As promised, the following is a brief report on our Visalia delegation's recent visit to Miki Japan, celebrating the 50th anniversary of our sister city relationship.
Miki is located next to Kobe, Japan. Unlike Kobe, which is a major city, Miki has a population of about 81,000 people. There is much farmland surrounding it, and the population is not densely packed in, giving it the impression of a country town. Miki is well known in Japan for carpentry and hardware production, and for a special brand of rice which is used to make sake. The name "Miki" means "three trees." They are also known for their beautiful giant chrysanthemum flowers on individual stalks. While we were there, the weather was pleasant and in the 60's.
On Thursday evening, November 3, our delegation of eleven arrived and were greeted at Osaka International Airport, then bussed to Miki where we met our host families. Other than a couple of nights' stay in hotels, we spent the nights with our host families and were fed by them. We ate rice with every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. In fact, another name for breakfast in Japanese is "asa gohan" which translates as "morning rice." Other than rice, their foods were colorful, varied and delicious.
Friday morning, we were met at city hall by their city staff and employees, who lined up and applauded as we walked in. We felt like celebrities. We had a Welcome Ceremony where their Mayor Yabumoto and I as vice-mayor of Visalia addressed the group. Miki has a mayor, two deputy mayors, and sixteen city council members. All of their jobs are full time and they are paid commensurately.
At the Welcome Ceremony, we presented a large clock as a gift to the city of Miki from our city, and we also presented their council members with gift bags including locally grown pistachios, honey and olive oil along with brochures about Visalia. That afternoon we toured a local junior high where the students demonstrated judo, and showed various types of artwork and activities they were involved with. We then toured the Okada Manufacturing plant, whose specialty is the manufacture of all types of saw blades. They are completely mechanized and make over 6 million blades per year.
Saturday was a free day. Most of us went with our host families to tour nearby Himeji Castle, a 400 year old castle. This magnificent seven-story edifice is also known as the White Castle, and compares favorably with any of the castles of Europe. This castle was spared in World War II, and is surrounded by high rock walls and an elaborate moat.
Sunday was their hardware festival (Kanamono Matsuri). Their festival is on par with the World Ag Expo locally. We were given "hopi" coats (happy coats) to wear and our entire delegation was on stage. After a band played several numbers, their mayor and I addressed the attendees, then the confetti and streamers flew. We had the afternoon to visit the many booths. That evening we had a gala golden anniversary party. Our delegation was dressed in kimonos which were provided. After a drum show and more speeches, we visited and ate various Japanese appetizers and delicacies.
Monday morning our group was put on the Shinkansen (bullet train), then toured the peace memorial at Hiroshima as well as the temples and shrines on Miyajima Island. On Wednesday morning farewell speeches were given, goodbyes were said, and the flight home.
In summary, the wonderful people of Miki, Japan treated us like royalty. Really, the main cost to our delegation was the flight over and back, which the delegation members paid for on their own.
The city of Visalia is currently constructing Miki city park on Mineral King Avenue near city hall. The city has had grant money for a number of years to build this park but it was put on hold during the recent recession. We look forward to a visit by a delegation from Miki in April 2017 when we will dedicate our new sister city park. That will be a fitting start to the next 50 years of our sister city relationship.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
MIKI SPEECH
By the time you read this article, my wife and I
along with a delegation of nine others from Visalia will be in Miki Japan
celebrating the 50th anniversary of our sister city
relationship. I have been asked to speak
at their Hardware Festival, which attracts 160,000 people annually. I thought for my article this month that I
would provide you with a copy of the speech which I've written. I will actually be delivering my remarks in
Japanese, as I lived for two years in Japan and have a little fluency in the
language. I suspect that since Visalia’s
founding in 1852, I am the first city council member who speaks Japanese, which
is convenient since our sister city is in Japan. I’ve included a translation of the first
paragraph of my speech in two different versions of Japanese – Kanji and
Romaji, so that you can see what it looks like.
Enjoy!
I am happy to be here at your Hardware
Festival with 10 others from Visalia, California, in America. As the
vice-mayor of Visalia, I bring you the greetings of our mayor and city council.
アメリカ、カリフォルニア州バイセリア市の副市長として、市長並びに市議会を代表しご挨拶させていただきます。三木市の金物祭りに、他の１０名の訪問者と共に参加できますことを嬉しく思っております。
America, Kariforuniashu,
Vaiseriashino fukushichou toshite, shichou narabini sigikaio daihyousi,
goaisatsu saseteitadakimasu. Mikishi no kanamono-matsurini, hokano jyuumei no
houmonsyato tomoni sankadekimasukoto o ureshikuomotte orimasu.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of
the sister city relationship between our two great cities. We have come to help celebrate that
friendship.
Although I lived in Japan 40
years ago as a young Mormon missionary, this is my first visit to the Garden
City Miki. Even though I have only been
here a short time, I can already see that you are a community with a great deal
of pride and beauty. And you manufacture
high quality tools and hardware, some of which my wife and I plan to buy and take
home with us!
Our sister city relationship began
when a student from your city, Seiro Takehara was a student at our College of
the Sequoias. He dreamed of seeing Miki
and Visalia form a sister city relationship.
Since 1966, many delegations of
students and citizens from each city have visited the other. The last time that Visalia sent a delegation
here was in 2008.
I have fond memories of a group
from Miki which came to visit Visalia in 2011.
My family hosted Ami Maruki for a week.
She was a high school student at the time. She later returned to America as a college
student to visit our family.
In some parts of the world today
there are wars, danger and destruction.
But through exchanges of ideas, and visits between our people, we are
doing our small part to promote friendship, peace and understanding.
I want to thank you for the warm
welcome which we have received from your city.
We look forward to your visit to Visalia
next spring when we will dedicate the Miki Japan Park which we are
currently building. That will mark the
beginning of our next 50 years of friendship.
While our cultures may be different, we share the desire to build a
world based on peace and understanding.
We can learn much from each other.
We look forward to your visit and reciprocating your hospitality.
Again, on this 50th
anniversary, we thank you for hosting us and helping us to learn more about
your great city.
If you have questions or topics
regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles,
please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city.
For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
LATEST NEWS
Micro-World
The city council recently voted to create an overlay district which will allow micro brewery/wine businesses to open in the east downtown area. This will encompass approximately 220 acres bounded by Murray Avenue on the north, Ben Maddox Way on the east, Mineral King on the south, and Santa Fe to the west. While some sought to expand the area covered by this new overlay, the council declined in order to see if these new types of businesses will be the impetus needed for the development of east downtown. The new zoning amendment will remove existing requirements for a micro brewery/winery to include a restaurant component and allows retail sale for offsite consumption. However, these establishments must be at least 200 feet distant from any existing sensitive uses, including elementary schools, children's museums, parks or places of worship.
District Elections
We're only one month away from Visalia's first district elections. The City Council amended the city code a couple of years ago to change from citywide to district elections, and to hold council elections in even-numbered years. Districts 1 and 2 are now up for grabs. Amy Shuklian will not be running in District 1, since she recently was elected to the county Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Bob Link is running again in his District 2. As an amateur political scientist, I am interested to see how district elections will change the way local campaigns are run. For instance, it should be a lot less expensive for a candidate to campaign in just one area of the city as opposed to citywide, fewer signs will be needed, and it will be much easier to walk precincts and meet the voters in a more limited area. District elections were also supposed to serve as encouragement for more minority candidates to run for local office, but none did this go-around. Maybe next time? We have some excellent candidates running in both races and we wish them all the well.
Pickleball
At our August 15th council meeting, the city council approved converting two of the tennis courts at Plaza Park into eight pickleball courts. The increasing popularity of this sport in Visalia and elsewhere has been amazing. At our meeting, we had a vigorous discussion by members of the public, both pro and con on this issue. Everyone agreed that we need more pickleball and tennis courts. The two separately fenced courts on the south side of the tennis complex at Plaza Park will be resurfaced, and will have permanent posts and nets installed with new striping and fencing. We hope to have these courts ready for our 2017 Senior Games and to host future tournaments. To host a tournament, a city must have at least eight pickleball courts. People who play pickleball usually stay and spend, populating our local hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.
Miki Japan Trip
We're down to one month until our delegation of 11 Visalians depart for a seven-day visit to Miki Japan, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our sister city relationship. I'll write more later to give you the details of that visit and about the experiences of our hardy adventurers/ambassadors!
What a wonderful surprise!
The city recently received the following "thank you" note from Michelle Pimentel of the Stonebridge neighborhood: "I took my dog on our morning walk, and lo and behold! I found five new crepe myrtles planted along the creek bank, replacing the poor dead roses that were recently removed. What a wonderful surprise! And they'll do well as they have dedicated water used at one time for the roses. The crepe myrtles will really perk up our section of the Packwood Creek trail. I don't know who to specifically thank so I've addressed this thank you to all of you who have been working on this area (I'm sure it's purely coincidental that you chose my favorite crepe myrtle color!!)." Thank you Michelle for noticing and for your nice comments.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Warren Gubler
Vice-Mayor
The city council recently voted to create an overlay district which will allow micro brewery/wine businesses to open in the east downtown area. This will encompass approximately 220 acres bounded by Murray Avenue on the north, Ben Maddox Way on the east, Mineral King on the south, and Santa Fe to the west. While some sought to expand the area covered by this new overlay, the council declined in order to see if these new types of businesses will be the impetus needed for the development of east downtown. The new zoning amendment will remove existing requirements for a micro brewery/winery to include a restaurant component and allows retail sale for offsite consumption. However, these establishments must be at least 200 feet distant from any existing sensitive uses, including elementary schools, children's museums, parks or places of worship.
District Elections
We're only one month away from Visalia's first district elections. The City Council amended the city code a couple of years ago to change from citywide to district elections, and to hold council elections in even-numbered years. Districts 1 and 2 are now up for grabs. Amy Shuklian will not be running in District 1, since she recently was elected to the county Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Bob Link is running again in his District 2. As an amateur political scientist, I am interested to see how district elections will change the way local campaigns are run. For instance, it should be a lot less expensive for a candidate to campaign in just one area of the city as opposed to citywide, fewer signs will be needed, and it will be much easier to walk precincts and meet the voters in a more limited area. District elections were also supposed to serve as encouragement for more minority candidates to run for local office, but none did this go-around. Maybe next time? We have some excellent candidates running in both races and we wish them all the well.
Pickleball
At our August 15th council meeting, the city council approved converting two of the tennis courts at Plaza Park into eight pickleball courts. The increasing popularity of this sport in Visalia and elsewhere has been amazing. At our meeting, we had a vigorous discussion by members of the public, both pro and con on this issue. Everyone agreed that we need more pickleball and tennis courts. The two separately fenced courts on the south side of the tennis complex at Plaza Park will be resurfaced, and will have permanent posts and nets installed with new striping and fencing. We hope to have these courts ready for our 2017 Senior Games and to host future tournaments. To host a tournament, a city must have at least eight pickleball courts. People who play pickleball usually stay and spend, populating our local hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.
