Volume XXXVII No. 9 • 4 May, 2017
www.ourvalleyvoice.com
Suit Against City of Woodlake May Go to the Supreme Court
Dr. Benny Benzeevi, left, follows along as Kevin Smith, of EideBailley, presents audit findings to the Tulare Local Healthcare District Board of Directors. Tony Maldonado/Valley Voice
Audit Released, Showing Flaws and Improvements at TRMC Tony Maldonado An overdue audit of the Tulare Local Healthcare District was presented to the district’s Board of Directors at its April 26 meeting. The report shows that while the District’s operating revenues, net position, and total assets increased, auditors also found that the district understated its 2015 net position by approximately $6m and misstated its 2016 net position by approximately $3m, both of which were corrected. The audit, originally due December 31, was delayed due to the choice of a new auditing company, according to hospital officials. Dr. Benny Benzeevi, CEO of Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (HCCA) the company which runs Tulare Regional Medical Center (TRMC) under contract,
announced at the same meeting that the California Department of Public Health had accepted the hospital’s response to a February report finding the hospital at fault for removing its former medical staff.
The Audit
Eide Bailly, an accounting firm headquartered in Fargo, N.D., was retained by HCCA to provide an audit of the district’s finances for the year ending June 30, 2016. Kevin Smith, from the firm’s Boise location, represented the company in presenting the audit findings to the board. “We’re a national firm, a regional firm,” Smith said. “We have 29 offices in 13 states, and our biggest industry that we practice in is healthcare.” Smith discussed the audit process with the board and provided compari-
AUDIT continued on 10 »
City of Tulare May Seek New Development Money Stream Dave Adalian Worries over spending too much may keep the city of Tulare from going after a new source of economic development funding. At its meeting April 18, the City Council decided to let staff at City Hall find out if any areas in the city qualify for a new state program that returns a portion of property taxes paid there to city coffers. But, the move was made over the objection of Mayor Carlton Jones, who worries the city just doesn’t have the upfront money to join in right now.
The Death of RDA
Until a few years ago, California cities were allowed to form redevelopment agencies (RDA) that captured up to 60% of property tax revenue and returned it to fund otherwise unaffordable community improvement projects. RDA were almost universal when they were shut down to increase the state’s revenue flow in 2011.
Now, a similar program authorized in 2015 allows cities to form Community Revitalization and Investment Authorities (CRIA) for areas within the cities that suffer from low income, high unemployment and crime rates, and have deteriorating infrastructure. While areas of Tulare almost certainly qualify, there was some hesitation among staff and the Council about whether to pursue the revenue.
Initial Investment
Jones, who was not alone in his concern that Tulare may be biting off more than it can chew, worried about how the city would pay for a study to find out if it can qualify for a CRIA. “Here’s what I expect to know about the report is: Who’s going to do it? How are we going to pay them? That’s the appropriation,” he said. “Is this something we’re going to have to hire a consultant to tell us if we qualify, or are you going to do it?”
TULARE continued on 9 »
The City of Woodlake could soon have a hearing before the United States Supreme Court, if the city has its way. Woodlake Police Officer Daniel Garibay sued the City of Woodlake for wrongful termination in October of 2015, and a series of appeals by the city leaves the Supreme Court as the only place for the city to turn. The Woodlake Police Department fired Garibay in February of 2015 for “committing acts that brought discredit to the department.” Garibay’s lawyers, Marguerite Melo and John Sarsfield, allege that Garibay was actually fired in retaliation for his relationship with the wife of a friend of the Woodlake City Manager, Ramon Lara. Garibay originally filed his lawsuit in Tulare County Superior Court, alleging that his federal civil rights were violated when the City of Woodlake conducted an intrusive investigation of his relationship with a woman the court documents identify as Jane Doe.
Catherine Doe The city then further violated his rights, he claims, when he was fired from the Police Department because of this relationship. He claims that the Woodlake Police Department infringed upon his freedom of association, privacy, and due process, all rights found in the Bill of Rights of the US Constitution. The city has not denied it fired Garibay for having an affair, but says it broke no laws in firing him. The city attempted to get the case dismissed, but Judge Bret Hillman of the Tulare County Superior Court allowed Garibay’s civil rights claim to go forward. Woodlake then asked the Court of Appeals, in Fresno, to review Hillman’s ruling. After a few months, and briefings by both sides, the court did not reverse Hillman’s ruling. The city then challenged that
GARIBAY continued on 11 »
Sanctuary State Vote Brings DREAMer Out to Comment Despite what the president may say, DREAMers are not immune to being picked up by ICE agents. On February 14, a CNN report on the detention of 23-year-old Daniel Ramirez Medina in Tacoma, Washington following his arrest in his father’s home, observed that “The case raises questions about what it could mean” for the 750,000 DREAMers, who had “received permission to stay under DACA.” “On March 7, the Los Angeles Times reported that 22-year-old Daniela Vargas of Jackson, Mississippi became the second DACA recipient to be detained by the Trump Administration, further raising speculation about President Trump’s commitment to DREAMers and questioning whether immigrants who speak out against the administration’s policies should fear retaliation,” according to Wikipedia.
DACA and DREAMers
Both have been released. However, “questions remain regarding the future of DACA recipients due to the Trump administration’s initial plans,” according to Wikipedia. During a packed house April Tulare City Council meeting, Jessica, a 20-yearold DREAMer from Visalia, chose to speak in favor of the city standing behind California as a sanctuary state (SB-54). The issue had been brought to council attention by Councilmember Jose Sigala,
Nancy Vigran and placed on the agenda. SB54 is the bill facing the state legislature which would prohibit law enforcement, within the state, from detaining individuals due to their immigration status. The bill is often referred to as a sanctuary state bill. It is also, often, misunderstood. A full-time COS student, Jessica has lived in the US since the age of one. She has asked for her last name not to be used in this article. Jessica’s father is a US citizen. Four of her older siblings were born in the US, and therefore are also US citizens. Her parents had crossed over the board illegally and had her older siblings – her dad had gained his citizenship, but they moved back to Mexico for a while. One brother and Jessica were born in Mexico, and brought to the US. Since their mother is not a US citizen, neither of the younger two siblings are. Jessica has applied through DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) twice and is currently working on her third set of papers. The DACA immigration policy was founded by the Obama administration in 2012. It allows undocumented immigrants who entered the States as children, a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation along with a work permit, while working toward
DREAMER continued on 5 »
2 • Valley Voice
4 May, 2017 From the Publisher’s desk
In Which We Encounter the Creature
Quail Park
A Senior Lifestyle Community
Actually, I encountered the Creature alone. I used “we” in the header as I’m bringing everyone who reads this into the mystery. No one else in the family ever saw it, and they all doubted my sanity first for a lack of evidence and, second, because I could only ever describe it as a creature. I have not identified it to this day. I think of it as a lemonkoati. I guess that’s better than having to face down some kind of simisaur. I am a night owl--less so now than in earlier years, but it is still not uncommon for me to be the only one awake in the house. I say I’m wired this way, but the Chief denies it. “You’re just a big baby,” she says. Regularly. Still, I remain the sole witness. To be honest, though, I never really faced it down. The closest I came to that was when I had the Creature cornered behind a set of wicker shelves. For about a quarter of a second. All this occurred--as did the episode of the Dreaded Chicken Foot and my crack shooting of a tarantula wasp--not in the house you see circled but in the middle house on the hill overlooking Santa Maria Bay. I’m tempted to think the place had its own ecosystem; we did, for instance, eventually move to the house in the circle--and there was no comparison regarding the abundance of wildlife. The Creature itself, I’m fairly certain, was some kind of coati. But it had the face of a lemur and was lithe as a monkey. Thus, a lemonkoati. Not lemon-koati. Le-MONK-oati. I fully realize this is all very silly; at first, however, it was almost terrifying. Picture yourself reading by a single light at, say, midnight. Now imagine slowly perceiving you’re not alone in the room. You can isolate the sound of nibbling, maybe, or the scrabbling of tiny nails over tile. Suddenly there’s a blur in the corner of your eye--and before you’ve formed a coherent thought as to what it might be, something has furtively vaulted up the chimney. Not very sporting--at least, not for the human in this scenario. The Creature, I’m sure, was grinning. It was not a thing I could let slide. What was this nocturnal invader that stealthily chewed up our counter-top fruit before making a mockery of my visual acuity and rocketing so outrageously away? Was it dangerous, or merely irritating? Over the next several nights I developed an ear for the Creature, and kept a flashlight at the ready. All I wanted was to identify it and shoo it along. Maybe stop it from munching the mangoes. Naturally, though, the Creature adapted itself to my efforts. I would hear the telltale noise, creep into the kitchen, and before I could get the flashlight on it there would be a repeat performance of the blur and disappearance. Until the night I cornered it. It finally occurred to me to turn the house lights on, and, in what I can only ascribe its sudden blindness to, the Creature made a wrong turn. It hunkered--literally in a corner--behind some wicker shelves. I knew it was there. It knew I was there. And there was a pause. I pulled one end of the shelving away from the wall. I thought: What a cute little thing! Then it was gone, never to return, before my brain could even formulate the word “cute.” Joseph Oldenbourg
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4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • 3
Political Fix Humble Beginnings
President Trump’s honeymoon with the American people is officially over at 100 days. So how did he do? In his opinion he says, “I truly believe that the first 100 days of my administration has been just about the most successful in our country’s history.” Now that’s a statement that I can rally behind. There are a dozen examples of how Trump’s presidency has been the most successful in our country’s history and here are his top 10.
1. Pres. Trump has been the most successful president in history in organizing a massive grassroots movement.
The Women’s March took place the day after Pres. Trump’s inauguration on January 21, and was the largest single-day protest in United States history. The movement organically grew in response to Pres. Trump’s agenda and not only fights for women’s rights, but defends our healthcare, immigrant population, and the world’s climate. The movement has grown since that first march and includes Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians.
2. Pres. Trump is the most successful golfer of any president.
Pres. Trump has reportedly played golf 19 times in his first 100 days in office. That number blows all the other presidents out of the water, including Obama, who only played once in his first 100 days.
3. Pres. Trump is the most successful at signing executive orders
Presidents have the most political capital to enact their agenda during their first 100 days in office. Studies have found that it’s the most productive time for legislative action. But the 115th United States Congress isn’t going to be remembered as a struggle between Republicans and Democrats, but rather between Republicans and Republicans. Even with a huge Republican majority, Pres. Trump cannot get his party behind him. He only needs 216 out of 247 Republicans in the House to vote on his legislation but he can’t get it. That means the only way Pres. Trump can get things done is by executive order. Since taking office he has signed 30 executive orders. In President Obama’s first 100 days he signed 19. But even getting things done in Washington by fiat isn’t working for Pres. Trump. Three times his executive orders have been blocked by the courts. The first was his travel ban against Muslims. The second was his travel ban against Muslims, where he left out the word “Muslims.” (The judge figured it out.) The third was his executive order withholding federal funds from Sanctuary Cities. Maybe this Democracy thing isn’t working out for Pres. Trump. Prince Albert II of Monaco has been in the limelight his entire life and might be itching to retire. The Principality has some of the world’s best casinos and the country is a tax haven for the uber wealthy. Maybe Pres. Trump would have better luck ruling Monaco.
4. Pres. Trump is the best at keeping secrets
Catherine Doe
With only one leak of his 2005 tax return, Pres. Trump has been successful in keeping his returns under wraps. Being the “King of Debt” this is no small feat. All of the accountants and banks with whom he does business need access to his taxes. This is in contrast to the American people, who Pres. Trump has deemed do not need access to his tax returns.
5. Pres. Trump is the best when it comes to being compared to President Richard Nixon
Pres. Trump was actually being compared to Pres. Nixon even before he was elected. Both presidents have a healthy contempt for the press and the judicial system. Both presidents have also made verbal attacks against the FBI and CIA. Pres. Trump and Nixon both have the same proclivity towards paranoia, often taking on the demeanor of “everyone is out to get me.” in December, 1972, Nixon told his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger, “The press is the enemy. The establishment is the enemy. The professors are the enemy,” during one of their taped conversations. Pres. Trump tweeted that the New York Times, ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC are “the enemy of the American people.” He called these outlets “the fake news media” and said they are out to get him. To protect him from getting conned by “fake news,” Pres. Trump counts on Fox News and the National Enquirer to keep him informed as to what is going on in the world. The most obvious similarity, though, is how both presidents intersect with the word “impeach.” Pres. Nixon resigned before the House could impeach him on charges of obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. It’s not hard to imagine the same charges being filed against Pres. Trump, starting with his administration’s not handing over vetting documents for National Security Advisor Michael Flynn.
6. Pres. Trump has been the most successful fighting America’s war on facts.
Pres. Trump said that his inauguration crowd, “was a million and a half people, whatever it was, it was, but it went all the way back to the Washington Monument.” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer doubled down, claiming that “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration — period.” Pres. Trump’s audience did not come close to the Washington Monument and was estimated to be about a third of President Obama’s inauguration in 2009. Pres. Trump also stated, “I guess it’s the biggest Electoral College win since Ronald Reagan.” President Ronald Reagan won 525 Electoral College votes in 1984, the largest landslide in recent history, and 489 the previous election. Bill Clinton gained 379 in 1996, and George H W Bush gathered 426 votes in 1988. Former President Barack Obama won 332 votes in 2012 and 365 in 2008. Pres. Trump won 304 Electoral College votes in 2016.
7. Pres. Trump has been the most successful in making money while president,
Just like Vlad, his idol in Moscow, Pres. Trump is making a killing financially while in office. Memberships to Pres. Trump’s private beach club, Mar a Largo, in Florida, have doubled from $100,000 to $200,000 since he was elected and are selling like hotcakes. This is good information, because it’s nice to know the going rate for access to our president. Also, what dignitary is not going stay in Trump International Hotel in Washington DC who wants to curry favor with Pres. Trump? Also since being elected, he gained something he has been trying to get from China for a decade: trademark rights to his own name. After suffering rejection after rejection in China’s courts, he saw his prospects change dramatically after starting his presidential campaign. Then, maybe as an inauguration gift, the Chinese government has granted preliminary approval for 35 Trump-related trademarks in businesses ranging from mining and construction to restaurants, hotels and golf courses The big payout, though, is in tax reform. By getting rid of the Alternative Minimum Tax and lowering his tax bracket, Pres. Trump will save more money than 95% of American families see in their lifetime. And he will be leaving a nice little nest egg for his kids, a tax-free $30 billion estate.
8. The Trump administration has been most successful in making terrorism a joke
The American public learned in February about the Bowling Green Massacre – but it seems the only two victims were Councilor to the President, Kellyanne Conway, and Pres. Trump. Citing the massacre as justification for her boss’ travel ban from seven predominately Muslim countries, Ms. Conway later had to admit the massacre didn’t happen. News of the massacre prompted fictitious websites asking for donations for the supposed survivors and instructions where to send condolences and flowers. Fake Vigils were held in New York and Kentucky, the real location of Bowling Green, in commemoration of the event. Following the Bowling Green Massacre was the terrorist attack in that hotbed of violence, Sweden. Pres. Trump said during a rally, “We’ve got to keep our country safe. You look at what’s happening in Germany. You look at what’s happening last night in Sweden. Sweden, who would believe this? Sweden. They took in large numbers. They’re having problems like they never thought possible.” Carl Bildt, the former Swedish Prime Minister, questioned the president’s statement on Twitter. “Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound.”
9. Pres. Trump has been the best in doing the worst
Most presidents have hovered between 65% to 80% approval rating during their first 100 days in office. Pres. Trump’s approval rating is 41% while his disapproval rating is 55%. He is the first president ever to have a higher disapproval than approval rating.
10. Twit in Chief
Finally, Pres. Trump has been the most adept in using Twitter to demonstrate the humility and dignity of his office. As evidence a sampling of his tweets: “Happy Thanksgiving to all--even the haters and losers.” “Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies and those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don’t know what to do. Love!” “Watch Kasich squirm --- if he is not truthful in his negative ads I will sue him just for fun!” “Obama is, without question, the WORST EVER president. I predict he will now do something really bad and totally stupid to show manhood!” For his 100 days’ anniversary, the Donald Trump Campaign created an ad to celebrate all of the president’s successes. It highlights the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, signing-off on the Keystone XL pipeline and the release of his one page tax reform proposal that looks like my first resume out of high school. Says the ad, “Donald Trump. Sworn in as president 100 days ago, America has rarely seen such success.” The Trump administration did have one huge legislative win during its first 100 days--the government didn’t shut down. With only hours to spare, Congress managed to pass a stop -gap funding bill to keep the government open for a week. Coming from Pres. Trump, who said, “This is more work than in my previous life. I thought it would be easier.” I guess we should be grateful that’s all he accomplished.
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4 • Valley Voice
4 May, 2017
Hanford City Council Votes 4-0 To Approve General Plan Catherine Doe
It was standing-room only April 24 at the Hanford City Council meeting as residents awaited the final vote on the 2035 General Plan. At stake were the rezoning of the vacant 18 acres of Hidden Valley Park and the protective zoning ordinances that some feel have kept Hanford downtown vibrant. The meeting started with Community Development Director Darlene Mata reviewing the legal challenges to Hanford’s General Plan. Mata needed 30 minutes to read through her written statement responding to all of the issues, focusing mostly on Environmental lawyer Richard Harriman. Harriman pointed out, among other things, that the General Plan’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) used outdated information, that it lacked sufficient open space and parks, that it lacked an urban water plan and lacked measures to preserve and restore Mussel Slough. He also said the plan lacked specific strategies to implement the city’s goals. It is uncertain at press time if any of the lawyers challenging Hanford’s General Plan intend to go forward with legal action. A request was made for Mata’s prepared statement to which she replied, “I ad-libbed, listen to the audio.”
A Possible Tie Vote Evolves to a 4-0 Vote
Because there was previous disagreement among the council members about whether to keep Hidden Valley Park zoned community service or low density residential, the vote was anticipated to be 2-2. But after the council members discussed adjusting the downtown zoning, all four voted to approve the General Plan. Councilmember Francisco Ramirez said that this has been a fiveyear process and that he was ready to pass the plan. He said that everyone can come back when the issue arises to sell the undeveloped portion of Hidden Valley Park. Councilmember Justin Mendes had considered all of the comments made during the public hearing but concluded that Hanford does not need a 40-acre park. He felt that every quadrant of Hanford should have a 20-acre park so the residents do not have to drive to get to a nice park. Mendes also said that he would have no problem earmarking the revenue generated from the sale of the vacant 18 acres for an indoor recreation facility, a goal long supported by Ramirez. Mayor David Ayers was firmly against selling the park but did not have a problem rezoning half of Hidden Valley Park to low density residential. He said that even with the new zoning Hanford could still finish developing the park.
Councilmember Martin Devine has been an ardent supporter of Hidden Valley Park and previously was against rezoning the 18-acre parcel. He said, “I’d just like to put out there that we’ve had a lot of people coming forward to support keeping this park. What I’ve been hearing is, it’s ours, we own it, we want to keep it. It’s that simple.” Devine received a long applause from the crowd mostly in attendance to protest rezoning the 18 acres. When the vote was 4-0 to approve the General Plan it appeared that Devine accidently voted no on the Environmental Impact Report instead of voting no on the zoning portion of the General Plan. During councilmember comments, Devine said that he missed Hanford’s Economic Development Meeting due to his health. After the meeting ended Devine was asked what health problems he had and if that affected his vote on the General Plan. He replied that he had been suffering from allergies and that the vote was confusing. Devine responded on Facebook to a previous version of this article but did not return the Valley Voice’s calls. “You got it wrong, I did not say that I have missed any council business, as I have not and I did not accidentally vote no on the EIR and yes on the General Plan. Was the vote confusing, yes, it was a bit confusing for us all but I did not accidentally vote for or against anything! We can revisit the 18 acres west of HPV at another time...moving forward on the General Plan was more important.”
