“Rodeo has been a longstanding tradition each Mother’s Day Weekend for 70 years in Woodlake,” said John Wood, Woodlake Lions Rodeo Chairman.  “As we celebrate this landmark anniversary of our rodeo, we look forward to seeing our rodeo fans, and new rodeo fans at ‘America’s Most Beautiful Rodeo Grounds’ this Mother’s Day weekend!”

Tickets are on sale at www.woodlakelionsclub.com, and will be available at the gate. General admission is $20, children 12 through 4 are $15, and children 3 and under are free.  Gates open both days at 11 a.m. so fans can shop the vendor booths and enjoy their famous deep pit BBQ lunch, with rodeo performances beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the country will be pulling into the town with “true western hospitality” to compete in the seven events of rodeo:  bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and barrel racing.

The 2025 Woodlake Lions Rodeo will feature two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year, Anthony Lucia, along with rodeo clown/barrelman Kyle “Hashtag” Lamon, and tricking riding performances by Canadian professional trick riders, Bella Da Costa and Shelby Pierson. Closing out the rodeo performances will be Woodlake’s fan favorite, the jaw-dropping stunts by motocross daredevils, Flying U Rodeo’s The Flying Cowboyz.

Both days will include a crowd favorite, Mutton Bustin’, where local children will ride sheep, competing for a trophy buckle.  Other special features will include performances by local drill teams:  Visalia Rockettes and Reining Chaos.  The adrenalin-pumping bull riding event includes the 2023 and 2024 California Rodeo Circuit Finals professional bullfighter team, Stanley “Ray Ray” Taylor and Warren Enz.

Following the rodeo performance on Saturday, May 10, the Woodlake Lions Club presents the annual “After Party” presented by Michelob Ultra, which is free with rodeo admission for 21 and over.  The party will feature a concert by Woodlake’s hometown rodeo cowboy and recording artist, Justin Lawrence and The Double Average Band. DJ music will also be provided by DJ Double LL, Louie Lopez.

Sunday, May 11 will be a celebration of Mother’s Day, along with the annual “Fiesta Day” to include performances during the rodeo by the charra group, Escaramuza Valle Real!

“We’d like to thank our major sponsors of the 2025 Woodlake Lions Rodeo: Valley Pure, Bueno Beverage and Michelob Ultra, Las Espuelas, Alex’s Paint and Body, Spence Fence Company, Woodlake Drive-In, Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, Monarch Ford, Santa Fe Aggregates, LE Homes/Ledesma Enterprises, Cinch Jeans & Shirts, Boot Barn, Raising Cane’s, Valley Pacific Petroleum, Woodlake Drive-In, Jack’s Gas, and Mid-Valley Disposal,” said Wood.  “We have had 70 years of rodeo tradition in Woodlake because of our sponsors, rodeo fans, our hard-working volunteers, Flying U Rodeo Company, and the rodeo contestants who travel near and far to compete at our rodeo.”

The Woodlake Lions Rodeo Grounds is located at 19400 Ave 398 in Woodlake, Calif.  For more information on the Woodlake Lions Rodeo, follow @woodlakelionsclub on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.woodlakelionsclub.com.

The post Woodlake Lions Rodeo Celebrates 70 Years of Woodlake’s Rodeo Tradition, May 10-11 appeared first on Valley Voice.

Rodeo fans get ready for Woodlake’s Mother’s Day weekend tradition… the 69^th annual Woodlake Lions Rodeo, May 11-12, 2024 at the Woodlake Lions Rodeo Grounds in Woodlake, Calif.!  Hosted by the Woodlake Lions Club, the rodeo will feature top specialty acts in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA); top stock from legendary stock contractor, Flying U Rodeo Company; and today’s top competitors on the professional rodeo circuit. Visalia’s hometown cowboy and National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, Lefty Holman, will compete in the Saddle Bronc Riding during Sunday’s performance.

“This year’s rodeo promises edge of your seat arena action for our rodeo fans from start to finish!” said John Wood, Woodlake Lions Rodeo Chairman.  “We look forward to seeing our rodeo fans, and new rodeo fans, up at ‘America’s Most Beautiful Rodeo Grounds’ this Mother’s Day weekend!”

Tickets are on sale atwww.woodlakelionsclub.com, and will be available at the gate. General admission is $20, children 12 through 4 are $15, and children 3 and under are free.  Gates open both days at 11 a.m. so fans can shop the vendor booths and enjoy a BBQ lunch, with rodeo performances beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the country will be pulling into the town with “true western hospitality” to compete in the seven events of rodeo:  bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and barrel racing. 

