CITY COUNCIL ELECTION DISTRICTS TO BE DECIDED MAY 18

The City Council postponed a final decision on a district election map at Monday night's meeting. One Council members was absent due to illness and the Council felt that deciding on a final map and which districts would be up for election in which years was such a monumental decision for the community that all Council members should be included in the deliberations.

The public can attend and comment during their next meeting on Monday, May, 18 at 7 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center located at 303 E Acequia Ave, Visalia, CA 93291. Work Session begins at 4:00 p.m., Closed Session to start at 6:00 p.m. and Regular Session beginning at 7:00 p.m.

In addition to selecting a map that spells out the five City Council Member districts, the Council will be determining which districts will be up for election in 2016, and which in 2018.

The decision comes after months of public process that included public outreach meetings, public participation kits that assisted citizens in proposing maps for Council consideration, and three public hearing. The first election using the new districts will be in November, 2016. To view the four final under consideration maps click here.

East Side Regional Park Project Workshop Compares Alternatives

The last of four community workshops for the East Side Regional Park and Groundwater Replenishment Project will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 in San Joaquin CD at the Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave.

The East Side Regional Park and Groundwater Replenishment Project integrates groundwater recharge basins with regional park facilities at the 248-acre complex, located north of Highway 198 between the large, dual-tower pole electrical lines and Road 152. The public is encouraged to attend each of the Community Workshops to fully participate in the park design process.

For more information on the project, go to the City’s website at www.visalia.city or contact Doug Damko at [email protected].

TOURISM MEANS BUSINESS!

Travel and tourism was a $2.23 billion industry supporting nearly 24,000 jobs in the four-county Central Valley region (Tulare, Fresno, Kings, and Madera) last year, according to new data from Dean Runyan Associates. Direct travel spending in Tulare County last year totaled $445.4 million, up from $437.4 million in 2013. That spending directly generated 4,770 jobs, up from 4,540 in 2013…..that’s from people stopping, shopping, eating in our restaurants, staying in our hotels. Tourism is big business for Visalia!! Tulare County travel dollars generated $37.8 million in local and state tax receipts, up from $36.9 million in 2013.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AND OPEN HOUSE AT MANUEL HERNANDEZ CENTER

May 15 Spring into spring with a free movie night featuring Monsters University and an Open House at the Manuel Hernandez Center 247 W. Ferguson. Festivities start at 5 p.m. at the Center with information on summer activities, after school programs, the Loop Bus schedule and other community information. The movie will start at dusk, (approximately 8 p.m). For more information, contact the Recreation Division at (559) 713-4365, or email [email protected]

MOTHER-SON CAMPOUT COMING SOON!

Love the idea of camping but hate the drive? Join us at our Mother Son Camp Out as we enjoy games, crafts, learn about the outdoors, roast marshmallows and share stories. Come set up your tents and get ready for fun on Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. and spend the night in Kiwanis Park.

This is the perfect opportunity for moms, aunts, grandmas and mother figures to enjoy a night out with the special little man (or men!) in their lives. Dinner and breakfast will be provided, just bring your own tent and sleeping gear. On Sunday morning, breakfast is served and campers pack up at 9 a.m.

Registration is now open and is $25 per couple and $5 each additional child. All campers must pre-register; tickets are available now while supplies last. For more information, contact Allison Lambert - 559-713-4365 or visit www.visalia.city.