January 7 Newsletter
Valley Oak Tree Q&A: Valley Oaks once heavily populated 400 square miles of the Central Valley. The City adopted the Valley Oak Tree Ordinance in 1971 to preserve Valley Oaks from future development. The ordinance is still in effect today and is intended to beautify, preserve and enhance the quality of life and the unique identity of Visalia. There are instances where a tree must be removed to protect people or property. Unhealthy trees are at risk of failure and, in some cases, must be removed. The ordinance includes a provision that allows for the removal of a tree if it substantially interferes with the economic enjoyment of the property and there is no viable alternative to removal. With about 1,600 mature Valley Oaks in the City and 2,000 additional Valley Oaks on private property within City limits, numerous calls come in each year about the removal of the trees. For the most frequently asked questions, click here.
Dump On Us gets budget boost for expanded program: Solid waste staff updated the City Council at its Jan. 6 meeting on the success of the quarterly events allowing residents to bring their residential trash, large items and recyclables to the City Corporation Yard to dispose of them for free. Public participation in the events has doubled in the last four years. Costs to hold the 4 events have grown from $95,000 to an estimated $135,000 due to increased public participation and the added disposal streams of sharps, paper shredding and E-waste disposal. Council approved increasing the budget to $150,000 for FY 2013-14 to cover the cost of all four events with no increase in fees. The events have an impact on the City's diversion rate by recycling as much as possible. Since 2009, the events have collected 1,735 tons of material from residents and of that, 1,040 tons (60%) were recycled or diverted from the landfill. For more information, click here.
Visalia's "Grinch" lauded by Council: Van Crawford, Visalia's own "Grinch" was presented with a resolution of commendation by Visalia City Council at Monday's meeting. Crawford collected $12,000 and 87 barrels of food for the Visalia Rescue Mission in his nightly Christmas lights concerts which has grown to three houses. Since Crawford began his concerts in 2006, he has raised over $25,000 and over 52,000 pounds of food. Keeping none of the proceeds, Crawford donates all the money and food collected to the Mission.
Other Council news: Other action taken by City Council included: Authorizing to negotiate a contract with Caltrans for the joint preparation of a State Route 198 Corridor Planning Study for the City; authorizing the purchase of two Pierce Arrow XT Type I Fire Engines for $1.124 million; and approving the submission of two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cleanup Grant Applications for $400,000 to clean up contaminated soil to facilitate the St. Johns Riverway Trail Restoration Project and an application for the Department of Housing and Community Development Housing-Related Parks Program incentive grant for funding improvements at Lincoln Oval Park.
Citizen Police Academy Accepting Applications: Applications for this year's "Citizen Police Academy" are available through Jan. 31. The Academy is a 10-week course designed to acquaint prospective volunteers with the inner workings of the Police Department while being trained to become a "Volunteer in Police Service" (VIPS). An informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 707 W. Acequia Ave. Classes are scheduled to begin Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 9 pm. Information: Sgt. Jim Carr at (559) 713-4153. To view the press release, click here.
Tickets for Father/Daughter Dances available: This year, the event will "Sail Away to Paradise" on two, count 'em, two nights. A limited number of tickets are available for the March 7 and March 8 events. The dance is held from 6 to 9 pm with photos starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 a couple ($25 for additional daughters) and can be purchased at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St. The event is for girls ages 4 to 16 escorted by the man in her life - father, grandfather, etc. For more information, call 713-4365.
Winter Holiday Avoid DUI campaign nets 152 arrests: The 2013/14 Winter Holiday DUI mobilization crackdown on drinking drivers resulted in a significant number of DUI arrests over 20 days from Dec. 13-Jan. 1. Officers from 18 county law enforcement agencies arrested 152 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2012/13, 183 DUI arrests occurred during the 19-day holiday campaign. More operations will be held throughout the County during Super Bowl Sunday in February and for local St. Patrick's Day festivities in March.
Office Hours with Council Member Shuklian on Wednesday: Councilmember Amy Shuklian will hold her January office hours on Wednesday, January 8th for Visalia residents to discuss issues of concern. Walk-ins are welcome from 5 to 5:45 p.m. in the conference room at City Hall, at 707 W. Acequia Ave. Appointments from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. can be scheduled in advance by contacting Gladys Ruiz at 713-4314. Council member Shuklian also can be reached through 713-4400, then enter 8313, or by email at [email protected].