Super Walmart Heading to Old Costco
Site?
By Rick Elkins
Visalia - While it appears Visalia is not on Trader Joe's radar right now, those who attended the International Council of Shopping Centers annual convention in Las Vegas last week came away optimistic.
Visalia City Manager Steve Salomon said he and Mayor Bob Link were told by officials with Trader Joe's that at this time Visalia does not meet the criteria for locating the popular grocery store here.
Visalia has been trying to attract a Trader Joe's for many years and while it appears one is not on the immediate horizon, the city made significant inroads to landing a store in the future.
“It's not if, it's when we'll get them,” said Wayne Millies with the Whitlatch Group and who has spearheaded the effort.
“We're not quitting on this thing. We know what we're dealing with. We have a good relationship (with Trader Joe's),” said Millies.
While the city did not land a commitment from Trader Joe's, there were plenty of other positives, said Millies and Bill Whitlatch.
“We're pretty optimistic,” said Millies, adding that several restaurant chains, a couple of clothing stores and a fitness chain all expressed serious interest in Visalia.
“We did well,” he said.
Whitlatch said it looks like a Super Walmart will be coming to South Mooney, taking over the old Costco site. Negotiations on the property are on-going, but something could happen in the next 30 to 90 days, he said.
Also, the Whitlatch Group is already working on plans to develop the northeast corner of Stonebrook and Cameron, across the street from Costco.
“We have some potential tenants in mind, one 100,000 square feet,” said Whitlatch. He said the project will have 230,000 s.f. of retail space and “We've started the development process.”
Millies said a Super Walmart on South Mooney will have its pluses, and its minuses, but he expects that project to go through. That center has sat empty for more than three years. He did say the Super Walmart in Hanford is getting a lot of business from Visalia and Tulare. “Typically a Super Walmart does $90 million in sales a year. Hanford is doing $120 million and they say about $30 million of that is from Visalia,” Millies said.
Efforts to bring Burlington Coat Factory to Visalia continue and Millies said the company is very interested in the city. He said reports that it was looking at the old Mervyn's store at the Sequoia Mall are false. The Mervyn's site is only about 55,000 s.f. and Millies said Burlington is looking for 75,000 to 100,000 s.f. of space.
However, they are working to fill the Mervyn's site, as well as the old FoodsCo store site, but there is still much work to be done before there is anything definite.
Whitlatch said that at the convention, which drew more than 30,000 people and is considered a key location to make contacts with retail developers, a trend for smaller grocery stores developed.
“I think there's something new on the market – food markets 20,000 to 30,000 s.f. in size. The latest trend has been for stores in the 50,000 to 60,000 s.f. range.
“There's a tendency to go smaller,” said Millies.
Visalia - The Kaweah Delta Local Healthcare board of directors gave the final green light to the 50,000 square foot medical complex to be built along Akers Avenue on the hospital district's West campus.
“It's a very exciting project. We're thrilled,” said hospital CEO Lindsay Mann, noting it will be the last major project at the West Campus that includes the Cypress Surgery Center - soon to be renamed the Sequoia Surgery Center - Cypress Rehabilitation Hospital, a cancer treatment center and more. Also to be constructed at the site is Laural Court, the district's 40-bed dementia facility. That will be located on the east side of the 37-acre complex, with the new medical facility on the west side. With the two newest projects, 34 of the 37 acres will be developed.
Mann said work on both projects should begin this fall.
The medical complex is actually being built and developed by the Mangano Company in conjunction with the hospital district. Mann said the hospital will lease space on the first floor of the two-story complex for urgent care and physical therapy offices.
The initial work on
the project started with a feasibility study and analysis
that concluded that the project was feasible under certain
circumstances and that there was demand for approximately
40,000 to 50,000 square feet of building on the site.
The hospital has signed a 99-year ground lease with Mangano.
The top floor will be for orthopedics, said Dr. Bruce Le of Orthopedic Associates that at one time looked at building a complex on Plaza Drive. When that fizzled, it shifted its focus but now Le said the three surgeons that are part of the group are excited about the new project.
