District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

This time of year means dry grass and fire danger. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property free of tall dry weeds and seasonal grass. One time maintenance is not enough, please check and clear your property regularly to reduce fire risk and keep our first responders and communities safe. Find all the requirements at the Tulare County Ordinance and follow these tips now:

-     All disking or mowing should be completed before 10:00 a.m.

-     Maintain all weeds and grass at a height of three inches

-     All rubbish shall be removed from property

-     All disking operations shall comply with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Rule 8051

Tulare County Fire is responsible for the Hazard Abatement Program, and the full requirements can be found on their website. If you see a property with fire hazards, please fill out the Hazard Abatement Complaint Form to help keep everyone safe.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

June is Dairy Month and no one does dairy like Tulare County. In 2024, our dairies produced more than 10 billion pounds of fluid milk valued at $2.2 billion. These amazing results are produced by 295 local dairies caring for more than 470,000 dairy cows. And milk isn’t the only commodity local cows produce – even their manure is valuable! In 2024 2.6 million tons of manure were valued at $5.6 million in Tulare County.

As the epicenter of U.S. dairy production, companies like Land O’Lakes, California Dairies, and Rosa Brothers Milk Company make some of the best treats out of Tulare County milk. Cheese, ice cream, flavored milk, and more drive our local economy. And one of our local cheesemakers even made the Real California Cheese Trail!

When you head to the grocery store, remember to look for the Real California Milk seal to make sure you help support local dairy families and our Tulare County community.

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

This month, the Board of Supervisors attended the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Legislative Conference in Sacramento. Part of the conference is visiting state elected officials and departments to advocate for Tulare County. This year our focus was on SB 1115, Indigent Care, SGMA, forests, and SB 577.

Our conversations were impactful and helped change some minds. SB 1115 passed off the Senate floor 38-0 and is headed for the Assembly. Our forest conversation opened eyes, opened doors for future presentations, and was well received by the State Secretary of Agriculture. Changes to H.R. 1 mean changes to Indigent Care that could drastically affect the finances of counties throughout the state. Tulare County has proposed a fiscally responsible solution to maintain clients on existing state programs.

If you would like to get involved in these efforts, read our advocacy packet and reach out to your state representatives!

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

As we turn the page toward summer, our communities across Tulare County are celebrating one of life’s most meaningful milestones: graduation.

In the coming days and weeks, thousands of students will walk across stages in communities large and small, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Whether you are heading to a university, community college, trade school, military service, or directly into the workforce, know that your future is filled with possibility. Your family, teachers, mentors, and community are proud of what you have accomplished and excited for the journey ahead.

The road ahead may not always be certain, but every generation has faced its own challenges and opportunities. This is your time to learn, grow, contribute, and leave your mark on the world.

As we celebrate our graduates, we also prepare for the summer months ahead. With rising temperatures and periods of extreme heat expected throughout the Central Valley, I encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Please stay hydrated, check on elderly neighbors and loved ones, limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours when possible, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your community believes in you, is cheering for you, and looks forward to seeing all that you will accomplish.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

IWe observe Memorial Day by attending Military Banner ceremonies, Avenues of Flags, listening to patriotic music, saying prayers, and visiting the gravesites of those we have lost. Porterville lost the most soldiers per capita in Vietnam in the USA. Many also have ties to WWI, WWII, and the Korean War in our families. Porterville and the Valley seem to have a deep respect for those who fought and gave their lives to secure our freedom. Memorial Day is seen as the unofficial kickoff of summer, but its history has a deeper meaning. Originally called “Decoration Day,” it is a day to remember all who have died in the service of our country. It started three years after the end of the Civil War out of a desire to honor our military dead.

“The 30th of May 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

After WWI the holiday changed to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war. I love that we continue to observe this day by honoring those who have fought and died protecting our freedoms!