Press Room

January 15, 2025 By Faughn New Developments • Workforce 0 Comments

Madera County 2025 Forecast: A hospital reborn

Madera on the Map

The Highway 41 corridor has been ripe with activity, said Bobby Kahn, interim executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission (MCEDC).

This past August, Valley Children’s Healthcare announced plans for “The Hill,” a 220-acre, mixed-used development on its main campus. It will have a mix of health care space, housing, commercial, recreation, office and hospitality.

Kahn said in following with the 1,135-acre Gunner Ranch West Specific Plan, infrastructure work across the street from Valley Children’s Hospital is anticipated to start in the next 12 to 24 months.

The plan envisions a medical campus that will provide significant medical services and opportunities, with an array of commercial uses, including a regional commercial center and a system of parks, trails and open space.

The plan proposes development of up to 2,840 residential units, more than 2 million square feet of regional commercial uses, 751,000 square feet of medical office and related services, 1.1 million square feet of hospital and related services, community facilities, elementary schools, and a community/government center.

The plan also calls for 72 acres of open space and parks, and a 62-acre wastewater treatment plant.

Hospital reborn

Perhaps the most symbolic victory for Madera County is the return of Madera Community Hospital, which closed its doors in January 2023 and filed for bankruptcy protection.

The hospital received the first $15 million installment of a total $57 million emergency loan from the Distressed Hospital Loan Program. The funds are to be used for improvements such as updating patient equipment and operational expenses including hiring and training.

Kahn said the hospital is scheduled to open on Jan. 13, 2025, under new operator American Advanced Management from Modesto.

American Advanced Management has been hosting job fairs to fill more than 200 staff positions (not including doctors). Of those, 135 positions have been filled.

“As it opens, they will continue to staff-up and grow, adding more and more services,” Kahn said. “That will be huge for the City of Madera and the surrounding area. The health industry is known for higher wages, and those are industries you’d like to see in your community.

Burgeoning communities

The Riverstone development already has more than 1,000 homes built, and its commercial development mix includes Dutch Bros, a couple of restaurants and retailers.

A 2025 opening of Riley’s Pub is expected at Riverwalk, an office plaza on the corner of Highway 41 and Avenue 12.

The Tesoro Viejo community has plans for about 5,200 homes, with more than 1,000 already built. Across from Tesoro Viejo on Avenue 15 and Highway 41, there are plans for a Starbucks.

There is also the “Village D” Infrastructure Plan, located on Avenue 16 and Road 23, with the project covering 1,860 acres and including 10,783 housing units, as well as commercial and public facilities, recreation and open space.

The project is estimated to be built-out over a 20-year time span, Kahn said.

HVAC and gaming

Recently, a closed Church and Dwight Co. food supplement manufacturing on Avenue 12 near Road 32 was purchased by Vezina Industries, a Madera manufacturer specializing in windows, doors and HVAC solutions.

Along with the homegrown expansion, the area is getting attention from outside the area, though nothing has been finalized.

“We are getting a lot of looks now from national tenants,” Kahn said. “Madera is on the map. I think we will see continual retail growth in the City of Madera.”

A major project in the area is the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort, off of Avenue 18 and Road 23, which broke ground in September.

Kahn said there is hopes that the casino portion will open by late 2025 or early 2026. The first phase will be construction of the casino, followed by the resort, with a total construction timeline spanning five to ten years.

In August, the new AutoZone distribution center, located between Highway 99 and the Chowchilla Airport, debuted with 500,000 square feet, creating 200-300 new jobs.

Ag front

This season provided big, rainy storms and high temperatures, which presented a challenge for some crops. Kahn noted the price of almonds remains soft, and grape growers still face challenges as wine consumption drops.

He predicts almond orchards will continue to be pushed out, especially the older ones. Wineries are not seeking out grape contracts like they used to, and the raisin market is “mediocre” from a pricing perspective, Kahn said.

