Category: Tourism

Central CaliforniaTourism
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

 

By Faughn New Location • Tourism 0 Comments

Merced burger shop owners are smashing their way to Turlock to open second location

It’s not typical you get to try menu items from a restaurant before it’s even begun construction, but since a family-owned burger spot opening in Turlock has a location established a bit farther down the freeway, eager patrons are in luck. The first location of Smash Bros Burgers opened in Merced in June 2024. A second restaurant bearing the name will open by the time the owners celebrate their one-year anniversary…..

https://www.modbee.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/biz-beat/article302446424.html

 

 

By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

City of Hanford receives $15.5M grant from DOT

The City of Hanford has announced that it is a recipient of a $15.5 million grant thanks to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The grant award is part of the competitive Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program through the DOT.

The City’s Fast Track Hanford project was chosen as one of 109 projects to receive a 2025 RAISE Round 1 award. The funding will be used to improve the downtown area between the Amtrak Station and 10th Avenue. The project also includes China Alley and Civic Center Park, with construction estimated to begin in March 2028.“The project will include roadway and intersection safety improvements, ADA upgrades, two bus stop improvements, wayfinding signage, micro-mobility amenities, lighting, stormwater improvements, electric vehicle charging stations, and electronic informational displays,” said the City.

The City aims to use the RAISE program funding to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in the downtown corridors by narrowing and reducing vehicular lanes, changing street parking from parallel to angled, and enhancing street lighting, among several other improvements.

“This is a transformational project that will provide easier and safer access to transportation options in the City, create a more walkable and bikeable downtown through various infrastructure improvements, and in combination with other efforts laid out in our five-year strategic plan, will lead to a more vibrant downtown atmosphere for residents, businesses and visitors,” said the City.

Three of the Hottest New Hotels to Book for Food. The project consists of more than 30 improvements beginning at the Amtrak Station, spanning to 10th Avenue, and branching out to encompass three sides of Civic Center Park.

The City has identified several measures to meet its goal of improving safety including a pedestrian-only section between Douty Street and Harris Street, noting that all upgrades will match other sections of the China Alley corridor except all vehicular access will be restricted.

Through the Fast Track Hanford project, the City learned that China Alley technically spans the block between Green and White Streets and is not the entire alleyway, as shown on Google Maps.

The project also ties in with the East Lacey Improvement Project and the Kings-Tulare High-Speed Rail Station Transit Oriented Development Project, which according to the city’s website “is a planning effort to identify recommendations for connecting transit services from downtown Hanford to the Kings-Tulare High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station… and will result in a planning document enabling the City of Hanford to promote transit-oriented and economic development and encourage context-appropriate development in areas surrounding the Kings-Tulare HSR Station…and is an early step in the longer-term shaping of Hanford to integrate HSR development for a positive and equitable outcome.”

On Jan. 10, the DOT announced it had awarded over a billion dollars in RAISE funds to 109 projects across the country, but received 195 qualified applications requesting a total of nearly $2.4 billion. The department reported that a large percentage of the grants selected in the first round of funding support areas defined as historically disadvantaged or of persistent poverty. The DOT’s RAISE grants are also awarded to invest in transportation infrastructure projects that would otherwise not receive the funding needed.

The project consists of more than 30 improvements beginning at the Amtrak Station, spanning to 10th Avenue, and branching out to encompass three sides of Civic Center Park.

The City has identified several measures to meet its goal of improving safety including a pedestrian-only section between Douty Street and Harris Street, noting that all upgrades will match other sections of the China Alley corridor except all vehicular access will be restricted.

Through the Fast Track Hanford project, the City learned that China Alley technically spans the block between Green and White Streets and is not the entire alleyway, as shown on Google Maps.

The project also ties in with the East Lacey Improvement Project and the Kings-Tulare High-Speed Rail Station Transit Oriented Development Project, which according to the city’s website “is a planning effort to identify recommendations for connecting transit services from downtown Hanford to the Kings-Tulare High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station… and will result in a planning document enabling the City of Hanford to promote transit-oriented and economic development and encourage context-appropriate development in areas surrounding the Kings-Tulare HSR Station…and is an early step in the longer-term shaping of Hanford to integrate HSR development for a positive and equitable outcome.”

