Saturday, March 28 seemed like a good day for a protest. Skies were blue, the sun was out, the temperature was in the low 80’s. The number of angry drivers, flipping protesters off seemed to be at a minimum. “We’ve only had about half the middle fingers we normally get,” said one protester with a laugh.

There was some debate about that. “Actually, I’d say, we’re getting double the number,” said Sarah Schater Welch. “Last time, I got two middle fingers and so far today, it’s been four.”

Among the many things Welch and others were protesting was the war in Iran, the detainment of refugees without due process, rising gas and food prices, and the apparent erosion of constitutional norms under the Trump administration.

Across the country and the world, 8 million people gathered to protest the Trump administration. In Three Rivers, about 175 protestors showed up, close to 10 percent of the town’s population.

“At first, I thought these protests weren’t doing any good,” Welch said, “but what these protests do is show lawmakers how many people are participating. It makes a great visual when you show all the people marching in these protests versus the number of people who attended Trump’s birthday party parade.”

Local resident, Christina Lynch, was attending her third No Kings protest in Three Rivers. “This feels like the least we can do. There’s so much more we need to be doing,” she said, “I think it’s really important to get out here and show people the faces of people who are against these polices. They think that we’re crazy or we’re stupid or we’re uninformed, which is sometimes what we think of them, right?” said Lynch.

Lynch was holding a sign that said, “If you ate today, thank an immigrant.”

The sign was meant to be deliberately anti-inflammatory, said Lynch who spoke amidst a chorus of encouraging honks from passerby. “This sign is inviting people to see a connection between the administration’s policies and the fact that gas prices have gone up enormously and that food prices are rising.”

For Lynch, the most disturbing part of the Trump administration are the “concentration camps” and the plans to build facilities to warehouse 80,000 more detainees long term.

“We’re not talking about violent criminals. These are family members of citizens. These are people who are growing our food, processing the meat, roofers, and builders,” Lynch said.

The whole idea of America was built on the idea that that the United States doesn’t turn away immigrants, said Lynch whose family emigrated from Ireland.

“My family came from starving to death in Ireland to the United States, and they didn’t turn them away. After a couple of generations in poverty, my grandfather had about 20 grandkids and no one is living in poverty. This is the story of immigration in America. We accept people who are escaping poverty and violence. We educate their kids, and that’s America.”

Three Rivers is an interesting microcosm of the United States, where the town is almost evenly divided between republicans and democrats. While this divide has created some friction among neighbors and friends, Jenny Kirk, who helped organize the No Kings protest has heard anecdotal stories of Trump supporters beginning to question federal policy.

“There’s this worry about neighbors seeing neighbors at these protests,” Kirk said. “I have a neighbor who I was worried about giving me a hard time because he’s a Trump supporter. But actually, my neighbor stopped me and said, ‘I just want you to know I’m not down with what’s going on.’”

Bob Davis, a contractor who lives in Visalia who does occasional work in Three Rivers didn’t attend any of the protests on Saturday. He voted for Trump three times and said he would vote for him again if he could.

Immigrants should be detained and deported if they didn’t come to the U.S. legally, Davis said.  “If they break the law, they should suffer the consequences. I think this whole No Kings protest is ridiculous. Kings don’t get elected. I haven’t heard any liberal say why they think he’s a king. No MAGA person calls him a king. As far as I’m concerned, he’s doing great. He just got rid of a dictatorship in Iran,” Davis said.

Davis doesn’t agree with all of Trump’s policies. He doesn’t like the idea of putting boots on the ground in Iran, and he especially doesn’t like the idea of endangering the lives of young American soldiers.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know what’s happening in the world right now. I really don’t know to be honest with you. I think it’s all more convoluted and complex than everyone thinks,” Davis said.

Tracey Kilmartin, a Visalia resident who’s on a fixed income, said he’s glad he voted for Trump, even though he’s not happy about the soaring gas prices.

“I’m on disability and so this makes it extra hard for me, but you learn to cope.”

Kilmartin said he’s willing to pay higher prices because he believes that Iran is too dangerous if it truly has the makings of a nuclear bomb.

“The Iranian people are executing their own people in the streets, and we just can’t accept that. I would rather pay higher gas prices and food prices than have a nuclear bomb dropping on us,” said Kilman, who believes fuel prices will eventually drop once the hostilities with Iran are over.

