Celebrating 10 years:

March 1995 ~ March 2005

For the past decade,

The Kaweah Commonwealth

has been telling readers

things they won't read, hear,

or see anywhere else!

In the News - Friday, APRIL 29, 2005

Silly boys, ropings

are for girls too!

At the dawn of the 21st century, the female factor is making its presence known at this local traditional competition.

  ALTHOUGH THE number of teams was off 12 percent from the record-setting total of 2,093 team entries in 2004, this year’s Lions Team Roping was a huge hit from nearly every perspective. Though the weather looked mostly threatening and may have discouraged a few ropers from coming, Saturday’s spectator attendance was possibly an all-time high for that day.
   But perhaps the most telling statistic about the 2005 event was the enthusiastic participation of the horsewomen. The dozens of females who roped, raced, and scrambled was important testimony to the growing popularity of family equestrian events like the Lions Team Roping.
   The “cowboy girls,” as they are affectionately called, competed this year in more ropings than ever and also raced around the barrels in unprecedented numbers. Six Three Rivers gals entered in the four barrel-racing categories: Janessa Wells (college student), Kohl Berry (high school freshman), Kacie Fleeman (homeschooler), and Three Rivers School students Meg Johnson and the Souza sisters, Shyan and Fallon.

HORSE ON A COURSE
   The barrel race, where each competitor is pitted against the clock, is an excellent opportunity for women to grab the spotlight and show off their equestrian skills. The Saturday and Sunday event is a nice changeup from the redundancy of the roping teams.  The short-course horse racing is a throwback to yesteryear when the fastest horses were matched on varying courses in winner-takes-all sprints.
   In the barrel races, each rider must make a sharp left turn and a right turn around two barrels placed midway down the arena and then turn sharply around a third barrel placed another 20 yards farther from the starting line. The course resembles a triangle and the final turn can be either a sharp left or right. A five-second penalty is assessed if a rider knocks over a barrel.
   After making that final turn, to the rousing cheers of the crowd, the rider sprints back to the starting line — which is now the finish line — and the clock stops. The very best riders can do the entire run in less than 16 seconds.

  “Growing up on the South Fork and all my years I’ve been riding and coming to the Roping, this is my first year riding in the barrels,” said Janessa Wells. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
   Janessa did not win the buckle in the open barrel-racing event but scored another impressive first. She recently concluded a year as the reigning Miss Tulare County (2004) and was the first from Three Rivers to ever hold that title.
   Three other competitors Meg Johnson, Kohl Berry, and Kacie Fleeman were also competing in their first local barrel races. Kacie, 10, has won numerous competitions at horse shows, said she had raced previously on the show circuit but not at Three Rivers.

GENERATION SIX
   The veterans and local torchbearers of the fast-rising sport are sisters Shyan, age 12, and Fallon Souza, 6.
   Shyan, who moved up a category this year in the junior barrels, did not repeat her buckle-winning performance of 2004. She finished less than a second off the winning time to an older, more experienced competitor.
   But the future looks bright for the Souza girls because, according to their parents, the girls are dedicated both to the sport and taking care of their horses. J.P. and Tammy (Britten) Souza, dad and mom, are their kids’ biggest fans, avid ropers, and boosters of the roping lifestyle. Tammy also competes in the open-barrel race each year.
   On any given day, this Three Rivers family may be seen perfecting their riding and roping skills in their roadside arena on Sierra Drive. The family home and arena is on land that has long been in Tammy’s family. The 1996 Three Rivers Team Roping was dedicated to Three Rivers native and lifetime rancher John Britten (1911-1995), Tammy’s grandfather.
   From the first Three Rivers Roping in 1950, Britten family members have been an important part of the success of the event. Now the Souzas — Shyan and Fallon, a seventh- and first-grader at Three Rivers School — are the sixth generation of Brittens in Three Rivers to proudly carry on that riding and roping tradition of their ranching heritage.
   Shyan and Fallon are both active members of the California Christian Barrel Racers. The racing season runs from January to September with at least one race each month. The Souzas compete against 38 other riders from age six to 18 years old.
   Shyan is currently ranked first in her age group while Fallon is third. Shyan also hones her leadership skills as a member of the board of directors of the statewide organization.
   While some families are chasing after Little League baseball or travel-team soccer, the Souzas are on the road, participating in barrel-racing and roping competitions at various rodeos. As a member of the Junior Christian Cowboys/Cowgirls Association, Shyan also competes against another group of juniors monthly at a Riverdale rodeo. She is already earning prize money on that circuit as a team roper.

