By Faughn Food Processing • New Developments 0 Comments

Local pistachio growers plan expansion | John Lindt

Central Valley pistachio growers, including a number from Kings County, are moving to expand their processing capacity this year. One big player in this group is Setton Pistachios with their main processing headquarters in Terra Bella. The company has now purchased the former Touchstone Pistachio plant owned by the Assemi Group also in Terra Bella. The purchase was through the bankruptcy process that has now been completed says Setton Pistachios general manager Lee Cohen. The facility is the former Aro Pistachio plant just a few miles from Setton.

“We are planning to operate the plant this fall” in time for the harvest of 2025, states Cohen. The facility is small by Setton standards — they are the No. 2 pistachio grower in the US,  producing about 125,000,000 pounds of pistachios annually. That number is growing not only with this new local facility but a new Yolo County plant.

The collapse of the Assemi empire not only provided an opportunity for Setton to again expand their processing capacity, it also likely has motivated other smaller pistachio growers to think about expansion at this time. Another key factor is the growing popularity of pistachios, particularly new food uses for the popular snack nut as well as new research indicating the health benefits of pistachios. Helping to bolster demand for pistachios is a new food product called Dubai chocolate — a bar that contains filling made with pistachios. The product was promoted by social media influencers, especially on TikTok, and has spread like wildfire to other companies offering a similar products. The product is now a hot seller on Amazon and on the shelves at Costco and at the ice cream parlors of Baskin Robbins.

NPR reported last fall that the internet had “gone bananas” for Dubai chocolate. The chocolate bars are like a KitKat bar stuffed with pistachio nuts and aromatic pistachio nougat, says NPR. On the health front, new research says the snack nut provides a measurable source of lutein, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your eyes. Pistachios are the only nut that provides a source of lutein.

Cohen says this fall’s pistachio crop looks smaller than previously thought, likely to come in at 1.5 to 1.6 billion pounds offering good quality on about 25,000 new bearing acres to harvest. The predictions are for the pistachio crop in California to grow typically most years, having reached the 1 billion pound mark in 2020 and perhaps a doubling by 2030 over today’s numbers.

Also looking to boost their production, at least three pistachio growers and processors in Kings County are indicating expansion plans.

Those include a new company, Golden Harvest Pistachios, who is converting a walnut operation to the pistachio nut project — filed with the county. The new plant is at 14662 Seventh Ave., Hanford, says the Kings Planning Department. Applicant Nader Malakan plans a dry hulling and peeling system at Golden Harvest Pistachio. The company plans to construct an 8,000 square foot warehouse, 21 silos covering approximately 64,537 square feet, catwalks, and additional parking.

In the past week two more projects were announced

California Pistachios has filed a plan with Kings County as well near Kettleman City. The company is proposing to expand an existing pistachio processing facility in two phases. Phase 1 includes a new 72,000 square foot processing building and truck dock, two shaker decks, two silos, two cat walks, two silo feed conveyors and three  EV charging stations. Phase 2 includes the installation of 22 additional silos for a total of 24 silos. The existing pistachio processing facility is located at 30650 Quebec Avenue.

Nichols Farms wants to enlarge capacity as well. A proposal to expand an existing pistachio plant located at 13868 First Avenue, Hanford, Assessor’s Parcel Number 016-230-036 in two phases. Phase 1 includes the installation of two silo dryers, two harvest receiving pits, five harvest dryers, six silos, one  12,000 square foot processing building, one product receiving pit and four  aspirators. Phase 2 includes the installation of nine additional silos for a total of 15 silos.

The family-owned farm is already a major player in the Kings County pistachio industry. They have a one-megawatt solar facility on First Avenue that powers their processing plant.

Between these three Kings processors they plan to add some 60 new massive silos, a good measurement to gauge what growers expect to store and ship in the near future. Pistachios must be hauled and dried quickly after the harvest, and then stored in the big silos.

