I am rejecting the baseless residency attacks published by Our Valley Voice, anonymously and inaccurately. Their claim that I don’t live in my district — or that I committed fraud on my candidacy paperwork — is outright false.

Everything they’re shouting about was reviewed and approved by the California Secretary of State months before ballots were ever printed. Printing my home addresses doesn’t indicate wrongdoing. It only puts my family at risk by telling dangerous people where my kids sleep.

Before I ran, I confirmed my registration with the Secretary of State’s Elections Division. My residence inside District 3 is active, valid, and fully vetted through VoteCal. I maintain two locations in Porterville for one reason: safety. As a former gang-unit corrections officer who has received death threats, the law allows me to protect my family. Newspapers don’t get to rewrite that.

While they manufacture outrage, I’ve been focused on doing the work District 3 elected me to do. My track record speaks for itself:

• Transformed the River Parkway into a safe, lit, family-friendly walkway.
• Cleared zoning barriers so Papa’s Restaurant, Elevated Barbershop, Hawaiian BBQ, and Casino hotel could open or expand.
• Called for line-item budget reports and discovered $13,000,000 unfunded liabilities. Approved a balance budget plan to account for all city expenses, moving forward.
• Pushed for the Buildout of the Westwood/190 round-about to end constant traffic jams.
• Cut government friction which allowed the building of the Chevron project, next to RJ Meat Locker.
• Rewrote the sign code — to reduce government restrictions on local businesses.
• Chaired the Airport Advisory Committee — saved the hangars, stabilized the budget, kept pilots in Porterville.
• Repaved and widened major roads — Plano, Date, Olive — ending the pothole roulette residents dealt with for years.
• Redesigned the alternate bus routes linking the college and Family HealthCare Network, boosting ridership and unlocking future program funding.

District 3 isn’t a headline factory. It’s a neighborhood that needed fixing and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I’m still negotiating new mixed-use housing projects, still pushing development, still delivering results.

No resignation. No retreat. Just results.

Editor’s note: Former Porterville City Council member and close associate to Rivas, Greg Shelton, confirmed twice during a phone call on December 1, 2025  to the editor of the Valley Voice that Rivas lives in District 2. The source was not anonymous. Also, the Valley Voice did not publish Rivas’ home address nor that of his daughter’s.

The post Porterville City Council member Rivas says he will not resign appeared first on Valley Voice.

Beginning Tuesday, December 16, 2025, register online, via the app, or at any Tulare County Library Branch. Track daily reading on a bookmark log, online with Beanstack at tularecountylibrary.beanstack.com/reader365, or on the Beanstack Tracker app, download on the App Store or Google Play. Complete challenges on Beanstack or turn in the log at any Tulare County Library branch, by January 24 to qualify for the Challenge drawing.

Children and teens receive a free book after registration and a prize at completion. Adults receive prizes for registration and completion. A grand prize drawing includes gift cards provided by the Friends of the Tulare County Library. In addition, seasonal programs and special events are offered at Library Branches throughout December and January. Check out the calendars online www.tularecountylibrary.org/calendar for these.

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 X  at  https://x.com/TulareCountyLib.

The post Tulare County Library’s Winter Reading Challenge 2025 -2026 appeared first on Valley Voice.

California remains the leading agricultural state in the nation, leading the country in dairy production and many other commodities, and it provides roughly half of the nation’s fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Here are the Top-10 California commodities for 2024:

1. Dairy products, Milk –- $8.6 billion
2. Almonds — $5.7 billion
3. Grapes –- $5.6 billion
4. Cattle and Calves –- $4.982 billion
5. Lettuce –- $3.67 billion
6. Strawberries — $3.5 billion
7. Pistachios — $2.046 billion
8. Tomatoes — $1.6 billion
9. Carrots — $1.565 billion
10. Broilers — $1.4 billion

Please see CDFA’s agricultural statistics page for more.

The post Value of California Ag production tops $60bn for first time appeared first on Valley Voice.

My US House Rep just voted for the most anti-environmental bill in U.S. history. I’m deeply disappointed by their vote.

Passing this bill will mean higher gas and electricity prices for struggling families and businesses. It will also tank the U.S. manufacturing resurgence, giving China a lead in the race for who wins the clean energy economy. And, it will lead to increased pollution for our kids and communities.

