As Expected, Building Way Off in 2009

By Rick Elkins

Visalia - City of Visalia building totals for 2009 only confirmed what most everyone already knew. 2009 was not a good year for construction in Visalia.

Based on a 20 percent reduction in new home construction and a 56 percent drop in commercial construction, total construction was off a whopping 20 percent last year. And, that drop is compared to a year (2008) that was down 21 percent from 2007.
The drop in the value of construction was even more significant – 24 percent for new homes and 64 percent for new commercial construction. Total valuation in the city was down 38 percent – $83 million.

“It was bad,” understated Bob Keenan, president of the Home Builders Association of Tulare and Kings Counties. “We had a couple of builders that sold absolutely nothing (in 2009),” he added.

The building drop-off was noticeably significant in Visalia, the hub of Tulare County. Permits for new homes failed to reach 400 for the first time since 1996. Valuation for that new home construction was $81.8 million, down from $107 million in 2008 and far off the $305 million in new home construction in 2006 when the city issued 1,317 single-family home permits.

Keenan said home construction is about to where it was during the low points of the 1990s and 1980s.

Not Just Housing

Unfortunately for the city, the drop in construction was across the board. That has caused the city to lay off many in its building and planning departments because those departments are self-funded – money the departments generate pay for the staff.

Total valuation for the year was $136.4 million, off 38 percent from the previous year and way off the $490.7 million in construction achieved in 2006.

Multi-family residential construction – duplex, apartments and others – was actually improved over last year. Total valuation was $5.4 million for 77 units, compared to $5.2 million for 46 units in 2008. Again, that is way below the 429 units constructed in 2006.

New commercial valuation was off 64 percent – from $48.8 million in 2008 to $17.7 million last year. The city issued only 36 permits for commercial (which includes industrial), compared to 81 in 2008.

Even remodeling was off – both residential and commercial. Residential additions or alterations were off 21 percent and commercial was off 4 percent.
Better Year Ahead

“I believe this year will be better than last year,” said Keenan hopefully, adding it will be spring before any improvement is seen.

He said the key is employment. With unemployment in the county now above 15 percent and many more people fearful they could lose their jobs this year, people are hesitant to spend money. “People are not going to risk buying a home if their job is at risk,” he stressed.

He said a key indicator will be a reduction in the number of unemployed.
Another key component to the local economy, Keenan said, is people buying locally. “That keeps that multiplier money in the county,” he said, which in turn generates jobs.

Even as housing begins to rebound, Keenan said to expect less expensive and smaller homes. That trend has already begun with the average cost of new home construction in 2009 off $10,000 from 2008, and it is down $26,000 per home in 2006.

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Primary Candidates Grab Nomination Papers

By Miles Shuper

Tulare County - The filing period for candidates in Tulare County for the June Primary election is off to a busy start for the Tulare County Elections Department.

So far, the race for Fourth District Supervisor could be the most hotly contested with four potential challengers to incumbent Steve Worthley.

Ruben Macareno of Visalia officially announced his candidacy, challenging Worthley who is seeking his fourth term. Donny Barton of Badger, Maggie Florez of Visalia and Erica Paine of Ivanhoe have also taken out nomination papers to run against Worthley.

Worthley and District Two Supervisor Mike Ennis are the only two supervisors up for re-election. Cameron Hamilton, who ran against Ennis as a write-in candidate four years ago, is making another run.

Macareno issued a statement indicating he believes he can do a better job of serving “all members of a diverse district and offer a different viewpoint and voice than what the carbon copy slate of members offer today. I will encourage transparency and increase communications efforts to reach all residents, starting with moving the board of supervisors meetings from mornings to a timeslot in the early evenings when most residents can attend.”

Macareno, a professional fundraiser, said “I, like most residents, feel our current board has damaged the confidence in our local system of government and has to be restored. I recognize that this position is one of public service, not self-service. As for the incumbent, four terms is simply too much.”

