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

By Faughn New Developments • Quality of Life • Tourism 0 Comments

Neighborhood market, Jamba Juice and fuel station break ground at Tesoro Viejo

A new neighborhood market, Jamba Juice and a 76-branded fuel station are officially under construction in Madera. The project, which was detailed in The Business Journal last year, is located near the southeast corner of State Route 41 and Avenue 15, and is scheduled to open next spring. It will include a convenience market, a car wash and Jamba Juice. It was developed in partnership with Yosemite Travel Center.

“We look forward to bringing a high-quality construction project that goes along with the high standards set by the Tesoro Viejo development,” said Peter Singh, developer and owner of Yosemite Travel Center, in a news release. “We plan to serve the needs of the residents at Tesoro as well as tourists headed out to Yosemite National Park.”

The fuel station will have six pumps with 12 fueling positions and will offer gasoline, diesel and ethanol (E85) fuel. It was originally supposed to include 12 Tesla charging stations; however, those plans were scrapped. The neighborhood market will focus on healthy grab-and-go foods, produce and snacks. Jamba Juice will bring its traditional menu of smoothies, bowls and juices.

“We’re pleased to welcome Yosemite Travel Center and this new development to Tesoro Viejo,” said Brent McCaffrey, President of Tesoro Viejo Development. “This new center will bring a range of conveniences to the community that will serve the needs of the area. Our residents and neighbors will enjoy having the market with a variety of fresh produce, healthy grab-and-go options, and more. Not to mention, Jamba Juice with its plant-based smoothies and delicious bowls. These are all wonderful additions to the community.”

The 1,600-acre Tesoro Viejo master-planned community in southeastern Madera County will include up to 5,190 homes, schools, parks, trails and a walkable town center. It was named the 2023 Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/neighborhood-market-jamba-juice-and-fuel-station-break-ground-at-tesoro-viejo/?mc_cid=5a3d0b245b&mc_eid=c4726fd3b7

By Faughn Tourism 0 Comments

Moon Festival brings taste of culture to visitors

For the second year, Hanford’s Moon Festival returned to the Carnegie Museum of Kings County on Saturday afternoon. Entertainment included the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team and the Fresno Gumyo Taiko Drummers, along with an Origami demonstration hosted by local expert Raymond Thomas. Other attractions included henna painting, Moon Cakes, and food trucks.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/moon-festival-brings-taste-of-culture-to-visitors/article_52df7079-6821-43c5-9033-765ea8d4f596.html

By Faughn Economy • Workforce 0 Comments

Millions in funding coming to Merced to train workers and businesses in Ag technology

More than $9 million is coming to Merced for the development of more jobs in agriculture technology. The grant was awarded by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Aug. 28 as part of the Jobs First initiative. The latest step awarded a total of $80 million to different regions across the state, with the mission to offer half a million job apprenticeships by 2029.

The Merced funding was given to the Community Foundation of Merced County, a nonprofit organization that funnels philanthropic donations into community projects. The foundation will receive roughly $9.2 million to distribute to Merced College and UC Merced for infrastructure in the agricultural technology industry. Merced College officials say the money is the state’s largest AgTEC (Agrifood Technology and Engineering Collaborative) award to date.

According to Cody Jacobsen, the dean of agriculture and industrial technology at Merced College, the money will be used to build several projects. One is the AgTEC innovation center, which is already under construction. Officials broke ground on the $21 million center in April, and it’s expected to house meat, tree nut, fruit and vegetable processing plants, a nutrition center for research, and a retail farm market to sell products. Reservoir Farms will also run an incubator facility for startup companies to test their products on campus.

Jacobsen told KVPR the projects are expected to lead to 3,000 jobs that pay above minimum wage.

“You have all these different pieces of equipment that tie into AgTEC, but you don’t have operators, you don’t have engineers, you don’t have the folks that are repairing all of these pieces of equipment,” Jacobsen said. “So that’s really where we come into play.”

UC Merced will also funnel around $3 million to build an AgTEC barn. The barn will house equipment and create a space to service robots and sensors.