MAKING THEIR MARK
   In addition to being a local stage for these equestrienne athletes and team ropers, the Three Rivers Roping also features the two-day Craig Thorn III Memorial Calf Branding. In this event, named for a local cowboy legend who died in 1987, teams of four cowboys perform one of the spring rituals of cattle ranching. Two mounted cowboys rope the calf and then dally the ropes so the two on the ground can wrestle and brand the calf. The quickest cowpoke returns the branding iron to the paint bucket in under two minutes.
   At 9 p.m. Sunday, when the last of the buckles is awarded and the top winners have received their saddles, there’s a melancholy air at Lions Arena as another roping comes to a close. The Lions breathe a sigh of relief for another fundraising job well done… and start planning for 2006.

Kaweah Country stocked

for trout opener

   FOR MORE than a half-century, trout anglers have hoped for good April weather in time for the traditional Sierra trout opener. Eastside fisherman traditionally stand elbow to elbow at high-country lakes along Highway 395 north of Bishop just for the chance to catch rainbow or brown trout hungry for any bait tossed in their direction.
   This Saturday, April 30, opening day will be no different as fisherman flock to high-country fishing holes like Lake Crowley. As many as 9,000 anglers are expected to fish Lake Crowley while thousands more will work stretches of the Owens River, Convict Lake, the June Lake loop, and fisheries in the Bridgeport area.
   Closer to home, and for the first time in several years, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will also stock prior to the April 30 opener in both the Kaweah River and at Lake Kaweah.
   That means that hundreds of large trout averaging a half-pound each will be frequenting the popular holes below the North Fork and Dinely bridges and in and around the boat ramp area of Lake Kaweah.
   After the trout become acclimated, usually in a day or two, they generally congregate where the Middle Fork of the river flows into the lake. This year, there are several new fishing spots in that locale accessible due to the newly enlarged Slick Rock Recreation Area.
   To go after the tasty trout, a valid fishing license is required to be visible on the person. An annual resident license costs $33.35 and is available at local outlets like Three Rivers Drug and Kaweah General Store. A stamp is available for an additional $10.25 that allows the use of two fishing rods in lakes and reservoirs (only one fishing rod is allowed on streams and in rivers).
   All license categories are available without the $2 agent fees at Fish and Game offices. For the nearest location or for more information about the stocking program, anglers may call the DFG-Region Four office, 243-4005.

Lions Club to pay

marrow registry fee

   AT THE Thursday, May 5, community blood drive, sponsored by the Three Rivers Lions, participants will also be provided with the opportunity to register with the National Marrow Donor Program.
   The shortage of bone-marrow donors has been brought to the fore locally in the past year due to a young Three Rivers resident who is desperately in need of a marrow transplant to combat cancer. Sara Ruehling, 6, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in February 2004 and, being of Asian descent but adopted by Causcasian parents, the family has had to turn to the bone marrow registry in their desperate search for a donor, but due to a shortage of certain ethnicities, the program has yet to supply a life-saving marrow match for Sara.
   Anyone in good general health and between the ages of 17 and 59 is eligible to join the registry. Donors will remain on the registry until the age of 60. To join the National Marrow Donor Program registry as a potential marrow or blood stem-cell donor, a small blood sample will be taken to determine the tissue type.
The blood-donation process normally takes about an hour to complete. Those planning to also register as a bone-marrow donor should plan on spending an additional 10 to 15 minutes to complete a short health questionnaire and have a small blood sample taken and tested for tissue-typing.
   The Lions Club will pay the $65 tissue-typing fee for the first 10 people who register as a bone-marrow donor, and if 10 people ultimately register, the Lions Club will consider paying for any additional marrow donors who wish to register on this day.
   Also important to note is that the tissue-typing fee will be waived for potential donors who have a specific mixed ethnic background. To learn more about the commitment to register with the National Marrow Donor Program, visit www.marrow.org.
   Central California Blood Center personnel will be available at the upcoming blood drive to provide additional information and address questions and concerns. Information may also be received from Rusty Crain, blood drive chairperson for the Three Rivers Lions Club, by calling 561-4549.

