Clovis Roundup - May 25, 2023

R undup

City of Clovis hosts Mayor’s Breakfast

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

May 29, 2023 - In the Clovis Veterans Memorial District’s Liberty Ballroom, the seemingly one great meeting place and melting pot of Clovis residents, the City of Clovis held their annual Mayor’s Breakfast.

The Mayor’s Breakfast is a time for gathering in which City of Clovis supporters submit requests to be seated next to each other, during the hours most readily available for breakfast in Clovis, 7 AM-8:30 AM.

This assembly of entities garners attention and style, as city

residents, both within Clovis city limits and apart, mingle with city staff.

Possibly most importantly during the Mayor’s Breakfast, is the City of Clovis’ Mayor’s speech, a “State of the City” styled address that is given

See MAYOR'S BREAKFAST, Pg. 4

I love Clovis. I love the people who live, work, and play here. So, I am especially grateful for the opportunity you have entrusted to me to serve on your City Council. I am also grateful to the Clovis Roundup for this forum to share some of my thoughts with you.

I have had discussions with people on various issues and the question comes up of “what sets Clovis apart from other communities?” No matter the exact topic, the answer

See PEARCE, Pg. 6

Honor Flight takes War Veteran Bob Scholz through Vietnam past

@ClovisRoundup

May 22, 2023 - Bob Scholz sent his family through Clovis public education, watching four of his five children pass through Buchanan and Clovis High School and more grandchildren do the same.

The 76-year-old Southern California native endured sacrifice to put his lineage in such a position – not only foregoing his first chance to

start a family, but finding a new one in the United State Army.

The Vietnam War Veteran received the opportunity to revisit past fallen friends on the Central Valley Honor Flight, which took him to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 17.

For Scholz, serving his country was a no-brainer. He grew up with a guy who embodied American heroism on the silver screen – John

Diane Pearce Clovis Councilmember

Photo by Gabriel Camarillo, Clovis Roundup Bob Scholz at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

See SCHOLZ Pg. 5

Photo courtesy of City of Clovis Pictured left to right, Council-member Matt Basgall, Miss Clovis Rodeo Lilly Kier, Mayor Lynne Ashbeck, Council-member Diane Pearce Miss Clovis Loie Madsen, and Council-member Vong Mouanoutoua.

What’s Up, Clovis?

CHECK OUT THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Salute to Armed Forces Concert

The Old Town Flea Market

Jolly Times Luncheon

Clovis Roundup out in the wild

Motorama Car Show

Photos by Ron Sundquist

Mayor Lynne Ashbeck was seen smiling big as she looked at the latest edition of the paper.

Many gathered to shop at The Old Town Flea Market. Central Valley artisans came together to sell antiques, jewelry, metal workings, plants and more.

Car lovers came together at the Clovis Old Town Motorama Car Show, held on May 19-21, 2023, to enjoy cars, vendors, and music.

On May 21, 2023 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, AUSA Sounds of Freedom and the Fresno Opera Association came together for a free Salute to Armed Forces Concert. Watch the concert online @CVMDistrict's YouTube page.

The monthly luncheon included dancing and entertainment by JT & Sarah and the Top Dollar Band. In the bottom photo, Tom, Denise, Claire, Bill and Jim can be seen toasting.

City of Clovis moves to annex land east of Willow, north of Shepherd

and assumed” that the Garfield Water District would come into business by the time of annexation.

May 17, 2023 - At Monday's Council meeting, the Clovis City Council voted to approve the attempt at annexation of a parcel of land east of Willow Avenue and north of Shepherd Avenue.

This parcel of land was discussed at length due to the inclusion of the Clovis Hills Church and water use that may or may not come from the Garfield Water District.

The Clovis Hills Church which sits just above the land that the city intends to annex, has had its water come from the Garfield Water District for a number of years.

However, with the annexation it is currently unresolved as to what the Garfield Water District will decide, being whether or not they send water to the parcel of land.

It was stated at a meeting that occurred in 2020 the Garfield Water District did not sign a water contract with the city, although city staff claimed that it was always “expected

The city says ultimately it is up to the decision of the Garfield Water District whether or not they will continue to provide water connections for the city, and in essence provide water to the Clovis Hills Church.

As of the day of the City Council meeting, once the city fully annexes the land, Garfield Water District will disconnect their lines to the land and stop providing water.

The Clovis Hills Church would then have to come to a further agreement with the city in order to continue receiving water connections which the church claims they have been doing so since 2020.

At first, the Clovis Hills Church was included in a possible developer based annexation that was attempting to be processed before the city decided to annex the territory.

They are not included in the city’s annexation because “no housing units are included

in the housing element”, which the city hinted at using the land for.

In terms of a protest of the annexation, a protest can occur, if more than 50% of registered voters protest.

If this occurs annexation can be terminated. If more than 25% of voters or more than 25% of owners owning more than 25%

of total land value protest, an election can be called on whether or not to annex the territory.

If neither protest occurs annexation is approved. The City Council voted to approve an application for the annexation of the approximately 500 acres of land that sits east of Willow Avenue.

City of Clovis proclaims week of May 21st National Public Works Week

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

May 20, 2023 - The City of Clovis, at their May 15th City Council meeting named the week of May 21st-27th as National Public Works Week.

In designation, this week is provided as an opportunity to focus on the tireless work of the Public Works Department in the City of Clovis.

Councilmember Drew Bessinger read the proclamation.

communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of the City of Clovis….the City of Clovis does hereby declare May 21-27, 2023, as National Public Works Week.”

The Public Works Department announced to the council they will be honoring their hard working employees at their annual Public Works' Week Celebration Barbecue at the Corporation Yard on Wednesday, May 24th at noon.

Week in honor of the many employees who collect our garbage, deliver our water, design our parks, maintain our roads, and so much more. These employees work in the following city departments: Public Utilities, Planning and Development Services, and General Services. Pictured are just a few of these many employees.

MAYOR'S BREAKFAST

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

in rally and accommodation of the City of Clovis.

This year, Mayor Lynne Ashbeck clearly outlined three accomplishments, three worries, and three opportunities or goals for and of the City of Clovis.

The three accomplishments that Mayor Ashbeck mentioned began with the Clovis’ continuance as the “safest in the valley”, a mantra in the lore of Clovis’ police presence.

