Clovis Roundup - May 23, 2024

Clovis Celebrates First CHSU-COM Graduation

class of 2024.

May 19, 2024 — In a milestone moment for both the city of Clovis and California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSUCOM), the institution celebrated the graduation of its inaugural

This historic event, held at Fresno State's Save Mart Center, marked the culmination of a journey that began in 2020 when the college opened its doors with a vision to address the healthcare needs of the Central Valley.

As the Fresno State Jazz Combo set the mood with some wonderful soft jazz, friends and family took their seats. The Vocal Chords, an a cappella group composed of CHSU medical students and students from Clovis Community College and

Clovis City Council, declares week of May 20th “National Public Works Week”

May 22, 2024 - The City Council declared this week, from May 19th to the 25th, “National Public Works Week”. Throughout the week, the city will be recognizing the employees who work in Public Utilities, Planning and Development Services, and General Services. These employees collect garbage, maintain the roads and lights, design and maintain the parks, and more.

This Friday, May 24th, the Public Works department will bring some of their large equipment out, like construction vehicles and water trucks, and host giveaways. They can be found at Pollasky between Bullard and Seventh street.

The presentation of the city budgets for 2024 and 2025 were finished out by police and fire, who are looking for more funding from the General Fund to lower response times, provide better service, and decrease the

Enriching Lives: A New Chapter for Special Olympics in Clovis

testament to the organization's enduring commitment to the region.

May 21, 2024 - Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) marked a significant milestone in its mission to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. On a warm Tuesday morning, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at 1446 Tollhouse Road to celebrate the grand opening of the Central Valley office. The event, highlighted by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was a

The ceremony began at 11 a.m. with light refreshments, including cookies adorned with the Special Olympics logo and free coffee courtesy of Starbucks. Attendees also received tumblers and water bottles branded with the Special Olympics Northern California insignia.

Cathy Domanski, Chief

Steven Sandage @ClovisRoundup

Photo by courtesy of CHSU-COM

A group of inaugural graduates watch the ceremony from their seats.

Steven Sandage @ClovisRoundup

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

See CHSU-COM Pg. 4

Photo by Steven Sandage, Clovis Roundup Haley Ford, Special Olympic athlete, cuts the ribbon in front of the new Clovis office on Tollhouse Rd.

What’s Up, Clovis?

by Steven Sandage

for

Fleming,

a friendly conversation with

Photos

Michael Ramirez flexes for the camera as attendees gather

the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Curt

Clovis Chief of Police, shares

Rick Hopkins, chamber of commerce chair elect, with Pro Tem Vong Mouanoutoua, Mayor of Clovis, in the background.

Attendee admiring wall of Special Olympic photos from previous events at the new Clovis office.

Michael Ramirez, right, watches Haley Ford, a Special Olympic athlete, give her speech. Michael's father, left, coaches Special Olympic athletes.

Tracey Dunning and her daughter Tyra Dunning along with Clovis Chief of Police, Curt Fleming, admire an Olympic torch on display.

conducted by their founder and inaugural graduate Ronald Llenado, DO, opened the ceremonies with a powerful performance of the national anthem.

Florence T. Dunn, Founding President of CHSU-COM, delivered a heartfelt "President's Welcome" speech, commending the students' "unwavering determination" and expressing her confidence in their ability to "transform healthcare in our region.

During the ceremony, Dunn was honored with an honorary doctorate in recognition of her efforts and contributions. John Graneto, DO, MEd, Dean of CHSU-COM, expressed his gratitude to Fresno State and President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval for their hospitality in helping them host their first graduation.

The commencement speaker, Teresa A. Hubka, DO, President-Elect of the American Osteopathic Association, acknowledged the unique hardships faced by this inaugural class, especially

those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "An experience unlike any other in the history of medical education," she noted as she showered praise on the class of 2024.

Among the sixty-six graduates and the thirty-four percent staying local was Laura Janet Gutierrez-Rivera, DO, the winner of the CHSU Proud Award, who shared her journey and aspirations in a pre-graduation interview. Inspired by a profound commitment to helping all patients, regardless of their background, Laura chose emergency medicine as her specialty. "It's the perfect environment for me," she said with certainty.

Laura's journey was shaped by personal and professional challenges, making her story all the more compelling. "I'm the first in my family to even graduate high school," she said, beaming with pride. Her residency at Kaweah Delta Visalia allows her to stay close to her home in Tulare, fulfilling a deep-rooted desire to serve her community. "It feels incredible," she said. "I couldn't be prouder to be a part of this."

Laura's story is a testament to the

mission of CHSU-COM, which aims to recruit, train, and retain physicians to serve the Central Valley, especially its underserved populations. A mission they are succeeding in with over sixty-five percent of graduates pursuing primary care, a medical specialty that has a significant physician shortage. "Overall, I think that they prepared me very well. I think anyone would agree because when you compared us to other students on rotation, I think we always shined a little bit brighter," she explained with confidence in her voice.

The ceremony was filled with moments of familial pride and support. Cheers of "That's my son!" and "Josh, you're so handsome!" rang out as Joshua Jordan Garcia, DO, a Dean's List and honors graduate, crossed the stage. Similar enthusiastic exclamations were heard for Angad Mann, DO, from Clovis and Jeffrey Storm, DO, whose family encouraged him with a spirited "Unleash the storm!" Hayley Vietti, DO, received a loving acknowledgment with someone

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shouting, "That's the valedictorian!" as she made her way across the stage.