Miki Japan Trip
We're down to one month until our delegation of 11 Visalians depart for a seven-day visit to Miki Japan, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our sister city relationship. I'll write more later to give you the details of that visit and about the experiences of our hardy adventurers/ambassadors!
What a wonderful surprise!
The city recently received the following "thank you" note from Michelle Pimentel of the Stonebridge neighborhood: "I took my dog on our morning walk, and lo and behold! I found five new crepe myrtles planted along the creek bank, replacing the poor dead roses that were recently removed. What a wonderful surprise! And they'll do well as they have dedicated water used at one time for the roses. The crepe myrtles will really perk up our section of the Packwood Creek trail. I don't know who to specifically thank so I've addressed this thank you to all of you who have been working on this area (I'm sure it's purely coincidental that you chose my favorite crepe myrtle color!!)." Thank you Michelle for noticing and for your nice comments.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Warren Gubler
Vice-Mayor
Thursday, September 1, 2016
SOCIAL HOST LAW
The Visalia city council recently passed a new ordinance recommended by our police department relating to underage parties where alcohol is served. According to Police Chief Jason Salazar, since 2013, the Visalia P.D. has had 5,800 calls to respond to such parties. Taking an average time for the responding officer of 39 minutes per event, the police department lost approximately 3,700 hours of time which they could have better spent on combating other criminal activity. Most of these parties occur on weekends, or around graduation time. The purpose of this new law is to hold parents or property owners responsible for such conduct if it occurs on their premises.
Underage drinking is a major threat to the health and safety of our youth, and not only for highly publicized drinking and driving concerns. The new ordinance establishes penalties of $100.00 for the first violation, $200.00 for the second violation, and $500.00 for further violations within a twelve- month period. The parent or adult who is hosting such a party, or upon whose property the party occurs, will be subject to the fine. The police department hopes that these potential fines will cause adults to think twice about the consequences of allowing underage parties, and get them to better monitor the activities of their teenagers. This also gives officers another tool to help control underage drinking.
Pervious Concrete Parking Lots
Fred Lampe, the city's senior civil engineer, announced that Visalia has received a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board for re-constructing seven public parking lots downtown using pervious (permeable) concrete pavement. Such pavement captures storm water and allows it to percolate back into the ground. The benefits include reduced storm water flows into Mill Creek, filtering and treating storm water as it percolates into the ground, and recharging our groundwater, particularly during this drought. Currently, Visalia has just one public parking lot with a pervious concrete surface, located on Murray Avenue just east of Bridge Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and all lots should be completed by November. Each lot will take approximately five weeks to complete, and two parking lots will be closed at a time to meet the grant schedule. While there may be some temporary inconvenience for those wanting to park downtown, the long term benefits should outweigh that.
Sequoia National Park Holiday Update
According to Woody Smeck, Superintendent of our local national parks, every parking space in Sequoia National Park was filled over the July 4th holiday weekend, including the very remote overflow parking lots behind Wuksachi Lodge. 750 cars per hour were welcomed at the park entrance station (a big challenge on a narrow mountain road). Woody indicated that Visalia's Sequoia shuttle was instrumental in moving people from remote lots to various attractions, and it probably set a single day record for ridership.
Illegal Fireworks.
Per Fire Chief Doug McBee, our fire department was kept busy over the same July 4th weekend. They had two-person teams on fireworks patrol issuing citations in all quadrants of the city, with the greatest action on the east side. Somewhere between 50 and 60 citations were issued for the possession of illegal fireworks. Over that weekend, there were five fires attributed to fireworks, and all fires required multiple engines, multiple chiefs and fire personnel. At one point, Cal Fire provided mutual aid to our city fire department on an apartment building fire. The Visalia Fire Department reminds residents that illegal fireworks are dangerous and those in possession will be issued a $1,000.00 citation. Is it time for Visalia to re-institute the city fireworks display on Independence Day?
Multi-Family Units
Visalia is on track for construction of the most multi-family units in Visalia since 2007, with 110 units permitted through July 2016. Of particular note is a 236-unit apartment complex which recently went through site plan review and which will be constructed just east of Costco on Visalia Parkway.
Visalia Senior Games
The kickoff organizational meeting for the 2017 Visalia Senior Games was held in July at our Senior Center. Tentative dates for this second time event are Thursday through Sunday, March 16-19, and Friday through Sunday, March 24-26, 2017. We are looking to expand the format to include new events such as track and field, swimming, women's volleyball and soccer. If you'd like to get involved and volunteer, contact Parks and Recreation at 713-4365 and join us as we plan the 2017 Senior Games!
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Underage drinking is a major threat to the health and safety of our youth, and not only for highly publicized drinking and driving concerns. The new ordinance establishes penalties of $100.00 for the first violation, $200.00 for the second violation, and $500.00 for further violations within a twelve- month period. The parent or adult who is hosting such a party, or upon whose property the party occurs, will be subject to the fine. The police department hopes that these potential fines will cause adults to think twice about the consequences of allowing underage parties, and get them to better monitor the activities of their teenagers. This also gives officers another tool to help control underage drinking.
Pervious Concrete Parking Lots
Fred Lampe, the city's senior civil engineer, announced that Visalia has received a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board for re-constructing seven public parking lots downtown using pervious (permeable) concrete pavement. Such pavement captures storm water and allows it to percolate back into the ground. The benefits include reduced storm water flows into Mill Creek, filtering and treating storm water as it percolates into the ground, and recharging our groundwater, particularly during this drought. Currently, Visalia has just one public parking lot with a pervious concrete surface, located on Murray Avenue just east of Bridge Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and all lots should be completed by November. Each lot will take approximately five weeks to complete, and two parking lots will be closed at a time to meet the grant schedule. While there may be some temporary inconvenience for those wanting to park downtown, the long term benefits should outweigh that.
Sequoia National Park Holiday Update
According to Woody Smeck, Superintendent of our local national parks, every parking space in Sequoia National Park was filled over the July 4th holiday weekend, including the very remote overflow parking lots behind Wuksachi Lodge. 750 cars per hour were welcomed at the park entrance station (a big challenge on a narrow mountain road). Woody indicated that Visalia's Sequoia shuttle was instrumental in moving people from remote lots to various attractions, and it probably set a single day record for ridership.
Illegal Fireworks.
Per Fire Chief Doug McBee, our fire department was kept busy over the same July 4th weekend. They had two-person teams on fireworks patrol issuing citations in all quadrants of the city, with the greatest action on the east side. Somewhere between 50 and 60 citations were issued for the possession of illegal fireworks. Over that weekend, there were five fires attributed to fireworks, and all fires required multiple engines, multiple chiefs and fire personnel. At one point, Cal Fire provided mutual aid to our city fire department on an apartment building fire. The Visalia Fire Department reminds residents that illegal fireworks are dangerous and those in possession will be issued a $1,000.00 citation. Is it time for Visalia to re-institute the city fireworks display on Independence Day?
Multi-Family Units
Visalia is on track for construction of the most multi-family units in Visalia since 2007, with 110 units permitted through July 2016. Of particular note is a 236-unit apartment complex which recently went through site plan review and which will be constructed just east of Costco on Visalia Parkway.
Visalia Senior Games
The kickoff organizational meeting for the 2017 Visalia Senior Games was held in July at our Senior Center. Tentative dates for this second time event are Thursday through Sunday, March 16-19, and Friday through Sunday, March 24-26, 2017. We are looking to expand the format to include new events such as track and field, swimming, women's volleyball and soccer. If you'd like to get involved and volunteer, contact Parks and Recreation at 713-4365 and join us as we plan the 2017 Senior Games!
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Monday, August 1, 2016
50th ANNIVERSARY OF SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP
Visalia has had a sister city relationship with Miki, Japan since 1965. This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of that relationship. It has been at least 10 years since Visalia last sent a delegation to Miki. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, my wife Alisa and I will be hosting a delegation of citizens and city officials traveling to Miki, Japan, November 3 through 9, 2016. The planning for this event has been underway for quite some time, such that we can now start promoting this event.
Miki officials asked us to visit during this time frame because it coincides with their annual Hardware Festival. According to an article I googled, Miki is famous throughout Japan as one of their country's largest producers of hardware, from kitchen knives to hedge trimmers, almost every kind of hand tool is manufactured in Miki. This festival is said to attract 160,000 visitors annually. You can expect to see people pounding mochi (rice cakes), dance and drum performances, people in traditional costume, and stalls selling delicious festival food. Beneath the rows of brightly colored tents are tools of every kind. One can browse through metal rakes and hoes, saws, axes, nata (Japanese hatchets), scissors, thread cutters, Ikebana (flower arrangement) shears, shovels, saws and a plethora of knives. Produce from local farmers can be picked up for cheap. There is also an eclectic mix of other local handicrafts, baked goods and various products, and the nearby cultural center has flowers, bonsai and local art on display.
We plan to fly into Osaka International Airport on Thursday evening, November 3, where we will be greeted by a Miki sister city delegation, and transported by bus to Miki City Hall. From there, we will fan out to our host families' homes or to hotels. Accommodations may be either Japanese style, i.e., the use of futons on Tatami mats, or American style, with tables, chairs and beds.
On Friday we will visit schools and public places such as Shinto/Buddhist temples or factories. Saturday will be free time with the host families. Sunday will include visits to Miki City Hall, the hardware festival, and Horseland Park. On Monday, the group will be hosted on a visit to Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park, and on Tuesday to Miyajimi, a scenic island which is the site of one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, a Torii in the ocean, pictures of which you may have seen. The group will be bused back to Osaka Airport on Wednesday for the return flight home.
The cost for this trip will be the responsibility of each of the attendees. Likewise, my wife and I will be traveling on our own dime, with no cost to the city of Visalia. However, much of the price for this fabulous trip will be defrayed by Miki and the host families, who will assist with travel arrangements, food and overnight accommodations.
Visalia received a grant a number of years ago to build a Japanese sister city park, which park is now under construction on Mineral King Avenue, near City Hall just east of Redwood High School. We look forward to a reciprocal visit from a delegation of Miki city officials and citizens in Spring, 2017, as they come to attend the dedication of our new park. At that time, we will be looking for host families to help with their transportation and accommodation needs here.
If you are interested in being part of Visalia's delegation for this visit to our sister city in Japan, or being part of next Spring's celebration here in Visalia, please contact Gladys Ruiz at the City, 713-4314, gladys.ruiz@visalia.city.
