District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

With fog, rain, and damp conditions in the Valley this time of year, our roads take a beating with extra water. The damage can take weeks or even months to show up. When it does, we see increases in potholes, reduction of road edges, and other safety issues. When you see these conditions on Tulare County roads, please report them so the Roads department has a chance to fix the issue. You have a few options to report road issues:

• Submit a report online

• Call a Road Yard

• Call the Resource Management Agency (RMA) at (559) 624-7000

RMA tracks these reports and their goal is to respond within 24 hours. Be ready to share the location, the road issue, your name, email, and phone number. The online form has an option for RMA to send you an update on the issue.

With more than 3,000 miles of road to maintain throughout Tulare County, we appreciate your help in keeping our roads safe!

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

As we begin a new year, I want to wish all District 2 residents and families a very Happy New Year. The start of the year is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and to look ahead as we continue working to support our communities.



Earlier this month, it was a pleasure to join the Tulare Chamber of Commerce for their Annual Awards, where individuals, businesses, and organizations were recognized for their contributions to Tulare and the surrounding area.

Congratulations to Man of the Year: Stephen Harrell, Woman of the Year: Lucy Van Scyoc, Small Business of the Year: Renee Soto-State Farm Insurance, Large Business of the Year: Dan Freitas Electric, and Non-Profit of the Year: Encore Theatre Company. I also want to recognize our outstanding youth leaders, Kiwanis & Chamber Youth of the Year: Michiko Francisco, and Rotary & Chamber Youth of the Year: Jayda Freitas.

These honorees reflect the strong leadership, service, and community pride that make District 2 a great place to live and work. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners throughout the year to support a strong future for our region.

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

Are you worried your car won’t pass a smog check? A Tune In & Tune Up event might be for you.

This free event provides a free emissions test. If your car fails the on-site test, you receive a $500 voucher for emissions related diagnostics, testing, repair, and certification at a participating STAR test-and-repair shop. The event is open to San Joaquin Valley residents.

The next event takes place at the Visalia Adult School on February 7 starting at 7:45 a.m. It is first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early and expect at least a 2-hour wait. No diesel vehicles are accepted. Gates open around 6:30 a.m. and close by 11:50 a.m. Make sure to bring your name, address, phone number, your vehicle’s VIN, your vehicle, your driver’s license, and your vehicle registration. Learn more at the Valley CAN website.

This event is made available by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and Valley CAN “Clean Air Now.”

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

I began the month walking alongside youth and families at the MLK Walk with the Boys & Girls Club of the Sequoias. Hearing young people share their hopes was powerful. As students begin the second semester, their voices reminded me this is the time to stay focused, stay encouraged, and finish the academic year strong. Our young people are watching, learning, and leading in their own ways.

In Three Rivers, I joined the community for Bingo Night to help raise funds for the Three Rivers Union School District. It was another example of neighbors showing up for our schools and reminding us that strong communities are built when we invest in our kids and support one another.

I was also honored to swear in members of the Alta Cemetery District. At a time when fewer people are stepping forward to serve, these leaders chose commitment. As many know, public service isn't easy. Yet, I’m grateful for those who continue to show up for our communities.

We wrapped up the month with a well-attended Traver Town Hall, where residents came with questions, met directly with county department staff, and came together to support their community. These moments of connection, dialogue, and collaboration are how we move forward.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

We kicked off the new year with our first Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board meeting in Sacramento. RCRC includes Supervisors from 40 counties across the state, and we also serve as the Board for the Golden State Connect Authority (Broadband), the Golden State Finance Authority (Home loans, etc.), and Golden State Natural Resources (Forest bi-product conversion to energy). This makes for long meetings with working breakfasts and lunches, but we get a lot of work done! We formally installed our new slate of officers, and they were sworn in by Assemblymember Tangipa. Congratulations to Supervisor Miles Menetrey on being elected as this year’s Chairman. After the Board meetings, we held a reception including several Assemblymembers and staff, County officials and sister organization representatives. At the reception, we recognized our newly installed Executive Committee and honored two Assemblymen for the work on behalf of rural counties this last year. Assemblymen Gallagher and Hart were presented with awards and addressed the crowd regarding their work on county issues. I am happy to have been appointed again as the Deputy Chair for Water and Natural Resources and excited to work in conjunction with our new SGMA ad-hoc committee on issues pertinent to Tulare County. I look forward to another year of collaboration with this great group!