Pixley Connect

Teen Techs Preparing to Open for Buisness in Pixley, CA

2011-08-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Wayne Clark introduced three members of the Pixley Teen Tech Squad, Juan Anaya, Jose Casillas, and Narciso Fernandez. Maria Fernandez, Jesus Nunez, and Joseph Dean Perryman are the other members of the Squad. They spend 72 hours in basic training and then, 8 hours a month in the community, helping residents with computer problems, including repair. The program is now under the sponsorship of The Pixley Foundation. The Teen Technicians, will be providing a variety of sevices for the community. Support our program, donations will help maintain the life of the program. We hope to develope a long lasting relationship with the people of Pixley.

PRESS RELEASE

2011-07-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

THE PIXLEY FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 894

Pixley, CA 93256

pixleyfoundation@sbcglobal.net

Contact Person: Jim Morehead, President Board of Directors

(559) 757-3259

Pixley Community Center Project

On June 16^th the Pixley Community took a giant step towards building their Technology & Education Community Center. The Pixley Foundation received the deed to the vacant parcel behind Pixley Food Mart after purchasing the land from Joan Soares Bell and her husband Frank who now reside in Visalia, where Joan is Director of Religious Education for St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She inherited the land from her parents, John & Opal Soares, longtime Pixley residents and worked with the Foundation in the land purchase to support this important project and continue her family’s legacy in the community.

The Community Center will be anchored by a Community Resource Center featuring the ‘Pixley History Project” displaying historic photos preserving Pixley’s past and a Community Technology Center providing public computer access and technology training opportunities for families, senior citizens and all ages. The site master plan includes development of additional buildings & offices for community based organizations that provide additional services to our residents. The Foundation is working with CSET to relocate some of their services to the center. All buildings and parking areas will be designed with complete access for the disabled and handicapped.

Even though there are still months of final planning, permits and work by contractors to be done, the Pixley Community Center project will be coming later this year. A ground-breaking ceremony for the community will be held when the site plans are completed and ready to be unveiled. Announcements will be posted throughout the community when the date is set.

This project would not be possible without our funding partners and project supporters, County of Tulare Redevelopment Agency, USDA Rural Development, AT&T Foundation, Tulare County Library, Great Valley Center, Supervisor Pete Vander Poel, Congressman Devin Nunes and Pixley community organizations and residents too numerous to name. Each one of these agencies, organizations and individuals have supported our project in different ways beginning with the early “dream” planning stages and will be guiding us throughout construction in anticipation of a great community celebration upon completion.

The Pixley Foundation meets the second Monday of each month at
5:00 p.m. in the Albert Dung, Jr. Community Room next to the Sheriff’s Substation.

The Pixley Foundation-Making it Happen!

2010-08-29T21:35:00.001-07:00

The Pixley Foundation is Making it Happen for Pixley!

Changes are in the works and the Pixley Foundation is leading the way! Working to build a much needed and overdue Community, Technology and Education Center that will improve the lives of the community.

Working with partners and stakeholders from the community, private, non-profit organizations, businesses, county and federal agencies to bring much needed infrastructure to Pixley.

Although a lot has been done to get this far but we still have more to achieve. We need your help! Our community needs a safe and healthy community and you know the saying "It takes a Village".

If you want to be part of a positive change or want to be part of "Making this happen"... get involved and help make a difference in your community!

How can you help?

Attend the Pixley Town Council meetings to get regular updates every last Monday of the month.
Ask your County Supervisor Pete Vander Poel for his support. Supervisor's Vander Poel email is pvanderpoel@co.tulare.ca.us or call 559.636.5000
Call your Congressman Devin Nunes and remind him to continue to support Pixley. Congressman Nunes can be contacted by visiting his website http://www.nunes.house.gov/ or contact him at his Visalia office located: 115 North Church Suite 208 Visalia, CA 93291 Telephone 559.733.3861 or Fax 559.733.3865
Volunteer your time to the Pixley Connect Program
Donate your tax deductable contributions to the Pixley Foundation

For more information contact:

María G. Velásquez - velasquezmg@sbcglobal.net

Teens Assisiting The San Joaquin Valley Partnership

2010-08-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

The San Joaquin Valley Partnership is working with Pixley Connect to promote jobs and education for adults in the San Joaquin Valley. With the support of Great Valley Center and the Pixley Foundation the Teen Tech Squad has been assisting with the recruitment in Kern County Delano, CA and hands on technologically documenting progress. The Tech Squad has been:

Video graphing and photographing classes and achievement ceremonies in action.
Assisting the instructor with classes by setting up class materials.
Operate the computer giving the instructor more time to work directly with the adult students.
Assisting with getting media releases and interviewing students.
Complete and edit final videos and Power Point for classes. Check out the Video.

Pixley Teen Tech Squad

2010-08-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

It has been an exciting time for the youth of Pixley AKA Digital Connectors. With funding from the Califonia Consumer Protection Fund The Teen Tech Squad have been working hard and continue to build their technology skills and in addition building relationships witht he community. Over the past several months the Teen Tech Squad have:

Worked with Tulare Adult School to recruit parents to attend Computer Literacy Classes.
Attended Tulare Adult School School Board meeting to advocate to keep the Adult Computer Literacy classes in Pixley. As a result Tulare Adult School voted to continue classes in Pixley!
Provided community with great customer service and technology assistance such as helping set up new DSL modems, setting up computers and programs, trouble shooting and diagnosing computers.
Home visits and one to one help for the elderly.
Produced a video for the local Chamber of Commerce for their annual entry at the 2009 Tulare County Fair. Congratulations to the Pixley Chamber! They won First Prize on their booth entry! Check out the video...

Helping the Community

2009-07-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

In English:

Durring the years Pixley Connect has helped our rural community in many aspects. Pixley Connect has been a valiable resource to this community in helping low income families, technology needs in the community, and also helping in organizing projects.

For 3 years, Pixley Connect has been a vital part of the community and continues to be to this day. With several programs overseen by Pixley Connect, there has been a quite amount of success. Such success can be seen the literacy programs that distribute computers to families that have never owned or used a computer in their life.

We hope that Pixley Connect can continue there hard work in the community.

En Espanol:

Durante los años Pixley conecta ha ayudado a nuestra comunidad rural en muchos aspectos. Pixley conecta ha sido un recurso valiable a esta comunidad en familias de ayuda del sueldo bajo, a las necesidades de la tecnología en la comunidad, y también a la ayuda en proyectos de organización.

Por 3 años, Pixley conecta ha sido una parte vital de la comunidad y continúa siendo a este día. Con varios programas supervisados por Pixley Connect, ha habido absolutamente una cantidad de éxito. Tal éxito se puede considerar los programas de la instrucción que distribuyen las computadoras a las familias que nunca han poseído o han utilizado una computadora en su vida.

Esperamos que Pixley conecte pueda continuar allí el trabajo duro en la comunidad.

Pixley Connect: An Important Factor

2009-07-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

During the recent years, Pixley Connect has had a great impact in the community that have brought up results. More of the community has become more involved with technology thus narrowing the digital divide and prospering all areas of people's lives.

The Pixley Connect Program started 3 years ago when AT&T gave a check for 600,000 dollars to upstart programs that have helped the community grow and prosper.

School is Around the Corner!

2009-07-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

In English:

Yes students! Its back! Pixley School will be back in session on August 17th in the new school.

Grades 6-8th will be going to the new school and will have to be ready for a new change. The new Pixley Middle School will be in session with a new style and class. The Gold and Black Jaguars will be roaring as the new school year comes by. Many are excited and cannot wait to see the new experiance.

With a new school, many new opportunities are available and new doors are open to students as well as parents. Dropping off students and picking them up has never been easier for parents. Students have a better chance to participate in sports as well exceed in their academics with new classrooms.

Overall, students have better get ready for a new and exciting school year. Pencil sharpened, glue sticks ready, rulers ready for action, and a great attitude are needed for a neat and great adventure at Pixley Middle School.

So dont wait! Students get on it!!!

En Espanol:

Estudiantes! ¡La Llego! La Escuela de Pixley regresará en la sesión en el 17 de agosto en la nueva escuela.

