Sunday, July 1, 2012
MAKING THE TOUGH DECISIONS
The Visalia City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month for regularly scheduled council meetings. Additional council meetings are held as needed. Prior to these meetings, agendas and staff reports are prepared and provided to council members in order for them to bone up on the issues to be decided. These agendas and staff reports are also available in advance to the public on the city’s website at www.ci.visalia.ca.us.
Many of the issues which we confront are “no brainers.” Consent calendar items such as applying for grants, approving notices of completion, awarding of contracts and second readings of ordinances can be handled quickly and efficiently. However, all issues which we deliberate on affect Visalia citizens, for better or for worse. For instance, at a recent council meeting, we approved reclassifying Burke Street south of Houston as a connector status street so that this road can be punched through an existing cul-de-sac to give another north/south access street between Tulare Avenue and the St. John’s river. While this helps traffic circulation for our citizens as a whole, one adjacent property owner was unhappy that some of the frontage on his property (part of his driveway), would be taken, even though the city will compensate him for it. The Council’s approval was based upon the greater good of the community, but this decision still affected this property owner’s plans for his property.
Often our decisions are contingent upon balancing the rights of some citizens versus the rights of other citizens. Some tough decisions that the council has had to make in recent times dealt with enacting a new medical marijuana ordinance, downsizing health care benefits for city retirees, and designating the Visalia Home Builders Subdivision as a Historic District. On each of these issues, numerous citizens addressed the council, both pro and con.
Not long ago, I ran into a former Visalia city council member and griped to him a little about having to make a decision on a particularly tough issue in an upcoming meeting. He replied, “that’s why they pay you the big bucks.” (This is merely a figure of speech in this case, since I calculate that my pay rate based upon the hours I put in as a council member is slightly less than my high school daughter receives at her part-time babysitting jobs.) Suffice it to say that this is what council members have been elected to do, to make the judgment calls and tough decisions on behalf of our citizens, attempting to do what’s best for the community as a whole under the circumstances. Some upcoming tough decisions will involve the General Plan update, potential district elections, and approving and balancing the next two-year city budget. I’m trying to develop a thicker skin. Politicians just want to be loved and appreciated (and to keep their jobs!).
PLAZA DRIVE OVERPASS
Now that I have cried on your shoulder, I am pleased to report that one of the easy decisions we made as a council was to go forward with the Plaza Drive interchange improvements. We applied for and obtained state funding for this project, along with local Measure R funds. The work commenced in March 2012 and is anticipated to take 18 months for completion. Fred Lampe, Visalia’s project manager, provided me with the following information to share. The Plaza Drive bridge over Highway 198 will be widened from three lanes to seven lanes. It will be widened 56 feet on the east side such that the final bridge width will be 116 feet. The bridge will include a sign reading “Welcome to the City of Visalia,” and decorative fencing designed to replicate the appearance of the Sierras.
Looking west from the bridge, auxillary lanes will be added on both sides of 198, making it possible to travel between Plaza Drive and 99 without entering the through traffic lanes. From the bridge north to Hurley Avenue, Plaza Drive will be improved from two to six lanes, and from Hurley Avenue north to Goshen Avenue, Plaza Drive will be widened from two to four lanes. This will complete the connection between 198 and Tulare County’s Road 80 widening project. New pavement will replace the existing, failing pavement. Class 2 bicycle lanes will be added as well as median islands, sidewalks and lighting. The construction cost will be $23 million dollars (and additional for the landscaping).
Once completed, this project will give better access to industrial park businesses, improve safety and reduce delays at Plaza and 198, and provide better connectivity through Road 80 to Dinuba and other towns to the north. To see what it will look like and for construction updates, visit plaza198.com.
Thanks goodness for the easy decisions we get to make on occasion. I believe the entire community will be proud of this project once completed.
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 City Council Member
Friday, June 1, 2012
VOLUNTEERING: LESSONS FROM DAD
My father was born November 11, 1917, exactly one year before Armistice Day, which signaled the end of WWI. He grew up on a homestead in the high desert of southern Utah, during the Roaring 20's and the Great Depression years. After graduating from college in 1940, he volunteered to serve as a missionary for his church for two and a half years in the central states. While he was gone, Pearl Harbor was attacked. Upon returning home from his mission, he promptly volunteered (i.e., was drafted) into Uncle Sam’s army, left within the month and served for three years in Europe during WWII. He became part of what is now known as the Greatest Generation. After the war he returned home, married his war bride (Mom), earned his teaching credential, and settled down to a career teaching high school agriculture in central California. As a young boy in the 1960's, I remember going with Dad in the evenings and on weekends to visit the homes and farms of his students to inspect their FFA projects. He didn’t receive additional compensation for doing this. Even now, I run into some of his former “ag boys” who have become successful farmers in Tulare County. They thank me for what he taught them.
During my youth, Dad always kept a garden in our backyard. On occasion, he would have me help him with it. He explained to me that seeds left in the soil from the prior year’s crop will often sprout on their own into seedlings. He called these seedlings “volunteers.”
Recently, as I was tending my own garden, I noticed the volunteer plants sprouting, including zucchini, basil, red chard, tomatoes, corn, and even some marigolds which I had planted the prior year for added color. Seeing these “volunteers” caused me to reflect back on what I had learned from my dad about volunteering.