Mayor Ashbeck then went on to mention her belief that Clovis has the best local economy when compared to other cities in the Valley, and finally finished with investments in civic development amongst the city.

Three worries that Mayor Ashbeck and the City of Clovis believe are facing the present and the near future of the city include first and foremost housing.

Whether it be finding the funding to pay for housing, combining high and low densities in neighborhoods through multi-family versus single family homes, or protecting private sectors and their ventures to pay for housing, the city has plenty of issues in that one worry.

Revenue against increasing expenses in the city was a second worry, as Mayor Ashbeck ventured upon the question, “How much are we willing to pay to keep the services we have?”

Mix these issues with the “political climate that we live in”, Mayor Ashbeck and the

“Whereas, Public Works focuses on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient

City of Clovis believe that state legislation and their regulation overshadowing local interests will become a further worry to attend to in the growing future of Clovis.

Mayor Ashbeck finished her speech with three opportunities that she said are within reach of the City of Clovis. One opportunity is the expanded outreach into lands such as the Northwest Heritage Grove area and the possibility of growing Clovis into a “150,000-200,000” residential area.

A second opportunity for Ashbeck and the City of Clovis relies on Shaw Avenue, an opportunity that Mayor Ashbeck herself questioned the possibility of. “Shaw Avenue is an opportunity. Think about that, we haven’t said those words in 25 years.”

Specifically, Ashbeck believes that people's change in shopping and entertainment

This barbecue will be in celebration of the hard work that the Public Works Department continues to do each and every year, and is not open to the public.

options offer “opportunities to reimagine that corridor for years ahead.”

Finally, the third opportunity that awaits Clovis according to Mayor Ashbeck is the culmination and combination of the different classifications of cultures that continue to arrive in Clovis while maintaining the “unique community culture.” Calling it a “spoken and unspoken worry”, Mayor Ashbeck described this culture as a distinct Clovis identity that the city wishes to hold on to as they continue to grow in population. Mentioning this last point as both an opportunity and a possible worry, Ashbeck clarified, “I don’t mean it as a worry that we can’t do it, I mean it as a worry that it can slip away in small increments we may not even notice until it’s gone.”

Photo by Clovis Roundup Northeast corner of Willow and Shepherd, across the street from Enzo's Table.

Photo courtesy of City of Clovis Clovis City Council proclaimed May 21st-27th as National Public Works

Letter to the editor: Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House on National Police Week

Contributed Kevin McCarthy

May 18, 2023 - Every day, brave men and women who serve in law enforcement, both in the Central Valley and nationwide, put their lives on the line to protect our communities and keep us safe.

Our officers serve as the first line of defense in maintaining law and order. It is because of the dedication of the men and women in the Clovis Police Department that the city of Clovis is among the safest cities in both California and the United States.

The Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office also work tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of the community. We are eternally grateful for their service.

These officers and other local law

enforcement officials are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and friends and neighbors.

And though they come from all walks of life and backgrounds, what they share in common is that they each answered the call to serve, including some who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Now more than ever, it is vital that we support our local police, sheriff’s deputies, and other law enforcement officers, which is why just last week, I hosted the third annual “Back the Blue Bike Tour” in Washington, D.C. to celebrate National Police Week.

During this event, my congressional colleagues and I biked with law enforcement officers from around the nation to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to honor the lives of the over 23,000 men and women who have been killed in the

line of duty since 1786.

Their sacrifice helped make our communities and nation better, and their legacies will never be forgotten.

To further demonstrate our support for police officers across the country, the House of Representatives also voted on a series of bills focused on helping our law enforcement community, all which passed with unanimous support from House Republicans.

So this National Police Week, I encourage you to thank our nation’s brave law enforcement officers for protecting our communities, protecting our children, and protecting our country.

They put their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe.

with enemy soldiers waiting to ambush Americans.

Wayne, a native of Newport Beach, which resided not too far from where Scholz was raised.

The cowboy movies, the war films, even his personal favorite of Wayne’s, The Quiet Man – all of it ignited a fire within a young Scholz.

So, too, did the military history of his predecessors. The Scholz name meant something in the United States Armed Forces, considering his ancestry dated back to the Revolutionary War and his great-great grandfather served as scribe to Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War.

Scholz wanted to serve – he felt it was his civic duty – but his girlfriend wanted him to stay home, get married, and start a family. The decision weighed heavily on him.

“I felt like something was missing,” Scholz remembered. “I loved war movies back then. I liked patriotism. I thought to myself, ‘I can’t give this up. I gotta go.’”

Leaving his civilian life behind in 1966, Scholz forged ahead to Fort Ord in Monterey, California. He attended language school, hoping to serve his country through communications, just like his great-great grandfather more than a hundred years earlier.

At the start of language school, he picked three languages he would’ve liked to learn. He received notice that all three of his requests were rejected. Instead, he was assigned Vietnamese.

It became obvious to Scholz where he was headed.

Unlike past family members, who were Navy, Scholz spent over two years with the Army Security Agency as a Vietnamese linguist. Among the perks of his lineage, since some of his ancestors acted as spies, was the top-secret crypto clearance he received. It gave him access to information that few others had in the Vietnam War.

Yet he was not withheld from other personal tragedies that many suffered in the war. While in Vietnam, Scholz suffered two gaping wounds – one through his foot, and one through his heart.

In the mail one day, a Dear John letter arrived, addressed to Scholz. His girlfriend that he planned to marry ended the relationship, stating she would’ve liked to date other guys.

“That killed me,” Scholz said. “You only had to put 12 months in. Everyone had to put 12 months in – unless you left in a body bag. Well, I re-upped three times.” Heartbreak a contributing factor, Scholz extended his stay in Vietnam from 12 to 27 months.

It’s a tradition in Vietnam to receive a gold bar on the lower sleeve of your Army jacket for every six months served. When soldiers discovered six bars on Scholz’s arm, they almost did a double take.

“I didn’t want to go home,” Scholz said. “I didn’t care what happened.”

He worked mostly with the First Infantry Division, at times on the front lines and other times in the jungle. Shortly after turning 19 years old, on a mission to collect classified information in radios and relying

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on his knowledge of Chinese and Russian, Scholz made a severe misstep.

