Valley Voice Issue 96 (6 July, 2017)

Volume XXXVII No. 13 • 6 July, 2017

www.ourvalleyvoice.com

Tulare Politics Get Fishy as Hospital Recall Nears

Habitat Volunteer Builds Home, Future, and Community

Dave Adalian

With his future on the Tulare Local Health Care District’s (TLHCD) Board of Directors in jeopardy, supporters of Dr. Parmod Kumar appear to be playing loose with the truth as a recall election to remove him approaches.

Recall Election July 11

On July 11, voters in Tulare Local Healthcare District’s Area 3 will decide whether or not Kumar may continue to serve as a director, a position that includes overseeing operations of Tulare Regional Medical Center, as well as its various clinics and support operations.

Also to be decided, should Kumar lose his job on the Board, is who will replace him.

Two challengers have thrown their hats into the TLHCD ring. Tulare residents Jesse Salcido and Senovia Gutierrez both want Kumar’s spot should voters decide they’ve had enough of the frustration that opponents say is a hallmark of Kumar’s time on the Board.

Among those engaging in the social media debate surrounding the controversial election, Gutierrez seems to be the front-runner, and that has led to the appearance of a suspicious website aimed at the recently naturalized citizen turned would-be politician. With a name echoing the Trump presidential campaign, draintulareswamp.com has called Gutierrez’s affiliation with one of the two major parties most Americans belong to into question.

Propaganda and Falsehoods

The website, which contains only articles against those who have opposed Kumar in the past and accusations of

RECALL continued on 9 »

Dave Adalian

Courtesy/Wikimedia/Famartin

Politics an Issue in Local Vote for President’s National Monuments Proclamation?

Nancy Vigran

A concerted effort to influence Tulare and Kern counties with DC politics may be afoot.

Pushing agendas in a partisan manner didn’t seem to work in Porterville, nor in Kern County – however, the question of whether it came into play with the Tulare County Board of Supervisors is debatable.

A special council meeting in Porterville was called on June 12, specifically and solely for the subject of sending a letter to US Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to support a reduction in size for the Giant Sequoia National Monument (GSNM). The council voted 3-2 against the letter, leaving their support lacking.

Councilman Cam Hamilton and Mayor Milt Stowe were in favor. Councilmembers Brian Ward, Monte Reyes and Martha Flores opposed.

During the Tulare County Supervisors meeting on June 27, a similar letter of support passed, 3-2, with Supervisors Steve Worthley, Mike Ennis and Kyler Crocker in favor. Chairman Pete Vander Poel and Supervisor Amy Shuk-

Back in 2006, when Daniel Hernandez was 10 years old, his family’s version of the American dream started to come true.

His father was a migrant worker born in Mexico, and for a time his mother worked the fields beside him.

As their children were born--Daniel, now 21, has two sisters, 20 and 17, and a 14-year-old brother--his parents, particularly his mother, longed for a better life for their growing family.

lian voted “nay.”

Many Tulare County residents are opposed to the reduction of 328,000 acres to 90,000, and actively stated so during both meetings. So are active environmentalists from throughout the state, and the country.

Those in favor of the proposed reduction, a part of the president’s plan to reduce and/or eliminate some 27 monuments throughout the country, argue that locally there has been no management of the 328,000 acres that make up the local monument. They want the land reduced. Those who want to keep the monument the size as is state a reduction may threaten the future of the Giant Sequoia, as well as the surrounding forest.

In Kern County, the board of supervisors pulled consideration of a letter from its agenda following a flood of opposition from local residents.

Supervisor Mike Maggard told the Bakersfield Californian, “I don’t know how many staff other departments have.

I have two. They did nothing else between Thursday and today [Tuesday’s meeting] except deal with this issue.”

“We were living in--you could almost consider it a one-bedroom house, ‘cause my parents slept in their room, and then we had bunk beds,” Hernandez said.

“Sometimes I’d sleep in the living room, which is kind of small too, but I come from a migrant working background.”

Field labor could only carry the family so far.

“When you come from Mexico and you have no educational background, that’s what you do, anything to support your family,” Hernandez said.

His mother knew she could do better. The first step was asking Habitat for Humanity Tulare/Kings County for a helping hand.

“She said, ‘This is not for me,’” Hernandez said. “At the time, we had applied for Habitat for Humanity. We had been going to church. My mom prayed, and she knew she was going to get the house.”

MONUMENT continued on 8 »

HABITAT continued on 12 »

Cramped Quarters

Woodlake Officer Trial TRMC Achieves Baby-Friendly Won’t Go to Supreme Court Status, Elects New MEC Catherine Doe The City of Woodlake won’t be making it to the Supreme Court anytime soon.

On June 19, the United States Supreme Court denied the City of Woodlake’s petition to consider the suit brought against Chief of Police Mike Marquez and Lieutenant Joe Agauyo.

According to Garibay’s attorneys, Maggie Melo and John Sarsfield, the case now gets kicked right back to where it started, the Tulare County Superior Court. The Supreme Court only agrees to hear ten percent of the cases submitted so they were not surprised by the decision.

Melo said that she was happy with

the decision because the county court system can do more justice than if the case were heard by the Supreme Court.

The Woodlake Police Department fired Garibay in February of 2015 for “committing acts that brought discredit to the department.” Garibay filed suit for wrongful termination in October of 2015. Garibay alleges that his civil rights were violated when the police department conducted an intrusive investigation into his relationship with a woman who had no connection with the police department.

Melo and Sarsfield, allege that Garibay was actually fired in retaliation for his

WOODLAKE continued on 11 »

Tulare Regional Medical Center achieved two milestones, officials announced July 28: the hospital has achieved Baby-Friendly certification, and recently finished its first medical staff election under its new Medical Executive Committee.

Tulare, Now Baby-Friendly

Linda Callanan, the hospital’s OB Coordinator, announced to the hospital’s board and public that the hospital had achieved a Baby-Friendly certification.

“It’s more of an international award — there are more than 20,000 baby-friendly hospitals and birth centers

Tony Maldonado worldwide, but in the United States, there are only 441,” Callanan said. “And we’re one of four in the San Joaquin Valley.”

Tulare Regional Medical Center joins hospitals in Bakersfield and Porterville’s Sierra View Medical Center in achieving the “Baby-Friendly” status.

“Becoming a Baby-Friendly facility is a comprehensive, detailed and thorough journey toward excellence in providing evidence-based, maternity care with the goal of achieving optimal infant feeding outcomes and mother/baby bonding. It compels facilities to examine, challenge

BABY-FRIENDLY continued on 7 »

2 • Valley Voice

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6 July, 2017 FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Impeachment and Cream

If we take the last year--from last July to the end of June this year, say, as in a fiscal year--I’d have to acknowledge that the ledger is lavishly splashed with red.

The blood-red of injury, of loss, and the blood, sweat and tears of emergency. “How do I love thee? [This past year] Let me count the ways.�

On 8 July, 2016, nearly a third of the house we had leased burned down because the landlord, Eric Quek, hired someone incompetent to burn his uprooted trees . Our son Alex literally lost everything, escaping with his life only because, inexplicably, he had come into the main house in his quest for a lime popsicle.

Ten days later both the water and electrical mains were severed by someone Quek had hired to rip his now cleared land. The Chief took herself off to the coast, and I had to find a house in about two days. I did so, with some help, but felt compelled to guard Quek’s property until such time as it was responsible to stand down. This meant something like five sweltering nights from the equivalent of the seventeenth century. In December my in-laws sued the Chief and I again for the fourth time in three years. On New Year’s Eve Alex’ dog, Roo, was mercilessly run down and killed. Then, in January, Alex grew terribly ill, and we didn’t realize it was fatally so until March 12. Those were two months I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Liberally season this Grand Guignol with the dissolution of our daughter’s marriage and her own and the Kid’s worrying health issues and--Hey, Presto!-you have the recipe for a banner year.

They say God doesn’t give anything you can’t handle. He must think very highly of us.

Even so, my advice would be not to stand very close to me during an electrical storm.

Still, there was always something serendipitous to alleviate the stress--such as Julia’s helping us find the house we’re currently in.

A friend of mine is fond of saying that everything is relative.

Albert Einstein, the Father of Relativity, famously achieved many of his breakthroughs by using thought experiments.

Let’s try one of our own.

And we may find, when we’re done, that we may indeed have to try one of our own--citizens, that is. Specifically, the Orange Horror.

Let’s say you occupy the Oval Office. You’re under exactly the same scrutiny the current occupant is beset by. So are all your consiglieri. The same potential charges apply, and your agenda has been paralyzed by media frenzy and some fancy footwork on your own part--so much so that all you can claim as an accomplishment is the confirmation of one stolen Supreme Court nominee.

In the process you’ve made a laughingstock of yourself and a mockery of your office.

You need to clear your name not least as a pathway to freeing your hand, but also because you suspect orange might not be the most becoming color for you.

What do you do?

Fire the Director of the FBI? Not if you’re innocent. If you’re innocent you want it made known, and pronto. If you’re innocent, you afford the FBI the greatest possible latitude in quickly clearing your name.

If you’re innocent, “fake news� might be inimical to your exoneration.

You might even volunteer to testify under oath or, failing that, leap to take a polygraph. If, that is, you’re innocent.

But what of your advisors? What if one or more of them is not innocent?

What would you do?

Probably behave as the president has thus far done.

We’ll see about his own innocence. Time will tell.

Do I even need mention the Orange Horror was “elected� during this same banner year?

At least things can only improve.

Joseph Oldenbourg

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

Publisher/Editor: Joseph Oldenbourg (joseph@ourvalleyvoice.com) (559) 972-7778

Reporters:

Catherine Doe (catherine@ourvalleyvoice.com) Dave Adalian (dave@ourvalleyvoice.com) Stefan Barros — sports (stefan@ourvalleyvoice.com) Production/Website: Tony Maldonado (tony@ourvalleyvoice.com)

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Nancy Vigran (nancy@ourvalleyvoice.com)

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6 July, 2017

Valley Voice • 3

More Questions than Answers at Hanford Planning Commission Meeting Catherine Doe Frustrations were evident on the faces of the Hanford Planning Commissioners when meeting for the second time to vote on Hidden Valley Park and the General Plan.

The commissioners met on June 13, and then again on June 27, to confirm if the sale of the undeveloped 18 acres of Hidden Valley Park is consistent with the new General Plan.

The vote on June 13 was 4 – 3 against finding the sale consistent with the General Plan. City staff requested the commissioners take another vote in two weeks and that they would provide the documents needed by the commissioners.

The vote on June 27 was 5-1 in favor of finding the sale of the property consistent with the current General Plan.

The vote on the 27th was not easy for the commissioners who voted “no” on June 13. Commissioner Dennis Ham voted no on both dates. Commissioner Ajmer Nahal was absent on the 27th. Commissioner Angel Galvan gave what appeared to be a reluctant yes, and Commissioner Travis Paden said that he wished he had done more to prevent the situation from getting to this point.

Because the second half of Hidden Valley Park was zoned as residential in the 2035 General Plan, Paden said he felt obligated to leave his biases outside the chamber and now vote yes.

Explaining his no vote, Ham said that the city staff asked the planning commission to look at the Hidden Valley Park issue in March. This was more than a month before the 2035 General Plan had been approved by the city council. Seeing as the planning commission was still under the jurisdiction of the 2002 General Plan when the request was initiated, Ham found selling the 18 acres inconsistent because the land was zoned as Public Facilities at that time.

He also felt that the city staff lied to the city council about the number of acres of open space available to the residents of Hanford. Ham personally went to the Hanford School District to ask if school property was open for public use.

The school district said no.

Councilmember Francisco Ramirez, who attended the meeting, said that school grounds are open to the public and are considered green space. The problem has been fencing it off because of vandalism. Ramirez said he got his information from the Hanford City Staff.

Paden was just as pointed as Ham with his comments about the veracity of the city staff’s numbers. Paden said that when “the math didn’t work” city staff manipulated the numbers to get the needed 3.5 acres per 1000 residents. If Hanford reached this 3.5 goal, any open space above and beyond that could be declared as surplus.

Their calculations meant that the staff was free to present to the city council that the 18 acres were “surplus” when in fact they were not.

The city council voted March 7 to list the 18 acres as surplus, the first step towards selling the property.

Ramirez said that Paden is correct if you look at the 2002 General Plan. But the 2035 General Plan has open space acres set aside to reach the city’s goal of 3.5 acres per 10000 residents. The parks just aren’t built yet.

Hidden Valley Park Was Never Meant to Be 40 Acres – or Was It?

Nate Odom, a member of the Friends of Hidden Valley Park, requested Hanford’s 1973 General Plan to ascertain if past city councils wanted a 40-acre park.

He received this response from the city clerk, Jennifer Gomez: “We found one file described as General Plan Program (1973-1974), but it was destroyed on April 24, 1997 in accordance with the City’s Records Management Policy.”

Undeterred, Odom eventually found a copy of the 1973 General Plan from a family member of a former Hanford planning consultant.

According to the 1973 Hanford General Plan, the city council and staff wanted Hidden Valley Park to extend north of Cortner Street and south along Mussel Slough toward Grangeville Road, which would double the size of the park.

Councilman Justin Mendes has countered that belief by saying the land “was originally purchased for a Storm Water Basin.”

City attorney Ty Mizote confirmed Mendes’ statement by reading the minutes from an 1973 Hanford General Plan map - the dark tan area represents land zoned as open space. The white, dashed October 1967 meeting stating area, added by the Voice, represents Hidden Valley Park as it exists today. that 12 acres were to be used for linking the community park and the include the land between Mussel a water basin and the remainder of the 38 Central Area.

Slough and the Santa Fe Railroad to acres would be sold.

Recreational Policies – the south and between the slough an While the 1967 meeting minutes are Community Recreational – Park 11th Avenue to the north of the exhistorically intriguing, they do not hold The principal feature of the plan isting site. Land to the south would the weight of a city’s General Plan. As is the proposal for development and be designed either as an executive pointed out by Mendes, Hanford City expansion of the community recrepar golf course or for further general Council members are prone to change ation-park located at 11th Avenue park use.” their minds from one meeting to the and Cortner Street. The existing next. This makes council minutes a ca38.5 acres would be designed to creHidden Valley is Now in the pricious resource from which to base hisate and maintain a “natural” characHands of the City Council torical fact. ter. The park would offer recreation Nothing is definite on how the city The following are sections taken from opportunities for the entire family of council will vote on the 18 acres. Maythe 1972 General Plan. a variety and character which could or David Ayers and Councilman Martin “1972 Hanford Community not be provided within neighbor- Devine have consistently said they don’t General Plan Program hood recreation-parks due to limita- want to sell the park but voted in favor of tions of space and natural amenities. rezoning the parcel as residential. Mendez Public Land Policy Significant features of the park would has consistently said he would vote to sell Considerations involve a combination of special use the 18 acres. Vice Mayor Sue Sorenson Undeveloped public lands and areas and facilities within a realized has said she doesn’t support a 40-acre park developed public lands which are natural setting. A fresh-water lake but has shown a willingness to take her no longer suitable for the conduct would be a prime feature, offering constituents wishes into consideration. of public functions for which the canoeing, fishing, wading, attraction Hidden Valley Park is in her district. lands (and buildings) were originalfor birds, reflection and other outRamirez has told Friends of Hidden ly acquired should not be considdoor experiences without having to Valley Park that he will never make the ered as “surplus” property without leave the urban area. Complemen- motion to sell the park, but if someone there first being careful consideration tary features would include areas for else did, he would vote in favor to sell ungiven to potential for other public family and group picnicking, open der two conditions. use. The availability of public lands play, adventure play, pre-school play, One condition is, if he sees future should be viewed as an asset for the day camping, nature study, outdoor revenue coming in from the Medical long-term benefit of the community theatre and council ring. Highly ac- Marijuana facility, he will not vote to sell which should not be sacrificed for the tive and noise-producing activities the 18 acres. Ramirez has also said that he short-term gain. would be excluded. will not sell the land unless the funds are Riding and hiking trails would be earmarked for some sort of youth facility.

Summary of Major Proposals: provided throughout the park and “I’m less interested in getting reelectLong-range plan continue along the section of Mussel ed than leaving a legacy. I’m concerned Additional open-space corridors Slough owned by the city which ex- about the youth of Hanford and they along Mussel Slough and local catends south of the park site to Gran- need more facilities.” nals would be acquired and develgeville Boulevard. The natural charWith an air of resignation, Comoped. The community recreation acter of the park would be retained missioner Paden ended his prepared park at Cortner and 11th Avenue by limiting intensive activity areas, statement during the June 27 planning would be extended north; and the access drives and parking areas to the commission meeting by saying, “After us, vacated Santa Fe right-of-way would eastern end of the park.

