GIFTS OF THE SEASON

When I was a young boy, at Christmas time my mom would always remind me that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Still, I always looked forward to opening gifts and checking my stocking by the fireplace.  William A. Ward expressed, “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say ‘thank you’?”

At this holiday season, we tend to reflect back on the blessings and gifts of the past year.  On behalf of Visalia, let me express thanks for the “gifts” that we have been recipients of.

Visalia is thankful to have been recently awarded a $1.998 million dollar grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the construction of storm drainage and flood management facilities, to reduce the potential of localized flooding in our downtown.  Those of you who lived here in the 1950's will remember Mill Creek overflowing in that area and the resultant flooding.  This grant funding will be used to expand the existing storm drain basin with about 70,000 additional cubic yards of water storage in the former Soroptimist Park at Douglas Avenue, and will include new storm drain trunk lines along Burke Avenue from Mineral King north to Race and west to Tipton, reducing the amount of storm water discharged into Mill Creek.  The project includes the construction of a 1.6 acre storm water basin next to the existing Jennings Ditch in the east downtown area.  This grant/gift does have a few strings attached, and requires a 20% match from the city, which will be funded from the city’s storm drain fund.

Effective October 1, 2012, the City of Visalia’s rating in the FEMA community rating system has been reclassified to a Class 8.  The classification results in a 10% discount on standard A flood  insurance policies and a continued 5% discount on standard X flood insurance policies.  While these discounts do not apply to property owners with preferred risk policies (PRP), FEMA has recently issued a memorandum extending the PRP eligibility program indefinitely.  Every little bit helps.

We’re thankful for the $200,000.00 gift the city recently received from the local Rotary Clubs Foundation, to be applied towards building a new water features playground at Recreation Park.  The balance of the project will be paid for from CDBG grant funds and potentially some additional parks and recreation funds.  This new splash pad will be fun for families and children, especially those on the north side, for many years to come.  It is wonderful to receive this type of a donation from civic-minded organizations and individuals.

We’re thankful that the city was able to balance its budget for the next two years without dipping further into reserves.  Sales tax revenues and property values are starting to pick up.  We have hope for a better economy in 2013, and give thanks that we aren’t Stockton.

We’re thankful to have good city staff and public safety officers who keep the city functioning and our community safe.  I’m thankful for the hardworking members of the city council and city manager I have the privilege of working with.

We thank the local churches, citizens of all faiths, and service clubs, who turned out on Make a Difference Day, Arbor Day, and at other events, and donated their time and money to keep Visalia thriving.  We give thanks to the Celebrant Singers, those ambassadors from Visalia who spread good cheer around the world.  Of course, we want to say thank you to all the teachers, coaches, and others who work with our youth to educate them, and to instill in them principals of good citizenship.  We don’t want to forget the hardworking parents and families who support those youth, and who comprise this great community.  Thank you to the Kings/Tulare Continuum of Care on Homelessness and the Rescue Mission for the 5th annual Project Homeless Connect, which recently fed, clothed, repaired bikes, gave haircuts, provided medical services and more to 372 of our local homeless.  Don’t forget to thank all of our non-profits by donating to them.

In each of our lives we’ve received many gifts to be thankful for.  As G.B. Stearn said, “silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”  So, at this holiday season, let us all reflect upon the gifts which we have received in 2012, and give thanks to all those who have given so much.


Warren Gubler
Visalia City Councilmember
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
directfromwarren.blogspot.com

WHY I'M VOTING "YES" FOR DISTRICT ELECTIONS

On the November 2012 ballot, voters will have the opportunity to vote for district elections for Visalia city council.  By definition, in a district-based election, candidates live in the district, and voters elect one council member in the district they live in.  It is contemplated that Visalia would have five such districts.  Currently, Visalia has an at-large election system whereby candidates can live anywhere in the city and all voters vote for all council members.  While there may be some arguments in favor of the at-large system, in this article I address the reasons why I’m voting to change to district elections:

1. District elections have worked well locally.  There are various voting models to choose from.  It’s not a question of right or wrong, but instead it’s a question of what fits the community.  The Visalia Election ProcessTask Force, which was made up of local volunteers/voters, studied the issue and recommended going to district elections, based upon city size and demographics.  The district election system has been around for a long time.  The Visalia School Board, Kaweah Delta and Tulare District Hospitals, the COS Board, Tulare County Supervisors, the Tulare City Council and others are currently elected by district.

2. District elections are more economical and should improve citizen access.  The time and financial expense of running in a district election rather than city wide is considerably less.  Elected officials who have run under both systems indicate a preference for district elections because they can more easily communicate with their district constituents, rather than spending large sums of money on expensive citywide advertising.  City council members elected by district should be more responsive to the needs of their district, and if not, can easily be replaced.  However, it’s up to the voters to make sure that they elect a council member from their district who will also be in tune to the needs of the city as a whole.

3. The California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) was enacted in 2001, containing a presumption in favor of district elections.  It seeks to protect members of race, color or language minority groups; the legal standard is “whether there has been racially polarized voting.”  Based upon the data and statistics provided to our Visalia Election Process Task Force, I am not persuaded that there has historically been racially polarized voting in Visalia.  Positive examples include former Mayor Jesus Gamboa who ran successfully three times, and Able Maldonado, who ran unsuccessfully for California Lieutenant Governor, but who was supported by the vast majority of Visalia’s electorate.  Some minority candidates have not been successful here, but I attribute that to factors such as lack of name recognition, lack of campaign experience or community involvement, party affiliation, and so forth.  However, the reality is that in the 160 years of Visalia’s existence, minority ethnic groups such as Hispanics, Asians and others, have been under-represented on the city council.  Anything we can do to make access to the city council more available to qualified citizens of all races is a step in the right direction.