The Vietnamese were creative in using land resources to create booby traps. One of these contraptions was a long bamboo stick, sharp as a knife, hidden on the ground by leaves and vegetation, nicknamed a “punji stick.”

While trekking through the dense jungle as quietly as possible with his rifle squad, Scholz stepped on a punji stick.

“It went right through my foot and everything else,” Scholz said.

He was medevaced two hours later before the injury worsened, but tensions heightened until help arrived. The Vietnamese typically preyed on the wounded like Scholz.

“You couldn’t see very far, and they could always see you,” Scholz remembered. “They were small, and they hid in the jungle. You were scared to death most of the time.”

Thankfully, he was not alone – “The biggest thing was, you just never left a brother behind” – and made a full recovery to return to action.

Another of Scholz’s recollections from the Vietnam War was the dangerous tasks his rifle squad carried out. The country was littered with underground tunnels, teeming

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If Scholz’s squad found a tunnel, they assigned one of their own to search the tunnel with a .45 caliber handgun, knife, and flashlight.

“I didn’t do it, because I had clearance,” he said. “I could speak [languages]. I had a little value, so they didn’t want to lose me. But I’ve seen grown men cry, pee their pants, and everything else. They’d say, shoot me now.”

By 1968, Scholz completed his service and earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. ‘We didn’t care about medals,” he said. “All we wanted to do was get the hell out of Vietnam.”

After getting out at age 22, he worked 30 years in real estate for Santa Fe railroads before moving to the Fresno/Clovis area in 1992. Scholz purchased five acres of land outside town.

He raised crops and livestock including chickens, ducks, pigs, turkey, and 40 emus. “I’m a Southern California surfer,” Scholz said. “I didn’t know how to do any of that stuff.”

He did it well enough, though. He adopted the Central California lifestyle and sent his kids through some of its top high schools. Two children, Jason and Ashley, went to Buchanan; Jason Strickland currently works in the Hanford Elementary School District. Two grandkids, one of them recently accepted into nursing school and the other a Veteran Marine and fireman, graduated from Clovis High.

Another grandchild is serving in the Marines in the Philippines, out of Clovis East High School.

The Scholz family is full of individuals serving the public good, due in large part to the Vietnam War Veteran who risked his own future to make a better one for his children and grandchildren.

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Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House

Photo by Gabriel Camarillo, Clovis Roundup Bob Scholz (left) with guardian Cher Navarro, member of the Central Valley Blue Star Moms.

Assembly Bill 1207 to address exploding child cannabis poisonings

J.T. Gomez

May 17, 2023 - On Tuesday, May 16th, Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin hosted a virtual press conference in which she discussed her support for Assembly Bill 1207 which would prohibit cannabis product packaging that mimics candy, soda, and other snacks that may be attractive to children.

This piece of legislation was brought to the floor at the expense of the “recent explosion of poisonings and hospitalizations” of young children due to accidental ingestion of cannabis products.

In addition to Assemblymember Irwin, Dr. Lynn Silver, Pediatrician and Director of “Getting it Right from the Start" stated that there are “skyrocketing” poisonings across the country amongst children and the time for action on these poisonings is now.

Dr. Silver believes that across the state and nation, “We can have legal cannabis that

PEARCE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

is invariably the same, “it is her people.”

Why has Clovis remained the “Safest City in the Valley” when our police staffing is lower than we would like? Why have we been able to hold the line better on crime than other cities?

In addition to the quality of our officers, our citizens are engaged and participate. If a crime is committed elsewhere, there is no guarantee law enforcement will find anyone

prospers without attracting kids”, by “creating consistency” amongst items such as the products in question in addition to flavored tobacco.

Dr. Natalie Laub, researcher at Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego, has conducted a recent study into the issue, focusing on young children accidentally ingesting cannabis. Dr. Laub states that in San Diego alone the amount of accidental ingestions has risen from less than 10 cases in 2019 to 100 in 2022.

Findings concluded that most of the ingestions are coming from toddlers. Their reasoning behind the accidental ingestions is toddlers’ misidentification of cannabis products and more specifically mistaking the packaging as candy.

Most of these cases come from in home environments with the products themselves being purchased legally.

Each of the dignitaries contributing to the press conference, which included President

willing to come forward as a witness.

In Clovis, often the witnesses are the ones who alert law enforcement and are not afraid if they “see something,” to “say something.”

Why has Clovis been able to maintain the small-town feel and charm even with our population growing by roughly 75% in the last 20 years?

Why do community-wide events like Big Hat Days, the Clovis Rodeo, Clovis Fest, and any time spent in Old Town feel like everyone is your neighbor?

It is because we are a community who cares

of the California Parent Teacher Association, Carol Greene, and Policy Advocate for Youth Forward, Adwoa Akyianu, made it evident that their fight is not against the use of cannabis amongst adults, but the material packaging that may attract younger children to accidentally ingest.

They believe that cannabis users will continue to buy products without the flair, style, and attractiveness that is cannabis product packaging.

Questions were brought up on the effect on the cannabis advertising industry and more specifically the responsibility of parents who carry cannabis products in their house that also houses infantile children.

To these questions, responses gathered included making sure to lock up cannabis products and further questions on whether or not the cannabis industry would like to be associated with accidental child ingestion that can cause “psychosis and possible death”.

about our heritage and traditions. It is also because we want to welcome everyone to share in those things with us and be part of our special “Clovis Way of Life.” I have gotten to experience that community “buy-in” in a unique way over the last couple of years.

During my campaign to represent you on the City Council, I knocked on thousands of doors, attended dozens of meetings, and enjoyed many wonderful conversations about what we love about Clovis and how we want to protect and maintain those things into the future.

The Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act, AB 1207, would help “create a safer cannabis market and put kids’ health before profit” by prohibiting cannabis products from clearly mimicking some of their favorite candy, soda, and snacks known to attract children. The bill currently sits in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations awaiting a May 18th decision on whether or not it will move forwards to an Assembly Floor vote.

Now that I have the privilege of bringing your voice into your Council Chambers, I have gained an even deeper respect for our community’s commitment to civic engagement.

