ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP:
On January 17 and 18, 2014, the Visalia City Council met at Rawhide Stadium for its annual strategic planning workshop.  The first day was spent reviewing where the city is at on various projects, including the general plan update, the homeless issue, city properties and the sign ordinance.  Saturday was spent brainstorming and attempting to peer into the future 20 years.  If we had unlimited financial resources, what would the city leaders like to accomplish?  The various department heads made presentations as to what they foresaw as to future equipment needs, and capabilities.  For instance, Fire Chief McBee predicted new firefighting technologies that will be available in the not to distant future.  Councilmembers finished up by discussing their wish list, including items such as a new city hall/civic center, improvements to north Visalia and Oval park, a new aquatics center, renewing relationships with our sister cities, and developing a local signature event, amongst other things.  For the near term, it was discussed that 2014 would be a good year to finish the projects that are currently on the table.  It’s up to the city council to set policy for city administration and staff.  Sometimes it feels like we’re taking baby steps and merely changing the city’s course a degree or two.  But that is the nature of local politics.  The key to effective local leadership is to leave the city in better shape than one found it.  I have to admit that this was one of the more interesting city council retreats I’ve attended (my fifth one), we even got the chance to stretch our imaginations.  Good job to Mayor Nelsen, the city council, city staff and those citizens who attended for an interesting and thought provoking discussion.

ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC EXPANSION:
In my private law practice, we have used the services of OnTrac for regional overnight package delivery on a regular basis for a number of years.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that OnTrac is now expanding its operations in Visalia.  It is consolidating its Fresno, Visalia and Kettleman City operations under one roof here, and it will be OnTrac’s largest facility in the Central Valley.  This new 90,000 square foot facility in our industrial park will result in additional jobs locally.  From Visalia, OnTrac is able to reach every zip code in California and major metropolitan areas in Nevada overnight, with two-day shipping to Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Idaho.  This new facility will compliment the UPS center which we already have, and is another reason why new businesses should choose to locate in our industrial park.  Additionally, the Visalia Planning Commission recently approved a request by California Dairies, Inc. for a new 140 foot tall evaporator tower at its facility on North Plaza Drive.  Right across the street, the DeJong dairy family is purchasing 110 acres in the industrial park for a new cheese making plant.

MORE UPDATES:
As of early January, more than 580 carts have been confiscated since the shopping cart ordinance took affect in October.  Additionally, the new fire station 53 in the southwest quadrant of Visalia is continuing to move through the planning stages.  It will be built on 1.25 acres at the corner of Walnut and Atwood, part of the old COS farm.  It is anticipated that it will open in 2015 at this location, which was determined to be the best for response times and for future city growth.


INSIDE CITY HALL:
Our community relations manager, Nancy Loliva, puts out a regular newsletter entitled “Inside City Hall.”  It includes summaries of city council actions as well as tidbits about what is going on around Visalia.  If you would like to be added to the subscriber list, contact Nancy at nloliva@ci.visalia.ca.us.

BEST-PERFORMING CITIES RANKING:
It was announced in January that the Visalia-Porterville market jumped 69 spots in 2013 in a national ranking of high-performing cities.  Visalia-Porterville’s improvement ranked eighth overall and second among all California markets.  We’re now ranked 99th overall in 2013 (up from 168th in 2012).  We placed well ahead of our central valley neighbors including Fresno (158th), Merced (159th), Stockton (185th) and Modesto (188th).  The best performing cities index is published annually by the Milken Institute with the goal to “help businesses, investors, industry associations, development agencies and government officials to monitor and evaluate the performance of metros where they work and do business relative to the rest of the country.”  For full details of the 2013 Best-Performing Cities Index visit www.best-cities.org.


Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 ext. 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
directfromwarren.blogspot.com

ANOTHER TAX HIKE?

A few months ago, a blue-ribbon Citizens’ Committee said that it was not the right time for Visalia to raise its sales tax.  Now some are already broaching the topic again, this time suggesting that such monies could be used to construct a new public safety facility (PSF, aka “police headquarters”).

In December 2013, the city council did the responsible thing and voted to go forward with building  the Visalia Emergency Communication Center (VECC, aka “911 call center”).  However, the council also decided that we don’t currently have the money to build a new PSF.  Let me explain why.

