Visalia - A California Public Utilities Commissioner, in a written opinion, has further endorsed Alternative 2 for the Southern California Edison high voltage transmission lines and said that SCE should pay up to $2 million to the city of Visalia to offset negative impacts of the project.
Commissioner John A. Bohn's Alternative Decision was released Monday. According to the 100 page document, an alternative decision is required as part of the PUC process to approve the power line project.
In the document, Bohn says that Alternative 2 is by far the “superior” path for the power lines that will bring 220 kilovolt power lines into Rector Substation that is in the southeast corner of Visalia.
SCE filed its application in May of 2008. An administrative law judge and the EIR on the project both favored Alternative 2, while SCE favors Alternative 1 that would take the lines east along Highway 198.
PACE, Protecting Agriculture, Communities and Environment, a group of ag interest including the Tulare County Farm Bureau, had presented Alternative 3A, but the law judge, the EIR and now the Alternative Decision all rejected that proposal.
Alternative 3A would incorporate a variation to Alternative 3 that would avoid the Stone Corral Ecological Reserve and its sensitive biological resources.
Bohn wrote: “Alternative 3A would not avoid or substantially lessen the project's significant impact to agricultural resources relative to the environmentally superior Alternative 2. Furthermore, it would cause unique adverse impacts that could potentially be significant.”
While the city of Visalia did not endorse any of the six routes proposed, it did seek relief from SCE for what it felt were negative impacts from the large power poles and lines.
Bohn wrote; “Second,
in addition to obtaining all necessary property rights to
develop the greenway, Visalia proposes that SCE cooperatively
fund its creation, with no proposed limit on SCE's expenditures.
Conversely, SCE does not propose that it spend any money
on creation of the greenway. To balance the
interests of SCE and Visalia, we do not approve Visalia's
proposal for unlimited funding for the greenway, or SCE's
proposal for no funding. Instead, we adopt a cap on SCE's
expenditures for creation of the greenway of $2 million,
in addition to any costs related to obtaining the necessary
property rights and any internal costs incurred by SCE.”
Bohn did agree with the EIR in that the project “does not cause a significant adverse impact” on nearby residential developments.
Bohn did not agree with the Farm Bureau's request to require the establishment of an agricultural advisory committee to provide input into the details of implementing the agricultural mitigation measures identified in the EIR.
However, he did side with walnut growers who feared they would have to remove acres of orchards under the lines.
“Consequently, the draft EIR determined that the proposed project would effectively convert walnut acreage located in the new rights of way to non-agricultural use. However, upon further analysis in response to comments, the final EIR determined that this significant impact can be avoided by increasing the height of the transmission line to allow for a maximum walnut height of 30 feet.”
The favored route would proceed from the Rector Substation north in the existing right of way out of the city for about 11 miles, then turn east for 3.5 miles, and then north to parallel Road 176 until Avenue 376.
The alignment then proceeds east, paralleling Avenue 376 and then southeast through a saddle along the base of Colvin Mountain until Road 1945. It then extends south and then southeast until Road 196. From there, the alignment extends east for approximately 1.2 miles and the south for approximately 0.6 miles. At mile 19.7, the alignment turns east along the base of Lone Oak Mountain and continues east until it reaches the existing Big Creek 3-Springville.
Bohn's decision “grants Edison a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct the San Joaquin Cross Valley Loop Transmission Project, using the environmentally superior project Alternative 2 identified in the Environmental Impact Report.
“As the lead agency for environmental review of the project, we find that the environmental Impact Report prepared for this project meets the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, and that there are overriding considerations that merit construction of the project notwithstanding its significant and unavoidable environmental impacts.”
Bohn also supported
the PUC's contention that Alternative 2 would not cost significantly
more as Edison contends. “Alternative 2 will be constructed
largely on existing rights of way, and California unemployment
remains high. For these reasons, we adopt a contingency
of 15 percent and apply it to the forecasted direct cost
of $97.907 million. We adopt a maximum project cost of $122.182
million,” he wrote.
PACE had no comment on the latest decision.
When the Commission acts on the proposal, it may adopt all or part of it as written, amend or modify it, or set aside and prepare its own decision. Only when the Commission acts does the decision become binding on the parties.
Visalia - Being a sixth generation farmer, Eric Ward of Hanford knows plenty when it comes to farming. Although he knew growing sweet corn over his usual stone fruit would be a challenge, he decided to go forth with his idea anyway. After running a successful sweet corn stand in Hanford for its third year in a row, Ward and his wife Heather decided to move things to Visalia, and opened its first day a week ago.
