Tennessee-based Contour Airlines will launch nonstop service from Merced Yosemite Regional Airport beginning July 1, giving Central Valley travelers direct access to Los Angeles and Las Vegas for the first time through the regional carrier. The airline will offer daily flights between Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), along with five weekly departures to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.
“We are thrilled to introduce service in Merced and provide the community with direct access to two of the West Coast’s most sought-after destinations,” said Ben Munson, Contour Airlines president. “These routes not only make travel more convenient for local residents and businesses but also support economic growth by strengthening Merced’s connectivity to key markets. We look forward to delivering a dependable and comfortable travel experience for all our passengers.”
Contour will operate the routes using 30-seat regional jets. Each flight includes extra legroom and complimentary snacks and beverages.
The City of Merced received official notification from the U.S. Department of Transportation in March that Contour Airlines had been selected to provide essential air service (EAS) at Merced Regional Airport for a four-year term beginning July 1. The EAS program helps ensure that small and rural communities maintain access to commercial air travel through federal support. Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto said the city welcomes the expanded service.
“These new routes to Las Vegas and Los Angeles provide valuable travel options for both visitors and our residents, whether traveling for business or leisure,” Serratto said. “Strengthening our regional connectivity is a key step in supporting economic growth, enhancing tourism, and improving quality of life for the people we serve.”
Rhett Williams, Merced Yosemite Regional Airport manager, said the partnership improves access for passengers using the facility.
“This partnership and these new flights enhance the convenience and accessibility of air travel for our passengers, and we look forward to providing a high-quality experience for everyone who travels through our airport,” Williams said.
A recently constructed 7-Eleven in Madera has sold for $12.18 million, setting a California record for the highest-priced single-tenant 7-Eleven sale in the state, according to Hanley Investment Group.
In addition to the typical 7-Eleven convenience store, the Madera location also comes with a commercial fueling facility. The property is 4,644 square feet on 4.04 acres and located at 3720 Avenue 17 near Highway 99.
Madera’s first 7-Eleven
It is the first and only 7-Eleven in Madera, according to a news release from Hanley Investment near Newport Beach, and also includes electric vehicle charging stations and commercial diesel fueling lanes.
Hanley Investment Group Senior Vice President Sean Cox and Executive Vice President Bill Asher represented the seller and developer, Stock Five Development of Clovis. The buyer is a private investor from the Bay Area and was represented by Dev Patel of Kidder Matthews.
The project took almost four years to complete and involved extensive infrastructure work, environmental review and fuel system design.
1031 deal, triple-net lease
Cox said in the release that the buyer was found through a 1031 exchange search focused specifically on single-tenant 7-Eleven properties. The deal closed shortly after the store opened and started paying rent.
Asher said the property’s 15-year triple-net lease, expanded fueling format and close proximity to the soon-to-open North Fork Mono Casino, played a part in investor interest.
“This sale set a new benchmark for the 7‑Eleven brand in California,” Asher said. “The combination of a new 15‑year triple-net lease, expanded fueling program, and a prime location adjacent to State Route 99 and future home of North Fork Mono Casino, were highly attractive selling points for the buyer.”
Clovis-based developer
Stock Five Development specializes in fuel-based commercial projects across Northern California and the Central Valley. The sale continues Hanley Investment Group’s recent activity involving new 7-Eleven fueling prototypes in California, including transactions in San Bernardino, Sacramento and Clovis.
The energy sector has long occupied such a central position in the local economy that, when it spun off several years ago from the annual Kern County Economic Summit, less prominent industries couldn’t help but benefit.
That may have been truer Thursday morning than ever before as previously underappreciated industries around Kern County — tourism, aerospace and ag tech — took center stage in front of hundreds of people gathered inside the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center.
Their inclusion in panel and other discussions Thursday generated its own kind of optimism, in that the audience of business and government leaders heard compelling cases for bestowing greater attention and investment on the region’s promising but overlooked clusters.
Oil and renewable energy, the region’s signature industries, did receive mention at Thursday’s event, certainly when recognition was given to their contributions to the wider economy. But it was the underdogs that stole the show.
