District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there are plenty of dangers online. The coming months are prime times for scammers to strike while you are doing your holiday shopping. Criminals use tricks like fake sales, phony gift cards, and “too-good-to-be-true” offers in attempts to steal your money or important personal information.

Be wary of:

• Requests to make payments using gift cards. This can come via email, phone call, or text and is usually unexpected. And it is usually made with a sense of urgency.
• Too-good-to-be-true advertisements. Cybercriminals create fake ads that can look just like the real thing. But they include pressure tactics to push impulsive decisions and send you to fake websites they have created.
• Delivery notifications. Fake delivery notifications often claim your package is delayed, missed, or requires verification. They are attempting to take your personal information, username, password, or payment details.

With every one of these scams, remember to stop, look, and think. Make sure to protect your information and your holiday season.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

This month, the Board of Supervisors held a joint meeting with the Board of Retirement to review an educational presentation from the Tulare County Employees’ Retirement Association (TCERA). The update included key actuarial data, assumptions, and long-term projections that ensure the continued strength and sustainability of our retirement system.

With more than 11,000 members, TCERA provides retirement security for a large number of Central Valley residents. The fund currently plans for a 7% rate of return, which is higher than the 6.75% average used by many other public pension systems in California.

Each year, the TCERA Board reviews important factors such as inflation, wage growth, investment performance, and cost-of-living adjustments to confirm that its assumptions remain realistic and responsible. Based on current projections, the fund is expected to meet or exceed its 7% return goal over the next 30 years.

For Tulare County employees, this represents confidence in one of the strongest, best-managed pension systems in the state. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to sound financial management and protecting taxpayer interests while ensuring a secure future for our workforce.

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Branch held a groundbreaking event for a brand-new healthcare facility geared to address behavioral health needs in Tulare County. The new Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) will expand services for adults (18 years and older) who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or are at significant risk factors, such as those facing homelessness.

The new 7,000 sq/ft healthcare facility will be the first of its kind in Tulare County. The $11.3 million dollar facility was funded partly by a $10.7 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Services along with MHSA capital facility funding from the Tulare County Behavioral Health Branch. It represents a major step forward in strengthening the local behavioral health infrastructure and improving access to urgent care services in Tulare County.

The new BHUC will not only expand behavioral healthcare in Tulare County, but it will also help meet several key state priorities by:

• Introducing a new, community-based urgent care option for individuals with mental health and/or substance use needs.
• Providing an alternative to emergency room visits, hospitalization, or incarceration.
• Supporting vulnerable populations, including those who are unhoused or involved with the justice system.
• Offering timely, accessible care in the least restrictive setting for individuals and families in crisis.

As a member of the Mental Health Board and the Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness, I’m proud of the steps our Health & Human Services Agency is taking to address needs in our community. I look forward to opening the doors to the BHUC in 2026!

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

As we move into the heart of fall, our communities are alive with activity. From harvest festivals and school carnivals to trunk-or-treats and neighborhood gatherings, this season reminds us just how strong and connected Tulare County truly is. Trying to make it to every event is no small feat, but what a blessing it is to see our families engaged, our youth smiling, and our communities coming together. We need this spirit now more than ever.

One special event I want to highlight is the annual Purple Party, hosted by Family Services of Tulare County. This incredible organization provides vital support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, offering safe shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and hope to those in crisis. Their work reminds us that healing and safety begin with compassion and community awareness.

I also want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the Three Rivers Historical Museum for celebrating its 25th anniversary! What a joy it was to learn about the “Disney Ski Resort that could have been” and to see how this small but mighty museum continues to preserve and share the stories that make our county so special.

And a round of applause for Happy Trails, whose recent fundraising event was a success! This remarkable organization enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities through accredited equine-assisted services, helping participants build confidence, independence, and joy in a supportive and empowering environment.

From history to healing to hope, Tulare County continues to shine because of the people who pour their hearts into making a difference every day. Thank you all for the ways you give, serve, and celebrate.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

This time of year is a window of opportunity for outdoor events since the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. This keeps all of us busy with activities just before the holidays. This season is also near the end of the harvest across the valley for many types of produce. In Tulare County and this region, agriculture, cattle and dairy are the driving force of our economy. Tulare county alone produces around $8 billion annually in produce and dairy goods. When combined with our other central California counties that figure climbs to $50 billion. These facts are on our minds during this time of year, and we should remind ourselves often of the impact this industry has on our communities and our way of life. As we celebrate the harvest, keep our farmers and our ranchers in mind and take every opportunity to share our pride in this industry with others. Hopefully our combined voices will be heard even in other areas which need regular reminders of where our food comes from.