“This year we ventured out and moved to Visalia,” said Ward.
The newly opened corn stand at South Mooney and Avenue 272 is where Eric Ward grows his 25 acres of sweet corn. He also offers a drive through, so that his customers have a more convenient way of getting their corn fresh and fast.
Customer Richard Mata of Visalia spoke highly of the sweet corn as he pulled up to the corn stand on its third day of being open. “The corn is fresh and it's a good quality,” he added, “The drive thru is very convenient.” Mata also said that he looks forward to barbecuing the corn he bought.
Although it took time to work with the city to be able to rent the property to grow the corn in Visalia, everything worked out for the Ward family, who has been farming in California for generations.
Ward said that growing sweet corn is very intense because of trying to have a supply of corn from mid June to late august. Even though he plants multiple times throughout the season, he is still planting corn, since he started planting in March.
“The planting is very difficult; it's like a huge garden,” he said.
Usually the Ward's are able to start picking and selling by mid June. One of the biggest difficulties of this last pick for the family was the lasting cool weather and rain, which set them back by ten days.
“We grow at least 50 percent of what we are going to sell on the ranch,” Heather Ward said, “It's not all coming from other places.”
The Wards also said that they don't get as much gratification from the other products they sell, like his stone fruit, because they don't know who is buying the fruit. With the sweet corn however, he knows it's the community that is buying it.
“Here at the sweet corn stand it's just the opposite,” he added, “We get to hear feedback from the people and how they're glad that we are here.”
The kind of corn that the Ward family grows is known as Super Sweet Corn, which makes the corn much sweeter than regular sweet corn. What makes this stand so special is that the corn is picked daily and is fresh compared to what is in the store, he said.
Growing the corn was every bit as hard as he thought, maybe even harder. The weeds have been a big problem, since the sweet corn is only five- to six-feet tall compared to taller corn varieties.
The Wards are a Godly farming operation, just as their name implies, they believe it conveys their attitude.
“God's the one that grows everything, I can plant it, but I can't physically make it sprout,” Ward said.
The Wards want to be a positive voice in the community and a positive influence, if people like the corn then they can give the glory to the Lord.
“We are trying to be a service to the community. Providing them fresh sweet corn is one of our big hopes and that we'll get the support of the community,” they said.
Visalia - In the end, it came down to a $60,000 question before the Visalia City Council approved the city's record $191.6 million budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year.
Visalia always approves a two year budget, so Monday's action also included approval of a $199.7 million fiscal year 2011-12 budget. The council also approved the $7 million redevelopment budget, certified the Measure T plan and adopted the general fund appropriation budget.
City Administrative Services Director Eric Frost said the two-year budgets approved are the highest in the city's history, but he placed an asterisk on that statement. The total budget is up because the city is undertaking a mandated $80 million expansion of its wastewater treatment plant. That cost is being spread out over the next two years, adding $40 million to each year's budget and the money for the work comes from restricted funds – they can only be used for that project.
The basic budget – the general fund – is actually down about $5 million from each of the past two years, Frost pointed out, because of falling income from sales tax and property taxes. The general fund budget is $55.9 million for 2010-11 and $55.9 million for 2011-12.
The general fund budget is a deficit budget, noted Frost. He projected the need to dip into the city reserves for about $3.8 million next year, but $1.2 million of that will be an advance on property tax income that will come later.
“It's not where we'd like to be, but it's not as bad as it had been,” said Frost in detailing the city's financial health. He cautioned that the budget allows for the state to take up to $500,000, but said that is only an estimate. “We still don't know what the state is going to do,” he said of the $19 billion deficit state lawmakers are dealing with in Sacramento.
From the general fund the city pays for police and fire, recreation and general government services. Most of that goes to pay salaries in those departments. The fire budget is approximately $12 million, while the police budget is about $25 million.
Since much of the budget had been approved during a series of discussions over the past several council meetings, about all that was left was the funding for non-profits.
In the past few years the council has awarded grants to many non-profits each year. This year, Frost had suggested the city cut that funding from $160,000 to just $60,000, a suggestion the council decided not to follow.
“I think it's time for this council to step up and help our youth of this city,” said Councilmember Steve Nelsen in explaining he would support the full $160,000 for the non-profits.
Councilmember Mike Lane agreed, but added the council needs to be cautious in tough economic times.
“The theme this year is weathering the storm,” said Lane, adding he hopes the employees will understand the situation the city is in and agree to some salary concessions to narrow the budget deficit.