He also noted that the dairy industry continues to struggle with pricing

“I think ag in 2025 is still going to be a challenge for most commodities, but if you’re a farmer that’s positioned right, and not taking on a lot of debt, you should be OK,” Kahn said.

This month, Kristina Gallagher was named as the new executive director of the MCEDC, coming from a background in in local government advocacy, public policy, and community engagement with the California State Association of Counties.

Gallagher said she will look to Kahn’s experience for guidance, as well as the community.

“I’m looking to be very active with businesses and real estate and find out how to help build infrastructure into the two cities [Madera and Chowchilla] and the county,” Gallagher said. “In a year or two, I hope to have a 5-year plan going — something we could put down with the executive committee, and businesses and other local partners.”

Downturn in tourism

While millions flock from all over the world to see Madera County’s natural landscapes, most notably Yosemite National Park, the park’s reservation system did cause a dip in visitors when it was implemented last year, said Rhonda Salisbury, CEO of the Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau.

The first and second quarters of 2024 saw high levels of tourism that waned off after the Yosemite reservations set in.

“It hurt the economy quite a bit,” Salisbury said. “We are expecting anywhere from a 10-20% drop in hotel occupancy from last year.”

The reservation system did provide a small boost for local tour operators, businesses and restaurants as more people waited in nearby towns before they could enter the park.

Salisbury said Yosemite National Park has not released its reservation system for 2025, but she assumes there will be one.

She hopes 2025 will be another test year — and not a permanent fixture — for the reservation system, and that it’s less aggressive than 2024.

She said the park was pushing away 700 visitors that didn’t have a reservation each day.

The bureau has sent letters to Washington, D.C., with hopes to find the best system.

Building up

Darren Rose, CEO of the Building Industry Association of Fresno/Madera Counties, said much remains to be seen in 2025, considering falling interest and mortgage rates.

“I think we will continue to see building activity, and a lot of it depends on how things unfold with the new administration,” Rose said.

If implemented, Trump’s proposed tariffs will increase prices on construction inputs, such as in lumber, concrete, and other items used to build homes. Those increases in costs will be put into the purchase price and passed on to home buyers.

Even though prices for nearly everything has gone up, builders continue to build homes.

“All of my builders are anticipating growth, and we are excited about that, but we have to see how things unfold with the economy,” Rose said.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/madera-county-a-hospital-reborn/?mc_cid=5e2b4d21b6&mc_eid=a3349d7e4d

January 15, 2025 By Faughn Renewable Energy 0 Comments

Global Clean Energy Holdings Delivers First Renewable Diesel from Bakersfield Renewable Fuels Facility

Global Clean Energy Holdings Delivers First Renewable Diesel from Bakersfield Renewable Fuels Facility

Production marks success of vertically integrated farm-to-fuel platform

Initial production of ~250,000 gallons of renewable diesel per day as Facility continues to ramp production

Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:GCEH), a renewable fuels innovator and leading camelina producer, today announced that its Bakersfield Renewable Fuels Facility is commercially operational, producing approximately 250,000 gallons of renewable diesel daily. This critical milestone marks a significant step forward as the Company begins delivering sustainable, low-carbon, and cost-efficient fuel to the market.

The Facility leverages patented, highly scalable nonfood camelina varieties to produce renewable fuel that delivers up to 90% lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum-based diesel. With a design capacity of up to approximately 210 million gallons annually, the Facility not only produces renewable diesel but also generates other sustainable co-products, such as renewable propane and renewable butane, contributing to cleaner air quality and a more sustainable energy future.

“I am incredibly proud of our talented team, whose dedication over the past several years has made this achievement possible,” said Noah Verleun, President & Chief Executive Officer. “This milestone validates the tremendous potential of our unique vertically integrated model – from camelina production to refining – and positions us to capitalize on the strong, long-term increasing demand for renewable fuel.”

