managers.

Her father, however, points out that it had nothing to do with luck. “When Jennifer sets her mind to something, she does not fail,” says her father proudly. “No one will outwork her. Whether she chose this occupation or any other, I knew she would be successful.”While Pendergraft has no say in whether a player moves up, she is able to see their potential as a marketing figure. “I can tell you if they have the skills to correlate, if they’re going to be a fan favorite, and if they have marketability. I wish, if it came down to choosing one player against another who has equal skills on the field, if the Diamondbacks would ask for some feedback and say ‘Hey, how does he interact with the fans and the community?’ I think that should be the element that takes a player one above another.

That should be the deciding factor when it comes down to an even playing field.

Continued on p. 24 »

23 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

Sound N Vision Conducts Art, Music Summer Workshops STEVE PASTIS Sound N Vision Foundation hosted free art and music workshops for children at the Boys & Girls Club in Visalia last month. SNV, better known for the musical acts it brings to Visalia, offers these workshops every summer to develop the talents of local school students.

This year, Sound N Vision presented workshops in comic book art and in guitar and drum.

The instructors of both workshops were volunteers, and apparently enjoyed the time they gave. “ Te a c h i n g music doesn’t seem like work to me,” explained Carlos Rodriguez, the frontman of local band Mezcal who taught the drum and guitar workshop. “It’s what I’ve been doing with my siblings since before cable TV or Wi-Fi. I volunteer because it feels like I’m ten years old again, having fun jamming in the living room. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to teach our young ones about music and hope that the community continues to support programs like this.

“I learn so much from the kids at our programs, and we inspire each other and have a blast exploring new sounds and rhythms,” he added. “Some of the participants continue with me as private students after the summer program ends. Others go on and perform shows in downtown Visalia. Those performanc-

es are what I look forward to all year.”

“Volunteering for the Boys & Girls Club and teaching through Sound N Vision has been very rewarding,” agreed Eric Rodriguez, who taught the comic book art workshop because he want-

sician Award.’ I even play in a youth rock band with friends I met from the summer classes. The classes helped me learn that I love to play drums.”

“Kids love rhythm and it’s fun,” said Adrianna Gonzales, who brought her children to the workshops. “I think it’s a good way to expose them to music.” She added that her children share what they learn when they are back home. “All four of them are making drums out of everything in the house.”

Caleb’s father, Aaron, is the main person behind Sound N Vision and these summer workshops.

He considers himself “privileged” because he was able to take art and music classes as a child.

“I feel like those experiences made me see the world in a broader light and enriched my quality of life,” he explained. experiences Aaron Gomes of Sound N Vision helps out at a workshop. Photo by Jordon Dean. “Those helped shape who I ed to do something for the communi- and I wanted to give something back.” am as an adult. My wife and I started ty. “It’s challenged me and taught me And the children appreci- these free youth music and art classes a few important lessons. I hope that ate the opportunity to spend part to give children those same experiences.

I’ve contributed at least a little in giv- of their summer vacation learning It is very important to me to keep the ing the children a positive experience.” and developing their artistic talents. classes free, in order to truly offer these Eric Rodriguez attended Otis Col“I thought it might be fun to learn experiences to everyone. With continued lege of Art and Design in Los Angeles for drums four years ago in Carlos’ class,” support from Boys & Girls Club and the four years, graduating in 2012 with a ma- said Caleb Gomes, 13, who attends City of Visalia Community Arts Grant, jor in illustration and a minor in creative the SNV classes every summer. “Since I am confident that I can keep this qualwriting. He is starting to make a name for then, I joined the school band and ity program running for years to come.” himself working as a freelance illustrator. this year won the ‘Outstanding Mu“I’ve been afforded many more opportunities to pursue my artistic career

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$495,000 3350 South Fairway, Visalia 6545 sq. ft. office building Near Caldwell and Mooney Call Shari Aguirre at 625-2128 or 799-6082

than I would have predicted,” he said.

