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
Friday, January 1, 2016
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
WINNING NEVER GETS OLD
The inaugural Visalia Senior Games are now history. Over 250 people registered for these games, with competition spread out over four days. The competitors came from 50 cities throughout California and as far away as Oregon and Texas. We heard nothing but compliments about how smoothly our games were run and how much fun they were. For results and pictures, visit visaliaseniorgames.com.
The largest sports group were those playing pickleball, with 141 entries. Remember that many people competed in multiple events. Participating were 107 from Tulare County of which 83 were from Visalia, 88 from the valley, and 40 from elsewhere throughout the state.
Various business sponsors from throughout the community contributed $16,650.00 in cash, as well as over $5,000.00 of in-kind donations. I particularly want to thank Marilyn Mitchell and Jostens for their valiant effort at the last minute to get out a multi-page, full color brochure for the participants, and Kaweah Delta Health Care District for being our principal sponsor.
We couldn't have been blessed with better weather, sunny and in the 80's the entire time. At registration, competitors were given a goody bag that included a colorful, high quality Senior Games tee shirt, coupons, the brochure, welcome packet and other information. At the opening ceremonies at Riverway Sports Park, there was a torch lighting and parade, speeches, an honor guard, the Mighty Oaks Barber Shop singers, and a drum team, followed by a tri-tip barbeque catered by Tres Bien. Friday evening was a second social, this time at the downtown Garden Street Plaza featuring appetizers by the local Lions clubs and music by "Borrowed Time."
The registration fee was $25.00, plus an additional fee for each event participated in. One friend asked me why it cost so much. I indicated that for the price, the athletes not only got to compete, but received medals, shirts, goody bags, a dinner and the Friday night social. This compares favorably to other senior games, such as the Huntsman Games in southern Utah, where the basic registration fee is $100.00, plus extras.
City manager Mike Olmos, a last minute entrant in golfing, picked up a gold medal. Afterwards, he indicated that the other golfers at the clubhouse looked enviously at his medal, saw the scores, realized that they could have likely medaled in their own age groups as well, and promised to participate next time.
Including sponsorships, ad sales, donations, registration fees and merchandise sales, $29,000.00 in total cash was generated. Monies raised were sufficient to cover the cost of putting on the event while using no city funds.
I particularly want to compliment the Parks & Recreation Dept. for the wonderful job they did in putting on these almost perfect Senior Games, especially since this was our first attempt. Also, I'd like to thank all of those who volunteered, and served on the senior games planning committee, enthusiastically donating their time to make this event a success.
We are looking forward to putting on the second Visalia Senior Games. Planning is already under way. Items under consideration include additional sporting events (e.g. track and field, swimming, disc golf, foot golf), and changing the date to the springtime so as not to conflict with other events. Now that we have the website up and running, the templates, the welcome packet and brochure, and other logistics figured out, next time will be even bigger and better. Senior Games have a social aspect to them, we couldn't have had a nicer group of people visiting Visalia. And they motivate seniors to stay in shape and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. We've challenged each of this year's participants to bring at least one friend with them next time, which by itself would double our numbers.
Remember, as the Visalia Senior Games motto says, "Winning Never Gets Old." Thanks again to everyone for making this a successful inaugural event. We look forward to it growing over the years, and becoming a signature event and a local economic stimulus.
In conclusion, at this holiday time, I wish all Visalians a special season of friends, family and peace.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
The largest sports group were those playing pickleball, with 141 entries. Remember that many people competed in multiple events. Participating were 107 from Tulare County of which 83 were from Visalia, 88 from the valley, and 40 from elsewhere throughout the state.
Various business sponsors from throughout the community contributed $16,650.00 in cash, as well as over $5,000.00 of in-kind donations. I particularly want to thank Marilyn Mitchell and Jostens for their valiant effort at the last minute to get out a multi-page, full color brochure for the participants, and Kaweah Delta Health Care District for being our principal sponsor.
We couldn't have been blessed with better weather, sunny and in the 80's the entire time. At registration, competitors were given a goody bag that included a colorful, high quality Senior Games tee shirt, coupons, the brochure, welcome packet and other information. At the opening ceremonies at Riverway Sports Park, there was a torch lighting and parade, speeches, an honor guard, the Mighty Oaks Barber Shop singers, and a drum team, followed by a tri-tip barbeque catered by Tres Bien. Friday evening was a second social, this time at the downtown Garden Street Plaza featuring appetizers by the local Lions clubs and music by "Borrowed Time."