4. Visalia and other cities have been threatened with lawsuits by law firms, unions and other special interest groups for sundry political reasons and for financial gain, if we don’t convert to district elections.  While I believe that Visalia could successfully defend such a suit, based upon the lack of evidence of racially polarized voting here, I don’t want to spend one penny of hard-earned taxpayer money, especially in this economy, on lawyers and litigation.  Under the CVRA, if a court finds racially polarized voting, a city has to pay not only its own attorney’s fees and costs, but also those of the complaining party, which will be substantial.  However, even if the city prevails, it still has to pay its own attorney’s fees and costs.  Either way, it could cost millions.  What a waste of city financial resources!  Visalia is large now and will continue to grow larger, increasing the desirability of district elections on the merits.  While Visalia has successfully defended itself many times in the past against spurious lawsuits, there simply is no reason to waste taxpayer money on litigation under these circumstances, only the lawyers would win.

Implementing district elections for Visalia city council is the right thing to do based upon our city’s size, to increase the odds of electing qualified candidates of all backgrounds, and to increase citizen input and access.  It’s time that Visalia moves forward with district elections.


Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us

DONUTS AND DISCUSSION

The reason I compose this article each month  is to inform our Visalia citizens about what’s going on down at city hall, and to hopefully provide an objective view and peek behind the scenes.  The city tries to be transparent and informative, there is no skullduggery or hidden agenda.  Elected city officials and employees are human beings just like you, and are trying to serve our community.  After all, we actually live here too, we’re your neighbors, and we also want what’s best for the city.

City council members are always available by telephone, email or personal contact.  In recent times, our current mayor, Amy Shuklian, has scheduled office hours at city hall once a month for the public.  I suspect that there may be some who might not know their way around city hall or might feel uncomfortable initiating contact with a council member.  To supplement the foregoing, and to reach out further into the community on an informal basis, I have started what I call “Donuts and Discussion.”  D and D is held on Saturday mornings, to accommodate those early birds who may not be able to take off from work otherwise.  The idea is to hold these meet and greets at different locations around town and to make it as convenient as possible for the public to attend.  Our first D and D was held at the Donut Factory, Etc. on North Demaree in July, and our next one was hosted by Panera Bread on South Mooney in September.  I appreciate the graciousness of the owners of these businesses to allow us to come in and hold these get-togethers there

At the D and D’s we’ve held so far, we’ve had some interesting issues and discussions.  Topics which have been brought up by those attending have included district elections, pension reform, landscaping and subdivision issues, graffiti, sales tax, code enforcement, Agenda 21, and a city survey.  I, along with my invited city official, am available to answer questions, or to address issues that citizens may have that relate to them personally or that are of citywide concern.  To date, Fire Chief Mark Nelson and Police Chief Colleen Mestas have been my invited guests.  In addition to the invited city official, other department heads and city staff have dropped by on their own to say “hi” and to be available for questions.  Nancy Loliva, our community relations manager, has been invaluable in assisting to set these gatherings up.  Her efforts and those of others of the city who have attended, are appreciated.  In some instances, I or city staff have followed up in subsequent telephone calls and emails to the attendees regarding the concerns which they have raised.

I’d like to invite each of you to come to our next Donuts and Discussion, which will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012, 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Vallarta Supermarket in their bakery/cantina area, 3112 N. Dinuba Blvd. with assistant city manager, Mike Olmos.  Please feel free to drop by for a few minutes to say “hi,” to let us know how we can be of help to you, and to enjoy a donut or pastry with us.

Tuning in to Council Meetings
I recently received an email from local resident Sharon Doughty, asking if city council meetings are televised.  I replied that due to current budget constraints, “no.”  I anticipate that in the future this will happen.  We know that not everyone has the time to personally attend these bi-monthly meetings.  All agenda items and staff reports are put on the city’s website in advance of each council meeting for public perusal.  If you want to hear firsthand what is discussed, go to the city’s website at www.ci.visalia.ca.us, click on “City Government” and then select “Agendas.”  Pick the prior city council meeting that you’re interested in, and click on the agenda item which you want to know more about.  Not only can you read the entire staff report there, but you can also listen to a recording of the city council discussion on each particular agenda item.  

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

On June 28, 2012, Stockton, CA (population 300,000) became the largest U.S. city ever to file for bankruptcy.  This agricultural center about 80 miles east of San Francisco filed for Chapter 9 protection, which is a special type of bankruptcy reserved for public entities.  The root of their problems began back in the 1990's, when real property values were soaring and the U.S. stock market was booming, bolstering stock and pension funds.  With soaring real estate values, a slew of new tax revenue came to Stockton.  Assuming that the good times would last forever, Stockton gave first their firefighters, then all their employees, full health care coverage for life, offered generous pension deals to all employees, approved spending on large projects to raise Stockton’s profile, and lowered the retirement age for city employees.  A downtown high-rise building was acquired for a new city hall, and the downtown river front was revamped.  Now, many of the employee concessions given by the city will be axed as part of the bankruptcy process.  Stockton has earmarked $3.5 million in bankruptcy legal fees.  With the real estate crash, the poor economy, and the elimination of Redevelopment by the state, it is now time for spendthrift cities to pay the piper.  (Mammoth Lakes has also filed bankruptcy, with San Bernardino next.  Other CA cities will surely follow.)

Meanwhile, in Visalia, the current and past city councils, along with city manager Steve Salomon and staff, have been frugal with our financial resources.  In recent years, some general fund reserves were needed to balance the budget.  This year we passed Visalia’s first balanced budget in four years without having to dip further into reserves.  Traditionally, Visalia city councils pass two-year budgets, and then makes adjustments as needed during the course thereof.  Borrowing from staff reports and using a movie metaphor, let’s examine the new city budget for fiscal years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014.

THE UGLY
The city has fewer employees per 1,000 population now than it had 20 years ago.  Amongst the  difficult choices the council had to make in July was to collapse departmental structure due to the loss of redevelopment funds.  In particular, the position of Ricardo Noguera as housing and economic director was eliminated.  Ricardo has done a wonderful job in assisting to attract new businesses to Visalia over the years.  Other positions eliminated included two park tree trimming positions and that of a financial analyst.  City-paid retiree health care benefits were previously trimmed by the council and will be phased out completely over the next few years, and retirement age for new city staff has been raised.