I believe you deserve transparency from your local government and the ability to hold those you put in office accountable. While we are there to represent your interests, it is also important that we hear directly from those we are tasked with representing. Every Council meeting includes a time for

Photo by Envato Elements Medical marijuana edibles, candies infused with HHC cannabis in food industry

Madera Community Hospital closure has impact on surrounding

as to hear from the marginalized voices who don’t normally receive the same support.

May 12, 2023 - The CBDIO or the social service organization known as the Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Indigena Oaxaqueño, translated as the Binational Center for Oaxacan Indigenous Development, held a press conference in conjunction with the Jakara Movement in front of the Madera Community Hospital on Thursday morning.

Madera Community Hospital was recently closed, cutting off support for a large number of both Sikh and indigenous peoples in the Madera area.

These two groups have teamed up to garner support from both local organizations as well as state government in to advocate for their respective ethnicities.

CBDIO and the Jakara Movement conducted a survey of over 300+ community members in the immediate Madera area, asking questions as to how this hospital closure will affect them.

The survey itself was completed in a new style as it was conducted primarily in Spanish, Punjabi, and Indigenous languages, so

The number one concept that was taken away from this survey was the fact that with the Madera Community Hospital closure, the immediately impacted are having to travel to locations too far and not as easily accessible for patients, mostly the elderly.

In a recent Clovis City Council meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoua said that the “most valuable resource” to the community of Clovis was its elderly population.

In addition to longer travel times, a lot of the impacted do not have reliable transportation to be traveling back and forth to other hospitals, such as Fresno Community Regional Medical Center or Clovis Community Medical Center.

These two locations in addition to St. Agnes Medical Center, were mentioned as two of the next closest hospitals that patients could possibly travel back and forth to. However, in the case of emergencies, having to travel back and forth from Madera to Fresno or Clovis does not seem like a viable option, an option that plenty of residents

citizens with specific issues to bring to our attention, and often there are none.

take when having to go to the hospital. Simple tasks such as lab work may now take patients an entire day with travel time introduced.

The CBDIO and the Jakara Movement were pleased to see plenty of local journalists at the event and made three calls to action for furthering their plan to help their local residents of Madera.

One is to make sure that the state government, more specifically the governor, hears their call for Assembly Bill 112 which

the best of who we are.

would give a $150 million dollar loan to “distressed hospitals”.

The second call to action is to launch a task force to look more closely at the deeper rooted causes that hospital systems are facing in situations such as these.

And finally, find and solve the issues that are but of a few, but are making a community such as Madera and its Sikh and Indigenous peoples as stressed as they are to find common medical care.

Public Comments which offers our citizens the chance to address their elected representatives on an item that is not on the meeting agenda.

Sometimes there are maybe one or two

But on the three occasions when a group of citizens have come together – a neighborhood concern over a group home, a request from many residents to consider allowing backyard chickens, and engaged residents asking for our City’s flag policy to receive official Council approval – it has showcased

We engage in civil discourse and respectfully seek our elected officials’ responsiveness. The first two issues brought to the Council received action. It remains to be seen if the flag policy question will receive the same consideration.

What makes Clovis special is not it’s City

Councilmembers, we come and go. What makes Clovis special is you – whether you have been here for generations or have added your thread to our fabric more recently – who are committed to preserving and protecting what has built our success, our “Clovis Way of Life.”

Photo courtesy of Madera Community Hospital, Facebook Madera Community Hospital, closed as of 12/30/22.

American Legion Post 147 Centennial Plaza

Clovis Chamber of Commerce

Clovis Civic Center

Clovis Elks

Clovis Fire & Police Station

Clovis Fire Station No. 1

Clovis Library

Clovis Museum

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

Clovis Senior Activity Center

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

Community Heritage Center

Mercedes Theater/Clark Intermediate

Old Town Trail

Old Town Water Tower

San Joaquin College of Law

Tarpey Depot - Visitor’s Center

Old Town Service District

1. A1 Lock & Key

2. ABC Pack & Print

3. All American Smog

4. B and H Tire Automotive Shop

5. Boice Funeral, 308 Pollasky Ave, (559) 299-4372

6. Central Valley Community Bank

7. Classic Catering 8. Clovis Boot & Shoe Repair

409 Bullard Ave, 322-1380

FARMERS MARKET - FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Friday evenings, starting May 5th, from 5:30 PM Clovis on Pollasky between 3rd & 7th. The Old Town produce, with wonderful food selections and live foodies.

Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 11:30am. Located

GLORIOUS JUNK DAYS - MAY 28, 2023

In Old Town along Pollasky from 7AM to 3PM. Glorious items not normally seen at our Vintage & Antiques repurposed items, DIY projects, handcrafted artisan as well as the antiques you’ve come to enjoy in Old

to 8:30 PM. Located in the heart of Old Town Town Market Friday vibe is as fresh as the live music from our very own local artists and Located on Pollasky between 5th & Bullard.

Glorious Junk Days was created to showcase Antiques Market. Glorious Junk can include artisan items, rusty junk, and architectural finds –Old Town.

Boutique, Clothing, Accessories

1. Autumn Psalm

2. D A Designs Dancewear

3. Heart’s

Food and Drink

1. 559 Brewery

2. 500 Club

3. Blast & Brew

4. Bobby Salazar’s

5. Kuppa Joy

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

7. Full O Bull

8. House of Juju

9. 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

14. 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

2. Elle Style Bar

3. Fifth Street Salon

4. Hairology

5. Head to Toe Beauty Salon

6. Moxie Salon

7. Re:Treat Color and Hair Design Studio

8. Salon Innovation

Recipe

(Family Features)

Fresh, flavorful ingredients take springtime meals to another level, and it’s hard to top seafood as a seasonal favorite. Skip the wait at restaurants and instead create your own savory seafood dishes by taking advantage of easy-to-make recipes.

While takeout may be an easy option, the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious, homecooked meal like Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice can make you feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality dinner. Next time you’re craving Asian cuisine, swap out traditional rice noodles for this version with Jasmine rice as an aromatic, quick-cooking solution for your own spin on a classic.

Take the guesswork out of cooking rice with an option like Success Boil-In-Bag Rice, which offers a heat safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved solution for fluffy, flavorful

rice that cooks up perfectly. The high-quality grains are quick, easy, mess-free and ready in 10 minutes, so you can enjoy hassle-free dishes such as Successful Crab and Rice Cakes.