The 2024 Woodlake Lions Rodeo will feature the return of trick roping artistry and amazing horsemanship skills of “Charro On The Road,” Tomas Garcilazo. Garcilazo is a four-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year and won the first season of TBS’ “Go Big Show.”  Local specialty act entertainer from Exeter, Calif., Spencer Rose Coughlin, one of the world’s best female trick ropers, will also be performing both days of the rodeo. Closing out the rodeo performances will be the jaw-dropping stunts by motocross daredevils, Flying U Rodeo’s The Flying Cowboyz, sponsored by Beresford Ranches.

 Both days will include a crowd favorite, Mutton Bustin’, where local children will ride sheep, competing for a trophy buckle.  Other special features will include performances by local drill teams:  Visalia Rockettes and Reining Chaos.  The adrenalin-pumping bull riding event includes the 2023 California Rodeo Circuit Finals professional bullfighter team, Stanley “Ray Ray” Taylor and Warren Enz, with award-winning rodeo clown/barrelman, Dalton Morris.

Following the rodeo performance on Saturday, May 11, the Woodlake Lions Club presents the annual “After Party,” which is free with rodeo admission for 21 and over.  The party will feature a concert by Woodlake’s hometown rodeo cowboy and recording artist, Justin Lawrence and The Double Average Band. Music will also be provided by DJ Double LL, Louie Lopez.

Sunday, May 12 will be a celebration of Mother’s Day, along with the annual “Fiesta Day” to include performances during the rodeo by the charra group, Escaramuza Valle Real, and two Charro bull riders in the bull riding event!

“We’d like to thank our major sponsors of the 2024 Woodlake Lions Rodeo: Valley Pure, Valley Wide Beverage Company and Coors Banquet, Las Espuelas, Alex’s Paint and Body, Spence Fence Company Enterprises, Woodlake Drive-In, Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, Monarch Ford, Santa Fe Aggregates, Beresford Ranches, Pepsi, Cinch Jeans & Shirts, Boot Barn, Raising Cane’s, Mid-Valley Disposal, and Jack’s Gas,” said Wood.  “Our rodeo tradition in Woodlake continues each year because of our sponsors, rodeo fans, our hard-working volunteers, Flying U Rodeo Company, and the rodeo contestants who travel near and far to compete at our rodeo.”

The Woodlake Lions Rodeo Grounds is located at 19400 Ave 398 in Woodlake, Calif.  For more information on the Woodlake Lions Rodeo, follow @woodlakelionsclub on Facebook and Instagram, or visitwww.woodlakelionsclub.com.

The post Woodlake’s Mother’s Day Weekend Tradition Continues with the 69th Annual Woodlake Lions Rodeo, May 11-12 appeared first on Valley Voice.

Music: The air will be filled with the mesmerizing melodies of traditional Mexican music. Mariachi bands will serenade the audience with their soulful vocals and spirited instrumentation, featuring guitars, trumpets, violins, and more. Also, live music from our special guest Las Damas Del Valle, performing Norteño music.

Folk Dance (Folklorico): Get ready to be captivated by the colorful whirlwind of Mexican folk dance. Dancers adorned in intricate, vibrant costumes will grace the stage, performing energetic and rhythmic routines that tell stories of love, struggle, and triumph. With every stomp and twirl, you’ll witness the fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences that have shaped Mexican dance traditions over generations.

Join us for “Viva Mexico,” a captivating event that promises to be a sensory journey through the heart and soul of Mexico’s music, dance, and art. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast of Mexican culture or a curious newcomer, this celebration will leave you inspired, enlightened, and moved by the beauty of Mexico’s artistic heritage.

The event is sponsored by SoCalGas Company, Tulare County Board of Supervisors, and Zamora’s Electric.

The post Local Youth Celebrate Hispanic Heritage in Woodlake appeared first on Valley Voice.

After counting up the receipts at Valley Pure–the only licensed recreational cannabis storefront between Los Angeles and the Bay Area–the city took in $46,397.14 from its 5% levy. The figure translates into sales of $927,942.80 for the initial 60 days of operations at the city’s first, and so far only, working cannabis business.

The tax revenue likely represents the first trickle of what will soon be a heavy stream of income. At least three other businesses plan to open in Woodlake in the very near future, and several more have been asking questions at city hall.

Could Have Been More

Wes Hardin, the pot shop’s manager, says the sales figure they posted could have been bigger, and he promises it soon will be as business continues to grow.

“That was a low number. It represents just the first two months,” he said. “We’re climbing, definitely trending upwards.”

So far, brags Hardin, the city has earmarked its share of the take for a new police patrol car and police dog, as well as for road repairs.

“The city loves us,” Hardin said. “How could they not?”

‘Happier and More Comfortable’

City Hall is also putting some of the revenue toward new playground equipment for the city’s parks, says Vice Mayor Frances Ortiz, and another portion will go toward funding education.

