Valley Voice Issue 120 (5 July, 2018)

Valley Voice

TRMC to head to court over Evolutions deed

Rape victims are no longer treated at hospitals CATHERINE DOE

TONY MALDONADO

catherine@ourvalleyvoice.com

In December of 2017, Adrienne was enjoying a party at a co-workers house when toward the end of the evening she was raped. She did not know her rapist and would not be able to identify him. Her mother drove her to Kaweah Delta emergency room to get a rape kit examination.

Adrienne and her mom thought Kaweah Delta was the place to receive the exam.

They were wrong.

Adrienne’s aunt wrote to the Valley Voice saying, “my friend’s daughter was raped at a house party and They took her to Kaweah Delta to have a rape kit done and they didn’t have anyone there to do the Rape Kit. She ended up being driven to Fresno, by an officer to meet a nurse at a clinic at around 1 am.”

Adrianne felt Kaweah Delta should have had qualified nurses available after such an ordeal.

“At the time, I wasn’t really concerned with it, only because I was glad to be getting helped at all. But later, when I was able to think things through, I was disappointed that at such a sensitive time in my life, after such a traumatic experience, another grueling step had to be added to the process. I had help getting to Fresno.

KITS continued on 14 »

Volume XXXVIII No. 13 5 July, 2018 ourvalleyvoice.com

tony@ourvalleyvoice.com

Before his presentation, the superintendent prefaced, “Our purpose with facilities is to keep pace with growth throughout the community through new construction. It’s also to modernize instructional space… and to keep pace [with the growing advances in learning]. Which leads us to the third and most important purpose here which is for equity, access, and opportunity for all of the children.”

This is the second bond proposed and approved by the board within six years.

In 2012, Measure E was pushed through and allowed the district to

The status of a deed placed on Evolutions Fitness & Wellness Center could soon be solved, if the Tulare Local Healthcare District has its way. The district has filed a motion for summary judgement in the United States Bankruptcy Court, requesting Judge Rene Lastreto II to void the deed.

Officials with Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (HCCA), the hospital’s former management company, filed the deed on September 28, 2017, the same day it told employees that it could not fund their paychecks, and a day before the district filed bankruptcy.

Attorneys for the district claim in filings that the deed does not “meet the requirements for validity under California law” because Dr. Benny Benzeevi, CEO of HCCA, the only signatory on the deed, wasn’t authorized to execute the deed in any other capacity. Benzeevi signed the deed with his name and with the CEO title -- the district additionally states he was never appointed the CEO of the district.

“We believe the lien of the Evolutions building and adjacent property is illegal,” Kevin Northcraft, president of the hospital’s board, said in a statement to the Voice. “It has kept us from borrowing against the property to fund the reopening. We have many times

VUSD BOND continued on 14 »

DEED continued on 13 »

A new high school could be built near Ridgeview Middle School, if a bond measure sent to the voters succeeds. John Dillon/Valley Voice

VUSD board sends $109m bond measure to ballot JOHN DILLON High school students in Visalia could soon be getting a little more elbow room.

On Tuesday, June 26th, the Visalia Unified School District Board (VUSD) unanimously approved the adoption of a general obligation bond for the November 2018 ballot.

According to a presentation given to the board by Superintendent Dr. Todd Oto, the bond would include $109m allocated for the building of a fifth high school and modernization/safety upgrades for eligible school campuses.

Adventist Health slated to manage, lease TRMC TONY MALDONADO

tony@ourvalleyvoice.com

Tulare Regional Medical Center’s (TRMC) future could be in the hands of Adventist Health, after the Tulare Local Healthcare District’s Board of Directors voted to enter into negotiations with the the nonprofit.

The board’s 4-1 decision in favor of Adventist came down to what it felt were more favorable terms — they say they’re able to reopen the hospital by October. Community Medical Centers (CMC) however, would require an extension of the hospital’s suspension along with the passage of a tower construction bond measure and a longterm lease measure before reopening services in 2019.

Both entities required a 25-year lease of the hospital’s property, and both had previously submitted management bids during the same process that ultimately saw Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (HCCA) the hospital’s former management company, take over care at Tulare Regional.

Adventist and Community were chosen by the district’s ad-hoc committee to present to the board. Dignity Health and the Kaweah Delta Heathcare District were also in the running to potentially manage TRMC, but were not chosen to present.

Senovia Gutierrez was the lone

dissenting vote. She felt that Community could provide higher quality services, and more of them.

“CMC is offering right now, the possibility to have a hospital with all those services. Why not take a chance?

I know that time is important, but it’s better to wait to have a good basis to open the hospital again,” she said. “CMC is offering us the opportunity to have something different.

And I really would like to go to CMC because it’s the best for the community.”

Kevin Northcraft, the president of the district’s board, said that Adventist was just what the district Robert Beehler, Adventist Health’s Market Development, Mergers and Acquisitions Executive speaks to the Tulare needed — a partner ready to Local Healthcare District’s Board of Directors. Tony Maldonado/Valley Voice work to open as soon as posExecutive, presented the nonprofit’s ing opening the hospital as quickly as sible and willing to work with vision of a partnership — including a possible, and we’ve taken every step we the district. can to accomplish that,” he said. “We’ve “God works in mysterious ways. long-term lease — to the board.

He said that his organization’s done it in other markets, we’ve done it Thank God we got the chance to considtimeline was aggressive, but their past in other transactions. It takes a little bit er Adventist Health,” Kevin Northcraft, experience in other markets shows of faith on our team’s perspective, but the president of the district’s board their experience. we’re committed to do everything we said, “and that they responded in such “We understand that it’s a very agcan to get there, and putting our mona compassionate, flexible, and configressive timeline, and there’s some risk ey up to do so.” dent way. Thank God they want us, too.” we’re building into it — risk that we’re The organization’s California foottaking, by taking an aggressive time- print spans as far north as Willits and Adventist’s Bid line like that — but the district asked as far south as San Diego; in Central Robert Beehler, Adventist’s Market for certain things to happen, includDevelopment, Mergers & Acquisitions ADVENTIST continued on 12 »

5 July, 2018 Valley Voice

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FROM THE PUBLISHER'S DESK

The Old College Try We spent most of our five years in Mexico living in Santa Maria Bay, a perfect crescent about eight miles east of Cabo San Lucas. The first year there we lived in a house on a hill overlooking the few shoreline condos and, across the water, the Hotel Twin Dolphin. Except for the daily beachgoing tourist trudge, 25 years ago the place was largely deserted. There were not many residents; excluding the stray hotel guest and those who had rented condos, we had Santa Maria mostly to ourselves.

The best time was in the morning, before 10, and in the evening, at dusk. Another favorite time of mine was when a hurricane was in the offing–not making landfall, of course, but near enough to stir up good waves.

I still recall with some horror one particular summer morning.

The Chief had gone off to work and I was drinking coffee on the veranda. Behind me, in their rooms, the kids were sleeping. My sister had come for a week’s visit, and she was slumbering as well. The blue water of the bay was undulating from the storm winds of a system far at sea. From the top of the hill I could not tell how big the waves were, but by the sound of their crashing they must be mountainous. The surge was reaching uphill nearly all the way to the back patios of the condos.

On the beach a family I would soon learn came from Oklahoma was playing in the troughs created as each surge subsided back into the bay. These were like water slides, and I assume the trick was to roll out before being actually sucked into the water.

Because nobody in their right mind would willingly enter that maelstrom. Not even Oklahomans, with their well-honed knowledge of the sea.

So there I was, quaffing my coffee and reading a book, thoroughly satisfied with everything life had on offer. Here, in this tropical paradise, the kids were all safe and happy. My sister was visiting. The view

from my vantage point above the bay was exhilarating. And the coffee! I had somehow wangled, out of a Starbucks manager in Walnut Creek, California, the ability to purchase five-pound bags of French roast whenever I returned home to the Bay Area. These were not for sale to the public, but part of the batch each franchise received from its corporate supplier. Don’t ask me how I accomplished this.

Perhaps I suffered a rare spasm of something akin to charm.

Then came the screaming, which I initially took as evidence of the family’s bizarre enjoyment of those troughs. When it increased in stridency I peaked over the top of my book, amazed to see people in the bay.

A girl of about 10, her teenage brother and their father had gone into the water. And they were not having fun.

I don’t remember if I woke my sister to look after the kids. I don’t remember putting on shoes. I sped down our dirt road in my 1976 Volvo wagon, fishtailing and throwing up great gouts of dust. I parked and sprinted to the beach.

A small group of residents was trying to figure out what to do. I arrived just as the sea, literally, spat the teenager clear. Hands were laid upon him and, buck naked and vomiting a copious amount sandy water–a slurry, really–he was dragged out of danger.

But we couldn’t imagine how to rescue the other two. The waves were too high to see over, so we sent someone to climb the hotel-side hill for a better view. He only ever saw the girl, appearing and vanishing with the movement of the water.

A hotel guest, a man on his honeymoon–and a fire fighter, no less–was frantic to rescue her. “You go in there,” I told him, “and your marriage will end there. You’ll be killed.”

It was shouted down to us, after a few minutes’ more observation, that the child was dead. I don’t remember if the father was PUBLISHER’S DESK continued on 15 »

Valley Voice

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Valley Voice 5 July, 2018

POLITICAL FIX The Blue Wave Just Got a Few Feet Higher.

A group of Democrats are hoping to flip Republican districts and take over the House and Senate this November.

Things weren’t looking so great after the primary.

But that was before Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy stepped down.

Justice Kennedy is a Republican and was appointed by a Republican President, Ronald Reagan. But Mr. Kennedy turned out to make decisions based on upholding the constitution and not the Republican agenda. He was the swing vote in 76% his decisions.

Two of Mr. Kennedy’s most notable decisions were upholding Roe vs.

Wade in 1992 and making gay marriage legal. He not only cast the pivotal votes but wrote the majority opinion for marriage equality and was one of three justices to write the opinion for keeping abortion legal.

But he also was the swing vote concerning conservative issues such as voting rights, gun control, the Muslim Ban and Citizens United, which allowed for SuperPacs. He was also the deciding vote that made George Bush president in 2000.

On an interesting note, Kennedy voted against the constitutionality of Obamacare, and it was Justice John Roberts who voted with the more liberal justices to say the health care bill was constitutional.

Mr. Kennedy, who grew up in Sacramento, was appointed to fill an open seat after Robert Bork’s failed nomination and Douglas Ginsberg’s withdrawal of nomination because he smoked pot.

At 81, he’s the longest-serving member of the court at 30 years, and is the fourteenth longest-serving justice of the 114 who have sat on the bench.

Mr. Trump’s candidates to replace Mr. Kennedy come from a previously released list of 25 potential Supreme Court nominees put together by the Federalist Society. The candidates are young, conservative and have records of being steadfastly anti-abortion, LGBTQ rights and voting rights.

According to a Pew poll, 57% say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 40% say it should be illegal in all or most cases. So for those 40% the Federalist Society is doing a good job advising the president.

Mr. Trump has stated that he will not ask the abortion question while interviewing his candidates, but he doesn’t have to. It’s already been asked.

After Mr. Trump’s second Supreme Court nominee after Justice Neil Gorsuch was approved, Americans have about 18 months before abortion is illegal in the United States. And that means all states, because Supreme Court decisions are Federal.

So it won’t matter if someone lives in Oklahoma or California. Abortion will be illegal.

The Women’s March on Washington is considered the largest single-day demonstration in recorded U.S. history. In addition there were Women’s Marches across the country with the total number of marchers being four million.

And that was just to protest the Trump Presidency.

Any guesses on how many women will be protesting when their right to choose is taken away?

Soon after abortion is made illegal

the Supreme Court will then be deciding on gay marriage.

And thus the reason why Evangelicals made their Faustian Deal with Mr. Trump. He personifies everything they hate, but he promised them he would appoint justices that will get rid of abortion and gay rights and he is making good on those promises.

“Let’s Make America Great Again” is really Mr. Trump’s longing for a return to the 1950’s, an era to where straight, old, white men ruled the world.

And they are getting their wish.

Welcome MS-13 Class of 2026 to 2035!