These crispy crab cakes come together easily and are served with a zesty, homemade aioli that tastes just like you’re on the coast. If you’re new to making crab cakes, it’s simpler than it may seem - just cook rice beforehand so it can cool then mix in beaten eggs, seafood and seasonings. Refrigerating and resting the mixture helps it hold together before frying to a mouthwatering golden brown for a delicious appetizer, snack or side dish.

Visit SuccessRice.com to find more springtime meal ideas.

Successful crab and rice cakes

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Crab Cakes:

1 bag Success Brown Rice

2 eggs

1 pound lump crabmeat

2 tablespoons seafood seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Aioli:

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 lemon, zest and juice only lemon wedges (optional)

To make crab cakes: Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool. In medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Stir in rice, crabmeat and seafood seasoning; mix well. Refrigerate 5 minutes. Shape mixture into eight patties.

In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, carefully place patties in skillet. Cook 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.

To make aioli: Stir together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice. Serve aioli with crab cakes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Shrimp pad Thai with jasmine rice

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and

deveined

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 cup bean sprouts

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped

4 lime wedges

Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.

In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.

In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat

1/2 tablespoon oil. Quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve.

Add remaining oil to wok over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked. Add reserved sauce and rice; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine.

Divide pad Thai between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Shrimp pad Thai with jasmine rice

Successful crab and rice cakes

The history of the Galliano and Matthews families

November, 1872. The family, including Robert’s mother-in-law Josephine Nichols, arrived in Clovis between 1901-1906. The family raised grapes.

Peg Bos Historian/Clovis Museum Contributed

Joseph Galliano emigrated from Italy in 1891 and lived on the coast of California prior to arriving in Clovis in 1894. The family settled at the corner of 8th and DeWitt. They moved in 1900 to a ranch in the Jefferson district. The Jefferson School District was established in 1884 with boundaries of Bullard, Shields, Peach and Highland.

Joseph and his wife Lucy had four children, all born in California: Julius, Antonetti, Josephine and Fred. In 1935, Joseph moved to a ranch at 2643 Copper Ave. to be with his sons. Joseph died in 1937 at the age of 72. Julius (1893-1967) attended Jefferson Grammar School and one year of Clovis High School. He worked at his father’s ranch until he joined the Army during WW I.

The 1937 telephone directory indicates Julius lived on Copper Ave. His listed number: 105-F-2, which indicated it was a “party” (not private) line. It is believed he purchased the land in 1918. He would partner with his brother Fred on the Copper 75 acre farm.

Flora Edith Matthews (1895-1973) married Julius in 1919. They had no children. Her father Robert John Matthews was born in 1849 in Johnson County, Missouri. He married Florilla Nichols on 29th of

Flora’s brother Theodore Mathews (18871967) worked at the big cattle ranches in the foothills. He was described as being of “small string bean stature, a genuine cowboy and a man of few words.” Upon retirement, he moved to a small, one-room cabin set out in the middle of the Galliano’s vineyard.

Theodore was a great card player. He would frequently walk into Clovis to play cards at one of the card rooms on Clovis or Pollasky avenues.

Ralph Mathews (1892-1940) was the brother of Flora and Theodore. He worked as a muleskinner. He drove a mule team wagon hauling timber down the old Tollhouse grade from Shaver Lake (1918-1919) to the sawmills at Tollhouse. He farmed on east De Wolf and continued using the same mule team to work his fields. Their property was lost during the 1933 as a result of the Great Depression.

Josephine Nichols’ eldest son Clark Nichols had arrived in Clovis 1896. Clark’s son Delbert Nichols was a raisin farmer for many years in the Ashlan area, near Clovis East High School.

Jube (Julius’ nickname for most of his life in Clovis) was active in the Clovis Rodeo Association and a 32 degree Mason. He was commander of the American Legion Cecil Cox Post #147, 1932-1933. The unit was formed in 1919 and was named in honor of Cecil Cox, the first Clovis man killed in

WW I. A 1921 report indicated there were 120 members and that the dues were 50 cents per month.

Jube was a member of the Farm Bureau for 40 years and would assist Al Biglione in creating the Clovis Fresno County Fair booth that would consistently win prizes for its produce and design. He also served as Fresno County assessor for over 15 years. He was considered the best volunteer fund raising cook (noted for his beans) in Clovis. He was active in raising funds for the new

Clovis hospital on De Witt (1965) that replaced the antiquated 1896 home that had been converted into the Clovis Sanitarium by Dr. Milton McMurtry in 1920.

Jube served on the Clovis Union High School Board from 1934-1946. He and Flora remained active in the Clovis community. They sold their portion of the ranch in 1957 and purchased a home in Tarpey Village. The Galliano and Matthew families are a part of our rich heritage.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Museum Julius Galliano and Flora Matthews Galliano, 1919 wedding.

Clovis Police SET Detectives investigating shooting outside Sierra Vista Mall

under investigation.

Clovis Police recover stolen gun and arrest 3 suspects following overnight pursuit

May 14, 2023 - Last night just after 9:00 PM, several 911 calls came into our communications center reporting a shooting at the Sierra Vista Mall.

Officers arrived in the area quickly, which was in the parking lot near the southeast portion of the mall, outside of K1 Speed.

Clovis Police Special Enforcement Team (SET) Detectives have taken over this case and continue to review surveillance footage from the area and speak to witnesses.

The victim who was shot is an adult male. He was treated and released from the hospital with a non-life-threatening wound. The shooting suspect used a handgun during the incident. There was an associated vehicle collision in the parking lot which is also

SET Detectives are looking for 3 suspects at this time. All suspects are described as wearing hoodies and a mask to cover their identity.

Due to their clothing, there is no information on a further description of the suspects at this time.

SET Detectives have learned that all 3 suspects were at the mall before the shooting that took place at approximately 9:10 PM on Saturday, May 13.

If you were in the area and saw someone matching this description, or saw anything suspicious, please help keep our community safe and let CPD know.

You can call (559) 324-2800, leave an anonymous tip on CPD mobile app, or call Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

April 2023: Clovis property crime statistics

recommend it at all times for your safety. This is a felony.

May 11, 2023 - Clovis Police Officers

arrested 3 suspects and recovered a concealed handgun following a pursuit that began just after 2am Thursday morning.

