Mayor, Councilmembers to be Sworn in

Kerman's newly elected mayor and city councilmembers will be sworn in during the City Council meeting Wednesday, Dec. 20, beginning at 6:30pm in the Kerman Community Center.

The latest vote tallies from the Nov. 7 election were released Dec. 4 by the Fresno County Elections Dept. The records show a 50.6 turnout for the city council election, with 1737 of 3436 possible voters casting ballots.

Longtime council veteran Trinidad Rodriguez, running unopposed, took the two year Mayor position with 1217 votes (94.2 percent). With three contenders for two regular, four-year council posts the voting was so close the winners shifted back and forth at least once. Final totals are: Local Subway shop operator Kanwaldeep S. "Raj" Dhaliwal, 803 (33.87%); Kerman Telephone representative Ken Moore, 786 (33.15%) and Central Valley Community Bank Kerman branch representative Charlie Jones, 771 (32.52%).

At the meeting the council will review the votes, approve the election, and the officials will take their places on the dais. A brief recess is planned for resfreshments and congratulations.

Kerman Unified Board Hears Gripes About Construction Choice

KERMAN (Nov. 22) - The Kerman Unified board heard complaints last week about its choice of a construction company as the district begins work to build a new elementary school. There was a standing room only crowd at the school board meeting Thursday evening, to urge the board to reconsider its choice of the Davis Moreno construction firm.

Davis Moreno is already involved in Kerman, building multipurpose rooms at Kerman High and Kerman Middle School.

Kerman Unified is in the preliminary stages of work on a new elementary school, on the east side of town, at Kearney and Goldenrod. The district has acquired 20.7 acres of land at that location for a new school, which is needed because of increasing student enrollment projections.

Last week the district was approving a preliminary services agreement with the construction firm. Asst. Superintendent Jim Foley said the district started with four proposals from construction firms in August, and after background checks and committee investigations, had narrowed down the list to Davis Moreno. The firm asked for a $56,000 agreement, and the board approved a $30,000 figure, without dissent.

A handbill had been distributed around town prior to the meeting, showing a photo of a column at Kingsburg High School and implying that it had been improperly constructed. The flier also said Davis Moreno had a history of cost overruns, late construction, poor quality and wage violations.

Four or five people from the audience spoke out against the agreement. They raised concerns about the quality of work done by Davis Moreno, and urged the board to do more investigation of the firm. One speaker, who said he represented the carpenters union, urged the board to "do more research," and said he had a petition signed by 300 concerned citizens of the area.

There was also concern that Kerman Unified had given Davis Moreno a ‘no-bid contract.’ District officials say the deal is a ‘lease-leaseback’ arrangement, a form of contract which is becoming increasingly popular with school districts throughout the state, as a means of holding down construction costs. In general, a school district acquires property, then leases it to a construction firm for a nominal amount (typically $1 a year). The firm then builds the school (assuming most of the risks of cost increases), leasing it back to the school district for an agreed upon price. At the end of the lease, which is generally timed to coincide with the construction period, the district owns the school.

The agreement had solid support on the Kerman Unified board. Board President Brian Pacheco noted that the multipurpose buildings are on time and on budget. Board member Glen Foth said he had "absolutely no problem" with voting for the contract. KUSD Supt. Roger Halberg said he’d talked to other school districts and that they all supported the process. "I believe we’ve done thorough research," he said.

Paul Toste (left) receives a commendation from Kerman Police Chief William Newton.

Commendation for Helping Police

Paul Toste of Kerman received a commendation from the Kerman Police Dept. Nov. 1, in connection with the capture of an wanted man. 

Police Chief Willam Newton said that on Oct. 4 his officers and Sheriff's Deputies were in a high speed pursuit of a parolee at large, on unpaved rural roads near Kerman. Because of the clouds of dust, officers were just about at the point of calling off the chase. 

Toste, a local vetinerian and farmer, was out checking irrigation water when he heard the sirens and saw the red and blue lights of the police cars.  He decided to intervene and blocked the road with his own vehicle, forcing the suspect to abandon his vehicle and flee on foot. Toste then helped officer locate the suspect. 

Newton thanked Toste for "putting aside his fear and helping law enforcement apprehend a violent criminal ... Your selfless efforts are to be commended."  Kerman Mayor Ken Moore agreed, saying that "an effort like Paul's makes our police 10 times as effective."

Toste said he just happened to be in "the wrong place at the right time," but that he enjoyed watching the police, the helicopter and K-9 dog apprehend the wanted man. "It was great!"

