Valley Voice Issue 75 (18 August, 2016)

Volume XXXVI No. 16 • 18 August, 2016

www.ourvalleyvoice.com

Human Trafficking Ring Taken Down by Sheriff’s Department Catherine Doe Sheriff Mike Boudreaux held a press conference on August 11, revealing that an ongoing undercover investigation, called Operation Baby Face, had culminated with multiple arrests that morning involving human trafficking. The investigation began in May and more than 70 deputies served 15 search and arrest warrants early on the morning of the eleventh.

Boudreaux described human trafficking as a type of modern-day slavery that involves the use of force, fraud or coercion for some type of labor or sex act.

Boudreaux was joined at the press conference by Dr. Cheryl Duerksen, director of Health & Human Services Agency, Anita Ortiz, Division Manager for Child Welfare Services, and Caity Meader, executive director of Family Services of Tulare County.

“Safety for our children is an absolute must and priority each and every day,” the sheriff said. “Crimes against children can easily shock the senses and this case is no exception. What detectives

recently uncovered will be upsetting to people in Tulare County and the information provided will be limited to protect the victims, some of whom are as young as 14.”

Using the newly created Cyber Crimes Unit, detectives issued search warrants with various social media sites and cell phone numbers and combed through 50,000 pages of messages to identify victims. The Sheriff’s Office ultimately identified more than 23 juveniles and 29 adults, including two males who were sexually exploited for monetary gain.

Boudreaux created the Cyber Crimes Unit with a vision to combat crimes committed via the internet.

“We could not wait any longer to take down this operation,” he said. “This is definitely a human trafficking case.

Because of the safety and welfare of the victims involved the department had to take action immediately.”

Three men, including the ring leader, were arrested. Antonio Alvarez, 34, of Visalia was charged with 30 felonies, including 12 counts of human trafficking.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks to the media last week about Operation Baby Face. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office busted a human trafficking ring that lured more than 23 juvenile and 29 adult victims through social media into sexual exploitation. Courtesy/ Teresa Douglass/TCSO

Other charges include child molestation, pandering, solicitation, pimping, and possession of child pornography.

Anthony Raya, 19, of Dinuba, was identified as the traffic ring’s driver. Joel Mancini, 40, of Visalia, is considered Alvarez’ personal assistant. Each were charged with two felony counts of human trafficking and one felony count of pimping.

Also arrested on the eleventh were 11 co-conspirators. Co-conspirator is the term used to identify the ring’s clients or “johns.”

Deputies were on the lookout for a twelfth co-conspirator, Jose Manzo, 23, of Visalia, who had a 16-year-old female victim with him. Manzo was captured by Tulare County sheriff’s detectives around

TRAFFICKING continued on 16 »

Visalia Microbrewery Zone Approved for East Main St.

Bark beetle infestations are killing trees in California. More than eight million trees are dead or dying in Tulare County. Courtesy/PG&E

Dead Tree Removal Project to Make Mountain Roads Safer Steve Pastis The Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved Phase 1 of the Tulare County Tree Mortality Task Force Tree Removal Project at its August 9 meeting. The project will help protect county residents and visitors from the danger of dead trees falling on the roads that serve to evacuate people in times of wildfire.

There are 8.1 million dead or dying

trees in Tulare County, based on estimates from last month. That number is by far the highest for any county in the state, and has likely increased significantly in recent weeks.

A major infestation of bark beetles is killing the trees, which, as a result of the drought, are unable to produce the levels of sap required to repel the beetles.

The millions of dead trees in the county

TREE REMOVAL continued on 5 »

The Visalia City Council voted at its August 15 meeting to approve a special zone in east downtown for micro-breweries and micro-wineries. The zone creates a business friendly atmosphere for such enterprises in East Visalia.

The new zone eliminates many of the restrictions imposed on establishments serving alcohol. The zone eliminates the need for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) unless such a business sets up shop 200 feet from an existing church or children’s facility. The new zone also eliminates the requirement to offer food. Breweries and wineries will further be able to sell their craft beers and specialty wines right at the establishment where they are made. Minors are also allowed on the premise as their parents shop or do a tasting.

Until recently, micro-breweries and -wineries were only allowed in the city’s service/commercial zones.

Gail Zurick, CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, said that just starting the conversation in January to create a special zone has spurred major investment in East Downtown. JR Shannon, local developer and business owner, said, “I’m excited to see the support for the new East Main Street brewery district. This change gives Visalia the opportunity to continue its downtown scene which Visalia is known. East Main brings a whole different feel with different styles of architecture but still captures the downtown vibe.”

Catherine Doe Council member Bob Link said that one of the motivations of the new zoning is to lower vacancy rates in this section of town and will result in the renovation of older buildings. The council also saw this as a way to encourage local entrepreneurship and promote tourism in Visalia.

“Craft beers brewed by micro-breweries are a burgeoning business model,” said Paul Scheibel, Principal Planner for the city of Visalia.

Micro-distilleries, which make craft whiskey and other hard alcohol are not yet permitted but are a future goal. Zurick said just allowing a new zone for the breweries was revolutionary for Visalia, so the potential businesses want to be good neighbors and let the city get used to their presence.

East Main Street has been a challenge in terms of economic development, and the Chamber of Commerce and city council expect the new ordinance to change that.

The zone is bounded by Santa Fe Street to the west, Murray Street to the north, Ben Maddox to the east, and Mineral King to the south.

The final vote was 3- 3 with Mayor Steve Nelsen and Council member Greg Collins voting no. Both Nelsen and Collins are enthusiastic about the new zone but did not approve of the requirement of a CUP if the brewery is close to a church or children’s facility.

Compare HCCA’s two hospital contracts: TRMC and Southern Inyo and learn more about Measure I at ourvalleyvoice.com

2 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016 From the Publisher’s desk

The Heartache That Is Cal Football

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We’re something like a week and a half from the return of Cal football. I can wait. I’ve been waiting 47 years now and, if disappointment is the threshold, I’ve not been disappointed. Sure--they’ve had a couple of first selection NFL quarterbacks in Steve Bartkowski (1975) and Jared Goff (2016). But in 1975 Cal’s Chuck Muncie should have won the Heisman Trophy--having rushed for 1460 yards, scoring 13 touchdowns and throwing for one--instead of Ohio State’s Archie Griffin. Needless to say, the Bears have never produced a Heisman winner.

They’ve also never played in a Rose Bowl--at least, not in my lifetime.

And in the Big Game, against arch rival Stanford, they are 15 games behind being even. In my 47 years the Bears have won the Axe 17 times.

Christ only knows what colossal heartache this year will produce.

I’m not a fair-weather fan. But it’s been rough sailing since 1968, and I’m sick to death of heartache. And it’s not that I don’t care anymore. Abandon ship?

Not really. Let’s just say I’m swimming for shore. Let’s just say that--this year, at least--I’ll emotionally disconnect and not allow disappointment to devour me again.

Because I’ve witnessed just about every way it is possible to lose a football game.

Then I read that my alma mater sent 42 athletes to the Rio Olympics--the most of any university in the world. Even more impressive is their medal count.

As of 14 August, Bears have won 20 individual medals in Rio, seven of them being gold. If the University of California was a nation, it would be tied with Japan for fifth place.

And the games continue for another week. Banzai!

Stanford may have won the Directors’ Cup--an award given every year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics to the schools in the United States with the most successful athletic programs--every year since the 1994-95 season. Cardinal teams are perennial contenders, and it should be no surprise to anyone if their gridiron squad finds itself in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. To be honest, it’s an impressive feat to field the finest athletic department in the NCAA--and to do so for 22 consecutive years beggars belief.

But Bears are slaying it on a world stage. It’s more than your ordinary away game.

The Berkeley campus is a reflection of that world stage, albeit minimized, in that people the globe over are involved with the university either in attendance or teaching. Naturally--as in most college towns--the campus has long influenced the city itself. Even in the cosmopolitan Bay Area, Berkeley has always been the go to town--and sometimes the only place--for the best in anything.

OK--except for football.

I was raised in the East Bay, just over the hills from the university, and as soon as I got my driver’s license Berkeley became a frequent stop.

The best book shops were there, as were the best record stores. There were independent and university theatres, as well as the PFA--a combined art museum, repertory movie theater and archive. Shopping was unparalleled, spilling over, on Telegraph Avenue, to the sidewalk. Cafes--good ones--were everywhere. Your hankering for Greek, Moroccan or Korean food could be accommodated on a single city block.

Berkeley was, hands down, the best place to take a date.

It was a great place to attend university, too, and, in my family, a tradition.

I’m a fourth generation Bear, while my wife is third generation. Sadly, though, this streak has been snapped by our own children.

At least they’ll never experience the heartache that is Cal football.

— Joseph Oldenbourg

The Valley Voice is your newspaper Published by The Valley Voice, LLC.

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18 August, 2016

Valley Voice • 3

Political Fix Want to Make Some Major Bucks Without a Real Job?

Remember Christine “I’m not a witch” O’Donnell?

She ran in the 2010 mid-term election as Senator for Delaware to fill Joe Biden’s seat. She was one of those longshot, Tea Party candidates who won in the Republican primary but got clobbered in the November general election.

Whereas she wasn’t actually a witch, neither was she, it seems, any other profession. She has one of those unique sources of incomes that few laypeople understand, including myself until recently. Ms. O’Donnell has made a career out of running for office and fundraising for her PAC. Between her Senate campaign and ChristinePac she raised over $7 million dollars, but only had $36,000 left at the end of 2011. Where did it all go? New Hampshire liberals call this Wingnut Welfare, and pointed out that the money did not just support Ms. O’Donnell’s campaign, but also her lawyers, consultants, Comcast, electric company, and her realtor.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) agreed and filed a lawsuit against Ms. O’Donnell. They are charging her with illegally using at least $20,000 in campaign contributions to pay her utilities and rent at a town house where she lived and that also served as her 2010 Senate campaign headquarters.

Catherine Doe

The FEC wants her to pay the money back and ensure that she doesn’t use any further campaign money from her PAC for personal use. She argues that campaigns are allowed to lease headquarter space and are not prohibited from subleasing space to a candidate for a residence.

In the mean time, she continues to fundraise for ChristinePac. Making it Local Hanford Vice-mayor Francisco Ramirez is facing similar charges of living off of campaign funds. Though still being investigated, several independent groups of Hanford citizens accuse Mr. Ramirez of supplementing his income by running for public office.

Both the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and the Kings County Grand Jury are investigating him regarding his run for city council.

The Kings County Grand Jury just released a report stating that he raised more than $1000 during his campaign but did not file a form 460 as required by the FPPC. Mr. Ramirez admitted to the grand jury that he personally raised $1024.00 and will file a form 460 retroactively to fix the problem. His critics say that he actually raised in excess of $3000 when running for city council in 2014.

Mr. Ramirez has countered by saying that his treasurer/campaign manager

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raised that money without his knowledge and kept it. His detractors claim that Mr. Ramirez never had a treasurer or campaign manager, and that he raised and kept the money for himself.

Mr. Ramirez never opened a separate campaign checking account. He used a check cashing service to cash most of his checks next door to his apartment.

So the amount he raised campaigning would almost be impossible to trace. His critics also question whether he has a real job, and from where he get his income.

Mr. Ramirez has run for office five times: Kings County Board of Supervisors, Lanare Community Service District Board, Andy Vidak’s seat in the California State Senate, and the Hanford City Council twice. Running for state senate is the only time he filed out a form 460 with the FPPC and reported his donations.

Though Mr. Ramirez is innocent until proven guilty, you get the picture how people can make a career of running for office. If a candidate does not have a campaign manager or treasurer, who knows how much was raised used for personal bills?

Is it legal? That doesn’t seem to matter. What matters is that there is a lot of money to be had in politics, either campaigning for public office, campaigning for a ballot measure, or even holding public office.

Public Money Becomes Their Own Private Economy Conversely, if you win an election to a high-paying public office, such as state assembly, the gravy train has just started.

The potential for Assemblyman Devon Mathis to make hundreds of thousands of dollars after his 2014 victory did not go unnoticed by political operative Sean Dohtery. He was the former campaign manager of Esther Barrajas, who was the first to announce in 2013 that she was running for the 26th District State Assembly seat, then came in dead last out of six candidates. Somehow, Mr. Doherty jumped that sinking ship and pushed his way into Mr. Mathis’ camp, ousting the assemblyman’s good friend and best man at his wedding, Cole Azare.

Mr. Doherty became Chief of Staff a little more than four months after Mr. Mathis took office. That’s when Devon, with Sean’s help, took the public’s money and made their private economy.

Here are some ballpark figures of the totals.

1. Mr. Mathis’ state assembly salary is $109,000 a year 2. Mr. Mathis’ per diem is $170/ day, four days a week. This adds up to $35,000 a year 3. Mr. Mathis’ allotment for hiring staff, which has fluctuated from four to five at any given time, is $250,000 a year. Sean’s portion of that is above

POLITICAL FIX continued on 4 »

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18 August, 2016

Tulare County Supervisors Vote on Interim Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance Catherine Doe The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted at its August 16 meeting to adopt its interim zoning ordinance on the cultivation of marijuana and medical marijuana dispensaries. The interim ordinance prohibits the establishment of new or expansion of existing medical marijuana entities, including collectives cooperatives, businesses or other entities engaged in commercial cannabis activity in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Political Fix Continued from p. 3

$100,000 a year 4. Mr. Mathis and Mr. Doherty raised $176,000 in campaign donations for 2015.

5. Mr. Mathis received $3349.00 a month for his Veteran’s disability payments, which is $40,188 a year 6. Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) gives Mr. Mathis’ family $2,000 a month to pay for his personal medical assistant, who has been identified as his wife, which is $24,000 a year Out of a total of $634,188 of other people’s money, approximately $400,000 found its way to Mr. Mathis’ and Mr. Doherty’s families.

Kind of puts a new light on why Mr. Doherty’s wrote that bombshell email early in his career as chief of staff. The communiqué informed staff and family that “fundraising must take priority over ALL schedule requests (for meeting with Mr. Mathis)….. If it does not then please understand it will take second place to a fundraising opportunity.”

“Yes on I”: Code for “Send Money to Los Angeles”

While on the subject of taking money out of our collective pockets and giv-

The ordinance was a result of the regulatory landscape changing since the passage of Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) in October of 2015. Since that time new interest has emerged in commercial marijuana activities.

There has also been a disconnect between the licensing system between the county and state. Some licenses required a county permit before being granted by the state. Also since the passage of MMRSA, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department has reported an increase in

unregulated medical marijuana activity that has presented a threat to public safety.

Local control can have precedence over state regulations on Medical Marijuana. The same will most likely be true if recreational use becomes legal after the November election.

If the proposition legalizing pot passes, the new law will phase out collectives and cooperatives. The new law will allow for-profit cultivation, but each county will ultimately have control over licensing of these businesses.

The county’s existing pot dispensaries will not be effected by the extension of their interim ordinance, which states, “collectives and cooperatives are the only entities permitted to cultivate of distribute medical marijuana in the unincorporated areas of the county in excess of the amount permitted for a single qualified patient or person with an identification card.” In addition, only indoor cultivation is permitted.

The Tulare County Resource Management Agency is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

ing it to political operatives, let’s talk about HealthCare Conglomerates Association (HCCA).

Recently, the Valley Voice and the Fresno Bee reported on the “Yes on I” campaign offering a raffle ticket to win a $100 gift card if the person turned in a completed ballot.

The Yes on I campaign is trying to pass the $55 million bond measure to finish the hospital’s tower. While doing so they decided to give some monetary incentive to vote – preferably yes.

I wasn’t so struck by the idea that paying people to vote is illegal. What got my goat is that the campaign manager for Yes on I, like so many professional services employed by HCCA, is from Los Angeles.

Hear that sucking sound? That’s Los Angles sucking every last dime out of the hard working people of Tulare.