When I look around Visalia, I am struck by how many of the citizens of our community volunteer of their time and means to make our community a better place. They almost seem to sprout on their own. During these tough economic times, city government doesn’t have the money to pay for all the work there is to do out there. We are dependent upon the volunteers in our community to fill in that gap.
I am amazed at the shear number of Visalia volunteers who help clean, shine up and improve our town. Let me cite just a few of the many examples. In April, city volunteers were out in full force, assisting in numerous projects to improve our great city.
Earth Day 2012: Helping with clean-up projects throughout the city were Pacific Stihl, The Home Depot, Walmart, Starbucks, Visalia Rotary Club, and the Visalia Democratic Club.
Serve Visalia: Participating in painting transit benches, clean-up of Mill Creek and the St. John’s Trail, cleaning two homes, graffiti clean-up and painting 137 fire hydrants were the First Presbyterian Church, Neighborhood Church, Radiant Church, Savior’s Community Church, and Visalia Community Covenant Church. The participants numbered over 1,300.
Arbor Day: Planting 300 trees, spreading compost, donating blood, and extensive cleaning and polishing of the county museum at Mooney Grove Park included Mormon Helping Hands, Boy Scout Troop 336, Sunset Rotary Club, Golden West High School, and the 4-H Club. Several hundred volunteers participated.
Fill the Boot: We don’t want to forget our local firefighters whom you might have seen at major intersections on Mooney and Main Street, participating in their “fill-the-boot” fundraiser for muscular dystrophy. This year they raised $13,506.37 for a worthy cause.
Imagine the cost to the city to hire this kind of help! A big “thank you” to all who assisted on these projects, as well as the numerous volunteers who help throughout the year to beautify our city and make it a great place to live.
As my dad approaches his 95th birthday, he still enjoys working in his garden on a daily basis. Thanks Dad for the lessons you taught me on volunteering. Oh, by the way, Happy Father’s Day!
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 City Council Member
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
COMMUNITY RESOURCES-PART II
Last month, I wrote about community resources for the needy and hungry in our area, detailing my visits to the Bethlehem Center and FoodLink. This month, I continue on that same topic.
VISALIA EMERGENCY AID
The Visalia Emergency Aid Council was founded 80 years ago, and is located at 217 N.E. Third St., Visalia. It is the largest food pantry in Tulare County. This non-profit assists 14,000 families with children and seniors each year. They have a companion 17,000 square foot thrift store located at 620 W. Houston Avenue. The thrift store not only meets the needs of the community with inexpensive appliances, furniture and clothing, but the sale proceeds assist in funding the food pantry. The pantry is open five days a week and the thrift store is open seven days a week. Major donors include Food For Less and Sequoia Beverage. Through a grant from United Way, VEAC has a rental assistance program as well. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, they do food, toy, jacket and blanket giveaways. Once a family’s food stamps and other aid have expired, they can obtain supplemental food assistance one time every thirty days. FoodLink makes deliveries of food supplies to VEAC every week, and various ranches in the area donate oranges, potatoes and other vegetables. Most of the donations to the VEAC stay right here in our community. They welcome donations from yard sales and any furniture and appliances (working or not), and have a truck that will pick up at your home. They have one major fundraiser each year, which is the Race Against Hunger on Thanksgiving day. This event has grown over the last eight years from 250 participants to over 4,000 in 2011. For more information about the VEAC, contact Iris East or Patricia Espinoza at (559) 732-0101 or check them out at www.veac.org.
VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
Next I met with Jessica Ginkel at the Visalia Rescue Mission. I was amazed at everything they offer there, and couldn’t possibly even describe it all in one or two paragraphs. Let me just make a list of their offerings: Rescued Treasures, Simply Chic Boutique, distribution center, soup kitchen, overnight guest shelter, nine-month residential recovery program, men’s shelter, women’s shelter, chapel services, life skills training (including cooking, anger management, money management training), community garden, new 50,000 square foot administrative center with worship center, and soon-to-be-opened information center at Oval Park. The Rescue Mission is supported by forty-four Christian-based churches. As part of their recycling program, they have two trucks and will come to your home to pick up leftover garage sale items or used furniture and appliances. Additionally, they are a certified e-waste recycling center open five days a week. They have a paid staff of fifty-nine employees, full and part time, along with 200 volunteers per week. The evening before I visited, they housed 82 guests overnight. They have 35 people in their ongoing addiction recovery program currently. An individual or family can visit once a month and receive clothing and two food bags. They serve on the average 529 meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Rescue Mission receives little government funding and relies on local donations and contributions. For information, call Jessica or Danny Little at (559) 740-4178 or visit visaliarescue.org.
THE SALVATION ARMY
When most of us think of the Salvation Army, we think of the bell ringers and donation kettles at Christmastime. I met with envoy Jesus Quintanilla, leader of our local Salvation Army church. He indicated that they have been in Visalia since the 1940's. Most of their fundraising is done during the kettle season. However, they accept donations throughout the year of food, clothing and money. In turn, they provide food boxes, clothing vouchers, clothing, furniture and utility assistance to any needy person in the community. They served over 500 families both at Thanksgiving and at Christmas in 2011, by providing food boxes, turkeys, clothing and toys. Envoy Quintanilla mentioned that they are grateful for the assistance of the local Lutheran Church ladies who provide homemade quilts on a monthly basis, the local Breakfast Lion’s Club which donated over 200 turkeys at Thanksgiving time, Smarty Pantz, a local business that assists with children’s clothing, and the Key Club at all four high schools and La Jolla Jr. High which collected canned food. Local businesses which donate food on a regular basis include Panera Bread, Starbucks and Auntie Anne’s. If you have extra food, clothing or money donations which you’d like to make, think of this charitable organization. For more information, call Envoy Quintanilla at 733-2784 or visit their website at www.salvationarmyvisalia.org.