Advocates for Downtown Get Half a Victory
Main Street Hanford got half of what the organization had been requesting. Whereas furniture stores will
be able to locate outside of the downtown zone, professional medical, dental and optometry has to stay. Ayers’ main reasoning for requesting the compromise to the zoning was the huge financial investment professionals have made in the downtown. Mendes recounted how it was brought up in previous meetings that 17 furniture stores have gone out of business and that the Downtown area has suffered blight. He pointed out that this happened during the current zoning. He was willing to compromise on the professional services staying in downtown but wanted flexibility with the furniture stores. Furniture stores will now be allowed to locate outside of the downtown zone and in the regional commercial zone. Furniture stores under 15,000 square-feet can set up shop anywhere, those larger will need a conditional use permit while stores over 20,000square-feet will not be allowed outside of the downtown area.
The Residents Respond
Even though the public hearing portion of the meeting had been closed last week, that didn’t stop the audience from commenting. Several times former mayor Dan Chin interrupted Ramirez, who responded graciously with a smile and patiently finished his comments. Another audience member challenged the council to explain why it was rezoning the park if it is not going to sell it. At the end of the meeting, as the council members were thanking everyone for their participation, a Hanford resident responded, “We will have a recall.” This article is an updated version of an article that originally appeared online.
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4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • 5
DREAMer Continued from 1
citizenship. DACA individuals are often also referred to as DREAMers (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors), a legislative proposal for a multi-phase process for illegal immigrants that would grant conditional residency and upon meeting further qualifications, permanent residency. Introduced in 2001, and reintroduced several times, the bill has never been able to pass US House and Senate. Individuals generally referred to as DREAMers as those in their late teens through their ‘20s.
Tulare City Council Meeting
During her three minutes’ comment at the Tulare Council meeting, Jessica said, “I want to start off by saying, first off – people are not legal, people are not illegal – we are either undocumented or documented. “I myself am a dreamer, I was blessed to be able to gather over $1,000 to be able to apply for my DACA. I was able to be approved through my hard work. I have been here since the age of one, and I have worked my butt off to be able to stay here, and be welcomed in your home. I understand that this is your home and that is why I follow the rules. I am here because you guys allow me. “But, I do want SB-54 to be passed.” She explained that the US is a melting pot and there is a variety of cultures from everywhere around the world – through religion and ethnicity. “DACA is a three-year commitment,” she said. “It costs about $500 to apply for that, and it’s only for three years. I applied for residency in 2004, and I am still awaiting that – it has been over a decade since I applied. I am involved – I am politically involved – I am in college – I am a teacher to be.” She spoke of harassment within the country, and within Tulare County, of race and sexual preference. “It’s not far from home – we have to do something about it,” she said. “I am personally lucky, to be accepted for who I am and my culture – I speak fluent English. I am good at what I do in school – I study so that I can be good and keep going. But not everybody has the same opportunities I do. My parents had to work their butts off to be able to give me what I have, and even then we were in poverty - even then we couldn’t get medical, because the state doesn’t give it to undocumented folk. I was undocumented until I turned 16. I had to live in fear of not having those I love around me.” She spoke of the importance that SB54 would not protect those who break the law – criminals will face consequences and should be deported, she said. “I don’t think being here illegally is cause to be deported, but that’s my opin-
ion,” she said. Jessica’s passion did not go unnoticed. She was one of approximately 25 individuals who spoke on the issue. More spoke opposed to SB-54, then in favor. During a follow-up of council discussion, Tulare Mayor Carlton Jones mentioned Jessica and what she had to say. He adamantly spoke against hate and hatred. He talked about Jessica. And, he talked about the importance of immigrants in Tulare County. He talked about SB-54. “If I am going to vote on it, I am going to read it,” he said. “Jessica – the student who spoke, to me that’s what we have to protect,” he said. “She came here with her family. She didn’t have a choice. But while she is here, she’s been good in school, she’s been good in college, she’s been good by her country, she spoke better English than most of us in here, and she wants to be an American. “If had read SB-54 and it would have talked about protecting people like Jessica, I wouldn’t care what money we may lose [from the federal government], I’d be for it. But, I read SB-54 and it didn’t talk about people like Jessica – it talked about people who had a trunk full of drugs, and if they are pulled over, our officers couldn’t question their immigration status. I could never be for that.” He went on to say, he hoped that the US could improve the process of obtaining citizenship. “I would hope people like Jessica could have a better pathway to citizenship,” he said. Jessica would like to see that, too.
Life Post November Election
Her parents are separated – her dad has dual citizenship, her mom does not have US citizenship, but does live in California with Jessica. All of Jessica’s education is from the US – she only lived in Mexico for her first year of life, and has lived in the US ever since. She lived in Nevada at a young age, but they moved to California. She’s never been back to Mexico. Her brother, who also does not have US citizenship, is documented, like her. Following the November election, Jessica said she was frightened. “Frankly, I was pretty scared. I remember hearing the news and I was keeping in touch with them [friends], and they were like, ‘well, Hillary won the votes, but Trump won.’ “And, I was like, ‘what?!’ “I was in hysterics. I was so upset.” It pushed her to get more involved with undocumented people. “Just because you are undocumented and not a resident, doesn’t mean you have to give up – you can still keep fighting,” she said. “I feel like that is one of the biggest things that has kept me going - my undocumented friends tell me, ‘Jessica, you are such an inspiration.’ And,
I think it is beautiful, because it helps people keep going. And they help me keep going. “I do see all the abuse that is going on with ICE and some police officers. I think that I will be safe, I have a lot of faith in God.” Jessica said she knows a lot of local police officers, and she knows that the majority of them are good in the area, but in other areas, there may be some who would want to deport someone just because they are undocumented, and there may be some abuse when those who may be deported are in custody. Her mother had been caught crossing the border and was detained. She told stories to Jessica about not being let to sleep lying down and without blankets, and sometimes getting rotten food. But, it did not stop her from trying again and succeeding, which complicates the situation. A lot of the concern is about the president being elected, Jessica said. People are being a lot more aggressive toward Muslims, undocumented folk – people that are brown, and the LGBT community. She is much more concerned with the new president now in power. “I feel that Obama definitely helped people. He did do a lot of deportations, that’s true. But, none of them that frightened the average person - that weren’t breaking laws,” she said. She heard some “ugly stuff,” at the Tulare Council meeting, she said, bringing it home to the local community. But she has not seen ICE agents in the area. She is more concerned for others than herself, she said. She feels she looks Caucasian. “I look white,” she said. “And, I speak well, in English. I don’t really get harassed by people – people assume I’m white.” Jessica is studying behavioral psychology. She is working toward degree after degree, in order to receive her doctorate and, perhaps, earn a teaching credential. She would like to work with those who have mental illnesses and drug addiction. She would also like to study why people are racist, and why they don’t like people who are different from them, she said.
Support a Sanctuary State?
At the Tulare Council meeting, the motion to support SB-54 did not receive a second to the motion. “I brought this item forward to the council because there is some genuine concerns and fears,” Sigala said. “Right after the election, I went out and picked up my lawn signs and talked to folks and I had a lot of children coming up to me – scared – scared about what had happened with the new president, because of the rhetoric that was out there about their parents being deported, about their families being split up and taken away. That was a huge,
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huge reality for me. And, so I brought this thing forward. “I talked with the Chief [Hensley] many times and had many conversations about this. The last few previous meetings, I brought an item to talk about – what our police department is doing, and I commend Chief Hensley and his department for their stance. It is a department policy not to participate with ICE and not to be participating in immigration raids.” Vice Mayor Maritsa Castellanoz said, “When this first made it on the agenda – I was not present. I feel that some things may be premature.” She asked Chief Hensley the proper procedure when someone is arrested – whether they are legal or illegal, are they taken to the county jail? Hensley replied, yes. “So, we may never be faced with having to put ourselves in a position where we are doing an investigation in illegal immigration,” she said. “That’s correct,” said Hensley. “That’s never happened in my 30+ years with the force. That’s not something that would be a matter of process for us. That would be the sheriff’s department’s responsibility.” “We have allowed this to be on an agenda, when it should not have been on the agenda to begin with,” Castellanoz said. “We’re not facing that today. I don’t see that we’ll be facing them anytime in the future. “We’re creating a wave in our community, which is never anything I like to do. There’s fear out there and I hope, that those who are fearful, can believe that we have the best interest of all citizens, whether they are documented or undocumented.” Following the motion in support of SB54 by Councilman Sigala, no second was made, leaving any support for the bill on the table. DREAMers and those in DACA, are not immune to deportation. According to a USA Today article, dated April 18 “After spending an evening with his girlfriend in Calexico, Calif., on Feb. 17, Juan Manuel Montes, 23, who has lived in the U.S. since age 9, grabbed a bite and was waiting for a ride when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer approached and started asking questions. “Montes was twice granted deportation protections under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created by President Barack Obama and left intact by President Trump. “Montes had left his wallet in a friend’s car, so he couldn’t produce his ID or proof of his DACA status and was told by agents he couldn’t retrieve them. Within three hours, he was back in Mexico, becoming the first undocumented immigrant with active DACA status deported by the Trump administration’s stepped-up deportation policy.”
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6 • Valley Voice
4 May, 2017
Agriculture
Citrus Industry Extremely Disappointed in Argentine Lemon Rule U.S. Citrus Science Council The U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced late Monday afternoon that it will not extend beyond May 26, 2017, the stay of the final regulation on the importation of fresh lemons from Argentina into the United States despite dire consequences to the U.S. citrus industry. “It is evident that the California citrus industry is the pawn in a greater trade deal between the Trump Administration and Argentina,” says Ventura County citrus grower and Chair of the Santa Paula, CA based U.S. Citrus Science Council (USCSC) Richard Pidduck. “The announcement by APHIS
comes only days after President Trump’s meeting with Argentinian president Mauricio Macri and preempts scheduled meetings between U.S. citrus representatives and senior officials at APHIS and the U.S Trade Representative this week. “The haste in which this announcement was made is nothing less than disrespectful and I am extremely disappointed by the Administration’s complete disregard for domestic citrus producers and the impact of this rule to the California fresh lemon industry.” The announcement comes less than a week after President Trump signed an executive order on promoting agriculture and rural prosperity in America. “President Trump and the Administration
have turned their backs on the California lemon industry and the many family farmers who work tirelessly to deliver a safe and quality product to consumers,” concludes Pidduck. In response to the announcement by USDA, the Exeter, CA based California Citrus Mutual President and USCSC board member Joel Nelsen stated, “Allowing the importation of lemons from Argentina is a complete departure by the Administration from its self-proclaimed stance against trade policies that place American businesses at a disadvantage. The rule will open the flood gates to pests and diseases known to be in Argentina that could threaten our domestic lemon supply.
“The foundation of this rule and the execution of the rule making process under the Obama Administration and now the Trump Administration is laden with hypocrisy, ignores transparency, and dismisses the scientific and economic data that prove the rule will have significant negative consequences for California’s $3 billion fresh citrus industry. “It appears that to President Trump’s Administration, the prosperity of the California citrus industry, which is one of the only fresh citrus industries in the world to have not been ravished by the devastating Huanglongbing disease, is not ‘critical to America’s national security, stability, and prosperity’,” concludes Nelsen.
Federal Policies on Rural Issues Gain Attention Christine Souza, CFBF
After a week in which the Trump administration turned its attention to policies that affect farmers and ranchers, California agricultural leaders said they’re encouraged by much of what they heard. Soon after Sonny Perdue was confirmed as U.S. agriculture secretary last week, President Donald Trump met with farmers, signed executive orders and introduced a tax plan that includes repeal of the federal estate tax—actions that could have a positive impact on U.S. agriculture and mirror policies of the California Farm Bureau Federation. “Having the president aware of farmers and farming issues is a positive thing. Having that awareness actually play out into some economic benefits or reductions of burdensome regulations or the tax structure, those are important,” said David Van Lennep, a forester and past president of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. “Some of these governmental processes don’t take into account the harm they do, whether it is designation of a national monument or estate taxes for farms.” CFBF President Paul Wenger said farmers have advocated for years for repeal of the federal estate tax. “Relative to the tax reform proposals, the devil is in the details, but repeal
of the federal estate tax is critical because it has burdened farming and ranching families for years, forcing them to sell land, livestock and equipment to pay the tax, or risk losing the farm or ranch,” Wenger said. “It is immoral that some families have been forced to sell or significantly change their operations due to a death.” The Trump administration tax-reform plan includes immediate repeal of the estate tax and would reduce the tax rate for owner-operated businesses and corporations. The tax plan would: • Create a business tax rate of 15 percent for all sizes of businesses; the current corporate rate is 33 percent. • Develop three individual tax brackets of 10, 25 and 35 percent. Currently, there are seven individual tax rates with a maximum rate of 39 percent. Sole-proprietors and passthrough businesses (partnerships and Sub S corporations) currently pay taxes at individual rates. • Double the standard deduction for individuals to $24,000 per couple, meaning couples earning $24,000 or less would owe no tax. All personal deductions would be eliminated, except for
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the home mortgage deduction and the charitable deduction. • Maintain the top capital gains tax at 20 percent. The 3.8 percent surtax on investment income would be eliminated. Dale Moore, executive director of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation, noted the Trump tax plan is not revenue-neutral. “Lost tax revenue will be made up by eliminating deductions and from new tax revenue that comes from economic growth,” Moore said. “Because Senate budget rules only allow for permanent tax changes that are revenue-neutral, some or all of the Trump tax proposals will be temporary. Farm Bureau policy supports tax reform being based on a revenue-neutral approach.” The president also signed executive orders to promote agriculture and rural prosperity, and to review the Antiquities Act of 1906. The first executive order created the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, which will look for ways to reduce the regulatory burden and increase economic opportunity in rural areas. Shaun Crook, a Tuolumne County timber operator and chair of the CFBF Federal Economy and Farm Policy Committee, called regulatory reform a key issue for agriculture. “The cost in both time and money for compliance can be a huge burden on small and large operations,” Crook said. “We have also found, in many instances, that to comply with one agency’s rules, you are forced to violate the rules of another. Legislators feel that they have to justify their jobs and that more laws and regulations are necessary. Well, how about we take a hard look at existing overlap and get rid of the (duplication)?” Wenger said government has focused on “process-driven regulation.” “We need to get back to result-driven outcomes,” he said. “For any regulation that is forced on businesses, and especially agriculture, there ought to be a clear end result that’s within reason and economically viable. Otherwise, regulation for the sake of regulation is ridiculous, and that is what we’ve come to.”
Trump’s executive order to review national monument designations under the Antiquities Act, which gives the president authority to declare historic monuments on federal lands, could affect six monument designations in California. The order directs the secretary of the interior to conduct a review of all presidential designations or expansions of designations under the Antiquities Act since 1996. “The intent of the Antiquities Act was for the preservation of Native American cultural sites to prevent looting. We have a history of abuse of this act, which has been used for legacy building and political favors,” Crook said. The order could also affect the California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act. Van Lennep said that designation moved forward without an adequate process to hear concerns brought by local residents, in part about increased visitor traffic. “A concern with the national monument designation is it’s going to bring a lot of people, and therefore public safety and quality of life for the residents might be greatly impacted,” Van Lennep said. “That was never really adequately addressed in the process.” Also during the week, Trump decided to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, rather than withdraw the U.S. from the agreement with Canada and Mexico. Upon hearing initial news that Trump was considering withdrawal from NAFTA, Moore said, “All of us in agriculture, manufacturing and all of the food trades just basically came uncorked in some form or fashion.” “For a lot of sectors in agriculture, NAFTA is working well,” Moore said. “You have folks that love it and you have those who are not that tickled about how it has operated. We need to focus on those areas where we need to improve.” (Christine Souza is an assistant editor of Ag Alert. She may be contacted at csouza@cfbf.com.) This article reprinted with the permission of the California Farm Bureau Federation.
4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • 7
Agriculture Soggy Fields Slow Start of Rice Planting Ching Lee, CFBF Time is running out for California rice farmers whose fields remain too wet for planting. All last month, the Sacramento Valley should have been buzzing with tractors working the ground in preparation for seeding. Instead, soggy weather kept many farmers twiddling their thumbs or biting their nails as they waited for their fields to dry out. “It’s really getting nerve-racking at this point,” Yuba County farmer Keith Davis said. Most of the ground he farms on the east side of the valley was “still too wet to do anything with,” he said, so he’s focusing on a small area where the soil is lighter and he can begin turning it. But his fields with red clay dirt in the lower foothills were “extremely wet” and needed more drying time. Spring rains have caused planting delays in the past, Davis noted, but they were usually followed by drying periods long enough for farmers to get in the field. This year, fields were so saturated that growers didn’t have that opportunity, he added. Typically, his fields would have been planted by May 15, but Davis said that date is “almost unreachable now.” The final planting date for California rice is June 1, after which farmers with crop insurance could seek compensation for prevented planting. Trying to plant after June 1 is considered risky because it pushes harvest into the rainy fall season, which could hurt yield and quality if the crop gets soaked. Mike DeWit, who farms rice in Yolo and Sutter counties, said he’s tried planting as late as June and “got burned,” so he won’t take that gamble again. Without crop insurance, he said he’d be “real stressed out and a mess right now,” as the indemnity helps pay the rent when he can’t grow a crop. In a down market year such as this, he said “it’s not a bad option to have.” He already knows he won’t be able to plant 50 percent of his acreage—land in the Yolo Bypass that’s still underwater. On his drier ground, he started some field work last week; normally, he would have started on April 1. If weather cooperates, he said he hopes to get his first field planted by the week of May 22. “We’re going to be under the gun and may bunch the planting up more than we’d like to,” he said. The bunching could result in other delays. Irrigation districts with small canals and outlets are not able to deliver water to fields all at once, Davis said, noting that it could take 20 to 30 days to put water in fields before they could be seeded. Farmers may also be standing in line for SALES, SERVICE, RENTAL AG EQUIPMENT & TRUCK REPAIR
agricultural planes that seed their fields. On the back end, DeWit said delayed planting could result in a logjam at rice dryers in the fall if farmers try to harvest at the same time. California farmers are expected to plant 539,000 acres of rice this year, down from 541,000 in 2016, according to a prospective plantings report released in March by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The department reported that zero acres had been planted in the state as of the week ending April 30. With the adobe clay soil he farms in Butte County, grower Matt Tennis said he’ll be lucky to get 50 percent of his crop planted this year. He’s already made the decision to switch to growing a short-season variety because of the narrow planting window he has left. As of last week, his ground was still too wet to do any work and he said he likely wouldn’t start until the end of this week. Field preparation takes time and patience, he said, as several passes are needed to work up the soil, level the ground and produce a good seed bed. “We don’t have an unlimited number of tractors sitting in a barn ready to go out and get it all done,” he said. “By the time we can get in the ground, we would’ve lost one month.” With the late start, Tennis said he wants to plant as much as he can, but conditions must be right so he could do a good job. “If you cut corners and slam your crop in, you’re going to have greater weed pressure and undesirable yield,” he said. “This is not the kind of year where I’d want to cut corners in planting my rice crop.” Not all areas of the valley were as sopping wet. In Colusa County, farmer Mark Sutton has made some progress, having started working his fields early last week. He said he expects to be finished planting by the second week of June, as long as he doesn’t have any more rain. Unlike growers farming along the river bypass and dealing with floodwaters, Sutton said his biggest problem has been with spring rains, but he noted most of his fields are now dry enough. “We’re a week behind, but it’s not the end of the world,” he said. “Farmers who plant earlier varieties are in a lot worse spot than we are, because their planting window is right now.” Because a late-planted crop is usually also smaller, Sutton said he hopes prices will improve to counter what may be lower yields this fall. If the weather warms up and stays dry from here on out, Glenn County grower Larry Maben said he thinks he can have everything planted by June 1. His fields are drying slowly and he’s about two weeks
behind schedule. “It will definitely affect the yield, but it’s not necessarily going to be a tragedy,” he said. “I’ve gotten good yields planted late in the season.” With the current weak market, Maben said farmers are “pretty close to break-even” at this point. Those who watch their production costs “should be able to perhaps turn Yuba County rice farmer Keith Davis examines a chunk of wet soil a profit,” he said, but from a field in Marysville he was trying to prepare for planting last week. Soggy weather in April kept many Sacramento Valley farmers much will depend from working their ground, resulting in a late start to the planting on whether they season. Ching Lee/CFBF have reduced yields. some 75- to 80-degree temperatures and Because it’s so late, Maben said he ex- some north winds blowing, and fields will pects some farmers will skip a step or two dry out quickly, Davis said. to try to save fuel and time. “We could have an ideal growing seaRather than waiting for one field to son from today until the middle of Sepdry out, Davis, who also grows wild rice tember and have perfect harvesting conin Yuba County, is allowing wild-rice ditions, and then nobody will even think volunteers to establish in that field as an about the planting date,” DeWit said. experiment. He said he’s never done this before and is not sure it will produce a vi(Ching Lee is an assistant editor of able crop, but with his planting window Ag Alert. She may be contacted at clee@ closing, he said if the experiment works, cfbf.com.) he will be better off than planting nothing This article reprinted with the peron that ground. mission of the California Farm Bureau Despite their early struggles, farmers Federation. agree their year may still turn out fine. Get
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8 • Valley Voice
4 May, 2017
Andrew Janz to Challenge Nunes in ‘18 Dave Adalian Congressman Devin Nunes (R-22) may be in some seriously hot water, and the embattled, beleaguered lawmaker is facing what could be his first serious challenger during the 2018 election cycle.