Search Warrant Breaks Several Burglaries in Kerman

Kerman Police Dept. officers served a search warrant at a home at 775 Lum St. in Kerman Tuesday morning, Oct. 31, and uncovered stolen goods with an estimated value of between $50,000 and $100,000.  One man, identified as a 45 year old white male adult, was arrested.  Police Chief William Newton said he believed the individual was fencing stolen property for methamphetamine. In addition to charges in connection with the stolen property, the suspect was charged with felony elder abuse. Officials said the man's mother was found in the home in a dehydrated and neglected condition.

The site of the operation was well chosen, being in the middle of a new housing development where construction workers and new homeowners are constantly going too and fro and a set routine has yet to be established. 

Newton said the police were tipped off to the situation by a confidential informant.  Another informant reported becoming suspicious when seeing the suspect putting plants in the ground in his front yard late at night.  The plants were found to have been stolen, and they too went off with their rightful owner in the daylight. 

Newton said the arrest will clear three months of burglaries, with at least eight different victims, which include a Kerman City Councilman.  Officers were able to compile lists of the stolen property and match them with police reports of burglaries. Much of the property was brought out of the house, laid out on the front lawn, and victims were able to come by and reclaim their belongings. The loot included electronic equipment, a big screen TV, garden equipment, furnishings and artwork and even a jade Budda figure, which officials think may be worth thousands of dollars on its own.

Police believe the suspect had been conducting yard sales over several months, selling stolen property.  If anyone has purchased items at this address they are asked to contact the Kerman Police Dept. at 559-846-6634.  Anyone who has been a victim of a burglary or theft in the past few months should also not hesitate to contact the police.

Stolen property was laid out on the lawn of this house in Kerman, for the rightful owners to reclaim.

A couple plants, which may have been the downfall of the fencing operation, are returned to their owner.

The Kerman City Council recognized one of Kerman’s oldest residents Wednesday, Oct. 18. The Mayor presented a certificate of recognition and congratulations to relatives of long-time Kermanite Lula Mae Cardwell, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 12.   ABOVE - Family members accept certificate on behalf of Lula Mae Cardwell. From the left - Pat Crouch Long, Betty Arnold, Mayor Ken Moore, Susan Wood Crouch and Ken Crouch.

NEW BUILDINGS GO UP ON KERMAN CAMPUSES

Officials from Kerman Unified School District toured two new multi-purpose buildings Saturday morning, Oct. 7. Also on hand were representatives of Davis Moreno Construction, the firm in charge of the projects.

In this photo the group takes a look at the larger of the two buildings, the one on the Kerman High campus, on First St., near Whitesbridge.

The group also took a look at the building going up on the Kerman Middle School campus.

These multipurpose buildings, budgeted at over $5 million and $3 million respectively, are part of an ambitious expansion of Kerman Unified school facilities made possible by a local school bond, Measure K, and the use of ‘matching funds’ from the State of California.

KUSD Board President Brian Pacheco said that so far the buildings are "on time, and under budget."

On Sept. 30 the Kerman community was represented in the Fresno County Sesquicentennial Parade with a a float which glided down the parade route between the Kerman High School and Middle School Bands.

The Kerman Float was professionally built by Fiesta Parade Floats. It showcased Kerman’s historical Plaza Veterans Park. The Mayor along with other community residents rode on the float.

Kerman Harvest Festival Grand Marshal Announced

The Kerman Chamber of Commerce has announced that Olen and Lottie White are the Grand Marshal honorees for the 2006 Kerman Harvest Festival.

Olen and Lottie are lifelong residents of Kerman and graduates of Kerman Union High School. Olen furthered his education attending a technical college at night and worked during the day. He also attended night classes in computers. In 1966 Olen was drafted into the Army to serve during the Viet Nam War, where he worked in a hospital. Olen and Lottie (Mercer) White were married on October 14, 1967.

In 1989 Olen became the minister for the Kerman Church of Christ at the comer of 6th and "G" Street. He and Lottie have been on two missionary campaigns to Ghana, West Africa and have also traveled to Nigera, Africa and to the Netherlands (Holland).

Olen worked for the Postal Service for 31 years, retiring in 2001. He had a hobby restoring old photographs which he has turned into a business, "White Rose Enterprises". Olen’s interest in the history of the Kerman Post Office has led to a desire to write the full history of Kerman.

