I enjoyed my tour of Opal W. Fry & Son Farms this week, where I saw the wide variety of specialty crops they grow right here in the Central Valley. We discussed the importance of a reliable water supply to support local agriculture, including the critical role of the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District, which I was proud to help secure federal investment for last year. I appreciated the chance to hear directly from their team and remain committed to supporting family farms so they can continue producing the food that feeds our nation and sustaining our communities for generations to come.

On Wednesday, I met with California Highway Patrol officers and Captain Tafoya to learn more about their operations in Bakersfield and the work they’re doing to keep our roads and communities safe. We discussed efforts to combat human trafficking, improve commercial trucking safety, and address the public safety challenges facing the Central Valley. I want to thank them for their hard work to protect our communities and look forward to our continued partnership. 

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit the Almklov House in Bakersfield and learn more about the important work they do to support some of our region’s most vulnerable children. Through specialized foster care and trauma-informed services, their dedicated staff and volunteers are helping at-risk youth build brighter futures and overcome significant challenges. I’m grateful for their commitment to serving our community, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every child has the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Yesterday, I toured the City of Tulare’s Emergency Homeless Shelter project and received an update on the progress of this important facility. When fully constructed, it will provide safe, temporary housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, along with critical support services like laundry services, showers, a food pantry, and classroom for vulnerable children. I was proud to secure $1.5 million in funding for this project and look forward to its completion so it can begin serving Central Valley residents.

On Thursday, I toured Aria Community Health Center in Tulare. From primary care services to preventative health programs, Aria provides critical care to residents in communities that often struggle to receive medical services. Their commitment to serving rural and underserved populations helps ensure Valley families can receive care close to home, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their work.

This week, Team Valadao celebrated the grand opening of Claveria Bakery and Coffee in Delano and joined New Life Ministries of Tulare County’s 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, presenting Certificates of Recognition at both events. My staff also attended the 45th Annual Flag Day Ceremony in Porterville, where they recognized the Porterville Flag Day Committee for its continued dedication to honoring our nation’s flag.

Later in the week, my team met with the Tulare County Association of Governments to receive updates on local transportation priorities and attended the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting, where they presented a Certificate of Recognition to Sergeant Jay Heisy of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office for his service to the community. They also celebrated El Puesto Cocina & Lounge’s third anniversary, joined community leaders at the Youth 2 Leaders Scholarship Ceremony, met with Tulare County Parks Community Outreach Specialist Michael Rivera, toured Self-Help Enterprises’ housing developments with CEO Tom Collishaw, and visited California Dairies, Inc. to learn more about the role its family-owned dairies play in supporting the Central Valley’s agricultural economy. My staff also attended Pistachio Day at the International Agri-Center to hear updates on market conditions, water management, irrigation, and pest control. Later, they recognized four graduates of the Mercer House Culinary Arts Program for completing the program’s intensive 10-week curriculum and Candace Neal for the opening of her new law office in downtown Bakersfield.

To close out the week, Team Valadao toured Golden Empire Gleaners to learn more about its efforts to combat food insecurity, celebrated the grand opening of OneLegacy’s new Bakersfield location, and joined local healthcare providers at Adventist Health’s community provider event. Finally, my staff presented a Certificate of Recognition at Mission Hospice’s ribbon cutting and attended the California Farmworker Foundation’s Resource Center launch, where they offered brief remarks and recognized the organization for its continued support of local farmworkers and producers.

Trying to get an answer from a federal agency can often be a time-consuming and frustrating process. If you ever need help navigating a federal agency, you can visit my website or call my Hanford office at (559) 460-6070. My team is ready to assist you!

Tratar de obtener una respuesta de una agencia federal a menudo puede ser un proceso frustrante y que requiere mucho tiempo. Si alguna vez necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, puede visitar mi sitio de web aquí o llamar a mi oficina de Hanford al (559) 460-6070. ¡Mi equipo está listo para ayudarte!

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