After witnessing the driver of a white Honda Accord fail to stop at a stop sign at Helm/Holland, the CPD officer tried to pull the driver over, but they sped off.

The pursuit ended about 5 1⁄2 miles away near Fowler/Alluvial where officers took the driver and both passengers into custody without further incident. During a search of the car, officers located a stolen semi-automatic handgun

near the driver’s seat, and illegal drugs with paraphernalia.

The driver has been identified as 37-yearold Peter Ramirez of Kerman. He was arrested for several felonies including possession of a stolen concealed firearm, evading police, and violation of his Post-Supervised Community Release (PRCS).

The 2 passengers were also arrested. 31-year-old James Lowery of Clovis was arrested for 2 felony warrants and 37year-old Ashley Koehler of Dinuba was cited for possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.

Officers towed the Honda and booked the stolen gun along with other evidence into their secure property room.

Below is information regarding property crimes in Clovis for April 2023. As the summer approaches, we do expect these property crimes to increase, which is typical. CPD needs you to call us when you're the victim of a crime to report it. Any leads will be followed up on when possible, and we use these crime statistics to allocate our patrol officers and resources. Please remember to lock your doors, set your alarms, and call us immediately if you see something suspicious! Typically we will see an increase in mail theft during winter months due to tax season. Please check your mail daily. Remember that a neighbor's surveillance camera may have recorded the suspect of a crime. Communicate with your neighbors, and make a police report when crimes occur. If we know what crime is occurring in your neighborhoods, we are more prepared to combat it.

Crime Prevention Tips:

• Use motion sensor outdoor lighting or keep driveway lights on at night.

• Always lock your doors & roll your windows up.

• When parking at night, park in well-lit areas.

• Call us immediately when you see a crime in progress at 911.

• Get info on creating a Clovis Community Watch neighborhood in your area if one is not organized already.

Crimes Explained:

• A residential burglary occurs when someone enters a home to commit a crime, such as stealing property. Doors do not have to be locked even though we

• A vehicle burglary occurs when someone breaks into a locked vehicle, with their windows rolled up, and steals property. This is a felony.

• A theft from an unlocked vehicle is just that - Either a door is unlocked or a window is rolled down enough for someone to steal something without having to force their way inside. This is a misdemeanor if less than $950 worth of items are stolen. It's a felony if more than $950 worth of items is stolen.

• A theft of vehicle parts includes catalytic converters, tailgates, license plates, and other similar parts on the outside of the vehicle.

April 2023:

Residential Burglaries: 9

Vehicle Burglaries: 12

Theft from Unlocked Vehicles: 9

Thefts of Vehicle Parts: 16

How do they compare?

March 2023 (Last month):

Residential Burglaries: 8

Vehicle Burglaries: 9

Theft from Unlocked Vehicles: 10

Thefts of Vehicle Parts: 22

April 2022 (Last year):

Residential Burglaries: 9

Vehicle Burglaries: 15

Theft from Unlocked Vehicles: 27

Thefts of Vehicle Parts: 10

To stay informed daily, download our mobile app "Clovis Police" and "Go Clovis".

You'll have instant access to crime maps, City phone directory, news alerts, submit requests/report issues, and more!

As always, stay safe, stay vigilant, and have a great day, Clovis!

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

Photo by Clovis Roundup Related vehicle collision in the K1 Speed parking lot.

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

Photo courtesy of Clovis Police Department

Booking photos from left to right: Driver 37-year-old Peter Ramirez of Kerman, 37-year-old Ashley Koehler of Dinuba, 31-year-old James Lowery of Clovis.

National Walking Month & Women's Health Care Month

Friday, May 26

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK GREEN BUSH SPRING Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES

Saturday, May 27 ACADEMY CEMETERY 1182 Mendocino Clovis, CA 9 a.m.

Saturday, May 27 REDBANK CEMETERY 11548 E. Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA 10:30 a.m.

May 29

Sunday, May 28

GLORIOUS JUNK DAYS (Vintage Antiques and Glorious Junk) Old Town Clovis 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. JUNE

Friday, June 2

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK West 45 Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

Friday, June 9

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK

Ripe for Pickin’ Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

Monday, June 12 thru Wednesday, June 14

2023 CLOVIS CRUSH SUMMER

SOCCER CAMP

Clovis Community College

10309 N Willow Ave., Fresno, CA 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, June 13

LET’S TALK CLOVIS

Speaker: Chief Master Sargent

Retired Jeffrey “Chip” Dodson

US Air Force Experiences (including Air Force One and Khobar Towers) Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 14

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

RESOURCE FAIR Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday, June 16

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK

Pipe on the Hob Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

Sunday, June 18

FATHER’S DAY

Thursday, June 22

CLOVIS LEADERSHIP

SUMMIT

Business, Food & Wine Expo Featuring Women in Business Register at clovischamber.com

Contact at events@ clovischamber.com 559-299-7363 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, June 23

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK

Evo Bluestein and Bad Actors

Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

Friday, June 30

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK

Ed Bell Band

Clovis Veterans Memorial District Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA 6 p.m. until dusk

ALL MONTH LONG

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKUP Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA

Mondays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

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.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

FRIDAY NIGHT FARMERS MARKET (FRIDAY NIGHTS THRU OCT. 27)

Old Town Clovis Pollasky & 5th 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

CLOVIS OLD TOWN FARMERS’ MARKET Polasky Ave., Clovis, CA

Every Saturday

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

HARLAN RANCH

FRESH MARKET/ HARLAN EATS

HARLAN RANCH COMMUNITY CENTER 1620 N. Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA

Every Wednesday

Year-Round 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)

Clovis East hosts senior wide ‘future signing’ event

their next steps in their student-athlete careers.

May 17, 2023 - 620 seniors at Clovis East took part in a signing ceremony that would be one of the first of its kind at the high school.

All 620 seniors at Clovis East were celebrated during their lunch period on Friday May 12th for pursuing each of their futures. Inside the Timberwolves’ Amphitheater, a celebration took place amongst a large banner that was then signed by all 620 participating seniors.

This banner will be hung in the Clovis East College and Career Center in order to hopefully inspire future generations to pursue post-secondary education.

