Valley Voice Issue 95 (15 June, 2017)

Volume XXXVII No. 12 • 15 June, 2017

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MeasureOLeadinginLindsay, CouldGiveCityNeededBoost

The Hanford Planning Commission considered the Hidden Valley Park issue on June 13.

Hanford Planning Commission Apprehensive on Park Vote Catherine Doe While the ink was barely dry on Hanford’s newly minted General Plan, the city planning commission was expected to take the next step in preparing the undeveloped portion of Hidden Valley Park for sale at its June 13 meeting.

But things didn’t go as predicted.

Presented by Community Development Director Darlene Mata as just a routine procedure, the planning commission handed down a surprise no vote. The votes were four against and

three in favor.

The four against were Commissioners Dennis Ham, Angel Galvan, Ajmer Nahal, and Travis Paden.

Commissioner Michael Johnston expressed dismay at the final vote and wasn’t sure what more the commissioners needed to find the disposition of the 18 acres consistent with the 2035 General Plan.

The staff report to the planning commissioners stated, “California Government Code

HANFORD VOTE continued on 9 »

The city of Lindsay may finally escape the financial trap its been in for most of the last decade--but the margin is razor thin, and a few votes that could swing the decision remain to be counted.

On June 6, voters in the town of 13,000-plus just managed to approve Measure O, a 1% increase in the city’s sales tax intended to shore up the city’s sagging budget. The latest numbers from the Tulare County Registrar of Voters show the issue passing, but just barely.

Ballots that remain uncounted could yet swing the issue.

Dave Adalian unsigned, and those voters had until June 14 to correct their mistakes.

Money by New Year

The 1% increase goes into effect in October, but the city’s budget won’t reflect the new source of revenue until 2018.

“We should start seeing some monies in January,” said Mayor Pam Kimball. “Our calculations, if they’re correct, and staff seems pretty confident about it, would be about $900,000 (annually).”

Low Voter Turnout The city has regularly Lindsay has only faced yearly deficits in the 2,789 registered voters, Pamela Kimball, Lindsay Mayor $500,000 range for most 596 of whom voted in of the last decade. The the single-issue election.

The tally so far is 380 yes votes to 181 city’s woes began when housing prices fell noes; however, 35 ballots remain unpro- and the market collapsed, leaving it strugcessed by the county, 22 of which are gling to service its debt load. The new revenue will allow it to meet all its current provisional.

The 380 yeses represent more than obligations and start spending again to 67% of the vote, enough to meet the two- maintain services.

Those money worries were comthirds requirement for a tax increase. But, if all 35 votes that have not been certified pounded recently by members of the turn out to be noes, the count could drop city council who refused to consider tax increases to strengthen the city’s financial under that margin.

That likelihood seems remote, how- wherewithal. Then the makeup of the ever. Several of the ballots were merely LINDSAY continued on 8 »

Woodlake Mulls Pot Options

Members of Friends of Hidden Valley Park pose with collected petitions. Courtesy/Nate Odom

City of Hanford Rejects Referendum Petitions Catherine Doe After the Friends of Hidden Valley Park pounded the pavement for two weeks collecting signatures for a city-wide referendum, staff with the City of Hanford have rejected their petitions.

“Based on my two findings I hereby reject the entire Referendum Petition as not being sufficient,” Jennifer Gomez, the Hanford City Clerk, told the group on June 5.

The group collected a total 2,769 signatures, and handed them into the City Clerk on June 1; above the required amount of 2382 signatures.

Gomez said that only 607 signatures

The Woodlake city council held a public hearing June 12 to discuss the possibility of a cannabis growth site and dispensary. During the hearing, approximately 50 Woodlake residents were present, along with all members of the city council, including Woodlake Mayor Rudy Mendoza and Woodlake Police Chief Mike Marquez.

Approximately six members of the public spoke, two of which were not residents of Woodlake. One Fresno County resident told the city council about the crime uproar during the alcohol prohi-

Brendon Alexander bition in the 1920’s, comparing that to the illegalization of cannabis today. He explained the revenue the city of Woodlake could increase, along with a drop in crime.

Helen Chavez, a Woodlake resident and the first member of the public to speak, expressed her frustration with the city’s watering ordinance. Directing her frustration at the city council, she suggested she was told, “no washing your

WOODLAKE continued on 10 »

qualified — because while most signatories put their address, they did not include the word “Hanford.”

City attorney Mario Zamoro stated that the petitions did not comply with Election Code 9020 (a)(4) — requiring that each signer personally affix the name of his or her incorporated city or unincorporated community.

The petitions were also rejected because they did not comply with Election Code 9238.

Gomez stated in her letter to Mark Pratter, one of the referendum’s organizers, that the petition “did not contain the text of the ordinance or the portion

HANFORD PETITION continued on 8 »

The Woodlake City Council discusses the possibilities of pot. Brendon Alexander/Valley Voice

2 • Valley Voice

15 June, 2017 FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Wish You Were Here

Three months after Al’s loss the prevailing mood remains bleak. While we “celebrated” the Kid’s graduation, things like birthdays and holidays are as dog meat-served cold, and with the fur still attached. Nobody in this squad is much in the mood for festivities of any description. And then--with Teddy visiting for the graduation--the black topic of Christmas crept into the conversation. We all moaned as if seasick.

Mal de mer? No--outremer!

“We gotta get out of this house,” one of the kids said. Ah, yes--but where?

In the best anti-Christmas sentiment Teddy could muster, she simply whispered, “Auschwitz.”

We burst into a nervous, half-nauseated laughter.

Just picture the postcards we could send: “Having a White Christmas” or, my favorite, “Wish You Were Here.”

I’d send the latter to the Orange Horror.

This is about as far as one can get from Christmas; hell, it’s about as far as one can get from civilization.

But if all we want is to escape civilization, we need only turn on the television or read the newspapers. Except this one. We’re very civilized. Please--have an improving glass of wine, Macduff, and read on.

It looks increasingly as if only the 4th Estate stands between us and total catastrophe. More accurately, perhaps, only leaks stand between us and chaos. The media reports on the quotidian uncivilized lying of our president--and then on the leaks that clarify the lies. Like a dog chasing its tail.

But if we lacked this mechanism, the only version of events we’d have would be the president’s. And the president is a shameless liar.

The only thing I know for sure at this juncture is that former FBI Honcho James Comey did not actually leak anything. He’s not Julian Assange. He’s a private citizen who shared notes he took of conversations he held with the highest public servant in the country--and then testified to it all, under oath.

The president, of course, called Comey a “leaker.”

Do you expect him to fulfill his promise to similarly testify? Let’s leave this topic in the capable hands of former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich: Say a person lies repeatedly. He tells whopper after whopper, repeating them even after they’re shown to be complete fabrications. He insists that “3 to 5 million” fraudulent votes were cast against him in the presidential election, without a shred of evidence ever turning up. He says his predecessor wiretapped him, again without any evidence. He has claimed he heard Arabs cheer when the World Trade Center went down, that Barack Obama wasn’t born in America, that vaccinations cause autism, that climate change is a hoax.

He has made so many bogus claims that fact-checkers are numb, reporters aren’t surprised by anything that comes out of his mouth, and late-night comedians are awash in material.

Now suppose there’s a factual dispute between this serial liar and someone else – say, a former director of the FBI. Whom would you trust to be telling the truth? Suppose the serial liar said he’d be “100 percent” willing to provide his version under oath. How much weight does that carry?

What about the president’s insistence that there was no collusion with Russia during his campaign, and no obstruction of justice regarding the investigation after his election?

The two are not necessarily entwined.

Although I doubt it, the investigation as to collusion could exonerate the president. But he would still be exposed to obstruction if Comey’s testimony--that the president asked him to let a crucial piece of the investigation go, and subsequently fired him to quash the whole shooting match--could actually be proved.

Let’s hope the president has those tapes!

I picture him ensnared by them, Ahabesque, bound to the white leviathan of his lying egotism.

Wish You Were Here!

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15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • 3

Political Fix American Exceptionalism

Growing up, learning about our country’s history, I remember many ways America was exceptional. Our exceptionalism started in earnest with World War II when we churned out an entire ship in 4 days and 15 hours at the Richmond ship yard. Then the United States spearheaded the Marshall Plan that helped rebuild Europe and lead the democratization of Japan. All the world looked at us for leadership. American-made products that were reliable, our Democracy was admired, and our press was respected.

American exceptionalism has taken a different road since the election of our new president. All the world is still looking at us but for different reasons.

The United States’ most recent display of exceptionalism was pulling out of the Pairs Climate Agreement. Now we can walk hand in hand with Syria’s Bashar al Assad and Nicaragua, two other countries known for their own brand of exceptionalism.

On his own advise, President Donald Trump left the Paris agreement because he said the United States wasn’t getting a fair deal, even though the agreed upon goals were completely voluntary and set by the countries themselves.

President Trump stated during his speech in the Rose Garden, “I was elected to represent the voters of Pittsburg, not Paris.” But before the president could finish, the Mayor of Pittsburg reaffirmed his city’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.

President Barak Obama signed the agreement along with every other country except the two listed above in 2015. The document was considered one of the hardest fought and most popular global agreements in recent history The purpose of the pact is to save the planet.

Another aspect of American exceptionalism is our health care system. We are the only developed country in the world that doesn’t consider access to a doctor a human right. There has been a shift in attitudes in the last few years, but the majority of those in congress believe Americans should have to pay if they need medical care.

We got close to universal health coverage similar to the Europeans with Obamacare, but not quite for those who buy individual plans. Granted that Obamacare is heading towards bankruptcy, but the Republican healthcare plan, American Health Care Act, goes in the opposite direction and leaves millions without access to health care.

One consequence of American exceptionalism during World War II is that the United States created the biggest thing in the world – the American Military Complex. The United States spends more on its military than the next eight countries combined. If we transferred just 15% of what we spend on the military every American would have healthcare.

The United States prison system has become part of this reverse exceptionalism.

The United States has less than 4.4% of the world’s population but almost a quarter of the world’s prisoners. The United States has, for instance, 2.3 million criminals behind bars, more than any other nation. If you count only adults, one in 100 Americans is locked up.

San Marino, on the other hand, the smallest country in the world, has

Catherine Doe

one prisoner.

We also have exceptional gun ownership. In the United States here are 112 guns per 100 people. That doesn’t mean that every person owns a gun, it just means that gun owners like to own a lot of guns. This in contrast to England where there are 6.6 guns owned per 100 people and 4 per 100 in the Netherlands.

Gun ownership leads to another exceptional ranking for the United States.

There are roughly 32,000 gun deaths per year in the United States versus 50 or 60 per year in England.

On a positive note, the most important aspect of American exceptionalism is our Democracy.

Our democracy will survive this presidency.

In 2020 we can impose more sanctions so the Russians stay out of our elections.

We can vote in a president who will put us back into the Paris Climate Agreement. We can vote for a congress that will improve on Obamacare instead of repealing it. We can pass laws that stop jailing people for writing bad checks or taking drugs.

And once Americans cotton on to the fact that the United States has been at war since 2003 we might contemplate spending those resources on us. We are not at war because “freedom isn’t free.” We are at war to keep our military industrial complex humming. When Americans ban making money on war, then we can “Make America Great again.”

Maybe we are just too young to be using the term American Exceptionalism.

The Roman Empire lasted for 2000 years and the United States has only breached its third century. Maybe, if the planet is still alive, when America reaches its first millennial we can own Exceptionalism.

greater liberalism, on the other hand, was associated with a larger anterior cingulate.”

The Atlantic continued “Someone who only had the measurements of these two brain regions would be able to correctly guess whether an individual was “conservative” or “very liberal” about 72% of the time. Aside from the right amygdala and the anterior cingulate, no other regions showed a significant and independent correlation with political orientation.”

Many high school debate clubs battled over the concept of Nature vs. Nurture when explaining human behavior. Political orientation and social values have usually been seen as the result of Nurture or rooted in our upbringing.

But as scientists look into fields like genetics and primatology they are coming to the collusion that, “Our political orientations are deeply ingrained natural dispositions, molded within each of us by powerful evolutionary forces. Indeed, these personality traits, and the left-right spectra that arise from them, are intimately connected to the natural history of our species.”

These studies almost make me want to forgive all those Republicans who don’t believe in evolution or who think that the Earth is only 6000 years old. Ironically for them, it’s probably our evolutionary process that made them so conservative.

Genetics makes it easier to understand someone like Vice President Mike Pence.

He is an unapologetic evangelical conservative who sees the last 40 years of progress on abortion, gay rights, civil rights, criminal justice reform, and race relations as a disaster for the country.

And let’s not forget Women’s Rights.

Mr. Pence follows the Billy Graham rule, formulated in 1948 by the evangelical preacher to keep his team in line while traveling around the country. Mr. Pence has said that he will never eat alone with a woman other than his wife and wouldn’t attend any event where alcohol was being served unless his wife was with him.

So if Mr. Pence wants to party like its 1959 we really can’t judge him. Because as Lady Gaga said it - Baby he was born that way.

“I love to fish, but couldn’t afford a boat until now.”

Is being conservative or liberal in our genes?

Aristotle once described man as a political animal, and now according to research linking genes with liberal or conservative leanings, he was partially correct.

Actually the research has been going on for a long time, but took one scientist couple 20 years because they wanted to trace the path of political affinity from childhood to adult. Their goal was to determine if being conservative or liberal was due to one’s environment or genes.

Using the results from following 100 toddlers to adulthood, the couple found a clear set of childhood traits that accurately predicted who would be conservative or liberal as adults. The same results occurred when another team of psychologists studied twins who had been separated from birth. The experiments suggested that the roots of our political orientation emerge as early as four years old. This would leave one to assume that we are born with our political inclinations.

In another study, researchers at University College London recruited 90 students and had each of them rate him or herself on a five-point political spectrum. Their choices could range from “very conservative” to “very liberal.” Then neuroscientist Geraint Rees used magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to scan each of their brains.

According to The Atlantic, “The results were stunning. From the MRIs, the scientists were able to accurately predict which of those individuals was more likely to be a liberal or a conservative. The more conservative students had a larger right amygdala;

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4 • Valley Voice

15 June, 2017

K-9s: A Large Part of Local Law Enforcement Nancy Vigran

There may be nothing more ideal than going to work every day and loving your job. For Keavy, she has just that--her job being in narcotics enforcement with the Farmersville Police Department. For her partner, Officer Ashley Hettick, it is almost as enjoyable.

Keavy is a Springer Spaniel--together with Officer Hettick, they make up one of Farmersville’s three K-9 teams. Keavy was born in England and along with her littermate, Faith, was imported to the US as a puppy, later becoming part of a training program directed by Farmersville Lieutenant Jay Brock. Brock has been a K-9 handler for much of his 28 years in law enforcement, receiving his first K-9 partner in 1994. After his promotion to lieutenant in 2013, he had to give up his handling duties in the department. He continues to oversee the Farmersville K-9 teams and remains active, when off duty, in his sideline of training. He owns his own business, Top Dog Training Center.

Keavy and Faith were acquired with the intent of becoming involved in local law enforcement – Keavy for the City of Farmerville, Faith for the Tulare County Sheriff Department.

Brock trains a lot of teams for local law enforcement agencies outside of Farmersville, including both the Tulare County and Kings County Sheriff Departments and several police departments including Porterville, Lindsay, Exeter, Dinuba, Selma and Reedley.

Through the years more breeds of dogs, aside from the more traditional German Shepherds and Belgian Malanois, have become active as police dogs including Spaniels and Pointers, Brock said. Some mixed breeds may also be utilized. Different dogs are trained for different purposes. The important traits for narcotic detection dogs are enthusiasm and drive, and the ability to do what is required of them. There is also a great benefit to a smaller size, such as Springer Spaniel, as they can

easily move around in tighter spaces. In this environment, a dog that is non-threatening and not aggressive is more desirable, Brock said.

Farmersville’s Officer Hettick and Keavy

Keavy fits the bill. She wiggles with excitement at her work, and has no interest in apprehending the people around her. Together with Officer Hettick, they have been trained in narcotics detection – the most common training for K-9s in law enforcement.

Keavy has reward-based training.

“That obsessive behavior--that they [the dogs] really can’t think of much else once you set them in motion--is an advantage to us, because conditions and the environment can be distracting,” Lt. Brock said. “They work through most of that--they want to hunt and eventually play with their toy.”

Officer Hettick and Keavy make regular trips to Farmersville High School and Junior High. They also participate in traffic stops and search warrants. During the 2015-16 school year, in operating just part of that year, the team made many drug finds in the schools. This past year, 20162017, not so much. Officer Hettick attributes that to the fact that there are just a lot less drugs in the schools.

“It’s supposed to be a deterrent,” Hettick said. “I would rather her [Keavy] not be successful there – that means they [the students] are not bringing it [drugs] to school.”