The registration fee was $25.00, plus an additional fee for each event participated in. One friend asked me why it cost so much. I indicated that for the price, the athletes not only got to compete, but received medals, shirts, goody bags, a dinner and the Friday night social. This compares favorably to other senior games, such as the Huntsman Games in southern Utah, where the basic registration fee is $100.00, plus extras.
City manager Mike Olmos, a last minute entrant in golfing, picked up a gold medal. Afterwards, he indicated that the other golfers at the clubhouse looked enviously at his medal, saw the scores, realized that they could have likely medaled in their own age groups as well, and promised to participate next time.
Including sponsorships, ad sales, donations, registration fees and merchandise sales, $29,000.00 in total cash was generated. Monies raised were sufficient to cover the cost of putting on the event while using no city funds.
I particularly want to compliment the Parks & Recreation Dept. for the wonderful job they did in putting on these almost perfect Senior Games, especially since this was our first attempt. Also, I'd like to thank all of those who volunteered, and served on the senior games planning committee, enthusiastically donating their time to make this event a success.
We are looking forward to putting on the second Visalia Senior Games. Planning is already under way. Items under consideration include additional sporting events (e.g. track and field, swimming, disc golf, foot golf), and changing the date to the springtime so as not to conflict with other events. Now that we have the website up and running, the templates, the welcome packet and brochure, and other logistics figured out, next time will be even bigger and better. Senior Games have a social aspect to them, we couldn't have had a nicer group of people visiting Visalia. And they motivate seniors to stay in shape and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. We've challenged each of this year's participants to bring at least one friend with them next time, which by itself would double our numbers.
Remember, as the Visalia Senior Games motto says, "Winning Never Gets Old." Thanks again to everyone for making this a successful inaugural event. We look forward to it growing over the years, and becoming a signature event and a local economic stimulus.
In conclusion, at this holiday time, I wish all Visalians a special season of friends, family and peace.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
WINNING NEVER GETS OLD
The inaugural Visalia Senior
Games is now history. Over 250 people registered for these games, with
competition spread out over four days. The competitors came from all over
California and as far away as Oregon and Texas. From those who have
attended senior games elsewhere, we heard nothing but compliments about how
smoothly our games were run and how much fun they were. For results
and pictures, visit visaliaseniorgames.com.
The largest sports group were
those playing pickleball, with 141 entries. Remember that many people
competed in multiple events. Participating were 107 from Tulare County of
which 83 were from Visalia, 88 from the valley, and 40 from elsewhere
throughout the state.
From various businesses
throughout the community, we raised $16,650.00 in cash, as well as over
$5,000.00 of in-kind donations. I particularly want to thank Marilyn
Mitchell and Jostens for their valiant effort at the last minute to get out a
multi-page, full color brochure for the participants.
We couldn't have been blessed
with better weather, sunny and in the 80's the entire time. At
registration, competitors were given a goody bag that included a colorful, high
quality Senior Games tee shirt, coupons, the brochure, welcome packet and other
information. At the opening ceremonies at Riverway Sports Park, there was
a torch lighting and a parade. Included in the Wednesday opening ceremony
were speeches, the Mighty Oaks Barber Shop singers, and a drum team,
followed by a tri-tip barbeque catered by Tres Bien. Friday evening was a
second social, this time at the Garden Street Plaza downtown featuring
appetizers by the local Lion clubs and music by "Borrowed
Time."
The registration fee was
$25.00, plus an additional fee for each event participated in. One friend
asked me why it cost so much. I indicated that for the price, the
athletes not only got to compete, but received medals, goody bags, a dinner and
the Friday night social. This compares favorably to other senior games,
such as the Huntsman Games in southern Utah, where the basic registration fee
is $100.00, plus extras.
City manager Mike Olmos, a
last minute entrant in golfing, picked up a gold medal. Afterwards, he
indicated that other golfers at the clubhouse looked enviously at his medal and
realized that they could have probably medaled in their own age groups as well,
and promised to participate next time.
Including sponsorships, ad
sales, donations, registration fees and merchandise sales, $29,000.00 in cash
was generated. Funds raised were sufficient to cover the cost of putting
on the event while using no city monies.
