Business News 34

A PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SPRING 2018

APPETIZERS INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER HOSTS INAUGURAL TASTING EVENT

ISSUE 34

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www.turlockchamber.com

115 S. Golden State Blvd.

Turlock, CA 95380 209-632-2221 Hours: Mon. - Fri. • 10am - 2pm info@turlockchamber.com

BOARD CHAIR

Craig Pitau

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

Irene Holmes

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sharon Berry

Appetizers International Inuagural Tasting Event

12

6 Chamber Board of Directors 7 Chamber Ambassadors 8 Turlock Young Professionals 10 Chamber Mixers 11 Ribbon Cuttings 12 Cover Story 14 AG Luncheon & Scholarship Winners 16 Member Showcase: LaPerla Tapatia 17 Member Showcase: Community Continuum College 18 Member Showcase: Monte Vista Farming 19 City hosts inclusivity conference 20 Legislative Scorecards 22 New Members and Members for 25 years plus

Our Purpose The Turlock Chamber of Commerce is the business advocate for its members by focusing efforts on promoting a positive business environment, economic development, a legislative voice and costeffective programs and services.

On the cover Appetizers International Photo Contributed

Published by The Turlock Journal 138 S. Center St., Turlock, CA 95380 209-634-9141

BUSINESS NEWS

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CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR Thank you everyone for a great beginning to 2018. Fantastic mixers at Varani Smile, Turlock Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Larsa Hall were a lot of fun and a great chance to network. Additionally, the Ag Scholarship Program in March was a huge success handing out $35,000 to 26 local high school seniors ($30,000 Ag Scholarship and $5,000 Jim Booth Memorial Scholarship). A big congratulations to these students and the Ag Committee that works so hard to continue this great scholarship tradition.

We are all getting very excited as April is already here and spring is in the air. As we move toward our spring event, anticipation is building about “Appetizers International.” This will be a fun filled Thursday night on April 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the American Assyrian Hall on Golden State Blvd. We are

CRAIG PITAU CHAIRMAN Thorsen’s Plumbing, Heat & Air

including appetizers from around the world showcasing our local restaurants including Chinese, Japanese, Assyrian, Indian, Mexican, Latin, American, Thai, Greek, Ukranian, Hawaiian and Italian just to name a few along with local beer and wine producers. There will also be a live DJ and entertainment from a few of our local cultural performers. Tickets are $30 per person and are being sold at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. Please call Irene at (209) 632-2221 ext. 104 to reserve your tickets and we will even deliver

them to you.

Thank you to all our committees, staff, ambassadors and board members for your hard work this past three months. We will continue to reinvent the Turlock Chamber of Commerce to be a Fun, Informative, Networking driven, Education based (FINE) organization. Thank you to all our members for your support. We are very excited about our future successes.

Craig Pitau Chairman of the Board

BUSINESS NEWS

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SPRING 2018

CHAMBER

2018 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CRAIG PITAU CHAIRMAN Thorsen’s Plumbing, Heat & Air

SUE MICHELETTI VICE CHAIR Emanuel Medical Center

EILEEN HAMILTON Hamilton Farms

PAUL PORTER TREASURER Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

JERRY POWELL The Udder Place

STEVE GEMPERLE HONORARY Gemperle Family Farms

ROBERT RODARTE PAST CHAIR US Bank

STEPHEN BACKUS Two Guys Catering/ Red Brick

NICK ANTRIM TYP PRESIDENT TSM Insurance Services

DEVINDER SINGH BAINS Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

GINA BLOM Rembrandt & Rose’

JILBERT GEVARGIZI AMBASSADOR CHAIR Steele Insurance Agency

JAMES BRENDA JKB Energy/JKB Living

NATHAN DABULEWICZ Nathan Dabulewicz Insurance

MICHAEL CAMARA President Downtown Association Camara’s Clothier

SAM DAVID Assyrian American Civic Club

MATTHEW DAVIS GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

TOMAS GOMEZ-ARIAS, PHD College of Business Administration CSU Stanislaus

2018 TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

IRENE HOLMES MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

SHARON BERRY EVENTS COORDINATOR

2018 DESIGNATED SUPPORTERS

2018 UPCOMING EVENTS

Assyrian American Civic Club Berger & Company CPAs Emanuel Medical Center Hamilton Farms JKB Energy Kirkes Electric Piro Trading International The Udder Place Thorsen’s Plumbing Heat & Air Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram US Bank Winton- Ireland ,Strom & Green

