Dinuba Co. Plans To Make BioPlastic
From Grapes
Small Farmworker Town Of Parlier Has Big Biotech Plans

Dinuba - Dinuba-based Universal Biopharma Research Inc. plans a pilot program in nearby Parlier to determine the feasibility of making a biodegradable plastic from grape residues and other renewable sources of sugar. The start-up company has big plans to manufacture so called PLA - plastic material made from crops - at the old Dinuba sawmill site, but want to move forward now on this pilot project, says CEO of the company Kuldip Thusu. PLA is polylactic acid - a polymer derived from natural sugars. The material has been touted as an alternative to plastic made from petroleum.

“We have a deal with the city of Parlier to be the first to build in their new industrial park,” says Thusu, on 25 acres where they plan to build two 15,000 sq ft buildings pulling the sugar from grapes in one and a second in which the material would be made into PLA. The site would employ about 45 people, he says. Construction would start on the project in some 6 months, he hopes.

PLA can be used to make everything from rigid plastic drinking cups and containers used in all the food industries, fiber for pillows and mattresses, fibre for clothing and other uses. Cargill is considered the leading company in the field having already developed products being used. Cargill uses corn as the feed source.

The product has been touted by the federal government that has mandated all government agencies buy from bioplastic manufacturers instead of oil based products whenever possible.

Dr. Thusu is CEO at Alta Family Health Care and has been working with his group of investors for the past few years on the bioplastic process. He says negotiations with the Yanqui family on purchase of the former sawmill site near Dinuba are going well and expects a formal request to the county Board of Supervisors to rezone the site to allow a manufacturing facility at the location. Thusu counts Dinuba city manager and supervisor Steve Worthley as big boosters of the innovative projects that could take off here. Part of the process includes production of ethanol during the manufacturing process as well as cattle feed, says Dr. Thusu.

Parlier’s Big Plans

Interim city manager of Parlier, Lou Martinez, says hanging out with Dr. Thusu has made him a believer in a biotech future for this Fresno County community - one of the poorest per capita in the state. Martinez says he attended several national conferences and heard projections from university experts that the US has begun a transition to an economy based on plants instead of one based on oil.

“Dr. Thusu’s group would be just the first biotech company we expect to attract.” says Martinez, in the city’s new 300 acre industrial park. The park on Manning and Mendicino will be operational in a few months and already has two other companies - not biotech - committed to building there.

“The big draw is our tax incentives as a Federal Renewable Community” - along with Orange Cove the only California communities with the designation. The designation allows a company building a new building to write off 50% of the cost in the first year instead of over 30 years along with accelerated depreciation on equipment and federal tax credits for employees. It’s a package other towns including Dinuba have trouble competing with.

Martinez says besides a letter of intent with a deposit from Dr. Thusu’s group, they have been contacted by a biodiesel company that wants to make fuel from beef tallow at the park perhaps providing a clean burning fuel source for the city’s fleet. Dr. Thusu has told Martinez if all goes well, five other companies he is associated with would come to Parlier providing the basis for a new biotech park. “I’ve got a shirt Dr. Thusu gave me made from corn.” Dr. Thusu’s group plans to make medicine from plant sources as well.

“It could put Parlier on the map,” suggests the city manager, noting that several federal agencies have recently made inquiries about the small farmworker town’s big biotech plans. Because of the expected influx of professionals, Parlier has started plans to build more upscale housing, he says. They hope to have close ties to nearby UC Kearney Ag Field Station where farm products are researched.

The South Valley is “losing its best educated adults and most promising high school graduates to other parts of California and the United States.” - PPIC Study

San Joaquin Valley - Analyzing census data, researchers have found that the South Valley is not just the poorest part of California, but has experienced the greatest number of new migrants with under 8th grade education even as it has lost its home grown high school students to other regions.

These young people leave for higher education and typically never come back.

Everybody reading this knows kids in their own family and those of friends where this is a fact of life. Now we have some numbers to back up what is an every day occurrence.

Writing for the Public Policy Institute of California last November, Hans Johnson and Joseph Hayes wrote the report analyzing different parts of the valley in The Central Valley at the Crossroads: Migration and its Implications. Focusing on the years 1995 through 2000 the researchers compared Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno and Madera counties - the south part of the valley to the north valley, the Sacramento metro area and upper Sacramento Valley.

The South Valley is “losing its best educated adults and most promising high school graduates to other parts of California and the United States.”

A key finding was that the South Valley has been experiencing a huge brain drain of educated and talented people that otherwise might be a core leadership population for the area’s economic development future.

An exodus of future talent includes high school kids bound for college. For example, in 2001 the South Valley had a net loss of 4304 full time college students who left the region for college, the study says.