Other pistachio processors in the two county region include Keenan Farms in Kettleman City, Horizon Nut in Tulare and Wonderful Pistachios in Lost Hills, the largest of all the pistachio growers. Many of the workers who work at the Lost Hills farms live in Avenal in King County.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/business/agriculture/local-pistachio-growers-plan-expansion-john-lindt/article_b25d768e-36f7-413c-8863-b594e3757a7a.html

By Faughn Economy • Education • Food Processing • Top Stories 0 Comments

‘Overnight success that has taken 30 years’: Wonderful’s Resnick jokes with audience at Shafter ribbon-cutting

His success in business is evident across the southern Central Valley, in sprawling ag fields and in a large distribution hub in Shafter. But it’s not often Stewart Resnick is seen at large events in Kern County. Late Thursday morning, though, the co-owner of Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Co. walked up, stood before an audience of more than 200 people just north of 7th Standard Road and took a moment to adjust the microphone downward. Then he opened with a joke.

Resnick, diminutive in a blue button-down, long-sleeve shirt and jeans, said normally when he comes to such events people look around and say, “You’re Stewart Resnick?”

“I say, ‘I used to be 6 foot 4. My competition came and beat me into the ground,'” he said.

He’s humble, folks. Even when surrounded by dignitaries celebrating another one of his company’s large investments in the local economy. Resnick had come to join them to mark the opening of Wonderful’s new Amenities Center, a gleaming new complex with a tech training center, office building and subsidized restaurant with an urgent care center still to come. The center serves as the welcoming heart of the Wonderful Logistics Center, which the company proposes to almost double in the years to come. If the City Council approves, the company hopes also to build thousands of new homes for workers and their families.

Resnick called the already large development “one of our most ambitious projects,” a state-of-the-art facility populated by Fortune 500 companies on land where three decades ago there were only orchards.

“This is an overnight success that has taken 30 years,” he quipped after thanking those in attendance for sharing the day.

“Now let’s go show the world what Shafter and the Central Valley can do!” he said in closing.

Wonderful has already had a big impact on farming communities in the valley portion of Kern County, especially in Lost Hills and Delano, where in addition to being a major employer, the company has opened charter academies, wellness centers and more. Shafter is the next big focus. If Wonderful moves forward with an expansion of the distribution-center hub, the logistics center’s employment base is expected to expand over time from about 13,000 to 50,000. Housing units the company proposes to build would expand Shafter’s population by about 40%. The Amenities Center is sort of a precursor to those developments. Its training center works in partnership with Amazon and Bakersfield College to introduce job-seekers to tech-oriented warehouse jobs. The office building boasts numerous art pieces, and the restaurant serves healthy meals at relatively low prices.

Thursday’s gathering drew representatives of many of Kern’s most prominent business, government and educational organizations, many of whom accepted offers to tour the new buildings. Resnick’s humility was matched by that of invited speaker Supervisor David Couch, who said he was coming from a local government perspective when he told the audience, “We can’t do anything, and I mean anything, until you all make something, provide a service.”

“The revenue that local government gets comes because you all come to work every day,” Couch said. “It all starts because somebody … took the risk to invest their money in this community.”

Shafter Mayor Chad Givens was up next. He said the city prides itself on how business operates in Shafter and how it is able to move in operators as fast as possible.

“We’re a very business friendly city and we’re thankful for that,” he said before expressing gratitude to Wonderful for its work in the city.

Former City Manager John Guinn, now Wonderful Real Estate’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, told the crowd Resnick and his wife, Lynda Resnick, have shown their commitment to the families of the Central Valley. In his experience, they want nothing more than for the region to become a strong, vibrant place to live.

“Everything they talk about, they actually do,” he said. “That’s uncommon.”

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/overnight-success-that-has-taken-30-years-wonderfuls-resnick-jokes-with-audience-at-shafter-ribbon/article_69e65582-0b2f-4266-bec6-8130c9954d6e.html

By Faughn New Developments • Tourism • Workforce 0 Comments

A big supermarket is coming to Madera. Can it spur a Highway 41 retail surge?