As the graduates recited the osteopathic oath led by Lisa Chun, DO, Associate Dean and Professor, it was clear that these new doctors are more than ready to step into their roles as healers and leaders. "Congratulations to my fellow physicians," Dr. Graneto proclaimed, encapsulating the earned reverence of the new doctors sitting before him. With this first class of graduates receiving 100 percent residency placement, CHSU-COM has not only made history but has also set a high standard for future classes. Laura Janet Gutierrez-Rivera stands out as a shining example, embodying the spirit of local dedication and excellence the institution strives to instill in all its students. Her choice to remain in the Central Valley underscores the success of CHSU-COM's vision and serves as an inspiring takeaway for the next generation of local students following in her footsteps.

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Photo courtesy of CHSU-COM

Laura Janet Gutierrez-Rivera, DO, receives her diploma from John Graneto, DO, MEd, Dean of CHSU-COM.

Photo courtesy of CHSU-COM Florence T. Dunn, DO, receives an honorary doctorate degree for her efforts and contributions.

individual workload on officers. The budgets for all departments have not yet been approved by the council, and will be seen again in June meetings and will be approved before the end of June.

As a part of the developments by Wilson Homes, there is another development being proposed south of Behymer, east of Minnewawa. Neighbors nearby to the development commended the city and Wilson Homes for hearing their concerns and addressing them amicably, though there were some concerns

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

CONTINUED

Development Officer for Special Olympics Northern California, spoke about the significance of the new office. "This office will serve nine counties. We have served this region for more than 30 years, but the opening of this office signifies a lasting commitment to serve more athletes," she emphasized, her voice resonating with pride and hope.

Matt Cohen, the Chief Program Officer, echoed Cathy’s sentiments. "It's great to see everyone out here," he said, addressing the crowd. "It's a well-rounded program that an athlete can engage in 365 days a year. Our goal is to grow our athlete base and provide more opportunities for our athletes to thrive."

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the speech by Haley Ford, the newest member of the SONC Board of

about the cost of public utilities in the annexation of their neighborhood. One neighbor said that the cost of city water will be considerable on his property, as he maintains a small golf course.

Another neighbor said, “None of us are really happy that this finger of development is coming our way, but it’s the way of the world and we recognize that,” before commending the city for good work.

After neighborhood meetings, Wilson homes changed their plans in order to not disrupt their Behymer neighbors to the east of the proposed development. Instead of building a road between the development and the existing homes,

Directors. Haley, an athlete who joined Special Olympics at the age of 12, captivated the audience with her authenticity and engaging stories. "It’s more of a family than a program," she reflected on her journey. "I started when I was 12 and I felt out of place because no one else I knew was autistic. I found people who are like me, and through the years, they’ve become my family whether they’re on my team or not." Her words underscored the deep sense of belonging and community that SONC fosters among its participants.

The ceremony culminated with Haley cutting the ribbon, surrounded by cheers and applause. As the ribbon was cut, the crowd was invited to tour the new office. Inside, an Olympic torch was on display, drawing the attention of many, including Tracey Dunning and her daughter Tyra, who were seen admiring it with the Chief of Police.

the project will include a road on the west side of the development, along Minnewawa avenue.

The plans for the development were approved, and Mayor Ashbeck said, “May you be a model for how this is supposed to go.”

A rezone was approved for a property at 488 N. Armstrong Avenue, just north of the Herndon-Armstrong professional center. The property is being sold by Dale and Mary De Geode to Scott Butler, the current developer for the medical offices located on that block.

The rezone will allow the development of two new office buildings to “square

In a post-event interview, Haley spoke about the responsibilities of being a board member. "When I got the email just for getting interviewed, I was so nervous. I thought I was gonna puke," she confessed with a grin. "The more I interacted with the others, the more I realized why be nervous when we’re all the same. We all want to support Special Olympics, and it made me feel comfortable and like I belonged."

She couldn't contain her enthusiasm as she talked about her favorite sports, track and soccer. "I absolutely love running, especially sprints," she said, her eyes lighting up. "When it comes to soccer, I like being a defender; I just like it—the running, the banter, doing the weird tricks. Or trying to do them and failing a little bit," she added with a laugh.

She capped off the interview by explaining why she embraces public speaking

off” the professional center, and enhance the city’s general plan for that area. The final item on the agenda was to revisit the Ashlan and De Wolf proposed high-density residential development, near the Reagan Educational Center. This item was last seen on April 15th and was not unanimously approved by the council.

The three items related to this development, pertaining to the rezone and redesignation from single family, low-density residential to high-density residential, were also not unanimously approved by the council.

situations so eagerly, "I love talking to people to get the message out there," she said earnestly. "We’re different, but we’re normal at the same time."

Amidst the lively crowd, Haley posed for photos with eager attendees, while Molly Marquez, Director of Development and Law Enforcement Torch Run, reflected proudly on her role. "It’s the best job ever. I absolutely love it," she exclaimed.

The opening of the new Central Valley office marks a new chapter for Special Olympics Northern California, promising expanded opportunities and a deeper connection with the community. As attendees left with a sense of inspiration and unity, it was clear that the impact of this day would resonate far beyond Clovis.