Olen and Lottie volunteered for the Kerman Cultural Arts Council for six and half years working in the office, helping to gather photos and historical information. Even now after leaving the KCAC, Olen continues his quest for historical information, interesting stories and photographs for another much more extensive book on the history of Kerman.

Olen and Lottie have done a terrific job as the Harvest Festival Parade Chairmen since 2003. They helped with Kerman’s 100/60 Year Celebration in April, setting up a small Historical Museum; helped design the Historical Afghan Throw, wrote "The First 100 Years" Book and put together ‘The History DVD’ video.

Olen has a desire to see a permanent historical museum in Kerman.

New Police Unit Aimed at Drugs, Gangs

The Kerman Police Department has formed a new enforcement unit, the Special Investigations Division (SID). The unit is broken down into two sections: a gang unit and a narcotics unit.

During the unit’s first first week in existence officers conducted a parole/probation sweep which netted three felony arrests and one misdemeanor arrest, and sent two parolees back to prison. Officers also executed a search warrant which sent another parolee back to prison.

"We intend to make an impact in our city," says KPD Chief William Newton. "Should you want to keep on committing criminal acts we will catch up with you, and we will take you to jail. Get smart and get legal, or get out of our town."

Westside Educator Recognized

Kerman Unified School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Kathleen Goodlad as the Principal of Kerman-Floyd Elementary. Goodlad’s previous experience prior to coming to Kerman was as a senior guidance instructional specialist at Freedom Elementary in Clovis Unified. Goodlad began her career as a teacher at 122nd Street School in the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1972. In 1994, she became a reading specialist with Clovis Unified, followed by teacher on special assignment in 2001.

The North Central Fire District governing board is considering placing a proposal to contract with Fresno City Fire Dept. on the November ballot.

Sharp Criticism as NCFD

Board Deadlocks Again

KERMAN, May 17 - There was stinging criticism leveled at North Central Fire District boardmembers last week, when the group deadlocked for a second time on the issue of contracting with Fresno Fire Dept. for services.
Meeting for two hours Wednesday afternoon, May 10, the board was evenly split on the issue, unable to either pass or soundly defeat the proposal.
Boardmembers Ken Abrahamian and Cheryl Belluomini opposed the contract, while Rusty Nonini and Dennis Yates stood in favor. The tie breaking vote would be from Boardmember Rusty Souza, who is sitting out the debate. He is an employee of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, an early bidder on the NCFD contract.
About 40 people were present at the special board meeting last Wednesday. The board first reviewed changes in the proposed contract, pounded out in the last few days between representatives of North Central and Fresno Fire.
The changes flow from comments made at a meeting on April 26, when the board first deadlocked on the contract vote.
The changes included a new job position - business manager, for the district; changes to fees calculations;  terms under which the agreement could be terminated; probationary periods; seniority details and response protocols.
The contract would shift firefighters from North Central to Fresno Fire, for which North Central would pay about $4.3 million annually. Two North Central stations in northwest Fresno would be closed, their duties taken over by new Fresno Fire stations. Remaining fire stations in Biola, Kearney Park and Kerman would see increased numbers of firefighters on the engines.
The proposed 30 year contract received virtually universal approval from those speaking from the audience. Kerman Mayor Ken Moore called it a “:historic opportunity” for the NCFD board, “the very best solution available to you.”
Fresno County Board of Supervisors member Phil Larson (the Westside) said the conract was in line with ideas the County has to provide consolidated fire services. “I see this as a win-win situation,” he said.
Also speaking in favor of the proposed contract were the manager of the UMC Burn Center, a representative of the Fresno County Historical Society (concerned about the safety of Kearney Mansion), a local businessman, a former firefighter, and a local sudbivision developer.
North Central Fire Chief Lonnie Downs said the conract was a “chance to change the face of fire service,” while  Fresno Fire Chief Randy Bruegman said “there is only one answer ... consolidate and pull together.”
But the board remained symied. Abrahamian explained his no vote by saying there were still “issues with closing two of our stations,” and was concerned with possible dispatching confusion.  Belluomini said she also had doubts, while casting her no vote. “My doubts are financial,” she said. “I don’t see how we’re going to come out of it.”
There was immediate and sharp criticism of the anti-contract boardmembers. NCFD firefighter Wayne Van Omam, sporting a recall sign, said, “You want to play the incompetent fool? ...  I wanted to be proud of this board, and you’ve made me ashamed.”
Boardmember Dennis Yates made a second effort to get a motion approving the contract passed, seconded by Rusty Nonini. Failing to approve the contract would be “the biggest mistake this district has ever made,” he said.
Yates asked the opposing boardmembers if they would abstain, but district legal council Dale Bacigalupi said that, as elected officials, boardmembers are required to take a position on issues. The votes remained the same.