Russian Investigation
Nunes, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has been in the national political spotlight since late March, when he visited the White House surreptitiously on March 21, then again publicly on March 22, claiming he was briefing President Donald Trump on the contents of an intelligence report given to him by what he termed “whistle-blowers.” It was later revealed the source of the report was likely two White House staffers, one of whom had worked for Nunes’ committee before joining the Trump administration. Critics have said the elaborate chain of events may have been a distraction from the FBI’s ongoing investigation into possible Russian influence in the presidential election. Nunes’ actions were certainly a violation of the Intel Committee’s protocols, which call for such information to be shared with all members at a secure location in the Capital Building. Nunes finally removed himself from the investigation on April 6, following outcries from his colleagues from both parties.
Player 2 Enters the Game
It was that negative and widespread attention, which continues to mount as Nunes now faces a probe by the House Ethics Committee, that pushed Visalia native Andrew Janz into the race. While the 33-year-old prosecuting district attorney in Fresno County says it was
Nunes’ mishandling of the Trump-Russia investigation that drove him into the race, it’s his sense of public service that is sustaining it. “Growing up my dad was a big influence to me. His message still sticks with me to this day, that was a message of public service,” Janz said. “It was about giving back to the community that gives you so much.” Nunes’ delays and obfuscation in the Trump-Russia investigation has been characterized widely as an attempt to hinder or even prevent it, and that kind of interference is exactly what Janz says he’s been extensively prepared to avoid by his career choice. “In my role as district attorney, I advocate for the interest of victims and for the interests, frankly, of the rest of the people of the county,” he said. “What I’ve done as a prosecutor is seek justice for countless people who have been effected by crimes of all magnitude.”
Failure to Communicate
While Nunes’ behavior in the Trump-Russia scandal captured the national media’s attention, back home his constituents were already clamoring for the representative’s attention. Nunes has not held a public forum to talk with voters in District 22 since August, when he appeared at a discussion on water issues in Tulare. He skipped a town hall meeting in Visalia on April 19, and also refused to send a member of his staff. Nunes and Jack Langer, who serves as both Nunes’ and the Committee’s director of communications, have repeatedly said the Congressman will not attend such open forums because of the presence of “left-wing activist groups.” Janz says that isn’t the way he’ll conduct the public’s business. “People want the Congressman, their representative in Washington, to
let them know how he’s going to vote. They want him to know how they feel about the issues he’s going to vote on. At the end of the day, they just want to be heard. That’s why I’m here.”
Hostile Press Relations
Nunes’ office has also begun cutting off press access. Last month, Nunes cut off contact with a reporter from the Fresno Bee after the reporter visited Andrew Janz. Nunes’ neighborhood in Tulare for a story about the local reaction to his sudden presence in the media, the Bee reported.
Talking to the People
While Nunes’ staff was pushing back against “left-wing activist groups”, Janz was out talking to his would-be constituents, no matter what side of the political aisle they occupy. “What we’ve done over the course of last couple of weeks is go out and talk to basically everyone who will listen to us,” he said. “These are Democrats, these are moderates and these are Republicans. I’m talking to everybody.” The issues most concerning for residents of the Central Valley have little to do with President Trump, the Russian investigation and any hypothetical leftwing conspiracies. Instead, the people in the 22nd Congressional District are far more worried about healthcare, water, crime, the economy and the environment, Janz said. “A lot of people feel like their con-
cerns aren’t being heard. That’s why they set up a town hall meeting,” Janz said. “That’s why they try to meet with him (Nunes) at his district office. They just really want to be heard on the issues that are affecting them.”
Native Son
Janz is a Visalia native and the son of immigrant parents. A graduate of Redwood High School, he holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a masters in public administration from CSU Stanislaus. Janz earned his law degree from Southwestern Law School and served as a clerk for a state district judge in Nevada before beginning his career with the Fresno DA’s office. Janz says he’ll spend the months leading up to the election making sure he knows exactly what the people he’ll represent want from their lawmakers. “It’s not my job to tell them what they should be concerned about,” he said. “It’s my job to listen to them.” For more information on Janz’ campaign visit andrewjanzforcongress.org.
New Tulare Board of Public Utilities Settles In Dave Adalian Tulare again has a full Board of Public Utilities (BPU), and it’s already at work. Thomas Griesbach, with the unanimous support of the City Council, now fills the final seat on the five-member BPU. The BPU oversees waste removal and treatment, as well as awarding multi-million-dollar contracts with the city’s energy producing partners, a subject it will take up when it next meets on May 4. The new appointments were necessary after the removal of two former members of the BPU, Ed Henry and Lee Brehm. The remaining three members resigned, two in protest, and one, James Pennington, so the Council could reappoint him if he was still welcome. None of the current council members voted for Pennington’s original appointment six months before his resignation. The current Council OK’d Pennington’s appointment, and at the first meeting of the new BPU on April 20, he was chosen president of the board. Serving as vice president is Howard Stroman. The other BPU members are Erica Cubas, Gregory Blevins and Griesbach,
who was appointed apart from his fellow board members at an April 18 meeting of the Council.
Some Experience
Gsriesbach, who has managed Lampe Lumber for the past 26 years, also has experience as the volunteer general manager of the Ponderosa Community Services District, a small utilities and roads district in that small mountain community. He also served as president of the Lumber Merchants of California-Nevada, as well as in a slew of other volunteer positions. “If you want to do any complaining, you’ve got to do the jobs you might be able to do,” he said. His prior experience includes working with large federally-funded projects for the Ponderosa District. However, experience with utility districts is not a requirement for BPU volunteers, Mayor Carlton Jones said. “I believe in all our people in our city,” he said. “I believe that everyone that comes has the talent, because the only talent you really have to have for these types of positions are willingness to serve and commitment to learn.”
Diversity, New Faces and Colony Energy
Too much experience might, in fact, be a reason for the Council to pass a volunteer over for a spot on a board or commission. Councilman Jose Sigala, who cited a need for more diversity on the BPU as his motive for voting to remove Henry and Brehm, also said former members of the BPU had been there too long. “At the last council meeting, there were a lot of negative comments from folks that obviously didn’t believe in them (the new BPU),” Sigala said. “I just want to let you know I understand it’s a high learning curve for a lot of folks, and I am excited about them learning. You can’t learn if someone sits on the same seat for 15-20 years.” Jones cited a lack of communication on the part of the former BPU for his wanting a reorganization, and he took particular issue with its refusal to reconsider a deal with Colony Energy Partners to generate fuel from waste collected by the city. At its first meeting, the new BPU directed staff to place a discussion of the Colony deal on the agenda for its May 4 meeting.
A closed session is scheduled to talk over the possibility of litigation regarding the city’s property lease with Colony, as well as the city’s negotiations with the company regarding its proposal to turn Tulare’s solid waste in bio-diesel.
Police Oversight
At the same April 18 meeting, the Council also appointed Chris Soria and Dick Johnson to seats on the city’s Citizen Complaint Police Review Board (CCPRB). Johnson was a member of the BPU until he resigned following the removal of Henry and Brehm. There was no discussion by the Council regarding either appointment. The CCPRB is tasked with reviewing the Tulare Police Department’s internal investigation of complaints against its officers. It meets at 5:30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall, 411 E. Kern Avenue. At the BPU’s next meeting, 3pm on May 4, commissioners will discuss changing the time of meetings to the evening, as well as holding some of its meetings at other locations around the city. It currently meets in the Council Chambers, 411 N. M Street.
4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • 9
County Seeks to Fill Water Commission Vacancies Staff Reports The Tulare County Board of Supervisors is seeking interested individuals to serve on the Tulare County Water Commission representing District One, District Three, District Five, and as one AtLarge member. The Tulare County Water Commission is designed to examine a wide variety of water issues that impact Tulare County. The Water Commission serves as an advisory body to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors and is made up of local water
experts including engineers, water district managers, elected officials and community activists. The Commission consists of nine members, one from each of the five Supervisorial Districts in the County, three At-Large members, and one TCAG representative appointed by the TCAG Board of Directors. Two County Supervisors also serve as non-voting members of the Water Commission. Anyone interested in serving on the Tulare County Water Commission should
have knowledge, interest, or experience as determined and desired by the Board of Supervisors in one or more of the following areas: • Water provision and irrigation services • Flood control matters • Agricultural and dairy industries • Local government, including tribal government Meetings occur on the second Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers in Visa-
lia. Water Commission members serve without compensation, however members of the Water Commission receive reimbursement for actual and necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Applications are available at www.tularecounty.ca.gov under Boards, Commissions and Committees, Special District Application or you can contact Candice Ruby at the Clerk of the Board’s office at (559) 636-5000. To be considered, submit your application by May 10, 2017.
Self-Help Enterprises Receives Partnership Recognition Award Self-Help Enterprises In July 2015, Stanislaus County formed the Temporary Water Assistance program, a partnership with Self-Help Enterprises, in response to the severe drought conditions. The Temporary Water Assistance program provides a temporary source of water through the installation of a water tank which supplies water to households throughout Stanisalaus County. In recognition of the successful partnership, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors recognized Stanislaus County
and Self-Help Enterprises. Through the County’s Emergency Water Oversight Committee, Self-Help Enterprises administers the Temporary Water Assistance program, which includes arranging for the installation of the water assistance system, educating program recipients, system maintenance, water delivery and reporting. Because the continued drought has uniquely impacted rural Stanislaus County residents who have historically relied on wells for their water supply, many households were left without a reliable clean water supply. A lack of access to water is a substantial
hardship for a family and going without a dependable water supply for a long period of time can potentially put the health and safety of those affected at risk. The Temporary Water Assistance partnership has addressed these issues with the temporary water distribution system. Instead of waiting for a new or deeper well, residents are able to remain in their home while a long-term solution becomes available.
Special Election to Be Held for Lindsay Sales Tax Staff Reports Tulare County Registrar of Voters, Michelle Baldwin, is announcing that there will be a Special Election for the City of Lindsay on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. The election will be regarding a proposed tax measure increases sales tax within the City of Lindsay by 1% (one cent for every dollar spent). Funds generated by the additional revenue will be allocated to the General Fund, where the residents may voice their preference of spending to the City Council. Funds may be used for any City-related purpose or place funds into reserve
Tulare
Continued from 1 The Council eventually voted 4-1, with Jones objecting, to have staff prepare a brief report on Tulare’s qualifications for the program. When that report will be delivered is uncertain, as City Hall is about to undergo a reorganization.
Lacking Resources
Distracting staff and spreading already thin resources even thinner was also a topic as the Council debated. “We don’t want to lose focus of other things we have going on,” said Councilwoman Maritsa Castellanzo. “It’s going to take expert eyes to take a look at this, and that’s something we just don’t have in our budget.” Councilman Jose Sigala, who initiated the CRIA discussion, pushed for a minimum investigation using city staff. “I think we have the staff and the talent to do it initially,” he said. “I don’t think it’s that difficult a task to initially do a staff report and come back. I don’t think there’s much cost beyond staff time.”
accounts. City-related purposes include services such as police and fire, infrastructure maintenance such as roads and water wells, and recreation. All tax revenue would be kept by the City and not be able to be spent by the State or County. Several other cities in the area have local sales tax, including Visalia, Dinuba, Farmersville, and Porterville. The tax is not set to automatically expire, but could be dissolved or reduced in the future if the tax was no longer needed. The tax measure was placed on the ballot by the Lindsay City Council. • The last day to register to vote for this election is Monday, May 22, 2017.
New City Department
Interim City Manager Joe Carlini said creating a CRIA in Tulare would probably require a specialist on staff if it decides to go ahead. “There may be an additional person we need that specializes in redevelopment,” he said. “You have to think of that in the back of your mind.” Community Development Director Rob Hunt agreed. “This will implement basically a redevelopment agency, which we disbanded and we no longer have,” he said. “It was a fully staffed department of the city. This is a full, new direction for the city to enter in and engage business.” And, he agrees the city’s staff can do the initial work, but they’ll need someone who’s worked with CRIA if they want more than the bare bones. “Staff can definitely put together something like this little staff report here and give you the ballpark numbers,” Hunt said. “If we’re going to come back to you with anything of meaning, I’m going to be honest with you, we need to have somebody who has experience in setting up one of these to take a look at it.” Currently, the city has just a single
• Voter registration cards are available at locations throughout Tulare County. To obtain a mail-in registration card, please call (559) 624-7300 or 1-800345-VOTE, a free hotline. If you prefer, you can also register online at: www.sos.ca.gov. • Vote by Mail ballots will become available beginning Monday, May 8, 2017. • Tuesday, May 30, 2017 is the last day the Registrar of Voters Office may receive • Vote by Mail ballot requests through the mail. Otherwise, after May 30, 2017, voters may come to the Elections Office
located at Government Plaza, 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia to request a Vote by Mail Ballot in person. • Tulare County residents that will be sworn in as a United States Citizen by a federal judge after Monday, May 22, 2017, but no later than the close of polls on Election Day, may register and vote at the Tulare County Registrar of Voters Office. You will be required to show your Naturalization Certificate at the time of registration.
staff member working on its housing projects. CRIA regulations require 25% of funding be used to develop affordable housing projects.
to be the leader of the herd,” Councilwoman Castellanzo said. “I’d like to see another city go before us and learn from their trial and error.”
Cash-Flow Problem
Self-Sufficient
CRIA rely on setting aside future tax revenue to pay for improvement projects, but that, says City Finance Director Darlene Thompson, could be a matter of robbing Peter to pay Paul. “When you say you’re taking tax-increment money, you’re going to take the money that was going to be allocated to the city for its bond, for its payment,” she said. “So, it might reduce the amount of money the general fund would be getting on its bond payment.” Carlini warned that if CRIA go the way of RDA, Tulare could be stuck with repaying the funds it received without revenue kickbacks from the state. While tax-increment funding has been in use in California since the 1950s, only one CRIA has so far been formed under the new law, and that was also a source of worry. “I think with the newness of any program there’s a lot of the unexpected. My concern would be I wouldn’t want
In the end, Castellanzo voted to have staff investigate the program further, as did Councilman David Macedo, but not before sharing the voice of experience. “I was one of those that saw the Redevelopment really work for Tulare, but I’ve seen it now be a real burden to the city of Tulare,” he said. “So, it’s not all roses out there, what RDA did to us. The city was doing RDA right, but we got punished for those cities that weren’t.” The allure of additional money with few strings attached eventually won the Council over. “If this program is self-sufficient and pays for itself, and we can help any area in Tulare, then I’m all for it,” said Councilman Brian Nunley. “I just don’t want to go down the same road as we did with RDA, and I hope that makes sense.” But first, he needs more information. “I don’t think anyone up here can tell me if this is good or bad,” he said. “I don’t want to make a blind decision.”
10 • Valley Voice
Audit
Continued from 1 sons to the hospital’s position in the prior year, alongside comparisons with other hospitals. The hospital’s net position increased by $16.3m, Smith told the board, and its total operating revenues increased to $80.2m, a 2% increase upon last year. For the year, the hospital had an operating margin of 3.1% as well, Smith said. Dr. Parmod Kumar, a long-time board member currently up for recall, had praise for the report -- and for HCCA’s leadership. “It’s a great report,” Dr. Parmod Kumar, a long-time board member, said. “I love some of your comments that you made, made me very comfortable.” “The current assets increased by $2.3m, and the margin is important in a hospital -- this is the operating margin, and we have been not making any money before HCCA came in on the operating margins,” Kumar said. “Never did. For twelve years. Until they came in and now every year we have an operating margin, without the property taxes. And that is huge: 3.1 percent.” Kevin Northcraft, one of two recently elected board members, asked that any action on the report be delayed until the following meeting so that the public would be able to comment. Copies of the draft or final copy were not published by the hospital online or provided at the meeting; a final version of the report was uploaded to the hospital’s website at 10:11PM the night after the meeting. Of the five on the board, only Northcraft, Mike Jamaica, and Linda Wilbourn were likely to have received a copy of the report before the meeting began. Jamaica and Wilbourn received copies on Tuesday at the district’s finance committee meeting. Northcraft said he received a copy on Tuesday night. “I move that this matter be tabled to our next meeting to allow the opportunity for the public to see it on our website and be able to submit questions, so that they are thoroughly familiar with the financial operations of their public hospital,” Northcraft told Wilbourn. Jamaica seconded. The motion failed with Wilbourn, Kumar, and Richard Torrez voting against, Northcraft and Jamaica in favor. The board then voted to approve the report along 3-2 lines -- Kumar, Wilbourn, and Torrez in favor, Northcraft and Jamaica against. The audit report marks the third independent verification of HCCA’s turnaround of the hospital, officials told the Voice.
Revising 2015’s Net Position
The firm left multiple criticisms of the district’s accounting processes. The first mentioned in the report, stated as a material weakness, was a series of misstatements in the district’s prior year financial statements. “[T]he District identified misstates related to the 2015 financial statements. The District restated its previously issued financial statements to appropriately reflect the June 30, 2015 net position,” the report states. The June 30, 2015 report from Armanino Consulting stated the district’s net position at $76,151,047.
4 May, 2017 The Eide Bailly report stated that the restatements to that figure -- the restatement of bond issuance costs as an expense (-$264,223), ‘recognition of accrued property taxes’ (+$9,418,651), an HCCA payable adjustment (-$1,729,421) and an HCCA payroll adjustment (-$927,695) -- resulted in a new, restated net position of $82,648,359. The restatement resulted in a total increase of $6,497,312. Smith explained two of the adjustments to the board during his presentation. “The pronouncement, or the standard that was in place two years ago, had not been implemented, and so we had to go back to the prior year and adjust the beginning net position,” Smith said of the adjustment that expensed bond issuance costs. “The other one was related to proper-
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Dr. Benny Benzeevi, CEO of Healthcare Conglomerate Associates, speaks at the April 2017 Tulare Local Healthcare District Board of Directors meeting. Tony Maldonado/Valley Voice
ficiency” and multiple “material weaknesses” in the hospital’s financial reporting. The significant deficiency referred
It’s a great [audit] report. I love some of your comments that you made, made me very comfortable.
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Dr. Parmod Kumar, TLHCD Board Member, to Kevin Smith of Eide Bailly
ty tax,” Smith said. “Any time the property tax is levied, it is basically agreed that you will receive that once it has been levied, so you have access to that at some point.” Hospital officials responded in the final copy of the report that they relied upon the judgment of their auditor on the treatment of tax revenues -- and admitted that there were weaknesses in accounting for HCCA payroll costs, citing the unprecedented arrangement between the hospital and the company as a challenge.