I’m deeply worried about our economy and rising costs. We can’t afford to halt our clean energy progress or give handouts to Big Oil companies to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

It’s time for Congress to deliver on their commitments to ensure an affordable, clean energy future, not do the bidding of corporate polluters. I urge my Rep to protect investments that grow jobs and lower prices, not sell off our public lands and waters damaging our communities.

Our reps need to fight for us!

Sincerely,
Luis Rebelo

The post Reader: Reps must act to protect our health and future, not polluters appeared first on Valley Voice.

Their next venture is a tour of the 8,000 sq. ft. Dudley home at 1300 W. Main St. from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22.

The beautiful mansion at Main and Giddings streets was the far west entrance to the little town of Visalia when it was completed in 1917 by prominent businessman Benjamin Dudley for his bride, Helen Brown. It was impressive with stained glass windows, mahogany inlaid floors, big fireplaces and a dazzling dining room completely paneled, including the ceiling.

Kitty corner from Visalia (Redwood) High School and adjacent to Visalia’s famous “Smallest Park in the World,” the Dudley House was the scene of many social events. There are even stories that the Dudleys hid Japanese Americans through an opening in the basement during World War II to keep them from being sent to internment camps.

Visalia Heritage is in the process of creating a museum cultural center in the old Depot Restaurant, which was originally Visalia’s Southern Pacific train depot. The organization will be inviting the Visalia community to help with this endeavor.

Limited tickets for the tour are available at www.visaliaheritage.org/local-history.

The post Tour Visalia’s beautiful Dudley home appeared first on Valley Voice.

Community Theater

“Ghost of a Chance” is a family comedy about a ghost trying to prevent his widow from remarrying and a kooky psychic. Runs March 1-23 at the Temple Theater, 514 E. Visalia St., Hanford. 550 584-7241 or www.kingsplayers.org

“Shrek, the Musical,” the story of an ogre and Donkey on their daring quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona, runs March 13-22 at the College of the Sequoias Theatre, 915 S. Mooney, Visalia. www.cos.edu/theatre

“Newsies,” the stirring Broadway musical where turn of the century newsboys strike again unfair conditions, runs March 28-April 13 at the Barn Theater, 42 S. Plano, Porterville. 559 310-7046 or www.portervillebarntheater.com

“Alice by Heart” reimagines Alice in Wonderland in a musical WWII setting where Alice escapes the war in a whimsical wonderland. Runs March 28-April 6 at the Lindsay Community Theater, 190 N. Elmwood. 559 284-2223 or www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

Art shows

Arts Visalia shows China native Muzi Li Rowe’s art using antiquated technology and electronic waste in March. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays 12-5:30 p.m. 559 739-0905 or www.artsvisalia.org

Brandon-Mitchell Gallery hosts a show by young non-verbal autistic artist John Bukshtine during the March and April First Friday Art Walks in Downtown, 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 its Annual Juried Student Exhibition from April 1-May 9. Open Tuesdays-Thursdays 10-4. Room 214 (downstairs) in the Kaweah Building, 915 S. Mooney, Visalia. Free 20-minute parking in the circle drive. www.facebook.com/costartgallery

College of the Sequoias Library is displaying “Fabric Memorials—Rethinking Gun Violence” by Jo-Ann Morgan” from March 4-June 20. 915 S. Mooney, Visalia. www.facebook.com/cosartgallery

The Oval Gallery is showing work by the Oval Gallery’s members: Francisco Alonso, Jesse Ochoa and Eden Santos. A combination of printmaking, paintings, and 3D work. The show is a prelude for the South Valley Art Tour (SVAT) on March 29-30, where they will lead a collaborative printmaking workshop in the gallery. 808 N. Court. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 10-2, Fridays 5-9 p.m. and Saturdays 2-8 p.m. www.instagram.com/theovalgallery

Tulare City Historical Museum features artwork by Tipton Elementary, Middle and High School students. From March 6-29. 444 W. Tulare Ave., Tulare. Open Thursdays-Saturdays 10-4. 559 686-2074 or www.tularehistoricalmuseum.org