Hidden Valley Park will be in the hands become a riding and hiking trail The park would be expanded to of the City Council.”

4 • Valley Voice

6 July, 2017

Porterville Wellness Center Celebrates First Month Open Nancy Vigran Making use of the 2008 Mental Health Services Act funding, Tulare County has opened its Porterville Wellness Center. Similarly, a Visalia center is set to open later this year.

The 4,200 square foot facility on Henderson Ave. was purchased by the county and renovated for its new purpose with a $900,000 investment. Kings View Behavioral Health has been contracted by the county for operations.

Neither Porterville nor the intended Visalia Wellness Center are treatment facilities. The Porterville center does not provide mental health assessment, outpatient therapeutic treatment such as diagnosis or therapy, nor does it dispense medication.

What it does do is offer an environment of comradery, life-enhancement and rehabilitative activities.

All staff has gone through some form of dealing with mental health issues, be it personally or through a close family member, said Colleen Overholt, regional clinical services director for Tulare County.

“All Kings View staff are peer support specialists,” she said.

The center is open several hours each week – from 9am - 7pm, weekdays, and 11am – 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It’s exciting because it will be a benefit to the community as a whole,” Overholt said.

Those utilizing the facility are referred to as numbers, she said, although

they are treated very much as individual human beings. Their identities are kept as private and confidential as they want them to be.

“There’s a lot of isolation of people with mental health issues,” Overholt said. “They may need help creating a resume or need some socialization.”

Groups are offered at the center on a routine basis, or as the need arises, including life skills and relaxation techniques. A state-of-the-art kitchen classroom affords cooking lessons and clean up tidbits. A laundry offers clothing management including wash, dry, iron and fold.

There is a library with computers for researching potential jobs, or just looking something up, along with a flat screen TV mounted to the wall, and video games.

In the art room, one can develop self-expression or simply relax. The same for the music group. A garden, under further development, will offer growing techniques for food.

While waiting for a men’s group session, Adrian said he has been going to the center for a couple of weeks. He is a patient with Tulare County Mental Health Department and was referred to the center when it opened, he said.

“It’s pretty good,” he said, “when I want to vent or something, I can.”

Peer Support Specialist Matthew McLaughlin went through a program with Porterville Mental Health. The divorced, single father of a soon-tobe 12-year-old daughter, is grateful for

his new job. McLaughlin is a licensed plumber by trade, but feels he is doing more good in his new position.

“I love it here,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

As a plumber, he was his own boss.

Some might find it difficult to switch to the regimen of a “9-5” job, but not McLaughlin.

It also helps that his daughter says she is so proud of what her father does, he said.

Dayane Barceras Astorga had been working at the Visalia Adult Clinic when she learned of the Porterville Wellness Clinic opening. A local resident, she jumped at the chance to apply for a position closer to home.

Barceras Astorga had dealt with her own mental health issues in high school and looking back realizes that she may not have completed school had she not found help and counseling. She is a peer support specialist who enjoys art and music the most, but likes to be active in any group she can.

“It keeps me busy, and I like to learn new things,” she said.

Barceras Astorga also attends classes at Porterville College and plans to transfer to a four-year university. She hopes to continue developing her career in mental health.

While most individuals are referred to the center, an individual can strike out on their own for help. Numbers are interviewed, so staff can learn what the numbers are seeking as well as make recommendations. Once involved in the

program, one can stop by the center any time he/she wishes for any group session, or just to hang out and socialize.

Groups are offered for women, men and veterans. There are anxiety, depression and parenting groups, as well as life skills.

The goal is to have about 50 active numbers each month, Overholt said. In its first month of June, the Porterville center had more than passed the halfway point to that goal.

“We’re doing a good job at getting the word out,” she said. “We’ve been warmly welcomed by the community and I’m really grateful for that.”

Attending the center is free, with all expenses paid for through Mental Health Services Act funding. Individuals must be Tulare County residents to attend the center.

“I don’t want to turn anyone away,” Overholt said, “unless we’re not the right place for them.”

The coming Visalia Wellness Center, located on Lovers Lane, was purchased for $1.2 million and is currently undergoing planning and renovations.

Similarly, they will be offering budgeting workshops, cooking classes, arts and crafts (self-expression), library and computer stations (education and employment), employment support services (resumes, job search, and more), social engagement, and peer-to-peer and family groups to promote wellness, said Tammie Weyker, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency PIO.

6 July, 2017

Valley Voice • 5

Visalia City Council Debates Taking Over Mooney Grove Park Catherine Doe After years of hearing complaints about the condition of Mooney Grove Park, Visalia City Councilmember Greg Collins had a brain storm: What if Visalia took over the maintenance of Mooney Grove?

During a public forum hosted by the Visalia Times-Delta last month concerning recreational activities in Tulare County, the discussion kept returning to Mooney Grove.

Participating on the panel, among others, were Collins and Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian. Collins responded to public complaints about the condition of the park by suggesting that the city could fold the maintenance of Mooney Grove into Visalia’s system.

“Here are the keys,” Shuklian said in jest.

Collins then took the “keys” and said, “where is the check?”

Starting the Conversation

As a result of Collins’ and Shuklian’s exchange, Collins requested that Visalia city staff put an item on the June 19 consent calendar. His proposal, to discuss with the rest of the council, was to research the possibility of taking over Mooney Grove in exchange for the county’s handing over the funds they use every year to maintain it.

Collins started the discussion by saying that old-time Visalians have fond memories of Mooney Grove, and they all have a story to tell about their reunions or events at the park.

“Unfortunately, Mooney Grove today has slipped into a state of mediocrity. Many trees have died, boats are gone, the pond is covered with algae, and there seems a lack of will to resurrect this park.”

A resident submitted a letter before the meeting to each council member from which Collins read. The letter described the park as dirty, unkempt, and the author was appalled that 50-plus trees had been removed with only their stumps visible.

Residents haven’t been the only ones complaining about the maintenance of the park. Tulare County Parks and Recreation employees have reported that animals and trees have been abused and that historic features in Mooney Grove Park have not been maintained. The employees have also alleged misuse of state

e

Th

and local funds, inadequate training, hazardous work conditions and a hostile work environment.

Clyde Slusser, a former Senior Parks and Grounds Worker for 11 years, blames Parks and Recreation Director Neil Pilegard.

Slusser says that the problems with Mooney Grove “all boil down to ego and lack of management. There is no organization, no procedures and it is an unsafe work environment.”

Collins lamented that the Visalia City Council could do nothing and the park could continue to deteriorate. “We could say that’s not our problem, but this council is pro-active with problems like this.”

“Mooney Grove is a County Problem”

Councilmember Steve Nelsen did not agree with Collins. He said that it would be irresponsible for the city to take on a park that is four times larger than Riverway Sports Park, a facility that is still not completely built out.

He said that three months ago the council heard a report on the condition of Visalia’s parks and that three of them need a new sprinkler system.

He added that park staffing is at 1985 levels and that they have been forced to do more with less. Nelsen was not in favor of adding another burden to an overtaxed staff.

“The deteriorating condition of Mooney Grove is a discussion that needs to be made at the Tulare County Board of Supervisors,” said Nelsen.

Collins disagreed that taking over the park would stress the city staff. “Just for the record, this should be a zero sum game. If we go forward we would ask for the entire amount and there would be no impact on our forces,” said Collins.

Councilmember Bob Link countered by saying that Visalia always does everything first rate and he predicted the city might use a third more money than projected.

Mayor Warren Gubler commended Collins for thinking outside the box and bringing the issue to the forefront but agreed with Nelsen.

“I’m not convinced that this is a project for the city.” Gubler added that if the county does not have the will to change the park now “then the voters can use the power of the ballot box.”

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Mooney Grove Park’s Koi Pond, soon to be removed.

Park is Not Deteriorating Says the County

“Absolutely not” was the response from former Tulare County Supervisor and current Councilmember Phil Cox when asked if the county would hand over Mooney Grove.

He added, “I took great offense at the people saying the park was being neglected when in fact it never was.” He continued, “There are a very small handful of people just screaming and yelling that Mooney Grove is dying and that it is terrible. Just because Chicken Little screams the sky is falling doesn’t mean the sky is falling.”

Cox finished by saying, “The coun-

ty has done a great job, and continues to do a great job, in maintaining Mooney Grove.”

Collins replied, “Time will tell. We may be having this conversation again.

People will continue to complain or the county can step to the plate.”

Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian was in attendance and approached the dais. “The county is stepping up to the plate.” She said that the county has a new and fresh attitude towards the park and is cleaning it up and considering bringing the boats back for the weekends.

The council voted 5-0 not to put this item on its regular agenda for the next meeting.

6 • Valley Voice

6 July, 2017

Agriculture

Gov. Brown Authorizes State Funds to Help Stop Citrus Disease California Citrus Mutual California citrus growers will soon get help from the State to stop a devastating plant disease threatening residential and commercial citrus trees.

Governor Brown signed the 2017 Budget Act this week and authorized $10 million in general funding to prevent the spread of the invasive insect Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and the deadly and incurable plant disease it can carry, Huanglongbing (HLB).

“California Citrus Mutual applauds Governor Brown and members of the California Legislature for recognizing the severity of this issue to not only the state’s citrus growers, but to the California economy and the many homeowners who enjoy citrus trees in their backyards,” says Joel Nelsen, president of the citrus grower’s trade association Califor-

nia Citrus Mutual (CCM).

HLB has devastated citrus production world-wide.

In Florida, once home to the nation’s largest citrus industry, commercial production has plummeted by over 70% resulting in average annual economic losses of 7,945 jobs, $658 million in value-added product, and $1.098 billion in industry output, according to a recent report by the University of Florida.

“We know from what has happened in Florida that there are real and lasting economic consequences if HLB is allowed to take hold,” continues Nelsen.

“California citrus is a $3.6 billion industry and supports over 22,000 jobs all of which could be lost if HLB is not stopped.”

California is the largest fresh-market citrus producing region in the world and one of few areas that have not been af-

fected by HLB, but that could change if HLB is allowed to spread.

To-date, the disease has been found in 73 backyard citrus trees in the Los Angeles Basin, triggering quarantines in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

“HLB is spreading at an alarming rate, and the addition of state funds will provide critically needed resources to help protect all citrus trees and prevent HLB from devastating the state’s vibrant citrus industry,” concludes Nelsen.

The state funds will augment the nearly $25 million currently spent each year by commercial citrus growers for pest detection and eradication, including the release of beneficial insects for biological control of ACP, in residential areas and ongoing public outreach and education.

In 2009, the citrus industry created the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention

Program and authorized a mandatory assessment paid by growers that raises $1518 million per year on average.

All funds are directed toward urban areas, where an estimated 6 in every 10 residents has at least one citrus tree in their yard.

CCM would like to thank the following legislators for their support of the California citrus industry and acknowledge their efforts to secure state funding to address this critical issue: Senators Richard Roth (D-Riverside), Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), Andy Vidak (R-Hanford), and Jean Fuller (R-Visalia) and Assembly Members Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), Devon Mathis (R-Visalia), Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield), Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), Marc Levine (D-Marin), and Bill Quirk (D-Hayward).

Commentary: Water Bond Funds Must Focus on Surface Storage Danny Merkley, CFBF Passage of the water bond, Proposition 1, marked an important step in upgrading California’s outdated water infrastructure—and we’re about to reach a milestone in the process of investing the money voters approved in 2014.

In about six weeks, proponents of water storage projects face the application deadline for the portion of the bond devoted to new storage. The Ag Alert® Storing for the Future series has profiled several of those projects.

Of the $7.545 billion contained in the water bond, $2.7 billion will be invested for public benefits associated with new water storage projects that improve the operation of our state’s water system and improve ecosystems and water qualSALES, SERVICE, RENTAL AG EQUIPMENT & TRUCK REPAIR

ity. Though the bond represents merely a down payment, it marks the first significant investment in California’s aging water infrastructure in nearly a half century.

With predictions of a reduced Sierra snowpack in most years, flashier storm systems, government environmental policies that demand ever more water for the ecosystem and with increased population, new storage is essential to capture water the way we receive it today, for human and environmental uses during dry periods.

The water bond required the California Water Commission to develop regulations and methods for quantifying and managing public benefits associated with water storage projects. It feels like it is taking forever, but the commission has

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been moving forward to fulfill a complex Water Storage Investment Program Implementation Plan.

Under the plan, projects will be reviewed for their contribution to improving the operation of the statewide water system, how cost-effective they are and the net benefit they provide to the ecosystem and water quality.

Farm Bureau has actively participated in this process and continues to strongly advocate for projects that provide the greatest public benefit to the ecosystem, fishery health and to farmers and ranchers.

Early in the process, the commission convened a Stakeholder Advisory Group of some 30 representatives, including state, federal and local agencies; agricultural organizations; environmental groups; and tribal and disadvantaged communities. The group has now finished its role in the process, and Farm Bureau was an active member.

Projects eligible for bond funding must provide measurable improvements to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem or its tributaries. Such projects include: Surface storage projects identified by the Cal-Fed Bay-Delta Program, with the exception of projects prohib-

ited by the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; Groundwater storage and contamination prevention or remediation projects; Conjunctive use and reoperation projects; Local and regional surface storage projects.

The eligible projects include larger storage facilities preferred by agricultural representatives, who stress that chances to fund these sorts of projects are rare, and now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity. Larger surface storage projects can also capture flashier storm systems and benefit groundwater recharge.

Some environmental advocates prefer groundwater storage projects, suggesting they are more efficient without the effect of evaporation and more environmentally friendly than surface water projects. They miss the fact that when we receive flashier storm systems, those gully washers cannot be forced through the soil profile for underground storage, whereas large excess flows can be diverted to a surface reservoir.

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STORAGE continued on 7 »

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6 July, 2017

Valley Voice • 7

Baby-Friendly

The hospital’s legal counsel advised the hospital that the minutes were incorrect, Board Chairman/President Linda Continued from 1 Wilbourn said. and modify longstanding policies and “We’re going to put in the exact tranKevin Northcraft procedures,” the Baby-Friendly USA Question: Under revenue, outpatient and salary services, could you give us a breakdownscript for [of the meeting,]” Wilbourn said. debt? website states.

“This is the transcript of what was exactly Response: This debt contributes to the system conversion from Siemens MS4 to Cernersaid. and This the is the exact transcripts of what “It requires training and skill buildmapping conversion. We will have the financials in more detail during the next board meeting. ing among all levels of staff. It entails was said on the recordings.” implementing audit processes to assure Board Member Kevin Northcraft Question: What is included under the HCCA Labor?

Response: It includes salary wages, benefits paid to HCCA for employees and purchaseraised services quality in all aspects of maternity care an issue with the transcript, stating for outsource services like Morrison Food and Crothall Services. We will break down the that HCCA operations. The journey is exciting, chalit was not accurate.

Labor line for the next reporting cycle. lenging, and worth it! It creates opportu“Then vote against it. Vote against nities to develop high performance work it. If you don’t think it’s accurate, vote Question: Could you break down the information for Utilization Census?

Response: Yes, during the next meeting we will have all the volume and typical breakdown. teams and build leadership skills among against it,” Bruce Greene, the hospital’s staff, promotes employee pride, enhances attorney told Northcraft as he was speakQuestion: Could you give more information on cash equivalent, as it was 15.2 million in patient satisfaction and improves health ing with Wilbourn.

December 2016 and 8.6 million since 2016? outcomes,” the page continues.

He later voted against changing the Response: Key drivers have been the tower construction (significant amount), 6.5 million have been spent since the GO bond was exhausted, electronic health record (Cerner conversion), 3.5 but the motion still passed. minutes, million in software and licensing, 3 to 3.5 million in insulation fees and all costs associated with Wilbourn did not state where the In Defense of Director installing it. hospital’s reference recording came from, Richard Torrez Linda Callanan, TRMC’s OB Coordinator at far right, and Linda Wilbourn, TLHCD Board Chairand the hospital does not publish its own Question: Could wewith gethospital more detailed financials the miscellaneous receivables on assets? stand staff to celebrate theonhospital’s recent Baby-Friendly desigVarious citizens spoke for nearly 30 man/President, Response: Yes, we will go into more details at the next meeting.