Global Clean Energy is selling renewable fuels at its truck loading facility in Bakersfield pursuant to its supply and offtake agreement with Vitol, Inc. Global Clean Energy’s vertically integrated, capital-light, farm-to-fuel business model, combined with the Facility’s advantaged logistics and ability to run on multiple feedstocks, ensures operational efficiencies and production flexibility across the value chain.

About Global Clean Energy

Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:GCEH) is a vertically integrated renewable fuels company specializing in the development and cultivation of camelina, a nonfood, regenerative, intermediate oilseed crop, which is used for the production of advanced biofuels and biomaterials. With a vision that begins in the laboratory, moves through the farm gate and finishes with renewable fuels, GCEH’s farm-to-fuels value chain integration provides unrivaled access to reliable, ultra-low carbon feedstocks and is unparalleled in the sustainable fuels industry.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements”, including any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, the likelihood of improving camelina yields or achieving any profitability therefrom, strategic value creation, risk profile and investment strategies, and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, the ability to operate our Bakersfield renewable fuels facility in the manner that it was designed, and the expected financial and operational results of Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative thereof, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties, risks, and factors relating to our operations and business environments, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Please refer to the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which can be found at the SEC’s website. The discussion of these risks is specifically incorporated by reference into this press release. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements.

https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20241220217938/global-clean-energy-holdings-delivers-first-renewable-diesel-from-bakersfield-renewable-fuels-facility

January 15, 2025 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/

November 26, 2024 By Faughn Workforce 0 Comments

Gov. Newsom comes to Fresno to tout job creation plan

Gov. Gavin Newsom made a stop in Fresno on Thursday, lauding the region’s economic impact to the state and country, addressing Californian’s environmental and energy concerns and highlighting plans to strengthen the San Joaquin Valley’s economy.

Newsom’s held a news conference at the Fresno City College West Fresno Center’s Automotive Technology Center, praising the work of Central Valley organizations and leaders to boost the local economy and create jobs.

Local and state leaders joined the Newsom at the event, including Central Valley Community Foundation CEO Ashley Swearengin, Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula and Sen. Anna Caballero.

The Sierra San Joaquin Jobs Initiative is a 20-year, $58 billion investment plan for the Central San Joaquin Valley aiming to create 138,000 new jobs in sectors including construction, health care, education, manufacturing, clean energy and food systems.

Since 2022, the state has invested $287 million, including $5 million per each of California’s 13 regions; $39 million for pilot projects across the state; and $14 million per region to develop projects that advance their strategic centers.

Newsom said he recognizes there is an air of anxiety due to the current political and economic situation, but the initiative is a cause for optimism.

“In January, we will be releasing the most comprehensive, nuanced, sectorial strategy and workforce strategy in the state’s history,” Newsom said.

Newsom said $120 million in competitive grants will go out for early, ready-to-go projects.

Newsom said the state is currently seeing positive trends with the economy, inflation and employment, but people don’t feel that, instead feeling that “the economy is not supportive or nourishing.”

Gas and energy

Newsom said it’s a point of pride that other states and nations model their own plans after California’s Low Carbon Fuel standards.

Newsom said Californians have been “fleeced” by oil companies for decades. He pointed out that two years ago, residents were paying $2.61 cents more per gallon than the national average at a time when the state did not increase taxes, fees or impose any new regulations.

He said oil companies took advantage of market conditions.

“If you think big oil has your back, you’ve got another thing coming,” Newsom said.

He noted concerns employers in the manufacturing sector have about rising energy costs, and said he wants to work with the legislature to move more aggressively to manage costs.

In October, Newsom issued an executive order that asks the California Public Utility Commission to evaluate electric ratepayer programs and costs of regulations and make recommendations on additional ways to save consumers money.

In early November, the California Air Resources Board passed new special blend mandates for the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which require that refiners produce — and retail gas stations sell — a new California special blend in 2025.

Newsom said that no other Democrat worked more closely with the Trump administration than him, but did call out Trump’s actions against California.

“At the same time, he took $1 billion of your high-speed rail money. He tried to take your crime grants. He tried to vandalize most of the progress of the last half century. We know exactly what he intends to do — he’s been very honest about that,” Newsom said.