THE BAD
While sales tax revenue has stopped declining and is beginning to grow, property taxes have not grown and interest earnings are almost non-existent as a revenue source.  Three years ago, the council gave ourselves and city employees a 4% pay cut, and since then no raises, other than required increases in pension and health costs.  As a result of collapsing departmental structure, employees have been moved to new assignments in response to the loss of redevelopment funds, reduction in federal grants and changing needs of the city.  The general fund subsidy of the convention center’s operating budget was reduced, and we authorized a variety of operational cuts to departmental budgets.

THE GOOD
On the brighter side, the city’s enterprises have continued to respond to a growing community, adding facilities and services to meet growing demand.  The transit system and solid waste enterprises have received grants to fund some of their capital needs, and are operating solidly in the black.  The water conservation plant (sewer plant) upgrade moves ahead with a  planned $100 million plant upgrade which should be completed by next year.  This upgrade will meet the goals of improved water quality of sewer discharges and potentially recharging the city’s over-drafted aquifer.  With its increased capacity, we will continue to be able to attract new businesses and service expansion needs, in particular in the industrial park.  The city’s two main general fund revenues, sales tax and property tax, appear to have reached bottom.  Sales tax revenues have had consistent growth since 2010.

While we are not out of the woods yet, Visalia’s economy continues to grow and improve.  Although Visalia probably won’t make the national headlines like Stockton, the Jewel of the Valley continues  to sparkle.

DONUTS AND DISCUSSION
In an ongoing effort to be available to our citizens, I have started informal Saturday morning get-togethers which I’ve  entitled “Donuts and Discussion,” open to all.  Fire Chief Mark Nelson and I held the first one at the “Donut Factory, Etc.” on N. Demaree in July.  Many thanks to our hosts (they have terrific gourmet donuts, be sure to try their “man donut” with bacon!).  Our next D and D will be Saturday, September 22 at Panera Bread on South Mooney, 7 to 8:30 a.m.  Police Chief Colleen Mestas will be there with me.  Feel free to drop by for a pastry, and to visit about city issues.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

WHY I VOTED 'NO'

Approximately three weeks ago, city staff suggested to the Visalia city council that we do a quick survey to see if Visalians would favor an additional tax placed on the November 2012 ballot.  The polling was rapidly done over a weekend by an out-of-town company, and seemed to show that while Visalians would not favor a utility users tax, they would vote for a half-cent sales tax increase.   Council members were given the poll results on Monday, August 6, and told we had to act that week in order to get it on the ballot in November.  Hastily arranged council meetings were scheduled for Wednesday, then Thursday.  Resolutions and staff recommendations were emailed to us just prior to the meetings, without time for proper reflection.

By law, absent a unanimous vote by the city council declaring a “fiscal emergency,” a two-thirds vote would be required to pass a new tax in November 2012, or we’d have to wait until November 2013, when only a 50% +1 vote is required.  I voted “no” because I didn’t feel the facts justified declaring a fiscal emergency.  So no city tax proposal will be on this November’s ballot.

All governments scream for more tax money.  On a rare occasion, a tax increase may be justified.  The Visalia City Council in July just passed a two-year balanced budget without dipping into reserves and without raising taxes.  We were forced by the bad economy to tighten our belt and cut back on amenities.

As to this new tax proposal, there hadn’t been adequate time to even discuss how big of a sales tax increase was needed; how those funds would be budgeted and spent; whether there should be a sunset clause or the terms thereof; or how we would present the proposal for community study and support.  Instead, the discussion was to get it on the ballot quickly, and then we’d figure out the details later.

For me, how could we tell the community in July that we had spent their tax money wisely and balanced the budget, and then in August claim a fiscal emergency because the sky is falling?

Some of the rhetoric propounded at the council meetings included:

● We need money for a 911 call center: No, we have $8 million already in the bank for that, and we’re just looking for a place to build it.

● We need money for the animal control center: No, we have hired a project manager  and have scheduled the first two years of payments already in the recently passed budget.

● We need money for a southwest fire station:  No, we have adequate Measure “T” funds to pay for that.  The delay has been in finding a good spot to build it on the southwest side of town.

● Our fire department will be totally depleted some nights:  No, we have the best firefighters in the state.  Our stations are staffed, and one may soon be double-staffed.  9 new Measure T firefighters have been hired and start work in September. These new tax funds probably wouldn’t have been allocated to the firefighters anyway. They are ready when needed.

● Our parks may be closed due to lack of funding:  News to me!  So, why did we just vote last month to use parks money to build a new water park next to Rawhide Stadium?

● Pity the candidate who is up for reelection in 2013 at the same time as a proposed tax increase: If I choose to run again next year, I have no problem doing that next to a well planned, well articulated and reasonable sales tax increase proposal.  I trust the voters to make up their own minds and have the final say.  If they don’t want to be taxed extra for specific community improvements, that’s their call.

I propose that we now hit the restart button.  I call for the city council to take the time, with city staff assistance, to determine what infrastructure and other pressing needs the city has which can’t be met by current tax revenues.  Let’s get citizens’ input, do the calculations, prioritize, figure out how much, if any, of a tax increase is needed, and for how long (this was all done prior to Measure “T” passage).  Let’s get the Chamber of Commerce, the VEDC, and other community businesses and organizations involved in the discussion.  And no scare tactics!  Properly done, I will volunteer to be the head cheerleader for such a ballot initiative, if it’s needed.

It’s okay to invest in Visalia and on occasion, to ask for tax help from our citizens, when properly timed and they’re provided with good information.  Then, let’s leave it up to the voters to decide.

Published in the Visalia Times Delta, Aug. 14, 2012

TOURISM: BRINGING VISITORS TO VISALIA

Having done my share of traveling around the world, I believe that Visalia has much to offer to tourists.  Not only is historic Downtown Visalia a draw, but visitors are attracted to our surrounding agricultural lands, national parks, sports venues, and lakes.  In order to get the word out and to attract more tourism, in the mid 2000's, Visalia formed the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (CVB).  The mission of the CVB is to promote the city and region as a premier destination for both conventions and vacations.  Visalia and our region represent one of the best undiscovered values in the state in terms of a place to visit and conduct business.  The CVB is committed to increasing the strength of this sector of the local and regional economy and to helping grow those businesses that cater to it.  

