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

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.

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

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

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

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