CRA annual meeting sets in motion 2025 Clovis Rodeo

Contributed

Clovis Rodeo Association

May 22, 2024 - The Clovis Rodeo Hall buzzed with the excitement of Association members happy to see one another, a month after the annual Clovis Rodeo. Like a family reunion, and far removed from the post-rodeo Sunday dinner.

Everyone’s wearing their best hats, not their dusty work hats, sunburns have faded, and everyone’s had a good couple of weeks to rest and recoup before seeing one another again.

Before any club action takes place, the numbers for the year are presented. Thanks to the new pavilion, which increased sponsorships, funding for rodeo was way up for 2024.

More money in the Clovis Rodeo Association means more money for the contestants, a better show, and better

television coverage.

After the presentations, the voting for Directors begins.

The Directors of the Rodeo Association run everything in sections. Somebodys’ in charge of the pavilions and sponsors, somebody else is in charge of the roughstock area, someone else is in charge of making sure the grounds are clean and tidy and well-maintained, there’s a director for security, for concessions, and anything else that needs workers and oversight.

All of that, and the President for the year, is decided at the Directors’ meetings throughout the year.

At the general meeting, always held on a Thursday in May, all members are invited to nominate and vote on the Directors. The process is informal, the ballot is a piece of long cardstock with lines printed on it, and nominations are

done by raising a hand and shouting a name.

If you’re well known enough to be nominated, the people you work with every year think you’ve got the right stuff.

After a good steak dinner, and some dutch oven peach cobbler, the tallied votes are put on the projector screen for everyone to see. The people with the top ten votes get to sit on the Board of Directors and make decisions, and organize the volunteers and members to put

together another rodeo.

The meeting this year was shorter than usual, and with less talk from the podium members filled the silence with camaraderie, and invitations for barbecues over summer, updates on travel plans and such.

After this meeting, a lot of Association members are likely to not see each other again until January, for re-introductions and work assignments anew.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Rodeo Association, photo by Stu Hagen

Photo courtesy of Clovis Rodeo Association

Two Cities Coffee Roasters Wins Restaurant Award

and it’s just been going strong since.”

The main focus of the business is coffee, of course, but within that, wellness.

May 22, 2024 - “We want people to have a really pleasant experience and know that they are appreciated, and that’s really important to us,” says Rick Reeves, father and cafe owner, “We’re not just here to sell a product, we’re here to make a difference.”

If you go to Two Cities Roastery more than a few times a week, the Reeves family probably knows your name and your usual order.

Though the line can stretch out the door, people will wait for great service and great coffee.

For their meticulous taste-testing and picky product selection, and their great service and great tasting coffee, Two Cities won the annual award for Best Local Coffee Shop from the Fresno chapter of the California Restaurant Association.

“It was just our turn,” Reeves says, “There are a lot of good cafes out there, so we’re just thankful that they chose us.”

The business started in 2013 as a farmers market booth, to help fund their daughter Chelsea’s mission trip. Back then they were Amber Avenue Coffee, after the color of espresso in a cup, but in 2016 they found the name wasn’t as relevant as they wanted it to be, and rebranded to Two Cities.

“We knew we were Fresno-Clovis, so Two Cities just kind of came about,” Reeves says, “and then as our business has grown and now that we ship our coffee– it’s gone as far as Europe… now it’s from our city to your city.”

The roaster they use is hand-made by Reeves himself, something you don’t see every day. “I was working in the manufacturing industry… and we did all kinds of fabrication, so that was my trade at the time, so it only made sense,” Reeves says. He did his research and combined the designs of a few different roasters he liked, to make his own. “I think I finished the roaster in 2014

Two Cities only roasts certified organic coffee beans that are fair trade or relationship sourced, making for coffee that’s better for the consumer as well as the farmers and the farm workers.

“I’ve never roasted anything other than organic in the roaster, I just want to keep it that way”

The Reeves family is as picky about the flavor of their coffee as they are the source. The process seems simple, but requires an advanced palette for coffee–something the whole family participates in. “We sample all of our coffees before we ever decide to roast and sell them, and we’re pretty particular about flavors that we like,” Reeves says, “There are people that like to do all light roasts, and there are people that like to do all dark roasts, well what we like to do is, when we get a coffee in, we test each roast level and then whatever that coffee sines at is what we produce it at.”

“So, [we’re] really bringing out the best of the natural coffee, in its own self,”

They’re certainly not coffee purists to the end. True, Two Cities cafe offers a menu full of traditional milk, foam, and espresso combinations, but they also offer a list of flavored lattes.

Lavender, maple, cardamom, and chile mocha shine when combined with their specialty coffee. The flavors are intentional.

“We’re pretty strict,” Reeves says,” because before we put anything out the door, we test and test and we refine our flavors… so it goes through a pretty diligent process before we ever say it’s good enough.”

Aside from coffee, they also offer a specialty matcha, which of course went through the same meticulous tasting process. “You have to start with the right matcha, and you have to prepare it right, you have to use the right ratios, the right water, you have to mix it right, and some matchas are just not good.” Two cities serves only premium organic Mizuba

matcha in their cafe, and Reeves says it’s been really popular.

“We use the best ingredients we can, because we know that the best ingredients are going to make the best products.”

From start to finish, from fresh beans to your latte, the people of Two Cities want

everything to be good for everybody.