Under President Trump’s “Zero Tolerance Policy,” 2,000 children were separated from their parents during the last few months and possibly 2000 more were taken during a trial period of his policy between October and December of last year.

No system was put in place to reunite children with their parents so the ones too young to know that “Mama” isn’t really their mother’s name, or the ones too small to talk, might never see their parents again.

Even if and when the children are reunited, they are still going to be damaged humans, making the zero tolerance policy the perfect foundation for the next generation of gang members.

If the most vulnerable of these kids is from two to eleven years old, 2026 should be the first class of MS13 gang members to graduate into adulthood.

Mr. Trump’s and Attorney General Sessions’ tweets and policies don’t express an understanding of the history of gangs and how the MS-13 and other Central American gangs formed in the U.S. It was not lax immigration policies, rather, these criminal groups spread largely in response to failed U.S. anti-crime policies in the 1980s.

The street gang Mara Salvatrucha 13 was born in the United States and developed in the streets of Los Angeles during that time.

Mr. Trump’s demonizing the immigrant population may recreate the conditions that ruptured communities and increased violence in the past.

The family separations are going to make it worse.

These kids will not just be gang members but psychopaths.

Migrants from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are fleeing persecution, violence, and death threats.

What these children have experienced in their native countries, their difficult journeys here, and early separations from their parents will have a profound effect on their ability to function in normal society.

According to the Washington Post, “If you take the moral, spiritual, even political aspect out of it, from a strictly medical and scientific point of view, what we as a country are doing to these children at the border is unconscionable,” said Luis H. Zayas, a psychiatry professor at the University of Texas at Austin. “The harm our government is now causing will take a lifetime to undo.”

There is a human cost to Mr. Trump’s zero tolerance policy, and it will be felt by all Americans, not just the kids.

It’s all an illusion

Remember during the economic meltdown in the fall of 2008? I re-

3 a column by CATHERINE DOE — catherine@ourvalleyvoice.com member the news being so dire that even I couldn’t watch it. The only relief was when former Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, with his huge head of hair, was caught selling President Barrack Obama’s former senate seat.

Mr. Blagojevich solicited bribes for the seat after Mr. Obama was elected president in 2008. He was taped by the FBI saying “I’ve got this thing, and it’s f**king golden. I’m just not giving it up for f**king nothing.”

I could have listened to that secret tape 1000 times rather than hear about the current state of the economy.

That’s when it hit home that not just the United States’, but the world economy, was built on a house of cards and now our day of reckoning had arrived.

Somehow the world economy was coaxed off the cliff, but it was just a bunch of fancy foot work.

Banks don’t actually have money, Wall Street transactions are just on paper, home mortgages are not based on real income. Everything is leveraged, on credit, sub-primed or on the razors edge of default.

Don’t believe me? Let’s see what would happen if everyone decided one day to go to the bank and withdraw their money.

Another illusion is the fact that we live in a society of law and order.

What have I learned being sued five times in last four years? That people break the law every day and with impunity.

And who is going to stop them? Lawyers?

Violent crimes and grand theft is pretty well covered. We don’t live in chaos.

But people commit financial elder abuse, conduct scams, violate their fiduciary duty, damage or steel property, and lie under oath, just to name a few, knowing nothing will happen as a result.

Most of these infractions would have to be prosecuted by the district attorney. But we only have one District Attorney in Tim Ward, and we would need 20 Tim Wards and 10 court houses just in Tulare County to handle all the laws being broken.

Now I just laugh when people say “Isn’t that illegal?”

The lessons I have learned tuning middle aged have been the similar to the lessons learned leaving adolescence.

Life isn’t what everyone tells you it is.

The same is true for the all those professional organizations like the American Bar Association and the American Medical Association, whose so called mission is to protect the public. Their real mission is to protect the lawyers and doctors who pay the organization’s dues.

Lawyers do not get disbarred for breaking the law or abusing their clients, and doctors don’t lose their licenses for killing their patients. Besides a few exceptions, the only time a lawyer gets disbarred or a doctor losses their license is if they go to jail.

When billionaire Mr. Trump said the system is rigged, he was right.

What he doesn’t tell his cheering blue collar base is that the system is rigged to his advantage and against them.

So after shattering all sense of economic, legal, and professional security, I have one last institution to debunk – our Democracy.

Incumbents, even unpopular ones, win election about 85% of the time. Entrenched incumbents are

even harder to beat. Because they get free publicity while in office and have a huge fundraising advantage with PAC money, incumbents almost always win, making it hard to consider it a free election.

Congressman Devin Nunes, who wins by a landslide, is a good example of just how few people control one district. Congressional District 22 has a population of about780,000, and 158,000 voted for him. Of course not all residents are old enough to vote, but that means Mr. Nunes represents a district where only 20% of the residents cast their ballot for him.

Just like the banks, what would happen if everyone voted? The world would look much different.

In the presidential election, Mr. Trump lost by three million votes. Is this what we now call a democratic election?

Russian President Vladimir Putin was “democratically” elected and has been president since 2000, with a puppet president from 2008 – 2012. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey was elected president in 2014, but changed his country’s constitution so he might be in power until 2034.

President Trump called Mr. Putin and Mr. Erdogan, congratulating them on their electoral victories and changing the constitution, while the international community has condemned them both as mocking Democracy and being autocrats.

Some people feel American Democracy is headed in the same direction.

If Mr. Trump does not get impeached he will be eligible to be president until 2024. But as Mr. Trump likes to say, “We’ll see.”

It might be longer.

Happy 4th of July!

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5 July, 2018 Valley Voice

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Tulare hospital district settles suit with former medical staff TONY MALDONADO

tony@ourvalleyvoice.com

A group of doctors ousted by the former Tulare Local Healthcare District board has reached a settlement with the district. The Tulare Regional Medical Center Medical Staff (TRMCMS) will be restored to its former status under the settlement agreement; the district’s board had previously voted to separate itself from the group in January 2016.

Under the agreement, the district will dissolve the Professional Medical Staff of Tulare Regional Medical Center, the group formed as a replacement, and reinstate the bylaws that had existed before the TRMCMS group was pushed out.

“Doctors make any hospital successful,” district board president Kevin Northcraft said in a press release.

“We are especially grateful for the MEC’s willingness to put the past behind us, resolve this matter and move forward with us toward reopening the hospital.”

The district would also agree to pay the group’s legal expenses, estimated at $300,000, and funds collected by the replacement group would be transferred to the former medical staff. $100,000 would become payable four months after the hospital reopens, another $100k eight months after it reopens, and another $100k twelve months after it reopens.

Attorneys for the medical staff group indicate they have also reached a settlement with Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (HCCA), the hospital’s former management company.

The group had filed suit against the district, HCCA, and the group of

doctors formed as the replacement medical staff. “[The] settlement is a significant victory in protecting the ability of doctors, individually and through their medical staffs, to care for patients in Tulare County,” California Medical Association (CMA) President Theodore M. Mazer, M.D. said in the press release.

“This settlement brings closure to a long legal fight over the improper interference into the physician-patient relationship and the autonomy of a medical staff’s responsibility for medical decision making and peer review.

It sends an important message well beyond Tulare, but most importantly, it allows for the Tulare Regional Medical Center to begin the process of reopening its doors to the patients of Tulare County, who have suffered tremendously from its closure.”

The settlement stipulates that the hospital’s actions in disassociating with the former medical staff violated the right to self-governance of the doctors that practiced there.

The settlement, if entered as a judgement by the court, would close a multi-year lawsuit that had snaked through the Tulare County Superior Court.

The group filed suit after the district’s former board ousted them in January 2016; former board members had claimed that an inspection by the California Department of Public Health had caused them to believe the hospital would be closed if they didn’t do so.

All involved say Dr. Everett Davis, one of the inspectors, gave scathing remarks during his inspection that led hospital officials to believe the hospital could be closed without taking

drastic action.

“The imminent threat created by “I don’t know what he told me. I the old medical staff was communidon’t recall that because he was so in- cated to hospital personnel by surveysulting. I stopped hearing him. Looks ors from the Center for Medicare and like I was some kind of piece of crap in Medicaid Services (CMS),” a statement front of him that he has to dehumanize issued by HCCA during the time of me,” Dr. Parmod Kumar, a board mem- the trial read. “CMS based their threat ber at the time, testified. “It was so — I of closure in large part on the histojust blocked my mind and looked at ry of dysfunction between the Gov10 or 15 other inspectors in the room, erning Board and the leaders of the and I said to myformer medical self, ‘What is this?’ staff, which led to Doctors make any I don’t know what the failure of the hospital successful. medical staff to the hell he was saying to me.” conduct appropriWe are especially The relationgrateful for the MEC’s ate credentialing ship between the and peer review of willingness to put the physicians.”

TRMCMS group and the board Kumar latpast behind us, rehad been fracer emerged as a solve this matter and pivotal figure in tured during the time leading up to move forward with us the switch to a the split. toward reopening the new medical staff John Har-- multiple physihospital. well, an attorney cians say he had representing the Kevin Northcraft, President of the reached out to TRMCMS group, Tulare Local Healthcare District’s them to form the said at the time new group.

Board of Directors. that the move was Drs. Ronald unprecedented.

Ostrom, Anthony “One day, in secret, the elected dis- Trujillo, and Rebecca Zulim testified trict board voted to fire the medical that they had all been contacted by Kustaff, all 135 of them, and replaced them mar, who had asked them to join the with a miraculous new medical staff new staff. that included a member of the Board, “He said we needed to form a new his wife and someone associated with MEC,” Ostrom said.

Dr. (Benny) Benzeevi (CEO of Health The group later met at the home Care Conglomerate Associates (HCCA), of former Tulare City Councilman Skip which operates TRMC),” Harwell said Barwick, where they decided to move . “(The replacement staff) just sprung forward with the creation of new byout of nowhere and announced they laws, utilizing the hospital’s former were a new medical staff, that they had law firm, BakerHostetler. bylaws and regulations, which is just “The decision was made at that astonishing, because bylaws and reg- meeting at Mr. Barwick’s house, we’re ulations take months to put together, going to go forward with the medical not hours.” staff,” Kumar said during the trial.

Hospital officials had charged Attorneys for the former medical that peer review and credentialing staff had charged that the motivaprocesses had languished, and that tion to disassociate from the former they had been left unresolved for group was, at least in part, due to dismonths to years. ciplinary actions the staff’s Medical Ex“Peer review” is a process in which ecutive Committee had lodged against medical staffs can evaluate the work of Kumar. He was required to take classes a fellow doctor and determine if any for recordkeeping after it was found issues were present.

“

MEDICAL STAFF continued on 16 »

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Valley Voice 5 July, 2018

5

AGRICULTURE

Farmers and deputies work to deter theft CHRISTINE SOUZA, CFBF It’s a busy time on the farm, as farmers harvest crops, apply materials and prepare ground for planting. But the tools farmers need to do the work of agriculture—including large equipment such as tractors, implements and other property—are often targeted by thieves, creating a headache and added cost for growers.

“For tractors and large equipment, a lot of times they are crimes of opportunity,” said Tulare County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chad Rhyman of the Agricultural Crimes Unit. “A lot of times, tractors are left out in the middle of fields or orchards. Once the crew gets off work, they leave the tractor and other equipment on site—and the next morning they come back and the tractor, quad or other equipment is gone.”

Tulare County citrus grower Peter Alvitre, managing partner of California Clementines, has experienced theft. He said a sudden loss of large equipment means “you are out a substantial investment.”

“A theft can delay cultural activities, which can substantially impact you if you are trying to get things planted, or if the loss of that tractor delays a spray, then you can sustain substantial damage from pests,” Alvitre said. “If you are spending days lining up a rental, getting it delivered or picking it up, then you are not getting that crop harvested in a timely fashion.”

Agricultural crime units in Tulare and Kern counties reported thefts of thousands of dollars of agricultural equipment this month, including tractors, all-terrain vehicles, utility trailers, farm implements and more.

In Tulare County this year, farmers and ranchers have reported approximately $440,000 in heavy equipment theft; of that, $275,000 worth of stolen equipment has been recovered, Rhyman said.