The city is in negotiations with employee bargaining groups and it is no secret that concessions are being sought. Frost said the actual $2.6 million deficit will have to be made up out of reserves, employee concessions or a combination of both. He did stress that the city is not seeking to have employees make up the entire $2.44 million deficit.
One new revenue source approved by the council Monday was a $50 towing fee that the city projects will generate about $100,000 a year. Also, the council gave the OK to charge businesses for fire inspections, with that money going to pay for a new fire inspector – the only new position included in the budget. However, no layoffs or furloughs are proposed in the budget.
Frost cautioned the city is getting close to cutting into its reserve too much. He said the two-year budget could leave the city with less than $10 million in reserves by the beginning of the 2012-13 fiscal year – below the 25 percent threshold that is recommended.
Mayor Bob Link said the budget process has been tough with them trying to live within the city's means when there is little money. Saying he too was concerned with the dwindling reserve, he added, “I feel we have a responsibility to the community to keep a good reserve.”
Link also noted the
added stress the cutbacks in staff have had on those still
working in the city. “We can't go a whole lot longer
and not start rebuilding our staff,” he said
In the past three years the city has eliminated more than
45 positions to where today there are more than 30 fewer
city employees – excluding public safety – than
there were in 1990.
Visalia - A settlement between California Water Service Company (Cal Water) and the Division of Ratepayer Advocates moves Cal Water a step closer to a rate hike, but it is not known what increase the company will be granted in Visalia.
Cal Water, a private company, provides water services in Visalia and a number of other communities in the Central Valley.
“DRA and Cal Water have reach agreement – DRA is division of public utility commission,” said Visalia Cal Water Manager Phil Mirwald. “Now that decision goes to the public utility commission to see if they agree.”
Mirwald said that it is still too early in the process to determine what the rate increase will be in Visalia, but he said, “We're looking at less than what we were asking for.” He said a final decision will come late this year. The new rates are scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2011.
Cal Water was seeking approval for a rate increase that would have raise the monthly cost of water for the average Visalia homeowner by more than $17 a month by 2013. Now, it appears that increase will be much less. Mirwald said the rate increase would still be phased in, probably over three years as proposed.
The request was to raise water rates 21.1 percent in January of 2011, then another 22.3 percent in January 2012 and finally another 18.2 percent in January of 2013.
“There are so many factors that weigh in,” it is impossible to know what the final increase will be,” said Mirwald, adding that the final decision is still up to the PUC. He said this week's announcement is just another step in the rate hike process.
In a press release, Cal Water noted the settlement is not binding on the Commission, which must take input from other participants and determine whether the settlement terms are in the public interest. The Commission may adopt the settlement in whole, in part, or reject it. The Commission's final decision on Cal Water's rate request is expected by the end of the fourth quarter of 2010.
The settlement recommends rate increases that would add $35.3 million to gross revenues, as well as an additional $7 million of rate relief that may be obtained after completion of certain capital projects system-wide. How that breaks down per individual district has not been determined.
Cal Water has 38,567 customers in Visalia, manages 492 miles of pipeline, and has 72 active wells, seven treatment plants, four storage tanks and four booster pumps. In all, Cal Water serves 460,000 Californians.
Visalia - Ruben Macareno's name will not appear on the Nov. 2 ballot as the Democratic candidate for the 21st Congressional District.
Macareno tried to qualify for the November race as a write-in, but he fell far short of the 2,099 votes needed to qualify for the ballot. Tulare County Elections reported Monday that Macareno got just 342 write-in votes in the June 8 primary.
County Elections manager Ann Turner said all the write-in votes have been counted. In the 21st District there were 2,028 write-in votes cast, but Turner said, “A lot were just fictional characters.” She added Michael Jackson got a few votes, but the favorite fictional character was Mickey Mouse.
There were 1,315 write-in votes cast in Fresno County in the 21st District race, but even if Macareno got 100 percent of those, he would fall more than 400 votes short of what he needed.
The 21st District covers all of Tulare County and a good portion of southern Fresno County, including much of the city of Clovis.
According to election officials, a write-in candidate must get 10 percent of the total votes cast in the last election for the 21st Congressional District and that number was 2,099.
The results mean that incumbent Republican Devin Nunes' name will be the only name on the Nov. 2 ballot in that race. No other candidates ran in the primary.
In other final results, incumbent Supervisor Steve Worthley got 2,422 votes to 2,275 for newcomer Brian Rouch. Because no one got more than 50 percent of the vote, there will be a runoff in November.