Additional Kudos to Fire Department
During the public comment portion of our June 6 city council meeting, local citizen Larry Pruitt thanked the fire department for saving his house that afternoon! Apparently, there were problems with sparks caused by the transformer on his property line, which set his fence and trees in his backyard on fire. Three fire engines and a fire truck with a total of 13 personnel responded, and while the fence and trees were lost, no damage was done to his adjacent home. The fire was contained in 15 minutes and there were no injuries. Mr. Pruitt indicated that he shook the hand of every firefighter and thanked them for saving his home. He said he still smelled like smoke, the fire was so recent. During a break in our meeting, I spoke to Larry personally and told him that I was impressed that he had come to city council meeting the same day as the incident to thank the fire department. Larry replied that coincidentally he was planning on being at our meeting anyway for another agenda item, but wanted to voice his thanks to our fire department for a job well done.
Visalia has had a sister city relationship with Miki, Japan since 1965. This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of that relationship. It has been at least 10 years since Visalia last sent a delegation to Miki. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, my wife Alisa and I will be hosting a delegation of citizens and city officials traveling to Miki, Japan, November 3 through 9, 2016. The planning for this event has been underway for quite some time, such that we can now start promoting this event.
Miki officials asked us to visit during this time frame because it coincides with their annual Hardware Festival. According to an article I googled, Miki is famous throughout Japan as one of their country's largest producers of hardware, from kitchen knives to hedge trimmers, almost every kind of hand tool is manufactured in Miki. This festival is said to attract 160,000 visitors annually. You can expect to see people pounding mochi (rice cakes), dance and drum performances, people in traditional costume, and stalls selling delicious festival food. Beneath the rows of brightly colored tents are tools of every kind. One can browse through metal rakes and hoes, saws, axes, nata (Japanese hatchets), scissors, thread cutters, Ikebana (flower arrangement) shears, shovels, saws and a plethora of knives. Produce from local farmers can be picked up for cheap. There is also an eclectic mix of other local handicrafts, baked goods and various products, and the nearby cultural center has flowers, bonsai and local art on display.
We plan to fly into Osaka International Airport on Thursday evening, November 3, where we will be greeted by a Miki sister city delegation, and transported by bus to Miki City Hall. From there, we will fan out to our host families' homes or to hotels. Accommodations may be either Japanese style, i.e., the use of futons on Tatami mats, or American style, with tables, chairs and beds.
On Friday we will visit schools and public places such as Shinto/Buddhist temples or factories. Saturday will be free time with the host families. Sunday will include visits to Miki City Hall, the hardware festival, and Horseland Park. On Monday, the group will be hosted on a visit to Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park, and on Tuesday to Miyajimi, a scenic island which is the site of one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, a Torii in the ocean, pictures of which you may have seen. The group will be bused back to Osaka Airport on Wednesday for the return flight home.
The cost for this trip will be the responsibility of each of the attendees. Likewise, my wife and I will be traveling on our own dime, with no cost to the city of Visalia. However, much of the price for this fabulous trip will be defrayed by Miki and the host families, who will assist with travel arrangements, food and overnight accommodations.
Visalia received a grant a number of years ago to build a Japanese sister city park, which park is now under construction on Mineral King Avenue, near City Hall just east of Redwood High School. We look forward to a reciprocal visit from a delegation of Miki city officials and citizens in Spring, 2017, as they come to attend the dedication of our new park. At that time, we will be looking for host families to help with their transportation and accommodation needs here.
If you are interested in being part of Visalia's delegation for this visit to our sister city in Japan, or being part of next Spring's celebration here in Visalia, please contact Gladys Ruiz at the City, 713-4314, gladys.ruiz@visalia.city.
Additional Kudos to Fire Department
During the public comment portion of our June 6 city council meeting, local citizen Larry Pruitt thanked the fire department for saving his house that afternoon! Apparently, there were problems with sparks caused by the transformer on his property line, which set his fence and trees in his backyard on fire. Three fire engines and a fire truck with a total of 13 personnel responded, and while the fence and trees were lost, no damage was done to his adjacent home. The fire was contained in 15 minutes and there were no injuries. Mr. Pruitt indicated that he shook the hand of every firefighter and thanked them for saving his home. He said he still smelled like smoke, the fire was so recent. During a break in our meeting, I spoke to Larry personally and told him that I was impressed that he had come to city council meeting the same day as the incident to thank the fire department. Larry replied that coincidentally he was planning on being at our meeting anyway for another agenda item, but wanted to voice his thanks to our fire department for a job well done.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
50th ANNIVERSARY OF SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP
Visalia has had a sister city
relationship with Miki, Japan since 1965. This year celebrates the 50th
anniversary of that relationship. It has been at least 10 years since
Visalia last sent a delegation to Miki. To celebrate the 50th
anniversary, my wife Alisa and I will be hosting a delegation of citizens and
city officials traveling to Miki, Japan, November 3 through 9, 2016. The
planning for this event has been underway for quite some time, such that we can
now start promoting this event.
Miki officials asked us to
visit during this time frame because it coincides with their annual Hardware
Festival. According to an article I googled, Miki is famous throughout
Japan as one of their country's largest producers of hardware, from kitchen
knives to hedge trimmers, almost every kind of hand tool is manufactured in
Miki. This festival is said to attract 160,000 visitors annually.
You can expect to see people pounding mochi (rice cakes), dance and drum
performances, people in traditional costume, and stalls selling delicious
festival food. Beneath the rows of brightly colored tents are tools of
every kind. One can browse through metal rakes and hoes, saws, axes, nata
(Japanese hatchets), scissors, thread cutters, Ikebana (flower arrangement)
shears, shovels, saws and a plethora of knives. Produce from local
farmers can be picked up for cheap. There is also an eclectic mix of
other local handicrafts, baked goods and various products, and the nearby
cultural center has flowers, bonsai and local art on display.
We plan to fly into Osaka
International Airport on Thursday evening, November 3, where we will be greeted
by a Miki sister city delegation, and transported by bus to Miki City
Hall. From there, we will fan out to our host families' homes or to
hotels. Accommodations may be either Japanese style, i.e., the use of
futons on Tatami mats, or American style, with tables, chairs and beds.
On Friday we will visit
schools and public places such as Shinto/Buddhist temples or factories.
Saturday will be free time with the host families. Sunday will include
visits to Miki City Hall, the hardware festival, and Horseland Park. On
Monday, the group will be hosted on a visit to Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial
Park, and on Tuesday to Miyajimi, a scenic island which is the site of one of
Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, a Torii in the ocean, pictures of which you
may have seen. The group will be bused back to Osaka Airport on Wednesday
for the return flight home.
The cost for this trip will
be the responsibility of each of the attendees. Likewise, my wife and I
will be traveling on our own dime, at no cost to the city of Visalia.
However, much of the price for this fabulous trip will be defrayed by Miki and
the host families, who will assist with travel arrangements, food and overnight
accommodations.
Visalia received a grant a
number of years ago, to build a Japanese sister city park, which park is now
under construction on Mineral King Avenue, near City Hall just east of Redwood
High School. We look forward to a reciprocal visit from a delegation of
Miki city officials and citizens in Spring, 2017, as they come to attend the
dedication of our new park. At that time, we will be looking for host
families to help with their transportation and accommodation needs here.
If you are interested in
being part of Visalia's delegation for this visit to our sister city in Japan,
or being part of next Spring's celebration here in Visalia, please contact
Gladys Ruiz at the City, 713-4314, gladys.ruiz@visalia.city
by July 22, 2016. Additionally, we will hold an informational meeting for
all interested on Tuesday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
I invite you to join the
celebration of the 50th anniversary of our sister city relationship
with Miki, Japan.
Visalia Times Delta Commentary, July 9, 2016
Friday, July 1, 2016
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS
In late May 2016, City Manager Mike Olmos, Economic Development Manager Devon Jones and I attended the ICSC Recon Convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Recon is the world's largest retail real estate exhibition and conference and is a must attend event for shopping center industry executives, retailers, financial companies, and product and service suppliers. Estimated attendance was 36,000.
Every commercial retailer and franchise company you can imagine were in attendance. We made some cold calls on those that we thought might be nice additions to Visalia. We handed out city pamphlets and brochures, and extolled the virtues of doing business in Visalia.
While visiting these retailers was interesting and fun, I would suggest that our most effective work was done while meeting with various developers and getting updates on their local projects. We met with Colliers, commercial real estate agents who have listed some property on South Mooney Blvd., the Orosco Group which developed Packwood Creek, Dave Paynter and his associates, which I will discuss hereafter, General Growth Properties which owns the Visalia Mall, Foothill Partners which is seeking to develop some property on South Mooney, and Donahue Schriber, developers of Orchard Walk, east and west projects in north Visalia. They each gave us updates on their development projects, and we assured them that the city will do whatever is possible to assist and support them in building our retail base here.
As to Mr. Paynter, you may remember that he was the developer of the successful Kohl's shopping center (formerly Sin City). He currently owns properties on three corners of Caldwell and Mooney Blvd., including the Walmart Center, the Dick's Sporting Goods Center and the Sequoia Mall. As to the Walmart Center, the last large puzzle piece going in will be JoAnn's in the old Circuit City location (with a second Smart & Final stepping into JoAnn's current location). For me personally, the most interesting discussion had to do with the rehabilitation and redevelopment of Sequoia Mall. While at this time I am not at liberty to share specifics, I will say that I predict that this mixed-use project will have an appearance and feel like River Park in Fresno when completed. Look for some major announcements and the beginning of construction, hopefully in the next 12 months.
After two days of meetings, it was good to leave the big city and return home to Visalia.
Sequoia Shuttle Tenth Anniversary
The Sequoia Shuttle began in 2007 through a partnership between the City of Visalia and the National Parks Service. It has provided 2,770,533 passenger trips inside Sequoia National Park and 71,252 passenger trips to and from Sequoia National Park. The Sequoia Shuttle provides a convenient, comfortable and car free way of traveling to and within Sequoia National Park. It kicked off its tenth year on May 26 and will run this year through September 11. It runs 7 days a week and all shuttles are equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair seating.
On May 16, 2016, the city council recognized the Sequoia Shuttle program for its success and presented it with a resolution of commendation. I have personally used the shuttle system with my family and highly recommend it to everyone, particularly during the dogs days of summer when you want to escape the valley heat.
Kudos to the Fire Department
To wrap up this article, I'll add a Facebook post that the city recently received from Shelley Brewer-Martell: "Just wanted to give a special thanks to Engine E-54. A little boy at Baskin Robbins waved out the window to a passing fireman. The fireman took the time to walk in to see the little boy and give him a sticker. I was just watching this little guy's face light up, it was a wonderful moment. Just wanted you to know what wonderful people you have on staff."
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Every commercial retailer and franchise company you can imagine were in attendance. We made some cold calls on those that we thought might be nice additions to Visalia. We handed out city pamphlets and brochures, and extolled the virtues of doing business in Visalia.
While visiting these retailers was interesting and fun, I would suggest that our most effective work was done while meeting with various developers and getting updates on their local projects. We met with Colliers, commercial real estate agents who have listed some property on South Mooney Blvd., the Orosco Group which developed Packwood Creek, Dave Paynter and his associates, which I will discuss hereafter, General Growth Properties which owns the Visalia Mall, Foothill Partners which is seeking to develop some property on South Mooney, and Donahue Schriber, developers of Orchard Walk, east and west projects in north Visalia. They each gave us updates on their development projects, and we assured them that the city will do whatever is possible to assist and support them in building our retail base here.
