By Faughn Education 0 Comments

UC Merced Alum, Now a Robotics Expert for Amazon, Advises Students to Get Their Hands Dirty

Kevin Arrieta got into robotics to avoid getting into trouble. Arrieta said he joined the robotics club at his Compton high school after the teacher who ran it gave him an ultimatum.

“I had gotten in with the wrong crowd,” he said. “I had a physics teacher who told me, ‘Join my robotics club or I’m calling your mom.'”

In the club, Arrieta found he loved working with sensors and doing programming, and he was good at it.

“You have an engineering mind and you don’t even know it,” his teacher said.

Arrieta put that engineering mind to work at UC Merced, where he graduated in 2024. Now a senior automation engineer at a company that works with retail giant Amazon, Arrieta recently returned to campus to talk about his career and offer advice to students in an electrical engineering class taught by Professor Sarah Kurtz.

“Get your hands dirty,” he told them. “Do personal projects, do research.”

He also encouraged them to make use of the resources uniquely available at UC Merced.

“Speak to your professors,” he said. “The relationship you can have with them is something you won’t see on a lot of campuses. Take advantage of that.”

The path to success isn’t always smooth. In his third year of college, Arrieta found himself running an e-commerce business. He was working about 60 hours a week and struggling to juggle that with his course load. He essentially dropped out of school, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to finish.

“I’m a person of faith, so I prayed about it,” he said. He recommitted to his education and landed internships with Tesla at sites in Texas and New York, as well as a job at Amazon.

“I was taking five engineering courses, working the night shift at Amazon and weekends somewhere else,” he said. “It’s important to understand your bandwidth, how much you can handle.”

Resilience is also important, he said.

“Apply, apply, apply. I applied to 100 internships and got three offers.”

All that work paid off, and when Arrieta graduated, he already had two years of experience.

“I started off straight into management. I’ve supported six Amazon sites all over the country.”

He now works for CNW Services, which provides automation engineering support at an Amazon site in Stockton.

And he’s still learning. He showed the students video footage of a robot he created that was supposed to be powered by a PlayStation 4 controller. Except it didn’t go anywhere, a problem with a Bluetooth signal. Another remote got the robot to move a little.

“Finally, we got it to work in autonomous mode,” Arrieta said. “As an engineer, you’re going to have these failures. Things that don’t play out the way you want them to play out.”

He said students now have the option of majoring in electrical engineering, which wasn’t available when he attended UC Merced.

“That person next to you, they’re probably going for the same internships you are,” he said. “What are you doing to set yourself apart? Home in on your craft and whatever you’re learning now, try to carry that into your career.”

Kurtz said having a former student who has a similar experience to those now in class is valuable.

“Many of our students are trying to understand what will happen after they finish their degrees,” she said. “Kevin’s visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to peek into the possibilities for their own futures.”

https://news.ucmerced.edu/news/2026/uc-merced-alum-now-robotics-expert-amazon-advises-students-get-their-hands-dirty

By Faughn Economy 0 Comments

Tulare County Economic Forecast: Cities sprouting business seeds

From the grand opening of mom-and-pop shops in the revitalized downtown Tulare region to the groundbreaking and celebration for one of the region’s biggest entertainment venues, Tulare County looks to build on successes from 2025, carrying that momentum and motivation into 2026 and beyond.

Tulare growth

The City of Tulare saw its downtown region undergo revitalization in 2025, efforts that build upon the city’s focus in expanding opportunities for local businesses, building momentum for additional economic growth, with room to expand going into 2026.

The recent grand openings of Tulare Supreme Cabinet & Granite and The 26th Hour — a new “speakeasy” venue in downtown Tulare, speak to the broad-scope growth and variance in business the region has seen and hopes to see moving forward. Tulare Chamber of Commerce CEO Donette Silva said that two grant programs, as well as the Taste Program — a grant-program targeted at restaurant development — have helped grow the region significantly and hope to continue that growth moving forward.

“We have interest from others that are looking at the downtown area,” she said, adding that, aside from downtown expansion and growth opportunities, large-scale retailers have shown interest in the city as well.