There are many terrific community resources which I don’t have room to write about, including Turning Point, CSET, Family Services and many, many others. As a community and individually, let’s support these wonderful agencies and non-profits.
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 City Council Member
VISALIA EMERGENCY AID
The Visalia Emergency Aid Council was founded 80 years ago, and is located at 217 N.E. Third St., Visalia. It is the largest food pantry in Tulare County. This non-profit assists 14,000 families with children and seniors each year. They have a companion 17,000 square foot thrift store located at 620 W. Houston Avenue. The thrift store not only meets the needs of the community with inexpensive appliances, furniture and clothing, but the sale proceeds assist in funding the food pantry. The pantry is open five days a week and the thrift store is open seven days a week. Major donors include Food For Less and Sequoia Beverage. Through a grant from United Way, VEAC has a rental assistance program as well. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, they do food, toy, jacket and blanket giveaways. Once a family’s food stamps and other aid have expired, they can obtain supplemental food assistance one time every thirty days. FoodLink makes deliveries of food supplies to VEAC every week, and various ranches in the area donate oranges, potatoes and other vegetables. Most of the donations to the VEAC stay right here in our community. They welcome donations from yard sales and any furniture and appliances (working or not), and have a truck that will pick up at your home. They have one major fundraiser each year, which is the Race Against Hunger on Thanksgiving day. This event has grown over the last eight years from 250 participants to over 4,000 in 2011. For more information about the VEAC, contact Iris East or Patricia Espinoza at (559) 732-0101 or check them out at www.veac.org.
VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
Next I met with Jessica Ginkel at the Visalia Rescue Mission. I was amazed at everything they offer there, and couldn’t possibly even describe it all in one or two paragraphs. Let me just make a list of their offerings: Rescued Treasures, Simply Chic Boutique, distribution center, soup kitchen, overnight guest shelter, nine-month residential recovery program, men’s shelter, women’s shelter, chapel services, life skills training (including cooking, anger management, money management training), community garden, new 50,000 square foot administrative center with worship center, and soon-to-be-opened information center at Oval Park. The Rescue Mission is supported by forty-four Christian-based churches. As part of their recycling program, they have two trucks and will come to your home to pick up leftover garage sale items or used furniture and appliances. Additionally, they are a certified e-waste recycling center open five days a week. They have a paid staff of fifty-nine employees, full and part time, along with 200 volunteers per week. The evening before I visited, they housed 82 guests overnight. They have 35 people in their ongoing addiction recovery program currently. An individual or family can visit once a month and receive clothing and two food bags. They serve on the average 529 meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Rescue Mission receives little government funding and relies on local donations and contributions. For information, call Jessica or Danny Little at (559) 740-4178 or visit visaliarescue.org.
THE SALVATION ARMY
When most of us think of the Salvation Army, we think of the bell ringers and donation kettles at Christmastime. I met with envoy Jesus Quintanilla, leader of our local Salvation Army church. He indicated that they have been in Visalia since the 1940's. Most of their fundraising is done during the kettle season. However, they accept donations throughout the year of food, clothing and money. In turn, they provide food boxes, clothing vouchers, clothing, furniture and utility assistance to any needy person in the community. They served over 500 families both at Thanksgiving and at Christmas in 2011, by providing food boxes, turkeys, clothing and toys. Envoy Quintanilla mentioned that they are grateful for the assistance of the local Lutheran Church ladies who provide homemade quilts on a monthly basis, the local Breakfast Lion’s Club which donated over 200 turkeys at Thanksgiving time, Smarty Pantz, a local business that assists with children’s clothing, and the Key Club at all four high schools and La Jolla Jr. High which collected canned food. Local businesses which donate food on a regular basis include Panera Bread, Starbucks and Auntie Anne’s. If you have extra food, clothing or money donations which you’d like to make, think of this charitable organization. For more information, call Envoy Quintanilla at 733-2784 or visit their website at www.salvationarmyvisalia.org.
There are many terrific community resources which I don’t have room to write about, including Turning Point, CSET, Family Services and many, many others. As a community and individually, let’s support these wonderful agencies and non-profits.
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 City Council Member
Sunday, April 1, 2012
COMMUNITY RESOURCES-PART I
Even though Tulare County is one of the top agricultural counties in the nation, there are still the needy and hungry in our area. When we observe the homeless or those otherwise in need, our first reaction may be to ask what local government is going to do about it. However, I would suggest that we already have valuable resources in place within our community that can address these issues. I recently decided to conduct my own survey, and was greatly impressed by the resources which I found that are available out there. I will devote this month’s and next month’s articles to update our citizens as to some of the terrific people and local non-profits that are making a difference.