As to Mr. Paynter, you may remember that he was the developer of the successful Kohl's shopping center (formerly Sin City). He currently owns properties on three corners of Caldwell and Mooney Blvd., including the Walmart Center, the Dick's Sporting Goods Center and the Sequoia Mall. As to the Walmart Center, the last large puzzle piece going in will be JoAnn's in the old Circuit City location (with a second Smart & Final stepping into JoAnn's current location). For me personally, the most interesting discussion had to do with the rehabilitation and redevelopment of Sequoia Mall. While at this time I am not at liberty to share specifics, I will say that I predict that this mixed-use project will have an appearance and feel like River Park in Fresno when completed. Look for some major announcements and the beginning of construction, hopefully in the next 12 months.
After two days of meetings, it was good to leave the big city and return home to Visalia.
Sequoia Shuttle Tenth Anniversary
The Sequoia Shuttle began in 2007 through a partnership between the City of Visalia and the National Parks Service. It has provided 2,770,533 passenger trips inside Sequoia National Park and 71,252 passenger trips to and from Sequoia National Park. The Sequoia Shuttle provides a convenient, comfortable and car free way of traveling to and within Sequoia National Park. It kicked off its tenth year on May 26 and will run this year through September 11. It runs 7 days a week and all shuttles are equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair seating.
On May 16, 2016, the city council recognized the Sequoia Shuttle program for its success and presented it with a resolution of commendation. I have personally used the shuttle system with my family and highly recommend it to everyone, particularly during the dogs days of summer when you want to escape the valley heat.
Kudos to the Fire Department
To wrap up this article, I'll add a Facebook post that the city recently received from Shelley Brewer-Martell: "Just wanted to give a special thanks to Engine E-54. A little boy at Baskin Robbins waved out the window to a passing fireman. The fireman took the time to walk in to see the little boy and give him a sticker. I was just watching this little guy's face light up, it was a wonderful moment. Just wanted you to know what wonderful people you have on staff."
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
MID-YEAR UPDATE
On April 25, 2016, the Visalia City Council and the Board of Trustees for COS and for VUSD held a joint meeting at the convention center. This annual meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better, and to find out what each group has planned. VUSD presented an update on their various facilities, including the new junior high, a student achievement update, and the status of teacher recruitment. COS discussed student transfer guarantees to UC's and CSU's, and some student success stories.
Let me share with you a summary of the update given by the city regarding its progress, with my interspersed commentary.
Convention Center:
The convention center "refresh" has been completed. This remodel included new flooring, roof, paint, wiring and infrastructure, landscaping and signage. I recently gave welcoming remarks at the Great Western Fan Festival at the convention center and the new sound system was state of the art.
Water Conservation Plant:
The $130 million water conservation plant upgrade will be completed next year. It will have the capacity to convert the city's wastewater into almost drinkable-quality recyclable water, suitable for irrigation of all crops. On April 18, 2016, Visalia received its first exchange of water from Tulare Irrigation District. Water was released to a recharge basin located on the east side of town. You may have seen what appears to be a new lake near 198. Under Visalia's agreement with TID, we will receive up to 6,500 acre feet of fresh water annually for recharge purposes, in exchange for some of our recycled water for TID's farming purposes.
V-Line:
The V-Line bus leaves the Visalia Transit Center six times a day, seven days a week, with stops at the Visalia airport, Fresno Airport, and Fresno State. While the standard faire is $10.00, students, seniors and regular travelers can get discounted faires as low as $6.00 per trip. The first month of ridership in November 2015 saw 67 riders. In March 2016, ridership had increased to 936.
My wife Alisa got to test out the new V-Line recently. We were flying from Fresno Airport out of state to attend our son's college graduation, but she left a day earlier than I. She caught the V-Line bus at Visalia airport. The driver took her payment by credit card. There were 20 seats on the bus of which 10 were occupied. The seating was very comfortable with nice upholstery, seat belts and head rests. Each shuttle offers free wi-fi, charging ports and storage racks. The $10 faire was a bargain considering that the round trip cost of gas for our car would have been more than that, not counting the $12.00 daily parking fee at Fresno airport. Alisa's bus arrived at the Fresno airport a few minutes early, and she had no problem catching her flight.
COS Student Transit Pass:
An estimated 16% of the COS student population uses transit, of which nearly 80% use transit as their daily transportation. COS students can ride Visalia Transit from Visalia to both the Tulare and Hanford campuses. Full-time students pay $10.00 per semester for unlimited rides.
Growth Update:
Visalia's population reached 130,753 in 2015. Through March 2016, 102 new dwelling units were issued permits. In April alone, another 84 permits were pulled! The local housing market continues to recover from the great recession. Recent new retail developments in Visalia include Home Goods and Designer Shoe Warehouse, Rubio's, Pieology, and the soon-to-open Blaze Pizza. Coming soon are Outback Steakhouse and Quantum Leap trampoline facility. Visalia will be getting its second Smart & Final in the existing Jo-Ann's space on South Mooney Blvd. Jo-Ann's will in turn be moving into the former Circuit City space.
Visalia Airport:
City staff is submitting a grant application to the Dept. of Transportation for $3.7 million for our airport. In exchange for these grant monies, Visalia will be opting out of the essential air services program (EAS) for ten years. Visalia is the first community to opt out of the EAS. If we get the grant, the city council will consider using the funds to expand cargo facilities at the airport to support local business and industry.
Fire Station #53:
Visalia's newest fire station, located at Walnut and Atwood, held its open house on Wednesday, April 6. This station will target an average response time of 4 minutes in the southwest quadrant of Visalia. Chief Doug McBee welcomes local citizens to drop by and take a tour of this new facility.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
Let me share with you a summary of the update given by the city regarding its progress, with my interspersed commentary.
Convention Center:
The convention center "refresh" has been completed. This remodel included new flooring, roof, paint, wiring and infrastructure, landscaping and signage. I recently gave welcoming remarks at the Great Western Fan Festival at the convention center and the new sound system was state of the art.
Water Conservation Plant:
The $130 million water conservation plant upgrade will be completed next year. It will have the capacity to convert the city's wastewater into almost drinkable-quality recyclable water, suitable for irrigation of all crops. On April 18, 2016, Visalia received its first exchange of water from Tulare Irrigation District. Water was released to a recharge basin located on the east side of town. You may have seen what appears to be a new lake near 198. Under Visalia's agreement with TID, we will receive up to 6,500 acre feet of fresh water annually for recharge purposes, in exchange for some of our recycled water for TID's farming purposes.
V-Line:
The V-Line bus leaves the Visalia Transit Center six times a day, seven days a week, with stops at the Visalia airport, Fresno Airport, and Fresno State. While the standard faire is $10.00, students, seniors and regular travelers can get discounted faires as low as $6.00 per trip. The first month of ridership in November 2015 saw 67 riders. In March 2016, ridership had increased to 936.
My wife Alisa got to test out the new V-Line recently. We were flying from Fresno Airport out of state to attend our son's college graduation, but she left a day earlier than I. She caught the V-Line bus at Visalia airport. The driver took her payment by credit card. There were 20 seats on the bus of which 10 were occupied. The seating was very comfortable with nice upholstery, seat belts and head rests. Each shuttle offers free wi-fi, charging ports and storage racks. The $10 faire was a bargain considering that the round trip cost of gas for our car would have been more than that, not counting the $12.00 daily parking fee at Fresno airport. Alisa's bus arrived at the Fresno airport a few minutes early, and she had no problem catching her flight.
COS Student Transit Pass:
An estimated 16% of the COS student population uses transit, of which nearly 80% use transit as their daily transportation. COS students can ride Visalia Transit from Visalia to both the Tulare and Hanford campuses. Full-time students pay $10.00 per semester for unlimited rides.
Growth Update:
Visalia's population reached 130,753 in 2015. Through March 2016, 102 new dwelling units were issued permits. In April alone, another 84 permits were pulled! The local housing market continues to recover from the great recession. Recent new retail developments in Visalia include Home Goods and Designer Shoe Warehouse, Rubio's, Pieology, and the soon-to-open Blaze Pizza. Coming soon are Outback Steakhouse and Quantum Leap trampoline facility. Visalia will be getting its second Smart & Final in the existing Jo-Ann's space on South Mooney Blvd. Jo-Ann's will in turn be moving into the former Circuit City space.
Visalia Airport:
City staff is submitting a grant application to the Dept. of Transportation for $3.7 million for our airport. In exchange for these grant monies, Visalia will be opting out of the essential air services program (EAS) for ten years. Visalia is the first community to opt out of the EAS. If we get the grant, the city council will consider using the funds to expand cargo facilities at the airport to support local business and industry.
Fire Station #53:
Visalia's newest fire station, located at Walnut and Atwood, held its open house on Wednesday, April 6. This station will target an average response time of 4 minutes in the southwest quadrant of Visalia. Chief Doug McBee welcomes local citizens to drop by and take a tour of this new facility.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
Sunday, May 1, 2016
WHY WE'RE SO HAPPY
By now, you have probably heard that the annual Well-Being Index by Gallup-Healthways ranked Visalia as the 25th happiest community in the nation. However, that begs the question, what leads to happiness? For me personally, my wife and I are celebrating our 35th anniversary this year, we have five terrific kids who are progressing nicely in schooling and careers, and grandkids Cora (3) and Dodge (1½) keep us in stitches, to name but a few reasons for feeling a sense of well-being and happiness. But what makes a community happy?
The city recently received a Community Comparison Demographic Chart from Adam Peck of the Tulare County Workforce Investment Board. The following are some interesting statistics therefrom:
∙ The Employment Development Department (EDD) reported a 1.1% decrease in Tulare County's unemployment rate in December 2015, and the December 2015 unemployment rate is the lowest since 2007.
∙ Visalia's population as of January 1, 2014 is 130,753, making it the seventh largest city in the San Joaquin Valley behind Fresno, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, and Salinas. We experienced a 1% population growth that year.
∙ The median household income in Visalia between 2010 and 2014 was $52,262.00, the fourth highest in the Valley. 3.1% of Visalia's population earned $200,000.00 or more annually during that time frame, 5% earned between $150,000.00 and $199,999.00, and 13.5% earned between $100,000.00 and $149,999.00. 33.8% of households earned under $35,000.00 annually.
∙ Visalia ranked third in the Valley with 7.8% of its population holding graduate or professional degrees, 14% with Bachelor's degrees, 9.7% with Associate degrees, 27% with some college, and 23.9% high school graduates. 82.4% of Visalians had a high school degree or higher.
∙ Visalia Unified School District had a 92% graduation rate in 2013-14, second in the Valley behind Clovis with a 92.1% graduation rate.