The CVB’s board of directors consists of city staff, hoteliers, restaurant owners and entertainment venue owners.  The board meets monthly to discuss leads, to track industry events and share general information.  Visalia is a desirable Central California meeting location where attendees can “meet in the middle.”  Meeting planners and event organizers are truly beginning to understand the value of holding meetings centrally in Visalia, and that Visalia is a great option for statewide and regional events.  In more recent times, the CVB has partnered with the Sequoia Tourism Council and ten other agencies in the county, including cities, the National Park Service and the National Forest Service, to promote area tourism.

In 2011, CVB sales had the following economic impact--overnight delegate spending:  $2,848,284.00; day trip delegate spending: $5,120,595; and event organizer delegate spending: $396,700.00, for a total impact of $8,365,579!  According to deputy city manager Leslie Caviglia, conventions that have contracted through the CVB that will take place in Visalia between 2011 and 2016 include the CA State Firefighters Association, Team West Conference, American Society of Agronomy, AmVets, Great Western Fan Festival, Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, CA Order of Eastern Star, DX Convention (ham radio operators), Odd Fellows/Rebekah Grand Lodge Session, Cal State University Counselors Convention, Aloha Spirit Championships, and others.  More leads are pending for conferences involving church, dancing, sports and agricultural groups.

For more information about the CVB and what Visalia has to offer locally, go to visitvisalia.org.  This website can provide visitors, as well as locals, with ideas on what there is to do in this area.  Visalia is a well-kept secret, but it doesn’t need to stay that way!  Let’s get the word out and let others know what a great place this is to visit and to live.

THIS PLACE MATTERS

On Saturday, June 9, I had the privilege of speaking at the unveiling of a bronze plaque from Visalia’s Historic Recognition Program involving an 1870's era home located at 525 N. Court Street in Visalia.  This Queen Anne style home is all that remains of a street once lined with Victorian-style homes.  From the front porch of this beautiful home, at one time you could see the Greek revival style county courthouse (which Court Street was named after).  However, the 1876 courthouse was torn down in the 1950's due to earthquake damage, rather than being repaired.  Each time we tear down an historic building in Visalia rather than renovate it, we lose a little bit of the soul and history of our community.  This is one of the reasons why I recently voted in favor of forming the Home Builders Addition Historic District, to preserve an entire neighborhood of historic homes near Mt. Whitney High School.

Congratulations to the George and Irma Cisneros family for their faithful and meticulous restoration of this historic gem in Visalia.  Their family has lived in this home on Court Street for over 30 years.  This place does matter, as does each of our remaining historic buildings.

198 CONSTRUCTION DELAY

You may have noticed that the equipment and work on West 198 between Visalia and Hanford have come to a grinding halt.  The standstill was caused by discovery of nesting Redtail and Swainson hawks along the highway.  The new Highway 198 expressway was slated to be completed by August.  It is now hoped that the CalTrans crews will be  back to work later this summer, with the new completion date to be November 2012 or later.  These hawks were found nesting along seven areas of the highway, and a concern was raised that the noise of heavy equipment would bother them.  I’ve seen estimates that the construction delay is only costing our cash-starved state approximately $1.8 million dollars!  What happened to proper planning and common sense?

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

MAKING THE TOUGH DECISIONS

The Visalia City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month for regularly scheduled council meetings.  Additional council meetings are held as needed.  Prior to these meetings, agendas and staff reports are prepared and provided to council members in order for them to bone up on the issues to be decided.  These agendas and staff reports are also available in advance to the public on the city’s website at www.ci.visalia.ca.us.

Many of the issues which we confront are “no brainers.”  Consent calendar items such as applying for grants, approving notices of completion, awarding of contracts and second readings of ordinances can be handled quickly and efficiently.  However, all issues which we deliberate on affect Visalia citizens, for better or for worse.  For instance, at a recent council meeting, we approved reclassifying Burke Street south of Houston as a connector status street so that this road can be punched through an existing cul-de-sac to give another north/south access street between Tulare Avenue and the St. John’s river.  While this helps traffic circulation for our citizens as a whole, one adjacent property owner was unhappy that some of the frontage on his property (part of his driveway), would be taken, even though the city will compensate him for it.  The Council’s approval was based upon the greater good of the community, but this decision still affected this property owner’s plans for his property.

Often our decisions are contingent upon balancing the rights of some citizens versus the rights of other citizens.  Some tough decisions that the council has had to make in recent times dealt with enacting a new medical marijuana ordinance, downsizing  health care benefits for city retirees, and designating the Visalia Home Builders Subdivision as a Historic District.  On each of these issues, numerous citizens addressed the council, both pro and con.

Not long ago, I ran into a former Visalia city council member and griped to him a little about having to make a decision on a particularly tough issue in an upcoming meeting.  He replied, “that’s why they pay you the big bucks.”  (This is merely a figure of speech in this case, since I calculate that my pay rate based upon the hours I put in as a council member is slightly less than my high school daughter receives at her part-time babysitting jobs.)  Suffice it to say that this is what council members have been elected to do, to make the judgment calls and tough decisions on behalf of our citizens, attempting to do what’s best for the community as a whole under the circumstances.  Some  upcoming tough decisions will involve the General Plan update, potential district elections, and approving and balancing the next two-year city budget.  I’m trying to develop a thicker skin.  Politicians just want to be loved and appreciated (and to keep their jobs!).