Other final results:
Fifth District Supervisor:
Mike Ennis, 4,048 to 3,908 for Cameron Hamilton.
Sheriff: Bill Wittman won with 28,459 votes to 15,922 votes
for challenger John Zapalac.
Assessor: Roland Hill defeated Ron Medlock 20,566 to 19,032 votes.
In the 20th Congressional District, incumbent Jim Costa (D) will face Kings County farmer Andy Vidak (R), son of Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Chief Jim Vidak.
As all the votes have been counted, the turnout improved. According to the elections' office, turnout for the June 8 primate was 31.25 percent. That was a huge improvement over the initial 21.55 percent turnout reported on election night.
By Marina Gaytan
Visalia - When you walk into The Corner Café on Mineral King and Cain Street in Visalia you will see a flier supporting Ashley Galvan, 19, of Visalia under the glass of every table. Galvan has been chosen as one of the top 11 to compete on this season's Fox hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Celene Housey, Galvan's sister-in-law, of Visalia who has worked at the Café for four years, is doing what she can to gather the community's attention in efforts to support the Visalia native.
“As soon as we found out she made the show, I said we're going to get a banner for the place, and we're all going to wear t-shirts to support her,” Housey said, “We posted fliers all around downtown.”
Byron and Gail Taylor, owners of The Corner Café, where Housey works are big supporters of the community, so when Housey wanted to place a 7-foot banner supporting Galvan on the outside of the building, they were willing to contribute.
“Everybody's like who is that,” Housey said referring to the neatly printed t-shirts the servers wear promoting Galvan and the show.
Each contestant competes Wednesday nights to win over America. Fans can call to vote for their favorite on the show that night. The results Thursday nights then reveal the bottom three contestants. They then have to perform a solo, and it is ultimately up to the judges who will go home. Galvan has not been in the bottom three in the show's first two weeks of finals.
The community has been great, Housey said, as soon as people find out that she's related to Galvan they are eager to watch and vote.
Rod and Lori Galvan, Ashley's parents, have supported their daughter since she started dancing at the age of three.
“It's really neat to have the support from Visalia backing her up,” Galvan's mother said holding a picture of her daughter dancing from years past.
Everywhere the Galvans go; people show their support for the Redwood High School graduate and tell them how amazing it is that a girl from Visalia has made the show.
Ashley Galvan has faced two elimination rounds and faces another this week. Lori Galvan fears that the longer Ashley stays on the show, the harder it will be. She hopes for more voters.
“I would really like to thank each and every one for supporting her,” she said about the community.
Lori Galvan said Ashley mainly tried out for the show to get her name out there. Ashley's previous experience already includes being on a Nickelodeon show “Dance on Sunset,” the movie, “Fame” and a Broadway show, “Wonderland.”
Rod Galvan said he's extremely proud of his daughter and supports her 100 percent in everything she does.
“Hopefully this will prove to be a good thing for her and open up many doors and opportunities,” he said.
The Galvan's travel each week to Los Angeles to watch the show live and show their support for their daughter who has made it three weeks on the show. The show airs 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Fox network.
Ashley Galvan wasn't available for an interview.
SECOND FRONT PAGE
What's New
Taxable sales for the second quarter of 2008 were down in nearly every city in Tulare and Kings counties, the state reported. In Visalia, taxable sales for the months of April, May and June of 2009 totaled $457 million, down from $552 million for the same quarter of 2008. In Tulare, sales were down from $192 million in the second quarter of 2008 to just $152 million for the same period of 2009. For the counties as a whole, Tulare County saw sales off 19.3 percent and Kings County saw sales drop 16.3 percent.
While Visalia Unified School District posted impressive gains in lowering the dropout rate in local high schools, the percentage of students graduating was even higher at some other local school districts. Visalia had a graduation rate of 74 percent for the 2007-08 school year and the improvement the district showed placed it as the fifth best performing school district in the nation. However, that rating was only based on large school districts. Farmersville showed a graduation rate of 76.2 percent to top all high school districts in Tulare County. Other grad rates were: Tulare, 68.9; Porterville, 48.4; Lindsay, 70.5; Exeter, 50.4 and Dinuba, 70.8.
After peaking last week at just over 183,000 acre feet of water, the water level is beginning to drop in Lake Kaweah, but there will be plenty of water for this weekend. As of Tuesday morning, the lake still held more than 181,000 acre feet of water. Completely full is 186,000 acre feet. Inflow into the lake is just about keeping pace with what is being released.
