Journalism

Featured Articles

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

Clovis Appliance prepares for Small Business Saturday with big deals and one very friendly greeter | Clovis Roundup

November 26, 2025 — Small Business Saturday is almost here, and one long-time Clovis favorite is ready to welcome shoppers with unbeatable prices, hometown service, and even a wagging tail.
Clovis Appliance, proudly serving the Valley since 1951, is gearing up for one of the biggest shopping days of the season with its annual Black November savings event. Shoppers can find deals up to 43% off on GE appliances through December 3, including the full lineup — GE, Profile, Café, Monogram, and Hotpoi...

Clovis Night Out returns for its 14th year celebrating community, connection, and Clovis pride | Clovis Roundup

October 9, 2025 — When the sun begins to set over David McDonald Park and the glow of string lights bounces off food trucks and vendor tents, it’s hard not to feel that familiar Clovis magic. Kids race from one bounce house to the next, neighbors catch up under the sound of live music, and police officers walk side by side with the community they serve. It’s the essence of what Clovis Night Out was built to be, a celebration of connection, safety, and small-town pride.
The 14th Annual Clovis Nig...

Cougars ride to victory in second annual Rodeo Bowl | Clovis Roundup

August 30, 2025 — The Clovis High Cougars have once again claimed the “Battle for the Buckle,” defeating the Salinas Cowboys 49-14 in the second annual Rodeo Bowl. The Cougars maintained possession of the coveted Belt Buckle trophy in a decisive home victory that underscored a growing rivalry between the two schools.
The Rodeo Bowl, a name born from the prominent rodeo traditions in both Clovis and Salinas, kicked off with a day of celebration and sportsmanship. The Clovis Rodeo Association host...

ClovisFest celebrates 50 years of community and hot air balloons – Clovis Roundup

August 16, 2025 — This September, Old Town Clovis will be filled with the sights and sounds of the 50th Annual ClovisFest, a two-day event that has grown from a small craft fair into a major Central Valley tradition. What began in 1974 as a modest gathering has evolved into a vibrant festival celebrating community, local talent, and family entertainment, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The festival’s origins trace back to a simple craft fair in a parking lot. It wasn’t until 1998 tha...

Tim Dickerson acknowledged for five decades of flawless flight with Master Pilot Award | Clovis Roundup

June 28, 2025 – A remarkable half-century in the skies, distinguished by an unblemished record of no accidents or FAA violations, has culminated in local pilot Timothy J. Dickerson receiving the esteemed Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This prestigious honor, bestowed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), celebrates aviators who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and expertise over an extended career.
The discovery of the award itself was a stroke of serendipity, as r...

Born to Fly, Built to Last: Tim Dickerson’s Legacy of Air and Steel | Clovis Roundup

Tim and Sharon Dickerson stand in front of one of Tim’s hand-built planes at their hangar. (Photo by Steven Sanchez, Clovis Roundup)
September 4, 2025 — Some people spend a lifetime seeking fame or fortune, but Tim Dickerson has spent his life building a reputation on something far more valuable: trust. As a pilot, a craftsman, and a man who has dedicated over 50 years to the sky, he embodies a quiet, unwavering confidence born not of ego, but of humility and a deep respect for the unforgiving n...

Peg Bos Plaza unveiled as Clovis honors its first female mayor | Clovis Roundup

November 5, 2025 — The City of Clovis gathered this morning to officially unveil Peg Bos Plaza, a new landmark dedicated to one of the city’s most influential figures in public service and local history.
Located at the northwest corner of Third Street and Sunnyside Avenue, the plaza honors civic leader and historian Peg Bos for her decades of leadership, preservation, and community spirit. Bos broke barriers throughout her career as the first female Planning Commissioner, City Councilmember, and...

Fresno State’s San Joaquin Review opens submissions for their 31st Issue | Clovis Roundup

November 6, 2025 — The San Joaquin Review, Fresno State’s long-running literary journal, has officially opened submissions for its 32nd issue, and this year marks a major expansion for the publication.
For the first time in its history, the journal is accepting submissions not only from Fresno State students, but from the wider community as well. Writers, poets, artists, and photographers from across the region are invited to share their creative work between November 1 and January 31.
The San J...

Clovis Toy-Anime-Comic Con brings color, cosplay, and community to the Elks Lodge | Clovis Roundup

November 24, 2025 — Bright capes fluttered through the November breeze as families filed into the Clovis Elks Lodge on Saturday, some carrying action figures under their arms, others adjusting wigs, face paint or foam-crafted armor. By late morning, the banquet hall had transformed into a kaleidoscope of fandom—equal parts nostalgia, creativity, and community spirit—as the Clovis Toy-Anime-Comic Con welcomed visitors for its 2025 event.
Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly convent...

One Enchanted Evening transformed Old Town Clovis into a winter wonderland | Clovis Roundup

November 21, 2025 — Old Town Clovis transformed into a storybook scene Thursday night as thousands of visitors poured into the district for the annual One Enchanted Evening, one of the community’s most cherished holiday traditions.
From 5–8 p.m., participating Old Town businesses opened their doors with warm hospitality, offering hot cocoa, festive treats, and good cheer as families wandered through the beautifully decorated streets. Many shops dressed in their holiday best, glowing under strand...

Clovis Elks and CUSD fill 150 food boxes for local families in annual Thanksgiving tradition – Clovis Roundup

November 25, 2025 — The Clovis Elks Lodge No. 2599 continued a 45-year holiday tradition Monday evening as volunteers from across the community gathered for the annual filling of the boxes, assembling 150 large food boxes for local families in need.
The event, held Nov. 24 at the Clovis Elks Lodge on Woodworth Avenue, brought together Elks members, Clovis Unified School District partners, and more than 60 growers, packers, merchants, private citizens, and Boy Scouts. Volunteers worked in a large...