Andalon and Associates, a public affairs firm in LA, has been hired to run the Yes on I campaign. Paule Consultants, of Winchester, a stone’s throw from Iddo Benzeevi’s stomping ground in Moreno Valley, has been paid for business consulting services. The Monaco Group, a direct marketing and printing company out of Santa Ana, is presumably doing all the flyers for Measure I. HCCA uses Tulareans’ tax dollars to pay a real estate lawyer from Los An-

geles, Bruce Greene, to threaten local newspapers and reject citizens’ requests for public records – all at $500 to $750 an hour. HCCA also hires Sitrick and Company, based in Los Angeles, as their public relations firm to run interference with negative press.

According to Sitrick and Company’s website, “Although the firm has extensive experience in corporate, financial, transactional and crisis communications, it is best known for its work in sensitive, make-or-break situations. Whether helping a client with reputation management, a merger, litigation issues, a restructuring or a criminal indictment, Sitrick And Company works to ensure that clients’ objectives are achieved and its key constituents receive the appropriate communications.”

Criminal indictment? Make or break situations? Really?

Tulare Regional Medical Center has an in-house media and marketing department full of talented and hard working employees such as Melinda Morales.

Why can’t we pay her $500 an hour to provide us with the public records we need and deserve instead of being brushed off and handed Bruce Green’s business card?

Why does HCCA need to hire an LA public relations firm instead of using their own? Why does HCCA have

to hire Iddo Benzeevi’s real estate lawyer from Los Angeles when we have plenty of talented lawyers in Tulare?

I could go on but you get the point.

Luther Khachigian, a longtime Visalia farmer, whose brother was a speech writer for Nixon, donated $50,000 to the Yes on I campaign. He believes he is helping Tulare build the new tower, which is a noble and generous donation.

But did he know when he wrote that check that none of his money would be staying local? That $50,000 won’t even pay for Andalon and Associates “consulting” fees.

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If you are supporting yourself through running for office – try your best not to win.

If you are currently holding a high paying public office -try not to lose. You and your chief of staff might not be able to pay your mortgages.

And finally, if you are trying to pass a multi-million dollar bond measure, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose – at least for HCCA. If the hospital goes bankrupt Benny and Iddo will be able to buy an amazing Tulare asset for pennies on the dollar. If the bond passes, they get a new tower for free.

That’s a pretty good deal — even for Los Angeles

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Tree Removal Continued from p. 1

threaten power lines and mountain roads, and are a potential source of fuel for fires.

Phase 1 seeks to remove dead trees 15 feet on either side of portions of Balch Park Road and Bear Creek Road. This phase is only the beginning of a larger project – a much larger project.

“We’ve done a survey,” said Eric Coyne, deputy Tulare County CAO. “We know there are 13,000 trees in this area. We hope to knock this out in three to four weeks.”

“The danger of trees falling on roads is way beyond 15 feet,” said Supervisor Steven Worthley, noting that other counties have removed dead trees 100 feet from either side of their roads. “This is a beginning and there’s a lot more to be done.”

“We’re targeting the most dangerous areas of these trees,” said Coyne. “Inmate crews and state labor will cut and chip the trees. The logs are going to be chopped and spread for erosion control on the sides of the roads.”

The proposal included a cost estimate of “at least $50,000” to cover Phase 1. It was unclear how much the county will be reimbursed for this phase, or more importantly for the future, more expensive phases.

“We are positioned to receive up to 75% of our costs, reimbursed by the state of California,” said Worthley, suggesting that Tulare County should hire a “dead tree czar” to oversee the project.

“This would be a reimbursable expense.

We should look at hiring somebody to do this because it can become a very very big issue.”

“I would tend to lean to hiring someone on staff who can do more of this,” agreed Supervisor Phil Cox. Worthley suggested that since utilities and Caltrans are working in the area to respectively protect their power lines and roads, the county might save money by using the crews and equipment that is already in place.

All four supervisors in attendance were supportive of the tree removal project.

“In general, we look at it as a public safety issue,” said Supervisor Pete Vander Poel. “We have a lot of tourism and a lot of individuals who go to Balch Park.”

“With this being summer, there are probably 2,500 campers out there now,” said Coyne. “If those roads become blocked, those people are at real risk.”

There is also a risk to those who remove the trees.

“These trees aren’t stable for very long,” said Supervisor Mike Ennis.

“If trees are too old, crews are at real risk,” added Coyne.

“Thirteen-thousand trees is minor with the millions of dead trees in our county,” said Vander Poel, acknowledging that the proposal is just the beginning of a long-term project. “I think it’s great that we’re doing this and I’m going to be very supportive of this.”

Phase 2 of this effort is expected to include removing dead trees from 100 feet on either side of road, said Coyne.

“This will be on a much larger scale than what we’re looking at now.”

“We want to start as soon as possible,” said Coyne late last week, still hoping that the first phase of this project, which the supervisors approved by a 4-0 vote, could start as early as this week.

Valley Voice • 5

6 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

Agriculture Westlands Solar Park Completes UC Davis Study Proves Government-Caused Drought First Demonstration Project Worse than Nature’s Drought Westlands Water District

Responding to a recently-released UC Davis study, the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority and the Westlands Water District stated the study proves that failed government policies, not a lack of rainfall and snowpack, are responsible for the widespread water shortages and the fallowing of hundreds of thousands of acres of land.

“Contrary to some mistaken interpretations, the report did not conclude that the water crisis is easing, rather it exposed the terribly broken California water system that is creating long-term consequences for many California communities,” said Johnny Amaral, Deputy General Manager at Westlands Water District. “Even though the report found that 78,000 acres of prime farmland were taken out of production due to drought conditions, hundreds of thousands of acres are being fallowed due to government mismanagement of the state water system. Mother Nature’s effect pales in comparison to government’s water supply policies.”

Unfortunately, the academic study leaves the impression that conditions

have improved for farmers, farmworkers, and farm communities, but the reality is quite different.

Some irrigation districts are reporting higher numbers of total land fallowed in 2016, with one district alone fallowing more than 200,000 acres.

In the U.C. Davis blog comment section, the author of the study clarified to reader comments that without the drought there would be approximately 1.2 million acres fallowed because of crop rotation and government restrictions, confirming that government decisions are responsible for reducing food production, eliminating jobs, and harming local communities.

According to the Robert Wood Foundation, Fresno and Tulare Counties’ quality of life ranking dropped from 2015 levels to dead last in the state in 2016. While the drought impacts on unemployment may have eased, government impacts have devastated many families; people remain unemployed and some have left the job market altogether.

It’s time for honesty in the very worthwhile public debate over how California’s water supply is being managed.

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Westlands Solar Park, an approximately 20,000-acre solar project located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, marked the completion of its pilot project, a 2-megawatt solar facility, and announced its contract with the Anaheim Public Utility with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 26.

The program, which was attended by government, environmental and labor representatives, included remarks from Assemblymember Rudy Salas, City of Anaheim Public Utility Integrated Resources Manager Manny Robledo and Daniel Kim on behalf of Westlands Solar Park’s ownership group, a joint venture between Westside Holdings, a private development group, and CIM Group, a leading real estate and infrastructure investment firm.

“This project shows us how the Central Valley can become a major source of power for the state while bringing clean energy and jobs to the region,” said Assemblymember Rudy Salas. “I am pleased to attend the ribbon cutting for this important project. These efforts are directly in line with my bill AB 2630, which seeks to unlock renewable energy development and bring much needed jobs to the Central Valley.”

Westlands Solar Park (WSP), a master planned clean energy solar park located in Kings County, is designed to open in phases to meet the needs of public and private utilities and other energy consumers. At full build out, WSP has the potential to generate more than 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy, which will make it one of the largest solar parks in the United States.

Solar projects such as WSP are key in meeting California’s renewable energy mandate requiring the State to use 50 percent renewable energy resources by 2030. The phased implementation strategy allows WSP to produce and provide solar power in a cost-effective manner to meet both market and customer demand.

“Anaheim Public Utilities is committed to providing its residents and businesses with safe, reliable and sustainable resources at competitive rates,” said Anaheim Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee. “The Westlands Solar Park will contribute to Anaheim’s goal of providing 50% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030.”

WSP is cited for its ability to bridge the gap between environmental and agricultural concerns that have hindered other large-scale solar production projects often challenged because of the detriment to existing wildlife and ecosystems or adverse impacts on the agricultural industry. The absence of environmentally-protected species on the WSP drainage-impaired lands no longer suitable for agricultural use enabled WSP to garner strong support from both the environmental and agricultural communities. Additionally, WSP is in close proximity to transportation lines making WSP an ideal location for large-scale solar power generation.

“NRDC is delighted to see the Westlands Solar Park advance. It mar-

Staff Reports

ries many of the best features of what we think renewable energy planning should include: avoidance of environmental conflicts; master planning for the orderly development of both renewable energy and transmission over time; and a wise transition of drainage impaired and water-constrained lands from agriculture to renewable energy generation,” said Helen O’Shea from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “It protects the environment, produces clean energy and creates jobs in a part of our State in which they are needed most.”

That sentiment was echoed by Erica Brand, California Energy Program Director, The Nature Conservancy. “This is an important day for solar energy development in the San Joaquin Valley.

The Westlands Solar Park is an example of how to accelerate development of clean energy, while protecting our natural resources.”

In addition to its role as a vital renewable energy source, WSP also will create construction jobs and support economic growth in the region through the acquisition of products and services by the company, its vendors and construction workers.

“Westlands Solar Park is a perfect example of what can be done when groups work together for the betterment of the community and the environment,” said Ronny Jungk, Director of Membership Development for IBEW Local 100 Electricians. “This clean energy project will create good-paying jobs and career opportunities for local residents, while benefitting the environment for years to come. It benefits everyone.”

At full build out, WSP will be the largest solar and clean energy park in the United States. Situated in western Fresno and Kings Counties in the southern portion of the Westlands Water District, it is included as part of a larger environmental study by the Westlands Water District that is expected to be certified by the end of 2016. At that time it will be one of the few renewable energy zones in the state that is entitled under the California Environmental Quality Act. “This ribbon cutting ceremony marks the celebration of a significant milestone in the development of solar in the Westlands Solar Park”, said Daniel Kim Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs for WSP. “The construction of this 2 megawatt demonstration project is the beginning of a long tail of solar development in the Westlands Solar Park over the next 10 to 15 years.

We thank Anaheim for their vision in partnering with us because without their support this would not have been possible, and we thank Assemblymember Salas for his leadership in the State Legislature to promote more solar generation in the San Joaquin Valley as the author of AB 2630 that seeks to bring more transmission development to the region to support renewable generation.”

18 August, 2016

Valley Voice • 7

Agriculture Commentary: What Should Candidates Know about Ag? Stewart Truelsen, CFBF It’s been almost 150 years since two men who had farmed squared off against each other in a presidential election, and it may never happen again. But candidates don’t need firsthand experience to understand the needs of farmers and ranchers or to appreciate the work they do. As President Eisenhower said, “You know, farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”

What do the 2016 presidential candidates know about agriculture? Democrat Hillary Clinton attended school in Park Ridge, Ill., where the general headquarters of the American Farm Bureau Federation once was located. Chances are she wasn’t aware of Farm Bureau or farm issues as a young person.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump feels at home in Manhattan, where he negotiated real estate deals—that’s the borough of New York

City, not Manhattan, Kan. He was criticized by a primary opponent for having “New York values.” New York state has thousands of farms producing a wide variety of agricultural products on about a quarter of the state’s land, so the value of agriculture must not be overlooked in the Empire State.

In the nation’s history, some candidates arrived on the campaign scene with a good knowledge of agriculture and a strong desire to win the farm vote.

President Truman not only tried his hand at farming but was a county Farm Bureau president as a young man. His rural background helped him defeat a more citified Thomas Dewey. President Carter’s family owned a peanut farm and warehouse at Plains, Ga. In the election of 1868, both Republican and Democratic candidates had been farmers. Democrat Horatio Seymour preferred farming to holding political office and is said to be the only presidential candidate ever compelled to

run against his will: Convention delegates drafted him over his strong objection. He lost to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who farmed for several years near St. Louis before the Civil War. Presidential candidates run on party platforms that always include agriculture. Whoever is elected will be advised on agricultural matters by the secretary of agriculture they appoint to their Cabinet.

President Franklin Roosevelt had Henry A. Wallace to steer the farm economy through the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Ezra Taft Benson was secretary during both of Eisenhower’s terms.

President Reagan, who understood the importance of agriculture as a former governor of California, relied on John Block and Richard Lyng.

Congress drafts farm legislation, so it is a plus to have men and women in the House and Senate with farm backgrounds. Sen. Mike Johanns, who received the American Farm Bureau

Distinguished Service Award this year, grew up on a farm, served as secretary of agriculture under George W. Bush, and as a senator from Nebraska before his retirement. But there are few like him in Congress anymore.

Perhaps the most we can hope for is that presidential candidates are willing to listen to farmers and ranchers and realize that the federal government doesn’t have all the answers.

Eisenhower again said it best: “The proper role of government, however, is that of partner with the farmer—never his master.”

If this year’s candidates know little else about American agriculture, they should learn that much.

(Stewart Truelsen is a food and agriculture freelance writer based in Illinois.)

This article reprinted with the permission of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Ranchers, Loggers Express Concerns about Forest Plans Dennis Pollock, CFBF Concerns over tree health and possible new restrictions on grazing and logging surfaced during the final public meeting on plans to reshape management of the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra national forests.

A day after the final meeting, the California Farm Bureau Federation filed a request with the U.S. Forest Service to extend the deadline for submitting comments on the plans. A 90-day comment period is scheduled to end Aug. 25.

At the public meeting, held in Clovis last week, participants expressed opinions on topics that ranged from recreation to sustainability and watershed viability.

The meeting drew participants from well beyond the Sierra National Forest region where it was conducted, because of their concern that management updates for that region and for the Sequoia and Inyo forests could become a template for national forests statewide.

Among them was Eloise Fischer, who has held grazing allotments in the Stanislaus National Forest for nearly 50 years. She said the updates “could reduce the number (of animals) you could graze; they could shorten the 90-day grazing period, making it uneconomical.” She said another concern is reductions in grazing because of endangered-species restrictions.

Bart Topping, whose cattle graze on Sierra National Forest land, described the challenges of moving cattle out of a meadow in the Bass Lake District due to restrictions related to the Yosemite toad.

Participants were encouraged to engage in what was termed “informal discussion” with staff members. Those at the meeting were able to visit three “information stations” that centered on topics that included recreation, fire risk and restoration, and wildlife and vegetation information.

CFBF Second Vice President Tony Toso, who attended the Clovis meeting, said he considered it unfortunate

there was not a discussion group specifically focused on topics such as grazing and logging.

Toso is a partner in a cow-calf operation in Hornitos, but does not graze his cattle in the national forest. He said thinning of trees in the forests is vital.

“Thinning the forests not only helps reduce fire hazards, but preserves water and allows more grass to grow. It doesn’t get shaded out and offers more feed to the cattle, so it helps the meadows by providing cattle with more feed sources,” Toso said.

At least two members of county boards of supervisors attended the Clovis meeting.

They included Allen Ishida, a Tulare County supervisor, who talked of the importance of the forest as a watershed: “Sixty percent of our water comes from there. What will they do if the forest burns? Let it go to chaparral?”

He pointed out that dense forests take more water, and he favors introducing sheep and goats in forestland to remove dense vegetation.

Randy Hanvelt, a member of the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, noted it could take two years to put plans in place that would guide management of the forests for another 15 years. He said plans need to be more forward-looking and should take into account all the damaged trees.

“This is being driven by scheduling, and we need to get it right,” said Hanvelt, who represents a county in which 75 percent of the land is in a national forest.

Shaun Crook, president of the Tuolumne County Farm Bureau, attended an earlier meeting in Clovis, expressing his concerns about a rule that trees larger than 30 inches cannot be felled.

“It makes no sense,” said Crook, who is a logging contractor and real estate broker. “They’re neglecting current on-the-ground conditions.”

Neil McDougald, a University of California natural resources farm advisor emeritus, said he believes livestock grazing and forest thinning have an import-

ant role in maintaining forest health and avoiding fires.

“It’s not just the dying trees; they need to manage the live trees,” he said.

“It’s out of balance.”

The multiple-use mandate for national forests includes promoting rural economic development. Some speakers at last week’s meeting described the closures through the years of sawmills in the region, including ones in Dinuba, North Fork, Auberry and Madera. Meanwhile, the Sierra Forest Products mill in Terra Bella has cut back from a double shift to a single shift.