∙ As of December 2015, Visalia had a labor force of 59,500, of which 53,700 were employed.
∙ From 2010-2014, 31.9% of Visalians worked in management and professional jobs, 20.4% service, 26.1% sales and office, 9.4% natural resources, construction and maintenance, and 12.2% in production, transportation and material moving.
∙ For 2010-2014, 60.1% of Visalians lived in owner-occupied housing, while 39.9% rented. This ranks Visalia #2 in the valley for home ownership. The average household size of owner-occupied units was 2.93. Average household size of renter occupied units was 3.16 with a rental vacancy rate of 5.3%.
∙ The overall cost of living in Visalia based on a US baseline of 100, was 106.0, giving us a ranking of #6 in the valley for highest cost of living.
∙ Visalia's average commute time is 19.93 minutes, ranking Visalia #1 in the valley as the city with the shortest commute time.
Per Devon Jones, Visalia's Economic Development Manager, these statistics indicate that Visalia compares favorably with other large communities in the valley. For instance, Visalia has a lower cost of living than Clovis in terms of housing, yet has just as good a school district and a comparatively low crime index. Visalia shows a higher than average median household income, coupled with housing affordability and high home ownership. Visalia has a well-educated work force.
The 2015 sales ranking report shows that Visalia has a strong regional retail presence and a busy Mooney corridor. For instance, comparing Visalia to California in the 2015 sales ranking report, Habit Burger ranked #2 out of 31 stores, Hometown Buffet 5/73, Panera Bread, 27/364, Vallarta Supermarket, 4/35, Harbor Freight, 10/61, Hobby Lobby, 5/29, Victoria's Secret, 6/34, JC Penney, 14/70, Smart & Final, 23/119, Winco Foods, 6/30, Costco, 19/90, Ashley Furniture, 5/17, Kohls Department Stores, 34/96, and Pet Smart, 41/106.
However, more than statistics, there are many intangibles that add to our community sense of satisfaction and well-being. For instance, on March 10th, Julie Sisco Fairfield wrote the city to say: "I just wanted to give a big thanks to the police department and all those involved in the lock-downs this morning. It means so much to me to know that my kid at Valley Oak was protected and the best precautions were taken to keep them safe. It's times like these that we truly appreciate all those that keep us safe in the city." And recently, off-duty Visalia firefighter Dameon Malek helped save the life of another runner in cardiac arrest at The End of the Trail half marathon.
Yes, we have many reasons to be happy that we live in a great community like Visalia.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
The city recently received a Community Comparison Demographic Chart from Adam Peck of the Tulare County Workforce Investment Board. The following are some interesting statistics therefrom:
∙ The Employment Development Department (EDD) reported a 1.1% decrease in Tulare County's unemployment rate in December 2015, and the December 2015 unemployment rate is the lowest since 2007.
∙ Visalia's population as of January 1, 2014 is 130,753, making it the seventh largest city in the San Joaquin Valley behind Fresno, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, and Salinas. We experienced a 1% population growth that year.
∙ The median household income in Visalia between 2010 and 2014 was $52,262.00, the fourth highest in the Valley. 3.1% of Visalia's population earned $200,000.00 or more annually during that time frame, 5% earned between $150,000.00 and $199,999.00, and 13.5% earned between $100,000.00 and $149,999.00. 33.8% of households earned under $35,000.00 annually.
∙ Visalia ranked third in the Valley with 7.8% of its population holding graduate or professional degrees, 14% with Bachelor's degrees, 9.7% with Associate degrees, 27% with some college, and 23.9% high school graduates. 82.4% of Visalians had a high school degree or higher.
∙ Visalia Unified School District had a 92% graduation rate in 2013-14, second in the Valley behind Clovis with a 92.1% graduation rate.
∙ As of December 2015, Visalia had a labor force of 59,500, of which 53,700 were employed.
∙ From 2010-2014, 31.9% of Visalians worked in management and professional jobs, 20.4% service, 26.1% sales and office, 9.4% natural resources, construction and maintenance, and 12.2% in production, transportation and material moving.
∙ For 2010-2014, 60.1% of Visalians lived in owner-occupied housing, while 39.9% rented. This ranks Visalia #2 in the valley for home ownership. The average household size of owner-occupied units was 2.93. Average household size of renter occupied units was 3.16 with a rental vacancy rate of 5.3%.
∙ The overall cost of living in Visalia based on a US baseline of 100, was 106.0, giving us a ranking of #6 in the valley for highest cost of living.
∙ Visalia's average commute time is 19.93 minutes, ranking Visalia #1 in the valley as the city with the shortest commute time.
Per Devon Jones, Visalia's Economic Development Manager, these statistics indicate that Visalia compares favorably with other large communities in the valley. For instance, Visalia has a lower cost of living than Clovis in terms of housing, yet has just as good a school district and a comparatively low crime index. Visalia shows a higher than average median household income, coupled with housing affordability and high home ownership. Visalia has a well-educated work force.
The 2015 sales ranking report shows that Visalia has a strong regional retail presence and a busy Mooney corridor. For instance, comparing Visalia to California in the 2015 sales ranking report, Habit Burger ranked #2 out of 31 stores, Hometown Buffet 5/73, Panera Bread, 27/364, Vallarta Supermarket, 4/35, Harbor Freight, 10/61, Hobby Lobby, 5/29, Victoria's Secret, 6/34, JC Penney, 14/70, Smart & Final, 23/119, Winco Foods, 6/30, Costco, 19/90, Ashley Furniture, 5/17, Kohls Department Stores, 34/96, and Pet Smart, 41/106.
However, more than statistics, there are many intangibles that add to our community sense of satisfaction and well-being. For instance, on March 10th, Julie Sisco Fairfield wrote the city to say: "I just wanted to give a big thanks to the police department and all those involved in the lock-downs this morning. It means so much to me to know that my kid at Valley Oak was protected and the best precautions were taken to keep them safe. It's times like these that we truly appreciate all those that keep us safe in the city." And recently, off-duty Visalia firefighter Dameon Malek helped save the life of another runner in cardiac arrest at The End of the Trail half marathon.
Yes, we have many reasons to be happy that we live in a great community like Visalia.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Why I'm Voting Yes On Measure H
I'm
writing in support of Measure H. This ballot initiative seeks the passage
of a $327 million dollar general obligation bond which will result in an
average tax assessment of $4.00 per month per $100,000.00 of assessed valuation
on real property. Okay, I'm the guy who usually objects to anything that
smacks of a tax increase. This particular bond will hit my pocket book as
much if not more so than those of other Visalians. However, there are a
number of reasons why I support Measure H.
1.
Economic impact: Kaweah Delta
Hospital (KDH) contributes a $1 billion dollar impact to our local
economy. It employs 4,200 staff members. The average hourly wage at
KDH is $31.50 while the average hourly wage in Visalia is $18.17. The
capacity to attract new businesses to Visalia is impacted by having a good
health care system in the community. KDH provides critical health care to
over 200,000 people in the area. The closest hospital with similar
capabilities is in Fresno, an hour away. When you need emergency care,
minutes can mean the difference between life and death. KDH is a quality
health care provider, a medical education facility with a residency program
which has grown to about 100 new physicians, an economic engine that creates
thousands of high-paying jobs, and a significant consumer of local goods and
services. It is an anchor to our downtown area. At our March
21 meeting, the Visalia City Council voted unanimously to support this
bond measure. Likewise, the Visalia Chamber of Commerce and other
business organizations support this endeavor. The bond monies and other
hospital funds will be used to build a new acute care hospital on Acequia
Street, while the current Mineral King wing will be repurposed for non-acute
care uses, putting us in full compliance with SB 1953.
2.
It's the law: SB 1953 was passed by our California
legislature in response to the Northridge earthquake in 1994. This
legislation requires hospitals to meet stringent earthquake standards by
2030. It mandates that general acute care hospital buildings must not
only be capable of remaining intact after a seismic event, but also capable of
continued operation and provision of acute care medical services after a
seismic event. It can be argued that Visalia is less prone to earthquake
damage than other parts of the state. In April 2014, hospital CEO Lindsay
Mann, Hospital Planning Director Mike Williams, and Visalia City Manager Mike
Olmos traveled to Sacramento to meet with senior officials at the Office of
Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), seeking an exemption from
the stringent requirements of SB 1953. While the state officials
basically conceded that our current hospital would survive an earthquake, their
review of the statistics indicated that KDH would have difficulty remaining
operational following a strong seismic event. Accordingly, they denied an
exemption for us. Current law requires hospitals like KDH to close unless
they meet these new standards by 2030. We don't have the clout in the
legislature to change the law. Thus, we must make the best of this
situation and rebuild.
3.
Shared cost: KDH has skin in the game in that in
addition to the monies to be raised by this bond measure, the hospital will be
using their own cash reserves, revenue bonds and grant money to fund this
project.
4.
It's an investment: More than a tax or
loan, this bond measure is an investment in Visalia's future. A new
hospital facility will help us keep our current doctors, attract new doctors
and health care professionals, create new construction and medical jobs,
increase property values, and make Visalia a more desirable place to work, live
and play. This in turn will attract tourism and outside dollars, making
Visalia a destination. You'll be able to see how this money is spent, and
you'll be proud of the results.
For
these reasons I am a strong supporter of Measure H and ask that you join with
me in voting "yes" in support of its passage. A quality health
care facility will attract new businesses to Visalia and keep our local economy
vibrant.
Visalia Times Delta Editorial 4/23/16
Friday, April 1, 2016
RECENT HAPPENINGS
The following are some recent items of interest that you may not have been aware of:
Kaweah Delta Hospital
KDHD was recognized at the 2016 California Parks and Recreation Society District VII Awards and Installation Dinner held on February 26. KDHD was given a community service award for its ongoing support and dedication to health and wellness in our community, for partnering with the city for the first Visalia Senior Games event, and also for participation in Healthy Visalia.
Also, KDHD recently opened their Kaweah Delta Chronic Disease Management Center just west of the hospital on Willis at Mineral King. The building was remodeled and modern medical equipment installed, and will be staffed by a medical director, nurse practitioner, RN/LVN, pharmacist and social workers, for the convenience of their patients.
While I'm at it, let me put in a plug for the upcoming bond measure for KDHD, ballots will be mailed out in April. Approval of the bond measure will allow the district to comply with state regulations mandating earthquake-compliant facilities. The bond monies will be used for construction of a new earthquake-resistant wing for the hospital, which in turn will attract new doctors, nurses, businesses, and construction jobs to our Downtown area. Please vote "yes."
Senior Games
The inaugural Visalia Senior Games walked away with the gold as the Visalia Parks and Recreation Department received the "Outstanding Program" award. Mark Hornburg, California Parks and Recreation Society District VII President, presented the award, stating that the review committee chose Visalia Senior Games because of its uniqueness to the area with the focus solely on seniors, including today's "new senior." In addition, this first year event showed tremendous support from athletes, sponsors and volunteers and will become an annual event with unlimited growth opportunities.