The bulk of that has to do with nation.

Tony Maldonado/Valley Voice recordings of hospital meetings. minutes during the meeting’s public comthe intergovernmental transfers and supplemental funding that we receive from the state.

An analysis of the Voice’s recording ment section to defend board member from the meeting, available at ourvalRichard Torrez — in fact, they were lined Question: Could we get a detailed summary for the liabilities and accounts payable? leyvoice.com, shows that the transcript is Response: Yes, we will go into more detail at the next meeting up to the entrance of the meeting room. not an exact reproduction.

“My boys were in the boxing club Question: When can we receive those details?

The purported transcript of the queswith him,” Dorothy Mosqueda said. “He’s Response: I am available to answer any questions on financials as necessary. tion-and-answer session between Northreally helped us a lot, and our home.” craft and Alan Germany, the hospital’s IV. ADJOURNMENT Torrez had come under pressure from TLHCD Board Members voted to revise meeting minutes from January. The excerpt above, part Chief Financial Officer, appears instead community members during the hospi- of a replacement transcript represented by TLHCD Board Chair Linda Wilbourn as “the exact There being no further business, Chair Linda Wilbourn adjourned the meeting at approximatelyto7:24 be aasummarization of the conversation tal’s prior board meeting to vote against transcript,” differs significantly from recorded audio of the meeting. between the two, at points inaccurate. the resolution for a $22m hospital loan, munity, raise their children, have their able to vote in what was billed as the first One statement — “In the past we’ve and was also portrayed as a puppet in a babies at our hospital, and they love what democratic MEC election at the hospital received Utilization Census information, political cartoon published by Citizens for we’re doing at our hospital,” Teresa Ber- — previously, a nominating committee none of that was supplied this time” — Hospital Accountability, a group working beria, a nurse at the hospital, said. “This created a “slate” of officeholders consisting to recall Dr. Parmod Kumar from his po- hate’s gotta stop. It’s gotta stop — all these of a chief, vice-chief and secretary/treasur- was transcribed into the question “Could you break down the information for Utisition on the board. people doing this. Dr. Kumar, we don’t er — and a petition with ten signatures lization Census?”

“It takes a certain type of individual want you recalled – there’s a lot of people was required to run an opposing slate.

Another — “Under liabilities, the to try to come after my father’s integri- out there that stand behind you. Richard, Staff members were able to vote on accounts payable, can we get a detailed ty,” Torrez’s son, Richard Torrez, Jr., said. the same.” one individual to fill each position during aging accounts payable report, the one “I hope to one day be half the man my She also took issue with recent cov- the recently completed election. that shows 30/60/90 days” — was trandad is — and for anyone to try to take erage of the hospital from local meThose newly elected members are: scribed into the question “Could we get him down or say he’s doing anything dia outlets.

• Dr. Ronald Ostrom, Chief of a detailed summary for the liabilities and that’s against the good of the community “Is the Visalia Times-Delta going to Staff and the hospital’s Emergenaccounts payable?” and the good of everyone is just incom- talk about [the Baby-Friendly Certificy Room Director. Ostrom also Germany’s response , “We can cerprehensible.” cation] or are they just going to put the serves at Southern Inyo Hospital tainly break down accounts payable, I’ll “It’s very difficult to run a boxing smut campaign that they always put?” and Hall Ambulance, among be more than happy to,” was transcribed gym, and him and Kim [Torrez] are do- Berberia asked. other positions, to “Yes, we will go into more detail at the ing a great job teaching us and — they’re • Dr. Gary Walter, Vice Chief of next meeting.”

Board of Directors: just good people,” Aldo Romero said.

Staff, who recently made headNew MEC Elected The last question-and-answer exLinda Wilbourn Parmod Kumar, MD Richard Torrez Michael Jamaica Kevin Northcraft “[Richard] is a great man.” Chairman and President In addition, lines in Secretary the Times-Delta for Board a Member Vice Chairman Treasurer the hospital’s medical change appeared to be a specific point of Later in the meeting, Romero came staff had just finished its first fully demMarch 2016 arrest for suspicontention for Northcraft. up again to speak. cion of DUI, ocratic election, Dr. Ronald Ostrom told In both the audio and HCCA tran“I’ve had bad experiences with the the board.

• Dr. Jon Miyakawa, Secretary/ script, Northcraft’s question was “When hospital — and yeah, you’re right, bad Treasurer, previously part of a The prior leadership was essentially can we receive those details?” referring to service, but I don’t think it falls on one self-appointed after the ouster of the prior competing slate in 2012, a conthe report mentioned above. person,” Romero said. “To run a hospital, medical staff, a move which later caused tentious issue which later caused Germany’s answer in the transcript it takes more than one person, just like some members of the prior staff to take friction between the prior MEC was, “I am available to answer any quesanything else.” and hospital board. the hospital to court. That trial finished tions on financials as necessary.”

Near the end of the public comment on May 31, and closing arguments are Yet, in the recording, Germaperiod, a nurse from the hospital also due on October 2.

Six Month, Seventeen ny’s response is substantively different came up to defend Torrez.

Sixty ballots were returned, Ostrom and longer.

Minute Revision “These accusations, about Richard said. Ostrom was the Chief of Staff when “What I would say is — and one of During the meeting, board members — who, look at all these people from our the new medical staff was appointed, and the questions that was brought up the voted to revise minutes from the January community, not a dog and pony [show] was re-elected to his position. other day, had to do with the audit, and 27, 2017 special meeting.

— these are citizens that live in this comMembers of the medical staff were

Storage Continued from 6

your coffee pot with water and dump it quickly into your kitchen sink. You have captured the water in your kitchen sink reservoir. Now, fill your coffee pot with water again and instead dump it quickly into your coffee filter filled with coffee grounds. Water has to percolate through the filter slowly. If you put the water in too fast, it floods and goes to waste.

It takes time to move water to underground storage. On the other hand, strategically located surface storage can hold

large volumes of water for later, slow release to good groundwater recharge and groundwater storage locations.

As the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act becomes more fully implemented in coming years, new, large surface storage projects are key to capturing excess surface water runoff during the rainy season and releasing that water later for groundwater recharge. Surface storage also relieves pressure on groundwater pumping by providing additional water supplies for environmental and human uses.

The Water Commission solicited initial proposals a year and a half ago, to

identify possible new water storage projects. It opened the formal application period for the Water Storage Investment Program on March 14, with applications due by Aug. 14.

After commission staff reviews the applications, they will all be available for public review by December. In January, the commission staff will release draft public-benefit ratios for eligible projects. Applicants may appeal before the commission finalizes project ratios next March.

The commission will consider projects one by one late next spring, and determine which projects will receive

bond funding.

Farm Bureau will remain actively involved, and press to keep the funding process moving as efficiently as possible. After all, how much better prepared would California be for the next drought had we been able to capture last winter’s excess flows in new surface storage facilities?

(Danny Merkley is director of water resources for the California Farm Bureau Federation. He may be contacted at dmerkley@cfbf.com.)

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

8 • Valley Voice

Monument Continued from 1

Porterville Council Discussion and Vote

At the Porterville Council meeting, Hamilton said, “We’ve been lied to for 17 years – the federal government passed it and hasn’t done a thing with it.

“The monument was supposed to give us all this extra resource of money.

I am so irritated with [Senator Dianne] Feinstein over this, I can’t see straight.”

Councilman Ward suggested that Hamilton turn his irritation “into a pearl.”

Ward said he would like to see the monument eventually turned into a National Park – which, he argued, might be harder to do with less land. He said, he would like to see the visitor’s center added to the monument, which would make it “more marketable” to potential visitors.

“We do have connections with congress,” he added, referring to Congressman Kevin McCarthy, a republican whose district encompasses Porterville, and who happens to be the majority leader in the House.

“We do have connections,” said Hamilton, “this is where it came from.”

“Well, it’s a debate all over the country,” Ward said, “about local control.”

“Not this one,” Hamilton snapped back. “You know where this came from, right, from McCarthy.”

“Well, I wasn’t aware,” Ward said. “I didn’t see a letter attached [in the agenda packet].”

“Oh, there will be,” Hamil-

6 July, 2017 ton replied.

But there won’t be, because the motion for the council to send a letter in favor of reducing the monument, or making any comment to Secretary Zinke, failed.

McCarthy Staff Comments

Congressman McCarthy’s office denied the implication of Hamilton’s comment.

While conducting recent mobile offices, the Giant Sequoia National Monument has become a basis of concern, said Cole Karr, field representative for the congressman.

“We have been reaching out to see what they are thinking,” he said. “We encourage everyone to put it [their thoughts] into writing.”

However, Karr declined that the congressman had asked for either positive or negative feedback on the matter.

“It has been all across the board,” Karr said referencing the discussion and votes in Porterville, Tulare and Kern counties. “Not anyone has the same thing to say.”

Porterville City Manager John Lollis concurred with Karr, stating Porterville Mayor Milt Stowe was contacted

by McCarthy.

“The congressman wanted to have the perspective from the city [Porterville] and the county before he made his designation,” Lollis said.

The special council meeting was called by the mayor to coordinate with timing from the county and to give the congressman the city’s perspective as soon as possible, Lollis said.

The comment period designated by

the Department of Interior on the issue is open through July 10.

The draft letter rejected by Porterville Council did give a clear history of GSNM. “There are 33 Giant Sequoia Groves constituting approximately 27,830 acres within the current Giant Sequoia National Monument.

The 1988 Sequoia National Forest Land Management Plan was amended in 1990 to create additional buffers around the Groves. President George H.W. Bush issued Proclamation 6457 in 1992 to protect the Giant Sequoia Groves as natural areas, prohibiting mining and commercial timber production, and established buffer zones totaling approximately 90,360 acres.

President Bill Clinton issued Antiquities Act Proclamation 7295 in 2000 to establish the Giant Sequoias National Monument at a total of approximately 328,345 acres, as well as committing to the development of a Visitors Center to encourage tourism to the Monument.”

Tulare County Supervisors Discussion and Vote

During a phone interview, Chairman Vander Poel said he believed the issue of sending a letter to Zinke was brought up to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, either to Ennis or Worthley, by Congressman McCarthy, although he wasn’t certain that was 100% accurate.

An original board letter, drafted by Julieta Martinez, the board’s chief of staff, expressed a concern for tree mortality due to passive management exacerbated by drought, bark beetle infestations and wildfires.

“There are at least 8.1 million dead or dying trees in Tulare County attributable to the tree mortality epidemic, and 102 million dead or dying trees throughout the state of California, including millions of dead and dying trees in GSNM,” the letter said.

“We believe the current monument designation has constrained the ability of the U.S. Forest Service to use science-based, active forest management to thin the adjacent forests to protect the groves and buffer the areas from the risks posed by fire, disease, and insect infestations.”

The letter went on to say, “Our Board recommends Presidential Proclamation 7295, and/or any related regulations or administrative guidance, be amended or revised to clearly permit the removal of dead or dying hazard trees, and to allow the U.S. Forest Service to actively manage the groves and associated zones of influence to protect the forest and majestic Giant Sequoias for future generations.”

“One comment not in the letter,” Martinez said during introduction to the subject at the supervisors’ meeting, “is to reduce the size of the monument. Currently, we are not asking for a down size. We are asking for a review of management.”

That changed.

During the well-attended meeting, Vander Poel acknowledged the crowd, but allotted only 15 minutes total for public comment, with three-minutes per individual, to what would be more than the 17 requests to speak, he already had in hand.

Of those who actually got to speak,

all were opposed to size reduction of the monument.

Of note were comments made by Soapy Mulholland, president and CEO of Sequoia Riverlands Trust, a regional nonprofit land trust.

“These trees are iconic. This is the only place they grow on the planet,”she said. “Thanks for not taking a stand on reduction.”

Following public comment, Worthley that he supported the reduction to the size of the monument, for which he was booed by the public.

“I know it’s not popular with this crowd,” he said. “But, the monument is not doing what it’s supposed to do.”

Worthley added there was no reasoning behind the additional acreage.

“It was just developed along the Kern County line,” he said. “It was just a land grab.”

Supervisor Ennis said he agreed with Worthley and added how much of a potential fire hazard there was, he thought, adding that his fire insurance on a cabin in the area had been dropped.

Supervisor Crocker suggested the letter be amended to include how active forest management helps with water and creates additional water.

Supervisor Shuklian said she did not agree with the size reduction, but, “that’s not what this letter says.” She did concur with the addendum Crocker suggested.

Following those comments, Supervisor Worthley made a motion for the letter to be sent, to include Crocker’s suggestion and to add the monument be reduced to 90,000 acres. Ennis seconded the motion, the vote was made without further comment and it carried, 3-2.

No one the Voice spoke with argues the fact that there are a lot of dead and dying trees in the monument, the forest, Sequoia National Park, and throughout the county. And, most agree better communication and management needs to take place. It’s just how the management should be handled.

Similar to Councilman Ward’s opinion, Supervisor Vander Poel does not see how a reduction in size of the monument would equal better management.

“From my perspective, I did not believe there was any reason to address the size before the forest service is first addressed on the management of the forest,” he said.

And that, he added, is why he voted “no” to approval of the letter – the size reduction.

Worthley disagrees. During an interview, he stated that he feels the surrounding acreage to the 90,000 core acres, would be better handled not being part of the monument. Either way it would be managed by the US Forest Service, but, Worthley said, he feels there is more of a hands-off approach because of the monument designation.

Currently, “they can do it, but they don’t,” he said of forestry service management. “There’s a great hands-off approach because it’s a monument.”

In actuality, management under the monument designation states resource extraction is not allowed, said Mehmet McMillan, executive director of WildPlaces, a Springville-based environmental organization. If that acreage were to resort back to forestry land, then extraction could take place. The forestry department could contract out for lumber mills to harvest it.

“My question is, ‘would they even

MONUMENT continued on 9 »

6 July, 2017

Recall

Continued from 1 wrongdoing by those who don’t support him now, refers to Guiterrez as “Martha Senovia.”

While Martha is Gutierrez’ given name, for the purposes of the recall campaign she has gone by Senovia Gutierrez. The website appears intended to generate drama where none exists, and claims Dr. Prem Kamboj, a former member of the TLHCD Board who came into conflict with Kumar, is behind a conspiracy to discredit and depopulate the hospital.

An attempt to contact the person responsible for the site led nowhere, as the email listed was nonfunctional. The website also published a photograph of Gutierrez’ home, claiming a vehicle parked outside it belonged to a mysterious outside politician or other influence peddler. The site provides nothing to substantiate its claims.

On her Facebook page, Gutierrez rebutted the group’s claims after the website posted the photos of the cars outside her house.

“I arrived home at 5:50 pm. My grandson ran up to me to give me a hug and kiss and to mention the strange occurrences that had happened moments before. He told me that people he did not know had came and were photographing the house,” Gutierrez wrote.

“He had come over to knock but was spooked when the men started photographing him at the door. He ran away next door to tell his mom and his

Monument Continued from 8

want beetle-infested wood,’” McMillian said.

The question of the age of the wood, also had been brought up by Mulholland at the Board of Supervisor’s meeting, stating that mills would not take anything dead for more than one-and-onehalf years.

Recuse or Not Recuse

A May 13, 2000 article in the Porterville Recorder stated, “Less than a month after the declaration of the Giant Sequoia monument, the prediction came true: Sierra Forest Product’s Dinuba mill, Sequoia Forest Industries (SFI) would be closed.

“Thursday afternoon, Sierra Forest Product owners Glen and Kent Duysen and Sequoia Forest Industries General Manager Gary Rogers gave the mill’s 105 employees ‘last day’ notices.”

“This is one of the most painful decisions our family has ever had to make,” said Glen Duysen. “At the same time this company was preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Clinton-Gore political machine came to town and yanked the banner of honesty and hard work out from under us.”

The article went on to say, “The designation specified that the current timber sales would be allowed over the next two years. On Thursday, Kent Duysen said that wasn’t enough timber to operate both the Terra Bella and Dinuba mills.”

It further stated, “Tulare County Supervisor Steve Worthley, who represents the Dinuba area, said Clinton and Vice

Valley Voice • 9 grandfather.”