While most dogs are trained in narcotic detection, others also receive further training in firearm and ammunition detection, search and, sometimes, apprehension. This is where the more traditional dogs come in and Farmersville employs two Belgian Malinois, Gibby and Jace, who are dual trained.

Training for Dog and Handler

With his training business, Lt. Brock said when he is in need of a dog, he now has some regular sourc-

Farmersville Sergeant Troy Everett puts his partner, Gibby, through the paces at the recent Sierra K-9 Trials. Courtesy/Deputy Crain/Kings County Sheriff’s Department

Keavy, a K-9 member of the Farmersville Police Department, stands frozen once she finds the drugs she is asked to locate. She is released by a click from her handler and then given her toy for some play time. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice

es he will call upon around the country. Some of his sources will also let him know if they have found a dog with the traits he has found promising, should he have a need to fill.

Like many of the larger training facilities, Brock does not keep dogs on hand. He prefers to train dogs along with their handlers, at the same time, tailoring them to their particular department’s needs. They are not young puppies, but rather dogs close to one year old and generally under two. He’s not necessarily looking for purebreds, and not particular bloodlines, but rather good health and ability.

Since departments invest a lot into their K-9 officers, they look to receive a minimum of five to six years of service, Brock said. A single purpose dog, like Keavy, costs upwards of $10,000 for purchase and training of dog and handler. Dual purpose dogs, like Gibby and Jace, have more time invested into training, with a cost of around $14,000.

Brock’s decision to go into the training business in 2003 was based, in part, on training local dogs in the environment in which they will work.

Most training outfits are in the urban environment and the dogs do not see the work often played out in the agriculture communities and orchards, he said.

But, also, “we were having more and more difficulty being able to send people away for training because the classes are quite lengthy – usually a patrol class is about five weeks, and patrol and detection is about 10 weeks. So, that is a substantial amount of time away,” he said.

Added to that is travel time, lodging and meals.

“Dogs have the ability to save time,” Brock said. “They’re more efficient in their searching.

“The handler is the thinking part of the team. They understand the significance of the role and follow policy appropriately using a tool assigned to them. It’s hard because you’re sending an animal into a situation and things may make a right turn and change drastically.”

Every team faces retesting annually.

K-9 continued on 5 »

Farmersville Police Officer Darrell Locke works with his partner, Jace, during one of the department’s two-hour weekly sessions. Courtesy/Heath Locke

15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • 5

Exeter Continues to See Small Growth in Home Building Nancy Vigran Two Exeter developments that have been on the books for some time are finally seeing houses being raised. Exeter Golf Course owner Steve Maaske sold some of his land on the north side of the course 12 years ago, with course-view housing in mind.

A few years prior to that, Maaske had visited an Oregon golf course, where housing was developed down the middle of it. He liked the idea, albeit not in the middle of the course, he said. But rather of having houses not only lining the course, which is done in Exeter along Pine, Fairway and Belmont streets, but also to become somewhat active with the course itself.

“It’s been ready and waiting to develop for years,” he said. “It just took the past 12 years to happen. It’s very nicely planned out.”

Last year, Cathy Tantau purchased all the lots as a group. She started right in on the plans with three options available, each approximating 1900 square feet.

“My son encouraged me to buy this because it’s a good project,” she said.

Tantau has never been a developer,

K-9

Continued from 4 Don’t Clock Out at 5

For the handler, the work becomes a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week job.

“You don’t just shut the door at five o’clock when it’s time to go home and come back the next day,” Brock said. “You’re going to have to take the dog home and care for it.”

Proper kenneling must be provided – the K-9 officer is not a family dog. Incentive pay is generally offered to handlers for their extra time and responsibility, he said.

“It’s quite a bit of extra duty and responsibility – taking care of them, all of the time,” he added.

In Keavy’s case there is another dog in the household. While she is allowed to associate with the family dog, visitations are brief. Officer Hettick takes Keavy out for work every day, whether it is technically a work day or not. Training is an ongoing ef-

Houses are being built along Visalia Rd. and the Exeter Golf Course, where 10 lots are developed in a small gated community called Little Lane. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice

nor does she plan on any others. She, herself, will have one of the 10 homes on Little Lane. The two houses currently being built are already purchased. The community is gated with an entrance through the golf course parking lot and an exit onto Visalia Road.

While not marketed as a senior community, she said, so far it is turning out that way.

“It’s going to be a really fun neighborhood,” she said.

Indeed, Maaske said he would entertain the thought of having, perhaps, monthly barbecues with the residents,

as well as other events. He also suggested that the new residents are welcome to utilize the golf course’s parking lot for their guests.

An additional development has seen work along F Street with two cul-desacs called King Court and W. Sequoia Court for a total of 12 new houses along with one exitingdevelopment, called Rocky Hill Haciendas. It is bordered by the railroad tracks on the west and agriculture to the north. The developer/ owner of the property was not available for comment, but a flyer for the property indicates semi-custom and

custom homes will be priced from the $300,000’s.

These are “small signs, but not explosive growth,” said Greg Collins, Exeter City Planner. “Exeter sort of likes their growth to take place slowly and carefully.”

There are a couple of other larger developments that have been approved, Collins said. One is located at the northeast corner of Vine St. and Elberta Rd. with more than 100 units. A second is on Visalia Road west of Belmont with 60 to 70 units. Neither has seen any physical work begun to date.

fort, and for Keavy work time is often play time. When she finds what she seeks, or is done searching an area, she is rewarded with high praise and one of her favorite toys, or a treat.

Officially, Farmersville’s K-9s and handlers train two hours per week on top of their regular work schedule.

They also participate in eight hours of training per month alongside K-9s and handlers from other local agencies, in other areas of the county – sometimes in town; sometimes in an agricultural or rural setting.

proximately 20 teams.

Locke and Jace took first in agility, as well as first overall in the novice category.

Lt. Brock also has a lot of experience participating in trials. In fact, he and his K-9 partner won overall in the Police and Fire World Games held in Indianapolis some years ago.

Trials are an extension to training, Brock said. “They may motivate you to work harder or train harder, if you feel you are deficient in some area. Essentially, the trials are nothing more than a test and you’re trying to see if you can get them [the dogs] to perform as you want them to. It’s an extension of training.”

For Officer Hettick, her job is a dream come true. She wanted to work with a K-9 partner when she started her career, and she also wanted to work in narcotics.

“Keeping drugs off the streets – it’s kind of a never-ending thing,” Officer Hettick said. “Having Keavy as a K-9 partner, is kind of cool.”

During training, Officer Ashley Hettick sends Keavy, her K-9 partner, to search for drugs.

There are three obstacles set up, which vary in appearance during different trainings.

When Keavy finds her target, she is rewarded with a toy or treat. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice

K-9 Trial Participation

Recently, Hettick and Keavy participated in the annual Sierra K-9 Trials, along with Sergeant Troy Everett and Gibby, and Officer Darrell Locke and Jace.

The Farmersville department did well, walking away with seven trophies. Hettick and Keavy earned two of those with a third in narcotic vehicle search and a third in narcotic building search, from a field of ap-

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6 • Valley Voice

15 June, 2017

Agriculture Nut Harvest Safety Seminar June 19 Staff Reports

As local farmers continue to diversify and plant an increasing number of nut crops, the Kings and Tulare County Farm Bureaus, along with State Fund, American Pistachio Growers and UCCE, are hosting the third annual nut harvest safety seminar.

Scheduled for Wednesday, July 19 at the Kings Fairgrounds in Hanford, this free training is directed toward nut commodity harvest equipment operators, crews and farm employees, in conjunction with farm managers/ supervisors and growers. Harvest

equipment for walnuts, almonds and pistachios will be included and safety materials will be provided.

Presentations will be made in both English and Spanish, with participants rotating between various sessions on nut harvest safety. Sessions will include presentations by the CHP on rules of the road to observe when pulling trailers and equipment, Cal-OSHA on avoiding heat stress, and State Compensation Insurance Fund will discuss the safe operation of nut harvest farm equipment.

John Ellis, Kings County Farm

Bureau board member and seminar chairman, said that the event will provide valuable information to the growing number of area nut farmers.

“We recognize that our members are producing an ever-increasing acreage of nut crops, so we’re dedicating staff and our board of directors’ time to organize this program to be helpful and informative to our membership,” Ellis said. “The seminar has been so well received during the past two summers that we want to continue offering it.”

Those interested in registering for this free seminar should call the Tulare

County Farm Bureau at (559) 7328301 by Friday, July 14. Day-of registration will be held at 7:30am. During that time, staff from the United Way and Family Healthcare Network will be on hand to provide free health screening for participants. The training begins at 8am and ends at 1:30pm. Lunch will be provided, and participants will receive a certification of completion at the seminar’s conclusion.

For more information, please call the Kings County Farm Bureau office at (559) 584-3557.

Many Growers Are Still Dealing With Wet Fields Kevin Hecteman, CFBF

It may not be raining much anymore, but all that water is still doing a number on some growers of California peaches, walnuts and almonds.

Exactly how big of a number is still unknown.

Janine Hasey, a University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor in Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties, said that her area was seeing two separate issues. One involved river bottom orchards inside the levees, which flooded several times this year.

“The growers actually know that there’s that risk involved,” Hasey said.

“It’s just that this year, the rivers ran high for a long time.”

The other involved seepage under the levees reaching orchards on the other side.

“Because the rivers ran high, and they ran for a long time, we had a lot of seepage,” Hasey said. “What I’m seeing, really, is unprecedented in my career, which is over 35 years.”

Hasey pointed to flooding in 1986, which left orchards inundated for about 45 days, and in 1997, during which many farms were flooded for a couple of months.

“We’ve had orchards that have had

seepage water in them since January, and it just started drying out in May,” she said. Most trees can handle that when they’re dormant, but once they wake up, roots deprived of oxygen can suffer waterlogging damage, she said.

Another concern is phytophthora, a mold that can infect and kill trees.

On top of that, Yuba County saw the collapse of the banks of the Feather River in early March after the Oroville Dam’s spillway was shut down, causing river levels to fall rapidly. Soil didn’t have time to dry out, Hasey said, and when the water ran back out into the river, the banks collapsed.

“That’s a continuing erosion problem,” Hasey said. “We have some growers who’ve actually lost trees in the river because of the erosion, not to mention acres of land.”

The effects of this collapse will be felt for years, if not decades, Hasey said.

“It took down all the riverbank,” she said. “All of our trees and vegetation that was stabilizing the bank went in the river.”

Growers of peaches, walnuts and almonds will have to make assessments as the summer progresses, Hasey said.

“When the trees really start trying to pull water and they can’t, that’s

Your One Stop Farm & Home Store

when they collapse,” Hasey said.

“We’re not going to know the full extent until next year, and then there will probably be some trees that kind of hang on and just don’t do well,” Hasey said.

In Sacramento County, diversified farmer Ken Oneto of Elk Grove reported losing 1,100 walnut trees in an orchard flooded by the nearby Cosumnes River. The loss totaled 15 acres, or about one-third of the orchard. (A photo of this orchard appeared in the March 1 edition of Ag Alert.)

A neighbor took out a levee a couple of years ago to increase flooding intervals, Oneto said; the plan didn’t work, and seepage under his levee got into his orchard. The water finally left the field on May 8, he added.

“We lost six years on them,” Oneto said. The trees had only one year’s production, he added.

Elsewhere on Oneto’s property, the last remnants of a Union Pacific freight train that derailed Feb. 10 are being cleaned up. The last of the cars were removed May 8, Oneto said, and the contents—mainly tomato paste— were still being hauled away. Floodwaters made it difficult for cleanup crews to reach the site.

Meanwhile, a rare end-of-May rain raised fears that the cherry crop might be affected by split fruit, but

Matt Nowak of Grower Direct Marketing in Stockton said the crop is unaffected.

“We were pretty fortunate,” Nowak said, noting his area received only about 0.1 inch of rain late at night, followed by a cool morning.

“At this point in the season, the optical sorting technology that most of the packing sheds are using are able to minimize the effects of rain damage.”

Nowak, who works in domestic and export sales, said that technology has been a boon for companies such as O-G Packing of Stockton, a Grower Direct sister company.

“They do such a good job getting that fruit out that we’re still able to take what little damage comes in on that fruit that’s running across the line and get it out of a packed box,” Nowak said. “We shouldn’t see any effect of it at all as an industry.”

Those with flooding issues in their orchards can find a list of actions to take and programs that may be available to help them here: http://cesutter.ucanr.edu/newsletters/Orchard_ Notes68260.pdf.

(Kevin Hecteman is an assistant editor of Ag Alert. He may be contacted at khecteman@cfbf.com.)

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

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15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • 7

Agriculture Drones Provide Bird’s Eye View of Fields Kevin Hecteman, CFBF

You’re responsible for hundreds of acres of orchards. How will you keep track of the farm’s water needs? You could drive or walk the field, or you could send up your trusty drone, and analyze the photos and data it brings back from a 10-minute flight.

That’s the idea behind a multiyear project in which David Doll, a University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor in Merced County, has teamed with professors and students at UC Merced and California State University, Fresno, to investigate ways farmers can use small drones, also called unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs, to watch over their fields.

The project has five objectives: reducing equipment costs; determining the proper flight angle and height for different crops; using the drone for data collection on a farm; developing user-friendly hardware and software; and sharing the knowledge with farmers and seeking their feedback.

UCCE hosted a field day at Bowles Farming Co. in Los Banos last week, with Doll and teams from the two campuses in attendance.

“We want to provide farmers awareness that, although this technology is out there, it’s still new and we’re still doing some research alongside with it,” Doll said, “ as well as showcase some of the technology that we have in the field and how we’re able to use it to collect data on the fly from sensors, as well as take images.”

He said researchers are also developing new vegetation indexes to provide a better sense of crop stress in almonds, walnuts and pistachios.

Doll said many systems use the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which works well for annual crops such as corn but has come up short on tree crops.

“Within perennial crops, NDVI is not able to detect mild and moderate stress levels due to the canopy density and tree architecture,” Doll said. “These are the levels of stress in which the plant’s water status needs to be maintained and managed. It can detect severe stress, but by this point crop load and next year’s crop load is negatively impacted.”

The Fresno State crew used a drone to collect information from sensors placed throughout a 9-acre cotton field.

“Out in this field, we have 20 sensors spread out,” said Freddy Lopez, a Fresno State graduate student. “They’re taking temperature and humidity readings and moisture samples.”

The sensors can be programmed to take readings at set intervals, he added.

The drone hovers overhead, wakes up the sensor, collects its data via Wi-Fi and saves it to a memory card.

“We have a few programs that will plot the data over time and show you what the moisture was like out in the field,” Lopez said. “We can detect overwatering. Hopefully, we can de-

Khai Chang, left, and Freddy Lopez look over their drone during a University of California Cooperative Extension field day at a Bowles Farming Co. cotton field in Los Banos. The group from California State University, Fresno, is working with UCCE farm advisor David Doll and students from UC Merced to investigate ways farmers can use small drones to assess their fields and orchards, particularly to monitor for water stress.

Courtesy/Kevin Hecteman/CFBF

tect underwatering before it becomes be occurring with water, soil or disease. an issue.”

Per federal regulations, the drone Lopez described the project as pilots kept their crafts within their line both practical and research-based. of sight while they were airborne. Com“We’re trying to tune in our proj- mercial drone pilots need a remote-piect, see how much battery life we can lot certificate, which requires passing get out of each an aeronautical module, see what knowledge exam.

SAFETY TIPS FOR kind of wireless The prevalence range we can get of drones has also DRONE PILOTS out of each node, placed emphaThe National Agricultural Aviasee how fast we can sis on the need collect the data, tion Association recommends the for coordination following for drone pilots: and honestly as enwith manned aggineers also learn ricultural aircraft.

• Become certified and well-trained a little bit about Though there have in operating a UAV (mandatory farming as we debeen no reports of for commercial operators). velop tools for • Contact local agricultural avia- midair collisions farming,” he said. tion operators before flying by between manned The UC Merconsulting www.agaviation.org/ agricultural planes ced drone looked and drones, pilots af_AerialDirectory.asp. for signs of wa- • Equip a UAV with a tracking de- have reported a few ter stress. vice, such as ADS-B Out, to send close calls. Reid “I’m working manager a signal to agricultural aircraft Potter, on trying to exof Lakeland Aviawith similar tracking-reading tract the water station in Corcoran technology. tus or early water • Equip UAVs with strobe lights. and president of stress detection for • Give the right-of-way to a the California Agcrops using drone ricultural Aviation manned aircraft. It’s the law. imaging,” said • Land the UAV immediately when Association, said Tiebiao Zhao, a low-flying agricula low-flying aircraft is nearby. doctoral candidate • Carry UAV liability insurance. tural pilots won’t who piloted his • Review the NAAA UAV safety be able to see a video and other information at drone unless it’s team’s craft. www.agaviation.org/uavsafety.