Kern County farmer Leah Volkoff of Volkoff Family Farms in Shafter said rural crime has cost the family and its insurance company several hundred thousand dollars, including to replace stolen equipment, a pickup truck, agricultural chemicals and dozens of batteries from equipment.

“We weld on locks over batteries and motors, which helps, but that makes them harder to service and work on,” Volkoff said. “We end up having trouble when, despite all of the locks and welded metal to hinder theft, people still try to steal the stuff, and we end up with tractors torn up when people try to chain the equipment to their vehicles and pull stuff off. It’s really a big problem.”

Senior Depu- Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit detective John Nicholson applies Smartwater, ty Casey Brunsell a marking technology, to a tractor at a citrus farm in Visalia. Farmers are encouraged to mark property of the Kern Coun- with identifiers so law enforcement can locate owners of stolen property that has been recovered. Cecilia ty Sheriff’s Rural Parsons/CFBF marking equipment with an identifier • Hide ATVs, quads or utility veCrime Investigasuch as an Owner-Applied Number so hicles inside a locked garage, tion Unit describes the county’s ruwhen stolen property is recovered, it shop or large storage containral-crime problems as “significant,” can be returned to the farm. er, so they are not as visible. and adds, “We want to work in partIn addition to OAN, Alvitre is apply• Report crimes as they hapnership with the affected businesses ing Smartwater, a chemically coded, pen. Many counties now have to address the problems.” colorless liquid that can be applied as online reporting systems, “The message we always want to an identifier to equipment and propthrough which reports can get out is: Talk to your neighbors, talk erty.

The liquid fluoresces under ulbe issued a case number and to your friends, talk about what’s gotraviolet light and transfers onto skin assigned to detectives. For ing on and talk to law enforcement,” and clothing.

Signage for the farm and crimes with evidence, have a said Brunsell, president of the Califordecals for equipment remind woulddetective arrive and process nia Rural Crime Prevention Task Force. be thieves that the property is protectevidence such as fingerprints, Deputies recommend farmers ed by the technology. shoe tracks or vehicle tracks. and ranchers make it as difficult as Deputies in some California coun• Maintain a relationship with possible for thieves to steal agriculturties are actively promoting the use of the local sheriff’s department al property.

Smartwater, noting that it serves as a and its agricultural crime “Farmers who have been victims secondary identifier if thieves grind unit detectives, and be aware of thefts multiple times, figure out a off identification and OAN numbers, of the California Rural Crime new way to do things, or create a new making it more difficult to identify the Prevention Task Force, which measure of security, either by hiring true owner of a piece of equipment. strives to make rural commua private security company or having In addition to use of a marking sysnities safer.

GPS or a LoJack (tracking) device intem, rural crime detectives suggest the The task force website contains stalled,” Rhyman said. “In one case, a following crime-prevention measures: more information about rural crime tractor was stolen and the farmer said, • Remove keys from equipment prevention: www.crcptf.org.

‘I have GPS on it,’ so we just went and when not in use; remove the (Christine Souza is an assistant edgot it from its location.” battery, battery cable or fuses itor of Ag Alert. She may be contacted With his citrus harvest complete, if leaving equipment unseat csouza@cfbf.com.)

Alvitre said, time spent on equipment cured; or else secure equipThis article reprinted with the permaintenance is a good time to address ment behind a locked gate or mission of the California Farm Bureau crime-prevention measures, including inside of a shop.

Federation.

Commentary: Simple conversations can help ease info gap SHILOH PERRY, AFBF Americans are increasingly curious about our food. We want to know what’s in our food and how it is produced. We are interested in the latest food and dietary trends.

Current consumer behavior presents an opportunity for those involved in agriculture, and we need to act on it.

For example, people may have emotional reasons for eating certain foods. Dietary trends are not going away—they just change. False information about agriculture also gets thrown in the mix and complicates things even further.

The average American is at least three generations removed from the farm. As more people move away from farm and ranch work, the gap between farmers and consumers expands, and the need for a general understanding of agriculture becomes even more pressing.

It is time for those of us with a connection to agriculture to refine our efforts to bridge this information gap.

If you are like me, you know this effort is extremely important but are unsure where to begin. You are also passionate about agriculture and care about how it is perceived by the public, but feel that sharing the story of America’s farmers and ranchers can sometimes be daunting.

Reconnecting people with the origins of their food is no small task. It is a huge undertaking that takes time and involves many different methods, steps and complexities. In my career, I have learned that to explain farmers’ priorities, the techniques of modern agriculture or why farmers do what they do, it’s most effective to start small. Here are three ways to do just that.

• Invest in others. This seems like common sense, but it makes all the difference, especially when everyone is al-

ways on the go and thinking

JOHN DEERE 8430T

COMMENTARY continued on 6 »

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6

AGRICULTURE

Farm Bureau welcomes farm bill passage STAFF REPORTS New federal farm legislation passed today by the U.S. Senate includes many of the top priorities identified by the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The bill establishes federal policy on agricultural programs encompassing conservation, nutrition, commodities, trade, research, rural development and other topics. The Senate bill will be reconciled in conference committee with a farm bill passed by the House last week.

“The farm bill represents a five-

year agreement between farmers and the American people,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said. “We will encourage our representatives to meld the best elements of the House and Senate bills to create a modern farm bill that serves farmers, ranchers, rural Americans and everyone who depends on the nation’s agricultural production.”

Johansson noted that the bill preserves conservation programs important to California farmers and ranchers and maintains investments in trade development, organic agriculture and programs to aid production of specialty crops such as vegetables, nuts

and fruits. He said the measure also encourages research into mechanization, which offers a partial remedy for ongoing employee shortages on farms and ranches.

“This commitment to research acknowledges the need for long-term solutions for agricultural labor needs, and at the same time creates resources to develop innovative ways to harvest and care for crops,” Johansson said.

“On the other hand, the bill isn’t perfect,” he added. “We would like to see an improved risk-management program for dairy farms and changes to eligibility requirements for

conservation programs that would allow more California farmers and ranchers to participate. The federal government also needs to adjust its definition of the term ‘rural,’ so more California communities could qualify for programs to improve facilities in rural regions.”

Current federal farm legislation is due to expire in September.

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 40,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members.

Farm bill moves from Senate into conference CHRISTINE SOUZA, CFBF Federal farm policies and programs that impact California farmers and ranchers are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, as a House-Senate conference committee negotiates the 2018 Farm Bill. The House may also vote again on agricultural immigration legislation.

The Senate passed its version of the farm bill last week, which will need to be reconciled with the bill passed earlier by the House. The farm

bill establishes federal policy on programs affecting conservation, nutrition, commodities, trade, research, rural development and other topics.

California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson said the bill represents “a five-year agreement between farmers and the American people,” and that the Senate bill included many top priorities identified by CFBF. “We will encourage our representatives to meld the best elements of the House and Senate bills to create a

modern farm bill that serves farmers, ranchers, rural Americans and everyone who depends on the nation’s agricultural production,” Johansson said.

He said the measure also encourages research into mechanization, which offers a partial remedy for ongoing employee shortages on farms and ranches.

“This commitment to research acknowledges the need for long-term solutions for agricultural labor needs, and at the same time creates resources to develop innovative ways to harvest

and care for crops,” Johansson said.

“On the other hand, the bill isn’t perfect,” he added. “We would like to see an improved risk-management program for dairy farms and changes to eligibility requirements for conservation programs that would allow more California farmers and ranchers to participate. The federal government also needs to adjust its definition of the term ‘rural,’ so more California communities could qualify for programs to improve facilities in

FARM BILL continued on 14 »

Despite the abundance of water, shortages continue WESTLANDS WATER DISTRICT The United States Bureau of Reclamation updated the allocations for south-of-Delta Central Valley Project (CVP) agricultural water service contractors and for south-of-Delta CVP municipal and industrial water service contractors.

The new allocations, 40% and 75%, respectively, are significantly less than reasonably could be made by Reclamation, and given current hydrological conditions, are inexplicable.

The last hydrologic year, 2017, was the wettest year on record in the Sacra-

COMMENTARY continued from 5

about completing the next item on a never-ending to-do list. It is important for us to take the time for and actively

mento River watershed, and presently, all CVP reservoirs are above their historic average (Shasta 111%, Folsom 113%, Trinity 105%, New Melones 135%, and San Luis 121%) for this date.

With the abundance of water, the 40% and 75% allocations reveal that regulations, not the availability of water, are creating supply shortages and impediments to the efficient operation of the CVP. “If the system cannot provide an adequate amount of water when water levels are above average, then clearly changes need to be made to the regulations governing the CVP,” said participate in conversations about food and agriculture with other people. Think of these discussions as talks you would have with a good friend. Have them often, be personable and show interest in what others prioritize, and

Jon Rubin, Interim Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.

The allocations this year are particularly harmful to communities served

by CVP water because they depend on higher allocations in years of water abundance to offset lower allocations in dry years.

“The state’s groundwater aquifers need to be replenished when supplies are available but that cannot happen if water deliveries are limited when surface water is available to deliver to farmers,” said Rubin.

Rubin called on Reclamation and

other federal agencies to reevaluate their decision-making process given the fact that the restrictive operations of the CVP have been counterproductive for all uses of water, including for environmental purposes.

The federal government continues to report a decline in fish populations.

Communities served by the CVP have received progressively lower allocations which has impacted groundwater and water quality.

And, farmers have been forced to fallow land and cut food production due to the uncertainly around water deliveries.

they are likely to do the same.

Be open to opposing and new viewpoints. Being too quick to judge is never helpful. We need to take off our judgmental hats and listen, in order to understand others’ perspectives. Try to find out as much as you can about the person and the reasoning behind his or her stated beliefs about agriculture. You never know— you may learn something, and it is always helpful to better understand how different facets of agriculture are perceived.

Always be ready to share.

Conversations about agriculture and food can happen anywhere. For me, the richest

opportunities for agricultural advocacy always happen at the most surprising times, which means it’s important to be prepared. Keep a couple of personal examples backed by facts and specific statistics in your back pocket. This will help you capitalize on opportunities by appealing to others through both science and emotion.

Simple conversations are an effective way to share agriculture’s story. Investing a small amount of time, striving for productive interactions and providing solid examples can go a long way.

This commentary was reprinted with the permission of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

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VALLEYSCENE

ourvalleyvoice.com

Tim Z. Hernandez, CA Poet Laureate Dana Gioa to stop in Visalia STAFF REPORTS

Parker Chalabian stars as Seymour and Chloe Hunt as Audrey in the summer Theatre Company production of “Little Shop of Horrors”.

“Little Shop of Horrors” opens in Visalia July 20 TULARE COUNTY OFFICE OF ED. This month, the Theatre Company has prepared a full-scale production of “Little Shop of Horrors” with a twist. The popular rock musical about Seymour, a hapless florist shop worker who raises a man-eating plant from outer space, is being staged in the 1980s, rather than the 1960s where it was originally set.

Seymour, his man-eating plant, Audrey, Mr. Mushnik, the crazed dentist, and all the supporting characters from their Skid Row neighborhood will be transported to the era of Madonna and Members Only jackets.

“Taking this cult classic and putting it onstage with a twist has been more fun and challenging than any of us originally imagined,” said Theatre Company director Bethany Rader. “While the show is designed to take place in the ‘60s, as we listened to the new cast recording, we envisioned Skid Row as an ‘80s punk scene with the character of Audrey heavily influenced by singer, Madonna.”

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a high-energy production from the moment the curtain opens. One musical number

leads right into the next – songs written in early rock and roll and Motown styles.

Little Shop of Horrors premiered OffOff-Broadway in 1982. The production was critically acclaimed and won several awards including the 1982–1983 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, and the Outer Critics Circle Award. In 1986, the musical was made into a movie of the same name.

Redwood High School senior Parker Chalabian stars in the role of Seymour, who pines for his coworker Audrey.

“Seymour is often portrayed as anxious and awkward,” he said. “But he’s more than that; he’s a nice guy and Audrey sees that. Yes, he’s shy and a little awkward, but deep down, he’s a nice guy. It has been fun to bring those qualities to this character.”

Chloe Hunt, a junior at Golden West High School, plays the part of Audrey.