Perhaps of greatest concern, the study says is the “out migration of more highly skilled young adults from the South San Joaquin Valley. Given the relative scarcity of college graduates in the south valley and their abundance in nearby coastal regions, it is all the more remarkable that our area is suffering these losses.”

The college bound brain drain is seen mostly recently in full time UC students where all the nearly 3000 students attending the state system have had to go out of the area.

Of course this was before UC Merced started up. Even in this case it should be noted UC Merced in not in the South Valley. So the region with the greatest need has been left out again.

Of course the lack of any public four year school in Tulare and Kings counties is often seen as a key reason why our talented youth have to leave the area for an education and on to the world of employment.

Mayor after mayor in Visalia along with the COS president have pleaded with anyone who would listen that Tulare and Kings counties are in dire need of a four year school. But clearly we will never create the jobs needed without one.

The brain drain goes further than the loss of high school students, however.

During the same five year period the study notes that the South Valley experienced in-migration of nearly 45,000 foreigners - about 70% from Mexico. In this group about 57% of the study group had less than a high school education.

“Foreign born residents of the South San Joaquin Valley account for 51% of the least educated adults and only 13% of the region’s college graduates.” Besides their poor education and low skill level, the study notes about half live in poverty.

In the meantime, during these five years (95-2000) there was an outflow from the South Valley of residents of all ethnic mixes with at least some college education or a BA or graduate degree - a net loss of 10,000 people in this category.

Taken together the South Valley is “losing its best educated adults and most promising high school graduates to other parts of California and the United States.”

The study says these talented people mostly left the area for job opportunities.

There appears to be a “white flight” from the region - the study notes of nearly 30,000 people during the five year period also with a major loss of Asian residents - nearly 14,000 during this time.

Even as the South Valley region grows rapidly it has been saddled with the high cost of educating a large influx of poorly educated people and the loss of its home grown talent to other regions.

The study says one reason why the region has a weak local economy is that it has sent home-grown people migrating to other areas.

But the study notes in some cases the people left in the South Valley even during tougher times “have no where else to go” or can’t afford to pick up and leave.

Meanwhile, some whites leave, the study says, because they may have contacts, friends and family elsewhere.

Foreign born residents of the valley “are much less likely than people born in American states to leave the valley for other locations in California or the nation.” Perhaps the reason that the migrant families have now set up ties and social networks here and won’t leave them unless they have to.

This factor has been one large reason why leaders want to see a four year college in Tulare and Kings counties so the students can stay with their family while attending college if they want.

The in-migration of impoverished people creates a large pool of low skilled, intermittently employed workers “that contributes to continued low wages here” suggests the study. It also attracts more people to a handful of poor communities the study calls “little more than overgrown labor camps.”

The contrast between the South Valley and Sacramento metro region is pretty striking. The graph above shows that while the Sacramento metro region received over 20,000 people migrating in with college degrees, the South Valley had a decline of about 3000 in the same category. These numbers reflect the fact that some of these South Valley communities do have four-year colleges unlike Tulare and Kings and the figures here are even worse as they are also for unemployment rate and incidence of poverty. Taken together it doesn’t paint a pretty picture.

The study concludes by saying “The future of the South San Joaquin Valley depends on the economic success of its immigrants but perhaps even more on that of their children. If so, the current patterns of migration are not encouraging. They show the South San Joaquin Valley losing college-bound high school graduates to other regions, and out-migration of college-educated adults. The South San Joaquin Valley, then, has the challenge of simultaneously meeting the needs of its large and growing immigrant population and providing opportunities for its more highly skilled residents.”

Meanwhile, the study suggests there has been a change in migration patterns in the past few years that shows a continued influx of foreigners - but also a new inflow of coastal residents who can’t afford the housing over there any more. As we pointed out in the last issue of the Valley Voice, Tulare County is no longer losing more people than are moving in.

Net domestic migration from other parts of the US is now somewhat larger than the migration here from foreign countries to the State Department of Finance based on 2004 estimates.

According to recent economic development theory if an urban area wants to develop it needs to encourage development of its “creative class” of residents engaged in science, engineering, research, technology based industries, the arts, music, culture and knowledge based professionals in health care, finance and law. “It is this group that will help create the new jobs of tomorrow,” says Richard Florida, a Carnegie Mellon professor.

Visalia - The Visalia Police Department has completed its tabulation of 2004 crimes and across many of the categories crime has surged by double and triple digits.

Total crimes were up 31% for the year compared to 2003. Only in homicide and rape did the city see fewer numbers.

But in other violent categories, like aggravated assault, the numbers were up 29%.

The biggest jump came in vehicle theft that has been growing nationwide - up 36% in Visalia last year to nearly 1100 cases for the year.

