Though the Porterville City Manager sent out a lengthy press release announcing Rivas’ resignation highlighting his accomplishments, no reason was given for his abrupt departure.

“The City of Porterville announces the resignation of District 3 Councilman AJ Rivas from the Porterville City Council, effective August 21, 2026. Councilman Rivas was elected to represent District 3 on November 5, 2024, to a four year term scheduled to conclude on November 7, 2028. During his time on the City Council, Rivas supported investments in public safety, infrastructure, transportation, economic development, and quality of life throughout Porterville,” the release reads.

His resignation came shortly after Desiree Lynch, a candidate for the Stockton City Council, was arrested on allegations that she did not live in the city council district she was seeking to represent.

Rivas has faced similar allegations, and both share the same campaign treasurer – Springville resident Korey Wells, through his company FSLCOM.

FSLCOM’s 2025 website states that it helps “independent and Republican candidates square away their compliance,” and its current website states that it provides campaign compliance services, bookkeeping for organizations subject to “IRS 527” rules, and payroll/1099 accounting services, without any specific restriction on political affiliation.

According to KRCA–TV, Lynch was arrested on multiple felony charges brought by the San Joaquin County District Attorney for, “False filing declaration of candidacy, voter registration violation, and three counts of perjury.”

Lynch was campaigning to represent Stockton City Council District 5; the district attorney’s office claims that Lynch resided in another district entirely.

“The San Joaquin County DA’s Office is accusing Lynch of perjuring herself by registering to vote and filing as a candidate using residential addresses where she did not live,” KCRA’s report stated.

“The DA’s office said investigators determined Lynch was running for Stocking City Council District 5 while residing in Lodi and North Stockton, which are part of Stockton City Council District 1,” it continued.

Lynch has a court date set for September 2 and faces a maximum of six years and eight months in state prison if convicted. Her bail was set at $100,000.

Tulare County Registrar of Voters Michelle Baldwin previously confirmed to the Valley Voice that Rivas changed his voter registration in May 2024.

She did not reveal the address, but it is known that Rivas changed his registration from his home in District 2 on San Lucia, where he lives with his wife, to his daughter’s home on W. Date Ave located in District 3.

In December 2025, a statement credited to Rivas’ campaign stated that he would not resign, and that the law allowed him to “maintain two locations in Porterville” — his daughter’s address and his own — because he is a “former gang-unit corrections officer who has received death threats.” Maintaining the two addresses was for safety, the release stated.

He beat challenger Timothy Vanni in the November 2024 election for District 3 by five votes.

Porterville community members have complained to the Tulare County District Attorney that they believe Rivas is breaking the law.

The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office has not revealed if, or when, it will investigate the allegations against Rivas.

Stuart Anderson, the office’s communications director, declined to comment beyond stating that the district attorney’s office has a standing policy of “not discussing whether an investigation is proceeding.”

Earlier this year, Porterville Resident Brock Neeley filed a California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) complaint against Rivas for not disclosing on California Form 700 that he owned a home on San Lucia – only the address on W. Date.

Candidates must fill out a Form 700 that reveals what their economic interests are in and around the district they represent.

The FPPC said that the San Lucia home did not qualify as an economic interest because it was his private residence.

In an April 2, 2026 response the FPPC wrote,

“After review of the complaint and evidence provided, the Enforcement Division will not pursue an enforcement action in this matter. Your complaint appears to allege violations related to the non-disclosure of real property interests held by the respondent. However, property interests are not required to be disclosed if they are a personal residence of the respondent.”

Greg Shelton, a close associate of Rivas, called the Voice in December 2025 and stated that Rivas lived with his wife on San Lucia Ave.

Shelton said that some people have multiple homes and that what defines residency is where a person is registered to vote.

Not quite, according to Baldwin – to qualify to run in a city council district, the candidate has to live in the district for which they are running.

John Duran, another associate of Rivas’, called the Voice and wanted to know why Rivas’ residence was a focus. The Voice asked if Rivas lived with his daughter in District 3.

“Well, he spends a lot of time there babysitting,” Duran said.

According to the city’s press release, the City Council will “consider the process for filling the District 3 vacancy at the September 1, 2026, City Council meeting. Additional information will be provided as that process moves forward.”

The post Porterville City Council Member AJ Rivas abruptly resigns appeared first on Valley Voice.

A pair of local agencies – the Tulare County Board of Supervisors and the Hanford City Council – hit the brakes on data center construction in their jurisdictions this week. Their actions come on the heels of widespread opposition to a plan to place the centers on county fairgrounds around the state, including in Kings and Tulare counties.