“She is a completely different character than I’ve ever played,” she said.

“The characters of Mary Lennox (from “The Secret Garden”) and Ariel (from “Little Mermaid”) were very strongwilled. Audrey is vulnerable, has low

LITTLE SHOP continued on 10 »

Family medicine physician joins the Tulare Cardiology Center STAFF REPORTS Family medicine physician Roy Kin-Wai Chan, MD, is now seeing patients at the Tulare Cardiology Center, an affiliate of the Kaweah Delta Medical Foundation.

Dr. Chan has been with the Tulare VA Community-Based Outreach Center since 2012, providing primary care and women’s health care for veterans. He is Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

“I have been in the area for almost seven years, and I really wanted to stay here,” Dr. Chan noted. “The VA is going through a lot of changes, and this opportunity allows me to maintain access to my patients here.”

Dr. Chan served his family medicine residency at The Ohio State University

Medical Center and earned his doctor of medicine degree at University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

His personal experiences battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma while in medical school have helped him develop a “unique perspective” on the patient experience, he added.

“Statistics show that many diseases can be prevented in the early stages of life and that good primary care can prevent disease,” he added. “The art of medicine is reaching the patients with this information. Quality, compassionate care is the model for my practice.”

The Tulare Cardiology Center, an affiliate of the Kaweah Delta Medical Foundation, is located at 938 N. Cherry, Tulare. To make an appointment, or for further information, call 686-3481.

Tulare County Library, with support from the California Center for the Book and Poets & Writers, Inc., present Poet Tim Z. Hernandez and California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia at the Visalia Branch Library July 6, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Following the writing workshop at 3:00 pm, Hernandez, Gioia and local poets will provide a public poetry reading at 4:30 pm.

Tim Z. Hernandez, a featured author at the first Tulare County Book Festival, is a Tulare County native and a nationally acclaimed author and poet.

His books include Skin Tax, Breathing, in Dust, Natural Takeover of Small Things, Manana Means Heaven, and All They Will Call You. Mr. Hernandez’s received the 2010 Premio Aztlan Prize in Fiction, 2014 Colorado Book Award, and the 2014 International Latino Book Award in historical fiction.

Dana Gioia is a native California, the current California Poet Laureate,

and a former chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts. His books of poetry include 99 Poems: New and Selected, Pity the Beautiful, Interrogations at Noon, The Gods of Winter, and Daily Horoscope. Mr. Gioia’s received the 2002 American Book Award, the Aiken-Tyler Award for lifetime achievement in American poetry, and the 2010 Laetare Medal among many more.

This event is supported by the California Center for the Book and Poets & Writers, Inc. The California Center for the Book is supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum & Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administrated in California by the State Librarian.

Support for Poets & Writers’ Readings & Workshops program in California is provided by the California Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Additional support comes from the Friends of Poets & Writers.

Cal Ripken World Series returning to Visalia in July 2019 STAFF REPORTS Visalia Convention & Visitors Bureau (VCVB) is excited to announce the Cal Ripken World Series will be returning to Visalia in July of 2019!

The Cal Ripken World Series first came to Visalia in 2011 when Visalia became the first host team to win the championship title. Every year the World Series averages 900 plus players. In 2011, the city saw 7,000 plus local and out of town attendees.

Visalia Cal Ripken and VCVB look forward to welcoming those teams and attendees come next July. However, the city won’t have to wait long to welcome some of California’s top teams because the 2018 Central California Cal Ripken State Tournaments for 9 and 10 year olds will also be held in Visalia! These tournaments will take place at the Riverway Sports Park on July 2-7, 2018.

Approximately 24 Cal Ripken Baseball teams are heading to Visalia for the Fourth of July Week to bat their way to the championships. The teams are coming from all over the Central California including: Lodi

and Ripon in the North, Pismo and Templeton to the West, and local

teams include Clovis, Fresno, Hanford, Tulare and Visalia.

Cal Ripken Baseball falls under the Babe Ruth League, Inc. whose mission statement is to teach kids the rules of the game, the skills and the basics of sportsmanship. This organization believes that any child wishing to play baseball or softball should be supplied the opportunity.

For more information about the Cal Ripken State Tournament visit @CenCalState2018 on Instagram and Facebook.

5 July, 2018 Valley Voice

8

Book Notes

Pacific: The Ocean of the Future NEWELL BRINGHURST newellgb@hotmail.com

Pacific: The Ocean of the Future by prolific British-American writer Simon Winchester is essentially a biography of the vast body of water considered the earth’s “dominant entity.” The Pacific covering some 64 million square miles contains forty-five percent of the planet’s surface water.

Winchester’s energetically-written, highly-informative volume relates the ocean’s story through a series of ten chapters, each focusing on a pivotal episode affecting the region and its people. Chronologically, they span the seventy years, from 1945 to 2015. The initial chapter, “The Great Thermonuclear Sea” describes the testing of nuclear bombs—a process commencing with an underwater plutonium device exploded on the Bikini Atoll in 1946. The continuing testing of ever more powerful bombs over the following two decades exposed local islanders and their natural environment to massive doses of radiation as deadly as that suffered by the Japanese of Hiroshima at the conclusion of World War II. Subsequent chapters are equally enlightening. In a more upbeat one, the author discusses Japan’s miraculous post-World War II recovery and subsequent emergence as a technological dynamo, exemplified in the

so-called “transistor radio revolution” of the 1960s. The name SONY was chosen by radio manufacturer, Akio Morita, inspired by the Al Jolson song, “Sonny Boy.” By contrast, a gloomy chapter addresses the adverse effects of climate change, focusing on the “down-under” continent-nation of Australia.

Particularly destructive, was a 1974 super-cyclone called Tracy, that “crushed building after building” in the tough north coast town of Darwin. In more recent times, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered irreparable damage. This region an essential part of the earth’s fragile ecosystem has been characterized by the author as “the marine equivalent of a rain forest.”

A light-hearted chapter fo-

cuses on pop culture—the emergence of surfing as a popular American pastime. Surfing’s primary proponent, one George Freeth, an Irish-Hawai ian, transported the island sport from Hawaii to the California coast.

Surfing’s most ardent advocates included novelist Jack London, and the Beach Boys.

Also highlighted are the region’s shifting political dynamics.

The so called “Korean conundrum” is summed up in the in the saga of the USS Pueblo, an American spy ship captured by North Korean armed forces after wandering too close to that nation’s shores in 1966. The British Empire’s slow decline is highlighted in the unseemly, albeit mysterious sinking of the luxury liner RMS Queen Elizabeth in Hong Kong

harbor in 1972.

The subsequent loss of United States influence is related in the rapid withdrawal of American armed forces from the Philippines following the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

The volume ends with a sobering concluding chapter characterizing the Pacific “a hot zone of superpower rivalry,” pitting the United States against China—the latter an ascending power and the former in decline. This ongoing trend, has been reflected in the increasingly intrusiveness of the Chinese navy which “keeps on getting larger and larger, its area of operations wider and wider, and… its territorial claims ever more egregious,” This development has prompted Winchester to provocatively propose that it might “be a good thing if we [America] were to allow the East its turn, rather than falling back on our old notions of racial superiority.”

In sum, Simon Winchester’s Pacific: The Ocean of the Future will appeal to readers interested in the ever-changing dynamics of the region, which has profoundly affected the course of human history. *Newell G. Bringhurst, a retired COS Professor of History and Political Science welcomes responses and comments at newellgb@ hotmail.com

Valley Voice 5 July, 2018

Calendar

Weekends through July 28: Vintage Hitchcock At the Porterville Barn Theater. A Live Radio Play. Styled in the form of a 1940’s radio broadcast featuring 3 of the master of suspense earlier films, “The Lodger”, “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” this live radio play comes complete with vintage commercials,through the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring. times and tickets, call 559-310-7046.

July 13, July 20: Summer Night Lights 7-10pm - At Murry Park in Porterville.

Featuring a local free resource fair, movie under the stars, bounce houses, raffle prizes, food, games. Movie starts at dusk. For more information, visit the City of Porterville website or call (559) 782-7521.

July 6, 13, 20: Visalia Parks & Rec Presents Movies in the Park 8pm - Films are shown on our giant inflatable movie screen at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, picnic dinner and snacks. (No alcohol allowed.) The Lego Ninjago Movie June 22, The Lion King June 29. Wonder July 6, Jumanji July 13th, and Coco on July 20th.

July 14, 28: Visalia Parks & Rec Community Pool Party Series 12-3pm - Free swim during this lifeguard supervised pool time.

July 5 - July 14: Tulare Public Library Summer Reading Program, Fridays at 11:15am: Preschool Storytime; Saturdays at 12:30pm: Family Storytime; first Thursday of each month at 1:15pm: Bilingual Storytime July 6 – July 20: Events at the Dinuba Library July 6 at 2pm – Family Rock Painting Workshop, July 11 at 11am – Steve Martin Wildlife, July 18 at 2pm – Journal Making with Rosie and Friends, Teen Event, ages 13-19, July 20 at 3pm – Teen Painting Takes You Everywhere Workshop. (559) 591-5829, July 5- July 19: Events at the Ivanhoe Library July 5 at 3:30 pm – Katie Baker: Service Dogs, July 6 at 3:30 pm – Family Rock Painting Workshop, July 12 at 3:30 pm – Steve Martin Wildlife, July 19 at 3:30 pm – Rock Talk with Debbie Havner (559) 798-1264 July 6 - July 18: Events at the London Library July 6 at 3pm – Family Rock Painting Workshop, July 11 at 3pm – Family Craft Workshop, July 18 at 3pm – Family Movie Day (559) 591-1017 July 5 – July 18: Events at the Orosi Branch Library July 5 at 2:30pm – Family Fun Day: Board Game Day, July 11 at 2:30pm – Tulare County Fire Station 4, July 18 at 2:30pm – Tulare County Sheriff. (559) 591-5830 July 6: Brandon-Mitchell Gallery Art Show 5-8pm: Peg Bonnar Hutson will put her art and music skills together when she kicks off her art show at the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery during the Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk on.

Center for Spiritual Living, 117 S. Locust 559 625-2441 or www.cslvisalia.org.

July 7: Gigantic Indoor Yard Sale.

8am – 2pm. Sell your items at the Visalia Convention Center Indoor Yard Sale.

Residential, Commercial & Non-Profit spaces available. Admission at door: $3 for 1, $5 for 2.

July 13 - August 3: Movies in the Park at Del Lago Park, Tulare Movie nights begin July 13: Emoji Mov-

9 ie, July 27: Despicable Me 3, August 3: Cars 3. At Mulcahy Park July 20 ‘COCO.” Movies begin around 8:15pm. free.

July 14: Three Rivers Historical Museum Hot Dog Festival 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 42268 Sierra Drive, Hot Dogs with all the fixin’s, Frito boats & chili, Corn on the Cob, A&W Float Mobile serving Root Beer Floats $8.00 559 561-2707 July 20 - 2nd Annual Dream Big Golf Tournament at Valley Oaks Golf Course.

Benefit students participating in The PULSE Afterschool Program at VUSD middle schools. For registration details, contact Frank Escobar at 730-7570 or at fescobar@vusd.org.

July 27 - August 19 -The Kings Players present Little Women Every Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Temple Theater, 514 E. Visalia St. in Hanford.

July 28: Boots, Brews, & Bacon Festival at the Visalia Convention Center 6 - 10 PM, Unlimited beer tasting, live music, local restaurants featuring their best bacon bite samples, cash prize for the best bacon bite as voted by attendees, bacon eating contest, and pub games. VIP: $75; general admission: $30 July 29: Inaugural Quinceañera Expo 12-4pm, featuring: Quinceañera Fashion Show, Hair & Make-up Demos, Live Performances, Giveaways, and the top Quinceañera vendors in the Central Valley. Admission: $7 | Quinceañeras are FREE Children 10 and Under FREE July 31: Blood Drive Visalia Public Cemetery District 7:30am to 11:30am at the cemetery chapel,Cindy Summers, 559-734-6181 Office September 28th: The Visalia Chamber and Vossler Farms will host Oktoberfest 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Tickets go on sale July 1st and include entrance a mug for samples, tasting from more than 20 restaurants and live music. $40.00 in advance, $50.00 the day of and can be purchased at www.visaliachamber.org/ oktoberfest.

