Randy Villegas is advancing to the general election in November to face Republican David Valadao. These primary results make clear that Valadao is more vulnerable than ever after receiving barely 40% of the total votes. Despite an onslaught of outside dark money groups and special interests attacking him, Randy Villegas, the son of working class immigrants who worked in his family’s auto shop, will be running in the general election to be a voice for working families in D.C.

Throughout this campaign, Villegas has refused to take corporate PAC money, instead relying on a people-powered campaign. The average donation for the Villegas For Congress campaign was $53, with 92 percent being $100 or less, and educators and nurses making up the top professions of those who donated.

“Voters in the Central Valley have spoken and they have declared that the Valley is not for sale,” Randy Villegas, candidate for Congress, said. “Despite the onslaught of outside corporate money spent against us, we have shown that working people are ready for change. We are ready for the government to work for us, not just the wealthy and well-connected. We want our hard earned tax dollars delivering affordable healthcare, not senseless wars abroad. David Valadao has sold us out for too long, voting to cut healthcare for families in the Valley, and siding with corporate interests over working people. I’m going to be focused on winning over every voter in our district and showing that I will be the true fighter for our community in D.C.”

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Randy Villegas is a Central Valley native, auto repair shop owner, and a community college professor. Growing up in a working-class immigrant family, Randy worked hard to help his parents make ends meet. Randy’s family relied on the crucial federal programs like WIC and Medicaid that are now in danger of being cut. Randy worked his way out of poverty through education and has dedicated his life to public service. As a local and school board trustee Randy has delivered for working families by standing up for the best interests of our children. As the only Latino and only Democrat on the school board, Randy has worked across the aisle to get things done. Now, Randy is running for Congress to stand up for other hard-working families who he sees falling through the cracks on David Valadao’s watch. Find out more at: www.villegasforcongress.com.

The post Randy Villegas Advances To General Election To Take On David Valadao appeared first on Valley Voice.

This month, the forum is, “U.S. at 250: Why We Celebrate, and How,”

The forum is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday June 9 at 210 W. Center Ave.

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).

This forum will be a combination of activities. It will include a brief quiz on American history. Then, we’ll have a panel discussion of local historians and teachers to discuss how history is being taught and learned. And finally, a review of the activities that the city of Visalia has lined up to celebrate America’s  semiquincentennial.

Our discussion on the teaching of History brings together College of the Sequoias professor and author Newell Bringhurst, and retired High School history teacher as well as the coordinator of Visalia’s annual History Day, Curtis Wilson.

For starters, this forum will get everybody in the mood with a brief quiz on American history. The questions will run along the lines of this one:

Who was the most important diplomat for the colonies during the Revolution?

1. George Washington

2. Alexander Hamilton

3. Benjamin Franklin

4. John Jay

(Answer below)

At the heart of our discussion on how American history is taught, and learned (or not) is:

• How has the teaching of American History changed from the 1950s to the present?

• How has the current political environment changed the way American History is being taught?

Does the way Americans view their history change with the political climate? Why does Americans’ view of some periods of American history, the Reconstruction Era, for instance, change with the times?

Why do Americans often learn that what they thought of their history is wrong?

Our panel members will wrestle with that question and more, including questions from the audience, as we consider what is being taught to history students, and how that has changed.

Our nation’s semiquincentennial is foremost an opportunity to celebrate 250 years of freedom, justice and equality,  so we intend to get to the celebrating part. A representative from the city of Visalia will be on hand to explain what our city plans to celebrate our 250th.

The events in Visalia will certainly be a surprise, including a convention here of a national veterans organization, the display of an iconic flag, and an Old-fashioned Fourth at Riverway Sports Park.

So join us on June 9. to learn what we are celebrating and how.

As for the quiz answer, here’s a hint: His face is on the $100 bill.

The post TC Voices – U.S. at 250 – Why we Celebrate! appeared first on Valley Voice.

Supervisors Pete Vander Poel (District 2) and Dennis Townsend (District 5) apparently left the meeting to avoid being included in the presentation of the proclamation.

The county declaration honors the groups’ work to protect and support the LGBTQ+ community in Tulare County. Both men also declined to sign the proclamation.

