Gilcrease’s family has farmed in Kings County since 1883. He currently farms almonds, grapes, and tomatoes and operates Pure Agronomics, a crop and water management consulting firm serving growers throughout the San Joaquin Valley. He joined the Farm Bureau Board of Directors in 2017 and has served in every leadership role, including Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President, since October 2025.

“When you consider his farming background, his leadership within the Farm Bureau, and his role as Chairman of the GSA Stakeholder Committee, Garrett is arguably the most informed person in Kings County on what we believe is the most consequential challenge this county faces, now and for the foreseeable future,” said Chad Souza, Vice President of the Kings County Farm Bureau. “Water is not just an agricultural problem. It is a county-wide problem. And Garrett understands it as well as anyone.”

Gilcrease has been a central figure in Kings County’s response to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the Tulare Lake Subbasin’s historic probationary status, imposed by the California State Water Resources Control Board in April 2024, the first time the state had ever placed a subbasin on probation. He is active in multiple GSAs and was appointed to represent District 1 on the reconstituted Mid-Kings River GSA’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee, where he currently serves as Chairman.

This race is open following the retirement of Supervisor Joe Neves, who has represented District 1 since 1994. Neves has endorsed Gilcrease’s candidacy.

“I’m stepping up to ensure Kings County stays strong for the next generation,” Gilcrease said.

District 1 encompasses Lemoore, Stratford, and the surrounding rural communities. The Kings County Board of Supervisors also serves as the governing board for the reconstituted Mid-Kings River GSA, making agricultural representation on the board directly consequential to local groundwater policy.

The post Kings County Farm Bureau endorses Garrett Gilcrease for Kings County Board of Supervisors appeared first on Valley Voice.

Don’t miss a thing going on in the South Valley! Read Donna’s Calendar of Events!

Live Theater

Encore Theatre presents “Rent,” a powerful rock musical that follows struggling artists in NYC against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Feb. 7-21. 324 South N St., Tulare. 559 686-1300 or www.encoretulare.org

The Enchanted Playhouse puts on “Peter Pan,” the fairy tale of the boy who never wants to grow up, Feb. 13-22 at El Diamante High School, 5100 W. Whitendale, Visalia. www.enchantedplayhouse.net

Lindsay Community Theater is staging “She Kills Monsters,” a melodrama where the fantasy world and reality begin to collide has a woman searches to connect with her dead sister. Runs Feb. 20-March 1. 190 N. Elmwood. 559 562-1659 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

Icehouse Theatre presents “Into the Woods,” the Sondheim musical that intertwines various fairy tales, March 6-21. 410 E. Race. 559 734-3900 or www.visalilaicehouse.com

The Kings Players are putting on “The Vultures,” a dramady in the vein of Agatha Christie located in a gloomy haunted house for the reading of a will. Runs March 6-22. 514 Visalia St., Hanford. 559 584-7241 or www.kingsplayers.org

Art shows

Arts Visalia features the delightful fusion of interactive art and picture book illustration by Merry Miller-Gass, children’s book illustrator, in February. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium displays fun ways to see and hear poetry by Michael Jasso, the Art Consortium’s Artist of the Year. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org  

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing large line drawings featuring Japanese and African figures all created on the iPhone by Rene Luna during First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia in January and February, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia, 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.org

College of the Sequoias Gallery hosts “Changing Conditions,” art by COS alumni Marty Azevedo and David Hicks through March 6. Open Tuesdays-Thursdays 10-4 and Fridays by appointment. Kaweah Building, Room 214 (downstairs) at the corner of Meadow Lane and Mooney. Free 20-minute parking in the circle drive. Facebook: College of the Sequoias Art Gallery

College of the Sequoias Learning Resource Center shows the Pathway to Museums Club’s “Collaborative Project” March 3-June 26. Open Mondays-Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 10-2. LRC Gallery, Lodgepole Building. Facebook: College of the Sequoias Art Gallery

The Oval Gallery is featuring Diego Ortega, who is showcasing some of his favorite portraits taken on a Polaroid Big Shot. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum hosts a Student Art Exhibit by young artists in Tulare City Schools Feb. 26-March 28. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

Tulare City Historical Museum has on display “Vintage Vogue: Retrospective of Women’s Fashion” from the late 1800s, January through March 28. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter) is showing “Beneath the Surface,” a group exhibit featuring Visalia abstract artist Kristine Vogt, from Jan. 24-March 29. 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

Lindsay Museum & Gallery shows “Art is a Verb: The Practice of Lisa Tomczeszyn,” a retrospective of watercolors, costume designs and sculptures of the multifaceted artist, from Feb. 28-March 28. Open Fridays 12-4 p.m. 165 N. Gale Hill Ave. www.lindsayarts.com

The Pierpoint Bar & Grill & Gallery is showing “Heaven in the Sierras” by local photographer Trish Logan. Open 10-6 daily. 801 Highway 190, Springville. 559 483-9110 or liz.pierpointgallery@gmail.com

Events by date

Thursday, Feb. 19

• The Tulare Library Book Club will discuss “The Lion Woman of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali at 6:30 p.m. at Howie & Son’s Pizza, 2440 S. Mooney. Books are available at the Visalia Library. 559 713-2703

Friday, Feb. 20

• Summer Night City presents an ABBA Tribute at 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Monday, Feb. 23

• Toddlers aged 1-4 and their parents can “Reach for the Stars” at the Office of Education Planetarium, from 9-11 a.m. Explore the Milky Way and watch the stars. 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia. Facebook: Reach for the Stars

Saturday, Feb. 28

• 23^rd Annual Chinese New Year’s Celebration for the Year of the Horse from 12-4 p.m. at the Center for Integrated Medicine, 816 W. Oak, Visalia. Lion Parade, cultural events, food, games, children’s events. Facebook: Center for Integrated Medicine
• The Sequoia Symphony performs “From Brass to the Blues” at 7:30 p.m. with music by Gershwin, John Williams, Artie Shaw and Duke Ellington. Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 732-8600 or sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com
• Tulare County Library Book Festival from 10-2 at the Visalia Library, 200 W. Oak. Authors, storytelling, vendors, food trucks, book sale. visitvisalia.org/calendar
• Richard Crowe, nephew of Tulare’s famous native, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, will discuss and sign his book about his family history at 5 p.m. Tulare City Historical Museum, 444 W. Tulare. 559 686-2074 or tularehistoricalmuseum.org
• An artist reception for “Art is a Verb: The Practice of Lisa Tomczeszyn,” a retrospective exploring the life and work of the multifaceted artist, will be held from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Lindsay Museum and Gallery, 165 N. Gale Hill.
• Wildflower Walk at Lewis Hill Preserve in Porterville. See rare plants and wildlife. This protected site is only open one day a year. Must RSVP. 559 738-0211 or sequoiariverlands.org/events
• End of the Trail Half Marathon and 10K Race at 8 a.m. at Mooney Grove, 27000 S. Mooney, Visalia. Facebook: End of the Trail Half Marathon