A panel of recreation and entertainment professionals made the case that hospitality not only represents a natural opportunity for Kern County, but that it deserves greater help from other players in the local economy.
Justin Powers, the founder of Kernville Cowork who’s leading an effort to build a community hub in Lake Isabella, noted the Kern River Valley draws most of its visitors from the Los Angeles Basin and overseas. Greater local benefits await, he said, if the region can attract greater resources.
“It doesn’t take a lot of investment to trigger a lot of economic impacts,” he said.
Co-panelist Kari Crutcher, executive director of the Ridgecrest Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, acknowledged that the city isn’t usually thought of as a destination. But she said that as a full-service community calling itself the Gateway to Death Valley, Ridgecrest is “a great stop on your way” to major tourism hot spots.
President Chris Kelley of the new Hard Rock Casino Tejon added employment considerations to the discussion. More than three-quarters of the casino’s employees are native to Kern, he said, and as part of that, the facility’s turnover rate is half that of the company’s other properties.
“That’s extremely impactful in a business like ours,” he said.
Kelley added that the casino’s performance has exceeded expectations: It’s on track to attract about 3 million visitors per year — 50% more than was anticipated, he said — and the share coming from L.A. is twice to four times the expected rate.
Earlier in the four-hour event, aerospace and its brother in arms, eastern Kern’s defense sector, shed new light on challenges like housing, education and healthcare that need to be addressed if the industry is to live up to its full employment potential.
Moderator Justin Salters elicited insights from aerospace and defense panelists, some of whom took the opportunity to share what happens when recruits bring specialized skills from around the country, only to land in a region where imperative healthcare may be a two-hour drive away.
Simply finding housing can be a challenge, said Col. Christopher J. Carnduff, commander of the 412th Mission Support Group at Edwards Air Force Base. Forty-five minute drives to work don’t support the base’s mission, he said, adding that local partnerships with housing developers would help.
Housing, education and healthcare “are constraints to growth,” he said, adding that lack of infrastructure needs to be addressed if the region wants to attract additional high-paying jobs.
Executive Vice President Jennifer Santiago at aerospace manufacturing company Scaled Composites called housing and quality of life among the company’s “biggest challenges,” even as the severity of the problem varies person to person.
All that said, the panelists seemed to agree the region’s aerospace and defense industries offer great economic potential, partly because of the uniqueness of their assets.
Carnduff said that, beyond having a giant, dry lakebed and usually clear skies, eastern Kern offers ample space for testing.
Santiago, for her part, said that while other areas place limitations on experimentation and testing, the Mojave area offers a streamlined experimental process.
With the energy industry relegated to its own annual Kern County summit, the local farming industry was given its own panel to discuss the rollout of ag technology such as drones and precision irrigation. Participants said such systems bring benefits but also sticking points.
Led by Cal State Bakersfield economist and ag business specialist Aaron Hegde, panelists noted how rising costs related to everything from labor and water to fertilizers has prodded local farmers to invest in new technology.
Not every new system pans out, Sunridge Nurseries President Rick Burnes said. It takes time for the industry to “weed out” technology that isn’t ready for deployment, he said.
It’s also important to find partners who can help bear the cost of proving the technology, he said. Otherwise, it sits on the shelf.
“It’s got to be a team effort,” he said.
Senior Vice President Daniel Terry at local ag supplier and service-provider Holloway commented on other challenges. He listed difficulties that included exposing new tech to dust and dirt, the need to run machines hard for long periods and the way some technologies require growers to give up proprietary information they have kept secret for generations.
Burnes said it has become more important than before to do data analysis.
“The guys who are winning are the guys who are running the numbers and looking at it,” he said.
While previous economic summits tended to be forecast- and data-heavy, most of the numbers Thursday came from just two economists from Cal State Bakersfield. One of them, Richard Gearhart, presented projections that were encouraging in some senses but worrisome in others.
The national economy made great strides between 2020 and 2025 in raising the buying power of the least-paid workers. But last year and this year, he said, job growth has been relatively slow.
A chart he presented indicated inflation-adjusted median wages in the United States are positioned to rise more than 10% by 2030, assuming the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for only three months.