Grassroots effort

She credited some of the growth — the development of a new Save Mart Supermarket, expected to open in 2027 — to former Tulare City Councilmember Greg Nunley and his family, who have worked to attract the retailer to the region.

“We’re excited to partner with The Save Mart Companies to deliver a high-quality shopping experience for Tulare families,” Nunley said in a news release earlier this year. “The Nunley Family extends their gratitude to everyone for their dedication and collaboration in making this project possible.”

Tulare has also attracted big brand names Chick-fil-A and McDonalds to the Mooney Boulevard corridor as well, furthering opportunities for investment into the community.

Tulare also saw the first successful concert season at the newly completed Adventist Health Amphitheater at Zumwalt Park, something that Silva said not only attracts concertgoers, but encourages them to stop and spend money, further stimulating the region’s economic footprint. The venue has teased its 2026 calendar on its website, with the hope that its second season proves as successful as its first which saw headliners Los Lobos, Dokken and A Flock of Seagulls perform, among other local up-and-coming artists.

Visalia on the rise

The City of Visalia also has an eye on 2026, in particular in industrial logistics, retail growth and infrastructure preparation.

As the Visalia Industrial Park — a $130 million project that seeks to connect Visalia to Highway 99 and improve travel in the region — nears completion, large parcels of land will become available for development.

Building off a strong 2025, the city will continue its focus on expansion in 2026, with zoning/infill incentive programs in place, and a new project tracker website, where infrastructure projects can be tracked individually.

In 2026, Visalia aims to transition from foundation-building to execution, aiming to stimulate economic growth through years of continued pre-development for future projects that look to come to fruition in the coming years.


World Ag Expo leadership

The International Agri Center’s World Ag Expo is under the leadership of a new show chairman, and the global event hopes to see an even larger turnout in 2026.

Now under the leadership of Tulare native Ron Clark, the 2026 show theme, “Grounds for Innovation” will seek to highlight the event space, featuring cutting-edge ag technology on display for both visitors and prospective buyers.

The 2025 expo saw more than 100,000 visitors from 49 states and 80 countries, with the 2026 show hoping to surpass those numbers. Tulare Chamber’s Silva said that between 80-90% of exhibitor space has already been reserved for this year’s show.

“Our team is hard at work preparing for next year’s show,” said International Agri-Center CEO Jerry Sinift. “We are happy to continue providing a place for the agriculture community to connect, learn, and grow.”

In addition to next year’s expo, the space around the International Agri Center hopes to undergo major expansion over the next several years; Silva said that conversations have been underway with businesses interested in the over 300 acres of space near the center, adding that the real estate is perfect for not only vendors and store owners, but also hoteliers looking to capitalize on the annual event’s popularity, as well as the attractions of local national parks and other tourism-driven enterprises.

For visitors who come from California, traveling is also expected to become easier over the next several years, with infrastructure improvements to Highway 99 expected to be completed in 2027, with some parts, including sections of freeway near the Agri Center, slated to open as soon as next year.


Wheels up, chips down

This year has brought with it a rise in community investment and business growth for the Porterville community, with that investment paying dividends in anticipated growth in the upcoming year.

City of Porterville Development Associate Magdalena Salazar said that the city’s combined addition of new retail, housing, tourism assets, workforce programs and infrastructure modernization will create a strong foundation for continued economic growth in 2026 and beyond. She highlighted the work the city has done in 2025 along Henderson Avenue, Main Street and Riverwalk Marketplace.

“Porterville’s continued progress reflects strong collaboration among the City, the Tule River Tribe, local organizations, and the business community,” she said. “The City’s commitment to business-friendly processes, community investment, beautification efforts, and quality-of-life improvements is positioning Porterville as one of the most promising growth areas in the Central Valley.”

Construction on Eagle Mountain Casino’s hotel broke ground in 2025 and will continue throughout 2026, driving the future of the casino and the Tule River Tribe’s vision to revitalize the casino’s footprint in the Valley. Upon completion in 2027, the 250-room hotel and expanded entertainment center will support up to 1,000 jobs, driving additional tourism to the region.

