-January 29,2020-
Visalia assaults up in 2019 crime report
The number of cases of assault climbed in Visalia in 2019 compared to recent years. A report released by the Visalia police department shows the number of assaults reached 1587 in 2019 compared to 1294 in 2018 and 1278 in 2017. That’s more than a 20% jump. Other crime categories were higher in 2019 including homicide that numbered 6 in 2019, up from 3 in 2018 but down from 9 in 2017. Rapes were up slightly in 2019 but burglary,larceny and motor vehicle theft numbers were down.
Tulare ready to OK recreational marijuana dispensaries
Tulare City Council is expected to OK recreational cannabis dispensaries at their February 4 meeting offering guidance to city planners on how many to approve and how the application process should work. Deputy City Manager Josh MacDonnell says “demand is strong” for the storefronts. Tulare would join Woodlake, Farmersville, Hanford and Lemoore in approving similar ordinances helping to supply tax revenue to the cities.
Farm Show to draw 100 airplanes to little used Tulare airport
Deputy City Manager Josh McDonnell of Tulare says they expect as many as 100 airplanes to fly into Mefford Field, Tulare’s lightly used airport for the annual World Ag Expo, February 11-13. “We hired a mobile tower that will be used by air traffic controllers” says McDonnell, actually a 12 ft ladder in the back of a 68 Chevy pickup, he notes. This year’s event will have a robust security contingent and the AgriCenter and city have signed an agreement to share costs.
Tulare jobless rate up monthly but down year over year
The unemployment rate in the Tulare County was 9.3 percent in December 2019, up from a revised 8.5 percent in November 2019, and below the year-ago estimate of 9.4 percent. T
Tule tribe building recreational pot dispensary along Highway 190
The Tule Indian tribe plans to open a recreational pot dispensary next to their Eagle Feather gas station along Hwy 190 above Porterville. Sources say the dispensary will be ready to open in April. Construction is now on going for the so called Eh-Lo dispensary.
Self Help building 40-unit housing project in Porterville for Tule tribe
Groundbreaking for Nupchi Xo’ Oy— a 40-unit affordable rental housing community located at 648 W. Mulberry Ave. in Porterville, CA 93257 was held earlier this January.
Called Nupchi Xo’ Oy, the Self Help Enterprises project will include 15 single-family homes and 25 townhouses. Of these housing types, 34 will be 3-bedroom residences and six will be 4-bedroom residences. In addition, the project will include a 1,956 – square foot community building fully equipped with a laundry, and a computer lab which will be available to adults and children for schoolwork and educational activities. SHE, in conjunction with Tule Indian staff, will offer a robust onsite resident services program that will include job training, health and wellness services, financial training, homebuyer education and a variety of youth afterschool activities. Tule River Tribe will also provide cultural services at the project, including a language program and other educational activities.