“The money is going to go for recreation, police officers and the schools,” said Ortiz, who is a veteran of several years service on Woodlake’s school boards, in addition to her several terms on the city council. “It’s going to be (spent on) things that make the people happier and more comfortable.”

Ortiz says some residents of her town were concerned when the council moved to embrace the newly liberated recreational cannabis industry when no other city in Tulare County was willing. However, the fears appear unfounded.

“I think everybody is satisfied in that it’s been calm and respectful, dignified,” said Ortiz. “I don’t know what they expected, but we’ve had no complaints.”

City Hall Satisfied

Jason Waters, Woodlake’s community development director who was instrumental in promoting a cannabis-friendly tax rate of 5%, says there have been no criminal or code violations at Valley Pure since legal weed came to town.

“We haven’t had any issues,” he said. “No calls for service, we haven’t had any complaints about them doing anything they shouldn’t be doing, so we’re happy about that.”

Compared to sales tax revenue from other transactions, cannabis far outstrips their performance in the percentage returned to the city where the sales took place. While everyday sales carry a tax of 8.5% in Woodlake, the city sees only a small portion after the state and county take their cuts.

“We get about 1%,” Waters said. “At the same time we passed our sales tax, we passed an increase in sales tax, so we (now) get 2%.”

In Woodlake, the entire 5% cannabis sales tax goes to city hall, and how it will be spent is entirely at the discretion of the council.

Booming Business

While there’s only Valley Pure open to custom now, that will soon change. Three other businesses have decided Woodlake’s cannabis-friendly attitude makes its remote location a secondary concern. In fact, for two of the businesses the location may be a plus.

One of the three perspective newcomers will offer another storefront for direct sales to cannabis users, while the others will focus on production and cultivation. Woodlake’s cannabis tax for cultivation is based on the square footage devoted to growing; manufacturing will be taxed as a percentage of profits. How that will effect Woodlake’s bottom line is entirely uncertain, at least in terms of how much more it will increase their income.

“Until they start operating, I couldn’t even give you a guess,” said Waters.

Woodlake’s budget for fiscal year 2018-19 totals $12.2 million, of which about $2.7 million makes up the city’s general fund, that money it can spend on any project. The remaining moneys are allocated to funds that must be spent to meet the city’s financial and legal obligations.

If sales at Valley Pure continue at their current level, the store will generate approximately $300,000 annually in sales tax revenue.

Pot Jobs

The second storefront hoping to open in Woodlake has already been approved, and plans are to operate on Naranjo Avenue west of Valencia Boulevard, where the shop’s owners have agreed to add infrastructure upgrades as part of their remodeling of an abandoned lumber mill, a relic of the county’s lost lumber industry. Yet Waters is still taking a wait-and-see attitude at this early stage.

“They’re going to put in curbs and sidewalks, a nice parking lot, rehabilitate the building,” he said. “I’m not counting my chickens yet.”

But the potential for a renaissance in that tiny foothill town is too alluring to ignore.

“Either way, the city, anytime we can bring in a business that generates jobs, we’re thrilled,” Waters said. “In a small city, that can be difficult sometimes.”

While storefronts only hire a handful of workers, the other two businesses that want to come to town could generate many more, some of which will be skilled positions in manufacturing.

Recently, the city annexed a plot of land on the western edge of town that includes a defunct citrus packing house. The house could soon spring back to life after 20 years of sitting idle, if the council approves a plan by Seven Points Group, a cannabis grower, packer and processor, to turn it into a factory.

“It’s a big building,” said Waters. “They could generate a lot of jobs.”

New Center of Industry

The Seven Points Group plan goes before the council this month, and next month a second proposal by Premium Extracts for a manufacturing plant that will convert cannabis into essential oils will be up for consideration.

“They’re a little bit behind Seven Points. They could be approved as soon as October,” Waters said. “They’re going to take a cannabis product and turn it into something else. They wouldn’t be growing.”

Premium Extracts had planned to open their facility in Hanford, but the welcoming attitude of Woodlake and it’s mid-range tax rate lured them away to the Sierra foothills. The interest in Woodlake could become a deeper trend, perhaps making the town a new center for the fast-growing industry. It would be a welcome change from the slow loss of other ag-related jobs in the area.

“It’s nice to have someone come in,” said Waters. “Those were lost jobs that never came back.”

‘Outsiders and Weird People’

At least one concern voiced by Woodlake’s residents before the pot-friendly tax was approved was the class of people such business would attract. That uncertainty has also proved unfounded, and those who have come to Woodlake are actually providing even more business and tax revenue than their cannabis purchases generate.

“They say they eat, they buy gas here in town,” said Vice Mayor Ortiz. “I’m happy. I think it’s been as a nice project. People were worried about outsiders and weird people. We haven’t had that.”