Compared to 2003 when crime fell 31% from 2002, the new numbers are sobering in what seems to be a continuing trend as the community grows, says chief Jerry Barker.

“I’d put it down to growth.”

“I think our guys are doing a good job but pretty soon you run out of fingers to plug all the holes.”

Barker says besides growth the issue of gang activity remains. “People forget about the number of gangs we have in Visalia, but they’re still out there,” he says. Graffiti is up in town with 450 calls last month to the fire department about graffiti that needed abatement, says Barker. Not all that is gang related however.

What About Measure T?

The increase in crime comes after the city of Visalia increased the sales tax helping to fund more police officers under Measure T that went into effect in mid year 2004. The measure was approved by voters a year ago this month. It promises to hire 28 more police officers over a several year period.

Barker says so far Measure T brought in five new officers to the police force. “That’s the good news,” says Barker. “The bad news” is that the federal government may end the popular COPPS program that funds 4 officers this year. President Bush has called for no funding for the new year. “That would give us a net of only one new officer if that happens.”

Besides adding police officers, Barker says they are hopeful the establishment of two new precincts both in the northside and southside of town next year will help fight crime. “We’ll be right in the neighborhood,” says Barker.

Barker says growth of the community - we probably have 130,000 people in town on any given day and the fact that only 75% of the police force is available at any one time, make it important to have the police available in the north and south parts of the community. “I think it will make a difference to have the police force right in the neighborhood.”

Visalia car thefts at 1100 compared to some well known car theft capitals like Modesto, Phoenix or Fresno on a per capita basis. Car theft nationally has crept upwards. Over 1.2 million vehicles were stolen nationally with a loss of $8 million.

Bakersfield just announced their crime figure for 2004 as well, with aggravated assault and vehicle thefts way up as well.

Tulare County DA Phil Cline says overall the increase in crime is the result largely of gangs. “I’d say about 75 of what you see is gang related,” says Cline.

According to the city of Visalia the community has nearly 1000 gang members in over 21 gang families. Members typically return from prison and return to their gang affiliation. Evidence of gangs is seen by the huge increase in graffiti seen around town.

Preventing Car Theft

Regarding auto theft, the DA’s office is paying particular attention to the problem having increased his office prosecution of auto theft cases by 75% in the past two years.

Cline says there are “many reasons for the tide of auto thefts. Gang members steal cars in order to commit other crimes. Organized criminal enterprises, auto theft rings, exist whose members steal cars to order for shipment to other parts of the state or even out of the country. Some cars are stolen to be sold to chop shops who specialize in cutting a car apart and selling the parts, from stereos to engines, to stolen property dealers. A number of cases involve joyriding by teenagers. Many of these cars are later located abandoned on the road or in fields. Unfortunately, many times they have been severely vandalized or burned.”

Recently Senator Chuck Poochigian introduced legislation that would boost funding for DA’s efforts to prosecute auto theft. Vehicle theft has grown from 182,000 in 2000 to 227,000 in 2002, says Poochigian.

Cline notes that “A large percentage of car thefts can be prevented if the owner will take steps to protect this extremely valuable possession.”

This week the police department announced they are installing LOJACK tracking units into six of the patrol cars at no cost to the department. The corporation LOJACK is donating the total cost into the first six patrol units. A small transponder is installed into the customers vehicle and if that vehicle is stolen the transponder or homing device is activated. When a specially equipped patrol vehicle is within five miles of a stolen LOJACK equipped vehicle the tracking computer in the patrol unit automatically directs the officer to the exact location of the stolen vehicle. LOJACK recently expanded its nationwide service to include Tulare County. The cost to the public will be a one time fee of $695. This will cover the price of the unit, and the installation of the LOJACK transponder for the life of the car, and there is no monthly service fee to the customer. Any questions should be directed to Visalia P.D. Detective Jeff Gilbert at 713-4242. Any questions related to acquiring the LOJACK Stolen Vehicle service should be directed to LOJACK at 1-800-929-2000 or www.lojack.com.

“Here is how you can help prevent this crime.

1. Use an anti-theft device. They are not foolproof, but can slow a criminal down or encourage him to go for a less difficult target.

2. Let your voices be heard in Detroit. Some cars are more prone to theft than others. These cars are notoriously easy to steal and are known to insurance companies. Contact them to see if your car or the car you are contemplating buying is one of these. In some cases, my office has suggested ways the manufacturer could improve the security of these vehicles. They have been cooperative, but need to hear from the consumer that it is considered a serious concern.

3. Always lock your car and take the keys. Thirty percent of the car thefts occur because the keys are left in the ignition. Take your keys with you even if you are at a gas station or running back into your house for a cup of coffee. This is a crime of opportunity. Don’t make it easy.

4. Place the car in well lighted areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Thieves do try to avoid witnesses.