Our existing police headquarters is about 19,000 square feet.  The new VECC by itself will be 19,642 square feet and will cost $16 million, plus an additional $5 million worth of the latest technology.  If we added on a new police headquarters, that would increase the size another 36,000 to 42,000 square feet, and increase the cost an additional $36 million to $45 million.  A separate evidence storage building, 13,643 square feet, would add at least another $6 million to that cost.

While the city has had budget surpluses last year and this year and our reserves are growing again, the city’s general fund doesn’t have this type of money to spend.   In my opinion, we have other alternatives, such as remodeling our current police headquarters.  Once the new VECC is completed, a large amount of existing square footage will be freed up as the occupants of our current 911 center and our fire department administration will move their offices into the new VECC building.  A good remodeling job can bring these available spaces up to modern standards, at a fraction of the cost of building a new police headquarters that triples the size of what we already have!

A case in point is the old Tulare County Municipal Courthouse on Center Street.  That approximately 11,000 square foot building was deemed surplus about 15 years ago by the county, and sold to a private investor.  The county is now leasing space elsewhere, and the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) is leasing and occupying the remodeled municipal courthouse!  Imagine the rent payments the county could be saving if they had remodeled, rather than sold that building at a fire sale price.

On the other hand, Visalia city administration is spread out in at least three locations, City Hall North (Transit Center), City Hall East (Convention Center), and City Hall West (City Hall).  What if, in addition to remodeling our existing police headquarters, we instead focus our resources, without a tax increase, and proceeded with a less costly, non-essential services  new Civic Center/City Hall?  A few years back, I took my wife on an anniversary cruise in Europe.  Without exception, every historic city we visited had as its focal point their city hall.  Not one of those cities had as its centerpiece a new police headquarters.  Additionally, if we had the ability to move all of the city administration into one building, not only would that increase efficiencies for our city staff, and provide a new focal point of pride in Visalia, but it would open up the entire block where City Hall is now next to the existing police headquarters for future police headquarters expansion if needed.  I would suggest that a spanking new police headquarters three times the size of what we currently have, will not make Visalians feel safer.  Nor do we need a new tax that is searching for a project to spend it on.

Our police department does a terrific job in protecting and serving the citizens of Visalia.  I merely suggest that the public discussion focus on exploring all alternatives, rather than assuming  that the only option we have is to spend money that we don’t have on additional square footage that we don’t need.

TECHNOLOGY TIP
There is a new app called “CartSnap” which I recommend you try. You can download this app for free onto your smart phone. Pursuant to the city’s new shopping cart ordinance, this app allows you to take a quick snapshot of any abandoned shopping cart you happen upon around town, and send that picture along with a notification to the city. Code enforcement will then arrange to have that cart picked up, either by the business that owns it, or by city personnel.  I’ve tried this app a few times, and am impressed by how easy it is to use, and how quickly shopping carts are retrieved and no longer litter our streets.  Try it, you’ll like it, and you’ll be doing a service to your city.


Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor
(559) 713-4400 ext. 3313
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
directfromwarren.blogspot.com

IT'S NOT TIME TO CONSIDER ANOTHER TAX HIKE

I’m writing in response to the December 19, 2013 Times Delta editorial.  Just a few months ago, a blue-ribbon Citizens’ Committee said that it was not the right time to raise the sales tax.  Now some are already broaching the topic again, this time suggesting that such monies could be used to construct a new public safety facility (PSF, aka “police headquarters”). 

At our last meeting, the city council did the responsible thing and voted to go forward with the Visalia Emergency Communication Center (VECC, aka “911 call center”).  However, the council also decided that we don’t currently have the money to build a new PSF.  Let me explain why.

Our existing police headquarters is about 19,000 square feet.  The new VECC by itself will be 19,642 square feet and will cost $16 million, plus an additional $5 million worth of the latest technology.  If we add on a new headquarters,that will increase the size another 36,000 to 42,000 square feet, and increase the cost an additional $36 million to $45 million.  A separate evidence storage building, 13,643 square feet, would add at least another $6 million to that cost.

While the city has had budget surpluses last year and this year and our reserves are growing again, the city’s general fund doesn’t have this type of money to spend.   What this newspaper didn’t report were my suggestions at council meeting regarding looking at other alternatives, such as remodeling our current police headquarters.  Once the new VECC is completed, a large amount of existing square footage will become available as the occupants of our current 911 center and our fire department administration will move their offices into the new VECC building.  A good remodeling job can bring these spaces up to modern standards, at a fraction of the cost of building a new police headquarters that triples the size of what we already have!