The California Farm Bureau is tracking the plan-revision process because its members hold permits to graze livestock and harvest timber, among other uses of the forest. CFBF has taken the position that the draft plans do not adequately address the severe tree mortality California is experiencing.

It also says the draft environmental impact statement fails to discuss California’s declining biomass power plant industry. Without these power plants, it says, wood waste from wildfires, insects and disease will have to be piled and burned.

In a letter requesting the time extension for comments on the forest plans, CFBF Associate Counsel Jack Rice said “additional time is important to allowing those in rural communities affected by the new plans sufficient time to develop more meaningful comments.”

CFBF Federal Policy consultant Erin Huston said people who work in forestry, livestock production and rural recreation are busiest during the summer.

“People who will be directly affected by these documents need time to review them thoroughly,” Huston said. “Because decisions about these three forests could set precedents for the whole state, it’s important to take the time to be sure their voices are heard.”

The CFBF letter said the main reason to provide additional time is the “sheer volume of the material to be reviewed. The (draft environmental impact statement) and three draft forest plans comprise approximately 2,000 pages, with supporting documents made available in late May adding thousands more pages.”

People who attended the Clovis meeting could take home with them documents on the proposed revisions that weighed about 9 pounds.

In a telephone interview, Sean Curtis, a director of the Modoc County Farm Bureau, said it has been a challenge for those who graze livestock to wade through the massive paperwork “to find one paragraph that could turn things upside down.”

Comments on the plan may be submitted online at http://tinyurl.com/ r5comment, by postal mail to Planning Team Leader, Forest Plan Revision, 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592 or by email to r5planrevison@fs.fed.us.

(Dennis Pollock is a reporter in Fresno. He may be contacted at agcompollock@ yahoo.com.)

This article reprinted with the permission of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

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8 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

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10 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

Court Rules in Favor of Tulare Doctor, Against TRMC Officials Catherine Doe & Joseph Oldenbourg Officials with Healthcare Conglomerate Associates and the Tulare Regional Medical Center were wrong in attempting to seek sanctions against a doctor for allegedly speaking to the Valley Voice, a Tulare County judge found this week.

The case, Kumar, et al. v. Betre, was borne from a larger ongoing suit, Tulare County Regional Medical Staff v. Tulare County Local Healthcare District, et al. In the Betre case, the Hon. David Mathias granted Dr. Abraham Betre’s special motion to strike a complaint filed by attorneys for Dr. Benny Benzeevi, Dr. Rebecca Zulim, Dr. Parmod Kumar and Dr. Ronald Ostrom.

At issue was whether or not Betre had violated confidentiality bylaws when speaking with the Valley Voice in March of this year about the larger case (the underlying action).

Benzeevi, Zulim, Kumar and Ostrum, in their complaint, asserted that when Betre spoke to the Voice’s reporter, he knew of restrictions imposed by the former Medical Staff’s bylaws and rules. They also claimed TRMC officials objected to including confidential peer review information, and intended to prevent public disclosure of such information.

The plaintiffs also charged that Betre intentionally disclosed the information to the media solely to harm them, and not for any legitimate reason relating to the underlying action or to Betre’s position as Chief of Staff for the former medical staff of TRMC. The claims were focused on an article which appeared in the March 16, 2016 edition of the Voice, specifically the article entitled “Tulare Regional Medical Center Fires Entire Medical Staff of 135.”

The allegation was that the article contained many statements by or attributed to Betre regarding purported confidential peer review proceedings that involved the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs’ complaint included

two counts of invasion of privacy (In- went to the press,” Welsh said. “We did trusion Into Private Affairs and Public everything we could to preserve the inDisclosure of Private Facts) Intentional formation under seal and keep it confiInterference with Prospective Econom- dential and were rebuffed by the other ic Relations, Unfair Business Practices side every time. Dr. Betre broadcast it to under Business and Professions Code the entire society and went to the press.” §17200, and Injunctive Relief.

Welsh continued, “We abided by Betre countered with a special mo- the court rules and were undermined.” tion to strike the complaint, and Judge The judge responded by saying that Mathias found on Authe hearing would absogust 11 that Betre’s aclutely remain public. tions constituted proWelsh based his comtected activity that fall plaint on the fact that the within the scope of the Valley Voice stated that anti-SLAPP statute. it relied on information A strategic lawsuit provided by sources. Even against public participathough several sources tion (SLAPP) is intendwere named in the article, ed to censor, scare, and Welsh insisted that all of quiet critics by ladening the confidential informathem with the cost of a Dr. Abraham Betre was victorious tion came from Betre. legal defense--thereby against officials from the Tulare Welsh quoted from Local Healthcare District. making their criticism the Editor’s note on the or opposition untenable.

16 March article, stating California is one of a few states nation- that it proved his case that the informawide that have laws intended to curtail tion did not come from the Valley Voice such lawsuits. but from Betre.

Mr. Welsh, counsel for the plaintiffs, “It says it right there,” Welsh said. opened the day’s proceedings by requestThe following is the Editor’s note ing that Judge Mathias clear the court- in question: room of the public -- including reporters Editor’s Note: This is a revised story from the Voice -- to preserve the confifrom the 3/17/16 print edition, meant dentiality of privileged information. He to further clarify some facts. Any comsaid they would then submit a redacted ments made in the 3/17 print edition transcript and that this was the only way article are attributed to interviewed that confidentiality could be protected. sources and are not a representation of This was rejected out of hand, as the reporter or the Valley Voice. Because Judge Mathias said that he was not ininformation came in after we went clined to close the court because of the to print on 3/15 that corrected some overriding public and state interest to of the statements of the people interkeep it open, elaborating that, while viewed, the Valley Voice wanted these some of the information may be sensicorrections integrated into the origitive, it was his opinion that 97% of it is nal article so everyone’s side is heard. already in public record.

Please also find a link to Tulare ReWelsh said no matter how small, gional Medical Center District’s laweven a “kernel of information of the peer yer’s letter and the court order ruling review information” could be used in on 3/17 against the hospital staff on an appeal. our facebook page. If needed, any cor“We have sought to suppress inforrections will be made in the next print mation and file this case under seal but edition of the Valley Voice, as well.

Dr. Betre did a judicial run around and Welsh insisted that Betre is the in-

terviewed source because Betre would be the only person who had firsthand knowledge. Welsh also was adamant that because Betre did not supply a declaration of non-divulgence he must be guilty.

In his tentative ruling, Judge Mathias wrote, “The plaintiffs’ action is based on the premise that Betre disclosed confidential peer review information to the Valley Voice. But the plaintiffs offer no admissible evidence that would indicate that Betre disclosed confidential information to the Valley Voice. Their speculative and unsupported allegations that they “believe” that Betre disclosed confidential information to the press are insufficient to defeat the within anti-SLAPP motion.”

“This article discloses virtually no potentially confidential information and the few short sentences that may be deemed sensitive are not attributed to Betre in any way. The Article states that the information used to write the article was obtained from publicly available court pleadings (a right guaranteed and protected by the First Amendment) and

by Dr. Benzeevi’s own lawyers in the underlying action.”

Welsh responded by saying that he did not believe, and that no one should believe, that the reporter came to the courthouse and read 500 pages or that he paid 50 cents a copy to take them home.

“The reporter did not read the court documents. It’s not believable.”

Counsel for the defendant said that the burden is on the plaintiffs in an anti-SLAPP and that it did not matter who went to the courthouse to read the pleadings.

The plaintiffs next focused on the protection of the peer review process, which Welsh argued as being in the public interest, maintaining that confidential peer review information needs to stay confidential and can not be subject to discovery.

“If the medical peer review process is not kept confidential, no doctor in their

HEARING continued on 11 »

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18 August, 2016

Valley Voice • 11

City of Visalia to Repurpose Plaza Park Tennis Courts The air was charged with athletic energy as pickleball enthusiasts made their case for more pickleball courts in Visalia. Approximately 60 pickle ball players and their friends attended the August 15 Visalia City Council public hearing concerning resurfacing two of the eight Plaza Park tennis courts into pickle ball courts.

After an hour of lively debate, the vote was 5-0 in favor of converting the tennis courts into eight permanent pickle ball courts. The city council vote overturns the Parks and Recreation Commission’s vote that did not approve of the conversion.

The request came from a group called Pickleball Visalia that currently has 277 members but grows weekly. There are two pickleball courts at Recreation Park, but the group has outgrown them and the courts are not lighted. Currently there are eight temporary pickle ball courts at Plaza Park, but the nets are locked up and few have the key. Pickleball Visalia requested that the city council overturn the Park and Recreation vote and resurface courts number seven and eight as permanent pickleball courts.

Pickleball is a combination of table tennis, tennis and badminton, and uses a kind of Wiffle Ball and a paddle that looks like a large table tennis paddle. The rules of pickleball are similar to those of tennis.

Cheryl Waymack, USA Pickleball Association ambassador for the San Joaquin Valley, said that the pickleball professional league needs a minimum of eight courts for tournaments. Also, they have to be dedicated to pickleball and not shared with tennis courts like they are now at Plaza Park.

“Pickleball has been called ‘the fast-

Hearing

Continued from p. 10 right mind would ever participate in the process again,” Welsh said, claiming that the judge’s tentative ruling would, if allowed to stand, have the potential to destroy future medical review processes.

Such an assertion was a “stretch,” Judge Mathias responded.

Welsh further maintained that medical peer review was an area protected by the constitution as a right to privacy. The doctors who participate in the medical peer review process do it voluntarily, he said, and expect a certain level of confidentiality.

“You don’t have to ruin a physician’s practice or reputation while in litigation.

But Dr. Betre said, ‘no, we will litigate this in the press.’”

The court also ruled that, “the subject matter of the Valley Voice article involves a matter of public interest that puts it within the scope of the anti-SLAPP statute.”

“Here, it cannot be disputed that the safety of patients at a public hospital is a matter of public interest. Likewise, the actions taken against the then existing medical staff is also a matter of public interest, particularly where the Board’s conduct is alleged to have violated laws specifically enacted to ensure public and patient safety,” Mathias wrote.

The Voice will continue to report on the Tulare Regional Medical Center’s various legal cases.

Catherine Doe

The highlighted Plaza Park tennis courts will be converted into pickleball courts.

est growing sport in America and there will be eight million players in the United States by next year.” Given Visalia’s central location and year round good weather, Waymack says the city could become a pickleball destination.

The pickleball players also feel it would be a better use of the space. They say that the tennis courts are never fully used but that the pickleball courts are always full and are used by many more people.

A Clovis resident had her letter read during the hearing and said that she loves Visalia’s pickleball players so much, and the amenities at Plaza Park, that she has thought about moving to the city. “Visalia has the warmest, most friendly pickleball players. You can show up by yourself then end up playing for hours.”

Two avid tennis players were brave enough to speak against converting the courts. They echoed the Parks and Rec-

reation sentiment that tennis should not be sacrificed for another sport. They also said that once an amenity is removed it is very difficult to find funding to bring it back when needed in the future. The eight courts at Plaza Park are the only courts available to the public. The city has an agreement with Mount Whitney to use their courts, but Doug Hofer, a local tennis instructor, said that they are normally locked up.

“On cooler evenings you can’t find a court at Plaza Park.” Hofer said. He pointed out that not many people are going to play singles tennis in 108 degree heat when the pickleball players took their survey of court usage. Pickleball is much less strenuous and easily played in hot weather. He added that there are many more tennis players than pickleball players in Visalia and that people come from all over the valley to play in the tournaments put on at Plaza Park.

Another speaker said that, according to the United States Tennis Association, there should be 80 courts per 100,000 people. Visalia only owns eight courts.

“You shouldn’t rob Peter to pay Paul.

They should build their own facility.”

Councilmember Greg Collins said that this is what makes Visalia unique, that the city is willing to spend money on quality of life issues. He suggested that part of the money could come from the sales tax revenue if the sales tax measure passes this November. He agreed that pickleball should build their own facility and was not keen on losing tennis courts..

Councilmember Amy Shuklian said that doing what is right for the community outweighs the loss of two tennis courts.

Councilmember Warren Gubler said that he is the proud parent of a tennis player of the year but is for both sports. He has observed that the courts are not fully used and that the two back tennis courts are fenced off from the rest and would be a perfect fit.

Mayor Steve Nelsen said it is important to accommodate the needs of the people and likes how Visalia always seems to be on the cutting edge when it comes to new activities.

The council voted to convert the tennis courts to picklball but agreed to come back at a later date to figure out how to fund it. Parks and Recreation Commission predicted that it would cost approximately $75,000 to convert the courts.

Pickleball Visalia had already committed $20,000 towards the project and could possibly come up with more funds.

12 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

Farmersville Sees New Rite Aid, Supermarket in Near Future Nancy Vigran On the heels of the opening of the new Rite Aid in Exeter a few months back, the company immediately started work on its Farmersville location, due to open in October.

They are currently working on the inside outfitting and have some more landscaping to go, said Farmersville City Manager John Jansons. The building has a Western-feel, fitting well into the city’s general plan, he added.

The new facility is located at the corner of Farmersville Blvd. and Walnut Ave., and is expected to bring several part-time jobs to the area. It will be much like other Rite Aid stores with a full-service pharmacy, assorted sundries, paper goods, school supplies, baby goods and household items.

Currently, the town of 10,720 is without a supermarket. The former La Princesa Market at 250 E. Visalia Rd. has closed, and the property has been sold to

someone with experience in the super- supermarket to the city, while not the size market business, Jansons said. The city is of a Save Mart or Walmart, he said, it will working closely with the new owner on have fresh produce, a butcher and meat department, plans for the market to be and bakery. gutted and Farmersville does rebuilt on have some the inside, smaller maras well as work on the kets, including the new exterior of Vista Marthe building ket, where including a the former new facade.

If plans owner of La Princesa are ap- The new Farmersville Rite Aid is scheduled to open in Market has proved and October. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice opened a work begins in the near future, it is possible that the much smaller store. It is easier for her to new full-service market could open in manage, Jansons said. There are several locations in town to pick up a gallon of December, Jansons said.

“A job like that may take three to milk, or paper goods, but currently resifour months,” he said, “so it could po- dents must travel to Exeter or Visalia for tentially open by the end of the year.” full-grocery needs.

“The community needs a place to This would return a much-needed

shop here in town,” he said.

The new market, too, will bring some more jobs to the area.

“Every job is important,” Jansons said. “We can’t create 200 or 300 jobs, but five or 10 in town at a time is important.”

Jansons added that he hopes the Rite Aid development will help to attract other potential businesses and builders to the North Farmersville Blvd. area.

Currently, Red Rock Plaza, kitty-corner from Rite Aid has a few empty business suites available.

“We are currently talking with some interested [business] possibilities,” he said. “With the completion of the roundabouts [at N. Farmersville Blvd. and Highway 198] and work done along N. Farmersville Blvd., you never know, we may get someone interested.”

Like most towns and cities in Tulare County, Farmersville is continually looking to increase business traffic to its community.

Yes on I Allegedly Offering Gift Cards for Voting Tony Maldonado Voting in Tulare’s upcoming hospital election could prove a lucrative proposition, thanks to incentives offered by groups allied with the Yes on I effort.

Fliers circulated for an August 6 event that encouraged potential voters to come down to Tulare’s Zumwalt Park with a completed ballot for a chance to win $100 in groceries.

Dropping the ballot in the mailbox across the street, the flier said, would enter the voters in a drawing to win $100 worth of groceries from a local grocery store. The Yes on I group dubbed it a “Bring Your Own Ballot” party. The flier also advertised free school supplies and free food/refreshments.

The Script

More recently, the Citizens for Hospital Accountability group, organizing as No on Measure I, posted on its Facebook page a photo of a telemarketing script purportedly used by volunteers working for the Yes on I campaign.

The efforts have not only ruffled feathers of those opposed to the bond, they stated, but also those who are supportive of it.

“This script was provided to our campaign from someone that states they don’t like what it is being done to pass this bond,” the caption above the photograph reads.