Turlock Young Professionals meet from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the 4th Thursday of every month at Hauck’s Grill April

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May

June

12 Legislators MDO

10 Legislators MDO

7 Legislators MDO

17 Mixer- Exit Realty

14 Ambassadors Meeting

19 Ambassadors Meeting

15 Mixer- insureCal Insurance Agency

26 International Appetizers

17 Ambassdors Meeting

19 Mixer- Rembrandt & Rosé

26 TYP Meeting

24 TYP Meeting

21 TYP Meeting

SPRING 2018

TURLOCK CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Jilbert Gevargizi

Lynette Poquette

Co-Chair Steele Insurance Agency (209) 684-9999

Co-Chair EXIT Realty Consultants (209) 417-4534

Brandi LoForti insureCal Insurance Agency (209) 250-0269

Camille Austin Rabobank (209) 632-9954

Melissa Nunnemaker

Kathy Hobby

Pamela Sweeten

Ambassador of the Year

Kiwanis Club of Greater Turlock (###) ###-####

The Education Foundation of Stanislaus County (209) 238-1701

Denny Silva US Bank (209) 585-6183

Umpqua (209) 656-5763

Derek Snider Ambeck Mortgage Associates (209) 633-1730

It is the mission of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team to promote member commitment and relationships by: • Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits • Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership • Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in the Chamber’s programs • Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership

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AMBASSADOR FOR 1ST QUARTER DENNY SILVA Denny Silva has been a Chamber Ambassador for a year and his commitment to the Chamber, its members and the Ambassador committee earned him the recognition of Ambassador of the Quarter.

Born and raised in Turlock, Denny moved to Sacramento after graduating from Turlock High to attend California State University, Sacramento, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. Recently, he moved back to Turlock to be closer to family and friends. For the past five years, he has worked for US Bank as a Small Business Specialist, who works to meet the financial needs of business owners. From business lines of credit to commercial building refinances and purchases, Denny provides the necessary lending to help develop, grow and sustain businesses in our community.

STUDIO209.T V

BUSINESS NEWS

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SPRING 2018

CHAMBER

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Turlock Young Professionals (TYP) provides people who live and/or work in Turlock with a setting to build relationships and develop their careers. The organization also helps cultivate Turlock's future leaders by providing opportunities to engage with political, civic and business leaders to shape the future of Turlock.

HOW TO JOIN

EXECUTIVE TYP BOARD MEMBERS

This dynamic group is open to anyone interested. You can join the program anytime throughout the year. The membership is $100 annually for working professionals and $50 annually for college students.

Nick Antrim, President Jessica Irish, Vice President Kadi Ingram-Porter, Secretary Rafael Martinez, Treasurer Valeria Jimenez, Marketing Chair Dina Copple, Social Chair Ninfa Lopez-Smith, Professional Development

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Gain exposure in the business community • Connect with like-minded people • Enhance your professional development • Mix and mingle with experienced business professionals in a variety of industries • Opportunity to promote business in quarterly Business News magazine

ACTIVITIES

• Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of each month at Hauck’s Grill @ 4-6 pm and feature a member speaker • Professional development workshops • Social and networking events specifically designed for TYP members • Behind-the-scenes tours of Turlock businesses

TYP MEMBERS

Cassandra Abram Gabrielle Aguilar-Forrest Adrenna Alkhas Michael Allen Ellie Alverion Nick Antrim Dinah Copple Lauren Denton Odis DeHart Jonathan Dravecky

BUSINESS NEWS

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SPRING 2018

Alisha Fitzgerald Tyler Flaherty Adrian Harrell Kadi Ingram-Porter Jessica Irish Valeria Jimenez Lacey Kiriakou Ninfa Lopez-Smith Sandra Loza Rafael Martinez

Melissa Nunnemaker Paul Porter Steven Rivera Dennis Silva Irene Silveira Gary Soiseth Danny Thompson Josh Weimer

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CHAMBER

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2007 HOSTED BY VARANISMILE

JANUARY

1993 HOSTED BY TURLOCK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM

FEBRUARY

2009 HOSTED BY LARSA BANQUET HALL

MARCH

BUSINESS NEWS

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SPRING 2018

CHAMBER

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2014

1994 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS PAINT

2018 TURLOCK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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2017 FARMERS INSURANCE- RUBY SALAZAR

BUSINESS NEWS

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SPRING 2018

COVER

Chamber to host international tasting event

By KRISTINA HACKER

T

he Turlock Chamber of Commerce is hosting an inaugural event that aims to celebrate the area’s diversity through its cuisines.

