Making headlines across the country, California Chrome has captured American racing enthusiasts after his wins at both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. California Chrome was foaled February of 2011 at Harris Farms in Coalinga, California, the horse breeding division of the Harris Ranch. He is the only California-bred horse to have previously won the first two races of the Triple Crown – sharply raising excitement and support among Valley racing enthusiasts to its highest peak in history.

In support of the local champion, The Big Fresno Fair will be holding a food collection drive featuring any Harris Ranch product as it hosts the live horse racing excitement of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 7. All those who bring any fresh or frozen Harris Ranch meat, prepared meal, seasonings or other Harris Ranch product will gain free admission into The Big Fresno Fair Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand to watch and wager via satellite, or just join in the party to cheer on California Chrome. All food will be donated to The Big Fresno Fair “Feed the Need” Community Food Drive partners The Salvation Army and Community Food Bank. For a list of Harris Ranch products and where they can be found, please visit www.harrisranchbeef.com.

Admission to the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand is $5, the plush VIP Suite is $10, a single seat at the Turf Club bar is $15 and a table of four in the Turf Club is $40. Parking is included and all Satellite Wagering guests must be 18 years or older to play. If guests can’t make it to the Fairgrounds, they can also enjoy the Belmont Stakes at Club One Polo Lounge & Event Center. Cost is just $15 per person and reservations are strongly recommended by calling (559) 497-3000. Polo Lounge guests must be 21 or older.

“We are very excited and proud to offer the community the opportunity to cheer on a local horse at their local fair – while contributing to a community-inspired food drive effort,” said John C. Alkire, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “Community is at the root of all that we do so we welcome our community to come out and support each other through this food collection effort and support their very own California Chrome through this long-standing tradition and enticing competition. Watching a local horse race to win the Triple Crown is truly a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.”

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Bass Lake is located in the Sierra National Forest of eastern Madera County, about half an hour from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. It’s known for its blue waters and ample recreational activities that attract numerous vacationers each summer. Bass Lake was also once a premier triathlon destination, a reputation the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau is happy to have brought back.

“Bass Lake hosted the first two national championships for the sport of triathlon in 1983 and 1984,” said Rhonda Salisbury with the YSVB. “The race continued at Bass Lake through the mid 1990’s until the race director retired,” she said.

The YSVB teamed up with esteemed race director Jonathan Grinder of Tucson Racing who has put on notable events around the U.S. and beyond to resurrect the event four years ago. The inaugural event was a success, and each year gets bigger and bigger.

“Last year we had about 530 competitors take part in the triathlon,” Salisbury said. “This year we’re on a pace to have at least 650. People are excited about triathlon returning to Bass Lake.”

Paul Thomas was the overall winner of the inaugural event in 2010. He said the location certainly made the race memorable.

“The venue is what brings you to races,” Thomas said.  ”With all the bike racing I do, ultimately you have to had a good venue. A beautiful place that is even a smaller race will always bring me versus a more prestigious race without the venue. This definitely has that.”

The triathlon will be taking place at The Pines Resort starting at 7 a.m. There is the Olympic distance, which encompasses a 1500 meter swim, 40 kilometer bike ride and 10 kilometer run. The sprint distance is a 500 meter swim, 20K ride and 5K run. Relay teams can also sign up at both the Olympic and Sprint level.

For pricing or to register, visit www.BassLakeTri.com.

In addition to the triathlon, there is a 5K run with all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst. Cost to enter the 5K is only $25.

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California Chrome has captured American racing enthusiasts after his win at the Kentucky Derby earlier this month. California Chrome was foaled Feb. 18, 2011, at Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., the horse breeding division of the Harris Ranch. Only three California-bred horses have previously won the Kentucky Derby, so the excitement and support for California Chrome is sharply rising for Valley racing enthusiasts.

This year’s Preakness Stakes will mark the second win needed to continue on the journey to become a Triple Crown contender, a feat that hasn’t happened since “Affirmed” won all three races in 1978. Since then, 12 horses have gone on to win the first two races (Kentucky Derby & Preakness) before losing in the Belmont Stakes. Watch as California Chrome races to the finish in an effort to advance to Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 7,  and potentially break the 36 year gap since the last Triple Crown winner.

For the horse racing fan looking for a budget-friendly price to watch and wager live via satellite at the Fresno Fairgrounds’ Starting Gate, admission starts at only $5 for the Grandstand, $10 for the plush VIP Suite and parking is included. All Starting Gate Satellite Wagering guests must be 18 years or older to play. For more information visit www.FresnoFair.com.