“We've been working on this project for about seven years. About three years ago Lindsay (Mann) offered us a Cypress slot. We decided it would behoove us to have other physicians come in with us,” said Le.
Several physicians have already committed to lease or purchase space in the complex, a concept Mann said is exciting not only for the hospital, but also for the physicians.
“Our main driver is to ensure success of physicians already in this community and those who will come to this community,” said Mann.
In addition to orthopedics, vascular surgeons, infectious disease and family practice doctors are also on board to have space. Lee said how many offices will be available depends on the needs of each doctor.
Dr. Ashraf Ghaly is another physician who has taken a lead role in the development, which is a partnership between Mangano, the doctors and the hospital.
“There are a lot of people who want to go in it,” said Ghaly, adding the driving force is to help the community by offering more services in a central location.
“Having collaborative work all together is the idea and to get the patient treated as fast as possible.”
He said the complex will have both a small imaging department and pharmacy so a patient could conceivably be seen by a doctor, x-rayed and get their prescription without leaving the building.
“I think it's exciting for the patients,” he added.
Steve Peck, vice president with The Mangano Company, said eventually the building will be owned by the doctors. Calling it a “flexible condo” concept, individual doctors will actually purchase their space in the building. Mangano will retain ownership of the portions of the building that will be leased to the hospital for physical therapy and its urgent care.
“We were surprised by the amount of need out there,” said Peck of the interest shown by a number of doctors.
Mann said the doctors are excited and have been willing to be a part of the project. “It is very likely we'll have a facility that is fully occupied upon opening,” he said.
Funding Plan Falling Apart
Visalia - Tulare Fire Chief Michael Threlkeld is recommending to his city council that Tulare contract with a private company for its haz-mat coverage and end its contract with the city of Visalia.
Citing tough economic times for everyone, Threlkeld said, “I can't in good faith raise fees.”
Threlkeld said he has spoken to two other fire chiefs in the county and they too have indicated they are seriously considering contracting with the private firm. And, Tulare County Chief Administrative Officer Jean Rousseau indicated the county is leaning that way as well.
Such action would put the city of Visalia in a corner in trying to save its Haz-mat unit that has been in existence since 1995. It is the only such unit in the county and has responded to incidents outside of Visalia several times.
“I'm shocked,” responded Visalia Fire Chief Mark Nelson when told of Tulare's and the county's intention. He has been working for nearly a year on coming up with funding to keep the city's unit intact.
While Nelson said he has serious concerns with the private company – PARC Environmental – City Manager Steve Salomon and Mayor Bob Link said the city will have to look into the private company as an alternative if it cannot come with a way to fund the city unit. Nelson has reported it cost the city $120,000 a year to maintain the unit.
Nelson explained his concerns are that the private company is more of a clean-up operation, rather than an emergency response operation such as the Visalia unit. He said the Visalia unit is made up of 21 highly trained personnel who can respond to things as simple as a small chemical leak to a terrorist incident.
“This team offers a lot,” stressed Nelson, adding the matter will go before the city council June 7.
According to its website, PARC Environmental “is a leader in providing prompt and reliable emergency response services for both incidents on water and land. With over 15 years of experience in this area, our team is highly trained with state of the art equipment and is capable of responding to any hazardous material spill. We respond to mercury spills, over turned tankers, transportation related accidents, illegal dumping of chemicals and chemical containers, clandestine drug labs, accidental releases of chemicals on soil and water, and PCB spills.”
Nelson was instructed a year ago to cut $700,000 from his budget as a cost-saving measure all city departments faced. One idea was to either get the county and cities served by the haz-mat unit to chip in to cover the annual cost of maintaining it, or disband it. Those entities did agree on a funding plan for six months, but that agreement ends June 30. Nelson has been trying to get that agreement extended.
For Tulare County, the full year cost would be $39,000, while the city of Tulare is being asked to contribute $16,000 annually. Visalia's share would be $33,000 and Porterville $14,000.
Threlkeld said he could not commit to that.