The casino relocated to within city limits in 2023, phase one of a three-phase project that looks to build on the legacy and success of the tribal gaming center.

Nearby, the Porterville Municipal Airport is undergoing a multi-year upgrade project, including a $4.44 million taxiway project that will allow larger airport operations and support additional aviation-based businesses to the city. This year will also see the addition of the Henderson Commercial Project, a 92,000 square-foot retail center including a grocery store, drive-thru restaurants and a 24-hour pharmacy. Approved late this year, the project will bring a slew of new jobs to the Highway 65 corridor.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/tulare-county-economic-forecast-cities-sprouting-business-seeds/

By Faughn Education 0 Comments

Bakersfield College’s Industrial Automation program

This pathway offers stackable certificates, an Associate of Science degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree, giving you the flexibility to enter the workforce or continue toward advanced study.

Industrial Automation (INDA) focuses on the use of computer technology, electronics, and control systems in industrial environments. Students explore instrumentation and control, industrial robotics, computer-aided drafting, machine communications, system connectivity, and human-machine interfaces. The program emphasizes project-based learning through hands-on labs that use industry hardware such as Allen-Bradley PLCs.

BC’s program supports key local industries, including:

  • Petroleum
  • Energy
  • Warehousing & Logistics
  • Agriculture & Food Processing
  • Manufacturing

Students can earn a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate Degree on the path to completing the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation.

What is Industrial Automation?

Industrial Automation involves integrating equipment, technology, and control systems to improve production, increase safety, use resources efficiently, and maintain product quality. It includes the use of machines, sensors, robotics, and computer-based controls to automate industrial processes.

A fully automated factory is one advanced example of industrial automation in action.

Is Industrial Automation right for Me?

This program is a great fit if you:

  • Enjoy math, science, and technology
  • Like solving technical problems
  • Want to work with modern industrial equipment
  • Are interested in manufacturing, energy, agriculture, or robotics
  • Are a current technician looking to upskill or advance

Helpful traits and skills include:

  • Technical aptitude
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Math and science skills
  • Mechanical skills
  • Commitment to safety

https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/pathways/itt/industrial-automation/index.html

By Faughn Economy • Quality of Life 0 Comments

Ribbon cut on Hanford’s new transportation hub

With the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday afternoon, the new Kings Area Regional Transit  Center is finally a reality. The $31 million investment in the county’s public transportation is now within a couple of months from starting bus service from this location in the heart of Downtown Hanford.

Speakers at the ceremony included Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KCAPTA) Chairman Joe Neves, California State Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, California State  Senator Melissa Hurtado, Congressman David Valadao’s representative Rachel Clement and KCAPTA Director Angie Dow.

The main transit building covers 19,000 square feet, while the outdoor Bus Bay and outdoor waiting area is a massive 61,000 square feet. The entire four-acre site covers a massive 174,000 square feet within the bounds of Seventh Street to the south, Eighth Street to the north, Harris Street to the west and Brown Street to the east.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/business/ribbon-cut-on-hanfords-new-transportation-hub/collection_d9c2853b-ad05-4745-923d-a8790cf8196f.html#2

By Faughn New Developments • 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.

The groundbreaking comes less than four months after Scannell Properties, a national developer broke ground in Southwest Fresno on the $100 million and 833,000 square foot Westgate Industrial Center, where Mayor Jerry Dyer proclaimed, “Fresno is open for business.”

$42M manufacturing facility keeps Coast Aluminum — and its workers — rooted in Fresno – The Business Journal

Despite having built other projects in California’s Central Valley, this project represents the first time Adler’s firm dealt directly with the City of Fresno. “The city has been great to work with. They’ve been collaborative, responsive, they’re pro-business,” he said. “Other cities in California can be more difficult, and that is all I am going to say about that.”

https://idahobusinessreview.com/2025/12/19/adler-industrial-idaho-class-a-expansion-fresno/