Walk-Out Surprised, Disappointed Board Chair

The pair’s unexpected absence came as a surprise to Board Chair Amy Shuklian, who oversaw the presentation.

“I didn’t know they were going to walk out of the meeting. I’m disappointed,” she said. “I feel bad for the organizations that were up there talking about what they do in the community.”

The organizations being honored were support and advocacy group Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) of Tulare and Kings Counties, the civic service club Visalia Pride Lions, and The Source, a community center for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The supervisors’ proclamation was intended to honor these nongovernmental groups, whose work, Shuklian said, are critical to the wellbeing of all county residents. Similar proclamations are regularly made for other groups like those honored Tuesday, she said.

“Organizations and nonprofits are what make our community, Tulare County, function,” Shuklian said. “We contract with The Source and a lot of other organizations to provide the services we’re (Tulare County) mandated to provide.”

Shuklian also said official recognition, such as the county proclamation, signal strongly that the people those groups represent are welcome here.

“It’s important they feel they’re members of the community no matter who they are,” she said. “It’s important to recognize everyone in the community, no matter who they are, if they are doing good work.”

Vander Poel ‘Doesn’t Believe’ in Activism, Protesting

According to Supervisor Vander Poel, it was the inclusion of PFLAG that prompted him to leave the room. Unfamiliar with PFLAG – a support group for the family and friends of LGBTQ+ people formed in 1973 – Vander Poel turned to the website of the local branch.

“When you look at their home page you will see a photo. In that photo, there are individuals holding signs that say, ‘Trump Treason = Lock Him Up,’ and ‘Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants,’ and ‘Affordable Health Care for All,’” Vander Poel wrote in an email response to Caitlin Rauen, who had questioned his reasoning.

This is not the first time official support for PFLAG has upset its detractors.

In 1990, First Lady Barbara Bush wrote a letter of support to PFLAG’s president, in which she said, “We cannot tolerate discrimination against any individuals or groups in our country.” Bush’s private comment was reprinted by the Associated Press, drawing the ire of conservatives.

PFLAG’s founder, Jeanne Manford, was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2013.

PFLAG’s main approach is wielding legal power against public figures who attack the LGBTQ+ community, as well as organizing protests and other events intended to influence public policy. However, the wording the national organization used on its website was so concerning to Vander Poel he felt he could not lend his name to the local proclamation.

“On the PFLAG national website, they talk about ‘fighting’ and ‘protesting,’” Vander Poel wrote. “Activism and protesting are not strategies I believe in, and I did not want to recognize a seemingly political organization that focuses on that.”

Supervisors’ Action Was Not a Protest

Vander Poel, who represents the Tulare area, told other local media outlets his absence was not a protest. Rather it was to avoid a confrontation.

“I did not explain myself or make any comments at the meeting because I did not want to take anything away from the recognition being bestowed upon the organizations,” he wrote.

Supervisor Dennis Townsend, who represents the Porterville area, reportedly said the county proclamation was secret acknowledgement of Pride Month by Shuklian. He also said the honor was official validation of the behavior of LGBTQ+ individuals, and not simple recognition of the organizations’ beneficial work in Tulare County.

Shuklian denied this accusation.

“This was not a Pride Month proclamation. Obviously, this is Pride Month, but I wanted to recognize these organizations,” she said. “A lot of people say, ‘Well, why do we have Pride Month?’ To me, the opposite of pride is shame, and I will never be ashamed of who I am or who I love.”

During the ceremony, Brian Poth, CEO of The Source, explained why he thinks the work done there is important. It is not only critical to the clients who use the services, but serves to better the entire community.

“We believe that when people feel safe and included, they build lives that benefit their communities,” Poth said. “Every resident deserves access to success, opportunity and a sense of belonging.”

In praising the organizations’ work, Shuklian explained why her colleagues’ absence and their attitude was difficult to understand.

“You have definitely saved the lives of youth and young adults in Tulare County. I know that for a fact,” Shuklian said. “And anybody who can go against the fact that you work to save the lives of our young people is a shame.”

She was especially upset the pair left without explaining their behavior.

“If Pete had leaned over and said I’m not comfortable and don’t want to be in the photo, I might feel different,” Shuklian said.