Tues-Wed: 3PM-7PM; Thu-Sat: 11AM2PM Tulare Public Library, Veterans Resource Center, Referral services to all veterans and their families. Saturday 10:00 – 2:00pm until July 14.“First Saturday Friends of the Library Used Book Sale” is now held in the Library Café Space.June 28 The Last Thursday Book Club, 6:00 pm on to discuss Lilac Girls. To register for book clubs or computer classes call 685-4503.

Every Tuesday/Friday: Visalia Duplicate Bridge Club 12pm Tuesdays, 7pm Fridays - $6 on Tuesdays, including lunch. $7 on Fridays. At First Christian Church, 1023 N. Chinowth St. http://www.acbldistrict22. com/548/ 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, 10am-12:30pm 210 W Center Street Visalia. Everyone is welcome.

Mondays: Monday Karaoke at Barmageddon, 9pm-1am Karaoke Jockey Miss Sammi will be hosting from 9pm - 1am. No Cover.

Tuesdays: Barmageddon Trivia Thunderdome, 9pm-1am Challenge your friends to the ultimate trivia throwdown.

Earn some bragging rights in categories ranging from Saturday morning cartoons, classic video games, and pop culture films. Free sign ups at 9:30pm.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7am Healing Hearts Walks Walk a 1 mile loop on the paved roads inside the Visalia Cemetery, Free coffee.

Meet at the Veteran’s Memorial Wall.

For more information call 734-6181.

2nd Tuesday, Monthly: Yappy Hour, 5-9pm Well-mannered, leashed pets are welcome at the Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria, 514 East Main Street, Suite A, in Visalia. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Valley Oak SPCA. (559) 651-1111.

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

1st Thursday Monthly through October: Diabetes Support Group, 5:30-7pm Kaweah Delta Health Care District offers a free diabetes support group through October from on the first Thursday of the month at the Kaweah Delta Chronic Disease Management Center, 325 Willis St., Visalia. Information: (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 Rd, 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 200 E. Sierra Ave., Woodlake. Information: (559) 624-2416.

3rd Thursday, Monthly: Gathering At the Oval, 12:30-1pm Lifting up the needs and concerns of Visalia through individual prayer and meditation at Oval Park, 808 North Court Street in Visalia.(559) 967-4065.

3rd Thursday, Monthly: Board Game Night, 6-7:45pm Ages 10+ at the Visalia Library, 200 West Oak Street. Sign-ups are not required.

(559) 713-2703.

3rd Thursday, Monthly: Ladies’ Night, 6-10pm At the Clay Cafe in Visalia, 1018 E. Mineral King Ave. $10 studio fee with ceramic purchase. Includes complimentary margarita, dinner and dessert. Door prizes too! Reservations required: (559) 733-2022.

Fridays: Women’s Morning Bible Study, 9am-Noon 210 W Center Street Visalia.Information call: (559) 739-9010 1st Saturday, Monthly: AGLOW, Visalia Speaker Meeting at Christian Faith Fellowship Freedom Hall, 506 N. Court Street, Visalia. Live music and finger food.

Saturdays: Cup of Jazz, 10am-Noon At Cafe 210, Visalia. Free. Richard Garoogian. (559) 730-0910.

5 July, 2018 Valley Voice

10

West Hills Lemoore welcomes CHOICES program wins state two new coaches, one dean prevention grant STAFF REPORTS The Fall 2018 semester at West Hills College Lemoore will welcome several fresh faces, including two new coaches for two new athletic programs and a new Dean of Student Services.

WHCL recently announced the addition of Men’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball to its roster of sports offerings and has hired coaches: Donnye Ross as the Men’s Basketball Coach and Kelly Wigton as the Women’s Volleyball Coach.

WHCL has also hired a new Dean of Student Services, Elmer Aguilar.

Aguilar will assist in program and policy development.

Aguilar comes to West Hills from Porterville College, where he served as the Student Success and Support Program/Student Equity Program Manager. There, he helped develop policies and processes.

He has also previously served as an Educational Advisor at Porterville College and as an Outreach Counselor at California State University, Fresno in addition to other student services leadership roles at UCLA, USC, Cal State LA, and East Los Angeles College.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Fresno.

Kelly Wigton, WHCL’s first ever Women’s Volleyball Coach, has a breadth of experience both as a volleyball player and in leadership roles.

Wigton has previously worked as a Beachbody Coach and high school volleyball coach.

She has been playing volleyball since the age of 11 and has played competitively for Humboldt State, Vanguard University, Santa Rosa Junior College, and on high school and club teams. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from California State University of Bakersfield.

Donnye Ross is the inaugural Men’s Basketball Coach at West Hills College Lemoore.

He comes to WHCL after serving as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Assistant Athletic Director and Physical Education and Psychology instructor at Imperial Valley College.

He has also served as a coach or athletic administrator at Solano Community College, Cosumnes River College, Richmond High School and Sacramento High School.

His coaching experience stretches back to 2000. He holds an MS in Sports Management from Nova Southeastern University and is in the process of earning his Psy.D Doctor of Psychology degree with a specialization in Sports and Performance Psychology from University of the Rockies.

STAFF REPORTS Last month, the CHOICES Program received a portion of a statewide tobacco use prevention grant. Statewide, over $30 million was awarded to California counties with $885,000 going to the Tulare County Office of Education.

Locally, the funds will be used to develop a community-wide prevention program in partnership with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Tulare Police Department, Tulare City School District’s middle schools, and single school districts in southwest Tulare County.

The 25-month grant will include an education component delivered by a CHOICES specialist trained in evidence-based tobacco education. The grant will also include two full-time law enforcement officers to help with school presentations and to meet with tobacco retailers in the southwest portion of the county.

“Through this grant, schools and law enforcement will work together to reduce tobacco sales to minors and increase youth understanding of the long-term harm from tobacco use,” said Tony Cavanagh, CHOICES project coordinator/prevention education.

“In addition to classroom education, we will work with local merchants, educating them on the laws concerning tobacco sales to minors.” Mr. Cavanagh reports that the CHOICES specialist and officers will assess businesses

Visalia Medical Clinic expands dermatology staff STAFF REPORTS Visalia Medical Clinic has added Ashley Parish, certified physician assistant, to the dermatology department.

Parish provides support to dermatologist Duane Whitaker, MD, and will work with Darlene Franks, RN, FNP, who has been seeing patients in the VMC dermatology department for many years.

In addition to being a certified physician assistant, Parish completed training with the Valley Skin Institute and she is now pursuing training through the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

“Both of my grandparents had skin cancers treated and I was impressed with how dermatology resolved the cancer with minimal scarring,” Parish recalled. “Patients often see their primary care provider for skin issues, but the outcomes may be better when a dermatologist is part of the

treatment.”

Parish is a 17-year veteran of the Air Force, where she gained much of her initial medical training. She learned about Visalia through an Air Force friend and visited several times before moving to Visalia to begin her physician assistant studies at San Joa-

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Little Shop Continued from 7

self-esteem, and worries about what others think about her. In this production, it has been rewarding to build her character’s strength and confidence.”

Ms. Rader reports that another challenge with this production of Little Shop of Horrors was expanding the show’s original cast size from eight

and their placement of tobacco and vaping products and advertisements.

“We want to discourage retailers from placing tobacco products near items usually purchased by young people.”

In addition, the program will use a minor decoy to attempt to purchase tobacco products from a retailer, or to get an adult to buy the products for them.

“While the use of traditional nicotine products is declining with young people, the use of vaping devices is increasing,” said Mr. Cavanagh. “We also plan to focus on the selling of fruitand candy-flavored vaping liquids which were designed to appeal to kids.

Even the liquids that are nicotine-free contain harmful toxins.”

The CHOICES Program has taken a leading role in tobacco education, substance abuse prevention education, bullying prevention, and school violence prevention. For the past five years, CHOICES has been the lead agency in a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Drug Free Community Support Grant targeting the reduction of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use across Tulare County. Additionally, CHOICES is the provider of a successful Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Grant serving 32 school districts in Tulare County.

For more information about the CHOICES tobacco education programs, call Tony Cavanagh at (559) 651-0155.

quin Valley College.

“I love Visalia,” Parish says. “It is now home, and I appreciate that we don’t have winters here like in the mid-West!”

Visalia Medical Clinic, an affiliate of the Kaweah Delta Medical Foundation, offers the expertise of more than 50 providers. VMC also offers a lab, imaging including CT and MRI, and physical therapy. The QuickCare and Sequoia Prompt Care walk-in clinics are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on. For information, call 7392000 or visit www.vmchealth.com. to over 40.

“Our vocal coach Charlotte Garcia, choreographer Jennifer McGill, costume designer Nicole Zweifel, and I have worked tirelessly to fit and build an ensemble, and to create roles wherever possible. Needless to say, we’ve had a lot of fun with this show!”

For information on the upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors, call the Theatre Company at (559) 651-1482.

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11

Justin Mendes first trailblazer candidate elevated to ‘Rising Star’ status STAFF REPORTS California Trailblazers, a program successfully identifying, training and electing the next generation of Republican legislative leaders, announced today Justin Mendes (AD 32) has been elevated to ‘Rising Star’ status, the second level in the program’s three-tier structure.

Mendes is the first Trailblazers candidate of the 2018 election cycle to achieve ‘Rising Star’ status.

“Trailblazers is pleased to name Justin Mendes as our first ‘Rising Star’ of the 2018 election cycle,” said Trailblazers CEO Jessica Patterson.

“Mendes’ impressive primary election victory over the Democrat incumbent proves that the Valley communities of the 32nd Assembly District are ready for a leader who will fight for them while in Sacramento.”

In the June 5 election, Mendes received an impressive 51 percent of the vote, taking first place in the top-two primary against a two-term incumbent.

Mendes will face the Democrat incumbent again in November in one of the most closely watched legislative races.

As a ‘Rising Star,’ Mendes has raised more than $250,000 in campaign contributions, without loans or personal money, created strong media, fundraising, coalition and finance plans, identified a campaign manager and participated in Trailblazers trainings.

Mendes has deep roots in the Valley, most recently serving as the Mayor of Hanford after first being elected to the Hanford City Council in 2014.

Mendes also works as District Director for Congressman David Valadao. As a

community leader, Mendes focused on strengthening public safety and facilitating local economic growth. The son of a third-generation dairy farmer, Mendes understands the value of hard work and the importance of protecting businesses.

“The Valley has been repeatedly left behind by Sacramento politicians committed to their own agendas,” Patterson said. “That will come to an end with Mendes because he understands the challenges everyday Californians face. We look forward to continue supporting him as he argues for the repeal of the gas tax and advocates for policies that fuel economic growth.”

Throughout 2018, California Trailblazers will continue to provide ongoing support to Republican legislative candidates.

Candidates who seek to enter

the third tier of the Trailblazers program-’Trailblazer’ status-must raise more than $400,000 in campaign contributions, create strong media, fundraising, coalition and finance plans, identify a campaign manager and participate in Trailblazers trainings to learn fundamental and sophisticated campaign strategies and tactics.

About California Trailblazers

California Trailblazers aims to recruit and train Republican candidates who reflect California’s diverse population. The program is modeled after the National Republican Congressional Committee’s successful Young Guns program. For more information, please visit www.catrailblazers.com and follow @ CAtrailblazers.

Provost & Pritchard group ranked fourth in nation STAFF REPORTS The Zweig Group, a leading publishing company, recently ranked Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group fourth overall among the “2018 Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work For” nationwide.

Provost & Pritchard ranked the highest of all California firms. This marks the third consecutive year that Provost & Pritchard has been ranked in the top five in the nation.

“It is so refreshing to be at a firm that truly acts according to their core values, that respects their employees and is dedicated to making sure they have the flexibility to grow their career and still be at their child’s last day of preschool,” said Brandon Stipe, Senior Engineer. “I can’t imagine a better firm to work for!”

According to Zweig Group, the “Best Firms to Work For” award is a prestigious ranking to honor the creation of outstanding workplaces

at architecture, landscape architecture, geotechnical, environmental, and civil, structural and multidiscipline engineering firms.