Comcast
On February 23, I attended a ribbon cutting relating to the new Comcast network infrastructure installed in Downtown. Comcast invested $711,811.44 in extending its advanced network to businesses between Oak Avenue/East Mineral King and Willis Street/Liberty Street. These system enhancements are intended for small businesses and organizations requiring more band width capacity. Comcast installed more than three miles of coax cable, both underground and aerial. The high performance network will provide businesses with internet speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Gold Status
In 2009, Visalia was a founding member of the Valley Innovative Energy Watch (VIEW), a collaboration between the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization, SCE, Southern California Gas, Pacific Gas & Electric, and local governments in Tulare and Kings counties. Visalia recently reached the "gold" status, and will now receive incentives of approximately $0.215/kWh from SCE for qualifying new energy savings projects. Compared to our 2006 baseline, Visalia has saved more than 1.3 million kWh. That represents a savings of approximately 354 metric tons of carbon dioxide, and more than $230,000.00 in reduced energy costs at our average electricity price. Those savings are in addition to incentives received, which helped pay for the energy efficiency improvements.
City Trails
The city's trail system will be adding a new section on the Mill Creek Trail. Starting construction in early March, the work is scheduled to be completed by the end of April, and will extend the existing trail along Mill Creek all the way from Shirk to Acres.
Marymount California University
This private Catholic university is still exploring Visalia and the valley for a possible new campus. On March 1, I, along with other city officials, met with president Jim Reeves and Sandy Escobido for about an hour, to discuss the city's hopes and aspirations for this new campus. A study is currently being undertaken and should be completed by May regarding the proposed project. We thank Dr. Robert Aguilar and Dr. Juan Lopez for being the point men locally in encouraging this project along.
New Sports Park
Actually, this information tidbit relates not to a new sports park in Visalia, but in our sister city Farmersville. Groundbreaking took place on February 29 for their eventual 27-acre sports park complex located west of Farmersville High School. I had the opportunity along with city manager Mike Olmos to attend this groundbreaking. This will be a great addition to their community and we wish them the best.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Kaweah Delta Hospital
KDHD was recognized at the 2016 California Parks and Recreation Society District VII Awards and Installation Dinner held on February 26. KDHD was given a community service award for its ongoing support and dedication to health and wellness in our community, for partnering with the city for the first Visalia Senior Games event, and also for participation in Healthy Visalia.
Also, KDHD recently opened their Kaweah Delta Chronic Disease Management Center just west of the hospital on Willis at Mineral King. The building was remodeled and modern medical equipment installed, and will be staffed by a medical director, nurse practitioner, RN/LVN, pharmacist and social workers, for the convenience of their patients.
While I'm at it, let me put in a plug for the upcoming bond measure for KDHD, ballots will be mailed out in April. Approval of the bond measure will allow the district to comply with state regulations mandating earthquake-compliant facilities. The bond monies will be used for construction of a new earthquake-resistant wing for the hospital, which in turn will attract new doctors, nurses, businesses, and construction jobs to our Downtown area. Please vote "yes."
Senior Games
The inaugural Visalia Senior Games walked away with the gold as the Visalia Parks and Recreation Department received the "Outstanding Program" award. Mark Hornburg, California Parks and Recreation Society District VII President, presented the award, stating that the review committee chose Visalia Senior Games because of its uniqueness to the area with the focus solely on seniors, including today's "new senior." In addition, this first year event showed tremendous support from athletes, sponsors and volunteers and will become an annual event with unlimited growth opportunities.
Comcast
On February 23, I attended a ribbon cutting relating to the new Comcast network infrastructure installed in Downtown. Comcast invested $711,811.44 in extending its advanced network to businesses between Oak Avenue/East Mineral King and Willis Street/Liberty Street. These system enhancements are intended for small businesses and organizations requiring more band width capacity. Comcast installed more than three miles of coax cable, both underground and aerial. The high performance network will provide businesses with internet speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Gold Status
In 2009, Visalia was a founding member of the Valley Innovative Energy Watch (VIEW), a collaboration between the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization, SCE, Southern California Gas, Pacific Gas & Electric, and local governments in Tulare and Kings counties. Visalia recently reached the "gold" status, and will now receive incentives of approximately $0.215/kWh from SCE for qualifying new energy savings projects. Compared to our 2006 baseline, Visalia has saved more than 1.3 million kWh. That represents a savings of approximately 354 metric tons of carbon dioxide, and more than $230,000.00 in reduced energy costs at our average electricity price. Those savings are in addition to incentives received, which helped pay for the energy efficiency improvements.
City Trails
The city's trail system will be adding a new section on the Mill Creek Trail. Starting construction in early March, the work is scheduled to be completed by the end of April, and will extend the existing trail along Mill Creek all the way from Shirk to Acres.
Marymount California University
This private Catholic university is still exploring Visalia and the valley for a possible new campus. On March 1, I, along with other city officials, met with president Jim Reeves and Sandy Escobido for about an hour, to discuss the city's hopes and aspirations for this new campus. A study is currently being undertaken and should be completed by May regarding the proposed project. We thank Dr. Robert Aguilar and Dr. Juan Lopez for being the point men locally in encouraging this project along.
New Sports Park
Actually, this information tidbit relates not to a new sports park in Visalia, but in our sister city Farmersville. Groundbreaking took place on February 29 for their eventual 27-acre sports park complex located west of Farmersville High School. I had the opportunity along with city manager Mike Olmos to attend this groundbreaking. This will be a great addition to their community and we wish them the best.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
ICE SKATING IN VISALIA
Have you ever wondered what the early settlers in Visalia, such as Nathaniel Vise, Ben Maddox, Benjamin Willis, and Steven Mather, would have thought if they had seen our day? Visalia was founded in 1852, and numbered around 3,000 by the turn of the century. I suspect that they would be amazed to see a city of 130,000 people today, with its historic downtown, Mooney Boulevard, a large hospital, beautiful homes, and wide, straight paved streets, all surrounded by thousands of acres of farmland.
They probably would have laughed if someone had suggested that someday there would be ice skating in downtown Visalia. However, in late December 2015, for 15 days, Visalia in fact had its own Enchanted Ice Rink. This new adventure was brought to us by the city Parks & Recreation department. They installed 1,500 square feet of synthetic ice at the Garden Street Plaza, and over 1,300 skaters of all ages participated, along with several thousand spectators.
The evening of December 21 was our last city council meeting for 2015. The closed session ended much sooner than expected, and with some time to kill before the next meeting, I decided to get some exercise and take a walk from city hall east down Main Street. I soon arrived at the Garden Street Plaza to check out this new event. I saw many skaters, both new and experienced, enjoying the ice rink, with the Disney movie "Frozen" playing on a big screen in the background. I could almost imagine being by a frozen lake, or in New York City, watching the ice skaters. However, this was right here in our own downtown. The Garden Street Plaza was decorated in an ice garden theme, and concessions were being sold. This was such a unique event that no money needed to be spent on advertising. Local radio stations, newspapers and television channels voluntarily publicized the event. Many of the local merchants reported an increase in foot traffic and sales during the ice rink run.
Of course, we always have to consider how to pay for an event like this. The program generated $14,772.00 in revenue compared with $16,637.00 in expenses. These expenses included the rink rental, staffing, decorations, licensing, restrooms and fencing.
The city hopes to sponsor this activity in future years with a larger ice rink, and to generate a positive cash flow with additional sponsorships. For those who participated, memories of a lifetime were made. And to our city founders, you missed out on a great event!
PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT
The 8th annual Project Homeless Connect event was held January 28 at the Rescue Mission. This is a one-day, one-stop event, designed to provide those in our community who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless, the critical services and housing they need to become self-sufficient. The many volunteers provided medical and dental care, California I.D. replacement, vision screening, eyeglasses, employment counseling, veterinary care, haircuts, bicycle repair, and much more.
I try to attend this event each year and am always impressed by the many local volunteers who give selflessly of their time and resources to help the less fortunate. This is Visalians helping Visalians, and Visalia at its best!
HOW I SPEND MY TIME
I'm often asked"what does a city council member do and how much time does it take? My answer usually is that "it varies from week to week." Let me give you some insight as to how I spent the week prior to writing this article. Remember, in addition to serving on the council, I have a full-time law practice, and have other family, social and religious duties and obligations to meet. Monday, 7:00 a.m., meeting with the city manager to discuss city issues; 12:00 p.m. meeting with the Visalia Civic Joint Powers board; 4:30 p.m. meeting at city offices with mayor and facilitator to finalize plans for city retreat; Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.. meeting with the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation in Exeter; 2:00 p.m., meeting with Frank Miramontes to make a video for upcoming TCEDC workshop; Thursday, 8:00 a.m., Project Homeless Connect at the Rescue Mission to present a city resolution; Friday, City Council Retreat at the Convention Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, download City Council agenda and staff reports to study over the weekend for the following Monday's city council meeting; start all over again. I also check my city emails a couple times a day (daily city emails average approximately 20), and return phone calls.
DONUTS AND DISCUSSION
My next Donuts and Discussion will be held on Saturday, March 26 from 7:00-8:30 a.m., at Mavericks on Caldwell. Please join me and other city officials to discuss any questions or concerns you have about what's going on down at city hall, and have a donut on us!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
They probably would have laughed if someone had suggested that someday there would be ice skating in downtown Visalia. However, in late December 2015, for 15 days, Visalia in fact had its own Enchanted Ice Rink. This new adventure was brought to us by the city Parks & Recreation department. They installed 1,500 square feet of synthetic ice at the Garden Street Plaza, and over 1,300 skaters of all ages participated, along with several thousand spectators.
The evening of December 21 was our last city council meeting for 2015. The closed session ended much sooner than expected, and with some time to kill before the next meeting, I decided to get some exercise and take a walk from city hall east down Main Street. I soon arrived at the Garden Street Plaza to check out this new event. I saw many skaters, both new and experienced, enjoying the ice rink, with the Disney movie "Frozen" playing on a big screen in the background. I could almost imagine being by a frozen lake, or in New York City, watching the ice skaters. However, this was right here in our own downtown. The Garden Street Plaza was decorated in an ice garden theme, and concessions were being sold. This was such a unique event that no money needed to be spent on advertising. Local radio stations, newspapers and television channels voluntarily publicized the event. Many of the local merchants reported an increase in foot traffic and sales during the ice rink run.
Of course, we always have to consider how to pay for an event like this. The program generated $14,772.00 in revenue compared with $16,637.00 in expenses. These expenses included the rink rental, staffing, decorations, licensing, restrooms and fencing.
The city hopes to sponsor this activity in future years with a larger ice rink, and to generate a positive cash flow with additional sponsorships. For those who participated, memories of a lifetime were made. And to our city founders, you missed out on a great event!
PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT
The 8th annual Project Homeless Connect event was held January 28 at the Rescue Mission. This is a one-day, one-stop event, designed to provide those in our community who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless, the critical services and housing they need to become self-sufficient. The many volunteers provided medical and dental care, California I.D. replacement, vision screening, eyeglasses, employment counseling, veterinary care, haircuts, bicycle repair, and much more.
I try to attend this event each year and am always impressed by the many local volunteers who give selflessly of their time and resources to help the less fortunate. This is Visalians helping Visalians, and Visalia at its best!
HOW I SPEND MY TIME
I'm often asked"what does a city council member do and how much time does it take? My answer usually is that "it varies from week to week." Let me give you some insight as to how I spent the week prior to writing this article. Remember, in addition to serving on the council, I have a full-time law practice, and have other family, social and religious duties and obligations to meet. Monday, 7:00 a.m., meeting with the city manager to discuss city issues; 12:00 p.m. meeting with the Visalia Civic Joint Powers board; 4:30 p.m. meeting at city offices with mayor and facilitator to finalize plans for city retreat; Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.. meeting with the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation in Exeter; 2:00 p.m., meeting with Frank Miramontes to make a video for upcoming TCEDC workshop; Thursday, 8:00 a.m., Project Homeless Connect at the Rescue Mission to present a city resolution; Friday, City Council Retreat at the Convention Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, download City Council agenda and staff reports to study over the weekend for the following Monday's city council meeting; start all over again. I also check my city emails a couple times a day (daily city emails average approximately 20), and return phone calls.
DONUTS AND DISCUSSION
My next Donuts and Discussion will be held on Saturday, March 26 from 7:00-8:30 a.m., at Mavericks on Caldwell. Please join me and other city officials to discuss any questions or concerns you have about what's going on down at city hall, and have a donut on us!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
Monday, February 1, 2016
WHY I WRITE
Direct Magazine published my first commentary in September 2010, which means that I've been writing this monthly article for 5½ years now. In reviewing my old posts, found at directfromwarren.blogspot.com, my initial articles from 2010 covered such topics as the Riverway Sports Park, the Historic Visalia Walking Trail, the Senior Center, city budget issues and salary negotiations with the five city employee unions.
At the time, I was still a relatively new city council member, having been first elected in 2009. The City of Visalia has a public relations department with capable employees who usually write the speeches, editorials and articles on behalf of council members. Most politicians have ghost writers. However, for Direct Magazine, I've always elected to write the articles myself. At least to me they seem a little more authentic, and give me an opportunity to share my thoughts. As an elected figure, I want to express my independent viewpoints, perhaps giving you a little different peek into the workings of city government. On the other hand, because I don't have my writings pre-approved by the city, I can't blame them for my mistakes! I claim sole responsibility for the content.
I also find that writing this monthly article is therapeutic, it gives me the opportunity to sift through and digest what has been placed before me at City Hall, and crystalizes my thought process. For our biweekly city council meetings, each council member is usually provided at least 50-60 pages of reading materials, including staff reports, Powerpoint presentations, draft ordinances, and such. I read and mull over each topic in order to form an opinion that I believe will be consistent, and then vote in a way that I hope will benefit my constituents. This article actually provides me a sounding board, an opportunity to bounce ideas off myself.
When I first came up with the idea of writing these articles, I approached a number of publications in the area about publishing them, but they expressed shock that I would even ask! Why should a politician be allowed to provide a regular article, when they were the ones employed to write and give their viewpoints as to what was happening at City Hall? In my mind, freedom of the press extends beyond the hired help, and all citizens, elected or not, should have the opportunity to express their opinions in print. Direct Magazine was the only publication that accepted my offer to write such an article, and for that I am grateful. Direct has been kind enough to give me a regular spot on the inside back cover of their magazine each month since then. Ironically, in the intervening years, as print media has fallen on financial hard times and laid off staff, I've been approached by some of the same publications about writing a regular article for them. But I'm a loyal kind of guy, so I've continued to write exclusively for this magazine, because they first gave me a bully pulpit. That's not to say that periodically, when a bee gets stuck in my bonnet, or when I believe an item needs additional emphasis, that I won't continue to submit editorials to other publications.
Finally, I thank you, my loyal readers, for reading what I have to say in this article each month. Over the years, I have received more and more comments from people who indicate that they anticipate reading my articles each month, whether they agree with my opinions or not. I look forward to continuing to write these articles and hope that I meet your expectations. As always, I encourage you to email or call me with any questions or topics you'd like me to address in future articles.
Water Conservation Update
Beginning in June 2015, the state set a target for Visalia of 32% water usage reduction over 2013 levels. At a recent city council meeting it was announced that in November 2015, Visalia conserved 33% compared to 2013, the first month that we met and exceeded our goal. Residential customers led the way by reducing their water usage by 38%. According to Cal Water, in 2015 the city used approximately the same amount of water as Visalia did in 1998, when our population was about a third less.
With the wonderful winter rains we've been experiencing, it is my hope that the city and the state will cut back on their water restriction mandates, and instead educate the citizens on the benefits of voluntary compliance. As Cicero noted, summum ius, summa iniuria-the more law, the less justice. As for me, I trust the citizens of Visalia.
Continue to pray for rain and for an end to this drought. However, we should all continue to try to conserve this precious resource.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
At the time, I was still a relatively new city council member, having been first elected in 2009. The City of Visalia has a public relations department with capable employees who usually write the speeches, editorials and articles on behalf of council members. Most politicians have ghost writers. However, for Direct Magazine, I've always elected to write the articles myself. At least to me they seem a little more authentic, and give me an opportunity to share my thoughts. As an elected figure, I want to express my independent viewpoints, perhaps giving you a little different peek into the workings of city government. On the other hand, because I don't have my writings pre-approved by the city, I can't blame them for my mistakes! I claim sole responsibility for the content.
I also find that writing this monthly article is therapeutic, it gives me the opportunity to sift through and digest what has been placed before me at City Hall, and crystalizes my thought process. For our biweekly city council meetings, each council member is usually provided at least 50-60 pages of reading materials, including staff reports, Powerpoint presentations, draft ordinances, and such. I read and mull over each topic in order to form an opinion that I believe will be consistent, and then vote in a way that I hope will benefit my constituents. This article actually provides me a sounding board, an opportunity to bounce ideas off myself.
When I first came up with the idea of writing these articles, I approached a number of publications in the area about publishing them, but they expressed shock that I would even ask! Why should a politician be allowed to provide a regular article, when they were the ones employed to write and give their viewpoints as to what was happening at City Hall? In my mind, freedom of the press extends beyond the hired help, and all citizens, elected or not, should have the opportunity to express their opinions in print. Direct Magazine was the only publication that accepted my offer to write such an article, and for that I am grateful. Direct has been kind enough to give me a regular spot on the inside back cover of their magazine each month since then. Ironically, in the intervening years, as print media has fallen on financial hard times and laid off staff, I've been approached by some of the same publications about writing a regular article for them. But I'm a loyal kind of guy, so I've continued to write exclusively for this magazine, because they first gave me a bully pulpit. That's not to say that periodically, when a bee gets stuck in my bonnet, or when I believe an item needs additional emphasis, that I won't continue to submit editorials to other publications.
Finally, I thank you, my loyal readers, for reading what I have to say in this article each month. Over the years, I have received more and more comments from people who indicate that they anticipate reading my articles each month, whether they agree with my opinions or not. I look forward to continuing to write these articles and hope that I meet your expectations. As always, I encourage you to email or call me with any questions or topics you'd like me to address in future articles.
Water Conservation Update
Beginning in June 2015, the state set a target for Visalia of 32% water usage reduction over 2013 levels. At a recent city council meeting it was announced that in November 2015, Visalia conserved 33% compared to 2013, the first month that we met and exceeded our goal. Residential customers led the way by reducing their water usage by 38%. According to Cal Water, in 2015 the city used approximately the same amount of water as Visalia did in 1998, when our population was about a third less.
With the wonderful winter rains we've been experiencing, it is my hope that the city and the state will cut back on their water restriction mandates, and instead educate the citizens on the benefits of voluntary compliance. As Cicero noted, summum ius, summa iniuria-the more law, the less justice. As for me, I trust the citizens of Visalia.
Continue to pray for rain and for an end to this drought. However, we should all continue to try to conserve this precious resource.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
Friday, January 1, 2016
CELEBRATE OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
How did 2015 slip by so
quickly?! I believe it's beneficial for Visalia to look back at our 2015
accomplishments, as we celebrate the start of a new year.
MOONEY BOULEVARD:
Mor Furniture and outlet
store opened in February. HomeGoods, a popular home furnishing store,
celebrated their grand opening in November. Opening soon in the same
center will be Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). A 4-unit commercial space
is being built next to Toys R Us; so far, Shoe Palace, an athletic footwear and
apparel retail chain, has been announced as a tenant. Plans have been
approved to raze the former Mimi's Café in order to construct two new
restaurants in its place, still to be announced. Five Guys Burgers and
Packwood Creek Dental opened at Packwood Creek, with Rubio's Mexican Seafood to
follow soon. Developer Dave Paynter recently purchased the Sequoia Plaza
where Walmart is located, and will be filling that place again. And
Visalia Mall just announced that Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza, the nation's leading
build-your-own pizza chain, is going into its building next to Union Bank in
May 2016. .
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN:
Easley's Gun Shop has
relocated to Surplus City's prior location, and is now known as The General's
Trading Post, offering hunting gear, man cave stuff and local furniture.
Sequoia Brewing has opened at Main and Locust. Ed Dena's Auto Center is
occupying the site on East Main and Ben Maddox formerly occupied by Sy's
Quality Automobiles. Rio Grill closed its Main Street location but a new
restaurant is expected in that space in the next few months. Sacred Tiki Tattoo
Parlor moved into the old Midtown News location. Quizno's closed at the
Comfort Suites, rumored to be replaced soon by Deli Delicious. Sam
Sciacca's anticipated mixed-use development in the old Link's building is on
track to open soon, featuring a wine tasting retail store and a beauty salon,
and six residential units above. Tazzaria purchased Glick’s, and updated
the deli and bakery. Finally, the big news is that Imagine U Children's Museum
is now open. Take your kids and grand kids and have a great time!
NORTH VISALIA:
At Orchard Walk, new retail
developments include Leslie's Pool Supply, Don Roberto Jewelers, an AT&T
Store, Nice Nail and Spa, Verizon and Visalia Modern Dentistry. Oval Park
is finally getting the Caltrans street work done, which will improve
walkability and traffic flow. The old gas station building on the corner
of N.E. Third and Court has been rehabbed and is now offering Thai food.
Derrel's Mini Storage began construction of their 201,400 square foot mini storage
complex at Goshen and Demaree. This includes widening Demaree to
hopefully improve traffic flow. Visalia Care Dental has located at the
southeast corner of Ferguson and Dinuba. Plans are going forward for a
Self Help Enterprises multi-family project on the northwest corner of Ferguson
and Dinuba. Conceptual site plans are going through the city for approval
of a large retail shopping center south of Orchard Walk which includes multiple
anchor pads, restaurant and smaller retail spaces, and for a new Kaweah Delta
Urgent Health Care Center near Demaree and Riggin. The Houston
Neighborhood Park opened and will be a terrific asset for the families in that
area.