BETHLEHEM CENTER
The Bethlehem Center at 1638 N. Dinuba Blvd. is run by the Catholic Church of Visalia with Sherald Sluka as site director. The site covers about three and a half acres, and many retiree volunteers help to run the operation. This organization serves hot meals at breakfast and lunch to an average of sixty or more. The meals are healthy, appetizing, and when I visited, provided a tantalizing aroma. Members from various churches in the community volunteer on a regular basis to help prepare and serve the food. Many businesses, churches, and individuals likewise donate food, money and other commodities. Towards the end of each month as personal paychecks run low, the Center’s customers seem to increase.
Next door to the kitchen is a thrift shop open to the public. Clothing, books and appliances are donated, sorted and prepared by volunteers, who display the items and price them. There were even inexpensive wedding dresses and prom gowns available at the thrift shop! You can’t find a better deal in town. Additionally, food and clothing orders are provided at no cost to the indigent. The Bethlehem Center is a well run non-profit with the good of our community at heart. In order to donate or volunteer, call 734-1572 or visit www.facebook.com/BethlehemVisalia.
FOODLINK
Sandy Beals, the executive director of FoodLink, gave me the complete tour of their facility. This non-profit occupies about 27,000 square feet in Visalia’s industrial park. They provide food to approximately 80 emergency food pantries in Visalia and throughout Tulare County, including the Bethlehem Center, Salvation Army and Visalia Emergency Aid. FoodLink, in existence since 1978, was a spinoff of the Visalia Interchurch Fellowship.
Touring their plant is like going to the supermarket, at least during December. They have packaged food stacked almost to the ceiling, which has been donated by various manufacturers, packing houses, grocers, the USDA, and others. For instance, on the day I visited, Saputo Foods out of Tulare had donated eight pallets of cheese and butter. Fresh citrus of all types, along with yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese were on display. Kraft Foods recently donated a $160,000.00 cold box, which along with their freezer, keeps food fresh. FoodLink has a separate sorting room where they intake food, sort and inspect the same. A new refrigerated truck was recently donated by Walmart to FoodLink, to go along with the rest of their fleet.
FoodLink will take orders from various other non-profits and emergency food pantries and pack up the food in boxes ready for individual families, or may just deliver pallets loaded with food to various communities in Tulare County. Their funding comes from private donations, various corporations and foundations, as well as from the government. Sandy indicated that she writes two to three grant applications per week. Earlier in the year, the City of Visalia contributed $3,000.00, which money is being used to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the students at Highland Elementary School. Despite their warehouse appearing to be jammed full of food in December, Sandy indicated that their warehouse is usually empty by February. Donations throughout the rest of the year are needed and appreciated. They distribute food to over 100,000 people per year throughout the county. This past summer, FoodLink provided 15,803 free lunches to low-income children in the area. FoodLink is a fabulous organization that provides free farmers’ markets, holiday boxes, summer lunch programs, and works with our schools to provide not only food but nutrition lessons and more. Remember this organization when you are in a position to donate. Their contact information is foodlinktc.org, (559) 651-3663.
Should local government attempt to replicate these services? I would suggest that instead, the better course is for the city and its citizens to support these existing resources and encourage them, rather than duplicate them. More on this important topic in next month’s Direct Magazine, as I report on visits to Visalia Emergency Aid, Visalia Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army.
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 City Council Member
BETHLEHEM CENTER
The Bethlehem Center at 1638 N. Dinuba Blvd. is run by the Catholic Church of Visalia with Sherald Sluka as site director. The site covers about three and a half acres, and many retiree volunteers help to run the operation. This organization serves hot meals at breakfast and lunch to an average of sixty or more. The meals are healthy, appetizing, and when I visited, provided a tantalizing aroma. Members from various churches in the community volunteer on a regular basis to help prepare and serve the food. Many businesses, churches, and individuals likewise donate food, money and other commodities. Towards the end of each month as personal paychecks run low, the Center’s customers seem to increase.
Next door to the kitchen is a thrift shop open to the public. Clothing, books and appliances are donated, sorted and prepared by volunteers, who display the items and price them. There were even inexpensive wedding dresses and prom gowns available at the thrift shop! You can’t find a better deal in town. Additionally, food and clothing orders are provided at no cost to the indigent. The Bethlehem Center is a well run non-profit with the good of our community at heart. In order to donate or volunteer, call 734-1572 or visit www.facebook.com/BethlehemVisalia.
FOODLINK
Sandy Beals, the executive director of FoodLink, gave me the complete tour of their facility. This non-profit occupies about 27,000 square feet in Visalia’s industrial park. They provide food to approximately 80 emergency food pantries in Visalia and throughout Tulare County, including the Bethlehem Center, Salvation Army and Visalia Emergency Aid. FoodLink, in existence since 1978, was a spinoff of the Visalia Interchurch Fellowship.
Touring their plant is like going to the supermarket, at least during December. They have packaged food stacked almost to the ceiling, which has been donated by various manufacturers, packing houses, grocers, the USDA, and others. For instance, on the day I visited, Saputo Foods out of Tulare had donated eight pallets of cheese and butter. Fresh citrus of all types, along with yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese were on display. Kraft Foods recently donated a $160,000.00 cold box, which along with their freezer, keeps food fresh. FoodLink has a separate sorting room where they intake food, sort and inspect the same. A new refrigerated truck was recently donated by Walmart to FoodLink, to go along with the rest of their fleet.