I particularly want to
compliment the Parks & Recreation Dept. for the wonderful job they did in
putting on these almost perfect Senior Games, especially since this was our
first attempt. Also, I'd like to thank all of those who volunteered, and
served on the senior games committee from the community and enthusiastically
donated their time to make this a success.
We are looking forward to
putting on the second Visalia Senior Games. Planning is already under
way. Items under consideration include additional sporting events (e.g.
track and field, swimming, disc golf, foot golf), and changing the date to the
springtime so as not to conflict with other events. Now that we have the
website up and running, the templates, the welcome packet and brochure, and
other logistics figured out, next time will be even bigger and better.
We've challenged each participant to bring at least one friend with them next
time which by itself would double our numbers.
Remember, as the Visalia
Senior Games motto says, "Winning Never Gets Old." Thanks again
to everyone for making this a successful inaugural event. We look
forward to it growing over the years, and becoming a signature event and an
economic stimulus for our city.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
Editorial, Visalia Times Delta 10/31/15
Sunday, November 1, 2015
RESIDENTIAL WASTE COLLECTION UPDATE
The state of California has set a mandate that 75% of solid waste is to be diverted to recycling by the year 2020. Currently, Visalia's diversion rate is 71%. To help meet this state mandate, the city council has authorized staff to start the process of converting to a residential three-can collection system, i.e., separate cans for solid waste, recyclables, and green waste, as opposed to the current split-can system. It will cost approximately $5 million to implement the three-can system and to provide new cans for all residents. The conversion will not result in a rate increase. It is estimated that the three-can system will be implemented sometime during the next three years.
Once implemented, the cost to operate a three-can system will not be much more than the current split-can system. A split truck can only service about 800 split cans a day, while a single-body truck can service about 1,200 cans a day. Single-body trucks cost about $40,000.00 less than split trucks. Two single-body cans don't cost any more than one split can. Split trucks have to dump more often in a day than single-body trucks, because when one side of a split truck fills up, the truck has to take the materials to the dump even though the other half of the truck may not be completely full.
Other positives about a three-can collection system include increased diversion and decreased contamination by adding capacity and convenience. City customers can request a smaller can or a larger can, depending on their particular waste needs, and rates will be structured based on can size.
It is becoming more difficult to find manufacturers who make split-can trucks, and even the split cans themselves. Visalia is the last city in California to use the split-can system, and may be one of the last in the nation.
Of course, there are some cons to this conversion, such as customers will have to store an extra can and there will be an additional truck pass each week. However, the consequences remaining with the split-can system include the difficulty of meeting the increased diversion requirements mandated by the state, more contamination of recyclables, and decreasing availability of split cans and split trucks, along with the resulting increasing costs for specially built split trucks and cans.
As the city moves forward with implementing the three can collection system, citizen input and feedback will be sought and more information will be shared with the public as it becomes available. My wife Alisa has already told me that I get to haul that extra can to the curb each week!
One of the many good things about Visalia city staff is that they constantly strive to keep up with current technology and efficiencies. The city council also approved the solid waste division to start the process to acquire an in-house account management system with Associated Technology Improvements. The implementation costs of this new system will be about $750,000.00. However, the staff study estimates that the annual savings from a new account management system will be about $750,000.00.
ADDITIONAL CITY UPDATES:
Developer Dave Paynter recently purchased the Sequoia Plaza Shopping Center (which includes Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory and Ashley Furniture on South Mooney). Mr. Paynter already owns Sequoia Mall and the Dick's Sporting Goods center, which means that Mr. Paynter now controls three corners of the Caldwell and Mooney intersection. Mr. Paynter is a well-known developer who has had many successes locally. Look for more new stores and upgrades at these locations as Mr. Paynter works to redevelop them.
Construction of the Visalia Parkway crossing at Packwood Creek to the west of Target on South Mooney is finally underway. This will connect the southern boundary of the city and will allow travelers to drive on the Visalia Parkway from County Center east through to Mooney Blvd.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
Once implemented, the cost to operate a three-can system will not be much more than the current split-can system. A split truck can only service about 800 split cans a day, while a single-body truck can service about 1,200 cans a day. Single-body trucks cost about $40,000.00 less than split trucks. Two single-body cans don't cost any more than one split can. Split trucks have to dump more often in a day than single-body trucks, because when one side of a split truck fills up, the truck has to take the materials to the dump even though the other half of the truck may not be completely full.