INDUSTRIAL PARK:
A 95-room, four-story
Residence Inn (extended stay Marriott Hotel) received its CUP and should break
ground soon next to Fresno Pacific off Plaza Drive. Pinnacle Premix has
opened on Shirk and Sunnyview, a new company which mixes vitamins and minerals
into ag and pet food products. Hydrite Chemical expanded and acquired a
vacant industrial building and land at Clancey and Doe. Pacific Stihl
expanded into a 140,000 square foot space near Riggin and Plaza, which nearly
triples their previous space and more than doubles its dock doors from eight to
eighteen. rePlanet, the state's largest recycling company, has relocated
on West Goshen. And Lloyd and Adam Heller are expected to construct over
800,000 square feet of new rail-served spec buildings near Doe and Shirk.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
Seaport Airlines opened and
continues to provide excellent service for our local airport. Ridership
is dramatically up and should meet the requirements for maintaining our
essential air services . Corner Café, an east Visalia diner, will soon be
moving to Key West Shopping Center at Goshen and Akers. The Marriott has
new owners and is being remodeled. Holiday Inn by the airport has
switched brands to Wyndham, and $6 million in renovations and updates are
currently taking place. A Holiday Inn Express will be locating near
Adventure Park. Also, look for Skywalk Visalia, a trampoline and extreme sports
complex opening next to Chuck E. Cheese. Visalia Parkway is now open
behind Target which will increase east/west driveability. Last but not least,
Visalia once again has a Wienerschnitzel, now open on East Noble. And for
my Christmas wish, I've asked Santa for a new Nordstrom E-commerce Fulfillment
Center in our industrial park, bringing 1,000 jobs with it.
When all of these new
developments are considered together, we can see that 2015 was indeed a very
good year for our city. We expect more commercial growth in 2016, which
will further strengthen our tax base and meet the needs of our local
citizenry. Happy New Year to all!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
Visalia Times Delta Editorial January 1, 2016
2015 WRAP-UP
How did 2015 slip by so quickly?! As is tradition, my New Year's article looks back on some of the business accomplishments of the past year in Visalia.
MOONEY BOULEVARD:
Mor Furniture and outlet store opened in February. HomeGoods, a popular home furnishing store, celebrated their grand opening in November. Opening soon in the same center will be Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). A 4-unit commercial space is being built next to Toys R Us; so far, Shoe Palace, an athletic footwear and apparel retail chain, has been announced as a tenant. Plans have been approved to raze the former Mimi's Café in order to construct two new restaurants in its place, still to be announced. Five Guys Burgers and Packwood Creek Dental opened at Packwood Creek, with Rubio's Mexican Seafood to follow soon. Developer Dave Paynter recently purchased the Sequoia Plaza where Walmart is located, and will be filling that place again. And Visalia Mall just announced that Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza, the nation's leading build-your-own pizza chain, is going into its building next to Union Bank in May 2016. .
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN:
Easley's Gun Shop has relocated to Surplus City's prior location, and is now known as The General's Trading Post, offering hunting gear, man cave stuff and local furniture. Sequoia Brewing has opened at Main and Locust. Ed Dena's Auto Center is occupying the site on East Main and Ben Maddox formerly occupied by Sy's Quality Automobiles. Rio Grill closed its Main Street location but a new restaurant is expected in that space in the next few months. Sacred Tiki Tattoo Parlor moved into the old Midtown News location. Quizno's closed at the Comfort Suites, rumored to be replaced soon by Deli Delicious. Sam Sciacca's anticipated mixed-use development in the old Link's building is on track to open soon, featuring six residential units above, and a wine tasting retail store and a beauty salon. Tazzaria purchased Glick’s, and updated the deli and bakery. Finally, the big news is that Imagine U Children's Museum is now open. Take your kids and grand kids and have a great time!
NORTH VISALIA:
At Orchard Walk, new retail developments include Leslie's Pool Supply, Don Roberto Jewelers, an AT&T Store, Nice Nail and Spa, Verizon and Visalia Modern Dentistry. Oval Park is finally getting the Caltrans street work done, which will improve walkability and traffic flow. The old gas station building on the corner of N.E. Third and Court has been rehabbed and is now offering Thai food. Derrel's Mini Storage began construction of their 201,400 square foot mini storage complex at Goshen and Demaree. This includes widening Demaree to hopefully improve traffic flow. Visalia Care Dental has located at the southeast corner of Ferguson and Dinuba. Plans are going forward for a Self Help Enterprises multi-family project on the northwest corner of Ferguson and Dinuba. Conceptual site plans are going through the city for approval of a large retail shopping center south of Orchard Walk which includes multiple anchor pads, restaurant and smaller retail spaces, and a new Kaweah Delta Urgent Health Care Center near Demaree and Riggin. The Houston Neighborhood Park opened and will be a terrific asset for the families in that area.
INDUSTRIAL PARK:
A 95-room, four-story Residence Inn (extended stay Marriott Hotel) received its CUP and should break ground soon next to Fresno Pacific off Plaza Drive. Pinnacle Premix has opened on Shirk and Sunnyview, a new company which mixes vitamins and minerals into ag and pet food products. Hydrite Chemical expanded and acquired a vacant industrial building and land at Clancey and Doe. Pacific Stihl expanded into a 140,000 square foot space near Riggin and Plaza, which nearly triples their previous space and more than doubles its dock doors from eight to eighteen. rePlanet, the state's largest recycling company, has relocated on West Goshen. And Lloyd & Adam Heller are expected to construct over 800,000 square feet of new rail-served spec buildings near Doe and Shirk.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
Seaport Airlines opened and continues to provide excellent service for our local airport. Ridership is dramatically up and should meet the requirements for maintaining our essential air services . Corner Café, an east Visalia diner, will soon be moving to Key West Shopping Center at Goshen and Akers. The Marriott has new owners and is being remodeled. Holiday Inn by the airport has switched brands to Wyndham, and $6 million in renovations and updates are currently taking place. A Holiday Inn Express will be locating near Adventure Park. Also, look for Skywalk Visalia, a trampoline and extreme sports complex opening next to Chuck E. Cheese. Last but not least, Visalia once again has a Wienerschnitzel, now open on East Noble.
When all of these new developments are considered together, we can see that 2015 was a very good year for our city. We expect more commercial growth in 2016, which will further strengthen our tax base and meet the needs of our local citizenry. Happy New Year to all!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
MOONEY BOULEVARD:
Mor Furniture and outlet store opened in February. HomeGoods, a popular home furnishing store, celebrated their grand opening in November. Opening soon in the same center will be Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). A 4-unit commercial space is being built next to Toys R Us; so far, Shoe Palace, an athletic footwear and apparel retail chain, has been announced as a tenant. Plans have been approved to raze the former Mimi's Café in order to construct two new restaurants in its place, still to be announced. Five Guys Burgers and Packwood Creek Dental opened at Packwood Creek, with Rubio's Mexican Seafood to follow soon. Developer Dave Paynter recently purchased the Sequoia Plaza where Walmart is located, and will be filling that place again. And Visalia Mall just announced that Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza, the nation's leading build-your-own pizza chain, is going into its building next to Union Bank in May 2016. .
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN:
Easley's Gun Shop has relocated to Surplus City's prior location, and is now known as The General's Trading Post, offering hunting gear, man cave stuff and local furniture. Sequoia Brewing has opened at Main and Locust. Ed Dena's Auto Center is occupying the site on East Main and Ben Maddox formerly occupied by Sy's Quality Automobiles. Rio Grill closed its Main Street location but a new restaurant is expected in that space in the next few months. Sacred Tiki Tattoo Parlor moved into the old Midtown News location. Quizno's closed at the Comfort Suites, rumored to be replaced soon by Deli Delicious. Sam Sciacca's anticipated mixed-use development in the old Link's building is on track to open soon, featuring six residential units above, and a wine tasting retail store and a beauty salon. Tazzaria purchased Glick’s, and updated the deli and bakery. Finally, the big news is that Imagine U Children's Museum is now open. Take your kids and grand kids and have a great time!
NORTH VISALIA:
At Orchard Walk, new retail developments include Leslie's Pool Supply, Don Roberto Jewelers, an AT&T Store, Nice Nail and Spa, Verizon and Visalia Modern Dentistry. Oval Park is finally getting the Caltrans street work done, which will improve walkability and traffic flow. The old gas station building on the corner of N.E. Third and Court has been rehabbed and is now offering Thai food. Derrel's Mini Storage began construction of their 201,400 square foot mini storage complex at Goshen and Demaree. This includes widening Demaree to hopefully improve traffic flow. Visalia Care Dental has located at the southeast corner of Ferguson and Dinuba. Plans are going forward for a Self Help Enterprises multi-family project on the northwest corner of Ferguson and Dinuba. Conceptual site plans are going through the city for approval of a large retail shopping center south of Orchard Walk which includes multiple anchor pads, restaurant and smaller retail spaces, and a new Kaweah Delta Urgent Health Care Center near Demaree and Riggin. The Houston Neighborhood Park opened and will be a terrific asset for the families in that area.
INDUSTRIAL PARK:
A 95-room, four-story Residence Inn (extended stay Marriott Hotel) received its CUP and should break ground soon next to Fresno Pacific off Plaza Drive. Pinnacle Premix has opened on Shirk and Sunnyview, a new company which mixes vitamins and minerals into ag and pet food products. Hydrite Chemical expanded and acquired a vacant industrial building and land at Clancey and Doe. Pacific Stihl expanded into a 140,000 square foot space near Riggin and Plaza, which nearly triples their previous space and more than doubles its dock doors from eight to eighteen. rePlanet, the state's largest recycling company, has relocated on West Goshen. And Lloyd & Adam Heller are expected to construct over 800,000 square feet of new rail-served spec buildings near Doe and Shirk.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
Seaport Airlines opened and continues to provide excellent service for our local airport. Ridership is dramatically up and should meet the requirements for maintaining our essential air services . Corner Café, an east Visalia diner, will soon be moving to Key West Shopping Center at Goshen and Akers. The Marriott has new owners and is being remodeled. Holiday Inn by the airport has switched brands to Wyndham, and $6 million in renovations and updates are currently taking place. A Holiday Inn Express will be locating near Adventure Park. Also, look for Skywalk Visalia, a trampoline and extreme sports complex opening next to Chuck E. Cheese. Last but not least, Visalia once again has a Wienerschnitzel, now open on East Noble.
When all of these new developments are considered together, we can see that 2015 was a very good year for our city. We expect more commercial growth in 2016, which will further strengthen our tax base and meet the needs of our local citizenry. Happy New Year to all!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
Warren.gubler@visalia.city
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