Shoppers fill Old Town Clovis for Small Business Saturday – Clovis Roundup

November 30, 2025 — Old Town Clovis was packed with foot traffic on Small Business Saturday as residents and visitors turned out to support local shops, enjoy the crisp fall weather, and kick off the holiday shopping season. By midmorning, clusters of shoppers filled Pollasky and the surrounding streets, giving the district the lively, familiar feel business owners hope for each year.
Outside the Clovis Antique Mall, a woman named Mercedes flipped through vinyl records. A few steps away, friends...

Tree lighting shines bright as Clovis launches ‘Threads of Joy’ | Clovis Roundup

December 2, 2025 — A crowd bundled in scarves and holiday sweaters filled the Clovis Civic Center Monday night as the City of Clovis Christmas Tree Lighting brought music, tradition, and a new charitable effort to the heart of Old Town.
Cold air rolled across 5th Street as families settled in near the Civic Center lawn, the glow of vendor lights and the bustle of excited children setting the tone long before the tree ever flickered on. School choirs from across the district opened the night with...

Grinches, lights and new safety rules shape this year’s Children’s Electric Christmas Parade | Clovis Roundup

December 7, 2025 — Old Town glowed brighter than ever Saturday night as families packed the sidewalks for the 2025 Children’s Electric Christmas Parade, a holiday tradition that once again filled the streets with lights, music and plenty of community cheer.
The parade kicked off at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, drawing a dense crowd wrapped in blankets and winter coats. Illuminated floats, school groups, community clubs and costumed children wound their way through the historic district, creating a movin...

Fresno State faculty publish diverse new works in 2025 | Clovis Roundup

December 12, 2025 — Each year, Fresno State faculty contribute fresh scholarship, creative work and new ideas that deepen understanding across disciplines. The 2025 collection of faculty-published books spans science, cultural studies, memoir, poetry, children’s literature and more — reflecting the breadth and imagination of the university’s academic community.
Among this year’s publications, several works stand out for their literary impact and emotional resonance.
Poet Mai Der Vang’s Primordia...

Community gathers at Clovis Cemeteries to honor fallen veterans | Clovis Roundup

December 14, 2025 — A foggy Central Valley morning lifted slowly over Clovis Cemetery on Dec. 13 as volunteers, veterans, students and families gathered among rows of headstones marked with small American flags—each one waiting for a wreath.
The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony brought the community together to remember fallen service members, honor those who have served, and teach future generations the value of freedom. By the end of the morning, wreaths had been placed throughout the ce...

Trading trinkets, building community in Old Town Clovis | Clovis Roundup

January 5, 2025 — On a recent afternoon in Old Town Clovis, a small metal box mounted to a light pole became an unexpected gathering place. A trio of women leaned in to examine its contents while seven young teens waited just behind them, craning their necks and whispering excitedly about which trinkets they hoped to claim. As items were swapped and small treasures exchanged, a loose line began to form, drawing the attention of nearly every passerby.
The Clovis Trinket Trade Box is a simple conc...

Randy’s Donuts expands, bringing iconic treats to Clovis | Clovis Roundup

February 8, 2025 — Fans of the world-famous Randy’s Donuts have reason to celebrate—yet another location appears to be on its way to the Fresno-Clovis area. A lease agreement obtained by The Business Journal indicates that Randy’s Donuts is securing a spot at 1195 Shaw Ave., Suite 101, in Clovis, just north of Sierra Vista Mall. The 1,110-square-foot space was formerly occupied by Yummiez Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt, which closed late last year.
The expansion into Clovis comes as local donut lov...

Buchanan’s Bear Stage brings the magic of Oz to life | Clovis Roundup

January 24, 2025 — The spotlight brightened on a gray Kansas farm, where black-and-white costumes and lighting set the tone for an unforgettable journey. Then, with a gust of wind and a swirl of projected storm clouds, Dorothy and her loyal pup, Toto, were whisked away, and the Bear Stage’s production of The Wizard of Oz began its magical ascent.
This year’s production, presented by 75 talented actors from Buchanan area schools, was nothing short of enchanting. From the innovative use of dramati...

Central Valley triumphs in 4th Annual Best of the West Army All-Star Game | Clovis Roundup

The Central Valley All-Star Team make their way onto the field to the cheers of the fans in attendance. (Photo by Steven Sandage, Clovis Roundup)
January 26, 2024 — In front of a spirited crowd at Buchanan High School’s Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Central Valley team triumphed over Los Angeles 21-14 in the 4th Annual Best of the West Army All-Star Game on Saturday, January 25.
The game, which highlights graduating seniors with exceptional football talent and character, drew fans, families, an...

Clovis Unified showcases hands-on career pathways at CTE Night – Clovis Roundup

January 29, 2025 – Hundreds of students and parents gathered at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building on Tuesday night for Clovis Unified’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Night, an event designed to showcase the district’s 21 career pathways and provide hands-on demonstrations in fields ranging from welding and automotive technology to health care and software development.
The event, held annually, gives prospective students the opportunity to meet with instructors and currently enrolled CTE s...

Motion Madness: A Family-Run E-Bikes Shop in Clovis | Clovis Roundup

February 13, 2025 — When you step into Motion Madness on Tollhouse Road in Clovis, you quickly realize it’s not just another bike shop. The family-run business offers a blend of customer service, expert repair, and cutting-edge e-bikes. “We’re really the only ones in Central California who do this kind of work,” said Mike Chakov, one of the shop’s founders, as he discussed their unique diagnostic services for all types of bikes.
Mike’s son Ron, who manages the showroom, elaborated, “We’re a full...
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I am a freelance copywriter based in Manchester, UK. You can follow me on social media with the links below.

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