Other positives about a three-can collection system include increased diversion and decreased contamination by adding capacity and convenience. City customers can request a smaller can or a larger can, depending on their particular waste needs, and rates will be structured based on can size.
It is becoming more difficult to find manufacturers who make split-can trucks, and even the split cans themselves. Visalia is the last city in California to use the split-can system, and may be one of the last in the nation.
Of course, there are some cons to this conversion, such as customers will have to store an extra can and there will be an additional truck pass each week. However, the consequences remaining with the split-can system include the difficulty of meeting the increased diversion requirements mandated by the state, more contamination of recyclables, and decreasing availability of split cans and split trucks, along with the resulting increasing costs for specially built split trucks and cans.
As the city moves forward with implementing the three can collection system, citizen input and feedback will be sought and more information will be shared with the public as it becomes available. My wife Alisa has already told me that I get to haul that extra can to the curb each week!
One of the many good things about Visalia city staff is that they constantly strive to keep up with current technology and efficiencies. The city council also approved the solid waste division to start the process to acquire an in-house account management system with Associated Technology Improvements. The implementation costs of this new system will be about $750,000.00. However, the staff study estimates that the annual savings from a new account management system will be about $750,000.00.
ADDITIONAL CITY UPDATES:
Developer Dave Paynter recently purchased the Sequoia Plaza Shopping Center (which includes Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory and Ashley Furniture on South Mooney). Mr. Paynter already owns Sequoia Mall and the Dick's Sporting Goods center, which means that Mr. Paynter now controls three corners of the Caldwell and Mooney intersection. Mr. Paynter is a well-known developer who has had many successes locally. Look for more new stores and upgrades at these locations as Mr. Paynter works to redevelop them.
Construction of the Visalia Parkway crossing at Packwood Creek to the west of Target on South Mooney is finally underway. This will connect the southern boundary of the city and will allow travelers to drive on the Visalia Parkway from County Center east through to Mooney Blvd.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
Thursday, October 1, 2015
EAST DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
The new Visalia Emergency Communications Center (VECC) is at the construction bid stage. It will be built in the east downtown area, bordered on the north by Goshen Avenue, on the east by Ben Maddax Way and on the west by Burke Street. We're hoping to award the contract by November 2015 and to break ground in January 2016, with construction taking approximately 18 months. This two-story building will have about 19,000 square feet and will be built to essential services standards. In addition to the city's public safety dispatch center, it will house the Visalia Emergency Operations Center and the Fire Dept. administration.
The city has accumulated 32 acres of land in this location over many years, and a future city hall and community center are planned for here as well. This area was selected with the idea that it will help jump-start growth and development in east downtown.
However, remember that this is not a stand-alone project. Visalia has had numerous projects, both public sector and private sector, which have been encouraged and developed in this area in recent years. Let me remind you of some of those projects.
∙ Buckman Mitchell Inc. took a leap of faith and moved their headquarters to a new building at Santa Fe and Murray a few years back.
∙ Visalia purchased the former Chamber of Commerce building and moved its administration into that building in August 2015.
∙ Imagine-U Children's Museum to the east of the chamber building has been under construction, and will be open to the public by the time you read this. This will be a tremendous draw to east downtown.
∙ A new traffic signal at Ben Maddox and Douglas will be installed in early 2016.
∙ Oak Street will be built through to Burke, including railroad improvements.
∙ Mill Creek Trail is under design in that area and will be under construction in summer 2016.
∙ The Jennings Ditch Trail is anticipated for construction in late 2016.
∙ Edison lines will be undergrounded with anticipated construction this fall.
∙ Burke Street will soon be put through north to Houston Ave., where there is currently a cul-de-sac, giving us another north-south arterial. The city is currently securing the final right of way.
∙ New Downtown storm drain pipelines will be installed with construction beginning in November 2015. The former Soroptimist Park will be used to construct a new storm drainage pond (Soroptimist Basin) for these waters to flow into. This project will substantially mitigate the risk of flooding in the downtown area.
In order to encourage further east downtown development, the roads and infrastructure must be put in as set forth above. Much of the cost of these improvements will be paid via grant money, and will cost millions of dollars.
I predict that in addition to the new VECC, twenty years from now a new City Hall-Community Center along with other commercial properties and offices, and even high-density housing will be built in this area. The foundation for a successful future in east downtown Visalia is being laid by the city today.