Gradúa 6-8th estará yendo a la nueva escuela y tendrá que estar listo para un nuevo cambio. La nueva Secundaria de Pixley estará en la sesión con un nuevo estilo y clase. Los nuevos colores de Oro y Negro y la mascota de Jaguares estarán rugiendo com el nuevo año escolar por venir. Muchos estan emocionados y no pueden esperar para ver el nuevo escolar.

Con una nueva escuela, muchas nuevas oportunidades están nuevas puertas disponibles y están abiertas a estudiantes así como padres. Dejar a estudiantes y recogiendo nunca ha sido más fácil para padres. Los estudiantes tienen una mejor oportunidad de tomar parte en los deporte también exceden en su académico con nuevas aulas.

En términos generales, estudiantes tienen mejor abilidad para un nuevo año escolar emocionante. El lápiz afilado, los palos de pegamento preparados, los libros listos para accion, y una gran actitud es necesitada para la gran aventura ofrecida en la Secudaria de Pixley.

¡Así que ponte listo! ¡Estudiantes Preparansen!!!

Pixley Business Bazaar

2009-06-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Pixley Bazaar was an event where all the businesses from Pixley can get together and exhibit their services and products.

View all

Get your own

Pixley Advisory Committee Members

2009-06-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Betty Morehead
Cristina Calcote
Daniel Martinez
Alfred King
Wayne Clark
Edward Calcote
Cassie Fay
Teresa Garcia
Veronica Belmonte
Alvin G. Chavez
Trini Herrera

Pixley Digital Connectors Program

2009-06-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Great Valley Center, in partnership with One Economy, presents the Pixley Digital Connectors program; a six month internship program for Pixley youth. The six-month program prepares and positions Pixley youth to promote technology services to its residents.

The program provides a valuable training experience for qualified youth seeking to apply their leadership and technological skills to bridging the digital divide in their community. For detailed program information or an application contact Pixley Connect project staff.

Computer Literacy Weekend Workshops

2009-06-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Pixley Connect has extended public access to the Community Technology Center. Members of the public can now utilize the CTC on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

2007 Pixley Connect Awards & Graduation Ceremony

2007-06-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

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0n May 16, 2007, Pixley Connect celebrated its inaugural computer training awards ceremony. Families participating in the computer training course received a certificate of completion and a new desktop computer to take home.

Connecting to future: Graduates of technology program in Pixley receive free computers.

2007-06-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

June 2 , 2007
The Fresno Bee

"PIXLEY -- It looked like a typical graduation ceremony.

Proud families held balloons and flowers as loved ones dressed in their best clothes sat on the stage of the Pixley Memorial Building. Streamers, burgundy and white, draped the hall. And cameras flashed as names were announced.

Read full article

Pixley tech students to graduate

2007-05-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

May 16 , 2007
Visalia Times-Delta

"Today, for the first time, Clementina Ramirez will take home her very own desktop computer.

Ramirez will receive the computer from the AT&T Foundation through the Pixley Connect program, which has been providing technology classes twice a week to 14 adults for the past five months.

A graduation ceremony will be held tonight at the Pixley Memorial Building."

Read full article

Pixley Connect Group Offering Free Computer Classes to Parents

2007-01-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

January 9 , 2007
ABC30 KFSN-TV/DT

"Last month the small south valley town of Pixley received affordable internet access for the first time. Now the town is holding their first computer and internet literacy classes."

Read full article

Web training in one rural town aims to close digital divide

2006-11-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

November 8 , 2006
Fresno Business Journal

"The project, called Pixley Connect, is the result of a $600,000, three-year grant awarded to the Great Valley Center by the AT&T Foundation. The project is designed to provide training, technical support and other services to help Pixley residents and businesses make the most of high-speed Internet applications."

Read full article

Pixley Connect Project Aims to Bring Hi-Speed Internet

2006-10-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2006
ABC30 KFSN-TV/DT

"An estimated 90% of the homes in Pixley do not have a computer at home. But, over the next 3 years the "Pixley Connect Project" hopes to change that by bringing high speed internet into more homes and computer skills to more residents."