Thursday, March 5

• An Evening with author and podcaster Jen Hatmaker, sharing lessons from her New York best-selling book, “Awake.” At 6:30 p.m. L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main, Visalia. Facebook: An Evening with Jen Hatmaker

Friday, March 6

• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org
• Proud Tina, a tribute to Tina Turner, takes the stage at 8 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Saturday, March 7

• 1^st Saturday in Three Rivers features open studios, food and art shows from 11-5. Pick up a map and schedule at Kaweah Arts, 41841 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198) or the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. 559 799-1473 or 1stsaturdaytr.com

March 7 & 8

• Grand reopening of Dry Creek Preserve Nursery with a plant sale from 10-11 a.m., marking the transformation of a local nursery into a hub for conservation, workforce development, and community-powered restoration. 35220 Dry Creek Drive, Woodlake. visitvisalia.com/calendar

Tuesday, March 10

• Job Training and Development, educating and training the next generation, is the topic of Tulare County Voices at 210, a monthly forum on local topics, at 7 p.m. at 210 W. Center, Visalia.

Saturday, March 14

• Annual Irish Fest in the Park from 1-5 p.m. at Recreation Park, 345 N. Jacob, Visalia. Beer, wine and food. 21 & over. Hosted by the Breakfast Lions.
• Patrick’s Day in Ireland at 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Music and dance, featuring Riverdance veteran Cian Porter. 559 625-1369 or www.foxvisalia.org
• Toy-Anime-Comic Con from 11-4 at the Visalia Veteran’s Memorial Building, 609 W. Center, Visalia.

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events appeared first on Valley Voice.

Live Theater

The Barn Theater is showing an original family-friendly comedy, “Writer’s Block,” about a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer trying to overcome his writer’s block. Runs Jan. 23-Feb. 7 at 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portervillebarntheater.com

The Icehouse Theatre presents “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” Jan. 30-Feb. 8. JJ Pestano plays nine characters in a one-man show about a detective investigating the sudden disappearance of a flamboyant 14-year-old in the Jersey Shore. 410 E. Race. 559 734-3900 or Facebook: Visalia Players at the Icehouse

Green Acres Little Theater’s spring show is “Something Rotten,” a comedy about two playwrights trying to escape the shadow of Williams Shakespeare. Runs Feb. 5-7 at Rotary Theatre, 330 S. Dollner, Visalia. 559 730-7671. Tickets: www.greenacreslittletheater.ludus.com

Encore Theatre presents “Rent,” a powerful rock musical that follows struggling artists in NYC against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Feb. 7-21. 324 South N St., Tulare. 559 686-1300 or www.encoretulare.org

The Enchanted Playhouse puts on “Peter Pan,” the fairy tale of the boy who never wants to grow up, Feb. 13-22 at El Diamante High School, 5100 W. Whitendale, Visalia. www.enchantedplayhouse.net

Art shows

Arts Visalia features the delightful fusion of interactive art and picture book illustration by Merry Miller-Gass, children’s book illustrator, in February. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium displays fun ways to see and hear poetry by Michael Jasso, the Art Consortium’s Artist of the Year. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org  

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing large line drawings featuring Japanese and African figures all created on the iPhone by Rene Luna during First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia in January and February, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia, 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.org

College of the Sequoias Gallery hosts “Changing Conditions,” art by COS alumni Marty Azevedo and David Hicks through March 6. Open Tuesdays-Thursdays 10-4 and Fridays by appointment. Kaweah Building, Room 214 (downstairs) at the corner of Meadow Lane and Mooney. Free 20-minute parking in the circle drive. Facebook: College of the Sequoias Art Gallery

College of the Sequoias Learning Resource Center is showing “Instability,” works by Eric Zeigler an Aaron Ellison through Feb. 20. Open Mondays-Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 10-2. LRC Gallery, Lodgepole Building. Facebook: College of the Sequoias Art Gallery

The Oval Gallery is featuring Diego Ortega, who is showcasing some of his favorite portraits taken on a Polaroid Big Shot. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum hosts its “Varied Impressions” art show in January Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

Tulare City Historical Museum has on display “Vintage Vogue: Retrospective of Women’s Fashion” from the late 1800s, January through March 28. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter) is showing “Beneath the Surface,” a group exhibit featuring Visalia abstract artist Kristine Vogt, from Jan. 24-March 29. 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

Lindsay Museum & Gallery shows “The Great Circle Dance: The Visionary Paintings of Bonnie Brisbee” using symbolic imagery and a dream-driven process from Jan. 10-Feb. 6. Open Fridays 12-4 p.m. 165 N. Gale Hill Ave. www.lindsayarts.com

New gallery in Springville. The Pierpoint Bar & Grill & Gallery is showing “Heaven in the Sierras” by local photographer Trish Logan through Jan. 31. Open 10-6 daily. 801 Highway 190, Springville. 559 483-9110 or liz.pierpointgallery@gmail.com

Events by date

Thursday, Feb. 5

• Artists’ talk by Marty Azevedo and David Hicks, who are showing “Changing Conditions” at the College of the Sequoias Gallery, at 11:15 a.m., followed by a reception from 12-2. Kaweah Building, Room 214 (downstairs) at the corner of Meadow Lane and Mooney. Free 20-minute parking in the circle drive. Facebook: College of the Sequoias Art Gallery

Friday, Feb. 6

• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org
• Galentine’s Day Brunch for gals 50 and better at 9:30 a.m. at the Visalia Senior Center, 310 N. Locust. visitvisalia.org/calendar

Saturday, Feb. 7

• 1^st Saturday in Three Rivers features open studios, food and art shows from 11-5. Pick up a map and schedule at Kaweah Arts, 41841 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198) or the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. 559 799-1473 or 1stSaturdaytr.com
• Meet the artist and book signing from 2-4 p.m. with Merry Miller-Gass, children’s book illustrator, whose art is on display at Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak. 559 739-0905 or artsvisalia.org
• Moonlight Revelry Ball from 4-11 p.m. features fantasy vendor market, live portrait painting, book signing, make ‘n take and sit-down dinner. Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia. visitvisalia.org/calendar
• “Pretty Woman” (1990) starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is shown at 7 p.m. at the Hanford Fox Theatre, 326 N. Irwin. 559 584-7823 or foxhanford.com