Turlock and the surrounding area is home to people from a number of cultures and there’s no better way to celebrate that diversity than through food.

International cuisines will be the feature of the Chamber’s first-ever Appetizers International event.

“We see this as being different as we are focusing on local restaurants in order to provide a venue for citizens of Turlock to experience the many different International cuisines we have in Turlock, as well as sampling

wines and beer from local owners and Northern California as well,” said event co-chairs Steve Backus of On Broadway With Two Guys and Jerry Powell of Udder Place and The Grand Cru. “It is a great opportunity to meet and socialize with each other in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.”

The event — set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 26 at the Assyrian American Civic Club — will have restaurants representing Latin, Mexican, American, Italian, Indian, Japanese and Chinese cuisines just to name a few.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chamber at 209-632-2221. ◆

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SPRING 2018

MEMBER SHOWCASE

Ag Committee awards $35,000 in scholarships

H

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

ilmar High School senior David Edwards has devoted the past four years to his school’s FFA program, showing dairy cattle, competing in dairy products competitions and even serving as his chapter’s treasurer, all in hopes to achieve his goal of obtaining a degree in Agricultural Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo one day.

That hard work is paying off for Edwards as he received a $2,000 scholarship from the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee during their annual luncheon on March 13 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

Edwards was one of 26 local students who received a scholarship during the 18th annual Ag Scholarship Luncheon, which awarded a total of $35,000 this year to its largest class of recipients yet.

“My career goal is to become a water resource policy lawyer,” Edwards said. “So, I’d like to thank the Turlock Chamber of Commerce for awarding me this scholarship.”

Since 2002, the Ag Committee has raised over $380,000 in donations from the community. To date, the Ag Scholarship Luncheon has provided $266,600 in scholarships to 314 students and has helped promote agricultural education at the Stanislaus County Fair.

Denair High School senior Bryson Prock will use the money to help him on his journey of receiving a degree in Agricultural Systems Management – a dream come true for someone who was raised on a dairy, he said.

Turlock Christian High School senior Alyss Myers is the president of her school’s FFA chapter, and was the only student from her school to receive a scholarship. She’s on the dairy judging team and shows dairy cattle, she said, and hopes to continue her journey in ag by obtaining a degree in Agricultural Education from California State University, Fresno.

Myers may eventually run into Livingston High School senior Jill Friesen on the Fresno campus, who also received a scholarship Tuesday.

“I was accepted to many schools that are out BUSINESS NEWS

of state, but I chose to stay in the heart of agricultural land here in the Valley and go to Fresno,” Friesen said.

“I would like to thank the Chamber for giving me this opportunity.”

The Ag Committee also awarded the third annual Jim Booth Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each to Hughson High School senior Caleigh Martella and Turlock High School senior Rachel Day. The memorial scholarship was created after Booth, who was a former member of the Ag Committee since its inception in 2001, passed away in May 2015.

“For these scholarships, we chose students who exemplified some attributes that were most important to Jim: leadership skills, teamwork, follow through, self-confidence, motivation to succeed, community presence, honesty, integrity and morals,” said Ag Committee CoChair Bart Muller.

The keynote speaker at Tuesday’s luncheon was California FFA Foundation Board of Directors Past-Chair Louie A. Brown, Jr. – an attorney for Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLC, who specializes in representing clients before the California State Legislature. Brown has written laws and played a key role in negotiating legislation on topics like the agricultural commission, water and natural resources, and serves as Chair of the Cal Poly Agribusiness Department’s Advisory Council.

During his speech, Brown emphasized the importance of students continuing to work together as they progress through the agriculture industry – a skill that California lawmakers could work on, he said.

