“Our goal is to help our community members access fresh, healthy, locally grown organic foods, and to put our town on the map as an event destination,” shared Ms. Julie Levine, Health and Wellness Committee Chair of the Capineros Community Center group.
A Grassroots Effort Rooted in Community
The farmers market series has been brought to life through the collective efforts of the Capineros Community Center, local volunteers, the community church, and nearby businesses, creating a uniquely local, place-based experience.
The event will feature:
- Fresh produce, including greens, vegetables, mushrooms, citrus, and berries
- Artisan foods, coffee, and handcrafted goods (including sourdough bread, black bean burgers, and more)
- Free range eggs (duck, goose, and chicken)
- Participation from local artists and makers
- Family-friendly activities and gathering spaces
- Opportunities to connect directly with local growers and producers
- Live Music featuring The Pine Flat Boys
The community also hosts a small-scale Artisan Festival on the first Saturday of the month, and several of those local artists will participate in the farmers market, further strengthening the town’s growing local goods and creative economy. Vendor fees will be waived for the first two months to support small businesses and encourage participation, lowering barriers for farmers and artisans to participate and grow.
A Strategic Location Along a Growing Tourism Corridor
California Hot Springs is ideally situated for travelers looking to explore some of the region’s most celebrated natural attractions. Located approximately 30 minutes from the Giant Sequoias and the Trail of 100 Giants, the community offers easy access to majestic groves and scenic trails while serving as a gateway along key foothill routes into the Sequoias. Its proximity, less than an hour from Porterville and within 1.5 hours of Visalia and Bakersfield, makes it a convenient and appealing stop for both residents and visitors, supporting ongoing efforts to grow tourism and enhance the area’s appeal.
With the anticipated reopening of the local hot springs resort, currently under restoration following the 2023 flood damage, community leaders see this market as part of a broader effort to rebrand and revitalize the area as a destination, expanding offerings for both residents and visitors.
The Tulare County Economic Development Office is supporting the initiative by assisting with marketing, regional outreach, and tourism alignment through the Discover Tulare County program.
“The County’s role is to help amplify what the community is building,” said Alida Verduzco Silva, Economic Development Manager with the County of Tulare. “This is a great example of a locally driven idea that can grow into a meaningful economic and tourism asset for the region.” The County is also working in coordination with the Mighty 190 tourism initiative, a collaborative effort supported by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, championed in District 5 by Supervisor Dennis Townsend, and advanced in partnership with the City of Porterville, to promote destinations and businesses along State Route 190, from Porterville and Springville through Camp Nelson, Pierpoint Springs, Ponderosa, and the Trail of 100 Giants, positioning California Hot Springs as a key stop along this scenic corridor. At the regional level, both the County’s Discover Tulare County program and the Mighty 190 initiative participate in the Sequoia Tourism Council, a collaborative effort to increase awareness and visitation throughout Tulare County.
About Capineros Community Center
The Capineros Community Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving California Hot Springs, bringing together residents, organizations, and local partners through events, programs, and initiatives that enhance quality of life in the region.