FoodLink will take orders from various other non-profits and emergency food pantries and pack up the food in boxes ready for individual families, or may just deliver pallets loaded with food to various communities in Tulare County. Their funding comes from private donations, various corporations and foundations, as well as from the government. Sandy indicated that she writes two to three grant applications per week. Earlier in the year, the City of Visalia contributed $3,000.00, which money is being used to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the students at Highland Elementary School. Despite their warehouse appearing to be jammed full of food in December, Sandy indicated that their warehouse is usually empty by February. Donations throughout the rest of the year are needed and appreciated. They distribute food to over 100,000 people per year throughout the county. This past summer, FoodLink provided 15,803 free lunches to low-income children in the area. FoodLink is a fabulous organization that provides free farmers’ markets, holiday boxes, summer lunch programs, and works with our schools to provide not only food but nutrition lessons and more. Remember this organization when you are in a position to donate. Their contact information is foodlinktc.org, (559) 651-3663.
Should local government attempt to replicate these services? I would suggest that instead, the better course is for the city and its citizens to support these existing resources and encourage them, rather than duplicate them. More on this important topic in next month’s Direct Magazine, as I report on visits to Visalia Emergency Aid, Visalia Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army.
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 City Council Member
Thursday, March 1, 2012
SUSTAINABILITY: GOING GREEN IN VISALIA
In December of each year, I spend weekends and evenings pruning my dormant fruit trees and grape vines. While time consuming, I find it therapeutic and an opportunity to contemplate the wonders of nature. I time my annual pruning project to take advantage of the Visalia Solid Waste Department’s annual Fall Yard Waste Recycling event. Between approximately Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the city invites Visalia residents to recycle yard trimmings, leaves, branches, and such by dropping off their yard waste at the Tulare County Biomass location on south Lover’s Lane, or at Wood Industries on the southwest corner of Highways 198 and 99. The city recycles these items by grinding them into compost/mulch. Visalia residents can in return receive compost to use in their garden area. Did I mention that all of this is free to Visalia residents? When it comes to “going green,” Visalia is progressive and ahead of the curve. In addition to fall and spring yard waste recycling events, the city also accepts Christmas trees after the holidays which it likewise will recycle. Much of the resulting compost and bark is used by the city for landscaping in medians and parks.
Additionally, the city quarterly holds free “Dump On Us” events. These events are held at the Visalia City Yard located at 335 N. Cain Street. You can dispose of your household hazardous waste there as well.
Another Visalia green project which I’m excited about is the recent renovation of the irrigation system at the Valley Oaks City Golf Course. This new irrigation system has not only improved the looks of the entire golf course, but will conserve water. Last summer, I took a tour of the golf course with the course manager, Aaron Hensley, to inspect the results. I’m not a golfer, but based upon my gardening background, I observed the fresh, lush look of the grassy fairways, tees and greens. To make this irrigation system even better, the city’s wastewater treatment plant will soon connect into the golf course’s irrigation system, such that it will then use treated recycled water for irrigation purposes. The more we can recycle and conserve our water resources in this arid valley, the better.
The city is also working with a local irrigation district to trade treated water from the city’s wastewater treatment plant on the west side of town for farming purposes, in exchange for fresh water coming into Visalia from the east side which can then be used for groundwater recharge. For more information on these and other great conservation projects which the city is involved in, visit www.gogreenvisalia.com.
One other tip to help Visalians save money and conserve energy. Through June 2012, the Home Energy Tune-Up Program provides free in-home energy assessments for homeowners. This includes up to $4,000.00 of incentives from the Energy Upgrade California program. To arrange for your home inspection, visit www.TulareHomeTuneUp.com.
Elections Update: The Visalia City Council appointed an elections task force comprised of 13 local citizens. After meeting a number of times, reviewing data and statistics, and much back-and-forth discussion, the task force recommended to the City Council that Visalia change its charter to go from at-large elections for City Council to by-district elections. I attended these task force meetings as an observer. While I don’t agree with the claims of a few that there has historically been “racially polarized” voting in Visalia, I do agree with task force members Harry Wood and Bob Aguilar, former Mayor Jesus Gamboa and others, that minorities have been under-represented on the City Council in its 160 year history. Visalia has grown to over 125,000 and pursuant to population projections, will reach over 200,000 in the next 20 years. The larger Visalia becomes, the more the argument can be made that district elections will better reflect our diverse population. Why not proceed in that direction now? I recently spoke with incumbent Donna Martin of the Visalia School Board, who ran in her first by-district election this past November (the School Board decided last year to go to by-district elections). She indicated that it was much less expensive for her to run, that she was able to more efficiently direct her time and resources to those in her district in order to earn their vote, and that it was a good experience for her. The City Council will grapple with this elections issue in upcoming council meetings and will likely put it on the 2012 ballot for Visalia citizens to have the final say.
Congratulations: Best wishes to St. Paul’s Church and Father James, who recently celebrated their parish’s 125th anniversary in Visalia, dating back to 1887!
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 City Council Member
Additionally, the city quarterly holds free “Dump On Us” events. These events are held at the Visalia City Yard located at 335 N. Cain Street. You can dispose of your household hazardous waste there as well.
Another Visalia green project which I’m excited about is the recent renovation of the irrigation system at the Valley Oaks City Golf Course. This new irrigation system has not only improved the looks of the entire golf course, but will conserve water. Last summer, I took a tour of the golf course with the course manager, Aaron Hensley, to inspect the results. I’m not a golfer, but based upon my gardening background, I observed the fresh, lush look of the grassy fairways, tees and greens. To make this irrigation system even better, the city’s wastewater treatment plant will soon connect into the golf course’s irrigation system, such that it will then use treated recycled water for irrigation purposes. The more we can recycle and conserve our water resources in this arid valley, the better.