“California is like two different states, if not three,” Brown said. “In terms of the cost of living and economic progress, there are two different situations, yet we work as much as we possibly can in the California Legislature to pass issues and pass laws on a one-sizefits-all basis.

“We can start to see how some of those issues don’t always work and don’t always fit well.”

State Senator Anthony Canella and State Assemblyman Adam Gray have 14

SPRING 2018

MEMBER SHOWCASE

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: Twenty-six seniors from seven local high schools were awarded a total of $35,000 in scholarships at the Ag Scholarship Luncheon; Turlock High School senior Rachel Day is congratulated by Vice Mayor of Turlock Matthew Jacob after receiving a scholarship from the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee; Hughson High School senior Megan Vaca accepts her scholarship, telling the crowd her post-high school plans.

ANGELINA MARTIN/The Journal

represented the San Joaquin Valley well, Brown pointed out, in that the pair still seems to be able to work together on issues that can help their home despite their partisan differences.

“I can tell you that those two individuals send a different message in California…they talk to each other, they work with each other and that something that, unfortunately, we don’t see in the State Capitol at all anymore,” Brown said.

Brown told the students to look forward to positive things that can come by working together, such as adjusting to the changes that are most likely coming to

the ag industry, like mechanization and “technological advances unlike anything seen in past generations.” He also reminded them of the great opportunities the FFA has provided for them by pointing out that he, too, once donned the same blue jacket.

“I can tell you that I would not be here today before you had it not been for the Future Farmers of America. You can look across at any number of the activities FFA provides, and you will find a life skill,” Brown said. “To me, if you want to look for a positive direction for the future of what we have to look forward to, it’s the blue and gold jackets.” ◆ BUSINESS NEWS

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SPRING 2018

Ag Scholarship Luncheon keynote speaker Louie A. Brown, Jr., speaks to FFA students about the importance of working together.

MEMBER SHOWCASE

LA PERLA TAPATIA

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

L

2018

a Perla Tapatia may have five locations throughout the county, three items for three items, and as time passed, people from other but its heart and soul is here in Turlock. cities believe that the “tlapatiotl” were the people. From that Turlock’s La Perla is the company’s largest location and its moment, Guadalajara became known as La Perla Tapatia. main office is located right around the corner, the supermarket’s Continuing the traditions that first began decades ago in the spokesperson Monica Vergara said, which was what spurred the open-air markets of Guadalajara is important to La Perla, Vergara branch to become members of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce said, and family values run deep within the organization. in February.

“Our mission is really to turn everyone’s “Overall, Turlock is where our corporate experience into a tradition, so that parents office is and where our heart is, so we wanted bring their kids and then that second gento connect with the community and really just eration turns around and brings their own be a part of it,” Vergara said. “We didn’t want children,” she said. “It’s something that the to just be a business here and be an establishVilla family is really passionate about, and ment, we wanted to also connect with the then that passion translates over to the residents.” employees.”

Started by the Villa family in 1980, La Perla Preserving tradition and bonding with Photo by ANGELINA MARTIN Tapatia specializes in Mexican products and the local community are two of La Perla’s conserves the Mexican culture through an Turlock’s La Perla is the company’s key to success, but joining the Chamber authenticity that is hard to find anywhere else. largest location and its main office is has also allowed the market to form conlocated right around the corner.

Products like warm, homemade tortillas and a nections with other local businesses. variety of fresh Mexican pastries baked daily call back to the city of “Turlock is a tight-knit community and it also embraces diversity.

Guadalajara, Mexico, where the name La Perla Tapatia originates.

It’s overall very small business friendly,” Vergara said. “The ChamPeople call the inhabitants of Guadalajara “tapatios,” which is ber helps connect with the business community, and that in itself derived from the Nahuatl language word “tlapatiotl,” or “worth for is something that we all need to work together on to contribute to three.” In the flea markets of Guadalajara, they used to exchange economic growth.” ◆

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MEMBER SHOWCASE

Community Continuum College

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

F

or over 30 years, Community Continuum College has enhanced the quality of life for developmentally disabled adults throughout Stanislaus County by providing educational opportunities and recreational outreach.