Macareno, who was raised and educated up to high school in Tulare County, said he has never lost sight of home, “even when I worked in Washington, D.C. or Los Angeles. I graduated from Los Angeles City College with a degree in modern political science. While pursuing my political science degree at California State University Los Angeles, I was named an alumni scholar.”

He has served as a stringer and part-time sports writer for area newspapers and worked for two congressmen and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Washington, D.C. He also worked at the Los Angeles Times as a newsroom coordinator.

The June primary promises to be a lively one not only in Tulare County but statewide with no shortage of candidates.

Statewide, voters will select candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, attorney general, insurance commissioner, members of the board of equalization as well as state Senate and Assembly candidates. Voters also will be deciding on U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates for the November general election.

Locally, Assemblywoman Connie Conway, Assemblyman Danny Gilmore and State Sens. Dean Florez and Roy Ashburn and Congressmen Devin Nunes and Jim Costa are up for re-election.

Tulare County Sheriff Bill Wittman is being challenged by Woodlake Police Chief John Zapalac in a repeat showdown. Both men announced their candidacy months ago.

District Attorney Phil Cline will seek re-election and Rita Woodard, auditor-controller/ treasurer-tax collector, has announced she is running again. There has been no indication that Assessor Gregory Hardcastle will seek re-election.
Porterville has the only city council election in Tulare County, with two seats open. Six Tulare County judges are up for re-election.

Petition forms may be picked up from the Tulare County Elections Office, 5951 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia. The Elections Office is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday. The nomination period opened Monday and closes Friday, March 12.

The deadline for signatures-in-lieu for judicial office candidates is Feb. 10. The nonrefundable filing fee and/or signatures-in-lieu must be presented at the time the candidate files a Declaration of Intent. Judicial Office Declaration of Intent filing period opens Feb. 1.

The deadline for signatures-in-lieu for federal and local office candidates is Feb. 25. The nonrefundable filing fee and/or signatures-in-lieu must be presented at the time the candidate picks up the nomination packet during the nomination period.
For more information, call the Elections Office at 624-7300.

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New Tristeza Test Determines Severity

By Steve Pastis

Tulare County - Scientists at the Agricultural Research service in Parlier have developed a new way to test the severity of the citrus tristeza virus (CTV) in citrus trees.

This breakthrough is expected to save a lot of citrus trees in the Valley. It may also help mend a split in the local citrus industry that has disagreed for years about the best way to combat the virus.

Tristeza, which is transmitted from tree to tree by aphids, has devastated millions of the world's citrus trees. Some virulent strains can severely reduce the number of fruit on a tree, as well as its size and quality.

But not all of the strains of the virus are considered harmful.

“Tristeza has very different types – some are benign, some are severe,” said research plant pathologist Dr. Ray Yokomi who developed the new testing system that measures CTV severity as either mild (no symptoms), moderate (a decline in tree growth) or severe (stem pitting and yellowing seedlings).

The new test, which produces quick results, incorporates fluorescent materials into the reaction mix, allowing scientists to identify the DNA on a tree, especially foreign DNA and pathogens.

“You get a fluorescent pattern,” Yokomi said.

Once the presence of tristeza is determined, the Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency (CCTEA) mandates that infected trees be removed. Up until this test, it could only be determined that a tree had a tristeza infection and not its level of severity, so all infected trees were removed.

“There have been trees infected with a mild strain and removed when they didn't need to be,” said Bob Blakely, director of industry relations for California Citrus Mutual. “Because they wouldn't differentiate, there was a fracture in the districts.”
Some growers with trees infected with mild tristeza objected to losing their trees and as a result, some Valley districts, including the Tulare Pest Control District, which consists of all but the south section of the county, withdrew from the CCTEA.
This split has made it difficult to eradicate the virus in the Valley.

“Half of the trees continue to be surveyed for the virus,” Yokomi said. “The other half, nothing.”

