Category: Central Valley

July 9,2014
Tulare County officials say building permit requests for residential
housing soared and the value of construction permits issued during the
County*s recently completed Fiscal Year 2013/2014 increased as well.

“During the last 12 months the County has issued 66% more permits for
single family homes in the unincorporated areas,” said Phil Cox,
Chairman of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. “We’ve also seen a
substantial growth in economic activity and commercial building.
Although we are not in direct competition with cities for housing, this
is a clear sign of an improving economy.*

County records show 3,116 building permits were issued in FY 2013/2014
* representing projects with a total construction value of $141.6
million. That represents 4.75% growth in building permit values over the
previous fiscal year, when county officials processed 3,266 permits
worth a total value of $135.2 million.

County economic development officials say this represents an average
7.25% increase in construction permit values over the last three fiscal
years.

*The value of county building permits issued last fiscal year
increased by $6.4 million over the value of permits issued during the
prior 12 month period,” Board Chairman Cox said  *Tulare Counties
effort to work closer with clients and businesses either looking to
locate to Tulare County or expand their existing operations is exceeding
our Boards expectations. We are very happy with the hard work our own
team puts in everyday to grow Tulare County.*

*This is significant and sustained growth over a three year
period,* said County Administrator Jean Rousseau.  *We believe
some of that growth is due to our countywide effort to be become more
business friendly.*

What*s changed? Two years ago the Board of Supervisors established an
in house economic development program to foster value growth. Challenged
to make the county easier to do business with, planning administrators
developed a team-based approach toward business development. For
example, if someone wanted to fast-track construction of a medical
clinic, or expand a large Ag processing facility on an aggressive
timeline, the county developed a *new* team-based process to
accommodate that developer*s needs.

Tulare County Economic Development Manager Michael Washam said much of
the increase in new construction occurred in four business sectors:
Renewable energy, retail commercial, agriculture and health care.

*We have tried to focus on what we are good at, and our county has
made a strong commitment to encourage agri-business expansion,* Washam
said. *Our county is also one of the few in the state that has an
expedited permitting process developed specifically for renewable energy
projects.*

Construction continues on approved utility scale solar projects. In the
last 12 months Tulare County has issued building permits for $7.3
million-worth of solar projects and additional renewable energy growth
is expected this year.

*The County recently issued permits worth $4.3 million for the Pixley
biogas project and another $1.1 million permit for an innovative carbon
dioxide capture plant * a state of the art facility that produces food
grade CO2 used in carbonated drinks,* Washam said.

Building permits are currently pending for the Atwell Island West solar
project recently purchased by Con Edison Development.

In addition to renewable energy projects Setton Farms pulled more than
$2 million-worth of permits for plant expansions; Paramount Citrus
expanded greenhouse facilities – $4.9 million in permits; Family Health
Care Network*s new rural medical clinic in Terra Bella and a thorough
renovation and expansion of its Porterville clinic represent a combined
permit value of $1.7 million. Also approved: Tulare Community Health
Center*s new medical clinic in Woodville – $550,000 in permits.

Family Dollar, Auto Zone, Dollar General and Tulare Firestone Tires
have all built new stores in the unincorporated area of Tulare County
during the past twelve months * a combined $3.6 million in permit
value.

CaliCheese Founder Dies

July 3,3014
Supporters of more economic development in Tulare suffered a set back in recent weeks as the start-up cheese maker,CaliCheese, who expects to hire 200 employees, was hit by a double whammy.

About a month ago the president of the company Jeff Lee became ill with breathing problems while staying in Tulare County, was seen at Kaweah Delta and flown to an LA hospital where he later died. “It was a tragic irony on the eve of seeing his dream come true” says Robert Moultrie, a friend and fellow investor in the project who will now be spearheading it

At the same time CaliCheese faced a June 30 deadline to buy 60 acres owned by the City of Tulare near the wastewater plant but was not ready to complete the purchase quite yet says Moutrie.”We needed a few more months but the city said they could not extend the conditional use permit.”

Apparently that was because upon being pressed by CRLA attorneys representing Matheny Tract –  the city came to a new conclusion.