When adults with disabilities graduate from high school, CCC gives them the chance to continue their education not just in the classroom, but out in the community as well.

At the CCC facility, students attend classes on a four period per day bell schedule and can take courses that range from reading and history to personal hygiene.

Through the college’s Community Outreach program students are able to leave the classroom and earn real world experience, volunteering at local businesses or partaking in community service, like helping out at the animal shelter.

“They’re able to work on objectives that teach them life skills and how to live in the community,” CCC administrative assistant Jessica Hogan said. “The community has been so supportive by letting them come and volunteer.”

The college’s Executive Director Rita Redondo took over the program about five years ago and immediately noticed Turlock’s welcoming, friendly atmosphere, she said.

“Everybody I’ve met here has been great – the mayor is so inclusive of our students and our programs,” Redondo said. “That really makes our students feel special and like they can make a difference in the community.”

Being a Turlock Chamber of Commerce member has helped CCC stay up to date on activities within the city, and also lets the program know about any business changes that are coming. The legal Q&A section on the Chamber website is extremely helpful, Redondo added, which CCC is able to access free of charge.

“The Chamber really helps us make sure that our students are able to truly be a part of the community,” Redondo said.

The college also relies on the Chamber to help make community members aware of the program so that students who are interested in attending classes can do so.

“We don’t go out seeking recognition, so the Chamber helps us reach a lot of people that don’t know about us,” Redondo said.

Another thing that has contributed to the college’s success is the effort of those who both instruct the school’s classes and transport students to community outreach. Without them, there would be no program.

“Our staff puts in so much work to make the program great for students,” Hogan said. “They put so much into enriching our students’ lives.” ◆ BUSINESS NEWS

2007

Photo contributed

Mark Lawhorn (Program Director, Continuum College), Rita Redondo (Executive Director), Cody Malmberg (Instructor, Community Outreach), Alicia Valadez (Program Director, Community Outreach) and Jessica Hogan (Administrative Assistant) are just a handful of staff who work to make Community Continuum College a welcoming place for students.

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MEMBER SHOWCASE

Monte Vista Farming M

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

onte Vista Farming Company started humbly in 1985 as a small hulling processing operation, marketing about two and a half million pounds of almonds per year, and has since shown that customer appreciation can go a long way in terms of success.

Today, the Denair almond processor has grown exponentially, processing 40 million pounds of almonds annually and utilizing the Grower Select Marketing System – a practice that allows growers to take part in the selling strategy of his or her own crop.

“We have a business model that’s different from a lot of the other packers in the industry,” Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Hoff said.

Hoff said that Monte Vista Farming has several discussions with each grower leading up to harvest in order to generate a plan that is designed to meet each grower’s specific objectives, and that the processing facility does not take title to the product until the grower approves the sale. Once the product is sold, packed and shipped, the company then collects proceeds from the buyer, deducts the packing fee and remits the balance to the

File photos TOP: Hulling Supervisor Jesus Beaven displays a handful of almonds in the hulling facility at Monte Vista Farming Company; ABOVE: Delmy Baltazar uses an ATP tester to make sure there are no contaminants after sanitizing the sorting belt. This process is just one way that MVFC ensures the cleanliness of its products, according to Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Hoff.

grower within two days of receipt.

“That flex and control is something that’s been really attractive to investortype growers, or companies whose prime

2001

revenue comes from outside ag altogether, but who have large holdings or invest in ag,” Hoff said.

Monte Vista Farming’s belief of putting customers first has allowed the company to partner with corporations the Kraft Heinz Company, Kind Bar and Costco, and export 80 percent of its product to markets overseas. Hoff said that the company become Turlock Chamber of Commerce members to connect with the community and ensure continued growth, and the Chamber’s stamp of approval has since helped to provide authentication for Monte Vista Farming’s many export documents and invoices.

“When we have to put together a document package, the Chamber stamps it with their seal which says, ‘Hey, this is legit,’” Hoff said. “They provide that validation.”

The personalities and attitudes that make up both Chamber and the local community as a whole are what make working in the are special, Hoff added.

“I’m a third-generation almond farmer and processor, and I love this area,” Hoff said. “There’s a good sense of community, and that’s just something you don’t necessarily get a lot of.” ◆

Business of the Month Honors

2008 Paramount Court Senior Living Center was named the 8th Senate District’s Business of the Month for March by Senator Tom Berryhill.