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to a total of $289,000 in passed-on adjustments. “As auditors, we identified significant transactions and account balances that, though incorrect, were not of of a material threshold requiring recording of the entries,” the report reads. “However, we note that this is indicative of the pervasive adjustments noted throughout our auditing procedures.” HCCA’s response to the auditors was
We had some delays initially of getting the information, but once we started the process [...] to get that data and start verifying those amounts, we want to let you know that we received excellent cooperation.
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Kevin Smith, an Eide Bailly auditor, to the TLHCD Board “This area was not neglected by any means; with no precedent, model, or template for carrying out the accounting, it proved challenging to understand and plan for appropriate accounting procedures,” the response stated.
“Significant Deficiency”
While the report praised HCCA’s work with the district, stating that the “...
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that there was insufficient staffing to perform the work. Finance staff were redirected “for hundreds of hours during 2016” due to Public Records Act requests and requests from legal counsel for analyses. “We will take steps to ensure material account balances are reconciled in 2017,” the response states.
Material Weaknesses
As auditors, we experienced difficulty in obtaining appropriate support for our requests throughout the audit process. Additionally, the support provided was often incorrect or incomplete, and ultimately required adjustment, which resulted in material changes to the financial statements.
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A statement from the new Eide Bailly audit economic future of the District can also expect to be bolstered by HCCA’s continuing operational and managerial expertise…” and that the company has “... steadily led the District in improving the finances and operations.” Smith did state that HCCA had responded to each of the firm’s comments and that he was pleased with the company’s work. “They have responded to every one of the comments, and we’re satisfied with their comments,” Smith said, “They are working very diligently, very hard, they take them very serious -- to correct them going forward.” The report found one “significant de-
The first material weakness regards internal control of financial reporting. “The District does not have an internal control system designed to provide for the preparation of the financial statements and related footnotes being audited in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” the report states. “Management relied on the auditing firm to report financial data in accordance with GAAP.” According to the Financial Accounting Foundation, reporting financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles “establishes greater accountability and transparency between a government and its citizens,
legislative and oversight bodies, investors, and creditors.” The hospital states that there is a process in place to handle such requirements, but that an organization of TRMC’s size has no internal audit department “that can keep abreast of GAAP and other pronouncements.” They also state that their prior audit firms, Armanino and TCA Partners, “did not present comments or conclusions to the effect of EB’s comments.” “As 2016 is the first year audited by EB, we incurred a number of first year surprises in audit expectations,” the response continues. “Procedural updates have since been incorporated into 2017 preparation practices.” Another material weakness report states that hospital management did not have processes to “properly reconcile account balances in the general ledger and to adjust the balances to the proper amount,” requiring transaction reclassifications and adjustments. The end result was a decrease of the hospital’s 2016 net position of approximately $3m. Hospital officials gave the same explanation to this as they did to the auditor’s “significant deficiency” finding -- that finance staff were redirected for hundreds of hours on Public Records Act requests and analyses requested by legal counsel. The firm’s report on the third weakness found stated that “an effective process was not in place to identify potential and actual errors in accounting activity. Additionally, the management structure of the District lacked appropriate organization to provide timely and proper support for audit requests.” The report also states that auditors experienced difficulty in “...obtaining appropriate support for our requests throughout the audit process. Additionally, the support provided was often incorrect or incomplete, and ultimately required adjustment, which resulted in material changes to the financial statements.” During his remarks to the board, Smith did not mention any incomplete or inaccurate documents. “We had some delays initially of getting the information, but once we started the process - we come out here in early September,” Smith said, “and then kind of start that process again in January to get that data and start verifying those amounts, we want to let you know that we received excellent cooperation.” HCCA’s response to the comments stated that the difficulties auditors experienced were due to a “convergence of obligations” in the company’s finance de-
AUDIT continued on 11 »
4 May, 2017
Garibay Continued from 1
decision by heading to the California Supreme Court -- which joined the Fresno court in allowing Hillman’s ruling to stand. Now, Woodlake has petitioned the United States Supreme Court to review the original order. If the court refuses to hear the case, it will return to Judge Hillman’s court room. The Supreme Court will decide next month whether it will entertain the appeal, though it declines roughly 90% of the cases submitted. Meanwhile, the discovery phase of the case is starting in earnest and the trial in is set for December 11 in the event the Supreme Court refuses the case. Woodlake is facing hefty legal costs by prolonging the case. The city is being represented by Farley Law Firm, located in Visalia, which has put in anywhere between 50 – 70 hours of work. According to a local lawyer, law firms usually charge a municipal rate of approximately $175 per hour, meaning that Woodlake has already spent approximately $12,000 -- before the cost of the discovery phase and the trial. The decision whether to fight or settle was made by Woodlake’s City Council, headed by Mayor Rudy Mendoza.
Background
Garibay was hired by the Woodlake Police Department in May, 2012.
Audit
Continued from 10 partment -- essentially a perfect storm: a conversion to a new Electronic Medical Record system, new accounting software system, and audits from both Medicare and MediCal. “It was an unfortunate occurrence that deprived EB staff of adequate responsiveness of hospital staff,” the response reads. “Hospital staffing was not adequate to provide sufficient advance reconciliation of a number of general ledger accounts, and we have taken measures to bolster staffing in 2017.”
Tower Update
Alan Germany, Chief Financial Officer for HCCA, gave an update on construction of the beleaguered tower project. The building’s shell, “increment one,” had been signed off by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, Germany said during his presentation. The second increment of construction -- focusing on interior improvements -- is currently in progress, Germany told the board and audience. After the presentation, Northcraft inquired about the possibility of opening use of the tower in stages instead of waiting for its construction to be completed. “That’s certainly an option, but it’s certainly not an ideal option. First, it adds tremendously to the cost when you build a building partially instead of fully,” Benzeevi said. “Second, having a large emergency department without having the capacity to have the services that go along with it won’t really serve the optimum goal.” Later in the meeting, Benzeevi also briefly discussed the bond financ-
Valley Voice • 11 During his tenure he racked up many honors, such as being named Officer of the Year three times by the Knights of Columbus, the Police Officers Association, and by the Woodlake City Council. He received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving award twice for making the most arrests of those driving under the influence. The Woodlake Police Department began an inquiry into Garibay’s personal life late in 2014 after Jane Doe’s husband allegedly complained to Lara. Garibay told Melo and Sarsfield that it was made clear to him during the inquiry that he was in trouble because Jane Doe’s husband is a good friend of Woodlake City Manager Lara, and not because he did anything against department policy. After the inquiry Garibay was given a three-day suspension without pay. Garibay was hoping that the issue was over. But on November 12 he was called into Chief Mike Marquez’ office again and told that a formal Internal Affairs investigation had been initiated. Members of the Woodlake community, such as Jane Doe’s pastor, coworkers and husband, were asked if they knew if Garibay was having an affair with Jane Doe, or if they knew there was a sexual/ romantic relationship between them, according to the investigative report. Marquez allegedly gave Garibay a written directive ordering him not to see Jane Doe and to immediately report any contact he had with her. The investigation discovered that, since the directive has been issued, Garibay had been in
phone contact with Jane Doe twice and that Doe had delivered grapes to Garibay’s house. Because it was alleged that he had disobeyed the directive, Garibay was found guilty of insubordination and misconduct and was fired. Garibay says he was never given a written directive by Marquez, and Melo and Sarsfield explained that such a directive would have been unenforceable and is highly inappropriate. Garibay served two tours of duty: four years in Iraq, and four in Afghanistan.He was part of the US Army forces that retook Bagdad in 2005, and was also part of President Obama’s surge in 2009. He was honorably discharged with many letters of recommendation. During his service he received 11 medals, of which the Combat Infantry Badge he is most proud. “Not many people have those,” said Melo. After leaving the military, Garibay decided to go into law enforcement because he wanted a job that made a difference. He enrolled in the College of the Sequoias Police Academy and graduated in the top five of his class. When he was hired by the Woodlake Police Department he soon decided that was where he wanted to retire. During his few years at the department he had other opportunities to leave but never made the jump.
ing search. “The first step in that is to get a feasibility study which will confirm by an outside entity that the projections we have for the hospital’s ability to pay back that loan are accurate,” Benzeevi said, “and that is what is happening at present.”
first part of the ongoing court case, claiming that the prior medical staff was deficient in its duties and that the board was forced to act decisively after a scathing report from the California Department of Public Health, acting on behalf of the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, to keep the hospital open. The April 19 communication that Benzeevi referred to was not made available to the public during the meeting, nor was it made available on the hospital’s website.
CDPH “Fully Accepting” MEC Disassociation
Benzeevi reported to the board that complaints to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) leading to a
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Why The Supremes Would Take the Case
There are two issues that could make
The 2017 budget as approved by the District Board shows a continued improvement both in operating income and cash. That budget indicates an 11% operating margin and 100 Days Cash on Hand at the end of 2017.
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A statement from the new Eide Bailly audit February report which claimed the hospital had violated its bylaws in removing the former medical executive committee and medical staff, have been closed in the hospital’s favor. “In April 19, 2017, CDPH responded fully accepting TRMC’s actions and closing the case,” Benzeevi said. “An election, the first major one in over seven years, will be held next month to elect MEC officers.” The election would be the first since the new medical executive committee and medical staff were installed by the board. Members of the old medical staff that previously had the ability to vote for MEC officers had that ability rescinded when the new medical staff was installed, according to testimony by multiple doctors in a court case surrounding the move to remove the former staff. His statements largely restated the hospital’s position as laid out during the
Pointed Exchanges
Northcraft asked Benzeevi if any of the reports he cited -- including the April 19 letter -- were made available to the board or the public. “All reports from both agencies are publicly available,” Benzeevi said. “They’re all available on the agencies’ websites.” “I hope you’re right -- that that information is available -- because I’ve not seen your response to the recent report, that you didn’t provide us, that indicated this board’s action [to disassociate from the prior MEC] put the lives of our patients in danger,” Northcraft said. His statements refer to the February report which stated that the ouster “... resulted in potential for disruption of critical patient care systems overseen by a medical staff, thereby putting patients at risk for errors and adverse events.” After Northcraft finished his remarks, Kumar responded by defending the deci-
this an attractive case for the United States Supreme Court. The first is that the court has never legally defined what an “affair” is. Second, the court has never ruled if having an affair is a protected activity. Multiple appeals courts have said it is a protected activity, but the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi says it is not. Woodlake is claiming to have “immunity” because it alleges that there is a split of legal authority in the country about whether the government can fire someone for having an affair. The city claims it didn’t know whether firing someone for having an affair was legal or not -- thus it has immunity. In California, however, the law is clear that an employer cannot fire someone for this reason. Additionally, Garibay didn’t have “an affair” as he is not and never has been married. Under California law, a person has to be married to have an affair. Another problem for the city is Garibay’s claim that the City’s rule is being selectively applied. He is the only officer to have been fired for what the City defines as having an affair, even though he alleges others employed at Woodlake’s Police Department have engaged in the same behavior. When Melo and Sarsfield were asked if they plan to present evidence to support that Garibay is being singled out they replied, “We expect to. [That] might be why they are fighting so hard.” sion to disassociate from the old medical staff in favor of the current medical staff. Kumar emerged as a key figure in the creation of the new medical staff through testimony in the trial. “He was wrong last month on the board meeting, he is wrong today,” Kumar said of Northcraft. “We were led to that disastrous [January Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services] report, because the medical staff did not act in the proper way, and the board let them have its independence, because that’s what the board believed was the law,” Kumar said. “It’s no fault of the board. [The] board must remain respectful.” Kumar claimed that Northcraft and Jamaica had, in fact, acted irresponsibly in voting against medical staff recommendations at the prior board meeting. “What I will suggest to you is this, talk to your colleagues who support you, they’re your friends, they need to bring the patients to the hospital,” Kumar said. “I’d like to just comment on that, if I could,” Northcraft said. “No, you’ve had your time,” Wilbourn responded. Some members of the audience responded with jeers to the suggestion that Northcraft would be cut off. Others said he’d had more than enough. “He’s dominated the whole meeting -- are you people serious?” asked Teresa Berbereia, a Tulare nurse in attendance at the meeting. Wilbourn relented and Northcraft was allowed to respond. “Our mission is not to make money, our mission is to provide services,” Northcraft said. “We are not doing that currently, because the doctors were insulted and their privileges were removed.” Benzeevi responded that no doctors lost their privileges to practice at TRMC.
12 • Valley Voice
4 May, 2017
Voices of the Valley
Sam Sciacca – A Lifetime in Visalia Nancy Vigran If you know Sam Sciacca, you know he tells a good story. He is, indeed, a good salesman, and he loves downtown Visalia. Sciacca did not have an easy childhood. The Visalia native was the only child to immigrant parents from Sicily, although he does have a half-sister. His dad, who was a farmer, worked hard and expected the same from his son. “My life was always about work – always about selling,” Sciacca said. “At the age of seven, my father put me in the asparagus business. He raised a bed of asparagus, and he would bundle it into two-pound bundles, and I would go out on the streets in the neighborhood and sell two pounds for 25 cents. It got to be a huge business – by the time I was 9 years old, I was taking 100 orders a week. “As soon as I finished my asparagus sales, I got a paper route, and I worked for Real Fresh Milk and I had a part time job working for A&W. I would work at Real Fresh from 5:30am – 1:30pm. I’d go home and sleep. I’d get up and 4 and go to work at A&W from 5-11pm during the summer. And during the school year, then I’d just work the A&W job. “I was always working – I had the desire to make money at an early age. My father taught me that you will never get ahead in this world unless you work. He told me that life is not sitting on the couch watching TV.”
High School, Family Background and College
Sciacca attended high school at Mt. Whitney and studied industrial technology. Extra-curricular activities were not to be. “Playing football was not in the cards. I had a tough time playing baseball [in high school],” he said. “My father didn’t even know about it. I couldn’t tell him, because if I did, I couldn’t play, so the coach did me a big favor, he let me play when I could play. There were times I couldn’t go to games. I played once in a while - it was not an everyday deal. My dad never knew I played baseball.” His father encouraged him to become an auto mechanic. “I thought I wanted to be an automobile mechanic, because my father kept pushing me to do a trade and mechanics seemed to be a trade that he liked,” Sciacca said. “My dad was set on my being a mechanic, not a farmer like he was, ‘I don’t want you to work as hard as me.’ Sciacca’s dad was one of a large family of siblings who moved to California during the 1930’s. Each time one of the seven brothers or five sisters moved, they’d send money back to home to help the next sibling move, he said. His father had been divorced, and decided he wanted to find a Sicilian bride, so he went back to his home country – he found her and the next day there were married. His father brought his mother back to California and they had Sam within a couple years. “My father bought the property on Tulare Ave. and Burke St., which is right in the middle of city limits today and I
Sam Sciacca at work. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice
have kept that property. One of the reasons I have not sold it, is because I wanted my kids to see what he did - I barely had reached 20 years old when he had passed away,” Sciacca said. “So, I decided I was not going to sell his property – I was going to keep it. Little did I know that I was going to be in the real estate business.” After high school, Sciacca attended College of the Sequoias. “I was mixed up – I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said. “I had worked for Bob Cary at the A&W drivein starting at the age of 14.” After graduating COS, he enrolled in Fresno State and got into their industrial technology program and studied to be a teacher. Just prior to his graduating his father passed away. He finished up, but could not find a teaching job. “I decided that my mother was here by herself – I had no brothers and sisters,” he said. “She couldn’t drive – she could barely speak English, and I decided to move back to Visalia and watch her, and take care of her - so that she had somebody. “I was lost, I didn’t know what to do, so I went back to work for Bob Cary and he built a new restaurant on Mooney Blvd. and he hired me to run that restaurant. So, I was the manager of that store for five years. “I decided maybe I could have a career in the restaurant business.” At the same time, Sciacca was farming walnuts. “I decided I would continue to farm the property that my dad bought when he came here from Sicily. I started becoming familiar with raising walnuts at a real early age and I was running the walnut dehydrator, probably at the age of 10. My dad was managing it, but I was working in it. We had a small walnut orchard, it was only 17 acres – so it wasn’t a full-time job – whenever my dad needed me, I was helping him. But, I learned how to run the walnut dehy-
drator and I learned how to raise walnuts and how to take care of them – all through high school.” Around this time, Sciacca had a brief first marriage. “Because of my work habits,” he said. “I admit it. I’ll tell the whole world out there, that because of my being a workaholic, I lost my first marriage. I didn’t spend any social time. I was all about work.”
The Beginnings of a Career in Real Estate
As if he didn’t have enough to do, Sciacca also started farming walnuts for other people. “I met this man Pete Manuele – his property was here in Visalia and I was shaking the walnuts and doing all the work for the Manuele family. One day I went to his office to pick up a check, and I sat down with him and he asked me if I ever thought about getting into real estate. I said, ‘are you kidding me? I can’t sell anything – I could barely sell asparagus when I was seven years old.’ “With real estate – I would have to learn about land and descriptions and he said, ‘why don’t you go to Anthony Schools [of Real Estate]?’ “Alright,’ – so I went to Anthony Schools and got an education. “Then I signed up to take my real estate exam. And, I took it three times. I couldn’t pass the test. Finally, the third time, I passed. So, I went back to Pete Manuele and I said, ‘Pete, I’ve passed the test, and I’ve quit my job, can you tell me what I need to do now?’ “And, he kind of laughed, and said, ‘well, that’s your problem now,’ and kind of walked away. He turned me on to Bill Jordan. “Ironically, Bill Jordan had come to me when I was at A&W to try to buy my father’s property. Well, I told Bill Jordan, ‘Get away from me.’ I didn’t want to talk with him. I rudely told him to go away.
Little did I know that in 1978, I would be at his doorstep asking him for a job. “He remembered. He said to me, ‘I don’t hire people without experience.’ I just kept on bugging him. “I said, ‘I think I can do this. My father has had property in Visalia since the 1930’s. “And he asked, ‘well, had your father every sold real estate?’ “’Well, no, but he owned it.’ “‘Well, what do you know about it?’ “I said, ‘I know how to harvest walnuts. I know how to run a walnut dehydrator. And, besides that, I’ll make you money. I sold asparagus when I was 7 years old. I know how to sell real estate – I know how to do this. Give me a break.’ “He thought about it. And, I was the very first agent he ever hired that had no experience. That was 40 years ago. I’ve been with his company – that he just sold – for 39 years. I will have sold real estate for 40 years in March of 2018” Sciacca attributes his success to the facts that he loves people and loves putting transactions together. “The real estate industry is very difficult,” he said. “We are working with some property that doesn’t belong to us, it belongs to our client. We have to be able to market something that doesn’t belong to us. I learned the way to do it, because of trial and error – mistakes that I made through the 40 years and the new people that I met that were more talented than me – that taught me things,” he said.
Influences
Sciacca says many people influenced his life, and he named a few. “Al Sindlinger was the auto shop teacher at COS. “He was one of the biggest reasons I went to college – I don’t know if I would have gone to college [further on to Fresno State]. “Another man at COS, Joe Gaurisco was the dean of industrial technology –
SCIACCA continued on 13 »
4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • 13
Sciacca
Continued from 12 he convinced me to get into secondary education field, and I got my teaching credential. “Both of the men became clients. I never forgot either one of them – both of them were very self-motivated people. And they saw something and convinced me that I could do.” Sciacca went on to say, that while he didn’t end up in a profession that he studied in college, he does not feel any of that time was wasted. “When I got into real estate, I quit my job at A&W and I started working long hours. My dad used to tell me if you’re going to be successful in the world . . .” Tears filled Sciacca’s eyes as he spoke. “Who is my biggest reason, that I am successful? My father. “He thought I was lazy. He told me that many times. He said, ‘you don’t work as hard as I do. You don’t put in the hours that I put in. You need to understand, son, if you’re going to be successful in this world, you’ve got to work. You can’t go on vacations, you can’t go out to dinner, you can’t do those things’ – so, I had never been to a hamburger place until I was 20 years old (except working at A&W). I never went to the theatre, I never went to a show. He wouldn’t let me buy a class ring, he wouldn’t let me buy a yearbook. I never went to a dance. I didn’t do any of that – all I did was work as a kid. “So, my biggest influence, after my father had died, was my [second] wife. Marlene stood with me all the way. She was there for everything. She worked at First American Title. She’d get up at 5am, I was still sleeping, because I got home at 11pm. I got up at 7am – she was gone. When she came home at 5pm, I was here working until 11pm. I got home – the plate had cellophane on it and it was ready to put in the microwave, so I would eat dinner at 11 at night, and she’d be asleep. “That went on for 20 years. She supported everything I did and she knew, I guess, that we would be successful. She waited it out and if you ask her today, ‘was it worth it?’ she would tell you, ‘yes.’