A case in point is the old Tulare County Municipal Courthouse on Center Street.  That approximately 11,000 square foot building was deemed surplus about 15 years ago by the county, and sold to a private investor.  The county is now leasing space elsewhere, and the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) is leasing back the remodeled municipal courthouse!  Imagine the rent payments the county could be saving if they had remodeled, rather than sold that building at a fire sale price.

On the other hand, Visalia city administration is spread out in at least three locations, City Hall North (Transit Center), City Hall East (Convention Center), and City Hall West (City Hall).  What if instead, in addition to remodeling our existing police headquarters, we focus our resources, without a tax increase, and proceeded with a less costly new Civic Center/City Hall?  A few years back, I took my wife on an anniversary cruise in Europe.  Without exception, every city we visited had as its focal point their city hall.  Not one of those cities had as its centerpiece a new police headquarters.  Additionally, if we had the ability to move all of the city administration into one building, not only would that increase efficiencies for our city staff, and provide a new focal point of pride in Visalia, but it would open up the entire block where City Hall is now next to the existing police headquarters for future police headquarters expansion if needed.  I would suggest that a spanking new police headquarters three times the size of what we currently have, will not make Visalians feel safer.  Perhaps more officers or a new substation would.  Nor do we need a new tax that is searching for a project to spend it on.

Our police department does a terrific job in protecting and serving the citizens of Visalia.  I merely write this so that the public discussion can focus on exploring all alternatives, rather than assuming that the only option we have is to spend money which we don’t have on additional square footage which we don’t need.

Visalia Times Delta Guest Editorial, December 26, 2013

2014: MOVING FORWARD

We’ve enjoyed the holidays, and now are looking forward to a new year.  As is tradition in my January article, I pause to look back at some of Visalia’s accomplishments in 2013, and note some things to look forward to in 2014.

MOONEY BOULEVARD
Burlington Coat Factory recently opened next door to the new Walmart on South Mooney Boulevard.  It’s good to see that commercial center thriving once again.  Other upcoming additions to Mooney Boulevard include Black Bear Diner, Dickie’s Bar-b-Que Pit, Mor Furniture for Less, and El Pollo Loco.  In the Visalia Mall, new additions include Crazy 8, Starbucks and Sarku Japan.  Sleep Train will be opening a mattress discount outlet next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, and America’s Tire Store will be going in just north of Packwood Creek.  The big news is that the Sequoia Mall recently completed a short sale to new owner David Paynter.  Look for much needed upgrades and new tenants there in 2014.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Downtown continues to thrive, with approximately 96% occupancy.  There’s a new Paris Boutique in the former Beverly Fabrics building.  Family Health Care Network continues construction on its new 34,607 square foot two-story addition.  Other new businesses that are anticipated include Four Creeks Engineering, AGR Partners, San Joaquin Valley Homes, and conversion of the former Gold’s Gym to a professional office building.  The new Imagine U Children’s Museum is breaking ground and will be a terrific addition to east downtown (corner of Tipton and Oak).  Also a new Pita Kabob will be opening in the former Strubel Auto Parts building on North Court Street.  We note with sadness the closing of Link’s Menswear after 72 years in business, but look forward to the remodeling of that building, with new retail space and loft apartments.  We wish Bob and Tom the best in retirement.  Congratulations to Downtown Visalians which marked its fiftieth anniversary in 2013.