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Marcia Padilla, Life Enrichment Director; Bob Phelan; Joann Wright, Marketing Director; Paige Williamson, Interim Executive Director; Robyn Moore, Life Enrichment Coordinator; and Janet Johns, Business Office Manager.

Photo contributed

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CITY

Community leads in efforts to create safe, inclusive city

O

By DR. LYNN MURPHY

n Feb. 9, 40 leaders and citizen of the community came together for the second Roundtable on Inclusion and Diversity. Those sound like lofty words but when you consider how much Turlock has been in the national news lately (from recent settlement of Syrian and Afghan refugees, to coverage of growing hate speech around town, to protests at the university and at City Hall, to reporters writing about where Colin Kaepernick grew up to understand his stand around Black Lives Matter), those lofty words take on a real, urgent meaning. The City of Turlock and Stanislaus State brought leaders together for this roundtable to listen to each other and reflect on what could be done to make sure Turlock is a safe, inclusive city for all its residents. Again, this can sound rather lofty, yet in my view this small act of gathering is actually rather unprecedented for this community.

Turlock has a long history of diversityprimarily through religious and ethnic diversity. Yet leaders have not typically gathered together to build relationships and listen to the concerns of others in the community.

Instead, Turlock has, by and large, celebrated diversity by maintaining various (separate) cultural centers and record-number houses of worship. With these roundtable dialogues, leaders coming together from across the community-including religious leaders, City officials, community organizations, and Stanislaus State-and spending a day together listening, building trust, and learning from one another marks a significant new direction for Turlock’s response to its growing diversity.

This effort began two years ago as a response to growing ideological divides and increasing violence across our communities and this country. In February 2016, a unique partnership began between the University and the City when the first roundtable was held. It was an experiment where approximately 25 leaders met and began to discuss how Turlock values diversity and whether it is an inclusive community. In the few hours we gathered, some of the group saw that leading from our common

ground, rather than emphasizing on our differences, could better support a thriving, loving community.

February’s roundtable went considerably further than the first by having frank, honest conversations around sensitive issues of race, hate crime, class, and religion. Tough questions were asked of the 40 participants; and no matter which side of the political and ideological aisle leaders are on, participants were vulnerable, took risks, and had constructive dialogues. The honesty and humility each person brought into the room left many of us feeling inspired that we can do more together especially as we expand the circle. There was an emerging sense that Turlock’s strength may reside in efforts to value diversity and work to include more voices and perspectives within the community. These efforts are to be celebrated rather than feared.

As the City and University continue to lead this joint partnership, both are committed to building more social cohesion to support a thriving community. Their efforts may at times appear invisible as we go about our day to day responsibilities and life in Turlock, yet behind the scenes progress is being made.

For example, the University has established a campaign “We Stand Together for Unity & Inclusion” in addition to numerous other initiatives around diversity and inclusion led by the President’s office. The City recently passed a resolution denouncing bullying, harassment, and racism and sent a copy to residents. These may be small gestures to some, but they are an essential starting point to demonstrate leadership and acknowledge and begin to bridge historical differences.

At a time when our country feels more

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Dr. Lynn Murphy

divided than ever and as we face challenges on endless fronts, it is promising to know that residents and leaders in this community see value in these dialogues and want to expand the table to include others. The group acknowledged the need include others especially those who are often invisible and excluded in such conversations and those who may not want to be at the table to listen to perspectives of others. As the moderator of these dialogues, I continue to believe that listening and building trust, not just with those who agree with or look like us, is a powerful act. In my view, these dialogues are foundational, a starting point to make Turlock a City that truly values its diversity and begins to demonstrate what it means to be inclusive. Those who gathered for the Roundtable and are ready to engage deeper are to be commended for their leadership, courage, and service to this community.

— Dr. Lynn Murphy is a Turlock native, a graduate of Turlock High, a former Stanislaus State student, and holds a PhD from Stanford University. Lynn has worked in various capacities over the past 24 years as a bilingual teacher, researcher and scholar, large-scale funder, and global movement builder in the U.S. and across the developing world. She currently works as a philanthropic advisor and strategic consultant, mainly focusing on ways to work “across the divides” to better understand and make social change. ◆

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GIL ESQUER

AMY BUBLAK

MATHEW JACOB

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM

BILL DEHART

MEETING

GARY SOISETH

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD

1.