Developments and Family
But Sciacca had not just settled for a career in real estate – he went on to become a property owner and developer. “My family bought land in Sicily –
my grandfather owned land in Sicily; my father’s brothers and sisters owned land, here in Visalia – Burke and Tulare was my dad’s, Conyer and Walnut was my uncle’s, Mary’s Vineyard was my aunt’s,” he said. “I don’t know how they knew to, but they all bought land. “People tell me that I didn’t just go to Pete Manuelle and learn to be a real estate agent because it was a fluke – it was in my blood. How could I not get into the business? “My very first project was a lot and I bought a house, and there was a lot next to it and we split it and bought another house. I thought, wow, that’s pretty good. Then I bought a rental house, then I bought another rental house. “So, I started buying land and I’d say maybe 10 or 15 years into the business I hooked up with a guy named Mike Fistolera and some other builders, the Williamson (brothers) family. I watched these builders and they started buying lots to build houses. They were buying lots from developers and they were building houses and selling the houses. And I decided I am going to try this – I like this. I don’t think I am going to build, but I like buying more land. “I bought my first piece of [development] property on Houston and Giddings from Les Jamieson – he was a big developer in Visalia. It was kind of an awkward deal, he said, ‘you just give me so much down and I’ll carry the balance – you can pay me when you get all the lots developed. And, I am going to give you a horse to bet on – he was a horse guy – if you win, then you’ve got to pay me interest. If the horse loses, you don’t have to pay me any interest.’ The horse lost. “So I ended up buying it with practically no money down. He built the houses and we developed 44 lots and it was called Houston Acres – my very first project. “That went on for about 20 years, and I still sold real estate – my passion was listing and selling real estate. During that time, a lot of things happened. I had kids.” The Sciaccas have four children – Shane, Marlene’s son, who came into Sam’s life when they were married; Chet; Concetto, named after his grandfather Sciacca; Michele Margarita, whose middle name is after her grandmother Sciacca; and Gina, named after a nickname of her grandmother Sciacca.
Life Goals and God
“The last person who influenced my
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life was Bill Jordan,” Sciacca said. “Bill Jordan probably taught me more about real estate than any other person how to analyze people, how to figure out what properties were a good buy, how to determine costs and expenses. And, because of that I showed my loyalty to him for 39 years. “What I really, really desired to do was to build an estate so that my family would never have to worry about anything.” Sciacca is a man of God, he said. And, his first goal and priority is to Him. “My second goal in my life – other than trying to be happy with God, and making sure to do the things that He tells me to do - is to make sure that I take care of my wife,” he said, “to make sure that she is really in good shape. “These are my goals, today, and third of all is my family – I want to make sure that my family is in good shape. “And then, money comes after that – after God, my wife, my family – then I worry about making money, so that I can support them. “Let me tell you how it was before I realized those were more important – money was first, money was second and money was third – there was no wife, there was no family. I was not a very nice person. “I’ve done very well,” Sciacca said. “We finished several projects. But, the most dramatic project that I have done in my life was to help my kids.” The Sciaccas first purchased the Chelsea Street Boutique about 30 years ago and moved it from its rental location, to a property on Mooney Blvd., which Sam purchased and developed into a five-unit retail development. They thought it was a project they would work on together, but it turned out just to be another job for Marlene – so they sold it. The new owner, turned it into a bridal boutique, and let go of the name. Finishing college, the Sciaccas’ daughter, Gina, wanted to get into design, but couldn’t find a job she was happy with. Sam suggested a clothing boutique, and so, they purchased the Togni-Branch Stationers building on Main St. with the intent of it being developed into the family’s clothing business and they again opened Chelsea Street Boutique at that location. “Finally, I decided that above Chelsea Street Boutique, there was space up there that wasn’t being used – it was storage,” Sciacca said. “I told Marlene, you know what, we’ve got this space up there that we’re not doing anything with.
e
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What do you think if we build an apartment up there?” The Sciaccas had been to Sicily to see where his family had come from, and had found that his mother, along with a sister, had lived in an apartment over a boutique where she had sold hats. “My mom lived above commercial development. So, I got the idea that if they can do it in Sicily, and become successful. Why can’t we do it in Visalia?
Potential Fall Out
“I was finding myself looking for another residential over commercial – couldn’t find anything. I ended up buying a large piece of property on the north side of Visalia that I was intentionally going to use for development. “We had a financial meltdown in 2009. A lot of things created a tough market. “The big boy builders - they no longer bought lots. The days of developing lands and selling lots to the builder started drying up. And, I had all this land up there with the intention to develop and it wasn’t happening. I had over 20 lots in this subdivision that I couldn’t get sold – nobody wanted to buy lots anymore. “I wasn’t sure what to do. Then, I had another 60 acres – all zoned, but I was reluctant to develop. We even considered giving the property back to the bank. “What now, Sam? “I get a phone call – the Visalia Unified School District calling me, saying, well not in these words, but ‘Mr. Sciacca, we want to build a school on the property that you were going to give back to the bank – that you were going to walk away from – we want to buy it.’ “In 2009, we had more debt than we had income – we had servicing debt, and I said, ‘yeah, I’ll sell it to you!’ “We closed the escrow and liquidated that debt.” And then, “‘Hello, Sam, this is Lennar Homes, we’d like to buy the rest of your property.’ “I couldn’t believe it. The first call was the Visalia Unified School District. The second call was Lennar Homes. And there was a third call. And it was from DR Horton. “‘Hi Sam, this is DR Horton, we’d like to buy the rest of your land.’ “I was dumbfounded. I realized that if I sold all of this land now - that I hadn’t planned on - that the tax consequences would be so high that I would not know how I would be able to get through it.
SCIACCA continued on 16 »
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14 • Valley Voice
4 May, 2017
Viewpoint
Resisting the Politics of Fear Andrew Moss Some time ago I attended a “know your rights” workshop sponsored by an immigration rights organization near my home in Los Angeles. The attorneys conducting the workshop offered a broad array of ideas and suggestions, but one piece of advice stood out for me. It dealt with potential workplace raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, and the attorneys’ advice was straightforward: if you are told at your workplace to get into two lines – one for those “with papers” and one for those “without” – simply refuse. Stay in one group. I thought about that suggestion when reading the text of a recent address by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly at George Washington University. In his address, Kelly hammered home a basic theme: “we are a nation under attack,” and this attack, he claimed, is directed at us from many quarters: from transnational criminal organizations, and from “failed states, cyber-terrorists, vicious smugglers, and sadistic radicals.” As he declared, “we are under attack every single day. The threats are relentless.” And, as Kelly also maintained, the policies and approaches of the Trump administration represent a new level of sup-
port for Homeland Security personnel, a support that finally allows them to “do the jobs they were hired and trained to do, and recognize them for doing it.” In an editorial published a few days later, The New York Times editorial board criticized the address for its ominous, apocalyptic tone, maintaining that this kind of fearmongering – and the policies it justifies – actually make us less safe, “driving segments of immigrant communities underground, making them fearful of any encounters with law enforcement.” The Times board rightly chastised Kelly for this fearmongering and the threat it poses to civil society. But they also neglected to take two important additional steps: naming the political functions performed by this rhetoric and exploring the deeper implications it carries. One function, of course, is to distract. If crafted skillfully enough, the rhetoric helps draw attention from the administration’s utter incapacity and unwillingness to address the needs of citizens, whether these have to do with health care, job growth, the ensuring of workers’ rights and benefits, or the protection of our air and water. A fear-based rhetoric also helps divert attention from the administration’s various efforts to promote the Trump brand worldwide while it helps out wealthy allies and friends. But fearmongering doesn’t simply dis-
tract. It also casts a veil of complicity over unwitting listeners and readers. Nowhere in his long address does Kelly once mention the new rules on immigration enforcement promulgated this past February by the Trump administration, rules that vastly expanded the government’s potential net for detention and deportation. No longer is the emphasis on individuals who have committed violent crimes; now anyone who has committed a crime, including the “crime” of illegal entry, is subject to this new regime of enforcement. And it is this regime that has inflicted untold suffering upon families wrenched apart by detainments, deportations, and fear – families I know, or know of, personally through my affiliations with immigrant rights groups in Los Angeles. In his omissions as much as in his declarations, Kelly presents a persona more sophisticated than that of race-baiting, scapegoating candidate Trump in last year’s presidential election. Yet Kelly’s words and omissions are just as repressive as those of his boss insofar as they enable the criminalization of people not on the basis of crimes they’ve committed against others but simply on the basis of who they are. We don’t expect Secretary Kelly to recount the events leading up to this benighted moment, but some attention must be paid to a history of intentional, conscious disenfranchisement. Only
four years ago, the US Senate passed an immigration reform bill (Senate Bill 744) providing some kind of path, albeit a tortuous one, to citizenship for 11 million undocumented people, and it wasn’t long after that Speaker John Boehner, under pressure from the Tea Party and others, allowed the bill to languish, then die, in the House of Representatives. There is a direct link between the nativist, anti-migrant politics that long pre-dated Donald Trump and the suffering and fear experienced by so many people today. This is why the sanctuary movement – and the kind of workplace solidarity strategy I mentioned above – are so critical in resisting the politics of fear and the complicity it can easily induce. But as the rhetoric of fear gets more sophisticated, it is equally important to take it on frontally and expose it for what it is. To do so means that one recognizes that citizenship is not simply bestowed by a protective piece of paper (a birth certificate, a “green card,” a certificate of naturalization) but by the fulfillment of one’s responsibilities to one’s fellow human beings and to their rights – and to the democratic institutions that sustain those rights. Andrew Moss, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is an emeritus professor at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he taught in Nonviolence Studies for 10 years.
colore, and banning many Muslims from entering the US is more important than getting totally hosed by a kleptocratic kommander-in-chief and kongress? Interesting priorities. Just to further pound in the financial punishment to the very voters who put him and the other Republican lawmakers into office, they are gutting healthcare to millions of the least well off Americans as the Tea Partiers are now lining up to repeal Obamacare—unless enough moderate Republicans save the day, which will only happen by ongoing constituent pressure. Meanwhile, in a regime just as Orwellian as his BFF Putin’s, Trump keeps tweeting and repeating that CNN, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other evidence-based mainstream
media are “fake news.” If Donald Trump tripped and fell he would blame it on CNN and call gravity fake science. When will we all be embarrassed enough or properly terrified enough to halt this charade? Will we get this charlatan impeached before he launches a Wag the Dog nuclear war? Before Miami and Manhattan are inundated from rising seas due to his sheaf of anti-environment Executive Orders? When does that 25th Amendment kick in? Since our “leaders” seem incapable, we will need to lead ourselves, it appears. This is our democracy and we want it back. These are our children and grandchildren and we want them protected. We cannot allow this to continue for 1300 more days.
Trump Kleptocracy Tom H. Hastings The Trump budget—pure profit for Pentagon corporate contractors. The Trump tax “reform”—massive tax cuts for the rich. Really? We are going to stand for this? Compared to last year, if his corporations truly paid the going corporate tax rate, Trump would “richly benefit,” in multiple ways when his proposed cuts kick in. His corporate tax burden would be cut by at least 4.9 percent—millions of dollars—and his personal taxes would likely be cut even more massively, although since he alone amongst modern presidents has refused to let the American people see his returns, we cannot pin a number on his projected undeserved gains.
This is the textbook definition of corruption. Fortunately for him, the Senators are wealthy too and love these ideas, as are most of the members of the House of Representatives. Corrupt Congress, corrupt president—and somehow the white male voters generally suppose this will all work out for them, since a reported 96 percent of his voters say they would vote for him again (and white males voted for him in overwhelming numbers, with white males without a college education voting for him a 72 percent rate). This is not working out for those uneducated white men, but they love him. Could it be that blowing off a Mother of All Bombs on Afghans, deporting Mexicans, ending Department of Justice investigations of police killings of people of
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4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • 15
Comments & Letters Do You Agree With How Devin Nunes Represents You?
THE PEANUT GALLERY
Amanda Dudley
Kathy Falconer
I am including the voting record of Since the last election constituents of the 22nd Congressional District are Devin Nunes’ 12 year history as Conbeginning to panic as Congress consid- gressional Representative of the 22nd ers and passes legislation that impacts District. Information was collected from our environment, schools, financial Letter to the Editor; Parks, civil rights, the site PoliticsThatWork.com. If you system, National Since the last election constituents of the 22 Congressional District are beginning to panic as Congress considers and these concerning in-and immigration, and policies. passes legislation thatforeign impacts our environment, schools,find financial system,percentages National Parks, civil rights, immigration, foreign policies. When the agenda of ouradminadministrationform no longer represents the democracy Mr. Nunes office. I have learned to expect When the agenda of our and appreciate I am taking note. I am including the voting record of Devin Nunes’ 12 year history as Congressional As atheconstituent if we doIfnot speak istration no longer the deRepresentative of the 22represents District. Information was collected from site PoliticsThatWork.com. you find these percentages concerning inform Mr. Nunes office. As a constituent if we do not speak up we only have ourselves to up we only have ourselves to blame. mocracy I have learned to expect and blame. If for no other reason we do it for our children. Kathy Falconer If for no other reason we do it for appreciate I am taking note. our children. nd
nd
Do You Agree With How Devin Nunes Represents You?
The following stats were taken from a graph provided by the site PoliticsThatWork.com. If you want to follow any other Legislator search this site. Supports legislation100% to 90 % of the time Disaster Relief 100% of the time Big Business 100% o f the time Military Spending 100% of the time Taxing Middle Class 92% of the time Supports legislation 89% to 70 % of the time Avoiding Default 83.3%of the time Hawkish Foreign Policy 77.8% of the time Domestic Surveillance 71.4% of the time Supports legislation 69% to 50% of the time Higher Spending 68.5% of the time Supports legislation 49% to 33% of the time Public Health 35.6% of the time
Foreign &HumanitarianAid33.3% of the time
LESS THAN 30% OF THE TIME he will support
Funding Education 22.7% of the time Women's Rights 18.2% of the time Increasing Revenues 17.6% of the time Racial Equality 8.3% of the time Environmental Protection 2% of the time Taxing the Wealthy 0% of the time a Robust Safety Net 0% of the time Labor Rights and Wages 0% of the time Consumer Protection 0% of the time Taxing Businesses 0% of the time Financial Sector Regulation 0% of the time Gun Control 0% of the time LGBT Rights 0% of the time Humane Immigration Policy0% of the time Poverty Amelioration0% of the time
Comments from ourvalleyvoice.com
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Comments from ourvalleyvoice.com
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HSR is coming to Hanford’s east side. today again State courts ruled agains our County trying to stop this. i’m not encouraged we’ll stop it. That being said, isn’t irresponsible our city leaders have completely ignored in this plan that reality that we may opposed but is coming our way?
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— David M on Hanford City Council Votes 4-0 To Approve General Plan
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all the noise came from the side of Agri Center that is in Tulare County, not the City. sorry folks. guess those few nights a year close the doors/ windows, turn up the TV, turn on the AC.
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Look at New York, and how the highest real state is around their park, think how sad it would be for New York to not have its park,,,let us honor out forefathers who started this park for us and not sell it just to make more houses or storage
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— David M on March’s Pueblofest, Not Enjoyed by All
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— Catherine Verissimo on Residents/Hidden Valley Park
Excuse me, but you don’t even enforce the fireworks restrictions you have now! But it looks good on paper I suppose. Just like our transit system. Who cares if it doesn’t really work as long as it looks good on paper. And don’t get me started on the fraud called Measure N.
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— AAngry tax payer on Visalia City Council Fireworks/Water Ordinances
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Oh Kassandra, I am not misleading anyone. Just look at the numbers prior to HCCA taking over and then every year thereafter. The numbers have done nothing but decline under their management. Unless of course the reporting isn’t factual. First pediatric admits make-up very little of TRMC census and it hasn’t for many years. As well as ENT. I am well aware that Dr. Smith continued to do many surgeries at TRMC until the unprecedented move was made to replace the MEC just over a year ago. That further plummeted the census and that move, which was very calculated, was under the direction and leadership of HCCA. But the continued blame of others for the lack of their managerial expertise is not surprising. A successful hospital must recognize the importance of one of their key internal customers, the physicians, without them success will be hard to achieve. Since December 2012 the lack of respect has been evident, which started out by not recognizing Dr. Patel as the elected Chief of Staff. It wasn’t until you dig deeper in reading Sherrie Bell’s deposition that you discover that Dr. Benzeevi was trying to get elected to the MEC and was unsuccessful. So the board took a stance against the MEC back then over Benzeevi’s sour grapes. Then look closely at the meeting minutes from when HCCA was selected to be the alignment partner, you could see again that your most valuable internal customer was again slighted. Nothing is ringing more true than Dr. Sunlap’s question “is the hospital going to be aligned with an institution that will strip of us our assets?”
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— Deanne Martin-Soares on Tulare Hospital CEO Testifies in Lawsuit
Oh Deanne It’s clear again that the Citizens for Hospital UNaccountability are continuing with their work of fiction. There were no legitimate offers available that geared toward saving our hospital. HCCA was the only one and most importantly HCCA delivered stellar results. You can keep fantasizing and making false claims. You’re pretty good at it considering that one of your leaders was thrown off the board for participating in approving illegal physician contracts. Your “group” represent no one here except those failed leaders of the past who have failed our hospital and our community. It is YOU who should Go.
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— Kassandra on Tulare Hospital CEO Testifies in Medical Staff Lawsuit
Oh Kim or Kassandra where do you get your facts. Who was thrown off the board? I have been witness to the constant change of “facts”. Love the one that HCCA was the only legitimate offer. They were so legitimate that they didn’t even exist until after they were selected and they were allowed in as a legitimate option after the RFP closed. I am afraid you wouldn’t recognize facts that were right in front of you.
Veteran’s Corner: Veterans Choice Program Extended Scott Holwell On April 5, 2017, following the U.S. Senate’s passage by unanimous consent, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that extends the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) until the funding dedicated to the program is exhausted. President Trump signed it into law on April 19, 2017. The VCP is a critical program that increases access to care for millions of Veterans, by allowing them to receive health care within their community, rather than from the VA health-care system. Using this program does NOT impact the veteran’s existing VA health-care or any other VA benefit. Without this legislation, the ability to use VCP funding would have ended abruptly on Aug. 7 of this year. Secretary
of Veterans Affairs Dr. David J. Shulkin released the following statement of support: “Congress has once again demonstrated that the country stands firmly united when it comes to supporting our nation’s Veterans,” Secretary Shulkin said. “The Department of Veterans Affairs truly appreciates the quick bipartisan resolution Congress provided with the extension of the Veterans Choice Program. “I want to thank Chairman Johnny Isakson, Ranking Member Jon Tester, Chairman Phil Roe, Ranking Member Tim Walz and all the members of our committees for their leadership as we continue to make improvements to increase Veterans’ access to care,” Secretary Shulkin continued. “I also want to thank Senator John McCain, who has championed choice for Veterans and whose work on this issue al-
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— Deanne Martin-Soares on Tulare Hospital CEO Testifies in Lawsuit
lowed for swift and successful resolution. “VA looks forward to continued bipartisan support as we partner with Congress to not only develop a long-term solution for community care, but also work toward other critical legislation, such as accountability and appeals modernization to ensure Veterans receive the highest quality of care, benefits and support they have earned.” For more information regarding eligibility for the VCP or any of the other numerous veterans benefits for which you may be eligible, please contact our office, using the information below. 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 hon-
orably 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, call or visit 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. Scott Holwell, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call (559)852-2669; or e-mail scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.
