Thousands of low-income California families impacted by the drought will soon be receiving rental assistance, thanks to a new $10 million grant program being offered through California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). La Cooperativa, a nonprofit association, has been selected by HCD to administer the program, and assistance will begin flowing directly to […]
Zaylie Botello, a preschooler at Early Childhood Education’s (ECE) North Visalia Center, excitedly announced that she wants to read books in kindergarten. Teacher assistant Ninfa Guerrero asked students at her table to illustrate something for their book project that they want to do when they reach kindergarten next year. Zaylie began to draw tiny books […]
A new survey of Tulare County tenants shows support for more protections from secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing. This survey found that a majority of tenants favor rules prohibiting smoking in outdoor common areas of complexes (70%) and inside apartment units (66%). Despite these findings, only 43% of Tulare County tenants report currently living in […]
Dean Runyan Associates released its “California Travel Impacts by County, 1992-2012” report last month, which shows tourism now adds more than $400 million to the Tulare County economy. This reflects a steady increase in several spending and earning categories, with most now above their pre-recession levels. Tulare County, its cities and its other travel destinations […]
More and more movie, television, video and even commercial producers are looking to Tulare County as the site of their filming locations. Over the years, the county has had its share of scenes in such notable films as “Stagecoach,” “Hulk” and “Forest Gump,” but now it seems that the county is getting a sudden influx […]
The June 3rd primary election ushered into office heavily favored candidates, but also produced a few surprises. The biggest surprise of the night was the race for Tulare County District Attorney. In a duel that was difficult to call during its final days, Tim Ward pulled off a solid defeat of former Assistant DA Ralph […]
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted 5 – 0 on June 3rd to ban all medical marijuana cultivation by cooperatives or individuals. Previously it was legal for cooperatives to grow 99 plants, and for individuals to grow up to 24 plants within an enclosed structure and out of public view. The board was presented […]
A selection committee of 15 Tulare County business and educational leaders met recently to review the Tulare County Administrator/Manager of the Year, Teacher of the Year and School Employee of the Year nominations for 2014. The “Excellence in Education” Awards program, now celebrating its 20th year, honors “the best of the best” in the three […]
Middle school students hesitantly emerged from the limousines that transported them to the Slick Rock Student Film Festival, moving cautiously toward the red carpet walk and the entrance to the Visalia Fox Theatre. In contrast, high school participants “owned” the red carpet – posing for photographers and speaking authoritatively in interviews with the videographer. “Slick […]
The California Chamber of Commerce has named 26 local chambers of commerce to receive the President’s Circle Award. Among those honored was the Porterville Chamber of Commerce. The award, first presented in 2009, recognizes chambers for excellence in business advocacy and helping their members comply with California employment laws. President’s Circle Award recipients published vote […]