“We want to make sure that we greet everybody, that we get to know everybody, to let people know that they are important,” Reeves says, “We’re not just in it for sales, we are in it for the relationships. We are looking for people to be blessed when they come in and when they leave.”

Photo courtesy of Two Cities Coffee Roasters

The Reeves family, from left to right, Rick, Yoli, Trevor, Elishea, and Chelsea Reeves.

Photo courtesy of Two Cities Coffee Roasters

Old

1.

5.

6.

Clovis

Clovis Fire Station No. 1

Clovis Library

Clovis Museum

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

Clovis Senior Activity Center

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

Service District

Antique and Gift Shops

1. 4th Street Antique Mall

(559) 323-1636

(559) 498-9935

640 Clovis Ave., 297-9052

602 5th St., 299-6806

442 Pollasky Ave, 326-8464

Boutique,

Food and Drink

1. 559 Brewery 2. 500 Club 3. Blast & Brew 4. Bobby Salazar’s 5. Kuppa Joy

DiCicco’s Italian, 408 Clovis Ave, 299-3711, www.DiCiccosClovis.com

7. Full O Bull 8. House of Juju

Le Parisien Cafe 10. Luna Pizzeria, 349 Pollasky Ave, 299-4141, lunaclovis.com

11. Michaelangelo’s Pizzeria 12. Old Town Saloon 13. On the Edge Coffee Shop

Outlaw Tavern

15. Rodeo Coffee Shop, 535 Fifth St, 299-3750, rodeocoffeeshop.com

16. Roll Me Some - Handcrafted Roll Ice Cream, 530 Pollasky, 825-7204, rollmesomeice.com

17. Salsa’s Cantina

18. Soups and Scoops, 433 Pollasky, 299-9606

19. The Local, 401 Clovis Ave #102, 900-4253

20. Two Cities Coffee Roasters Organic coffee and tea - Rolled Ice Creamery, 608 4th St., 765-4652

Hair Salon and Spas

1. A Little Indulgence Salon and Day Spa

Elle Style Bar

Fifth Street Salon

Hairology

Head to Toe Beauty Salon

Moxie Salon

Re:Treat Color and Hair Design Studio

Salon Innovation

Recipe

Make weekday dining a breeze with easy, delicious recipes

(Family Features)

From everyday weeknight dinners to picnics in the park, warmer weather and longer days mean families want to spend more time together and less time in

the kitchen. This spring, look for kitchen hacks that can make fresh and healthy weeknight seasonal recipes a cinch.

Skipping complicated prep work is the first step toward simplifying springtime meals. Rather than recipes that call for a lot of prep or cooking time, consider easy dishes that require only a handful of steps and use everyday ingredients you may already have in your pantry, fridge or freezer.

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers with Lemon and Thyme

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1 pound bagged Little Potatoes

• 1 bunch broccoli

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 1/2 lemons, juice only

• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In large, microwave-safe bowl, microwave potatoes on high 5 minutes.

Chop broccoli into large pieces.

Add broccoli and shrimp to bowl once potatoes are steamed. Add lemon juice, thyme and olive oil; evenly coat potatoes, shrimp and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Build skewers and grill 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat, until shrimp is cooked through.

For example, these Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers with Lemon and Thyme can let you put a little spring in your weeknight dinners. Grilled skewers keep the whole family happy and come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick and healthy meals without the hassle. The versatility of potatoes means you can grill them, and this version calls for a 5-minute microwave steam first to cut down on grill time.

With easy-to-prepare potatoes, The Little Potato Company makes family dinners like this one a breeze as they come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough they don’t need to be cut. This allows for less time in the kitchen and more time for outdoor play to enjoy a little moment of happiness. Plus, the Microwave and Roast or Grill Ready kits come with their

own seasoning packs for added convenience.

Grown on family farms, Little Potatoes are a fresh whole food packed with nutrients you can feel good about serving your family and are ideal for this Easy as 1-2-3 Potato Salad. With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, this delightful dish becomes an ultimate springtime solution for busy families. Plus, it’s easy enough that little ones can join in on the fun of preparing it.

Simply pop the tray of Microwave Ready Little Potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes then add the included Savory Herb seasoning pack, chopped green onions and mayonnaise for a delicious side - no potato boiling or peeling required.

To find more ways to savor springtime meals outdoors with your family, visit littlepotatoes.com.

Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 4

• 1 package A Little Savory Herb Microwave Ready Little Potatoes, with included seasoning pack

• 2-3 tablespoons green onions, chopped

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt

DIRECTIONS:

In microwave, cook potatoes 5 minutes according to package directions.

Combine seasoning pack, chopped green onions and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Pour dressing over cooled potatoes. Stir gently and serve.

Easy as 1-2-3 Potato Salad

LET’S TALK CLOVIS: The Potter family’s early years, part 2

Peg Bos Historian/Clovis Museum Contributed

We continue to share portions of Kate Potter Clark’s (1874-1969) article that was written on Feb. 8, 1956.

“In the early years of our schooling, before the school was relocated and a new building erected, because it was too far for us to walk, my father bought us a cart. We hitched our gray mare to it and mother and father felt we would get to school safely.

“In that cart with ‘Old Bet,’ mother and the three of us visited our neighbors and made a weekly visit to a neighborhood store and Big Dry Creek Post Office for our mail.