16 • Valley Voice
Sciacca
Continued from 13 About that time, the phone rang again. “‘Sam, this is Bob Link. Hey, I need to talk to you. I want to sell my building across the street [on Main St.]’ and I had looked at it a long time ago. I had said, ‘you guys need to put residential upstairs.’ “They didn’t do it – they had a clothing store. “I bought it – I subdivided the bottom – I built a beautiful salon, I build a beautiful wine bar. And, then for three years, I worked on residential and now the most dramatic project I have ever done and we named it, kind of after my mother. We call it Casa de Sciacca – the Sciacca home. “They all said I was crazy. “‘Have you heard about Sciacca? He’s lost his mind. He sold $2 million worth of property – he traded for the Links Building, and he traded for a multi-million dollar walnut dehydrator in Farmersville – called the Moody Walnut Dryer.’” Sciacca and his son purchased the Moody Walnut Dryer, at his son’s suggestion, wanting to take his grandfather’s old walnut dryer and remodel it to do a higher volume. “The Sciaccas did a 1031 tax deferred exchange paying off the loan, so that debt was basically vacated, took the rest of the property and bought the Links’
4 May, 2017 building – now generating income from that, and we bought the Moody Walnut Dryer and basically improved it and it did close to $1 million last year in gross revenue,” Sciacca said.
Downtown Visalia
Sciacca has fond memories of the downtown area from his childhood, working at A&W, and now owns property there. “Who taught me to love downtown, was Bob Cary,” Sciacca said. “Bob Cary was running the Jaycee’s, he was putting a little hot dog stand on Main St., and he was part of the Downtown Visalians. “So, I decided that since I had a store on Main St., I was going to have a mission – to make our downtown the most successful downtown in the San Joaquin Valley. So, that’s my hobby, besides being a pilot. I love the downtown. My passion is the downtown. “My wife has been the president of the Downtown Association. She’s leaving in June – she termed out. I don’t want the Sciacca name to go away. I’m sorry, I think the Sciacca name needs to stay downtown – I’m like a mother hen with her chicks. Sam Sciacca is going to run for board of directors and I am going to get on that board and I’m going to be part of it – which I never have done. I have helped with promotions – sidewalk sales, expo, anything you can think of. But, I’ve decided that it’s time for Sam Sciacca to be part of Downtown Visalia
On Facebook at facebook.com/ourvalleyvoice
– I think it’s time.
Winding Down
“My other motivation is to try to spend more time with my kids and wind this real estate career down, so Mr. Chet Sciacca can pick up where I’ve left off,” Sciacca said. “I have a daughter who is picking up where my wife left off [in Chelsea Street Boutique]. “I think that my developing career is just about done. I think that there will be one more project and I’m going to tell you what it is. I believe that the last real estate project that I will do will be north of the so-called scenic corridor, between Preston and Shirk. There’s an 11-acre walnut orchard out there. Along the freeway, the first 200-feet is the designated scenic corridor. The council has endorsed zoning there to keep that Ag. “So, I’m involved with them on a walnut orchard that I planted for the city and I maintain it. Next to that, where that 11 acres is, there’s a house. North of the house, there is about eight acres left. I’ve owned that walnut orchard for almost 35 years. And I feel that I need to develop that. “I won’t develop where I live. I live on the corner of Burke and Tulare, and people have asked me, ‘when are you going to develop that?’ “That was my father’s. My kids to come to visit and they see that and they say, ‘that’s our grandpa’s.’ Tears welled up in his eyes, again. “I never got to see them with my
dad. It hurts me inside that my dad never got to see his grandkids,” he said. “If he was alive today, he would say that ‘my son is doing it right. He’s not selling my property, he’s farming – he’s doing all the things I wanted him to do, except he’s not fixing the cars – he’s not a mechanic.’ “I didn’t want to fix cars.”
Other Activities
Sciacca volunteers for the Downtown Expo, which raises funds for battling breast cancer by donating to the American Cancer Society. He has worked closely with the Portuguese community, as that is Marlene’s heritage. He also has long worked with the Sons of Italy, helping with an annual fashion show to raise funds for hospice care. As a father, Sciacca coached basketball to be close to his daughter, who played, and baseball, to be close with his son. He is also a hobbyist pilot. The family has a home on the coast. He loves to dance, and he loves eating tri-tip sandwiches, he said. The Sciaccas have been married for “39 wonderful years,” he said. “And, when I go home, I am excited about seeing her again. Every time I come home, I can’t wait to see my wife.” Watch the Valley Voice for an upcoming article on the Sciacca development of the downtown former Links building on Main St. including the eight residential units upstairs.
Print replica edition at issuu.com/ourvalleyvoice
Valley Automotive
4 May, 2017
Simple Auto Maintenance, Repair Shop vs. Do It Yourself
Matt and Danielle Case show off their 1968 Chevy Camaro at 10-15 car shows in the South Valley each year. Courtesy/Matt Case
South Valley Enthusiasts Show Off Their Cars Nancy Vigran
Car shows, car rallies, car cruise nights – they’re popular all around the country, and there’s no shortage of events around the South Valley from springtime through fall. What’s the attraction? The love of cars. “It is fun going out seeing other people’s cars and talking to people about cars,” said Matt Case, a Visalia car enthusiast. Matt and his family own and show a 1968 Chevy Camaro and a 1928 Ford Model A. He enjoys showing, he said, because he gets to spend time with his dad, family and friends. Case and his wife, Danielle, and/or his family or hers, attend some 10 to 15 car shows per year. They have been to
shows all around the South Valley and he, his wife, and father-in-law have attended the Pismo Beach Car Show for the past seven years. Case works in the printing industry, and has printed flyers, teeshirts, plaques and awards for various car shows. The Cases purchased their Camaro five years ago, and take pride in keeping it up. “We are always doing something to the car and display,” he said. To see the Case cars and a wide variety of other cars, please find a list of upcoming car shows and cruise nights in the area: Saturday, May 13: 2-8pm - 8th Annual Rez Made Super Show at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino - One
CARS continued on C3 »
Considering doing a little work on your car yourself? It can be fun and rewarding, if you learn from a qualified source and enjoy getting dirty. “It’s not that hard to do, and then you can be sure it’s done right,” said Tony Maldonado, Sr. an experienced do-it-yourselfer from Visalia. “But, you don’t save that much money.” While it is good to know how to do some car care, especially in case of an emergency – unless you are wanting to get into in-depth auto repair yourself, you really won’t save money and mechanics are going to know more than you. According to many experts, you do not save money performing routine oil changes yourself. And, old oil must be recycled – you cannot flush it down the drain, or throw it in the garbage – it is against the law. Jason Lancaster, editor of AccurateAutoAdvice.com, says, “If you’re thinking about changing your own oil because you like doing so, because you look forward to learning something new, because you don’t trust anyone else to do it correctly...be my guest. It’s a fine way to spend an hour. “But if you’re changing your own oil because you’re trying to save some money, forget about it. “First, I have *yet* to meet someone who can change oil as quickly as a professional. That’s not because the pros are amazing (the pros who change oil are frequently NEWB techs), but because they have a whole bunch of tools that normal people don’t have. “Second, to add insult to inju-
Nancy Vigran
ry, changing your own oil isn’t much cheaper than paying someone. Four to five quarts of motor oil and a filter is $20. To change your own oil, you’ll also need a drain pan, some tools, a couple rags, a safe way to lift your vehicle up, and perhaps something comfortable to lay on.” In The Flannel Guy ROI blog, he concurs. “Truth be told, you don’t really save a lot of money changing your own oil,” he says. “And if you include your labor costs, you are probably better off having a professional do it for you. “Before the numbers, though, I want to talk about actual ways you can save money on oil changes. First, stop getting them every 3,000 miles! You can cut your oil change costs by more than 50% if you decrease your frequency to a recommended once every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. And if you have a newer car, you probably have an oil change indicator that takes all the guesswork out of it. “Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations, but the bottom line is that the 3,000 mile rule is sort of outdated. Save yourself some money and stop making charitable donations to your local oil change outfit, even if that little sticker they gave you says otherwise.” It is good to shop around – the cost of having your oil changed in the South Valley should not be expensive, and a lot of shops will also rotate the tires, as well as check all the fluids and belts
DIY continued on C4 »
May is Motorcycle Safety Month: Get Trained,Ride Safe Staff Reports
The Visalia Police Department is joining law enforcement statewide and across the United States in the National Motorcycle safety awareness month special enforcement operations. In addition, the California Motorcyclist Safety Program is offering special, low cost rider training classes during the month of May. Visalia PD will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on multiple dates in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding,
making illegal turns, or any other dangerous violation. The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training program is offering a “Total Control Refresher Training” course during the month of May. This four-hour riding class is for experienced riders with a current motorcycle license. Riders will use their own street-legal motorcycle during the class taught by CMSP-certified Instructors at a cost of $95. Log onto the CMSP website Students can learn motorcycle skills at local classes. Courtesy/Valley Motorcycle Training (http://cmsp.msi5.com) to regisThe VMT classes are collisions have resulted in 5 fatal and ter at a location near you. approved by CMSP. injury crashes. California motorcycle fatalities saw Funding for this program is providNew riders are urged to get basic a phenomenal drop of 37% from 2008 training through the California Motor- ed by a grant from the California Office to 2010, but then rose 31% by 2015. cyclist Safety Program. of Traffic Safety through the National Efforts like these are aimed at curbing Local classes are offered through Highway Traffic Safety Administration. any more rises in motorcycle deaths and Valley Motorcycle Training (VMT), The message to all drivers and mosending the numbers back downward. http://www.valleymotorcycletraining. torcyclists is: share in the responsibiliOver the course of the past two com/, which offered classes at the Visa- ty and do your part by safely “sharing years in Visalia, motorcycle involved lia Airport. the road.”
4 May, 2017
C2 • Valley Voice
Choosing Between a Motorhome or Travel Trailer Staff Reports
While gearing up for summer, perhaps it’s time for the family to consider traveling in a RV. There are many considerations in which type is best for your needs. Before going out and spending a lot in purchasing one, you could consider renting – try traveling in each. Then, if you’re sold on wanting to purchase, here are some things to consider. Cost Effectiveness How often will you utilize your RV? Consider the purchase price! New motorhomes can easily meet the price of a small home. Class B and C cost less than Class A motorhomes which new, can cost upwards of $100,000-150,000. Consider the needs for space and gadgets for your family – the larger and plusher, the higher the cost. Travel trailers are a lot less expensive to purchase – they don’t have a motor. New trailers can be found closer to the $20,000-30,000 range. Like the motorhome – the bigger and more fancy, the higher the cost. There are a lot of great formerly
owned vehicles out there. If considering a used motorhome by a private seller, it would be best to have a professional mechanic take a look at it. Or, consider taking any unit, before you buy, to a RV professional who can check out the engine, as well as the systems provided in the living space, such as the generator, electrical and so forth. Tow Vehicle If you already have a V8 truck or SUV, then you are probably already equipped to pull many varieties of travel trailers, especially bumper pulls. Consult with the experts – it is imperative that you tow with a competent vehicle. Most fifth-wheel trailers require more horsepower and more load-carrying ability since 15-25% of the trailer actually rests in the truck’s bed. Here you will need a heavy duty or “super duty” tow vehicle.
While a motorhome can cost as much as a house, travel trailers are much more inexpensive, especially if you already own a truck capable of pulling one.
Expenses Beyond the initial cost – there are a variety of ongoing expenses to consider.
CHOICE continued on C4 »
Share the Road with Motorcycles National Highway Traffic Safety Admin.
Reprinted from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-59, directed the department to develop and provide to the States model language for use in traffic safety education courses, driver’s manuals, and other driver’s training materials instructing the drivers of motor vehicles on the importance of sharing the roads safely with motorcyclists. To develop the model Share the Road language, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reviewed Share the Road language currently being used by 21 State licensing, highway safety, and motorcycle safety agencies and a variety of national organizations that have a vested interest in motorcycle safety. These materials included operator
licensing manuals, public service announcements, brochures, pamphlets, posters, and Internet Web sites. The agency identified the common themes and language from these materials that serve to effectively convey the importance of sharing the road safely with motorcyclists. The model Share the Road language we will encourage local, State, and national organizations to use in their motorists awareness programs consists of the following: • Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. • Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane. • Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve an-
other motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist. • Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle. • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. • Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-cancelling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed. • Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to you pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement. • Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
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Bring a Toy donation for Toys for Tots and be entered in the Raffle! Cars & Coffee car show does not have a Registration or Entry Fee. If you would like to showcase your classy car, contact us at: (559)635-3520. Photo taken at BMI’s Oct. 29, 2016 Cars & Coffee car show. Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. is a licensed insurance agency #001134, 0A96361
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Cars
Continued from C1 registration per vehicle. Each registration comes with two event bands. Questions about Registration, call Marcos Ochoa at (559) 381-8132. For tickets to attend the event visit tachipaclace.com Saturday, May 13 and every second Saturday evening through Oct.: 5-8pm - Small Town Cruizers Car Club Cruise Night at the Tulare Outlet Center. Come out for a night of fun, showing & socializing with other car buffs. Friday, May 19: A&W Cruise Night, Exeter Saturday, May 20: 8am – 4pm – 49th Annual Vintage Hanford Motorcycle Rally – antique & classic motorcycle show, vintage parts exchange & sales corral, hourly raffle, more than 150 vendors, food & fun for the whole family. At the Kings County Fairgrounds. Admission $10/per person, children 12 and under, free – must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For more information, visit classiccycleevents.com. Saturday, May 20: 8am – 5pm Downtown Visalia Car Show – Visalia Breakfast Lions & Groppetti Automotive - Online pre-registration will end May 15th. Please note that day of show registration will be open from 7:00 am to 9:30 am at the show. Saturday, May 20 and every third Saturday evening through October: 5pm - A&W Cruise Night – Downtown Visalia. Saturday, May 27 & the last Saturday of each month through October: 5-8pm – KARR Cruise Night, hosted by Der Wienerschnitzel, located at 807 W Lacey Blvd, Hanford. Although these cruise events are primarily for classic cars & hot rods, the event is OPEN to all vintage and special interest vehicles, regardless of year. This includes, but not limited to all Corvettes, the new retro Challengers, Mustangs, Camaros, and SSR pickups. The cruise events are always a lot fun, with a 90/10 cash raffle, special meal deals, trivia, and a never-ending collection of 50’s & 60’s music to set the tone for the festivities. Saturday, June 3: Annual Dinuba Cars in the Park Show, Rose Ann Vuich Park, 855 E El Monte Way
Valley Voice • C3 Car Show registration: 7-10am; Car Show: 10am - 2pm, Lions Club Pancake Breakfast served 7-10am awards 6:30pm, free concert begins at 8pm. Saturday, June 10: 11am – 4pm Annual Knights of Columbus Downtown Porterville Car Show – roll in 7am. Main Street from Morton to Olive Ave. Trophy awards, food, music and family fun! For more information, visit www.parishpridecarshows.com Friday, June 30: Hanford Big Boy Cruise-In Saturday, July 15: Woodlake Car Show, for more information, call (559) 564-3359. Saturday, July 29: 8-11am – Cars and Coffee by Buckman-Mitchell Financial and Insurance Services, 500 N. Santa Fe, Visalia. No entry fee. Bring an unwrapped toy or Toys for Tots and be entered into a raffle. For more information, call (559) 635-3520. Saturday, Aug. 19: Mothers United Against Gang Violence Car Show in Porterville. For more information, call (559) 350-5030. Saturday, Aug. 26: Happy Hearts Car Show at Ed Dena’s in Dinuba. Saturday, Sept. 2: Central Valley Vietnam Veterans Car Show in Tulare. For more information, call (559) 784-8561. Saturday, Sept. 16: SPDES Club Car Show in Tipton. For more information, call (559) 978-0688. Saturday, Sept. 23: Calvary Chapel Car Show & Parts Swap Meet. For more information, call (559) 687-0220. Saturday, Oct. 7: 5pm – A&W Cruise Night, 2611 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia – Middle School Band Night & Cruise Night. For more information, call (559) 733-4445. Saturday, Oct. 7: Farmersville Fall Festival Car Show Saturday, Oct. 7: Lindsay Lows, Rats and Rods. For more information, call (559) 560-6213. Saturday, Oct. 14: Exeter Fall Festival Car & Bike Show Saturday, Oct. 28: Westgate Garden Car Center Car Show, Visalia. For more information, call (559) 977-6812. Saturday, Nov. 25: 5th Annual Toys for Tots Cruise-In – Hanford Thank you to local A&W Restaurants for helping provide information for this calendar.
Dinuba’s Car Show, held annually at the Rose Ann Vuich park, will be held June 3. Courtesy/Dinuba Chamber of Commerce
A variety of classic cars were on display at last year’s Buckman-Mitchell Car Show. Courtesy/Buckman-Mitchell
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C4 • Valley Voice
Choice
Continued from C2 You should realize, upfront, that neither pulling a trailer nor driving a motorhome is going to see “good” gas mileage. In general, pulling a trailer may have a little better mileage at about 8-12 miles per gallon; a motorhome is going to consume closer to 6-8 mpg. For side trips, you can leave a trailer behind, parked in the campground – a motorhome goes everywhere with you, unless you pull a small vehicle along with you, bringing your miles per gallon down even more on the road. If you want to run into town for bite to eat or shopping, you can leave the trailer behind – but the motorhome goes with you. If you need engine maintenance done while on the road – the entire living situation goes to the shop.
DIY
Continued from C1 for you. However, be aware that some shops may try to upsell you – in other words, keep track of what you have done on your car and when – know the age of your brakes, battery and when you last had a tune-up. “They add on things you don’t need to do,” Maldonado said. “There are those kinds of places, so get a second opinion. They’re not always right.
Financing Whether purchasing a travel trailer or a motorhome – be sure to shop around for the best deal when financing. You are not required to utilize the seller’s financing options. Check with your regular bank or financial institution. As a side note, because RVs contain bathrooms, kitchens, beds and other household accommodations, you may be able to right-off financing charges on your taxes, much like the interest charged on a home loan.
Ease of the Drive Consider whether you are more comfortable pulling a trailer, or driving a rig much like a bus. If you are accustomed to pulling a trailer, you realize that it can be easier to maneuver on the road, since it bends in the middle – however parking a rig with a trailer can be a lot more difficult than backing a motorhome into place. Take all potential drivers into consideration. Consider whether you may be taking a lot of mountainous trips, or plan on spending more time at the coast. If you want a second home to use mostly over at the coast, then a travel trailer is probably for you. There are garages and storage units there where you can keep your unit – and many have a concierge service that will take your RV to a given local site and set up before you even arrive. And that is one last thing to consider – setting up and take down. Setting up camp in a motorhome can be
easy – level the rig and hook up your utilities. With a trailer, again you will have to level and lower your stabilizing jacks. You’ll also unhitch before you hook up. Neither is particularly difficult, especially with more modern RVs – and ease comes with experience. There are many RV rentals available worldwide and in the San Joaquin Valley. If you have questions regarding what may be right for you – try taking out a rental similar to what you are considering. Besides the large rental facilities, rental travel trailers and motorhomes may also be found on Craigslist and other sites. Be sure that you rent from someone with experience and have a formal contract, signed by both parties. If you have questions, discuss them with your insurance provider before you rent. Watch for the Valley Voice’s A Weekend Away section in the next edition of the paper - you may find just the right trip to set out on with your RV.
“There’s more than one shop out there and make sure you get a warranty for the work.” On newer vehicles, much can be checked by computer – therefore providing a readout. However, older vehicles, you should simply keep track of repairs yourself. The biggest concern with doing auto work yourself is safety, Maldonado said. “You’ve got to be careful about lifting up cars,” he said. “They weight
about two tons.” Obviously, you don’t want one to fall. While it is better, he added, to learn hands-on from an experienced technician, there are a lot of helpful videos available on YouTube. But, when it comes to the more extensive repairs that you really don’t know about, it is best to go to the professionals, he said. Look for auto service excellence certification. Throughout Tulare and Kings Counties, because of the small, close-
ness of the communities, there are many reputable auto repair shops – whether dealerships, or small momand-pop shops. Good sources of information are the Better Business Bureau, and the local Chamber of Commerce, as well as word of mouth from friends, co-workers and other associates. When taking the car in for simple service, if advised that there are other things wrong with your car that add up expense-wise, remember it is best to get another opinion.