Temporary Data Center Moratorium in Tulare County

In Tulare County, the supervisors voted 4-1 to place a 45-day moratorium on data center construction. The ban could be extended up to two years while planners evaluate the environmental and social impacts. Michael Washam, associate director of the county’s Resource Management Agency, said the county’s current zoning ordinances predate data centers and are likely inadequate to oversee their safe construction and operation.

“Existing zoning ordinances, including Tulare County’s, were developed before these facilities became commonplace and therefore do not specifically address the unique operational characteristics of these types of facilities,” he said. “So without updating regulations, applications could be processed using standards that were never intended for this type of development.”

During Tuesday’s meeting of supervisors, Washam described how data centers differ from other industries and why the county needs time to evaluate their impacts, especially the consumption of resources.

“These differ significantly from traditional commercial industrial development,” Washam said. “Large-scale data centers require significant electrical capacity, significant water resources for cooling systems, extensive backup power generation, large building footprints, specialized utility infrastructure and around-the-clock operations.”

The county has not received formal applications to build data centers or similar facilities, but there is interest in them, Washam said. The county, he added, had to act before an application was filed to prevent it being evaluated using outdated regulations. The temporary moratorium will allow the county to adequately evaluate technical aspects of data center construction.

He also stressed that the moratorium does not mean the county is for or against construction of data centers.

“Rather, it’s about ensuring that the county has adequate time to evaluate and thoughtfully consider this emerging form of development and establish appropriate regulations before projects are submitted under our existing ordinance code,” Washam said. “The proposed interim ordinance is intended to preserve the status quo.”

Residents Fear Noise, Pollution, Higher Utility Bills

The supervisors’ decision was not unanimous. Vice chair Dennis Townsend voted against the temporary moratorium. Townsend wanted a “softer” approach to data centers while staff takes stock of their possible impacts. Further, the county hasn’t defined what a data center is, he said.

Instead of a blanket temporary ban, Townsend urged the board to consider any proposal on a case-by-case basis. That, he said, would allow debate among supervisors and give members of the public an opportunity to comment.

“So maybe if we just say, ‘Hey, if it comes up during the moratorium period, we will immediately put that on the agenda, agendize it and take a position,’” he said. “Not that it’ll be an opposed position, but we will debate that position, take public comment, the whole thing on each one.”

Mariela Loera, a policy advocate for the Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability, took strong opposition to the construction of data centers anywhere in the San Joaquin Valley. Data centers use of resources, she said, will impact low-income communities that are already under pressure.

“These communities already experience significant environmental and social inequities, including limited access to clean drinking water, unreliable electricity service, and poor air quality, all of which will further be strained with the development of data centers,” Loera said. “We also urge the board to go beyond simply regulating these facilities and instead do an analysis of whether data centers make sense at all in the region.”

Porterville resident Faith Ortiz urged the board to consider the actual impacts of data centers on the communities where they have already been built.

“If data centers are permitted in Tulare County, there will be price hikes on utilities, poor water pressure, contaminated, discolored water that will lead to no water, and constant noise pollution radiating from data centers,” she said. “This is not a small possibility. This is not a what-if. It is what’s happening in areas where data centers have been permitted despite public outcry and lawsuits.”

No Data Centers for Hanford

Meanwhile in Hanford, as the city’s zoning ordinances stand today, data centers and edge computing centers are not permitted inside the city limits. At its Tuesday night meeting, the city council declined to consider changing the local zoning regulations. By opting not to include data centers as permissible land use in Hanford, the council effectively banned construction of the centers there.

So for now, data centers cannot be approved in Hanford no matter the circumstances, said assistant city manager Jason Waters. City zoning regulations don’t allow them.

“What that means is that the code doesn’t have any specific language about allowing these types of uses. In those cases, it defaults to them not being allowed. They’re not specific uses that are called out that are allowed in the city limits,” Waters said. “If we were to receive a proposal for a data center that came directly to the city, our comment back would be these are currently not allowed under Hanford Municipal Code.”

However, federal and state agencies that own land inside Hanford’s city limits might not be bound by local zoning laws. Agencies carrying out government functions have been granted blanket land-use jurisdiction that can override local control in certain cases. Should that occur, Hanford City Hall would at least have input as a project is subjected to the state’s rigorous laws on environmental protection. Waters said the city would remain in the loop, though it would have little input.