PLAZA DRIVE OVERPASS
Now that I have cried on your shoulder, I am pleased to report that one of the easy decisions we made as a council was to go forward with the Plaza Drive interchange improvements.  We applied for and obtained state funding for this project, along with local Measure R funds.  The work commenced in March 2012 and is anticipated to take 18 months for completion.  Fred Lampe, Visalia’s project manager, provided me with the following information to share.  The Plaza Drive bridge over Highway 198 will be widened from three lanes to seven lanes.  It will be widened 56 feet on the east side such that the final bridge width will be 116 feet.  The bridge will include a sign reading “Welcome to the City of Visalia,” and decorative fencing designed to replicate the appearance of the Sierras.


Looking west from the bridge, auxillary lanes will be added on both sides of 198, making it possible to travel between Plaza Drive and 99 without entering the through traffic lanes.  From the bridge north to Hurley Avenue, Plaza Drive will be improved from two to six lanes, and from Hurley Avenue north to Goshen Avenue, Plaza Drive will be widened from two to four lanes.  This will complete the connection between 198 and Tulare County’s Road 80 widening project.  New pavement will replace the existing, failing pavement.  Class 2 bicycle lanes will be added as well as median islands, sidewalks and lighting.  The construction cost will be $23 million dollars (and additional for the landscaping).

Once completed, this project will give better access to industrial park businesses, improve safety and reduce delays at Plaza and 198, and provide better connectivity through Road 80 to Dinuba and other towns to the north.  To see what it will look like and for construction updates, visit plaza198.com.

Thanks goodness for the easy decisions we get to make on occasion.  I believe the entire community will be proud of this project once completed.

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

VOLUNTEERING: LESSONS FROM DAD

My father was born November 11, 1917, exactly one year before Armistice Day, which signaled the end of WWI.  He grew up on a homestead in the high desert of southern Utah, during the Roaring 20's and the Great Depression years.  After graduating from college in 1940, he volunteered to serve as a missionary for his church for two and a half years in the central states.  While he was gone, Pearl Harbor was attacked. Upon returning home from his mission, he promptly volunteered (i.e., was drafted) into Uncle Sam’s army, left within the month and served for three years in Europe during WWII.  He became part of what is now known as the Greatest Generation.  After the war he returned home, married his war bride (Mom), earned his teaching credential, and settled down to a career teaching high school agriculture in central California.  As a young boy in the 1960's, I remember going with Dad in the evenings and on weekends to visit the homes and farms of his students to inspect their FFA projects. He didn’t receive additional compensation for doing this.  Even now, I run into some of his former “ag boys” who have become successful farmers in Tulare County.  They thank me for what he taught them.

During my youth, Dad always kept a garden in our backyard.  On occasion, he would have me help him with it.  He explained to me that seeds left in the soil from the prior year’s crop will often sprout on their own into seedlings.  He called these seedlings “volunteers.”

Recently, as I was tending my own garden, I noticed the volunteer plants sprouting, including zucchini, basil, red chard, tomatoes, corn, and even some marigolds which I had planted the prior year for added color.  Seeing these “volunteers” caused me to reflect back on what I had learned from my dad about volunteering.

When I look around Visalia, I am struck by how many of the citizens of our community volunteer of their  time and means to make our community a better place.  They almost seem to sprout on their own. During these tough economic times, city government doesn’t have the money to pay for all the work there is to do out there.  We are dependent upon the volunteers in our community to fill in that gap.

I am amazed at the shear number of Visalia volunteers who help clean, shine up and improve our town.  Let me cite just a few of the many examples.  In April, city volunteers were out in full force, assisting in numerous projects to improve our great city.

Earth Day  2012: Helping with clean-up projects throughout the city were Pacific Stihl, The Home Depot, Walmart, Starbucks, Visalia Rotary Club, and the Visalia Democratic Club.

Serve Visalia: Participating in painting transit benches, clean-up of Mill Creek and the St. John’s Trail, cleaning two homes, graffiti clean-up and painting 137 fire hydrants were the First Presbyterian Church, Neighborhood Church, Radiant Church, Savior’s Community Church, and Visalia Community Covenant Church.  The participants numbered over 1,300.

Arbor Day:  Planting 300 trees, spreading compost, donating blood, and extensive cleaning and polishing of the county museum at Mooney Grove Park included Mormon Helping Hands, Boy Scout Troop 336, Sunset Rotary Club, Golden West High School, and the 4-H Club.  Several hundred volunteers participated.

Fill the Boot:  We don’t want to forget our local firefighters whom you might have seen at major intersections on Mooney and Main Street, participating in their “fill-the-boot” fundraiser for muscular dystrophy.  This year they raised $13,506.37 for a worthy cause.


Imagine the cost to the city to hire this kind of help!  A big “thank you” to all who assisted on these projects, as well as the numerous volunteers who help throughout the year to beautify our city and make it a great place to live.

As my dad approaches his 95th  birthday, he still enjoys working in his garden on a daily basis.  Thanks Dad for the lessons you taught me on volunteering.  Oh, by the way, Happy Father’s Day!

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

COMMUNITY RESOURCES-PART II

Last month, I wrote about community resources for the needy and hungry in our area, detailing my visits to the Bethlehem Center and FoodLink.  This month, I continue on that same topic.

VISALIA EMERGENCY AID
The Visalia Emergency Aid Council was founded 80 years ago, and is located at 217 N.E. Third St., Visalia.  It is the largest food pantry in Tulare County.  This non-profit assists 14,000 families with children and seniors each year.  They have a companion 17,000 square foot thrift store located at 620 W. Houston Avenue.  The thrift store not only meets the needs of the community with inexpensive appliances, furniture and clothing, but the sale proceeds assist in funding the food pantry.  The pantry is open five days a week and the thrift store is open seven days a week.  Major donors include Food For Less and Sequoia Beverage. Through a grant from United Way, VEAC has a rental assistance program as well.  At Thanksgiving and Christmas, they do food, toy, jacket and blanket giveaways.  Once a family’s food stamps and other aid have expired, they can obtain supplemental food assistance one time every thirty days.  FoodLink makes deliveries of food supplies to VEAC every week, and various ranches in the area donate oranges, potatoes and other vegetables.  Most of the donations to the VEAC stay right here in our community.  They welcome donations from yard sales and any furniture and appliances (working or not), and have a truck that will pick up at your home.  They have one major fundraiser each year, which is the Race Against Hunger on Thanksgiving day.  This event has grown over the last eight years from 250 participants to over 4,000 in 2011.  For more information about the VEAC, contact Iris East or Patricia Espinoza at (559) 732-0101 or check them out at www.veac.org.