A 40,000-square-foot supermarket is coming to the Riverstone community, marking a long-awaited arrival of a grocery store to serve the growing neighborhoods of southeast Madera County. The Sacramento-based grocer has announced plans to build a Raley’s O-N-E (“organics, nutrition, education”) store as part of a 61,000-square-foot expansion of retail space at Riverstone’s Riverwalk shopping center at Avenue 12 and Highway 41. Riverwalk already features several storefronts and is planned as the future home of a Riley’s Brewing Co. project that will add another restaurant, brewery, taproom and farmers market event center. But the arrival of a supermarket means residents of Riverstone, Tesoro Viejo and other Highway 41 neighborhoods will no longer have to travel elsewhere for groceries. “This new store won’t just serve our residents — it will become a destination for the surrounding region, offering convenient access to healthy, fresh food and a shopping experience that reflects the values and lifestyle we’re building here in Riverstone,” Tim Jones, the community’s developer, said in a news release Tuesday.

This Raley’s would be the second in Madera County. According to the company’s announcement, the Riverstone location will “include an extensive selection of fresh prepared foods, natural and organic products, locally sourced produce, and a café.” Construction is expected to begin early next year and the store could open in 2027. Raley’s a ‘catalyst’ for retail?

The coming construction of a supermarket as a retail anchor for Riverwalk also represents a significant step toward a future where enough new storefront pop up to fill residents’ needs along the Highway 41 corridor. The area, which has experienced a housing boom since Riverstone began selling homes in 2017, is home to several large commercial centers in the planning stages. In Tesoro Viejo, developers plan to offer 3 million square feet of non-residential space for businesses. To the south, Valley Children’s Hospital plans to build “The Hill,” a mixed-use development that will include 30 stores on 443 acres of its property near the San Joaquin River. At full-buildout, Riverstone’s Riverwalk would be a 1 million-square-foot retail-focused development.

District 1 Madera County Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff said the arrival of Raley’s represents a “huge boon” for the area. “This store is going to serve as a catalyst for other development in that area,” he said in a statement. “It’s going to open up a new wave of retail, commercial shopping centers.”

Kristina Gallagher, executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission, said in a Wednesday phone interview that multiple businesses are going through the process of completing letters of intent to lease space at Riverwalk. But for now, the names of those businesses have to remain confidential, she said. “We’re looking at all kinds of options,” she said. Riley’s Brewing Co. still coming to Riverstone, owner says Riley’s Brewing Co. is still planning on building a brewery, restaurant and a 12,000-plus square-foot taproom and farmers market event center in the Riverstone shopping center. The company’s owner, Dan Riley, first announced the brewery’s Riverstone plans in 2023, describing the project as a “beer garden … designed to be kind of the local hangout.” But the year before the announcement, a fire had destroyed the brewery’s main facility in Madera. Since then, the brewery has opened a taphouse in Selma, but Riley said he is still waiting for banking approval for the planned Riverstone location. “Things have been a little bit slow with the economy and the fire we had, but we’re still moving forward,” he said. Riley said the arrival of the Raley’s supermarket will provide some assurance to shop-owners that business will be strong at Riverstone. “I always believe one plus one is three,” he said. “The more things for people to do there, the better.”

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article306908471.html

By Faughn Food Processing • New Developments 0 Comments

Kern County dairy community celebrates new milk bottling plant

When you think of Kern County, you may think about oil rigs by the thousands, as the county feeds the nation. Now, move over, because Kern County’s dairy industry is taking off with Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is going to take us to a place of leadership,” said Brad Anderson, with California Dairies. “Leadership in California. Leadership in the U.S., and leadership globally as we look to ship out, and feed the world with the world’s most nutritious product.”