OBITUARIES

Judy Huddleston
1940 ~ 2005
   Judith Lynn Huddleston of Three Rivers died Wednesday, April 20, 2005. She was 65.
   Judy was born in Pasadena on Jan. 28, 1940, to Edgar and Elouise Morris.
   Judy and her husband, Bruce, moved to Three Rivers in 1989. In support of Bruce, who is a founding member of and piano player in the Three Rivers-based High Sierra Jazz Band, Judy is a past officer of the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club and longtime editor of “Jazzomania,” the club’s monthly newsletter.
   Judy retired in 2002 as an executive secretary in the Communications Department of Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia. In addition to the Jazz Club’s newsletter, she continued to use her computer skills to aid a variety of causes.
   Judy was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church. She was also currently the secretary of the Arts Alliance of Three Rivers, the sponsor of the upcoming Redbud Festival.
   Judy’s hobbies included music, arts and crafts, antiquing, and gardening. She enjoyed roaming the riverbanks near her home, gathering uniquely-shaped river rocks that she would later transform into whimsical wildlife critters. Some will be on display at next week’s memorial potluck (Tuesday, May 3, 6-9:30 p.m, St. Anthony Retreat).

Remembering Judy
   Judy was an inspiration to many. She was a bold visionary who lived life through the many adventures of love, art, and music.
   Judy lived her life with no inhibitions: “Anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” she would say.
   She loved life through her family and friends and danced through life with her husband, Bruce.

  “Being in love with Bruce is just like you see it in the movies,” said Judy.
   She was capable of being the best mother, the sincerest sister, the most endearing daughter, and the utmost loving wife. She taught the meaning of life through living it herself.
   Judy was a Girl Scout mom and a “Three Rivers rowdy.” She was flamboyant in everything she did, from embracing others with the most passionate love to belly-dancing in the grocery store.
   She cherished nature and all its living creatures, especially her cats, including, as Judy described, “one very special kitty named Lovey, [who] is an incredibly interactive animal.”
                                                    * * *
   In addition to her husband, Bruce, Judy is survived by her five children — daughter Cheryl Cook and husband Lee, daughter Sharon Turl and husband Kevin, son Daniel Smith and wife Lynda, daughter Jeannette Vollmer, and son Randy Smith — 14 grandchildren; the newest addition to family whom Judy was able to meet, one great-grandchild; her sister, Nelda Morris, brother David Morris, and brothers-in-law, Stan Huddleston of Visalia and Charles Huddleston.
   On Jan. 8, 2005, Judy was preceded in death by her sister-in-law and Stan’s wife, Gayla Huddleston.

Mary DeLourde Brooks
1931 ~ 2005
   Mary DeLourde “Lori” Brooks of Monterey died Saturday, April 16, 2005. She was 73.
   Mary was born in Los Angeles on June 5, 1931, to Mary and Joseph Krueger. She was a registered nurse for 45 years.
   Mary’s love for Dixieland jazz began when she was 19 and first heard Pete Daley. In 1963, she became a co-founder and charter member of the Society for the Preservation of Dixieland Jazz.
   In 1978, she moved to the Monterey Peninsula with her six children. As a professional vocalist, her happiest moments were singing with High Sierra Jazz Band of Three Rivers and the Sweet Adelines barbershop-harmony group.
   In 1990, Mary opened DeLourde’s Bed & Breakfast in Three Rivers and loved operating this business. In 1996, she returned to Monterey.
   Mary was preceded in death by her son, DeLane Mellinger.
   She is survived by her three daughters, Denise Mellinger, Dawn Mellinger, and Rosie Conway (of Three Rivers); two sons, Richard Mellinger and Dana Mellinger; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four sisters; and four brothers.
   Services were held Saturday, April 23, at St. Angela’s Catholic Church in Pacific Grove.

Western Week

takes to the streets

   Each year during the seven days preceding the Woodlake Rodeo, the residents of Woodlake celebrate their ranching heritage with a Western Week full of activities sponsored by local service groups and businesses.
   All events are open to the public. Here is this year’s schedule:

SATURDAY, APRIL 30
11 A.M.-5 P.M., Woodlake City Park— Western Week Kickoff Day: Chili, Ribs, and Salsa Cook-off, Firemen’s Muster, volleyball, games, food, and more. Sponsored by the Woodlake Volunteer Fire Department.
6-10 P.M., next to City Park— Street Dance. Sponsored by the Woodlake Volunteer Fire Department.