INDUSTRIAL PARK
The Plaza Drive interchange and widening project (a gateway into the Industrial Park) was completed at a cost of $29 million and dedicated in November.  VWR is now fully operational with 93 employees.  At 500,000 square feet and a cost of $38 million, it will double VWR’s capacity to serve the west coast.  An average of 32-42 (not 10,000) trucks a day will be servicing this location.  Sorma USA, an agricultural packaging company based in Italy, has established its first US presence with a lease of warehouse distribution space totaling 42,000 square feet, with plans to add a manufacturing component in the future.  Expansion of existing businesses in the industrial park include Kaweah Container, Inc., Perfection Pet Foods, Hydrite Chemical Company and California Dairies.  An-Fo Pacifica, which provides sterilization equipment to dairies, has opened a 46,272 square foot operation.  All of this means more jobs, jobs, jobs.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
TJ Maxx recently opened a 22,000 square foot store in the Orchard Walk Shopping Center in North Visalia.  A new Wienerschnitzel is planned for East Noble Avenue, and Pizza Factory will occupy the former Sports Zone in the Visalia Market Place (Kmart Center).  Phases 3 and 4 of Riverway Sports Park were completed, and include a new playground, promenade area and special events stage, a new picnic shelter and restroom facility.  The new Santa Fe Trail, approximately four miles in length, is now built and open for hikers and bikers.  The water conservation plant upgrade, new southwest fire station, and new animal control shelter should commence construction in the new year. New single family dwelling permits were up 52% and all building permits were up 9%  for 2013 over the prior year.  In 2014, also look for the opening of the new splash pad to be installed just south of Rawhide Stadium, along with new pickleball courts in Recreation Park.

CITY UPDATE
Visalia has a new mayor, Steve Nelsen, and a new vice-mayor, Warren Gubler.  The city enacted a new shopping cart ordinance, prohibiting the use of wheeled devices in local parks, but at the same time provided storage space for our homeless population at the Visalia Rescue Mission.  The city launched a new website, helpvisaliahomeless.com, that includes a resource list and ideas for helping the homeless, “change that counts.”  The Visalia Convention Center in October 2013 had revenues of $314,808.00, breaking a five-year old revenue record.

While the state and national economies are just beginning to snap out of their doldrums, Visalia’s economy continues to heat up.  More people and businesses are realizing that Visalia is a bright spot on the map, and success begets success.  2014 promises to be another good year for Visalians, and to all our citizens I wish a Happy New Year!

If you have questions or topics regarding the city  which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.  For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

2013 ELECTIONS RECAP

Another Visalia City Council election cycle has come and gone.  The following contains a few observations from a wannabe political scientist that may be of help to future candidates.

I believe that the clear message from voters in 2013 was “stay the course.”  In 2009, there were ten candidates running for three open positions on our city council.  Due to dissatisfaction with the economy locally and FEMA flood insurance, the 2009 incumbents were replaced by three new challengers.  However, in 2013, with the local economy mending, the construction industry heating up again, and with many new businesses in-filling Mooney Blvd., there were only five candidates for the three open positions on the council, the three incumbents and two challengers.

At the outset, as an incumbent, I made certain strategic campaign decisions.  Anticipating that there wouldn’t be much media coverage, I determined to use the old “rope-a-dope” strategy of Mohammad Ali.  Besides emphasizing the progress the city has made in the last four years, and my goals for the next four years if re-elected, I determined to lean back on the ropes and fend off the anticipated blows, rather than countering.  While some soft jabs were landed, the campaign remained cordial throughout.  As a challenger four years ago, I found that I spent a tremendous amount of time fund-raising.  As an incumbent this time, I found that fund-raising came much easier, particularly from the same supporters as before.  I reused prior campaign signs, which not only was a tremendous cost savings, but allowed me to post my large signs earlier while the competition was still ordering theirs, although I did take quite a bit of good-natured ribbing for that strategy.  I determined to only spend about one-third of what I spent four years ago on advertising, mainly because as an incumbent, I already had the name recognition.  Likewise, I took advantage of incumbency by attending as many special invitation events as I could, and speaking to community groups.  In a good economy, the incumbent enjoys a distinct advantage, and thus I came up with the slogan that “we are better off than four years ago” to emphasize that.

As to the election itself, being an off-year election, I correctly anticipated that the turnout would be low.  Additionally, most of those voters were the established “old Visalia” voters that can be counted on to turn out.  Again, a low 20% voter turnout usually favors the incumbents.  Even the mail-in balloting was an advantage, since 70% or more voted in advance of the November 5 election day.  This allowed me to target my advertising in late September and early October, geared towards the early voters.  Taking advantage of essentially a free website and Facebook page, I put the details of my campaign and platform on that.  I was able to downsize my advertising print budget and refer voters to those online resources.

A little luck also came into play.  Candidates’ names are not placed on the ballot in alphabetical order.  Instead, the Secretary of State earlier in the year did an alphabet drawing to determine what order  names would appear on ballots throughout the state, based upon the first letter of the last name of each candidate.  Of course, the letter “G” was drawn first, meaning my name appeared first on the ballot with the word “incumbent” following it.  I’ve heard that having your name first on the ballot translates into a bump in votes.

