Animal Care Center to break ground A groundbreaking ceremony will be held May 29 at the site of the new City of Visalia Animal Care Center. The construction of the 17,000 square foot building will meet the animal care needs of the City and provide an improved level of public safety. The Center is state-of-the-art, focusing not only on efficient operational management and maintenance, but all facets of health and welfare of the animals. The total cost of the project is being financed by a 15-year, $6.6 million loan, and will be repaid by the General Fund in annual installments. Additional monies for the total budget of $7.35 million will come from current capital appropriations. The project contractor is Forcum Mackey Construction, Inc., and Kitchell is the construction manager. Material testing services will be provided by Moore Twining Associates. Project Manager is Chris Crawford and Animal Services Manager is Mario Cifuentez.

Applications accepted for Planning Commission Applications are now being accepted for three positions on the Visalia Planning Commission.  There are three Planning Commission terms ending June 30, 2014.  The current terms for Commissioners Vincent Salinas, Larry Segrue and Brett Taylor were approved by Council to be extended to August 31, 2014 to allow the General Plan process to proceed to completion in an efficient manner.  The recruitment process for these three positions has begun and applications are now being accepted through June 6, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council concerning land use, building, subdivisions, administers the Zoning Ordinance and handles matters that affect the growth and development of Visalia.  The Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.  Additional work sessions and meetings may be scheduled to address specific matters.  This position requires the applicant to be a United States Citizen and the filing of a Fair Political Practices Commission Conflict of Interest Form (Form 700).  Recruitment for the three positions will continue until Friday, June 6, at 5 p.m. Interviews, which are open to the public, would be held on Monday, June 23, beginning at 4 p.m. The format of those interviews would depend upon the number of applications received. The Council would consider formally appointing the three Planning Commissioners at their first  regular meeting in July, 2014, for the term beginning September 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2016. Applications are available on the City’s website at www.ci.visalia.ca.us, “Committees/Commissions” and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, June 6, either by mailing to 425 E. Oak Avenue, Suite 301, Visalia, CA  93291; FAX at 713-4800, or via email to Deputy City Clerk Michelle Nicholson at [email protected].

Sequoia Shuttle service returns Plans for the summer are underway for most Central Valley families, and visiting Sequoia National Park is something that should make it on everyone’s list – especially with the convenient Sequoia Shuttle. The 2014 Sequoia Shuttle season runs from May 22 through Labor Day, with round-trip tickets for only $15. This cost includes park entry and unlimited shuttle service inside the park to all major trailheads and attractions. Admiring the wonders of Mother Nature has never been easier. This summer, visitors can shout from the top of Moro Rock or meditate in one of nature’s finest sanctuaries, Crescent Meadow. After riding the scenic route aboard the Sequoia Shuttle, and arriving at the park, the first stop is the Giant Forest Museum—where the adventure truly begins. From the museum, visitors will have access to the in-park transit system; with four routes that stop at all major trailheads and attractions. Sequoia Shuttle is perfect for families, hikers, groups, seniors, or anyone simply looking to take advantage of nature’s playground. Round-trip tickets on the Sequoia Shuttle can be booked as a day trip or a multiday vacation. Groups of 6 or more also receive a special group rate. For more information about the Sequoia Shuttle, how to make reservations and to view current specials visit www.sequoiashuttle.com. And speaking of the Parks, the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau reeled in some great national coverage on the Sequoia National Parks in USA Today and Sunset Magazine. To read the article in USA Today, click here.  To read the coverage in Sunset Magazine, click here.