Sunday, Feb. 8

• Galentine’s Day Brunch at 11 a.m. at the Hyde, 3200 Mineral King, Visalia, with mimosas and a complimentary glass to paint as a memento. Eventbrite: Galentine’s Brunch

Tuesday, Feb. 10

• Dessert Walk in Downtown Visalia from 5-8 p.m. Get sweet treats from participating restaurants and shops. Then enjoy a free movie, “10 Things I Hate about You,” at the Fox Theatre. Tickets: downtownvisalia.com
• Tulare County Voices at 210 will have a panel discussion on the middle class housing squeeze  in Visalia at 7 p.m. 210 W. Center, Visalia

Feb. 10-12

• World Ag Expo, the largest annual agriculture show in the world with over 1,200 exhibitors of cutting-edge technology and equipment. 4500 S. Laspina, Tulare. worldagexpo.com

Friday, Feb. 13

• Valentine’s Day Market at the Farmer’s Market from 8-11:30 a.m. Kids’ corner, photo ops, fresh flowers. Behind the courthouse at 2231 W. Main, Visalia. Facebook: Valentine’s Market
• “Valentine’s Day” (2010) movie about residents experiencing the highs and lows of living during a single day, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Hanford Fox Theatre, 326 N. Irwin. 559 584-7823 or foxhanford.com
• Mariachi Festival at 7 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre featuring Leyendas del Mariachi with members of famous mariachi groups and Ballet Folklorico. 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Saturday, Feb. 14

• Make Valentine cards with Merry Miller-Gass, children’s book illustrator and featured artist at Arts Visalia, at 1 p.m. Free for all ages. Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or artsvisalia.org

Sunday, Feb. 15

• Victorian era murder mystery: Who Murdered My Valentine at 4 p.m. at the Historic JD Hyde Inn, 513 N. Encina, Visalia. With multi-course meal. Dress in Victorian style. 559 372-9232 or visitvisalia.org/calendar

Monday, Feb. 16

• CACHE Chats: Tales of Exeter and Beyond this quarter features “The Merrymans of Marinette: the men who bankrolled Exeter’s citrus boom” at 7 p.m. Center for Arts, Culture & History, 125 South B, Exeter. cach-exeter.org/events
• Free entry into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in honor of Presidents’ Day. visitvisalia.org/calendar

Thursday, Feb. 19

• The Tulare Library Book Club will discuss “The Lion Woman of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali at 6:30 p.m. at Howie & Son’s Pizza, 2440 S. Mooney. Books are available at the Visalia Library. 559 713-2703

Monday, Feb. 23

• Toddlers aged 1-4 and their parents can “Reach for the Stars” at the Office of Education Planetarium, from 9-11 a.m. Explore the Milky Way and watch the stars. 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia. Facebook: Reach for the Stars

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events!!! appeared first on Valley Voice.

Live Theater

Lindsay Community Theater hosts Lindsay High School’s “Hadestown Teen Edition” Jan. 16-25. A musical with a blend of blues, jazz, Dixieland and folk music retelling the Greek mythology tale of Orpheus and Eurydice about love, loss and systems that trap us. 190 N. Elmwood. 559 284-2223 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

The Barn Theater is showing an original family-friendly comedy, “Writer’s Block,” about a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer trying to overcome his writer’s block. Runs Jan. 23-Feb. 7 at 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portervillebarntheater.com

The Icehouse Theatre presents “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” Jan. 30-Feb. 8. JJ Pestano plays nine characters in a one-man show about a detective investigating the sudden disappearance of a flamboyant 14-year-old in the Jersey Shore. 410 E. Race. 559 734-3900 or Facebook: Visalia Players at the Icehouse

Encore Theatre presents “Rent,” a powerful rock musical that follows struggling artists in NYC against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Feb. 7-21. 324 South N St., Tulare. 559 686-1300 or www.encoretulare.org

Art shows

Arts Visalia is showing stone, wood and drawings by Mark Robinson over his long career in January. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium is showing ceramics by Antonio Cuellar painted by professional tattoo artists for one-of-a-kind art. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing line drawings featuring Japanese and African figures all created on the iPhone by Rene Luna during First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia in January and February, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia, 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.org

The Oval Gallery is featuring prints and ceramics by local artists Erik Rodriguez and Simone and Sol Vesner. Plus the Oval’s annual 2026 calendar making. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum hosts its “Varied Impressions” art show in January Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter) is showing “Beneath the Surface,” a group exhibit featuring Visalia abstract artist Kristine Vogt, from Jan. 24-March 29. 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

Lindsay Museum & Gallery shows “The Great Circle Dance: The Visionary Paintings of Bonnie Brisbee” using symbolic imagery and a dream-driven process from Jan. 10-Feb. 6. Open Fridays 12-4 p.m. 165 N. Gale Hill Ave. www.lindsayarts.com

New gallery in Springville. The Pierpoint Bar & Grill & Gallery is showing “Heaven in the Sierras” by local photographer Trish Logan through Jan. 31. Open 10-6 daily. 801 Highway 190, Springville. 559 483-9110 or liz.pierpointgallery@gmail.com

Events by date

Friday, Jan. 23

• “A Night of Comedy” featuring Amy Shuklian at 7 p.m. at the Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race, Visalia. Rate PG13. Facebook: Visalia players at the Ice House Theatre

Saturday, Jan. 24

• “One of these Nights: Songs of the Eagles” is on stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org
• Opening reception for “Beneath the Surface,” a group exhibit featuring Visalia abstract artist Kristine Vogt, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at CACHE (Center for Art, Culture & History Exeter), 125 South B. 559 592-5900 or cach-exeter.org
• Reception and curator talk from 4-7 p.m. for “The Great Circle Dance: The Visionary Paintings of Bonnie Brisbee” discussing her symbolic imagery and dream-driven process. Lindsay Museum and Gallery, 165 N. Gale Hill Ave. lindsayarts.com

Jan. 30-Feb. 1

• Visalia Home and Patio Springfest features over 300 exhibits plus kids’ activities at the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia. visaliahomeshows.com

Saturday, Jan. 31

• The State Street Ballet joins the Sequoia Symphony to perform Act 1 of the “Romeo and Juliet” ballet by Tchaikovsky at 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 732-8600 or sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com
• Visalia Toy-Anime-Comic Con from 11-4 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W. Center. Costume contest. Collectibles and cards. Facebook: Visalia Toy-Anime

Friday, Feb. 6

• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org

Saturday, Feb. 7

• 1^st Saturday in Three Rivers features open studios, food and art shows from 11-5. Pick up a map and schedule at Kaweah Arts, 41841 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198) or the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. 559 799-1473 or 1stSaturdaytr.com
• Moonlight Revelry Ball from 4-11 p.m. features fantasy vendor market, live portrait painting, book signing, make ‘n take and sit-down dinner. Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia. visitvisalia.org/calendar
• “Pretty Woman” (1990) starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is shown at 7 p.m. at the Hanford Fox Theatre, 326 N. Irwin. 559 584-7823 or foxhanford.com