Who they have drawn to town are people like Fresno residents Gene and Jill, who asked not to have their last name used in print because of Gene’s background as a police officer and private detective. The couple, which spends between $200 and $400 a month on cannabis, has traveled as far as Oakland and Santa Rosa to find high-quality weed to treat Gene’s medical conditions.

“We’d never been here before,” said Jill. “We wanted to take a look.”

They like what they see and they like the quality of the product they purchased at Valley Pure. They’ll likely be back, and when they come they’ll probably visit the convenience store across the street from the pot shop again. Or maybe they’ll have lunch at the coffee shop next door.

Ortiz said the couple is typical of the customers being drawn to town. Cannabis, she said, does not pose a threat in any way. It’s far less destructive, she says, than the consumption of alcohol. She’d like to see her friends and neighbors change the way they self-medicate.

“They’re 100% calm, respectful people. We haven’t had any police problems,” Ortiz said of Valley’s Pure’s clientele. “This has been around for millions of years, and it’s just now it’s legal.”

Cannabis, she said, is a good fit for Woodlake.

“We’re not trying to impose anything evil on anybody,” Ortiz said. “I think the decision we made is a good decision.”

The post Pot tax revenue helping make Woodlake safer, happier appeared first on Valley Voice.

So Far, So Good

Things seem to be going well in downtown Woodlake. Businesses–Valley Pure, as well as Munchies, the new coffee shop next door, the pair of taco restaurants, and the walk-up doughnut shop–stay open late. Even on a weeknight customers come and go in number.

But how much new revenue Valley Pure will generate remains to be seen, says Woodlake’s Community Development Director, Jason Waters, who was instrumental in setting a mood designed to attract cannabis businesses to that town of about 7,300 people.

Since Valley Pure opened so recently, it has yet to make a payment to City Hall. Waters has no idea how much to expect when the first check arrives after July 1.

“Honestly, I don’t have a clue,” he said. “Every quarter, they’ll report to us what their gross receipts were, how much they made, and we get 5%. A little bit after July 1st I’ll be able to give you an exact number.”

Like Hotcakes

Over at Valley Pure, the parade of customers is steady and business is better than brisk.

“The market is great,” said Wes Hardin, manager of Valley Pure. “Obviously, we live in Woodlake, where it might be a small city that lies in the middle of a bigger metropolitan area where there’s a lot of cities and towns around that we can pull from.”

“I think it’s going to draw quite a few more people to main street,” said Woodlake resident Dana Garcia.

Garcia was waiting in the coffee shop next door, minding her grandson as her son-in-law visited Valley Pure. She’s very comfortable having the Valley’s first recreational cannabis store in her town, she said. She likes the look from outside, but hasn’t be in yet.

“I didn’t see anything wrong with it,” Garcia said. “They’re very controlled on who goes in.”

Valley Pure co-manager Tony Caudle agrees with Garcia’s assessment.

“It’s a regular business,” he said. “It’s probably one of the safest place to be in the city.”

The preparation City Hall did to ready the city for an industry that still carries a slight stigma–much like alcohol sales did in the wake of the repeal of Prohibition–helped ease her mind, Garcia said.

“They city gave us the choice,” she said. “They sent out fliers and asked a questionnaire for two months.”

Businesses Doing Business

Valley Pure isn’t just attracting potential customers for neighboring businesses along Valencia Boulevard. It’s also bringing its business partners along.

“I came to see these guys (Hardin and Caudle),” said Imran Akhund, owner of Love Trees Plant Nutrients, a Visalia-based plant food manufacturer. “We just touched base with them and we’re talking about helping them increase their yields, while basically saving them some money.”

Akhund and his companion also picked up coffee at Munchies on their way out of town.

If Waters gets his way, Woodlake residents can expect more cannabis businesses will find their way to town as word spreads. Central to the plan to attract more like Valley Pure is a tax rate that sits squarely in the middle of what other towns are charging.

“We did a rate study. We looked at what the different rates were across the state, presented it to (the City) Council, let them know, ‘Hey, this is what other cities are doing,’ kind of asked them to give us some input on what they thought would be competitive,” Waters said. “They split the difference and went in the middle. We wanted to make sure it was something that worked for both parties. If it’s too high and they don’t get business, that’s not going to be good for the city.”

Welcome to Woodlake

The attitude of accommodation at Woodlake City Hall is not to be found anywhere else in Tulare County, and it was key to getting Valley Pure to settle there.

“We have roots in Woodlake,” said Hardin. “But, also, they were first out of the gate. They were very forward thinking and when it came time to pass the muster, as it were, Woodlake was right on the ball and they’ve been great partners the whole time.”

In the long run, that could mean very big things for little Woodlake and its new business partners.

“Our agenda is elevated to the point we are really excited about expansion in the future in the state of California,” Hardin said. “We envision ourselves as a statewide, and eventually once the feds come around, a nationwide company.”