The script instructs callers to state that they are calling on behalf of Tulare Regional Medical Center, encouraging the recipient to vote, or register to vote, in the upcoming bond election. The registration deadline is August 15.

“If you are not a registered voter, I am offering transportation to the registrar office to register and cast your vote,” the script reads. “If you are a registered voter we can take you to cast your vote today.”

“Those that cast their vote will be entered into a drawing for a $100 lottery ticket,” the script continues. “We will draw a total of 100 of these tickets.”

In an initial response to the Voice, campaign officials did not disavow the script, instead pointing to alleged electioneering efforts by a competing Tulare

medical clinic.

Later that week, the Yes on I campaign disavowed the script to the Fresno Bee, prompting the Voice to reach out to the campaign again for clarification.

“We have no idea where the script you are referring to came from,” campaign officials said. “With certainty, the script you are referring to is not a product of the Yes On Measure I - Save Our Public Hospital campaign.”

Tulare Local Healthcare District officials also disavowed involvement with the alleged script.

When asked whether funds from the Tulare Local Healthcare District, the legal entity that owns TRMC, or funds from HCCA, the company that runs Tulare Regional Medical Center, were being used for these efforts, hospital officials stated that “no district funds are used for any work whatsoever related to the campaign.”

Hospital officials also stated “no district employee is used for any work whatsoever related to the campaign.”

The Citizens for Hospital Accountability group hit back at the idea that the script did not come from the campaign or was falsified.

“We are appalled by these underhanded tactics and especially that the name of our hospital is used for this propaganda. Using the hospital’s name instead of the Yes on I campaign’s name seems quite convenient when the activity is questionable and borderline illegal.

Then the Yes on I group can deny involvement,” a spokesperson said.

“When has TRMC ever offered to give voters a ride to the polls prior to this election? Who is paying for these phone calls? Who is being paid to make these calls? Who is paying for the vans and the drivers? Just like the latest $55 million bond, the horrible contract with HCCA and all the lawyer fees paid for by the taxpayers of the District, they are quite content to use our taxpayer money fast and freely in whatever way they see fit without any Board oversight. Thsee tactics with arrogance and deception must stop. This phone call script shines a spotlight on exactly the issues we have with this bond, with the board and with this management.”

A flier provided to Tulare residents advertising the “Bring Your Own Ballot” party earlier this month in Tulare, confirming the allegations of the grocery raffle, was posted by one Tulare resident on the “Citizens for Hospital Accountability” Facebook page.

Complaints Filed

Officials with the Tulare County Registrar of Voters’ office stated that they have received a number of complaints about the “Bring Your Own Ballot” flier and the caller script; they stated that they are not an enforcement agency, but that they had turned the complaints over to the Secretary of State’s office and the Tulare County District Attorney’s office.

Officials from the District Attorney’s office said while they had been contacted, they do not currently have an investigation or a formal complaint open over the get-out-the-vote efforts.

“We didn’t receive an investigation, or a case, or a formal complaint,” Chief

Deputy District Attorney Daniel Underwood said. “We did receive a copy of the flier.”

“I spoke personally with someone from the [registrar’s] office who handed me a copy of the flier for the Saturday event,” Underwood said. “We advised them that we thought any complaints should be formally forwarded to the FPPC [Fair Political Practices Commission] in Sacramento.”

No More Drawings

David Andalon, campaign manager for the Yes on I campaign, told the Bee that the campaign was thinking about “not doing it again” in light of the controversy.

18 August, 2016

Valley Voice • 13

Voices of the Valley

Smith Wants to Bring His Experience to Tulare County District 1

Dave Adalian Dennis Smith, 64, is one of the two remaining candidates vying for the District 1 seat on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. He and Kuyler Crocker will contend in a runoff election November 8. In the June general election, Smith received 21.56% of the votes; Crocker received 19.11%.

District 1 covers central Tulare County and is home to most of its cities, including eastern Visalia, Exeter, Farmersville, Woodville, Plainview, Lemoncove, Lindsay, Strathmore and Three Rivers, as well as portions of Kings and Sequoia National Parks, and Sequoia National Forest.

The District 1 seat is currently occupied

by Allen Ishida. Ishida, who was elected in 2004, did not seek reelection in 2016.

Dennis Smith remembers fondly coming of age in rural Visalia during the 1950s and ‘60s, a time of post-WWII prosperity when the country was at its economic best.

“We did all the fun things of growing up in the country,” he said. “Lots of fresh fruit to eat. Riding bikes. Playing marbles in the driveway. Playing in Mill Creek, fishing in Mill Creek. Sleeping outside almost every night, making forts.”

It was a time when poverty in America, at least for Smith, had a different meaning.

“I had the privilege of growing up on a little bit of property in the country and experiencing all that,” he said. “On the one hand, an idyllic middle-class lifestyle, and on the other we were poor and couldn’t afford a car every three years and stuff like that as we (Smith and his two brothers) got into teenage years.”

Smith graduated Redwood High in 1970, then attended the College of the Sequoias. A series of sales jobs followed while he and his wife Barbara started a family that now includes three children and a quartet of grandchildren.

‘I Could Do It Better’

With his family growing larger at home, Smith found himself growing dissatisfied at work. A few years working in Esterman’s Hardware, a long-gone former fixture at the far end of East Main Street, had convinced him he had what he needed to strike out on his own.

“After a few years of working in that, I decided that I could do it better myself,” he said. “I quit working there, and then a few months later, I and Noel Anderson started National Builders Supply. We’ve been partners for 38 years.”

A family business, NBS employs six people, including Smith, Anderson, their wives and two others. Specializing in doors, trim, molding and related hardware, NBS should do more than $1 million in sales this year, Smith said. It’s his experience operating NBS that Smith believes makes him a more qualified candidate than his much younger opponent.

“I’ve run my business for a long time, the same business for a long time. I’ve been making payroll every other week for 38 years,” he said. “I have with all that life experiences and understanding and knowledge of stuff that Mr. Crocker at 29 years old hasn’t begun to appreciate. I believe in a citizen-formed government. I believe the government should be populated by citi-

zens who have lived a life, earned a living, learned what it takes to survive in the private sector.”

Hard Times

During nearly four decades in business, Smith and NBS have seen both ups and downs. The million-dollar bottom-line he boasts about marks a return to prosperity. The housing crash of 2008 that began the Great Recession nearly did NBS in.

“Let’s go back to 2010, because we see this begin in 2008 and by August ‘10 I’m laying off everyone,” Smith said. “We had a crew of 15. I started laying off in 20082009. In August of 2010, that’s where we laid off everybody. I laid off my daughter.

That spring, we laid off our wives. They kept doing their jobs, but they were laid off. They got no pay.”

The business almost closed.

“This is something that I as a businessman never faced in 38 years of business, the fact we could have the property almost paid for and (might) lose it through foreclosure and not be able to turn any of that equity,” Smith said.

That brush with disaster, which Smith blames on corrupt government, the Federal Reserve Board and fractional-reserve lending, endowed him with something he believes Crocker and the other supervisors already in office lack.

“I’ll be one voice, at least on the Board of Supervisors of Tulare County, who can say, ‘Look, guys, this is how the system works,’” he said.

Water Worries

Smith is sure a broken system and distant lawmakers are also behind Tulare County’s water problems.

Smith places blame for the “government-created” drought threatening the state not on a lack of rainfall, but on failure of its current leader, Gov. Jerry Brown. Ignoring the eight years of governorship by Ronald Reagan that came between their terms, as well as the others who followed them, Smith says the younger Brown failed to continue the building program started by his father, Gov. Pat Brown.

“We have a fault there of Sacramento in not continuing to do infrastructure development,” Smith said. “Had they done that, we would have the canal structure.

We’d have everything in place to where we would not be pumping out of the aquifers.

We wouldn’t have to.”

Personal interest, Smith said, has led him to look deeply into the issues of water in California. This also gives him an edge over his opponent.

“So you’ve got all these issues going on with water, but at least I’ve got an understanding of where we were, where we are, and the problem is where we’re going,” he said. “In the meantime, I am totally against giving the state the right to control our groundwater. I’m totally against me taking that water under my ground and selling it to someone else, in other words going off my property.”

Rights Attack

While he cannot directly effect state laws from a position on the county’s board of supervisors, Smith said he can use it as a bully pulpit.

Dennis Smith, candidate for the District 1 Tulare County Supervisor seat, poses in the showroom of his business, National Builders Supply in Farmersville, Smith will face Kuyler Crocker in a runoff election on November 8. Dave Adalian/Valley Voice

“I can sure raise a ruckus,” he said.

“I can sure call other supervisors up and down the state in the counties, especially in rural areas, that hopefully we have enough rural political clout to slow down--ideally I would like to see it stop--the state from coming in and taking private property from away us, because this isn’t just water we’re talking about.”

Attempts by state legislature to regulate the use of groundwater is more than just an effort at conservation, Smith says.

He believes it to be another step in a government-led effort to lessen the right of citizens to own and control property.

“This is a private-property issue, and when they take this from our private property, which will devalue all of our rural property, then what is next on the agenda in terms of private property? So, there’s always dots to be connected, and I try to connect dots. OK, here we are. Can I look down the road here and see? What’s next?

What’s after this? Because there will be something next,” he said. “We are sitting here at a moment in history for the people of California that is a monumental moment, and we the people will either step up and say no and do whatever it takes to fight this taking of private property and private-property rights, or we’re going to let them do it. My fear is we the people are too complacent.”

Contrarian

Continuing in this vein, Smith said he sees an opportunity in this election to return Tulare County and the rest of rural California to a previous, more ideal state.

“I bring to that campaign of what it used to be and what it could be, should be, as opposed to what it’s evolved into, where we’ve got people from urban areas passing laws that might be appropriate for the urban areas ... but in no way are they appropriate to those of us living in the rural areas,” he said. “How do you push back against that? The county level of government is the closest level of government we have where we can actually say, ‘No, let’s not do this.’”

Smith, however, admits he’d couldn’t do much about the “horrendous imposition of laws and stuff that the state is passing in Sacramento” from a supervisor’s seat.

“At least let’s least put someone in office who is willing to say, ‘No, we don’t need this. We don’t want this. It shouldn’t

apply to us,’” he said.

Smith also intends to bring this always-say-no approach to Tulare County’s planning for the coming of high-speed rail. The rail system is already under construction, yet leaders in Kings County, where the rail line will pass, have refused to work with the HSR Authority to plan the station that will eventually be built there. Smith says Tulare County, which has shown an interest in having a seat at the planning table, should follow suit.

“We should not support it,” he said.

“It’s wrong. It’s just wrong.”

Sitting down to plan for a train station, Smith said, is tantamount to supporting the HSR project as a whole.

“Why would I put money into that?

What voice are you going to have?” he asked. “You get the right to plan and participate in a boondoggle.”

He Knows What Tulare County Needs

Job creation is another area where Smith believes Tulare County is suffering at the hands of distant government. Ignorance, he says, is to blame.

“This concept of jobs is one where I don’t think people understand what a job is, meaning if we bring this in this big corporation and that’ll create X number of jobs, and everybody will be happy, ‘cause everybody will have a job,” he said. “And I look at it a little differently than that. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with having a job. Many, many years ago, I was an employee. It isn’t the issue of the job; it’s the issue of accomplishing something.”

Our education system, he said, is designed to allow corporations to track students as they progress, eventually allowing them to “step in” and offer them a job appropriate to their skills.

“What I would like to see is our educational system to come back to a point where we are training young people to be adults, and in that training provide them the ability to balance that checkbook, to, metal shop, whatever that is in metal shop, wood shop, whatever that is in wood shop, and so forth, where it is a system that trains people to be small-business, independent business people,” he said. “It’s something I support, something I can vocalize and say, ‘Look, this is something we need. Tulare County, because of our demographics, this is what we need.”

14 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

Voices of the Valley

Young Blood Wants the Tulare County District 1 Supervisor Seat

Dave Adalian Kuyler Crocker, 29, is one of the two remaining candidates vying for the District 1 seat on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. He and Dennis Smith will contend in a runoff election November 8.

Though he won’t turn 30 until December of this year, Kuyler Crocker thinks he’s the right man to fill the District 1 Supervisor’s chair. Both Crocker and his opponent, 64-year-old Dennis Smith, are members of the Republican Party, yet their approach to government differs significantly. Crocker seems focused on ideas to foster cooperation.

“I’m a third-generation Strathmore High graduate. I’ve always been very involved in my community,” said the native son. “Despite the fact I have a short tenure of time, my involvement really stands out to a lot of individuals. Our family’s been around long enough to know our county hasn’t always been this way. We can do better.”

Energetic Worker

Crocker’s family has been farming the foothill groves for nearly a century.

“The family, we farm under 100 acres,” he said. “We’ve been farming in the Lindsay-Strathmore area for 90 years.

We’ve got some deep roots in the county, District 1 in particular. I’ve grown up with a lot of pride and commitment.”

The candidate’s own 10 acres are in oranges, but that isn’t his primary source of income. Crocker is an energy adviser for Pacific Gas and Electric, and his job takes him to many of the Valley’s communities where he works on planning new developments and expanding those in place.

“I work with small business owners and farmers and developers to help them save on energy costs,” he said.

Should he take the District 1 seat, Crocker said he intends to resign the position to focus full-time on the supervisor job.

His career with PG&E, he said, has helped him form important connections to officials up and down the Valley, and it’s given him experience that will be useful in meeting his goals as a supervisor.

“I think I have a proven track record of working with communities and organizations, not just a record of talking about it,” Crocker said, going on to describe work between PG&E and the Fresno Boys and Girls Club he oversaw.

“That’s something I think is very positive in a candidate. Working with PG&E, I’ve been able to work with people from all walks of life. The three issues, jobs, water and safety, those are all bigger than District 1. These are bigger battles.”

Crocker is also on the Friends of SCICON board of directors, and is a director for the San Joaquin Valley Power Credit Union.

Jobs Not Gangs

The partnership between PG&E and the Boys and Girls Club trained club members in job-search skills for 10 weeks in the spring, then put them to work all summer. According to Crocker, programs like that provide not just

training and opportunities, but also positive adult role models. That, he believes, is key to giving Tulare County’s youth an alternative to joining a gang and why he’s been a longtime volunteer at the Strathmore Boys and Girls Club. He’d like the county to provide similar programs and foster those that already exist.

“The things that are attractive to people who go into gang lifestyle is there’s structure. It’s provides leadership and direction. It’s poor leadership, obviously, but they’re yearning for leadership. If that’s the cause, what am I doing to be involved with the solution?” Crocker said.

“As far as mentorship, there are a lot organizations that are doing a great job at that outside government. We need to be a part of that. I think it’s making sure everyone is working toward the same goal. We have limited resources, so they need to be focused.”

Gangs also provide Kuyler Crocker income for people with few other choices, Crocker says, describing a “lack of amenities for a lot of people,” such as clean water, access to quality education and economic surety.

“We’ve got to make sure we have jobs available, and good paying jobs, so that it’s not as attractive to live in the shadows,” he said.

Helpful Atmosphere

While jobs are key to reducing the county’s crime problems, Crocker realizes it isn’t county government’s job to create employment. It can make it easier for those who do, however.

“There’s a philosophical difference.

In a literal sense, a supervisor can create a government job. A county can’t really create private-sector jobs,” he said, though it can literally smooth the process. “It’s a matter of making sure there are processes in place. It’s important to make sure there’s ease for anyone who wants to bring a business to the county or to expand an existing business. What are we doing to make sure we’re helping and encouraging them?”

Crocker said the county can start by quickening the various permit processes commercial enterprises must undergo before they can open for business.

Though Tulare County does a good job now, Crocker said he’d like to see its operations be as streamlined as possible.

“Even though the system may be working well now, we need to have a culture of encouraging people to always strive for better,” he said.

Besides rewarding county employees for their initiative, he also wants to make sure they have the best available technology.

The county could also do a better job of making it clear what is required to gain those permissions, he said.

“In addition to (streamlining approval), making sure there is surety in those processes,” Crocker said. “I mean when a potential business owner starts out, the steps (should be) laid out exactly. That’s not going to change in the

middle of the process or the end of the process. You’d think that’s common, but it’s not, at least that’s what I found in working with other local governments.”