“Even though it may not require city approval, we would expect them to coordinate with us, because there may be utilities coordination, environmental coordination, that type of thing,” he said.

If Hanford does change its zoning ordinances to allow data centers, it would give city hall much greater influence, according to Waters.

“If this were a private development within the city limits, zoning regulation and development standards would apply,” he said. “We would act as the lead responsible agency, so we would be in charge of the environmental documents in that case, and the city would directly review and act on required applications.”

The post Agencies take action after outcry against data center construction appeared first on Valley Voice.

October gets exciting with three new exhibitions at Arts Visalia. The main gallery showcases the vibrant cultural paintings of Arturo Martinez. Martinez explores Mexico’s diverse ethnic and indigenous cultures through a myriad of colors and forms in this eye-catching exhibition. Featured also will be tactile ceramic work by Tim Clark. Clark’s work brings awareness of those who are visually impaired in our community by creating touchable ceramic experiences. Also showing are the abstract oil pastels of Jamie Meadows. Meadows explores creative joy and is inspired by Biblical texts. See all three artists and more this October 1 – 31, 2026. An Opening Reception will take place Friday, October 2, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. 

Registration for Fall Youth Art Classes is now live! Support your young artists’ creativity with an after-school class once a week at Arts Visalia. See the full schedule and register online at www.artsvisalia.org/education/.

Visit ARTS VISALIA, 214 East Oak Avenue, Visalia, California, Wednesdays through

Saturdays, Noon to 5:30 p.m.

Follow ARTS VISALIA on Facebook and Instagram and check out our website at

www.artsvisalia.org

Contact ARTS VISALIA at 559-739-0905 or Info@artsvisalia.org

Support ARTS VISALIA Invest in the Arts at www.artsvisalia.org/support-us or mail your

donation to P.O. Box 251, Visalia, 93279

The post Arts Visalia Presents: FAMILY Community Art Exhibition appeared first on Valley Voice.

The expansion was supported by more than $10 million through the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Last Mile Federal Funding Account, which funds broadband infrastructure in communities where reliable high-speed internet has historically been unavailable.

The milestone follows a February 2025 groundbreaking in Terra Bella. Local food processor Setton Pistachio has supported VARCOMM’s expansion in the community, including providing space at Setton Park for broadband equipment and infrastructure.

Historic Investment and Mission-Driven Expansion

For VARCOMM, the expansion is close to home. The company traces its roots to a telephone network established by farmers in southeastern Tulare County and the Ducor Telephone Company. Today, VARCOMM is headquartered in Ducor, is owned by CEO Eric Votaw and CFO Jenifer Vellucci, and is the first Mexican-American and female-owned incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) in California’s history.

“Reliable communications are essential in the hills that we live in, and without fiber, we’re not able to make sure that those connections stay up,” Votaw noted. “VARCOMM, along with Ducor Telephone Company, has been serving Tulare County for more than a hundred years. This history reflects our deep commitment to this region and to the people who live and work here. We’re not an outside company. We’re part of this community and we’re dedicated to the future of Tulare County.”

The completed network gives households access to infrastructure increasingly necessary for work, education, healthcare and everyday life. For residents who have historically been unserved or underserved, high-speed broadband can expand access to education, healthcare and essential services, reflecting the Last Mile Federal Funding Account’s focus on connecting Californians who have lacked reliable service.  The network also provides businesses and agricultural operations with greater capacity to operate, expand and invest. Within Terra Bella alone, Setton Pistachios employs up to 1,000 team members during peak harvest season, while orange packing houses, a local lumber operation, and local grocery stores within the community employ hundreds more. Located just 15 minutes from Porterville, a city of approximately 65,000, Terra Bella has a population of a bit under 3,000, and is also home to two healthcare clinics, Family HealthCare Network and Sierra View Medical Center, and is served by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Fire, and a County Road Yard. These employers, public agencies, and essential services rely on high-speed internet, as do the Terra Bella Unified Elementary School District and local students who later attend schools within the Porterville Unified School District, particularly at the high school level.

Tulare County District 5 Supervisor Dennis Townsend highlighted the project’s reach and what the new service means for the community. “About 1,350 connections out here, 158 businesses, homes, schools and rural healthcare clinics, like the one right up the road; they [now] get gigabit speed. When you come from [no access] and then all of a sudden, you’ve got gigabit speed, that’s an impressive thing to do in a relatively short period of time.” The County of Tulare also received $500,000 through the CPUC’s Local Agency Technical Assistance program to support staff work associated with implementation of federally funded broadband projects. Much of that work was carried out by the Tulare County Resource Management Agency’s (RMA) encroachment team, with support from permitting, environmental and Grants staff.