The city recently told Moultrie the cheese project that they had previously deemed to be properly backed by a 2008 EIR that is still in place – would now have to do a new one.

Earlier this year city attorney Martin Koczanowicz defended the original ruling by the then,city planning chief Mark Kielty that the proposed cheese plant could use the EIR approved for a meat plant on the same property. Koczanowicz wrote in February that “the potential impacts are far less than those associated with the meat processing plant.”

The city attorney was responding to a letter from a Matheny Tract,CRLA attorney that suggested the 2008 EIR was “inadequate” because it was approved for a beef plant – a project that after years of litigation was finally settled only to fall flat, the owner claiming that the long delay had killed his financing.

Mr Moultrie who has taken over Lee’s role – says after hearing from the city they have agreed to do a new EIR “even though the traffic issues,water use,sewage,noise and odor impacts are far less.”

Still,“we believe this will only set us back about 5 months” says Moultrie who adds that he has “absolute confidence“ the $350 million CaliCheese proejct will be funded.”We are working with Raymond James and they are very positive.”

He says the new EIR,already being worked on – should be complete by December 4 – allowing the big project to start construction in the first quarter of 2015.

Walk To Work?

But if in the end CRLA sues, the project that could be delayed with unknown consequences.The irony is not lost that a small impoverished community of 220 homes could halt a development project that could provide the jobs that would permanently lift hundreds of local residents out of poverty. From Matheny Tract – about a mile away – they could walk to work. The city has an unemployment rate of 13% and Matheny Tract’s rate is likely much higher.

You may remember that CRLA pushed to halt the annexation of industrial park land (including this land) into the city on the south end of town insisting the city first annex the unincorporated village of Matheny Tract. The annexation could seemingly accomplish all the upgrades in infrastructure that the place lacks.

But to CRLA’s surprise Matheny Tract residents did not want to be annexed preferring to keep their rural rules yet wanting city services.  CRLA then dropped objections to the annexation.

Lawsuits Delay Development

Tulare appears to be on radar of private and public interest lawyers who have successfully stopped major development projects in this town in recent years including the Tulare Motorsports project, the years of litigation against the beef plant brought forward by a competitor and now the threat to delay the the CaliCheese plant – unless demands are met.

In their defense CRLA maintains the low income community without   good water, sewer or street lights has only moved forward by pressing Tulare city and county for help.

The Colony Energy Case

That is what happened with CRLA, and another job producing project -Colony Energy – who is looking to lease land also near the WWT plant. They want to build an enclosed digester to make biogas from manure and food waste.The bio-methane will be used by the transportation industry, replacing 5,000 gallons per day of diesel fuel and cutting greenhouse gases. Instead of methane from nearby dairy farms going into the already smoggy atmosphere, the emissions will be captured.

CRLA extracted an agreement from Newport-based Colony Energy in 2012 in which the company would pay for street lights for Matheny Tract as well as 10 years of their power bill. The $25 million project is still moving forward in Tulare say sources, but has been delayed.At least CRLA did drop plans to demand an EIR.

But now the city will require CaliCheese to pay for a new EIR, opening the door under CEQA for CRLA to comment and later sue if they want and any other entity like labor advocates who have threatened to sue solar companies across the state using CEQA – unless they agree to hire union labor.

What does Matheny Tract want? Sewer service has been a top priority. The city and county have agreed to cooperate to make this happen but there are no funds to do it.

Maybe the two sides can talk before a new can of worms is opened  up?

Such CEQA shenanigans have been the reason why Governor Brown and some in the legislature want to revise CEQA rules in the state to prevent such “Greenmail” lawsuits that keep this state’s economy on a  short leash.It’s the reason why guys like Elon Musk look to Texas to build major projects.

Indeed, Tulare can look forward to future objections for every new industrial project it approves in this 400-acre area unless there is some master agreement with these neighbors. Another project using algae ponds to make biofuel is about to move forward.

Whatever the case Mr Moultrie says “in hindsight I wish we would have known we need to do a new EIR a few years ago.” The Tulare City Council is expected to take up the matter later this month.