The Environmental Protection Agency has again delayed a decision to boost the percentage of ethanol that can be blended into the domestic gasoline supply to 15 percent.
College of the Sequoias will break ground on its multi-million Tulare Campus on July 8. The new campus is on East Bardsley Avenue east of Tulare.
The California Department of Water Resources says the 2010 State Water Project allocation is being increased to 50 percent of requested amounts because of storms late in the spring.
A major widening project will begin soon on Whitendale Avenue between Central Street and 500 feet west of Mooney Boulevard. Last week, the city council awarded the $1 million contract to Teichert Construction.
Gas prices now top last year's prices. The Auto Club reported Tuesday that the average price for unleaded regular gas in Tulare County was $3.154, about a dime more than what motorists paid a year ago.
Visalia - Nearly half a million dollars worth of fireworks will be set off in the city of Visalia during the Fourth of July holiday this weekend.
Sales at fireworks stands began this week and based on a quick survey of a few of the non-profit groups that sell fireworks, they average around $20,000 in sales each. With 25 booths, that equates to the half a million dollar amount. And, that's just in Visalia. There are fireworks stands in the county and many other cities allow the sales of the Safe and Sane Fireworks.
The Visalia Breakfast Lions Club sold around $30,000 last year in fireworks and profited around $13,500. Many of the proceeds made from fireworks sales go right back into the community to help with various educational programs, scholarships and organizations.
“We gave $1,000 to each school,” said the Lions Club's Treasurer Russ Marlow. The booth that is set up in Mary's Vineyard on Noble provides funds to other organizations as well. Campus Society, United Way, American Heart Association and the Boy Scouts of America are just a few of the many they help every year.
West Visalia's Kiwanis Club President Fred Weber said they've been selling fireworks for 20 years and that virtually all of the money made through fireworks sales goes towards helping kids through different programs. One major club they help is the Key Club at El Diamante High School. Money also goes to scholarship funds, Scicon and different projects throughout the year. The Club's booth is located at Akers and Walnut.
The booth location plays a big role on the amount of sales the club makes. Sales that they've made range anywhere from as little as $5,000 to as much as $40,000, Weber said. Most booths in Visalia stay at the same location every year, sell the same products and have the same pricelist.
“It's satisfying to have a chunk of money and put it back into the community,” Weber said.
Both the Kiwanis Club and the Visalia Breakfast Lions said their biggest sales are on the third and the fourth.
Here is a listing of the Fireworks Booths selling Fireworks in Visalia.
Visalia Lions-Sequoia on West Noble; Community Bible church (Pentecostal Church of God) on South Demaree; Fortress of Truth (United Pentecostal) on West Walnut; Church of God-Ladies Auxiliary on South Mooney; Visalia Youth Football on South Mooney; Visalia Moose Lodge 546 on South Mooney; Knights of Columbus #2268 on East Caldwell; Church of God-Peacemakers on South Mooney; American Legion Post #18 on West Walnut; Visalia United Methodist Church on West Caldwell; Kiwanis Club-West Visalia on West Walnut; Jubilee Worship Center on West Walnut; Savior's Community Church on North Mooney; St. Paul's School on East Houston; Pentecostal Lighthouse on North Demaree; Golden West Athletic Boosters on North Dinuba; American Legion Post #785 on North Dinuba; Kiwanis Club-Visalia on South Mooney; Congregation B'nai David on North Dinuba; Visalia Lions-Host on South Mooney; Sequoia Chapter Triple X Fraternity on West Goshen; Visalia Lions-Breakfast on East Noble; Visalia Christian Academy on East Walnut; Breakfast Y's Men on East Noble; Kiwanis Club-Sequoia on North Willis.
Fireworks Safety Tips
Visalia's Fire Department Assistant Battalion
Chief Charlie Norman gave some quick tips for a safe Fourth
of July.
· If possible attend a public fireworks show. These
shows have trained professionals handling the fireworks.
· If using outdoor fireworks make sure that they
are legal. Using illegal fireworks can be very dangerous
and can lead to citations.
· Use a bucket of water and a have a hose handy.
· Don't mix alcohol and fireworks.
· Children using sparklers should be supervised
by a competent adult.
· Use fireworks in the street, sidewalk and green
grass. Never use your fireworks in dry grass.
By Miles Shuper
Visalia - For Visalia area resident Louise Gothard, having the opportunity in February to meet and shake hands with Edith Shain, the woman generally acknowledged as the nurse being kissed by a sailor in Times Squire on Aug. 14, 1945, was a great honor.