As a result, the potential for a large outbreak concerns Yokomi.

“Over the last two years, there have been several CTV outbreaks that have gone from an acceptable level of 1 percent to 25-38 percent,” he said. “Some research we have been doing suggests there could be an explosive spread of the virus.”

The new tests may start to bridge the gap between the districts, according to Blakely. “I think you will see policies change,” he said, expecting one side to back off from its aggressive removal program while the other “may be more receptive to testing.”

Yokomi has been keeping all the pest control districts informed about his research. “We have made the presentation at their board meetings,” he said. “All the board members are on board with the new program.”

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City to Consider Acquiring Fort Visalia Site

By Steve Pastis

Visalia - The Visalia City Council is expected to discuss in closed session Jan. 11 the possibility of purchasing the downtown block where Fort Visalia, the first building in what would become Visalia, once stood.

The 1.54-acre block, bordered by Oak and School avenues and Garden and Bridge streets, was most recently the home of Keith Brown Building Materials. The current price for the 300 E. Oak St. property is $1.499 million, according to the Equity Group, Inc. web site. In 2008, the property was offered for $2 million.
City council interest in a possible purchase has raised hopes among those interested in local history that somehow the recreation of the original fort as a museum or tourist attraction might be part of the eventual plans. But if the city acquires the property, it would more likely be used for other purposes, according to city officials.

“The city has tried to do things in the general area to help grow the downtown,” said City Manager Steve Salomon, who dismissed the possibility of the city buying the property for ImagineU. “I would say, at this point at least, that would be unlikely. They can in theory buy this property if they want to go there.”

“All we're doing is inquiring about its availability at this time,” said Ricardo Noguera, Visalia Housing and Economic Development director. “Very few properties within the downtown take up a complete square block. In terms of future use, it could go a variety of different ways.”

If the city acquires the site, suggestions on what should eventually be built there include mixed use, such as residential and retail, or residential and offices, according to Noguera. He is aware that some people would like to see the fort recreated on the site.

“We need to talk to council about it,” Noguera said. “There hasn't been a feasibility study. What would be the best use for it for the downtown?”

Fort Visalia was built at that location in 1852 to protect early Visalians from the elements and from Indians. The fort was about 60 feet by 60 feet, according to local historian Terry Ommen.

“That site is the absolute beginning of the town of Visalia,” Ommen said. “The first European settlers here occupied that spot. It's an important site. Something needs to be done to commemorate that site.” He noted that there is a marker at the southwest corner of the property, but “there is room for something more.”

“Recreating the fort has been a dream of mine,” said local designer/drafter Susan Mangini, who suggested recreating the fort at a council meeting in 2008. “To get it to happen, you have to keep talking about it. It's a very difficult thing to get support for something like this.”

One suggestion is to have ImagineU Children's Museum move to the site. However, ImagineU has a tentative contract with the city to build its new $3.6 million facility on the former site of Soroptimist Park where the museum would have a 30-year lease at a cost of $1 a year.

“The new building has been designed for (the Soroptimist Park) site,” said Sharon Sheltzer, president of the board of directors. “The city has told us they would develop the area. It looks pretty solid.”

But Sheltzer was recently asked if the museum might consider moving to the 300 E. Oak Street property. The idea proposed to her was that Fort Visalia also be reconstructed there and become an exhibit of the new museum. If that happened, the museum would probably lose its $1-a-year lease agreement from the city and have to pay a mortgage.

“If you were to add on a mortgage for the land, in addition to the usual fees when we didn't have to – I can't see the board going for that,” she said, adding that the museum would only consider the change “if the city was in agreement with the alternate location and there wasn't an additional charge for the site. I think people would like the idea of the fort museum. That would be an incredible field trip.”
But she wanted to make it clear that ImagineU wouldn't do anything without agreement from the city. “I wouldn't want to do them wrong,” she said.