The silver lining – if you still want to do a beef packing plant in Tulare -there is an EIR in place that will back you.

June 27,2014
WASHINGTON – The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the 114-mile Fresno to Bakersfield Section of the California High-Speed Train System. The ROD is the last step in the National Environmental Policy Act process and clears the way to break ground on the project.

“This represents a major step forward, both for the State of California and for High Performance rail in the U.S.,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “It will create jobs, provide travelers with new options, and improve connectivity up and down the West Coast.  This project is an important example of our commitment to investing in modernizing our rail infrastructure to meet growing market demand.”

The California High-Speed Train System will provide a reliable high-speed electric-powered train system that links the major metropolitan areas of California, delivering predictable and consistent travel times that are competitive with air and highway travel. It will also provide connectivity to commercial airports, mass transit systems, and the highway network; and help alleviate capacity constraints of the existing transportation system as increases in intercity travel demand in California occur, in a manner sensitive to and protective of California’s unique natural resources.

In its ROD, the FRA selects the preferred alternative outlined in its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which was issued earlier this year. The preferred alternative is comprised of the alignment alternative adjacent to the BNSF Railway bypasses of Corcoran, the Allensworth area, and the Bakersfield Hybrid alternative.  The preferred alternative includes a Downtown Fresno Station, a Kings/Tulare regional station, and a downtown Bakersfield station. FRA selected this combination of route alignments because they are more compatible with the long-range development planning goals of the region, and will result in fewer potential impacts on wetlands and special-status species habitat.  The alignment will also reduce displacements and result in fewer impacts to religious facilities when compared to the other alignment alternatives.

FRA’s decision reflects the balancing of multiple considerations including environmental, technical, economic, operational, as well as community and stakeholder input. Between March 2007 and March 2014, more than 900 meetings in the Project area were held as part of the California High Speed Rail Authority (Authority) and FRA’s outreach efforts.  The public summited more than 2200 written comment letters and verbal comments at public hearings in response to the 2011 Draft EIR/EIS and the 2012 Revised Draft EIR/Supplemental Draft EIS.  The ROD also includes a Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement Plan that describes measures the Authority must implement as part of the project to reduce, avoid, and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts.

“This ROD represents a major milestone in the planning process, which included a rigorous analysis that thoroughly incorporated public input to recommend these routes,” said FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “Public feedback is an essential component of the environmental review process and we relied upon it heavily while conducting this review.”

DOT’s historic investment in the California High Speed Train System through funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) reflects the importance of investing in the modernization of our nation’s rail system.

The GROW AMERICA Act, or Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure and Communities throughout America Act, will further advance this goal by providing for predictable, dedicated investments that enhance safety and modernize our rail infrastructure to meet growing market demand, while promoting innovation and ensuring transparency and accountability. The Act will invest $19 billion over four years to improve rail safety and invest in a National High-Performance Rail System, as states and local communities need the certainty of sustained funding to make the transportation investments necessary to improve our infrastructure and support our economic growth.

A copy of the ROD can be found here.

Rail – Moving America Forward

The mission of the Federal Railroad Administration is to enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods for a strong America, now and in the future.

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“Wait Till August” – Alan Ishida

June 27,2014

With little surface water this year Tulare County farmers are pumping hard on the aquifer in early summer. But this drought is just getting started. You feel it more in the rural parts of the county. About a dozen small water systems,mostly in farmworker towns, are appealing for emergency financing to restore their systems while home owners in the unincorporated areas see their wells going dry.

County supervisor Alan Ishida says he not surprised by the number of request for help.”We are in deep trouble now – but wait until August.”

Indeed, water engineer Dennis Keller says individual home wells are going dry at a rapid pace. “I’ve been getting about 3 calls a week from home owners looking for help because their well has gone dry.”

“We have 75 more days of the irrigation season and those deeper ag wells will just keep pumping” while more nearby more shallow private wells will be going dry. Keller says monthly measurements of groundwater show they have dropped over 50 ft in a months times in some areas.