North Central Board Deadlocks on Fire Services Contract

Kerman, April 27 - The North Central Fire District board deadlocked Wednesday evening when trying to approve a fire services contract with Fresno Fire Dept. 

Under consideration is a 30-year contract which would see Fresno Fire Dept. provide firefighting services to the district, in a move which supporters say would cut costs for North Central and provide more firefighters at the scene of an emergency. The contract has been under intense debate at North Central for several months.

In the last decade North Central has seen a steady erosion of its property tax funding as the City of Fresno annexes land to its northwest, land which was formerly part of North Central.  Over a period of years the loss of revenue has meant North Central has had to cut back on the number of personnel it has available.

Last Wednesday evening the board reviewed the latest contract proposal, looking over some financial data which indicated a possible savings of about $100,000 in the NCFD annual budget of about $5.2 million.  North Central would pay Fresno about $4.3 million a year for providing fire services, a figure which could go up with the cost of living.

The board discussed the fate of the district's personnel should the contract be signed. The firefighters would be transferred to Fresno Fire/Fresno City, but a few office workers and staff may be retained by the district. The board of directors would remain in force under a contract, and the North Central name would be retained.

Also under discussion were the district's fire scene protocols, and how a takeover by Fresno Fire might affect them.  NCFD Chief Lonnie Downs said the protocols give wide discretion to the fire scene commander, a feature which is common in all fire fighting outfits.

Fresno Fire Chief Randy Bruegman was also on hand to field questions from the board. He assured the board that "we're not going to leave the territory uncovered" when fire engines are committed to an incident, and also said that Fresno Fire will honor North Central's current 'Instant Aid' agreements with neighboring fire districts.

The proposal calls for two of North Central's fire stations, at Bullard and West and at Grantland and Shields, to be closed. Paramedic crews would be housed in the buildings, it was reported. Paramedic services would not be affected under the proposed NCFD/Fresno Fire deal, as they are handled under a county-wide contract with American Ambulance.

Fresno Fire is either building or planning three new fire stations in the northwest Fresno area, at Clinton and Polk, Marks and Belmont and Shaw and Grantland. It is expected they will all be open within a couple years, Bruegman said.  North Central stations in Kearney Park and Biola would be retained, with firefighter numbers going from two to three. In Kerman the number would increase to four, from the current three on duty.

Downs said the increase in staffing would provide "far better" coverage for North Central, enabling the district to reach a goal of putting 10 or 15 personnel on a major fire, as quickly as possible. He also said that the contract would provide a better, unified dispatching service.  The eventual goal is to provide "one seamless fire district from here to Fresno," he said.

Jeff Crask, representing the NCFD firefighter's union, said the group was in favor of the contract. He also presented a petition which he said had about 250 signatures from area businesses and individuals who also support the proposed contract.

But when the measure was called to a vote, the board split evenly on the issue. Boardmember Dennis Yates, a strong supporter of the deal, was backed by Boardmember Rusty Nonini. But Board Chair Cheryl Belluomini and Boardmember Ken Abrahamian voted no, citing a need for more time. "I don't want to be rushed," said Belluomini. The fifth Boardmember, Rusty Souza, was not present.

There was obvious disappointment from the audience when the board deadlocked. "Total incompetence is my opinion," said local resident Lyn Moore.  On the board Yates asked, "are we just going to wait for this to fail?"

The board scheduled a special meeting on May 2 to take up the issue again.

NORTH CENTRAL PONDERS CONTRACTING FOR FIRE SERVICES

KERMAN, JAN. 11 - Last Wednesday evening North Central Fire Protection district took a look at two proposals to provide fire protection for the sprawling district, which covers a 250 square mile chunk of north-central Fresno County, including Kerman, Biola and parts of northwest Fresno.

North Central, formed in 1945, claimed seven stations and more than 60 personnel at it’s greatest extent, about a quarter century ago. But has Fresno has expanded to the north west, annexing land formerly in North Central, property tax revenues have dropped. Today the district counts only five stations, and about 40-odd personnel.

And when North Central loses it’s last stations in the high-rent Fresno area, it will see revenues drop by over 40%, a situation which could mean the district would be unable to go on, say some board members.