The city is also working with a local irrigation district to trade treated water from the city’s wastewater treatment plant on the west side of town for farming purposes, in exchange for fresh water coming into Visalia from the east side which can then be used for groundwater recharge. For more information on these and other great conservation projects which the city is involved in, visit www.gogreenvisalia.com.
One other tip to help Visalians save money and conserve energy. Through June 2012, the Home Energy Tune-Up Program provides free in-home energy assessments for homeowners. This includes up to $4,000.00 of incentives from the Energy Upgrade California program. To arrange for your home inspection, visit www.TulareHomeTuneUp.com.
Elections Update: The Visalia City Council appointed an elections task force comprised of 13 local citizens. After meeting a number of times, reviewing data and statistics, and much back-and-forth discussion, the task force recommended to the City Council that Visalia change its charter to go from at-large elections for City Council to by-district elections. I attended these task force meetings as an observer. While I don’t agree with the claims of a few that there has historically been “racially polarized” voting in Visalia, I do agree with task force members Harry Wood and Bob Aguilar, former Mayor Jesus Gamboa and others, that minorities have been under-represented on the City Council in its 160 year history. Visalia has grown to over 125,000 and pursuant to population projections, will reach over 200,000 in the next 20 years. The larger Visalia becomes, the more the argument can be made that district elections will better reflect our diverse population. Why not proceed in that direction now? I recently spoke with incumbent Donna Martin of the Visalia School Board, who ran in her first by-district election this past November (the School Board decided last year to go to by-district elections). She indicated that it was much less expensive for her to run, that she was able to more efficiently direct her time and resources to those in her district in order to earn their vote, and that it was a good experience for her. The City Council will grapple with this elections issue in upcoming council meetings and will likely put it on the 2012 ballot for Visalia citizens to have the final say.
Congratulations: Best wishes to St. Paul’s Church and Father James, who recently celebrated their parish’s 125th anniversary in Visalia, dating back to 1887!
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 City Council Member
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Elections Recap
The November 2011 Visalia city council elections are now history. Noting the dearth of analysis in the local news media, I’ll put on my political scientist hat and provide my own analysis thereof.
Incumbents Bob Link and Amy Shuklian retained their seats, and well-known former councilman, Greg Collins, reclaimed the vacant third seat. The message sent loud and clear by the electorate was “stay the course,” unlike the November 2009 election when the theme was all about change and becoming more business friendly. The challengers in the 2011 campaign failed to articulate any convincing issue or problem that needed to be addressed, which would give the electorate a reason to make more changes. Can you, as a reader, remember even one campaign issue that was raised in 2011? Although my seat on the council was not up for election this cycle, my (perhaps self-serving) analysis is that Visalians have been satisfied with the direction the city council has taken for the last two years, keeping the budget in check and maximizing our limited resources during this economic downturn.
Having observed Visalia elections for almost thirty years now, it is clear to me that the low voter turnout of 23% correlated with the lack of issues, along with this being an off-year election. In low voter turnout years, you can depend on “old Visalia” voters to get out the vote and to dictate the election results.
Of the 11,411 votes cast, 7,771were by mail-in ballots (68%). You might ask “what difference does that make?” Voting by mail is so much more convenient. For the price of a postage stamp, you can avoid the cost and the time of driving to your polling station and waiting in line there. Voting by mail begins in early October, almost one month prior to election day. Mail-in voters tend to vote early, usually because they are conscientious and organized, not wanting extra paperwork lying around on their desktop. Inexperienced campaigners often wait until the last week or two before November election day to make a final advertising blitz through the local media. By then, it is usually too late to influence the mail-in voters, since they have already voted! An example from the 2011 election would be the firefighters’ endorsement. I observed that their signs went up in mid-to-late October, long after the commencement of the mail-in voting. I would add that their endorsement can provide a “firefighters’ bump,” such that in a close election, their endorsement may make the difference. However, this was not a close race, and Visalians demonstrated an independent streak, voting based upon their own view of the candidates and issues.
For candidates in future campaigns, I make the following suggestions:
1. Get involved in the community. Don’t just be “city hall groupies,” Visalia voters tend to favor those who have grown up outside the political circles. Join a service club or the board of a non-profit, get involved with local youth sports, and volunteer in other activities in the business community.
2. Become successful in your field of employment. This will not only provide you with the experience to lead and make tough decisions, but may give you the time to serve your community on the council.
3. Volunteer to serve on a city subcommittee, and attend some city council meetings. Review the council agendas and staff reports that are provided online at the city’s website. This will bring you up to speed on the issues facing Visalia. For example, it was reported to me that one of the recent candidates didn’t know what the “scenic corridor” was, when questioned about it!
4. Get started early with campaigning and advertising. Don’t forget about or discount the early mail-in voters.
Finally, an observation. It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to put one’s name and reputation out there before the electorate. While a campaign can be interesting and stimulating, it can also lay one open to personal scrutiny and criticism. So to all the candidates who made the effort to run, I give great big kudos. As to the election victors, I likewise give my hearty congratulations, and I look forward to working with you over the next two years on the Visalia City Council.