RMA’s Grants team helped coordinate among the County, CPUC, broadband providers and regional partners throughout the effort. “This project is the culmination of a Federal, State, local, and private partnership to deliver critical broadband access to rural residents in Tulare County. Connecting unserved and underserved communities to broadband service is a major step in improving the economy, education, health and well-being for residents,” says RMA Grants & Resources Manager Denise England.

Driving Economic Growth

For the County of Tulare’s Economic Development Office, also a part of the RMA, the completed network also strengthens one of the fundamentals considered when marketing communities for investment, defining whether businesses can access the infrastructure necessary to operate and grow.

“Broadband infrastructure directly strengthens our ability to compete for investment,” said Michael Washam, Associate Director of Tualre County Resource Management Agency. “When we talk to businesses about opportunities in Tulare County, we need to be able to point to communities with the infrastructure to support them. Investments like this give residents better connectivity while adding another asset we can put on the table in our business attraction efforts.”

VARCOMM’s investment in rural connectivity extends beyond Terra Bella to Ducor, which the company also serves, with additional expansion planned for communities farther east. The company is turning its attention toward nearby California Hot Springs, where renewed private investment is also underway to rehabilitate the historic California Hot Springs Resort following its acquisition by Ikigai Springs LLC.

Expanded broadband in the mountain community could support households and existing businesses while adding infrastructure for the resort as it prepares to reopen, including connectivity for its operations, employees and future guests.

VARCOMM also plans to extend broadband farther into eastern Tulare County to Kennedy Meadows, one of Tulare County’s most remote communities and a destination along the Pacific Crest Trail. From the foothill community of Terra Bella to the mountain communities farther east, the expansion of broadband is adding infrastructure to support residents while strengthening conditions for business growth and private investment across rural Tulare County.

The Tulare County Economic Development Office will feature VARCOMM in an upcoming Tulare County Business Voices video highlighting the company’s roots in southeastern Tulare County, its growth, and its continued investment in the communities it serves. For questions regarding economic development, infrastructure, land use, and business support, please contact the Tulare County Economic Development Office at (559) 624-7177 or email at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.

The post VARCOMM completes $10m Terra Bella broadband expansion appeared first on Valley Voice.

“Events like Midnight in Manhattan allow the Sierra View Foundation to turn community support into meaningful investments in local healthcare,” said Debbie Landers, Chairman of the Sierra View Foundation Board of Directors. “When people attend, sponsor, or donate, they are helping us bring new equipment and resources to Sierra View Medical Center that can directly benefit patients throughout Tulare County.”

A Night that Gives Back

Proceeds from Midnight in Manhattan will support the purchase of a new echocardiography (echo) and ultrasound imaging system for Sierra View Medical Center.

The technology provides real-time imaging that can help physicians diagnose and monitor heart conditions. It can also support cancer care by monitoring heart health during chemotherapy, viewing soft tissues, and helping guide biopsies and other procedures.

Big Apple, Big Prizes

Guests can take part in casino-style games throughout the evening to earn tickets for the Skyline Sweepstakes. Those who prefer not to play can also purchase sweepstakes tickets directly during the event.

The Skyline Sweepstakes will feature several high-value prizes, each valued at $500 or more. A sneak peek at this year’s prizes includes a Blackstone Flattop Grill with an ice chest filled with goodies, $500 in J&R Meat Company gift cards, and Ninja appliances, including the Ninja SLUSHi and Ninja DoubleStack Air Fryer.

Save Room for Dessert

The Dessert Auction will also return, featuring a variety of desserts donated by local bakeries, restaurants, and home bakers.

Guests at each table will combine their individual contributions into one table bid. After dinner, the table with the highest total bid will get first choice from the dessert lineup. The remaining tables will select in order based on their total bids, adding a little friendly competition to one of the evening’s favorite traditions.

Your Ticket to Manhattan

Individual tickets are $150 per person and are available through September 3, 2026. Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 to $6,000, with benefits that include event tickets and recognition based on sponsorship level.

Those looking for another way to support Midnight in Manhattan can donate a dessert for the Dessert Auction or contribute a large prize for the Skyline Sweepstakes.

Tickets and sponsorships are available at sierra-view.com/midnightinmanhattan. To learn more about donations or other ways to support the event, contact the Sierra View Foundation at (559) 791-3922 or foundation@sierra-view.com.