Water Worries Nothing New

The Valley has faced water scarcity before, and the solution that worked then will work now, Crocker said.

When ground subsidence and receding groundwater were an issue in the middle of the last century, the state addressed by building the California Aqueduct System.

“The issue with water is an interesting one because we’ve gone through this before where we’ve lacked the surface water necessary to grow the crops we feed the world,” he said. “50% of the water that comes out of Millerton Lake comes to Tulare County. If the water doesn’t go into the Friant-Kern Canal, we lose out on that. We’ve got to have that allocation.”

Almost all of the water moving through Tulare County is managed by a state or federal agency, and those appointed officials often fail to see the importance of water to the Central Valley, Crocker says. Too often they put their interests above ours.

“That’s part of the issue. It’s not just about farming. It’s about providing water to some of the most impoverished communities,” he said. “That’s not important to them (urban legislators and environmentalists). They’ve (immigrant laborers who populate many of the county’s communities) left everything behind. They’ve worked hard. Not, because of a government regulation, because of an unelected official, that’s at stake.”

Water Is Life

The county’s water struggles also play into its employment and crime problems, Crocker says.

“This plays back into the jobs and gangs,” he said. “If you don’t have water, you don’t have opportunities.”

As supervisor, Crocker said he sees several ways to bring more water to Tulare County. The Board of Supervisors has been pushing the Army Corps of Engineers to expand capacity at Success Lake, a move Crocker lauds as what our leaders must do.

“That’s what we need. We cannot solve the groundwater issue unless we have surface water,” he said. “That’s what we have to focus on is continually advocating for surface water. It’s state and federal water projects, it’s both.”

To get the interest of outside decision-makers, Crocker intends to see how the things that are good for Tulare County ag are good for everyone.

“They have a huge benefit for the state and the entire nation,” he said. “That’s the message we’ve got to drive home.”

He also emphasizes cooperation with other counties’ leaders to maximize the political clout the Valley can muster.

“If we are not on the same page, our voice just diminishes further,” he said.

“I’ve got supporters throughout the Valley that have endorsed my candidacy.

They know what it takes.”

Big Bug Problems

Crocker is also focused on a problem few other leaders are talking about: Tulare County’s trees are in trouble.

“There’s another issue that’s very specific to certain parts of the community, that’s tree mortality the drought has brought on,” he said. “It’s a huge issue for us. Statewide we’re showing 66 million dead trees. Tulare County, I’m sure, has its millions of dead trees. If you live in the foothills, you’re very aware of it. If you hike--I’m an avid hiker--you’ve very aware of it.”

The trees of the Sierra, already heavily damaged by air pollution from the Valley floor and a deadly infestation of borer beetles, have been thrown into serve crisis by the drought. The way the state and federal authorities manage the county’s vast forests has made the situation even worse, Crocker said, creating an immense fuel store. He points at last year’s Rough Fire in the Hume Lake area as proof.

“If there was one benefit of that (the Rough Fire), it was showing people in the Valley via the ash that fell and the terrible air we had for weeks and weeks that this is a problem for more than just people in the foothills,” Crocker said. “I think the county is doing everything it can at this point with its resources. This is a state and federal problem of mismanagement. If we didn’t have a drought, we’d still have an overgrown forest.”

The problem, he says, is one of communication.

“We’ve got to get all these guys to understand the impact. These are the same guys who say we have to reduce our carbon imprint,” he said. “I’ve got an idea. Let’s reduce the fuel up there. Is it a national treasure or not? Just give us a few bucks to make sure we don’t have another Rim Fire.”

Citrus At Risk

On the Valley floor, another pest is threatening of of Tulare County’s main crops. The Asian citrus psyllid, a small insect that carries an incurable disease deadly to citrus trees, is slowly invading.

For Crocker, the danger is very personal.

“As a farmer, this terrifies me. This has devastated the Texas citrus industry.

This has devastated the Florida citrus industry. It’s devastated the Brazilian citrus industry,” he said. “This has huge impact to District 1 in particular. We’re the citrus belt, a billion-plus commodity for Tulare County alone. We’ve got to make sure we’re partnering with individuals who are trying to find a cure, that we’re honoring quarantine zones.”

The effort to stop the bug’s spread has to be 100%, Crocker said, as the shock waves from the loss of the county’s citrus industry would be felt in almost every sector of the community.

“We’ve got to have all hands on deck. This has to be part of the conversation,” he said. “It’s too big of a thing.

It’s not just for the citrus farmer.”

18 August, 2016

Valley Voice • 15

Comments & Letters “

Veteran’s Corner

Comments from ourvalleyvoice.com

First, I would like to say that I have known Deanne for 20+ years and I, along with many others I’m sure, don’t appreciate you speaking on my behalf. Deanne is a passionate person who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if she stands alone. In this case, she happens to be standing with a community of people who feel strongly that Measure I should be defeated.

These said people have given many years of support to the city of Tulare and have done their research on this topic. They are not interested in hurling insults at the Yes on I group, they just want the truth out. Simply stated, they believe in our hospital and our community enough to speak up when they see wrong.

I would also like to address the idea that Mr. Postlewaite was the chairman of the oversight committee, thus responsible for the last bond. What isn’t being said is that he was co- chair along with Mr. Lynn Dredge. You see, the Yes campaign doesn’t want his name associated with this because he is a current Yes on I supporter. How is it that one co-chair is responsible but the other is never mentioned? Another example of the secrets being kept from the community. Mr. Dredge, along with the rest of the committee worked diligently to ensure that the bond was spent in accordance with the plan, we all know that didn’t happen….at no fault of that committee. It’s interesting to me that Mr. Dredge has never spoken up to support Mr. Postlewaite, regardless of his stance on this bond. He knows what happened yet stays quiet. Could there be a reason for this?

My husband recently had surgery at KDH, where he was treated with the finest care. I only point this out as their bond DID NOT pass and their hospital is still running smoothly and efficiently. Our hospital will NOT close with a no vote on Measure I!

”

— Tami Postlewaite-Warner on Yes on Measure I Responds to Forum

“

The NO group is mostly business leaders and most of the others do have a medical background. That’s how they know what they’re talking about.

If you would look at the past board minutes and oversight committee minutes you’d spot the problem.

The issue with the Dr’s now is they can not practice at TDH until they have admitted so many pts. and have to job shadow with these NEW Dr’s. How would you like it if you had privileges at the place for 25-30 years or more and now all the sudden you are told you’re not in charge of your patients when they get admitted.

Do you attend any board meetings? Do you read the minutes?

Is this new MEC board improving patient care? Not from the latest reports…….not withstanding what Benzeevi states, because someone is embellishing the truth.

”

— Concerned on With Election Underway, No on I Holds Forum

“

Every single last one of you people should be ashamed of yourself on both sides. Acting like little kids. Doctors on both sides behaving like children. The people suffering is people that need the hospital. And don’t try and tell me these doctors didn’t put you people up to this we all know they did because they hate the other doctors GROW UP!!

”

— Nicole on Yes on I Offering Voters Gift Cards for Casting Ballots

Send your letters to editor@ourvalleyvoice.com

Letter: Physicians Statewide Watching Hospital As a physician not in Tulare, I am carefully watching the problems doctors are having in your community. California has laws assuring profiteers do not gain a foothold against the public’s medical interest running any hospital.

The recent assault by the financially conflicted Board of Directors eliminating the existing Medical Executive Committee is a threat to all doctors and patients in your community. Physicians

though around the State are watching this conflict as the consequence of putting patient medical decision-making into the hands of businesspeople jeopardizes the healthcare of all citizens.

Your hospital will NOT close. Don’t believe the naysayers who are ignorant of the facts. Support your vocal doctors and community leaders who understand how important it is to vote NO on “I.” We must all have equality, and

transparency needs to remain in the forefront. Greed and profit are at your doorstep. Don’t open this door and imperil the healthcare of those who might become ill.

Voice your opinion by voting NO. This is our right.

Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D. Santa Clarita, CA

Letter: I Recommend a NO Vote on Measure I Joey Airoso I consider myself a fairly educated man, I have served on many boards and associations, I most recently served as past President of the Tulare County Farm Bureau, I’ve been a dairy farmer all my life, an informed community member, and I was born at the Tulare District Hospital. Having said this, I do not feel it is in our best interests to support Measure I. We can’t change the past, but our community should not be guilted into agreeing to give more money to a hospital administration that has not proven their worthiness of these funds. The community stepped up to the plate in 2005 when the last bond for $85 million was passed, and I don’t feel the community has received a proper return on their investment.

I was invited by Mark Watte last fall to take part in TRMC planning meetings, when the committee advancing the bond measure was first contemplating $35 million. I expressed my concerns that greater transparency was needed, and about how future agreements should be developed with Healthcare Conglomerates Association (HCCA). I was disappointed that

the meeting really was about trying to convince community leaders to support the passage of a second bond, which in short time ballooned to a $55 million proposal. Why not? If the taxpayers will give it, aim high.

I’m certainly not an attorney, but I have read the agreements for management of the hospital and it seems pretty one-sided. The hospital board will have little control over it while HCCA turns public funds into a profit center for their personal interests. One question that’s been burning in my mind, is where is the legal representation for the citizens and taxpayers that will have to foot the bill for this new bond?

Why should a for-profit entity like HCCA convince the hospital board that they don’t need their own legal representation? This gravely concerns me.

I agreed to pen this column because Farm Bureau is a great organization that is looking out for the landowners in this county, and wants to help educate and inform, and be a watchdog for taxpayers. A lot has changed in the community since the first bond was passed and Farm Bureau and I personally felt it was important to weigh in on this subject, and share several

points of view.

Agriculture will bear a lot of responsibility for this bond, with over 3,500 ag parcels impacted by the bond this will be a staggering cost on those property owners. With the drought dragging into a fifth year, our land values are also being negatively impacted, with increasing water scarcity more ground will be idled and assessed values will change.

Without water, why would farmers be compelled to agree to tax themselves further on ground that they can’t produce a crop on? It makes no sense.

To make difficult times worse, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is mandated as new groundwater law as of 2020, the restrictions it will place on landowners will further impact farming decisions and land use decisions for generations ahead. I can’t in good conscience agree to tax my land further to invest in a medical facility that hasn’t been transparent in their past dealings. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of this, but agriculture is what sustains our county, and I care just as much as any new father, or as a grandfather about raising my family in a community with good health care – but as a business

Retired Military Appreciation Day Scott Holwell Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore is hosting its annual Retired Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, starting at the base theater. The purpose of the event is to provide updates covering benefits for military retirees and their spouses.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office, along with representatives from the Naval Hospital, Tri-Care, Social Security, Delta Dental, CALVET, California Telephone Access, Navy Gold Star, and others will be providing valuable information and will be available to answer questions from event participants.

All retired military, spouses and widows/widowers are invited to attend. For more information call the Fleet and Family Support Center at (559) 998-4042. To obtain access to NAS Lemoore, it is important to have a current ID card. The Personnel Support Detachment is scheduled to be open from 0900-1300 to assist with new ID card needs.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license and also issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans.

Contact Scott Holwell if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.

To determine if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office.

We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com/vets. owner and a Farm Bureau member I also feel compelled to examine the situation and do my own homework on this issue.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Watte on June 3, just a few days before his sad and untimely passing, and he was still greatly committed to seeing the bond pass.

We both agreed that our community needs good medical facilities, and we agreed that having at least three major medical facilities that are well run, well-funded, and well-staffed are in everyone’s best interests.

But unfortunately I just can’t convince myself that this bond is right, the management, the board, and circumstances just aren’t right. Mark understood that Farm Bureau had a role to play in helping members and affected landowners do their own homework on this issue.

I feel that every tax payer impacted by this bond has to do their own homework, and make up their own mind about this bond. Dig in and do your own research, I think you will find that we deserve better than what this administration and this bond is asking for from its taxpayers. The decision is yours, as for me I will vote NO on Measure I.

16 • Valley Voice

Trafficking Continued from p. 1

5pm the following day. Manzo is being charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. His bail has been set at $145,000.

The family of the victim, Cyara Hodson, pleaded on Facebook for help in finding the girl, who they knew was with Manzo.

The co-conspirators have been charged with misdemeanor counts of engaging and agreeing to engage in prostitution. They are: Jesus Aguirre, 40 of Tulare, Gary Coffman, 45 of Tulare, Jackie Coffman, 40 of Tulare, Kary Collins, 29 of Visalia, Scott Kroner, 57 of Visalia, Jeremy Reis, 31 of Visalia, Jose Reynoso, 34 of Culter, Louis Soto, 43 of Visalia and Billy Turner, 23 of Farmersville.

One unidentified john was discovered to be a correctional deputy who was put on administrative leave pending an investigation into his exact involvement in the ring. Because this is a personnel matter, Boudreaux said his name will only be revealed if and when criminal charges have been filed. It was reported that the deputy announced his retirement when walked off the job.

Gary Coffman, 45 of Tulare, recently resigned as Tulare Police Department’s evidence technician after allegations of misconduct. His wife, Jackie Coffman, was also arrested in connection with the case.

Scott Kroner, Kaweah Delta Medical Center’s head chef, was also among those arrested. Scott Kroner joined Kaweah

18 August, 2016 Delta earlier this year as the new executive chef after having been a chef in big cities such as New York and Los Angeles.

According to the Kaweah Delta website, “He was ready for a small time feel and an opportunity arose at Kaweah Delta.

‘I came up and looked at the area and fell in love with the possibility of using farm-to-table fresh produce to take away the stigma of frozen boring food at hospitals and turn it into restaurant quality cuisine.”’

Alvarez started his human trafficking ring through a fraudulent webpage called DreamGirls Visalia and DreamGirls Fresno. To create the webpage he stole an out-of-state woman’s image and called her Rebecca. Alvarez created an exciting, glamorous life and career for “Rebecca” that lured his victims into messaging him on a fake facebook page.

Once a young person indicated any kind of vulnerability Alvarez lured his victims into being exploited.

“It seems he was targeting teenage girls at risk,” Lt. Jim Franks said.

After establishing a trusting relationship with the victim, Alvarez coached them to tell their parents that they were going to a friend’s house or they were going out to play Pokémon Go. Presumably the driver, Raya, would take the victim to the john and collect the fee.

Community contacts alerted sheriff detectives about the suspicious DreamGirls Visalia and DreamGirls Fresno web pages. Through their investigation, the sheriff’s department discovered that Alvarez also tried to use a facebook page with a male identity close to his own but

was unsuccessful in recruiting victims.

Although none of the victims were held against their will, if they wanted to leave the ring, Alvarez threatened to expose the sex acts they were forced to perform and threatened to post naked pictures of them on the internet, at their high school and give them to their parents.

It also appears the victims’ parents were completely unaware that their child was involved in the trafficking ring. Boudreaux said that Child Welfare Services can remove a juvenile from his or her home if it’s discovered the parents were aware of the situation and did nothing to stop it.

“This case is by no means finished,” Boudreaux said. “The number of victims, unfortunately, is expected to increase along with the suspects who preyed on them. The investigation will continue until the sheriff’s department is satisfied they have identified all of the victims and suspects.”

To help the victims recover and heal, the sheriff’s department has partnered with Child Welfare Services, Family Services of Tulare County and the District Attorney’s Victim Witness program. This is to provide the necessary support to help turn the lives around for victims of human trafficking in Tulare County.

“To the victims and their families, our hearts go out to you,” the sheriff said.

“We are here for you.”

Today, victims are being contacted by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, interviewed by detectives and offered counseling through Family Services of Tulare

County. This nonprofit helps both juvenile and adult victims of human trafficking with crisis response, advocacy, case management, and emergency assistance.

Child Welfare Services (CWS) provides training throughout the county about how to recognize human trafficking victims and how to respond to them.

Before the arrests were made, and contact established with the victims, CWS offered training to detectives involved in Operation Baby Face.

At the end of the press conference Boudreaux encouraged parents to talk with their children about what they are doing online and how it could possibly lead to victimization. “Unfortunately, it’s unlikely the group arrested today are the only ones involved in human trafficking in Tulare County,” he said.

“Talk to your children. You are the parents. Look at what your children are doing online. Be a concerned and protective parent.”