The top firms are recognized for their ability to create these outstanding workplaces through workplace design, teamwork, excellent benefits and amenities and work culture.

“We are honored to continue to be ranked among the “Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work For” nationwide,” said Ronald Samuelian, Provost & Pritchard’s president. “We strive to maintain a family atmosphere and stay true to our philosophy that people who enjoy their work are happier, more productive and more satisfied.”

Provost & Pritchard’s final ranking was determined largely by the results of a confidential Employee Satisfaction Survey of full-time staff.

Questions were based on a variety of topics including culture, man-

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12

ADVENTIST

“

vide safe care,” she garding his organiI think the intention told the board. zation’s thoughts. would be to get the Kofl told the “It’s not that continued from 1 Voice that Advenwe don’t desire to organization open California, Adventist operates hospitist’s staff, already open your hospital and to rebuild the tals in Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Hanford, rooted in the sur— if we could, we’d Selma, Reedley, Sonora and Lodi. trust with the rounding areas, do it tomorrow. We Adventist intends to open up the would look to rejust think there are community — if hospital before its suspended license cruit physicians to a lot of headwinds expires, he said, and potentially as the community had the hospital and and barriers, and soon as September. They would still atrecruit back phywe think that rushenough confidence in tempt to obtain an extension as a causicians who may this may cause the work we’re doing, ing tionary move. have been jilted more harm than “Being cautious, we would probawe would like to see good. What we under HCCA’s adbly want to be sure that if something ministration. the district fund the try to do is take a goes wrong, there’s an ability to move Adventist had long term look at a little bit beyond that,” Beehler said. tower with a bond. been watching the this,” he said.

They would also be willing to comsituation in Tulare Robert Beehler, Adventist Health’s Communimit to Tulare Regional remaining an “from afar” after Market Development, Mergers & ty’s officials had acute care hospital. their experience Acquisitions Executive toured the faciliThe company would also provide a in bidding four ties with a team of $10m line of credit — potentially more years ago, and was driven to re-bid the 30 people over two days, he said, proor less, depending on what amount community after noticing the void viding some insight into what fundwas needed and how the district budin services. ing would be required to restore the geted the funds — to fund the reopenTheir experience in the Central hospital to a place where it would pass ing of the hospital. The amount would Valley and Tulare’s populations being an inspection. Their view differed from be treated as an advance of rent under in common with their other areas — in- others, and the timeline provided slata long-term lease arrangement. cluding agriculture and a large Hispan- ed the hospital’s opening for the 3rd The district would still be responsiicpopulation—leadthemtobelieve Quarter of 2019. ble for ensuring the completion of the that they can provide service in Tulare Officials were confident that an tower — or that the hospital’s buildings just as well as they do at their other extension had a good chance of being are otherwise seismic compliant. AcCentral Valley hospitals. granted, based on discussions with cording to the presentation, Adventist “We’re passionate about care and state regulators. would be able to provide support for the delivery of care, and doing it in a “We don’t think that the inspecconstruction oversight and design.

Christ-centered way,” she said. tion agencies will reopen the hospital Adventist would prefer to see a or permit us to unless we make repairs bond for the tower, Beehler said, but it and accomodations. We’ve allowed Community’s Bid was not a hard requirement.

Aldo De La Torre, Community’s money for that, and that goes into “I think the intention would be our analysis. The current cash flow to get the organization open and to Senior VP for Network Development statements suggest that there’s $800k rebuild the trust with the communi- and Insurance Services, presented for available for that purpose. We think ty — if the community had enough Community Medical Centers. Scott it [needs] significantly more than confidence in the work we’re doing, Wells, the CEO for Santé Health, accomthat,” he said. we would like to see the district fund panied him.

Community’s bid promised up to Community and Sante have been the tower with a bond,” Beehler said.

24-months of no-cost C-Suite manage“We would hold the option open of in the running to work with Tulare ment assistance and a $6m line of credseeking other financing if it absolutely since last year; in October 2017, Tulare it secured by the Evolutions building officials submitted plans to transition came to that.” and adjacent land, while Sante would They estimate a $40-45m cost to the hospital to Community’s managework with local Federally Qualified complete the tower based on discus- ment to the United States Bankruptcy Health Centers to reopen at least one sions with the inspector of record. Court and to the California Departof the hospital’s clinics by October 29, The hospital’s former management ment of Public Health.

2018.

TRMC would remain an acute care The organization operates Central company, Healthcare Conglomerate California’s largest healthcare system, hospital as well.

Associates, had previously estimated Even if voters approved Commua $57m cost to finish the tower, before De La Torre told the board, with a comnity’s lease of the hospital, if they also bined 1,117 beds at Community Regionadditional fees. rejected a bond measure to reopen the “He’s there for every board, every al Medical Center, tower, Commupiece of it — the number he threw out Clovis Community It’s not that we nity would likeCenter, was $40-45 million to complete it,” Bee- Medical don’t desire to open ly exit any lease hler said. That number purely came Fresno Heart & Suror management gical Center, Comyour hospital — if from the inspector, he said later. agreement.

“We haven’t spent any signifi- munity Behaviorwe could, we’d do it Based on Comcant amount of time in that building. al Health Center, munity’s analysis, tomorrow.

We just Our total engagement in this process and Community it would take $75since we got the RFP — talking about Subacute & Transithink there are a lot 100m to complete super-fast timelines — has been about tional Care. of headwinds and the tower, though “We serve the a month and a half,” he said. “We have barriers, and we think if chosen, they not dove into the tower, we don’t know needs of many in would have comwhat it’s gonna cost, somebody threw the surrounding that rushing this may missioned a deepout a number to us — someone asked counties. We are er analysis. That cause more harm what it was, and I repeated what the the only Level One would include trauma center number we heard was.” than good. c u s t o m i z ations Under Adventist’s administration, from Los Angeles for the company’s Scott Wells, CEO of Sante Health the hospital would reopen with the to Sacramento, in way of working in basic services necessary, as well as an between,” De La the building. emergency department, according to Torre said. “We provide more ER care “Some of the cost estimates includAndrea Kofl, Adventist’s President of than any hospital in the state — we go ed in Community’s number include the Central Valley Network. Obstetrics back and forth with a hospital down in redesign of the existing layout of the could take up to a year to reopen, but Los Angeles called County/USC.” tower, because it doesn’t work for us.

Before continuing to the rest of the could reopen sooner as well.

We fundamentally need to build a tow“We want to make sure that we presentation — including Communier in a manner that will maximize the have everything there that we need ty’s terms and a timeline — De La Torre use of automization and minimize the — the doctors and nurses there to pro- provided a disclaimer to the public reuse of labor,” Wells said. “That’s how we run the hospitals in Fresno. Under Our family serving yours since 1973 the old deal with the old management team, they didn’t really have an economic desire to reduce labor — their contract stipulated that they would get more money if they threw people at it.”

“If you wait, and Community Senior Care Home comes in, in Tulare, you’re going to have a hospital like the four in Fresno, & Assisted Living that I know you’ll love, you’ll be awewww.casagrandeseniorcarehomes.com some, you’ll be proud of them,” Wells 347 E. Walnut, Visalia (559) 733-0233 said. “But in order to do that, you have to accomplish certain things.”

“

5 July, 2018 Valley Voice Community officials said they would reopen with all of the hospital’s services it previously offered. De La Torre told the board that he’d like to expand services from there.

“This is a secondary market for us today. We would like to make it more of a primary market, and extend the resources we have to the residents of Tulare,” he said. “Many of you access our care today, and we find that if we can bring that locally, that would be a greater value to you.”

A Fraying Partnership Before the final vote, Kevin Northcraft said that he and Mike Jamaica had been in talks with Community and Sante as far back as a year and a half ago. They had committed to working exclusively with the hospital group, he said, and Community had previously offered the district loans while the hospital was closed.

Before the hospital had closed, Tulare officials submitted plans to transition the hospital to Community’s management to the United States Bankruptcy Court. In January, Northcraft said he had offered to work with them on a long-term lease if the organization was able to get the hospital up and running as soon as possible.

Community’s “as soon as possible” didn’t match up with the board’s defin� nition, though.

“I really like the Community staff, I like the facilities, I like the reputation that they have, they’re great people — and for over a year, I thought that this is our future, this is where we’re going,” he said.

The hospital group’s statement that an immediate opening was unlikely — an opinion shared by the Kaweah Delta Healthcare District — soured the relationship with them. Their rationale was solidified in a June 18 letter signed by Tim Joslin, President/CEO of Community. “…CMC has determined that significant capital is required to replace aging equipment, finish construction projects, address seismic compliance, and complete critical safety and infection-control repairs,” Joslin wrote.

A delayed reopening — and the requirement to pass a bond before even entering into an agreement — was unacceptable to Northcraft.

“Given that history, in my mind, that proposal is just unworkable and infeasible for us to proceed,” Northcraft said.

Tulare would be a secondary hospital under the stewardship of Community or Kaweah because they would focus on their main areas, he said.

“As much as I’ve enjoyed working with Community, as much as I’ve committed for over a year exclusively to Community, I’m here to tell you that that was not a wise choice,” he said.

Xavier Avila, a board member, echoed Northcraft’s view to the Voice.

“The big factor is what they said is — they want a bond and a lease in the same vote, in the second quarter; so, we’re going to go from now, ‘til February-March. We don’t know. No certainty,” he said. “That’s not fair to this town, and it’s not fair to these people.

What happens if it doesn’t pass? What do we do?”

Joslin’s letter said that Community would continue to be interested in a long-term lease or acquisition of the hospital if Tulare’s other opportunities fell through. Avila said he’d support entering into an agreement with Community if things fell apart with Adventist, though the board would likely also reach out to Dignity Health.

“Without a doubt,” he said.

Valley Voice 5 July, 2018

13

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If you feel the Valley Voice has made a difference in your community or a particular article touched you, now you can help ensure the future of our paper.

We are the only locally owned paper covering Tulare, Visalia, and Hanford. We are only one call or email away from hearing your concerns or printing your Letter to the Editor.

Donations will be used to defray printing costs, potential legal costs, and hopefully hire more writers so we can provide the coverage that Tulare and Kings County deserve.

DEMAREE/GOSHEN ROAD WORK TO BEGIN

Construction to widen and improve the intersection of Goshen Avenue and Demaree Street begins Monday, July 9.

The first phase will focus on shoulder and utility work resulting in lane closures Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This phase is expected to continue through mid-October.

The project overall is expected to continue through February, 2019.

The lane closures will impact traffic. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes throughout the course of the construction project.

To stay informed, sign up for mobile alerts by texting “goshendemaree” to 662-200-4303; visit the Goshen-Demaree Facebook page; or check the City of Visalia’s web site, www.

Visalia.city.

For 24-hour contact during con-

DEED

continued from 1 asked HCCA to cancel it; but, of course, they have refused and continue to place roadblocks to reopening.”

“Their damages to our community continue,” he added.

The “short form deed of trust and assignment of rents” was taken out to secure multiple promissory notes for loans made to the district by HCCA totalling over $10m.

The district’s attorneys noted in the filing that they disputed those notes as well, but that they would handle the question of their validity in a separate process.

Securing control of the Evolutions property and adjacent land would immediately open up a revenue stream for the hospital to secure its reopening by giving the hospital property it could use to secure loans.

The hospital’s bylaws state that only the president of the district’s board of directors can execute “conveyances and instruments” like the disputed deed, according to the filings, and that even if Benzeevi were the district’s CEO, the bylaws would still not allow

struction, call contractor Avison Construction at 718-1546.

FULLER’S REQUEST FOR VALLEY FEVER FUNDING SIGNED INTO LAW

Senator Jean Fuller’s (R-Bakersfield) request for $3 million for Valley Fever research at the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical was signed into law by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. “This has been a long, dramatic fight to get this funding to where it is needed most and where it will be most effective,” said Senator Fuller. “The Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical Center is well-positioned to make the most of this investment, and provide the most direct care to patients who are fighting this devastating disease.”