Sunday, Feb. 8

• Galentine’s Day Brunch at 11 a.m. at the Hyde, 3200 Mineral King, Visalia, with mimosas and a complimentary glass to paint as a momento. Eventbrite: Galentine’s Brunch

Tuesday, Feb. 10

• Dessert Walk in Downtown Visalia from 5-8 p.m. Get sweet treats from participating restaurants and shops. Then enjoy a free movie at the Fox Theatre. Tickets: downtownvisalia.com

Feb. 10-12

• World Ag Expo, the largest annual agriculture show in the world with over 1,200 exhibitors of cutting-edge technology and equipment. 4500 S. Laspina, Tulare. worldagexpo.com

Friday, Feb. 13

• “Valentine’s Day” (2010) about residents experiencing the highs and lows of living during a single day, will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Hanford Fox Theatre, 326 N. Irwin. 559 584-7823 or foxhanford.com
• Mariachi Festival at 7 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre featuring Leyendas del Mariachi with members of famous mariachi groups and Ballet Folklorico. 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Monday, Feb. 16

• CACHE Chats: Tales of Exeter and Beyond this quarter features “The Merrymans of Marinette: the men who bankrolled Exeter’s citrus boom” at 7 p.m. Center for Arts, Culture & History, 125 South B, Exeter. cach-exeter.org/events

www.cach-exeter.org/events

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events appeared first on Valley Voice.

Lindsay Community Theater hosts Lindsay High School’s “Hadestown Teen Edition” Jan. 16-25. A musical with a blend of blues, jazz, Dixieland and folk music retelling the Greek mythology tale of Orpheus and Eurydice about love, loss and systems that trap us. 190 N. Elmwood. 559 284-2223 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com The Barn Theatre

 Art shows

Arts Visalia is showing stone and wood art by Mark Robinson over his long career. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium is showing ceramics by Antonio Cuellar painted by professional tattoo artists for one-of-a-kind art. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is showing line drawings featuring Japanese and African figures all created on the iPhone by Rene Luna during First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia in January and February, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia, 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.org

The Oval Gallery has a New Year’s show in January. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum hosts its “Varied Impressions” art show in January Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

Lindsay Museum & Gallery shows “The Great Circle Dance: The Visionary Paintings of Bonnie Brisbee” using symbolic imagery and a dream-driven process from Jan. 10-Feb. 6. Open Fridays 12-4 p.m. 165 N. Gale Hill Ave. www.lindsayarts.com

Events by date

Wednesday, Dec. 31

• A Midnight Cirque New Year’s Eve party at The Darling Hotel, 210 N. Court, Visalia, at 9:30 p.m. featuring cirque performers on stilts, contortionists and fire dancers. 559 713—2114 or visitvisalia.com/calendar
• New Year’s Eve Dance at 8 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia, featuring the band August. 559 713-4040 or visitvisalia.com/calendar
• New Year’s Eve Casino Party and Dance at 9 p.m. at Sunny Hyde Up, 3200 W. Mineral King, Visalia. 559 372-9822 or visitvisalia.com/calendar
• Family Skate New Year’s Party at 8:39 p.m. at Roller Towne, 520 S. Linwood, Visalia. Balloon drop, noisemakers. Parents skate free with paid child. Facebook: Family Year Year’s Party

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

• Visalia PAL 5K run/walk and 1.5 walk at 8 a.m. at Garden St. Plaza at Main Street, Visalia. Benefits sending kids to PAL honor camp. runsignup.com/VisaliaPAL

Tuesday, Jan. 6

• The Center for Integrated Medicine hosts a 6-week class on Tai Chi and other Chinese healing exercises beginning at 4 p.m. 816 W. Oak, Visalia. allholisticmed.org

Friday, Jan. 9

• Visalia Chamber Strings presents its first concert at 7 p.m. “Mendelssohn and
• Friends” featuring Chen Zhao of the San Francisco Symphony. Free open rehearsal at 2 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 215 N. Locust, Visalia. Instagram: Visalia Chamber Strings

Saturday, Jan. 10

• Encore Theatre presents Comedy Bash Improv Night at 6:30 p.m. (PG 13) and 9 p.m. (21+). 324 South N St., Tulare. 559 686-1300 or encoretulare.org

• Tulare County Voices  @210  “Fact or Fiction: Sifting through the News in the Digital Age” Doors open at 6:30pm, program starts at 7:00; wraps up around 8:30,  210 W. Center Ave., downtown Visalia

Saturday, Jan. 17

• Interactive soapstone carving with master stone carver Mark Robinson, who is the January artist displaying his work at Arts Visalia. 2 p.m. at 214 E. Oak. Free. Facebook: Interactive demo soapstone carving with Mark Robinson

Jan. 17 & 18

• 2026 Gemboree Rock and Gem Show hosted by the Tule Gem and Mineral Society. Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-4. Demos, kids’ activities and door prizes. Exeter Veteran’s Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah. tularegem.com

Saturday, Jan. 24

• “One of these Nights: Songs of the Eagles” is on stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

The post Donna Orosco’s Calendar of Events for the New Year!! appeared first on Valley Voice.

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Theater

“Nunsense,” the hilarious comedy spoof about the Little Sisters of Hoboken, is being performed by the Three Rivers Players on Dec. 4-7 at The Community Presbyterian Church, 43410 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198). Dinner theater Friday and Saturday. 559 561-4154

“The Lion King Jr.” will be presented by the Barn Theater from Dec. 5-21 with classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated film. 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portvillebarntheater.com

“The Children’s Nutcracker” is on stage Dec. 5-7 at Lindsay Community Theater, 190 N. Elmwood. The story of young Clara and her magical dream. 550 284-2223 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

Annual Holiday Cabaret from Dec. 12-14 at the Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race, Visalia. Local singers performing holiday favorites. 559 734-3900 or www.visaliaicehouse.com

Art shows

Arts Visalia transforms into a holiday boutique in December, filled with locally crafted gifts by dozens of local artisans. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium is showing art by its members. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is hosting its annual Members & Friends show, a display of eclectic artwork in all mediums during First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia in November and December, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia, 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.org

The Oval Gallery is showing “La Psique” (The Psyche), artwork that explores oniric (dream-like delirium) environments and introspective analysis of emotions, experiences and life from a female perspective. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum is showing “Winter Impressions” by the Senior Studio Group and train exhibit from Nov. 6-Jan. 3. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