On Jan. 10, the DOT announced it had awarded over a billion dollars in RAISE funds to 109 projects across the country, but received 195 qualified applications requesting a total of nearly $2.4 billion. The department reported that a large percentage of the grants selected in the first round of funding support areas defined as historically disadvantaged or of persistent poverty. The DOT’s RAISE grants are also awarded to invest in transportation infrastructure projects that would otherwise not receive the funding needed.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/city-of-hanford-receives-15-5m-grant-from-dot/article_1d82d572-d772-11ef-80e7-8f3e3ef51fbe.html

By Faughn New Developments • Tourism 0 Comments

Merced Mall is literally on the way up

MERCED, Calif.  – The Merced Mall is on the rise, not only in terms of new businesses but literally after the city announced over the weekend that investors are discussing proposed building elevations.

Citivest, the party responsible for financing the Sears Renovation Project, says the 86,000-square-foot Sears box building is being renovated and re-positioned. Site plans published Saturday also show proposed building elevations to increase the height of the current buildings.

Management says leases for the space have been signed with Burlington, Five Below, Ulta, Petco, Rack Room Shoes, Bath & Body Works and Mattress Firm. Aspen Dental will also be located on one of the planned free-standing pad buildings.

The company says they expect the new stores to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

The new stores announced in January will be joining Boot Barn and Mocha Boba, which have also been announced as moving into the Merced Mall.

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/merced-mall-new-businesses/

By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

FAT continues on flight path of success with record 2.6M passengers

Whether it soared, took off, reached the clouds or any other air travel-related play on words, Fresno Yosemite International Airport once again set a record for passengers in 2024, just missing double digit growth. The airport that markets itself by its international airport code FAT was indeed full of passengers last year — about 2.6 million of them, up 9% from calendar year 2023. With new routes, major construction on a terminal expansion and other improvements, FAT continues to distinguish itself as an airport on the grow, officials said.

“FAT is more than just a place to catch a flight — it’s a key driver of jobs and economic growth for our region,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer in a statement. “With the opening of the newly expanded terminal on the horizon, I’m thrilled for what’s ahead as we continue to welcome travelers and show the world what Fresno has to offer.”

International passenger volumes experienced a substantial surge in growth. In 2024, a total of 411,575 passengers traveled between Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Mexico, representing a 27.5% increase compared to 2023.

Last month, Alaska Airlines launched non-stop seasonal service from Fresno to Guadalajara, Mexico, through Feb. 12. It joined existing carriers Aeromexico and Volaris in daily service to Guadalajara especially popular during the holidays.

“This major passenger growth trend at Fresno Yosemite International Airport is triggered by our airline partners recognizing and responding to the region’s demand for air service options from Fresno,” said Director of Aviation Henry Thompson. “Growing air service with more passengers choosing to fly Fresno and filling seats demonstrates to the airlines that more service is needed to meet demand.”

2024 air service and airport highlights

  • Return of daily United Airlines seasonal nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in May
  • Introduction of new daily nonstop flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with Delta Airlines in June
  • Launch of new Saturday nonstop service to Dallas Love Field (DAL) with Southwest Airlines in June
  • Increased frequency to Las Vegas (LAS) on Southwest Airlines to four daily flights from three flights in March through September and representing a 25% increase in the airline’s capacity to LAS
  • Cargo transported through FAT in 2024 totaled more than 20 million pounds. Cargo carriers FedEx and UPS upgauged from 757 aircraft to the 767 aircraft (both carriers) and A300s (UPS).
  • Placement of the final structural steel beam in October to support the largest airport development program in FAT’s history, including a new concourse wing with areas for shops and dining, expanded passenger screening checkpoint, a new Federal Inspection Station for international arrivals with an added waiting area for friends and family.

2025 FAT air service preview

Added capacity through FAT planned later this year includes:

  • Increased frequency to Las Vegas (LAS) on Southwest Airlines to four daily flights from three flights in March and representing a 25% increase in the airline’s capacity.
  • Added nonstop seasonal service to Portland International Airport (PDX) on Allegiant beginning May 22 through mid-August 2025 operating on Sundays and Thursdays.
  • Return of daily United Airlines seasonal nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in May.
  • Return of nonstop service with twice weekly service to Dallas Love Field (DAL) with Southwest Airlines June 7 through mid-August 2025.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/fat-continues-on-flight-path-of-success-with-record-2-6m-passengers/

By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

Stockton Metro adding flights to Denver in 2025

Things are looking up for passenger flights at Stockton Metro Airport. Allegiant Airlines will launch twice weekly service to Denver International Airport on May 14, 2025. Denver is the largest airport in the United States. It allows passengers to connect to other flights or use the airport rail line to go directly to downtown Denver. Allegiant is also expanding the number of flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix from Stockton in mid-2025. Weekly flights to Harry Reid International Airport in Vegas will increase to nine times per week. Stockton flights to Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix will be bumped up to three times a week.

