By Faughn Quality of Life • Tourism 0 Comments

Oakhurst Recognized Among Best U.S. Cities For Traveler Hospitality in 2026

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.

https://sierranewsonline.com/oakhurst-recognized-among-best-u-s-cities-for-traveler-hospitality-in-2026/?mc_cid=b328e9699f

By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

Fresno airport gets $3.15M federal boost as passenger numbers hit record high

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.”

https://thebusinessjournal.com/fresno-airport-gets-3-15m-federal-boost-as-passenger-numbers-hit-record-high/

By Faughn Quality of Life • Tourism 0 Comments

Fresno gets $100 million grant to revamp downtown area

A huge boost to Fresno’s downtown revitalization is expected to turn plans into projects. Fresno was granted $100 million in funding, the largest amount the city has ever received from the state. The money is dedicated to downtown Fresno improvements and construction costs. The projects include new street lights, water and sewage lines, improving sidewalks, and two new parking garages. Mayor Jerry Dyer says the goal is to bring more businesses, housing, and residents to downtown Fresno.

“We are doing everything we can to accelerate housing downtown,” he said. “The goal was to get to 10,000 people living downtown, and in order for that to occur, there are a lot of things that need to happen with the infrastructure. The water main, sewer mains, parking structures, all those things that will make it much more inviting for people to develop in the downtown area.”

Construction for the first parking garage is set to start in December. Work on the second structure is planned for February. Another $100 million from the state is expected next year. Those funds are earmarked for an inter-mobile transportation hub, green spaces and other amenities.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/fresno-gets-100-million-grant-to-revamp-downtown-area/ar-AA1OdPWM?ocid=BingNewsSerp

By Faughn Top Stories • Tourism • Workforce 0 Comments

The Stage is Set: Hard Rock Casino Tejon to open Nov. 13, 2025

The $600 million destination in partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe will bring world-class gaming, dining and entertainment to California’s Central Valley

Hard Rock International, in partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe, today announced that Hard Rock Casino Tejon will officially open Nov. 13, 2025.  The entertainment destination is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield on Tejon Indian Tribal land, will be the first of its kind in Kern County and a landmark development for the region. The all-new entertainment facility is owned by the Tejon Indian Tribe and will be managed by Hard Rock International.

Nestled at the base of the historic Grapevine Mountain Pass at the southernmost tip of the San Joaquin Valley, the new property is poised to serve both Southern California and Central Valley markets. The destination will be the second closest full casino experience to Los Angeles with an easy highway drive. The opening represents not only a world-class hospitality and entertainment experience but also a transformational cultural and economic moment for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the broader Kern County community.

The privately funded project has already generated thousands of construction jobs and 1,000 permanent roles upon opening. Hard Rock Casino Tejon has also committed to infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area at no cost to taxpayers and will provide long-term investment in community services, education and economic development initiatives for the Tejon Indian Tribe.

“Today marks a historic moment for the Tejon Indian Tribe and the entire Kern County community. The opening of Hard Rock Casino Tejon is not only a celebration of our Tribe’s heritage and resilience but also a bold step forward in creating opportunity and prosperity for future generations. This project will bring thousands of jobs, fuel economic growth, and serve as a gathering place where culture, entertainment, and community come together. We are proud to share this milestone with our friends, neighbors, and partners who helped make this vision a reality,” stated Octavio Escobedo, III Chairman of the Tejon Tribe.

“We are incredibly proud to bring our iconic brand to Kern County and are thankful for our partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming. “Hard Rock Casino Tejon will set a new standard for entertainment in the region, blending our world-class hospitality with the tribe’s inspiring vision for cultural and economic growth.”

Chris Kelley, president of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, added: “It is an honor to lead this incredible project as we prepare to welcome guests in Mid-November. Hard Rock Casino Tejon will combine the energy, flavor and excitement that our brand is known for with a uniquely local spirit that reflects the strength and heritage of the Tejon Indian Tribe. We look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.”

When the doors open, guests will experience a 150,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring more than 2,000 slot machines, more than 50 live table games including blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em and Three Card Poker, and exclusive VIP rooms for blackjack and baccarat. The property will also showcase an extensive collection of authentic music memorabilia, telling the stories of iconic artists and infusing the property with Hard Rock’s legendary energy.

Dining and nightlife will feature the world-renowned Hard Rock Cafe, Deep Cut Steaks | Seafood and YOUYU, alongside a Marketplace Food Hall with diverse options including artisanal coffee and pastries, street tacos, Southern comfort favorites and wood-fired Italian classics. The property will also include a Rock Shop offering exclusive Hard Rock merchandise.

Guests can enroll in Unity by Hard Rock, the global loyalty program that rewards gaming, dining, shopping and travel at participating Hard Rock locations worldwide. Unity members will enjoy exclusive opening promotions, custom rewards and VIP perks, including access to the Plum Lounge for Unity X members.

The Nov. 13, 2025, opening marks Hard Rock International’s latest expansion in California and underscores its commitment to delivering unforgettable guest experiences that celebrate music, culture and community.

About Tejon Indian Tribe
Tejon Indian Tribe is Kern County’s only federally recognized Indian tribe. Led by Chairman Octavio Escobedo, III, the tribe currently consists of 1,500 tribal citizens and is growing.  A vast majority of tribe citizens reside in Kern County, and many are life-long residents of Bakersfield. The Tejon Tribe’s Administrative Offices are located at 4941 David Road south of Bakersfield. Since re-establishing its federally recognized status in 2012, the tribe has focused on strengthening and empowering its citizens through better health care, education, quality housing, and economic development.

About Hard Rock
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned, licensed or managed hotels, casinos, Rock Shops, live performance venues and cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

https://casino.hardrock.com/tejon/newsroom/2025/10/the-stage-is-set-hard-rock-casino-tejon-to-open-nov-13-2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Faughn Tourism 0 Comments

Moon Festival brings taste of culture to visitors

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

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

By Faughn Economy • New Developments • Tourism • Workforce 0 Comments

Visalia’s retail growth just doubled the national average, what’s behind the surge?

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.

https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/local/2025/05/15/visalia-metropolitan-retail-area-is-booming-heres-whats-driving-growth/83589547007/

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 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 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