“On Sundays and when we made a trip to Fresno to shop, we traveled first in a two horse farm wagon, later in a two seated spring wagon. Still later we had a carriage and then a surrey.

“Mother was able in later years to have a one horse buggy; her buggy horse for many years was faithful ‘Old Hatrack.’

“After automobiles were first on the market, she bought a T model Ford coupe and was brave enough to learn to operate it. She drove it all about Clovis visiting the sick and strangers.

“During the horse and buggy days, when people seldom traveled long distances, one of the events of the year, for the Christian people of this area, was the camp meeting. It was held on

the Jess Musick ranch, a few miles above Academy, on the creek south east of the quarry. There was a good water supply, a spring of cold water in the creek which always had a running stream of water.

“Many of the families from the Valley and hill country gathered there and camped under the trees for 10 days of religious services. There was preaching, praying and singing together, morning, afternoon and evening. It was led by our pastor, who made his home at Academy. Pastors from neighboring towns assisted. The meetings were held in an outdoor arbor, we called it. It had a good roof, with a raised platform at one end and homemade bench, some with backs. Father hauled a load of straw up there every year to be used in our one room cabin for a floor and to help carpet the auditorium. The camp meeting was held every year in September, just before the schools opened. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. As children, we got to know children from other communities whom we otherwise would never have known. There were always those who made decisions for Christ and joined the church.

“For some reason, the open auditorium was finally moved to the Academy and people stopped coming to camp out.

Big Dry Creek camp meeting soon became a thing of the past.

“In 1892, my father decided he was getting too old for the hard trips to the mountains. He sold the sheep and rented his acreage to grain farmers.

“Early in the 1890s, soon after the

he and his friend, J.W. Cate, decided to build a church. This was the first church building in Clovis. Four lots were bought, lumber purchased, and Church South held the first church service in Clovis and it is the site of the present Methodist church at the southwest corner of 5th & Woodworth.

“A Sunday School was organized with 12 children in attendance. In this same building, the Baptists organized their congregation.

“A few years before his death, my father sold off part of his acreage to the Cobbs and it was planted to fig trees.”

Kate married C. Todd Clark, an ordained Methodist Minister in 1898. C. Todd served as Fresno County Supervisor and as State Assemblyman. Clark Intermediate School at 902 Fifth St. is named in his honor.

The Potter and Clark family provided

Photo courtesy of Clovis Museum Mr. and Mrs. C. Todd Clark, 1958.

Clovis Police shoplifting & conspiracy arrests lead to international counterfeit investigation

May 21, 2024 - What began as an arrest for shoplifting and conspiracy has led Clovis Police officers & detectives to open an investigation into an international counterfeit operation of Apple products.

On Friday, May 17, CPD's Organized Retail Crime (ORC) taskforce was working an undercover detail at 2 major commercial shopping centers in Clovis, at Willow/Herndon and Clovis/Shaw, to combat retail crime under our grant. At about 8:00 P.M., employees from the Target at Willow/Herndon called to report a shoplifting in progress. Officers detained a female juvenile and adult male in the parking lot and discovered counterfeit Apple products with them. That led detectives to write a search warrant for the hotel room in Fresno that both were staying in. During the warranted search, detectives seized over $12,000 worth of counterfeit Apple Air Pods and i-Watches made in China and shipped to the United States through Europe.

In addition to the 2 suspects arrested, detectives are also looking into other persons of interest, and have reached out to allied agencies. Both the suspects and persons of interest are from Romania and known to each other.

The adult arrested for shoplifting and conspiracy has been identified as 18-year-old Vasile Stoian. Both suspects were cited and released for misdemeanor theft & conspiracy as this

felony investigation continues.

Unrelated to this investigation, the ORC detail on Friday also netted 4 other arrests for shoplifting- related charges, deterred 2 other thefts from retail businesses, and recovered approximately $500 in stolen property.

This is a good reminder to always verify products before making a purchase, especially at swap meets, peddler fairs, and online.

If you have information on any counterfeit products or organized retail crime, please call your local law enforcement agency immediately. You can always reach Clovis Police at 911 for emergencies, (559) 324-2800 for non-emergencies, or use our free mobile app.

Felony Hit & Run suspect wanted

Contributed Clovis Police Department

May 16, 2024 - Clovis Police are asking for the public’s assistance with identifying the driver of a car that hit a bicyclist last night before taking off. On Wednesday evening, May 15, 2024, just before 11:00 P.M., a bicyclist was riding through the gas station at Shaw/Peach in Clovis as a black car was driving through the commercial parking lot. The collision threw the bicyclist to the ground where he sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The unknown driver of the black car stopped, but then drove away

before even checking on the injured bicyclist.

The bicyclist is an adult male and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. At this time, there is no further information on the black car, or the driver. The driver is wanted for felony hit & run, and the black car will have damage to the passenger side.

If you have any information about this collision or know who the driver is, please call Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP, or you can leave an anonymous tip on our free mobile “Clovis Police” app.

CROSSWORD FUN

Photo courtesy of Clovis Police Department Detectives seized over $12,000 worth of counterfeit Apple Air Pods and i-Watches made in China

Contributed

Clovis Police Department

Clovis Happenings

HAVE

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Friday, May 24

FRIDAY NIGHT

FARMERS MARKET

Live Music: Rockin

A Hard Place 4th and Pollasky

Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25

CIF TRACK & FIELD

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ticket sales online at gofan.co

Buchanan High School Veterans Memorial Stadium 1560 N. Minnewawa Ave., Clovis, CA

Friday, 2 p.m.

