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

WINNING NEVER GETS OLD

The inaugural Visalia Senior Games is now history.  Over 250 people registered for these games, with competition spread out over four days.  The competitors came from all over California and as far away as Oregon and Texas.  From those who have attended senior games elsewhere, we heard nothing but compliments about how smoothly our games were run and how much fun they were.   For results and pictures, visit visaliaseniorgames.com.

The largest sports group were those playing pickleball, with 141 entries.  Remember that many people competed in multiple events.  Participating were 107 from Tulare County of which 83 were from Visalia, 88 from the valley, and 40 from elsewhere throughout the state.

From various businesses throughout the community, we raised $16,650.00 in cash, as well as over $5,000.00 of in-kind donations.  I particularly want to thank Marilyn Mitchell and Jostens for their valiant effort at the last minute to get out a multi-page, full color brochure for the participants.

We couldn't have been blessed with better weather, sunny and in the 80's the entire time.  At registration, competitors were given a goody bag that included a colorful, high quality Senior Games tee shirt, coupons, the brochure, welcome packet and other information.  At the opening ceremonies at Riverway Sports Park, there was a torch lighting and a parade.  Included in the Wednesday opening ceremony were speeches, the Mighty Oaks Barber Shop singers, and a drum team,  followed by a tri-tip barbeque catered by Tres Bien.  Friday evening was a second social, this time at the Garden Street Plaza downtown featuring appetizers by the local Lion clubs and music by "Borrowed Time." 

The registration fee was $25.00, plus an additional fee for each event participated in.  One friend asked me why it cost so much.  I indicated that for the price, the athletes not only got to compete, but received medals, goody bags, a dinner and the Friday night social.  This compares favorably to other senior games, such as the Huntsman Games in southern Utah, where the basic registration fee is $100.00, plus extras.

City manager Mike Olmos, a last minute entrant in golfing, picked up a gold medal.  Afterwards, he indicated that other golfers at the clubhouse looked enviously at his medal and realized that they could have probably medaled in their own age groups as well, and promised to participate next time.

Including sponsorships, ad sales, donations, registration fees and merchandise sales, $29,000.00 in cash was generated.  Funds raised were sufficient to cover the cost of putting on the event while using no city monies.

I particularly want to compliment the Parks & Recreation Dept. for the wonderful job they did in putting on these almost perfect Senior Games, especially since this was our first attempt.  Also, I'd like to thank all of those who volunteered, and served on the senior games committee from the community and enthusiastically donated their time to make this a success.

We are looking forward to putting on the second Visalia Senior Games.  Planning is already under way.  Items under consideration include additional sporting events (e.g. track and field, swimming, disc golf, foot golf), and changing the date to the springtime so as not to conflict with other events.  Now that we have the website up and running, the templates, the welcome packet and brochure, and other logistics figured out, next time will be even bigger and better.  We've challenged each participant to bring at least one friend with them next time which by itself would double our numbers. 

Remember, as the Visalia Senior Games motto says, "Winning Never Gets Old."  Thanks again to everyone for making this a successful inaugural event.   We look forward to it growing over the years, and becoming a signature event and an economic stimulus for our city.

                                                                          Warren Gubler

                                                                          Visalia Vice Mayor

Editorial, Visalia Times Delta 10/31/15

                                                

RESIDENTIAL WASTE COLLECTION UPDATE

The state of California has set a mandate that 75% of solid waste is to be diverted to recycling by the year 2020.  Currently, Visalia's diversion rate is 71%.  To help meet this state mandate, the city council has authorized staff to start the process of converting to a residential three-can collection system, i.e., separate cans for solid waste, recyclables, and green waste, as opposed to the current split-can system.  It will cost approximately $5 million to implement the three-can system and to provide new cans for all residents.  The conversion will not result in a rate increase.  It is estimated that the three-can system will be implemented sometime during the next three years.

Once implemented, the cost to operate a three-can system will not be much more than the current split-can system.  A split truck can only service about 800 split cans a day, while a single-body truck can service about 1,200 cans a day.  Single-body trucks cost about $40,000.00 less than split trucks.  Two single-body cans don't cost any more than one split can.  Split trucks have to dump more often in a day than single-body trucks, because when one side of a split truck fills up, the truck has to take the materials to the dump even though the other half of the truck may not be completely full.

Other positives about a three-can collection system include increased diversion and decreased contamination by adding capacity and convenience.  City customers can request a smaller can or a larger can, depending on their particular waste needs, and rates will be structured based on can size.

It is becoming more difficult to find manufacturers who make split-can trucks, and even the split cans themselves.  Visalia is the last city in California to use the split-can system, and may be one of the last in the nation.

