The California Revenue & Taxation Code mandates that the Department of Finance transmit annually to local governments an estimate of the percentage change in population. These calculations affect the amount of appropriations which each local jurisdiction receives from the state. According to a letter received from the Department of Finance dated May 2015, Visalia's population as of January 1, 2014 of 129,481 increased to 130,753 as of January 1, 2015. This was almost a 1% increase. The highest percentage increase in the county during the same time frame was a 1.55% increase in Dinuba. The letter went on to indicate that Tulare County's population as a whole increased 0.75% during that same time frame, from 458,312 to 462,189. Further breaking down Tulare County's current population, 314,794 people live within incorporated cities, while 147,395 live in unincorporated areas.
Memo From City Manager, Mike Olmos
Visalia is experiencing a strong period in development activity. We issued permits for 73 new housing starts in April (67 Single Family Residences and 6 Multi Family Residences). This is one of the strongest housing months since the recession. Further, in the first four months of 2015, we issued permits for 207 housing units, while all of 2014 we issued 435 total. Our total permit construction valuation for these same four months is $76.6 million; for all of 2014 the total was $187.3 million. Definitely an uptick in development activity.
This Place Matters
Recently, I had the opportunity of attending the dedication ceremony for the historic plaque installation at the Southern Pacific Depot at 207 E. Oak Avenue. Town historian Terry Ommen did his usual fine research in informing us of Visalia's train and multiple depot history, culminating in the construction of our current depot for $40,000.00, which was dedicated on July 4, 1916. As automobile ownership increased, popularity of railroad travel faded and the Southern Pacific ended regular passenger service to Visalia in 1940. The depot building was abandoned, but later restored by various civic-minded individuals. It is currently owned and operated as an eating establishment by the Vartanian family. Thank you to the Kaweah Kollectors who funded this plaque, and to all who work so hard to preserve Visalia's heritage.
See You Later Al
We were all saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Allan Dean Fisher on March 30, 2015. This noted local philanthropist kept us all in stitches with his wit, charm and kilt. I still chuckle when I recall his acceptance speech six years ago upon receiving the "Man of the Year" award from the local Chamber of Commerce. He humbly stated, "I really don't deserve this. Of course, I've got arthritis and I don't deserve that either!" Our condolences to Al's family, he will be missed.
Thanks for the Compliment
The city recently received an unsolicited letter from David E. Mars of Henderson, NV. I share with you his complimentary comments: "My wife and I love Visalia! We passed through Visalia many times before finally stopping. What an amazing surprise we found when we did. Visalia is no longer a waypoint; we have made it a destination!
"Why would people from Las Vegas travel to Visalia to spend time? After all, Vegas is usually the destination, right? Well, your city just has so much to offer. We love the dining. It is amazing. We love the people. They are amazing. We love how agricultural and human culture combine to make your city such an interesting place to be.
"We enjoyed this past weekend in Visalia and look forward already to our next visit. We just want to take a moment to share our impressions, and to thank you and all of those who work with you to make Visalia such a nice place."
Thanks for the kind words David, and please visit any time.
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 Vice Mayor
