September 4 Newsletter
Cal Ripken World Series winners lauded: The 2013 10-year-old Cal Ripken World Series Champions were recognized at Monday's City Council meeting. Manager Frank Durazo gave remarks and then introduced the players who each received certificates of recognition. The team members are: Coby Barnes, Austin Beno, Dakota Brown, Riley Creech, Sam Felsted, Edgar Gonzalez, Luke Jewett, Colton Montgomery, Robert Perez, Jack Peters, Ty Uber, and Mitchell Wilson. Batboy is Jaxon Griffiths, and Matt Jewett and Tom Felsted serve as coaches for the team.
Good Samaritan recognized: Visalia Mayor Amy Shuklian presented a certificate of recognition to Breck Reeves of Exeter for returning an envelope with $6,900 in cash he found in the parking lot of the Visalia DMV office on Aug. 6. Unable to locate the rightful owner, Breck returned the envelope to EMV officials who contacted police and the money was booked into evidence. On Aug. 7, a Visalia resident contacted the DMV to report the lost envelope. When the cash was returned, the resident expressed heartfelt gratefulness toward Reeves. Visalia police commended Reeves on his honesty and performing his civic duty. In presenting the certificate to Reeves, Mayor Shuklian lauded his efforts for being a good Samaritan. "Thanks for doing the right thing," she said. Council OKs developing design for Visalia Emergency Communications Center/Public Safety Building: The Visalia City Council approved staff to proceed with the design plans for both the Visalia Emergency Communication Center and public safety building at the southeast corner of Burke and Goshen. To review the staff report, click here.
Other Council news: A new commercial promoting the Majestic Mountain Loop was unveiled by Brittany McMahan, Marketing Manager of the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau. The commercial will be shown on American Airlines international flights, US Airways domestic and international flights, and will air Bravo, Travel Channel and CNN during the month of September. To view the commercial, click here.
Burlington Coat Factory holds grand opening on Oct. 25: The official grand opening of the new 50,000 square foot store will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, Oct. 25. The store is located on a part of the former Home Base location. Two signature community-based programs will be part of the grand opening - Burlington Gives Back and Charity Day. Burlington Gives Back is an effort to distribute new merchandise - apparel, housewares, accessories, baby products, etc. - to local partner agencies who provide assistance to needy families and individuals. Charity Day is a VIP shopping event to be held the day before the grand opening.
Visalia Teen Idol marks 10th year: In its 10th year, Visalia Teen Idol is celebrating a decade of showcasing the best local teen talent Visalia has to offer, and this year’s celebration is going to be the biggest yet. The panel of celebrity judges features DJ Danny Salas, Ruthless Radio and Afternoon Drive host on Q97, professional recording engineer Paul Serpa, and Mike Pesto and Lisa Hamilton of KJUG 106.7’s popular “Mike and Lisa in the Morning” show. Tickets are available in advance for $7 at the Anthony Community Center through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and at the door for $10. For a chance to win free tickets, listen in daily to Q97, the R&B/hip hop hit radio station on the dial at 97.1 and to KJUG 106.7, the Valley’s country music connection. For information, click here.
Building permits up 8% for year: New single family dwelling permits led the day with a 39% boost over 2012. Fifty-five permits were issued in August, and the total valuation for the year is up 66%, from $36,209,535 in 2012 to $60,238,122 in 2013. The total number of permits issued in the first eight months of 2013 is up 8%, from 2,098 in 2012 to 2,276 in 2013. Valuation is up 28% for the year with $108,842,840 compared to $85,023,741 in 2012.
Caltrans 198 ramp closures: Eastbound State Route 198 connector ramp to Northbound State Route 99, Westbound State Route 198 connector ramp to Southbound State Route 99 and the Northbound 99 connector ramp to Westbound 198 will be closed through Friday morning, September 6th, 2013 between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. each night. These closures may include lanes closures on State Route 198 when needed. Northbound and Southbound State Route 99, #1 (left lane) within the project limits will be closed through Friday morning, September 6th, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. each night. Commuters may experience delays and are encouraged to take alternate routes whenever possible. California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be on site assisting with traffic control. Motorists are expected to obey all traffic laws. Closures may continue for longer periods of time if necessary, due to delays caused by uncontrollable events that may occur during construction.
Visalia Fire Department holds September 11th Remembrance Ceremony: The ceremony in remembrance of lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, will be held at 9 a.m. at Visalia Fire Station No. 51, 309 S. Johnson St. The ceremony will include a moment of silence and ringing of the bell. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.
Save the Date for "The State": The annual "State of the City" presentation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Charter Oak Ballroom of the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave. Mayor Amy Shuklian and Vice Mayor Steve Nelsen will provide updates on the City's financial picture, projects, economic development and challenges that lay ahead. The meeting is open to the public, and will be broadcasted on "Visalia Today", which broadcasts on the Local Cable Affiliate Channel 14 for Comcast TV.