This is a collection of local news concisely presented to provide a quick overview of what you might otherwise have missed.
This story was updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy.
U.S. Forest Service closes 57 offices
The U.S. Forest Service is closing 57 field offices, including the office in Fresno.
“The Forest Service is implementing a sweeping restructuring to move leadership and decision making closer to the forests and communities it serves,” explained the USFS in a two-page announcement.
Although most of the 57 Forest Service offices to be closed are in California, the offices in Porterville and Springville may stay in operation.
“There are no plans to close any offices other than the ones already announced,” explained a member of the Forest Service’s National Press Team in an email, but also stated in another email that, “The number of relocations beyond those already identified in the National Capital Region is unknown at this time.”
Affordable home community to break ground in Farmersville
Self-Help Enterprises and the city of Farmersville will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 101-home community at West Walnut Street and North June Avenue in Farmersville on Friday, April 17, beginning at 4 p.m.
The project will expand affordable home ownership for Farmersville families through SHE’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program.
Beltone wins ‘Best Customer Service in Hearing Care Award’
Beltone Central California announced that once again it has been named the “2026 America’s Best Customer Service in Hearing Care” by Newsweek.
“We are so proud Beltone has received this customer service award from Newsweek for the fourth year in a row,” said Melanie Thomas, vice president of Beltone Central California. “Hearing health is critical yet often overlooked, despite its significant impact on our quality of life.
“Better hearing enhances social connections and alleviates isolation, contributing to a happier, more fulfilling life,” she added. “Moreover, improved hearing can also lower the risk of associated conditions like dementia.”
Visalia is one of the five Beltone Central California locations.
Tulare customer wins $111,531 in Fantasy Five drawing
A customer at the Shell service station at 1700 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare, was one of three $111,531 winners in the Fantasy Five drawing on March 16. The other winners were in Los Angeles and Hayward.
The winning numbers were 10, 12, 13, 19 and 26.
New date for Yettem founders monument unveiling
The new monument to honor the Armenian pioneers who established the Yettem community in the early 1900s will be unveiled at a 10 a.m. ceremony on April 25, not April 24 as originally announced.
Founded by immigrants seeking new beginnings, Yettem – the Armenian word for “Eden” – is one of California’s earliest Armenian settlements. The community is home to the first and only Armenian-named United States Post Office, established in 1905, and the historic Yettem School, founded in 1921.
The monument ceremony will be held at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 14395 Ave. 384, Yettem.
Spherion Visalia area manager receives business developer award
Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Visalia announced that its area manager, Blanca Lopez, was presented with the Top New Business Developer award during the company’s annual national meeting held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore in March. This year’s companywide gathering marked Spherion’s 80th anniversary.
“As we celebrate 80 years of serving communities across the country, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the work our team members are doing in their local markets,” said Kathy George, president of Spherion Staffing and Recruiting. “Blanca embodies the qualities that have allowed the Spherion network to thrive for so many years.”
Tulare student athlete surprised with $50,000 scholarship
Tulare’s Lauren Starr is the recipient of the Edison Scholars $50,000 scholarship.
On March 27, Southern California Edison representatives surprised the Tulare Western High School senior with the news about her selection, but her family, friends, coaches, and educators already knew and were there for the surprise.
The scholarship will help Starr pursue a college education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) at Loyola Marymount University where she plans to study mathematics and become a math teacher.
Starr has been a student athlete at Tulare Western High School, where she participated on the girls’ water polo, soccer, and swim teams. She plans to join the women’s water polo team at Loyola Marymount.
Edison International has awarded the scholarship to 30 high school seniors in the Southern California Edison’s service area since 2006.
Visalia Police, CHP traffic operation results in 107 citations
On March 25, the Visalia Police Department Motors Unit partnered with CHP Motors for an enforcement operation in Visalia that resulted in 107 citations, one DUI arrest and three vehicle impounds.
The DUI arrest followed a pursuit and involved a charge of possession for sale.
This enforcement effort was made possible through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
New veterinary care center to open in Visalia
Cornerstone Animal Center will open inside the Visalia PetSmart at 4240 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia. The clinic will offer affordable preventive veterinary care, including spay and neuter, core vaccinations, microchipping, and parasite prevention.
A grand opening will be held at the clinic on April 24. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
“Services like spay and neuter, vaccines, and parasite prevention are basic healthcare that keep animals healthy and in their homes,” said Cassie Heffington, Cornerstone Animal Center executive director. “Having worked within the animal sheltering system for well over a decade, I have witnessed firsthand the immense need for these services.”
The clinic received foundational support in the form of a $1.4 million grant from Maddie’s Fund, a national family foundation, to support the clinic’s first five years.
VPD issuing citations for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Visalia Police Department cited 29 drivers for violating California’s hands-free cell phone law during a distracted driving enforcement operation on April 2.
Violations can result in fines, and a second offense within 36 months adds a point to the driver’s record.
