No Move To Consider Acquiring Visalia Water System

Despite the onslaught of mailers and web posts touting a “government takeover”, Visalia City Council remains firm that recent communication from Cal Water paints a picture of panic that’s just not true.

“We haven’t changed our minds, Visalia City Council is not considering acquiring the Visalia water system at this time,” says Mayor Steve Nelsen. “It’s disheartening to find out the community is being hit with this misleading information.”

The Council requested an appraisal of the water system in November. Cal Water responded to the City’s decision to appraise the Visalia District by requesting that the Council not consider acquiring the system and instead allow the company to focus on efforts to comply with drought-related conservation efforts. Although the appraisal was already largely completed prior to Cal Water’s request, the Council has agreed that it will not review the appraisal or consider acquiring the system at this time.

Visalia did meet the state-mandated water conservation levels for November, thanks to citizen conservation and a little help from rainfall, but unfortunately it’s the first time Cal Water has met the mandate in eight months.

“We need Cal Water to develop and implement a water conservation plan that demonstrably meets state water use reduction mandates on an on-going basis, not just in rainy months,” says Nelsen. “If they really want to focus on drought actions, it’s time for them to move away from the shock pieces that mislead our citizens.”

Enchanted Ice Garden Open On NYE

The Garden Street Plaza in downtown Visalia has been transformed into a winter wonderland as the Enchanted Ice Garden calls the space home through Sunday, January 3^rd.

A program of the Visalia Parks Recreation Department, the Enchanted Ice Garden has been experiencing sold out crowds on special event nights. Tickets are on sale now, but going fast, for the New Year's Eve Party Teen Night from 8 to 11 p.m. on December 31^st.

A perfect opportunity for teens to enjoy fun on New Year's Eve (and still be home in time to watch the ball drop on TV), the New Year's Eve Party Teen Night is open to teens ages 13 to 18, with school ID. Tickets are $25 per attendee and includes two slices of pizza, drink, choice of chips or a cookie and a glow stick.

Tickets are available at the Visalia Parks and Recreation Department Business Office, located inside the Anthony Community Center at 345 N. Jacob St. A full schedule  for the Enchanted Ice Garden is available online at www.liveandplayvisalia.com.

This & That

- Make Your Voice Heard: The City of Visalia is accepting applications from interested citizens for various committees and commissions. For a full list of openings, visit City Government Committees and Commissions on the City website to view the informational handbook and application, or contact the City Clerk's Office at (559) 713-4512.

- Portion of County Center Remains Closed: Due to rain and weather delays, the current road closure on County Center Drive, will remain in effect until further notice. The closure begins at the intersection of South County Center Drive and West Cameron Avenue to the intersection of County Center Drive and Visalia Parkway.

- Turn Your Christmas Tree Into Compost: Taking the tree down? Turn that Christmas tree into compost by dropping it off at any one of eight locations through January 4th. Remember to remove all ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel and metal stands. For a list of locations, click here.