Saturday, 3:30 P.M.

Saturday, May 25

CLOVIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN

Clovis Senior Activity Center 735 3rd St., Clovis, CA

7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Sunday, May 26

GLORIOUS JUNK DAYS

Old Town Clovis

7 a.m. -3 p.m.

Monday, May 27

MEMORIAL DAY

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

808 4th St., Clovis, CA

• Live Band & Outdoor Activities; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Patriotic Documentaries; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Patriotic Concert; 11 a.m.

• Memorial Day Luncheon; 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Friday, May 31

FRIDAY NIGHT

FARMERS MARKET

Live Music: Cab Street 4th and Pollasky

Friday, June 7

FRIDAY NIGHT

FARMERS MARKET

Live Music: Country Rewind 4th and Pollasky

Friday, June 14

FRIDAY NIGHT

FARMERS MARKET

Live Music: Spunk 4th and Pollasky

Saturday, June 15

CLOVIS ‘80s NEON NIGHT PUB CRAWL

Old Town Clovis

4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Thursday, June 20

CLOVIS LEADERSHIP

SUMMIT & BUSINESS, FOOD & WINE EXPO

Clovis Veterans

Memorial District

808 4th St., Clovis, CA

2 p .m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, June 21

FRIDAY NIGHT

FARMERS MARKET

Live Music: Natural Bridge 4th and Pollasky

Friday, June 28

FRIDAY NIGHT

FARMERS MARKET

Live Music: Raisin Cane 4th and Pollasky

ALL MONTH LONG

U.S. FLAG RETIREMENT

DROP BOX

Clovis Veterans

Memorial District

808 4th St., Clovis

Three Flag Retirement

Drop Boxes on site

Drive Up Box is available 24/7

New vs Used Cars – The Pros and Cons of Both

If you’re in need of a new set of wheels and wondering if it’s better to spring for a new vehicle or to go the cheaper route and buy a used vehicle, keep reading. Any decision surrounding a purchase as large as a car needs to be made with careful research and consideration. There are pros and cons on both sides of the fence here. Your final decision, though, will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and particular needs.

To make your job a little easier, check out the list of the pros and cons of each purchase type below.

Pros of new cars

• More financing options. If you’re considering a new car, you’ll be offered attractive incentives like cash rebates from the carmaker and better interest rates from the lender.

• Improved technology. Cars are getting more updates, and recent

models have incredibly convenient technology, such as programmable settings, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, built-in Wi-Fi hotspots or lane-departure warnings.

• Automaker’s guarantee. All new cars come with warranty coverage.

Cons of new cars

• Price. Of course, a new car is going to be more expensive.

• Depreciation. New cars go down in value as soon as they leave the lot.

• Higher premiums. Insurance companies charge more for newer vehicles.

Pros of used cars

• Price tag. Let’s be honest here: No one would think of buying a used car if it weren’t for the savings. And those savings can be enormous!

• Less depreciation. The savings on a used car don’t end at the dealer’s lot. With the previous owner absorbing the initial depreciation on the car during its first few years of ownership, your

PLACES TO VISIT

CALIFORNIA 911 MEMORIAL

3485 Never Forget Ln., Clovis, CA

Open 365 days a year

COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTER

3rd and Veterans Parkway

OPEN Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CLOVIS MUSEUM

4th & Pollasky, Clovis, CA

Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CLOVIS FARMERS’ MARKETS

OLD TOWN CLOVIS FARMERS’ MARKET

Pollasky Ave., Clovis, CA

Every Saturday Year-Round

9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

MARKET AT THE PARC

Food Trucks and Farmers Market

Clovis Regional Medical Center

Temperance & Herndon

Every Monday Year-Round

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKUP

Clovis Senior Activity Center 735 3rd St., Clovis, CA Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

vehicle will only experience a minimal drop in price.

• Lower insurance premiums. With your car weighing in at a lower value, your monthly insurance premiums will be more manageable.

• Lower interest. If you choose to finance a used car instead of a new one, you’ll likely have a higher interest rate. However, since the loan amount is lower, you’ll save in total interest payments over the life of the loan.

Cons of used cars

• Complicated purchase. You won’t be able to walk on to a lot and walk out with your new car an hour later. With a used vehicle, you’ll want to get a vehicle history report, ask to see the vehicle’s service records, and bring it to a mechanic for a professional inspection.

• Fewer choices. When buying pre-owned, you may not get all the items on your checklist such as color, upgrades, and features. If you find

CITY OF CLOVIS HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF CENTER

79 N. Sunnyside, Clovis, CA Tuesday thru Saturday –9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

something in your price range that meets most of your specifications, grab it!

• Risk. Even if you do your homework well, you still run the risk of walking out with a lemon when you buy a used car. It’s a multi-faceted decision, but by carefully weighing your options and personal preferences, you’ll drive off the dealer’s lot with a real winner! Prepare for your summer road trips with a new set of wheels and take advantage of Noble Credit Union’s low auto rates while they’re available!

Noble Credit Union, voted the 2024 best credit union in Central California by the Business Journal, offers offer members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including low-rate auto loans, MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, online and mobile banking, and more. For more information about membership at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit NobleCU.com.