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 City Council Member
Incumbents Bob Link and Amy Shuklian retained their seats, and well-known former councilman, Greg Collins, reclaimed the vacant third seat. The message sent loud and clear by the electorate was “stay the course,” unlike the November 2009 election when the theme was all about change and becoming more business friendly. The challengers in the 2011 campaign failed to articulate any convincing issue or problem that needed to be addressed, which would give the electorate a reason to make more changes. Can you, as a reader, remember even one campaign issue that was raised in 2011? Although my seat on the council was not up for election this cycle, my (perhaps self-serving) analysis is that Visalians have been satisfied with the direction the city council has taken for the last two years, keeping the budget in check and maximizing our limited resources during this economic downturn.
Having observed Visalia elections for almost thirty years now, it is clear to me that the low voter turnout of 23% correlated with the lack of issues, along with this being an off-year election. In low voter turnout years, you can depend on “old Visalia” voters to get out the vote and to dictate the election results.
Of the 11,411 votes cast, 7,771were by mail-in ballots (68%). You might ask “what difference does that make?” Voting by mail is so much more convenient. For the price of a postage stamp, you can avoid the cost and the time of driving to your polling station and waiting in line there. Voting by mail begins in early October, almost one month prior to election day. Mail-in voters tend to vote early, usually because they are conscientious and organized, not wanting extra paperwork lying around on their desktop. Inexperienced campaigners often wait until the last week or two before November election day to make a final advertising blitz through the local media. By then, it is usually too late to influence the mail-in voters, since they have already voted! An example from the 2011 election would be the firefighters’ endorsement. I observed that their signs went up in mid-to-late October, long after the commencement of the mail-in voting. I would add that their endorsement can provide a “firefighters’ bump,” such that in a close election, their endorsement may make the difference. However, this was not a close race, and Visalians demonstrated an independent streak, voting based upon their own view of the candidates and issues.
For candidates in future campaigns, I make the following suggestions:
1. Get involved in the community. Don’t just be “city hall groupies,” Visalia voters tend to favor those who have grown up outside the political circles. Join a service club or the board of a non-profit, get involved with local youth sports, and volunteer in other activities in the business community.
2. Become successful in your field of employment. This will not only provide you with the experience to lead and make tough decisions, but may give you the time to serve your community on the council.
3. Volunteer to serve on a city subcommittee, and attend some city council meetings. Review the council agendas and staff reports that are provided online at the city’s website. This will bring you up to speed on the issues facing Visalia. For example, it was reported to me that one of the recent candidates didn’t know what the “scenic corridor” was, when questioned about it!
4. Get started early with campaigning and advertising. Don’t forget about or discount the early mail-in voters.
Finally, an observation. It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to put one’s name and reputation out there before the electorate. While a campaign can be interesting and stimulating, it can also lay one open to personal scrutiny and criticism. So to all the candidates who made the effort to run, I give great big kudos. As to the election victors, I likewise give my hearty congratulations, and I look forward to working with you over the next two years on the Visalia City Council.
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 City Council Member
Sunday, January 1, 2012
THE REARVIEW MIRROR
Prior to making my 2012 New Year’s resolutions, I always like to look back and reflect upon the successes of the past year. Statewide, the economy is stuck in neutral, the engine is sputtering, and the wheels are coming off. But in Visalia, we have gassed up the car, revved up the engine, put the pedal to the metal, and are starting to accelerate. Looking in the rearview mirror, I see the following:
● Visalia’s unemployment rate was 9.8% in August 2011. While it is higher still than it should be, it is lower than California’s average of 11.9%, and Tulare County’s 15.7%.
● On Mooney Boulevard, new retail establishments include The Habit (opening in the old Merle’s location), and Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant, Sole to Soul, Big Kahuna Yogurt, Subway, Fruitland Fresh, and Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa (in the Target shopping center). Mainland Skate & Surf has opened a new 7,000 square foot store in the former Baker’s Square in front of the Sequoia Mall, along with Tutti Frutti, a yogurt shop. A new car wash is under construction on the southeast corner of Tulare and Mooney, and a vocational school for cosmetology and esthetician training (Marinello Beauty School) has been approved for the 11,000 square foot former Western Bootwear building. It’s estimated the school will have up to 10 employees on-site at a time and students will number between 160-250. Escrow has closed on the former Costco building, permits have been issued, and remodeling has commenced on the new Walmart going in to that location. Once the new Walmart opens, the rest of that shopping center should begin to blossom again. Other retailers on Mooney Blvd. will be announced soon. Hint: keep an eye on the Foodsco Center in 2012.
● In historic downtown, the old Togni Branch building has been remodeled and is now occupied by Raising Dough bakery and Giffin, Sanchez & Parker Insurance. Construction of the Promenade has been completed, and Keller Williams Real Estate, Country Club Mortgage, Wells Fargo Advisors, and the Crepe Bar are the new tenants. Likewise, the building next to the Marriott has been remodeled into a new Chase Bank. The Tulare County Probation Department is moving into the one-story county annex at Court and Center, and TCAG will move its administrative offices into the old municipal courthouse on Church Street. Family Health Care Network will be constructing an almost 30,000 square foot two-story health center on School Street, next to its existing facility. And the old McWilliams and Mosley building is now occupied by Rookies Bar and Grill.
