District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

This time of year, Tulare County sees more traffic on our roads as students and teachers head back to school, nut harvest finishes up, increased agricultural equipment moves from field to field, and dust is in the air. With increased vehicles on the road, remember to drive safely and SLOW DOWN.

The school year means students at bus stops, crossing streets, riding bikes, and being dropped off at school. This means it will take a bit longer to get where you are going. Please plan ahead, drive safely, and SLOW DOWN.

Ag traffic also slows traffic down and is often wider than average vehicles. As they come onto the road out of fields, they often kick up extra dust and reduce visibility. Avoid distracted driving and SLOW DOWN.

Overall, we all need to SLOW DOWN and help keep our friends and neighbors safe.

One last time, please SLOW DOWN.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

Kids are heading back to school and as a board member for First 5 Tulare County, I’m invested in making sure all Tulare County students enter school healthy and ready to learn.

One of the best ways to help your child be ready for school is to read to them early and often. Tulare County libraries are a great resource for a variety of books, but having books of your own at home makes reading an option any time.

Last Spring, First 5 Tulare County announced a partnership between the Tulare County Office of Education and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Families throughout Tulare County can complete an online application to have a new, free book sent to their child each month until their fifth birthday. Dolly’s library makes reading and education available to every family and creates a time to bond.

It's never too early set your child up for success in school and life. Check out some of the books local families are reading from the Imagination Library at First 5’s Facebook page!

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

Addressing homelessness in our communities is never an easy task. There is no one root cause of homelessness; each unhoused person has their own journey and root cause. It takes time, trust, and resources to make an impact on their life and situation.

As a member of the Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness, I get to work with a wide array of agencies collaborating to improve lives and provide help. We’ll see the result of community partnerships at the end of September when Salt + Light and Self Help Enterprises host the grand opening of the The Neighborhood Village. This community is set to provide housing, wraparound services, classes, job training, and so much more. Learn more at www.saltandlightworks.org/projects.

The Tulare County community at large has contributed much needed funds for the Village through events like the Salt + Light Summer Soiree held last Friday. I contributed a home cooked Armenian dinner, and it was auctioned off for $15,000! If you are interested in helping to improve our community or have questions about the Task Force, please call 559.624.8054.

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

District Four has been bustling with back-to-school excitement and activities. A gentle reminder to everyone: please slow down and stay vigilant for youth and families crossing the streets on their way to campus. Safety is paramount as we embark on this new academic journey together.

A highlight of the month was the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Monson-Sultana Elementary School for its new playground. This fantastic addition will soon be accompanied by the opening of new doors to both the gymnasium and the community resource center, marking a significant milestone for growth and engagement in Monson-Sultana. The excitement in the air is palpable, as these resources promise to keep families connected and involved.

Congratulations are in order for all the successful Summer Night Lights activities in Tulare County. Thanks to Step Up Summer Night Lights funding, youth and families stayed connected over the summer through a variety of community-wide events. From movie nights and water-themed events to backpack distributions and BBQs, I had the opportunity to attend several across Northern Tulare County. Each event was packed and purposeful, showcasing the strength and unity of our community. Here's to a fantastic start to the school year and continued community spirit!

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

During COVID shutdowns, it became clear how important internet access is to education and other aspects of daily life including business, communication, scheduling, and emergency services.

After reviewing the applications and our support letters for the projects, the CPUC voted to approve two Tulare County Last Mile Federal Funding Grants. First, a grant to Varcomm connecting over 5,000 residents in Terra Bella for $10,055,847. Second, a project serving about 35,000 residents in Alpaugh, Cutler, Dinuba, Earlimart, Kingsburg, Pixley, Sultana, Traver, Tulare, Visalia, and Tipton. This is a Comcast award for $26,577,050.

Tulare County is eligible for an additional nearly $8.5 million in these grants. Applications and our support letters for well over that amount have been received and will, hopefully, be awarded at upcoming CPUC meetings.