“I feel proud of the work I’ve done here and I decided that before I moved on to other projects and places, I should try to contribute more to the community.

Basically, Visalia has been good to me

24 • Valley Voice

4 July, 2013

Pendergraft Continued from p. 22

And, that’s never come up. I wish it would, because that’s the business side of it. There’s only so much that can be done on the field. There’s also off the field too.”

The host family program also encourages a family atmosphere at the ballpark. “If you go to games, our host families are everywhere and they feel like their boy is on the field. So they’re more than happy to share with you more about them and their personality, which helps everyone get to know these guys a lot better too because they are directly connected with the community. They’ve lived here with these families and they’re going to remember that for the rest of their life too. It’s given Visalia a really good name.”

The Rawhide has become a second family for Pendergraft. “I have people asking me, ‘How are you still single? Why aren’t you married?’ – I’m married to my

job and I have 30 boys six months out of the year.”

“Beyond the 80+ hour weeks at work,” Seidler said, Pendergraft “is selfless with her free time. She has been involved with the community since day one, volunteers her time, helps out local charities and organizations.

“Whether it’s raising money for the Creative Center (she’s a two-time Mardi Gras Fundrasing Queen) or volunteering with Happy Trails, her Rotary Club, or the Miracle League, she’s a tireless champion and supporter of the Visalia community,” he said.

Although most of her “free time” includes participating in community groups such as the Rotary, this past year she joined the V Town Derby Dames, the local roller derby team. “I’ve had a blast just getting to know them and working with them.” However, she hasn’t been able to play a game with them yet

because their games conflict with the Rawhide’s season. “The next home game I can participate in isn’t until October so I have my eyes set for that one.”

As a former player, being away from the competition can be hard for some to get used to but Pendergraft doesn’t miss it.

“I thought that I might. I direct my energies into a different path. Instead of working really hard on the field, I’m working really hard in the office. So, its just keeping that same pattern. It’s the same adrenaline rush.

It’s the same emotions. It’s the perfect transition for me.”

Up until she took the job in Visalia, softball had been her entire life. “For me, the transition in this industry was perperfect because I was on the same schedule.”

She’s seen players who get released having a hard time making a transition out of baseball. “Its so hard to give up something that’s been a part of your life for so many years and for these guys they did it professionally; they did it all through college, all through high school.” She makes it a point to talk to the players, even the coaches some times, to get them thinking about what they would do if they didn’t have baseball.

“Some of them have a plan and they know what they’ll do – a lot of family-run companies and what-not, but some of them just have no idea at all and they haven’t even thought about it and that’s dangerous,” Pendergraft says. “And so I’ll kind of drop suggestions. Working in baseball is pretty fun and its a lot of work, but at least in terms of your scheduling it doesn’t throw you out of whack and you still feel like you’re a part of the game.”

Pendergraft’s biggest frustration is that it takes a long time to make changes. “I like things to happen very quickly,” she says.

“I make sure that things happen very quickly if it’s in my hands.

But a lot of the time it’s out of my hands and you have to change the mentality of everyone that’s been in the game for years and years and years. I’ve come to find that its very challenging and sometimes its not even possible but, by golly, I’m still going to try.”

Pendergraft credits Seidler for giving her the confidence to make changes that she thinks needs to be made.

“He’s just always said, whatever you want to do run with it. Run it by me first to make sure I’m on board and its in that same direction we want the organization to go. But he’s let me take stuff and run with it. He’s never, obviously, never discriminated against my gender, my age, anything. And I know for a fact, I couldn’t have gone anywhere else and worked for any other team and gone on the same path that I have with him.

“I’m very lucky and I know that,” said Pendergraft about being one of the small group of women chosen to be general managers.

Her father, however, points out that it had nothing to do with luck. “When Jennifer sets her mind to something, she does not fail,” says her father proudly. “No one will outwork her. Whether she chose this occupation or any other, I knew she would be successful.”