“Despite repeated warnings, some drivers continue using their phones behind the wheel,” Visalia Officer Derek Neece said. “Our goal is to change behaviors and keep our roads safe.”
California law prohibits drivers from holding a phone or electronic device while driving – even at a red light. Distractions like texting, using apps, adjusting controls, or eating can have serious consequences.
“Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can change lives forever,” Officer Antonio Mattos said. “Put the phone down and help keep everyone safe.”
In 2023, 158 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in California, a number the VPD believes is likely underreported.
The VPD plans to continue enforcement efforts through April. The enforcement program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
California Water Service completes sixth water storage in Visalia
Cal Water completed construction on a sixth water storage tank and booster station and added it to its system in late March. The one-million-gallon tank will help augment water supply as residential growth continues in northeast Visalia.
“This is a critical investment in Visalia’s future that strengthens the water system and supports our ability to continue delivering reliable service to every home and business for decades to come,” said Stuart Skoglund, Cal Water’s interim Visalia district manager.
He added that Cal Water also recently completed work on a 975,000-gallon water storage tank and booster station in downtown Visalia.
The new tank was built on a two-acre site along McAuliff Street, next to an existing well that CalWater previously installed to increase water to accommodate residential growth in east Visalia.
The site has enough room for another tank as water demands increase in the future, Skoglund said.
Elaine Carrasco named new TKHCC executive director
The Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Elaine Carrasco as its new executive director.
Carrasco has a master’s degree in business administration and more than 35 years of experience working in upper management positions for businesses in Tulare County, and as an executive director for non-profit organizations.
New farmers market to begin in California Hot Springs in May
The Capineros Community Center organization, with the involvement of local residents, businesses, and community partners, announced the launch of the Hot Spring Capineros Pop-Up Farmers Market will begin on Mother’s Day, May 10, and continue every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The farmers markets will be held at Capineros Community Center, 41810 Hot Springs Rd., California Hot Springs.
“Our goal is to help our community members access fresh, healthy, locally grown organic foods, and to put our town on the map as an event destination,” said Julie Levine, Health and Wellness Committee chair of the Capineros Community Center group.
The farmers markets will offer fresh produce, artisan foods, coffee, handcrafted goods, and free-range eggs for sale. The work of local artists will be available. The biweekly events will also feature live music by The Pine Flat Boys, as well as family-friendly activities.
Vendor applications are still being accepted, and fees will be waived for the first two months to support small businesses and encourage participation. Farmers, food vendors, and artisans interested in participating should contact Julie Levine at (661) 548-6577 or juliemagic2010@gmail.com.
More information about the Hot Springs Capineros Pop Up Farmers Market is posted on the group’s Facebook page and on the Discover Tulare County website.
Visalia DMV reopening delayed until April 14
The Department of Motor Vehicles office at 1711 E. Main St., Visalia, closed since Dec. 26, and initially expected to remain closed until March 20, is now expected to open on April 14. The office has been undergoing renovations such as new restroom fixtures and parking lot resurfacing.
The DMV Office of Public Affairs in Sacramento posted that, “Most customers do not have to visit an office and can do their DMV business online at dmv.ca.gov.”
Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn about options to complete other tasks.
Those who need to conduct their DMV business in person and can’t wait until April 14 can visit other area offices: 274 E. Cross Ave., Tulare (17 miles from the Visalia office); 701 W. Hanford Armona Rd., Hanford (23 miles); 1890 E. Dinuba Ave., Reedley (27 miles); or 329 E. Olive Ave., Porterville (30 miles).
Western Divide open for spring travel to Sequoias and Trail of 100 Giants
The Tulare County Resource Management Agency has announced that on March 18 the Western Divide route opened for travel, providing access through the mountain loop connecting State Route 190 and the communities of Porterville, Springville, Camp Nelson, Ponderosa and California Hot Springs.
The roadway had been closed due to winter weather between Milepost 50 and Milepost 107. With warmer weather arriving earlier than usual this year, the route reopened ahead of schedule and has remained accessible since that time.
The corridor is part of the Mighty 190 initiative, supported by the Tulare County and the city of Porterville, promoting travel and visitation into the county’s foothill and mountain communities, and supporting the county’s Discover Tulare County tourism program.
Tulare residents invited to city budget meetings
The city of Tulare will host a community meeting for residents to learn more about the city’s budget, key projects, and initiatives. At the meeting, city staff will provide a general overview of the city’s budget process, recent accomplishments, and future projects.
The meeting will be held at Tulare Council Chambers, 491 N. M St., Tulare, on Thursday, April 16, from 6-7 p.m.
“The city budget is the foundational blueprint for how we deliver the essential services our community relies on every single day, from public safety to our local parks,” City Manager Marc Mondell said. “We invite everyone to pull up a chair, ask questions, and help us build a stronger Tulare together.”