According to Clovis Unified, this event was similar to athletic signings in which student-athletes are celebrated for taking

However, this event was open to all 620 graduating seniors, giving them the opportunity to be celebrated for their achievements in education and abroad.

This would include those not seeking post-secondary education and instead seeking technical college, earning a certificate, enlisting in the military or pursuing other training within the workforce.

“We are always looking at additional ways we can recognize, honor and celebrate our students,” said Clovis East Activities Director Sarah Burress.

“For those who are pursuing post-secondary education, our goal is to reinforce the college-going mindset of our campus. For those who are taking non-traditional paths, we are showing them that they matter and making it through high school and having a plan after graduating is important.”

This event had balloons, school spirit signs, music, and of course the signing banner for all seniors. Students were encouraged to wear Clovis East Timberwolves spiritwear or clothing representing their future schools or aspirations.

“We also hope that our freshman, sophomores and juniors will see through this

event that other students are pursuing further education, and we hope that it will inspire them to do the same,” said Sarah Burress. Clovis East High School’s 2023 Senior Class will graduate at Lamonica Stadium on Wednesday June 7th at 7:30 PM.

Clovis West hosts CIF state swimming championship meet

May 18, 2023 - The CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships were held May 11th through 13th at the Clovis Unified Olympic Swim Complex, located at Clovis West High School.

The Diving Competition occurred May 11th, while swimming competitions happened on Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13. Swimmers from across the state made the trip to Clovis to participate in this meet.

Swimmers and divers who participated in the meet from Clovis Unified included the following:

Girls Diving

Noel Olsen (Fr.), Clovis East Grace Gonzalez (Sr.), Clovis North Cali Conroy (Sr.), Clovis High

Boys Diving

Kael Kropf (Sr.), Clovis High McKay Lund (Jr.), Buchanan

Girls 200 Medley Relay

8th Clovis West (Hailey Marinovich, Hannah Marinovich, Abby Hill, Julianne Snyder) Section record holders.

10th Clovis North (Sydney Bowns, Ellie Fitzgerald, Alexis Naranjo, Bianca Fernandez)

Boys 200 Medley Relay

17th Clovis North (Nicola Saito, Winston Liang, Alan Pham, Roman Saroyan)

Girls 200 Freestyle

27th Alexis Naranjo (Jr.), Clovis North

36th Avery Easterling (Jr.), Clovis West

Boys 200 Freestyle

17th Hayden Lambert (Sr.), Clovis North (Committed to UNLV)

31st Jonah Martorana (Sr.), Clovis North

32nd Ethan Linville (Fr.), Clovis North

Girls 200 Individual Medley

15th Sophia Oka-Fedder (Fr.), Clovis West

25th Olivia Sundgren (Sr.), Buchanan (committed to Cal Poly SLO)

Girls 50 Freestyle

29th Bianca Fernandez, (Sr.), Buchanan (committed to UCSD)

Boys 50 Freestyle

35th Nate Rey (So.), Buchanan

Girls 100 Butterfly

28th Abby Hill (Sr.), Clovis West (committed to Utah Tech)

Boys 100 Butterfly

32nd Stanley Oka (Fr.), Clovis West

Girls 100 Freestyle

21st Audrey Hill (Fr.), Clovis West

30th Bianca Fernandez (Sr.), Clovis North

Boys 100 Freestyle

18th Jonah Martorana (Sr.), Clovis North

25th Stanley Oka (Fr.), Clovis West

Girls 500 Freestyle

8th Olivia Sundgren (Sr.), Buchanan

Boys 500 Freestyle

11th Hayden Lambert (Sr.), Clovis North

20th Ethan Linville (Fr.), Clovis North

Girls 200 Free Relay

11th Clovis West

28th Clovis North

Boys Free Relay

27th Clovis West

30th Clovis North

Boys 100 Backstroke

33rd Colby Villard (Sr.), Clovis High (committed to Fresno Pacific)

Girls 100 Breaststroke

2nd Hannah Marinovich (Jr.), Clovis West (Verbal committed to Tennessee)

4th Ellie Fitzgerald (So.), Clovis North

27th Sophia Oka-Fedder (Fr.), Clovis West

Boys 100 Breaststroke

18th Winston Liang (So), Clovis North

Girls 400 Freestyle Relay

9th Clovis West

14th Clovis North

34th Buchanan

Boys 400 Freestyle Relay

17th Clovis West

Paralympic 50 Freestyle

3rd Nathaniel Grabowski (Fr), Clovis West

Paralympic 100 Freestyle

4th Nathaniel Grabowski (Fr), Clovis West Clovis area athletes who placed at the competition include the following:

Girls:

Overall

Clovis West- 7th Place

Clovis North- 19th Place

Buchanan- 75th Place

200M Medley

Clovis West- 8th Place

500 Freestyle

Olivia Sundgren, Buchanan- 4th Place 100M Breaststroke

Hannah Marinovich, Clovis West- 2nd Place

Ellie Fitzgerald, Clovis North, 4th Place

400 Freestyle Relay

Clovis West, (Julianne Snyder, Sophia Oka-Fedder, Avery Easterling, Audrey Hill)7th Place

Boys:

Overall:

Clovis High- 45th Place

Clovis West- 46th Place

Clovis North- 51st Place

50 Freestyle Paralympic Para

Nathaniel Grabkowski, Clovis West- 3rd Place

Carnegie Hall announces teen musicians selected for the 2023 National Youth Orchestra of The United States of America

Contributed Carnegie Hall

(NEW YORK, NY; March 7, 2023)—Carnegie Hall today announced the names of the 109 outstanding young musicians selected from across the country for the tenth annual National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA).

The members of the 2023 orchestra—ages 16–19, hailing from 31 US states plus Puerto Rico—have been recognized by Carnegie Hall as being among the finest players in the country following a comprehensive and

highly selective audition process.

This summer’s orchestra features 13 musicians who previously played with NYO-USA, as well as 35 musicians who gained experience through NYO2, a program for younger players ages 14–17. NYO-USA and NYO2 are offered free of charge, ensuring that all invited musicians have the opportunity to take part.

This summer, NYO-USA musicians will travel to New York in early July for an intensive two-week training residency at Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY).

Nathan Puopolo was selected as a member of Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra and will be performing at Carnegie Hall this summer.