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
Next I met with Jessica Ginkel at the Visalia Rescue Mission.  I was amazed at everything they offer there, and couldn’t possibly even describe it all in one or two paragraphs.  Let me just make a list of their offerings: Rescued Treasures, Simply Chic Boutique, distribution center, soup kitchen, overnight guest shelter, nine-month residential recovery program, men’s shelter, women’s shelter, chapel services, life skills training (including cooking, anger management, money management training), community garden, new 50,000 square foot administrative center with worship center, and soon-to-be-opened information center at Oval Park.  The Rescue Mission is supported by forty-four Christian-based churches.  As part of their recycling program, they have two trucks and will come to your home to pick up leftover garage sale items or used furniture and appliances.  Additionally, they are a certified e-waste recycling center open five days a week.  They have a paid staff of fifty-nine employees, full and part time, along with 200 volunteers per week.  The evening before I visited, they housed 82 guests overnight.  They have 35 people in their ongoing addiction recovery program currently.  An individual or family can visit once a month and receive clothing and two food bags.  They serve on the average 529 meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The Rescue Mission  receives little government funding and relies on local donations and contributions.  For information, call Jessica or Danny Little at (559) 740-4178 or visit visaliarescue.org.
THE SALVATION ARMY
When most of us think of the Salvation Army, we think of the bell ringers and donation kettles at Christmastime.  I met with envoy Jesus Quintanilla, leader of our local Salvation Army church.  He indicated that they have been in Visalia since the 1940's.  Most of their fundraising is done during the kettle season.  However, they accept donations throughout the year of food, clothing and money.  In turn, they provide food boxes, clothing vouchers, clothing, furniture and utility assistance to any needy person in the community.  They served over 500 families both at Thanksgiving and at Christmas in 2011, by providing food boxes, turkeys, clothing and toys.  Envoy Quintanilla mentioned that they are grateful for the assistance of the local Lutheran Church ladies who provide  homemade quilts on a monthly basis, the local Breakfast Lion’s Club which donated over 200 turkeys at Thanksgiving time, Smarty Pantz, a local business that assists with children’s clothing, and the Key Club at all four high schools and La Jolla Jr. High which collected canned food.  Local businesses which donate food on a regular basis include Panera Bread, Starbucks and Auntie Anne’s.  If you have extra food, clothing or money donations which you’d like to make, think of this charitable organization.  For more information, call Envoy Quintanilla at 733-2784 or visit their website at www.salvationarmyvisalia.org.

There are many terrific community resources which I don’t have room to write about, including Turning Point, CSET, Family Services and many, many others.  As a community and individually, let’s support these wonderful agencies and non-profits.

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

COMMUNITY RESOURCES-PART I

Even though Tulare County is one of the top agricultural counties in the nation, there are still the needy and hungry in our area.  When we observe the homeless or those otherwise in need, our first reaction may be to ask what local government is going to do about it.  However, I would suggest that we already have valuable resources in place within our community that can address these issues.  I recently decided to conduct my own survey, and was greatly impressed by the resources which I found that are available out there.  I will devote this month’s and next month’s articles to update our citizens as to some of the terrific people and local non-profits that are making a difference.

BETHLEHEM CENTER
The Bethlehem Center at 1638 N. Dinuba Blvd. is run by the Catholic Church of Visalia with Sherald Sluka as site director.  The site covers about three and a half acres, and many retiree volunteers help to run the operation.  This organization serves hot meals at breakfast and lunch to an average of sixty or more.  The meals are healthy, appetizing, and when I visited, provided a tantalizing aroma.  Members from various churches in the community volunteer on a regular basis to help prepare and serve the food.  Many businesses, churches, and individuals likewise donate food, money and other commodities.  Towards the end of each month as personal paychecks run low, the Center’s customers seem to increase.

Next door to the kitchen is a thrift shop open to the public.  Clothing, books and appliances are donated, sorted and prepared by volunteers, who display the items and price them.  There were even inexpensive wedding dresses and prom gowns available at the thrift shop!  You can’t find a  better deal in town.  Additionally, food and clothing orders are provided at no cost to the indigent.  The Bethlehem Center is a well run non-profit with the good of our community at heart.  In order to donate or volunteer, call 734-1572 or visit www.facebook.com/BethlehemVisalia.

FOODLINK
Sandy Beals,  the executive director of FoodLink, gave me the complete tour of their facility.  This non-profit occupies about 27,000 square feet in Visalia’s industrial park.  They provide food to approximately 80 emergency food pantries in Visalia and throughout Tulare County, including the Bethlehem Center, Salvation Army and Visalia Emergency Aid.  FoodLink, in existence since 1978, was a spinoff of the Visalia Interchurch Fellowship.

Touring their plant is like going to the supermarket, at least during December.  They have packaged food  stacked almost to the ceiling, which has been donated by various manufacturers, packing houses, grocers, the USDA, and others.  For instance, on the day I visited, Saputo Foods out of Tulare had donated eight pallets of cheese and butter.  Fresh citrus of all types, along with yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese were on display.  Kraft Foods recently donated a $160,000.00 cold box, which along with their freezer, keeps food fresh.   FoodLink  has a separate sorting room where they intake food, sort and inspect the same.  A new refrigerated truck was recently donated by Walmart to FoodLink, to go along with the rest of their fleet.