MONDAY, MAY 2
4-6 P.M., Woodlake City Park— Bicycle Safety and Rally. Sponsored by Friday Night Live and the Kiwanis of Woodlake.

TUESDAY, MAY 3
3:30-7 P.M., Woodlake City Park— “Gimme 5!” Celebration Carnival. Sponsored by the Woodlake YMCA.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4
4-7 P.M., next to Woodlake Post Office— Soapbox Derby. Sponsored by Kiwanis of Woodlake and the Woodlake YMCA.
5:30-7:30 P.M., YMCA recreation center— Barbecue Dinner. Sponsored by Presbyterian Church of Woodlake.

THURSDAY, MAY 5
6-10 P.M., Woodlake City Park— Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Sponsored by the Woodlake Volunteer Fire Department.

FRIDAY, MAY 6
10 A.M.-2 P.M., Fruit Growers Supply, 131 S. Blair— Customer Appreciation Day with free barbecue, hayrides, and more. Sponsored by Fruit Growers Supply.
6 P.M., Woodlake Memorial Building— “Reverse Drawing” Dinner. Sponsored by the Woodlake High School Foundation (see Kaweah Kalendar, page 12, for details).

SATURDAY, MAY 7
ALL DAY— National Letter Carriers Food Drive. Woodlake postal patrons may leave food by their mailboxes for collection. Sponsored since 1992 by the National Association of Letter Carriers.
7-10 A.M., Paradise Video parking lot— All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes ($5, adults; $3, children under 13). Sponsored by the Kiwanis of Woodlake.
10 A.M., Valencia Boulevard (Woodlake’s main street)— Woodlake Western Days Parade with floats, performers, and special appearances by the 2005 Grand Marshal (Hubert Wolfe) and Rodeo Queen (Kendra Burkheimer of Farmersville). Sponsored by the Woodlake Lions Club.
11 A.M.-4:30 P.M., Woodlake Lions Rodeo Ranch— Woodlake Rodeo. Gates open early for the annual Deep-pit Barbecue. Rodeo action begins about 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Woodlake Lions Club (see Kaweah Kalendar page for details).

SUNDAY, MAY 8
11 A.M.-4:30 P.M., Woodlake Lions Rodeo Ranch— Woodlake Rodeo. Gates open early for the annual Deep-pit Barbecue. Rodeo action begins about 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Woodlake Lions Club (see Kaweah Kalendar page for details).


WEED WARS
The Most Wanted List:
Invasive plants in Three Rivers

By Melanie Baer-Keeley

Part 3
   While many plants could be considered to be rampantly aggressive, nine currently pose serious threats to the Three Rivers landscape, and it is critical that they be controlled.
   Manual, chemical and, in some cases, biological controls are suggested. However, soil solarization, steam, livestock grazing, and propane torching are viable options, but require more detailed explanation than can be provided here. (Contact Tulare County Cooperative Extension, 685-3303; Natural Resources Conservation Service, 734-8732, ext. 3; or Sequoia National Park, 565-4479; to pursue information on these or any methods of weed abatement.)
   Learning to recognize these plants in their juvenility, then taking steps to manage them at this stage before they reproduce is the surest and simplest way to eliminate them. Controlling invasive plants initially requires a lot of effort, but lessens with consistency and time. The benefits of managing your property well — retaining its health and beauty as well as value — more than compensates for the effort expended.

TREE OF HEAVEN (Ailanthus altissima)
   Family: Simauroubaceae (Quassia Family)
   Other Common Name: Ailanthus
   Description: Fast-growing deciduous tree to 65 feet tall. Compound leaves 1 to 3 feet long have 13 to 25 oppositely-occurring leaflets. Leaves are foul-smelling. Bark is gray. Flowers are small, yellowish green, arranged in clusters. Fruit is winged and reddish-brown when ripe.
   Reproduction: Spreads primarily by root sprouts and occasionally by floating seeds.
   Habitat: Commonly found growing along steep streambanks, it is rapidly invading the Kaweah River drainage.
   Background: Originates in eastern Asia and northeast Australia.
   Control: Hand-pull seedlings when young. Hand digging tree roots is difficult, but effective. Also effective is applying concentrated, systemic herbicide to fresh cut stumps. Repeat herbicide treatments as necessary.