Y Y Y N Y 1/9/18 APPROVING A CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $29,900 WITH PECKHAM & MCKENNEY TO CONDUCT AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT FOR THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER.2.

2.

1/23/18 ESTABLISHING A POLICY THAT THE CITY OF TURLOCK SHALL NOT PROVIDE WRITTEN APPROVAL FOR ANY COMMERCIAL CANNABIS APPLICATIONS REFERRED TO THE CITY OF TURLOCK BY STANISLAUS COUNTY.

3.

1/23/18 ACCEPTING A REPORT PREPARED BY MEYERS NAVE RELATED TO THE LEASE Y Y Y Y Y AND ACTIVITIES AT THE CHAMBER BUILDING AND THE CHAMBER’S PAST AND CURRENT OBLIGATIONS TO THE CITY OF TURLOCK INCLUDING THE REPAYMENT AGREEMENT AND THE CITY’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

4.

2/13/18 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO OFFER AN EMPLOYMENT SIGNING BONUS PROGRAM FOR LATERAL POLICE OFFICERS AND LATERAL PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,000 PER LATERAL.

Y Y Y Y DNV

Y Y Y Y Y

DISTRICT 5 JIM DEMARTINI

DISTRICT 4 DICK MONTEITH

DISTRICT 3 TERRY WITHROW

BOARD AGENDA ITEM

DISTRICT 2 VITO CHIESA

MEETING

DISTRICT 1 KRISTIN OLSEN

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTING RECORD

1.

1/9/18 APPOINTED THOMAS MARING AND WAYNE ZIPSER TO THE STANISLAUS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION.

Y Y DNV Y Y

2.

2/13/18 APPROVED THE FINDINGS THAT THE CITY OF TURLOCK’S PROPOSED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE EXPANSION IS LOGICAL AND ORDERLY.

Y Y Y Y Y

3.

2/27/18 AUTHORIZED THE CEO TO EXECUTE A MOU WITH THE UNITED WAY TO GRANT Y Y Y Y Y AND DISTRIBUTE TO THE UNITED WAY $2.5 MILLION IN STATE OF CALIFORNIA HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS FUNDING FOR THE PRIVATE OPERATION FOR THREE YEARS OF THE TEMPORARY LOW BARRIER EMERGENCY SHELTER AND DAY CENTER.

4.

3/6/18 APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WRNS STUDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO FOR THE TURLOCK BRANCH LIBRARY EXPANSION AND RENOVATION PROJECT.

Y Y Y Y Y

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 2. The City of Turlock proposed annexing one approximately 22 acre property located

at 3525 W. Monte Vista Avenue, north of West Monte Vista Avenue and west of Highway 99 .

BUSINESS NEWS

20

SPRING 2018

The property is located within the boundary SEE PAGE 22 

U.S. SENATE & HOUSE OF REP. AGENDA ITEM

SENATOR HARRIS

REP. DENHAM

SENATOR FEINSTEIN

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD

1.

HR 1119 THE SENSE ACT ADDRESSES THE APPLICATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S RULE, THE MERCURY AND AIR TOXICS STANDARDS, TO ELECTRIC GENERATING UNITS THAT UTILIZE COAL REFUSE TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY.

Y - -

2.

HR 1865

ALLOW STATES AND VICTIMS TO FIGHT ONLINE SEX TRAFFICKING ACT

Y - -

3.

HR 620

ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM ACT

Y - -

4.

HR 1892

FURTHER EXTENSION OF CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2018

Y N N

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1. The bill would provide for limited modifications with respect to the Mercury and Air Toxics Rule for these coal refuse facilities by providing for alternative compliance options with respect to sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride emissions standards. According to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, this legislation seeks to

ensure that facilities that use coal refuse as fuel can continue to operate and will not be forced to shut down, due to unachievable requirements included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.2. The bill would allow the government to prosecute websites which knowingly help or promote sex trafficking, and also

allow users to sue those websites.