The Center for Art, Culture and History in Exeter (CACHE) displays “Opposites Attract,” featuring representational art by local artist Arnie Jones and a group exhibit of abstract work, Jan. 11-March 30. Open Mon, Thurs, Fri 10-4 (closed 12-12:30) and Sat & Sun 12-4. 125 South B St. 559 592-5900 or www.cach-exeter.org

The Lindsay Art Association presents “The Human Form,” an exhibition exploring the diverse ways artists interpret and depict the human figure, from classical realism to expressive abstraction, through April 4. 165 N. Gale Hill. Open Fridays 12-4. www.lindsaymuseumandgallery.org

Kings Art Center presents a show by artist Beth Thielen and The Just Collective, her student artists who were previously incarcerated, through April 12. Open Wednesdays-Fridays 12-5 and Saturdays & Sundays 12-3. 605 N. Douty, Hanford. www.kingsartcenter.org

Special events

South Valley Art Tour, the Art Consortium’s annual tour of Tulare County artists who invite you into their workspaces from 10-5 on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 & 30. Free. Get your map at www.artsconsortium.org/events/acsvat

Events by date

Friday, March 21

• Stewardship Day at Kaweah Oaks Preserve, 29979 Road 182, Exeter, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Volunteer activities tailored to allow people of all ages and abilities to participate. 559 738-0211
• World Down Syndrome Day from 6-8 p.m. at ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton, Visalia. Pizza and fun for children. Hosted by the Down Syndrome Association.

Saturday, March 22

• The Sequoia Symphony plays a Rachmaninoff piano concerto and Berlioz symphony at 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 732-8600 or sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com
• Tour of the historic Dudley Home at Main and Giddings from 1-3 p.m. Hosted by Visalia Heritage. Tickets: visaliaheritage.org/local-history
• Tribute to the Hag, Merle Haggard, at 7 p.m. featuring his trusted band leader and steel guitarist Norm Hamlet; Skip Edwards, whose masterful playing has been featured on numerous Dwight Yoakam records; and Rudy Parris, who played many years with Buck Owens at the Crystal Palace in Bakersfield. Exeter Eagles Lodge, 555 W. Visalia Road. Facebook: Tribute to the Hag
• Artist talk by Beth Thielen and The Just Collective, her student artists who were previously incarcerated, at 11 a.m. at the Kings Art Center, 6-5 N. Douty, Hanford. kingsartcenter.org

Tuesday, March 25

• Trivia Night at BarrelHouse Brewery, 521 E. Main, Visalia. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. www.visitvisalia.com/events

Friday, March 28

• “Talladega Nights” (2006), a sports comedy with Will Ferrell as a NASCAR driver, is a free movie at 6:30 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org
• Cigars & Bourbon from 5-8 p.m. at Garden St. Plaza and Main St, Visalia. Enjoy three premium cigars, bourbon samples, whisky-infused food samples and live music. visitvisalia.com/events

Saturday, March 29

• The Selena Experience, a tribute to singer Selena, at 8 p.m. at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. 559 625-1369 or foxvisalia.org
• Visalia Toy Anime Comic Con from 11-4 at the Vislia Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W. Center. Facebook: Visalia Toy Anime Comic Com
• Child Abuse Prevention Month kick-off from 10-2 at 1852 Soccer City, 707 W. Murray, Visalia. Free soccer play for kids from 10-12. Family-friendly games, food, prizes, information booths and resources. Facebook: Child Abuse Prevention Month Tulare County

Friday, April 4

• 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

Friday, April 4

• Visalia Rawhide Baseball opening day at 7 p.m. at Valley Strong Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings. milb.com/visalia

Saturday, April 5

• Fast Times: 80s Concert Experience at 7:15 at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main. Opening act is Guns N’ Roses tribute band, Rocket Queen. Audience is invited to dress in 80s attire. 559 625-1369 or visaliafox.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
• 1852 Springfest features live music, local craft, food and drink vendors from 11-4. Soccer City 1852, 707 W. Murray, Visalia. visitvisalia.com/events

Sunday, April 6

• 4^th Annual Easter Market from 10-3:30 at Evergreen Island, 2567 E. Bardsley, Tulare. 60 vendors for you to sip, shop and snack. Handmade crafts for Easter. Free Easter Bunny photo. visitvisalia.com/events

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

Position: District 2 Veteran

Qualifications: Must be a Registered Voter within the District and a veteran.