“I flew two properly equipped.

Federal Aviation Administracameras,” Zhao “If someone’s said. “One is a red- tion regulations concerning com- going to be opergreen-blue cam- mercial drone use are summarized at ating a drone, that era. The other is a www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_ vehicle has to have near-infrared cam- Summary.pdf. some sort of beaera. We flew at 60 con, flashing beameters (almost 197 con, so that any pifeet) with the resolution of 2 centime- lot can see it,” Potter said, adding that ters per pixel, and then we covered the radio communication would also help whole cotton field within 10 minutes.” (see text box).

The resulting photos can help a Doll and his colleagues are looking farmer identify patterns, Zhao said, for ways to make UAV systems easier and figure out where problems might to use and easier to afford.

“We’ve been trying to identify a low-cost platform, such as a cheaper drone or low-cost drone, low-cost imager using just a point-and-shoot camera, and then trying to utilize that and develop the technology to process those images into something a farmer can actually use and interpret and apply to their field,” he said.

As for the next step, “what we’re looking to do is to work on that post-image processing,” Doll said. “We know that’s a major challenge for many farmers. The technology is there to georeference, to geotag, to take images, to stitch the images, but where we’re struggling is to put that all into one package for the farmer to utilize. We want to simplify this process.”

One company trying to do that is Air Tractor, a Texas-based builder of agricultural planes. Last year, Air Tractor bought drone startup Hangar 78, maker of the Yield Defender. The system includes a small quadcopter drone, a near-infrared camera and processing software.

“This is the first growing season we’ve actually had the analytical tools to provide the turnkey system,” said Wes Hall, vice president of UAS technologies for Air Tractor. Hall said the processing software geolocates each image, pinpoints its location on a satellite overlay and processes into NDVI. The great unknown, he said, is who will fly the Yield Defender.

“The market hasn’t really decided who those people are,” Hall said. “Is it agronomists? Is it seed companies? Is it chemical companies? Is it the grower?

We don’t really know right now.”

(Kevin Hecteman is an assistant editor of Ag Alert. He may be contacted at khecteman@cfbf.com.)

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

8 • Valley Voice

New Pickleball Courts Finally Opening Dave Adalian Visalia’s pickleball pickle has been resolved.

A minor controversy erupted among fans of the sport, predominantly older citizens, after they ponied up $25,000 to help the city convert two tennis courts at Plaza Park into eight new pickleball courts. The sport is a form of modified tennis played with a Wiffle ball and paddles on an area about half the size of a tennis court.

“It’s really popular with the 50-plus population,” said Jeannie Greenwood, Visalia’s Park and Recreation director. “It’s a great way to get some exercise and it’s easy on the joints.”

Contractor Problems

Happy pickleballers will finally take to their new courts following a grand opening at Plaza Park on June 17, but they had hoped to start using the courts back in March for the annual Senior Games.

In August of 2016, the city council agreed to convert two of the tennis courts at Plaza Park at a cost of about $85,000.

To pay for the conversion, local pickle-

Lindsay Continued from 1

council changed with the resignation of hold-out Councilman Steven Mecum, allowing a new attitude.

Voters backed the idea, seeing the need as the city’s safety services struggled.

Deep Cuts

Municipalities plan their fiscal year each spring and present the annual budget for approval in June. This season, Lindsay’s finance department had to do double duty, creating two budgets to reflect both possible outcomes of the Measure O vote. Had voters rejected the measure, Lindsay would have been forced to slash its spending to a bare minimum and city employees could have faced layoffs.

“They were preparing two budgets,

Hanford Petition Continued from 1

of the ordinance that is the subject of the referendum.”

Nate Odom, park advocate, countered, “We had the zoning ordinance sited, and attached for perusal if the signer wished to see it.”

He did acknowledge that the text of the ordinance was not printed along the top of each signature page.

Hanford Adopts Its General Plan

The Hanford City Council adopted the 2035 General Plan and zoning ordinance at its April 24 meeting. The zoning ordinance changed the undeveloped 18 acres of the park from public facilities to residential.

The city filed the new zoning ordinance on May 2; the Hidden Valley Park advocacy group had until June 1 to hand in the signatures.

According to Pratter, the referendum gives the city the choice of repealing the zoning ordinance or putting the zoning ordinance up for a public vote.

Those objecting to the zoning change and working on the referendum don’t

ball enthusiasts, including Mayor Warren Gubler--“I’d like to be an enthusiast,” he quipped--were asked to pony up $25,000, which they did. The then city hired the lowest-bid contractor and work began.

It stalled hard.

“Some (contractors) are better than others. This fellow just didn’t get it done in time,” said Public Works Director Adam Ennis, and what the contractor did finish wasn’t up to snuff. “One of the final coatings wasn’t done right. It has to be removed and replaced.”

The problems were actually even more extensive than that, according to Greenwood.

“There were many problems throughout the project,” she said. “We were hoping to open them in time for Senior Games in March. However, we had problems and hired a new contractor to finish the project.”

The courts are now ready for play.

High Demand

Pickleball is very popular in Visalia depending,” Kimball said. “They get to junk one. We’re pretty glad because they were going to be pretty drastic cuts. I think it was something like 13% across the board. It probably would have meant some people’s jobs.”

Lindsay already used furloughs to cut costs in 2015, raising the ire of city employees and their union, and prompting the original call for a sales-tax increase to make ends meet. No such extreme measures will be on the table when the council considers the 2017-18 budget on June 20.

Getting Ahead

The first splurge for Lindsay will be new vehicles and personnel at its combined fire, police and ambulance service, Kimball said. The council will start allocating the new funding with the new budget. want the 18 acres sold to a developer. Park advocates want Hanford to have a 38-acre park as a community gathering place, to draw outside visitors, and be a symbol of pride for the city.

Councilmember Justin Mendes said in a Facebook post that the park “was originally purchased for a Storm Water Basin.

Over time, the basin was not developed and the city listed it as surplus property many times. The city never developed the land into anything else and lacking political will, never sold the ground.”

Hanford city attorney Ty Mizote confirmed Mendes’ view during the June 6 city council meeting by reading the minutes from an October, 1967 city council meeting stating the city wanted 12 acres for a sinking basin. The city council at that time voted to sell the excess at fair market value.

Park advocates point to Hanford Sentinel articles, site maps, and personal testimonies that contradict those 1967 meeting minutes. The advocates’ sources state that all 38 acres were meant to be a park.

Mendes and Councilmember Francisco Ramirez favor selling the vacant 18 acres to a developer and using the money to build an indoor recreational facility.

All of the city council members voted

as an early morning activity at Recreation Park, home to the city’s only two courts.

Those courts are almost always in use, and the eight new courts promised a boon for the men and women who have made it center of their social lives. The delay quickly became a source of consternation.

Their ire is unsurprising given the dedication some of them feel to the game.

“We used to chalk our own courts at Mt. Whitney High School,” said Mary Jo Eastes, a five-year pickleballer. “It’s not a wimp sport. It’s a good workout.”

The courts at Rec Park are constantly in use during league season, and even when the city-sponsored groupings aren’t going, players still turn out almost every morning. For many, it’s the a center of their social lives.

Social Sport

Pickleball, its supporters say, isn’t just for former high school sports stars.

“You don’t have to have athletic skill to do this,” said Geri DeJong, who travels from Tulare to play on Visalia’s courts with her friends.

Eastes and DeJong promote the sport “It’s going to make up budget shortfalls first of all, but we do expect to get ahead, especially in public safety,” she said.

The unusual structure of Lindsay’s emergency services department may also be addressed in future, Kimball said. The department presents unusual situations that have been difficult to address, and a return to a standard split could ease operations.

“It’s become more problematic as we’ve lost officers who have cross training,” Kimball said. “Those are unusual to come by.”

Future spending, she said, will likely focus on maintaining city infrastructure, such as increasingly ragged roadways and contaminated wells.

‘Safe and Attractive’

The new tax--which is a standard in favor of the zoning change at the April 24 meeting except Councilmember Sue Sorenson, who had a family emergency.

Even if she had been in attendance, the Fair Political Practices Commission advised her to recuse herself due to a conflict of interest. Sorenson did vote, however, in favor of designating the 18 acres as surplus, which is the first step towards selling the property.

Park Advocates Vow to Continue the Fight

Several proponents of the park spoke at the June 6th Hanford City Council meeting to voice their outrage.

Pratter said that some signatories did not put the word “Hanford” on “what were obviously Hanford addresses.”

He accused the city of using a “strategy of legal technicalities to scuttle the will of the voters.”

“It is wrong and misguided. The city’s argument is a short-sighted scheme to destroy our parkland for the sake of developers’ dollars,” Pratter said. “What the signatures show is that the support for the parkland is broad-based and deep.”

Mizote took umbrage at Pratter’s saying the city rejected the petitions on a technicality.

15 June, 2017

with presentation at local service clubs.

They recently talked to a group of Rotarians, and the Lions Club is next.

“If you get four people who play at your level, it’s a lot of fun,” said Jill Dembroff, who was on the courts with her friends as they rotated in and out of play.

Grand Opening

When the original contractor was removed with the job unfinished, the cost of the project increased. The city covered that, and the city’s pickleballers weren’t tapped to help cover the cost of the third-party mistake.

The opening ceremony for the eight new pickleball courts is 8am on Saturday, June 17, at Plaza Park, 1800 S. Plaza Drive in Visalia. Open play will follow the dedication.

Those interested in becoming part of the growing pickleball phenomenon can sign up for clinics through the city’s recreation department. The city also organizes league play. More information is available at liveandplayvisalia.com or by calling (559) 713-4365.

measure for gaining revenue in the rest of Tulare County’s cities--has no end date, but it could be rescinded by a future vote if economic reality changes for Lindsay.

“There’s not a sunset. It could be retired sometime in the future,” Kimball said. “I don’t anticipate costs ever going down.”

The Mayor would like to see a renaissance of a sort in her city, which had become something of an attraction in the eastern county with the McDermont Field House, the city’s annual Chili Cook-Off and its Friday Night Market, all of which are still going concerns. Some of the new monies could end up promoting business and visitors to the town.

“We’re certainly hopeful now that we have a way to keep ourselves safe and attractive,” Kimball said. “We’ve worked hard to maintain things.”

“The statute is very clear that that every signature must put that they live in Hanford. This is not a technicality.”

Mizote cited a case in Monterey County that was upheld in appellate court.

“They faced a very similar situation where people were very unhappy with the zoning. There was a referendum attempt, petitions circulated, and signatures collected but the registrar said they did not collect enough signatures,” Mizote said.

He also said that the signatures all had addresses — but not enough of them designated in what city the signatories lived.

Pratter informed the council at the June 6 city council meeting that the Friends of the Hidden Valley Park intended to challenge the city clerk’s action in Kings County Superior Court.

“We are confident that a fair-minded judge will rule that the signers are indeed from Hanford and that getting a referendum on the ballot is the lawful will of the voters,” Pratter told the council.

“In the event there is a lawsuit we will be prepared to use this appellate case which is the binding authority,” Mizote countered.

“As it stands now, the referendum is dead.”

15 June, 2017

Hanford Vote Continued from 1

Section 65402 requires that the disposition of real property be reviewed by the Planning Commission for determination as to whether the sale conforms to the City’s adopted General Plan.”

The 18 undeveloped acres of Hidden Valley Park were changed from zoned as Public Facilities to Low Density Residential at a special Hanford City Council meeting April 24. The Planning Commission was tasked with complying with the government code necessary before the city council could approve the sale of the property.

Galvan said that it was difficult to vote for consistency if the commissioners did not have a copy of the 2035 General Plan. Mata said that their big printer was being repaired and directed the Commissioners to look at the General Plan on the city’s website.

Paden said that he would have appreciated all the back-up documents being available during last week’s city council meeting, such as the 1967 city council minutes. Mata said that all of that material was available for review at the administration’s front desk. Paden said he didn’t want to review documents at the front desk but wants supporting documentation in his agenda packet.

The four commissioners who voted against finding consistency appeared very uncomfortable with the rezoning of the property to residential, though none said it directly.

Valley Voice • 9 The Planning Commissioners instead voted unanimously to continue the discussion and vote again during their regular June 27 meeting.

During public comment Mark Pratter, organizer of the Friends of Hidden Valley, asked the commissioners that even if they find it consistent with the general plan, he hoped they would not find it consistent with the will of the people.

He pointed out that the commissioners’ vote was one more step needed by the city to sell the second half of Hidden Valley Park. The first three were when the city council voted to designate the land as surplus, then rezoned the property, and finally approved the General Plan on April 24.

Hanford resident Bob Ramos said that soon the city’s population will be 70,000 and they will need more parkland, not less. He said that Hanford didn’t have this problem until City Manager Darrel Pyle and Mata came to work for the city.

Though Pyle and Mata have never publicly said they want the land sold, this accusation has surfaced in several meetings concerning the park. Park advocate Mike Quinn said that ever since Pyle came to town the park has been fast-tracked to be sold. Quinn referred to Pyle as a big project city manager only out to accent his resume.

Pat Johnson, also a member of the Friends of Hidden Valley Park, said that the city council could have set aside the zoning disagreement about the park and voted to pass the rest of the Gen-

eral Plan. She also brought up a popular compromise where park advocates proposed finishing Roger’s Road and let the city sell the far nine acres but extend Hidden Valley Park with the closest nine acres.

The fact that both of these proposals never gained traction was evidence to the park advocates that the city is only interested in selling the 18 acres.

Nate Odom had the final say during public comment, “The fact that we have to be here yet again is ridiculous.”

Although Hanford residents have strongly opposed selling Hidden Valley Park, their city councils have put the issue on the agenda approximately ten times in the last 15 years.

Pratter, who spear headed a referendum attempt to reverse the zoning of the 18 acres, said the Friends of Hidden Valley Park’s strategy is to tie the city up legally so the property can’t be sold. He said that the property was bought with state money back in 1967. According to the Quimby Act, cities cannot sell land bought with state funds.

Pratter also said that environmental lawyer Richard Harriman will soon be filing a suit to challenge the city’s rejection of the group’s petitions in support of the referendum. The suit will challenge the city’s rejection of the signatures and will challenge the city’s assessment that the petition’s language was insufficient.

City Clerk Jennifer Gomez informed the park advocate group on June 5, “Based on my two findings I hereby reject the entire Referendum Petition as

not being sufficient.”

Laying the Ground Work

The Hanford City Council decided at its March 7 meeting to list the undeveloped portion of Hidden Valley Park as surplus. Listing a property as surplus is the first step in making it available to be sold. Councilmembers Justin Mendes, Sue Sorenson, and Francisco Ramirez were in favor while Martin Devin was non-committal.

Councilmember David Ayers was the only one opposed to listing the 18 acres as surplus.

During public comment at that meeting, a report was cited that said that Hanford has 155 acres of community parks. This means that there are only 2.2 acres of open space of parkland per 1,000 people. But in reality the number of acres per 1000 residents could be significantly less because the staff included open space acres that are fenced off to the public.

The National Recreation and Park Association recommends 6.25 acres per 1000 residents. This recommendation was cited by the Hanford Parks and Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.

Pratter said that Hanford’s city council was the worst in the county in terms of representing the will of its residents.

“They do anything they can to thwart you. We just gathered 2,769 signatures of Hanford residents who don’t want the city to sell the 18 acres,” Pratter said.

“What is it they don’t understand?”

10 • Valley Voice

Hospital Recall Race Heats Up in Tulare

15 June, 2017

Tony Maldonado Big money has started flowing into the Tulare election to recall Dr. Parmod Kumar, as Kumar and his major recall opponent, Senovia Gutierrez, have recently held outreach events for the citizens of Area 3, the area eligible to vote in the recall election.

The election, to be held July 11, is now less than a month away. Both sides of the recall have been stepping up their efforts to promote their side of the story.

Residents for a Responsible Hospital

Recently filed records show that HCCA, the management company which runs Tulare Regional Medical Center, recently donated $10,000 to Residents for a Responsible Hospital, a committee operating to save Dr. Parmod Kumar from an upcoming recall election.

The committee, which supports Kumar, has been active on Facebook -- not only in promoting Kumar and rebutting claims by Gutierrez, but also calling out major critics of the hospital’s management strategy, including Deanne Martin-Soares, a former Tulare Local Healthcare District board member, and Kevin Northcraft, a current board member.

A recent video posted by the group claims Martin-Soares, Dr. Prem Kamboj, and Bill Postlewaite lost the community’s $85m in original bond money through alleged mismanagement, and stated that since 2014, the hospital has been returning to profitability.