5. Park your car in a garage if possible. the less visible the car, the less likely it will become a target.

6. Never leave valuables visible inside a car. They will attract would-be thieves.

7. If at all possible install a secondary ignition shut-off switch in an inconspicuous location.

8. Watch for strangers walking or driving around your neighborhood, they could be casing the place for cars they would like to steal.”

Tulare County - The rain and warm temperatures we've been enjoying this year is also being enjoyed by mosquitoes—all that standing water creates a perfect breeding ground for them to multiply and plan their attack. With more mosquitoes comes a greater chance of West Nile Virus spreading—a serious reality considering a bird in Tulare County has already tested positive for the virus this year. It is predicted that 2005 with have a much higher incidence rate of WNV than last year, and in 2004 the mosquitoes played and bit hard.

According to the California Department of Health Services' website on WNV (www.westnile.ca.gov), it is a mosquito-borne disease that is common to areas such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It was first detected in the United States in New York in 1999 and has continued to spread to 46 states, Mexico and Canada. In 2004, California reported 829 human infections and a total of 27 cases have been fatal. Last year Tulare county reported a total of 3 humans, 13 horses and 48 dead birds to have the virus while Kern county reported a whopping 60 human cases, 47 horses and 87 dead birds. In the United States there were 2,448 human cases, 84 of them being fatal.

WNV is most often spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed off a bird carrying the virus. Mosquitoes can pass the virus on to people and other animals. In a few cases, WNV has been transmitted by blood transfusions, transplants, breast-feeding and from a mother to her child through pregnancy, though the chances of those things happening are highly unlikely.

These statistics and virus facts may sound scary, but most people needn't worry. “85% of the people infected with the virus won't even know they have it,” says Yolanda Lourenco, assistant manager of the local Delta Mosquito Abatement District. “The common symptoms are mild flu. But older people and those with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of developing a neuroinvasive (swelling of the brain) disease.” That's when it becomes serious. “The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent,” according to the Department of Health Services' website. If you are showing any of these signs you should seek medical attention immediately.

The months of highest mosquito activity are April through October and since we've had such a warm, wet spring we can expect those buzzers are preparing to breed like mad. “Mosquitoes require water for their life cycle,” says Lourenco. “An increase in water and temperature increases their breeding areas.” The Mosquito Abatement District has already begun reaching out to the public to educate them on ways to safeguard against the spread of WNV. They've distributed material at the World Ag Expo and are planning an outreach to public schools and COS' health department.

Although the virus has potential to be life-threatening, we shouldn't begin living in fear and sleeping in drapes of mosquito netting. There are simple ways to let the mosquitoes know they are not welcome on you or in your territory. When you go outside make sure you wear insect-repellent containing DEET. Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn hours so consider wearing long sleeves and pants at those times (you can also spray the outside of your clothes with insect repellent). Make sure you have well-fitting screens on your doors and windows so they are more challenged to get inside your house. Get rid of any standing water that hangs out around your house--those spots are excellent mosquito breeding areas. Change the water in your pet's dish and bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings or anything else that has a tendency to gather water that will just sit around. Horse owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian to have their animals vaccinated. Horses are highly at risk to contract the virus; there is a 35% mortality rate for those who contract the virus and are not vaccinated. Call 877-WNV-BIRD to report any dead birds you find (though remember, not every dead bird means WNV is to blame so don't get paranoid). Doing this will help the state locate the areas where there is greater incidence of WNV so they can provide more intensive mosquito control. With proper precaution and coverage in DEET we won't have to miss out on the joys of warm weather. You can find more tips and information about WNV cases by checking out www.westnile.ca.gov.

Visalia -A $5.2 million extension of the Visalia library could go out to bid as soon as next month, says county chief librarian Brian Lewis. “We’re waiting for final state approval” on a few aspects of the project, says Lewis, that could mean the project could begin construction as soon as August, he says.

The main component of the expansion is the remodel of the old city library building into a new children’s library and construction of a new lobby in the current breeze way.

The county has funds from the state library bond that covers 65% of the cost with the remainder donated through a number of local sources. They include several groups who have raised nearly $500,000 in community donations, $500,000 from the City of Visalia, and some $750,000 through the county.

The expansion could be complete by spring of next year.

Besides a new children’s library, the existing library will get handicapped accessible bathrooms, new computers and furniture in the make-over.

Raising money for the Visalia library were several community groups including the Friends of the Tulare County Library, The Library Foundation and Visalia Heritage.

Also next week the city of Visalia plans to implement a new impact fee on new homes some of which could go to ongoing funding of the Visalia library. The library itself is owned by the city but operated by the County of Tulare.

Library supporter Andy Balerud says “Libraries are the one place everyone in the community feels welcome.”