GIANT REED (Arundo donax)
   Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
   Other Common Names: Giant Cane, False Bamboo
   Description: Perennial to 30 feet tall. Two-foot blue-green leaves attach directly to upright stems. Flowers arise in plumes from stem tips in summer to fall.
   Reproduction: Remnant stems readily sprout roots. Also reproduces rampantly by rhizomes.
   Habitat: Occurs in wetlands and moist areas below 2,000 feet.
   Background: Under leadership of NRCS, groups are attempting to eradicate this aggressive grass. Without this effort, the weed could easily overtake much of the Kaweah River, replacing the wetland vegetation and making the river impenetrable to most wildlife.
   Control: Cut stems to the ground, then paint with concentrated, systemic herbicide with active ingredient “Glyphosate.” If plant is in or near water, a permit is required (call NRCS or Cooperative Extension). Or, over summer, cut stems to the ground, cover tightly with a tarp to overheat plant and to reduce light.

VINCA (Vinca major)
   Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)
   Other Common Names: Periwinkle, Greater Periwinkle, Vinca
   Description: Perennial, vining groundcover to 2 feet tall. Dark green, waxy 2-inch heart-shaped leaves occur opposite each other on stems. Leaves and stems produce milky juice. Flowers are large and purple with five petals.
   Reproduction: Vinca will root where stems touch the ground. Rarely propagates by seed.
   Habitat: It is most frequently found as an escape in moist soils and shaded places, creeping into drainages.
   Background: Dry or cold weather temporarily sets growth back, but Vinca quickly resprouts and recovers.
   Control: In streamside areas, manual removal is preferred. These efforts require complete removal of roots and stems. In developed areas, mechanical wounding with a brush cutter or weed-whacker, followed by repeat applications of 3-to 5-percent “Roundup” has been successful.

ITALIAN THISTLE (Carduus pycnocephalus)
  Family: Asteraceae (Sun-flower Family)
  Other Common Names: Slender Thistle, Shore Thistle
  Description: An annual or biennial plant that initially grows as a rosette. When flowering, stems elongate to 7 feet high. Stems are divided into 4 to 10 lobes and are winged and very spiny. Clusters of 2 to 5 small rose to purple flowers are covered in cob-webby hair and spines.
  Reproduction: Seeds float in the wind or attach to animals and clothing.
  Habitat: Generally found below 5,000 feet in shaded grassy areas of chaparral or oak woodland communities.
  Background: A rampant seeder, Italian Thistle populations are exploding in Three Rivers.
  Control: Juvenile plants should be hand-weeded, tilled, or sprayed with systemic herbicides such as “Transline” or “Roundup.” Remove flowers before they go to seed and take off-site, as they can continue to ripen and disperse. Removal becomes more difficult as plants age.

YELLOW STARTHISTLE (Centaurea solstitialis)
   Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
   Description: Plant grows to 3 feet. Vegetative parts of plant are spineless, but buds and flowers have long ½-inch golden yellow spines. Leafy flanges extend the length of the stems. Yellow Starthistle is related to and looks similar to another invasive, Tocolote, but its spines are shorter and darker in color. Tocolote is widespread throughout Three Rivers.
   Reproduction: One plant can produce up to 10,000 seeds a year.
   Habitat: Aggressively spreading over most elevations and habitats, it begins by colonizing disturbed areas. Yellow Starthistle is abundant along Highway 198 west of Lemon Cove. A small population of Starthistle was recently found in Three Rivers.
   Control: Early detection and control is critical to preventing invasion of this highly threatening species. If found, call NRCS for help with identification and/or eradication as soon as possible. Hand-weeding or tilling when soils are moist and plants are young or spraying them with systemic herbicide such as “Transline” or “Roundup” controls growth. Mowing or weed-whacking Starthistle in early flowering stages under low soil-moisture conditions may prevent regrowth and flowering. Follow-up monitoring is essential. Be sure to cut off flowerheads before they seed and remove from the site, as they can continue to ripen and germinate. Biological control agents — Yellow Starthistle Seedhead Weevil, Yellow Starthistle Seedhead Fly, Peacock Fly, and False Peacock Fly — have been introduced in California and are showing promising results.