“My understanding with ImagineU is that we have an understanding,” said City Council Member Amy Shuklian. “I wouldn't see us purchasing a property just for ImagineU, but that hasn't been put before us.”

The idea of somehow including a historical recreation of Fort Visalia interests City Council Member Warren Gubler, although he would be reluctant to use city funds. “I think it would actually encourage visitors,” he said.

“I'm kind of a history buff myself,” said Gubler, who with his son was involved in updating the Historic Visalia Walking Trail. “I am aware that the block is the original location of Fort Visalia. I think, in general terms, that something can be done to emphasize the historical significance of the block. I would be supportive of that. I would certainly be supportive if people from the private sector came forward.”

Scott Ellis, president of Equity Group, Inc., said that he was approached by the city about the property, but does not know what the city plans to do.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

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What's New

Gas now a dollar more than a year ago. With the recent spike in gasoline prices, the price of a gallon of unleaded regular is now a $1 a gallon more than a year ago. According to the automobile club, the average price of unleaded regular in Visalia was $2.989 a gallon as of Tuesday. A year ago, that price was $1.986. A month ago, the price was $2.903 and a week ago, it was $2.916. Diesel prices have remained more consistent, but also high. As of Tuesday, a gallon of diesel was $2.996 compared to $2.477 a year ago. Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring said prices are headed for above $3. “The major factors for the direction of 2010 gasoline prices will be the economy and the strength of the U.S. dollar.”

ImagineU Children's Museum may have a title sponsor, according to Sharon Sheltzer, president of the museum's board of directors, who would only say the potential sponsor is “a business with a presence in this area.” She added, however, “The sponsorship is dependent on us receiving the grant we will be applying for.” The sponsorship would be for $200,000 with the number of years of the agreement still to be determined.

In addition to its new branch in Tulare, Porterville-based based Bank of the Sierra will open two new branches in 2010. “Our next opening, in Farmersville, is scheduled for early 2010 – with Selma following later this year,” stated Jim Holly, Bank of the Sierra president and CEO.

Signatures are currently being gathered in California for a vehicle license surcharge initiative. The measure would establish an $18 annual vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs, as well as grants. Surcharged vehicles would get free admission to all state parks, including Tulare County's only state park, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park near Earlimart.

Elijah Porchia of Tulare and Jake Hunt of Hanford have been selected to represent the Valley at the All American Football Game in San Antonio Sunday. “Every year, Football University selects players from the entire United States to play,” explained its regional director, Derek Burrell. “Very few players get this opportunity, so obviously it is a great honor.”

City of Visalia crews removed graffiti covering approximately 577,643 square feet last fiscal year at a cost of $113,440.

Care Medical, a Visalia based regional provider of home medical equipment, has opened its newest branch location in Salinas. “Our staff has been looking for a new location for the past six months, a location that has a lack of the services that we provide and is near our current geographic service areas, an area that our clinical services will benefit that community,” stated CEO Matt Kneeland. “Salinas is a great little community with great healthcare, but lacks a local medical equipment provider.” Care Medical opened in Visalia in 1996 and currently has 12 branch locations throughout Southern and Central California and employs over 110 employees. The corporate office for Care Medical is located in Visalia.

Kohl's has submitted plans with the city of Hanford to remodel the old Mervyn's Store in the Hanford Mall and open it as Kohl's.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed of Donna L. Tarter to a judgeship in the Kings County Superior Court. Tarter, 53, of Hanford, has served as a contract sole practitioner since 2000 and public defender for Kings County Superior Court since 1993. Previously, she served as coordinating attorney for the Kings County Board of Supervisors from 2000 to 2009 and inmate counsel for the State of California's Office of Administrative Hearings from 1996 to 2009. Tarter fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Louis F. Bissig. Tarter is a Republican.

The city of Farmersville is coordinating “La Bella Vision,” a citywide effort to clean up the city, starting early this year. Planners are looking for individuals, civic groups and churches to help. “We're going to do it for a year and see how it works,” said City Manager Rene Miller. “It may be ongoing.” Miller expects the effort to make it easier for the city to attract a major retailer to a planned shopping center along Highway 198.