According to a Kern County Public Health report, in 2017, Valley Fever infected 2,929 people and killed 9 in Kern County. This represents the 4th consecutive yearly increase in reported cases.

Senator Fuller’s request will expand research and treatment facilities at the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical Center. This expansion will increase the number of patients who can receive the best treatments available, and will aid in the race to find a cure for Valley Fever.

The $3 million request for the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical Center is part of a one-time $8 million General Fund expenditure, which includes $2 million for outreach and awareness at the Department Public Health and $3 million for research for the University of California.

him to execute the deed.

The district also takes on the portion of the Management Services Agreement, the contract between the district and HCCA, which would potentially have allowed the company to file the deed.

“The District hereby irrevocably appoints Manager as its attorney-in-fact coupled with an interest with full power to prepare and execute any documents, instruments and agreements, including but not limited to, any note evidencing the advance or loan and any Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, continuation statements and other security instruments as may be appropriate to perfect and continue its security interest in favor of [HCCA,]” the agreement reads.

The filings state that the only “credible meaning” of that section of the Management Services Agreement would be the right for HCCA to file a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement backing its promissory notes; additionally, because the agreement did not “adequately describe” what would be used as collateral when promissory notes were extended to the hospital, the contract would not constitute a “security agreement” that would

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The initial request was made on February 8, 2018 with Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) and Assemblyman Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) signing on as coauthors.

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REP. VALADAO RELEASES STATEMENT ON 2018 FARM BILL

United States Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, commonly referred to as the “Farm Bill”.

H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 authorizes U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition and agriculture programs for fiscal year 2019 through fiscal year 2023. Under the legislation, the crop insurance program and critical commodity support programs are reauthorized for five years.

Congressman Valadao stated, “Following discussions with Chairman Conway and Speaker Ryan, I am confident Congress will make necessary changes to the Farm Bill during Conference to ensure California farmers and rural communities are not put at risk.” He continued, “Passage of a longterm Farm Bill allows farmers and ranchers to plan ahead and make deci-

allow HCCA to file liens against the hospital’s property.

Marshall Grossman, an attorney who formerly represented HCCA, previously dismissed claims that the deed wasn’t authorized or legal.

“Their position is one of fiction and a lack of accuracy, which is apparent to anybody who takes a minute to read the Management Services Agreement,” Grossman told the Voice in January. “The Management Services Agreement was in full force and effect at the time these bankruptcy proceedings were filed.

“Section 4(j)(i) 2-3 expressly provides that if HCCA advances funds, then the Management Services Agreements itself creates a security interest in all district assets, which HCCA can perfect

e

Th

sions to improve their business. With necessary changes, the 2018 Farm Bill allows farmers to expand their farms and create jobs for Central Valley families.”

H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 passed in the House of Representatives on Thursday, June 21, 2018 by a vote of 213 to 211.

Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties.

MCCARTHY ANNOUNCES JULY STAFF MOBILE OFFICES

Congressman Kevin McCarthy has announced July staff mobile offices in communities across the 23rd Congressional District.

A staff member from McCarthy’s office hosts each mobile office held throughout California’s 23rd Congressional District. This time provides an opportunity for constituents in the local community to conveniently visit and share concerns on important issues, current events and discuss casework matters regarding problems with federal government agencies. McCarthy’s field representatives will meet with constituents at each location.

What: Porterville Mobile Office When: Friday, July 6, 2018; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Where: Centennial Plaza Conference Room, 15 E. Thurman, Porterville, CA What: Springville Mobile Office When: Wednesday, July 18, 2018; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Where: Springville Veterans Memorial Building, 35944 California Highway 190, Springville, CA 93265

through whatever instruments may be appropriate to do so.”

Before the hospital filed bankruptcy, HCCA itself saw the value in the Evolutions building and its adjacent land.

It had engaged in discussions with two companies, MedEquities Realty Trust and Leasing Innovations, in using the building as security to get up to $20m in funding.

Early plans to reopen the hospital after its bankruptcy and closure also noted the possibility of using Evolutions as a way to secure funding.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled to be held at 1:30pm on August 15 in Courtroom 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Court, 2500 Tulare St, Fresno.

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5 July, 2018 Valley Voice

14

KITS

ment, contract with Forensic NursThe location is much nicer than is worse in Merced County. ing Specialists of Central California a hospital, says Boteilho, and is set Rape victims have to go to Clovis, (FNSCC) who are specially trained up like anyone’s living room with an about a one-hour drive from Merced, continued from 1 to administer the rape kit. Kaweah exam room over to the side. because the city hasn’t had a SANE But what if I had no cops, or family?

Delta provides a So what hap- nurse for years. In addition to the long What if I had a job or children I had free space in an pened in Adri- drive, the victim is asked not to go to needed to take care of?” undisclosed locaenne’s case? the bathroom, shower, brush their tion where the vic“The last few teeth, eat or change their clothes.

The Family Services Rape Crisis Hospitals Don’t Have Rape tims can receive Hotline operates 24 hours a day, sev- months there The exam itself can take up to four counseling and en days a week, at 732-7273 or 784-7273. hours. Nurses colKits There are more minus- lect blood, urine, The Rape Crisis Center is currentAn American is sexually assault- the exam.

FNSCC pro- ly recruiting for volunteer sexual hair samed every 98 seconds, and hundreds es than plusses to get- pubic specially assault victim counselors. Training ples and they may of thousands of completed rape kits vides ting an exam adminis- be asked to prosit untested. But this isn’t an article trained forensic starts September 7 and goes through vide expert witabout statistics. It’s about how rape nurses on call 24/7 October 3, every Friday for eight hour tered in a hospital. in Bakersfield, sessions for 40 hours of training. ness during a trial. victims are treated.

You have to be admitBoth Merced Unfortunately for Adrianne, she Fresno and Visalia . Please sign up on their website Jason Salazar, Mariposa ted and put on one of and To learn more about volunteerwas the exception to what happens to Counties have put sexual assault victims in Tulare Coun- Visalia Chief of ing or to find out when the next 40their gowns. Usually a out requests for Police, said that hour crisis counselor training bety and not the rule. sexual assault victim bids to compaAccording to Jennifer Boteilho, when they get a gins, please contact our Volunteer nies to administer Program Manager of Family Services call about a sex- and Outreach Coordinator at 559has no other injury forensic exams, of Tulare County’s Rape Crisis Center, ual assault from 732- 7371, visit their website fstc.net than the rape. but the committhe majority of sexual assault victims Kaweah Delta or or email volunteer@fstc.net.

Jennifer Boteilho, Program tee in charge did receive the treatment they need in a a private citizen Manager, Family Services of Tulare not receive any comfortable environment and in a they send an offiproposals. timely manner, it just doesn’t happen cer to talk with the victim. The officer have been holes in County Rape Crisis Center will either escort the victim to the spe- the schedule,” said According to at hospitals anymore. cial clinic or meet Boteilho. “FNSCC has worked out well the Merced Sun-Star, “There are fewer She said that them there. The of- but it’s not perfect. The problem is we requests for forensic exams for sexual in 2002 hospitals I was disappointed ficer also calls the are a low volume area.” assault in Merced than in other counstopped adminthat at such a Rape Crisis CenBoteilho said that FNSCC prom- ties, pushing away potential bidders istering rape kit ter and requests ises to hire and train new nurses but who could provide the service besensitive time in my tests. Twenty years an advocate to that it is a long process. Because Tu- cause they can’t justify investing the ago Kaweah Delta life, after such a provide support lare County averages about 15 rape time and resources in this area.” and Tulare Regiontraumatic experience, during the exam exams a month it’s difficult for FSNCC The system came up short for al Medical Center and provide counto provide on-the-job training.

Each Adrienne but Boteilho has hope. administered the another grueling step seling services. exam ends up taking two on-call nursA new Rape Crisis Center in Visalia exam, but hospihad to be added to the Boteilho said es, the trainee and the certified nurse. opened last year in a tranquil, two-stotals were not able the change has July and August have patches of ry home that provides counseling and process. to keep Sexual Asbeen for the bet- three or four days where no SANE runs intervention and prevention sault Nurse Exam- Adrienne ter. “There are nurse will be available and Boteilho programs. iners (SANE) availBoteilho said she has already seen able 24/7 so they started contracting more minuses than plusses to getting doesn’t see that changing any time an exam administered in a hospital. soon. As a result, an assault victim changes in the community and the the service out.

Now, law enforcement agencies in You have to be admitted and put on occasionally has to go to Fresno for social norms, and says with positive change in awareness we can prevent Tulare County, including each police one of their gowns. Usually a sexu- the exam.

Though the lack of services has sexual violence and harassment in department and the sheriff’s depart- al assault victim has no other injury than the rape.” been difficult for some, the situation the future.

Resources

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VUSD BOND continued from 1

borrow $60.1 million which modernized many elementary schools, allowed for a new middle school, two new elementary schools, and a new wing for the Redwood High School campus. Measure E will continue to be paid with property taxes within the district boundary lines until 2041.

If the new bond measure is passed by voters this November, there would be a tax impact on property owners.

As it stands now with Measure E, the payment is $18 for every $100,000 assessed value (AV). The November bond would see that price increase to $57 per $100,000 AV as the new bond compounds upon Measure E. This price would vary for each individual owner.

FARM BILL continued from 6

rural regions.”

Josh Rolph, CFBF federal policy manager, said members of a conference committee will soon be selected to try to draft a compromise farm bill that both houses of Congress can accept and that President Trump will sign.

He said he expects the conferees to work through July and August to resolve the differences between the two bills.

“Conferees will begin hammering out differences in coming weeks,” Rolph said. “If things come to a stand-

For example, say a certain house’s AV is at $150,000 (which is the median house price in Visalia), the tax payment would be approximately $85. If we break it down in monthly payments, that would be around $7 or $8.

This begs the question: what do we, the average citizens, get for our contribution?

Modernization efforts, for instance, would include 70-inch and 50-inch monitors used in lieu of projectors, removal of carpets and installment of polished concrete flooring, painting, and other general maintenance procedures according to the Visalia Times-Delta interview of VUSD Facilities Director Gerry Lemus.

This is what the school board likes to call “21st-century learning” which integrates contemporary technology into the classroom in order to en-

hance learning.

Safety improvements would be made alongside these modernization upgrades. Board member Juan Guerrero confirmed that a safety oversight committee would be implemented.

This committee would be responsible for determining what the next level is for school safety beyond the single point of entry which is already used at most, if not all, schools.

The committee would be made up of teachers, classified staff, and administrators working alongside city professionals such as police and fire officials. Altogether, the safety and modernization would contribute to $34 of the estimated $109 million needed by the district.

The rest of the bond would go towards building a new high school near the newly built Ridgeview Mid-

dle School.

The money would go toward a full set of facilities including modern science labs, a point stressed by Dr. Oto in his presentation, alongside facilities for arts and sports.

Visalia has a rather lopsided high school population right now. As the north and west sides of the town expand and the population grows, Redwood and El Diamante high schools become more top-heavy with students.

A new high school would relieve much of the pressure on these two schools and not only give good opportunities to the students who move to the new high school, but give the existing schools a manageable population.

This is an important decision that will decide how the district will proceed with school populations and deterioration of certain campuses.

still, they will likely extend the existing farm bill.”

The current farm bill is scheduled to expire at the end of September.

One obvious sticking point for the conference committee, Rolph said, will be the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The House bill would strengthen work requirements for SNAP recipients. President Trump supports the provision, but it was not included in the Senate version of the bill.

“Nutrition is going to be the No. 1 area of contention,” Rolph said.

On the farm-program side of the legislation, one contentious area for conferees is the Conservation Title, he said.

“Unlike in the Senate bill where the programs are kept separate, in the House bill, the conservation title bolsters the Environmental Quality Incentives Program by folding the Conservation Stewardship Program into it,” he said. “We are in favor of a bolstered EQIP.” Both the House and Senate versions of the bill contain programs that would benefit California agriculture, Rolph said.

“We will continue to work closely with leadership and those on the conference committee to include programs beneficial to California before the final bill is sent to the president,” he said.

Also last week, the House failed

for a second time to pass immigration legislation.