Plus, if California Chrome takes the Preakness Stakes and moves on to be a Triple Crown contender, all those who watch and wager from the Starting Gate will have a chance to enter-to-win a free day to come back and enjoy the Belmont Stakes June 7. Those interested must fill out an entry form at The Starting Gate that day for the chance to win free admission for four into the Grandstand & Turf Club during the Belmont Stakes.

For those unable to attend at the fairgrounds, guests can also enjoy the Preakness Stakes at Club One’s Polo Lounge & Event Center. Cost is just $10 per person, which includes admission to the Polo Lounge & Event Center, multiple flat screen TVs and more. Reservations are strongly recommended.  To reserve spots today call (559) 497-3000. All Polo Lounge guests must be 21 or older.

“Watching a Valley-bred horse competing for his second win to become a Triple Crown contender may be once in a lifetime experience,” said John C. Alkire, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair. “We are very excited to host these premier parties this year that enable horse racing enthusiasts to watch and wager live via satellite, experiencing this long-standing tradition and enticing competition, while rooting for our very own California Chrome.”

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The annual event is sponsored by the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce, and kicks off the summer season at the popular lake.

“This is a really fun event that is a great way to start the busy season here at Bass Lake,” said Michelle Miller with the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce and Miller’s Landing Resort.

“It brings in a lot of families. What better way to bring the family together than fishing at Bass Lake.”

More than 1,000 tagged rainbow trout will be released in to the lake prior to the tournament, each worth varying amounts. There will be 847 fish worth $20, 150 worth $100, 1 fish will net a lucky angler $5000, and two “grand prize” fish will be worth $10,000 each.

“All in all, entrants have a good chance of walking away with a nice payday, Miller said.

Registration costs $25 per individual or $60 for a family consisting of spouses and up to three children under the age of 16. To learn more or to register, visit www.BassLakeChamber.com or call 559-642-3676.

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The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 300 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees.

Managers were asked, “Do you feel March Madness (NCAA basketball tournament) activities in the workplace, such as watching games or participating in pools that don’t involve money, have a positive or negative impact on employee morale?” Their responses:

*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

Managers also were asked, “Do you feel March Madness activities in the workplace have a positive or negative impact on employee productivity?” Their responses:

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Jaurena was nominated after responding to a medical incident during a WHCC basketball practice earlier this season. According to the incident report, the student stopped breathing during practice and was in a state of seizure. Jaurena responded accordingly and helped the student begin to breathe before the ambulance arrived.

“I am extremely grateful for the nomination, and it came as a complete surprise in a good way,” said Jaurena said. “I have kept in touch with the athlete and he will hopefully be back here playing basketball soon, which is more important than this honor of course. I am so blessed to have been given gifts to share with others. I am fortunate to be working in the same field that I went to school to learn, and I have loved it my entire career.”

Jaurena has been an athletic trainer at WHCC for 15 years and was nominated by Gritton and by Dennis Goebel, an athletic trainer at College of the Sequoias. Goebel heard about the incident and worked with Gritton to fill out the nomination.

“Tracey is being recognized for one incident that could have had a catastrophic and perhaps fatal outcome,” said Mark Gritton, athletic director and associate dean of students at WHCC. “Her experience and knowledge enabled her to act swiftly and effectively.  I have been involved in teaching, coaching and administration in higher education for 30 years.  She is the best I have ever been associated with. Her proactive approach to the prevention and care of athletic injuries goes way beyond most professionals in her field.”

Mark Arce, head basketball coach at WHCC, also had praise for Jaurena and how she handled the incident.

“I have had the opportunity to work with and observe athletic trainers from across the country during my coaching career,” Arce said. “Tracey is at the top of her field. It is comforting as a coach to know if something happens you have someone with Tracey’s expertise.”

Jaurena will be honored April 3 during the 17^th annual California Community College Athletic Association Convention in Los Angeles.

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Tucker joins WHCC from the University of Sioux Falls where he worked as assistant head coach for four seasons, defensive coordinator for one season and special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach from 2010-2012.

“I’m excited to be a part of an outstanding team of educators at WHCC,” Tucker said. “My sincere gratitude goes out to Dr. Carole Goldsmith and Mark Gritton for entrusting me with the football program. I look forward to recruiting and developing young men who are dedicated to building a first-class program that will be highly competitive on the field and in the classroom.”

Tucker brings university-level experience to the Falcons, having coached NCAA D1, NCAA D2 and NAIA levels over the past 17 years. His coaching background includes not only the University of Sioux Falls but the University of Colorado at Boulder, Boise State University, the University of Oregon and Willamette University, where he began his coaching career in 1997.