Appearing at nearly the same time was a flier in support of Kumar, and it contains several questionable or inaccurate claims. Among them, the flier states Kumar “served the United States Army” as a physician and surgeon; however, Kumar merely served a fellowship at a facility where military personal sought treatment. It also claims that Kumar “established” Tulare’s Veteran Administration clinic. That facility was largely the work of deceased former TLHCD CEO Bob Montion and AmVets representative Manuel Toledo.

The flier further claims Kumar personally raised $15 million for the Tulare Hospital Foundation. That amount represents funds solicited by the entire Foundation membership, not a number raised by Kumar.

Questionable Past

As the recall fighting heats up, old misdeeds on Kumar’s part are being rehashed, and new irregularities are coming to light.

In 2013, an investigation by the Department of Justice resulted in action

by Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General against Kumar. The investigation found that Kumar and his wife had worked at TLHCD’s Federally Qualified Health Care Center under illegal contracts that resulted in a personal profit for Kumar of $800,000.

The OIG found Kumar had seen as many as 64 patients during four-hour shifts, four times the rate allowed by law. He also charged TRMC for time President Al Gore are directly responsible for the closure of the sawmill. Their policy of incrementally restricting access to public lands, changing forest service policy to further restrict timber sales and finally designating the national monument status on the Sequoia National Forest forced more than 100 SFI employees out of work, he said.”

Some local residents said during the supervisors meeting and afterward, they felt Worthley should have recused himself from the county’s vote on the letter in favor of the new presidential proclamation.

“I worked in an industry 25 years ago, that no longer exists,” he said. “I’m not going to recuse myself for that.”

According to Worthley’s resume on the county’s website – Supervisor Worthley was admitted to the state bar in 1978 and served as an associate for a law partnership before opening a solo practice in 1981. He served as corporate counsel for Sequoia Forest Industries from 1988 to 1995. In addition to his duties as Tulare County Supervisor, Worthley currently maintains a private practice with an emphasis in wills, trusts, and probate.

As counsel for Sequoia Forest Industries, Supervisor Worthley represented the forest products industry in the Sequoia National Forest Land Management Plan mediation process, served as a member of the Forest Products Commission, and represented the company in legal matters regarding timber harvests in Tulare, Fresno and Santa Cruz counties.

Concerned parties, including McMillan, question his disconnect.

Voices Can Still be Heard

While officials of the county and

on-call when he was out of the area.

Kumar was forced to repay the illegally gained funds.

Infighting

Cracks appear to be forming among those who support Kumar and the company that manages TLHCD, Health Care Conglomerate Associates (HCCA) which is operated by CEO Dr. Yorai “Benny” Benzeevi.

Tulare Mayor Carlton Jones, who was deposed as a witness in the lawsuit between the former TRMC Medical Executive Committee and the Board of TLHCD over the possibly illegal dismissal of the independent staff, has claimed on Facebook that Kumar has been tainted by his relationship with Benzeevi and HCCA. “Kumar needs to cut the relationship with Benzevi (sic) and get back to work,” Jones wrote.

The comment was liked by several people, including Kathleen Johnson, HCCA’s vice president for marketing.

Misuse of Funds

Kumar and Benzeevi, along with the two sitting and two former TLHCD directors, have come under fire from various sides, including the Tulare County Grand Jury, for failure to disclose how $85 million in bond funding intended for construction of an expansion at TRMC was spent.

The same directors came under fire again when it appeared they were spending District funds to cover the cost of a private lawsuit against TRMC’s former chief of surgery. The Board also the city of Porterville have come to their own resolutions on the matter, there is still time for local residents to let their voices be heard. The deadline for comment is July 10.

“Fire is a real issue,” McMillan said.

“Does there need to be actual management – I would say yes, to roads, structures and communities.”

It is up to individual landowners to maintain and protect their own land, he said.

He also stated that he feels the GSNM is a safe place to visit and recreate.

“Plan ahead,” he said. “Check the weather, check the fire forecast.”

Comments may be made online at

approved an $800,000 loan that appears to have been solely for repaying overdue debt, and now the board has granted Benzeevi the leeway to seek a $22 million loan to cover operational costs and refinance existing debt.

The latest loan comes in the failure of another bond measure floated by the District, which was rejected by voters, and the move has drawn further ire from the community.

Vulgar Prescriptions

In perhaps the most bizarre twist of all, the Valley Voice has obtained a number of notes signed by Kumar written on prescription pads used at the Tulare Community Health Clinic, where Kumar practiced. The notes use vulgar terms to describe sexual intercourse and female genitals.

In one, a patient “needs good p***y every mornin’ (sic).” Another prescribes “p***y on demand on his face no contraindications for sex and love.” A third reads, “Do not f**k with my patient.” A fourth says simply, “My patient needs good p***y.”

This oddly unprofessional behavior, which seems to date from 2008 and 2009, coincides with Kumar’s review by the Medical Executive Commitee he is accused of helping to illegally dismiss. Kumar had been given a referral to anger management counseling by the MEC. That counseling was to have been completed the day after the MEC was removed.

The election to recall Kumar is set for July 11.

www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0001 The Department of Interior states, and Karr reiterates: Before including your name, address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

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10 • Valley Voice

6 July, 2017

Tulare Hospital Board Approves $22m Loan Tony Maldonado Tulare Regional Medical Center could have up to $22m more in its bank account, after the hospital’s Board of Directors voted to allow its management company to pursue a loan that the company says will be used on a combination of refinancing existing debt and funding for operations.

The resolution was approved on 3-2 lines, with Linda Wilbourn, Parmod Kumar and Richard Torrez voting to approve the resolution, Kevin Northcraft and Michael Jamaica dissenting.

Details Open-Ended

Officials with Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (HCCA) — the company that the board has retained to manage dayto-day operations at the hospital — stated that there were no specifics on the loan’s length or interest rate, as the company would be approaching banks.

“The resolution does not speculate a specific loan,” HCCA CFO Alan Germany said. “So, we’re looking at a variety of different funding sources.”

The one-page resolution states that the loan would be used to “[pay for] operating expenses of the Hospital, repayment of debt, payment of ongoing costs of construction of the Tower project, and for other Hospital purposes.”

The resolution also states that HCCA could seek loans of up to $22m, and Alan Germany, CFO for the company, stated that the hospital could spread that out across multiple loans or multiple banks, depending on which approach would be most advantageous.

“We want [the banks] to compete with one another to get even better rates,” Dr. Benny Benzeevi, CEO/Chairman of HCCA, said.

Germany also stated that the loan could be used to refinance bond debt at more advantageous interest rates, and that the meeting was scheduled as a special board meeting because the Federal Reserve was acting to raise interest rates.

“If we don’t hurry on this, rates will go back up,” Germany said.

The loan was presented as an opportunity to provide the hospital with a “good cash position,” and a cushion that would allow the hospital to participate more often in “intergovernmental transfers,” transfers in which the hospital sends money to the state and can make significant returns.

Final Approval Shot Down

Because of the lack of detail, board member Kevin Northcraft proposed that the hospital allow HCCA to seek out lenders, but come back to the board for approval of any loan.

Benzeevi stated that to pursue such a strategy would violate the board’s contract with the company, stating that the board would move from governance into operations — the area delegated to the company by the contract.

He also stated that requiring the company to come back for approval would defeat the purpose of the resolution, creating a delay and potentially preventing the company from getting the best possible deal.

“We don’t know enough about the loan to say whether it’s good for us or not,” Northcraft said. “Our operating partner could be gone in two months. This loan could be for ten, twenty, or thirty years.”

“A comment like that could be a potential breach [of the hospital’s contract,]” Benzeevi retorted .

After some discussion, Bruce Greene, an attorney that represents both the district and HCCA, was asked via telephone whether the idea would be a violation of the contract.

“I’m not going to violate somebody’s contract,” Wilbourn said.

Greene seemed undisturbed by the question.

“All right, well, he made an amendment — so vote on the amendment,” Greene said.

Benzeevi also revealed at the meeting that the company has extended interest-free loans to the hospital. The agreement between the hospital and the company allows HCCA to do so unilaterally, but also states that it may extend interest-bearing loans as well.

“If the district is unable to fund things, we have the right but not the obligation to provide the funding, and HCCA has done that,” Benzeevi said.

Potential Changes?

Northcraft asked Benzeevi whether the loan would potentially change anything about the hospital’s contract with HCCA, possibly referring to provisions that would allow the company to enter into an Interim Joint Operating Agreement or Joint Operating Agreement with

the hospital district.

“We’re moving along with the contract as planned, as agreed-to by the board, and we’re staying laser focused on that,” Benzeevi said.

Both agreements were already signed and agreed to by prior boards.

The hospital’s contract would allow the district and company to enter into the Joint Operating Agreement after the bonds were “repaid or otherwise defeased.”

The company would also be able to purchase or lease the hospital, subject to voter approval, under the Option Agreement that the prior board signed with the company.

The Joint Operating Agreement strengthens the partnership between the district and HCCA, and switches from a monthly management fee model to a profit-sharing model in which the “annual net operating income from the Hospital and other Clinics” would be split between the district and HCCA; the district would receive 5% of that income, while the company would receive 95%.

Among other items, the company would also set the “strategic direction and provide strategic and operating planning for the [hospital’s] Operations, creating a separate community board that would provide advice and input on the hospital’s operations.

Officials did not make clear, and board members did not ask, whether the refinancing of the bonds mentioned would shift the hospital into the Joint Operating Agreement.

Community Speaks

During the meeting’s public comment section, community members showed up in force to provide their view on the loan.

Because the meeting was set up as a oneitem, special board meeting, comments were limited to discussing the Teresa Berbereia, a nurse who works at the hospital, spoke in favor of the loan.

“If we’re talking about this agenda item, to me, and to the other employees — this is action coming forward to do something positive for our hospital,” she said. “This could be a positive step in the direction to get our hospital going.”

Kimberly Hughes, another nurse at the hospital, also spoke in favor of the loan.

“This has been in the works for months and months and months and

years,” Hughes said. “The loan is needed to finish this hospital, to give this community the hospital they deserve. And we have to come together — we have to do this.”

Deanne Martin-Soares, a prominent critic of the hospital’s management strategy and former board member, asked if the board even knew what the final uses of the money would be.

“This is an unfortunate thing, this is something that you should not be putting forward, and you don’t even have — I saw them hand the resolution to you just ten minutes before this meeting started,” Martin-Soares said. “How do you know what’s going to be done with this money?”

Jose Sigala, a Tulare City Council member, spoke against the loan and the short notice of the meeting. Martin-Soares had requested that Tulare Mayor Carlton Jones appear to speak, but Jones was not in attendance at the meeting.

“You guys are asking for a big loan, which is a lot of money, without reading the details,” Sigala said. “Good government requires us not to have 24 hour [notice] for a $22m loan.”

Sigala also announced the same day that he had endorsed the recall of Dr. Parmod Kumar, and replacement candidate Senovia Gutierrez.

Alberto Aguilar, another critic of the hospital’s management strategy and a former Bond Oversight Committee member, spoke to the board to outline his displeasure as well.

“Let’s talk about the $800,000 loan, that was supposedly a line of credit,” Alberto Aguilar, of Tulare, said.

The board previously voted to approve an $800,000 line of credit in September of 2016, in what hospital officials and board members represented at the time as a way to achieve a bulk discount from a vendor.

It was later revealed that the line of credit went to repay past due invoices from November of 2015 to May of 2016.

“You’re supposed to be honest when you’re dealing with the taxpayers — these are the people that support the hospital with our tax dollars,” Aguilar said. “We should be entitled to know what it is that you all are voting on, so that we can go ahead and give you our input.”

“When you ignore the wishes of the people and you go ahead and you do whatever the puppet master tells you to do, that’s ridiculous,” Aguilar said.

Boys & Girls Clubs Close Gap on Summer Learning Loss Melinda Morales, Boys & Girls Club

Summertime and kids just naturally go together, like swimming pools, swings and slides. But what if that “slide” is the part of summertime that works against kids? It could very well be the dreaded “summer learning loss” that just as naturally seems to accompany the long, hot break.

The RAND Corporation conducted research on the loss of learning among students over the summer and found that, based on the difference in test scores during the fall compared to the spring; students lose an average of one month of learning over the summer break. They also found that the impact appeared to be greatest on students from lower-income families.

If you are lucky, your school district might offer learning-focused summer classes, or your city might offer summer camps that expand your child’s horizon.

But if those options aren’t available to

you, your neighborhood Boys & Girls Clubs have made battling the “summer learning loss” the focus of its summer offerings.

“We want to offer a place where kids can come and not only relax and enjoy their summer break, but also provide a place where they can be enriched and supported during this crucial time,” said Carri Chambers, Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias.

Chambers said that she and her staff have learned that a child’s mind can too often “shut down” from a lack of stimulation or activity, so the Boys & Girls Clubs try to provide a way to help that child’s mind come back by exercising their bodies and their minds and giving them challenges to overcome and problems to solve.

As you might expect, there are co-ed sports leagues for kids to choose from. Right now soccer is in full swing, and soon basketball gets underway. Games are normally between 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at

most clubs.

That also means incorporating STEM activities –– STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics –– into their daily activities. Among their offerings are opportunities for kids to conduct one to two science projects weekly, work on Internet-based projects that involve coding, game development, basic typing and much more.

It also means expanding STEM development into STEAM development –– which adds Art to the mix. The club provides numerous arts-and-crafts projects and even offers basic cooking sessions.

Developing a willingness to be of service is a big part of what Boys & Girls Clubs do for kids, and there are both “in-club” and “out-of-club” service projects for kids to pick from. An “in-club” project might find kids writing letters to or preparing CARE packages for members of the armed services; an “out-of-club” project might give kids the

chance to go into their communities to plant flowers or vegetables, visit animals at the Valley Oak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or do light painting or sprucing-up jobs around town.

Service projects are important, according to Chambers, because “for us, we don’t just focus on academics, but on the whole child through a variety of health and life skills.”

Basic membership is just $15 a year and kids can join at any club at any time.

The Exeter and Visalia Clubs provide a morning program for $60 a week during the summer only.

While you know the Boys & Girls Clubs are always going to be there during the school year to provide homework assistance and support throughout the year, now you can count on them to be there to turn that “summer learning loss” into a summer full of learning, growth and just plain fun.

6 July, 2017

Briefly…

Chamber Recruiting Participants for 2017-18 Leadership Visalia Class

Applications are being accepted for the 2017-2018 Leadership Visalia class.

Leadership Visalia is the flagship program of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, focused on developing effective leaders by refining their leadership styles, meeting and making connections with leaders in the community, and discovering opportunities for community engagement and involvement.

Leadership Visalia is a nine-month professional development program designed to help current and future leaders in businesses and other community organizations develop their leadership skills, community knowledge, and professional networks.

Class members explore topics including leadership styles, state and local politics, healthcare, education, water, and regional planning. To date, more than 300 graduates have completed the intense program and realized their true leadership abilities and talent.

Leadership Visalia alumni have utilized their skills in the local business arena, elected office, local non-profit boards of directors, community commissions and committees and more.

Applications for the 2017-2018 Leadership Visalia program are due

by July 31.

For more information, or to obtain an application visit www.visaliachamber. org, or contact Dante Rosh, dante@visaliachamber.org.

Woodlake Continued from 1

relationship with the wife of a friend of the Woodlake City Manager, Ramon Lara.

Telling a subordinate with whom you can socialize “is a violation of the First Amendment,” Sarsfield said.

From the beginning Woodlake has tried to get the case dismissed. Back in 2015 the city petitioned the Tulare County Supreme Court to dismiss the case, but Judge Bret Hillman allowed Garibay’s claim to go forward.

Woodlake then asked the Court of Appeals, in Fresno, to review Hillman’s ruling. After a few months, and briefings by both sides, the court did not reverse Hillman’s ruling.

The city then challenged that decision by heading to the California Supreme Court — which joined the Fresno court in allowing Hillman’s ruling to stand. The United States Supreme Court was their last chance.

At issue is whether the Woodlake Chief of Police and Lieutenant violated the Garibay’s constitutional right to privacy and freedom of association under the First Amendment.

Melo said that while waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision they have continued working. Right now the suit is in discovery. Melo and Sarsfield have requested from the City of Woodlake, as part of their discovery process, the department’s handbook on Policy and Procedurals. According to Melo many agencies have a ‘morals clause’ and hopes Woodlake’s handbook defines what the city

Valley Voice • 11

Valley Oak SPCA Announces New Location

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, Valley Oak SPCA is delighted to announce the new location of the Hoey and Whitendale Valley Oak SPCA Facility located at 9800 Camp Drive in Visalia.