Blazing an Ethical Trail

Even though Valley Pure attracts attention as a novelty and due to its newness, it also offers quality products at reasonable prices, Hardin said, and that will give it staying power in the long-term.

“We’re doing good,” Hardin said. “We like to think we’re providing a good service for the community.”

They’re also going out of their way to be good to the town that’s being very good to them. So far, they’ve become cosponsors of the Woodlake Rodeo and they donated a K-9 officer to the Woodlake Police Department. It’s not a publicity move, Hardin insists, but rather just how everyone should behave.

“I feel we feel we need to do that as humans,” he said.

Still, he realizes cannabis merchants and manufacturers are not universally welcome, even in Woodlake.

“We realize this is a fringe industry, and to some people from an ideology perspective they might be a little bit scary, so it’s our job, my and Tony’s main goal when we go into new cities and new markets is to make sure we bring our best and brightest,” Hardin said. “That means we bring our ethics and our values and our responsibilities as a company.”

“We hope to be the model for people coming up,” Caudle added.

So Far, So Good

No major problems have arisen for Valley Pure as it gets its start, and the people of Woodlake seem satisfied.

“We haven’t had any complaints,” said Waters at City Hall. “I’ll take that.”

He’ll also take the added traffic Valley Pure is bringing to town. He welcomes it in fact. So, too, will owners of businesses surrounding the cannabis shop, as they see increases in sales.

“Anytime you can get traffic in a downtown, it usually lifts all tides,” Waters said. “So, we hope other businesses benefit from this as well, (as) people come from other places and maybe get a cup of coffee or tacos across the street.”

If all goes according to plan, Woodlake can expect continuing growth in a thriving downtown, mainly thanks to its cannabis-friendly attitude. That, in turn, should mean a stronger and wealthier Woodlake for everyone.

“Downtown, especially in a small community, that’s the backbone,” Waters said. “So, if we can have an active downtown, that’s a win for us.”

The post Pot business brings changes — for the better — to Woodlake appeared first on Valley Voice.

Last November, Woodlake voters passed Measure S, a commercial cannabis business tax in the city on commercial cannabis businesses up to $25 per square foot (annually adjusted by CPI) or 10% of gross receipts. However, council is still working out the rates for each type of cannabis-related business.

In a presentation during the January 22 council meeting, staff provided information on what other cities around the state are charging as city business taxes. The statewide cannabis tax is 15%; the Woodlake sales tax is 8.75%.

Some cities, such as San Jacinto in Riverside County, are high, charging 15% on retail sales. More locally, Coalinga is charging 10%, and some other larger cities throughout the state are coming in less with Stockton charging 5%, Los Angeles 4% and Sacramento 4%.

“It’s all over the place,” said Jason Waters, Woodlake’s community services director.

Woodlake hopes to come up somewhere in the middle, Waters said in an interview following the council meeting.

“We’re going to try to be competitive and won’t be on the extreme sides,” he said.

If the tax is too high, either companies won’t open in the city or they won’t be successful, but the city wants to earn some tax dollars, as well.

Valley Pure at 132 N. Valencia Blvd., and Green Bean Pharm at 515 W. Naranjo Blvd., are proposed retail businesses. Woodlake has limited the number of cannabis retailers to two, within the city. Both are currently working on getting their locations ready for business, without knowing just what the city tax rate is, they will be paying.

Top Crop at 457 S. Acacia, is looking to cultivate and manufacture cannabis products in Woodlake; Green Smart at 1049 W. Ropes, is also wanting to cultivate and manufacture, as well as distribute. The definition of a distributor is to grow cannabis and send/sell that cannabis to a manufacturer, retailer, or distributor. It does not include retail sales. Each location has proper zoning for its use.

Some cities, such as Sacramento, has a 4% tax on all types of cannabis business. Woodlake will most likely set different taxation on differing types of business.

“We’re definitely going to recommend to separate them,” Waters said. “They operate differently.”

For example, it makes sense for tax on cultivation to be determined by square footage, he said, but not a testing facility, nor a retail store. Some cities do not charge a tax on testing facilities – to date, no one has applied for that type of business in Woodlake.

To date, Woodlake is the only city in Tulare & Kings Counties to allow retail sales of cannabis. The City of Farmersville is allowing cultivation and manufacturing at $12/sq ft or 8.75% (which happens to be the amount of that city’s sales tax) taxation, according to Woodlake’s study.

While all licensing is now complete, each facility will need to meet building and code standards prior to opening. The city staff is looking to bring its recommendations to council in a few weeks, at which time council should vote on its city taxation for cannabis businesses. Each facility will be subject to an annual renewal.

“It’s an ever-evolving market,” said City Manager Ramon Lara. “The market may look very different in five years.”