Protesters around the country were decrying high food and fuel prices, including the No Kings protest just down the road in Porterville. Over 150 people attended the protest which was hosted by the Porterville Community Action Network (PCAN), established in 2017 to hold the federal as well as the local political administrations accountable, said Diane Wagner, one of the organizers.

“We’ve been having a lot of problems with the local city council these past few years. They are basically a mini version of the Trump administration. They wanted to pass a transgender bathroom ban and they just fired 19 people in the engineering department so they can privatize the whole department with independent contractors,” Wagner said.

The move to privatize a city department is worrying because there will be much less public oversight. Equally worrying is the ongoing public erosion of the division of church and state, Wagner said

“Our mayor just went to a school and was telling the kids that the way to have a good life is to get married, have kids and trust in Jesus. Those are personal things, and if that’s what you believe, go for it. But you don’t go telling that to kids in a public school,” Wagner said.

Karen Anderson, another member of PCAN said that the No Kings protests are encouraging to her because she feels less like a singular “blue dot” in an otherwise conservative town. She knows at least a couple of Trump supporters who are rethinking their support for Trump because of rising prices and the war in Iran.

“I think people are thinking that it’s time to get back to taking care of the United States instead of investing in the goings on in other countries and starting wars, especially when the current president said he would not get us involved in any new wars. It was supposed to be America first. Now it seems like it’s America last.”

The post No Kings protests come to Three Rivers, Porterville appeared first on Valley Voice.

• Springville
• Three Rivers
• Kingsburg
• Earlimart
• Woodville

A detailed view of where work will take place is available for download via a PDF map set on the RMA’s website.

What is Slurry Seal?

Slurry seal is a protective treatment applied to existing roads to seal small cracks, restore the surface, and extend pavement life. It helps maintain roads in good condition and reduces the need for more costly repairs in the future. “For residents and visitors, this means smoother road surfaces, greater durability, and continued reliability of neighborhood streets they use every day to access homes, schools, work, and services,” says Claudia Sanchez, RMA Project Engineer.

Project Delivery, Workforce, and Funding

This project will be delivered by Pavement Coatings Co., an external contractor, with support from Tulare County RMA Construction Management staff, who will provide on-site oversight of work schedules and quality, along with budget management, expenditure tracking to ensure compliance with funding requirements, and coordination of financial reporting to keep the project on schedule and within budget. The 2025 Slurry Seal Program has an estimated cost of $475,916.70 and is funded through Measure R, a half-cent sales tax dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure throughout the county since 2006.

During Construction, Residents Can Expect:

• Construction Signage: Signs posted around the project perimeter during construction
• Temporary Road Closures: Roads shown on the map will be temporarily closed for slurry seal application
• Limited Parking: Vehicles should not be parked on the roadway during construction

Road closures and project updates will be shared as construction approaches. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following updates on social media and through the RMA’s website.

• Facebook (@TulareCountyResourceManagementAgency | Instagram (@TulareCountyRMA):
• County of Tulare RMA Website (Road Closures Map): www.tularecounty.ca.gov/RMA

Project Contact Information

For questions about this project, please contact Project Engineer Claudia Sanchez by calling (559) 624-7028 or by emailing CSanchez5@tularecounty.ca.gov.

The post Tulare County RMA announces slurry seal program in five communities appeared first on Valley Voice.

As the largest book club on the West Coast, One Book, One Coast brings readers together around one book to create opportunities for conversation, reflection, and meaningful connection across neighborhoods, cities, and state lines.

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker is the title chosen to read and discuss. Through this shared reading experience, communities are encouraged to explore themes of identity, patriotism, family, loyalty, and resilience while strengthening connections through dialogue and learning.

How to Participate

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026 a free copies of They Called Us Enemy from any Tulare County Library Branch are available, while supplies last. Limit one book per person. The book can also be requested from the collection with a current library card online or by visiting or calling the Library.

From Wednesday, April 1, 2026 through Saturday, June 6, 2026 unlimited digital copies of the eBook in English and Spanish are available through the Libby app by OverDrive.

Tulare County Library offers two local programs. Uprooted Memories, Recollections of the Japanese American Incarceration panel on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11am, at the Visalia Branch Library located at 200 W Oak Ave Visalia. A discussion of the book, They Called Us Enemy on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6pm at the Exeter Branch Library 230 E Chestnut Exeter 93221. Please attend to join other community members together in conversation.

Please visit www.tularecountylibrary.org/oboc for more information.

