By Faughn Health/Medical • New Developments 0 Comments

Madera hospital cuts the ribbon on new clinic

Madera Community Hospital celebrated the grand opening of its new Family Health Services Center on Tuesday.

The new clinic, located at 1210 E. Almond Ave., was developed in partnership with American Advanced Management Inc. — which operates the Madera hospital — and received support from state leaders, including Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, Sen. Anna Caballero and local leaders and residents who called for increased access to care.

The center, designed to serve the needs of rural communities, will include a range of services, including preventative screenings and wellness checkups, employment health and mental health services, pediatric and women’s health care, chronic disease management and specialty consultations and will aim to reduce the burden on emergency departments.

“This center is more than just a building — it’s a promise to our rural families that their health matters,” said Dr. Sony Sidhu, CEO. “We’re bringing care closer to home, and we’re doing it with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to community wellness.”

The center accepts all types of insurance, providing treatment for patients on MediCal and Medicare programs, as well as uninsured patients.

Attendees at the grand opening were treated to a community reception prior to the event, as well as a guided tour and opportunities to meet the care team at the new center.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/madera-hospital-cuts-the-ribbon-on-new-clinic/?mc_cid=6b862591a1

By Faughn Education • New Developments • Workforce 0 Comments

Tulare County WIB and College of the Sequoias launch Valley Build multi-craft apprenticeship readiness program

The Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB), in partnership with Valley Build, the Fresno Madera Kings Tulare Building Trades Council, and College of the Sequoias (COS), is proud to announce the expansion of the Valley Build MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Program to Tulare County. Valley Build is a high-impact workforce initiative which prepares individuals for successful careers in the building and construction trades and has trained more than 50 cohorts over the last 16 years.

The Tulare Cohort is set to begin in January 2026, with the seven-week training program hosted at the COS campus. It will provide participants with industry-recognized certifications, essential hands-on training, and a pathway into union-supported registered apprenticeships. In addition to training, participants will receive a stipend during the program and have the opportunity to participate in paid work experiences aligned with their chosen construction-related careers.

This pre-apprenticeship utilizes the nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), which includes training in:

  • Construction Math
  • OSHA-30 Safety Certification
  • CPR and First Aid
  • Forklift Operation Certification
  • Physical Conditioning and Aptitude Preparation
  • Soft Skills Development
  • Career Exploration across Building and Construction Trades

“This pre-apprenticeship initiative reflects our commitment to investing in high-quality training that leads to family-sustaining careers,” said Jennie Bautista, Interim Executive Director of the WIB. “By offering stipends and paid work experience, we’re lowering barriers and creating real opportunities for upward mobility in the skilled trades—advancing equity, economic opportunity, and long-term job success for our community.”

The expansion of the Valley Build MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness initiative to Tulare County is made possible by a collaborative effort between the Tulare WIB, College of the Sequoias, and Employment Connection.

Thanks to a generous award of $768,897, the initiative will train residents across Tulare County for in-demand jobs in partnership with a variety of trade unions. Participating trades include, but are not limited to:

  • Electricians
  • Ironworkers
  • Carpenters
  • Sheet Metal Workers
  • Bricklayers
  • Cement Masons
  • Roofers
  • Plumbers/Pipefitters
  • Painters

Seats are limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to register now at www.valleybuild.net to secure a spot in the January 2026 cohort.

This initiative is fully funded by the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) Resilient Workforce Fund, as part of a broader $8.8 million statewide investment to advance equity and access in construction careers.

https://www.ourvalleyvoice.com/2025/11/06/tulare-county-wib-and-college-of-the-sequoias-launch-valley-build-multi-craft-apprenticeship-readiness-program/

By Faughn New Developments 0 Comments

Kings County celebrates 2 broadband expansion projects

AT&T and Comcast recently held two groundbreaking  ceremonies for their major broadband infrastructure project in Kettleman City and the Lemoore  area.

The first groundbreaking was held on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Kettleman City. This project  connects 363 unserved locations throughout Kettleman City. Per the California Public Utilities  Commission (CPUC), an estimated population of 1,400 will now have access to high-speed  internet. AT&T’s infrastructure buildout also includes areas surrounding Kettleman City, such as  south of Kettleman City near Highway 41 and Kettleman Station, southwest along Highway 41,  and east of Kettleman City off Racine Avenue.