We help families navigate the complex and confusing college admissions, aid, and funding process. We’ll teach you about how Financial Aid is calculated and what you may do to improve your position for college funding. Plus, much more… Are 529 Plans all they’re cracked

to be?

Golden Girls: Clovis West Wins Big at CIF State Swimming Championships

their teamwork and tenacity propelling them to an unforgettable triumph.

May 11, 2024 - In a stunning display of aquatic athleticism, the Clovis West High School girls' swimming team surged to victory Saturday in the CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships, held at their home turf for the first time since 2015.

Amidst the cheers and under the watchful eyes of parents waving proudly from the stands, the Clovis West girls carved their names into the annals of swimming history, clinching the coveted gold medal in the 200-yard medley relay.

The Clovis West girls’ team of senior Hannah Marinovich, sophomore Hailey Marinovich, sophomore Audrey Hill, and sophomore Sophia Oka-Fedder, left spectators awestruck as they sliced through the water with unparalleled finesse and coordination, finishing with a first-place time of 1:41.50.

The atmosphere crackled with excitement as the hometown heroes surged ahead,

But the glory didn't end there for Clovis West. As the sun bathed the poolside in golden hues and the weather smiled upon the event with its benevolent warmth, the girls continued to shine as Hannah Marinovich secured a commendable third place in the Girls 100 yd Backstroke. The girls’ racked up 151 points en route to a 3rd place overall finish.

Clovis West further solidified their dominance in the water as Nathan Grabowski carved his path to glory, securing a commendable third place in the fiercely contested 50-yard freestyle Paralympic Class 1 event.

The narrative of triumph extended beyond the confines of Clovis West as well. Freshman sensation Rowyn Wilber of Clovis North emerged as a beacon of promise, her talent transcending age barriers as she showcased her skills. With a bright future ahead, Wilber's impressive performances hinted at the

heights she is destined to scale in her high school swimming career.

Moreover, the indomitable spirit of Payton Tambrilo from Clovis North illuminated the event with her extraordinary feat. Shaving off a remarkable three seconds from her personal best in the 50-yard freestyle Paralympic Class 2 event, Tambrillo left onlookers marveling at her unwavering determination. Amidst the jubilation, the mother of Clovis West standout sophomore Tobin Reed beamed with pride as she pointed out her towering son amidst the throng of athletes on stage. "He's the very tall kid in the back there," she remarked with maternal affection as she recounted her son’s swim off the day before to secure his spot in one of the events. “He did really well,” her voice filled with admiration.

Speaking of the Clovis West team's spectacular performances, Helaine underscored the significance of the home advantage, describing it as a "blessing" for the dedicated swimmers who call

Clovis West their home.

When speaking of the achievements of the girls from Clovis West, Helaine emphasized the unique bond and talent of the young athletes. "These kids come from all over the state, and they are mostly seniors and juniors. The Clovis West kids, three of them are sophomores and one is a senior. So, they can do this again," she remarked with a hint of excitement for the future.

As the day drew to a close, and the echoes of cheers faded into the evening, one thing remained abundantly clear: the CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships were not merely about winning medals or setting records. They were a celebration of community and the indomitable spirit of competition.

In the words of the CIF's public service announcement, "How we behave at games is a reflection of who we are."

And on this day, the community of Clovis showcased the very best of themselves, embodying the true essence of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Photo by Armando Negrete, Instagram @etergen_sports

Clovis West swimmer sophomore Stanley Oka prepares to enter the water and competition in the boys 100 yard butterfly in the C.I.F. Swimming and Diving State Championships on Friday May 10th.

Photo by Armando Negrete, Instagram @etergen_sports Competitors from the entire state of California converged on the Clovis West aquatics center for the C.I.F. Swimming and Diving State Championships. Pictured is Clovis North Junior Matt Chen competing in the boys 200 yard I.M.

Photo by Armando Negrete, Instagram @etergen_sports

Clovis High swimmer senior Claire Minton is congratulated after her race in the 500 yard freestyle at the C.I.F. Swimming and Diving State Championships on Friday May 10th.

Photo by Armando Negrete, Instagram @etergen_sports

Clovis East swimmer Jag Zwaschka (left) and Buchanan swimmer Nate Rey (right) come off the blocks and into the competition in the boys 50 yard freestyle. Both swimmers competed in the C.I.F. Swimming and Diving State Championships at the Clovis West aquatics center.

Photo by Armando Negrete, Instagram @etergen_sports

Clovis North freshman swimmer Rowyn Wilber (center of photograph) readies herself in the blocks for her race the 500 yard freestyle at the C.I.F. Swimming and Diving State Championships on Friday May 10th.

Steven Sandage @ClovisRoundup

Photo by Armando Negrete, Instagram @etergen_sports

Members of Clovis Unified swim and dive teams competed at the C.I.F. State Swimming and Diving State Championships on May 10-11. Pictured is Clovis West’s Sophia OkaFedder in her race the 200 yard I.M.

New Emergency Nurse Residency Program launched at Clovis Community Medical Center

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

May 14, 2024 - Clovis Community Medical Center partnered with the Emergency Nurses Association to launch an Emergency Nurse Residency Program in February of this year, and the first cohort of 12 nurses just finished their residencies.

The program at Clovis Community Medical Center is structured to help nursing school graduates who have already passed the National Council Licensure Exam (N-CLEX) and received their nursing license to integrate into the fast-paced Emergency Department.