California’s dairy community came together to celebrate the opening of the Valley Natural Beverages milk processing plant, which was funded by dairy farmers. The 200,000 square foot plant is located at 8801 Gosford Road in southwest Bakersfield. California Dairies Inc. said the Valley Natural Beverages dairy plant is the most technologically advanced processing facility in the world, and state government wants to keep it that way.

California Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis, said, “We, certainly in the office of the Lieutenant Governor, but across the administration, will do everything we can to promote your products so that you have the widest reach for markets everywhere.” The plant makes (ESL) milk, or extended shelf life milk, extending the shelf life up to six months, but you still have to refrigerate it after opening.

California Dairies Chairman, Cory Vanderham, said, “It allows us to send it over to the international market. Be able to send it overseas. Also, (UHT) ultra high temperature milk…where we’re able to pasteurize it at a really hot temperature with some steam, where it doesn’t change the components of the milk, and be able to bottle that as well.”

It took 18 months, from the shovel going into dirt at the groundbreaking, to the first truck transporting milk. The milk bottling facility has been operating since December.

But, the plant full of innovation and collaboration, wouldn’t let 17 News in with a camera to bring you video.

Plus, the milk is still missing a brand. California Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross, said, “Do we have a name for the milk? Something really special, right? Well, there’s a branding opportunity to make sure that everyone who bought that knows that farmer’s, and families stand behind us. I’m just sayin’.”

The first of three phases was completed after 100 people were employed at the plant. Phase two includes installing more production lines.Phase three involves expanding the milk bottling plant another 150,000 square feet, according to California Dairies Inc.

https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/kern-county-dairy-community-celebrates-new-milk-bottling-plant/

By Faughn New Location • Quality of Life • Workforce 0 Comments

Sam’s Club building store in Lathrop’s Stanford Crossing

Lathrop is getting a Sam’s Club. On Thursday, the membership store operated by Walmart announced it will build one of 30 planned new stores over the next five years at Stanford Crossing west of Interstate 5 in Lathrop.

“Lathrop’s position as California’s fastest-growing city makes it an ideal location for retailers,” said Lathrop Mayor Paul Akinjo. “This is a major win for the community, and we are excited to welcome Sam’s Club with open arms.”

Sam’s Club is a retail store where customers – much like Costco – pay a membership fee to access lower prices on a variety of merchandise that’s often sold in bulk.

It is likely to draw consumer dollars from Tracy and Manteca that both have a Walmart but not a Sam’s Club

The City of Lathrop noted on its website, “this new Sam’s Club will significantly enhance shopping convenience, provide job opportunities, and boos the local economic activity.”

Lathrop is California’s fastest growing city.  While Manteca added 1,306 housing units last year, its growth rate was 3.1 percent. Manteca currently has 93,000 residents, Lathrop, with less homes to start with, added less homes than Manteca but had a 5.8 percent growth rate. Lathrop currently has 38,857 residents. Detail on construction of the Sam’s Club along with other club features will soon be announced.

Sam Club’s typically represent a $15 million to $25 million investment to build depending upon square footage and location. The Sam Club’s announcement comes after the Lathrop Marketplace had secured new businesses that will be locating in the retail complex on the southwest corner of the Louise Avenue and Interstate 5 interchange.

The development that currently consists of Target, In-N-Out, Sprouts, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Chick-fil-A will be adding a Sutter Health Urgent Care, Sourdough & Co., Cold Stone & Kung Fu Tea, Curry Pizza, and 88 Bao Bao Dumplings & Ramen. Sam’s Club has more than 600 stores in the United States. Costco, by comparison, has 890 stores in the United States including in Manteca and Tracy.

https://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/local-news/sams-club-building-store-in-lathrops-stanford-crossing/

By Faughn New Location • Tourism • Workforce 0 Comments

North Fork Mono tribe secures nearly $725M for new casino and resort near Madera

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California announced Thursday that it had closed on a new nearly $725 million finance agreement.

The loan, provided through a real estate investment trust based in New York City, will be used to develop the new North Fork Mono Casino and Resort project near Madera.

