| Arts Consortium Savors Tastes of 2013
Members of the Visalia Arts Consortium were lauded by the Visalia City Council at its Nov. 18 work session for a banner year promoting the arts in the City, including the highly successful three-day Taste the Arts Festival, featured above. A contract for $32,500 for 2013-14 was also approved.
Since the City contracted with the Visalia Arts Consortium in 2008 to implement the adopted Cultural Plan, the Consortium has become a non-profit organization, has grown the membership from about 20 members to more than 55 paid members and has expanded the scope of the organization to include the entire County. Its designation as the official arts organization for the County makes it eligible for local partner status with the California Arts Council which includes funding opportunities.
The Consortium has more than doubled the City's investment, bringing in more than $150,000 in cash revenues and significant in-kind donations. To review the staff report, click here.
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Wanted: Citizen Volunteers for VIPS
Applications for the Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS) program will be accepted beginning Dec. 15. The program gives citizens the opportunity to serve their commnity while becoming part of the Visalia Police Department organization.
Prospective volunteers will receive training during a 10-week academy that starts in May, 2014. Individuals selected will have the opportunity to ride with and learn from officers during their patrol shift.
All classes are held at the Visalia Police Department headquarters on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. The Academy culminates with a graduation ceremony, and those completing the programs will be presented with certificates of participation and sworn in as "Volunteers in Police Service."
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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 in December 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 presentations with faith-based partners and service providers on the impact of panhandling and how to truly help the homeless.
In addition, a list of resources for the homeless is available on the City's website with services for men, women and children who are homeless. To view the 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 related issues. To view "Visalia Today", click here.
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City Updates
Police update on Beverly Glen neighborhood
Dec. 13 hearing set for Balfour Beatty lawsuit on plant
Input needed for County Bike Plan
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Upcoming Events
Happy Thanksgiving!
City offices will be closed Nov. 28-29
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