The hospital entered into a management agreement with Healthcare Conglomerate Associates in 2014; the three have been major critics of the company’s management of the hospital. The group’s website also takes shots at Kevin Northcraft, stating he has a “history of questionable decisions” and candidate Gutierrez, claiming she has “no plan on how to make the hospital progress.”

The committee has even gone as far as registering hospitalaccountability.net, perhaps hoping to catch anyone who might have meant to go to hospitalaccountability. com, the website for Citizens for Hospital Accountability, the opposing committee which supports Gutierrez.

While the form reporting the donation does not show HCCA’s usual address at Tulare Regional Medical Center -- or the Los Angeles address filed with the California Secretary of State -- officials with HCCA confirmed that the donation was a donation from the company, and not a mistaken filing or other error.

Additionally, Kumar himself has donated $10,000 to the same committee

Woodlake Continued from 1

vehicles--period.”

According to the watering ordinance, you may wash your car on your scheduled watering days.

Chavez also expressed her concern about cannabis to Woodlake’s Chief Marquez, stating, “Woodlake PD gives me false info” regarding California’s marijuana restrictions.

According to the state, you may only carry 1 ounce (or 8 grams of concentrates) and personal use cultivation of up

Voters in Tulare Local Healthcare District Area 3 will choose whether to keep Dr. Parmod Kumar, center, in office, or to vote to recall him and send Jesse Salcido, left, or Senovia Gutierrez, right, into office.

through his Gupta-Kumar Medical Practice in Tulare.

Recall = Really Complicated

Papers filed by the committee -- whose main slogan has been “Recall = Relapse” -indicate an interesting contradiction: papers originally filed May 1 state the name of the committee as “Residents for a Responsible Hospital, A Committee Opposing the Recall of Kumar, and Supporting Candidate Salcido 2017.”

The committee’s original statement of organization forms state that the group both opposes the recall of Kumar and supports Jesse Salcido, a candidate in the recall election.

That designation was subsequently removed on May 17, when the committee filed new forms removing any support for Salcido.

There are no other differences between the two sets of forms: both have the same “principal officer,” Luther Khachigian of Visalia, and the same street address.

Khachigian previously donated substantial amounts to the Yes on Measure I committee.

Both also share the same treasurer: Lysa Ray, of Lysa Ray Campaign Services.

The firm, based in Santa Ana, advertises a simple solution to handle fundraising, mailing, and filing obligations.

“The purpose of the committee is as stated in the last-filed/amended 410 form,” a group representative told the Voice.

Candidate Jesse Salcido

For Salcido’s part, he says he’s not aware of the committee’s purpose -- and he wasn’t behind it.

But the candidate, who’s been heavy on meeting people in his district face-toface, talked to the Voice about his purpose for running and his views on the hospital’s operations.

Salcido, a father of four, describes himself as a retired mechanic and simple family man. He wants to donate his time to the community he calls home.

“I’m an average joe that cares about his town,” he said. “When you wake up and to six plants per residence for adults 21 and over.

Although Mayor Mendoza did not publicly express his thoughts on the legalization of marijuana, he stated, “Unfortunately, the reality is, the state of California has legalized it”.

Another Woodlake resident, one of two representing the older generation, expressed his disapproval for cannabis by saying, “The state let us down, don’t you guys let us down.”

According to a Woodlake City Council staff member, over 60 cities have taken this first step to legally welcome cannabis.

During a portion of the PowerPoint

you’re proud of where you live and work -- there’s nothing greater than that.”

He wants to get the politics out of the hospital’s operations and bring it back to a simple, personal feel -- “old fashioned, in a modern way” -- where patients are able to have friendly doctors who patients can feel comfortable with.

One of his main goals would be to push for the construction of an urgent care center near the hospital, that would allow patients with life-threatening conditions -such as heart attacks or strokes -- to be seen more quickly, while those with less threatening conditions would be within walking distance to an urgent care clinic to prevent long ER wait times.

“My goals for the hospital include [seeing] the tower completed and an urgent care facility constructed, which will cut wait times for all our residents,” Salcido wrote on his campaign Facebook page.

Salcido also said that he wants to see the hospital keep its current management, stating that ideas to partner or outsource its management to other companies would end up with the hospital’s current staff forced out. But that doesn’t mean he wants to keep the status quo completely.

“There’s always room for improvement,” he said. “If the hospital was ready to close down -- and now it’s open -- then there’s got to be some credibility [to the current management.]”

He encourages anyone interested to reach out to him on his Facebook page at fb.me/JesseSalcidoTLHCD3., stating that he’s always open to new ideas. He also states that an upcoming event is in the works -and to stay tuned to his Facebook page.

Senovia Gutierrez

Senovia Gutierrez, supported by the Citizens for Hospital Accountability group, has been the major public face of the campaign to recall Kumar.

Gutierrez states that she has been a resident of Area 3 for 23 years; originally coming to the United States from Mexico at the age of 24. The youngest of 12 children, she was forced to quit school at the age of 16 and work to help her family. that was provided at the meeting, the proposed cannabis measure for the city may do the following: tax commercial cannabis cultivation at an amount not to exceed $25 per sq/ft or 10% of gross receipts; tax cannabis dispensaries, manufacturers, and distributors at an amount not to exceed 10% of gross receipts; require extensive background checks on all cannabis businesses and all cannabis industry employees in Woodlake; require reimbursement for any city expenses accrued while providing administrative duties related to cannabis business permitting, limiting the number of dispensaries allowed in the city of Woodlake; allow city access to all

After coming to the United States, Gutierrez enrolled in the Tulare Adult School at age 37 to begin the pursuit of a college education. She eventually graduated from Fresno State, obtaining a master’s degree in Social Work and becoming a citizen.

“My issue is NOT with our hospital’s employees and the hardworking men and women at TRMC. I want to empower them and liberate them from all of the turmoil and negative perception that has clouded our hospital for, unfortunately, a very long time. We want leaders who lead, instead of blaming and criticizing their employees for their management failures,” Gutierrez wrote recently.

She states that she wants to restore transparency and accountability back to Tulare’s hospital -- and according to Citizens for Hospital Accountability, the group endorsing her, that message has resonated.

“We have had outstanding support and feedback from Area 3 residents and our social media presence has grown substantially since the official campaign began.

We have organized enthusiastic citizens from our community who have volunteered to walk door-to-door with fliers and campaign on the Prosperity Avenue/ Highway 99 overpass,” Citizens for Hospital Accountability wrote in a statement to the Voice.

“We intend to go into high gear for the next month, especially going doorto-door and continuing to listen to the needs of Area 3 residents. It makes our task easier when Senovia Gutierrez is such an outstanding candidate to replace Parmod Kumar,” the statement continued.

“She is warmly greeted by Area 3 residents with hugs and an overwhelming show of support. Senovia typifies all that is good about Tulare and that which makes our community so special to all of us.”

Residents wishing to find out more about Gutierrez’ campaign or support her can visit her Facebook page at fb.me/YesOnSenovia.

The last day to register to vote in the election is June 26.

cannabis businesses’ transaction and financial documents to guarantee local and state laws are being followed; put revenue generated from cannabis businesses in a fund to be used for parks, police, and general services.

Unlike the minimum zoning requirements that the state of California has put in place, requiring all cannabis-related businesses are at least 600 ft away from schools (K-12), Woodlake went even further with its proposed ordinance, stating that cannabis-related businesses must be 1,000 ft away.

15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • 11

Briefly…

Buckman-Mitchell Named Top Agribusiness Insurance Agency

Man of the Year Terry Omman discussing the historical significance of Peter Malloch and Catherine Kame’s homestead, one of the oldest in Tulare County; the homestead has since been bulldozed. Catherine Doe/Valley Voice

Terry Omman, a Tulare County historian, was recently honored as the Man of the Year at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce 64th Annual Awards Ceremony.

Nearly 550 people — representing over 100 businesses — came together to honor the community.

The annual awards celebrate individuals and businesses that go above and beyond to make Visalia great.

Young Professional

Brett Taylor, Tulare County Association of Realtors

CSET Conducting Public Hearing on Community Needs

The Community Services Employment Training (CSET) Board of Directors invites Tulare County residents to attend a public hearing to share their input on important community needs, issues and goals. The hearing will be held on Thursday, June 15 at 6pm at CSET’s main office, 312 NW 3rd Ave., Visalia.

CSET requests assistance from the public to identify gaps in services and seeks to implement strategies that support the economic advancement and security of local residents. To do this, CSET conducts a countywide survey and public hearing every two years to gather feedback on current services available in Tulare County. The results of the survey and comments gathered

Non-Profit of the Year

Central Valley Recovery Services

Small Business of the Year

The Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria

Medium Business of the Year

Provost & sulting Group

Pritchard

Con-

Large Business of the Year Buckman-Mitchell, Inc.

Woman of the Year

Kathleen Remillard, Delta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Man of the Year

Terry Omman

from the public hearing formulate CSET’s Community Action Plan, a bi-annual detailed plan to deliver the programs and services communities are in need of most.

“The Community Action Plan Public Hearing is an important part of gathering input from the community,” said Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner, CSET Executive Director.

During the survey process, CSET conducted seven community forums and reviewed more than 800 surveys from Tulare County residents. Survey results will be shared at the public hearing along with an analysis of resident needs and priorities. For more information, please contact Lily Rivera-Graves at (559) 732-4194 or lily.rivera@cset.org.

Buckman-Mitchell Insurance has been recognized by Insurance Business America magazine as one of the nation’s “Top Specialist Brokers.”

Buckman-Mitchell was recognized in the category of Agribusiness. The magazine noted that Buckman-Mitchell has “found a competitive edge in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.”

With offices in Visalia and Fresno, Buckman-Mitchell has specialized in providing insurance to agricultural concerns since 1916.

From a crop insurance perspective, the Buckman-Mitchell staff includes those who have farmed and those who have been involved in the intricacies of the government program. The agency has an understanding of how to align the farmer’s needs with the various government programs.

Buckman-Mitchell has been an avid supporter of the California Agricultural Leadership program. The agency annually raises about $100,000 with its insurance carriers to support the Ag Leadership Program.

Prestige Assisted Living Visalia Hosts Flag Exchange to Celebrate National Flag Week

Prestige Assisted Living at Visalia celebrates National Flag week with an opportunity for local residents to exchange worn-out U.S. flags for new flags, free of charge. The opportunities began June 11th.

Prestige invites community members to stop by and receive a brand-new American Flag in exchange for their worn-out or used flags throughout Flag Week. The flag exchange is limited to the supply of flags at each location, and reservations are available.

To properly dispose of worn flags, Prestige has partnered with the American Legion for a ceremonial disposal of the retired flags at a later date.

The event will take place at 3120 W. Caldwell, through Saturday, June 17 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. To reserve your flag in advance, please call Carly at (559) 735-0828.

Kings County Sheriff Warns of Phone Scams

Over the past few weeks, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports of phone scams throughout the county. The calls vary

slightly in nature, but the scammers typically identify themselves as law enforcement and are seeking money.

One such scam is when the caller identifies themselves as a Sergeant with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office working with the Courts. This scammer informs the victims of various scenarios such as they have open cases with the Kings County Superior Court and that money is still due, or they have missed jury duty and arrest warrants will be issued if penalty payments are not made.

The scammer then askes the victims for personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and other personal information.

A second scam is when the caller identifies themselves as an attorney with a law firm and informs the victims they have been ignoring notices and a case will be filed with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. The caller then demands the victim put money on a pre-paid card and provide the card number to the caller to prevent the case from being filed. The caller insists the money be provided via a pre-paid card and will not be accepted any other way.

When a warrant is issued for a person who resides in Kings County, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office or other local agencies, typically visit homes in an attempt to locate the warrant suspect. The Kings County Sheriff’s Office never sends letters and only occasionally makes phone calls regarding warrants but never demands money to clear a warrant.

When jury duty summons are issued, the summons are mailed approximately 10 days prior to the service date.

The summons contains information and instructions on how to have jury service postponed; how to request to be excused from jury service, or how to notify the court of disqualification from jury service.

If you receive a call and you’re unsure about it, the best thing to do is not provide any information to the caller.

Simply hang up and call the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 584-9276.

If you have any questions regarding your jury duty status, you can contact the Kings County Jury Commissioner’s office at (559) 582-1010 extension 1501.

Anyone with any information regarding these scams are urged to contact Detective Hofmans with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 852-4554.

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12 • Valley Voice

15 June, 2017

Education Tony Rodriguez New Superintendent at TJUHSD Staff Reports Effective July 1, 2017, Mr. Tony Rodriguez will be serving as the Superintendent of the Tulare Joint Union High School District which serves more than 5,400 students and has eight schools, including three comprehensive high schools.

Current Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian, will be departing from the district as of June 30, to assume the Superintendent position in Folsom-Cordova Unified School District.

Mr. Rodriguez grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, attending Monache High School in Porterville. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a major in Mathematics.

He earned his postgraduate degree and administrative credential at the University of San Francisco with a major in Educational Administration.

Mr. Tony Rodriguez began his teaching career in 1979, as a math teach-

er at Quimby Oak Middle School in the San Jose Evergreen School District. Mr. Rodriguez then transferred to Watsonville High School where he also taught mathematics at all levels.

During his time at Watsonville High School, Mr. Rodriguez was involved in the school advisory, became a mentor teacher, and implemented a Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program at the high School.

He was named Most Inspirational teacher of the year and Santa Cruz County of Education Teacher of the Year.

In 1990, Mr. Rodriguez decided to return to the Central Valley, acquiring a

teaching position at Tulare Union High School as a math teacher.

Mr. Rodriguez became an administrator at Tulare Union High School becoming the Dean of Students.

He moved up through the administrative ranks to his current position as the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services for the Tulare Joint Union High School District.

Mr. Rodriguez is a graduate of the Association of California School Administrators’ (ACSA) Superintendent’s Academy, and also the Curriculum and Instruction Academy.

Mr. Rodriguez is involved in his community by being a member and

past president of the Kiwanis of Greater Tulare, past member of the Tulare Historical Society, board member to the Tulare Youth Service Bureau, and member of the local Hispanic organization of HACER. His career includes multiple recognitions: ACSA Tulare Charter Administrator of the Year; FFA California Star Administrator of the Year; Most Inspirational Teacher of the year, Tulare County Office of Education Administrator of the Year finalist, Outstanding Hispanic Educator of the Year, and Administrator of the Year by the Tulare County Hispanic Leadership Network.

Mr. Rodriguez and his wife Rosario, a retired teacher, have been married more than 37 years and have three grown children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and relaxing at home.

For further questions, please contact the Tulare Joint Union High School District Office at (559) 688-2021.

Visalia Library’s Teen Summer Reading Program Starts

Staff Reports Teens! - It’s that time of year again.

School’s out and with the extra time on your hands, read and enjoy earning prizes for reading! Join us for a fun filled wholebrain experience by designing, exploring, and creating with Tulare County Library’s Summer Reading Program, Reading

by Design.

Teens, ages 13-19, are invited to sign up at the Visalia Branch for the Library’s free Summer Reading Program. Pre-registration begins June 9 and 10, though you can register anytime throughout the program.

The challenge is to read 24 books of your choosing and interest. For every four books read, you’ll win a prize, including candy bars, DVDs, board games, comic books, gift cards from Target, Barnes & Noble, or Starbucks, and more!

After reading 24 books, you’ll be eligible to receive a FREE book and while supplies last a $20 Target gift card. For an additional challenge, request a Bingo card for blackout Bingo—each letter yields additional prizes. Complete a blackout

Bingo card for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

In addition to reading, take part in our many summer reading teen events held in the Visalia Library Blue Room.

Special Teen Events: • Friday, June 16 at 3pm - Star Wars: Rogue One! – Movie with popcorn. Vote for the next movie you will watch this summer!

• Saturday, June 17 at 2pm – Anime your Way - Join Carlos Nieto III, a Los Angeles-based artist who has worked on “The Simpsons” and “King of the Hill” and with Disney and Universal.

Artists of all levels welcome. All supplies provided, although you may bring your own art tools.

• Friday, June 23 at 3pm & Saturday, July 1 at 1pm - Game Day! - Play tabletop games and party games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Settlers of Catan, Apples to Apples, One Night Werewolf, Exploding Kittens and more! Snacks served.

New West Hills Office Breaks Ground June 27

Staff Reports A date has been set for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new West Hills Community College District administration office in Coalinga and the community is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The groundbreaking is set for Tuesday, June 27 at 9 a.m. at the site of the new district office, at 275 Phelps Ave. at the corner of Phelps Ave. and Posa Chanet Blvd. The new 25,000 square foot office will replace the current district office on Cody St. in Coalinga and hold more than 50 district administrators and staff.

“We are excited to break ground

on this project and welcome the community to come celebrate with us,” said Ken Stoppenbrink, Deputy Chancellor for the West Hills Community College District.