FoodLink will take orders from various other non-profits and emergency food pantries and pack up the food in boxes ready for individual families, or may just deliver pallets loaded with food to various communities in Tulare County.  Their funding comes from private donations, various corporations and foundations, as well as from the government.  Sandy indicated that she writes two to three grant applications per week.  Earlier in the year, the City of Visalia contributed $3,000.00, which money is being used to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the students at Highland Elementary School.  Despite their warehouse appearing to be jammed full of food in December, Sandy indicated that their warehouse is usually empty by February.  Donations throughout the rest of the year are needed and appreciated.  They distribute food to over 100,000 people per year throughout the county.  This past summer, FoodLink provided 15,803 free lunches to low-income children in the area.  FoodLink is a fabulous organization that provides free farmers’ markets, holiday boxes, summer lunch programs, and works with our schools to provide not only food but nutrition lessons and more.  Remember this organization when you are in a position to donate.  Their contact information is foodlinktc.org,  (559) 651-3663.

Should local government attempt to replicate these services?  I would suggest that instead, the better course is for the city and its citizens to support these existing resources and encourage them, rather than duplicate them.  More on this important topic in next month’s Direct Magazine, as I report on visits to Visalia Emergency Aid, Visalia Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army.

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

SUSTAINABILITY: GOING GREEN IN VISALIA

In December of each year, I spend weekends and evenings pruning my dormant fruit trees and grape vines.  While time consuming, I find it therapeutic and an opportunity to contemplate the wonders of nature.  I time my annual pruning project to take advantage of the Visalia Solid Waste Department’s annual Fall Yard Waste Recycling event.  Between approximately Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the city invites Visalia residents to recycle yard trimmings, leaves, branches, and such by dropping off their yard waste at the Tulare County Biomass location on south Lover’s Lane, or at Wood Industries on the southwest corner of Highways 198 and 99.  The city recycles these items by grinding them into compost/mulch.  Visalia residents can in return receive compost to use in their garden area.  Did I mention that all of this is free to Visalia residents?  When it comes to “going green,” Visalia is progressive and ahead of the curve.  In addition to fall and spring yard waste recycling events, the city also accepts Christmas trees after the holidays which it likewise will recycle.  Much of the resulting compost and bark is used by the city for landscaping in medians and parks.

Additionally, the city quarterly holds free “Dump On Us” events.  These events are held at the Visalia City Yard located at 335 N. Cain Street.  You can dispose of your household hazardous waste  there as well.

Another Visalia green project which I’m excited about is the recent renovation of the irrigation system at the Valley Oaks City Golf Course.  This new irrigation system has not only improved the looks of the entire golf course, but will conserve water.  Last summer, I took a tour of the golf course with the course manager, Aaron Hensley, to inspect the results.  I’m not a golfer, but based upon my gardening background, I observed the fresh, lush look of the grassy fairways, tees and greens.  To make this irrigation system even better, the city’s wastewater treatment plant will soon connect into the golf course’s irrigation system, such that it will then use treated recycled water for irrigation purposes. The more we can recycle and conserve our water resources in this arid valley, the better.

The city is also working with a local irrigation district to trade treated water from the city’s wastewater treatment plant on the west side of town for farming purposes, in exchange for fresh water coming into Visalia from the east side which can then be used for groundwater recharge.  For more information on these and other great conservation projects which the city is involved in, visit www.gogreenvisalia.com.

One other tip to help Visalians save money and conserve energy.  Through June 2012, the Home Energy Tune-Up Program provides free in-home energy assessments for homeowners.  This includes up to $4,000.00 of incentives from the Energy Upgrade California program.  To arrange for your home inspection, visit www.TulareHomeTuneUp.com.

Elections Update: The Visalia City Council appointed an elections task force comprised of 13 local citizens.  After meeting a number of times, reviewing data and statistics, and much back-and-forth discussion, the task force recommended to the City Council that Visalia change its charter to go from at-large elections for City Council to by-district elections.  I attended these task force meetings as an  observer.  While I don’t agree with the claims of a few that there has historically been “racially polarized” voting in Visalia, I do agree with task force members Harry Wood and Bob Aguilar, former Mayor Jesus Gamboa and others, that minorities have been under-represented on the City Council in its 160 year history.  Visalia has grown to over 125,000 and pursuant to population projections, will reach over 200,000 in the next 20 years.  The larger Visalia becomes, the more the argument can be made that district elections will better reflect our diverse population.  Why not proceed in that direction now?  I recently spoke with incumbent Donna Martin of the Visalia School Board, who ran in her first by-district election this past November (the School Board decided last year to go to by-district elections).  She indicated that it was much less expensive for her to run, that she was able to more efficiently direct her time and resources to those in her district in order to earn their vote, and that it was a good experience for her.  The City Council will grapple with this elections issue in  upcoming council meetings and will likely put it on the 2012 ballot for Visalia citizens to have the final say.

Congratulations: Best wishes to St. Paul’s Church and Father James, who recently celebrated their parish’s 125th anniversary in Visalia, dating back to 1887!

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

Elections Recap

The November 2011 Visalia city council elections are now history.  Noting the dearth of analysis in the local news media, I’ll put on my political scientist hat and provide my own analysis thereof.

Incumbents Bob Link and Amy Shuklian retained their seats, and well-known former councilman, Greg Collins, reclaimed the vacant third seat.  The message sent loud and clear by the electorate was “stay the course,” unlike the November 2009 election when the theme was all about change and becoming more business friendly.  The challengers in the 2011 campaign failed to articulate any convincing issue or problem that needed to be addressed, which would give the electorate a reason to make more changes.  Can you, as a reader, remember even one campaign issue that was raised in 2011?  Although my seat on the council was not up for election this cycle, my (perhaps self-serving) analysis is that Visalians have been satisfied with the direction the city council has taken for the last two years, keeping the budget in check and maximizing our limited resources during this economic downturn.

Having observed Visalia elections for almost thirty years now, it is clear to me that the low voter turnout of 23% correlated with the lack of issues, along with this being an off-year election.  In low voter turnout years, you can depend on “old Visalia” voters to get out the vote and to dictate the election results.