Construction for this buildout is scheduled to begin in early 2026. At the ceremony, AT&T also donated $1,500 to Kings County Firefighters  Association for their continued support to the Kettleman City community. The expansion is made  possible by a $4.07 million Federal Funding Account grant AT&T received from the CPUC and  additional funding from AT&T.

The second groundbreaking was held on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at Kings County Fire  Station 6, in the Island District. This buildout expands access to nearly 4,000 previously unserved  households and businesses in the Lemoore area and surrounding Island District. Construction  for this buildout is scheduled to begin late 2025 and be completed by late 2026. Comcast also  donated $10,000 to Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO) for their support to the Kings  County community, supporting their efforts to connect residents to crucial services.

This expansion was made possible by a $21 million Federal Funding Account grant Comcast received  from the CPUC and private funding by Comcast.

“We are thrilled that AT&T and Comcast are expanding its services to Kings County,” said Doug  Verboon, chairman of the Kings County Board of Supervisors (District 3). “These projects are a significant investment that will support local businesses and improve our residents’ quality of life.”

The County is excited to continue public-private partnerships aimed at expanding digital access and closing the digital divide for County residents.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/community/selma-kingsburg/news/kings-county-celebrates-2-broadband-expansion-projects/article_72fed228-32b5-425c-9e27-666a4062e73b.amp.html

By Faughn Energy 0 Comments

Celebrating Clean Energy in Dos Palos!

Celebrating Clean Energy in Dos Palos!
The Merced County Community and Economic Development Department was proud to attend the Dos Palos Clean Power Ribbon Cutting on Oct. 17th! This 3-megawatt solar project, developed by Renewable America in partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy’s Green Access Program, is now officially online.
This project will:
Provide a positive community impact
Deliver lower electricity pricing
Support income-qualified customers in the City of Los Banos with a 20% reduction on their electric bills
We are excited to see how this local project will continue to benefit our residents and contribute to a more sustainable future for Merced County.
By Faughn Renewable Energy 0 Comments

Solar-powered heat battery generates steam for oil production near Taft

Renewable and conventional energy are once again coming together in Kern County as a startup based in Alameda uses a “heat battery” to produce steam for enhanced oil production near Taft.

Rondo Energy’s partnership with local oil producer Holmes Western Oil Corp. uses electricity from an on-site photovoltaic solar array to heat a container of brick and iron to more than 1,800 degrees. The resulting thermal energy is then used to produce steam for injection around the clock in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field.

The 100 megawatt-hour thermal battery, believed to be the largest of its kind, is being replicated at three commercial operations in Europe that were looking for a technology that costs less than using natural gas and emits no greenhouse gases.

Rondo’s project is the latest innovation using renewable energy to aid in oil production. The company’s predecessor organization, GlassPoint Solar, used parabolic mirrors to focus sunlight on tubes of water that turned to steam for oil use in oil fields. The company ultimately ran into financial problems and was discontinued.

Separately, a local company is working to turn depleted oil reservoirs into long-term energy storage by investing renewable energy from the power grid to build up heat underground for eventual creation of steam. The vapor will drive turbines capable of creating energy for a period of months.

What’s especially valuable about Rondo’s heat battery is its potential for helping decarbonize industries that have historically put out large amounts of greenhouse gases. Activities such as cement and steel production require high heat that renewable energy hasn’t generally achieved.

Rondo founder John O’Donnell, who serves as the company’s chief innovation officer, noted the battery was structurally engineered and fabricated in Bakersfield.

“People talk about Kern County as being kind of an all-of-the-above energy leader, and we’re excited to be part of that story,” he said. “We think we can extend that story really dramatically.”

Although he declined to disclose the unit’s price, he said the brick used in the battery costs is inexpensive, resulting in a total system cost that amounts to one-third to one-quarter of the cost of a lithium battery system.

According to the company, the operation has run for 10 weeks meeting all performance expectations without any safety incidents.