The office will be completed within 12 months of the construction start date.

The land the office will sit on was donated to the WHCCD by the City of Coalinga in 2009 when the search originally began for a more permanent place for a district office.

According to Stoppenbrink, the city may also look at developing a recreational walkway starting near the office.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the groundbreaking ceremony.

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Friday, June 30 at 3pm – Movie, Teens’ Choice! - Popcorn served.

Friday, July 7 at 3pm – Teen yoga! - Learn beginning yoga moves and breathing techniques from Jeannie Young of the Oak Street Studios! Great for de-stressing and overall fitness!

Come dressed in comfortable clothes. Materials not required, but you’re welcome to bring a yoga mat.

Friday, July 14 at 3pm – Anime Drawing Workshop with Araceli – Join local artist in an anime workshop. Although geared to beginners; artists of all levels are welcome. Paper, markers, pencils and other basic drawing supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring your own materials.

Saturday, July 15 at 2pm Game Design Workshop, Part I - Design a children’s tabletop board game based on Neil Gaiman’s book Fortunately, the

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Milk. Explore and create different board game genres like Sorry, Dominion, Settlers of Catan, and Risk.

Friday, Saturday, July 21 at 3pm – Game Design Workshop, Part 2 - Refine the concept of the game learned in Part 1, develop the rules, and then play-test the game!

All this happens this summer at the Visalia Branch of the Tulare County Library. For more information on these great teen events, contact the Visalia Library at (559) 713-2731.

The Summer Reading Program is a free event generously sponsored by the Friends of the Tulare County Library.

The Tulare County Library serves all the citizens of Tulare County with locations in seventeen communities, four book machines, and online at www.tularecountylibrary.org.

Like the Library on Facebook www. facebook.com/tularecountylibrary or follow the Library on Twitter twitter.com/ TulareCountyLib.

West Hills Disabled Students Program Starts July 31 This summer, West Hills College Lemoore’s Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) will once again offer a free program intended to help ease the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities. Applications are being accepted now for the free Academy, which will be held from July 31 to Aug. 4 on the WHCL campus.

During the week long Access Learn Progress Succeed (A.L.P.S) academy, students will identify essential skills needed for college success, how to become an advocate for resources, how to be successful in the classroom, and how to use assistive technology that best meets their needs.

“The transition from high school to

Staff Reports college is hard for any student but for a student with a disability and it can be more challenging,” said Maria Gonzalez, WHCL counselor and one of the program coordinators. “The ALPS Academy eases the transition for students with disabilities by teaching learning strategies to successfully compete in the classroom, introducing campus resources, and teaching students how to navigate the college landscape.”

The academy is free for students and lunch will be provided. There are only 22 spots available and the deadline to register is July 14.

To reserve a spot, contact Callie

15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • 13

Voices of the Valley

Jim Moore Sets His Own Agenda

Dave Adalian By the time he was a student in the second grade, Jim Moore, stalwart of Visalia and Tulare County education who mentored generations of the area’s students, knew how he wanted to spend his life.

“By the time I was 7,” he said, “I knew that I wanted to teach and be a principal.”

By the time he was 24, he’d achieved those goals. Now, at 81, his new agenda is to finally enjoy his free time after a five-decade career.

‘Perfect Health’

The thousands of students who remember him from their school days in the Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) can rest assured Principal Moore is alive and doing well.

“I’m in perfect health,” he said.

“I’ve never been in the hospital or had surgery. I’ve been very lucky.”

Most days, you can find him with a book in hand, relaxing in his Visalia backyard at the home he shares with his wife, Kathleen. He’ll probably have a gin and tonic at his elbow, and a cigar smoldering in the ashtray. His attitude says he’s earned it.

“I don’t inhale, so I feel very sanctimonious about it,” Moore said. “I do enjoy a good gin and tonic.”

The backyard, replete with statues of the Buddha and festooned with flowers, reflects Moore’s take on the universe.

“It’s not so much what happens to you as how you react to it in life,” he said. “You have all kinds of possible reactions, and you take it calmly without a lot of drama and realize this too shall pass. It kind of keeps you stable.”

Seeking Stability

Stability has been a hallmark of Moore’s adult life, but it wasn’t always that way. Born the son of a coal miner in Prairie View, Arkansas at the height of the Great Depression, Moore found himself on the move for much of his childhood. The family moved first to Wyoming, then shuttled between California and Oregon, working as laborers in the fields.

“As I went through the grades, I was in a different school each year,” Moore remembers. “Sometime times a different state.”

Eventually, the family settled down, and Moore, at age 20, became a teacher in Yorba Linda. When the district’s superintendent resigned, Moore found himself working as his interim replacement. But, that wasn’t what he’d set out to do.

“I wanted the actual on the ground experience,” he said.

Remembering Tulare County from a previous visit, Moore applied to for a job with the VUSD. “We lived in Orange down in Orange County. We had come up and visited Visalia and I never forgot it,” he said. “One day I said to Kathleen, ‘I’m tired of the LA traffic.’ I applied, got the job, they assigned me to Mt. View, packed up and moved up. That was it.”

Jim and Kathleen Moore and their dog Ronin relax in the backyard of their Visalia home. At 81, Moore is enjoying life after a career in Visalia and Tulare education. Dave Adalian/Valley Voice

Starting at age 24, he was Mt. View Elementary School’s principal for 20 years.

Doing What He Loved

Being so sure of one’s future at such a young age is unusual, but Moore remembers the brief conversation his 7-year-old self had with himself. He was short and to the point.

“I said, ‘What do I want to do with my life?’ ‘I’ve always liked school,’” he said. “I set my intention and never gave it up.”

His 7-year-old self, while inexperienced, apparently had the right idea.

When Moore stepped into his dream job in Visalia, he enjoyed it from the start.

“I loved the interaction with the staff, students and parents,” he said. “It was so fun to do the Mt. View hand clap. I spent a lot of time on the playground. The parents were wonderful.

They made it so easy and so nice.”

Moore left Mt. View to work at Ivanhoe’s only elementary school. To fit in at the mostly Latino school, he decided to learn Spanish.

“I went down to Mexico and lived with families,” he said. “It worked out wonderfully.”

It wasn’t always easy, but he relished his job right up until the day he was done.

“There were moments that were trying, but they were fleeting,” Moore said. “I loved it until the day I retired.

Walked out on a Friday and was completely retired on Monday.”

He was just 60 years old, and it turns out he wasn’t quite retired yet.

Ongoing Education

He’d barely had time to sit down before the educational establishment was calling him back into action. The head man at the Tulare County Office

of Education wanted him. “(Superintendent) Jim Vidak called me because he knew I was retired,” Moore said, and soon he was interim director of the Migrant Program for Kings and Tulare Counties. When a replacement director was found, the First Five of Tulare Program wanted him to manage their school programs and write funding grants. He raised $1.6 million for Tulare County children age 5 and younger, financing programs that remain in place today.

“In Pixley in one of our schools, they hired a school readiness coordinator,” Moore recalled. “She got in touch with all the families that were pregnant or had kids up to 5 years of age.”

Through the program, the children and their parents were introduced to staff before they started attending classes, becoming involved directly and building a familial relationship with the school.

“They tied those parents to the school. They’d take a picture of the parent, child and principal for their binder,” Moore said. “It was the best grant money I’ve seen spent. I love that. It’s still going.”

Moore retired from the county in 2011 at age 75.

Living Simply

That sense of loving belonging he witnessed in Pixley is important to Moore, who was born in 1935 while the country was in deep economic and political turmoil. He had an older sister and three younger brothers, and it was the sense of oneness in a large family that sustained them, he said.

“I remember the days before plastic,” Moore said. “We had a house with no running water, no electricity, no indoor toilet. There was a lot of love in the family, so I never felt slighted in the least.”

He found a similar situation when he joined the National Guard to avoid being drafted away from his job and family. During his six-year stint, he rose to become an E-5, equivalent to a twostripe sergeant, and eventually became a typist for the company commander.

“I ended up writing courts marshal mostly,” he said. “That was fascinating.”

And, between his career and the military, he and Kathleen found time to raise three children of their own.

Marci, Jimmy and Gwen, who is now a teacher at Willow Glen School in Visalia. It was their kids who persuaded the couple to return to Visalia from their retirement home in Reno after a short five-year stay.

The Decisive Life

Moore is now completely retired, and he and Kathleen are active members of the Visalia Center for Spiritual Living, which Moore describes as a church in the style Jesus intended.

“It’s Christian, but it places the emphasis on the living, loving Jesus--healing, loving, taking care of the sick. We make packages for the homeless,” he said. “So, yeah, it’s Christianity, but not the traditional style. For me, that’s what it’s all about, if you look at the life of Christ, the love and caring and the healing, that makes sense to me.”

The Center and its philosophy fit his decisive nature well.

“What it says is your consciousness is all you have. How you think determines how you feel. How you think determines how your life will be,” Moore said. “When I walked in, I thought this feels like home.”

Other than that, and spending time with family, Moore’s time is his own.

“I read lots and lots of books,” he said. “I sit out and smoke my cigars and have my gins and tonics and play with my dog.”

14 • Valley Voice

15 June, 2017

Viewpoint A Dying Man’s Gift of Awareness Robert C. Koehler “Tell them, I want everybody to know, I want everybody on the train to know, I love them . . .”

These words are also part of the geopolitics of murder — these words of light and hope, alive and pulsing amid the bullet casings, the blood and wreckage, the shattered lives. They were the dying words of Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, one of the two people stabbed to death last week on a commuter train in Portland, Ore., after they had intervened to stop a man’s tirade of racial slurs — “go back to Saudi Arabia!

— directed at two teenage girls on the train.

As incidents of mass murder — sometimes called terrorism, sometimes just called, with a shrug, drone strikes or bombing runs — continue to erupt across the planet and dominate the news, I stroke these words, and the soul of awareness we are so blind to. We’re not going to bomb evil out of existence or control it with authoritarian laws, travel bans or insane walls. We’re not going to control it by dehumanizing “the other.”

The Portland murders are old news now. It was over a week ago that the suspect, Jeremy Joseph Christian, went on a drunken rant against the two girls, one of whom was wearing a hijab, then stabbed Namkai-Meche, along with Ricky John Best, who also died, and Micah David-Cole Fletcher, who managed to survive his neck wound.

A local TV station interviewed witness Rachel Macy, who knelt at Meche’s side as he died. “I just didn’t want him to be alone,” she said. “I took my shirt off and put it on

him. We held it together, I just prayed, all I could do was pray.

“I told him, ‘You’re a beautiful man.

I’m so sorry the world is so cruel.’”

And then he said: “I want everybody on the train to know I love them.”

And somehow, no, the news cycle does not move on. Despite the horror and violence and hatred, this moment, too, is part of our world — and reaches beyond itself, reaches into the heart of every occupant of Planet Earth. I don’t know what it changes, but I know it opens a door.

Macy also said: “I wanted to wake up and be mad and blame something or someone. And I can’t. It’s not what he would have wanted.”

But who am I kidding? The news cycle does, indeed, move on. “You call it terrorism, I call it patriotism!” the murder suspect exclaimed when he made his court appearance. Where would he get that idea?

Within days, three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge, then exited the van and started stabbing people.

At least eight people were killed and 50 injured; the three terrorists were shot and killed by police. ISIS claimed credit.

Two days later, a former employee entered the RV accessory business in Orlando, Fla., from which he had been fired in April and started shooting, killing five people.

He then turned the gun on himself. This happened a week prior to the one-year anniversary of the massacre at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, when a gunmen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others.

And two days after that, men disguised as women, armed with assault rifles and gre-

nades, stormed the Parliament building and the site of the shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing at least 12 people. ISIS claimed credit for that, too.

This is the news we’re used to. This is our world. Each incident is reported separately, self-contained, a fragment of hell. If it’s declared an act of terror, then the link is made to ISIS or whomever. If it’s a mass murder, the killer is simply disgruntled or disturbed and always a loner. But the stories converge anyway, like a rolling shockwave of unsanctioned violence. Whatever the killers’ intention or strategic aim, the news is the terrible pain and grief they have inflicted, the innocence they have violated. It’s always the same, and we can always feel it.

But we deal in violence anyway. When it’s state-sanctioned, we rally around it, glorify it, worship it. No matter it produces the same results. No matter it always comes back to haunt us, one way or another.

In the wake of the Portland stabbings—days later--came this presidential tweet: “The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable. The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/them.” But the president also wants to push through a $110 billion weapons deal with ISIS-linked Saudi Arabia, which has been pummeling its impoverished neighbor Yemen for the last two years — and which has been receiving U.S. assistance throughout the process, which Trump wants to amplify.

Last fall, the New York Times reported that the Saudi war “has sunk into a grinding stalemate, systematically obliterating Yemen’s already bare-bones economy. . . . It has

National Illusions and Global Realities Lawrence Wittner For as long as they have existed, nations have clung to the illusion that their military strength guarantees their security.

The problem with this kind of thinking is that the military power that one nation considers vital to its security fosters other nations’ sense of insecurity. In this climate of suspicion, an arms race ensues, often culminating in military conflict. Also, sometimes the very military strength that a nation intended for protection ends up emboldening it to engage in reckless, aggressive behavior, leading to war.

By the twentieth century, the devastation caused by wars among nations had grown so great that the general public and even many government officials began to recognize that a world left to the mercies of national military power was a dangerous world, indeed. As a result, after the mass slaughter of World War I, they organized the League of Nations to foster international security. When this proved insufficient to stop the march of nations toward World War II and its even greater devastation, they organized a new and stronger global entity: the United Nations.

Unfortunately, however, bad habits die hard, and relying on military force to solve problems is one of the oldest and most destructive habits in human history.

Therefore, even as they paid lip service to the United Nations and its attempts to create international security, many na-

tions slipped back into the familiar pattern of building up their armed forces and weaponry. This included nuclear weapons, the most effective instruments of mass slaughter yet devised.

Not surprisingly, then, although the leaders of highly militarized nations talked about building “peace through strength,” their countries often underwent many years of war. Indeed, the United States, the most heavily-armed nation since 1945, has been at war with other countries most of that time. Other nations whose post-World War II military might has helped embroil them in wars include Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Israel, Egypt, Iraq, and Iran.

Given this sorry record, it is alarming to find that the nine nuclear-armed nations (the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Israel, Pakistan, and North Korea) have ignored the obligation under the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to divest themselves of nuclear weapons and, instead, recently embarked on a new round in the nuclear arms race. The U.S. government, for example, has begun a massive, 30-year program to build a new generation of U.S. nuclear weapons and nuclear production facilities to last the United States well into the second half of the twenty-first century. This program, slated to cost $1 trillion, includes redesigned nuclear warheads, as well as new nuclear bombers, submarines, land-based missiles, weapons labs, and production plants.

However, as the nuclear powers renew their race to catastrophe, the

non-nuclear powers are beginning to revolt. Constituting most nations of the world, they have considerable clout in the UN General Assembly. In late 2016, they brought to this body a resolution to launch negotiations on a treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons. Critics of the resolution maintained that such a treaty was ridiculous, for, ultimately, only the nine nuclear powers could negotiate their disarmament — not an assembly of other nations. But supporters of the resolution argued that, if the overwhelming majority of nations voted to ban nuclear weapons — that is, make them illegal under international law — this would put substantial pressure on the nuclear powers to comply with the world community by acting to eliminate their nuclear arsenals.

To avoid this embarrassment, the nuclear powers and their allies fought back vigorously against passage of this UN resolution. But, on December 23, 2016, the resolution sailed through the UN General Assembly by an overwhelming vote: 113 nations in favor and 35 opposed, with 13 abstentions.

And so, on March 27, 2017, a diplomatic conference convened, at the UN headquarters in New York City, with the goal of crafting what the UN called a “legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination.”

Some 130 countries participated in the first round of these negotiations that included discussions with leaders of peace and disarmament groups and a range of experts on nuclear weapons.

hit hospitals and schools. It has destroyed bridges, power stations, poultry farms, a key seaport and factories that produce yogurt, tea, tissues, ceramics, Coca-Cola and potato chips. It has bombed weddings and a funeral.

“The bombing campaign has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in the Arab world’s poorest country, where cholera is spreading, millions of people are struggling to get enough food, and malnourished babies are overwhelming hospitals. . . . “ And, oh yeah: U.S. weapons sales to the Saudis, U.S. training of Saudi pilots, have left “American fingerprints” all over the wreckage, according to the Times. In Sana’a, the capital city, walls are covered with graffiti exclaiming: “America is killing the Yemeni people.”

The essence of war is “social substitutability”: granting oneself permission to dehumanize people who symbolize a problem, whether because of their uniform, their race, their nationality, their religion, their place of employment — or virtually any other distinguishing factor. A dehumanized enemy can then be taken out: murdered.