Of course, there are some cons to this conversion, such as customers will have to store an extra can and there will be an additional truck pass each week.  However, the consequences remaining with the split-can system include the difficulty of meeting the increased diversion requirements mandated by the state, more contamination of recyclables, and decreasing availability of split cans and split trucks, along with the resulting increasing costs for specially built split trucks and cans.

As the city moves forward with implementing the three can collection system, citizen input and feedback will be sought and more information will be shared with the public as it becomes available.  My wife Alisa has already told me that I get to haul that extra can to the curb each week!

One of the many good things about Visalia city staff is that they constantly strive to keep up with current technology and efficiencies.  The city council also approved the solid waste division to start the process to acquire an in-house account management system with Associated Technology Improvements.  The implementation costs of this new system will be about $750,000.00.  However, the staff study estimates that the annual savings from a new account management system will be about $750,000.00.

ADDITIONAL CITY UPDATES:

Developer Dave Paynter recently purchased the Sequoia Plaza Shopping Center (which includes Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory and Ashley Furniture on South Mooney).  Mr. Paynter already owns Sequoia Mall and the Dick's Sporting Goods center, which means that Mr. Paynter now controls three corners of the Caldwell and Mooney intersection.  Mr. Paynter is a well-known developer who has had many successes locally.  Look for more new stores and upgrades at these locations as Mr. Paynter works to redevelop them.

Construction of the Visalia Parkway crossing at Packwood Creek to the west of Target on South Mooney is finally underway.  This will connect the southern boundary of the city and will allow travelers to drive on the Visalia Parkway from County Center east through to Mooney Blvd.

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


Warren Gubler
Visalia Vice Mayor

EAST DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT

The new Visalia Emergency Communications Center (VECC) is at the construction bid stage.  It will be built in the east downtown area, bordered on the north by Goshen Avenue, on the east by Ben Maddax Way and on the west by Burke Street.  We're hoping to award the contract by November 2015 and to break ground in January 2016, with construction taking approximately 18 months.  This two-story building will have about 19,000 square feet and will be built to essential services standards.  In addition to the city's public safety dispatch center, it will house the Visalia Emergency Operations Center and the Fire Dept. administration.

The city has accumulated 32 acres of land in this location over many years, and a future city hall and community center are planned for here as well.  This area was selected with the idea that it will help jump-start growth and development in east downtown.

However, remember that this is not a stand-alone project.  Visalia has had numerous projects, both public sector and private sector, which have been encouraged and developed in this area in recent years.  Let me remind you of some of those projects.

∙ Buckman Mitchell Inc. took a leap of faith and moved their headquarters to a new building at Santa Fe and Murray a few years back.

∙ Visalia purchased the former Chamber of Commerce building and moved its administration into that building in August 2015.

∙ Imagine-U Children's Museum to the east of the chamber building has been under construction, and will be open to the public by the time you read this.  This will be a tremendous draw to east downtown.

∙ A new traffic signal at Ben Maddox and Douglas will be installed in early 2016.

∙ Oak Street will be built through to Burke, including railroad improvements.

∙ Mill Creek Trail is under design in that area and will be under construction in summer 2016.

∙ The Jennings Ditch Trail is anticipated for construction in late 2016.

∙ Edison lines will be undergrounded with anticipated construction this fall.

∙ Burke Street will soon be put through north to Houston Ave., where there is currently a cul-de-sac, giving us another north-south arterial.  The city is currently securing the final right of way.

∙ New Downtown storm drain pipelines will be installed with construction beginning in November 2015.  The former Soroptimist Park will be used to construct a new storm drainage pond (Soroptimist Basin) for these waters to flow into.  This project will substantially mitigate the risk of flooding in the downtown area.

In order to encourage further east downtown development, the roads and infrastructure must be put in as set forth above.  Much of the cost of these improvements will be paid via grant money, and will cost millions of dollars.

I predict that in addition to the new VECC, twenty years from now a new City Hall-Community Center along with other commercial properties and offices, and even high-density housing will be built in this area.  The foundation for a successful future in east downtown Visalia is being laid by the city today.

Senior Games - Final reminder that the inaugural Visalia Senior Games are quickly approaching, to be held October 21-25, 2015. The deadline for registering is October 8, so go to visaliaseniorgames.com now to register or volunteer.  Our senior games are the first in central California and will be under the umbrella of the California Senior Games Association (CSGA).  In late August, the CSGA sent out notice to its members and  athletes regarding our games.  The CSGA has over 15,000 California senior athletes in its database.  It will be interesting to see how many athletes we will have participating from our community versus those from throughout the state and region.  We'll have nine athletic events for seniors age 50 and older, there will be an opening ceremony at Riverway Sports Park, including music, dinner and a parade of athletes, and there will  be a Friday evening social at the Garden Street Plaza.  All you senior athletes and former athletes, don't miss this event!  Come have fun with us, and use this event, as I am, as motivation to get in shape!  Visalia's slogan is "Winning Never Gets Old!"



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