Majestic Mountain Loop Takes State Award The Majestic Mountain Loop was recently awarded the prestigious 2014 Poppy Award from Visit California for the “Best Regional Collaborative Marketing Campaign”.  A collaborative partnership between the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Delaware North Parks and Resorts, Majestic Mountain Loop promotes visiting three National Parks; Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National parks in three days.   The Visit California Poppy Awards, which every two years honors the best of California’s tourism promotion, honored industry leaders who worked to increase tourism to the State of California. Visit California received a record number of entries this year and views the number of submissions as an indication of the health of the industry.  Launched in January 2013, Majestic Mountain Loop was formed to highlight and educate visitors on the close proximity of these three national treasures and the unique attributes of the surrounding communities. ‘The Loop’ introduces the Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National parks to travelers who worried they did not have time to see all three or did not realize how accessible it is to see all three distinct parks. Having the Fresno Yosemite International Airport as a partner allows the Majestic Mountain Loop to gain exposure in markets that fly into FAT.  With direct international flights with Aero Mexico and a strong relationship with Alaska Airlines, Majestic Mountain Loop has gain exposure from more than just locals wanting to take a car trip. For more information about Majestic Mountain Loop please visit www.MajesticMountainLoop.com.

Celebrate the Fourth on the 3rd! The Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation has moved the Freedom Celebration to July 3 this year.  The generosity of local businesses and organizations has allowed the Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation to commit to hosting the Freedom Celebration again this year.  The event, traditionally held on July 4th, has been moved to July 3rd to allow for a higher quality fireworks show and a return of the band Run 4 Cover as the entertainment.  The firework program has been altered for safety reasons and will be even more spectacular from inside the Bowl; however, it will be less visible to surrounding areas.  The Foundation would encourage everyone to join the Celebration inside Giant Chevrolet Cadillac Mineral King Stadium.  The event will be free to the public but a donation of $3 a person is requested to help defray costs to the Foundation.  The program, which starts at 7:00 PM, will feature the return of local favorite Run 4 Cover, and, of course, culminate in a fireworks spectacular.  Concessions will be provided by several vendors.  Gates open at 6:30 PM. The Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation is actively seeking organizations willing to take over this great community event.   The scope of the event has outgrown our group’s limited manpower resources.  The Freedom Celebration is an integral part of our City’s culture and deserves to be well staffed.  If your organization or company has an interest in taking over the event, please contact us. We will work with you to make a smooth transition and provide you with the support you need to ensure the event exists for years to come.   For additional information, please contact Carol Hoppert Hays at 713-4599.

Give 'Change That Counts' The City, in collaboration with faith-based, service provider and business community partners has launched an awareness campaign entitled: “Change That Counts – Help Those Who Help the Homeless” which is designed to educate the public on how to deal with aggressive panhandlers. The campaign will use a variety of different mediums – a website, social media outlets, flyers, bus billboards, and presentations – to encourage individuals to give their money to service providers to provide real help to the truly homeless.  “Giving money seems like a compassionate act and it may help people for the moment, but it often encourages destructive habits or stops them from seeking out help that could actually improve their lives," said Visalia Mayor Steve Nelsen. "Instead, give your donation to those who help the homeless get off the streets and take steps to change their lives forever.” Visalia Police Lt. Steven Phillips said it’s easy to confuse panhandlers with those who are truly homeless. “But, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, most panhandlers have places to live, and most homeless people do not panhandle.” The City's Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance was recently amended and now prohibits solicitation in parking lots during all hours. Solicitation means any request made in person seeking an immediate donation of money or other items of value. The ordinance doesn't interfere with the rights of parking lot owners or tenants to utilize their property or allow others to use the parking for solicitation with permission. For more information on how you can help those who help the homeless with your money, go to www.helpvisaliahomeless.com. An online list of service providers gives avenues of options for your donation. In addition, "Steps to Success" stories highlight the differences service providers and faith-based organizations are making in the lives of members of the homeless community. If your faith-based or service club organization or business is interested in assisting with this effort, please contact Community Relations Manager Nancy Loliva at [email protected] or call (559) 713-4535.