When disgruntled loners play this game, the results are appalling. When state-sanctioned professionals do it . . . they have to keep on doing it. Waging war is, with very few exceptions, the nation’s political, economic and moral cornerstone.

Consider the alternative: “Tell them, I want everybody to know, I want everybody on the train to know, I love them.”

This is one man’s dying awareness.

What if it were the cornerstone of our global social order?

But the nuclear powers and most of their allies boycotted the gathering. In fact, at a press conference conducted as the conclave began, Nikki Haley, the U.S. representative to the United Nations, and representatives of other nuclear powers denounced the proceedings.

Perhaps because of the boycott by the nuclear powers, the UN negotiations went forward smoothly. On May 22, Ambassador Elayne Whyte of Costa Rica, president of the conference, released a first draft of the UN treaty, which would prohibit nations from developing, producing, manufacturing, possessing, or stockpiling nuclear weapons. The UN conferees plan to adopt necessary revisions and, then, produce a final treaty for a vote in early July.

To publicize and support the treaty, peace and disarmament groups have organized a June 17 march in New York City. Although dubbed a Women’s Ban the Bomb March, it is open to people of different genders, ages, races, nationalities, and faiths. It will assemble in midtown Manhattan, at Bryant Park, at noon, after which the marchers will head for Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, near the UN headquarters, for a rally.

As this treaty directly challenges the long-time faith in the value of national military power, typified by the scramble for nuclear weapons, it might not get very far. But who really knows? Facing the unprecedented danger of nuclear war, the world community might finally be ready to dispense with this national illusion.

15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • 15

Comments & Letters “HCCA must go [...] and Parmod Kumar must be recalled” Tom Drilling I have lived in Tulare for 80 years. In that time, I have seen people come and go: the good and the bad. I have had my share of civic involvement, including time as mayor, and I have never been one to shy away from controversy. When organized crime, gambling and prostitution were threatening our city during my time as mayor, we got them out. Not without personal threats and accusations put upon me and others and not without exposing some supposed “pillars of the community” for their support of the bad guys. Years later, several of us answered the call to participate in something very wrong in our city: the racetrack proposal. $1 million of city funds were lost in that process.

However, of all the threats I have witnessed to Tulare’s well-being, HCCA’s management of our public hospital is the worst. They have financed the very pub-

lic officials who should be protecting our citizens. Long-time citizens have had to step up where these officials have turned a blind eye. In doing so, these citizens have been the subject of ruthless, yet unsubstantiated and meaningless, personal attacks by Benny Benzeevi, a Visalia resident, who doesn’t personally contribute to our city. He knows nothing about our history and little of our present. He doesn’t know the first thing about us because he has no interest in knowing.

What we are seeing now are desperate tactics by a man whose time is nearing an end in Tulare. Thankfully, through undeterred citizens’ efforts, the $55 million Measure I was overwhelmingly defeated, two new board members were elected by resounding margins and now the recall of Parmod Kumar is coming soon on July 11th.

On March 22, 2017, HCCA sought and received complete and total authority to secure a $79 million loan of their

“One United Porterville” Austin D. Slater Here is my unchanging position on the “East Porterville” question: “East Porterville?

Let’s call it what it is: unincorporated Porterville. Because it’s not the County anymore. It hasn’t been since they turned their back on it during the drought.

Be it their will, the residents and citizens of East Porterville can and will be annexed within the next 10-15 years. It can and will be costly, but there are grants for economic and infrastructural issues.

Imagine a Porterville where the good people of the East turn on twice facuet and never have to worry if water is going to come out.

choice and HCCA doesn’t have to disclose the lender or the terms of the loan.

HCCA has no skin in the game. It isn’t their money and they won’t be the ones saddled with debt. It will be on the taxpayers. They will use hospital assets as collateral for the loan and the hospital district voters will have a choice: dissolve the district and let HCCA buy the hospital and its assets (including Evolutions and properties) for pennies on the dollar and continue its mismanagement leading to eventual closure, or be forced to come up the $79 million, which won’t be an option because taxpayers’ funds will be gone.

On April 26, 2017, the majority of the Board voted 3-2 to approve an audit containing six material weaknesses, which are highly unusual indicators of an audit that in all probability is materially inaccurate and highlights the incompetence of HCCA’s management.

Linda Wilbourn and Richard Torrez,

who voted along with Parmod Kumar to approve the loan and the flawed audit, have been perpetual rubber stamps of HCCA. It has always been my position that HCCA and the Benzeevis will at some point have to cut their losses and will be gone in the middle of night, but not without bleeding our community dry. Again, Tulare will have to pick up the pieces, which we will rise again to do. Those who have aided and abetted HCCA will still have to live here among the community. I have seen them come and go. HCCA must go and be replaced with a reputable and established hospital management company and Parmod Kumar must be recalled from his over 20 years of failed policies on the hospital board.

Dr. Tom Drilling, long-time resident of Tulare, former mayor and community leader passed away on May 15, 2017.

He had written this commentary in recent weeks prior to his death.

Imagine, a Porterville where the efforts of PACC and the Beltran family, were only supplemented in times of crisis, not in which people rely on them more than the Tulare County Board of Supervisors or Porterville City Hall.

To see this through, we must act swiftly, as I’m urging my former opponents that are now serving on City

Council to do.

The only other option is vacating the entire East Side and selling the rights to Sacramento, and that is not something we can afford to do.

We must instead move forward and push towards our ultimate goal of “One United Porterville.” -A.D.S

Comments from ourvalleyvoice.com

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I am a TRMC employee. After 20 years of being in power, Dr Kumar has to take some responsibility for the horrible state of the hospital. Tower left unfinished. After 3 years in power, HCCA has not been able to take one step towards finishing this project.

The hospital was given a failing grade as far as patient care is concerned. While other medical centers try to recruit world class specialists and affiliate with medical schools, Tulare is barely trying to recruit for basic positions such as general surgeons, urologist, hospitalist and intensivist. Dr Kumar has grossly overpaid, to the tune of 3 million dollars, for an inexperienced CEO who has not produced one single positive thing.

Chief of medical staff is a puppet and employee of the CEO. The vice chief of medical staff just had a DUI issue. It’s time for this plague, HCCA, to go, and for our hospital to be managed by competent people, for example, the Adventist group. Best regards.

TRMC current employee.

JC what a joke… if you were an employees at TDH and don’t like your job my advise to you would be MOVE ON!!! and stop complaining.

JG I’m going to call you out like the Citizen For Hospital Accountability would you’re not an employee we all know this….what a clown!!

— Emmanuel Garcia on Tulare Hospital Lawsuit Continues in Second Week

Scott Holwell In an effort to assist veterans and their dependents in receiving state and federal veterans benefits that they may be eligible for, our office will make home visits.

These home visits are designed for those that cannot travel to our office. We can assist with the appropriate paperwork and file a claim for benefits.

”

— JG on Tulare Hospital Lawsuit Continues in Second Week

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— JG on Tulare Hospital Lawsuit Continues in Second Week

— Emmanuel Garcia on Tulare Hospital Lawsuit Continues in Second Week

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Emmanuel, your post means nothing to me and I have to prove nothing to an HCCA puppet. However, if you like I can talk about the recent events with your general surgeon whose last name starts with the letter Z. Or what parts of the country you are bringing your other general surgeons from? Or how the only urologist in Tulare wants to have nothing to do with HCCA? Or how your only intensivist is leaving. Give me the green light Emmanuel, and I will spill all the beans. Like I said before, we have a very substandard hospital and we pay an enormous fee to the CEO who has not delivered one thing. Time for HCCA to go.

Ms. Campbell, I happen to agree with you, but I think you are fighting this one too little too late. Where was your own legal action against the county on the elder abuse case? There would have to have been some pretty egredious issues that they could prove. secondly, what physical evidence did you submit for your claims? Photographic evidence perhaps? I notice that you did not name DPSS in your suit. And just what do the two issues have in common?

Pardon my cynicism, but every time they add a route, we lose one in Visalia. As we always have been, thanks to Monte Cox, who should have been replaced years ago imho, we will lose again!

— Dave on Visalia Transit Working Closely With Cities

Veteran’s Corner: Veterans Outreach We also work with family members who are trying to assist a veteran or dependent in obtaining benefits. We can also assist with transportation arrangements to the Veterans Administration hospital in Fresno.

We coordinate with KART, who provides transportation to and from the hospital once a day.

Our office also does speaking engagements. We can come to your facility and speak about both state and federal veteran’s benefits.

We will speak to community service organizations, NAS Lemoore commands, groups of veterans, or any group that has an interest in veteran’s benefits.

” ”

— Dave on Mooney Grove Park/Personal Injury Case Against County

Our talks normally last about 30 minutes but can be tailored to fit your needs. We can also be available to answer questions about specific veteran’s issues. To inquire about a home visit, or to setup a speaking engagement, please contact our office.

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

Contact Scott Holwell if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and

federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.

To determine if you are eligible for any of these benefits, 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

15 June, 2017

Valley Scene

15 June, 2017

Kings Fair Opens June 15 With Pigs & Piñatas Staff Reports

The Kings County Fair opens Thursday, June 15 with the special ticket price of $1/adult and free for seniors, students and children. Carnivals rides that day are $1/ride.

This year’s theme is Pigs & Piñatas, and the carnival area includes most of the same great rides as last year and more, along with games and prizes for the whole family.

Kings Theatre events, included with admission, feature Chris Mabrey Master of Comedy Hypnosis on Thursday, June 15; Jackson Michelson on Friday, June 16; and WAR on Saturday, June 17.

Grandstand events include Racesaver, IMCA MODS, Mini-Stocks on Friday at 7pm and USAC West Coast 360, IMCA Stock, Mod-Lites on Saturday at 7pm.

Over in the livestock arena 4-H and FFA students will be showing hogs, sheep, goats, beef cattle and dairy cattle

as well as rabbits and poultry on Thursday and Friday. Tractor pull competition and a Piñata party take place Thursday and Friday at 6pm. Saturday brings the Junior Livestock Auction at 9am followed by more tractor pulls in the afternoon and another Piñata party at 6pm.

If attending on Sunday, don’t miss the Rooster Crowing Contest (Human Mimicking that is) and Pee Wee Goat Showmanship is always a hit, this year, Sunday at noon. View the entries and winners of the adult competitions on any day with entries in Fine Arts/Photography, Floriculture, Home Arts, Agriculture and Horticulture.

Find the BC Characters located around the fairgrounds each day, and look out for Fables of the West and Fabian’s Pony Rides for the younger crowd.

And be sure to visit the Circus Imagination tent.

Stop by to see the Barbers Battle Tournament, which runs the length of the fair.

The Wine Garden features the Next Big Thing Talent Show, Friday-Sunday, and Chris Mabrey Master of Comedy Hypnosis on the same days.

The fair is open from 5:30pm-12am daily throughout the Thursday-Sunday run. Regular admission is $8/adult; $6/ seniors & students; $5/children with children 5 years and under free. Unlimited wristband presale is $25 prior to opening day and $33 at the gates. Wristbands are available at the fair office and

numerous locations throughout Hanford and Lemoore.

For more information, visit www. kingsfair.com.

Open Arms House Hosts Open House on June 22 Staff Reports

The board members of the non-profit Open Arms House will host an open house from 10am to 6pm on Thursday, June 22.

The extensive remodeling on the house, located at 3234 W. Iris, in Visalia, was funded through donations and is complete; however, donations of furniture, television sets, hospital beds and other furnishings are still needed.

“Thanks to very generous donations from Kaweah Delta Hospice Foundation and the Lyles-Porter Family, fundraising started off very strong, and we were able to raise almost $700,000,” noted board chair Carol Nickel. “However, the remodeling and expansion was

visit the first non-profit home

for end-of-life care in Tulare County costly, and we are now seeking support to fully furnish the house and to have $400,000 in the bank to fund our

first year.”

The house will be dedicated to Ruth Dunagan Wood, a long-time supporter

of hospice, at a celebration in September.

The home will be available to those who are enrolled in a hospice program and who can no longer remain in their own home, Nickel explained.

The cost per day will be determined by each resident’s ability to pay, and community support and grants will underwrite the cost of maintaining the home.

During the open house, community members will be able to meet Cynthia Swift, the new executive director, tour the house, learn about end-of-life care, donate to the nonprofit organization and compete to win a bottle of wine in a “wine spin” competition.

For information on The Open Arms House, contact Carol Nickel, 280-0640.

Community Radio Invites CalFresh Families Can Turn $10 into $20 Public Membership Staff Reports South Valley Community Media (SVCM) of KPSV-FM, 91.9MHZ are excited to hold its first public meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 6pm at the Visalia Public Library, 200 West Oak Avenue, inVisalia, and will continue on a regular “Third Tuesday” of the month schedule.

The public, individuals, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to join in the foundation of this effort to serve the South Valley with community oriented radio programming.

SVCM’s mission is to involve the community in the operation and governance of its current and future media projects.

The mission is broad and includes all local media beyond local radio and the intent is to attract partner advocates of Pub-

lic Access Television and to bring varied local programming to benefit all members of the South Valley community.

Interested parties can donate at KPSV’s website, kpsv.org.

The primary advantage of community radio over public and commercial stations is that the content will reflect the diversity of the community, bridging language, cultural and ideological barriers.

KPSV-FM and all future SVCM media projects will be run democratically with open membership and member representation on the board of directors.

Projects will be staffed almost entirely by community volunteers.

Please contact Board of Directors President Don Manro with any questions by email at tulerue@gmail.com or call 559.686.6836.

Every Friday through Aug. 11, families using $10 in CalFresh benefits at the Dinuba Farmers’ Market will get an additional $10 to purchase even more locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

The match is available thanks to a grant from the Ecology Center in Oakland, which was awarded to Kaweah Delta Health Care District to oversee Market Match, California’s healthy food incentive program. In addition, local funding from the Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation was provided to assist with the development of education and outreach activities in Dinuba and surrounding communities to increase awareness of this program.

The program matches low-income customers’ federal nutrition assistance benefits at farmers’ markets empowering

Staff Reports them to make healthy food choices.

Market Match can be used at the Dinuba Farmers’ Market, which takes place from 6-9spm every Friday from June 9-Aug. 10, at 289 S. L St., in downtown Dinuba.

In addition to electronic benefits transfer (EBT), commonly known as food stamps, the Dinuba Farmers’ Market accepts fruit and vegetable nutrition program vouchers (FMNP) issued by WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Area Agency on Aging senior program.

The Dinuba Certified Farmers Market is celebrating its fourth year, and the revitalized Dinuba Certified Farmers Market has reached many surrounding communities labeled as food deserts (areas lacking access to healthy foods).

B2 • Valley Voice

Local Cancer Survivors Honored Laura Florez-McCusker

Christina Hart, of Three Rivers, has breast cancer--and like many cancer patients, the road she faces isn’t an easy one.

But on June 7, for nearly two hours, Hart’s thoughts weren’t consumed with cancer, they were focused on fun.

Hart was among more than 130 current and former cancer patients who donned cat eye glasses, took in the sounds of 50s music, enjoyed burgers and root beer floats, during a rock ‘n’ roll-themed luncheon.

Cancer survivors were the guests of honor at the community event hosted

by Kaweah Delta Health Care District and Sequoia Regional Cancer Center (SRCC).

“This got me out of bed today,” Hart said, smiling. She made sure to take a picture with her two favorite radiation therapists Rose Brady and Angel Villafana, who she met during her time

in radiation in 2016 at SRCC. “I was very emotional when I was first going through treatment and they made me feel welcome.”

The event was a celebration of life that allowed nurses, physicians and others to reconnect with former patients and encourage them wherever they are in their journey, said Elisa Jimenez, a social worker at SRCC. “It’s an opportunity to focus on the positive part of cancer – celebrating survivorship,” Jimenez said. “Cancer survivors share their stories with each other and give those who may have been struggling hope.”

Pearl Ann Cousins, of Visalia, said the smiles and laughter in the room gave her exactly that.

“There are not a lot of events to celebrate us,” said Cousins, who has stage four cancer. “It’s nice to see each other outside of treatment. This event is catching them in a happy mood.”

15 June, 2017

Rose Brady (Left), Chief Radiation Therapist at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center and patient Christina Hart (right), of Three Rivers, surprise Radiation Therapist Angel Villafana (center) with a kiss during the Cancer Survivor Rock ‘n’ Roll Celebration of Life at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center on June 7. Hart, currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer said, “This got me out of bed today.”

West Hills Coalinga to Continue Adult and Dislocated Worker Services Staff Reports After receiving a top score of 98.75 out of 100 on its Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Rural Westside Adult & Dislocated Worker application, West Hills College Coalinga’s One Stop Service Center will continue to offer services to Adult & Dislocated Workers for the next four years, dependent on the center meeting yearly goals.