He also encouraged anyone to please contact law enforcement if you discover something suspicious. Tulare County Sheriff’s Office: (559) 733-6218 or anonymously through TipNow at (559) 725-4194 or tcso@tipnow.com.

Help is available to human trafficking victims 24/7 in Tulare County thanks to the staff and volunteers at Family Services of Tulare County. Family Services’ Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Hotline: (559) 732-7273. National Human Trafficking Resource Center: (888) 373-7888. Tulare County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Division (559) 636-5471.

Valley Scene

18 August, 2016

Penny Otwell Presentation at Kings Art Center Continues through September Staff Reports Using an Alla Prima approach to painting, Penny Otwell’s work reflects her direct and immediate response to what she observes in the natural world.

Alla Prima is a style of painting where, instead of building colors up with layers or glazing over an underpainting, the painting is completed while the paint is still wet. Strictly defined, an Alla Prima painting would be started and finished in one painting session.

With over 40 years of painting and drawing out of doors, she remains focused on the designs, colors, and textures that she sees in nature and then emphasizes in her work.

“I am a prolific artist and often draw out of doors in ink and pencil in

addition to my Plein Air painting. The possibilities are endless, but it is my task to discover a road map through each painting. I allow the painting to guide me, one step at a time, and I respond quickly to my subject trying not to think too much while painting. Afterwards, I take a cold hard look at the work done. I teeter on the balance between expressiveness, boldness, accuracy, detail, and feeling. When playing it safe, I find the work boring. I must totally engage in the act of painting to make the work come alive and always push towards the truth in what I see and feel.

I have learned to trust in this process.”

Otwell has had exhibits at the Ansel Adams Gallery, Yosemite, Canyon Wren Studio, Mariposa, Carnegie Art Center, Turlock, A Sense of Place

“Canal, Central Valley,” oil, by Penny Otwell

Gallery, Fresno, and at Mono Lake.

Her work has been published in “Art of The National Parks” and

is widely collected.

She can be reached at (http://pennyotwell.com).

Local Farmer Organizes Ag Day with Three Other Organizations at Visalia School

Gin Blossoms

Gin Blossoms, Colt Ford to Play Tulare County Fair; Wristbands Available Online The 97th annual Tulare County Fair will kick off with Gin Blossoms on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Gin Blossoms hit the music scene with “New Miserable Experience” in 1992 – an album that kept the band on the charts for several years, thanks to singles “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” and “Until I Fall Away.”

These hits were followed by “Til I Hear it from You,” which hit number one and moved the “Empire Records” soundtrack to platinum status. “As Long As it Mat- Colt Ford ters” generated a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Duo or Group.

“The 2016 concert lineup is going to be very strong – starting with Gin Blossoms’ catalog of great hits,” said fair CEO Pamela Fyock. “We’re looking forward to another great fair. Come for the music and stay for the fun!”

Rising country star Colt Ford will perform on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Tulare County Fair.

Ford’s sound combines country with hip-hop rhythms. His “Thanks for Listening” release hit number one on the charts and includes “Workin’ On,” the

video for which illustrates the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder and supports Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor Foundation.

Ford compares his sound to the spoken-word songs of country greats such as Tex Williams, Roger Miller and Johnny Cash. His blend of country and hiphop brings diverse cultures together, he says, joined by the story telling.

All concerts begin at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage and are free with gate admission.

The Tulare County Fair runs Sept. 14-18. Fair admission is $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 6-12. Thursday Family Value Day offers fair admission for $4 before 4 p.m. (online only).

The fair will offer live local entertainers, new food booths, a two-night monster truck spectacular, a huge carnival with new rides, a carnival area just for young children, the Destruction Derby and more. Carnival wristbands are available for $20 in advance of the fair or $30 after Sept. 14. Visit www.tcfair.org for ongoing updates to the schedule of events or call the fairgrounds office at 686-4707.

As the students at A Place to Grow Staff Reports Montessori walked into the school 3 August, their fingers excitingly pointed to the big yellow tractor sitting in the school parking lot. J.R. Shannon, a local farmer whose children attend the school, approached Blair Vedenoff, Director for A Place To Grow, about bringing a group of his industry partners to the school for an Ag Day. Shannon reached out to Rosa Brothers Milk, which helps him regularly with Ag Education projects, to pour samples of their milk and talk about the dairy industry. Nicole Schott of Rosa Brothers Milk knows the importance of teaching.

“Rosa Brothers Milk Company is committed to Ag education in our community,” she JR Shannon with students said, “which is why we like to up and sit in the tractor. attend events at local schools that teach “Ag education is more important children about the importance of ag- than ever before,” Shannon said. “With riculture. Teaching them about ag at a more people wanting to know where young age will help them appreciate what their food comes and with all the false farmers and dairymen provide for their anti agriculture rhetoric farmers face daicommunity.” ly it’s important to share our stories and Samantha Tomlinson, who works for educate today’s youth. What makes agriFresno Co Ag Department, brought her culture so special is these kids will have so K9 Ag Dog which is used to detect fruit many options down the road to pursue a and pests being brought into the county career due to its diversity. Agriculture isn’t illegally. solely just dependent on the farmer but Shannon, who sits on El Diamante’s also the technology, financial science and Agriculture Advisory Committee, was ex- business management industries.” cited to have Matt Rosa and Reno GonThe kids got to sample fresh orangzalez, who serve as President and Treasur- es, grapes, pistachios, and Rosa Brother of the El Diamante High School FFA ers milk which was all donated by local program, host a station teaching the kids processors. about FFA and teaching the kids fun ag“Some of these kids are going to be riculture facts. Shannon rounded out the the ones feeding us and this entire nation last station the kids rotated to with a trac- down the road. It’s very rewarding to see tor in the background. He talked about the excitement in their eyes when discussfarming and what crops are grown here in ing agriculture,” Shannon said.

Visalia and a handful of kids got to jump

18 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

College of the Sequoias Offers Backpacking, Community Education Classes

Ruiz Foods, CASA Donate Backpacks for 2016 Back to School Drive Staff Reports On what was the first day of school for many Tulare County kids, Ruiz Foods was busy handing out backpacks full of school supplies. The company worked in tandem with CASA of Tulare County for their 2016 Back to School Drive.

Ruiz Cares is a program that allows employees to give back to their community in various ways. CASA of Tulare County provided Ruiz Foods with the names of 84 children in need of new backpacks and shoes. Team members simply picked up a tag with the child’s name and shoe size. From July 22nd through August 8th team members “adopted” a school-age child and helped them prepare for the upcoming school year. The school supplies were delivered to CASA on August 8th.

“Teachers supply as much as they can in regards to school materials. They ask for help from parents to help offset the cost as they go through so much so quickly. We wanted to help make sure

the children of CASA of Tulare County started the year with the right tools,” said Ruiz Foods Community Relations, Blanca Santana.

Ruiz Foods Products, Inc. is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, Calif. Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter of Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Fred Ruiz, is Chairman. Rachel Cullen is President and CEO. Ruiz Foods is dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen foods selling to all channels of distribution: retail, convenience store, clubs, vending, industrial and foodservice. El Monterey® brand is the #1 selling frozen Mexican food in the United States and Tornados®, the company’s snack brand is a leader on the convenience store roller grill. Ruiz Foods employs over 2,900 Team Members in four facilities located in the U.S. For more information; please visit www.ElMonterey.com or www.myTornados.com.

The College of the Sequoias Training Resource Center is offering multiple Community Ed classes in Fall 2016. The Training Resource Center is committed to providing Life-long Learning opportunities to individuals in the community.

These classes are short term, not-forcredit courses ranging from just-for-fun classes to improving a skill to learning a new hobby.

Have you ever wanted to take an extended trip to the Sierra, but weren’t sure what to bring or where to go? The Backpacking in the Sierra class will teach you what to bring, how to prepare and the best places to visit for your interests.

One student from the Backpacking in the Sierra class said, “I appreciate the Instructor sharing his life-long knowledge and experiences.” Another said that it was a, “fun experience with my Grandson.”

Another student from the CCW class said, “Fantastic class, great information, excellent delivery by the instructor.” Students enjoy taking Community

Staff Reports Education classes because it allows them to test out a new hobby or learn something new with a loved one.

To register for a class, or find out more about times and costs, please visit the Training Resource Center Community Ed webpage at www.cos. edu/communityed . You can also call 559-688-3130.

The schedule is as follows: Art of Making Pizza at Home: Sep. 3rd Backpacking: Sep. 7-Oct. 2 CCW Class: Once/month Learn to Make Fresh Pasta: Oct. 15 Notary: Nov. 5 Smog Update: Nov. 5 & 6 Voices For All: Sep. 21 Social Media for Business Oct. 4, 11, 18 Inter./Advanced Excel: Sep. 20 & 22 A Taste of Italy Trip Apr. 7-16, 2017

18 August, 2016

Valley Voice • 19

Doctor Faustus and the Dawn of Modernity ‘Back to School’ Includes Immunizations Joseph R. Teller

Born in 1564, the playwright Christopher Marlowe was a crucial influence on poets like Shakespeare (his exact contemporary), and played a decisive role in the development of early modern English literature.

In fact, Marlowe’s play Doctor Faustus (1593) is an example of medieval ideas crashing headlong into early modernity, and thus serves as a fitting conclusion to this summer’s series on early English literature.

Marlowe’s Faustus draws on the tradition of the medieval morality play, and is based on the medieval German legend of a brilliant scholar who makes a pact with the devil: he will give his soul in exchange for forbidden knowledge and black magic. Marlowe’s play begins with the insatiably curious scholar Faustus lamenting that he has learned all there is to know at the university. An Evil Angel urges Faustus to take up magic arts, appealing to Faustus’s love for knowledge; a Good Angel warns Faustus to study the bible, not a “damned book [of ] blasphemy.” But Faustus follows his darker desires, and conjures the demon Mephistopheles. Faustus proposes a deal: if Mephistopheles will let Faustus “live in voluptuousness” with Mephistopheles as his servant for twenty-four years, Faustus will give Lucifer his soul. Mephistopheles agrees, and Faustus signs the contract in his own blood.

Faustus uses Mephistopheles to explore the world and to live in complete sensual delight. Yet we notice two fascinating trends over the intervening years.

First, Faustus, eager to understand the workings of the cosmos and the nature of hell and heaven, never really learns anything from Mephistopheles: every time Faustus asks Mephistopheles such questions, the demon rebuffs him and redirects his attention to lust or gluttony (Faustus’s favorite sins). Indeed, the only actual “magic” we see Faustus work is mere practical joking, including swindling a horse trader out of his horse and playing pranks on the pope in Rome. Shouldn’t one get more bang for the buck of one’s soul? Second, Faustus is perpetually torn between his desire to repent and his despair that he cannot—

or will not. The Good and Bad Angels return regularly to fight over him, and each time he refuses to turn away from his hellish bargain.

The struggle reaches its climax when Faustus, knowing his soul will be forfeited to Lucifer soon, tells Mephistopheles to give him Helen of Troy as his lover.

Once Faustus sees Helen, his fate is sealed in some of the most famous lines in English literature: “Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, / And burnt the topless towers of Ilium? / Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss…

Oh, thou art fairer than the evening air, / Clad in the beauty of a thousand stars.”

At the end of the play, as the midnight hour approaches in which Lucifer will receive his soul, Faustus begs for mercy: “Let Faustus live in hell a thousand years, / A hundred thousand, and at last be saved!...O soul, be changed into little waterdrops, / And fall into the ocean, ne’er be found!” It is no use: Faustus is carried off by devils, and the Chorus concludes the play by warning us to “Regard [Faustus’s] hellish fall, / Whose fiendful fortune may exhort the wise / Only to wonder at unlawful things.”

The Chorus, then, tells us that we have just seen an orthodox morality play—a work warning us to choose goodness and repent of evil. But Marlowe is not a pious medieval poet, and in fact, the play itself elicits a more subversive set of questions: Faustus calls on God for help throughout the play, but God doesn’t respond; Faustus doesn’t use his powers to hurt anyone (beyond silly pranks), and indeed, the young scholar is “enticed” by a desire for knowledge, itself a commendable drive; and even in his final speech, Faustus begs Christ to save him, only to “see” God’s “ireful brow” glower at him just before he dies.

Was Faustus truly evil? Did he deserve eternal punishment? Was he predestined to hell, with no truly free choice about it—a live question during the Reformation, when such theological questions were the stuff of common discourse?

And of course, the play in both its orthodox and subversive interpretations provokes urgent questions for us, too: to what extent are we free to choose what we choose? What is the moral significance of our choices, or the real nature of good or evil? And if we have an immortal soul—something taken for granted in Marlowe’s time, if not in our own—what will become of it after death, and why?

Dr. Joseph Teller is Professor of English at COS. Email him at josepht@cos.edu.

“The Great Conversation” Resumes at COS College of the Sequoias’ “Great Conversation” discussion group will resume its semimonthly meetings in August.

The group reads and discusses some of the great classics of literature and philosophy published by the Great Books Foundation.

The readings include excerpts or complete works by writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, Christina Rossetti, Frank O’Connor, John Rawls, and Max Planck. The fall semester reading group will begin Monday, August 22, 2016.

The group will meet every second and fourth Monday afternoon of the month from 4:00-5:30 PM on the COS main campus.

The book costs $24.95 through the Great Books Foundation. Contact Dr. Joseph Teller at josepht@cos.edu or at (559) 730-3924 for more information about the meeting location, the book purchase, and the first reading under discussion.

Open to all readers interested in great books, Great Conversation discussion groups are not lecture-based, but instead use a process of “shared inquiry.”

While each discussion is led by an experienced seminar leader, discussions begin with open-ended, interpretive questions, and participants put forward their own interpretations, developing their views through the sharing of their ideas with others.

Childhood immunizations are required for children starting school; Tulare County parents and their children can start planning now with the assistance of the Immunization Action Plan (IAP) program, offered through the Public Health branch.

The IAP provides immunizations to children from two months through 18 years of age who are eligible for the California Vaccines For Children (VFC) program, a federally-funded, state-operated program that provides vaccines for eligible children at no cost. Those eligible for VFC include Medi-Cal recipients; or eligible for the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program; those who are uninsured (do not have private health insurance), or those who are American Indian, or Alaskan Native. For underinsured children (children who have health insurance, but the coverage does not include vaccines; or children whose insurance covers only selected vaccines), parents can find a list of federally qualified health centers in their area at http://findahealthcenter.hrsa. gov/index.html or by calling 211, the resource line at United Way. The Public Health branch encourages parents to start having their children vaccinated now so they will be ready when school starts. Schools are required to verify student immunization records before the start of kindergarten and 7th grade to ensure that all immunizations

Staff Reports and boosters have been completed. Kindergartners need to have received five DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) shots, four polio shots, three hepatitis B shots, two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shots, and one varicella (chickenpox) shot. Kindergarten boosters for DTaP, polio, and MMR are given at four or five years of age.

Students entering 7th grade will need to show proof of the whooping cough (pertussis) booster (Tdap) before starting school. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends additional vaccines for school-aged children, such as a second dose of the chickenpox vaccine including the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and MCV4 (meningococcal). A health check-up is another important requirement for children entering first grade. All students new to a California school must also meet certain immunization requirements according to their age or grade.

To assist residents, the IAP mobile clinic visits WIC and TulareWORKs offices, as well as other locations throughout Tulare County. Immunization schedules are posted at http://tchhsa.org/hhsa/ index.cfm/health-well-being/immunizations/contact-and-location/ and on the TulareCountyHHSA Facebook page.

For immunization scheduling questions or more information please call (559) 685-5725.

West Hills Awarded Migrant Grant West Hills Community College District has been awarded a $425,000 a year grant by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Migrant Education.

The five-year College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP) grant will go toward identifying, enrolling and assisting 45 migrant students each year to complete their first academic year of college and continue with their postsecondary education.

The CAMP grant will provide a total of $2,125,000 over the next five

years, funding that will go toward covering first-year tuition, fees and books as well as substantial tutoring, advising, counseling, and enrichment opportunities to ensure academic success for eligible students district-wide.