County administrator Denise England says an informal count of the number of private wells in trouble as of early June has 35 homes out of well water and another 200 nearly out.That’s only the home owners we’ve heard about” says England. “Those who have contacted an agency for help.We think there are many more.” England, who sits on the county’s Drought Task Force, says there is some funding for private wells but it is limited.

Meanwhile Tulare County’s rural water systems are suffering from drought like the rest of us but arguably more so. This month they are appealing for help from both federal and the state government to drill new wells, lay new line to hook up to larger systems, buy water or add new storage with most applications filed on an “emergency” basis.

Dennis Keller says a number of emergency applications will  get funding quickly as the process has been streamlined  but they will probably not spell relief this summer with the exception of water purchases “This really meant to drought-proof these towns for the next dry year.”

England says some rural systems are getting relief by hooking up to larger water providers. Chinowith Apts in rural Visalia recently hooked up to Cal Water as did Cameron Creek. In rural Porterville,E Vandalia homepark recently hooked up to the city. North of Visalia,Patterson Tract system has added outlying homes.

Near Tulare the rural subdivision Matheny Tract is getting hooked up to city water but now the city is hesitant to start supplying them, says England, as the city itself is facing reduced supply. A new deeper well might be needed to supply those homes.

June 27,2014

Auto Sales Rev Up 13 Percent Here

Visalia’s largest car dealer Don Groppetti says auto and truck sales in the Visalia market are up a strong 13% year over year. That’s more than double the state average for new registrations of 5.6% in the first quarter of the year. The sales pickup is good news for more than dealers since car sales are a major component of tax revenues for the city. The City of Visalia just passed their new 2-year budget this week estimating a 3% increase each year in sales tax revenue.

Mr Groppetti is remodeling the former Putnam Wind showroom on Mineral King into office space. He says all the car related uses at his Burke and Mineral King properties will be “converted to office-use long term.” For now the 13,7600sf building furthest west on Mineral King will be divided into 2 spaces,a 5000sf space for lease and the remainder into offices for Groppetti’s radio broadcasting enterprise, Momentum Broadcasting.That business will be relocating from Exeter to Visalia this fall.

Tulare Regional Medical Center Cuts Some Losses

Tulare’s struggling hospital’s latest finances show operating income still in the red but less red than this time last year. So far this fiscal year through May, operating income is at a minus $5.7 million compared to a loss of $8.1 million this time last year. TRMC had hoped to be doing better with a budget expectation of a $2.2 million loss. Gross patient  revenue has declined more than $20 million year-over-year. Some good news – surgery cases are up 10% year-to-date and up 26% in May. Still the average hospital census in May was 36 patients compared to the budget plan of 48. The district is hiring a new contractor to complete the exterior of their new tower.

Fewer Cars Stolen Statewide,Up In Tulare County

California saw a slight decrease in vehicle theft in 2013. The two percent decline is a positive sign for the state, following an 11 percent surge in vehicle theft in 2012. According to statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol, more than 171,000 vehicles were stolen statewide in 2013, which is an estimated value of $1 billion. While the trend was positive statewide,Tulare County saw a 7.5% increase.The good news – recoveries were up 15%. The Honda Accord continues to be the car that thieves most love to steal.

County Will Shut Down Visalia Health Center Pharmacy

Tulare County will close the Visalia Health Center pharmacy on Dinuba Blvd by Sept 1. Clients will be referred to Rite Aid locations.The closure comes as the ACA and Medical has changed how meds are prescribed  to indigent patients.The pharmacy was serving 74 patients a day prior to January but since – the patient load has dropped to 27 a day says a notice. Some 7 pharmacists worked at the facility.

Dinuba Seeks To Boost Downtown With Historic Designation

The city of Dinuba is starting the ball rolling on designating a Downtown property historic in hopes the tax breaks and designation will boost property values. The city is beginning on their own property including the landmark E Howard & Co street clock. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission hopes private owners will follow.Owners of historic designated sites are able to take advantage of a number of benefits, including property tax breaks through the Mills Act, building code relief through the State Historic Building Code, and relaxation of Zoning Ordinance rules.

