| Plaza Drive Dedication Nov. 19
A plaque dedication ceremony for the Plaza Drive Interchange will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Fresno Pacific University, at 245 N. Plaza Drive.
The project, which cost $30 million with no local funds required, promotes economic growth in the region by improving access to employment centers and improving the movement of goods. The existing interchange bridge at State Highway 198 was widened from two lanes with a left turn lane to seven total lanes to improve traffic circulation and capacity. Auxiliary lanes were constructed on State Route 198 between Plaza Drive and State Route 99.
At the Nov. 19 ceremony, tours of the newly opened interchange will be given via the Visalia Town Trolley. Mayor Amy Shuklian will MC the ceremony.
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Council 'Reluctantly' Agrees to Settlement on Cal Water Rate Case
City Council reluctantly agreed to sign the California Water Service (Cal Water) Rate Case settlement document during Closed Session Monday night.
“In signing this settlement, the Council is not supporting the proposed rate increase,” said Visalia Mayor Amy Shuklian in a statement released at the end of the regular session. “Instead, we are agreeing with pertinent points in the settlement that are in the best interests of the citizens of Visalia. In addition, we are admitting that the policies of the CPUC are such that there is nothing we can successfully argue that would result in a lower rate for the citizens of Visalia.”
Cal Water had requested a 24.8% increase in 2014. The proposed settlement calls for a rate 6% lower than the requested amount, 17.8%. “We wanted it to be a lower rate for our citizens,” said Mayor Shuklian, admitting the City Council is disappointed and frustrated with the outcome. “Our staff spent countless hours reviewing thousands of pages of data, collected and analyzed independent data, and driving to San Francisco for meetings. We are pleased with their efforts.”
To read the complete statement, click here.
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Life-saving Officers Honored
Sergeants Mark Feller and James Andrews were presented with the Visalia Police Department's Life Saving Award at Monday's Council meeting.
Sgt. Feller was recognized for his quick actions in pulling an injured driver from a burning vehicle before flames and burning debris could reach him. Sgt. Andrews, responding to a call, found a 22-month old who had fallen into a backyard swimming pool. The only responder on the scene at the time, he immediately began CPR and continued for several minutes until the toddler began to show signs of life. Both victims are recovering.
For more on this story, click here.
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City tackles homelessneses
The City, faith-based organizations and service providers are coming together to deal with the issue of homelessness in Visalia. A broad-based outreach plan kicks off this month with faith-based partners to discourage individuals from giving money to panhandlers with the "Change That Counts" campaign, urging support of those who help the homeless.
Homelessness is a communitywide problem, requiring communitywide involvement. Faith-based organizations will be involved in getting the message out to their congregations that change can come with their help and involvement. A variety of mediums will be used - from flyers to websites, social media and websites, and presenations by law enforcement and faith-based partners on the impact of panhandling and how to truly help the homeless.
A homeless summit is set for 10 am Friday, Dec. 13. The summit is designed to engage community partners in identifying issues and solutions to homelessness. In addition, a list of resources for the homeless and is on the City's website with services available for men, women and children who are homeless. For a homeless resource list, click here.
Visalia Mayor Amy Shuklian and Code Enforcement Officer Tracy Robertshaw are featured on the November broadcast of "Visalia Today", talking about steps the City has taken to deal with homelessness and irelated issues. To view "Visalia Today", click here.
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City Updates
Local Motion Award Winners Lauded
Building permits up 7% over 2012
Is High Speed Rail station on east side of Hanford a reality?
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Upcoming Events
Mayor's Office Hours
5 pm Nov. 13
City Hall
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