District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

In late 2024, the CHP, Caltrans, county officials, and the California Office of Traffic Safety created the Regulate Impaired Driving Effort (RIDE) Task Force. This move was in response to increased DUI, excessive speed, and improper turning accidents. The goal was to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities through education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical services.

The good news: we’re seeing fewer collisions and fatalities. The Visalia office of the CHP shared the following data:

• Fatal Collisions are on track to be down 34% this year from our running five-year average (down to 32 from 43)
• Total Collisions are on track to be down 3.8% this year from last year
• Property Damage Only Collisions are on track to be down 5.8% compared to last year
• DUI Primary Collision Factor Collisions are estimated to be down 37% compared to last year

We’re seeing reductions in these categories because of increased awareness, drivers being more responsible, and increased staffing.

So, remember to slow down, look before you turn one more time, and never drive when you are under the influence. Keep everyone safe out there!

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

The Tulare County Fair marked its 111th year this past weekend. This year's fair featured more than 900 youth 4-H and FFA exhibitors who showcased and auctioned livestock and projects they've put work into throughout the year; a proud reminder and a positive sign that our county's agricultural heritage is alive and well in the next generation.

The fair continues to be one of the best examples of what makes our community special: neighbors coming together, local businesses showing off what they do best, and families making memories that last a lifetime. It's a tradition worth taking pride in, and one I look forward to every fall.

Thank you to everyone who came out, especially our young exhibitors. Don't forget to join us next year for number 112!

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

This week, the Board of Supervisors revisited the topic of data centers. After voting for a 45-day moratorium, or temporary ban, on data center projects on August 18, the Board voted on an extension on September 22 before the 45 days expired. Item 4 on this week’s agenda proposed a 10 month and 15-day moratorium on new data center projects in the unincorporated areas of Tulare County. The Board received a presentation from the Resource Management Agency (RMA) and heard public comments. The Board approved the extended moratorium in a unanimous vote.

This move allows county staff to research data centers, define types of centers, and make a recommendation in the best interest of Tulare County. And that could include a total ban.

Over the next 10 months, we have a lot to learn and have asked for periodic updates from RMA. If you’d like to know what the county is studying and share your feedback, visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/rma/tulare-county-data-center-discussion.



And to stay in the know on what items are coming before the Board of Supervisors, sign up to have our meeting agenda emailed to you at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IzUsb3o. To access meeting agendas, agenda item materials, meeting minutes, upcoming public hearing information, and more, visit the Board of Supervisors meeting page at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/board/board-of-supervisors-meetings.

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

Teamwork makes the dream work! We recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new and improved Hodges London Community Center, Proteus Inc., marking another important investment in our unincorporated communities.

The center has grown from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet and now features an indoor restroom and two dedicated office spaces. These improvements will provide greater opportunities for community programs, services, and gatherings while creating a more welcoming and functional space for London residents.

Our investment also inspired additional improvements through a partnership with the Housing Authority of Tulare County, which committed resources to upgrading the outdoor restrooms and kitchen.

I’m grateful to our County staff, my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, Proteus, the Housing Authority, and all our community partners who helped bring this vision to life. When we invest together, we grow together. And teamwork truly makes the dream work!

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

I just returned from a Valley Voice trip to Washington D.C. with the San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council. This group is made up of the eight central valley counties’ Coalitions of Government. These COGs are comprised of each member of each county’s Board of Supervisors and one member from each of the incorporated cities’ City Councils. To round out the membership are the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority.

The Valley Voice trip was a big success as our group met with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, Congressional members Gray, Harder, Costa, Lofgren, Valadao, and Fong, and Senators Schiff and Padilla. Our platform included finalizing the Farm to Market provisions of the Surface Transportation Authorization (STA) that Congressman Valadao graciously carried for us through Congress.

On this trip we emphasized the importance of road funding to our Senators and thanked our Congressional members who passed the language through their house. If approved, it would carve out a portion of the STA to be specifically available for improvement of Farm to Market roadways which are prevalent in our agriculturally rich and relevant county. Along with that topic, we discussed items of concern regarding rail and air quality budgets which affect each of the eight counties represented. We had very positive meetings and left with the knowledge that our combined efforts were, in fact, making an impact for good.