Tulare, Visalia Support LGBTQ+ Community Officially

The Board of Supervisors wasn’t the only government body that chose to honor LGBTQ+ citizens in June. On Tuesday, the Tulare City Council proclaimed June as LGBT Pride Month in the city. The council there also recognized the work of The Source.

The Visalia City Council will present a proclamation honoring The Source during a celebration of the organization’s 10th anniversary, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, at 109 NW 2nd Avenue in Visalia. The event is open to adults only.

Neither of those proclamations singled out PFLAG for specific recognition, unlike that presented by the county. The decades-old organization has never been seen as radical in its behavior or advocacy, which leaves Shuklian puzzled over why her colleagues singled it out. Shuklian also said the proclamation had been worded to be as inoffensive as possible.

“I really didn’t think that it was such a big deal, especially for those organizations,” she said. “I was shocked that PFLAG was the stickler.”

Kathryn Hall, PFLAG’s current president, was particularly offended by Vander Poel and Townsend’s action.

“I think it was rude to be purposefully absent when their constituents are being honored,” Hall said. “These three organizations do good work not just for the LGBTQ community.”

On a more sinister note, Hall believes behavior like that of Townsend and Vander Poel make life even more difficult for people who have been historically singled out for prejudice and bigotry, and violence.

“It’s mean spirited and a sign of the climate that has become threatening toward LGBTQ+ people,” Hall said. “And it’s just this kind of behavior that makes life difficult for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.”

LGBTQ+ people struggle more with internal conflicts most other people aren’t forced to confront, Hall said, and official attitudes of intolerance make that problem far worse.

“The higher incidence of mental health problems and outcomes is due to the way people treat them,” she said. “It’s not that there’s anything wrong with people in the queer community.”

A more effective way of unifying the country and making our community better for everyone, Hall said, is making an effort to understand those whose views conflict with our own.

“I think a little empathy is what it takes,” she said.

The post Two Tulare County supes walk out as LGBTQ+ support organizations honored appeared first on Valley Voice.

• Dinuba Branch: 150 S I Street, Dinuba. Contact (559) 595-7195
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 2 – July 31, from 12-1 pm
• Earlimart Branch: 780 E. Washington Avenue, Earlimart. Contact (661) 849-2525
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Exeter Branch: 230 E Chestnut St, Exeter. Contact (559) 592-5361
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Lindsay Branch: 157 N. Mirage Avenue, Lindsay. Contact (559) 562-3021
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 10:30-11:30 am
• Pixley Branch: 927 S. Center Street, Suite B, Pixley. Contact (559) 757-1010
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm 
• Strathmore Branch: 19646 Rd 230, Strathmore. Contact (559) 568-1087
  • Tuesday and Wednesday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Tipton Branch: 301 East Woods Avenue, Tipton. Contact (559) 752-4236
  • Thursday and Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Visalia Branch: 200 W. Oak Avenue, Visalia. Contact (559) 713-2703
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 12-2 pm

According to the California State Library in summer 2025 213 branch libraries statewide served summer meals and library staff provided pop-up library and enrichment services at 367 community meal sites. More than 380,000 meals were served to youth at library meal sites and community meal sites with pop-up library and enrichment services.

Tulare County Library is an equal opportunity provider. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

The post Free summer meals for kids and teens at Tulare County libraries appeared first on Valley Voice.

The Visalia Republican Women Federated is proud to announce a FREE three-week movie series at the historic Visalia Fox Theatre in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Families, friends, neighbors, and movie lovers of all ages are invited to enjoy patriotic blockbuster films, exciting giveaways, and an unforgettable community experience, completely free of charge.

Each movie night will feature major prize giveaways including bikes, TVs, BBQs, summer toys, and more. Organizers hope the series becomes a joyful community gathering place where families can celebrate freedom, friendship, and the spirit of America together.

“This is our gift to the community,” said Visalia Republican Women Federated President, Sara Smith. “We wanted to create something fun, family-friendly, patriotic, and accessible to everyone. No tickets. No admission cost. Just a great night at the Fox Theatre celebrating America and our community together.”