The post Woodlake passes last permits for pot businesses appeared first on Valley Voice.

Through passage of Measure P in Farmersville, residents and visitors will see an additional ½ cent sales tax on purchases made within the city, bringing the sales tax percentage to 8.75. This could bring an estimated $280,000 into the city coffers annually.

“This will definitely flush the deficit for half of this year, and should keep us going for the next two to three years,” said Mayor Paul Boyers.

Measure Q authorizes “a commercial cannabis business tax in the city on commercial cannabis businesses up to $25 per square foot (annually adjusted by CPI) or 10% of gross receipts, to maintain essential public safety and general city services including, but not limited to, police, drug addiction and gang prevention, park maintenance, street maintenance,” according to the measure.

Farmersville Cannabis Ordinance

At the time of the election, no ordinance for cannabis businesses had been put into play by the city council. As of November 13, that changed.

With a 4-0 vote, Mayor Pro Tem Matt Sisk being absent, council passed an ordinance to allow the commercial cultivation and processing of the drug in industrial zones within the city. The ordinance bans, however, any dispensaries within city limits. As within the state ruling, the commercial businesses must be at least 600 feet from schools, school bus stops and churches, said Mayor Boyer, “which pretty much limits the area to be north of Terry Ave. up to Highway 198.

“Hopefully we’ll have some businesses interested.”

The ordinance disallows outdoor growth of cannabis plants, commercially or privately. This, Boyer said, will limit the temptation for jumping the fence to get to the product, as well as altercations between neighbors.

The mayor is glad that council did not vote to include dispensaries in the ordinance.

“I don’t see the cost benefits in that,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a good thing for the young folks to be around.”

However, “Honestly, I am ecstatic,” Boyer said of passage of the two measures. Everyone will benefit with public safety being at the top of the list.

Boyer’s visions for the future of the city are flourishing, with the possibilities of enhancing gang prevention and drug rehab programs, partnering with the school district for a summer swim program, and aiding the local Boys & Girls Club dancing in his head.

Woodlake Measures

Similarly, in Woodlake Measure R’s passage ups sales taxation by one percent, bringing it to 8.75% within that city, as well.

Measure S is similar in structure to Farmersville’s Measure Q, with the same taxation of cannabis businesses. However, in Woodlake, the city council passed an ordinance, in August, to not only allow cultivation and processing, but dispensaries and testing as well – which will receive the same taxation.

Like Farmersville, Woodlake held several public hearings on both issues.

“I am pleased voters had an opportunity to have a say with these matters,” Woodlake Mayor Rudy Mendoza said. “That’s what I call democracy in action.

“Unfortunately, a city of our size doesn’t have the benefit of a huge sales tax such as Visalia or Tulare.”

The city previously formed an advisory committee to look into how it would best benefit by the added income, Mendoza said. Public safety is at the top of the list followed by road improvements, infrastructure and recreational opportunities.

At its last city council meeting there was to be discussion on now forming an oversight committee, which would report back to council. For those who opposed either the sales tax increase or cannabis ordinance, this is a good chance to get involved and see how it works out, Mendoza said.

The cannabis ordinance is very intense and lengthy, he added. “It’s that way by design – to dot every ‘I’ and cross every ‘t.’ This will help minimize the potential impact from allowing just anyone to come in with a business.”

Mendoza sees that, or lack thereof, as being the success or failure to other cities and counties around the state.

The cultivation cannabis application is 24 pages. The dispensary application is 21 pages. There is a $250 pre-application fee for any cannabis business.

Each applicant pays a hefty non-refundable application fee upon submission – $2,400 for cultivation, manufacturing, distribution or testing. These applications are to be renewed on an annual basis. Dispensary applicants pay an initial $537 phase 1 fee. If the background check meets with approval, then Phase 2 brings a $2,400 fee and a subsequent $816 fee, if the applicant moves on to final approval.

Each application will be considered on a case to case basis and the fees pay for the intensive work of city staff, Mendoza said. To date, the city has had two applicants for dispensaries and a handful for cultivation businesses. On top of this, once a business is accepted, each employee has to be permitted at $300/each.

For more information on the application and cannabis business in Woodlake, visit: https://www.californiacannabiscpa.com/blog/cannabis-business-licenses-available-in-woodlake-ca

“We’re feeling pretty good about how we’ve handled the whole process,” Mendoza said.

The post Farmersville, Woodlake Vote for Sales Tax Increase; Cannabis Business Taxation appeared first on Valley Voice.

Sales Tax Increase

Farmersville’s residents will have to decide whether they want to add ½ cent to their sales tax, which would affect residents and visitors who shop in the community alike.