“We appreciate the vision and hard work of the financing team to make this deal a reality,” said Elaine Bethel Fink, President of NFR EDAB.

The tribe says upon completion, the casino and resort will feature about 2,400 slot machines, 40 table games, two restaurants, three bars, a food hall, a retail space, a parking structure and outdoor parking for RV and oversized vehicles.

“We appreciate everything Station and the lenders have contributed to our two decade-long dream of bringing jobs and economic development to our Tribe and community”, says Tribal Treasurer Maryann McGovran. “

“Today our dream is closer than ever with the financing in place”, says Tribal Secretary Christina McDonald.

https://kmph.com/news/local/north-fork-mono-tribe-secures-nearly-725m-for-new-casino-and-resort-near-madera?fbclid=IwY2xjawKTVypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFEQ3p6WXB5U0x2VE9JRmJVAR6Uyb6gdqn8n9FR2_ABDl6z3Wbu3YCvZ_R73mhDYIYoccxAY_91X6EFzA_qpQ_aem_hI5tGVqMc_dOGPgQRcg9WQ

By Faughn Economy • New Developments 0 Comments

Dignity Village opens in Modesto with 42 tiny homes. A place to stop the downhill slide

A 42-unit complex providing interim housing for people battling homelessness and other challenges has opened in Modesto.

Ceremonies were held Thursday for Dignity Village, at the corner of Ninth and E streets, and the first residents will start moving in this weekend.

Officials said the 42 tiny houses will provide a safe and comfortable home for adults while they recover from substance use and mental health disorders. The housing program will include services and support to help them with their individual challenges.

Stanislaus County and the city of Modesto were partners in the project, which also engaged community groups in preparing the units for the first tenants. Volunteers and local groups adopted cabins and, on March 22, decorated the small units without knowing who would occupy them.

A team of case managers and social workers from the Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office adopted a cabin and brought in toiletries, pictures, curtains, pillows and a welcome mat.

The unit was fresh off construction, so the team first wiped away the dust on the ceiling and the floor.

“If you have been on the streets for a long time, it’s a rough transition at first,” said Shelli Margarite, a client support manager who posed for a picture with co-workers at the cabin. “We really wanted to make it a home.” Mayor Sue Zwahlen expressed hope that Dignity Village can make a difference as the city grapples with the homeless crisis. “Having a roof over their heads gives them a real chance for recovery and hope for a better tomorrow,” Zwahlen said.

The county and Modesto collaborated with Dignity Moves to develop the complex on city-owned property after Stanislaus County was awarded more than $3 million in state Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program funds in June 2023.

The fenced complex has toilets, showers, dining areas, offices, laundry, social areas and a dog run. Residents will stay in the interim housing for three to six months until ready for the next step to permanent housing.

Ruben Imperial, director of county Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, said those participating in Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court will have priority for some housing units as clients comply with treatment plans for mental disorders.For participants in CARE Court, the state program known for court-supervised treatment of adults with schizophrenic disorders, access to housing is considered essential. But Dignity Village also will house adults getting substance use therapy through Senate Bill 43 and other behavioral health programs.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/dignity-village-opens-modesto-42-201148720.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0Z3B0LmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGEoMKQD4h0ZeuRcxvTURNdyW5vt6z6tHIPppFtbhnpCE_YF0uBThuR3NQFmvb5dvyqM6pRZvuijWQmS721MampW8DFUyvaNSZup19rzWBGyKRuCMOCHHyuKsfL7KbQkTLCy494QKqENb09CkCmC1K9xe9h_HiwHteSkd63tQMYC&guccounter=2

By Faughn New Location 0 Comments

Outrigger Industrial in talks for Class A industrial building at Tulare’s 99 Central Logistics Center

In late January, Outrigger Industrial, LLC, a newly formed, Chicago-based industrial development firm, announced the completion of Phase 1 for the company’s first development in Tulare.

The 544,077-square-foot, Class A warehouse is located at 199 E. Paige Ave., west of Highway 99, at the 99 Central Logistics Center.

