Press Room

May 22, 2025 By Faughn Food Processing • New Developments 0 Comments

Kern County dairy community celebrates new milk bottling plant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 22, 2025 By Faughn New Location • Quality of Life • Workforce 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 22, 2025 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

May 22, 2025 By Faughn Economy • New Developments 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 22, 2025 By Faughn New Location 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 22, 2025 By Faughn Health/Medical • New Developments 0 Comments

$7 million donation to help expand healthcare access in Corcoran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 23, 2025 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

April 23, 2025 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

April 23, 2025 By Faughn New Location • Workforce 0 Comments

New beginnings for Reedley plant: Local business takes over Prima Wawona site

The Reedley facility previously operated by Prima Wawona — once the largest producer of stone fruit in North America — has been acquired by a local, family-owned business.

G2 Commercial Complex, LLC, has been named as the buyer of the former Gerawan Farming Plant 2 at 1467 E. Dinuba Ave. in Reedley. The transaction will ultimately create up to 100 jobs, said Reedley City Manager Nicole Zieba.

The cold storage facility — 360,000 square feet on nearly 29 acres — was previously owned by private equity firm Paine Schwartz and historically leased by Prima Wawona. Prima Wawona filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2023, also selling off more than 13,000 acres of farmland.

The cold storage sale was facilitated by Schuil Ag Real Estate and Colliers.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for G2, according to a news release from Schuil Ag Real Estate, with aims to enhance its operational capabilities and further its commitment to providing quality storage capacity and improve its service offerings.

The principals of G2 Commercial Complex, LLC, were not revealed in the release.

Lorin Reed, owner and president of Kingsburg’s Packline Technologies Inc., and Vice President Josh Lee are involved with G2 Commercial Complex.

Packline manufactures processing and packing equipment for the produce industry.

“We are excited to announce this acquisition, which not only represents a strategic growth opportunity for our company but also underscores our commitment to the community and the agricultural sector,” said the CEO of G2 Commercial Complex, LLC, in a statement. “For us, Gerawan Plant 2 has always been a mainstay in the industry with a rich history, and we look forward to revitalizing it and continuing to build on its legacy.”

The former Gerawan facility will be revitalized under G2’s stewardship, according to the release. The company plans to invest in upgrades and improvements to ensure the facility meets the highest standards of efficiency and quality.

Agent Stephen Schuil represented the buyers, and agent Rick Schuil along with Colliers represented the sellers.

“We are proud to have played a role in facilitating this important transaction,” Rick Schuil said. “G2 Commercial Complex, LLC is a respected name in the industry, and we are confident that they will bring new life to the Reedley Wawona facility.”

Zieba said that “having life” back in the facility is a positive move for the city.

“Its on one of our busier thoroughfares and to have life back in that big building on an important corridor represents new beginnings,” she said.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/new-beginnings-for-reedley-plant-local-business-takes-over-prima-wawona-site/

April 23, 2025 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.

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.