"This is a very important issue, which needs to be addressed," said NCFD Chief Lonnie Downs.

In order to stave off such a result the district has been considering the idea of ‘contracting out’ for fire services protection. It is hoped that this will result in enough savings in resources and administration to stabilize North Central’s finances.

Some of the main concerns about the idea have been that service levels remain the same, that North Central firefighters retain their jobs, salary levels and seniority, and that the North Central board retains political and financial control over the district.

Paramedic service, provided by Fresno County through a contract with American Ambulance, would not be affected.

Taxes would not be affected by a contract, it was indicated.

Two area fire departments have submitted proposals for the North Central board to consider.

The first is from the Fresno County Fire Protection District (a part of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection). On hand to talk about the proposal was Chief Ted Mendoza. He stressed the amount of resources available to his department, as part of a state-wide fire-fighting outfit. The CDF can marshal hundreds of pieces of equipment and over 40,000 employees, he said. The CDF provides firefighting services under contract with 130 cities in California, he said.

"We can give you outstanding service, and pledge local control," Mendoza said.

Fresno County Fire offered several scenarios with it’s offer, ranging in cost from $4.7 million to $6.7 million, depending upon the level of service requested.

Outlining the case for Fresno Fire Dept.’s offer was Chief Randy Bruegman. He also had a proposal with different options, and a price tag ranging from about $4.2 million to $5.3 million.

Bruegman said his proposal highlighted response times, and "putting bodies on the fire." He said his goal was to be able to attack a residential fire with 15 or 16 firefighters.

In addition, "geography is on our side" in the north west Fresno area, Bruegman said. He noted that Fresno City Fire already has stations in the area, whereas Fresno County would have to respond backup units (for station coverage when North Central fire engines are called out) from as far away as Clovis.

Several local commentators spoke during the evening. Kerman Mayor Ken Moore said the City is concerned with enhanced service and with better equipment - in particular a ‘ladder’ fire engine, so buildings in Kerman can be built to more than two stories.

He went on to say that he hopes the area would not lose experienced firefighters, that he would not like to see North Central become little more than a "training ground" for firefighters.

Fresno County Supervisor Phil Larson (Dist. 1, the Westside) was also on hand. He said that contracting for service would agree with a recommendation made by a Fresno County public safety committee, which recommended consolidation of fire and police services. "It’s an economic necessity," he said.

A couple from the northwest Fresno area expressed surprise that they had to drive out to Kerman to discuss their ‘local,’ fire protection. "What leads you to believe (addressing Fresno County Fire Chief Mendoza) your trucks will get to my house faster than Fresno City’s?" asked Mark Babcock.

And in response to comments during the evening that North Central’s identity would be preserved in the contracts, the couple indicated that speed and strength of response during an emergency was their primary concern - they had little interest in whose name would be on the fire engine doors.

The North Central Firefighters association threw its support behind the Fresno Fire Dept. offer.

There was also detailed discussion about which stations might be closed, how many firefighters might be stationed in various locations, and response times.

Thrown into the mix is the problem that the "Instant Aid" agreement between Fresno City Fire and North Central Fire is coming up for renewal in July. Often one department, or both, will complain that under such an agreement they are spending too much of their resourses fighting fires in someone else’s territory.

Last weeks meeting was informational, and no action was taken. The North Central board will take the matter up again at its next meeting, Jan. 25.

Promoted to Engineer

KERMAN, Apr. 27 - North Central Fire Dist. firefighters Daniel Prodhume, Joe rosa Jr. and David Wright were sworn in as engineers during ceremonies Wednesday, April 27.

In other news the NCFD Board of Directors gave Dispatcher of the Year awards to Flora Bowles, Denise Rascon and Lorinda Salvador.

KMS Team Undefeated At Mendota

The KMS Lady Lions softball team continued their undefeated streak against Mendota.  Pitchers Chelsea Weber and Lauren Nance threw a no-hitter to win 20-0. Adding to the victory was a home run and double by 8th grader Deziray Suniga.Triples were hit by Kassie Sierras and Jordan Yates.  8th grader Chelsea Weber hit a triple, double and a single to help her team to the win.  Other hitters included Mandy Georgeson 2 singles, Mayra Sanchez single, Nimmy Grewal single, and Lauren Nance with 2 singles. The team is now 5-0-1 with games against Foothill, Madera, and Chowchilla still to play. The last home game will be on Monday May 15 at 3:30 against Chowchilla.