CACHE (The Center for Art, Culture & History) is showing “Still at It,” California oil landscapes by Christine Crozier and Martin Weekly, from Dec. 4-27. Open Fridays 1:30-4, Saturdays 10-4, Sundays 12-4. 125 South B, Exeter. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

Kings Art Center features its Winter Art Show and Market of local handmade goods through Dec. 27. 605 N Douty, Hanford. Open Wednesdays-Fridays’ 12-5, Saturdays 10-3. 605 N. Douty, Hanford. 559 584-1065 or www.kingsartcenter.org

On-going events

• Christmas fun from Dec. 4-7 each evening from 5-7 p.m. at Adventist Health Amphitheater at Zumwalt Park in Tulare. Pictures with Santa, kids’ activities, carolers, hot chocolate, tree lighting. tularechamber.org
• Holiday market at Kaweah Oaks Preserve from Dec. 5-7 with artisan vendors, food, holiday music and hayrides 29979 Road 182, Exeter. 558 738-0211 or visitvisalia.com
• Winter Wonderland runs 5:30-9:30 p.m. from Dec. 10-14 at the Tulare County Fairgrounds, South K St., Tulare. Christmas lights, movies, crafts and treats. tcfair.org/winter-wonderland
• Historic Holiday from 12-3 on Dec 19-21 at the Tulare County Museum in Mooney Grove, 27000 S. Mooney, Visalia. Story time, pictures with Santa, model trains, food & drink. visitvisalia.org/calendar

Events by date

Monday, Dec. 1

• Annual Candy Cane Lane Parade begins at 6:30 on Main Street Visalia. visitvisalia.com

Thursday, Dec. 4

• Tulare Christmas Parade begins at 5 p.m. at 306 E. King Ave., ending at Zumwalt Park with tree lighting, pictures with Santa and kids’ activities. tularechamber.com
• Reception for “Still at It,” California oil landscapes by Christine Crozier and Martin Weekly, from 4-8 p.m. at CACHE (The Center for Art, Culture & History), 125 South B, Exeter. 559 592-5900 or cache-exeter.org

Friday, Dec. 5

• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org

Dec. 5 & 6

• The movie “Elf” will be played at the Visalia Fox Theatre at 7 p.m. while the Sequoia Symphony plays all the music to the film. 300 W. Main. 559 732-8600 or sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com

Saturday, Dec. 6

• Christmas at the Plaza from 12-3 at Garden Plaza, Main and Plaza streets, Visalia. Holiday treats and market and pictures with Santa. Train rides from 1-3 p.m. 559 732-7737
• Holiday Fair featuring homemade crafts, jewelry, food , chair massage and decorations from 1-4 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 117 S. Locust, Visalia. Get a chair massage and buy gift certificates. 559 625-2441 or cslvisalia.org
• 1^st Saturday in Three Rivers features open studios, food and art shows from 11-5. Pick up a map and schedule at Kaweah Arts, 41841 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198) or the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. 559 799-1473 or 1stSaturdaytr.com

Sunday, Dec. 7

• American Legion Makers Market from 10-3 at the Exeter Veteran’s Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah. 25 vendors, food and music. Instagram: crafty_move

Tuesday, Dec. 9

• Tulare County Voices at 210 traditionally features historian Terry Ommen as its December speaker. This year he discusses the history of The Depot, followed by information on Visalia Heritage’s goal to buy it and turn it into a Visalia museum. 7 p.m. at 210 W. Center, Visalia. visaliaheritage.org
• Adaptive Santa Visits for children with special needs from 4-7 p.m. at the Visalia Senior Center, 310 N. Locust. Must reserve a time at 559 713-4365

Friday, Dec. 12

• “The Polar Express” will be shown free at 6 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Free photos with Santa from 3-6 p.m. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Saturday, Dec. 13

• Jazzaffair’s Annual Christmas Party in Three Rivers from 12-4 featuring the St. John’s Riverboard Band. Bring a snack to share. Memorial Building, 43490 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198). threeriversjazzaffair.com
• The North Pole Market International Agri-Center from 10-5 with over 150 local makers, food, music, Santa pictures and letter writing station. 4500 S. Laspina, Tulare. visitvisalia.org/calendar
• Meet & greet Santa from 12-4 at the Tulare City Historical Museum, 444. W. Tulare Ave, Tulare. And see the train exhibit. 559 686-2074 or tularehistoricalmuseum.org

Sunday, Dec. 14

• “An Irish Christmas” at 2 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre features holiday carols and Irish dancing with award-winning dancers from River Dance and Lord of the Dance. 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org
• 100^th Annual Trek to the National Christmas Tree, the Gen. Grant Tree in Kings National Park at 2 p.m. Free entry. visitvisalia.org/calendar
• Christmas Market from 11-4 at Visalia Rawhide Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings. Over 50 vendors, food, music, Santa. Instagram: itsaneighborhoodthing

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events appeared first on Valley Voice.

Theater

“The Mousetrap,” Agatha Christie’s spine-tingling thriller about murders at a remote snowed-in country house, runs Nov 7-22 at Encore Theatre, 324 South N St., Tulare. 559 686-1300 or www.encoretulare.org

“Murder by the Book” tells the story of Agatha Christie, who learns that every member of the Raven Society will die. Runs Nov. 7-30 at the Temple Theater, 514 Visalia St., Hanford. 559 584-7241 or www.kingsplayers.org

“Nunsense,” the hilarious comedy spoof about the Little Sisters of Hoboken, is being performed by the Three Rivers Players on Dec. 4-7 at The Community Presbyterian Church, 43410 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198). Dinner theater Friday and Saturday. 559 561-4154

“The Lion King Jr.” will be presented by the Barn Theater from Dec. 5-21 with classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated film. 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portvillebarntheater.com

“The Children’s Nutcracker” is on stage Dec. 5-7 at Lindsay Community Theater, 190 N. Elmwood. The story of young Clara and her magical dream. 550 284-2223 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

Art shows

Arts Visalia is showing large scale art depicting armored warfare representing the human crises of violence and its psychological effects in November. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium is showing art by its members in November. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is hosting its annual Members & Friends show, a display of eclectic artwork in all mediums during First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia in November and December, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia, 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.org

The Oval Gallery is showing a collective exhibit called “Disruptive Beauty; Queer Noise” which centers on joy, love, visibility and the future where community can thrive. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

College of the Sequoias Art Gallery is displaying 3-D “Perpetual Shifts” through Nov. 21. 915 S. Mooney, Visalia, Room 214 (downstairs) in the Kaweah Building. Free 20-minute parking in the circle drive. Open Tuesdays-Thursdays 10-4., Fridays by appointment www.facebook.com/College of the Sequoias art gallery