The blue 15,000 square foot building is housed on a two-acre property that is surrounded by a brick wall. The easy to access facility, located northwest of Plaza and CA-198, meets the organization’s current and future needs while aligning with the city’s zoning requirements. It is also in close proximity to VOSPCA’s low cost veterinary clinic located at 9405 West Goshen.

The permitting and minimally required remodeling for the new location is targeted to complete later this summer, immediately followed by move-in.

During the remodeling of the new location, VOSPCA’s Adoption Center will remain open at its current temporary location in the grey modular trailers south of the Visalia Animal Care Center (the City’s Animal Shelter).

To contribute to VOSPCA’s no-kill non-profit animal rescue mission and new facility that will provide much needed additional animal rescue space for California’s Central Valley, please visit vospca. org/donate or direct your tax-deductible contributions to 9405 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291.

COS Training Resource Center Offers Social Media for Business Boot Camp

The COS Training Resource Center is offering a Social Media for Business boot camp. The boot camp will be held

meant when they fired Garibay for “acts that brought discredit to the department.”

“To what do employees look when searching for guidelines on ‘good morals?’” asked Melo, “the Bible, the employee handbook?”

Melo and Sarsfield intend to look at past cases of officers violating the city’s morals clause and ascertain if those individuals were also fired or disciplined.

The City of Woodlake was expected to provide its discovery documents by the last week of June.

Even though it would save the city thousands of dollars, Woodlake has refused mediation. The city can change its mind when faced with the prospect of its police officers getting deposed under oath.

“We have always been amenable to go to mediation,” said Melo.

The trial date is set for December 11, 2017 Garibay was hired by the Woodlake Police Department in May, 2012.

During his employment he racked up many honors.

He was named Officer of the Year three times, by the Knights of Columbus in 2013, by the Police Officers Association in 2012, and also by the Woodlake City Council in 2013. He received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving award twice for making the most arrests for driving under the influence.

Garibay served two tours of duty, four years in Iraq and four in Afghanistan.

During his service he received 11 medals, of which the Combat Infantry Badge he is most proud.

“Not many people have those,” said Melo.

on Friday, July 14 at the Visalia Campus from 9am – 4pm. This class will be held in one session for 6 hours and costs $99/ person. This class is designed to allow the student to complete some minor assignments in order to get “likes” and “followers” on their pages.

The Training Resource Center’s goal is to provide valuable training to Tulare and Kings county businesses, which propelled them to offer this class. The class will go over how to setup social media accounts, choosing account names, best practices, content marketing principles, analytics and more.

One student from the January 2016 class commented that the “course was beneficial to my online business presence.” Another student from the March 2017 class commented that the class was “definitely helpful! Thank you for the tips and tricks to starting and maintaining smart, relevant, and useful social media sites!”

This class is designed to provide a foundation for the use of social media as a marketing tool in a business environment. It will cover Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram and will touch on Google+, YouTube, Pinterest and more. For more information on the class, or to register, please visit our website at www.cos.edu/trainingcenter.

Sequoia National Park Seeks Public Comment: Proposed Restoration of Halstead Meadow

After the successful completion of the first two phases of the Halstead Meadow Restoration Project, the National Park Service (NPS) seeks public input

on the third and final phase of the project. Approximately six acres of Halstead Meadow is proposed for restoration. The proposed action includes filling a large gully and grading the meadow surface to restore natural conditions, followed by replanting with native vegetation. The project would also evaluate whether two existing erosion control structures would be removed or stabilized in place, as part of the restoration. The proposed project also includes improving visitor services in the area such as improving the picnic area and adding informational displays or exhibits.

Sequoia National Park is interested in any public concerns or opportunities related to this proposed restoration. After analyzing comments received during the scoping period the park will determine the level of analysis needed.

To obtain supplemental information about the proposed project, please visit the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website, https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=72746 If you have any specific questions regarding this proposal, please contact Erik Frenzel, ecologist, at (559) 565-4248. All written comments concerning this project must be transmitted, postmarked, faxed or hand-delivered by July 14, 2017.

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment - including your personal identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time.

To respond electronically, comments may be submitted via the PEPC website.

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12 • Valley Voice

6 July, 2017

Habitat

Rolling It Over

Continued from 1

Earning a Home

Hoping, praying and being rewarded were only the start. Getting help from Habitat is not a free ride.

“Our homeowners don’t get a free house,” said Deanna Saldana, Habitat T/K’s director of resource development.

“They have to pay a mortgage payment, so we are looking for hardworking families.”

That’s what they found in the Hernandez Family. Those picked to work with Habitat on building or rebuilding a home of their own must pick up the tools and join the crew. But Habitat is flexible.

Those chosen can make their contribution on projects for other families, and they can take as long as they need to do their part.

Habitat is only one means of addressing substandard housing for low-income people, says Habitat T/K’s executive director Dirk Holkeboer, who has overseen the building of 60 homes over his 23 years running the program, and it isn’t for everyone. But it works.

“What we’re trying to do is create opportunities for folks who need a decent place to live but can’t afford a home to work with us,” he said. “To partner with us, to become homeowners by building or renovating homes with us.”

Affordable, Decent Place to Live

Holkeboer, who calls himself a reformed lawyer, wanted a career that might change the world around him for the better. He volunteered with Habitat in his native Michigan and soon was working in Georgia at its home office, where he oversaw President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalyn Carter’s annual Carter Work Project.

“An affordable, decent place to live is important for all kinds of reasons. It allows people to thrive, to raise their children,” he said of why Habitat’s work is significant. “It’s transformational. It’s about stability and security for the family, so that they can grow into all they can be.”

That was certainly the case for the Hernandez Family. A home of their own made a lasting difference, and should for generations to come. It started with Hernandez’s mother.

“It was the spark that she needed to turn things around in her life,” he said.

She earned a bachelor’s degree and now teaches high school.

“After we received the house, my mom felt the need to go back to school, because she felt the need to be an example for her children,” Hernandez said. “That you could struggle, but you have to take it upon yourself to better yourself and give your children better opportunities, that you don’t want to stay at the same level that you started, that you want to grow and thrive.”

The investment Habitat made in the Hernandez Family isn’t lost. The payments they make on their Tulare home are put back into Habitat’s lending pool, used again and again to finance their other repair and construction projects.

Not only does Habitat hire local workers and purchase their supplies from local vendors, they do it over and over.

“Those monthly payments come back to Habitat, and we recycle those monies to help other families, so one of our phrases is: It’s a hand up, not a hand out,” said Holkeboer. “And, Daniel’s parents, who’ve been living in their home now for about 11 years, they have been helping us build homes with other families in similar circumstances, even though they probably haven’t swung a hammer on a site in a few years.”

And once a family gets that hand up, there’s no going back.

“Once we get a family in, it’s a permanent solution,” said Saldana. “It’s an investment for not just the family but the whole community.”

Myth Busting

There are two myths Holkeboer would like to debunk about Habitat. The first is that it was founded by the Carters.

It wasn’t. The second is the only thing Habitat needs is volunteer workers. They also need cash, and the more they get the more the whole community benefits, as it gets used again and again.

“It takes a lot of hands, but it takes a lot of dollars,” Holkeboer said. “The funding that we need to do our programs come from the community. There’s no pipeline of support from Georgia. What we do is only limited by what we receive from the community.”

That said, Habitat also needs volunteer workers of any skill level for a variety of jobs, including manning the ReStore, Habitat’s used hardware store at 637 S. Lovers Lane in Visalia, or working on its social media sites and helping market its programs.

“We have jobs for everyone, regardless of their skill, so we do a lot of teaching on the work sites,” Holkeboer said.

“You get to do things you maybe haven’t ever done before.”

Change for the Generations

Daniel Hernandez, who now works as a volunteer for Habitat mainly in its low-income home repair program, is certainly doing things he’s never done before.

He’s a junior now at William Penn University in Iowa, where he’s studying industrial technology with an eye toward architecture. His older sister is in college, too. His brother is a star soccer player who intends to go pro, and his sister is on track to graduate high school and go beyond.

Even his father, who still works in the fields, is thinking about education again.

All of it, Hernandez says, goes back

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Habitat for Humanity Tulare/Kings volunteers Sam Seechan and Daniel Hernandez wrap a load of goods at Habitat’s ReStore, 637 S. Lovers Lane. Eleven years ago, Habitat helped Hernandez’s family build their own home. Since that life-changing event, Hernandez has set his sights on becoming an architect. Dave Adalian/Valley Voice

to the family’s owning its own home.

“He has more opportunities now.

He’s also considering getting his high school diploma,” he said. “That’s so cool. It makes me happy and sad at the same time.”

Those fundamental changes are the true reward for Habitat staff and its supporters, says Saldana.

“We were able to watch that, to see the impact,” she said, “to watch that snowball to the end.”

It doesn’t end there. The help Habitat provided the Hernandez Family means the group can now help even more families.

“It’s like planting a seed,” Hernandez explained. “Habitat plants a seed for my family and it grows into a tree. The tree drops seeds. They grow.”

Ongoing Investment

The work Hernandez is doing for Habitat now, repairing houses of low-in-

come homeowners, will pay off in the long-run for him as he learns the building trades while becoming an architect. It will also pay off for the entire community Habitat serves.

“We do wheelchair ramps, exterior painting, bathroom modifications, yard maintenance, roof repairs, leaky toilets, all kinds of things,” Holkeboer explained.

“It’s similar to the home ownership program. The folks, the homeowners that we work with, pay back the cost of those projects into our revolving loan fund, and use those funds again, along with donations from the community, to help other families.”

If anyone doubts the program works over the long-haul, they can rest assured.

The first mortgage Habitat offered here was paid off last year, 22 years after the homeowner took possession. Every penny she repaid has made its way back into the program and from there around the community.

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Valley Voice • 13

Recall of Hanford Councilman Ramirez Clears Second Hurdle Catherine Doe Hanford City Clerk, Jennifer Gomez, approved the Petition for Recall aimed at Councilmember Francisco Ramirez. City approval came on June 21, giving the recall supporters 60 days to get 853 signatures.

All signatures must be turned in to Gomez’ office by August 21 before 5pm.

According to Hanford resident Skip Athey, the goal is to get the signatures in Gomez’ office in 30 days. He says the group already has 43 people to pound the pavement but he is hoping to recruit 60.

“This is good for all Americans as it give voters a chance to vote with all information available, it’s good for Ramirez too because he says he did nothing wrong and the voters will find out if he tells the truth. Let the voters decide,” said Athey.

The Petition for Recall was submit-

ted by Lou Martinez, a former mayor who lost his seat to Ramirez in 2014.

All signatures must come from Ramirez’ City Council District D. There are 3410 registered voters in the district, and 853 represents 25% of those voters.

If supporters of the recall hand in the required amount of qualified signatures on time it would then be up to the city council to set the date for a special election. The opposition might at that time field a candidate in case the recall is successful.

Ramirez has stated from the beginning that he does not believe the group will get the needed 853 signatures.

“The only way I think they will get them is if they lie.”

Ramirez posted a video on his Facebook page Sunday evening that delves into the background of why a certain group of Hanford residents want Ramirez out of office.

In the video he says that former

Hanford Mayor, Dan Chin was his campaign manager.

As campaign manager, Chin had Ramirez sign off on his Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) paperwork. At the time Ramirez did not realize that the forms were incomplete or not filled out correctly.

After Ramirez and Chin ran a successful campaign, Chin asked Ramirez to consider firing City Manager Darrel Pyle. Ramirez said that he would definitely fire Pyle if he was doing a terrible job, but in fact discovered that Pyle “was doing a wonderful job.”

After Ramirez informed Chin that he was not going to fire Pyle, Ramirez received a letter from the FPPC stating that he is under investigation for faulty paperwork.

Ramirez added that if all the accusations leveled against him by those organizing the recall were true he would be in jail.

Ramirez said that he will be following up with more documents to support his innocence.

“I’m going to show proof that they are all lies,” he said.

Mendes Bows Out

In other Hanford news, Councilmember Justin Mendes will not be seeking re-election in 2018. Mendes is a vocal opponent of restrictions to business.

Mendes was elected to represent district E in 2014. He currently serves as the District Director for Congressman David Valadao.

According to the Hanford Sentinel, Mendes said, “I have decided to not run again next year,” he wrote in an email Thursday. [I’ve been] spending too much time at [City Council] meetings after normal times and my family needs to come first.”

Five Candidates Meet to Discuss Unseating Rep. Devin Nunes and that LGBTQ rights are basic human rights.

The final question was extremely brief. “Should you be elected to Congress, would you support proceedings of impeachment against President Trump?”

Each candidate said they would with the exception of Janz, who stated that, as a prosecutor, he does not want to jump to conclusions before hearing what both sides have to say.

Brendon Alexander On June 16, Tulare County-based Progressives United for Social Justice and Human Rights (PUSH) hosted a Candidate Forum featuring several local Democratic candidates who are vying for Congressman Devin Nunes’ seat in the House of Representatives. The event was held from 7-9pm at the Grange Meetinghouse in Visalia. Candidates speaking at the forum included Tulare City Councilman Jose Sigala, Fresno obstetrician-gynecologist Mallory Kremer, Fresno County deputy D.A. Andrew Janz, Bobby Bliatout, and Ricardo Franco. Paul Vargas was scheduled to but did not appear.

The candidates answered questions developed by local activist groups as well as questions from the audience. Approximately 80-100 people were present.

The wave of progressive grassroots activism sweeping the nation in the wake of President Trump’s election is promising a turbulent mid-term election, with progressives across the country threatening to take long-held Republican districts. Congressman Nunes’ recent controversies have made his previously secure seat seem–at least to these candidates–vulnerable.

The candidate forum is a collaboration between PUSH, Together We Will Fresno, Fresno Indivisible, South Valley Civics, Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, and Tulare County Democratic Central Committee.

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jose Sigala worked for 16 years for the California Senate. He then worked for six years as a legislative director for Los Angeles City Council, forming public policy, and was part of the team that put together Los Angeles’ $9 billion budget.

Andrew Janz is a Visalia native and first-generation American. His father worked in the Kraft factory in Tulare; Janz grew up in a working-class household, and attended public school. He returned home after law school and became a prosecutor for Fresno County. Janz’ experience as a successful public prosecutor and deep ties to Fresno and Tulare Counties make him an ideal candidate to take on Devin Nunes for

LAND Jose Sigala, Ricardo Franco, Bobby Bliatout, Andrew Janz, and Dr. Mallory Kremer.

California’s 22nd Congressional seat, he said. Frustrated with Nunes, Janz posed, “What better candidate to challenge a congressman who is under an ethical investigation than a prosecutor?”

Dr. Mallory Kremer is an obstetrics & gynecology physician who practices in Fresno. She is 31 years old and has been practicing for six years. Dr. Kremer is affiliated with Community Regional Medical Center. After being diagnosed with arthritis at age 11, Kremer has been very passionate about healthcare and making sure everyone gets the proper health coverage they desire.

Bobby Bliatout is the son of two Laotian refugees who was devastated about the efforts of (Repeal & Replace) passing congress stating “I have never been so heartbroken about (AHCA) passing the House.”

The first question asked of the candidates was what was their vision for CA22. Andrew Janz was the first to respond, stating that he wants to “improve the quality of life in CA22.” He also discussed the California High-Speed Rail that will be coming in a number of years and how that will help push CA22 to the 21st Century. He further expressed his willingness to work with both Democrats and Republicans on all issues.

Each candidate seemed to have a similar goal in mind, to make the Central Valley a place where people want to live.

The second question asked was the strategy each candidate had to unseat Nunes. Franco explained that we cannot

have someone who is only going to care about Washington D.C. and only meet with constituents in D.C. Dr. Kremer said Nunes has a “meal-ticket.” Janz also commented on the popularity of Devin Nunes by stating, “After Jon Ossoff is done on Tuesday, we will be the next big thing.”

Each candidate had the opportunity to respond to President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

Franco, frustrated with climate deniers such as President Trump and EPA head Scott Pruit, stated, “I don’t know what goes on in their heads.” Sigala and Janz, agreed that “we should have a congressman who believes in climate change.”

Sigala also suggested that he has done more to fight climate change than Nunes has, saying that climate change is a threat to our national security.

“One of the ramifications,” Janz joked, “is Mar-a-lago is going to be under water.”