I also determined to pay for a candidate’s statement to be published by the Tulare County Election’s office and distributed with the ballots.  This has become more expensive each year, this time costing $3,800.00!  For that reason, only two of the five candidates for city council had a candidate’s statement.  While I believe this to be a publicity advantage, I felt that the county’s brochure was undersized and somewhat difficult to read for the price.  Based upon the increasing cost trend, this campaign tool may be used less in the future.


As to small campaign yard signs, I tried to get those distributed in neighborhoods, rather than on major arterials.  I believe that yard signs within neighborhoods are much more effective, and cause neighbors to talk to each other to discuss the candidates.

There you have it, my top secret election strategy and post-election analysis.  Congratulations to the incumbents who are back in office for another four years, as well as to the challengers for running a good race.  Thank you to all Visalians who got involved with sign distribution, attended candidates forums, educated themselves on the candidates and issues, and voted.  I’ve heard it said that government is not run by a majority of the people; rather it is run by a majority of the people who participate.


Warren Gubler
Visalia City Councilmember
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
(559) 713-4400 x 3313

THANKS GIVING

In November, our thoughts naturally turn to family, friends, and the Thanksgiving season.  It’s a special time when we hopefully remember to say “thank you” for our many blessings.  Recently, Visalia’s solid waste department received a nice “thank you” from Nasser Kadkhodaian.

Mr. Kadkhodaian telephoned the city regarding his mother, who is almost 90 and lives alone here.  He related that he was visiting his mother and noticed her solid waste driver, Stan Padilla, taking her heavy garbage can out to the curb so that it could be dumped.  Stan told Mr. Kadkhodaian that one day he saw Mr. Kadkhodaian’s mother struggling to put her can out, so he stopped and helped her.  Since then, Stan had taken it upon himself to retrieve her garbage can and pack it out if the can was not by the curb.  Mr. Kadkhodaian indicated that he was so touched by this kindness that it made him cry, that someone was so nice to look out for his mother in such a thoughtful way.

I telephoned Mr. Kadkhodaian back to thank him for letting the city know of Stan’s quiet service in this situation.  Mr. Kadkhodaian replied that he has lived in Visalia for many years, that he loves his neighborhood, and that he is proud of his city.

We have many fine city employees who give service over and above that required of their jobs.  We always enjoy hearing from people like Mr. Kadkhodaian.  I might add that his mother has now applied for and qualified for free pack out service from the city.  Stan was also recognized in a morning briefing and applauded for his outstanding customer service.

HOMELESS ISSUE:  The city recently enacted a new ordinance prohibiting shopping carts in our parks and along our city trails.  Shopping carts piled high with the belongings of the homeless have admittedly become an eyesore, and as part of this ordinance, we have required local merchants who provide shopping carts to monitor their use and to promptly retrieve them if located elsewhere around town.  However, at the same time, the city has purchased four Seatrains and donated storage containers whereby the homeless can store their belongings at no charge.  These Seatrains and containers will be overseen by the Visalia Rescue Mission and the homeless will have free storage and access to their personal belongings without having to cart them around town with them. This is an attempt by the city to clean up our parks and streets, but at the same time deal compassionately with those who are less fortunate.  We recently received a report from the VRM that they sleep 100 homeless men per night.  That is their capacity.  About half of those are in their Next Step program, whose goal is to assist the homeless to find employment and housing.  The VRM has taken approximately 92 homeless men off the streets through this program, according to Kurt Salierno of the VRM.  We thank them along with the Samaritan Center, the Salvation Army, Visalia Emergency Aid Council, and the many other non-profits, churches and individuals who partner with the city to feed and care for the needs of the homeless.  May I recommend that if you are approached for a handout, you refer the person to our local resources, and instead make your financial contributions to these experienced charitable organizations so that they can provide for the needs of the homeless.