O’Donnell said the technology has many benefits: It fixes costs instead of relying on fuels whose prices fluctuate, requires no air permit because there are no emissions, earns credits under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and cuts expenses related to the state’s Cap-and Invest program.

Rondo added in a news release Thursday that the batteries can’t catch fire, explode or leak toxic materials.

The company said it is working on several continents to deploy its heat batteries in applications such as chemical manufacturing, biofuels production, cement making and beverage and food operations.

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/solar-powered-heat-battery-generates-steam-for-oil-production-near-taft/article_2f37c976-c89c-4b67-9c5d-bd8b2b43554c.html

By Faughn Manufacturing • Workforce 0 Comments

$42M manufacturing facility keeps Coast Aluminum — and its workers — rooted in Fresno

Coast Aluminum, Inc, a Hayward-based aluminum supplier, will break ground on a 163,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Fresno, marking a major expansion for the longtime metals supplier and helping secure its future workforce in the region. The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5255 E. Home Ave, near the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT). The project represents a $42 million investment, including land, development, construction and equipment, according to Coast Aluminum.

It’s slated to open in 2026.

Coast Aluminum has 16 locations across the Western U.S. and Northern Mexico, according to its website. Coast Aluminum, Inc has a current location at 1360 E North Ave in South Fresno, which has sentimental value to Tom Clark, founder and owner of Coast Aluminum, Inc.

“This project is especially meaningful to me,” Clark said Tom Clark, founder and owner of Coast Aluminum, Inc. “We started our company in Hayward, California, in 1982, and Fresno became our very first branch in 1993. It was also the first building I ever owned and developed back in 1996 — the same one we’ll soon be moving from into this brand-new facility. This expansion represents not only growth, but a continued investment in our people, our customers, and the Fresno community that’s been part of our story from the beginning.”

Clark said the expansion reflects “a continued investment in our people, our customers, and the Fresno community that’s been part of our story from the beginning.”

Boise, Idaho-based Adler Industrial, LLC will be developing the project. They specialize in Class “A” Industrial properties across the Western United States.

Michael Adler, CEO of development firm Adler Industrial, said the company is “honored to be trusted with bringing their Fresno project to life.” After developing Coast Aluminum’s Boise facility in 2024, Adler said the renewed partnership “reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to quality, innovation, and community investment.”

Builder JB Steel Construction is based out of Oregon and specializes in commercial and industrial construction.

Russ Batzer, president of JB Steel Construction, said the design balances “efficiency, quality, and flexibility — everything we strive for in modern industrial design.”

He added that partnering with local subcontractors helps strengthen the local workforce. Ethan Smith, a commercial real estate broker with Newmark Pearson, represented the seller of the land and said the project represents a breakthrough in bringing shovel-ready industrial space to Fresno.  Smith said the project began three and a half years ago, with the landowner taking on the upfront entitlement risk. That preparation allowed Adler to start construction within weeks of closing escrow — a first-of-its-kind scenario in the Fresno industrial market, he said.

Smith added that without the site, Coast Aluminum potentially could have had to relocate out of the city, but the property gives the company future growth potential and operational flexibility.

He said the approach of having developers and landowners complete the entitlement process for construction before selling the land is a step in the right direction.

“I think it’s a path forward in the city to get more projects out of the ground with developers being willing to go through this process,” Smith said.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/42m-manufacturing-facility-keeps-coast-aluminum-and-its-workers-rooted-in-fresno/

By Faughn Education 0 Comments

UC Merced Named the 14th Best College in the Nation by Wall Street Journal

Following recognition as a Top 25 university by U.S. News & World Report, UC Merced has once again earned national acclaim, this time from the Wall Street Journal. In its 2026 report of the Best Colleges in the U.S., the highly respected media outlet has named UC Merced the 14th best college in the nation.

Among public institutions, UC Merced ranked third nationwide – right after UC Berkeley and UC Davis – and placed fifth among all California universities, public and private. The university was also recognized for its leadership in expanding opportunity, earning the No. 3 spot nationally in social mobility.