He participated in NYO2 last year and performed at Carnegie Hall last August.

He has been a member of the California All State Symphony Orchestra (freshman and sophomore year), the California All State Jazz Band (junior and senior year), was the principal bassist for the California Orchestra Directors Association Honor Orchestra, the principal bassist for Fresno Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, the principal bassist for the

FMCMEA Honors Orchestra and FMCMEA Honors Jazz Band for all four years of high school.

He's also in the Clovis West jazz band and chamber orchestra and will be attending UCLA this fall to study jazz.

Photo courtesy of Clovis East, Facebook The event – similar to athletic signings – is open to all 620 seniors, including those not following  a “traditional” education experience like those who will attend a technical college, earn a certificate, enlist in the military, or pursue training within the workforce.

Photo courtesy of Youth Orchestra, Facebook Carnegie Hall

Land of the free, because of the brave: CVMD to host Memorial Day events

May 22, 2023 - Memorial Day, is a day of remembrance and pride according to Clovis Veterans Memorial District CEO Lorenzo Rios. The Memorial Day service begins with a wreath laying that commences into events held at the CVMD.

These events include live bands, a Patriotic Concert played by the Clovis Community Band, Veteran documentaries, and a Memorial Day Luncheon.

According to Lorenzo Rios, the Memorial Day Luncheon is a special event in the eyes of many that participate in the activities of the day.

“You start seeing people breaking bread with people at tables that, in many cases, they don’t know…You’ll inevitably see strangers sit down, and friends walk away. And for me, that’s a fun experience to watch.”

But not only does the mixing of generations and strangers bring a gleam to the eye of Rios, the service of those around the tables is an area that can be seen as an opportunity for growth within the military community.

“Here, we’re already experiencing a connection with not only the youth, but adult mentors, showing them how to serve something bigger than themselves, in this case, the community.”

Chairman of the CVMD Board Tom Wright believes that the reason Memorial Day is so special, specifically in the City of Clovis, is because of the personal touch that affects many lives within its borders.

“The reason that it’s special in Clovis is because it’s personal to many of us. We

Clovis Roundup recently had the privilege to sit down with Tom Wright, Chairman of Clovis Veterans Memorial District and Lorenzo Rios, CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

As to why Memorial Day is so important for the district; "It is a culmination of everything that we stand for which is remembering our veterans," said Wright.

"It is an opportunity to reflect on the cost and a constant reminder of the lives that have been lost in the pursuit of defense," said Rios.

grew up in this community. The names on the wall that we see in this memorial.”

Those names of course that Wright mentioned were those who have passed on, a tenant to the provocation of the reasoning behind Memorial Day.

“It’s a culmination of everything we stand for [at the CVMD], which is remembering our Veterans and building monuments to them….Everything that takes place at this building is a monument to our Veterans.”

One of those monuments are the Gold Star and Blue Star Families that represent those families who have lost a loved one during war, and those who have a loved one who served or is serving during a time of conflict.

The mixing of Gold Star and Blue Star families is something that connects the community as well, says Rios.

“Blue Star moms literally embraced all the Gold Star moms and had an opportunity to have their pictures of their child

there, to remember them, to say their name again, [and let them know] that they’re not forgotten."

Rios then explained the statutes that remain amongst all Clovis residents and how they can connect to the community. “Living in Clovis, you’re apart of the community insofar as you live in Clovis. But whether or not you interact with folks determines how well you’re connected to the community.”

And that is exactly what entities like the CVMD attempt to do with events such as

their Memorial Day festivities in which they try to get community members to interact on the backdrop and the remembrance of those who have served and died for their fellow countrymen.

“What we try to do is expand the sense of community.”

Memorial Day Events in addition to the Memorial Day Fun Run held on the Saturday before Memorial Day, will commence Monday, May 29th from 9 AM-2 PM at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

Photo by Valerie Shelton, Clovis Roundup

A memorial wreath is displayed in front of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District on Veterans Day to honor those that have served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Jefferson Car Show kicks off for twelfth year

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

May 13th, 2023 - The Jefferson Car Show, which takes place at Jefferson Elementary in Clovis, hosted its twelfth annual event at the school over the Mother’s Day Weekend.

The car show, run by Gloria and Rick Lacy hosts guests and normally just under 300 registered cars for the show. At around 10 AM on Saturday, the show already had 273 registered participants.

“We usually get just under 300 every year,” says Rick Lacy, “With all the donations and everything we sell, we usually raise around $10,000 for the school every year.” Lacy explained that 100% of the profits go to Jefferson Elementary.

The Jefferson Car Show is usually able to get so many participants partly because of a pre-registration gift to the first 50 pre-registered vehicles to their show. This year, the gift was a car ramp, which was explained to cost more than the $20 pre-registration fee. “We send them out December 28th, by the middle of January we already have 50. Pre-registration we have 160 already pre-registered cars and we almost double that day-of.”

“We keep our prices as low as possible, $20 pre-register, $25 the day of…that way we get more people here, they show up, they eat, they buy stuff, they spend more money for the raffle prizes.”

A silent auction was held for guests as upwards of fifty different prizes were on

location to be bid on. This was in addition to the raffle prizes which this year included a steel rolling tool cabinet donated from Napa, a sponsor of the car show.

Lacy explained that prizes are donated by the community. “We have a lot of the community stores and shops that know it’s for Clovis, so that’s why they help pay for it.”

But not only do the community stores know the show is for Clovis, they know a lot of the general public of Clovis and abroad will venture over to the Shaw and Fowler location.

“Every year we get all the neighbors to come out. It's always the day before Mothers Day, and we have stuff for the kids, snow cones. We have everything family oriented.”

1st and 2nd place prizes for nineteen categories are presented at the end of the car show. Those prizes are for categories such as Imports, Under Construction, Modern Muscle, 70+ Ford, and Special Interest just to name a few.

With a total of upwards of thirty-eight prizes, plenty of vehicles lined the softball fields of Jefferson Elementary awaiting their final verdicts.

“People know of the event, we’ve built up a good reputation as you can see.”

The Jefferson Car Show will take place again at Jefferson Elementary next year, the Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend.

Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup

The 12th Annual Jefferson Car Show took place this Saturday May 13th at Jefferson Elementary Schoo in Clovis.