Developer Seeks OK To Build Western Dental In Dinuba

The Dinuba Planning Commission will hear a plan to rezone 7 properties on West El Monte from Multi-Family to C4 Commercial at their July 8 meeting. AngelSpeed LLC wants to build a Western Dental facility and second commercial building on 6 of them and another developer plans offices on the remainder.

June 23,2014
HSR Contractor Seeks Small Business Subcontractors In Kings County

With a stated goal to have a 30% Small Business participation,Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons, the contractor building the Central Valley’s HS rail segments will be coming to Hanford July 7 to talk to local firms who might want to subcontract. TPZP executives will host a small business outreach networking event to connect with all interested parties. Small Businesses will meet TPZP and learn more about opportunities on HSR Construction Package 2-3, through Kings County. The meeting is  Monday, July 7, 2014 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m at the City of Hanford Civic Auditorium,400 North Douty Street, Hanford. RSVP by July 2, 2014 to:
RSVP4TPZP@leeandrewsgroup.com

Jail Expansion Bid Approved But 17 Percent Higher Than Engineer Estimate

The new Kings County jail renovation and expansion is just the latest big public safety project to take shape around the government center in Hanford with a bids approved by the Board of Supervisors recently to Roebbelen Contracting for $32,180,000,some 17% over engineers estimate of $27 million.

A few years ago the best thing about the recession was that major public works projects got built for less.No more as “contractors are busy” explains Rebecca Campbell, the county’s Deputy Administrator. Nevertheless,the county is desperate for more jail space and this project will deliver that in 18 months from a July 28 groundbreaking.

The new jail includes 67,390sf of new space adding 144 beds – making a total of 252- counting the existing beds.The project is being funded through AB890.

This is the second phase with phase 1 underway along with a new morgue being built nearby. Campbell says the county expects more funding for mental health beds with none available now.
Of course the jail project will connect with the new 144,460sf Kings County Courthouse under construction now and slated to be completed by fourth quarter of 2015.  The jail will connect with an underground tunnel to the new 12 courtroom facility.
The county has seen a crush of new inmates in recent years and in 2012 they were forced to release over 1000 inmates back on the streets.
Regarding the bidding atmosphere a recent report said public works projects are now competing for contractors with resurgent private sector development and a smaller field of contractors. Last September, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) reported that spending on private residential and commercial projects outstripped spending on public sector projects.”

Hanford Plan Would Boost Sales Tax

The new Hanford General Plan has some interesting figures on the city’s sale tax picture. In the multi-year budget being proposed  – the city estimates the city sales tax revenue will rise from around $6.3 million in the 2013 /14 fiscal year to $6.5 million in the 2014/15 budge t year and $6.8 million in  the 2015/16 fiscal year.

The General Plan report done by by Quad Knopf says ‘the biggest retail sales leakage for Hanford is seen within the retail category of Gasoline Stations. For the year 2012, the retail spending potential for Hanford was $40,790,813 however, only $24,601,580 was captured in overall retail sales. This resulted in a 40% leakage rate. Compared to Tulare, Visalia, Fresno and Kings County, Hanford has higher per capita retail sales in the following categories: Grocery, Building Materials, and Auto Dealers & Supplies. In referencing the total general retail sales per capita, Hanford has the overall higher values compared to every other jurisdiction listed above except Visalia.

The 2013 retail vacancy rate in Hanford is 10.2%, which is higher than both Kings County and the Greater Fresno Market. As of 2013, Hanford had 372 businesses within the BID (Business Improvement District) with 38 available locations for lease or rent. Similarly, the average asking retail lease rate per month is higher than both Fresno County and the Greater Fresno Market.

Roundabouts Coming To Kings County?

Currently, there are no existing roundabouts in Hanford or in Kings County. Caltrans is exploring the use of roundabouts at a number of State highway intersections, including SR 43/SR 137 in Corcoran. A 2007 study of 55 roundabouts in the U.S. found a 35% reduction in accidents and a 90% reduction in fatal accidents when intersections with stop signs or signals were converted to roundabouts. It costs about the same to construct a roundabout as part of a new development as it does to build traffic signals, and requires significantly less maintenance than traffic signal intersections. The Villagio project, a 320-acre master planned community in northwest Hanford, is proposed to build a number of roundabouts as part of the approved overall development.