The post Sierra View Foundation presents Midnight in Manhattan appeared first on Valley Voice.

Designed for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, the Mobile Memory Café will host regular programming at community-based locations, removing common barriers to access such as transportation limitations, geographic isolation, and caregiver burden. Each session will provide cognitive stimulation and social engagement through facilitated activities such as music, sensory engagement, and reminiscence exercises. Caregivers will also have opportunities to connect with peers, access resources, and receive emotional support. Light refreshments are served to create a relaxed, café-style atmosphere.

Marina Chavez, Executive Director for Valley Adult Day Services, said, “Families caring for someone living with dementia should not have to face additional barriers simply because of where they live, through our Mobile Memory Café, we are bringing connection, support, and meaningful engagement directly into communities that may otherwise have limited access to dementia-specific resources. We are incredibly grateful to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America for believing in this vision and helping us ensure that families throughout Tulare County know they are seen, supported, and not alone.”

By meeting participants where they are, the Mobile Memory Café expands access to vital services while fostering inclusion, dignity, and quality of life for individuals affected by dementia.

“Support is essential for every family affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “Valley Adult Day Services’ Mobile Memory Café program is an innovative to remove barriers to care and support and make it easier for families to access crucial services. We are pleased to support their efforts.”

The $6,000 AFA grant will support operational expenses for the program, ensuring it is accessible and sustainable.

Families wishing to learn more about the Mobile Memory Café program can contact Valley Adult Day Services at 559-783-9815 or visit www.valleyadultdayservices.org.

AFA is able to provide vital services, like this grant, through the generosity of individuals and organizations. To support these initiatives or learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and resources available to help families affected by it, visit www.alzfdn.org

The post Porterville nonprofit awarded national grant to help families affected by dementia appeared first on Valley Voice.

In the century since 1926, College of the Sequoias has become the center of higher learning in Visalia. The city itself grew around the Mooney COS location, so it is no longer on the outskirts but in the center, and vital to Visalia’s growth and development.

This year COS will celebrate 100 Years of contributions to the community. As much as any Institution, COS deserves an answer to the question: Where would Visalia be without it?

“Tulare County Voices at 210” intends to explore that question in its latest forum, “COS: A Century of Excellence.”

That is also the title of a new book by COS retired professor of history, Newell Bringhurst who will be among those on hand at the forum at 7 p.m., Tuesday

Sept. 8 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.)

Leading the review of the 100 years of College of the Sequoias in Visalia will be college President and Superintendent Brent Calvin.

The discussion will include:

• How has the College changed in the last several decades
• What has stayed consistent throughout the last several decades with an overview of core academic programs
• What are the College’s future developments over the next two decades, including its partnership with Fresno State to bring four-year education to Tulare County

Bringhurst will provide insights from his book that show how COS has made contributions to our community.

There will be ample time for audience members to share their own COS experiences.

Be sure to join us on Sept. 8 as we look back on 100 years of excellence at COS and become part of the community conversation.

The post Tulare County Voices at 210 explores COS: A Century of Excellence appeared first on Valley Voice.

CACHE will present an over-the-top melodrama about a missing work of art and a sinister villain in collaboration with local Exeter musician James Houston. The dramatization will be held outside the CACHE building, with B Street blocked off for outdoor dining. Attendees will enjoy the melodrama’s slapstick humor and spine-tingling suspense while savoring a delicious meal.

The evening will also feature an unveiling of a new Kiwanis history exhibit. During the fundraiser, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on exciting live and silent auction items. The live auction items will include a 3-day, 2-night stay in Cayucos; a Monet’s Dinner for 6; an original Marty Weekly painting; a custom genealogical research package; and a case of citrus gin. If you are interested in donating auction items for the benefit fundraiser, please contact Charlie Stearns at 559-786-2288.

Tickets cost $75 per person or $800 for a sponsored table of eight. They are available for purchase at CACHE, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, NSE Insurance, or on our website at www.cach-exeter.org/event-details/cache-melodrama.

For more information, contact us at info@cach-exeter.org or 559-592-5900.

The post CACHE to host fourth annual benefit fundraiser appeared first on Valley Voice.

Stump will officially begin his role on Monday, August 24, 2026. Quenzer will remain with the organization through September 4, 2026, supporting a thoughtful transition period to ensure continuity for Club members, families, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

For more than 35 years, Galen Quenzer has dedicated his career to serving children and families throughout the Central Valley. Since becoming Chief Executive Officer in 1999, Quenzer has guided Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias through significant growth, strengthening programs, expanding services, and building partnerships that have helped thousands of young people access safe, supportive places to learn, grow, and succeed.