But if the global petroleum bottleneck closes for two quarters, Gearhart’s chart showed, real wages will register minimal growth during that time. And if the strait is shut for three quarters, according to the projection, there will be virtually no increase in real wages through 2030.
OAKHURST, CA – The mountain community of Oakhurst has earned national recognition for its welcoming atmosphere, being named one of the Best Cities for Traveler Hospitality in the United States for 2026 by Booking.com, according to results released earlier this month.
The recognition comes as part of Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveler Review Awards, announced February 4, 2026. The awards are based on more than 370 million verified traveler reviews worldwide and highlight accommodation and transportation partners that consistently deliver high-quality guest experiences.
Oakhurst was included on the list of top U.S. cities alongside Fredericksburg, Texas, which ranked first overall, followed by Palm Desert, California; Cape May, New Jersey; Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Waikoloa, Hawaii; Bryson City, North Carolina; and Snowmass Village, Colorado. The cities recognized represent a wide range of travel experiences, from coastal destinations and desert retreats to mountain towns and tropical getaways.
According to Booking.com, the rankings are determined by the share of accommodation partners within each city who received a 2026 Traveler Review Award, relative to the total number of eligible properties. To qualify, accommodations were required to maintain an average review score of 8.0 or higher out of 10, based on at least three guest reviews as of November 30, 2025. Destinations also needed to meet minimum thresholds for award recipients and were curated to ensure geographic diversity.
“Our U.S. partners offer travelers a wide range of stays, transportation options, and experiences, with something special for every kind of trip,” said Ben Harrell, Managing Director for the United States at Booking.com. “Recognition for places like Fredericksburg, Palm Desert, and Cape May reflects the care and consistency our partners bring to every stay.”
For Oakhurst, the designation highlights the community’s long-standing role as a primary gateway to Yosemite National Park, as well as its reputation for locally owned lodging, vacation rentals, and visitor services that cater to travelers year-round. Located along Highway 41, Oakhurst serves as a base for visitors exploring Yosemite, the Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake, and surrounding foothill communities.
The recognition also reflects broader trends in traveler preferences. Booking.com reported that vacation homes were the most awarded accommodation type in the United States in 2026, followed closely by hotels and apartments. Globally, apartments remained the most recognized lodging type for the ninth consecutive year,
while camping sites, villas, and traditional Japanese ryokans experienced notable year-over-year growth in award recipients. These trends suggest travelers are increasingly drawn to distinctive stays that provide an authentic sense of place.
Transportation providers were also recognized as part of the Traveler Review Awards. In the U.S., rental car companies led the industry in the number of award-winning partners, followed by providers in the United Kingdom and Spain. Worldwide, the number of recognized rental car partners increased by 49 percent compared to 2025, while airport transfer providers saw an 11 percent year-over-year increase. Booking.com noted that these gains highlight the growing importance of seamless transportation as part of the overall travel experience.
In addition to the U.S. rankings, Fredericksburg, Texas, also appeared on Booking.com’s list of the Best Cities for Traveler Hospitality on Earth in 2026, placing the Texas city among international destinations in Italy, Taiwan, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Namibia, Japan, Australia, and Lithuania.
Only travelers who booked accommodations, rental cars, or taxi services through Booking.com are eligible to leave reviews, ensuring that all feedback is based on verified experiences. The company states that reviews are published without edits or adjustments, offering prospective travelers an authentic account of service quality at destinations around the world.
As tourism continues to play a vital role in the local economy, Oakhurst’s inclusion among the nation’s most hospitable cities underscores the collective efforts of area lodging providers and hospitality partners. The recognition places the Yosemite-area community on a national stage, alongside destinations known for consistently positive visitor experiences, and reinforces Oakhurst’s reputation as a welcoming entry point to one of the country’s most iconic national parks.
Rep. Jim Costa announced Thursday that $3.15 million in federal funding has been secured for Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), providing the City of Fresno funds to plan and design infrastructure improvements enhancing airport services.
