District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

As we prepare to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving, we need to be mindful of safe driving in winter weather. In the Central Valley, that means Tule fog and wet weather. Use these tips to keep yourself and others safe:

• Slow down and drive with headlights on low beam.
• At intersections use extra caution and roll down windows to listen for traffic you can’t see.
• Turn your windshield wipers and defroster on to improve visibility. If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must be on too!
• Use the “fog line” on the right shoulder as a guide.
• If you need to stop, make sure you are well off the road – drivers can’t see you.
• Slow down, turn your headlights on, and avoid passing.

Your automatic running lights will not turn on your tail lights. To ensure you’re visible from the front and rear, turn on your headlights during low visibility. Be careful on the road so we can all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

In this season of Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors and for the progress our county has made this year.

My focus has been simple: understand how our departments are modernizing and working more efficiently to serve the public. When government invests in practical improvements, our residents benefit. Highlights include a cleaner, mobile-friendly county website; continued fraud prevention and automation by the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector; strong employee development through the Supervisor Academy; and better public access to information from the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder.

These efforts reflect a commitment to good service and responsible stewardship. I’m grateful for our dedicated employees and proud to work alongside them for the people of Tulare County. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

This month, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) introduced the rebrand of the Amtrak San Joaquins rail system to Gold Runner. More than a new name, Gold Runner symbolizes the energy and optimism of our region while preparing the system for the future of passenger rail and intercity bus service.

The Gold Runner rail line runs from Bakersfield to Martinez and Sacramento while the thruway bus service extends travel options to San Diego, Redding, Cal Poly Humboldt, and many points in between. Offering complimentary snacks on board, free wifi, electrical outlets at every seat, the ability to bring your bike onboard, and more, traveling on the Gold Runner is convenient and affordable. Locally, Tulare County residents can take a Gold Runner bus from the Downtown Visalia transit center to the station in Hanford to catch the rail line. Or continue on the bus to the Central Coast!

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 14 in Stockton to unveil the newly branded trains and buses. The name is more than cosmetic changes, starting December 8, the system is adding a seventh round-trip option to the schedule. For travelers who enjoy onboard dining, the system will be enhancing food and beverage options in four phases with the final phase including business class complimentary service, pre-board ordering, and more.

As you plan your next California adventure, make sure riding the Gold Runner is on your list!

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

As we gather around tables this Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, friends, laughter, faith, and all that we hold dear, we’re reminded of the reason for this season: gratitude. Gratitude for the hands that harvest our food, the neighbors who strengthen our communities, the educators who guide our children, and the everyday heroes who keep Tulare County moving forward. This time of year invites us to pause, breathe deeply, and recognize the blessings woven through our daily lives.

With Christmas and holidays just around the corner, our communities will soon be filled with lights, music, and celebration. From parades to tree lightings, school concerts to family traditions, we enter this next season with joy and with hope. Hope for continued progress, hope for unity, and hope for the future we are building together.

I am thankful for Tulare County, its hardworking families, rich cultural heritage, strong faith, and the unwavering spirit that defines us. I am grateful for the hands that serve, the leaders who step forward, the young people dreaming big, and for every resident who believes that our county’s best days are still ahead.

As we move from Thanksgiving into Christmas, may we carry gratitude like a lantern, lighting the path toward generosity, compassion, and connection. Together, we look forward to a season filled with community events, shared meals, moments of reflection, and the joy of giving.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

I recently joined our Economic Development team for a business tour and lunch with Planners from across Central California discussing the factors businesses consider when moving into and staying in a community. Over time I have attended Summits, International Ag Show receptions, and tours of facilities around the county. This week I attended a presentation for a service club where our team described the benefits of business attraction and retention along with tourism and regional collaboration. The theme of all these meetings, tours, and presentations is “Grow Tulare County.” Much of the work they do is behind the scenes with team members visiting potential business looking to move into Tulare County or with existing business to determine if there is anything we can do better to make this county a place where they can grow and thrive for many years. The team also works with tourism and filming, recognizing the tremendous impact tourism and film making can have county-wide. Kudos to our Resource Management Agency and Economic Development team for the hard work you do to make Tulare County a great place to do business!

For more information go to https://www.growtularecounty.org/.