Insurance If you already have a tow vehicle, it is licensed and insured. A travel trailer is a lot less expensive to license and insure than a motorhome, however, your tow vehicle insurance will go up. Make sure that you also have proper insurance on your tow vehicle, for when pulling the trailer – this is a must.
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4 May, 2017
Tulare Masonic Lodge Awards Students for Patriotism Masons of Tulare’s Olive Branch Masonic Lodge, the oldest active fraternal organization in the city of Tulare, held their 14th Annual Public Schools Night Patriotism Essay Contest on April 26. The Lodge sponsors the event each year for the entire fifth-grade classes within the Tulare City School District, supplying all of the prizes for the students, as well as hosting a dinner for all of the school Sweepstakes winners, their families, and school administration officials. The topic for the 150 words or less essays are on patriotism, a quality firmly believed in and strongly held for all Masons throughout the world. For each fifth-grade class, the teachers select first, second and third place winners, who receive ribbons. An overall sweepstakes winner for each school is picked from the individual class winner. The sweepstakes winner receives a trophy and advances to the Tulare City School District contest. At the dinner, each school winner presented their patriotism essay, and two overall City Schools sweepstakes winners were chosen. The two students received a trophy and a new bicycle. The school winners are: Athyna Stinson –Wilson; Dagene Smith –Pleasant;
Salma Guzman –Mulcahy; Preston Tjandra –Mission Valley; Priscilla Mejia Flores –Maple; Samanta Garcia –Lincoln; Angelica Apolong –Kohn; Aricel Martin-Lomeli –Heritage; Cole Sappington –Garden; Mary Jose Sanchez Elias –Cypress; and London Jones –Alpine Vista. The two city school district winners are Angelica Apolong –Kohn and Dagene Smith –Pleasant. “All of the students write very beautiful and meaningful essays, and we as a Lodge are proud to sponsor this annual event for them,” said Chris Harrell, Master of Tulare’s Masonic Lodge. “The Masonic fraternity is dedicated to learning to better oneself through self-improvement. We feel that every person may, by self-improvement, achieve whatever success hard work and dedication might bring. And patriotism has always been an important aspect of our work as Masons.” April is known as Public Schools Month throughout the state of California. Masons have openly supported the nation’s public schools system from its inception and continues to promote the continued high standards of our public schools. Masons sponsored the first Public Schools Week observance in 1920.
Tulare students were honored at the Masons’ dinner. Back, l-r: Dagene, Anjelica, Samanta, Aricel, Salma, Mary, Athyna. Front, l-r: London, Preston, Cole. Courtesy/Tulare Masonic Lodge
Students from Visalia Charter Independent Study will perform “Pure Imagination” at the LJ Williams Theater in May. Courtesy/VCIS
Visalia School Brings ‘Pure Imagination’ to LJ Theater Visalia Charter Independent Study students will present two performances of dance, drama and vocals at LJ Williams Theater in May. The “Pure Imagination” production will include lyrical, jazz, musical theater and hip hop dance to music from the new “Trolls” soundtrack, “The Wiz,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and more. Solo and ensemble choral performances will include songs from new films such as “Lava” and “Moana,” and drama students will perform scenes from films such as “Ninja Turtles,” “Twilight,” “Willy Wonka” and “Narnia.” “This will be an evening of fun and fantasy at a new venue for our students,” noted Kassi Hampel, director of the Performing Arts Program at VCIS. “Our program has expanded and the students have grown so much as artists, that we needed to move to a larger venue. We are excited to showcase our talented students to the community at large.”
Staff Reports
Performances will be held at 7pm on Friday, May 5, and 2pm on Saturday, May 6. Following the Saturday performance, children in attendance can enjoy “Cookies with the Cast” and meet costumed cast members. Tickets are $5 and are available at www.vciseagles.org and at the front desk of the school, 1821 W. Meadow Lane. VCIS is a charter school for students in grades nine through 12, with a focus on a flexible approach to education. As the only independent study program within Visalia Unified School District, VCIS students are able to enjoy an accredited education and a blended learning approach designed to meet each student’s individual needs. In addition to the Performing Arts program, VCIS offers a culinary pathway, science and engineering, parenting and more. For information, call VCIS at 7358055 or visit vciseagles.org.
‘Gray Matter’ Art Show at Brandon-Mitchell Gallery Donna Orozco
Three Rivers artist Jana Botkin and three of her adult students will exhibit their beautifully-detailed pencil drawings in a show called “Gray Matter” at the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, located in the Center for Spiritual Living, which opens during the First Friday Art Walk from 5-8pm on May 5. “Kelvin Farris, Wendy Miller, Maggie Meling and I chose the title “Gray Matter” because we like the double meaning to describe our work in pencil,” said Jana. “Although we sometimes work in colored pencil (and I also oil paint), we all love the detail and precision of pencil, both the process and the results.” Jana emphasizes she doesn’t give “art lessons” but “drawing lessons,” specifically the technical aspects of working in pencil from photos, learn-
janabotkin.net. ing how to see accurately and Kelvin Fartranslate three ris has been cartooning since dimensional the sixth grade things onto with an interest two dimensional paper. in farm themes, especially chickJana will ens. (Be sure to also have copask him how to ies of her pubdraw a chicken, lished book, “The Cabins something he of Wilsonia,” does in a few a collection seconds.) He will have his of detailed cartoon cards as pencil drawings of the “End of the Trail” by Kelvin Farris. Farris’ work will be well as cards local histor- featured at the Gray Matter exhibit. of some of ic mountain his serious community, along with her series of subjects, such as the Visalia Fox Thecoloring books for grownups and note atre, the End of the Trail, and the Visacards. You can see her work and read lia Saddle. Wendy Miller draws a variety of her ongoing story on her blog, www.
subjects and especially enjoys drawing her children. She regularly places in the Madera art show, “Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts.” Some of her art will include Gateway Bridge, Hawaiian Highlights and Peace on Both Sides. Maggie Meling loves to see faces reveal themselves on paper. Her work includes Puppy Love, Hiding in Plain Sight, and It’s Jungle Out There. The show runs through the end of June at the gallery, 117 S. Locust, Visalia (one block south of Main). There will be another reception on Friday, June 2. The show may also be viewed Mondays-Wednesdays from 9:30-3:30 by ringing the bell at the door or after service at 11:30am on Sundays. For information, 559 625-2441 or www.cslvisalia.org.
4 May, 2017
B2 • Valley Voice
Valadao Announces Congressional Art Competition Winners exhibition located in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the This afternoon, U.S. Congressman U.S. Capitol. Congressman David G. Valadao David G. Valadao (CA-21) announced the winners of the 2017 Congressio- stated, “I am excited to present the 2017 winners of nal Art Comthe Congressional petition for the Art Competition 21st Congressioand wish to connal District. gratulate Brianna The followOzuna from Haning is a list of this ford High School year’s winners: for winning first • First Place: place. The talent Brianna Ozudisplayed by each na; Hanford participant is High School testament to the • Second outstanding stuPlace: Diana Valdents we have in le; Hanford West California’s TwenHigh School ty First Congres• Third Place: sional District. It Ava Torres; South will be an honor High School to display their In addition, work in the U.S. this year, conCapitol and each stituents from of my Congresacross the Valley Brianna Ozuna of Hanford High School won first sional Offices.” were able to cast The second their vote online place in the Congressional Art Competition for the 21st Congressional District. place winner will for their favorite piece of artwork. The “likes” on each have their artwork displayed in Conphoto were tallied to determine the gressman Valadao’s Washington office, the third place winner will have their “Fan Favorite” winner. • Fan Favorite: Stefani Sanchez; artwork displayed in his Hanford office, and the fan favorite will be displayed in Sanger High School The winning artist’s work will be his Bakersfield office. displayed for one year in the national
Staff Reports
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Diana Valle of Hanford West High School won second place.
Ava Torres of South High School won third place.
4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • B3
Bequette House to Open May 7 Staff Reports
Join the Three Rivers Museum in celebrating the re-opening of Bruce and Jessie Bequette’s home and the newest addition to the museum. Built in 1926, on its current site, it will have period antiques of the 1930’s that were in the house in addition to other antique furniture and artifacts. The restoration was made possible with generous donations from mu-
seum members and the Three Rivers community. The home’s ribbon cutting will be held at 1pm. The ribbon cutting will be followed by an afternoon of wine, refreshments, and touring Bruce and Jessie’s home. For more information, contact Tom Marshall at 559-561-2707, or email history@3rmuseum.org. Visit the museum online at www.3rmuseum.org.
Sequoia National Park to Host Go Native Event at Foothills Picnic Area
St. Anthony’s Retreat to Hold Scholarship Fundrasing Banquet
The Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) in collaboration with local tribal representatives will be holding Go Native - A Native American Cultural Celebration - Saturday, May 6th, from 10am to 3pm at the Foothills Picnic Area across the highway from the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park. Go Native, organized annually in Tulare County since 2009, is a family-friendly event highlighting traditional local cultural practices and handi-crafts. Jennifer Malone, the event organizer, is a local Wukchumni Yokuts Callifornia Native American teacher and demonstrator. She says, “Bringing our traditional practices to the Parks is a great way to bring awareness to the public and to share our love and guardianship of the land with others. We’re hoping this is the first of many Go Native events in Sequoia National Park.” The event will open with a cultural blessing, drumming and Yokuts history. Demonstrations include tule decoy
St Anthony’s Retreat and Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center seeks to raise $35,000 in scholarship funds to be used over the next twelve months at both St. Anthony’s Retreat and Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center for people in need of financial assistance, benefitting people of all ages especially those with disabilities, seniors, fixed incomes, or youth who’s families lack the financial means to send them to retreat or summer camp. The fundraising banquet is on Saturday May 20th. This year’s event is a Western Jubilee that will be located at the Robinson’s Barn on the North Fork in Three Rivers. The event will include live and silent
ducks, dice games, walnut dice, soapstone carving, clapsticks, cordage, pole & hoop game, pine needle baskets, miniature cradleboards and fingerwearving. Jessie Russett, Tribal Liaison for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks says, “We’re looking forward to this event. It’s the first time we’re hosting it and it will be a great way to begin to bring back these traditional cultural practices into the ancestral homelands of our local California Native people.” Mark Tilchen, Executive Director of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy is excited to play a role in bringing this event to the park and to its visitors, “Native American culture and history are a part of what is Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Go Native is an opportunity for park visitors to gain a better understanding of this subject directly from local tribes.” The event is free and open to the public. See flyer for details.
Staff Reports auctions, wine and craft brew tasting, and lots of fun for our attendees. A cowboy barbecue dinner will be served around 6pm; shortly after, attendees will be invited to dance to the sounds of Patti Torey & the Irregulars. Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited. Those interested may also choose to sponsor one of the organization’s many other programs by contributing directly to the retreat center Visit the organization’s website at www.stanthonyretreat.org or dial 559-561-4595 for more information or to make reservations.
Ladies weekend MAY 12 MOMMY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT + POSTGAME FIREWORKS!
Mommy & Daughter Packages available including a picture on the field Booths for mommies and daughters including nail & face painting
MAY 13 - GIRLS NIGHT OUT!
Over 30 booths around the ballpark for the ladies Visit all the booths for a chance to win over 30 prizes + 4 Grand Prizes!
MAY 14 - DIAMOND DIG + BELLE OF THE BALLPARK! Ladies dig for $3K worth of diamonds on warning track after the game Seniors beauty pageant w/ cheek pinching contest on Rawhide players
WWW.RAWHIDEBASEBALL.COM 559.732.4433
On Facebook at facebook.com/ourvalleyvoice
Calendar May 3-26: California’s Giant Sequoias: Found Nowhere Else on Earth May 5 - 6-8pm - Show opening - A local artist from Porterville, Joy Collier paints in a post-impressionistic style and works from her own original photography and research in her studio. Her large canvasses of our local Sierra’s giant sequoias will fill the gallery space. Arts Visalia Visual Art Center is located at 214 E. Oak Ave. in Visalia. The gallery is open 12-5:30pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
take the class, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Cost for the class is $25, however there is a promo code available for family members who register together. For more information about the class, or to register, please visit www.cos.edu/ communityed.
May 5: Tulare-Kings Women in Ag Fundraiser 6pm - Social and dinner at Koetsier Ranch, 8230 Ave. 272, Visalia. Proceeds support agricultural awareness and education in Tulare and Kings Counties. Silent auction. Tickets May 4 - Porterville College Job $50/each and are available through Fair the Tulare County Farm Bureau and 9am - 1pm - with 9–9:30am re- Golden State Farm Credit in Hanserved for Military veterans and their ford. families - to be held in the college May 5-6-7, 11, 13-14, 18,19,20: gym. Seeking employers who are hir- Pippin’ ing and would like to reserve a table, With an infectiously unforgettable contact: Rudy Roman at American’s score from the four-time GramJob Center 559-788-1382, or email my- winner, and musical theatre rroman@edd.ca.gov. The event is giant Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, open to public; no parking permit Godspell, Children of Eden), Pipneeded. pin has been successfully produced May 4 - Return of the St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble to Porterville College 7pm - This award-winning vocal quartet performs a program of Russian church music representing five centuries of history, followed by a program of Russian folk music, all arranged for men’s voices. Located i the College Theater, and tickets (available in advance from the PC Music office or at the door) are $10. The concert is jointly sponsored by the Porterville Friends of Music. Parking is free, and for additional information please call the Music Office at Porterville College at 559791-2255.
May 4 - COS Offers Grow Your Own Food Basics 5-7:30pm - The COS Training Resource Center in Tulare is offering a Grow Your Own Food Basics class. This beginner class is perfect for those who have considered growing their own tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, peppers or other favorite vegetable. Consider attending this twohour introductory course to growing your own food! In this class you will learn about how to plant and transplant vegetables and watering and sun requirements. You will also have a chance to plant your own carrots and/or tomato, and harvest carrots. All needed supplies are included in the cost of the class. Kids ages kindergarten and up are welcome to
on stages ranging from high school to Broadway. Sweeping the New York Awards circuit (TONY, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle) in 2013, Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. The ensemble cast tells the story of Pippin, a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. The ensemble shows him many ways to find purpose in life and in the end he finally finds it in the least likely of places.
May 2017 Lunch
Lunch served 12-1 pm $4. Please call 713-4481. Reservations m Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1 Breaded Chicken served with brown rice, vegetables, salad and fruit
2 BBQ pulled pork sandwich served with macaroni salad, fruit and chips
3 Spaghetti with meat 4 F sauce, garden salad, tar garlic bread and fruit
8 Soft tacos with seasoned carnitas with lettuce, tomato and salsa served with beans and fruit
9 Quarter pound burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, potato salad and fruit
10 Wing Wednesday with celery sticks/ ranch dip, waldorf salad with dried cranberries, celery and toasted walnuts
11 ma gra fru
15 Katie’s taco salad with ground beef, pinto beans, olives, green onions, and Mexican cheese topped with tortilla
16 Corn chowder, pastrami and Swiss on dark rye with dijonnaise, served with a pickle and fresh fruit
17 Shredded pork enchiladas with salsa verde (green sauce), Mexican rice, salad and fruit
18 do bro ga an
At the Encore Theatre, 324 South 24 Meatloaf with 22 Chicken Marsala- 23 Polish dog with N Street,Tulare. Call Encore Theatre May 6: First Annual Fred Davis May 10: Improving Balance & 25 chicken and mushgrilled onions and mashed potatoes, bis for tickets and showtimes (559) 686- Memorial Dinner Avoiding Falls rooms in wine sauce cheese and condigravy, vegetables, ha 1300. 6-10pm over - Thepasta Firstserved Annual Fred Da-served 6:30-7:30pm - and Therapy Special-Te ments with fruit roll with Caesar vis Memorial Dinnersalad, will held potato at the wedges, ists, apickle division of Kaweah Delta May 6: Arts Visalia Annual Orfruit and garlic bread and fruit Lamplighter Inn of Visalia. Health Care District, is offering a chid Sale monthly 31 seminar helpbeef people Tuscanfree vegetable Frenchto style 29 was Closed Noon - 5:30pm - Saturday through Fred Davis a leader in30local learn how therapywith can help soup served with a physical stew sesrved Saturday or until sold out - Beautiful Democratic politics and a colorful croissantbetter chickenmanage sal- mashed potatoes,prevent saland possibly Phalaenopsis orchids come in a va- community activist and humanitarad, fruit and wheat ad and fruit aches, pains and more. The series, riety of colors, are low maintenance ian. roll and can bloom twice per year for Keynote speaker is State Senator and called “Physical Therapy and You” second Wednesmonths at a time. Price - $25/orchid. 2018 Lieutenant Governor Candi- takes place on the **Items on Menu are Located at the Visual Art Center, date Dr. Ed Hernandez, chair of the day of each month. at Therapy Specialists, 820 S. Akers St., Suite 200, 214 East Oak St., Visalia. State Senate Health Committee, and in Visalia. Space is limited; RSVP is May 6: 2nd Annual Family Art author of the law raising the age for required to attend by calling 559Day cigarette purchase to 21. 624-3427. 12-2pm - Family Art Day is a free Tickets available online through event for the whole family. Create https://secure.actblue/ contribute/ May 10-13: Tulare Union High a special Mother’s day card, enter page/freddavis2017, or for informa- School Drama Department Presto win art-related prizes, and enjoy tion call Norma at (559) 991-5266, ents Romeo & Juliet some quality family time at Arts or Susanne at (559) 368-9464, or su- Wed.-Fri. 7pm; Sat. matinee 2pm Held in the Tulare Union AuditoriVisalia Visual Art Center, 214 East sannegundy@aol.com um, 755 E. Tulare Avenue. Tickets Oak St., Visalia.
ance of their lovely Victorian garden, 141 South B Street. Tulare/Kings Master Gardeners presents “Home Gardening Festival” will be on site at one of the garden sites. Admission is included with Garden Walk ticket. Tickets $20.00 in advance, $25 event day are available at the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and By the Water Tower Antiques. Tickets will be available the day of the event, only at By the Water Tower Antiques.
h Menu / Visalia Senior Center
.00 Dine In
or Takeout & under 54 yrs:
must be made one business day in advance by
Thursday
Friday
Fish and chips with rtar sauce, lemon
5 Chile Relleno casserole with Mexican rice, salad and fruit
1 Meatloaf with ashed potatoes, avy, vegetables, uit and roll
8 Penne pasta Alfreo with chicken and occoliserved with arlic bread, salad nd fruit
$5.00 12 PM.
Weekly Salad Option: Taco Salad—in taco bowls with lettuce, ground beef, black beans, corn with Mexican cheese and salsa
12 Mother’s Day Lunch - Chicken cordon bleu with thinly sliced ham and cheese, baked potato, vegetable and fruit
Cobb Salad With Chicken, tomato, avocado, lettuce and bacon bits with ranch and feta cheese
19 Salisbury steak with Chef Salad—with diced mushroom gravy cheeses, black olives, ham, served with mashed tomato and hard boiled potatoes, vegetables, eggs with ranch dressing fruit and roll
5 Tomato basil Greek Salad with chicken, Pizza are $5 at the door.26For more infor- support advocacy for the abused and sque with grilled cucumber, tomato, red onItalian sausage, salami, please the school, (559) neglected children olives of Tulare ion and Kalamata in County. ammation, and cheese on callpepperoni, mush686-4761. at thevinaigrette Visalia Convention Cenbalsamic with exas toast with fruit rooms, olives, bell pep-Held feta per and mozzarella, ter - doors open at 5:30pm. Tick-
May 12: 48th Annual Senior Day salad, fruit in the Park 9am - 2pm - Sock Hop themed bash SALADlineup Option: withDAILY an exciting of activities Chicken Caesar Salad and entertainment including a classic car show, local music groups, and available daily! a visit from “Elvis” himself! A delilunch is also available to ate cious subject to change. tendees.Exhibitor booths from local agencies across Tulare County will be present and are always a big hit with our seniors. Agencies are invited to showcase their programs and services to over 1,500 older adults and family members who attend this annual event in Mooney Grove Park.
ets - $150. Dinner provided by The Vintage nowith hostgrilled cash only bar. ArtisanPress; Greens Semi-formal, black tie optional. For chicken, glazed walnuts, driedinformation cranberries, apples more and tickets, call and balsamic dressing Joann Bol, (559) 288-6911.