When it came to healthcare’s being discussed as a basic human right or a privilege, each candidate stated that it was a basic human right and should be treated as such. Bliatout said that taking away healthcare is more costly than providing it, and “it just doesn’t make any sense.” Janz reminded everyone that Nunes voted in favor of AHCA, which would potentially cut 23 million Americans off of health insurance.

On the topic of the LGBTQ community, each candidate overwhelmingly agreed that you are born that way

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14 • Valley Voice

6 July, 2017

Comments & Letters

Most of Hanford City Council Ignores Invite to Concert Nate Odom

On June 13th, The Ssussdriad Project requested our City Council, City Manager, & Community Development Director attend a concert to take place outside of their June 20th Council meeting.

Only one Council Member ended up joining us, Francisco Ramirez, which is disappointing, but no other result was expected, only hoped for.

But our City Council, and staff are only part of the story. See, they missed something pretty remarkable.

Shortly after the invitation was sent to the City, promotion began on June 20, and in just a week, and with a projected temperature of 110 degrees, 50 people showed up, listened to music, and our heart-felt speakers, enjoyed each other’s company, and made a collective display to the City of Hanford, that we will not merely watch from home as our decision makers lead this community down a path so clearly contrary to the well-being of the friends, and family, and neighbors we care for.

Music was meant to start at 7pm, but our opening act was running a

little late, which worked out, because he closed the night out instead, and brought a layer of depth to the evening that was an honor to witness. Our opening act, instead, was Daze Baby, and they put on a great show.

Raven’s Deli was open, and serving discounted meals, and we had free tea from L.T. Sue, and the biodegradable cups to drink it out of.

Daze Baby has a sound that echoes from the 70’s, the very days a grand vision for this City was born.

Their last song coincided with those of our Council who used the front door, leaving without a glance to the community gathered in the grass beyond..pretty sure our City Manager, Darrel Pyle went out the back door. One Council Member joined us.

Francisco Ramirez walked out, spoke with some of those gathered, and listened as our speakers shared their words with the crowd.

Our speakers included, Mark Pratter, Mak Hayes, Mickey Stoddard, and myself.

We had a surprise guest speaker, as well, Baue, who highlighted some problems the local homeless endure.

Most of our speakers, though, focused

on the park-land the city endeavors to sell, and their dismissal of community outcry, and action against it.

A video of highlights will be up soon.

Mickey introduced a new plan, asking Hanford residents to tie green ribbons around their trees, mailboxes, and doorknobs at home, and invite their friends and family to do the same.

Mickey kept his speech brief, highlighting the importance of green space in our city, and noting the severe lack of it we have, pointing out that surrounding areas boast minimum groon space requirements twice the size of ours.

By tying a green ribbon around something at your home, you silently voice your agreement that parks are important, and our community deserves to have the access to parks it needs to thrive.

If you would like to purchase your own ribbon, please do, and pass out as many as you can.

We also have several spools, and will make them available to anyone who wishes. Just give Nate a call: (559)772-2317 Bobby Grunwald closed out the night, bringing a beautiful depth to

the evening. Bobby’s dad designed the park, and fought to protect it throughout his life.

I must point out one more absence I couldn’t help but notice.

All of our local newspapers and news crews were notified, and The Valley Voice was the only to mention it prior to Tuesday, and none showed up, though I anticipate the Valley Voice will follow up with a story.

It’s a daunting task ahead of us when those who have chosen the duty of providing for this community its news, fail to cover a night of music, and speeches inspired by a City Management, and Council who have ignored so many years of public outcry, and so much more in the past 3 months.

This is how things start, folks. The dreams we aspire to would hold no value if they weren’t fought for.

We begin our walk toward a better future, with a handful of us pointing the way, and as more eyes look to where we point, so do more bold hearts join us in reaching.

Thank you everyone who attended, who cooked, who shared their art, who spoke their heart, and who shared our story.

6 July, 2017

Valley Voice • 15

Comments & Letters Editorial: Keep The Sequoia National Monument As-Is

If Chicken Little were alive and kicking today he’d not decry the falling of the sky but the rising of the sea. We’re on the knife edge of climate change now-now that we’re just beginning to appreciate the potential calamity of it--and it is beyond outrageous to fly in the face of such peril.

This is exactly the wrong time to contemplate any reduction of protected wildlands, whether designated National Park, National Monument or National Forest.

What is needed now, more than ever, is management. Husbandry. Given the recent drought and the depredations of the bark beetle, we need, as a nation, to guard, protect and properly manage our precious wildlands. They should not be political bargaining chips.

The last thing we need is to “protect” these lands by making them open to the

“

“This recall of Parmod Kumar is critical for our hospital’s survival”

depredations of business, at potentially fire sale prices. Reducing the size of the Giant Sequoia National Monument from 328,000 to 90,000 acres is not the answer.

Allotting funds for the perceived Visitors Center would be more apt. It would draw more attention to the area, aiding in attracting visitors and visitor dollars to the Porterville region and the county as a whole.

Does the Valley Voice feel badly that 105 people lost their jobs at Sequoia Forest Industries 17 years ago? We feel exactly the same whenever we hear about a coal mine closing. We don’t enjoy seeing people lose their jobs.

We, as a nation, need to move on-and sometimes progress is as simple as holding to the status quo. Like keeping Giant Sequoia National Monument at its current size.

Your voice at ourvalleyvoice.com At a special board meeting held January 27th, Kevin Northcraft asked CFO Alan Germany for a detailed aging accounts payable report that shows 30/60/90 days and Mr. Germany replied he would provide it at the February meeting. I don’t even know what an accounts payable aging report is, but I am very curious to find out now. Why? Because apparently it is something HCCA is so desperate to keep from public view that they have tried three times to change the record to reflect that Alan Germany didn’t tell Kevin that he would provide the information at the February meeting. At the May board meeting Kevin requested that the minutes reflect the audio recording of the meeting, done by the Valley Voice, to quote he and Mr. Germany correctly. Dr. Kumar made a motion to accept Kevin’s corrections and the Board voted 4-0 to approve them.

Bruce Greene, HCCA attorney, then notified Kevin that the minutes were going to be changed to reflect a different version of their comments. It was presented at the June board meeting and even though Richard Torrez abstained from voting on these minutes twice before because he had not attended the meeting, he voted to accept the falsified minutes. Linda Wilbourn said, “We’re going to put in the EXACT transcript of the meeting. This is the transcript of what was EXACTLY said. This is the EXACT transcripts of what was said on the recordings.” What recording? There is no recording that reflects what HCCA wants to promote happened at that meeting. Why would she lie to the public? Again, I wonder why HCCA is so desperate to change the record?

What is in the detailed aging accounts payable report that shows 30/60/90 days that they don’t want the Board and the public to know about?

”

— Chris Northcraft on TRMC Achieves Baby-Friendly Status

“

The problem with each and every Democrat is that to a one they just don’t care about the middle income earner. Clearly on the medical front, they just don’t give a darn about anything but Medi-Cal. News flash. There are people who pay their own bills and who do not qualify for government anything! Since you conveniently ignore us, we will equally conveniently ignore you! I, for one, prefer someone who does nothing for me as opposed to someone who will do something to me. BTW, I am far from high income, yet my tax bill is my largest annual expense. As a disabled person not able to drive, nothing is done for me at all for this expense!

”

— Dave on Five Candidates Meet to Discuss Unseating Nunes

The issue of whether to recall Dr. Parmod Kumar gets muddied by people who want him to remain on the hospital board.

These folks, while well-intentioned, are blinded by the rhetoric from Dr. Kumar.

Parmod Kumar is not the savior of the world or the only one who can save us. In fact, at this point, his actual power is minimal. We are sure that Dr. Kumar chose to serve on the hospital board with the best of intentions but over the years those ideals have been sullied and corrupted. To correct past mistakes and poor decisions, he is clinging to his seat, even though he has been asked to resign. This is sad and desperate. When voting to set the recall date, the Board, including Dr. Kumar, who decided to vote on his own recall date, dismissed the proper action to set the election in June and moved it one month backwards to July, at a far greater expense for taxpayers.

Let’s be clear: Dr. Kumar’s continued service on the board is what is being decided upon with this recall election. Nothing else. He and his supporters like to make him out as the victim of an onslaught upon him as a doctor. It doesn’t matter whether he is a doctor, a lawyer or an accountant; it makes no difference. This election does not decide anything about his ability to practice medicine, nor about his medical expertise or skill. We understand that his patients may be concerned that he will no longer be able to care for them. But, after the election, he will still be their doctor if he chooses to be. No one is taking away his license to practice medicine. What will be taken away is his status as a board member with ability to make decisions. He has served on the hospital board for 23 years. Serving on most boards in our area for over 20 years is prohibited. Why? Because it is realized that it is not a good idea to become so embedded and have such a concentration of power in the hands of one individual.

At question with Parmod Kumar are not only decisions of the past, but current hospital board decisions. Decisions like secret loans to Southern Inyo Hospital and another to pay off an $800,000 pharmaceutical bill, violations of the Brown Act left and right, failure to disclose information, approving a flawed audit with six material weaknesses, and allowing HCCA the authority to pursue a $79 million loan from any source it chooses without Board approval. These are all issues occurring within the last year. However, the biggest overarching and ill-advised decision Dr. Kumar

Dr. Patricia Drilling Phelps, Joseph Soares, Ken Nunes has made is bringing HCCA here in the first place. The proper bid process was circumvented and a management company was hired which wasn’t even in existence.

Ironically, in signing the one-sided contract benefiting HCCA, Kumar abdicated a great deal of his board authority and weakened his position, and that of the entire public board. Kumar is responsible for the culture of the board, as he has been the manipulator for 23 years.

Most recently, this weakened position has deteriorated and has culminated in Kumar, Torrez and Wilbourn voting to give HCCA, and more specifically one individual, Benny Benzeevi, full authority to obtain a $22 million loan to be used for operating expenses and to pay off indebtedness, possibly indebtedness to HCCA itself.

This is a loan against District assets which has no terms disclosed by HCCA: no lender, no itemized amounts of where the funds will go, no interest rate or the length of the loan stated, no documentation whatsoever.

These three board members voted for it anyway and rolled over to give HCCA a blank check gift of $22 million without HCCA having to disclose the terms of the loan. Ultimately, our District’s taxpayers will be on the hook. This is a breach of their fiduciary duty, borne out of loss of board authority and complete domination by HCCA and the puppetmaster, Benzeevi.

And that is the bottom line. When a board member makes decisions to benefit his best interests instead of the people he serves to the point of putting them in jeopardy, he needs to be removed from the board. He can still practice medicine. There is no victimhood. Dr. Kumar was politely asked to resign many times from the hospital board by multiple sources in order to save himself and us all from this recall. He has declined each and every time. And now, unfortunately, we all have to go through this process to save our public hospital. Dr. Benzeevi and HCCA collect $25,000 PER DAY from the District’s taxpayers. Now, in addition, Benzeevi has been gifted a $22 million blank check. Without this recall stopping the decline, how long can this hospital survive?

This recall of Parmod Kumar is critical for our hospital’s survival. Vote Yes to Recall Parmod Kumar and vote for Senovia Gutierrez to save our public hospital.

Veteran’s Corner Update: Mental Health Care for OTH Vets Scott Holwell In my Veterans Corner article of March 2017, I reported the Secretary of Veterans Affairs announced his intention to expand provisions for urgent mental health care needs to former service members with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges.

On June 27, 2017 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released finalized plans that lay the framework for providing the aforementioned care.

This is the first time a VA Secretary has implemented an initiative specifically focused on this group of former service members who are in mental health distress.

“Suicide prevention is my top clinical priority,” said Secretary Shulkin, also a physician. “We want these former service members to know there is someplace they can turn if they are facing a mental health emergency — whether it means urgent care at a VA emergency department, a Vet Center or through the Veterans Crisis Line.”

Effective July 5, all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers, such as the one located in Fresno, CA, will be prepared to offer emergency stabilization care for former service members who present at the facility with an emergent mental health need.

Under this initiative, former service members with an OTH administrative

discharge may receive care for their mental health emergency for an initial period of up to 90 days, which can include inpatient, residential or outpatient care.

During this time, VHA and the Veterans Benefits Administration will work together to determine if the mental health condition is a result of a service-related injury, making the service member eligible for ongoing coverage for that condition.

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 informa-

tion 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

6 July, 2017

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Valley Scene

6 July, 2017

National Parks Celebrate Dark Skies July 21-23 Dave Adalian

When astronaut Don Thomas misses the crystal-clear, starry sky he saw in space, he comes to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks to remember how it looks.

A mission specialist, Thomas spent 44 days circling the Earth as part of the crew for four different Space Shuttle missions. Thomas orbited the planet nearly 700 times, traveling more than 17 million miles in pursuit of science and adventure aboard Discovery and Columbia from 1994 to ‘97. The weekend of July 21-23, he’ll make a shorter journey for the Sequoia Field Institute’s Dark Sky Festival 2017.

Parks-Wide Spaced Out Weekend

Anyone interested in the science, or just the wonder and beauty of the night sky is welcome to join him, as the Institute presents three days of learning about

and viewing the jewels of the nighttime sky, almost all of it offered free along with the park entrance fee.

“The fact we’re able to do that for free is part of our mission to educate,” said Dayna Higgins, director of communications for the Institute. This will be fourth year for the event. “We’ve had so much fun we’ve kept it going.”

Events happen at locations all over the national parks, as well as at Lake Kaweah, where the Army Corps of Engineers will be a co-sponsor. Learning opportunities include movies at the visitor centers, talks by experts on subjects like astrophotography, and how NASA and JPL pull off their interplanetary missions.

Naturalists can learn about the life and times of the local bat population or get insights into the possibilities of alien life with a special paid tour of Crystal Cave.

“Most of it is free, except for the special Crystal Cave tour. It’ll probably be sold out by the time of the weekend,” Higgins said. “The tour will talk about

DARK SKIES continued on B6 »

A young Karen and Bob Cary purchased their first A&W franchise on Willis St. in Visalia, in 1967. Courtesy/Craig Van Horn

Local Family Celebrates 50 Years with A&W Restaurants Nancy Vigran While A&W’s corporate headquarters prepares for its 100th Anniversary in 2019, some locals are celebrating the milestone of owning a franchise for 50 of those years.

In 1967, the Carys purchased the Visalia A&W store on Willis St. and began their life’s work with the company. Bob Cary had been working with PG&E, following in his father’s footsteps. But he didn’t want to climb a corporate ladder, he wanted to work for himself, said Karen Cary, Bob’s widow.

A friend, who had an A&W franchise at the coast where they were living, suggested the Carys consider owning a restaurant. He had a brother who owned a franchise in Visalia and wanted to sell.

Tulare County was familiar to Bob

Cary. He had attended COS. Parents of four, the Carys visited the area, looked at the restaurant, and bought it. They moved quickly in early ’67, and while the franchise had been seasonal at the time, like many were in the day, they wanted to open year-round.

“We only closed one month that first year to change the kitchen,” Karen Cary said.

She had no experience, she said. This was her first job. The couple, in their late 20’s, had a lot of work to do.

“I didn’t know Visalia,” she said.

“We first rented a model home, while ours was being built.

“I was supportive of it. We were young enough if it didn’t work out, we could do something else.”

It did work out.

A&W continued on B7 »

Seven Performances of “Hello, Dolly!” To Be Held By her own admission, Dolly Levi is a meddler. The principal character in the classic musical “Hello, Dolly!” is a schemer, a matchmaker, an entrepreneur and a woman who loves life. This month, the Theatre Company is preparing to perform “Hello, Dolly!” – its 20th summer production since the founding of the program.

“The timing of our production couldn’t be better,” said Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak.

“The revival of “Hello, Dolly!” is on Broadway this summer and stars Bette Midler. For theater lovers who can’t make the trip to New York, we’ll offer a production equally as entertaining and perhaps even more meaningful as they watch a future generation of Broadway stars!”

“Hello, Dolly!” was composed by Jerry Herman and opened on Broadway in 1964, winning 10 Tony Awards – a record it held with South Pacific for over 30 years.

The Theatre Company production will feature over 50 Tulare County students, including Kaley McConnaughey, who plays the larger-than-life Dolly.

“It’s a challenge to maintain Dolly’s energy,” she says of the character who confidently meddles her way through every scene. “An hour before the show and even when I’m off stage, I never disconnect from her.”