Of the 11,411 votes cast,  7,771were by mail-in ballots (68%).  You might ask “what difference does that make?”  Voting by mail is so much more convenient.  For the price of  a  postage stamp, you can avoid the cost and the time of driving to your polling station and waiting in line there.  Voting by mail begins in early October, almost one month prior to election day.  Mail-in voters tend to vote early, usually because they are conscientious and organized, not wanting extra paperwork lying around on their desktop.  Inexperienced campaigners often wait until the last week or two before November election day to make a final advertising blitz through the local media.  By then, it is usually too late to influence the mail-in voters, since they have already voted!  An example from the 2011 election would be the firefighters’ endorsement.  I observed that their signs went up in mid-to-late October, long after the commencement of the mail-in voting.  I would add that their endorsement can provide a “firefighters’ bump,” such that in a close election, their endorsement may make the difference.  However, this was not a close race, and Visalians demonstrated an independent streak, voting based upon their own view of the candidates and issues.

For candidates in future campaigns,  I make the following suggestions:

1. Get involved in the community.  Don’t just be “city hall groupies,” Visalia voters tend to favor those who have grown up outside the political circles.  Join a service club or the board of a non-profit, get involved with local youth sports, and volunteer in other activities in the business community.

2. Become successful in your field of employment.  This will not only provide you with the experience to lead and make tough decisions, but may give you the time to serve your community on the council.


3. Volunteer to serve on a city subcommittee, and attend some city council meetings.  Review the council agendas and staff reports that are provided online at the city’s website.  This will bring you up to speed on the issues facing Visalia.  For example, it was reported to me that one of the recent candidates didn’t know what the “scenic corridor” was, when questioned about it!

4. Get started early with campaigning and advertising.  Don’t forget about or discount the early mail-in voters.

Finally, an observation.  It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to put one’s name and reputation out there before the electorate.  While a campaign can be interesting and stimulating, it can also lay one open to personal scrutiny and criticism.  So to all the candidates who made the effort to run, I give great big kudos.  As to the election victors, I likewise give my hearty congratulations, and I look forward to working with you over the next two years on the Visalia City Council.

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member

THE REARVIEW MIRROR

Prior to making my 2012 New Year’s resolutions, I always like to look back and reflect upon the successes of the past year.  Statewide, the economy is stuck in neutral, the engine is sputtering, and the wheels are coming off.  But in Visalia, we have gassed up the car, revved up the engine, put the pedal to the metal, and are starting to accelerate.  Looking in the rearview mirror, I see the following:

● Visalia’s unemployment rate was 9.8% in August 2011.  While it is higher still than it should be, it is lower than California’s average of 11.9%, and Tulare County’s 15.7%.

● On Mooney Boulevard, new retail establishments include The Habit (opening in the old Merle’s location), and Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant, Sole to Soul, Big Kahuna Yogurt, Subway, Fruitland Fresh, and Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa  (in the Target shopping center).  Mainland Skate & Surf has opened a new 7,000 square foot store in the former Baker’s Square in front of the Sequoia Mall, along with Tutti Frutti, a yogurt shop.  A new car wash is under construction on the southeast corner of Tulare and Mooney, and a vocational school for cosmetology and esthetician training (Marinello Beauty School) has been approved for the 11,000 square foot former Western Bootwear building.  It’s estimated the school will have up to 10 employees on-site at a time and students will number between 160-250.  Escrow has closed on the former Costco building, permits have been issued, and remodeling has commenced on the new Walmart going in to that location.  Once the new Walmart opens, the rest of that shopping center should begin to blossom again.  Other retailers on Mooney Blvd. will be announced soon. Hint: keep an eye on the Foodsco Center in 2012.

● In historic downtown, the old Togni Branch building has been remodeled and is now occupied by Raising Dough bakery and Giffin, Sanchez & Parker Insurance.  Construction of the Promenade has been completed, and Keller Williams Real Estate, Country Club Mortgage, Wells Fargo Advisors, and the Crepe Bar are the new tenants.  Likewise, the building next to the Marriott has been remodeled into a new Chase Bank.  The Tulare County Probation Department is moving into the one-story county annex at Court and Center, and TCAG will move its administrative offices into the old municipal courthouse on Church Street.  Family Health Care Network will be constructing an almost 30,000 square foot two-story health center on School Street, next to its existing facility. And the old McWilliams and Mosley building is now occupied by Rookies Bar and Grill.

● Other retail development includes a new Taco Bell in the north side Target development.   We also welcome back Glicks Meats to their original location.  The expansion of the Highway 198 Walmart into a Super Walmart was approved by the City Council.  Unfortunately, delaying litigation  from competitors of Walmart has arisen.  One of my New Year’s predictions is that the litigation will be defeated, the Super Walmart built, and shoppers and sales tax dollars will return to Visalia from surrounding communities.

● As reported in my October article, industrial park construction and activity include the 500,000 square foot VWR facility, Perfection Pet Food, Mor Furniture for Less’ new distribution center, VF Outdoor’s expansion, and Hydrite Corporation, a Wisconsin based chemical company which will be expanding in Visalia.

● Mooney Blvd. has been widened to three lanes in both directions, and the widening of the intersection at Walnut and Mooney Blvd. should be completed by the time you read this.  Over $24,000,000.00  has been awarded in state and federal grant money for the Plaza Drive interchange and widening project.  Construction is expected to begin in early 2012 and will take 1-1/2 to 2 years to complete.  Look for the 198 overpass to include not only eye-catching art design, but a “Welcome to Visalia” sign for those travelers coming off Highway 99.

● A 283% increase in value for new commercial permits for 2011 boosted the total valuation of all permits 20% for the year, up from $89,756,652 in the first nine months of 2010 to $107,844,268 for the same time period in 2011.

● The Sequoia Shuttle to the national parks had its best season ever.  The ridership on the  route into the park grew by 47% during 2011.  Likewise, at the municipal airport, ridership is booming, and we now have 2 daily flights to Las Vegas and to LAX.

These are but a few examples of the good things happening in Visalia.  While the city and its economy are not out of the woods yet, Visalia appears to be on the right track and in position to lap other areas of the state.

So let the new year begin with optimism and hope for an even better 2012.  Safe driving and  Happy New Year!

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member