HIMALAYAN BLACKBERRY (Rubus discolor)
   Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
   Description: A mounding evergreen shrub that produces canes to 40 feet long, rooting as it sprawls. Leaves are compound, consisting of 3 to 5 toothed green leaflets with white underneath. Pink or white flowers are in clusters. Fruits, which occur in the summer, are fleshy, edible drupes.
   Reproduction: Birds and animals distribute seeds. Root and cane cuttings become impenetrable thickets within two years.
   Habitat: A highly aggressive grower, it forms massive colonies covering waterways and banks, ultimately blocking animal access to water.
   Background: Identity could be mistaken for the less aggressive native blackberry, Rubus glaucifolius. The main canes of the Himalayan blackberry are 5-angled and compound leaves number 3 to 5, whereas the stems of the native blackberry are rounded with compound leaves seldom more than 3 in number.
   Control: Cut canes and dig out roots. Re-sprouting often occurs, requiring years of follow-up attention. In the fall, hand-cutting of canes, followed by repeat applications of concentrated systemic herbicides is very effective.

MILK THISTLE (Silybum marianum)
   Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
   Description: Biennial or annual plant. Initially produces a low-growing rosette. When flowering, stems reach to 6 feet high. Leaves to 1 foot long have characteristic white marbling with spiny, wavy edges. Flowers are magenta and well-armed.
   Reproduction: Prolific seeder. Seeds float in the wind or attach to animals and clothing for dispersal.
   Habitat: Grows along roadsides, pasturelands, and other disturbed areas below 2,000 feet.
   Background: Native to the Mediterranean.
   Control: Hand-weeding or tilling seedlings when soils are moist and plants are young or spraying young plants with systemic herbicide such as “Transline” or “Roundup” helps control pest. Cut off flowers before they go to seed, removing them from the site, as they can continue to ripen and germinate. As the plant matures, removal becomes much more difficult and painful.

SPANISH BROOM (Spartium junceum)
   Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
   Other Common Names: Gorse
   Description: Shrubby to 10 feet tall. This plant is leafless most of the year with hollow dark green, rush-like stems maturing into woody brown branches. Leaves are linear, one-half inch long, and lacking hair. Bright yellow, 1-inch flowers are pea-shaped and clustered along stem tips. Seed pods are 2 to 3 inches long.
   Reproduction: Prolific seeder. Seed explodes out of pods.
   Habitat: Typically found in steep, disturbed areas in foothills regions below 2,500 feet.
   Background: Thousands of long-lived seeds are produced and remain in the soil seedbank, so monitoring to prevent reestablishment must occur. Spanish broom exists in the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River and is expanding downstream.
   Control: Dig out rootball entirely or cut down stems, painting stumps with concentrated systemic herbicide.

PUNCTURE VINE (Tribulus terrestris)
   Family: Zygophyllaceae (Caltrop Family)
   Other Common Names: Goatshead
   Description: An annual plant with low, sprawling growth. Leaves are compound with 4 to 8 opposite leaflets. Yellow, half-inch flowers have 5 petals. Barbed seeds.
   Reproduction: Heavy seeder. Seed punctures and attaches to the feet, fur, and feathers of animals, as well as bike and car tires.
   Habitat: Widespread throughout California on arid disturbed soils.
   Background: Long-lived seeds require continuous monitoring and control. Puncture vine can be injurious and poisonous to livestock.
   Control: Hand pull or till when soils are moist, when plants are young, and before going to seed. Apply preemergent herbicides to deter seeds from germinating, or contact-type post-emergent, broad-leaved herbicides. Biological control agents, puncture-vine weevils have been released and established in California providing moderate results.

TIME WILL TELL
10 years ago this month

    FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 1995— The Tulare County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors certify a zone change from rural-residential to commercial-recreation on a portion of the Thorn Ranch. The action, if adopted by the Board of Supervisors, would pave the way for a multi-million dollar destination resort.
   A NEW AMBULANCE arrived in Three Rivers.
   A TOTAL OF 1,400 teams competed at the 45th annual Team Roping.
   OBITUARY: VAN DIXON (1903-1995), of Laguna Hills, a Mineral King cabin owner since 1950.