“This recognition from the Wall Street Journal underscores the incredible momentum at UC Merced,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “To be ranked among the very best colleges in the country and recognized for our social mobility efforts speaks to the talent of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and the transformative impact of our mission.”

According to the WSJ’s website, the rankings – developed in partnership with College Pulse and Statista – evaluate colleges on factors that matter most to students and families, including student outcomes, learning environment and diversity. Like U.S. News, the methodology used by the WSJ rewards student experience and academic excellence more equitably.

UC Merced received high marks across all student outcome categories, especially for “Salary Impact” and “Graduation Rate Impact.” The university also performed well in the “Diversity” category, which looks at not only the ethnic makeup of students and faculty but also the inclusion of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and students with disabilities.

Social mobility remains an area in which UC Merced excels. According to the report, universities that do well in this category enroll a high proportion of students “coming from lower-income families, while maintaining high graduation rates and having a positive impact on graduate salaries and minimizing the costs of attending the college.”

“What sets UC Merced apart is not just the quality of education we provide, but the opportunities we create for students who have historically been left out of higher education,” Muñoz said. “These rankings affirm that we are delivering on our promise of opening doors, supporting student success and preparing graduates to make an impact on the world.”

https://news.ucmerced.edu/news/2025/uc-merced-named-14th-best-college-nation-wall-street-journal

By Faughn Logistics • New Developments 0 Comments

Tulare County greenlights rezoning of 718 acres near Goshen for industry, future development

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to rezone 718 acres of farmland northwest of Goshen to accommodate both industry and additional uses in the future. The board approved the initiation of a general plan amendment on July 22, which would allow development of the area once all environmental studies are complete. The new zoning designation would be considered “mixed use.” The developer proposed building an industrial park on 190 acres west of Highway 99. The project was submitted to the county by developer Panattoni Development of Sacramento in collaboration with real estate firm Colliers International.

The project was submitted to the county at their Project Review Committee meeting in June. The site plan shows five large buildings of various sizes that add up to 3.85 million square feet along Highway 99. Development of the 718-acre plan would require cooperation with the City of Visalia, which supplies sewer service to Goshen, and approval from CalWater, which supplies water to the community.

Another notable part of the plan includes rezoning 137 acres at the northwest corner of Highways 99 and 198, also currently in agriculture. County Economic Development Manager Michael Washam said there’s no specific plan to develop this acreage, but he has seen interest in the past. The site enjoys the highest pass-by traffic count in the region.

In addition to these industrial and commercial potential projects, Goshen is slated for more housing projects due to available land there, including this initiative to open more, but depending on sewer capacity from the City of Visalia. San Joaquin Valley Homes and Self Help Enterprises are currently busy with projects in Goshen. It remains to be seen how Visalia will respond to these large-scale projects near the city limits. Recently, the City of Visalia initiated its 900-acre expansion plan for industrial and other commercial development near the airport.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/tulare-county-greenlights-rezoning-of-718-acres-near-goshen-for-industry-future-development/

By Faughn Quality of Life • Tourism 0 Comments

Fresno gets $100 million grant to revamp downtown area

A huge boost to Fresno’s downtown revitalization is expected to turn plans into projects. Fresno was granted $100 million in funding, the largest amount the city has ever received from the state. The money is dedicated to downtown Fresno improvements and construction costs. The projects include new street lights, water and sewage lines, improving sidewalks, and two new parking garages. Mayor Jerry Dyer says the goal is to bring more businesses, housing, and residents to downtown Fresno.

“We are doing everything we can to accelerate housing downtown,” he said. “The goal was to get to 10,000 people living downtown, and in order for that to occur, there are a lot of things that need to happen with the infrastructure. The water main, sewer mains, parking structures, all those things that will make it much more inviting for people to develop in the downtown area.”

