2013: ARE WE THERE YET?

In early December, my son Edmund returned from serving for two years in the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico as a missionary.  This got me thinking about the end of the Mayan “long count” calendar on December 21, 2012, which marks the conclusion of a 5,126 year era.  Some believe that this date may mark the end of civilization as we know it.  I was glad to have my son home before then.  I thought about not even bothering to write this article for the January edition of Direct Magazine, since the predicted catastrophe is set to occur prior to the publication date. However, because I am a naturally cautious person and don’t like to take chances, I decided to write this article in advance for publication anyway, just in case we survive.

If you are now reading this published article, that means that my gamble paid off, and we have made it to 2013!  As is my tradition, on behalf of the city I’d like to start the new year by looking back at the accomplishments of 2012.

INDUSTRIAL PARK
VWR cut the ribbon for its new 500,000 square foot facility in November.  This medical supply distribution center should be fully operational by the new year, employing 100.  Sorma USA, an agricultural packaging company based in Italy has established its first U.S. presence here in Visalia by leasing 42,000 square feet.  They will initially hire 11 workers, and plan to add a manufacturing component in a few years.  MWI, which distributes veterinary supplies, has expanded and relocated to a larger 80,000 square foot facility.  Peninsula Packaging, a provider of custom thermoformed plastic packaging products, leased 175,000 square feet to use as a finished goods warehouse.  Perfection Pet Food and VF Outdoors both expanded their existing facilities a total of approximately 100,000 square feet.  Mor Furniture For Less opened its new central California warehouse facility here.  Future growth and expansion in the industrial park includes California Dairies, EdenIQ and Gateway Business Park.  Mainland Skate will be doubling their existing warehouse space as well. Kaweah Container recently announced the purchase of a 174,000 sf plant, and will be adding 75 jobs.

MOONEY BOULEVARD
Dick’s Sporting Goods recently opened in the old Food 4 Less center, and Walmart opened its doors in the former Costco building.  In the same shopping center, BevMo! celebrated its grand opening in October, and a new El Pollo Loco restaurant will soon be locating next door.  Harbor Freight moved to a larger location.  Me & Ed’s move to Packwood Creek, and All Pro Pizza relocated to Me & Ed’s former location.  Surf-Thru Car Wash opened in August.  At the Visalia Mall, Francesca’s Collections and Yogurtland recently opened along with G By Guess.  Fresno Coin Gallery and Kirkland’s Home Decor have also found new homes on Mooney.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
New additions include Stacey’s Boutique, Fatte Albert’s Pizza, Char-cu-te-rie, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, Jimmy John’s, and Bravo Farms Restaurant in the old Wagon Wheel location.  Chase Bank opened a new branch next to the Marriott, and Tulare County Probation and TCAG have moved downtown as well.  The exciting new Imagine U Museum (corner of Tipton and Oak) continues in the planning stages.  Everyone wants to be downtown!

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
A new 35,000 square foot Walmart Neighborhood Market is under construction and will be opening soon at the corner of Demaree and Goshen.  In addition to construction jobs, 60 permanent positions will be created by this new store.  The Plaza Drive interchange project continues under construction, and the widening of 198 between Visalia and Hanford nears completion.  Visalia’s water conservation plant upgrade is nearing design completion, and at a cost of $110 million will be the largest public works project in this city’s history.  The new Kiwanis Park at McAuliff and Tulare opened in November.



THIS PLACE MATTERS
In October, the 101 year old Visalia Cemetery Chapel received a plaque as part of the Historic Recognition Program.  If you’ve never taken the time, drop by the cemetery office and ask for a brief tour.  This beautiful building with its stained glass windows is well worth the visit.

2012 turned out to be a good year in Visalia after all.  Glad we’re all still here for an even better 2013.  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 Councilmember