Jobs for a new era of farming

The No. 1 goal for Merced College is to bring more businesses and train up workers for the future of agriculture. Jacobsen said seven students have graduated from the AgTEC Workforce Initiative program since it began a year ago, and 137 are currently enrolled. The program is competency-based, which means students complete the certification based on mastery of skills, rather than learning the content over a certain period of time.

The framework is meant to accelerate learning for those who already work on farms in the Central Valley.

“Some students, they can breeze through the [program] in six months. Others, it may take them two, three years, but it was made for that specific purpose,” Jacobsen said. “… Today is probably the busiest day in agriculture in California. There are hundreds of commodities that are being harvested today.”

Along with jobs, Jacobsen said program coordinators hope to attract start-up businesses. Reservoir Farms’ incubator on campus is expected to support more than 100 AgTEC-related companies looking to test their products. The nonprofit also plans to offer 250 internships to students to work within those companies and potentially find employment through them.

“One of the hardest and difficult things for companies in the Valley is finding talent and finding employees,” Jacobsen said. “If we have an internship pipeline for a lot of these start-up companies, it’ll allow for those startups to check one of those things off the checklist of things that are hard to find – and that’s finding a quality workforce.”

Protecting farmworkers, state answers region’s needs

As farming takes on a new stage of growth, Stephanie Dietz, the executive director of the Community Foundation, is keeping the families of farmworkers top of mind. Dietz told KVPR the grant fulfills the goal of avoiding displacement for those already on Merced’s farms.

“We want to make sure our farmer population isn’t without employment roads and has the opportunities necessary to retain employment and gain those skills,” Dietz said. “We want to make sure that we’re centering these trainings and these opportunities around the people who are already doing the work and not just seeing displacement.”

The Trump administration’s recent immigration raids on agricultural land in California and across the country have caused some farmworkers to stop working out of fear of deportation. But, Dietz thinks that won’t deter them from achieving higher education.

“Educational institutions are trusted institutions amongst our farmworker population, and they can be seen as places of refuge and places for opportunity,” Dietz said. “I don’t see that changing with this investment… We at the Community Foundation are here to support both farmworker families and educational institutions in the work that they’re doing.”

Dietz told KVPR the grant funding is a result of groups such as North Valley Thrive, a coalition of community organizations, institutions, and government agencies advocating for regional needs. Because of this, Dietz said she believes Merced is now the Central Valley’s epicenter of the next wave of technology for agriculture.

“This now creates an opportunity for us to be resilient in the face of climate change, to be resilient in the face of new technologies coming online, to be able to farm and maintain an economic engine in our community,” Dietz said. “…That creates a workforce ready for the future so that we can stay one of the largest [agriculture] economies in the country and in the world.”

https://www.kvpr.org/local-news/2025-09-05/millions-in-funding-coming-to-merced-to-train-workers-and-businesses-in-ag-technology

By Faughn Hi-Tech • Top Stories 0 Comments

John Deere goes full GUSS with acquisition of Fresno County manufacturer

A Fresno County farm automation manufacturing pioneer has gone all in with John Deere to address the labor challenges faced by growers.

The Illinois-based farm equipment powerhouse announced last week that it has fully acquired GUSS Automation, LLC, of Kingsburg. The deal builds on an existing joint venture with GUSS established in 2022 that included a 40% equity investment.

Founded by Dave Crinklaw in 2018, GUSS manufactures autonomous sprayers that can be remotely supervised by a single operator who can manage up to eight machines at a time, according to a John Deere news release. Using GPS, lidar and proprietary software, GUSS machines navigate vineyards and orchards applying chemicals via a spray rig, with the goal of reducing operator error, labor costs and waste.

Lidar is short for Light Detection and Ranging — a sensing method that sends pulses of laser light to determine the presence, shape and distance of objects, often in great detail.

More than 250 GUSS machines have been deployed globally, accounting for 2.6 million acres sprayed over 500,000 autonomous hours.

GUSS sprayers will continue to be sold and serviced exclusively through John Deere dealers, as they are today. The business will retain its name, brand, employees and manufacturing facility in Kingsburg near Highway 99. John Deere officials said they will support GUSS in expanding its global reach and accelerating innovation while continuing integration with other John Deere technologies, including the Smart Apply precision spraying equipment stemming from a 2023 acquisition.