According to the ballot measure, the sales tax would be applied to improve the quality of life and essential general city services including 911 emergency medical response, fire department services, police department services including gang prevention, recreational facilities and park and street maintenance.

It is estimated that the sales tax increase would bring in an additional $280,000, annually.

Woodlake has a similar measure on its ballot, although the sales tax proposed would be one percent, generating an additional estimated $430,000.

The use is also similar for quality of life issues including parks and recreation programs, neighborhood police patrol, gang prevention programs, street maintenance; lighting, landscaping, and trails.

Cannabis Business Taxation

The second ballot measure for each is a bit more confusing. Both cities are considering the possibility of allowing cannabis business, i.e. cultivation, within the city limits. The ballot measure is not whether to allow or disallow, but rather to develop taxation should that possibility come to fruition.

The urgency in the matter comes with the possibility of the state, in which voters passed Measure 64 to allow recreational cannabis use throughout the state, designating certain areas for growing. Various jurisdictions can first make that decision for themselves, but if not enough are developed within specific regions, the state can step in force the issue, and without prior taxation measures in place, the city’s would not benefit. This possibility may come as early as the first of the year, when Measure 64 comes into effect.

Therefore, both city councils, which are each continuing to discuss allowing cannabis businesses, wanted to get the taxation allotted. Voting for these measures will only allow the taxation, if each city decides to allow a business, or if the state mandates it.

The measure for each city reads similarly– authorizing a commercial cannabis business tax in the city on commercial cannabis businesses up to $25 per square foot (annually adjusted by CPI) or 10% of gross receipts, to maintain essential public safety and general city services including, but not limited to, police, drug addiction and gang prevention, park maintenance, street maintenance.

These are the maximums allotted by the state. Farmersville estimates a potential $500,000 to $3.5 million taxation earnings, annually.

The potential ballot measures were voted on by each city’s council this summer in order to make the November election. The sales tax measures were a unanimous vote by each council. The cannabis taxation measures each made it to the ballot with a 4-1 vote by each city’s council.

Election mail-in ballots are already being accepted and will be through October 31.

The polls in Farmersville, on election day, November 7, will be located at the Farmersville Community Center, 623 N. Avery.

In Woodlake, the polls will take place at the Woodlake Memorial Building, 355 N. Acacia.

The post Tax Measures on Nov. Ballot for Farmersville, Woodlake appeared first on Valley Voice.

Garibay’s lawyers, Maggie Melo and John Sarsfield, allege that he was fired in retaliation for his relationship with the wife of a friend of the Woodlake City Manager, Ramon Lara.

Telling a subordinate with whom you can socialize “is a violation of the First Amendment,” Sarsfield said.

For the last two years Woodlake has appealed the case all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. In early pretrial maneuvering  the City, its Chief of Police, Mike Marquez, and Police Lieutenant, Jose Aguayo, apparently didn’t like the rulings being made by the Honorable Brett Hillman that went against them.

They appealed Judge Hillman’s order all the way to the Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case this past June.

Woodlake’s response? Sue Garibay.

On July 24, the City of Woodlake, Marquez and Aguayo filed a separate federal lawsuit seeking “declaratory relief” against former police officer Daniel Garibay.

“Declaratory relief” is a request to have a court–in this case, the federal district court for the Eastern District of California–give an opinion on whether certain conduct is lawful or not.

Marquez’ federal complaint describes the facts and circumstances that lead up to Garibay’s termination from the Woodlake Police Department in April of 2015. Their complaints revolve around when Marquez learned that Garibay was dating a friend of the City Manager’s wife.

By filing their own federal lawsuit, Marquez, Aguayo and the City of Woodlake want the federal court to declare that there is no constitutional right to engage in an affair.

Garibay is not and has never been married.

The city’s lawsuit contains some peculiarities. First, it is completely silent about the ongoing wrongful termination/civil rights lawsuit that Garibay himself filed against Woodlake, Marquez and Aguayo in Tulare County Superior Court back in October of 2015.

At that time, Aguayo  and Marquez sought to have Garibay’s suit tossed out on the same grounds that they are now raising with the federal court.

Garibay’s case against Woodlake, and Woodlake’s case against Garibay, are now happening simultaneously. Garibay is expected to respond to the federal lawsuit no later than Friday, September 15. Garibay’s case against the City is back in Tulare County Superior Court on Thursday, September 14 for a Mandatory Settlement Conference.

If Woodlake refuses to settle the city will face a very expensive trial. Trial date of Garibay’s Tulare County’s case against Marquez and the City is set for December 11.

This all translates into huge legal bills.

Despite several requests by this paper, the City has refused to reveal how much money it has spent defending this case–but some legal experts estimate that with trips to the Court of Appeals, California Supreme Court, US Supreme Court, and now, a new related federal lawsuit, that the City’s legal bill is likely in the $150,000.00 range, if not significantly higher.