WHCC’s One Stop Service Center, located on the West Hills College Coal-

Mark Your Calendar!

inga campus in Coalinga and at the district’s North District Center in Firebaugh, offers many service to adult and dislocated workers. Services offered include everything from resume and job search assistance to career counseling and skills training.

“What this proves is that the work we’ve been doing is important and we have been successful in delivering the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services in the community that we serve,” said Cecilio Mora, Coor-

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dinator of Special Grants and head of the center. “West Hills College is one of the only community colleges in the Central Valley that offers these specific services.”

The One Stop Service Center provides skills training, job readiness preparation, resume assistance and more and also assists with job searches.

The center works closely with state and local partners, including the Employment Development Department and Department of Social Services to offer valuable services. The center also works to

connect participants with local jobs.

Mora said the center also makes it possible for many adult and dislocated workers to seek an education or return to school in order to start a new career.

The center’s approval as the Westside’s Adult and Dislocated Worker Services Provider means that the center can continue providing services and receiving funding for the next four years.

The center on the WHCC campus and at NDC is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • B3

Sign of the Times J. Parrish Lewis When I write about what we call deaf-centered topics, it is vital that no one assumes Deaf people are all the same and that what applies to me applies to everyone else who is Deaf. While I feel privileged to do my part in sharing a glimpse into the lives of Deaf and hardof-hearing individuals, keep in mind that what I have to say isn’t always true for the next deaf person you meet. But it just might be, and at the very least, you’ll know to ask.

I ask that you approach us with a little more understanding of possibilities, filling in the blanks after you’ve met and taken cues from each person. Let us be your guide to our own selves.

That said, here’s a few assumptions people make about me, personally, every day, which will give you a sense of some possible misconceptions.

Problem: You think raising your voice is the way to communicate with me after I’ve just told you I was Deaf.

You mean well, but the truth is you could yell in my face and I’m not going to hear you. Raising your voice merely calls attention to our conversation, which I might rather keep private. Sometimes, in fact, you raising your voice makes it harder for me to lip-read you.

Solution: Ask if raising your voice will help. If the person says no, don’t do it.

Problem: You assume that I can lip-read everything because you just asked me if I can lip-read and I said I can sometimes, depending on the person.

Most of us by now, even totally unskilled lip-readers and possibly even most hearing people, don’t have a problem lip-reading the sentence “Can you lip-read?” It is used so often, it’s the easiest thing to lip-read. The truth is that the average skilled lip-reader catches somewhere around 30% of a sentence.

It’s pretty normal that in a sentence with 10 words, we might catch 3, though some people are even more proficient.

If we’re skilled with English, we might be able to fill in the blanks enough to understand. You can’t assume every Deaf

person can, because a lot of us don’t lipread well at all.

I am a skilled lip-reader, but it entirely depends on who I am talking with and whether I know the context of the conversation. Sometimes I’ll have difficulty understanding someone I’ve known my entire life, and then a few minutes later I can perfectly lip-read a stranger. Mumbling is usually going to make attempts to lip-read a waste of time, and I can barely lip-read anything on a screen, like a TV show or a movie.

If I struggle, imagine how someone who isn’t a skilled lip-reader will struggle if you insist on them trying?

Solution: Check for understanding.

If you know we are not lip-reading you correctly, then continuing to talk to us as if we’re understanding you is a waste of your time and ours. Switch to a new method, if you don’t sign. Try writing notes instead.

If you meet someone who is a skilled lip-reader, precede your sentences with context. Tell us what the subject is first.

Sometimes this works wonders, but only for people who lip-read.

Side note: It’s not our job to become skilled lip-readers. It’s up to us what we want to do and what we feel capable of doing.

Skilled lip-readers can, however, be completely lost in a group. Once I’m talking to more than one person at the same time, I’m lost. You change the way you’re talking when you’re talking to one more person other than me, and then suddenly I can no longer lip-read you.

Trying to follow a group conversation through the use of lip-reading is like watching a ping pong ball be swatted back and forth across the table while trying to read something written on the ball.

Problem: You meet someone who is deaf and for some reason, you “dumb down” either your language or how you interact with that person.

I’m human and I do feel slighted when I feel that someone is talking down to me. I feel slighted when I’m treated as if my being Deaf means I should be treated as less of a peer and more of a child.

A while back I was in a store where I was given a sticker at the register. Do

Jehovah’s Witnesses Kick Off Convention Series July 7 Staff Reports On July 7, 2017, Tulare and Kings County residents are invited to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ series of three-day annual conventions at the Rabobank Arena with the theme “Don’t Give Up!”, and will continue through August 27, 2017.

Challenges in life can rob us of peace and even cause some to think about giving up. The conventions will benefit both Witnesses and non-Witnesses because it promises to empower individuals not only to keep enduring but also to cope with challenges productively.

Approximately 38,500 delegates from the Central Valley and Central Coast will be attending. Tulare and Kings County alone is home to approximately 17 Kingdom Halls, and 6,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses. The program will be present-

ed in a variety of formats, including brief discourses, interviews, and short videos.

No admission will be charged and no collection will be taken. A total of four Spanish and three English conventions will be held. For additional information, dates and times of the events, and preview videos, please visit the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses JW.org follow the link “About Us” and then select “Don’t give up!” under Conventions.

All 7 Conventions Will Be Held At : Rabobank Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave. in Bakersfield. The programs In English are July 7th-9th, August 11th-13th , August 18th-20th. The programs In Spanish are July 21st-23rd , July 28th-30th , August 4th-6th , August 18th-20th. Program Times : Friday & Saturday 9:20am 4:50pm. Sunday 9:20am- 3:30pm.

you know who else got stickers in the store? Kids and adults with severe developmental disabilities. How about we reserve the stickers for kids, and treat the adults like adults, including developmentally disabled adults? The clerk even put it on my shirt before I realized what she was doing.

Solution: Treat us like peers. If it turns out that we don’t understand what you mean, due to educational delays that are usually the fault of a fundamentally-flawed educational system that seems set up for failure, then you can adjust your language accordingly as needed.

Don’t dial it down all the way. Follow the cues of the person you’re communicating with.

Problem: I ask you to write notes and you keep talking, or you say “never mind” or you don’t respond and you just move on.

Some of us are comfortable writing notes back and forth. We might even bring a paper and pen to save you a little trouble. It’s frustrating when people aren’t willing to give us this simple accommodation, which can be a blatant disregard for our rights under laws such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, depending on who you are.

Solution: Write notes. I asked you to do it, hopefully politely, because it is an accessible way to communicate with me. I realize it may take longer, but surely you want me to actually know what you’re saying instead of guessing, instead of leaving with some false idea of what you were saying.

Problem: You think that writing notes, relying on me lip-reading, talking louder is always the solution. Sometimes it is not. Sometimes these will not work at all.

Some of my community members were not provided with the essential education needed for complete literacy.

It’s debatable why this happens, whether it’s the fault of the schools or the fault of schools and parents, or the fault of schools, parents and the kids. The debate is a heavy one, and I’d rather we get to solutions. In my opinion as a non-educator, the solution is a promotion of bilingual literacy, American Sign Language AND English for example, in every environment of a deaf person’s life.

Solution: Ask what the deaf person needs in order to communicate effectively and do what you can to provide it. Sometimes you are legally obligated to do so if you’re, among other things, an employer, a government organization, or a place of public accommodation.

For a moment, let’s put aside the fact that the law protects us. I want you to think of the person you love the most in the world and I want you to imagine that this person cannot hear. This person you love needs some kind of service somewhere and asks for accommodations. How are you going to feel if someone says no, or makes little or no effort, or seems oblivious?

Do it because it is right, not because you might have to. Do it because we’re human, because on some level, we are the same.

california league all-star game & fan fest see the next stars of

June 19th & 20th recreation ballpark - visalia tickets:on sale now n at rawhidebaseball.com

Calendar JUNE June 15-18: Kings County Fair Pigs & Pinatas 5pm-Midnight - Each day. Admission $8/adults, $6/seniors, $5/ children - Opening Day $1/adults; seniors & children/free. Carnival wristbands $25/in advance; $25/day of; $1/rides on Opening Day.

For more information, call (559) 739-0905.

June 20-22: Advanced Youth Volleyball Camp 9am - Noon - Ages 7-14 - Designed for players with experience school or league play. Must have basic knowledge of fundamental skills and understand the rules of the game. $55/ members; $75/guests. Held at the June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25: Mur- Lifestyle Center in Visalia. For more information, call (559) 624-3416. der Me, Murder Me Not 7:30pm Fridays & Saturdays; 2pm Space is limited!

Sunday matinee. Kings Players at June 21: “Think Tanks” the Temple Theater, 514 E. Visalia 7pm - “Think Tanks” will be the St., Hanford. Randolph Gaston has subject of a presentation by Roger been murdered, and everybody is M. Story, who assembled the Story after the insurance money (includ- Think Tank in Fresno to focus on the ing the deceased). The characters challenges facing the Central Valley. we meet are the grieving widow, the The talk, sponsored by Tulare-Kings girl next door, the family maid, the Mensans, the local high IQ society, minister, the French inspector, and will be held at the Arts Consortium, the confused boyfriend -- BUT ev- 300 E. Oak Ave., Visalia. For more eryone isn’t necessarily who they information, call (559) 280-9774 or seem to be. A series of double (and email tularekingsmensans@yahoo. double-double) crosses, mistaken com. identities, fake accents, hidden bodies, and phony mustaches all add up June 23: Comedian Jo Koy Comto a completely intriguing comedy. ing to Eagle Mountain Casino Tickets online $12; at the door $14. 8pm - Jo Koy, a popular comedihttp://kingsplayers.net/shows/up- an who has been on several televised shows and has his own weekly coming-shows/ podcast, will perform live at Eagle June 16: Father’s Day Luncheon – Mountain Casino’s Event Center.

Casino Day Tickets are on-sale now and start 11am - A game of Roulette will at only $35 for general admission. be offered and delicious Mocktails Tickets can be purchased online at served. You must be over 21. All fa- www.eaglemtncasino.com or in the thers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins Mountain Memories gift shop. and friends are invited to the Tulare Senior Center. MUST Reserve by June 23-25: TAA Grease! The MuThursday, June 15, Noon. Cost $3 sical Sensation Donation, 60 & over; $5 for guest Friday, Saturday @ 7pm; Sunday @ 2pm - Live production of GREASE under 60. with local talent and live band - DiJune 16: Movie Times Fantastic rected by Lim Forgey; Music DiBeasts rection Chavaleh Forgey; Choreog4:30pm - Tulare Public Library in raphy Michael Flores; Produced by the City Council Chambers.

Kym and Michael Hampton. Tickets - $12.50 - $20. Performance at June 17: Controlling the Image Rotary Theater, 330 S. Dollner St. and its Meaning 9am-3pm - A brief discussion about Visalia. manual settings and exposure con- June 24: Baskets trol on DSLRs followed by a brief 9am-3pm - Students will have the photo walk around Arts Visalia to option of working on one of three experiment with these ideas ending basket techniques for basket weavwith discussion of the results and ing. The Sampler Basket allows stuhow emotion and information are dents to learn four different stitches conveyed visually. Limited to 15 stu- in one piece. The instructor provides dents of any level. Instructor: Ron all of the materials. Instructor: Toni Holman. Each student should bring Best. Offered through Arts Visalia, their own DSLR camera, memory 214 E. Oak. Tuition $85. For more card, and fresh batteries to take pic- information, call (559) 739-0905. tures. All other materials needed will be provided. Offered through Arts June 24: 20th Anniversary ComeVisalia, 214 E. Oak. Tuition $85. dy Jam 8pm - Perico Productions is celebrat-

City of Visalia Senior Center —

June 2017 Monday

Office Hours: Monday—Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 Office Phone: (559) 713-4381 Lunch Reservation Line: (559) 713-4481 Wednesday Thursday Tuesday 1 Chess Club Darts Penny Bingo

5 Corn hole Pinochle Table Tennis Boot Scootin’

10am 11am 1 - 4pm

2 Fun Fitne Friday Mo Table Ten NEW Scra

City of Visalia Senior Center —

11 am 1 - 3pm 1 - 3pm 1:15 - 3:15pm

6 7 8 Office Hours: Monday—Friday 10:00 a.m. to94:00 p Darts 11am Poker 12 -:30pm Chess Club 10am Friday Mo Phone: Penny Bingo 1-Office 4pm Contract Bridge(559) 1 - 3pm713-4381 Darts 11am Table Ten Penny Bingo 1 - 4pm Lunch Reservation Line:Abuse (559) 713-4481 NEW Scra and Later Life Office Hours Thursday1:30-4pm Wednesday Tuesday

June 2017 Monday

12 Corn hole 11am Pinochle 1 - 3pm Table Tennis 1 - 3pm Boot Scootin’ 1:15 - 3:15pm

13 14 HICAP 10am - 2pm Poker 12 - 3:30pm Darts 11am Contract Bridge 1 - 3pm Penny Bingo 1- 4pm Abuse and Later Life Office Hours 1:30-4pm

115 Chess Chess Club Club Darts Darts Penny Penny Bingo Bingo

5

6 20 Darts 11am Darts Bingo 1- 4pm 11am Penny

8 22 Club Chess 10am Chess Club 10am Darts 11am Darts Bingo Penny 1 - 11am 4pm Penny and Bingo 1 - 4pm Abuse Later Life Office Hours 1:30-4pm

9 23 Mo Friday FridayTen Mo Table TableScra Ten NEW

19 Corn hole 11 am Corn hole Pinochle 1 11am - 3pm Pinochle 11 -- 3pm Table Tennis 3pm Table Tennis 1:15 - 13:15pm - 3pm Boot Scootin’ Boot Scootin’ 1:15 - 3:15pm

Penny Bingo 1- 4pm

7 21 Poker 12 -:30pm Poker Bridge12 -13:30pm Contract - 3pm

Contract Bridge 1 - 3pm

10am 10am 11am 11am 11 -- 4pm 4pm

Abuse and Later Life Office Hours 1:30-4pm

216 Fun Fun Fitnes Fitne Friday Friday Mo Mo Table Table Ten Ten NEW Scra

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26 12 Corn hole 1111am am Pinochle 1 - 3pm Table Tennis 1 -- 3pm 3pm Boot Scootin’ Scootin’ 1:15 Boot 1:15- 3:15pm - 3:15pm

28 27 13 14 HICAP 10am -11am 2pm Poker 12 - 3:30pm 3:30pm Darts Darts Contract Bridge 1 - 3pm 3pm Penny Bingo 1- 11am 4pm Penny Bingo 1- 4pm Abuse and Later Life Office Hours 1:30-4pm

29 15 Chess 10am Chess Club Club 10am Darts 11am Darts 11am Penny 11 -- 4pm Penny Bingo Bingo 4pm Abuse and Chronic Later LifeDisease Office Managing Hours 1:30-4pm 3pm

30 16 Fun Fitnes Friday Mo Friday Mo Table Ten Table NEW Ten Scra NEW! Scr

19 Corn hole Pinochle Table Tennis Boot Scootin’

11am 1 - 3pm 1 - 3pm 1:15 - 3:15pm

20 Darts 11am Penny Bingo 1- 4pm

21 Poker 12 - 3:30pm Contract Bridge 1 - 3pm

22 Chess Club Darts Penny Bingo

23 Friday Mo Table Ten NEW! Scr

26 Corn hole Pinochle Table Tennis Boot Scootin’

11 am 1 - 3pm 1 - 3pm 1:15 - 3:15pm

27 Darts 11am Penny Bingo 1- 4pm

28 Poker 12 - 3:30pm Contract Bridge 1 - 3pm

29 Chess Club 10am Darts 11am Penny Bingo 1 - 4pm Managing Chronic Disease 3pm

ing their 20th Anniversary Comedy Jam. Starring Roberto Rodriguez, Jesus Sepulveda, Quinn Dahle, Shayla Rivera and Motown & more. At the Visalia Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www.foxvisalia.org June 26-30; July 24-28: Kids Camp 12:30-5:30pm - Kids ages 5-12 years old will enjoy a full week of fun games, outdoor water play, Rockwall climbing (child must be at least 30 pounds), swimming and more.

Snacks will be provided. Lifestyles Center, Visalia. $80/members; $95/ guests - per camp. Space limited to 25 participants - registration is underway. For more information, call (559) 624-3416.

10am 11am 1 - 4pm

30 Friday Mo Table Ten NEW Scra

June 28: Movie Times Trail of the Panda 10:30am - Tulare Public Library in the City Council Chambers.

June 29: Last Thursday Book Club at Tulare Public Library 6pm - Will discuss The Woman in Cabin 10.