“I struggled with that. Given the difficult times only way city could recover that cost is to increase fees to those companies that use and store hazardous materials,” he said.
Threlkeld said he was satisfied PARC Environmental could meet the city's needs at basically no cost to the city. He explained PARC does not require a contract or a retainer fee, would respond to all incidents and then bill directly the party responsible for the incident.
“I have the confidence they can meet the need,” he said.
Nelson agrees that money is the key issue, especially when the city has provided the coverage at no cost for 15 years.
“We really want to work with people and have a regional program,” said Nelson. “I'd be disappointed if they don't (agree to keep unit intact),” he said.
Earlier discussions had proven ineffective with the county until District 2 Supervisor Phil Cox appeared before the Visalia City Council April 21 vowing to get a deal worked out. However, it now appears the county is going in a different direction that does not include the Visalia team.
Nelson said the unit responds to all types of hazardous material incidents, but that it is severely underutilized because of a lack of education and training with other fire units throughout the county. He said as that education and training is increased, the demand for hazmat services will increase.
Nelson suggested the county could increase the fee charged to businesses and industries that have hazardous materials to cover the $120,000. Those businesses – roughly 2,700 – would pay an additional $25 to $100 a year. Evidently, said Threlkeld, the county does not want to do that.
Approved by Slim Margin
By Miles Shuper
Tulare County - Property owners in the Delta Vector Control District have approved a 10-year property assessment to fund construction of a laboratory for testing for West Nile virus and diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects.
Mike Auburn, the district manager, said 50.29 percent favored the assessment which will generate an estimated $473,776, a year for 10 years. Of the 54,351 ballots sent to property owners in the district, 10,920, representing about 20 percent of those sent, were returned. The district covers the Visalia, Woodlake, Exeter, Cutler-Orosi, Dinuba and the rest of northern Tulare County.
Auburn said the assessment is $6.50 per year for single family residences on lots smaller than one acre. Other assessments are based on the number of dwelling unit and size.
Commercial, industrial and agricultural properties will be assessed according to size, location and property type, district officials said.
There were 6,022 yes votes processed representing $53,105.28 in assessed property value for a total 50.29 of the votes, weighted by assessment. There were 4,685 no votes processed, representing $52,490.89, resulting in a 49.71 percent of the (weighted by assessment) ballots cast. In addition, 213 invalid ballots, representing $2,082.84 in assessed value, were cast, according to the Tulare County Elections Department officials. Only a simply majority, based on assessed value, was required for approval. The assessment will go into effect July 1.
The laboratory will be constructed at the district's headquarters on West Goshen Avenue. Construction of the 3,600 sq. ft. facility is expected to start in the spring of 2011 and be completed several months later, Auburn said.
In addition to West Nile Virus, the lab will test for Western Equine and St. Louis encephalitis, said Yolanda Lourenco, assistant manager of the district.
She said the new lab will cut the processing time for testing mosquito specimens to about 24 hours. Currently specimens are sent to the University of California, Davis for testing, a process which can take up to a week to get result.
Having its own lab, she said, will allow the district “to respond more quickly, allowing faster public notification when West Nile or another virus is discovered.
West Nile Virus has posed an increasing threat in recent years in California and four cases of infection were reported in Tulare County in 2009. Since 2005 there have been 14 deaths and nearly 300 West Nile infections reported in the Central Valley.
Funds raised by the assessment are expected to generate $4.7 million over the 10 years which will cover the construction and equipment costs. Auburn said current staff is expected to do the testing.
A wet year and hundreds of neglected backyards and swimming pools in foreclosed homes and increased water supplies for farm land have greatly increased mosquito breeding sites.
In addition, a number of homeowners have cut back on their pool care in tough economical time, Auburn said. This week the district has begun adding to its work force which is expected to total about 30, five more than normal, Auburn said.
Seasonal workers, many of them college students, are hired in June adding to the dozen full-time workers who treat potential and existing standing water sites. The district' only aerial spraying is in the sand and gravel pits between Woodlake and Lemon Cove which is treated once a month.