About the Book

They Called Us Enemy a powerful graphic memoir by George Takei that reflects on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American — both historically and today. The memoir recounts actor/author/activist George Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II.

Author Talk with George Takei

To close the program, George Takei appears for a special author talk and book signing on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2 pm at East Los Angeles Library, a Los Angeles County Library Branch. Join the livestream on YouTube that allows readers to participate together. A link to the livestream will be shared via social media in the coming months.

Tulare County Library serves all the residents of Tulare County with locations in 17 communities, a literacy center, Pop Up Tulare County outreach and bookmobile, online www.tularecountylibrary.org, and coming soon Book Lockers for holds pick up. Follow the Library on Facebook www.facebook.com/tularecountylibrary or local branch pages, Instagram, @tularecountylib, or Twitter at twitter.com/TulareCountyLib.

Tulare County Library’s One Book, One Coast project is made possible by the support of the  Tulare County Library Foundation. The Library Foundation, a 501(c)3, ensures the success of the Library with financial support through community fundraising, including its continued growth of its million-dollar endowment to ensure regular funding for the future. The Foundation is also dedicated to fundraising for Library construction and remodeling projects, including Dinuba, Springville, Alpaugh, and Orosi projects. www.tularecountylibrary.org/foundation

The post Tulare County Library Joins One Book, One Coast, the West Coast’s Largest Book Club Connecting Communities Across Three States appeared first on Valley Voice.

• Frances Ortiz – Vice Mayor, City of Woodlake
• Jose Martinez – Councilmember, City of Woodlake
• Misty Wallace – Councilmember, City of Woodlake
• Liz Wynn – Vice Mayor, City of Visalia
• Dennis Mederos – Councilmember, City of Tulare
• Araceli Ochoa – Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Farmersville
• Vicky Riddle – Councilmember, City of Exeter
• Kuldip Thusu – Councilmember, City of Dinuba
• Daron McDaniel – Supervisor, County of Merced
• Roberty Poythress -Supervisor, County of Madera
• Doug Verboon – Supervisor, County of Kings
• Jerry Dyer – Mayor, City of Fresno
• Roberta Raper – Finance Director, City of West Sacramento
• Gary Singh – Mayor, City of Manteca
• Scott Bauer – Councilmember, City of Eureka
• Alex Hamilton – Director, League of California Cities
• Lynne B. Kennedy – Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Rancho Cucamonga
• John Taylor – Mayor Pro-Tem, City of San Juan Capistrano
• Jaime Patino – Mayor Pro-Tem, Union City
• Paul Akinjo – Mayor, City of Lathrop
• Ali Sajjad – Councilmember, City of Artesia
• Rosa Escutia-Braaton – Council Member, City of Modesto
• Pat Nagy – Mayor, City of Gustine
• Saul Ayon – Mayor, City of McFarland
• Alvaro Preciado – Mayor, City of Avenal
• Jose Rodriguez – Mayor-Pro-Tem, City of Madera
• Gary Yep – Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Kerman
• Olivia Calderon – Mayor, City of Calabasas
• Renee Golder – Councilmember, City of Santa Cruz
• Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez – Mayor, City of Imperial

The post Mendoza announces broad coalition of state, local leaders endorsing supervisorial campaign 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.

“When Proposition 36 overwhelming was approved by Californians, I directed prosecutors and staff to use all available resources to carry out the implementation of the law in Tulare County,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. “The results have been positive, and voters should be confident that their district attorney’s office is doing everything within our power to enforce this law.”

Proposition 36 imposes stricter penalties and mandated treatment felony charges for possession of hard narcotics, like fentanyl, for those with two prior related convictions. Since the proposition’s implementation, prosecutors have filed 374 eligible drug cases. Of those, 55% of defendants entered drug treatment and diversion programs, 16% chose non-treatment options like prison or jail, and 29% of defendants are pending resolutions.

“One of the pinnacle arguments in favor of Proposition 36 is its emphasis on drug treatment options over incarceration. A majority of those subject to the law are indeed getting a chance, and much credit should go to Tulare County Health and Human Services for providing treatment,” continued Ward.

Currently, Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026-2027 budget does not provide funding to treatment providers tasked with implementing Proposition 36 mandated drug treatments.

The second component of the new law was designed to address chronic thieves who plague our communities.