“This is great news for our district,” said Dr. Frank Gornick, WHCCD Chancellor. “With this grant our outreach will be extended to many more migrant workers and their families and it is the perfect companion to our other grants.”

Lunch served 12—1 p.m. $4.0

Calendar

Please call 713-4481. Reservation Please call 713-4481. Reservations m

Monday

1 Grilled Vegetable Lasagna, Caesar salad, fruit and garlic bread

Sunday Nights: Barmageddon Tulareous Open Mic, 9pm-12:30am Our weekly open mic has a great selection of local comedians and musicians. Comedians will have approximately 10 mins of stage time and musicians get three songs. Sign ups start at 9 PM, Show starts at 9:30 PM, Ends around 12:30 AM. No Cover.

3rd Tuesday, Monthly: League of Women Voters Meeting, 11:45am At Sue Sa’s Club House, 699 W. Center in Visalia. Reservations are required and the public is welcome.

Contact Newellgb@hotmail.com or call 732-1251.

Wednesday Nights: Barmageddon Game Night Come blow off some steam at our Mondays: Bridge Club, 9:30amgame night. Enjoy complimentary 2pm gaming on all consoles, TCG’s, Ta210 W Center Street Visalia, ble top & board games. Happy hour CA 93291. Admission is free. For will be from 6 PM- 8 PM. additional information call: Joan 1st Thursday Monthly through Dinwiddie @ 732-0855 October: Diabetes Support Mondays: Knitters, 10am12:30pm 210 W Center Street Visalia, CA 93291. Everyone is welcome.

Group, 5:30-7pm Kaweah Delta Health Care District will offer a free diabetes support group through October from on the first Thursday of the month at Monday Nights: Monday Karathe Kaweah Delta Chronic Disease oke at Barmageddon, 9pm-1am Get on stage and sing your favorite Management Center, 325 Willis St., tunes on our one of a kind sound Visalia. Information: 624-2416. system. New Image has a vast se- 1st Thursday, Monthly: Veterans lection of songs to choose, ranging Support Group, 5:30-7pm from 70’s classic rock to modern Free support group for global war pop. Karaoke Jockey Miss Sammi on terrorism & post 9-11 (Veterans will be hosting from 9 PM - 1 AM. Only) at the Tulare Public Library, No Cover.

475 North M Street in Tulare. Facilitated by: Dr. Lance Zimmerman, Fridays: Women’s Morning Bible Ph.D of veterans Counseling ClinStudy, 9am-Noon 210 W Center Street Visalia, ic. “The transition from serving in CA 93291. For additional informa- a combat zone to civilian life can be a difficult one. Combat vetertion call: 739-9010 ans commonly experience feelings Saturdays: Cup of Jazz, 10amof depression, isolation, alienation, Noon guilt, anxiety, and anger following At Cafe 210, at 210 Center street, their service. If you’re experiencing Visalia. Free. Led by Richard Garoo- these or any other emotional probgian. Call 559.730.0910 for more lems after serving in a combat zone, information. it’s vital to seek professional help. “ -Veterans Counseling Clinic.

Tuesday Nights: Barmageddon Trivia Thunderdome, 9pm-1am 1st and 3rd Thursdays, Monthly: Challenge your friends to the ulti- Central Valley Tea Party Meetmate trivia throw down. Earn some ings, 6pm bragging rights in categories ranging 819 West Visalia Road, Farmersville. from Saturday morning cartoons, classic video games, and pop cul- Last Thursday Monthly through ture films. Teams of 4 or solo play- October: Diabetes Support ers compete each round for the best Group, 5:30-7pm scores. Winners of every two rounds Kaweah Delta Health Care Diswill square off in the Trivia Thun- trict will offer a free diabetes supderdome for great prizes. Free sign port group through October on the last Thursday of the month at Sand ups at 9:30 PM. Creek Apartments, 41020 Rd. 124, 2nd Tuesday, Monthly: Yappy Orosi. Information: 624-2416.

Hour, 5-9pm Well-mannered, leashed pets are Lemon Cove Women’s Club Acwelcome on the patio at the Plan- cepting Donations for Yard Sale ing Mill Artisan Pizzeria, 514 East Lemon Cove Women’s Club is preMain Street, Suite A, in Visalia. A paring for their annual yard sale on portion of the proceeds is donated Saturday, October 6th at the histo the Valley Oak SPCA. For more toric Pogue Hotel at 32792 Sierra Dr. across from the post office. To information, call 651-1111. donate to the sale call Mona Wyatt

Tuesday

Wednesday

2 Baked Meatloaf 3 Italian Sausage, with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, fresh veggies and roll

pepper and onion hoagie with Minestrone soup and fruit

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4 B qua slaw frui

August 2016 Lunch

8 Pastrami & Swiss on marbled rye with corn chowder and fresh fruit

9 Stuffed Jumbo 10 Salisbury 11 L pasta shells with Steak with veg- per spinach, ricotta & gies, roasted wit Lunch served 12—1 p.m. $4.0 ham in a parmepotatoes and veg san cream sauce,call & 713-4481. Reservation Please fruit . Reservations fru m fruitPlease call 713-4481

15 Monday Classic Spaghet1 Grilled Vegetati red meat blewith Lasagna, Caesauce, garden sar salad, fruit and salad, garlic garlic bread bread and fruit

16 Tuesday Greek Yogurt Chicken stroga2noff Baked Meatloaf with mushwith mushroom rooms, buttered gravy, mashed ponoodles, salad tatoes, fresh vegand fruit gies and roll

22 Parmesan 8 Pastrami & Chicken Swiss onBreast, marrice fresh bledpilaf, rye with vegetables and corn chowder a rollfresh fruit and

Baked Jumbo Meat923 Stuffed

29 15 Chicken Piccata served bow Classicwith Spaghettie pasta, garden ti with red meat salad, fruit and a sauce, garden roll salad, garlic bread and fruit

17 Ground Beef Wednesday & Vegetable 3 Italian Sausage, Shepherd’s Pie pepper and onion with mashed hoagie with Minepotatoes, strone soupgreen and fruit salad and fruit

18 T chi 4 B wit qua ver slaw pin frui fru

24 10 Zucchini Salisbury loaf with mushpasta shells with Cream Soup, Steak with vegroom gravy, spinach, ricotta & turkey & provogies, roasted mashed ham in apotatoes, parmelone sub sandpotatoes and freshcream veggie and a san sauce, & wich and fruit fruit roll fruit

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30 Chili 16 Turkey Greek Yogurt with cornbread, Chicken strogagarden salad noff with mushand fruit rooms, buttered noodles, salad and fruit

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31 Noo17 Chicken Ground Beef dle Soup with a & Vegetable BLT sandwich Shepherd’s Pie and fresh fruit with mashed potatoes, green salad and fruit

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at 22 359-4465 or Karen Callahan at MeatBerk 24 Zucchini Parmesan 25 23 Baked 564-2096. Donations ofloaf furniture Betty Berk has her latest paintings with mushon Cream Soup, Chicken Breast, will be accepted the morning of the on display at Cafe 225, 225 Main room gravy, turkey & provo- lett rice pilaf, fresh sale. Please do not donatemashed any elec-potatoes, St, Visalia, CA through August 28. sala lone sub sandvegetables and tronics and only gently used clothes is at www.bettyberk. fresh veggieHer andwebsite a fru wich and fruit a be roll will accepted. All fundsroll go to the com. maintenance restoration of the August 30 Turkey Chili 19:31Resurrection 29 Chickenand Piccata Chicken NooFightingSwe hotel and museum. served with bow with cornbread, Soup with a *Sw Alliance atdle Visalia Convention

will

tie pasta, garden will Fridays: Lindsay Farmer’sgarden Market,salad Center, 5pm BLT sandwich Item salad, fruit and a **Ite 5:30-9pm Juusola vs. fruit Giagos will and fruit RFA 42 -and fresh sub roll subj Located at Sweetbriar Plaza, N. take place Friday, August 19th at the Sweetbriar Ave & Samoa St., Lind- Visalia Convention Center in Visasay. lia, California. The first bout will be at 5:00pm. The entire main card will August: Crafts at the Tulare be televised live and nationwide on County Library Branches AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. August 15 through 20 – Pencil

Door Hanger August 22 through 27 – Peacock Fan August 29 through September 3 – Spinner Craft sessions are available at the Alpaugh, Earlimart, Exeter, Ivanhoe, Lindsay, Orosi, Springville, trathmore, Three Rivers, Tipton and Woodlake branch libraries.

Times vary with each location.

For more information on craft days and times at these branches or other Tulare County Library programs, please go to www.tularecountylibrary.org and choose the locations tab or call the branches.

Tickets for RFA 42 - Juusola vs. Giagos are available for purchase NOW at the Visalia Convention Center Box Office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or online at www.visaliatix.com. For more information call the Convention Center Box Office at (559) 713-4040.

August 19: Tulare Walmart ReGrand Opening, 7:30am

Come join the Tulare Walmart in celebrating their re-model at 1110 E Prosperity Ave, Tulare, CA.

August 20: Arte Américas Exhibition Closing/Jazz Show, 7pm Three exhibitions: “South of the Grapevine,” “The Community Gallery,” and works by Samantha Lazcano, are currently being presented at Arte Américas, the largest Latino cultural center in Central CaliThrough August 28: “Painting Lessons From My Piano” by Betty fornia. These exhibitions will close

AUGUST

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Takeout & under 55 years: $5.00

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Weekly Salad Option:

5 Shredded Beef Enchiladas in red sauce with Mexican cheese, rice, beans, salad and fruit

Spring Salad — Fresh spring mix, romaine, dried cranberries, apples, feta cheese, glazed walnuts, grilled chicken and balsamic vinaigrette

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Lemon Pep12 Beach Party!

Greek Salad — Crisp roBBQ Pulled Pork red Chicken maine, cucumbers, Kalamath Dine rice pilaf, 00 In orsandwiches Takeouton&buns under 55 years: $5.00 ta olives, red onion, feta, with potato salad, getable and grilled chicken with chamchips and fresh ns must be made one business dayfruit in advance by 12:00 p.m. uit must be made one business day in pagne advance by 12 PM. vinaigrette

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mix, romaine, dried bits cranberlettuce and bacon with ries, apples, feta cheese, ranch dressing glazed walnuts, grilled chicken and balsamic vinaigrette

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August 20 with a jazz show present- 26th.Taco In order this second Saladto make — In a tortilla Chicken Salad 26 Fish Tacos ed insidewith the Community Gallery year bowl as exciting and fun black as possible, with greens, croissant with cabbage space.

Tickets are $15 in advance or the Parks & Recreation Department tuce, three bean and pico de gal- beans, corn, shredded at the door, assistance the cheese,for chicken and from pico de ad, chips andand special VIP seating is looking lo, spiced black gallo uitis available at $50 for two seats and public to put Visalia on the Senior

beansopen & rice a bottle of wine. Doors at 7, Games map. show begins 7:30. For more infor- Join us for the Planning Task Force eet treats or fruit Chicken Caesar mation, weet treats orvisit fruit arteamericas.org - With diced ChefatSalad Meeting the Visalia Senior Center, l be served daily.

Salad is availcheeses, black olives, ham, beAugust served daily.

24: Last Dayable to Sign Up 310 N. Locust, on Thursday, August as meal ms on Menu are tomato and hard boiled ems on Menu are for Art Tour Expressreplacement.

Trip to SF 25th at 5:30 pm at the Visalia Sebject to change. eggs with ranch dressing ject to change** MOMA nior Center (310 N Locust Street).

Arts Visalia is proud to partner with For more information, please email the Visalia Art League in hosting recreation@visalia.city or call (559) chartered bus trips to museums, 713-4365. galleries, and other art-related des- August 25: Visalia Senior Houstinations throughout California. A ing Celebration, 6:30-8pm great opportunity to share a muse- Visalia Senior Housing will host a um visit experience with your fellow celebration, marking the pay-off of art lovers! Simply reserve your seat the mortgage on its first senior housand leave the rest to us. The trip ing development, and 40 years of takes place on Saturday, September service to Visalia seniors.

17 from 6:30am to 9pm, departing the Visalia Convention Center to A buffet dinner will be held at Visalia head to the San Francisco Museum United Methodist Church at 5200 of Modern Art. Tickets are $75 per W. Caldwell. For more information, person, inclusive of bus fare and mu- call Lori Trowbridge at 627-2220 or seum ticket. Call Arts Visalia at 559- email ltrowbridge@cchnc.org 739-0905 for more information August 26: Team Vidak Mobile Office Hours, 6-8pm August 25-28: Free Entrance to During the Friday Night Market Your National Parks National Park Service Birthday (all at Sweet Briar Plaza — the corner of N. Sweet Briar Plaza and Samoa national parks) Street — in Lindsay, representatives August 25: 2017 Visalia Senior of State Senator Andy Vidak will be Games Planning Task Force Meet- able to get their questions answered ing, 5:30-6:30pm and get help with state-related issues, The 2017 VSG is being planned including unemployment benefits, for this spring and will take place DMV/Franchise Tax Board issues, March 16th through March 19th Medi-Cal, Worker’s Compensation, and March 24th through March and other state-related matters. For

more information, call Claudia Sali- lege/career readiness in the Visalia nas at 559-585-7161.

Unified School District. RSVP by Sep. 2 with the Chamber of ComAugust 27: It’s Bunco Time!

Fundraiser for Tulare Emergency merce at 559-734-5876.

Aid, 11am Held at the Tulare Community Church, 1820 N. Gem St, Tulare, this fundraising event will benefit Tulare Emergency Aid. Tickets are $15, and include a Baked Potato Bar, Dessert, Beverage, and three rounds of Bunco. Prizes will be awarded for Most Buncos, Most Wins, High/ Low Scores.

September 8: TKRL Dinner Featuring Gov. Mike Huckabee, 7-9pm Please join Tulare Kings Right to life in our annual Making a Difference for Life fundraising banquet, featuring Governor Mike Huckabee. Dinner will be served. Cost for table of 8 is $525 which includes a VIP reception with appetizers and a Silent Auction will also be held, and meet and greet with Gov. Huckabee. a tickets to win a beautiful diamond Individual tickets are $70 a person. necklace are available for $20 -- only For more information, contact Jess Warkentin, 559-732-5000.

200 will be sold!

For more information, call Tulare September 9: Pops in the Park “Back to our Roots,” 8pm Emergency Aid, 686-3693.

Featuring the very best of pop, clasAugust 27: Drive to Feed Kids sical, film and Broadway, this conDinner and Auction, 5-6:30pm cert has something for everyone and Join J.D. Heiskell & Co and Food- is the perfect way to end the hot Link at a dinner to raise money for summer season. This is your chance the Tulare County Backpack Pro- to join friends and family for an gram. The proceeds from this event outdoor concert & picnic under the will help feed food-insecure children stars! in Tulare County, where 1 in every 4 children don’t receive enough food Event will be held at Zumwalt Park at home. Tickets are $50/person. in Tulare. For tickets call: (559) Visit www.foodlinktc.org for tickets 732-8600 or head to tularecountyand sponsorship opportunities, or symphony.com. contact Shay Rambur at (559) 684- Sept. 10: West Hills College 2nd 3277 or Sarah Weber at (559) 416- Annual Fundraiser Car Show, 7am 6612.

August 31: California’s Regulato- Registration is still open for the West Hills College Coalinga Car Show, to ry Drought Water Forum, 10am Held at the Heritage Complex, 4500 be held at the West Hills College S Laspina, Tulare. Panelists will in- Coalinga campus. Business sponsorclude Ray Appleton, Johnny Ama- ships are available starting at $250ral, Jason Phillips, and Kole Upton. 1000. Admissions for spectators is Must RSVP by Aug 26 to attend. free, beverages will be available as To RSVP, go to nuneswaterforum. well. KISS Country Radio will also broadcast from the event. eventbrite.com.

september September 8: V.P.I.E Kickoff, 5pm Celebrate the kickoff of Visalia Partners in Education, an organization formed to support and advance col-

Preregister online at westhillscollege. com/carshow.

All proceeds will benefit the President’s Scholars Program, which provides free tuition and $250/semester for books to students across the West Hills Community College District.

August 30: Last Day to Vote in Tulare Measure I Election

Ballots must be postmarked August 30 to count in the Tulare Measure I election.