The city of Tulare has an operating budget of $177.9 million for fiscal year, which includes expenditures for the city’s day-to-day operations, including public safety, streets, parks, and community programs. These expenses rely on sales tax revenue. The projected sales tax revenue for fiscal year 2026 is $22.3 million, which is less than the previous year.
Recent city investments have included the Zumwalt Park renovation, the Tulare Business Innovation Zone (TBIZ), and the K-9 Bane Dog Park. The city has plans to move forward over the next five years with other projects aimed at strengthening public facilities, supporting growth, and ensuring the sustainability of services for residents and businesses.
For more information about the city’s financial planning, visit Tulare’s budget webpage.
Eagle Scout candidate donates stuffed animals to TCDA program
William Sprowl, a member of Scouts of America Troop 1893, dedicated his Eagle Scout project to serving children by donating 121 stuffed animals and a $450 dollar gift card for snacks to the Tulare County Child Abuse Response Team program.
The program was established by the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office in 1997 to “reduce the number of interviews a child abuse victim must undergo, as well as to coordinate more effective criminal investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases,” according to the TCDA website.
Children are interviewed in English or Spanish. In its first 12 years, 3,725 children were interviewed, ranging in age from 2.5 to 17 years.
The TCDA reminds people that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month throughout the U.S., and urges people to anonymously report abuse to the Tulare County Child Abuse and Neglect hotline at 1-800-331-1585.
Caltrans Central Valley District 6 makes two lane closures
The Department of Transportation (Caltrans), along with Teichert Construction, have closed part of Lovers Lane (State Route 216) in Visalia for roadway excavation, paving, and electrical operations as part of the Lovers Lane Rehab Project.
The No. 2 lane of northbound Lovers Lane is expected to be closed from Mineral King Avenue to Houston Avenue until late May.
Meanwhile, Caltrans, along with San Joaquin Valley Homes and Gill Reeves Construction, started long-term daytime lane closures last month along State Route 63 in the city of Tulare for roadway modifications to accommodate new housing developments.
State Route 63 is reduced to one lane in each direction between Cartmill Avenue and Pacific Avenue, Monday to Thursday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This project is expected to be completed in August.
Community West Bancshares merges with United Security Bancshares
Community West Bancshares, the parent company of Community West Bank, announced the merger with United Security Bancshares, the parent company of United Security Bank, on April 1.
The combined organization, with approximately $5 billion in total assets, expands Community West Bank’s presence throughout the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Coast.
Community West Bancshares, a Central California-based community bank, will operate the banking offices of both banks, including full-service banking centers throughout Central California.
This merger is the seventh acquisition for Community West Bancshares, which includes the merger with Visalia Community Bank in 2013.
Ismael Rodriguez appointed to serve as judge
Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of 15 Superior Court Judges on March 27 without including any appointments for Tulare County, but he did include one appointee from the county, Ismael Rodriguez, who has been appointed to serve as a judge in the Kings County Superior Court.
Rodriguez received a juris doctor degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. He has been the owner of the Law Office of Ismael Rodriguez in Tulare since 2013, and was a deputy district attorney at the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office from 2005 to 2013.
Tulare County RMA announces slurry seal work in five communities
The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) has announced that roadway maintenance on approximately eight miles of county roads in five county communities will begin on April 6 and continue through April 30.
The county’s 2025 Slurry Seal Program, part of the County Transportation Improvement Program, will apply slurry seal in Springville, Three Rivers, Kingsburg, Earlimart, and Woodville. Maps showing where work will take place are available to view or download online.
Slurry seal is a protective treatment applied to existing roads to seal small cracks, restore the surface, and extend pavement life. It reduces the need for more costly repairs in the future.
“For residents and visitors, this means smoother road surfaces, greater durability, and continued reliability of neighborhood streets they use every day to access homes, schools, work, and services,” said Claudia Sanchez, RMA project engineer.
The work will be done by Pavement Coatings Co., an external contractor, with support from the Tulare County RMA Construction Management staff, who will provide on-site oversight of work schedules and quality, along with budget management, expenditure tracking to ensure compliance with funding requirements, and coordination of financial reporting to keep the project on schedule and within budget.
The program is estimated to cost about $476,000, with funding coming from Measure R, a half-cent sales tax for transportation infrastructure improvements in the county.
Visalia Transit announces ‘newest service’
Visalia Transit, which operates 12 bus routes that serve Visalia, Farmersville, Exeter, Goshen, and Tulare, announced in a Facebook post that the newest way to ride with Visalia Transit is “our brand new Rickshaw Service.”
The city transportation agency encouraged people to, “Skip the bus, feel the breeze, and enjoy a VIP pedal-powered experience through town. Whether you’re heading downtown or just cruising for fun, our drivers are ready to roll (and pedal). Hop on, sit back, and let us do the leg work… literally.”
It should probably be noted that the Facebook announcement was made on April Fools’ Day.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Visalia DMV delay, spring travel to Sequoias top Tulare County news
Reporting by Steve Pastis, Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