FREE MOVIE SERIES SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 9, 2026
Captain America: The First Avenger

Thursday, July 16, 2026
Reagan

Thursday, July 23, 2026
Air Force One

Doors open at 6:00 PM each evening, with movies beginning promptly at 6:30 PM.

All movies are completely FREE to the public.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for prize drawings, community fellowship, and the full patriotic experience inside one of Visalia’s most beloved landmarks. From families with children to longtime movie fans, this series is designed to bring the community together during a historic milestone year for the nation.

The Visalia Republican Women Federated extends sincere thanks to the community supporters who helped make this celebration possible.

For more information, please contact Visalia Republican Women President, Sara Smith at (559) 302-8674 or the Visalia Fox Theatre at (559) 625-1369.

The post Visalia Republican Women Federated announces free community movie series celebrating America’s 250th birthday appeared first on Valley Voice.

Industry analysis shows meat sales hit $112 billion in 2025, with more than 98% of American households purchasing meat for daily meals. USDA is forecasting consumption of beef, pork and chicken to rise in 2026.

“Beef remains the centerpiece of many cookouts, but record-high prices and historically tight cattle inventories continue to challenge both consumers and producers,” the Market Intel states. “Pork offers relative value and stability, supported by efficient production and strong export markets, even as producers navigate ongoing disease risks. Meanwhile, chicken stands out as the most accessible option, with steady production growth and modest prices helping it maintain its place as America’s most-consumed protein.”

USDA reports the average retail price for beef set a record in April at $9.64 per pound, up about 13% from the previous year. Beef prices remain elevated by strong demand and the smallest U.S. cattle herd in 75 years. This is a result of years of drought, reduced income following the pandemic and elevated operating costs that have led farmers to liquidate their herds.

The average price of pork increased 2.3% from April 2025 to April 2026. Pork chops are the most popular cut. The average retail price for pork chops in U.S. cities was $4.33 per pound in April 2026, up 9 cents per pound from the same time last year. Prices reflect a balanced supply of hogs and growing consumer demand.

For chicken, USDA estimates about 42.2 billion pounds of chicken will be purchased in 2026, up 46 million pounds from 2025. The overall price of chicken fell in April by 0.7% compared to April 2025. Boneless chicken breasts in U.S. cities cost an average of $4.17 per pound in April, down a penny from the same time last year. Poultry flocks continue to recover from avian influenza, which has helped to control price increases.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “Home-grown meat continues to be a staple for America’s families. Despite higher prices at the grocery store, families trust America’s farmers and ranchers to grow the food that is put on the grill and on dinner tables across the country. We urge the administration and Congress to prioritize ranchers as they rebuild herds so they can continue to meet the needs of the nation’s families.”

For shoppers looking to save money, retailers and grocery stores generally increase promotional sales and specials as holidays draw closer.

While this is a snapshot of current meat prices, the American Farm Bureau Federation conducts annual surveys of the average cost of a full Thanksgiving dinner and a 4^th of July cookout. The 4^th of July marketbasket survey will be released on June 26, 2026.

The post U.S. meat consumption increases despite rising prices appeared first on Valley Voice.

The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on matters related to land use, zoning, subdivisions, and community development. The Commission also administers the City’s Zoning Ordinance and reviews issues affecting the growth and development of Visalia. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

Applications for the Planning Commission vacancy will be accepted through Friday, June 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. Interviews for Planning Commission applicants are scheduled to take place the afternoon of Monday, June 29, 2026.

In addition to the Planning Commission vacancy, the City is also accepting applications for several City commissions and committees, including the Historic Preservation Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), and Parks & Recreation Commission.

The Historic Preservation Committee administers and implements the standards and requirements of the City of Visalia’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) serves as part of the Community Development Block Grant review process, reviews City Rates and Fees, and conducts the non-profit grant application and review process. The CAC also provides oversight responsibilities related to Measure T and Measure N. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

The Parks & Recreation Commission advises the City Council and City staff on matters related to parks, recreation programs, playgrounds, and recreation facilities. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Applications for the Historic Preservation Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee, and Parks & Recreation Commission will be accepted on an ongoing basis, and applications are kept on file for a period of two years.

Commissions and committees may hold additional meetings as needed to address specific matters. Members may also be required to file a Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700).