The funding was granted through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Airport Improvement Program brings the total federal funding secured by Costa for FAT to more than $85 million in recent years, helping develop key infrastructure improvements including expanded terminal service, dining and retail services, public art and enhanced parking.
“I’m proud to continue that work with this latest $3.15 million in FY26 funding,” Costa said, adding that the investment will help design and plan the future of the airport. Building on past Community Project Funding and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants, these resources strengthen regional connectivity and fuel economic growth that benefits families across the Central Valley.”
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer expressed gratitude for Costa’s continued passion in driving funds to the airport, adding that with each development comes new jobs, improved passenger experience and long-term growth potential.
“Our airport has been growing steadily, and this investment allows us to build on that momentum,” Dyer wrote in a news release Thursday. “The result will be improved travel options, new jobs, and a stronger local economy.”
Fresno Yosemite International Airport enjoyed a record-breaking year for travel in 2025, surpassing 2.7 million passengers and has recently seen expanded growth featuring local businesses in its terminal with the opening of Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co., earlier this week and plans for future expansion featuring local business in the future.
“Securing this federal funding helps to support Fresno Yosemite International Airport in advancing infrastructure projects that expand regional connectivity and strengthen economic vitality,” said Interim Director of Aviation Francisco Partida. “These projects deliver a world-class airport that meets the needs of our community and supports continued progress.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Visalia metropolitan area more than doubled the national average for retail growth between 2020 and 2024, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers. The report, conducted by Michigan-based printer Printastic, ranked the area 27th for retail establishment growth among midsize U.S. metropolitan areas, with an 8.1% increase. The analysis also showed that retail employment in the area increased 9.5% during the same period. Nationally, the increase in retail stores was 3.7% between 2020 and 2024, according to the report. The study showed that there were 1,123 retail establishments in the Visalia metro area last year, and they employed a total of 16,668 people. These numbers indicate increases of 84 retail establishments and 1,450 retail employees since 2020.
“That’s consistent with what I’m seeing in terms of new building permit activity for retail and the buildout of new shopping centers across town, not only on Mooney, but in North Visalia (Orchard Walk West and the North Costco) and East Visalia (The Hub at Walnut and Lovers Lane, and the second Vallarta by Noble and Lovers Lane),” said Devon Jones, Visalia economic development manager.
Jones offered three reasons for the local growth in retail business.
“First and foremost, we are fortunate to have excellent retail development and property owner partners such as Paynter Realty, Brookfield Properties, the Orosco Group, Cal Gold Development, and the Shehadey and Shannon Families to name a few,” he said. “We’re lucky to have lots of investment interest in Visalia and will continue to be a strong development partner for those that choose to invest in us.”
Jones said that Visalia is fortunate to be the metro center for the Tulare/Kings and southern Fresno County region.
“Being the metro and services hub gives us the benefit of drawing visits from the broader trade area population beyond our own city’s population,” Jones said. “This gives us a true ability to provide quality sites for regional retail tenants. This is in addition to the flow of visitors we see annually for Convention Center events and the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.”
Lastly, Jones said that the city is remains focused on the “basic formula” for sound economic development and economic diversification.
“That is, creating primary jobs that add outside wealth into the local economy to spur new job creation that leads to new housing demand, which in turn generates more demand for local services such as retail, healthcare, education, etc.,” Jones said.
Primary jobs are those that produce goods and services in excess of what can be consumed at the local level, thereby exporting income into the local economy, he explained.
“Essentially, this export income grows the local economic pie that we divide up amongst ourselves – other businesses/vendors, public agencies, local services,” Jones said.
“In Visalia, we are blessed to have many primary job sectors including health care and tourism, but the sectors with the greatest reach are those typically found in our industrial park, such as food processing, manufacturing, and logistics/distribution,” he added. “Many of these businesses serve international, nationwide, or Western U.S. markets. Luckily, we have lots of great companies in our industrial park and again, have strong industrial development partners that will help us to realize more growth for years to come.”
There is an effort to encourage future growth, according to Jones.
“We will continue to focus on economic diversification and primary job creation as a core economic development priority, and also be a strong development partner for those seeking to invest in Visalia, whether it be commercial, industrial, or residential,” he said.