Other standing water locations are sprayed by crews who also stock swimming pools and other locations with fish which feed on mosquitoes.
The district also is waging an extensive public awareness campaign urging residents and property owners to report any standing water sites, Auburn said.
By Miles Shuper
Tulare County - A likely final pitch has been made to have Southern California Edison's proposed 220 kv high voltage power line constructed further north than the route favored by an administrative law judge with the California Public Utilities Commission.
Representatives from the Farm Bureau and PACE (Protection Agriculture Communities and Environment) along with SCE officials made their cases before the commission in San Francisco last week.
PACE and the Farm Bureau urged commissioners to select Alternative 3A which runs near Stokes Mountain, north of the PUC favored Alternative 2 through Elderwood. The project will deliver more power generated in the Big Creek generating facilities to the Rector Substation in the southeast corner of Visalia.
The need for the new line is not questioned, but the route the line will take has been an issue for several years. PACE and city officials and land owners convinced the PUC to reject Edison's preferred route, Alternative 1 that runs near Exeter and Farmerville and along sections of Highway 198. At the hearing, Edison continued its pitch for that route, claiming it is the most practical and least expensive.
Karen Mills, representing the Tulare County Farm Bureau, requested a final PUC decision be delayed to allow a more thorough study of Route 3A.
“Alternative 3A makes the most sense environmentally, pragmatically, and would allow the project to be built on the most expeditious basis. We believe it gives Edison their line the fastest.”
She also cited the importance of public support for the best route. Alternative A, she said, “provides an unprecedented opportunity to meet the needs of the system in a manner that meets the needs of the community too. The necessary information for you to act on is so close to completion. The Final EIR does not find significant impacts from 3A, only unique adverse ones.”
She also pointed to
the fact that 3A would incorporate existing SCE rights of
way.
“The approach of utilizing existing resources and
facilities is consistent with many long-term goals of the
commission to help ensure sustainability of California resources.”
Referring to costs, Mills said, “Cost impacts are important, but the relative limited additional cost of 3A is justified in light of the benefits it provides.”
She concluded by stating that what sets 3A apart from any other alternatives is that” there are already two landowners willing to sell their land for the project.”
Exeter resident John Kirkpatrick, who along with his wife, Shirley, has been along the most vocal 3A proponent, put it this way: “The foothill location of the transmission line has the additional benefit of making powers and conductors almost invisible even when viewed from a short distance.
“The existence of the Stone Corral Ecological Preserve located in this area right here created a problem because it is traversed by the existing Big Creek Rector transmission line. And it provides the habitat and species, population of some Species of some biological importance. The EIR says the biological concerns of the reserve cannot be mitigated. We think that is nonsense.”
Lee Starck, vice president in charge of transmission licensing for SCE, maintains that the selection of Alternate 2 over Edison's favored Alternate 1 will delay the project by two years because of additional U.S. Wildlife Service studies for Alternative 2 and not the others.
Starck said, quoting previous reports citing the risk of reliable service if the project would not be built, “Thus, to ensure that the lights stay on, it's critical that the project be completed as soon as possible.”
Citing electrical power needs several years ago which overtaxed demands resulting in power shortages, Starck urged the PUC to overrule the recommended selection of Alternative 2.
“We all know that reliable electric service is vital to the communities of the San Joaquin Valley, including agricultural customers engaged in processing, storage and transportation. It is for these reasons that Edison believes that although any of the routes could electrically solve the reliability needs if they could be constructed in time, the significant reliability requirements mandate that the line be constructed as soon as possible. And only Route 1 can address the reliability needs for the project within the required time frame.”
He also claimed even if per capita energy use declines or is stable, growth in demand will continue.
“In fact, transmission system planning is based on total system load demand forecasts, not a per-person demand that the proposed decision mistakenly looks at.
The same CEC report states that total peak demand is going to continue to increase by 1.4 percent per year from 2010 through 2018, which demonstrates that the reliability risk continues to increase as a result of delay. Even if per capita usage stays flat, total energy usage will rise as the population increases. In fact, Visalia has been growing at a rate of more than 3 percent per year.”