“We are pleased to introduce this new service and provide the community with a new, convenient, and affordable non-stop travel destination,” said Richard Sokol, Director of the Stockton Metropolitan Airport.

“This is an exciting step forward in the airport’s continuing effort to bring more travel options to our region.”

And it could be just the start of increased passenger service out of Stockton. Stockton Metro’s position as the fourth major airport in the Bay Area — and regional growth that is pushing up household incomes — is drawing interest from airlines interested in possibly operating connector passenger service. San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti indicated several months ago Spirit, United, and American are exploring potentially having flights in and out of Stockton. If it happens, it would be a significant development for the Northern San Joaquin Valley with 1.6 million residents and counting. Not only is the region consistently among the top four fastest growing areas in the state, but demographics are showing significant jumps in the household income of those moving into the area from west of the Altamont Pass.

Given Manteca’s northern most city limits at Roth Road and Airport Way is within four miles of the Stockton Metro terminal, whatever happens at the county owned airport will have a significant impact on Manteca. The Bay Area is served by San Francisco, and Oakland airports that are significantly more congested when it comes not just to passengers accessing them but also with the number of flights. Stockton has steadily grown its Bay Area profile in the past 20 years.

Initially, it was upwards of a dozen corporate jets being located at Stockton that were owned by big tech companies in the Silicon Valley during a time period when flight times were limited out of San Jose.

Eventually, they were able to shift back to San Jose.

Then in 2016, Amazon started its daily large cargo jet movements to Stockton. In 2020, the online retailer expanded their footprint at Stockton to handle up to eight large cargo jets a day. Amazon operates fulfilment centers near the airport including three in Tracy, two in Stockton, and one in Manteca on Airport Way. There are also Amazon fulfillment centers in Patterson and Turlock.

Before the pandemic, United operated connector flights from Stockton to Los Angeles.

“This is very exciting news for our County and region,” said Miguel Villapudua, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.

“Between the Board’s $26 million investment earlier this year and Airport Director Sokol’s tireless work to realize the potential of SCK, this is only the beginning of great things to come.”

https://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/local-news/stockton-metro-adding-flights-to-denver-in-2025/

By Faughn New Developments • Tourism • Workforce 0 Comments

New casino project to break ground in Madera County

A new casino is closer than ever to being built in the Madera County. After nearly 20 years, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians plan to break ground on Saturday. A large, vacant lot off of Avenue 18 and Road 23 will soon be transformed into the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort. The plans say it will include 2,000 slot machines, 40 table games, a 200-room hotel, restaurants, a food court, meeting rooms. and more. The controversial mega casino had to clear several hurdles to get to this point. The project has faced numerous lawsuits, environmental reviews, even other tribes claiming they do not have tribal rights to the land.

“They have overcome those legal disputes. They’ve actually won their case in court and we’re beyond that now and now we’re in the groundbreaking phase,” said Madera Mayor Santos Garcia.

Earlier this year, the tribe received approval to work with a Las Vegas-based developer. Local leaders say they’ve also entered into an agreement with the tribe to ensure money will be infused into the community of Madera, including dollars to support first responders.

“They’re also going to provide money to help us with our Parks and Recreation and our infrastructure. They’re committed to help us with sidewalks and water and sewer and so we look at this as a long-term benefit. It’s not going to happen overnight, but we look at it as a long-term benefit and partnership,” said Garcia.

Silvia Belin lives in Madera and says she plans to apply to work at the casino once it’s built.

“I think it’ll bring more jobs in the area you said that you would like to get a job yeah I would like to get a job there,” said Belin.

Many are concerned the project will create more traffic on roads already in need of repair, but Garcia says plans to upgrade are already in the works.

“It has to be incremental. It’s not going to be all in one shot. They have to start just by the fact that they’re going to start. It’s going to be very important,” Garcia explained.

