District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

This holiday season should be about happiness, sharing, and the memories we make. This season has seen foggy days that we have not experienced in quite some time. Please drive slowly in the fog, listen for oncoming vehicles at intersections, and turn on the headlights of your vehicle while driving as the driving lights do not illuminate the taillights of your vehicle.

Find more fog safety tips from the National Weather Service.

Remember to celebrate responsibly and use a rideshare or designated driver if consuming alcohol. Do not allow carelessness to result in tragic holiday memories.

I want to wish everyone a happy and joyous holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

This time of year is a chance to make sure everyone’s holiday season is merry and bright. Sometimes that means connecting friends, families, and strangers with resources to help them meet needs before a new year starts. The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency has worked with 211 to provide easy access to many resources throughout Tulare County. Visit the 211 website for information about:

• Healthcare – find health insurance options, health facilities, specialized treatment, and more.
• Transportation – resources are available for car insurance, bus services, and medical transportation.
• Veterans – find links to benefits, healthcare, employment, and other veterans assistance programs.
• Search the full index at 211tularecounty.org.

You also can help local children and families in need. Tulare County partners with Reaching Higher and CarePortal to uncover local needs and gives our community an opportunity to fill those needs. To learn more, visit www.reachinghighertc.com/careportal.

2024 has been a great year and I wish you and your family an even better one in 2025!

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

I hope everyone had a happy holiday and is looking forward to a wonderful new year. Now is the time many of us start thinking about resolutions as the start of a new year is only days away. While resolutions often mean building new habits, I’m hoping to improve some existing practices as well. Here’s what I have planned:

• Strengthen community engagement: I’ll keep you updated in this newsletter, on social media and during in-person interactions.
• Continuing to champion causes that effect our quality of life: Public Safety, economic development, access to healthcare and behavioral healthcare.
• Continue to build strong partnerships: Collaborating with local jurisdictions, nonprofits, and businesses.

What resolutions do you have planned? I hope you’ll join me in some community building with your plans for the New Year. Let’s all have a great 2025!

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

As we reflect on the joyous holiday season, I extend a big thank you to all the organizations and individuals who made Christmas and the holiday season in District Four truly special for our youth and families. Your efforts in organizing toy distributions across our communities—from Ivanhoe to Delft Colony, Dinuba to London, and Cutler-Orosi to Visalia—brought smiles to countless faces. Your generosity and dedication have made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful.

I had the pleasure of attending many of these joyous events and was delighted to witness the happiness and excitement they brought to our community. Our local parades in Woodlake, Dinuba, and Visalia were especially memorable, with streets bustling like never before. The pleasant weather added an extra touch of cheer to these festive occasions, making them even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

The season of giving also inspired numerous fundraising events throughout Tulare County. I was thrilled to participate in several of these initiatives, helping to raise money for important causes. These events exemplify the spirit of our community, and I am proud to be part of such a compassionate and generous county.

Thank you once again to everyone in District Four and all of Tulare County who contributed to making this holiday season a time of joy and goodwill. Your efforts have made our community a brighter and happier place to live.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

I have fond memories of Christmas. As kids there was always the anticipation of the gifts, and our parents typically heightened that feeling by hiding the “big” gifts and including a clue in a stocking or another gift. After the morning mayhem and corralling the three-foot-deep layer of wrapping paper lining the floor, family and friends trickled in to prepare for the big meal and festivities.

The celebrations changed as our parents passed away and new traditions began in other family homes. Many recipes have been passed down and some of the traditions have also survived the years and loss of loved ones. What will always remain is the love for family and friends and the joy that surrounds the celebration of our savior’s birth. I pray you also feel that joy.

Merry Christmas!