SECOND FRONT PAGE
What's New
The Rodeway Inn in Visalia has been sold, but the buyer has not been announced. The motel downtown has been closed for several weeks.
Canergy International and China Guodian have signed letter of intent for a joint development on a 500 megawatt solar project in Kings County. The agreement was signed April 21 during a visit to China by James D Boyd, vice chairman of California Energy Commission. The 500MW solar project is under the “Green City” development plan, one of the largest solar development projects in the state. The first phase of 150 megawatts will be completed by 2012, the second phase of 150 megawatts by 2013 and the third phase of 200 megawatts by 2014.
Dana Dierkes has named the new public information officer for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. She will be joining the park this month. She has been stationed in Washington, D.C.
Kenneth Clark, 49, of Springville, has been appointed associate director of reception center institutions for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). He has worked for CDCR as acting associate director, reentry and contract bed facilities, division of adult institutions since January 2010 and was acting director of adult rehabilitation programs in 2009. Previously, Clark was warden at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison Corcoran from 2006 to 2009, where he was also chief deputy warden from 2004 to 2006 and associate warden and chief disciplinary officer from 2002 to 2004. The position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $129,108.
The California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) 2010 Summer Assessment indicates adequate electricity to meet this summer's expected peak demand thanks in part to the construction of new power plants. By this summer, a total of 1,760 megawatts will have come on line since summer of 2009. More than 80 megawatts is renewable generation.
After not raising developer fees last year, the Visalia Unified School District did one better for next year. It lowered the fees charged new construction to help pay for new schools. The school board voted to lower the fees to $2.97 a square foot for residential construction (down from $3.37) and leave the commercial fee at 47 cents per square foot. The new fees took effect last week.
The Central Section of the American Planning Association California Chapter (APACA) has honored four public agencies in the San Joaquin Valley for outstanding planning projects, including the Comprehensive Planning Award - Small Jurisdiction to the City of Porterville Community Development Department and Dyett & Bhatia Urban & Regional Planners for the Porterville 2030 General Plan.
Target Corporation reported net earnings of $671 million for the quarter ended May 1, compared with $522 million in the quarter ended May 2, 2009. Earnings per share in the first quarter increased 30 percent to 90 cents from 69 cents in the same period a year ago. This was the highest EPS from continuing operations in Target's history, excluding holiday-driven fourth quarter results. All earnings per share figures refer to diluted earnings per share.
Quad Knopf, headquartered in Visalia, is leading a team to develop detailed design guidelines and preliminary engineering to improve the existing roadway and the numerous intersections along a 13.5 mile stretch of old Highway 99, known as the Golden State Corridor. The Corridor study area stretches from Kingsburg to Fowler, including Selma and unincorporated areas of Fresno County.
The state Energy Commission did vote, as expected, to extend the Cash for Appliances rebate program. Previously, the program was to expire on May 23. The rebate program will now continue until funds run out and give consumers up to 120 days from the purchase date to submit their rebate application by mail.
The number of Tornados brand snack food Facebook fans increased by 7 percent to 100,000 in 24 hours through its “100,000 Fan Chowdown” viral Facebook promotion. When Tornados reached the milestone 100,000 fans, it released 100,000 free boxes of Tornados to fans in the form of a buy 1 get 1 free e-coupons. Tornados, produced by Ruiz Foods in Dinuba, is a snack filled with grilled meats, melted cheeses and bold flavors wrapped in a crispy crust.
Grant money sought for riparian projects. The Visalia City Council approved applying for two grants – one for $369,977 to develop the Mill Creek riparian area between Stevenson and Johnson Streets – and a second for $240,000 to develop eight acres along the St. John's River along Riggin Avenue into a parkway.
Low Turnout Expected for Tuesday Election
By Rick Elkins
Tulare County - Although there are two closely contested board of supervisor races on Tuesday's ballot, Tulare County's top election official said she does not expect a very large voter turnout.
“I think it's going to be pretty low. Not getting a lot of hustle and bustle around here,” said Ann Turner, elections division manager.