May 13: Full Bloom 2017 - Exeter’s 14th Annual Garden Walk 9am-2pm - Exeter, famous for its murals and known as one of America’s Prettiest Painted Places is hosting the 14th Annual Full Bloom Garden Walk. Visitors are invited to explore beautiful and unique private gardens in and around the Exeter area. Be sure and take time to enjoy some refreshments hosted by Exeter’s 2012 May 12: Once Upon a Dream 5:30pm - 23rd Annual CASA of Business of the Year, By the Water Tulare County fundraising event to Tower Antiques, relax in the ambi-
May 13: 4th Annual Brews & Blues Festival 5:30-9:30pm - An evening of outstanding musical groups and individuals, tasty specialty beers and ales, hotdogs, chips and soft drinks at the Barn Theatre in Porterville. On the outdoor stage (east side of Barn Theater). Admission, $10 per person. Reservations are not available for this event. May 14: Mother’s Day Brunch 9am - 1pm - Hanford Breakfast Lions - Proceeds to benefit high school scholarships. $10/each; children 5 and under are free. Held at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. May 19: Tulare State of the City 11:30am - 1pm - Edison Energy Education Center, 4175 S. Laspina Ave. in Tulare. For more information, call the Chamber, (559) 686-1547. May 20: Kings County Homecoming 10am - 4pm - Hanford Chamber presents fun for the whole family parade, kids zone, health fair. Downtown Hanford - Civic Park. May 20: ‘The Golden Era of Hollywood Gala’ Fundraiser 7pm-Midnight - The Stroke Warrior Foundation is on a mission to help stroke survivors surpass the odds. The Golden Era of Hollywood Gala will be held at the Heritage Complex in Tulare. It is a wine & food tasting of our local wineries and restaurants supporting the cause. There will be silent auctions, raffle tickets, live auction and dancing to end the night. Individual tickets are $50. This is a formal attire event. For more information contact the Fundraising Coordinator Cara Hix, (559) 972-2167. May 23: League of Women Voters Annual Meeting - Tulare County Economy 2020 and Beyond 11:30am - Concluding this year’s study of “Sustainability” there will be a panel presentation on the subject of “Tulare County Economy
2020 and Beyond” Panel member are Armondo Apodaca, Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tricia Blattler, Tulare County Farm Bureau - Edith Hernandez, CSET Employment Connection and Adam Peck, Workforce Investment Bureau of Tulare County. A luncheon will be served for $25.00 (including tax and tip). Held at the Wyndham Hotel 9000 Plaza Drive, Visalia. Reservations are required by May 15 by contacting newellgb@hotmail.com, or calling 732-1251 May 23: Free Shoulder Pain Seminar 6-7:30pm - Lecture/discussion and refreshments at Vance Physical Therapy and Wellness in Exeter, presented by Josh Vance. Event is free. For more information and reservations, visit www.VancePT.com/events, or call 592-7117. May 29: Southern Gospel Music Concert 6pm - The First Baptist Church of Dinuba is pleased to be hosting a Southern Gospel music concert featuring “Keepers Of The Faith Ministry”. KOTF is a nationally known quartet from the state of Washington who has become a “Fan Favorite” wherever they go. This will be the fourth year in a row blessing us with a Spirit filled concert. Free admission! A free-will offering will be taken for the ministry of KOTF. For more information, please call Dennis at (559) 643-0676.
CONTINUOUS Mondays: Bridge Club, 9:30am2pm 210 W Center Street Visalia, CA 93291. Admission is free. For additional information call: Joan Dinwiddie @ 732-0855 Mondays: Knitters, 10am12:30pm 210 W Center Street Visalia, CA 93291. Everyone is welcome. Mondays: Monday Karaoke at Barmageddon, 9pm-1am Karaoke Jockey Miss Sammi will be hosting from 9pm - 1am. No Cover. Tuesdays: Barmageddon Trivia Thunderdome, 9pm-1am Challenge your friends to the ultimate trivia throw down. Earn some bragging rights in categories ranging from Saturday morning cartoons, classic video games, and pop culture films. Free sign ups at 9:30pm.
4 May, 2017
B6 • Valley Voice
Education La Joya Middle School Student Taking Part In National Scholarship Competition nia itself. Each lipstick color represents a difAlekhya Rajasekaran, CEO of Kali- ferent part of California. fornia Kisses is among 100 students naKK is the healthy choice for lipstick tionally selected to compete in the 9th and has no chemicals in it at all. Annual Saunders ScholKK is a creative, fun, ars Competition. and unique way to let Hundreds of business girls express themselves and education leaders, while contributing to enstudents and parents will vironmental causes. gather to hear America’s Alekhya will be top young entrepreneurs competing among the aged 11-18 pitch their “best-of-the-best” from business plans. around the country in The young entreprehopes of being voted as neurs will compete to one of America’s Next win college scholarships Top Entrepreneur Naranging from $25,000 tional Saunders Scholars $50,000, an all-expens- Alekhya Rajasekaran Finalists. es paid trip to America’s Locally the Visalia Small Business Summit in Washington, Chamber of Commerce will complete DC, and the opportunity to be on ABC their fourth year of the YEA! program Television’s hit show Shark Tank! on May 23rd. The competition will kick-off on This year Alekhya and 4 other stuMay 4th in Rochester, NY. Prior to the dents participated the program and competition, Alekhya will participate launched five new business ventures. in networking activities, field trips and Students in the YEA! program work listen to guest speakers who will in- in close cooperation with local business spire the students to continue to reach leaders, community leaders and educafor their dreams and become better en- tors who use their personal experiences trepreneurs. to demonstrate how to transform their Alekhya’s business, Kalifornia Kiss- ideas into tangible enterprises that crees (KK) is an all-natural and organic ate economic and social value for a lipstick company. KK reflects Califor- better world.
Staff Reports
Coming to the Hanford Fox Theatre Metalachi Friday, June 9 8 pm - $20 - $25
Dave Mason Friday, Sept. 22 8 pm - $35 - $65
$5 Movies The Goonies
Thursday, May 18, 7 pm
A Hard Day’s Night
Wednesday, May 31. 7 pm
(559) 584-7823
www.foxhanford.com
TCOE Theatre Company to Offer Lion King Kids Summer Camp Young actors and singers will have an opportunity to bring the story of Simba the lion and his friends from Disney’s The Lion King to life through the Theatre Company’s second annual Summer Camp. Open to students entering first grade through those leaving sixth, the Summer Camp program will help young performers develop their stage skills through three weeks of performance training. “The Theatre Company is very excited to create a summer camp around The Lion King Kids,” said Theatre Company Director Bethany Rader. “This show is a favorite of so many and we can’t wait to use it to build a new generation of young Tulare County performers.” The Summer Camp will be conduct-
Staff Reports ed by Bethany Rader and Theatre Company On-Stage directors Andres Garcia and Karly Butler-Shirk. The team will work with the participants on refining their voice, dance and acting skills. The Theatre Company Summer Camp will be held Monday-Friday, June 12-30 from 9:00 until 11:00am. The program will culminate with a performance of The Lion King Kids on June 30 at 7:00pm The Summer Camp will be held in the Elderwood Room at Tulare County Office of Education’s 7000 Doe Avenue complex. The cost of the Summer Camp is $100 per student. Registration is due June 1. For registration information, please contact the Theatre Company at (559) 651-1482.
Migrant Voice Journalism Project Gets National Attention The Migrant Education Region VIII Journalism Project, which began in the fall of 2015 and was unveiled as a newspaper called The Migrant Voice in February 2016, was created as an English language development program. In the first issue, third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from Earlimart, Pixley, Tipton and Tulare City School Districts published 20 articles about California’s drought. Through the process of interviewing people affected by or working to solve the drought, the Migrant students gained confidence in their abilities to research, speak, write and communicate their stories. In April, Migrant Education published its third and fourth editions of The Migrant Voice, expanding participation in the project to 13 Kings and Tulare county districts. The Migrant Journalism Project was envisioned by Migrant Education administrators and instructional leaders from TCOE’s Educational Resource Services (ERS). Migrant Education Program Administrator Tony Velásquez says that the project was designed to assist students in transitioning from being English learners to proficient in the English language. Along with ERS staff, Migrant administrators worked with language development specialists from Loyola Marymount University’s Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL). CEEL administrators Drs. Magaly Lavadenz, Gisela O’Brien and Elvira Armas
Tulare County Office of Ed. helped design the curriculum and conduct the trainings for the Tulare County teachers who would lead the project. The Region VIII Migrant Journalism Project has caught the attention of the California Department of Education Migrant Program. In January, Region VIII administrators Tony Velásquez, Shantall Porchia and Gloria Davalos presented the project along with Drs. O’Brien and Armas from Loyola Marymount at the Interstate Migrant Education Council (IMEC). The presentation was made to administrators from migrant programs in 20 U.S. states. This month, the California Department of Education has asked Mr. Velásquez and the journalism project team to present to California Migrant regional directors at a meeting in Sacramento. “We are pleased that we continue to receive requests from other districts in our region to include them in the Migrant Journalism Project,” said Mr. Velásquez. “The feedback we are getting from our existing districts is that the program has empowered migrant students through their activities as journalists. Teachers and administrators are noticing an increase in our students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.” To see copies of The Migrant Voice, visit tcoe.org/MigrantEd. For more information, call Tony Velásquez at (559) 651-3035.
4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • B7
WHCC Names New Football Coach, Alumnus Justin Berna Staff Reports West Hills College Coalinga has found its new head football coach: former West Hills College Coalinga Falcons football standout player and WHCC alumnus Justin Berna. Berna—currently the head football coach at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri—will begin his new position as the Falcons’ Director of Sports Operations/Head Football Coach on May 1. “We are excited to welcome Justin back to West Hills College Coalinga, as the new leader of the Falcon football program,” said Eric Mendoza, Associate Dean of Athletics at WHCC. “Justin brings college head coaching experience and a passion for helping student-athletes succeed in academics, athletics, and citizenship. His teaching and leadership philosophies align with the mission and core values of West Hills College Coalinga – a place he is very familiar with. We believe Justin’s roots in the Central Valley will help grow our football program to new heights in recruiting and developing community partnerships.” Berna has a long history with football both as a player and as a coach. He played at West Hills College Coalinga from 2002-2003, a product of Yosemite High School in Oakhurst. As a Falcons starting tight end
and H-back, Berna earned Academic All-Northern California Football Conference honors and played in two bowl games – the 2002 Silicon Valley Bowl (runners-up) and the 2003 Pacific Graffiti Bowl (champions). The Falcons were runners-up at the Silicon Valley Bowl and the champions at the Pacific Graffiti Bowl and the 2003 team finished the season ranked No. 9 in the final California Community College Football Coaches Association poll for the north. Berna earned his associate of arts degree in Liberal Arts from WHCC in 2004, then transferred to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri – where he played two years and earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s degree in Education. “My family and I are extremely excited to return to the Central Valley and West Hills College Coalinga,” Berna said. “I loved my time as a Falcon student-athlete and want our current and future student-athletes to have the same experience and feel the same pride in being a Falcon as I did.” Berna has extensive coaching experience. At Lindenwood University, he served as the Running Backs-Tight Ends Coach and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach from 2006 to 2008 and
as Wide Receiver Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fitness Center Director from 2008 to 2009. He served as Assistant Head Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Strength and Conditioning Coach at MacMurray College from 2009 to 2011 and has served since Jan. 2011 as the Head Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Justin Berna. Courtesy/West Hills College Coalinga Berna said his first duties will inAvila University. clude recruiting a current team roster, Berna hopes to continue the WHCC football program’s success over helping qualified players transfer to the four-year level, and building his coachthe past few years. The WHCC football program has ing staff. “I look forward to meeting with captured three consecutive Golden Coast League titles. The 2016 Falcons our students-athletes and getting reacwon the NCFC American Division quainted with the campus community,” Bowl Championship Game as well. he said. “We have a lot to do in a short The top-ranked program is 27-6 since amount of time, but it’s an exciting chal2014 – including a conference best 16-2 lenge that we will face together with a blue-collar mentality.” in the GCL.
Shelter Buddies Helps Kids Learn to Read, Aiding Shelter Dogs in the Process Nancy Vigran There was a gentle murmur in one wing of Visalia’s animal care center on April 25, while third-graders from Goshen Elementary read to each other and to the dogs. Some 17 third-graders from Goshen Elementary School have been visiting the shelter most Tuesday afternoons since February. Shelter Buddies debuted in February as a pilot program targeting ProYouth HEART’s Goshen program. In development of the program, Books and Buddies, Read for Life came together with ProYouth HEART and the Visalia Animal Care Center. “We picked third-graders,” said Ivy Ruiz, manager of the animal care center. “They’re calm and in the process of learning how to read.” It helps the dogs, too, she said. The children actually read to each other, and the dogs listen and calm down. “They become more adoptable,” she said. “Ultimately, when people walk by [looking to adopt], the dogs aren’t shocked by them.” It is also an opportunity to educate about pet care and the importance of spay
and neutering, Ruiz said. The area of Goshen has an issue with stray animals. The Books and Buddies idea came through Nancy Loliva, a Read for Life board member. “I shamelessly stole the idea from a NBC News story on the Humane Society of Missouri,” she said. It was different, however--the program was county-run, she said. Read for Life donated 100 books to Goshen Elementary to start the program. “For the kids, it’s like a field trip,” Loliva said. “It’s a win-win all the way around.” Goshen Elementary has proven to be just the beginning for Books and Buddies. In the fall, six more Visalia elementary schools will be joining the program. Each site will get at least four visits to the shelter during the semester, Loliva said. The kids take it very seriously, she added. The kids come on Tuesdays while the shelter is closed so they may comfortably sit on blankets in front of the kennels and read, without being disturbed. Since its start in 1989, Read for Life has donated a quarter million books to Tulare County children. Read for Life supports all
A group of shelter Chihuahua mixes cannot seem to get enough of Promise Eaglise reading with Jordan Beverly and Dominic Valent, all third-graders from Goshen Elementary School. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice
12 Teenage Parenting programs in Tulare County, plus 27 Head Start Pre-Schools, and provides books and information to the pre-school migrant programs and homebased pre-schools. Serving students from kindergarten to sixth grade, ProYouth HEART offers a high-quality learning environment that emphasizes the importance of literacy de-
velopment and assessment. The Visalia Animal Care Center, which houses both Animal Control & Animal Shelter staff, is able to hold over 100 dogs at any one time and is the major holding facility for lost or stray pets in Visalia and Dinuba as well. The center’s goal is to ensure public health, safety, and animal welfare in the community.
State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez to Headline May 6 Fred Davis Dinner Staff Reports The author of the California public health law raising the smoking age to 21, State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez will be speaking in Visalia at the May 6 Fred Davis Memorial Dinner. Hernandez began his career by providing eye care to low-income communities in Southern California. In 2006, he was elected to the Assembly in order to improve access to health care for all Californians, and has served in the State Senate since 2010. In Sacramento, Hernandez was
instrumental in implementing Covered California and the Medi-Cal expansion under which 55% of Tulare County residents have health coverage. Fred Davis, the May 6 Memorial Dinner honoree, was a tireless advocate for local low-income communities. Hernandez will address many of the causes that Davis supported.
In addition to health legislation, Hernandez has helped pass laws to reduce greenhouse gases, increase renewable energy, and to enact equal pay for equal work, the $15 minimum wage, immigrant drivers’ licenses and the California DREAM Act. The Fred Davis Memorial Dinner will celebrate the life of
this local icon whose provocative letters to the editor frequently appeared in local newspapers. His support for Visalia Emergency Aid’s Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey food drives was legend as was his love of tennis and the San Francisco 49ers and Giants. Joe Altschule, bi-weekly columnist for Gannet newspapers, will MC the dinner. For more information and dinner tickets contact Susanne Gundy, (559) 368-9464, susannegundy@aol.com, or FACEBOOK listing “Fred Davis Memorial Dinner”, or https://secure.actblue. com/contribute/page/freddavis2017.
4 May, 2017
Valley Voice • B8
Gardening for the Handicapped & Elderly Dana Young
Although I am far from being handicapped, I do fall into the ranks of being considered a “Senior Citizen.” When I moved into my home a few years ago, I decided that I wanted to garden for as long as physically possible, so with that in mind I planned my outdoor space accordingly. Here are some suggestions that I have, if you are thinking of making life in the garden easier for you. Raised beds are so much easier on a person’s back than gardening in the ground. I love them for several reasons. They look neat, the garden soil doesn’t get so compacted as in regular gardens, and water and fertilizer are only applied to actual plants and not the aisles between the rows. Boxes can even be table height to accommodate wheelchairs. I have seven raised beds that are four feet by twelve feet in size. My husband and I made sure that the space between the boxes would accommodate our lawn mower, which we don’t often use because water doesn’t reach this area. But if you are building your own raised beds, be sure to include enough space to walk in between and maybe
enough to push a wheel barrow. It is important that these raised boxes are only wide enough so I can reach half way across on each side with ease. I don’t want them too long either because it would be too tempting to walk across them and compact the soil. For irrigation my husband piped water close to our vegetable patch and we ran a simple overhead system in the grow boxes. I water most of our trees and berries by hand with a hose because I can let it drip slowly and deeply. I love to water by a hose because I use the time to see what is going on out there. It is a great opportunity to check for pest infestations as well as picking produce at its peak. Be on the lookout for slippery areas where water doesn’t drain well. For fruit growing I have several small trees, berry plants and grape vines. My trees are EZ pick types that have been featured in previous articles. They are basically genetically smaller varieties, which are severely pruned to keep them small. I never use a ladder to spray my trees and I am not inundated with excess fruit. My three peach trees
and one nectarine all ripen at different times, which really work well for our family. The same goes for my grapes. I have seven vines of three varieties and we have grapes close to four months in the summer. Everything is kept small and in a defined area. Often I use stakes to secure plants or shelters in strong winds. Stakes can be dangerous if someone were to fall on them so I will invert a flowerpot over the top of them so they are not so sharp. I constantly am picking up rakes, shovels and other tools for the same reason. Make sure chemicals, even organic ones are stored safely. One final point is that our garden is close to our actual house. This makes it more convenient to gather herbs and vegetables for a quick meal. We have separated our food growing area by a fence to keep our pets out. Dog and cat waste is very dangerous around food. Never use it for compost even if it is years old. I plan on working in my garden for a few more decades. With all the fresh produce I eat, the exercise I get in the garden, and the joy of living I feel in my heart, I should be around for a while.
Happy Gardening, Friends! Where can the UCCE Master Gardeners be found this month? • Hurley School Garden, Visalia: May 6, 10 am - 2 pm • Visit us at the Visalia Farmers Market at the Sears Parking lot on Mooney on each Saturday. On the 2nd Saturday of the month, we will be presenting ongoing talks: May 12 - Citrus. • Exeter Chamber of Commerce Garden Tour: May 13, 9 am - 2 pm You can also find us every Saturday from 8 am until noon at the Farmer’s Market in the Visalia Sear’s parking lot on Mooney. We love to talk plants. Come ask us your gardening questions! For answers to all your home gardening questions, call the Master Gardeners in Tulare County at (559) 684-3325, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 and 11:30 am; or Kings County at (559) 852-2736, Thursday Only, 9:30-11:30 a.m; or visit our website to search past articles, find links to UC gardening information, or to email us with your questions: http://ucanr.edu/sites/ UC_Master_Gardeners/