Send your calendar items to: editor@ourvalleyvoice.com

22 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

Sports Exeter Monarchs Look to Improve in Upcoming Season Stefan Barros The Exeter High School Football team will be starting their 2016 campaign in just a few weeks, coming off of an 8-4 season in 2015. The Monarchs also made the playoffs, but lost in the second round to Cesar Chavez High School.

In preparing for this new season, Head Coach Chris Frankland is trying to leave the past in past and just stay focused on this season. He doesn’t want to dwell on what happened last year, and doesn’t want his team thinking about last season.

“I don’t like talking about last year.

Last year was last year. Those guys are gone, and we’re trying to come together with these players.

It always sounds like a cliché, but this is a hard working group,” Frankland continued. “They’re making strides to get better every day.”

Frankland believes that in the past, his teams were way too careless with the football. That is something he is actively

trying to improve this coming season.

“It’s an aspect we’ve focused on and have put high emphasis on. Another aspect to improve is our tempo on offense.

We need to learn the difference between controlled and fast.”

With any team, there are leaders, whether they show it on the field or verbally. Frankland does look to some of his more experienced players to show some leadership for younger players.

“It’s been a good problem for us to have, because we have a captain’s council, and it’s a group of young men that are leaders. They’re working hard in the classroom and in the weightroom. It could start with five or ten people, and it can just keep growing. They’re still developing leadership qualities, but it can spread around the team. That’s one of our strengths is that we have a lot of good character kids.”

In these practices early on in the season, there has been one thing that Frankland has preached to his team.

It’s something he’s been telling his team since the first practice.

“Execute. It’s the simplest, most complicated word in football. Our expectations for our players are clear and precise. Every game you have a gameplan, you execute your job. If you execute, you don’t turn the ball over. We should be able to execute and focus on our jobs, and execute at high level, and they’re starting to buy in to that.”

Frankland will be expecting a lot from his seniors, and considers them to be some of his leaders. One of those seniors is cornerback Bryan Pasillas, who discussed last season and the leadership qualities of this team.

“We have a whole new team this year, so I try to leave last season. We all try to be leaders on this team. It’s like a brotherhood.”

Another one of those seniors is defensive tackle and center Anthony Perez.

He talked about the little mistakes that have been made in practice, and expectations for the upcoming season.

“We’ve made some mental mistakes.

They’re little things though. They’re things we can get rid of. I expect play-

offs. Everyone has been in the weightroom working on that goal. They’re giving everything.”

Quarterback Skylar Miller, another senior, who is coming off of an injury last year, explained how he is putting trying to put it behind him.

“I’m putting the past in the past, and now I’m just going to cherish every moment on the field. I’ll just be trying to take things slowly, taking it one play at a time.”

Coach Frankland believes that being a small school can be a disadvantage when it comes to the number of players that are available.

“With a smaller school, you don’t have a large group of Freshman and JV players to pick from. So the good players are going to play, doesn’t matter if they’re seniors or not. We’ll watch those players develop though. We know they have to take care of the classroom, and be able to assimilate with this team.”

The Exeter Monarchs will begin their season on Friday, August 26 vs. Lindsay High School. Game time at 7pm.

Rawhide to Host Hitting Challenge for Local High School Talent Staff Reports Calling all Tulare & Kings County high school baseball & softball players!

The Rawhide Baseball Foundation for Kids will be hosting the first of what will be an annual Hitting Challenge competition for high school baseball & softball athletes on Wednesday, September 7th @ 6pm.

Applications are now available at www.RawhideBaseball.com.

The selection committee is looking for the following key elements in potential participants: • Above-average hitting ability • GPA above 3.0 • Person who shows character on

& off the field • Will be attending college after graduation Ten (10) participants will be selected in total – five (5) boys & five (5) girls.

These are to be from the 2016 graduation class through 2018 graduation class.

The hitting challenge will incorporate a variety of targets on the field at Rawhide Ballpark.

There will also be a point scoring

system in place.

The boy & girl who score the highest amount of points will win a $500 scholarship from the Rawhide Baseball Foundation for Kids.

Select other targets will also be worth scholarship cash or gift cards from various local partners including the Sunset Rotary Club, the West Visalia Kiwanis, local Target stores, Zeeb Commercial Real Estate Agent Marc

Griffiths, & Scentsy representative Danielle Griffiths.

Chosen participants will be announced on Friday, August 26th on the Rawhide website & social media platforms.

Those participating will have 2 minutes to score as many points and/or hit as many scholarship targets as they can, with one 30 second break allowed. Participants will be expected to bring their own bat & provide a pitcher.

This will be a free event, open to the public.

For more information on either participation or donating a scholarship, visit www.RawhideBaseball.com or call 559732-4433 and ask for DJ.

Visalia Parks & Recreation to Host Eric Mendoza Joins West Hills College Coalinga as Associate Dean of Athletics Pickleball Tournament Staff Reports The Visalia Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its second Central California Pickleball Tournament of the year on Friday, October 21st through Sunday, October 23rd at the Plaza Park Tennis Complex.

For those not familiar with Pickleball, it is a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, table tennis and volleyball.

It is played on a court with a hard paddle and a wiffle ball.

“We hope everyone is ready for some fast action Pickleball this fall,” stated Jeannie Greenwood, Director of Visalia Parks and Recreation Department. “We are pleased to be able to host our second event of the year and encourage everyone to get out and take in the action.”

The three day tournament format is double elimination with each match consisting of the best out of three games to 11 points.

Players can choose from three event

categories with six age divisions in each (skill levels 3.0 – 5.0): • Men’s singles and doubles - 50 and under, 50-54, 55-59, 6064, 65-69 and 70 and older • Women’s singles and doubles - 50 and under, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and older • Mixed doubles - 50 and under, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and older The cost to register for the tournament is $20 per player and $10 per event fee per player.

To register, please visit www.pickleballtournaments.com. All participants will receive an event shirt and medals will be presented to the top three (3) winners in each division.

Registration deadline is October 13th.

For more information, please contact Visalia Parks and Recreation at (559) 713-4365 or email recreation@ visalia.city.

With more than 18 years of experience working for the California Community College system, Fresno native Eric Mendoza will be the first Associate Dean of Athletics at West Hills College Coalinga.

Mendoza will fill the position in August for the fall semester and comes to the role with many years of experience in athletics and student development.

“I’m looking forward to joining the West Hills College Coalinga campus and community,” Mendoza said. “This unique position provides a great opportunity to continue building on a proud Falcons academic and athletic tradition. The college and district leadership is highly regarded across the state and I’m excited to work with the staff and an inspired group of coaches and students.”

Mendoza has a long career in athletics and has received several honors for his work with students.

He most recently spent two years as Director of Student Development and Athletics at El Camino Compton Center in Los Angeles, where he oversaw the athletic department through the installation of a new football

Staff Reports field, renovation projects and the addition of a women’s volleyball program.

Mendoza has also been the Director of Student Programs and Athletics at Porterville College, where he helped build a women’s volleyball program and instituted priority registration for student athletes. He has also worked as Fullerton College’s Sports Information and Marketing Director and served in various marketing and public relations roles for statewide affiliate groups and at California State University, his alma mater.

He has been active in many state athletics organizations including the California Community College Athletic Directors Association and the Central Valley Conference and Southern Coast Conference and has coaching experience.

Since 2014, he has been the CCCADA project manager for Coaches vs. Cancer – working with the CCC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Coaches Associations with annual fundraising campaigns for the American Cancer Society.

Valley Voice • 23

18 August, 2016

Migrant Students Immersed in Engineering in Summer Program Migrant Education students in the program’s annual Summer STEM Program returned to the world of engineering last month with projects that replicated work done by packaging engineers, biomedical engineers and biomechanical engineers. Beginning in June, the Migrant Education Program offered its three-week Summer STEM Program at 26 school sites throughout Kings and Tulare counties. The program served nearly 650 students with grade-specific science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) lessons.

Utilizing new curriculum developed

by Engineering is Elementary (EIE) and working in partnership with Educational Resource Services STEM curriculum specialists Michelle French and Jared Marr on the training and assessment component, teachers were eager to guide students through real-world applications of engineering principles.

Migrant Education As packaging engineers, students in kindergarten, first and second grades utilized ordinary materials to design and build containers to ensure the health of plants for the consumer market. After addressing the plants’ needs for water, sun and air, the students included in their designs how the packages would be transported and displayed, along with instructions to consumers on how best to care for the plant.

Migrant Education area administrator Ermelinda Ozuna reports that older students who have been in the Summer STEM Program for a couple of years often

repeat elements of the engineering design process to her: identify the need, research the problem, develop solutions, create a prototype, and so on. “I have had several children excitedly tell me that they now want to be engineers,” said Ms. Ozuna.

“It’s not something they considered before we offered the Summer STEM Program.”

This year, students in grades 3-5 were introduced to the field of biomedical engineering. They explored how human feet vary in shape, weight and structure, then used this information to design and create shoes. They also measured the range of motion in knees and how knee joints work. After learning about the structures of the knee, they had to design and create a knee brace that would restore movement to a model with an injured knee.

As biomechanical engineers, sixthand seventh-graders explored the brain and how a concussion can alter its structure. Students learned ways people can protect their heads by using a helmet. To illustrate the effects of concussion on the brain, students, wearing obscured goggles, were challenged to walk an obstacle course and write simple words.

For students unable to attend one of the school-based STEM Programs, Migrant staff members provided inhome math lessons this summer. This inhome program served an additional 432 students.

For information on Migrant’s summer program, call Tony Velásquez at (559) 651-3035.

Migrant students in the grades 3-5 learned about the role of biomedical engineers, designing their own custom-fit shoes and knee braces. For a third year, the program utilized an engineering curriculum. Courtesy/TCOE

Arts Visalia to Hold Events Each year, ARTS VISALIA dedicates the month of August to the artworks created by the students from each of the classes in our Summer Art Programs. The Young At Art 2016 exhibition is an exciting display of these young people’s talents, creativity, and hard work.

Our Young at Art Exhibition will be featured in our gallery until August 26th.

For more information on our summer art classes, visit our Children’s Classes page on our website at artsvisalia.org.

In September, Arts Visalia will host a solo painting exhibition by Manuel Abad from August 31 through September 30 with an opening reception on September 2, from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.

Manuel Abad was born in Ciudad Mier,

Tamaulipas, Mexico, and came to the United States with his parents at the age of five. He graduated from Tulare Western High School and after military duty, moved to Houston, Texas, where he worked in the Iron Workers Industry. Manuel was inspired by the painter William Alexander and began to paint. Manuel and his wife returned to the San Joaquin Valley in 1987 where he worked at Porterville Glass until his retirement in 2013. It was at that time that he became a full time painter.

His work has been shown in many local and regional venues.

Check our website for more information on classes, museum tours, and other events.

And don’t forget our gift shop when you are looking for that special gift!

Students from the Monache High School Environmental Science Academy utilize the iNaturalist app to capture images of plant and animal species at Circle J-Norris Ranch.

The app will be a key component of Circle J’s new BioBlitz event on September 17. Courtesy/TCOE

TCOE BioBlitz Adds to Growing Biodiversity Project In September, the Circle J-Norris Ranch program will launch a new student event entitled BioBlitz. Students in grades 4-12 are invited to join program education coordinator Nancy Bruce and local scientists to document the biodiversity of Circle J, discovering unique living organisms and photographing them using the iNaturalist app. The event will be held Saturday, September 17, from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

The students’ findings will be uploaded to the Circle J Biodiversity Project on the iNaturalist website. “As observations are acquired and added to the project, we will be able to create online instructional resources, such as a field guide to dragonflies of Circle J, or guides on wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians,” said Ms. Bruce.

“Classes coming on field trips any time during the year can access those guides before they visit the ranch in order to learn more about the species they will see.”

Ms. Bruce reports that the Biodiversity Project will go on for years, with students being challenged to become explorers of the natural world, discovering species that no one else has seen before.

On a recent visit to Circle J, students from the Monache High School (Porterville) Environmental Science Academy utilized the iNaturalist app for the first time. “As soon as I showed them the app, they went from standing up to crouching down to photograph the organisms,” said Ms.

More than 40 years in Downtown Visalia

Bruce. “One discovery led to another. It was a great way to apply technology in the outdoors, helping students discover and document wildlife, plants and fungi.”

Circle J-Norris Ranch is the beautiful 620-acre field trip site in the Sierra foothills that is part of the SCICON program. The program offers all grade levels a wide variety of field study experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning. Programs conducted on the property are designed to expand the appreciation of the environmental and aesthetic values of the outdoors, and increase understanding of the relationship between humans and nature.

In addition to the BioBlitz event, Circle J will offer its popular astronomy nights this fall. Beginning August 25, students and their families are invited to view some spectacular celestial objects as part of seven astronomy evenings at Circle J-Norris Ranch. A team of local amateur astronomers will help parents and students use the telescopes and guide them to view planets, star clusters and distant galaxies. Visitors will also learn the ancient mythologies of the constellations and how to identify the stars that they contain.

For more information on attending the BioBlitz event, call Nancy Bruce at (559) 539-2263. For a list of the upcoming astronomy night events, visit tcoe. org/CalendarofEvents.

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24 • Valley Voice

18 August, 2016

Local Artist Paints a Constellation on Court Street in Downtown Visalia

Rodeo and Dance Set to Benefit Tulare County Fair Foundation Staff Report The third annual rodeo-dance fundraiser for the Tulare County Fair Foundation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, featuring wild and wacky rodeo clown Jim “Slim” Garner.

Garner is known as one of the best family clowns on the rodeo circuit. His specialty acts include the “Cowboy Cadillac,” a bucking truck; the “Barbecue Chicken”; and the “Space Cannon.” His show begins at 7 p.m.

The CCPRA-sanctioned rodeo will feature top California professional cowboys.

Gates open at 5 p.m.; the rodeo dance begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person before Aug. 31 and $13 per person after this date.

Parking is free if purchased online by Aug. 31. Box seats are also available. For details contact the Tulare County Fair, 686-4707.

Proceeds of the rodeo will help support

ongoing improvements at the fair’s livestock area, including the purchase of new small-animal pens, resurfacing the pavement in the livestock area and the purchase of additional livestock pens, explained Pamela Fyock, CEO of the Tulare County Fair.

The Tulare County Fair will run Sept.

14-18, offering a week of entertainment for the family, educational activities for children, the annual Junior Livestock Auction, Fair food, fun rides and more. Unlimited ride wristbands are now available for $20 each in advance of the fair; $30 each during the fair.

Concerts announced to date are Gin Blossoms on opening night; WAR on Thursday, Sept. 15; Colt Ford on Friday, Sept. 16; and En Vogue on Saturday, Sept. 17. Visit www.tcfair.org for ongoing updates to the schedule of events or call the fairgrounds office at 686-4707.

Head down court street in downtown Visalia to find a new group of stars lighting the night. A string of constellations are the focus of a temporary installation by local artist Aaron Gomes on the windows of 219 N. Court Street (next to Pita Kabob).

The building is the site of a new store being opened by Visalia’s Bethlehem Center – Urban Revival.

Gomes developed the idea to help block the view of the construction in the building while continuing to beautify Visalia’s historic Downtown. For the Bethlehem Center, bringing a well-connected artist like Gomes on board is part of a continuing effort to incorporate the entire community in their mission of bringing hope to the neediest people and families in our area.

“I was excited to see Bethlehem Center taking the step into the heart of downtown,” Gomes said. “Downtown Visalia is very special to me and I believe in Bethle-

Staff Report hem Center’s mission. I think Urban Revival will bring a unique and special vibe to downtown Visalia and I wish those involved continued blessings.”

The artwork features several drawings of clothing and household items designed to look like constellations in the night sky.

The windows are all blacked out with just the constellations cut out of the paint. This allows the cutout drawings to glow in the night with the interior lights of the store shining through.

The drawings cleverly depict items that will be on sale in the future store. Gomes and the Bethlehem Center encourage people and families to come see the artwork now before it’s taken down for the Grand Opening of the store slated in October.

To learn more about the Bethlehem Center and its mission, visit www.bethcenter.org.