Tuesday's primary election includes a race with five candidates vying for the Fourth District supervisor seat including incumbent Steve Worthley. In the Fifth District, incumbent Mike Ennis is being challenged by Porterville city councilman Cameron Hamilton.
Speaking of Porterville, the race for city council there has drawn not only a lot of interest, but a lot of candidates. Seeking the two open positions are incumbents Felipe Martinez and Pete McCracken, along with challengers Taha Saleh, John Simonich, Greg Shelton, Edward Patino Jr., Shawn Cable, Jesse J. Carrillo and Rodney Martin.
Two other county elections drawing interest are those for sheriff where incumbent Bill Wittman is seeking a fifth term and is being challenged for the second time by Woodlake Police Chief John Zapalac and County Assessor/Clerk Recorder were two men in the same office are seeking to follow their boss. Assistant County Assessor Roland Hill and Ron Medlock, chief auditor appraiser in the Assessor's office, are both running for the job that has been held by Greg Hardcastle for many years. In fact, both were hired by Hardcastle, who has endorsed Hill.
Recent articles regarding the board of supervisors' pay, lunches and reimbursements has added fuel to both races for supervisor. Another key issue is the freight line along the east side of the county and efforts by the board to save that line from extinction. Many residents want Measure R (the half-cent countywide sales tax increase) to go only for new roads and road repairs, not the rail line.
Even that has not sparked a lot of interest. Turner said she would be pleased if there was a 25 percent voter turnout. So far, vote-by-mail ballots have been slow in coming, with about 7,000 of the 20,000 ballots returned by Friday.
The lowest turnout for a June primary election was 30.1 percent in the last primary in June of 2008. Since 1980, the highest turnout was 65 percent in that year. Most years the turnout is between 35 and 45 percent.
However, there are 2,000 more registered voters for this election than there were in November of 2009. According to the Elections Office, 148,144 voters are registered for the June 8 election. Democrats lost 36, while Republicans gained 644 registered voters. Libertarian, Peace and Freedom and those declining to state a party also gained in numbers, with declined to state up 821.
Besides the local races, there are numerous primary races for state and national offices, including governor, state senator and local assembly and congressional offices. In most instances, there is only one candidate per party seeking the nomination.
In the 21st Congressional District, Devin Nunes is unopposed seeking the Republican nomination, but on the Democratic side there is no name on the ballot. However, Ruben Macareno, who at once was going to run for Fourth District supervisor, is running as a write-in for the Democratic nomination for the 21st Congressional District. He must receive 2,099 votes in order to make the November ballot.
The most interest statewide is on the Republican side were Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner are locked in a close battle for the GOP nod to run for governor and Carly Fiorina, Chuck Devore and Tom Campbell are battling for the GOP nod for U.S. Senate. There are no close races on the Democratic side for state offices where former governor Jerry Brown is expected to get the nomination for governor.
There are also five state ballot measures, a tax measure in the Cutler-Orosi School District and a charter amendment in the city of Porterville.
County Working on Solar Farm Resolution
Tulare County - Tulare County Planner John Heiser said the county is working on a resolution that will go before the Board of Supervisors to deal with several unresolved issues surrounding what is quickly becoming a planning challenge
Heiser said he had 11 active solar farm applications and “I'm expecting more applications next week,” he told the Tulare County Agricultural Advisory Committee that got an update on the issue that has surfaced in just the past couple of months.
Because power companies have been ordered by the state that 33 percent of their power generation must come from “renewable” sources, and the federal governments is offering stimulus dollars for the development of green energy, interest has skyrocketed the past few months in developing commercial solar power facilities.
And where is the sun more plentiful than the Central Valley, they have found.
Heiser said most applications are in the Ducor and Terra Bella areas and the Allensworth and Alpaugh areas – close to major power transmission lines. All are on land presently under Williamson Act protection, although he expects more proposals and some of those are not in Williamson Act.