June 23,2014

A well crafted plan to let voters have the final say on the fate of the city-owned Lemoore Golf Course was blown up this week as the Tachi-Yokut tribe pulled of a possible purchase of the facility, a fallback in case voters said no. The city course is more than $3.6 million in debt and the local tribe had previously offered $5 million to buy it promising to keep it a golf course.

Now an unexpected email read in council chambers Monday changed all that – with the city clerk’s office confirming the contents that the tribe was “no longer interested.”

That ruined Lemoore city staffer Joe Simonson,the Parks and Recreation Director’s two point plan for citizens to decide whether to tax themselves to keep the course and relieve the debt or sell it if they did not approve either the taxing or Benefit Assessment idea.

Unlike a tax, a Benefit Assessment requires only a majority of the ballots collected by mail per CA Proposition 218 .A preliminary study was done by Quad Knopf and Finance Director Cheryl Silva on terms of a Special Assessment District. It would be $3,600,677 over a thirteen (13) year period and will coincide with the payoff of all the debt.. It would also restore all General Fund and Lemoore Redevelopment Successor Agency monies that were borrowed by the golf Course in such a way as not to burden the General Fund in the future. The cost for 7,066 private properties would be approximately $39.20 per year or $3.27 per month for a thirteen (13) year period says the staff report

A Benefit Assessments require a special benefit to the assessed property owner. The engineer is reviewing whether the benefit could be a reduction in Green Fees and/or other yet to be determined benefit. The result will be determined by the Engineers Report. Council should be aware that it is possible that the engineers “may not be a viable option” says the staff report.

That left the council with not much to chew on even as time is running out for placing such a measure on the ballot this November.
For now the long-debated plan of whether to keep it or sell it has been settled with no buyer at hand. Council said they would take the matter up later.

June17,2014

Legislators appear to be banking on several years of severe drought to wake up the  California electorate enough to vote for a statewide water bond.The measure that has gained the most support is SB848 authored  by Davis Senator Lois Wolk that reduces the existing bond price tag of $11.14 billion to $10.5 billion. That $11.14 billion water bond is already scheduled to go to the voters in November, but the mix of spending, key opposition and the price tag are pushing legislators to find a new bond measure to replace it.The League of Women Voters of California and Sierra Club California both oppose the current bond scheduled for the 2014 ballot.

Significantly for the San Joaquin Valley, the new downsized bond includes $3 billion for reservoirs and groundwater storage.The bond could help fund a new dam above Fresno at Temperance Flat. Recently the Sierra Club said SB848 may still be opposed by them because of lax of oversight over large reservoir projects like Temperance Flat.

It also includes $1 billion for groundwater cleanup in the Los Angeles area.Senator Wolk says the measure also includes $1.3 billion for the Sacramento and San Joaquin Delta.

Senate leader Darrell Steinberg linked the drought to the measure saying “As California’s antiquated water infrastructure struggles to weather the driest year on record each passing month makes clear the urgency to equip our state’s water system for the demands of the 21th century.”

“Senator Wolk’s proposal deftly navigates the elusive middle ground of California’s historical geographic and ideological differences over water policy, and meets the co-equal goals of enhancing our water supply while protecting the integrity of the system’s lynchpin of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This is a well-balanced proposal to benefit the entire state.”
Another supporter added,“We’ve rolled up our sleeves to develop a water bond that delivers on solutions to California’s water crisis,” said Senator De Leon. “This package addresses the needs of all Californians – whether they are urban or rural, live in the North or the South. SB 848 is an investment to ensure safe and reliable drinking water will be available to all residents for the long-term.”

Importantly, the new bond measure has the support of water agencies and environmental groups and local governments in the SF Bay Area.

Also included in the bond is $500 million pledged  to disadvantaged communities in need of safe water, important in the Central Valley.

The last water bond was approved in 2005.

With time running out to place the matter on the November ballot the amended measure still needs the support of the Governor.Senator Wolk’s office says she is hopeful of a final Senate vote this week.

