District 1: Supervisor Larry Micari

This week, I’m in Washington D.C. with Chair Vander Poel, Supervisor Townsend, CAO Jason Britt, and our Chief of Staff Israel Sotelo, Jr. We’re on our annual advocacy trip and will attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference.

We spoke with our Senators, Congressmen, a House Committee, FEMA, and White House Intergovernmental Affairs. [You can view our schedule HERE.] We discussed water, Medicaid,

FEMA funding, farm-to-market road funding, and more.

Advocacy trips are an important way to share the changes needed in our communities. This gives us the opportunity to sit across the table from our elected representatives to share the story of Tulare County. We’re committed to representing all residents to make sure Tulare County continues to be a great place to live, work, and play.

To see our Federal and State policy platforms, visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/board/legislative-platforms/.

District 2: Supervisor Pete Vander Poel

Tulare County is thriving, thanks to fiscal responsibility, modernization, and reliable public services. In the past year, significant strides have been made in public safety, infrastructure, and community development.

The Fire Department expanded staffing and upgraded equipment, enhancing emergency response. The Sheriff’s Office broke ground on a state-of-the-art Coroner Facility, boosting investigative efficiency. Infrastructure improvements include a $5.3 million grant for flood prevention in Alpaugh and enhancements to roads and parks. The county also prioritized digital transformation, launching a new website, and modernizing property tax assessments.

Economic growth continues with rising property values and investments in Goshen’s revitalization. Health and Human Services expanded mental health outreach and community welfare programs. Looking ahead, our focus remains on safety, infrastructure modernization, and community development. Tulare County’s commitment to effectiveness and efficiency ensures a strong, robust future for all residents.

To listen to the full State of the County and view the presentation, watch the meeting.

District 3: Supervisor Amy Shuklian

As the Board of Supervisors’ representative on the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District Board, I’m focused on helping to clean and improve our air quality. The Valley Air District has several rebate programs to help residents and businesses to do their part to improve our air or stay healthy during poor air quality days:

• Clean Air Rooms Program - The use of air filtration devices to create “clean air rooms”, such as a bedroom, will ensure homes have a dedicated space with safe indoor air quality during smoke events.
• Clean Green Yard Machines: Residential – Find two flexible options for rebates to replace old gas/diesel-powered lawn mowers or purchase new electric powered landscape equipment.
• Commercial Zero-Emission Landscaping Equipment Voucher Program – Before purchasing or discarding equipment, apply for a voucher.
• Drive Clean in the San Joaquin: Repair – FREE car emissions test at a Tune-In, Tune Up event is available in Visalia on March 29.

Click on the links above for more information and discover more programs at the Valley Air Grants & Incentives page.

District 4: Supervisor Eddie Valero

As we leave February, a time traditionally associated with love and compassion, let's continue to extend our hearts to the seniors and community members in Tulare County who may need extra support. Small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life.

FoodLink for Tulare County is dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. Their Nutrition-On-The-Go (NUGO) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) distributions provide fresh produce and essential food items to those in need. These distributions occur nearly every weekday and are open to the public.

Community Services Employment Training (CSET) operates eight senior centers across Tulare County, serving as vital hubs for social interaction, nutritious meals, and various activities. These centers play a crucial role in promoting the well-being and independence of older adults.

As we enter the month of March, let's embody the spirit of love and support by reaching out to those around us, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and cared for.

District 5: Supervisor Dennis Townsend

Rural broadband access has been a challenge in Tulare County and across California. But Federal Funding Account (FFA) grants are making infrastructure projects possible.

Last Friday, I attended the VARCOMM groundbreaking ceremony in Terra Bella. This project received a $10 million FFA grant and will bring broadband to approximately 1,312 previously unserved locations in the Terra Bella area by 2026.

The project will serve residential and commercial customers and will help create more educational, employment, and economic development options for our communities. VARCOMM was founded in Tulare County in 1910 and worked with Setton Pistachios to install equipment at Setton Park in Terra Bella to establish a hub for broadband innovation in the region.

This is the second FFA grant awarded in Tulare County. Comcast held their groundbreaking in November in Pixley and will bring broadband options to nearly 6,200 locations in Tulare County.

I’m excited to see this kind of progress in Tulare County!