Under Proposition 36, prosecutors can file felony charges for theft and shoplifting against perpetrators with two prior theft-related convictions. Since December 2024, prosecutors filed felony charges in just over 300 cases. Of those cases which have been sentenced, 30% have been sent to state prison.

“Accountability for repeat thieves plaguing Tulare County businesses is a major tenant of the proposition. Before, these crimes could only be filed as misdemeanors. We’ve locked that revolving door and the message should be quite clear: if you are a thief, stay out of Tulare County,” concluded Ward.

The post Prop 36 in Tulare County: a first year review 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.

Access the online survey in both English and Spanish  through linktr.ee/TulareCountyLibrary. For the Spanish survey navigate to the upper right to click on the drop-down menu to select “Español”. Also, starting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 visit one of our 17 Library Branches or the Literacy Center to obtain a paper survey in English or Spanish instead.

Public Libraries across California serve all California communities by delivering essential services and trusted information. California’s 188 library jurisdictions, make up of 1,127 individual local Libraries.

“Tulare County Library staff work hard to provide our communities a wide range of information, programs, and services,” said County Librarian Darla Wegener. “This survey provides a way to know more about how and why our communities use the Library, and hear from the patrons directly about their own Library experiences.”

“We all know the value of Public Libraries and the strong return on investment they provide.” said Greg Lucas, California State Librarian. “Every Story Counts will help us create a more complete picture of the extraordinary range of activities that happen in Libraries across the state.”

During the Week of January 25 – 31, 2026 the Tulare County Library staff plan to capture photos and videos of Library programs and services, and we encourage patrons to share their own Library stories. Whether bringing a child to storytime, attending a special program, using the Library computers, checking out items from books to stargazing and birdwatching kits, asking a question, or many of the other things you can do at the Library, we want to hear about it!

Along with Public Libraries everywhere, Tulare County Library thanks you for your valuable insight on our programs and services that we provide to our community.

Tulare County Library serves all the residents of Tulare County with locations in 17 communities, a literacy center, Pop Up Tulare County outreach and bookmobile, online www.tularecountylibrary.org,

The post Every Story Counts… A week in the life of your public Library: Tulare County Library wants to hear how and why YOU use your Library 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.

Social media promotes information from dubious sources, or none at all, and then gets replicated through other social media sites without ever being fact-checked. Often the source of information is not identified.

Web sites with agendas to grind present opinions as fact, or their “own version of the facts.” People consume the news in their own silos, creating a confirmation bias that makes it nearly impossible for people to find common ground.

As if that were not enough, artificial intelligence is being used more and more to add further confusion as to where information originates and if the source AI uses is reliable.

Whom do you trust? And how do you decide?

That is at the heart of the next community forum presented by Tulare County Voices at 210, “”Fact or fiction: Sifting through the news in the digital age,” at 7 p.m.  on Tuesday, January 13, at 210, 210 W. Center Ave., Visalia.

Tulare County Voices @210 is a monthly public forum in Visalia that has been a space for community discussion for more than 15 years.  It is co-sponsored by the Visalia Times-Delta, the Valley Voice and First Presbyterian Church (which provides the venue and live stream).

The forum is free and open to the public and relies on audience participation to examine topics of local interest and importance.

Panelists will include these professionals from local media:

• Elizabeth Arakelian, KVPR / Valley Public Radio 89.3 Fresno
• Paul Myers, Mineral King Publishing
• Ron Holman, Visalia Times-Delta
• Trenton Lively, AI Content Engineer and former newspaper reporter

They will share their insights into what is occurring in the media and how people can make better sense of the flood of information coming at them.

Media professionals sometimes experience the same challenge in assessing the background information when writing an article: Where did this statement come from? Is it fact or made up? In either case, was it created as  original work by humans, or is this being passed on by AI? Does it make a difference?

The forum will address these questions to our panel members:

• How do you decide which news sources to trust?
• What are the standards used to determine a reliable news outlet?
• What social media is reliable?
• What are the tells of unreliable sources?
• Where do you go for your information?
• Does AI add to the confusion?
• What are the benefits to AI technology?
• How do consumers cultivate news literacy?

So far in this New Year, surprising, even shocking, news has shaken the world. Even with images and video, events are given conflicting spin. Knowing how to assess this information is important in interpreting it.

It is hoped this forum will help clear some of the confusion. Join the forum at 210 on Tuesday, and join the community conversation.

The post TC Voices Presents – Fact or Fiction: Sifting through the News in the Digital Age appeared first on Valley Voice.