Kaley, who recently graduated from Redwood High School and who starred in many Theatre Company productions, will attend Oklahoma City University in the fall.

SHOW TIMES

• Evening Shows (7:30pm): July 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 • Matinee Shows (2:00pm): July 22 and 29

TICKET PRICES

$15 general admission / $25 VIP Tickets available at Visalia TCOE locations beginning July 5: • 6200 S. Mooney Blvd.

• 7000 Doe Ave. Mon-Fri during business hours.

Cash or check only.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

The university has a respected theater arts program and counts as its alumni numerous acclaimed performers, including Kristin Chenoweth.

“Hello, Dolly!” will be directed by Bethany Rader, the Theatre Company’s new director.

“Since this is a new show for the Theatre Company and my first show as director, I have been so impressed by the cast,” she said. “The production pace is unbelievable – with only five weeks to prepare the show, which has a tremendous amount of difficult musical, dance and character development work. Yet, the cast seems to take it all in stride, working so hard at making our vision come to life! It is truly an honor to work with these students.”

For information on the upcoming production of Hello, Dolly!, call the Theatre Company at (559) 651-1482.

VPD To Hold National Night Out On Tuesday, August 1, the Visalia Police Department, in conjunction with the National Association of Town Watch, will be celebrating the 34th annual National Night Out city-wide block party.

Neighborhood Watch groups across America will be gathering in their communities to take a stand against crime and show their support for local crime prevention programs.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local crime prevention efforts, and to help strengthen neigh-

borhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

You don’t have to be a member of a Neighborhood Watch group to participate.

If your neighborhood would like to participate in this year’s event, registration forms can be picked up at the Visalia Police Department or by email at vpdcrimeprevention@visalia.city.

The department asks that you register your block party by Monday July 17. For more information on this event you can contact Visalia PD’s Community Outreach Coordinator at 713-4370.

6 July, 2017

B2 • Valley Voice

Fresno Yosemite International Airport to Showcase Art by the Valley’s Finest Artists Staff Reports Debuting this fall, travelers through Fresno Yosemite International Airport will be greeted by artwork exhibits featuring some of Fresno and the Central Valley’s finest artists.

Artists will be invited to submit artwork in theme with each show. Selected pieces will include paintings, drawings, photography and other mediums. The exhibitions will rotate throughout the year, giving other Valley artists an opportunity to showcase their work at the airport.

The opening exhibit theme “This is Central California” will celebrate the region’s natural beauty, culture and identity. Multiple displays located on the first and second floors near the airline boarding gates will serve as permanent art galleries creating a serene environment for travelers to discover and experience the wonders of the Valley.

“Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s art exhibits will complement the sense of place theme inspired by the region and the airport’s giant Sequoia forest,” said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. “The airport is the perfect venue to provide national and international exposure for our talented art community. This provides an opportunity for lo-

cal artists to showcase their work to the more than 1.5 million annual travelers who pass through the terminal.”

Each of the display spaces will be managed by a professional art curator in collaboration with the arts community and will incorporate specialty lighting and installations to authenticate a genuine gallery experience.

Additional details about the debut of “This is Central California” will be available as the exhibits are ready for display. Artists interested in submitting artwork for consideration should contact Marc Blake, founder of the Central California Conservatory of Visual & Performing Arts at marc@cccvpa.com or 559.251.5152.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport currently offers Valley passengers daily non-stop flights to Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara, Mexico on domestic and international carriers. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise.

No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.

Coming to the Hanford Fox Theatre Dave Mason Fri., Sept. 22 - 8 pm $35 - $65

Rawhide’s Herum Battles to Clench 2017 California League Home-Run Derby One home run after the other sailed over the left field fence for Visalia Rawhide first baseman Marty Herum on June 19th’s California League All-Star Game Showcase Home Run Derby.

Herum totaled 39 home runs in the course of the three rounds. He defeated Inland Empire 66ers third baseman Jose Rojas, 10-9, in the final round of the Derby.

“I looked up with seven seconds left, I was like, ‘The bat may only stay in my hands for one more swing,’ so I got lucky,” Herum said. “[Rawhide Hitting Coach Vince Harrison] threw it perfectly, and I put the barrel on it.”

The first round saw Herum take down Modesto Nuts third baseman Logan Taylor, 14-3.

Herum smashed 15 dingers in the North Division Final, edging out San Jose Giants catcher Aramis Garcia, who finished with 13 homers.

The River Falls, Wisconsin native hit the 10th and winning home run as time expired in the Championship Final.

The surprise for Herum after the Derby was the fact that he has only hit four

West Hills College Coalinga Men’s Rodeo team member Brushton Minton earned top honors at this year’s National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., finishing third in the nation in Team Roping.

Minton earned a 6.9 in the short round, along with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Chase Onaka.

WHCC also placed well as a team, placing 27th in the nation out of 58 teams above teams from Texas A&M University, Oklahoma State University and more.

“We are incredibly proud of Brush-

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On Facebook at facebook.com/ourvalleyvoice

home runs this season. Nonetheless, he said the crowd support of his hometown fans helped carry him through.

“It’s awesome having all that behind you,” Herum said. “It gives you something to build off of. I kind of found a little extra energy too in the final round. I don’t hit very many home runs in games or anything, so it’s fun to come out here and do that.”

In the All-Star Game the following day, the North defeated the South 5-3 in a back-and-forth matchup at Recreation Park.

Modesto Nuts outfielder Braden Bishop was named the Bush Most Valuable Player, going 4-for-4 with three runs and two stolen bases.

Rawhide pitcher Bo Takahashi registered the win, with Rawhide closer Bud Jeter locking down the save in the ninth inning.

Herum hit an insurance RBI to guide the North squad to victory in the seventh inning.

WHCC Rodeo’s Minton Places Third in Nation in Team Roping

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ton and also of the team,” said Justin Hampton, WHCC Head Rodeo Coach.

The team competed against over 400 competitors from 11 regions and over 100 universities and colleges at the finals. The five member team competed in a range of individual events including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

The team finished the regular rodeo season in May as the West Coast Region’s Reserve Champion Team following a second place win at the regional finals in Nevada before heading on to the CNFR.

6 July, 2017

Valley Voice • B3

Variety Is A Spice of Life at Tulare Historical Museum Visalia Rotary Community Foundation Announces 2017 Organization Grants The Visalia Rotary Community Foundation this year will donate $97,500 to six local organizations, bringing the total awarded to $1.271 million since the Foundation was formed in 1990.

The recipient organizations, and the purpose of each grant, are: • The Open Arms House, a hospice care facility to be named in honor of Ruth Wood: $30,000 • Visalia Emergency Aid Council, for a new food pantry, family resource center and education center: $25,000 • Family Services of Tulare County, to replace the roof on Karen’s House, a domestic violence shelter: $20,000 • Friends of the Fox Theater, to assist with upgrades to the house audio system: $10,000 • Urban Tree Foundation, to support additions at Miki City Park: $7,500 • Visalia Education Foundation, to support the Coats for Kids Project: $5,000 The Foundation is a joint effort of

five Visalia Rotary clubs and the grants are a result of donations to the Foundation by Rotarians and non-Rotarians.

Members of the Grant Committee who reviewed the applications are chairman Steve Chrisman, Larry Benevento, Tony Correia, Marvin Hansen, Peter Golombek, Gary Paden, Donn Ritter, Paul Sonier. The executive director of the Foundation is Eric Shannon.

Local organizations that have received grants over the years include Golden State YMCA, Samaritan Center and the Imagine U Children’s Museum.

“Each year we strive to address a spectrum of community needs,” Chrisman said. “This year we are helping people to die with dignity, supporting the historic Fox Theater which is hugely important to our downtown, and helping children. The generous donors to the Rotary Foundation are making a significant difference in the lives of people in our own community.”

For information, contact Steve Chrisman, Buckman-Mitchell, Inc., Insurance and Financial Services, at 635-3542.

From her personal to her professional lives, variety is definitely the spice of life for Linda Hengst. A onetime city girl turned country girl, Linda enjoys life as a farmer’s wife. After having raised Holstein heifers on the family farm, Linda and her husband have focused on growing several varieties of oranges and plums for the past 30 years.

As an artist, many of Linda’s paintings have been painted plein air (painting outdoors) or from photographs.

Her love of travel, such as her extensive hikes and backpacking trips out of Mineral King and other parts of California, have given source to many of her palette knife oil paintings.

There is hardly a medium Linda hasn’t tried and you will see a variety of these mediums and subjects in her show, ranging from realistic to spontaneous abstract.

She remarks, “It has been a joy to

Staff Reports

produce my art after raising a family and teaching school. I have been married to Bob for 53 years, have three children and nine grand-children, some of which also have artistic talent.”

Linda is currently a member of the Main Gallery Group, both the Porterville and Lindsay art associations, as well as Arts Visalia and Arts Consortium.

Her works can also be found on display at the Porterville Art Gallery, Assemblyman Devon Mathis’s office, various businesses throughout Woodlake, and recently at Fresno Pacific University’s Visalia campus.

Linda Hengst’s “Variety Is The Spice Of Life!” will run from July 20-August 26.

The reception on July 20 at the Heritage Art Gallery at THM from 5:00-7:00pm is open to the public and free of charge. Admission to Heritage Art Gallery exhibitions is free.

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Calendar JULY Now - July 28: Form & Function Repurposed For the month of July, Arts Visalia is pleased to present “Form & Function Repurposed.” On display will be art pieces by four local 3-D artists that have utilized rescued materials to create new forms with dimension and storyteller emphasis. We are also pleased to welcome a number of artists with similar repurposed inspiration to our gift shop, specifically for this exhibition. Form & Function Repurposed features a variety of 3-D pieces by artists, Brent Mosley, Shirley Keller, Buddy Jones, and David Griswold.

The opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Friday July 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The gallery is open 12-5:30pm Wednesday through Saturday. Arts Visalia Visual Art

info, contact Tom Marshall, history@3museum.org, or (559) 561-2707; website www.3museum.org.

July 8: Sons of Italy Scholarship Dinner 6-8pm - Enrico Caruso Lodge #1463 Order of Sons of Italy in America will be sponsoring a dinner to honor eight local high school scholarship recipients. This year’s recipients are: from Redwood High School - Christine Bianco, Anthony McGowan, Ryan Montemagni, Claire Stetson; from Mt. Whitney High School - Jonathan Notarnicola; from Golden West High School - Brianna Simon; from El Diamante High School - Elizabeth DeSousa; from Exeter High School - Alex Lagrutta. Dinner takes place at the Sons of Italy, 4211 W Goshen Ave. in Visalia. Prime rib dinner cost is $40/person. All proceeds from the dinner will go to the schol-

Visalia, 214 E. Oak. Tuition July 21-23: Dark Sky Festival $85. For more information, call Share your passion for the night (559) 739-0905. sky and astronomy during this July 15: Rep. Valadao to Host fun weekend. Special programs will be taking place all weekSmall Business Workshop 9-11am - Congressman David end including star programs, G. Valadao will host a Small telescope demonstrations, and Business Workshop at the Sanger campfire talks. All programs Community Center located at are free and open to the pub730 Recreation Ave. The event lic. Events will take place in the will provide local business own- parks, as well as at Lake Kaweah ers with information on growth and in Three Rivers. opportunities, strategies for finding capital, and tips for complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This will also be an excellent opportunity to network with other local business owners in the community.

Experts from national and local organizations will be present to provide information and answer questions. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event or to RSVP, please contact Congress-

Santa Fe, Visalia. No entry fee.

Bring an unwrapped toy or Toys for Tots and be entered into a raffle. For more information, call (559) 635-3520.

ning Big Fresno Fair. The dinner will begin at 7:30pm with all locally sourced wine, beer and appetizers. Dinner, again with all ingredients being sourced locally from Kings County will begin at 8:00pm. This Farm to Table Dinner is meant to be a CelebraAugust 1: National Night Out tion of all the great Farmers and Dairy folks and wonderful food Blood Drive 6-8pm - The Central California grown in Kings County! Tickets Blood Bank will be accepting do- will be on sale soon. For more innations at Corcoran’s Christmas formation, visit www.childrensstorybookgarden.org/ Tree Park.

Donate while meeting the peo- August 14: Encore Theatre ple who serve your community, Youth Program enjoy free hot dogs, drinks and 5:30pm - Informational meetroot-beer floats, free raffle and ing for students from 2nd giveaways, games for all ages, grade through high school chalk drawing contests and a Po- and a parent. Have you allice K9 demonstration. For more ways thought it would be fun information, contact the Corcor- to learn to sing, dance and act?

AUGUST

July 21: Dinner with an Astronaut 5:30-8:30 - The Sequoia Parks Conservancy invites its members and donors to attend this exclusive fundraiser dinner and presentation with retired NASA astronaut Don A. Thomas, at College of the Sequoias Theatre. For more information visit: http://www.sequoiaparksconser- an Police Department (559) vancy.org/dinner-with-an-astro- 992-5151. naut.html.

August 4, 5 & 6: Auditions for July 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 & 29: Noises Off!

worldwide. Tickets $40-$76

CONTINUOUS Mondays: National Alliance on Mental Illness, 5:45pm Education Meeting: 7pm Support Group St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Visalia, 120 N. Hall, Corner of Center and Hall. For more information call: (559) 627-1306 Mondays: Bridge Club, 9:30am-2pm 210 W Center Street Visalia. Admission is free. For additional information call: Joan Dinwiddie, (559) 732-0855

Mondays: Knitters, 10am12:30pm 210 W Center Street Visalia. EvMaybe you’ve always wanted to eryone is welcome. learn what goes on behind the Mondays: Monday Karaoke at scenes of a theatrical production. Barmageddon, 9pm-1am The staff of volunteers will teach Karaoke Jockey Miss Sammi will

the first Thursday of the month at the Kaweah Delta Chronic Disease Management Center, 325 Willis St., Visalia. Information: (559) 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, PhD 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 offers a free diabetes support group through October on the third Thursday of the month at

man Valadao’s office by phone at Center is located at 214 E. Oak arship fund. For tickets and res- (559) 582-5526. ervations, call Kathleen Lagrutta Ave. July 16: 9th Annual Food July 6-15: Annie at the Encore (559) 592-4793 or Nick Notar- Fight for Families nicola (559) 300-0180.

Theatre 3-6pm - Come witness a culinary July 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15 July 15: Blood, Sweat & Tears throwdown with local amateur at 7pm; July 9 matinee at 2pm - w/Bo Bice chefs competing for top honors This summer the Encore Theatre 8pm - at the Visalia Fox The- there will be two battles: a shrimp Company is proud to present the atre - presented by Hands in the entrée battle and beef entrée batworld’s best-loved musical, An- Community. Tickets $40-80. tle. Each celebrity chef will have nie! Featuring Jessica Peters, Erin Proceeds benefit Hands in the 30 minutes to complete the dish Forgey, Dan Peters, Lesley Ogle, Community. For tickets visit of their choice. When the buzzMary Leslie, Tyler Jarrett, Jenni- www.foxvisalia.org or call, (559) er rings, hands up, it’s times for fer Hamilton and many more. 625-1369. judging. They will be judged on The Encore Theatre is located July 15: 2nd Annual CHS appearance, originality, taste and at 324 South N St. in Tulare. Cross Country Alumni and creativity.

Tickets are $14 on the floor; $16 Friends Race for box seats. For more informa- 7am - registration; 8am - race Enjoy raffle prizes and silent auction, visit www.encoretulare.org. start at RAC Soccer Fields, Price: tion & delicious food & drinks For reservations, call (559) 686- $25 per runner, Online registra- from local restaurants. Presented by the Visalia Rescue Mission, 1300. tion is available at runsignup. located at the Wyndham Hotel, com - search Corcoran. Register 9000 W. Airport Dr. in Visalia.

July 8: Hot Dog Festival @ Three Rivers Historical Muse- before the July 1 and get a free Tickets $30-$300 shirt - a limited amount of shirts um 10am - 4pm - Hot dogs, Polish will also be available for purchase July 20-Aug. 26: Variety is a Spice of Live! Art Exhibition dogs, veggie dogs and corn-on- the day of the event.

5-7pm - Opening reception for the-cob (food prepared by Three July 15: Printmaking Rivers Volunteer Firefighters) 9am - 3pm - The in-depth in- Woodlake artist Linda Hengst along with the A&W Floatmo- struction of the process of print- on July 20. The reception is open bile serving root beer floats. Full making using the printmaking to the public and free, as are all meal deal $8. Fire equipment, press. This workshop is for all exhibits at the Heritage Art Galtrucks and displays with a buck- levels. Materials for the class lery. Located in the Tulare Hiset brigade competition between will be provided. Instructor: Jim torical Museum, 444 W. Tulare firefighters and kids. For more Johnson. Offered through Arts Ave.