“99 Central Logistics Center aligns with our strategy to invest in projects located in markets with strong fundamentals and great labor,” said William Lu, co-founder and managing partner for Outrigger Industrial. “This project affirms our continual commitment in the Central Valley, and leverages our team’s extensive experience, local knowledge, and strong relationships within the community to maximize these opportunities.”

Lu added that the City of Tulare has been a great partner for Outrigger.

“We’ve really enjoyed working in Tulare,” he said. “They’ve been super cooperative and a great city to work with.”

The 99 Central Logistics Center first phase offers expansion potential up to 1 million square feet and includes 36-foot clear heights, 56-foot by 50-foot column spacing and trailer parking. Outrigger Industrial photo

Lu said he has experience with properties in the Central Valley, but this is the first project in this market for Outrigger Industrial.

Outrigger Industrial is led by real estate executives Michael Podboy, Joe Trinkle, Steve Rowley and Lu, in partnership with investment firms Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Monarch Alternative Capital.

The partners announced Outrigger Industrial’s launch in December 2024. Working together for five years before that, the Outrigger Industrial team developed and acquired about 10 million square feet of industrial buildings across 15 markets for a total investment of nearly $1.3 billion.

Outrigger Industrial’s national portfolio includes industrial development projects totaling 6.4 million square feet with plans for an additional 1.4 million square feet in the near-term pipeline, reported connectcre.com

The 99 Central Logistics Center is located south of Paige Avenue just west of Highway 99 in Tulare. Google Maps image

The project is part of the larger 99 Central Logistics Center, a planned 160-acre business park that will ultimately feature four buildings totaling 2.4 million square feet.

While there aren’t currently any tenants, Lu said that they are in discussions. The facility offers expansion potential up to 1 million square feet and includes 36-foot clear heights, 56-foot by 50-foot column spacing and trailer parking.

Lu said that they “want to stabilize this first phase” before moving forward with additional buildings.

The Outrigger website describes the location as “easy access to major highways, ports and airports.”

https://thebusinessjournal.com/outrigger-industrial-in-talks-for-class-a-industrial-building-at-tulares-99-central-logistics-center/?mc_cid=c210479f4f&mc_eid=bd857719cb

By Faughn Health/Medical • New Developments 0 Comments

$7 million donation to help expand healthcare access in Corcoran

A historic and generous multi-million dollar gift will bring more resources to a small Kings County town. The Adventist Health Corcoran Medical Office received a $7 million donation to expand healthcare access in the area and surrounding communities.

Officials say the money will go to fund home dialysis units, a PET CT scanner and a 3D Mobile Mammography Unit to bring life-saving diagnostic and treatment services directly to the community. The donations were a community effort.

“The Corcoran Hospital District and Corcoran Community Foundation, supported by the Boswell family funds, those are the organizations that partnered with Adventist Health to help make this dream become a reality,” says Tim Haydock with Adventist Health. “Those are the organizations that have gone above and beyond to outline a path for a brighter future for the members of this community.”

The $7 million donation marks the largest gift in the history of Adventist Health.

Wednesday’s event consisted of remarks from Adventist Health leadership, community donors and medical experts.

A patient speaker also shared how these new services will change lives.

Community leaders say this is an exciting milestone for Adventist Health and the Corcoran community as it ensures greater access to critical healthcare services.

https://abc30.com/post/7-million-donation-help-expand-healthcare-access-corcoran/16152882/

By Faughn New Developments • Tourism • Workforce 0 Comments

Merced developer envisions thriving shopping plaza off of Highway 99

A local developer envisions Campus Parkway in the southeast side of Merced becoming the best exit off Highway 99 in the Central Valley. The goal is to create a new standard for Merced, attracting out-of-town revenue and enhancing the local economy by developing a shopping plaza eventually anchored by an entertainment venue, a hotel and surrounding retail shops, restaurants and offices…..

https://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/article304451956.html