The city of Dinuba will get $800,000 as Tulare County's share of federal HOME Investments Partnership Program (HOME) funds. The money will be equally divided between its Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program and its First-Time Homebuyer Program. The money is part of $25.2 million given to California. The funds can be used for a variety of affordable housing programs, including down-payment assistance, housing rehabilitation, first time home-buyer and tenant-based rental assistance. The cities of Avenal and Corcoran will equally divide the $1.6 million given to Kings County. That money will be used for those cities' Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program and their First-Time Homebuyer Program.

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‘Oh What Fun It Is…’

By Miles Shuper

Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh” in Sequoia National Park in the winter.

For Charlie and Judy Mills who own and operate Horse Corral Pack Station in the High Sierra back country, their third year of offering sleigh rides is off at a good pace. The Mills now have teamed up with Montecito Lodge at the 7,500-foot elevation, about two miles from their Horse Corral pack station.

Through the holidays, at least 50 rides were taken and more will be booked as long as there is adequate snow. So far, Charlie Mills says conditions have been outstanding and the rides seem to be generating more and more interest. Fees are $30 per adult, $10 for ages 6 to 11 with those ages 5 or under riding free.

Megan Bowers, whose family has operated Montecito Lodge for many years, says the sleigh rides offer a unique opportunity for a family outing in a spectacular setting. She said there has been considerable interest in the rides and expects the popularity to grow in the next couple of seasons. The rides have been added to the attractions and information about offerings is available on the Montecito Sequoia Lodge website, www.mslodge.com, or by phone at 565-3388.

The Montecito Lodge complex offers 52 rooms, including a restaurant, conference facilities, babysitting and child care, laundry, gift shop, meeting and conference facilities and several cabins, full accommodations and 45 guided program activities in the summer and more than 20 in the winter.

The lodge and complex was founded in 1946 by Virginia Barnes as a girls' camp catering to East Coast families and has evolved into a top-10 rated family resort and featured in a major network report on family resorts. It covers more than 40 acres.

The sleigh rides are the latest in offer attractions which include astronomy, horse riding and nature studies.

Mills said customers so far this year have included families from Australia and Florida as well as some who have been regulars or occasional Horse Corral Pack Station packers, campers, fishermen and customers. Horse Corral offers horseback riding, camping and fishing and day-trip activities. Horse Corral is located in the Sequoia National Forest just off the Big Meadows a short distance from the Giant Forest.

Mills, who drives the one-horse sleigh, said the Horse Corral rides are the only ones he is aware of from Lake Tahoe and a Southern California mountain resort.

For an Ivanhoe family, their sleigh ride two days after Christmas was a new experience from their numerous camping and packing excursions with the Mills.

Jim and Stacy Morcom along with their son, Alex, and daughter, Jessica, took their first-ever sleigh ride and had so much fun they are telling all their friends, said Jim, a longtime Ivanhoe citrus grower.

“It was awesome,” says Jim, calling the scenery, quietness and the view of the snow-capped Sierras as simply spectacular. He called the sleigh ride “outstanding family experience” adding that the family had planned on the trip for the past couple of years but finally were able to accomplish it this season.

Stacy called it “a very relaxing ride” with the breathtaking landscape and a wonderful snow pack. With Charlie, a long-time friend of the family, at the reins, and the sleigh being pulled on a trail around the majestic trees in a picture post card scene, the trip was something to be remembered for a long time, she said.

In fact, Mrs. Morcom said, the family already has planned on using their sleigh ride photographs on next year's Christmas cards.

Mills said rides are being booked for the Martin Luther King Birthday holiday weekend, Jan. 16-18, and on following weekends pending snow conditions. Information and reservations may be made at 564-6429 or though Montecito Sequoia Lodge.