● Other retail development includes a new Taco Bell in the north side Target development. We also welcome back Glicks Meats to their original location. The expansion of the Highway 198 Walmart into a Super Walmart was approved by the City Council. Unfortunately, delaying litigation from competitors of Walmart has arisen. One of my New Year’s predictions is that the litigation will be defeated, the Super Walmart built, and shoppers and sales tax dollars will return to Visalia from surrounding communities.
● As reported in my October article, industrial park construction and activity include the 500,000 square foot VWR facility, Perfection Pet Food, Mor Furniture for Less’ new distribution center, VF Outdoor’s expansion, and Hydrite Corporation, a Wisconsin based chemical company which will be expanding in Visalia.
● Mooney Blvd. has been widened to three lanes in both directions, and the widening of the intersection at Walnut and Mooney Blvd. should be completed by the time you read this. Over $24,000,000.00 has been awarded in state and federal grant money for the Plaza Drive interchange and widening project. Construction is expected to begin in early 2012 and will take 1-1/2 to 2 years to complete. Look for the 198 overpass to include not only eye-catching art design, but a “Welcome to Visalia” sign for those travelers coming off Highway 99.
● A 283% increase in value for new commercial permits for 2011 boosted the total valuation of all permits 20% for the year, up from $89,756,652 in the first nine months of 2010 to $107,844,268 for the same time period in 2011.
● The Sequoia Shuttle to the national parks had its best season ever. The ridership on the route into the park grew by 47% during 2011. Likewise, at the municipal airport, ridership is booming, and we now have 2 daily flights to Las Vegas and to LAX.
These are but a few examples of the good things happening in Visalia. While the city and its economy are not out of the woods yet, Visalia appears to be on the right track and in position to lap other areas of the state.
So let the new year begin with optimism and hope for an even better 2012. Safe driving and 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.
Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
● Visalia’s unemployment rate was 9.8% in August 2011. While it is higher still than it should be, it is lower than California’s average of 11.9%, and Tulare County’s 15.7%.
● On Mooney Boulevard, new retail establishments include The Habit (opening in the old Merle’s location), and Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant, Sole to Soul, Big Kahuna Yogurt, Subway, Fruitland Fresh, and Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa (in the Target shopping center). Mainland Skate & Surf has opened a new 7,000 square foot store in the former Baker’s Square in front of the Sequoia Mall, along with Tutti Frutti, a yogurt shop. A new car wash is under construction on the southeast corner of Tulare and Mooney, and a vocational school for cosmetology and esthetician training (Marinello Beauty School) has been approved for the 11,000 square foot former Western Bootwear building. It’s estimated the school will have up to 10 employees on-site at a time and students will number between 160-250. Escrow has closed on the former Costco building, permits have been issued, and remodeling has commenced on the new Walmart going in to that location. Once the new Walmart opens, the rest of that shopping center should begin to blossom again. Other retailers on Mooney Blvd. will be announced soon. Hint: keep an eye on the Foodsco Center in 2012.
● In historic downtown, the old Togni Branch building has been remodeled and is now occupied by Raising Dough bakery and Giffin, Sanchez & Parker Insurance. Construction of the Promenade has been completed, and Keller Williams Real Estate, Country Club Mortgage, Wells Fargo Advisors, and the Crepe Bar are the new tenants. Likewise, the building next to the Marriott has been remodeled into a new Chase Bank. The Tulare County Probation Department is moving into the one-story county annex at Court and Center, and TCAG will move its administrative offices into the old municipal courthouse on Church Street. Family Health Care Network will be constructing an almost 30,000 square foot two-story health center on School Street, next to its existing facility. And the old McWilliams and Mosley building is now occupied by Rookies Bar and Grill.
● Other retail development includes a new Taco Bell in the north side Target development. We also welcome back Glicks Meats to their original location. The expansion of the Highway 198 Walmart into a Super Walmart was approved by the City Council. Unfortunately, delaying litigation from competitors of Walmart has arisen. One of my New Year’s predictions is that the litigation will be defeated, the Super Walmart built, and shoppers and sales tax dollars will return to Visalia from surrounding communities.
● As reported in my October article, industrial park construction and activity include the 500,000 square foot VWR facility, Perfection Pet Food, Mor Furniture for Less’ new distribution center, VF Outdoor’s expansion, and Hydrite Corporation, a Wisconsin based chemical company which will be expanding in Visalia.
● Mooney Blvd. has been widened to three lanes in both directions, and the widening of the intersection at Walnut and Mooney Blvd. should be completed by the time you read this. Over $24,000,000.00 has been awarded in state and federal grant money for the Plaza Drive interchange and widening project. Construction is expected to begin in early 2012 and will take 1-1/2 to 2 years to complete. Look for the 198 overpass to include not only eye-catching art design, but a “Welcome to Visalia” sign for those travelers coming off Highway 99.
● A 283% increase in value for new commercial permits for 2011 boosted the total valuation of all permits 20% for the year, up from $89,756,652 in the first nine months of 2010 to $107,844,268 for the same time period in 2011.
● The Sequoia Shuttle to the national parks had its best season ever. The ridership on the route into the park grew by 47% during 2011. Likewise, at the municipal airport, ridership is booming, and we now have 2 daily flights to Las Vegas and to LAX.
These are but a few examples of the good things happening in Visalia. While the city and its economy are not out of the woods yet, Visalia appears to be on the right track and in position to lap other areas of the state.
So let the new year begin with optimism and hope for an even better 2012. Safe driving and 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.
Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
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