Rolph said a third attempt could come sometime this month, and that the bill would address a visa program for agricultural employees and a mandatory E-Verify electronic eligibility system.

Johansson said California needs legislation that “addresses the realities of farming in our state,” including a visa program for people who want to enter the United States legally to work on farms and ranches, and that helps current immigrant employees gain proper documentation.

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

Valley Voice 5 July, 2018

15

VOICES & OPINIONS

Veteran’s Corner

Use your voice by commenting at ourvalleyvoice.com or email editor@ourvalleyvoice.com

Letter: Celebrating Mr. Thomas Clifford In Mooney Grove Park stand six white pillars. The pillars represent the “Pillars of Character”: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

I see these pillars and the words they represent in TV commercials featuring our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Jim Vidak. The commercials suggest “Character Matters”.

These “Pillars of Character” didn’t exist when I was a sixth grade student at Elbow Creek School in 1960. That did not matter, my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Clifford, taught these values by example.

Mr. Thomas Clifford came to Visalia from San Francisco in 1958. Mr. Clifford clearly enjoyed teaching.

However, his abilities weren’t limited to teaching. He also drove our school bus. Nothing demonstrates trustworthiness better than a dedicated and competent school bus driver! Every morning, as I boarded the school bus, there was Mr. Clifford with a smile and friendly greeting. Mr. Clifford was remarkable.

As a teacher and a bus driver, he was never sick or late. What a terrific role model! Mr. Clifford clearly demonstrated responsibility, trustworthiness and caring. Consequently, I tried to emulate Mr. Clifford. As a student, I was very seldom sick or late and I tried to start each day with a smile and positive attitude. This was a major life lesson for a young boy living in a very dysfunctional family.

As a teacher, Mr. Clifford was always well prepared and he made learning fun. He was also our physical education coach. Having served in the military, Mr. Clifford knew the value in physical education. He was also the adviser for the school newspaper and yearbook. How many small country schools have a hardcover yearbook?

Once again, through his actions, Mr. Clifford demonstrated to his students, responsibility, respect, caring and dedication.

I haven’t mentioned “fairness”. I

believe Mr. Clifford considered “fairness” the most important character value. There is nothing fair when it comes to learning. Some students learn much faster than others. Mr. Clifford knew this very well. Therefore, on weekends or after class, he would drive his struggling students to the Visalia Public Library for tutoring lessons. Mr. Clifford was not paid to do this. There was no recognition. He did it because it was the right thing to do!

By doing the right thing when no one else is watching, Mr. Clifford taught his students the meaning of integrity.

What impact did Mr. Thomas Clifford have on his “Class of 1960”? Well, as my mom would say, “The results speak for themselves.” That “1960” class produced a nuclear engineer, a MIT graduate, an IBM Executive, a pharmacist, and several successful businessmen and businesswomen.

Remarkable!!

Obviously, there were other dedicated and hardworking teachers at Elbow Creek that helped to create these results. I want to thank them and acknowledge their contributions.

As time went by, Mr. Clifford would continue to teach and devote his life to our community. He would eventually become part of the administration for the Tulare County School District.

He became a tutor for other teachers. Something he would do into his eighties.

Mr. Clifford never married; therefore, he never had children of his own. I believe his students were his children.

Over the years, a group of students from the “Class of 1960” stayed in contact with Mr. Clifford. Periodically, we would take our favorite teacher to lunch. Our group had planned a Mr. Clifford luncheon in March 2018. However, Mr. Clifford was not answering his phone. One member of our group went to his apartment and discovered a “For Rent” sign. She called the phone number listed on the sign and was in-

formed Mr. Clifford had passed away in January.

Thomas William Clifford died January 10, 2018. He was 86.

Mr. Clifford devoted 60 years to our community. Teaching our children and educating our teachers. And when he dies, there is no obituary, very little mention of his passing, and no celebration of his life. I thought this was tragic. Therefore, on March 27, 2018, I contacted Mr. Jim Vidak, Tulare County Superintendent of Schools, to see if I could “right this wrong”.

Mr. Vidak was very sympathetic. Evidently, he and Mr. Clifford had worked together at Mineral King School. Mr. Vidak suggested I contact Mr. Rob Herman, Public Information Officer for the Tulare County Schools.

Mr. Herman was also very sympathetic. However, after several communications, I was informed that a tribute for Mr. Thomas Clifford would not happen.

This brings me back to those “Six Pillars of Character” in Mooney Grove Park. Mr. Clifford exemplified “Trustworthiness”, “Respect”, “Responsibility”, “Fairness”, and “Caring. The last “Pillar of Character” is “Citizenship”. “Citizenship” is defined as being of value to a community. Mr. Clifford dedicated his life to the students and teachers in our community. No one better represented “Citizenship” than Mr. Thomas Clifford. .

Perhaps today, those “Six Pillars of Character” are only words. However in 1960, a young sixth grade teacher at Elbow Creek School had the wisdom to know actions spoke louder than words. And because of that wisdom, Mr. Thomas Clifford would forever change the lives of his students. Isn’t it ironic that even after his death, Mr. Clifford continues to teach life lessons?

PUBLISHER’S DESK

lies, separating children from their parents. Some of these kids are kept in cages near the border while others are spirited away, in secret, to distant detention centers. In secret. In The United States of America. In 2018. Why? There doesn’t seem to be any credible semblance of a plan to reunite these families.

Why? And we only have it on the administration’s say-so that it has stopped this atrocity. Again, why?

You can take my word for it that it’s racism. This goes back to 1973. While he might never achieve the construction of a physical border wall, still, this bullying will be the equivalent for Trump.

Care to risk a crossing while this maniac is in office? Our friends, the Canadians, do so with impunity.

We’re either honorary Oklahomans blithely playing in the sand, blind to all the danger while Trump’s administration rages on, or we’re like the version of me who, above it all, merely observes.

Why not be first responders instead? Let’s rescue our country from the Orange Horror. True, I helped rescue no one. But we gave it the old college try.

What does this mean? Educate yourself. Then get off your duff and vote. Get involved.

— Joseph Oldenbourg

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ever sighted.

I don’t remember if the father was ever recovered. The girl was– after nearly a week, and further down the coast toward Cabo San Lucas–but in the view from our house she floated lifeless until nightfall, a buoy marking the turbulent internal currents of the bay.

I seem to remember we shielded the kids from that spectacle.

People– The rampant Trump administration dismembers migrant fami-

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Dr. Larry Weber Pharmacist (A special “Thank You” to Moneka Simmons (Gann). Moneka’s help and knowledge made this tribute possible.)

Dependency and indemnity compensation SCOTT HOLWELL When a service member dies on active duty or a veteran dies of a service-connected medical condition, or a service-connected medical condition was a major factor in the death, the surviving spouse is eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

The two major exceptions to this rule are if the veteran is rated 100 percent disabled for at least 10 years or an ex-POW was rated 100 percent for one year, then the surviving spouse is also eligible for DIC regardless of the cause of the veteran’s death.

Service-connected means the disability happened while in the service or something that was made worse because of that military service. Surviving spouse means married to the service member or veteran at the time of death. If the surviving spouse remarries prior to age 57, DIC is stopped.

The current, basic DIC payment rate is $1,283.11 per month, which is tax-free. Medical care will continue for surviving spouses of retired veterans. Other benefits, including education and a property tax break, may be available depending on each situation.

For each dependent child, an additional $317.87 per month is available. There is no time limit to apply for this benefit. Our office can assist you in applying for this benefit.

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

Contact Scott Holwell at the email address provided below, if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email.

There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.

To determine if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.

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.

Your comments, from Facebook and ourvalleyvoice.com Both CRMC and Adventist will require a bond to complete the construction. At least CRMC was honest up front. After this Kumar/Bensleasy mess that we will be paying on that Binds forever. I think it will not ever pass for another one. What will we do then? Not getting answers other than “Will cross that bridge when we come to ut”. #WORRIEDINTULARE

— Linda on Adventist Health + TRMC

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Would TRMC be a standalone Adventist site or will it get incorporated into the Central Valley Network (Hanford, Selma, Reedley)?

— MaderaMan on Adventist Health + TRMC

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Leapfrog, who compares the quality of hospitals and to whom this community gave so much attention to when TRMC was given an F grade, gave CRMC a “C” in safety and Adventist a “B” in safety on its most recent survey. Please explain to me how you can say that CRMC is such a quality organization.

— Russ on Adventist Health + TRMC

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5 July, 2018

Valley Voice

Register now for free six week chronic disease workshop STAFF REPORTS

session lasting 2.5 hours.

Topics that are covered include: dealing with difficult emotions, managing symptoms, goal setting, problem solving, nutrition, understanding medications, making informed treatment decisions, and increasing strength and stamina through better fitness.

Another six-week workshop will be offered from October 3-November 7, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (every Wednesday for six weeks). To register for this workshop call 559-624-5615.

This workshop was developed by Dr. Kate Lorig at Stanford University and is now under the Self-Management Resource Center. Participants demonstrate significant improvements in the areas covered. They also report fewer hospitalizations and outpatient visits.

Kaweah Delta is a publicly-owned community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia region and Tulare County.

Visalia Rotary Community Foundation announces 2018 grants STAFF REPORTS

“[It was] necessary for him to keep his privileges. If he didn’t do it,” Vierra, a Tulare-based anesthesiologist testified, “he would not have privileges [at TRMC.]” In a declaration separate from the case, Kumar testified that he later took both the anger management and recordkeeping classes “I insisted that I take the anger management class, the recordkeeping class, and see a psychiatrist, so to

avoid any I claim of bias or impropriety by Dr. Betre or the former MEC in the future. The new MEC agreed, and I presented proof of compliance to the new MEC, which then formally closed the ‘investigation,’” Kumar wrote..

With the lawsuit settled, the physicians that had left Tulare Regional Medical Center after the group’s ouster are able to return -- and keep their old positions, if they had them, on the staff’s Medical Executive Committee.

Registration is open for a free sixweek workshop beginning on Wednesday, July 18, that will help people with chronic conditions learn how to better manage their health.

The workshop will be offered at Kaweah Delta’s Chronic Disease Management Center, 325 S. Willis St., Visalia. It will take place from July 18-August 22, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (every Wednesday for six weeks). To register, call 624-5615.

The Empowerment for Better Living Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshops, presented by Kaweah Delta Health Care District in partnership with Community Services Employment Training (CSET), are facilitated by leaders who themselves have a chronic condition. They are designed to help people with ongoing health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions. Class size is typically around 8-10 participants with each

MEDICAL STAFF continued from 4

that he had backdated certain records, and take anger management classes as well.

Dr. Anthony Vierra said that Kumar had been given a deadline to either complete those classes or face suspension of his privileges to practice at Tulare Regional.

The Visalia Rotary Community Foundation this year will donate $100,000 to seven local organizations, bringing the total awarded to $1.371 million since the Foundation was formed in 1990.

The recipient organizations, and the purpose of each grant, are: • Bethlehem Center, for a walk-in cooler/freezer: $15,000 • Blanket Ladies, to assist in the purchase of annual supplies: $5,000 • Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, to help improve the soccer/multiuse field at the Ivanhoe site: $10,000 • The Creative Center, to develop new restrooms at the Ginsburg Gallery & Art Studio: $15,000 • Foodlink of Tulare County, to assist with food quarantine and operations upgrades: $25,000 • Golden State YMCA, to remodel a shower house at Tulequoia: $10,000 • Visalia Rescue Mission, to contribute to the replacement of a worn-

out service vehicle: $20,000 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, Gary Paden, Donn Ritter and Marty Zeeb. The executive director of the Foundation is Eric Shannon.

“The Rotary Foundation is proud to be able to truly make a difference in our community through the generosity of donors,” Chrisman said. “With many important organizations, and much need, the decisions are difficult. We are grateful to the committee that helps make these decisions that impact lives and communities.”

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

The move would significantly ease the hospital’s search for doctors as it looks to reopen under the stewardship of Adventist Health.

“To have a successful reopening, we need our doctors back, and the settlement of the lawsuit with our doctors is a critical step to our reopening. It also reverses one of the horrific mistakes of the former board that led to our hospital’s bankruptcy,” Northcraft said.