Applications are available online at www.visalia.gov/committees.  Applications may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia, CA 93292, submitted online, or emailed to Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk, at reyna.rivera@visalia.gov.

For additional information, please contact the City of Visalia Administration Department at (559) 713-4512.

The post City of Visalia seeking applicants for Planning Commission, apply by June 19 appeared first on Valley Voice.

• Fresno County:
  • Bear Mountain Branch (30733 E Kings Canyon Rd, Yokuts Valley CA 93675)
• Inyo County:
  • Big Pine Branch (500 South Main Street Big Pine, CA 93513)
  • Bishop Branch (210 Academy St., Bishop, CA 93514)
  • Furnace Creek Branch (201 Nevares, Death Valley, CA 92328)
  • Independence Branch (Central Library, 168 N. Edwards St, P.O. Drawer K, Independence, CA 93526)
  • Lone Pine Branch (210 N. Washington Lone Pine, CA 93545)
  • Tecopa Branch (408 Tecopa Hot Springs Road, Tecopa, CA 92389)
• Kings County:
  • Kettleman City Branch (104 Becky Pease Street, Kettleman City, CA 93239)
• Madera County:
  • Madera Branch (121 N G Street, Madera, CA 93637)
• Mariposa County:
  • Mariposa County Library (4978 10th Street, Mariposa, CA 95338)
• Tulare County:
  • Earlimart (780 E Washington Ave, Earlimart, CA 93219)
  • Exeter Branch Library (230 E Chestnut, Exeter, CA 93221)
  • Farmersville (623 N Avery Ave, Farmersville, CA 93223)
  • Ivanhoe (15964 Heather Ave, Ivanhoe, CA 93235)
  • Lindsay (157 N Mirage Ave, Lindsay, CA 93247)
  • London (5711 Ave 378, Dinuba, CA 93618)
  • Tipton (301 E Woods Ave, Tipton, CA 93272)
  • Woodlake (400 W Whitney Ave, Woodlake, CA 93286)

The post Blood pressure monitors now available at libraries in Tulare, Kings Counties appeared first on Valley Voice.

The award honors elected leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing transportation solutions that improve quality of life, support economic growth and address the long-term mobility needs of their communities.

“From the very beginning, I saw the neglect that this region faced and knew we had to do something about it,” Senator Hurtado said. “I heard stories from families, workers, farmers and local leaders across the Central Valley about decades of underinvestment in our infrastructure. We could not continue down that path. That’s why I have made transportation and critical infrastructure a priority. Central Valley families deserve safe roads, strong communities and every opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”

Since Taking office in 2019, Senator Hurtado has championed transportation investments across Senate District 16. Specifically, her hard work has helped to secure funding for local roads, airports, freight movement and highway improvements. Her leadership has led to nearly $5 billion in state investments benefiting communities throughout her district.

Among her longstanding transportation priorities has been the effort to “Finish What We Started”, a decades-long push to complete the widening of Highway 99 and eliminate remaining bottlenecks along one of California’s most important transportation corridors.

“TCAG chose to honor Senator Hurtado as our 2026 Outstanding Elected Official because of her long-standing support for transportation projects that improve highway safety, and in particular her support for widening highway 99,” Ted Smalley, TCAG Executive Director said. “Senator Hurtado was the only state Legislator to personally appear at the California Transportation Commission asking for additional money to finish what we started.”

Senator Hurtado has worked alongside local, regional and state leaders to advocate for funding to widen critical segments of Highway 99, and to secure state budget investments for long-overdue improvements in Tulare County.

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties.

The post TCAG names Senator Hurtado as 2026 LocalMotion Elected Official of the Year appeared first on Valley Voice.

The Sierra View Hip & Knee Center was recognized as a Silver Winner for Orthopedic Surgery. Sierra View Medical Center continues advancing orthopedic care through minimally invasive procedures, outpatient joint replacement, and robotic-assisted surgery. Sierra View Medical Center is the only hospital in Tulare County offering the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics system for joint replacement procedures and has now completed more than 300 robotic-assisted surgeries using the technology.

The post Sierra View Medical Center recognized in Best of Central California Awards appeared first on Valley Voice.