Senior Games - Final reminder that the inaugural Visalia Senior Games are quickly approaching, to be held October 21-25, 2015. The deadline for registering is October 8, so go to visaliaseniorgames.com now to register or volunteer. Our senior games are the first in central California and will be under the umbrella of the California Senior Games Association (CSGA). In late August, the CSGA sent out notice to its members and athletes regarding our games. The CSGA has over 15,000 California senior athletes in its database. It will be interesting to see how many athletes we will have participating from our community versus those from throughout the state and region. We'll have nine athletic events for seniors age 50 and older, there will be an opening ceremony at Riverway Sports Park, including music, dinner and a parade of athletes, and there will be a Friday evening social at the Garden Street Plaza. All you senior athletes and former athletes, don't miss this event! Come have fun with us, and use this event, as I am, as motivation to get in shape! Visalia's slogan is "Winning Never Gets Old!"
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
The city has accumulated 32 acres of land in this location over many years, and a future city hall and community center are planned for here as well. This area was selected with the idea that it will help jump-start growth and development in east downtown.
However, remember that this is not a stand-alone project. Visalia has had numerous projects, both public sector and private sector, which have been encouraged and developed in this area in recent years. Let me remind you of some of those projects.
∙ Buckman Mitchell Inc. took a leap of faith and moved their headquarters to a new building at Santa Fe and Murray a few years back.
∙ Visalia purchased the former Chamber of Commerce building and moved its administration into that building in August 2015.
∙ Imagine-U Children's Museum to the east of the chamber building has been under construction, and will be open to the public by the time you read this. This will be a tremendous draw to east downtown.
∙ A new traffic signal at Ben Maddox and Douglas will be installed in early 2016.
∙ Oak Street will be built through to Burke, including railroad improvements.
∙ Mill Creek Trail is under design in that area and will be under construction in summer 2016.
∙ The Jennings Ditch Trail is anticipated for construction in late 2016.
∙ Edison lines will be undergrounded with anticipated construction this fall.
∙ Burke Street will soon be put through north to Houston Ave., where there is currently a cul-de-sac, giving us another north-south arterial. The city is currently securing the final right of way.
∙ New Downtown storm drain pipelines will be installed with construction beginning in November 2015. The former Soroptimist Park will be used to construct a new storm drainage pond (Soroptimist Basin) for these waters to flow into. This project will substantially mitigate the risk of flooding in the downtown area.
In order to encourage further east downtown development, the roads and infrastructure must be put in as set forth above. Much of the cost of these improvements will be paid via grant money, and will cost millions of dollars.
I predict that in addition to the new VECC, twenty years from now a new City Hall-Community Center along with other commercial properties and offices, and even high-density housing will be built in this area. The foundation for a successful future in east downtown Visalia is being laid by the city today.
Senior Games - Final reminder that the inaugural Visalia Senior Games are quickly approaching, to be held October 21-25, 2015. The deadline for registering is October 8, so go to visaliaseniorgames.com now to register or volunteer. Our senior games are the first in central California and will be under the umbrella of the California Senior Games Association (CSGA). In late August, the CSGA sent out notice to its members and athletes regarding our games. The CSGA has over 15,000 California senior athletes in its database. It will be interesting to see how many athletes we will have participating from our community versus those from throughout the state and region. We'll have nine athletic events for seniors age 50 and older, there will be an opening ceremony at Riverway Sports Park, including music, dinner and a parade of athletes, and there will be a Friday evening social at the Garden Street Plaza. All you senior athletes and former athletes, don't miss this event! Come have fun with us, and use this event, as I am, as motivation to get in shape! Visalia's slogan is "Winning Never Gets Old!"
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
TOPICS OF INTEREST
I'm writing this article during the dog days of summer. With my shortened attention span, rather than write about a single topic, I'll mention a variety of topics I've been reflecting on lately.