“Fully integrating GUSS into the John Deere portfolio is a continuation of our dedication to serving high-value crop customers with advanced, scalable technologies to help them do more with less,” said Julien Le Vely, director, production systems, high value & small acre crops, at John Deere. “GUSS brings a proven solution to a fast-growing segment of agriculture, and its team has a deep understanding of customer needs in orchards and vineyards. We’re excited to have them fully part of the John Deere team.”

GUSS’ manufacturing operations expand John Deere’s U.S. manufacturing footprint to the heart of the country’s high-value crop production market. GUSS sprayers will continue to use John Deere Power Systems engines, first integrated in 2024.

“Joining John Deere enables us to tap into their unmatched innovative capabilities in precision agriculture technologies to bring our solutions to more growers around the world,” said Gary Thompson, chief operations officer at GUSS. “Our team is passionate about helping high-value crop growers increase their efficiency and productivity in their operations, and together with John Deere, we will have the ability to have an even greater impact.”

First entering development around 2014, GUSS — short for Global Unmanned Spray System — faced early challenges of a lack of available software for all of its applications. A four-wheel automated steering system allows for sharp turns in tight orchards. Laser technology compensated for the loss of GPS signals under canopies of leaves and branches.

Crinklaw and his father Bob started an agriculture spray business called Crinklaw Farm Services in 1982 with two tractors, spraying about 40 acres a day. Encountering their own labor pain points in their business, GUSS was born as an in-house solution. It first entered the market in late 2019.

By Faughn Distribution 0 Comments

Tejon Ranch Co. Congratulates Nestlé

Tejon Ranch Co. congratulates Nestlé on the completion of their new 700,000+ sq. ft. distribution center at Tejon Ranch Commerce Center. Strategically positioned to enhance distribution efficiency across the West Coast, this state-of-the-art facility reflects Nestlé’s commitment to operational excellence and growth.

The decision by the world’s largest food and beverage company to establish operations at TRCC reinforces the center’s reputation as a premier logistics and industrial hub in California. With more than 8 million sq. ft. of space absorbed to date and additional sites available for development, TRCC continues to drive regional economic growth and long-term business value.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tejon-ranch_tejon-ranch-co-congratulates-nestl%C3%A9-on-the-activity-7362174993562046467-LR2A/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADYwsM0BdKAiN5Go6lbktPnvGXMSxQCxGTk

By Faughn Distribution 0 Comments

Farm manufacturer announces Visalia expansion with new distribution center

A publicly traded manufacturer and distributor of farm equipment is expanding its Visalia parts distribution operation. Georgia-based AGCO announced a multimillion-dollar investment in its U.S. West Coast operations with a new, expanded parts distribution center. The new, 115,000 square-foot facility is located less than three miles from the current site at 9860 W. Ferguson Ave., according to a news release. The company relocated its parts and distribution center to Visalia from Stockton in 2016.

The new site at 30041 Bradham Drive will replace the current location, with an anticipated start to operations in late 2026. About 20 people will work at the new site — the same as current operations. The modern facility will support distribution of all AGCO leading brands, including farm machinery maker Fendt, in the U.S., and provide enhanced service to Western U.S. farmers, including California’s growers, according to the release.

“California’s high-value crop farmers rely on precision equipment that runs long hours, often logging over 2,000 hours per year in demanding conditions,” said Jena Holtberg-Benge, AGCO vice president of aftersales and parts. “By expanding our parts distribution capabilities in Visalia, we’re putting Farmers First – ensuring rapid access to critical components that keep machines running and on track during peak seasons.”

Visalia’s central location enables AGCO to reach any dealer or farmer in the region within a day. The new facility will reduce lead times and improve fill rates for high-demand parts across AGCO’s full brand portfolio, according to the release.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/farm-manufacturer-announces-visalia-expansion-with-new-distribution-center/?mc_cid=1a6ebe12b9&mc_eid=bd857719cb