Following the merger of local Clubs, Quenzer also served for three years as Chief Operations Officer, helping bring teams together and strengthen the organization’s foundation.

Throughout his leadership, Quenzer has been recognized for his compassion, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering belief in the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs. His impact extends beyond the organization, leaving a lasting legacy across the communities served by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias.

Board President Bill Hoover shared, “BGCS’s success is a testament to Galen Quenzer’s dedicated leadership over the past three decades, during which thousands of young people benefited from his service. Following a comprehensive search in partnership with our national organization, Keith emerged as the unanimous choice to guide us into our next chapter. His proven track record in nonprofit leadership makes him the ideal person to advance our mission of enabling all young people—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

Outgoing CEO Galen Quenzer expressed, “My time at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias has been extremely rewarding, and I have benefited as much as the kids we serve. There is nothing more gratifying than watching a kid get involved in a Club, develop caring, positive relationships with staff and fellow members, and develop into a responsible, caring, productive member of the community. It is my hope that, through Keith’s leadership, more and more young people, especially those who need us the most, will experience the supportive, nurturing environment of a Boys & Girls Club. Many people come together to create these experiences and opportunities for kids: caring staff members, board members, donors, and community leaders. I am very thankful for each of these people and for Keith’s willingness to serve his community by leading this organization.”

Welcoming a New Chapter

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is pleased to welcome Keith R. Stump as its next Chief Executive Officer. Stump joins the organization from Able Inc., where he served as Executive Director.

Keith R. Stump brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience focused on strengthening organizations, building community partnerships, and creating opportunities for children, families, and individuals facing barriers to success. His career has included leadership roles with Fresno Mission, Bethany Global, and Samaritas, where he supported individuals and families experiencing homelessness, vulnerable children and families, foster care and adoption programs, and international humanitarian efforts.

Keith is actively involved in the Central Valley community as Chair of the Visalia Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and a member of the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County’s Youth Committee. He earned a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Columbia International University. Keith and his wife, Thida, are raising their two sons in Tulare County, where they have built their family and community.

Incoming CEO Keith R. Stump shared, “As I prepare to lead Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside staff, volunteers, donors, families, and community partners to build upon the organization’s strong foundation while expanding opportunities for young people across the region.”

Connecting with Our Community

As part of the leadership transition, Stump will spend his first several months connecting with Club members, families, staff, volunteers, donors, community leaders, and partners through conversations across the communities Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias serves.

These conversations will provide an opportunity to listen, learn, celebrate the organization’s history, and strengthen the relationships that have helped make Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias a trusted resource for local youth and families.

While leadership is changing, the mission remains the same. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias will continue building on its strong foundation by expanding opportunities for youth, strengthening community partnerships, and creating positive environments where young people can discover their potential and achieve great futures.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is dedicated to helping all young people, especially those who need us most, reach their full potential as responsible, caring, and productive citizens. Established in Tulare County in the 1990s, the organization now serves more than 1,900 youth annually through eight Club locations across Tulare and Kings Counties. Club members participate in programs focused on academic success, character and leadership, healthy well-being, workforce readiness, STEM education, athletics, and enrichment in safe, supportive environments.

For more information, visit www.bgcsequoias.org.

The post Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias announces new CEO appeared first on Valley Voice.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature dinner, drinks, a live auction, Mystery Boxes, and a powerful personal story from one of the neighbors who calls The Neighborhood Village home.

The evening’s neighbor story will offer guests an opportunity to hear firsthand how community, stability and belonging can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Rather than simply hearing statistics about homelessness, guests will hear directly from someone who has experienced the journey and found hope, connection and a place to call home.

“Every year, the Summer Soirée gives our community an opportunity to come together and celebrate what is possible when we choose to invest in our neighbors,” said Adrianne Hillman, Founder and CEO of Salt + Light. “This year, we are especially excited for our guests to hear directly from one of our neighbors. Their story is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person with hopes, dreams and incredible potential.”

Salt + Light works throughout Central California to transform the lives of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness by fostering community, connection and belonging. Through its programs and The Neighborhood Village, Salt + Light provides housing and opportunities for neighbors to build stability, health, purpose and meaningful relationships. The Summer Soirée serves as one of Salt + Light’s largest annual fundraising events, helping provide the resources necessary to continue this work throughout the year.

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