Share
Bill Walton’s name is synonymous with basketball. Greatness. Grateful Dead. But farming? He recently appeared as the keynote speaker at the Fresno County Farm Bureau’s centennial celebration held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
So, what’s his connection? “I eat…all the time.” Fair enough, after all he stands 6′ 11″. “I love community, I love team, I love progress, I love development and I love all the things and elements that go into that,” Walton said, complementing the farm community.
Walton’s address lasted about an hour, covering everything from growing up in San Diego, playing for John Wooden at UCLA, winning an NBA championship with Portland and Boston and countless anecdotes along the way. Whatever Walton’s speaking fee may have been, he surely earned it. Hours before the speech, he spent time with the media and signed autographs for VIP. After he finished, he stayed until every last fan had an opportunity to say hi and get Walton’s autobiography signed.
Before the festivities, Walton sat down with GV Wire. He talked about his Central Valley roots (his wife is from Tracy and father is from Taft), what his thoughts are on the Berkeley riots and the state of activism among athletes today.
And yes, Walton is still an ardent admirer of the Grateful Dead. Perhaps, he remains the tallest Dead fan. He plans to watch them as they tour again (didn’t they retire?) on the West Coast this summer.
Watch the video above.
What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.
Contact David Taub
Phone: 559-492-4037 / e-mail
This story was not subject to the approval of Granville Homes.
Want these stories delivered directly to your e-mail inbox? Subscribe today.
RELATED TOPICS:
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
23 hours ago
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
1 day ago
Palestinian TikTok Star Who Shared Details of Gaza Life Under Siege Is Killed by Israeli Airstrike
1 day ago
Visalia Rawhide and City Agree on Terms to Upgrade Stadium
1 day ago
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16183042/Eagles-vs-49ers.jpg)
Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
![A black poodle's face with his tongue sticking out](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29135336/Rescued-from-an-abandoned-home-after-weeks-of-fending-for-himself-Adam-a-shy-but-sweet-poodle-mix-is-now-seeking-a-loving-forever-home.-Mells-Mutts-1024x538.jpg)
Abandoned Poodle Mix Adam Survives the Wild and Seeks a Forever Home
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30180712/AP24242759968532-1024x576.jpg)
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30151423/shutterstock_1654933633-copy-1024x576.jpg)
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/28091346/082824-Lede-1024x576.jpg)