District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

As I turn my calendar to November, I’m reminded of everything I’m thankful for. My family will be close as we head into the holiday season and there will continue to be community events where I can thank people and organizations that work so hard for our community. I hope your fall season is filled with many blessings, and we all take time to give thanks for everything we have.

We’re also heading into a time of celebration, and it is important to be responsible to avoid tragedy. The sun is setting earlier, and we’ll start to see rain more often. This means reduced visibility and slick roads when driving. Holiday parties and drinking will increase. Make plans to get home safely. Have a designated driver, use a ride app, or stay the night. If you’re a party host, help your guests be safe by cutting off alcohol an hour before the party ends, stop serving intoxicated guests, and don’t let anyone who is intoxicated drive home. Please be safe so we can all celebrate the season together.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

 Red Ribbon Week is focused on helping kids stay drug free through awareness, advocacy, and by providing resources. This year, we received a presentation from the DEA during one of our board meetings. As a parent, hearing the stories of families harmed by drugs and how available drugs are through social media was disturbing. Please talk to your kids, help them understand that one pill can kill, and help them find resources if they need them. To learn how to help keep your family safe from illicit drugs, watch the DEA presentation starting at 1:02:30.

Speaking of keeping families safe, today is Halloween and kids will be in costume in neighborhoods throughout Tulare County. Drivers, please slow down, keep an eye out for little ones, and take an extra moment at intersections and crosswalks. Parents, please make sure your kids are wearing something reflective or have glow sticks and they don’t eat all their candy tonight!

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

Tulare County Parks are connecting our communities to our parks in very personal ways with two programs: Memorial Tree Planting and Arbor Adoption. The first Memorial Tree was planted in Mooney Grove Park in memory of Victoria Jean Lynn Worrell last week. Family and friends remembered Victoria’s love of the ducks, the pond, and the peacefulness of the park. They knew a tree and plaque would be a fitting memorial to Victoria. If you would like to memorialize a loved one with a tree at a Tulare County Park, please see this brochure.

On October 26, American Legion Sierra Post 785 adopted Arbor #15 at Mooney Grove Park and dedicated it to the memory of Louie Medina, USMC. An unveiling and ribbon cutting were held, and Post members hope the arbor will serve as a constant reminder of the commitment of Louie and all veterans who have served our country. If you or your organization would like to adopt an arbor, please see this brochure.

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

As we wrap up October, I want to thank everyone for making this Fall Harvest season so memorable. From the enthusiastic Trunk or Treat gatherings organized across our area - London, Goshen, Ivanhoe, Cutler-Orosi, Dinuba, Woodlake, Visalia and more - your commitment to providing safe, joyful celebrations for our youth truly embodies the heart of our community. Special thanks go out to Proteus, Inc., Family Services of Tulare County, Ivanhoe Community Council, Creativity Cen-Cal, Ridge Creek, ImagineU, the City of Woodlake, and Cowgirl Cookies, among other organizations, for your time, talent, and resources. These events showcase the tremendous work that goes into planning large scale events - together!

As we approach the holiday season, I encourage everyone to embrace this time of giving and look for ways to support each other. Whether through volunteering with local nonprofits, engaging in events at schools, or simply reaching out to a neighbor in need, let’s keep this community impact strong. Together, we can make the months ahead a time of connection and service, reminding us all of the strength in coming together. Thank you for making Tulare County a wonderful place to live and serve.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

I serve on the Academy of Engineering Advisory Board for Harmony Magnet Academy. I was introduced to the school when asked to perform a critique of an architectural project assigned to Juniors. The students were professional, and the projects were on par with architectural projects I was involved with in college. I accepted an appointment to the Advisory Board and have hired several students as interns for my Architectural and Engineering practice. We recently hired one of those students back full-time after she earned her BA in Architecture. My partner in business is a graduate of Harmony and an Engineer. I feel there should be a connection between education and local businesses. It gives the students a picture of the career path they are choosing and strengthens the incentive to return after they finalize their schooling. Congratulations to Porterville Unified School District for going “all-in” with their Pathways Program which has grown to fourteen pathways across all their high schools. It is a benefit to students and our community!