BASEBALL MOVIE:  By the time you read this, a short movie will have been filmed at Rawhide Stadium.  This was a “promo/concept” film, about 45 minutes long, with the hope that it will get picked up and become the basis for a full-length movie.  This will likely generate some good publicity for Visalia, and contribute to the local economy by way of additional hotel occupancy and restaurant meals purchased.  I am told that the crew looked at other locations, but liked the feel of our local Rawhide Stadium and the cooperation that they received from our community and local ball club.
COPS AWARD:  Visalia has been awarded a $375,000.00 COPS grant from the federal government.  This will provide partial funding for three more police officers to be stationed at our local junior high schools.  The city and school district will work together to come up with the funding for the balance needed to implement this program.

Finally, many thanks to my loyal readers, and to Direct Magazine for giving me a venue in their great magazine to express my thoughts.

Happy Thanksgiving to all this holiday season!


Warren Gubler
Visalia City Councilmember
wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us
(559) 713-4400 x 3313

ADDRESSING THE HOMELESS ISSUE

Thank you to the Times Delta for publicizing my recent Donuts and Discussion, held last Saturday morning at the community center at Lincoln Oval Park.  We had a great turnout,  approximately 30 local citizens in addition to city representatives.  A number of the attendees were from the immediate neighborhood.  We had a frank discussion, not only about the homeless issue, but also about the city’s new shopping cart ordinance, planned road modifications for and improvements to the park.

When I arrived for the 8:00 a.m. meeting, I noted that all the shopping carts in the park were gone, although some homeless still remained along with their bagged possessions.  Last week was the first time Visalia has implemented the new ordinance that prohibits shopping carts in our city parks and trailways.  The carts were retrieved by code enforcement to be returned to local merchants.  Approximately 100 carts have been retrieved from the Oval Park area.  At the same time, about 40 of the homeless have taken advantage of the new, secure storage facility at the Rescue Mission where they can store their possessions 24/7 free of charge.  This is intended to get rid of the shopping cart blight in our parks and trails, and at the same time to compassionately give our homeless another alternative.  We need to give this new project time to work.  As we gain the trust of the homeless, and as the weather gets colder, we hope the homeless will take advantage of this new storage resource.

From the lively discussions at our D & D meeting, it became clear to me that most people in the community want to help the situation, but just don’t know how.  I’ve asked the city to compile a resource guide, listing the available agencies and non-profits who can help in the following seven service areas: food, shelter, clothing, drug addiction, mental health, physical health and employment.  It is my recommendation to post this information on the city’s website, as well as to make it available to the public as a handout.  Hopefully, we will get this information out directly to the homeless so that they can seek necessary assistance.  We’ll try to update it regularly.

After the D & D meeting, I, along with some city staff, went out to visit in the park with the homeless who had congregated there.  They seemed genuinely pleased that we would take the time to come and speak with them and get their views.  I found them to be bright and articulate.  We had an interesting dialog and learned of some of their concerns.  I’m hoping that we can plan additional visits directly with the homeless to keep that dialog going.

In my opinion, the city should not attempt to reinvent the wheel by duplicating the services already being provided by our non-profits, churches and agencies.  Instead, we should continue to support them in their projects and services for the homeless.  May I again recommend that citizens not give money directly to panhandlers.  Our public safety officers maintain that a large number of those soliciting money are not homeless, but rather are panhandlers making a good living off of such donations, which donation the giver cannot monitor to know how it’s spent.  Instead, particularly with the holidays coming up, may I suggest that we all donate generously, and direct those donations to the service organizations, such as the Rescue Mission, the Bethlehem Center, the Salvation Army, and the Visalia Emergency Aid Council.  By so doing, you can rest assured that these professionals will be better able to feed, clothe and shelter the truly needy.  If you are approached by a person seeking monetary assistance, instead provide them with a piece of fruit, power bar, or coupon to a local food restaurant, and soon to be available city resource guide.

Many of the homeless are serious about seeking help and improving their situation.  For those, we should be willing to provide assistance.  For instance, a recent report I received from the Rescue Mission indicates that they helped 92 homeless men off the streets through their Next Step Program, finding them jobs and housing.  However,  others are not ready to accept such help, whether it be because of mental illness, drug addiction, or otherwise.  As to those, we must insist that they obey the law and respect the private property rights of others, and we must enforce the law.

Also, let’s support our Oval businesses.  Two such successful businesses include Pho and Seafood (I ate there today) and Carlos’ barber shop.  The City of Visalia is aware of these homeless issues, and while we don’t pretend to have all the answers, we’ll continue to be at the forefront of finding creative solutions.

Published in Visalia Times Delta 10/24/13