Tulare City Historical Museum is showing “Winter Impressions” by the Senior Studio Group and train exhibit from Nov. 6-Jan. 3. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 444 W. Tulare in Tulare. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

On-going events

• Christmas fun from Dec. 4-7 each evening from 5-7 p.m. at Adventist Health Amphitheater at Zumwalt Park in Tulare. Pictures with Santa, kids’ activities, carolers, hot chocolate, tree lighting. tularechamber.org
• Holiday market at Kaweah Oaks Preserve from Dec. 5-7 with artisan vendors, food, holiday music and hayrides 29979 Road 182, Exeter. 558 738-0211 or visitvisalia.com

Events by date

Thursday, Nov. 20

• “Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet” features added elements, including puppetry and gymnastics at 7 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 550 62501369 or foxvisalia.org

Friday, Nov. 21

• Family Art Night from 5:30-7 p.m. at Whitendale Community Center, 630 W. Beach, Visalia. All materials supplied. Must register at 559 713-4365

Saturday, Nov. 22

• Dueling pianos at 1852 Visalia from 6-9 p.m. 707 W. Murray. 559 747-6-1852 or 1852visalia.com
• Three Rivers Holiday Bazaar from 9-4 at the Memorial Building, 43490 Sierra Dr. Highway 198). Gifts by local artisans, prizes, lunch. 3rbazaar@gmail.com or 559 799-1473

Thursday, Nov. 27—Thanksgiving

• Visalia Emergency Aid’s annual Race Against Hunger at 8 a.m. at Garden Street Plaza (at Main Street), Visalia. All proceeds benefit VEA’s food pantry. 559 732-0101 or rah@veac.org

Sunday, Nov. 30

• Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:45 p.m. at Lincoln Oval Park, Court and Main streets, Visalia. Refreshments, entertainment and meeting with Santa. 559-713-4365

Monday, Dec. 1

• Annual Candy Cane Lane Parade begins at 6:30 on Main Street Visalia. visitvisalia.com

Thursday, Dec. 4

• Tulare Christmas Parade begins at 5 p.m. at 306 E. King Ave., ending at Zumwalt Park with tree lighting, pictures with Santa and kids’ activities. tularechamber.com

Friday, Dec. 5

• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org

Dec. 5 & 6

• The movie “Elf” will be played at the Visalia Fox Theatre at 7 p.m. while the Sequoia Symphony plays all the music to the film. 300 W. Main. 559 732-8600 or sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com

Saturday, Dec. 6

• Christmas at the Plaza from 12-3 at Garden Plaza, Main and Plaza streets, Visalia. Holiday treats and market and pictures with Santa. Train rides from 1-3 p.m. 559 732-7737
• 1^st Saturday in Three Rivers features open studios, food and art shows from 11-5. Pick up a map and schedule at Kaweah Arts, 41841 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198) or the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. 559 799-1473 or 1stSaturdaytr.com

Sunday, Dec. 7

• Holiday market at Kaweah Oaks Preserve, 29979 Road 182, Exeter. Handmade gifts, food, beer, wine, live music, photo spots and hayrides. 559 738-0211 or visitvisalia.com/calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 9

• Adaptive Santa Visits for children with special needs from 4-7 p.m. at the Visalia Senior Center, 310 N. Locust. Must reserve a time at 559 713-4365

Saturday, Dec. 13

• Three Rivers Jazzaffair’s Annual Christmas Party from 12-4 featuring the St. John’s Riverboard Band. Bring a snack to share. Memorial Building, 43490 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198). threeriversjazzaffair.com
• The North Pole Market International Agri-Center from 10-5 with over 150 local makers, food, music, Santa pictures and letter writing station. 4500 S. Laspina, Tulare. visitvisalia.org/calendar

Sunday, Dec. 14

• “An Irish Christmas” at 2 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre features holiday carols and Irish dancing with award-winning dancers from River Dance and Lord of the Dance. 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org
• 100^th Annual Trek to the National Christmas Tree, the Gen. Grant Tree in Kings National Park at 2 p.m. Free entry. www.visitvisalia.org/calendar

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events! appeared first on Valley Voice.

Theater

“The Fantasticks,” a musical about two young lovers and their meddling fathers, is on stage Oct. 24-Nov.9 at the Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race, Visalia. 559 734-3900 or www.visaliaicehouse.com

Mel Brook’s hysterical musical “Young Frankenstein” will be staged by the Lindsay Community Theatre Oct. 24-Nov. 2, including a midnight show on Halloween. 190 N Elmwood. 559 284-2223 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

“Murder by the Book” tells the story of Agatha Christie, who learns that every member of the Raven Society will die. Runs Nov. 7-30 at the Temple Theater, 514 Visalia St., Hanford. 559 584-7241 or www.kingsplayers.org

Art shows

Arts Visalia is showing paintings by Jose Soria, “Corazon Comunitario: A Milagro-Making Experience, visions of religious charms in October. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5:30 p.m. 214 E. Oak, 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Arts Consortium is showing “Voices from the Fields,” a collection of work from the Tierra Mia 2024 festival celebrating the diversity of Central Valley farmworker communities, through October. 340 E. Oak, Visalia. Open Tuesdays-Fridays 10-3. www.artsconsortium.org

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery hosts artwork in all mediums by the newly revived Visalia Art League during First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Visalia in September and October, after service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays and by appointment. 117 S. Locust, Visalia, 559 625-2441 or www.brandonmitchellgallery.org

The Oval Gallery is showing “Way Stations” by Dan Heskamp. The work challenges speciesism and reflects on humanity’s evolving relationship with other living beings. 808 N. Court. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and by appointment if requested through Instagram, www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

College of the Sequoias Library is displaying “Pigments of Perception,” works by Krista Fulbright, Anne Austin Smith and Shawn Michelle Smith, through October. 915 S. Mooney, Visalia. Open Mondays-Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays, 7:30-4, Saturdays 10-2. www.facebook.com/COSartgallery

The Lindsay Museum & Gallery presents “Light, Land and Legacy,” a new exhibition exploring the enduring impact of landscape painting in California by plein air artist Edgar Payne. Runs Sept. 13-Nov. 7. Open Fridays 12-4 p.m. 165 N Gale Hill. www.lindsaymuseumandgallery.org

Lindsay Museum and Gallery is honoring Lindsay High School’s outstanding alumni whose exceptional accomplishments include rock and roll, scientists, an Olympic gold medalist and the medical field. Runs September-October on Fridays 12-4 or by appointment. 165 N. Gale Hill. 559 310-4109

Special events

Wholesome Halloween at Big L Ranch from 2-7 p.m. on Oct. 18 & 25 is a safe, not-so-scary event with forest trick or treat trail, big truck rides, costume contest and snacks. 20899 Ave. 322, Woodlake. www.visitvisalia.org/events

