-September 16,2021
VA may want Visalia’s empty Toys-R-Us space
The Veteran’s Administration is still considering sites in Tulare County for new service center. Currently in Tulare, the community there has been lobbying the developer to remain in town in a larger facility that they need.
But Visalia may now be in the running as well. Mayor Steve Nelsen says the developer is interested in the vacant 31,000sf Toys R Us space on Mooney Blvd at Whitendale as a possible location. ”I’m optimistic it could happen” says Nelsen.
The property has been proposed for a large gas station by Fastrip, but the proposal does not include the empty building or lot on the south side.
Bank merger results in more empty banks
The proposed merger of Citizen’s Business Bank and Suncrest Bank will result in the closure of Suncrest’s existing branch at 501 W. Main Street in Visalia, the bank announced. The bank building is where Tazzaria has a coffee place. Citizens Business Bank is down the block at Johnson and Main.In Fresno, Suncrest branch at 663 West Nees Avenue, Fresno, will be closed following the merger. Also in Fresno, MFG Union Bank will close their location at 1069 E Champlain Drive, east of Woodward Park.
Local farms supply solar to self-driving car start-up
Tulare & Reedley farms are supplying solar power to a Bay Area self-driving car company. Cruise self-driving cars is developing a ride-hailing service in San Francisco, where its cars are being tested on the city’s streets — both with and without drivers. When the company’s cars are charged in San Francisco, they get the same electricity from the same grid as everyone else. But Cruise is paying undisclosed sums to local farmers Sundale Vineyards near Tulare and Moonlight Co near Reedley in exchange for renewable energy credits that correspond to the same amount of power Cruise uses from the grid.
Porterville may get Ross store/others
An LA developer is promoting a 10 acre site at Henderson and Highway 65 in Porterville as having secured several major new tenants town including a Ross store, dd’s discounts and Five Below (see developer site plan).Next door- 96 room hotel is planned.
Also at the Riverwalk Shopping Center plans are in for a Boot Barn store with construction anticipated to begin soon.
Lifestyle Center lost over 2000 members and 25% of staff during pandemic
The Lifestyle Fitness Center, owned by Kaweah Health, has continued to receive and process member cancellations during its closure without enrolling new members resulting in significant membership decline. Down from 10,500 to 8,400.
During the closure saw a dramatic migration and loss of staff (25%) to other departments, other organizations and other states.
CEO Ormonde to Leave Tulare Hospital District
Sandra Ormonde, who has been the Tulare Local Healthcare District Chief Executive Officer since May 1, 2019, has announced her resignation, effective December 1, 2021.
During her tenure, Ormonde oversaw the recovery of the District from bankruptcy, closing of more than 30 lawsuits, and the planning of both the future management of the Evolutions Fitness Center and completion of the hospital tower.
Board President Kevin Northcraft commented, “Sandra’s tenure with the District has been a phenomenal success. When she was hired, we were in bankruptcy and losing money every month. Her passion for the District’s affairs, her fiscal responsibility, and her commitment to every District issue has served us extremely well. We now have a bright future, money in the bank, operation of a successful fitness facility, and a strong effort to finish the tower.
Tulare finalizes purchase of court building
City of Tulare recently authorized the purchase of the Tulare County Courthouse located at 425 East Kern Ave and the neighboring “parking lot”, located East of and across of South N Street from the building, in the amount of $500,000.Sources says it will be used for public safety projects with its location near the police station.
Component Coffee building a new Tulare store along with Quesadilla Gorilla
Based on Main Street in Visalia, the partners at Component Coffee are building a new coffee shop from the ground up along with with @quesadillagorilla – with two buildings and a shared seating area. Look for them on the corner of Leland and Hillman. ETA Spring/Summer 2022. Component roast their own coffee in Downtown Visalia.
Visalia buys former dental office
The City of Visalia has purchased a 7000sf former dental office next to the city convention center at 300 E Mineral King. The move could may allow the city to market the east side of their property to a potential hotel developer to build a second hotel next to the Visalia Convention Center sometime in the future.
Visalia selling Downtown lot
Sealed proposals will be received by the City of Visalia Purchasing Division until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from developers interested in acquiring and developing the property at the northeast corner of Garden and Main Street in Downtown Visalia.
Yogurt out – Poke Point coming in
South Mooney will see a new poke restaurant at 4105S Mooney where yogurt place has vacated. The new tenant – Poke Point is doing the tenant improvements.Poke is diced raw fish served either as an appetizer or a main course and is one of the main dishes of Native Hawaiian cuisine.