District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

Fall is a prime time for candles to start being used in decorations and being burned in the home. We also know that on average, 20 home candle fires are reported each day. To keep your family and home safe, follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

1.  Use candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface
2. Light candles carefully – keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame
3. Don’t burn the candle all the way down
4. Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
5. Never leave a candle unattended – blow out all candles when you leave a room or go to bed
6. Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn
7. Consider using flameless candles in your home

 For more safety information, visit the Candle Safety page on the National Fire Protection Association website.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

The 2024 Tulare County Fair just wrapped another great year! As it does every year, the Fair hosted livestock, rides, food, local booths, and the Demolition Derby. But one of my favorite features is the Quilts of Honor Ceremony. The event honors veterans and first responders by presenting them with handcrafted quilts made by local volunteers. The ceremony happens on the first day of the Fair each year, so mark your calendar now for 2025. This tradition at a community event is one of many reasons I’m proud to call Tulare County home.

I’m also proud of the work Tulare County has done to improve our parks. This month, Pixley Park reopened after an update funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Parks department was able to renovate arbors, replace the irrigation system, install new picnic tables and BBQ grills, and more. If you have a chance, head to Pixley and enjoy the beautiful park!

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

We all know Tulare County is a gem, but “The Best of California” TV show knows it too and decided to show off Mooney Grove Park this month. Visit Visalia asked me to talk with show host Pat Pattison and show off the newest features in the park. We visited the new inclusive park, the new dog park, and the improved pond. The episode comes out soon, but you can explore other great places in California now at https://www.bestofcal.tv/.

This month also saw the opening of The Neighborhood Village by Salt + Light. The grand opening and open house started at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, and many of the houses have already become homes for some of our previously unhoused neighbors. I’m so proud our community is taking another step to reduce homelessness in Tulare County. Learn more about The Neighborhood Village at https://www.saltandlightworks.org/tnv-about.

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

On Tuesday, September 24, the Governor signed AB 805 in East Orosi. Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula initiated this bill to provide much needed assistance to our failing sewer and water systems. The problems that have plagued our rural, unincorporated communities are finally getting the investments they need, and the consolidation efforts required to upgrade much needed infrastructure in communities in Tulare County.



I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board, along with the Tulare County Resource Management Agency, for their support in working to alleviate many of these difficult situations. For example, the County currently serves as the administrator on the water side of these efforts. And this work is never done in silos. Organizations like Self-Help Enterprises, Community Water Center, and the State Water Resources Control Board continue to champion causes that uplift rural California. Moreover, projects like this one and across the County help us to fulfill our mission: To provide residents of Tulare County with quality services to improve and sustain the region's safety, economic well-being, and quality of life. It was definitely a great week for our County and the State.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

The San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council (SJVRPC) is made up of Coalitions of Government from central California. I joined the recent trip to Washington DC as the Vice Chair of the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG). We met with all our central California Congressmen, both Senators, the DOT, and the EPA. Our focus is on transportation, air quality, and water. This trip was oriented towards our “Finish the 99” initiative seeking to complete the last stretches of 99 which are still two lanes in each direction instead of three. We have also been advocating for federal road funding and I want to give thanks to Congressman Valadao who introduced a bill while we were visiting. State funding disadvantages rural counties with its emphasis on population versus road miles. We are excited about the impact this legislation could have on Tulare County due to funding based on farm to market routes.