Vossler Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, 26773 S. Mooney, Visalia, open every day Sept. 27-Nov. 1 with food vendors, carnivals, train rides and pony rides. www.visitvisalia.org/calendar

Hannegan’s Harvest Pumpkin Patch open every day Oct. 3-31. 2227 E. Noble, Visalia.  559 359-3764

Ford Farms Pumpkin Patch open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 27-Oct. 31. 22827 Rd 180, Lindsay. www.visitvisalia.org/calendar

Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch open Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 27-Oct. 26 from 10-5. With steam train, hayrides, walking trail, corn path and food trucks. Hillcrest Tree Farm, 6943 S. Reed Ave. www.visitvisalia.org/calendar

Caregiver Support Groups and Dementia Learning Centers. Quail Park on Cypress, 4520 W. Cypress, Visalia, third Tuesdays of every month 10:30-12:30; First Baptist Church, 469 N. Cherry, Tulare, third Mondays from 12:30-1:30; First Baptist Church, Rocky Hill Community Church, 237 SW St., Exeter, 10:30-11:30. Information: Kimberly Jensen, 559 737-7443

Events by date

Friday, Oct. 31–Halloween

• ImagineU Children’s Museum will turn its backyard into a Trick or Treat Village from 3-6 p.m. Each door will be decorated by community members for safe, fun candy gathering. 559 733-5975 or imagineumuseum.org
• Roller Town’s Halloween free skate night from 6:30-9 p.m. Skate rental $5. 520 L. Linwood, Visalia. 559 733-8686

Saturday, Nov. 1

• Tales from the Tomb from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Visalia Cemetery will feature actors telling legends and untold stories of real people who are buried in the cemetery. 1300 W. Goshen, Visalia, Free. www.visitvisalia.org
• Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from 5-10 p.m. at Church and Main streets, Visalia, with live music, food, vendors, games and dancing. www.visitvisalia.org/events
• Downtown Visalia’s Hometown Heroes features interactive booths, displays and drawings from 10-2 in downtown. Meet and thank your local heroes up close. www.visitvisailia.org
• 1^st Saturday in Three Rivers features open studios, food and art shows from 11-5. Pick up a map and schedule at Kaweah Arts, 41841 Sierra Dr. (Highway 198) or the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. 559 799-1473 or 1stSaturdaytr.com
• Closing ceremony of the art show “Nopales y Nectar” at 2 p.m. at Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak. Artist Jose Soria will gather the anonymous confessions shared by visitors throughout the exhibition and offer them back to the universe in a symbolic act of letting go. 559 739-0905 or artsvisalia.org
• Autumn Makers Market from 10-3 at the Exeter Memorial Building, 324 Highway 65 features outdoor craft fair, food and music. Facebook: Autumn Makers Market

Friday, Nov. 7

• Downtown Visalia First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Pick up a map at the Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak, Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, or the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery, 117 S. Locust, and visit venues with art, music and snacks. artsconsortium.org

Saturday, Nov. 8

• “Downtown Then and Now” is a free walking tour of historic buildings in Visalia hosted by Parks & Recreation. 10-12 at Garden Street Plaza and Main. visitvisalia.org/events

Sunday, Nov. 9

• “Jubilate Deo” will be performed by the Visalia Community Chorus with a 40-piece orchestra featuring unique international instruments. 2:30 p.m. at L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main, Visalia. visitvisalia.org/events

Tuesday, Nov. 11—Veteran’s Day

• Free entry into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in honor of Veteran’s Day. visitvisalia.org/events
• Tulare County Voices forum –  Groundwater/Subsidence – a Pending Crisis? Doors open 6:30, event stats at 7:00. Hear from the water experts.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

• Judy Collins with special guest, urban folk revivalist Tom Rush, perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Thursday, Nov. 13

• “One Night with Queen” features Gary Mullen as Freddie Mercury and his band at 8 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

Saturday, Nov. 15

• Los Terricolas with Nestor Daniel, the legendary Venezuelan pop dance musicians, play at 8 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org

The post Donna’s Calendar of Events!! appeared first on Valley Voice.

The jury awarded a $1.9 million verdict to DA secretary Alexandria Smith today, (8/6/25) for past non-economic suffering in a stunning blow to Kings County whose attorneys argued that the county took the right steps to deal with her complaints of retaliation and sexual harassment by ex-DA Keith Fagundes.

Smith, dressed in a dark blue outfit, sobbed as the judge went through the jury’s verdict in the 16 counts. Virtually all of them were in her favor.

After the trial she said the verdict was “…not for me but all of the women who felt oppressed in the workplace and were silenced by those who didn’t want it to come out.” She said she expects to return to her job in a few days as office manager/secretary to DA Sarah Hacker who defeated Fagundes in his bid for a third term in June of 2022.

Smith said the presence of Fagundes’ father Richard on the Kings County Board of Supervisors had to have affected how they should have acted.

Kings County Administrator Kyria Martinez who sat through most the trial refused to make any comment both during and after the verdict. She clearly looked shaken after the verdict.

The county’s attorney James Arendt of Fresno said the county hasn’t determined whether it will appeal the verdict. He also couldn’t say at this point how much of the settlement amount will have to be paid by the county and how much will be covered by insurance. Martinez said today (8/7/25) that the Kings County Board of Supervisors will decide whether the verdict will be appealed, a process that plaintiff’s co-counsel John L. Barber said could take three years.

The verdict comes on the heels of a $1.1 million settlement paid by the county a few years ago to Robert Waggle, chief DA investigator under Fagundes, for sexual harassment.

Juror Foreperson Stephanie Fontaine of Hanford said when the jurors were excused to deliberate after lunch on Tuesday they were all initially in agreement on the case. “There was no one piece of evidence,” said Fontaine.

The jurors “felt Keith Fagundes lied” in his testimony. Fagundes’ testimony was largely dismissive of Smith’s claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.

In his testimony on Monday August 4, Fagundes either outright denied Smith’s claims or gave an interpretation of them in a more favorable light.

At one time Waggle, his then girlfriend Smith and Keith Fagundes were close. They called themselves the “three muskateers” and the “the amigos,” Fagundes testified. The relationship developed into a friendship, Fagundes testified.

When Waggle was having marital difficulties and living rent free at Fagundes’ pool house, Fagundes testified, Waggle and Smith were at Fagundes’ house every weekend. And Waggle and Smith each brough their kids, Fagundes said.

But as Fagundes said in his August 4 testimony something happened. Waggle and Fagundes stopped have lunch together, Fagundes testified.

