TREE IRRIGATION CRITICAL DURING DROUGHT – Arborists in the area are concerned that many trees, especially oaks and other drought susceptible trees, may start falling or dropping braches if they don’t receive enough water. While the neighbors don’t know for sure why this tree fell through three yards over the weekend (no one was injured!), they speculate that it may have been drought induced. Many are turning off the water to the turf in their yards, but Visalians are encouraged to keep their trees well irrigated.

What can you do?

1. Monitor soil moisture. Place a small space into the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches or squeeze a handful of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to irrigate
2. Put a mulch of leaves and chipped wood 4-6” deep around the tree, but 4” away from the trunk line. The mulch will break down and help keep soil evenly moist, conserve water and insulate the roots.
3. Remove all weeds and grass within four feet of the base of the trees so they don’t compete with the tree for water.

For more information on saving trees during the drought, and other yard tips, visit GoGreenVisalia.com. Remember, trees take years if not decades to mature; help save these community treasures!

GET THE TRANSIT APP! Visalia Transit riders may love the new Transit App now available from the app store for both Apple and Droid phones. Unveiled at the Council meeting on Monday, the new app provides real time information about where the buses are, adjusted arrival times, and a current schedule of options. It will even plan a route for a rider by providing a list of bus stop options from their where they are to where they want to go! It’s a great tool for the more than 2 million riders that use Visalia Transit every year!

COULD A BALLOT MEASURE BE ON THE WAY? Three Visalia residents filed a request for a ballot title and summary on Monday, July 6 in an effort to put a measure on the ballot that would expand the areas that some food producing animals, specifically chickens and small goats, could be raised. Currently allowed in areas zoned ag and rural residential, the proposers are suggesting up to 8 food producing animals per household. The City Attorney has 15 days to prepare the ballot title and summary for the proposers. The initiative process is legislated by the State, and requires, but is not limited to, the filing of an intent to circulate, a request for ballot title and summary, publishing of the ballot title and summary, and the petitions have to be prepared in very specific formats.

VISITORS PROVIDE ECONOMY BOOST TO COMMUNITY – Visitors to Tulare County spent more than $445 million during 2014 and produced more than 4,770 jobs according to statistics presented by the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) during their annual report at Monday night’s City Council meeting. The CVB was responsible for contracting 13 new conventions during  the year that will result in over 24,000 attendees utilizing 11,000 room nights! In addition, the CVB booked the Girls CIF championships for another three years, and the Golden State Spirit Championships for 2015. From the visitor side, the CVB continued to promote Visalia as a tourist option for those traveling to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, promoted ag tours in the area, and focused on the history in the area. Visitation to Visalia’s Gateway Park, Sequoia National Park, was up by over 100,000 in 2014. Conventions and visitors to the area utilize hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, gas stations and other services that help Visalia’s economy!

VISALIA’S FIRST TEMPORARY MURAL APPROVED – There will be a spot of color and creativity on the temporary wall on the soon-to-be restaurant that was formerly Mike’s Quality Cameras. The owner has agreed to have a temporary mural on the wood covering the entrance. It’s expected to be up until early this fall, when the construction project will be completed.

CATFISH DERBY THIS WEEKEND – The Youth Summer Catfish Derby is this Saturday, July 11th! Sponsored by Visalia Parks and Rec, Plaza Park pond will host the event from 8am-10am for two age divisions: ages 3-7, and ages 8-15. KJUG to emcee, with prizes awarded for top stringers! $5 when you pre-register at the Anthony Community Center and $7 at the site the day of the event. More info can be found by email: [email protected] or calling 713-4365 or visiting www.liveandplayvisalia.com