To add to his experience, Tucker worked as a head coach overseas and recently worked as defensive coordinator for the French National Team. Notable players coached by Tucker during their college careers include Chris Carr (DB) of the Baltimore Ravens, Quintin Mikell (DB) of the St. Louis Rams and Kyle Wilson (PR/DB) of the New York Jets.

“I’m very excited about this hire,” said Mark Gritton, athletic director and associate dean of student services. “This will have a positive impact on the football program. It adds instant credibility as Coach Tucker has been associated with several successful programs at the four-year level.”

While new to WHCC, Tucker is not new to the area. He actively recruited in the area for 10 years and began recruiting at area high schools 14 years ago.

“I began recruiting the area 14 years ago and have always felt that WHCC is a great place to build a championship program,” Tucker said. “With residence halls on campus, small class sizes, and a supportive community, WHCC presents an outstanding opportunity for young men who want to focus on achieving their personal, academic, and athletic goals.”

Tucker’s official start date was Jan. 13. Gritton, who stepped in to work as interim head football coach this past fall, has now resumed his duties as athletic director and associate dean of student services.

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Milios grew up in Rocklin, California and spent his youth playing baseball and attending San Francisco Giants games with his parents Ron and Debbie, and sister Amanda. His family has been his biggest supporters since day one and he loves them dearly for that.

Milios was fortunate enough to continue his baseball career into junior college at Feather River in Quincy, California. In 2008, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State Monterey Bay with his bachelor’s degree in communications while playing his final season of baseball. Upon graduating he landed a job with the Fresno Grizzlies and has been in the Grizzlies organization ever since.

In the past six years he has moved his way through numerous positions to get where he is today. Every day he walks into the office and gets to work with people that share the same passion for the game of baseball that he has. Baseball has been an integral part of his life and he is excited he can share that with the community here in the Central Valley.

Favorite Movie:  “Field of Dreams”

Favorite Music Artist/Band:  Country and classic rock genres

Last Book Read:  “Moneyball:  The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael Lewis

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Try Hockey for Free Day is part of Come Play Hockey Month. This program, designed to provide youth hockey associations a national platform to introduce new kids to the sport, is a joint-effort between USA Hockey, the National Hockey League, and NHL member clubs. With Total Hockey and Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports, the official sponsors of Try Hockey For Free Day, USA Hockey has 500 locations offering kids between the ages of 4 and 9 years old this unique opportunity.

“We look forward to introducing new families to our sport,” said Bryce Dale, Fresno Monsters’ head coach/GM and director of Youth Hockey. “To help keep costs reasonable for parents, we’ve incorporated programs to provide first-year players with equipment for the season.”

To register for one of the 500+ Try Hockey for Free opportunities, please visit www.TryHockeyForFree.com or contact the Fresno Monsters at (559) 549-4TIX (4849).

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Mejia’s parents immigrated from Mexico and worked tirelessly in the fields to support their family.  They also supported him and required that he pursue his education so that he could have the opportunities that they didn’t have.  He uses this testimony with the players of the MHS football team.  With these players, I he emphasizes the importance of education, grades, sports and college. Perseverance, patience, respect, fairness, integrity, hard work and dedication are attributes each student athlete are taught.

Mejia has been coaching for seven years at Mendota High School; four years at the JV level, one as the assistant and three as the head JV coach. Record as a head coach was 29-1, with a 29 game win streak. He is currently in his third year as the varsity head coach, were he has won two consecutive Valley Championships, was awarded Coach of the Year for the West Sequoia League in 2011, won the 2012 City County All-Star Game and Coach of the Year from The Fresno Bee in 2012. Currently, ESPN and ABC News are producing a documentary that will air nation- wide at the conclusion of his team’s season.

Favorite Movie:  “Gladiator”

Favorite Music Artist/Band:  Jason Aldean

Last Book Read:  “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren 

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Riders can also earn quadruple district points at the Finals, for both Saturday and Sunday.  Those who race any Redline Cup Race both Saturday and Sunday at their respective Redline Cup Championship Final who have enough points could become the next Redline Cup Champion.

Fees and Race Time are as follows:

• Friday’s pre-race price is $25 to ride.  It’s double the points.  Race time is 5 p.m.
• To race in Saturday and Sunday’s Redline Cup it is $45 to ride.  Race time is 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

The Redline Flight School BMX Clinic is available to participants to give them the skills and the training needed to win. The Clinic will be held at Woodward Park BMX at 7775 N. Friant Road tomorrow, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will be taught by Redline Team Rider Jason Carnes.  The Redline Flight School cost is $20.

A $5 entry fee into Woodward Park applies per car.

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