Hello Dolly!

7:30pm on July 21, 22, 27 & 28; 2pm on July 23 & 29 - Presented by the Theatre Company through Tulare County Office of Education. Productions held at the LJ Williams Theater, 1001 W Main St. Visaia.

6pm - Encore Theatre Company you these things and much more. announces auditions for Noises Off! by Michael Frayn - Special Bring a parent, pencil and reLimited Run. cording device. Held at the EnShow dates: January 11-14, core Theatre, 324 South M St. 2018 Roles: five men, four wom- in Tulare. For more information, en; Age range: 25-65; Location: call Susan Burley (559) 289Encore Theatre Company, 324 2994.

July 22: 3-Dimensions South M St. Tulare. For more in9am - 3pm - An exploratory ad- formation, call (559) 366-7011. August 26: Mighty Oak Choventure unique to each artist and All audition material will be pro- rus’ 2nd Annual Western Roundup the challenges they face while as- vided.

5-8pm - Includes a full BBQ sembling a one of a kind sculptri-tip dinner, entertainment ture made from found objects in August 10, 12, 17, & 19: a way that takes form and comes Shakespeare in the Plaza - The by the Chorus and Quartets, along with a silent auction at the to life. This workshop is for all Tempest levels. Materials for the class will Dusk - approximately 8pm - pre- Ritchie Barn. Tickets: $20. For be provided. Instructor: Andrew sented by the Lindsay Commu- tickets and more information, Turner. Offered through Arts nity Theatre. Admission is free, visit: www.visaliamightyoakchoVisalia, 214 E. Oak. Tuition but donations are welcome. For rus.org or email bcase@visalia$85. For more information, call more information, visit: www. mightyoakchorus.org. lindsaycommunitytheater.com.

(559) 739-0905.

September 3: Kansas at the August 11: Farm to Table Din- Visalia Fox July 27: Casino Night Mini 7:30pm With a legendary career ner Expo 17 5:30-7pm - Tulare Kings His- 7:30pm - First Annual Farm to spanning more than four depanic Chamber of Commerce Table Dinner in Kings Coun- cades, KANSAS has firmly estabpresents a mini business expo at ty will be held at the Children’s lished itself as one of America’s Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino. Storybook Garden & Museum iconic of classic rock bands. This For booth information, call the in downtown Historic Han- “garage band” from Topeka reford. Guest Speaker will be John leased their debut album in 1974 chamber at (559) 734-6020.

Alkire, former director of the after being discovered by WalJuly 29: Cars and Coffee Kings Fair, then director of the ly Gold, who worked for Don 8-11am – Car show offered by Paso Robles Fair and currently Kirshner, and have gone on to Buckman-Mitchell Financial the director of the Award Win- sell more than 30 million albums and Insurance Services, 500 N.

be hosting from 9pm - 1am. No Woodlake Manor Apartments, 200 E. Sierra Ave., Woodlake.

Cover.

Information: (559) 624-2416.

Tuesdays: Barmageddon Trivia 3rd Thursday, Monthly: GathThunderdome, 9pm-1am Challenge your friends to the ul- ering At the Oval, 12:30-1pm timate trivia throwdown. Earn Lifting up the needs and consome bragging rights in cate- cerns of Visalia through indigories ranging from Saturday vidual prayer and meditation morning cartoons, classic video at Oval Park, 808 North Court games, and pop culture films. Street in Visalia. For more information, call (559) 967-4065.

Free sign ups at 9:30pm.

2nd Tuesday, Monthly: Yappy 3rd Thursday, Monthly: Board Game Night, 6-7:45pm Hour, 5-9pm Well-mannered, leashed pets For ages 10+ at the Visalia are welcome on the patio at the Branch Library, 200 West Oak Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria, Street. Sign-ups are not required.

514 East Main Street, Suite A, For more information, call (559) in Visalia. A portion of the pro- 713-2703. ceeds is donated to the Valley 3rd Thursday, Monthly: Ladies’ Oak SPCA. For more informa- Night, 6-10pm tion, call (559) 651-1111.

At the Clay Cafe in Visalia, 1018 E. Mineral King Ave. $10 studio Wednesdays: Barmageddon fee with ceramic purchase. InGame Night Come blow off some steam at cludes complimentary margarita, our game night. Happy hour dinner and dessert. Door prizes too! Reservations required: (559) from 6-8pm.

733-2022.

1st Thursday Monthly through Fridays: Women’s Morning October: Diabetes Support Bible Study, 9am-Noon Group, 5:30-7pm Kaweah Delta Health Care Dis- 210 W Center Street Visalia.. trict offers a free diabetes support For additional information call: group through October from on (559) 739-9010

6 July, 2017

B6 • Valley Voice

Dark Skies Continued from B1

how the cave is like life on other worlds.”

Tickets for the event are available by visiting the Institute at sequoiaparkconservncy.org.

Out-of-This-World Perspective

The events start Friday morning, July 21, going on all day long, all over the parks, and lasting into the night. The big to-do that day is Dinner With an Astronaut at 5:30pm on stage at the COS Theater. Thomas’ talk starts at 7:30.

The evening includes dinner, drinks, music by Danali Brass, and a talk about his adventures by Thomas.

“He’s going to tell a story about how a woodpecker almost ruined a Space Shuttle trip,” Higgins said. “Then, we’re going to have dinner with foods from around the world.”

Tickets including dinner and the talk are $60. Admission for just Thomas’s talk is also available, and can be purchased online.

Protecting Our Dark Skies

Our local national parks sit on the edge of the largest roadless area in the lower 48 states, giving them nearly pristine darkness when no moonlight spoils the viewing. Part of the reason for the weekend of activities is to draw attention to them while bolstering efforts to protect them.

“We’re working on becoming a certified with the IDA (International DarkSky Association). We’re hoping that will happen toward the end of the year,” Higgins said. “We started off with naturalists

who wanted to do night sky programs, and that is really inspiring.”

The Festival has proved very popular with the public, she said, and the IDA will be on hand to enlighten the populace on the importance of keeping our night skies dark.

Other topics covered during the weekend include the upcoming total solar eclipse over North America this August, talks about telescopes and how they work, and sessions on learning the landmarks of the sky. All of this, Higgins said, is fun aimed at teaching the public why keeping our skies dark is important.

Star Parties

On the first two nights, the telescopes of various amateur observing clubs from around the state will be pointed toward the heavens for all comers to enjoy.

The so-called star parties will be held Friday at the Potwisha Campground above Three Rivers, and the Danali Brass will play as the stars reel overhead on Saturday at Wuksachi Lodge.

For the more hardcore observers, there will be viewing under at Roads End with the Central Valley Astronomers, also on Saturday night.

“The sky there is amazing,” Thomas said of the nights in Sequoia-Kings.

“Nothing compares to it except space. It’s one of the darkest skies I’ve ever seen.”

While most images returned for manned space missions are looking back at our home, the more difficult night sky is just as impressive, he said.

“I’ve seen a lot of our planet, looking out the window, seeing the Earth and the night sky, that was the best part of being an astronaut,” Thomas said. “I said ‘wow’ so many times. It was equally as impres-

Visitors wait in the dark for their turn for a look through a telescope at the night sky during the Sequoia Field Institute’s annual Dark Sky Festival. This year’s event is scheduled for July 21-23.

sive in the nighttime as in the day.”

In space, above the atmosphere and city lights, the darkness has a special quality, says Thomas.

“The sky, the black color of space, I tell people it’s darker than anything I’ve ever seen before,” he said. “It almost looked like it was glowing black, like a velvety background.”

Something for Everyone

Those who don’t want to stay up and watch the stars come out can get a taste of our closest star with sessions of solar scope viewing. There will also be hikes, talks, and more sessions with the Danali Brass, a quintet of members of the Colburn School Conservatory of Music known for performing classical music in unusual surroundings.

No matter how festival-goers participate, Thomas hopes they come away

thinking about space and its mysteries.

“I think for people it’s important just to gaze outside our planet and look at different star systems, maybe other galaxies,” he said. “It always makes me think about the possibility of other life out there.”

Getting out under dark, unpolluted skies, he said, heightens that sense of what might be.

“In the city, you see a few stars, but you don’t get that contemplation,” Thomas said. “I think it’s good for everybody to look at just the beauty of it, and then just get into some deep thought.

Are we alone here? Are there other habitable planets out there?”

Find out for yourself July 21-23. For a full schedule of events, visit the Institute’s website at sequoiaparkconservancy. org. Visit Thomas’ website at ohioastronaut.org.

Cacti and Succulents for the Indoors Elvira Ortstadt, Master Gardener

We all enjoy having beautiful plants indoors and outdoors, but with our busy schedules; plants can be the last things on our mind.

We buy them, forget to water them, and then replace them when they die or may give up growing plants completely. Sound familiar?

Then, succulents and cacti might be the solution.

Cactus is a succulent plant that can store moisture, but not all succulents are cactus. Succulents do not belong to any one plant family, but are represented in nearly thirty different ones.

Cacti can be easily identified.

With rare exceptions, they do not have leaves. Most, but not all, cacti have spines and bristles.

They may have long hair or a wooly covering instead. Since nature has provided them with built-in “storage tanks”, they can be underwatered for weeks at a time.

Don’t think cacti are dull. Succulents and cacti offer the most variety in shapes and leaves, colors, designs, patterns, and growth habits in the plant world!

Succulents are natives of deserts, rain forests and semi-arid regions of North and South America. Some plants have common names like crown of thorns or golden barrel, but many do not, so it’s not unusual to see them sold by their botanical name.

Crassula argentea Courtesy/ASU

Succulents are noted for their unusual foliage, like the haworthias and gasterias or the popular “jade plant”, Crassula argentea. The echeverias and Dudleya pulverulenta are exquisite, with their chalk-white foliage and leaves lined with red edges.

Succulents can have beautiful flowers like Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, a popular Christmas plant with striking red flowers, and Hoya, known as “wax plant” which has clusters of fragrant waxy white flowers.

Colorful rebutias are crowned with bright red flowers in the fall.

HOW TO GROW INDOORS

Place plants where they get the best light. To get flowers from your plants, like the parodias and lobivias, use the east and south exposures.

West window plants are jade plant, echeveria hybrids, and Hoya carnosa.

North windows are best for gasterias, haworthias, rebutias, and Sanse-

Dudleya pulverulenta Courtesy/CSU Channel Islands

Sedum sieboldi Courtesy/NC State University

vieria hahnii.

In nature cacti and succulents are drought resistant because they can store water, but remember that indoor conditions are quite unlike those outside. For one thing, roots cannot stretch far for moisture, thus proper watering is vital.

Small pots and clay pots dry faster. When the soil is dry at least an inch down, water until it runs out the drainage hole, then don’t water again until the top is dry.

You’ll probably water more in the summer when the plant is in active growth and then taper off in the fall to occasionally watering in winter.

Plants need a rest from watering.

If you water too much in winter, your plants will bear abnormal growth and not bloom in summer.

Fertilize succulents and cacti very sparingly. Overfeeding can kill these slow growing plants or force them to grow at an unnatural rate.

Indoor plants: Peperomia gandis has thick shiny leaves, similar to a watermelon plant.

Chirita sinesis is related to the African violet. Slow growing, its striking leaves form a rosette of green leaves with white designs. Jade plant is an ideal container plant with shiny thick rubbery leaves and a bonsai appearance.

Hanging plants: Graptopetalum aphrodite has fleshy leaves that form rosettes, and small yellow flowers. It can also be used as a ground cover. “Burro’s tail” is formed by trailing stems that look similar to columns of big grains of rice.

Crassula perforata variegate, also called “string of buttons” because the opposing pairs of trailing leaves appear threaded on the stems.

Sedum sieboldi is winter hardy, yet graceful with dainty notched leaves, pink flowers in autumn, and a trailing habit that make it one of the most popular of all succulents for hanging baskets.

SOME OF THE BEST TO TRY

6 July, 2017

Valley Voice • B7

A&W

Continued from B1 First Restaurant

The Willis St. location came about because of its proximity to the railroad, Cary said. Many stores throughout the country were organized that way.

But as the city grew, so did the need for a second location.

In 1975, the Carys built the store on Mooney Blvd. and opened a second franchise.

“That was way out there at the time,” she said.

Then, when the Hanford Mall was being built the family added a third restaurant there, followed by the purchase of the Tulare location, which had changed hands a couple of times in those days, and had been left empty for a couple of years. In the early ‘90s, the Exeter franchise was offered for sale, and they bought that, too.

“That turned out to be a good move for us,” Cary said.

The Cary clan grew up in A&W, each of the kids learning a variety of jobs on Willis Street.

Craig and Connie Van Horn’s father was killed in a plane crash while Karen Van Horn was pregnant with Connie.

Craig was one-and-a-half years old at that time. About a year following, Karen married Bob Cary, and he was very much Craig and Connie’s father. The couple had two more children, both girls.

A Son’s Involvement in the Business

Craig Van Horn, the only son, is also the only one to have really taken an interest in the management of the family business. When his father passed away seven years ago, the full reins were passed to him. All of their franchises are owned by a corporation, Cary explained.

She and her son are major stock holders of that corporation, which is private, not public.

“The only time we saw our dad was when we came here,” Van Horn said, of the Willis location.

That, actually, turned out to be often, because Van Horn would walk there after school every day.

Van Horn started earning a paycheck at the age of 13, which was allowed, he said, because he worked for the family.

But, by the time he was through with high school, “I wanted nothing to do with fast food,” he said.

He went to work in the automotive parts business. But, within a few years, his father offered him a position he couldn’t refuse.

“I am so thankful I did it,” he said of returning to the family business. “Now I really enjoy what I do.”

Being a part of the business, Van Horn has followed in his father’s footsteps, being active in the Visalia community.

His dad had been involved in the Rotary Club, the Jaycees, Downtown Visalians and took out his trumpet to play at a lot of local functions.

His dad taught him, he said, “You’ve got to give back, it’s cheap marketing.”

But, more than that, it is also getting to know the community, he said.

Van Horn has also been active in Downtown Visalians, as well as the Lions Club.

A&W Association

Both Van Horn and his father have been involved in the National A&W Franchise Association, which now owns the company corporate headquarters.

“It’s the best it’s ever been,” Van Horn said of the association and management for franchise owners.

A few years ago, Van Horn was approached by the owner of a new development being built in the northern portion

Soroptimist Awards Night

The Soroptimist International of Tulare held its awards night on May 4, awarding two $500 Live Your Dream Award Winners, and three $500 scholarship winners from each Tulare High School.

Pictured above, Sarah Wilbur from Tulare Western and Sandeep Kang from Mission Oak. Missing is Brayden Nunley, who also won $500.

Wine & Beer Tasting At

Redwood Wine Room

Totem Market & Gifts Enjoy our Deli!

(Evening meals coming soon) J&J Cellars - Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

(559) 561-4463

45186 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers

The A&W staff remains loyal to the franchise with store manager Carmen Gutherie (left) having celebrated 25 years of employment and Donna Wilson, 23 years of employment, pictured at the Willis St. restaurant with business manager and family owner Craig Van Horn. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice

of Visalia – Shannon Ranch. Did they want to open another restaurant? He and his mother talked about it up until the property owner said he needed an answer. They went for it, and opened a sixth restaurant.

Cary and Van Horn like to own the properties their restaurants are located on – they don’t like to rent.

They also own their management office in Visalia. The Hanford Mall location is a rental and has worked out fine.

The Shannon Ranch location is also a rental and it has, also, worked out well.

Van Horn said he could be interested in adding one or two more locations, should the right opportunity arise. One

of those would be if another Shannon project were undertaken.

Cary now lives in a senior community near the coast. She is still involved in some of the bookwork for the corporation. Her daughter, Jill Cary, helps with bookkeeping and some marketing.

But the day-to-day management and decisions have become Van Horn’s.

“It’s been great,” Cary said. “Visalia is a great town and was a wonderful, wonderful place to raise your children.”

She has no regrets, she said.

“It really was a good decision for our family,” she added. “We were very good partners and have been successful in the A&W franchise community.”

6 July, 2017

Valley Voice • B8