3.The legislation would require that any person claiming discrimination must first provide written notice, allowing 60 days for an owner to acknowledge receipt of the complaint, plus an additional 120 days before legal action can be initiated.

ASSEMBLYMAN GRAY

ASSEMBLYMAN FLORA

AGENDA ITEM

SENATOR BERRYHILL

SENATOR CANNELLA

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD

1.

AB 1407

CALIFORNIA NEW MOTOR VOTER PROGRAM: VOTER REGISTRATION.

N DNV N Y

2.

AB 1037

CAL GRANT B SERVICE INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM.

3.

SB-558 P ROPERTY TAXATION: NEW CONSTRUCTION EXCLUSION: RAIN WATER CAPTURE SYSTEM.

- - N Y

Y Y Y Y

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION 1.This bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to additionally report to the Secretary of State that an applicant has attested that he or she meets the voter preregistration requirements for a person who is at least 16 years of age and otherwise meets all voter eligibility requirements. The bill would provide that the prescribed information submitted by the

department to the Secretary of State constitutes a completed or submitted affidavit of registration and the Secretary would be required to register or preregister the person to vote, except as specified.

2.This bill would establish, commencing with the 2018–19 academic year, the Cal Grant B Service Incentive Grant Program under the BUSINESS NEWS

21

SPRING 2018

administration of the Student Aid Commission.

The bill would require a participating student, in order to receive a grant award under the program, among other requirements, to be a recipient of a Cal Grant B award; to be enrolled as a student at a campus of the University of California, the California State University, or the SEE PAGE 22 

CHAMBER

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize businesses that have been members for 25-30 years!

We thank you for your continued support!

30 Years

28 Years

26 Years

Super Store Industries

F.F. & J. Architect, Inc.

California Poultry Federation

29 Years

27 Years

25 Years

California Dairies

Ambeck Mortgage Associates

SupHerb Farms

Generations Family Optometry

Aspiratnet Family Services

Thiele, Gary- D.D.S.

Jaureguy’s Paint & Decorating

Clark Pest Control

Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

JKB Development, Inc.

Park Knolls Apartments

Valley Yellow Pages

Valley Auto Wreckers

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new 2018 members!

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

California Community Colleges, or at an independent institution of higher education, as defined; and to perform a minimum of 300 hours of community service or volunteer work in each academic year for which a grant is provided, as specified.

The bill would specify the amount of the grants to be awarded under the program and would require that the grants awarded under this program not

Hampton Inn by Hilton International Rescue Committee La Perla Tapatia The Mane Lounge Thank you for supporting your Business News magazine and for being a Chamber Member since:

offset or replace any other source of grant aid, as specified. The bill would limit to 2,500 the number of eligible students simultaneously receiving grants under the program, as specified.

3.This bill, until Jan. 1, 2029, would exclude from classification as “newly constructed” and “new construction” the construction or addition, on or after Jan. 1, 2019, of a rain water capture system.

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUP. VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION Emanuel Medical Center. . . . . . 1966

Wally Falkes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1969

Smith Chevrolet Cadillac . . . . . . 1958

Lancaster Painting . . . . . . . . . 1998

Winton, Ireland,Strom & Green. . 1976

Stanislaus County Fair . . . . . . . 1970

Assyrian Civic Club. . . . . . . . . . 1997

Western Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . 1970

Oak Valley Community Bank. . . . 2003

Allen Mortuary. . . . . . . . . . . . 1970

BUSINESS NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

of the City of Turlock’s Northwest Triangle Specific Plan and further identified as Assessor’s Parcel No. 087-003-018. The property has been pre-zoned Commercial Thoroughfare by the City of Turlock. Annexation

22

SPRING 2018

of the property will require the City of Turlock to obtain Local Agency Formation Commission approval to expand its Sphere of Influence and will require detachment of the area from the Keyes Fire District.

••Farm Farm• •Ranch Ranch ••Agri-Business Agri-Business ••Group Health Group& &Individual Individual Health ••Auto Auto• •Home Home ••Commercial Commercial 600 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Turlock

600 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Turlock 209-634-9031• WWW.WESTERNVALLEY.COM

LIC# 0649647 209-634-9031• WWW.WESTERNVALLEY.COM

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