JULY July 1: Print Madness 9am - 3pm - Print based class with home printing emphasis. This workshop will be in experimental printmaking without the use of the press, using various relief and stencil making materials to create prints. Mate-

— Activity Schedule p.m.

310 N. Locust Visalia, CA 93291

Friday

ess ovie nnis abble Club

Saturday 12:20 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm

3

Gadabouts Senior Pride Bingo 12 - 4:15pm

Sunday 4 Contract Bridge 1-4 pm

tails: (559) 791-7800.

— Activity Schedule

p.m.

ovie nnis abble Club

1 pm 1 pm 1 pm

Friday

11 10 Senior Pride 310 N. Locust Contract Bridge Bingo Visalia, 93291 1-4 pm 12 -CA 4:15pm

Saturday

Sunday

ss ess ovie ovie nnis nnis abble Club rabble Club

12:20 10:15 11pm pm 11pm pm 1 pm 1 pm

418 317 Contract Gadabouts Contract Senior Pride Bridge Senior Pride Bridge Bingo 1-4 Bingo 1-4pm pm 12 - 4:15pm 12 - 4:15pm

ovie ovie nnis nnis Club abble

1 pm pm 11pm pm 11pm

10 24 Pride Senior Senior Pride Bingo Bingo12 - 4:15pm

11 25 Contract Contract Bridge Bridge 1-4 pm

ss ovie ovie nnis nnis abble Club

rabble Club

10:15 1 pm 11pm pm 11pm pm 1 pm

17 Senior Pride Bingo 12 - 4:15pm

18 Contract Bridge 1-4 pm

ovie nnis rabble Club

1 pm 1 pm 1 pm

24 Senior Pride Bingo 12 - 4:15pm

25 Contract Bridge 1-4 pm

rabble Club

ovie nnis abble Club

1 pm

1 pm 1 pm 1 pm

12 - 4:15pm

1-4 pm

Thomas, at College of the Sequoias Theatre. For more information visit: July 3: Woodlake July 3rd Blast 6pm - Games, music, food, kids fun http://www.sequoiaparksconservanzone followed by fireworks at Miller cy.org/dinner-with-an-astronaut.

Brown Park, downtown Woodlake. html.

Free admission.

July 22: 3-Dimensions 9am - 3pm - An exploratory adJuly 4: 4th of July Fireworks Exventure unique to each artist and travaganza 11:30am - 10pm - This year in Grop- the challenges they face while aspetti Stadium - at it’s new location sembling a one of a kind sculpture this 4th of July firework show will made from found objects in a way be able to host bigger fireworks and that takes form and comes to life. allows for even more fun. Featuring This workshop is for all levels. Mapie-eating contests, hot dog eating terials for the class will be provided. contests, water slides, food vendors Instructor: Andrew Turner. Offered and moe. The event benefits CASA through Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak. Tuition $85. For more information, of Tulare County. call (559) 739-0905.

July 15: Blood, Sweat & Tears w/ July 27: Casino Night Mini Expo Bo Bice 8pm - at the Visalia Fox Theatre - 17 presented by Hands in the Commu- 5:30-7pm - Tulare Kings Hispanic nity. Tickets $40-80. Proceeds ben- Chamber of Commerce presents a efit Hands in the Community. For mini business expo at Tachi Palace tickets visit www.foxvisalia.org or Hotel & Casino. For booth information, call the chamber at (559) call, (559) 625-1369.

734-6020.

July 15: 2nd Annual CHS Cross July 29: Cars and Coffee Country Alumni and Friends 8-11am – Car show offered by Race 7am - registration; 8am - race start Buckman-Mitchell Financial and at RAC Soccer Fields, Price: $25 Insurance Services, 500 N. Santa Fe, per runner, Online registration is Visalia. No entry fee. Bring an unavailable at runsignup.com - search wrapped toy or Toys for Tots and be Corcoran. Register before the July 1 entered into a raffle. For more inforand get a free shirt - a limited amount mation, call (559) 635-3520. of shirts will also be available for purchase the day of the event.

July 15: Printmaking 9am - 3pm - The in-depth instruction of the process of printmaking using the printmaking press. This workshop is for all levels. Materials for the class will be provided.

Instructor: Jim Johnson. Offered through Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak. Tuition $85. For more information, rials will be provided for the class. call (559) 739-0905.

Instructor: Francisco Alonzo. Offered through Arts Visalia, 214 E. July 21-23: Dark Sky Festival Oak. Tuition $85. For more infor- Share your passion for the night sky and astronomy during this fun weekmation, call (559) 739-0905. end. Special programs will be taking July 1: Freedom Fest place all weekend including star pro5pm - The BlueJackets Band, E&M’s grams, telescope demonstrations, Reptile Family, All Red Star Formaand campfire talks. All programs are tion Flying Team, food & craft venfree and open to the public. Events dors, beer garden and fireworks at will take place in the parks, as well as 9pm at Porterville Sports Complex, at Lake Kaweah and in Three Rivers.

2701 W. Scranton Ave. Entry by car load - $10/advance pass; $15/day of; July 21: Dinner with an Astro$20/preferred pass. Free transporta- naut tion out to the event is available by 5:30-8:30 - The Sequoia Parks Concatching the bus from the Porterville servancy invites its members and Transit Center located at 61 W. Oak donors to attend this exclusive fundAvenue. First bus departs at 5:10pm. raiser dinner and presentation with Call Porterville Transit for more de- retired NASA astronaut Don A.

welcome on the patio at the Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria, 514 East Main Street, Suite A, in Visalia. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Valley Oak SPCA. For more information, call 651-1111.

Wednesdays: Barmageddon Game Night Come blow off some steam at our game night. Happy hour from 6-8pm.

1st Thursday Monthly through October: Diabetes Support Group, 5:30-7pm Kaweah Delta Health Care District will offer a free diabetes support group through October from on the first Thursday of the month at the Kaweah Delta Chronic Disease Management Center, 325 Willis St., Visalia. Information: 624-2416.

1st Thursday, Monthly: Veterans Support Group, 5:30-7pm Free support group for global war on terrorism & post 9-11 (Veterans Only) at the Tulare Public Library, 475 North M Street in Tulare. Facilitated by: Dr. Lance Zimmerman, Ph.D of veterans Counseling Clinic.

1st and 3rd Thursdays, Monthly: Central Valley Tea Party Meetings, 6pm 819 West Visalia Road, Farmersville.

3rd Thursday Monthly through October: Diabetes Support Group, 5:30-7pm Kaweah Delta Health Care District offer a free diabetes support group Mondays: Bridge Club, 9:30amthrough October on the third Thurs2pm day of the month at Woodlake Man210 W Center Street Visalia, CA or Apartments, 200 E. Sierra Ave., 93291. Admission is free. For addi- Woodlake. Information: 624-2416. tional information call: Joan Din3rd Thursday, Monthly: Gatherwiddie @ 732-0855 ing At the Oval, 12:30-1pm Mondays: Knitters, 10amLifting up the needs and concerns 12:30pm of Visalia through individual prayer 210 W Center Street Visalia, CA and meditation at Oval Park, 808 93291. Everyone is welcome.

North Court Street in Visalia. For Mondays: Monday Karaoke at more information, call 967-4065.

Barmageddon, 9pm-1am 3rd Thursday, Monthly: Board Karaoke Jockey Miss Sammi will be Game Night, 6-7:45pm hosting from 9pm - 1am. No Cover. For ages 10+ at the Visalia Branch

CONTINUOUS

Tuesdays: Barmageddon Trivia Thunderdome, 9pm-1am Challenge your friends to the ultimate trivia throwdown. Earn some bragging rights in categories ranging from Saturday morning cartoons, classic video games, and pop culture films. Free sign ups at 9:30pm.

Library, 200 West Oak Street. Signups are not required. For more information, call 713-2703.

3rd Thursday, Monthly: Ladies’ Night, 6-10pm At the Clay Cafe in Visalia, 1018 E. Mineral King Ave. $10 studio fee with ceramic purchase. Includes 2nd Tuesday, Monthly: Yappy complimentary margarita, dinner Hour, 5-9pm and dessert. Door prizes too! ReserWell-mannered, leashed pets are vations required: 733-2022.

15 June, 2017

B6 • Valley Voice

Boys & Girls Club CEO Participates In Leadership Summit Staff Reports

Galen Quenzer, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, is one of just 55 senior leaders from the Boys & Girls Club Movement who have been selected to participate in a new yearlong leadership development program called the Leadership Summit. The program will begin in May 2017 and include a collaborative educational experience designed by Harvard Business School Executive Education and Boys

& Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).

To drive transformational impact nationally and on a local level, BGCA teamed up with the preeminent leadership development institution in the world, Harvard Business School. Together, the organizations established a leadership development experience designed to supercharge the capabilities of local CEOs, raise the organization’s collective leadership abilities and solve the most pressing challenges facing Clubs.

“I am honored to have been cho-

sen as an inaugural participant in the BGCA Leadership Summit Program, and to have an opportunity to join my colleagues at Harvard Business School,” said Galen Quenzer, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias. “This is a rare opportunity to learn from an establishment with such a legacy of prestige and success, alongside other leaders with a shared mission, and to use what I have learned to deepen my impact locally and nationally.”

The extremely selective program is

designed for high performing Boys & Girls Club organizations.

Participants will undergo an intense experience designed to solve organization-wide challenges and to help each local organization reach its unique goals. After the session, the group will work together to implement strategies discussed.

The Harvard Business School component will take place on its campus in June 2017.

Security Consulting Firm Opens in Visalia Staff Reports

A new business in Visalia is now offering active shooter training, emergency medical training and physical security assessments to businesses, schools and medical facilities.

Hampel Security Consulting is a father-son business owned by Visalian Brian Hampel, vice-president, and his father Vincent Hampel, of Santee, CA. Together, the two have over 35

years of military, police and emergency derstand services experience.

Among the services offered are physical security assessments and emergency drill evaluations to make the drills more effective and help staff members become more prepared.

Active shooter trainBrian Hampel ing helps staff members un-

their roles during an active shooter incident, what to expect during times of extreme stress and how to deal with the stress.

The firm also provides training in advanced first aid, with instructors certified as Nationally Registered Emergency Technicians.

“Our focus initially has

been schools, in part because I have children in Visalia schools and I want to know I’ve done everything I can to ensure their safety,” Hampel noted. “The active shooter and security training programs have truly opened the administrators’ eyes to the reality and the need.”

For further information, call Brian Hampel at 741-3097 or visit hampelsecurityconsulting.com.

Santa Teresita Center Announces Youth Camps Staff Reports

Join Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center for a summer full of fun, an experience the youth will never forget.

During the summer of 2017 the following camps available for registra-

tion; Jr. High Summer Camp happening June 19-23, 2017 cost $330 ages 11-14, campers will be enjoying outdoor adventures, swimming, fun summer games, horseback riding, and an encouraging atmosphere.

Cheerleading Camp happening June 27-29, 2017 cost $250 ages 10-14, campers will be learning basic moves as well as working with team members who have years of experience in cheerleading, team building, and more!

Catholic Music Camp happening July 17-21, 2017 cost $290 ages 14-18, for all young musicians, jump into experiential opportunities in liturgical celebration, Praise & Worship, live engagement, community building, and more.

15 June, 2017

Valley Voice • B7

Sports COS Gains New Swim & Dive Head Coach Adrian Luevano Helping people.

It is what new College of the Sequoias head coach Allyson Briano strives to do in every facet of life.

“My favorite part of working with people who want change is that they are so coachable and willing to try anything to get better,” Briano said. “It’s rewarding to pass along the information I learned from Olympians, to help our community here in Visalia.”

Before taking the Sequoias job, Briano taught as an English professor at COS for the past four years. She also taught at El Diamante High School, in addition to being the swim and dive head coach.

As the head coach, Briano led the Miners to three consecutive boys and girls West Yosemite League titles.

Briano is no stranger to swim competition, competing at Mt. Whitney High School in the 1990’s. Upon grad-

Allyson Briano.

uation, she attended the University of Southern California. At USC, Briano was on the 1997 National Championship team.

“It was one of the highlights of my life,” Briano said of the division one

title. “It was the culmination of years of hard work, and probably one of the moments that made me want to coach.

I don’t think I appreciated how big the accomplishment was, until I got older.”

Briano is thrilled to be the next Gi-

ants head coach, and she is ready to bring her hardworking style to the program.

“My mentality is: We are going to work really hard, have fun doing it, set goals, achieve them, and set even bigger goals to win championships,” Briano said.

In addition to being the swim and dive head coach, Briano is also a full time faculty member in the physical education division at College of the Sequoias.

The Giants are also undergoing renovations on their aquatics complex on campus, with the project slated to be completed before the 2018 swim season. Briano thinks the renovations will bring a different feel to the program, and to her dream job.

“I have to pinch myself that this is even real sometimes, and this is going to be my life,” Briano said. “I would have been happy in the old pool, but it’s going to be a fresh start for the program and I.”

Child Support Services to Team Up with Rawhide

About the Tulare County Department of Child Support The Tulare County Department of Services: Child Support Services and the local Staff Reports

Class A Visalia Rawhide have teamed up for two events during the months of June and August.

On June 22, Tulare County Department of Child Support Services employees will be cheering on the Rawhide to a victory over the San Jose Giants.

On August 14, representatives of the department will be in attendance for “Make A Difference Monday” to talk to fans about their services.

The department’s partnership with the Rawhide is part of their continuing effort to bring awareness to the public of the services they provide.

Tulare County Department of Child Support provides services for over 25,000 cases.

Their vision is that Children can count on both parents for the financial, medical, and emotional support they need to be healthy and successful.

Their office provides the following services: Establishment of Paternity and Child Support Orders, and the Modification and Enforcement of existing Child Support Orders.

They have offices in Visalia and Porterville and are open Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8am to 5pm.

Plaza Park Pickleball Opens June 17

The City of Visalia Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the dedication and grand opening of the Plaza Park Pickleball courts on Saturday, June 17th at 8am. (1800 S. Plaza Drive).

Pickleball is claimed to be the fastest growing sport in the nation. Although anyone can play Pickleball, it is favored by the 50+ population as it provides a great opportunity to improve fitness while interacting with other people, and of course, having fun.

“We are very excited to see this project completed and be able to provide some truly excellent Pickleball courts for our local players as well as out of town

guests during tournament play,” stated Jeannie Greenwood, Director of Visalia Parks and Recreation Department.

Guests will be able to meet local pickleball players who will provide instruction to anyone who wants to come and try it out. The courts will be open for play following the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

For more information on reserving the Plaza Park Pickleball courts or programs available through the Visalia Parks and Recreation Department, please call (559) 713-4365 or email recreation@ visalia.city.

High School Football’s Back with All-Star Game Adrian Luevano High school football is back in June.

Yes, you read that right.

On June 24, the 50th Anniversary East-West All-Star Football Game will be played at Golden West High School’s Groppetti Community Stadium.

The game pits athletes from Tulare, Kings and parts of Kern county to compete against one another for a final time, before hanging up their cleats.

The head coach for the East team is Strathmore High School’s Jeromy Blackwell. For the West, Tulare Western High School’s Ryan Rocha will roam the sideline.

The All-Star game is managed by the

Lemoore Kiwanis and Visalia Optimists clubs. According to Tom Hayslett of the Visalia Optimists, the coaches were selected by the records they posted last seasons with their high school teams.

“Our criteria is that we try to select the coach with the best record at the end of the season,” Hayslett said. “We start from there and hope we can secure them.”

Blackwell led the Spartans to a 14-1 overall record, winning the East Sequoia League, a Central Section Division VI championship and the CIF Regional Championship South Division 6-A Bowl Game. Strathmore ultimately fell short in the CIF State Division 6-A Championship game, losing on a last

minute touchdown to St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School.

Strathmore has made numerous section title appearances under Blackwell, and they look to be poised for another run in 2017,with senior running back Joseph Garcia.

Garcia ran all over opposing defenses en route to a single-season school record 2,345 yards while also scoring 46 total touchdowns during the 2016 season.

Rocha led the Mustangs to a 9-4 record and the Central Section Division III Championship game. Tulare Western had a chance to win the East Yosemite League, but fell to rival Tulare Union.

Western will be losing their captain and quarterback in Andre Aguilar, but

the Mustangs feature plenty of youth on both sides of the ball for Rocha’s system.

Hayslett is looking forward to seeing both squads perform on the field and expects fans to see a competitive football game.

“You never know, it’s very balanced,” Hayslett said. “There is plenty of talent on both sides, so it’s very entertaining.

You will see a lot of heart by the players as this is their, some of their last, performances.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm with gates opening at 6pm at Community Stadium. During halftime, Breaking Barriers will perform for fans in attendance.

15 12 June, • Valley 2017 Voice

Valley 18 May, Voice2017 • B8