Microbrewery Discussion On Tap For Council Discussion

As the popularity of craft beer and microbreweries has grown across the nation, interest has been expressed by the Visalia microbrewer community to establish locations in the city.

Considered the urban core, advocates feel that microbreweries would be perfectly placed in East Downtown and would encourage development activity, increase investments in the area, and promote tourism. However, current zoning regulations require interested parties to either follow the rules and regulations of a bar, be located in the industrial park (without the ability to have a tasting or ‘tap’ room), or to serve food and be classified as a restaurant.

Local microbrewers indicate that none of these options accurately depict the type of business they seek to establish. As such, City Council has authorized staff to place an item on the next Council agenda to consider the possibility of initiating a zoning amendment that would allow for microbreweries with tasting rooms in East Downtown.

Enchanted Ice Garden Coming to Garden Street Plaza

The weather outside isn't frightful; we think it's just delightful! With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the Enchanted Ice Garden at Garden Street Plaza in downtown Visalia.

For the first time, Garden Street Plaza will be transformed into a winter wonderland as an ice skating rink is placed right in the Plaza. A program of the City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department, the Enchanted Ice Garden runs daily from Sunday, December 20th through Sunday, January 3rd. Hours vary by day, all ages are welcome to enjoy a fun time skating under the stars.

Special event nights include Frozen Nights, Family Night, Star Wars Night and a Teen New Year’s Party. Regular admission is $10 per person, $4 per skate rental. Special event tickets vary in price, all pre-purchase tickets can be purchased at the City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department Business Office located inside the Anthony Community Center at 345 N. Jacob St. A full schedule is available online at www.liveandplayvisalia.com.

This & That

- Watering Schedule Change: December 1^st kicked off the change in watering schedule.  Watering will not be permitted, on any day. For details on car washing days and conservation tips, visit the Natural Resource Conservation Department website at gogreenvisalia.com.

- ‘Tis the Season For Crack Sealing: The winter season provides the best weather for crack sealing, the process of filling road cracks with hot, liquid rubberized asphalt material. The Public Works Department is currently working on streets throughout Visalia, as the process reduces moisture entering the pavement and ultimately extends the life of our roads.

- New Murals Coming To Town: Two new murals have been approved by City of Visalia Mural Panel and the City Council. The Golden State YMCA will move forward with their mural plans for their facility on Akers and the Visalia Parks & Recreation Department will get rolling on a mural for the west-facing wall of the Visalia Senior Center.