Gothard was saddened to learn of Shain’s passing last week but said getting to meet the woman in the iconic photo was both inspirational and personally rewarding.
Shain died from liver cancer in Southern California where she lived most of her life and was an elementary school teacher. In recent years, Shain actively promoted and participated in the nationwide campaign to “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive.” That campaign focuses on promoting the National Day of Recognition, the second weekend in August.
It was that campaign which brought the petite Shain to Visalia providing Gothard, who was a member of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) the opportunity to meet her.
Gothard, who was in WAVES boot camp in New York in 1944 and later served in Georgia and then what now is China Lake in the Mojave Desert, thanked Shain personally for her role in the recognition of the end of WWII as well as being part of one of the world’s most famous photographs.
Gothard, photographed with Shain at the Visalia reception, was impressed by the endurance and enthusiasm the tiny Shain displayed the day she came to Visalia. Shain had appeared in San Jose earlier in the day, made an appearance at a home and garden show at the Visalia Convention Show and a performance of “In the Mood” at the Fox Theater in addition to the reception at the Veterans Memorial Building on Center Street.
Gothard is convinced Shain was the actual nurse in the world-famous picture despite the lack of positive proof, saving “she was so inspiriting for all she has done for all those who contributed to the efforts of the war.”
Although Shain never served in the military, Gothard said the picture of the celebration of VJ Day would become an indelible symbol of the nation’s spirit.
Shain related how she had taken the subway to Times Square after finishing her nursing shift to confirm reports that the war really was over. Still dressed in her uniform, Shain was approached by a celebrating uniformed sailor who swept her off the ground, swung her around and kissed her passionately before moving on to kiss other women.
Later she would be quoted as saying “It was the least I could do. The soldiers liberated all those countries.”
Gothard attests to the American spirit in WWII, volunteering for the WAVES after seeing “all those signs showing Uncle Sam Wants You,” she said this week.
After boot camp in New York, Gothard went to Georgia for store keeping training before being stationed at the Navy’s weapons testing facility in China Lake.
Sue Gunderman, Gothard’s daughter who accompanied her mom to the reception for Shain, said she was deeply moved and impressed meeting and talking with the iconic woman who was so dedicated to honoring all veterans.
Gunderson said her mother continues to talk about the meeting being able to thank Shain for her dedication and extremely proud of being photographed with her.
Tulare County - To celebrate the nation’s birthday this year on July 4, many cities will be putting on events featuring performances, food, games and let’s not forget; fireworks.
Many sponsors and organizations contributed widely in order to put on these events, as well as members from the community. Unfortunately, the communities of Dinuba and Porterville will not be setting off fireworks this year. Here is a listing of the celebrations going on in nearby communities;
Visalia
Long Riders and Willow Station will be performing at this year’s Fourth of July Freedom Celebration at Giant Chevrolet-Cadillac Mineral King Bowl at 6:30 p.m. A fly-over by the US Military will be presented followed by a fireworks spectacular at dusk. This year’s event has been sponsored by Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel and The Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation. The event is free but a $3 donation will be accepted. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Exeter
Exeter will hold its annual all day event, starting with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. under the arbor where Parks and Recreation will feature a 2-mile walk and a 10k run. This year’s featured entertainment will be the Black Water Blues Band. Booths of local artists and crafters as well as food booths, along with live entertainment will go on all day. Traditional free fireworks will be presented at dusk at the Lions Stadium. Donations will be accepted after the show.
Hanford
The Hanford fireworks committee, a local community volunteer group, will be hosting Hanford’s fireworks celebration at Hanford High on July 4. This year’s show will feature bounce houses, games and a concession stand offered by Superior Dairy. Families may also bring ice chests, blankets and chairs. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Lemoore
The Fourth of July will be celebrated in Lemoore with all day festivities starting at 7 a.m. The 2010 Lemoore Navy Celebration will begin with a 5K run/3K walk in Lemoore City Park, followed by a breakfast sponsored by the American Legion. A Red, White and Blue parade will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. by the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce. Also featured will be performances by the band, Safe 4 Flight.
Lindsay
The Lindsay Friday Night Market at Sweet Brier will feature a fireworks celebration on July 2. The show will start at 8 p.m. in the Plaza in downtown Lindsay. The show is free.
Tulare
Tulare’s July 3 celebration will be hosted by the Tulare Noon Kiwanis Club for its 45th year, at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is $5 per person, kids under 6 years of age are free.
The above stories are the property of The Valley Voice Newspaper and may not be reprinted without explicit permission in writing from the publisher.
July 1, 2010
