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
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