Drought Update - I recently read an interesting article which indicated that "California has a Mediterranean climate in which the vast majority of precipitation falls during the 6-month period from October through March. In fact, more than 80% of California's rainfall is during the cold months. As a result, it's very difficult to get significant changes in the drought picture during the warm season." Most of California's water needs depend on 161 reservoirs, which are typically replenished during the winter months. As of May 31, the state's reservoirs added less than 6.5 million acre feet of water over the winter, 78% of the typical recharge of the 8.2 million acre feet. This was the fourth consecutive year that reservoir recharge failed to reach the historical average. The cloud's silver lining (no pun intended) is that many forecasters are now predicting that this will be a robust El Niño winter coming up and we may experience heavy rains, which will hopefully replenish our groundwater and reservoirs. According to Kevin McCusker at Cal Water, for May Visalia's water usage was down 27% over the 2013 base year level, down in June 25.3% and down in July 28.2%. While not quite meeting the 32% reduction mandated by the state, I would suggest that this is remarkable progress and I give Visalians a pat on the back and encouragement to keep conserving. City manager Mike Olmos recently observed that our city organization exceeded the state's mandated water reduction target. City facilities, buildings, landscaped areas, landscape and lighting districts, parks, and all other city-owned areas have reduced water usage by 34% over the first six months of 2015. Most of the city's water reduction was made in the areas of landscaping, parks and sports fields the city owns. It is a huge challenge to reduce water usage to this level and still maintain quality parks, playable sports fields and our urban forest. We thank the park's maintenance division (Jeff Fultz, Tim Skobel and the park's maintenance staff) and our arborist (Joel Hooyer) for their extraordinary efforts.
Transit App - Regular Visalia transit riders will love the new Visalia Transit app which is available for both Apple and Droid phones. Unveiled at a recent council meeting, this new app provides real-time information about where the buses are, adjusted arrival times, and a current schedule of options. It will even plan your route from where you are to where you want to go. Over two million riders use Visalia transit each year. I recommend that you download this app and enjoy the (bus) ride.
Tourist Dollars - The Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in their annual report to the city council, announced that visitors to Tulare County spent more than $445 million during 2014 and produced more than 4,770 jobs. The CVB was responsible for contracting thirteen new conventions during the year that will result in over 24,000 attendees utilizing 11,000 room nights. Visitors to Sequoia National Park were up by over 100,000 in 2014. The CVB booked the girls' CIF wrestling championships for another three years and the Golden State Spirit Championships for 2015. With this volume of tourism, no wonder two or three new hotels are on the drawing board for Visalia.
Senior Games - Don't forget, October 21-25. Register now at visaliaseniorgames.com. The Kiplinger Letter mentioned that senior households are on track to nearly double in the next 15 years. By 2030, the aging baby boomer population will expand the number of households with folks aged 65 and up to 46 million, from 25.8 million in 2010.
Thank You Letter - Leland and Marie Castro wrote the city recently. They mentioned that they regularly take walks from their house along the Packwood Creek trail toward the recently constructed Kiwanis Park near McAuliff and Tulare Avenue. "Since installing the plant vegetation, sprinklers, lighting and upgraded landscaping around Packwood Creek trail area, the neighbors have really enjoyed taking walks through the newly landscaped area. We want to personally thank Michael Santos of the Urban Forestry Department who has been the most visible CSET on-site supervisor and his hardworking crew who have spent countless hours making our neighborhood area look great." Thank you Leland and Marie for noticing and commenting, and we hope that you and your neighbors enjoy these amenities for many years to come.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
Drought Update - I recently read an interesting article which indicated that "California has a Mediterranean climate in which the vast majority of precipitation falls during the 6-month period from October through March. In fact, more than 80% of California's rainfall is during the cold months. As a result, it's very difficult to get significant changes in the drought picture during the warm season." Most of California's water needs depend on 161 reservoirs, which are typically replenished during the winter months. As of May 31, the state's reservoirs added less than 6.5 million acre feet of water over the winter, 78% of the typical recharge of the 8.2 million acre feet. This was the fourth consecutive year that reservoir recharge failed to reach the historical average. The cloud's silver lining (no pun intended) is that many forecasters are now predicting that this will be a robust El Niño winter coming up and we may experience heavy rains, which will hopefully replenish our groundwater and reservoirs. According to Kevin McCusker at Cal Water, for May Visalia's water usage was down 27% over the 2013 base year level, down in June 25.3% and down in July 28.2%. While not quite meeting the 32% reduction mandated by the state, I would suggest that this is remarkable progress and I give Visalians a pat on the back and encouragement to keep conserving. City manager Mike Olmos recently observed that our city organization exceeded the state's mandated water reduction target. City facilities, buildings, landscaped areas, landscape and lighting districts, parks, and all other city-owned areas have reduced water usage by 34% over the first six months of 2015. Most of the city's water reduction was made in the areas of landscaping, parks and sports fields the city owns. It is a huge challenge to reduce water usage to this level and still maintain quality parks, playable sports fields and our urban forest. We thank the park's maintenance division (Jeff Fultz, Tim Skobel and the park's maintenance staff) and our arborist (Joel Hooyer) for their extraordinary efforts.
