To start the week, Team Valadao met with Ripple, a tech innovation company that recently donated $100,000 to Tulare Union High School for technological advancements, and with the Mid Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) to discuss draft water quality and groundwater allocation plans. Staff then attended the Soroptimist International of Delano 3rd Annual Girls of the Year awards, presenting Certificates of Recognition to Delano High School students. Later, they honored students at the Blood Cancer United Student Visionaries of the Year Grand Finale for their fundraising efforts. The team also joined the City of Arvin and Veolia for a ribbon cutting on a new solar installation at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, projected to save $30 million over 30 years.
Then, they delivered Certificates of Recognition for English language learners who have earned English proficiency accreditation at Kern Avenue Elementary, James Forrest Elementary, Sequoia Elementary, and Redwood Elementary School. My staff spent National Ag Day at the California Dairy Sustainability Summit and listened to speakers talk about the sustainability of California dairies, water quality, and the future of farming. Later, staff met with the Tulare Cemetery District’s new manager, Trilby Barton, and the Kings County Board of Supervisors on county priorities. To end the day, Team Valadao presented Certificates of Recognition to the graduates of the City Serve Educational Collaborative Spring 2026 class for their completion of the workforce development program.
On Wednesday, my staff visited Porterville, where they met with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss upcoming events with their Member Services Coordinator, toured the Porterville Veterans Memorial District, saw the A-4 Skyhawk restoration project, and toured the Tule River Gardens. Later, they presented a Certificate of Recognition to the South Valley Chivas Academy for their 25 years of service. Afterwards, they met with Executive Director Ramona Chiapa of the Porterville College Foundation to receive updates on the foundation’s events and priorities. Then, Team Valadao attended the annual awards for the Porterville Exchange Club to celebrate outstanding public safety officials in the area.
Ahead of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, my team met with Tulare County’s Executive Directors to discuss support services they provide for local families. Then, they discussed groundwater management in Tulare, Kings, and Kern counties with Tri-County Water Authority Executive Director Deanna Jackson. Later, my staff met with Greg Gatzka, City Manager of Corcoran and listened to presentations from the Kern Regional Center and United Way of Central Eastern Kern. The team also presented Certificates of Recognition to unWired Broadband and the Kern County District 4 office to recognize their work in expanding high-speed broadband to the Lost Hills community. Afterwards, my staff met with Wonderful Company’s Chief of Engagement and Lost Hills College Prep Academy Superintendent, Jorge Aguilar, to learn about the work they’ve been doing and more partnership opportunities.
To conclude the week, Team Valadao met with the new Tule East GSA Director and attended the Maddy Associates Luncheon. My team also joined the Bakersfield Museum of Art to celebrate their 70th Anniversary and presented them with a Certificate of Recognition. Later, staff attended the Annual Porterville Wall of Fame Ceremony in recognition of Dale W. Anderson, Susan Uptain, Catherine Capone, John G. “Jack” Lucey, and David Horowitz for their outstanding contributions to our community. Then, they joined for the McFarland Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards and State of the City Address. My staff also joined the City of Lindsay for the Olive Bowl and Kaku Park grand opening, where they presented a Certificate of Recognition. Finally, Team Valadao met with Kings United Way Executive Director Nanette Villarreal to discuss the organization's support for local charities, nonprofits, and upcoming events.