He said his connection to Smith, whom he described “autocratic” and lacking in personal skills, was through Waggle whom Fagundes described as a confidante. Waggle agreed about Smith’s lack of personal skills, said Fagundes. Fagundes said he went with Smith to Sacramento for leadership training so she could get personal skills. At another point in his testimony Fagundes described Smith as “a difficult personality to deal with” and Fagundes said he found her “a difficult personality to deal with” adding that she was “aloof, arrogant and unworkable.”

But yet when Smith was first hired, Fagundes said, it was he, over the objections of other staff members, who championed Smith’s cause. He said Smith had “…determination reminding me of my sisters and my wife, impressive.”

During cross examination the county’s co-counsel Arendt asked Fagundes if he ever made comments about Waggle and his body? Fagundes said no, adding to Arendt’s question about touching Waggle in a sexual manner, Fagundes said, “I don’t believe so….(I) never touch(ed) Waggle in a sexual manner, tell things of a sexual nature (to) Ms. Smith, never asked (about) sex life (with) Waggle, anal sex never, asked how big Mr. Waggles’ penis was…”

Then Arendt asked if Fagundes ever made a comment about seeing Waggle have sexual intercourse with Smith. Fagundes denied making such a comment adding, “Robert being an expert investigator could imprint people. (I) happened to love pineapple. (Waggle) going to imprint you. (It) makes your semen sweet. Now you have ruined pineapple.”

During the entirety of Fagundes’ nearly two hours of testimony Smith did not look at Fagundes once and Smith said listening to Fagundes was the most difficult part of the case for her.

As soon as the county became aware of Smith’s allegations they have to act under the state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, she said. But instead the county chose to move Smith from the DA’s office to the human resources department where she had virtually no duties.

Smith’s attorney Barber said there was a whole host of actions that the county could have taken including presenting the matter to the grand jury but the county chose not to take any of them.

The jurors decided at the end of the day Tuesday what their verdict should be but they asked to review an additional piece of evidence, a report from Daniele Drossel of Oppenheimer, a legal investigative service hired by the county.

The jury found Keith Fagundes’ sexual comments to Smith graphic and not appropriate, Fontaine said.
“I think we did a good job,” she said. “We did the right thing.”

Barber, co-counsel for Smith, said, “the jury usually gets it right.”

In the early 2020s, plaintiff Alexandra Smith testified that Fagundes referred to a broken tennis racket trophy outside the DA’s office and, according to Smith, made the following statement: “When the tennis racket breaks off looks like you won an award for masturbation.”

Smith also testified that when she and the DA went to a horse ranch that the DA was considering hiring for horse riding therapy for young victims of abuse, Fagundes referred to a male horse’s sexual anatomy and said in a text to her co-worker Robert Waggle that he should find a horse that reminds him (Fagundes) of himself.

Smith testified that Fagundes purchased underwear for Robert Waggle, the DA’s chief investigator, and that she overheard a statement that Fagundes’ sex life with his wife was better now that Waggle was around. Waggle lived in an apartment owned by Fagundes.

When her co-attorney Larry Lennemann asked her about her relationship with Fagundes after she heard that statement, she testified, “My relationship with Keith Fagundes started to deteriorate.” With her voice breaking, she continued, “(he) made it clear to me that he had control over my position (office manager).” She added that she “…never had any reason to question him…(I) saw what he did to people who questioned him…(I was) scared to push back.”

Smith said Fagundes was constantly asking her about her sex life with her partner. She testified that Fagundes had power in the county and she couldn’t just go to anybody to resolve her difficulties.

Referring to Fagundes as the top law enforcement official in the county, she said the comments Fagundes made to her were cumulative over time. In hindsight, she testified, she wouldn’t react the same way now as she did then.

In the final day of arguments on Tuesday opposing counsels traded interpretations about what constituted harassment and whether the county acted properly in response to Smith’s complaints about her boss DA Keith Fagundes.

The case in superior court here went to jury of seven women and five men early in the afternoon and deliberations were expected to last at least until Wednesday. Smith’s co-counsel Barber the legal matter at hand was clear-cut. The state Fair Employment and Housing Act the employer is strictly liable for workplace harassment.

If Fagundes harassed Alex Smith, Barber said, the inquiry is over. The employer’s obligation Barber told the jury, which appeared to be attentive, arises “…when I knew or should have known.”

Harassment is based on gender, he said, there is no requirement that sexual desire be present. “This is a series of adverse employment actions,” Barber said. “That is harassment.”

Kings County was supposed to take all reasonable steps to avoid harassment, he said. But the county didn’t do that.

But Fresno attorney James Arendt said while a lot of people didn’t like Fagundes, the plaintiff’s case is a distraction to sidetrack the jury from the real issue: did Fagundes harass and retaliate against her?

One of Smith’s claims was that as DA secretary Fagundes sent her emails every day about things he wanted her to do, Arendt recapped from previous testimony. There was one email discussed during trial, Arendt said, that involved id cards and checking with human resources on the victim witness advocate.

”She said he sent her emails every day,” Arendt said. “(I) didn’t see any of those emails.”
Except August 16, 2024, he “said, there aren’t any.

Arendt described the email matter as a perfect example of “…blowing things out and exaggerating. (She) tried to make you believe (she was) taking all three of these tasks in one day.”

Arendt also called Smith’s claim that Fagundes tried to take away her Internet access as a “non-issue.”

“Where is the evidence (of) him, Keith Fagundes, cutting off iPad service?”

At the end of the email Fagundes said, according to testimony, that he would have the county buy Smith an iPad.

Smith argued that cross training Veronica Miller for Smith’s job was a hostile act but Arendt called it “…a good business practice.”

Evidence was presented of her belongings in the office being thrown away. “Nothing was thrown away,” Arendt told the jury.

HR director Bonnie Ring and Risk Manager Sande Huddleston were Smith’s strongest allies, Arendt recalled, “…they couldn’t tell you one thing Keith Fagundes did to retaliate.”

“Smith had the tendency to twist the facts, so its fits her narrative,” Arendt said.

He urged the jurors not to fall into the trap that former DA chief investigator Robert Waggle got money, so should Smith.

Throughout Arendt summation Smith did not look at him but straight ahead. This was the same posture she took Monday when the most explosive witness of the trial, Fagundes, testified.

In a rebuttal to Arendt’s summation Barber said the county is responsible for taking all reasonable steps to prevent harassment. The county, Barber said, knew about Smith’s claims in August of 2021 but did zero investigation.

“When a man with power speaks to you (women) with Mr. Keith Fagundes it is frightening,” said Barber.

“Of all the untruths of Keith Fagundes,” Barber said, “the most glaring” was that Fagundes said he hadn’t considered running run for DA in 2022.

Reprinted with the permission of the Visalia-Hanford-Lemoore Future

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