Paul sits down with Dr. Marie Pinto, CEO of Pro Youth, to explore how the after-school program has evolved from its 1994 origins as a gang violence prevention initiative to become a comprehensive support system serving 24,000 students across 12 districts in two counties. Dr. Pinto shares how Pro Youth adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by transforming churches into all-day learning centers for essential workers' children, maintaining both academic progress and social connection during an unprecedented crisis.

The conversation delves into how Pro Youth approaches technology use, maintaining strict policies against personal devices while incorporating educational tech tools intentionally. They discuss the changing nature of modern families, where dual-income households have become the norm, and how after-school programs fill a crucial gap between school dismissal and parents' work schedules.

Dr. Pinto offers insights into how Pro Youth builds productive citizens through intentional programming while supporting working families. The discussion touches on deeper questions about community safety, social development, and how the very need for comprehensive after-school care reflects broader changes in society. Through it all, Pro Youth maintains its focus on providing not just supervision, but meaningful enrichment during those crucial after-school hours.

Paul sits down with Chelsea Cumiford, who has built an impressive following documenting her family's journey of designing and building their dream home in Visalia's, The Lakes. What started as a pie-shaped empty lot became the foundation for an ambitious project, combining elements from their favorite places - from sports bars to coffee shops - into a uniquely personal space.

The conversation follows their path from paying HOA fees on an empty lot for four years to working with drafters and contractors to bring hand-drawn plans to life. Chelsea shares how her social media presence evolved from sharing nail art to becoming a trusted voice in home design, and why she approaches local business partnerships differently than national brands.

Throughout the episode, we explore the realities of content creation, the challenges of balancing family life with social media work, and why maintaining her career in education remains a priority. It's a discussion about building dreams, supporting community, and creating authentic content in the digital age.

Whether you're interested in custom home design, social media influence, or how local businesses and content creators can work together, this conversation offers valuable insights into turning vision into reality while staying true to your values.

Follow Chealsea on Instagram here.

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Paul Myers sits down with Shane Moss, owner of Mulligans Indoor Golf in downtown Visalia, to discuss his journey from 30-year ministry veteran to innovative business owner. Shane shares candid insights about:

- The challenges of transitioning from Orange County to the Central Valley - How a simple idea for a three-simulator facility evolved into transforming the historic Main Street Theater - The struggles of securing investors as a former pastor pursuing a for-profit venture - Managing the chaos of opening month, including working 16-hour days and going through 50 broken drivers - Creating authentic connections with customers and staff, drawing from his ministry experience - Navigating the seasonal rhythms of downtown Visalia as a new business - The importance of local business in community development - Balancing perfectionism with delegation and growth

Learn more about Mulligans here. 

Paul sits down with Brent Calvin, President of College of the Sequoias, who offers a unique perspective on education and leadership in the Valley. As a Visalia native who returned home after running a successful engineering firm, Brent shares insights from his seven years leading COS and the institution's remarkable decade of growth.

The conversation explores COS's ambitious vision for the future, including their groundbreaking partnership with Fresno State to bring more four-year degree programs to Tulare County. Brent discusses why personal investment in the community matters, illustrated through his hands-on approach to campus management and his commitment to excellence in every detail. The discussion also tackles broader themes about the Valley's future, including how higher education access could transform the region's economic prospects and why we deserve more than just distribution centers.

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, hosts Paul Myers and Ryan Clark dive into the November 2024 election results across Fresno and Tulare counties. From tight congressional races like Jim Costa vs. Michael Maher, to local city council showdowns where just a handful of votes could determine the winner, the hosts break down what these results mean for Valley residents. Readers can follow the latest updates at The Sun-Gazette and Mid Valley Times as votes continue to be counted through December 5th.

The episode also features discussion about Visalia's cannabis business tax measure passing with over 70% approval, though the hosts clarify this doesn't mean dispensaries are coming anytime soon. They explore several close school board races and the cultural challenges facing districts like Visalia Unified. The hosts emphasize how local elections often come down to just a few dozen votes, making these races particularly important for community members who want their voices heard. Between analysis of key races and behind-the-scenes insights into local politics, this episode offers valuable context for understanding how the 2024 election is shaping Valley communities.

Paul sits down with Valley radio personality Gnarly Charlie, who recently joined KJUG's morning show. With over three decades of broadcasting experience, Charlie shares fascinating stories about his journey from sorting records at KKDJ to becoming one of the region's most recognizable voices.

Charlie offers unique insights into how radio has evolved since the late 1980s, from the days of vinyl records and analog equipment to today's digital landscape. He discusses his approach to staying relevant in an era of streaming services and podcasts, emphasizing the importance of authentic local content and genuine community connection. The conversation takes some entertaining turns, including how he got his nickname, a chance encounter with Johnny Carson at Wimbledon that helped shape his career, and why being genuine matters more than being polished in broadcasting.

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Paul Myers and Ryan Clark dive into the Tulare County Board of Supervisors' recent unanimous endorsement of Proposition 36. The hosts explore how this reform measure aims to strengthen drug and theft penalties while emphasizing rehabilitation in California.

The conversation covers the key differences between Prop 36 and its predecessor Prop 47, discussing how the new legislation would create a "treatment mandated felonies" category and implement a three-strikes approach to drug possession. They examine District Attorney Tim Ward's perspective on why these changes are necessary and debate the balance between accountability and compassion in addressing drug-related crimes.

Paul and Ryan also tackle the broader implications of drug policy reform, from its impact on public safety to its connection with homelessness and mental health services. The discussion provides valuable context for voters considering Prop 36 on this year's ballot.

Check out the [full article in the Sun-Gazette](https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2024/10/29/county-supervisors-back-prop-36-reform/) for more details on the Board of Supervisors' decision and the specifics of Proposition 36.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Paper Trail Podcast and follow us on social media for more local news coverage and analysis.

Paul sits down with Zach Green of Zach Green Films to explore how he's built a thriving video production company in the Central Valley. From his early days managing house painting crews at 19 to now running a creative team producing content for major institutions, Zach shares valuable insights into growing a business while maintaining high creative standards.

The conversation delves into Zach's systematic approach to training and documentation, which has allowed him to scale his operation while keeping quality consistent. He discusses fascinating projects his team has produced, including documentaries about UFC fighters, environmental conservation, and a particularly memorable piece featuring Ansel Adams' son. Zach's journey demonstrates how creative businesses can thrive in smaller markets while producing work that competes with major metropolitan areas.

 Paul and Ryan dive into the pressing concerns of Valley voters ahead of the 2024 election. Based on a recent survey by Mineral King Publishing, they'll explore top issues like homelessness, air quality, and education, sharing insightful quotes from local residents. From the traits voters seek in candidates to the push for civic education in schools, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the political pulse of the Valley. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, tune in for valuable insights into the issues shaping our local political landscape.

Paul is joined by Film Owl Productions owner, Travis Walters. Travis has spent time up and down the Golden State telling stories for businesses, advocates and educational organizations. From short documentaries to commercials, Travis has shot it all. 

Travis and Paul talk about the tenents of telling a good story, and the sizable budgets the compares to Valley filmmaking. To be honest, we should all agree that advertising agencies exist in a market that does little but insist upon itself. 

If you want to know more from Travis you can find him on instagram at itravis50 and on his website at Film Owl Productions.