Final Environmental Document for South Valley High-Speed Rail Section Ready for Board Action

Posted on May 1, 2014May 2, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

The California High-Speed Rail Authority and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have announced the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for the Fresno-to-Bakersfield project section of the California High-Speed Rail project. The Final EIR/EIS represents a comprehensive, project-level review of the section that runs approximately 114 miles from downtown Fresno to downtown […]

‘Six Californias’ Initiative Inspires Local Concern, Optimism… and Some Scoffing

Posted on April 17, 2014April 19, 2014 by Steve Pastis

If the current petition drive is successful, “Six Californias,” an initiative to divide California into six states, will soon be on the ballot. The stated goal of the plan is to create states with “more local, responsive, efficient and representative governments.” The initiative reportedly has some grassroots support in each of the proposed states, but […]

California Food Banks Have Crucial Need for More Milk

Posted on April 17, 2014April 19, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

That gallon of milk you consider a staple in your refrigerator is missing in many of California’s food banks. According to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, milk is one of the items most requested by food bank clients, yet it is rarely donated. That will soon change with the launch of The […]

National Park Service Announces Campaign as Centerpiece of 2016 Centennial

Posted on April 17, 2014April 19, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

The National Park Service (NPS) announced that the centerpiece of its 2016 centennial will be a broad public engagement campaign to reintroduce the national parks and the work of the NPS to a new generation of Americans, inviting them to visit and get involved. The two-year effort will begin in 2015 and run throughout the […]

Carlton Jones

Posted on April 17, 2014April 19, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

With over twenty years and counting of public service — including work with the Tulare and Fresno City Fire Departments and over six years serving on the Tulare City Council — Carlton Jones is running for State Assembly District 26. He wants to take a common sense approach for finding solutions to the state level. […]

Q&A: Ruben Macareno, Candidate for AD26

Posted on March 20, 2014March 20, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

Raised in Farmersville, Ruben Macareno earned an AA degree from Los Angeles City College after attending Exeter Union High School. He went on to California State University, Los Angeles, before working in the news media, fundraising and political spheres. The founder of Latino Democrats of Tulare County, Ruben, self-employed, is currently chairman of the Tulare […]

State Water Resource Control Board Plans to Cut Back Delta Water for Ag

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

On March 14, Kings County Farm Bureau (KCFB) sent a letter to Tom Howard, executive director of the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) demanding that he reconsider the board’s proposal to seize century-long water rights from farmers. “This decision will have grave consequences on Central Valley communities,” reads the letter signed by KCFB […]

Conway, Bigelow Introduce Water Bond Plan

Posted on March 6, 2014March 8, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare, and Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee Vice Chair Frank Bigelow, R-O’Neals, have introduced a comprehensive water bond proposal. Their plan would provide competitive funding for critical water storage, groundwater, Delta restoration, water quality and drought relief projects statewide. “California’s painful drought conditions are hurting families, farmers and business […]

Local National Parks Plan to Restore Aquatic Ecosystems

Posted on February 20, 2014February 20, 2014 by Steve Pastis

The plan to remove non-native trout from some higher elevation lakes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks appears to be heading for approval later this year. The goal of the plan, which was designed by local national park staff, is to restore the original aquatic ecosystems and the populations of the original wildlife, including […]

CA Black Chamber Honors Assembly GOP Leader Conway with ‘Bridge Builder’ Award

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Valley Voice Contributor

The California Black Chamber of Commerce honored Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, with its “Bridge Builder” award last month. Aubry Stone, president and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce presented the award to Assemblywoman Conway at the organization’s annual legislative reception. The California Black Chamber of Commerce selected Conway for the […]