Construction for the first parking garage is set to start in December. Work on the second structure is planned for February. Another $100 million from the state is expected next year. Those funds are earmarked for an inter-mobile transportation hub, green spaces and other amenities.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/fresno-gets-100-million-grant-to-revamp-downtown-area/ar-AA1OdPWM?ocid=BingNewsSerp

By Faughn Top Stories • Tourism • Workforce 0 Comments

The Stage is Set: Hard Rock Casino Tejon to open Nov. 13, 2025

The $600 million destination in partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe will bring world-class gaming, dining and entertainment to California’s Central Valley

Hard Rock International, in partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe, today announced that Hard Rock Casino Tejon will officially open Nov. 13, 2025.  The entertainment destination is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield on Tejon Indian Tribal land, will be the first of its kind in Kern County and a landmark development for the region. The all-new entertainment facility is owned by the Tejon Indian Tribe and will be managed by Hard Rock International.

Nestled at the base of the historic Grapevine Mountain Pass at the southernmost tip of the San Joaquin Valley, the new property is poised to serve both Southern California and Central Valley markets. The destination will be the second closest full casino experience to Los Angeles with an easy highway drive. The opening represents not only a world-class hospitality and entertainment experience but also a transformational cultural and economic moment for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the broader Kern County community.

The privately funded project has already generated thousands of construction jobs and 1,000 permanent roles upon opening. Hard Rock Casino Tejon has also committed to infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area at no cost to taxpayers and will provide long-term investment in community services, education and economic development initiatives for the Tejon Indian Tribe.

“Today marks a historic moment for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the entire Kern County community. The opening of Hard Rock Casino Tejon is not only a celebration of our Tribe’s heritage and resilience but also a bold step forward in creating opportunity and prosperity for future generations. This project will bring thousands of jobs, fuel economic growth, and serve as a gathering place where culture, entertainment, and community come together. We are proud to share this milestone with our friends, neighbors, and partners who helped make this vision a reality,” stated Octavio Escobedo, III Chairman of the Tejon Tribe.

“We are incredibly proud to bring our iconic brand to Kern County and are thankful for our partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming. “Hard Rock Casino Tejon will set a new standard for entertainment in the region, blending our world-class hospitality with the tribe’s inspiring vision for cultural and economic growth.”

Chris Kelley, president of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, added: “It is an honor to lead this incredible project as we prepare to welcome guests in Mid-November. Hard Rock Casino Tejon will combine the energy, flavor and excitement that our brand is known for with a uniquely local spirit that reflects the strength and heritage of the Tejon Indian Tribe. We look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.”

When the doors open, guests will experience a 150,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring more than 2,000 slot machines, more than 50 live table games including blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em and Three Card Poker, and exclusive VIP rooms for blackjack and baccarat. The property will also showcase an extensive collection of authentic music memorabilia, telling the stories of iconic artists and infusing the property with Hard Rock’s legendary energy.

Dining and nightlife will feature the world-renowned Hard Rock Cafe, Deep Cut Steaks | Seafood and YOUYU, alongside a Marketplace Food Hall with diverse options including artisanal coffee and pastries, street tacos, Southern comfort favorites and wood-fired Italian classics. The property will also include a Rock Shop offering exclusive Hard Rock merchandise.

Guests can enroll in Unity by Hard Rock, the global loyalty program that rewards gaming, dining, shopping and travel at participating Hard Rock locations worldwide. Unity members will enjoy exclusive opening promotions, custom rewards and VIP perks, including access to the Plum Lounge for Unity X members.

The Nov. 13, 2025, opening marks Hard Rock International’s latest expansion in California and underscores its commitment to delivering unforgettable guest experiences that celebrate music, culture and community.

About Tejon Indian Tribe
Tejon Indian Tribe is Kern County’s only federally recognized Indian tribe. Led by Chairman Octavio Escobedo, III, the tribe currently consists of 1,500 tribal citizens and is growing.  A vast majority of tribe citizens reside in Kern County, and many are life-long residents of Bakersfield. The Tejon Tribe’s Administrative Offices are located at 4941 David Road south of Bakersfield. Since re-establishing its federally recognized status in 2012, the tribe has focused on strengthening and empowering its citizens through better health care, education, quality housing, and economic development.

About Hard Rock
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned, licensed or managed hotels, casinos, Rock Shops, live performance venues and cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

https://casino.hardrock.com/tejon/newsroom/2025/10/the-stage-is-set-hard-rock-casino-tejon-to-open-nov-13-2025