Page 1 - Dinuba Sentinel 6-27-19 E-edition

Dinuba Sentinel Serving the communities of Dinuba, Cutler-Orosi and Monson-Sultana
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Sports, Page B1
Established 1909, Dinuba, California
Back Page, A8
Thursday, June 27, 2019
50 Cents
Thusu, Curiel recognized by county school administrators Sentinel staff report
On the same day the Tulare County chapter of the Association of California School Administrators honored former Tulare County Superintendent Jim Vidak for his many years of service to education two individuals from Dinuba were also honored for their contributions. Dinuba City Mayor Dr. Kuldip Thusu and Dinuba Sentinel Editor Rick Curiel were both recognized by ACSA for their support of local education.
Council
approves
budget of
nearly $56
million
By Rick Curiel
Editor@thedinubasentinel.com
The Dinuba City Council unanimously passed a $55.9 million budget at the June 25 meeting, encouraged that the balanced budget is projected to have a surplus of nearly $40,000.
“We have taken care of our staff, our employees who will be providing the services,” said Dinuba City Mayor Dr. Kuldip Thusu. “But at the same time, we have invested and have plans to invest in the quality of life of our citizens. Our citizens will have opportunities for recreation and for safety.”
Of the nearly $56 million budget, about $15.8 of it will come from the general fund, which is generally made up of tax revenue.
Addressed at the meeting was the potential for a loss of nearly $5 million if an Internet state sales tax passes. The new bill, now entitled ACA 13, would change the way Internet tax sales are distributed, redirecting the revenues from city of purchase to city of destination.
“If it passes it will be devastating for the city of Dinuba,” said Thusu at the meeting. “We would have to lay off employees.”
Another $15.9 million of the budget is expected to come from Enterprise Funds, revenue generated through water, sewer disposal and ambulance fees. Also contributing to the fund is the city owned Ridge Creek Golf Course, which staff say is now doing better than ever and making a profit.
The budget, which also includes grant money for revitalization, will also help fund several projects on the horizon. Those projects include a roundabout at the intersection of Nebraska Avenue and North Alta Avenue, median landscaping near the intersection of Alta Avenue and El Monte Way, bulb-outs for pedestrians at Green and Kamm avenues and the completion of the repairs to the railroad crossing on College Avenue.
The budget was made with three goals in mind, ensure revenues would cover the city’s expenses, continue to offer the services currently provided by the city and provide for capital improvements.
As a safety net, the budget also allows for a reserve fund of nearly $2.5 million.
Rick Curiel | The Sentinel
Thusu was awarded the association’s Golden Apple award, given to community figures who go above and beyond to support education. Curiel received the ACSA Media Award for his coverage and support of local education stories.
Having been celebrated near the new water tower at Centennial Park, seen in the distance, the city of Dinuba will be changing course this year by holding this year's Independence Day Celebration at Ridge Creek Golf Course. The event will be held at the golf course's driving range, seen on the background.
Independence Day Celebration set for Wednesday at new site
Sentinel staff report
Ridge Creek Golf Course will be this year’s venue for the city of Dinuba’s Independence Day Celebration. The event will be held in the driving range of the golf course, on the north end, closest to Mountain View.
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with food, games and live entertainment. Performing at this year’s event will be local rising country artist Jason Cade. Also performing will be the musician Zzah.
New to this year’s celebration will be a beer garden.
The fireworks are expected to begin at 9:15 p.m. and though the event does not start until 5 p.m., city staff will be allowing for a canopy, chair and blankets. No outside food or beverages will be allowed.
Parking for the event will open at 4 p.m. There will be limited parking inside the golf course. Additional parking will be available at an adjacent lot to the southeast, off Sierra Way.
The event and parking are free to the public.
Dr. Kuldip Thusu
Making the presentation at the June 19 ceremony in Tulare was Dinuba Unified School District Superintendent Joe Hernandez.
Hernandez said of Thusu, “Every district deserves to have someone like Dr. Thusu as
an advocate for
education.” Thusu was
praised by
Hernandez for
inspiring students
with both word
and deed. Pointed
out were his
contributions to
both community
and education,
going as far as to
fund scholarships,
conferences, even
tuitions. Hernandez also shared his appreciation for Thusu’s ongoing support of Dinuba High School’s Medical Pathway Academy.
“I know we’re giving him a ‘golden heart’ award today,” said Hernandez. “But he deserves a golden heart.”
Hernandez also presented the ACSA Media Award to Curiel. In his
See Awards, Page A2
At a cost of $20,000, this year's fireworks show is expected to be one of the event's biggest yet. Doing this year's fireworks will once again be Fireworks America. The show is expected to have nearly 1,000 fireworks and will last as long as 20 minutes.
Sentinel file photo
City league champions
Lady Warriors catcher Hazel Moreno hugs teammate Summer Reynoso after the team won the Dinuba City League Softball Championship on Friday.
Winning the Dinuba City League Baseball Championship was the Rangers. See their stories in today's Sports Section of the Dinuba Sentinel.
Rick Curiel
Sentinel's nal
edition, Mid Valley
Times launches
next week
Sentinel staff report
Today marks the final edition of the Dinuba Sentinel as it has been presented for over 100 years. Beginning next week, local news that has been published by way of the Dinuba Sentinel will be incorporated into the Mid Valley Times.
The new Mid Valley Times will serve as regional newspaper to the readers and communities of the Dinuba Sentinel, Reedley Exponent and Sanger Herald. Therefore, in addition to news stories from the city Dinuba, the new format will allow readers to stay informed of things that also happen around us, as part of the Mid Valley.
In an effort to better serve its readers, Mid Valley Publishing, who
is the parent company of all three publications, is proud to announce the launch of a bigger and better paper – the Mid Valley Times.
The first edition of the Mid Valley Times will fittingly be on July 4. Subscribers to the Dinuba Sentinel, Reedley Exponent and Sanger Herald will continue to receive the Mid Valley Times through their subscriptions. They will also be receiving the first edition of the Mid Valley Times on Wednesday, as Thursday is a national holiday.
All staff members will remain in place at their respective locations.
The Dinuba Sentinel, and Mid Valley Publishing, appreciates your ongoing support. We look forward to continuing our service to you through the Mid Valley Times.
Rick Curiel | The Sentinel
thedinubasentinel.com
Inside | Lights and SirensA2 | ObituariesA2 | OpinionA4 | SportsB1 | Classi edsB2