Read full article

Pixley CTC

2006-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

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The CTC computer lab contains 10 computer stations, connected to High Speed Internet, and printing and scanning hardware. Computers contain educational software for adults and children. Pixley CTC offers weekly computer training and open access sessions to the general public.

Byte By Byte

2006-08-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

August 4 , 2006
UnionDemocrat.com

"The Great Valley Center — which Tuolumne County's officials chose not to join for some reason — recently announced a $600,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation to benefit Pixley, partway between Fresno and Bakersfield on Highway 99."

Read full article

Press Release - GVC Announces Initiative to Spur Economic Development . . .

2006-05-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

May 4 , 2006
AT&T Press Release

"The Great Valley Center today announced a wide-ranging technology and educational initiative that will be implemented in rural Tulare County. To demonstrate the value and viability of advanced technology access in rural communities, the Pixley Connect project will provide training, technical support and other services to help Pixley residents and businesses make the most of high speed Internet applications. The project is made possible by a three-year $600,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation.."

Read full release

Contact

2006-05-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Contact Pixley Connect Project Coordinator, by phone at (559) 801-5203 or send an email using the form below.

Mailing Address
Pixley Connect
c/o: Great Valley Center
201 Needham Street
Modesto, CA 95354

Office Address
CSET Building
433 Main Street
Pixley, CA 93526
phone: (559) 757-1601
fax: (559) 757-1608

Frequently Asked Questions

2006-05-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

What is Pixley Connect?

Pixley Connect is a model project of the Great Valley Center in partnership with the AT&T Foundation to bring high speed internet and technology training to the rural, underserved, predominantly Spanish-speaking community of Pixley, California.

Where is Pixley?

Pixley is located in the Central Valley of California in Tulare County and is home to approximately 3,000 residents. (Demographics) See map

Why is technology access important in Central California?

California’s Central Valley is a fast growing region, with lower-than-average educational attainment, high unemployment rates and limited access to resources. Technology access and training provides skills and opportunities that can improve quality of life through expanded educational and economic opportunities and enhanced healthcare, to name a few. It helps bridge the “digital divide” in historically underserved communities within the region

What is the “digital divide”?

The digital divide refers to the gap between those able to benefit from digital technology and those who are not.

How is Pixley Connect funded?

In the spring of 2006, the AT&T Foundation partnered with the Great Valley Center providing grant funding over three years to seed the project.

How is Pixley Connect implemented?

The Great Valley Center hired a full-time, Spanish speaking Project Coordinator who is based in Pixley to design and implement the project. Through Pixley Connect, Pixley residents will receive computer literacy training, local youth will be trained to become local technical support experts, a Community Technology Learning Center will open to provide on-going technology training and assistance, and economic development will be promoted through the use of new technologies in local business practices.

Who is involved in Pixley Connect?

The Great Valley Center is engaging partners throughout the community with the intent of securing the support necessary to sustain efforts at the conclusion of the grant period. Pixley Connect is currently working in partnership with individual community members and the following local community organizations and institutions: Tulare Adult School, Pixley Chamber of Commerce, Community Services and Employment Training Inc., Pixley Foundation, Pixley Elementary School. "

Calendar of Events

2006-05-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

About Us

2006-05-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Project Description

Pixley Connect, a project of the Great Valley Center in partnership with the AT&T Foundation, is an effort to narrow the digital divide in rural California. The Pixley Connect project brings telecommunication access, education and training to the underserved, predominantly Spanish-speaking community of Pixley, California. Pixley, an unincorporated community within Tulare County, is located in the Central Valley of California.

As envisioned, Pixley Connect will have a positive impact on the community’s economic and social welfare and provide a sustainable model for future projects through on-the-ground grassroots outreach, education, and technology training. Access to technology in the rural community of Pixley will help bring about economic prosperity and opportunities leading to the improvement of living standards for its residents

The AT&T Foundation is providing seed funding for the project during the initial three years of design and implementation. AT&T has also extended DSL lines to ensure the majority of Pixley residents have access to high-speed internet at a reasonable cost.