Transit App - Regular Visalia transit riders will love the new Visalia Transit app which is available for both Apple and Droid phones. Unveiled at a recent council meeting, this new app provides real-time information about where the buses are, adjusted arrival times, and a current schedule of options. It will even plan your route from where you are to where you want to go. Over two million riders use Visalia transit each year. I recommend that you download this app and enjoy the (bus) ride.
Tourist Dollars - The Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in their annual report to the city council, announced that visitors to Tulare County spent more than $445 million during 2014 and produced more than 4,770 jobs. The CVB was responsible for contracting thirteen new conventions during the year that will result in over 24,000 attendees utilizing 11,000 room nights. Visitors to Sequoia National Park were up by over 100,000 in 2014. The CVB booked the girls' CIF wrestling championships for another three years and the Golden State Spirit Championships for 2015. With this volume of tourism, no wonder two or three new hotels are on the drawing board for Visalia.
Senior Games - Don't forget, October 21-25. Register now at visaliaseniorgames.com. The Kiplinger Letter mentioned that senior households are on track to nearly double in the next 15 years. By 2030, the aging baby boomer population will expand the number of households with folks aged 65 and up to 46 million, from 25.8 million in 2010.
Thank You Letter - Leland and Marie Castro wrote the city recently. They mentioned that they regularly take walks from their house along the Packwood Creek trail toward the recently constructed Kiwanis Park near McAuliff and Tulare Avenue. "Since installing the plant vegetation, sprinklers, lighting and upgraded landscaping around Packwood Creek trail area, the neighbors have really enjoyed taking walks through the newly landscaped area. We want to personally thank Michael Santos of the Urban Forestry Department who has been the most visible CSET on-site supervisor and his hardworking crew who have spent countless hours making our neighborhood area look great." Thank you Leland and Marie for noticing and commenting, and we hope that you and your neighbors enjoy these amenities for many years to come.
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
VISALIA SENIOR GAMES
Planning is under way for the inaugural Visalia Senior Games, to be held October 21 - 25, 2015. This is being headed up by our Parks and Recreation dept., and the Senior Games Planning Task Force. I counted 28 volunteers at the initial planning meeting. These games are for the 50+ population with an emphasis on promoting health and wellness. Age group competition will be in five-year increments, and includes men's, women's and mixed events. The nine events for the initial games will include archery, bowling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, softball, tennis, table tennis and a 5k/10k race. While other places in California have held senior games for a number of years, including Pasadena, Santa Rosa, San Diego, Palm Desert and the Bay area, this will be the first senior games in the San Joaquin valley.
This signature event is a project that I have been promoting since 2010. I first made a power point presentation to the Visalia City Council on October 18, 2010, followed by a December 2010 article in Direct Magazine. See directfromwarren.blogspot.com. I have competed in senior games elsewhere and have seen the economic impact of the same on those locations. The Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah has 10,000 participants, lasts for two weeks and is estimated to infuse $10 million into their local economy! We have the facilities and weather (fall or spring) to attract delightful senior competitors and their accompanying dollars to our community. Just imagine the impact on our local hotel, restaurant and tourism industries!
I want to say "thank you" to the City of Visalia, particularly the Parks and Rec. dept. for helping make this goal a reality. City government doesn't always zip along, but nudged in the right direction, will eventually get there. I'm hopeful that in future years these senior games will grow, more events will be added (such as track and field, swimming, cycling, foot golf, disc golf, etc.) and eventually perhaps the private sector can take them over and run them profitably.
Sign-ups are being taken now along with sponsorships. Visit visaliaseniorgames.com to obtain further information. Then put on your jogging shoes and join me in getting in shape for this great event. I'll see you there!
Foot Golf
Speaking of getting in shape, in June I finally found the time, at the encouragement of my daughter Lora, to take her and try out this relatively new sport at the Valley Oaks golf course. 18 "holes" have been installed alongside the golf fairways. Both times we went on a Friday evening, when they had a special that for the price of $10.00 per person, the pro shop would provide the soccer balls and golf cart. It took us about an hour and a half to learn the rules since we were beginners, and to play. The rules are very similar to golf except that you're kicking a soccer ball with the objective of landing it in the hole in the fewest tries. We had a blast, and the second time we took some of Lora's teenage pals along. I recommend you try this sport out. It's a great way to get in shape, socialize and have a fun-filled activity. P.S., I promised Lora that I would not reveal who had the low score.