“In 10 years, you’re not going to recognize Madera, I guarantee you.”

By Faughn New Developments • New Location • Tourism 0 Comments

New $36 million hotel coming to Merced

The next addition to one of Merced’s newest shopping centers is about halfway complete and set to open next year. Those who have driven by Campus Parkway Plaza have seen the large project under construction.

The Hilton Garden Inn is scheduled to open in August or September of 2025, according to Daniel Moradzadeh, director of the Merced-based Shemoil’s Investment Development which owns the hotel and Campus Parkway Plaza property. The five-story hotel, which will consist of 133 rooms, is a $36 million project. “It’s taken three generations of investing in our local community by my family to get to this point,” Moradzadeh said. “It’s been a massive undertaking.”

The Hilton Garden Inn will become a new addition to the Campus Parkway Plaza, which already houses a Starbucks, Tractor Supply Co., Chipotle, McDonald’s, and two gas stations. The 44,224-square-foot hotel will sit on an 8.3 acre lot that sits on the southwest corner of Campus Parkway and Coffee Street. The hotel include a parking lot with landscaping components. The hotel will also have two kitchens, one dedicated to the hotel and the other to a banquet facility that will sit approximately 350 people. There will also be a full-service bar in the hotel. There will also be an outside sitting area with a fire pit. There are plans to have a projection TV near the outside bar area as well.

“The main reason why we decided to construct this hotel is because the City of Merced needs marquee development,” Moradzadeh said. “This will be something that’s not only elegant, but has the class to go with it.”

As a local investment and development company, Moradzadeh says they’ve hired local contractors, including Merced-based Marvulli Construction. “You want to keep as much money as possible with our local community,” Moradzadeh said. Moradzadeh felt the location for the new hotel is ideal with the freeway access at Campus Parkway, the proximity to UC Merced and the building of a nearby regional sports complex on the 40-acre Community Park 42, which will eventually host large sports tournaments.

Moradzadeh says the company was approached by many hotel and motel companies, but chose to go with Hilton Garden Inn because they allowed them to tailor the hotel to fit what they wanted to build in Merced. “We decided to secure our franchise with Hilton because they gave us the highest-rated brand we could bring to Merced,” Moradzadeh said. Moradzadeh says construction of the hotel has remained on schedule. “As far as our scope of construction goes, we’re approximately 50% done,” Moradzadeh said. “The structure is completed, it’s fully framed. We’re one year out from our our test runs.”

https://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/article290481614.html

By Faughn Hi-Tech • Tourism 0 Comments

Modesto-area 49ers fans can avoid traffic by taking ACE trains

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers can once again ride the Altamont Corridor Express to most home games. The trains will go to all but two games during the 2024 regular season at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. ACE cannot do the Monday night opener on Sept. 9 because it would interfere with normal passenger operations. The same goes for a Thursday night, Dec. 12. January playoff games could be added if the team qualifies. ACE has four weekday round trips between Stockton and San Jose, timed for commuters to Bay Area jobs. The closest station to the Modesto area is at the Lathrop/Manteca border. Levi’s is right next to the Great America station.

Details on train ticket prices and timetables are at www.acrerail.com. Riders who book early can get seven trips for the price of six. In a few years, ACE will be even more convenient. It has funding for one branch to Merced and another to Sacramento. Modesto and Ceres could get stations in late 2026 and other cities could join in between then and 2030. ACE has run the 49ers trains off and on since the 2014 opening of Levi’s Stadium. Fans avoid freeway traffic and parking fees.

“My blood pressure is low on the train,” one fan told The Modesto Bee’s Garth Stapley aboard a 2014 train. “It’s a lot easier than driving.”

ACE ALSO CAN SERVE CONCERTGOERS

The 2024 football service was announced in a news release from the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, the governing body for ACE. “We want fans to be able to cheer on their team, allowing them to focus entirely on enjoying the game-day experience,” said Chairwoman Nancy Young, the mayor of Tracy. Early into its expansion, ACE plans to continue serving mainly commuters. Future funding could stretch it to other weekday hours and to weekends, meaning no more need for special trains to Levi’s.

The stadium also hosts top-tier concerts, sometimes with rail service from the Central Valley. ACE took Ed Sheeran fans to a show last September. It did not take part in the Taylor Swift mania two months earlier, but Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor between Sacramento and San Jose did.

https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article291070735.html