Duties: The responsibilities of the Lindsay-Strathmore Memorial District shall include:

• Provide and maintain memorial halls, assembly halls, buildings, or meeting places, together with suitable indoor and outdoor park and recreation facilities.
• Enter into agreements with county, municipal, school, park, or other public authorities or agencies conveying, leasing, or making available to the district.
• Purchase, construct, lease, build, furnish, or repair halls, buildings, meeting places, and facilities upon sites owned or leased by the district or made available to the district.

The post Tulare County seeks to fill vacancies on Lindsay-Strathmore Memorial District appeared first on Valley Voice.

The MKGSA is comprised of the City of Visalia, the City of Tulare and the Tulare Irrigation District.

According to the State Water resources Control Board website, “The deadline for written comments on the probationary hearing draft staff report for the Kaweah Subbasin concluded on July 8, 2024. The purpose of the Draft Staff Report was to inform the State Water Board as it considered whether to designate the Kaweah Subbasin as a probationary basin consistent with the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

“The January 7 probationary hearing has been cancelled to allow State Water Board staff to complete a thorough review of amended groundwater sustainability plans received for the subbasin. If the State Water Board schedules a new probationary hearing at a later date, the Board will release a new public notice at least 90 days prior to the scheduled hearing.

“Local groundwater sustainability agencies in the Kaweah Subbasin released amended plans on June 13, 2024, and revised versions of those amended plans on October 3, 2024.

“At the request of the State Water Board, Board staff completed a high-level preliminary review of these amended plans and have seen substantial progress on how these plans address the deficiencies identified in the Kaweah Subbasin Draft Staff Report. Board staff is optimistic about this progress; however, additional work needs to be done to determine if enough progress has been made for the subbasin to exit state intervention under the State Water Board’s authorities and return to the Department of Water Resources for plan review and oversight.

“The State Water Board is cancelling the probationary hearing so that staff can complete a thorough review of these plans to fully determine if deficiencies are sufficiently addressed to achieve groundwater sustainability in the subbasin.”

According to a Mid-Kaweah GSA spokesperson, “2024 was a hectic year for the Mid-Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MKGSA), focusing on avoiding a SWRCB Probationary Hearing.  To accomplish this, the MKGSA worked with the Greater Kaweah GSA (GKGSA) and the East Kaweah GSA (EKGSA) to revise our groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) and to collaboratively work with the SWRCB to deliver GSPs that could avoid the Kaweah Subbasin being put on a ‘Probationary’ Status.  A Probationary status would mean that the growers and landowners in the Kaweah Subbasin would pay millions of dollars in pumping fees and report groundwater pumping to the SWRCB in 2025.

“The MKGSA successfully adopted our MKGSA 2024 Seconded Amended Groundwater Sustainability Plan (MKGSA 2nd Amended GSP) in mid-November and submitted that document to the SWRCB.  Prior to the submission the MKGSA, GKGSA, and EKGSA worked tirelessly with our local advisory committees, groundwater users, and SWRCB staff to develop and a new and aggressive 2nd Amended GSPs that achieves groundwater sustainability by 2040.

“The SWRCB recognized the hard work and significant changes that were incorporated and concluded that with the work done on the Kaweah Subbasin GSPs, there was no need for the SWRCB to consider a Probationary status and would therefore cancel the January 7th hearing.  Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.”

The post Kaweah Subbasin probationary hearing cancelled appeared first on Valley Voice.

While the Workshop Presentation will focus on how to exercise your rights (entitled to both citizens and non-citizens alike), there will also be several Immigration attorneys who will be providing free consultations. These consultations can be general consultations, or attorneys may also assist with the completion of DACA renewals or citizenship screenings on the spot.

About the series: The Civic Engagement Speaker Series seeks to connect the student body of College of the Sequoias, the campus community, and the public to critical conversations around politics, political science, local/statewide government, advocacy, political participation, and current political topics. The series would seek to facilitate community conversations between experts, policymakers, students, journalists, advocates, organizers, and public servants representing diverse interests, backgrounds, and experiences.

The post “Immigration Know Your Rights Workshop” to be held January 16 appeared first on Valley Voice.

The post Farmers need plan to keep employees safe from avian flu appeared first on Valley Voice.