The residency program helps build confidence in clinical practice, foster

collaboration among nursing management and educators, and promotes active engagement in the program, through didactic learning strategies, to benefit each nurse’s ability to provide patient care.

Clinical nurse educator at Clovis Community and the Emergency Nurse Residency Program Director Jennifer Winters says that the residency program starts with 4 weeks of foundational lectures and informational sessions before they begin working with patients.

“You come out of nursing school with quite a bit of knowledge to begin with, but then there’s so much more, [like] learning how to manage your time and critical thinking,” Winters says, “The really nice thing with this program is that they spend some time doing critical

thinking skills.”

“Approximately 73% of ED [Emergency Department] nurses viewed critical thinking as the No. 1 skill gap for a new ED nurse,” says a 2019 Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO).

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has been implementing this Residency Program in hospitals across the country for at least two years, and the residency program at Clovis Community is only the fifth of its kind in California.

“It’s been a great experience to get to work in the ER and see how fast-paced it is and see what kind of good we can do,” says recent nursing school graduate, 22-year-old Carson Brizee, “For me,

that’s what I got into nursing for.”

“If you like action, the unexpected, and making a positive impact in the lives of your patients and community, then a career in the emergency department might be for you,” says the Emergency Nurses Association website.

The ENA was established in 1970 with a mission to advance emergency nursing through values of collaboration, compassion, inclusion, excellence, lifelong learning, honesty and integrity, and a spirit of philanthropy.

“I know I’m going to make a difference in someone’s life,” says cohort member Sarah Osterhaus, I love that feeling, because I walk out of here knowing I did something great.”

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Photo by Clovis Roundup Clovis Community Medical Center

Photo by Clovis Roundup Clovis Community Hospital

Engines roar and generations unite at the 4th Annual Motorama

May 18, 2024 - The heart of Clovis roars with the engines of classic cars and the cheers of car enthusiasts as the 4th Annual Old Town Motorama continues its celebration. This year’s event, meticulously organized by the Hot Rod Coalition, local volunteers, generous sponsors, and the collaborative efforts of the City of Clovis and B.O.O.T., promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The festivities kicked off on Thursday evening at The Backyard Social Club, where the first sixty classic cars enjoyed reserved parking amidst live music, an open mic, craft beers, and delicious food. This intimate gathering set the tone for the extraordinary weekend to come.

Friday night brought the epic Pre-Party at Crow and Wolf Brewery, a partnership

with Fresno Street Eats that delivered the best food trucks and a full street closure for classic car displays. Participants who pre-registered had exclusive access to this night of revelry, marking a fantastic start to the Motorama weekend.

Saturday's show is a sensory feast, featuring live music, historic automobiles on display, amazing food vendors, and interactive booths with tremendous giveaways, including those from title sponsor O’Reilly Auto Parts. There’s something for everyone.

A family of four strolls through the array of gleaming vehicles at Motorama, captivated by the spectacle. David Mattox, the patriarch, proudly mentions that this is their first visit, and they're having a fantastic time. His son, Kallon, is especially thrilled. "I love how unique some of the cars are. Learning about the motor shops that helped build them is really cool," says Kallon, a student at Clark Junior High School.

Father and son, two generations that could be separated by modernity and technology, instead bridge the generational gap with cars. This is crucial to the future success of any passion— getting the next generations involved. Motorama and the car clubs that bring their incredible automobiles to Old Town Clovis need to bridge that gap.

Cody Clem helps the Hot Rod Coalition with managing social media and coordinating events and understands that need well. Inspired by his late uncle’s love for classic cars, Clem embraces nostalgia

and memory-making, boasting a fleet that includes a full-race Model A Roadster, a T-Bird, and his cherished 1962 Ford Pickup.

Alongside his role as a Firefighter Captain/Paramedic, Clem has dedicated seven years to the Hot Rod Coalition, where he emphasizes, “The Clovis Pharaohs car club is doing a great job of bridging that generational gap.” Notably, their chapter president is a youthful 34 years old.

Kerry Matsunaga, a member of the Clovis Pharaohs Car Club, brought his 1971 GTO to Motorama for the first time this year. Kerry beams with pride as he speaks about the fresh chapter, saying, “The Pharaohs are fairly new to Clovis, but our club is international – it’s everywhere.”

The Old Town Motorama is more than just a car show; it’s a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community. Sunday wraps it all up with a cherished tradition: shop tours. Registered participants will embark on a tour of classic car shops and home garages across the Valley, discovering hidden gems and meeting fellow enthusiasts along the way.

The Hot Rod Coalition, inspired by a love for classic cars, works diligently to ensure that each year’s Motorama is a testament to the enduring allure of these vehicles. As Motorama celebrates its fourth year, it is clear that Old Town Clovis will be a haven for car aficionados for many years to come.

Steven Sandage @ClovisRoundup

Photo by Steven Sandage, Clovis Roundup

Strolling through time on Pollasky Ave, families revel in the classic charm of the 4th Annual Old Town Motorama.

Photo by Steven Sandage, Clovis Roundup

A classic Ford takes center stage at the entrance of Vendor Alley during Clovis's 4th Annual Old Town Motorama. Celebrating the enduring allure of vintage automobiles, this event draws enthusiasts from all generations.