Yet to be heard from is Governor Jerry Brown is who might find it difficult to oppose the package supported by key allies. The timing this year could be improved for passage given the parched landscape out everyone’s front door. Add to that and the improved economy compared to the years when legislators feared financially strapped voters would turn down such a multi-billion dollar plan.

The amended bond provides $10.5 billion in funding for projects that will address California’s critical needs, including:
$500 million for urgent drinking water treatment for communities that do not currently have access to safe water;
$1 billion for critically needed groundwater treatment projects;
$400 million for wastewater treatment to protect California’s rivers, streams and beaches;
$900 million for community-supported habitat restoration in the Delta;
$400 million for Delta levee stability funding to reduce the risk of levee failure due to 
flood, earthquake and sea-level rise;
$1.9 billion for drought response and regional water supply development, including water 
recycling, desalination, and water conservation;
$3 billion for additional surface and groundwater storage;
$500 million for stormwater reuse and capture; and
$925 million for watershed restoration throughout California.

June17,2014

Jan- May Temps 5 Degrees Higher Than Average

This year‘s drought is being made worse by record high temps reports NOAA. Temps in the Golden State were 5 degrees higher than average, a record.  In Central Calif. NWS Hanford reports that May averages in Fresno were 4.2 degrees above normal.This week a huge wildfire in Kern County’s Sierra  is making national news.

Local Biz Index Higher

The San Joaquin Valley Business Conditions Index rose above the growth neutral threshold for the 17th time in the past 18 months. The May index increased to 57.4 from 55.9, indicating an expansionary economy over the course of the next three to six months. The index, produced by Fresno State’s Craig School of Business, is the leading economic indicator from a survey of individuals making company purchasing decisions in the counties of Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare.

Sequoia Visitation Up 14.3 Percent

NPS report that sequoia National park has seen a 14.3% increase in recreational visitors this year through May. Ovenight stays in Wuksachai have more than doubled compared to last year. Over in Kings Canyon visitation has declined 19% although an entrance gate was added later that year that made counting more accurate than before. If the trend is true it means more visitors coming to the twin parks up 198 through Three River than up 180.

Peter Carey Goes To Washington

NeighborWorks America announced this month that it named Peter N. Carey, acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Thomas Bloom acting Chief Financial Officer. Both will report to Chuck Wehrwein, acting Chief Executive Officer. Carey, who is retiring June 30 after nearly 25 years as the CEO of Self-Help Housing, Visalia, CA, will join NeighborWorks America on July 18 in Washington. Self Help is a nonprofit organization and member of the NeighborWorks network that has developed more than 7,000 single- and multi-family homes since its start in 1975. As acting COO, Carey will oversee the organization.

Nordstrom Rack To Open In Bakersfield, Calif.

Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced plans in April to open a Nordstrom Rack at The Shops at River Walk in Bakersfield, Calif. The approximately 35,000-square-foot store is scheduled to open in spring 2015. The property is being developed by Castle & Cooke, Inc.The chain is considered  a contender to come to Visalia some day.

NRG Yield buys world’s biggest wind farm cluster

Yield has agreed to buy the world’s largest cluster of wind farms, the 947MW Alta Wind project in California, from Terra-Gen Power.The wind farm is located in Tehachapi Pass of the Tehachapi Mountains, in Kern County
The project features GE and Vestas turbines The renewable energy investor is set to pay $870 million for the project, plus the assumption of $1.6 billion of non-recourse financings. The deal is expected to be closed in the third quarter.
NRG said that it intends to fund the purchase through a combination of new debt, equity and cash. The company expects that the project will add to its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation to the sum of around $220 million a year by 2016.Alta Wind was constructed  on the site of some of the world’s first large-scale wind farms. It is made up of GE and Vestas turbines across a number of different phases brought online over the last four years.

June 13,2013
Permits For New Water Wells in County On Pace To Double This Year

Not surprisingly, the drought of 2014 has prompted residential and ag users to seek permits to drill more groundwater wells in the county this year even as most surface water supplies are at record lows. Tulare County Environmental Health department reports that by June 12, the County had permitted 731 new wells including 78 just this month so far. For all last year the County permitted 830 wells,513 in 2012 and 395 in 2011. Fears of  lower groundwater levels and even sinking farm land has pushed the state legislature to call for state oversight on groundwater  that could happen as soon as this year.Subsidence has been noted near Los Banos and Pixley in Tulare County. The impending regulation may be spurring a rush for new permits.