The Great Valley Center continues to engage partners throughout the community to develop capacity to sustain the project for the long term. While it is intended this be a replicable model, extensive community involvement also assures the project is customized to meet the needs of this particular community.

The Pixley Logo

This colorful canvas painting tells a story about Pixley residents, history and current life style. It was created by a group of youth from Pixley and its neighbor community, Tipton.

Each letter in the logo symbolizes a significant aspect of the community

P - Black and white dots represent the rich dairy industry of Tulare County.

I - Remarkable representation of Pixley Connect Project, reflecting the enthusiasm and significances of having high speed internet access and technology training in the community.

X - Pixley is symbolic to the rail road company that used to go through the town transporting grains and other goods.

L - This is Pixley’s water tower as it stands on the middle of the town facing Highway 99 exit.

E - Red Tiger’s pride, Tipton Elementary School is represented by the mascot colors and its scholarship.

Y - Pixley is conveniently located on Highway 99. The letter Y represents the vitality, accessibility and value Highway 99 has in the community.

Pixley Demographics

Pixley is located in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley, one of the world’s richest agricultural areas. It is home to approximately 3000 residents (650 households).

82% of the population is Latino, 4% African American and 13% Caucasian.
52% of Pixley students are English Language Learners.
Only 22% of the population is 45 years of age or older.
The per capita income is $8,674 compared to $21,193 in Tulare County and $22,711 statewide.
Unemplyment exceeds 25%.
The median household income is approximately $23,304, less than half the state average.
Pixley has only 9 operational public computer units with internet access.
Pixley has an elementary and charter school, but 9-12th grade students travel to Tulare to attend High School.

Where's Pixley?

Pixley, California is located in the Central Valley of California in Tulare County. Located off of Highway 99, the city of Pixley is aproximetely 46.8 miles North of Bakersfield and 63.3 miles South of Fresno. Pixley is home to approximately 3,000 residents.

Pixley Connect Staff

2006-05-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Great Valley Center staffs Pixley Connect Project with a full time, bilingual, on-the-ground coordinator, Sandra Orozco. Sandra works with community based organizations such as the Pixley School District and Pixley Chamber of Commerce and other local entities to make Pixley Connect a successful model project for the California Central Valley.

Maria G. Velásquez
Pixley Connect Coordinator
Send an Email

Maria G. Velásquez began coordinating the Computer Technology Center through the Pixley Connect Project in 2008. Maria helps communities to be advocates for themselves and their families by developing leadership skills and engaging in civic participation.

Her role includes offering a wide range of programs and services, from leadership development to computer literacy classes for youth and parents. Maria’s varied background includes many years of experience in community organizing and advocacy, social services, and training. Maria is from Visalia and works in Pixley.

Alvin G. Chavez

Digital Connectors Consultant

Alvin G. Chavez started as one of Pixley Connect's Digital Connectors Program, he was one of the students in the pilot program from July 2008 to March 2009. Having completed 72 hours of intensive training and 200+ hours as a Digital Connector Ambassador, he volunteered his time to the Pixley Connect Program. He was chosen to represent the Digital Connectors in the Pixley Connect Advisory Committee.

In January, he was chosen by his colleagues to represent the Pixley Digital Connectors in the bring IT home California 21st Century Community: Cutler-Orosi Inauguration Ceremony in Orosi. In March, he was chosen by Pixley Connect to consult and train the 2nd class of Digital Connectors, and has since dedicated himself into keeping this program running with the help of his coordinator Maria G. Velásquez . In May, he and one of his colleagues were chosen to represent the Pixley Digital Connectors at the Great Valley Center Conference on May 6-8 in Sacramento, CA.

Advisiory Committee

2006-05-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Pixley Connect Computer Training

2006-03-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

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This18-week computer literacy program provides training to parents of sixth grade students at Pixley School. Participating families receive four hours of training per week.

Pixley Connect Robotics Course

2006-03-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

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Pixley Connect supports youth development through the engagement of youth in technology. Pixley Connect established a robotics team to offer youth an interactive and fun opportunity to learn about science, engineering and problem solving. The Pixley robotics team consists of 18 youth, between the ages of 9 and 14, who take part in practice sessions weekly and will participate in regional competitions.