Water-saving Tip
With the ongoing drought, the Gubler family is trying to do its part to conserve water. In addition to putting a bucket in the shower to catch excess water as the shower is heating up, then putting that water on shrubs and trees, "Dad" has now imposed "2-minute showers." Although there was grumbling at first, I found that this has proven to be an opportunity to save time when getting ready for the day. Once this new policy was implemented, I found it only took 3 or 4 times before the 2-minute showers became a habit. Rather than standing under the showerhead and soaking up water for an unreasonable amount of time, I found that a 2-minute shower is refreshing, saves water, and gets me off to work quicker.
Playboy Chickens
The Visalia City Council initially voted to approve allowing chickens in residential areas. However, the subsequent final schizophrenic vote on the new chicken ordinance turned it down. While there were many disappointed people, that is how local government works sometimes. After the vote, someone emailed me an article from Playboy magazine on Visalia's chicken situation. I was surprised to find out that Playboy not only had an interest in this local hubbub, but that they also quoted me as a council member in the article. While I've heard of playboy bunnies, I never thought I'd hear of playboy chickens!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
This signature event is a project that I have been promoting since 2010. I first made a power point presentation to the Visalia City Council on October 18, 2010, followed by a December 2010 article in Direct Magazine. See directfromwarren.blogspot.com. I have competed in senior games elsewhere and have seen the economic impact of the same on those locations. The Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah has 10,000 participants, lasts for two weeks and is estimated to infuse $10 million into their local economy! We have the facilities and weather (fall or spring) to attract delightful senior competitors and their accompanying dollars to our community. Just imagine the impact on our local hotel, restaurant and tourism industries!
I want to say "thank you" to the City of Visalia, particularly the Parks and Rec. dept. for helping make this goal a reality. City government doesn't always zip along, but nudged in the right direction, will eventually get there. I'm hopeful that in future years these senior games will grow, more events will be added (such as track and field, swimming, cycling, foot golf, disc golf, etc.) and eventually perhaps the private sector can take them over and run them profitably.
Sign-ups are being taken now along with sponsorships. Visit visaliaseniorgames.com to obtain further information. Then put on your jogging shoes and join me in getting in shape for this great event. I'll see you there!
Foot Golf
Speaking of getting in shape, in June I finally found the time, at the encouragement of my daughter Lora, to take her and try out this relatively new sport at the Valley Oaks golf course. 18 "holes" have been installed alongside the golf fairways. Both times we went on a Friday evening, when they had a special that for the price of $10.00 per person, the pro shop would provide the soccer balls and golf cart. It took us about an hour and a half to learn the rules since we were beginners, and to play. The rules are very similar to golf except that you're kicking a soccer ball with the objective of landing it in the hole in the fewest tries. We had a blast, and the second time we took some of Lora's teenage pals along. I recommend you try this sport out. It's a great way to get in shape, socialize and have a fun-filled activity. P.S., I promised Lora that I would not reveal who had the low score.
Water-saving Tip
With the ongoing drought, the Gubler family is trying to do its part to conserve water. In addition to putting a bucket in the shower to catch excess water as the shower is heating up, then putting that water on shrubs and trees, "Dad" has now imposed "2-minute showers." Although there was grumbling at first, I found that this has proven to be an opportunity to save time when getting ready for the day. Once this new policy was implemented, I found it only took 3 or 4 times before the 2-minute showers became a habit. Rather than standing under the showerhead and soaking up water for an unreasonable amount of time, I found that a 2-minute shower is refreshing, saves water, and gets me off to work quicker.
Playboy Chickens
The Visalia City Council initially voted to approve allowing chickens in residential areas. However, the subsequent final schizophrenic vote on the new chicken ordinance turned it down. While there were many disappointed people, that is how local government works sometimes. After the vote, someone emailed me an article from Playboy magazine on Visalia's chicken situation. I was surprised to find out that Playboy not only had an interest in this local hubbub, but that they also quoted me as a council member in the article. While I've heard of playboy bunnies, I never thought I'd hear of playboy chickens!
Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 x 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
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