Woodlake continues to rack up legal fees despite a tight budget.

“We have five major projects in the city including water, roads and a community center among others,” City Administrator Ramon Lara recently told the Visalia Times-Delta.

“For now, things are tight,” he continued.

Lara also told Valley Voice reporter Nancy Vigran that expenses have risen, such as insurance and workman’s compensation.

In the past year or so, the City has seen a reduction of staff in city hall, the police department and outside consultants, he added. Woodlake is looking to bolster its balance sheet by passing two sales tax measures. The council also voted to put on the ballot a cannabis cultivation tax.

Even though it would save the city thousands of dollars, Woodlake has refused mediation, according to Garibay’s attorneys.

“We have always been amenable to go to mediation,” said Melo.

The City could change its mind when faced with the prospect of its police officers getting deposed under oath.

According to his attorneys, those depositions may prove Garibay’s claim that the City’s “morale clause” is being selectively applied.

He alleges that he is the only officer to have been fired for what the City defines as having an affair, even though he alleges others employed at Woodlake’s Police Department have engaged in the same behavior.

When Melo and Sarsfield were asked if they plan to present evidence to support that Garibay is being singled out they replied, “We expect to. [That] might be why they are fighting so hard.”

After being fired for “adultery” by Marquez, Garibay, a US Army combat veteran and highly decorated Woodlake police officer, was quickly hired by another police agency and remains employed to this day.

The post Woodlake Responds to Wrongful Termination Suit by Suing Plaintiff appeared first on Valley Voice.

On June 19, the United States Supreme Court denied the City of Woodlake’s petition to consider the suit brought against Chief of Police Mike Marquez and Lieutenant Joe Agauyo.

According to Garibay’s attorneys, Maggie Melo and John Sarsfield, the case now gets kicked right back to where it started, the Tulare County Superior Court. The Supreme Court only agrees to hear ten percent of the cases submitted so they were not surprised by the decision.

Melo said that she was happy with the decision because the county court system can do more justice than if the case were heard by the Supreme Court.

The Woodlake Police Department fired Garibay in February of 2015 for “committing acts that brought discredit to the department.” Garibay filed suit for wrongful termination in October of 2015. Garibay alleges that his civil rights were violated when the police department conducted an intrusive investigation into his relationship with a woman who had no connection with the police department.

Melo and Sarsfield, allege that Garibay was actually fired in retaliation for his relationship with the wife of a friend of the Woodlake City Manager, Ramon Lara.

Telling a subordinate with whom you can socialize “is a violation of the First Amendment,” Sarsfield said.

From the beginning Woodlake has tried to get the case dismissed. Back in 2015 the city petitioned the Tulare County Supreme Court to dismiss the case, but Judge Bret Hillman allowed Garibay’s claim to go forward.

Woodlake then asked the Court of Appeals, in Fresno, to review Hillman’s ruling. After a few months, and briefings by both sides, the court did not reverse Hillman’s ruling.

The city then challenged that decision by heading to the California Supreme Court — which joined the Fresno court in allowing Hillman’s ruling to stand. The United States Supreme Court was their last chance.

At issue is whether the Woodlake Chief of Police and Lieutenant violated the Garibay’s constitutional right to privacy and freedom of association under the First Amendment.

Melo said that while waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision they have continued working. Right now the suit is in discovery. Melo and Sarsfield have requested from the City of Woodlake, as part of their discovery process, the department’s handbook on Policy and Procedurals. According to Melo many agencies have a ‘morals clause’ and hopes Woodlake’s handbook defines what the city meant when they fired Garibay for “acts that brought discredit to the department.”

“To what do employees look when searching for guidelines on ‘good morals?’” asked Melo, “the Bible, the employee handbook?”

Melo and Sarsfield intend to look at past cases of officers violating the city’s morals clause and ascertain if those individuals were also fired or disciplined.

The City of Woodlake was expected to provide its discovery documents by the last week of June.

Even though it would save the city thousands of dollars, Woodlake has refused mediation. The city can change its mind when faced with the prospect of its police officers getting deposed under oath.

“We have always been amenable to go to mediation,” said Melo.

The trial date is set for December 11, 2017

Garibay was hired by the Woodlake Police Department in May, 2012. During his employment  he racked up many honors. He was named Officer of the Year three times, by the Knights of Columbus in 2013, by the Police Officers Association in 2012, and also by the Woodlake City Council in 2013. He received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving award twice for making the most arrests for driving under the influence.

Garibay served two tours of duty, four years in Iraq and four in Afghanistan. During his service he received 11 medals, of which the Combat Infantry Badge he is most proud.

“Not many people have those,” said Melo.

The post Woodlake Officer Trial Won’t Go to Supreme Court appeared first on Valley Voice.