Sheriff Mike Boudreaux held a press conference on August 11, revealing that an ongoing undercover investigation, called Operation Baby Face, had culminated with multiple arrests that morning involving human trafficking. The investigation began in May and more than 70 deputies served 15 search and arrest warrants early on the morning of the eleventh. Boudreaux described […]
The air was charged with athletic energy as pickleball enthusiasts made their case for more pickleball courts in Visalia. Approximately 60 pickle ball players and their friends attended the August 15 Visalia City Council public hearing concerning resurfacing two of the eight Plaza Park tennis courts into pickle ball courts. After an hour of lively […]
The Visalia City Council voted at its August 15 meeting to approve a special zone in east downtown for micro-breweries and micro-wineries. The zone creates a business friendly atmosphere for such enterprises in East Visalia. The new zone eliminates many of the restrictions imposed on establishments serving alcohol. The zone eliminates the need for a […]
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted at its August 16 meeting to adopt its interim zoning ordinance on the cultivation of marijuana and medical marijuana dispensaries. The interim ordinance prohibits the establishment of new or expansion of existing medical marijuana entities, including collectives cooperatives, businesses or other entities engaged in commercial cannabis activity in […]
Want to Make Some Major Bucks Without a Real Job? Remember Christine “I’m not a witch” O’Donnell? She ran in the 2010 mid-term election as Senator for Delaware to fill Joe Biden’s seat. She was one of those long-shot, Tea Party candidates who won in the Republican primary but got clobbered in the November general […]
The Local Election Scene The Tulare County Registrar of Voters has put out a preliminary list of who has filed papers to run in the November election. Those interested in running have until August 12 to file, so many more prospective candidates will be coming forward. If no incumbent files, the nomination period for that […]
The Tulare County Planning Commission (TCPC) approved a request by Kaweah River Rock to modify its 2001 mining permit at its July 27 meeting. The modification allows the company to mine gravel and sand on a 20-acre parcel that was previously approved only for storage. The parcel in question borders residential properties and domestic and […]
The Visalia City Council at its August 1 meeting gave final approval to put a half-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. The vote was 5-0. The increased revenue will be earmarked for public safety and a small percent will go to youth services and parks. Because it is a General Revenue Measure, the […]
Straight Lives Matter Did you know that July is International Heterosexual Month? It’s chock full of activities such as a straight pride parade and a Straight Pride Day. July is when heterosexuals are encouraged to come out of the closet and declare freedom for all straights around the world. They can finally celebrate the right […]
Tulare County’ smallest incorporated town is making big changes. In the last three years Woodlake has improved its downtown, residential areas and infrastructure. “I was proud to say I was from Woodlake. I even pulled over to take pictures since I hadn’t been there in a year,” said a Tulare County local who grew up […]