HS Speed Rail To Get State Cap & Trade Monies

Gov. Jerry Brown and the Democrats have now agreed to use 25 percent of future cap-and-trade revenue ,which is money polluters pay to offset their carbon emissions, for ongoing funding for the bullet train in a  budget deal announced this week. The news could mean a permanent state revenue source for the big project amounting to $750 million to $1.25 billion a year. Supporters say that is enough to complete the so called Initial Operating Segment from Merced to Los Angeles that has figured in complaints of critics. Those critics have argued that the CHSRA could not show where funds were coming from  to complete the project beyond Bakersfield, arguing to a judge that this violated Prop 1A. Even after Gov Brown signs  the budget,sources says the plan will be challenged in court.
This week CHSRA chair Dan Richard said 71 companies were working on the rail project with offices in the Central Valley and 47 of these are in the Fresno and Clovis area. Statewide,  8,589 California-based employees were working on the project as of April.

Bass Pro Fishing For A Site?

Bass Pro Shops have pulled out of a long delayed shopping center project  in south Bakersfield it was announced earlier this year. Still the Missouri-based sporting goods chain apparently wants a South Valley location a little further from LA. Sources say the big hunting an fishing chain will be touring sites between Fresno and Bakersfield for a possible store location. Their closest store to the north is in Manteca.

Mini Storage Plan Riles City of Visalia

Derrel’s Mini Storage has convinced the County of Tulare to initiate  a general plan amendment to build one of their facilities on farm land just outside the Visalia city limits. The site is almost 20 acres on the north side of Caldwell, 1/2 miles west of Akers. Approval of the plan would rile the City of Visalia who already has some bad blood over plans by the county to allow development on Caldwell and 99, also on Visalia’s doorsteps. The county’s staff report of next weeks BOS meeting says the project would have to score well to meet the guidelines of the Rural Valley Lands Plan. The company owner has been trying to build a mini storage in NW Visalia for years.

How Housing Recovery Helps Mooney

Tulare County’s housing recovery means homeowners have more equity in their homes and are eager to both upgrade and add home furnishings. Fewer homes are underwater with Core Logic reporting a few days ago that nationwide- negative equity share has dropped from 9.8M to 6.3M in the first quarter of 2014.

For April distressed sales in Tulare County made up 24% of all home  sales vs 34% a year ago reports the California Association Of Realtors.

Across the US the homeowners gained $2.2 trillion in home equity last year, a huge gain in personal wealth that continues to ripple through through the economy.

The May City of Visalia building permit report shows that  not only are sales of new homes up 23% so far this year but home remodel permits are up 26% .Meanwhile the sales of goods at both furniture and home furnishing stores hit 6 year high of $8.55 billion in May across the US.

Locally, new furniture stores are opening this year on Mooney with Ashley Furniture set to open in a matter of days and construction underway of $2 million in improvements at the former car showroom  on Mooney now owned by Mor Furniture for Less.

More good news.The median home value in Visalia Metro is $149,800 with home values have up 11.5% over the past year. Zillow predicts they will rise 7.1% within the next year. Meanwhile the number of foreclosed homes has dropped 32% in Tulare County in the past year.

Corner Bakery Cafe Coming To Mooney

Nationwide chain the Corner Bakery Cafe is remodeling a storefront at Packwood Creek shopping Center. On the menu is expected to be everything from  buttermilk pancakes and a roasted pork sandwich with cucumbers and pickled jalapeños. The space is at 4021 S Mooney.

Way Lower Shale Estimate

The federal government’s Energy Information Service has thrown cold water on the prospect of a San Joaquin Valley oil boom in the Monterey Shale. The reserves were downgraded by an amazing  96 percent, from 13.7 billion barrels estimated by a government-funded report in 2011, to just 600 million barrels, the EIA said