The proposals range in size from 19 megawatts to 100 megawatts on land ranging from 150 to 500 acres. A megawatt is 1 million watts and can power 1,000 homes for one hour.
The Tulare County Farm Bureau, as well as the state Department of Conservation, opposes allowing the development of solar power generating facilities on land under the Williamson Act. The Williamson Act is designed to give the property owner a tax break as long as they promise to keep the land in ag use. The assessed value is based on the income the land produces – such as sales from a crop commodity. That value can vary year to year and then the tax can be reduced 25 to 75 percent.
Heiser said the county is leaning toward
only permitting solar farms on non-prime ag land, or
preferably non-ag land.
In response to a question, Heiser said neighbors to
the planned solar farms would be notified of the hearings.
Each project must go through the Conditional Use and
environmental review process and will require hearings.
“We haven't determined what impacts will be on neighboring farm operations,” Heiser said, and it was stated that the solar farm companies would have to sign a Right to Farm agreement in that they understand they are in an agricultural zone and will be subject to ag operations.
He also said that applicants have indicated they are willing to reclaim the land once the use of it as a solar farm ends. He said most leases are for 20 to 30 years.
Tulare County Farm Bureau President Ed Needham said he is concerned of problems the solar farms might cause for neighboring farm operations, such as weeds and pests.
Farm Bureau CEO Patricia Stever said an official with Solargen, one of the companies that has an application before the county, has met with farm bureau to alleviate concerns. “They are the only company seeking Farm Bureau blessing,” she said.
She said it is a difficult issue for the farm bureau in that if the land is taken out of Williamson Act protection, it could be removed as ag land forever. Leaving it in the act would ensure that someday the land would be farmed again, she said. Also, she has pointed out, the Farm Bureau does not want to get in the way of a farmer seeking to help their bottom line by leasing the land for a solar farm.
County Planner Fred Brusuelas said the county will not see much property tax benefit from such projects because renewable energy projects are exempt from increased assessed values.
Hadley Funeral Chapel Comes Back to Life
By Miles Shuper
Farmersville - Hadley Funeral Chapel, one of the oldest funereal homes in California which began in Tulare County nearly 120 years ago, is back in business.
The Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel in Farmerville is being operated by Steven Marcom the step-grandson of Richard Hemingway, now deceased, and grandson of Barbara Atkins Hemingway. Hemingway joined with Dudley and Maxine Hadley in 1974 and operated the firm until his retirement in 1992. The business was sold and operated for several years but has been closed for about a year.
For Marcom, the return to the Visalia area has fulfilled a career goal. He worked in the funeral business in Visalia for several years before moving to Lomita in Southern California where he joined the staff of the family owned A.M. Gamby Funeral Home in Lomita after graduation from Cypress Mortuary College in 1999.
The Farmersville chapel is in one of the original Hadley buildings where his grandfather, Richard Hemingway, worked. Marcom, his wife, Quina, daughter Taylor and son Lorenzo have moved to the residence near the chapel.
“We are just so pleased of being closer to my grandmother Barbara and are looking forward to carrying on the legacy of Dudley Hadley and Richard Hemingway who treated every family with compassion, understanding and utmost respect,” he said.
The Hadley-Marcom Chapel provides full mortuary services, including cremation and pre-arrangement funeral planning, Marcom said.
In addition to Marcom and Barbara Hemingway, Louie Luna, who has a decade of services in area funeral homes, has joined the staff. Luna, a native of Woodlake and a Visalia resident for more than 40 years, is glad to be helping to maintain the Hadley tradition. That tradition includes, Luna said, “having a relationship with the families and building trust with that relationship.” In addition to being bilingual, Luna said he “is very much in touch with my culture.”
Luna and his wife of more than 40 years, Virginia, have two children, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He is a Vietnam veteran and a life member with the American Legion and has been a member with several non-profit organizations over the last twenty five years.
Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel is located at 332 E. Visalia Road in Farmersville. The number is 594-1063 or toll free 877-559-5962.
The above stories are the property of The Valley Voice Newspaper and may not be reprinted without explicit permission in writing from the publisher.
June 3, 2010