Valley future

Arambula said that for decades, communities in Southwest Fresno have been neglected when it comes to investment.

He said the West Fresno campus will give opportunities to the next generation workforce including professional training and well-paying jobs.

“I’m grateful that State Center Community College District has spent the time and energy to develop this campus and give students those opportunities for tomorrow,” Arambula said.

Swearengin said that a thriving Sierra San Joaquin region is essential to California’s future.

She highlighted that the region produces 25% of the nation’s food supply.

Even though the region is situated in 15% of the state’s land mass, it is expected to produce 25% of California’s future renewable energy needs, Swearengin said.

She said when the $58 billion plan is implemented over 20 years, the region could expect to see nearly $100 billion in economic impact and support more than 2,000 manufacturers, 6,000 small businesses and childcare for more than 40,000 families.

“Gov. Newsom’s commitment to this scale and quality of work I’ve not seen before, and it is welcome in our region. Words on page do not transform, but they do mobilize,” Swearengin said.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/gov-newsom-comes-to-fresno-to-tout-job-creation-plan/

November 26, 2024 By Faughn New Developments 0 Comments

Council approves $94 million Los Banos Downtown Master Plan

During their meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, the Los Banos City Council unanimously adopted the Downtown Master Plan for a total estimated cost of $94,200,000 in phases.

Downtown Master Plan

Paul Martin of engineering, design, planning and consulting firm Mark Thomas provided the presentation on the Downtown Master Plan. He said the plan is to “position to get money…grants. Our firm…does a lot of work with agencies pursuing grants”

According to the City staff report for the item, #12, the goals of the Plan include enhancing walking and biking facilities, enhanced streetscapes and new community gathering spaces, implementing green street concepts and high-quality landscaping, upgrading underground utilities, and improving signage and wayfinding.

The plan provides a phased approach to implementation that improves infrastructure needs such as undergrounding utilities, repaving roadways and shortening crosswalks as well as the urban design and placemaking elements such as paving, lighting and public assembly areas.

The Downtown Master Plan outlines strategic phases to enhance access to key destinations, improve roadway safety and foster economic growth in the City’s downtown area. The content provided in the comprehensive plan positions the City to pursue grant funding for implementation of priority corridors such as Sixth Street and I Street.

Cost estimates have been developed for recommended plan improvements per representative block face and ranges between $3,300,000 and $19,200,000. The estimated cost for implementation for all the streets within the Downtown is $94,200,000.

A comprehensive analysis of funding programs administered by regional, state and federal agencies was compiled to support implementation of the Plan’s priority projects.

Questions from Council

Following the presentation, District 3 Councilman Brett Jones asked about the alleys to be used for dining and closed off to traffic saying, “Is that what the public decided on and wanted?”

Community and Economic Development Department Director Stacy Souza Elms responded, “The steering committee was more of a stakeholders committee…they were able to help us further identify…an issue…parking, outdoor dining was one of the priorities we heard from the community…workshop. That was their desire. That’s what helped us develop the conceptual plan.”

“The data is great. It helps us make decisions, up here,” Jones stated.

“The focus of this Master Plan…and the scope that Mark Thomas…was tasked to do, was really to focus on the street scape and the infrastructure,” Souza Elms shared. “It was really to be able to create the foundation for grants. How the furniture…the landscaping…and how people are able to walk through the downtown…and bicyclists.”

Jones asked about undergrounding utilities.

“Yes. 100%. The goal is to underground. We’ve looked at various sources,” Souza Elms responded. “That is the goal to be able to underground all of the utilities. It’s really walkable is the goal we’re trying to achieve. There’s activity on the street. That’s what really makes a viable downtown.”

Jones asked about the work of the former redevelopment agency and if the new plan starts with a “clean slate” concerned there would be a “hodge-podge” look.

“That would be our desire,” Souza Elms said that would be a decision.

“The downtown taking back our shopping hub from Walmart, would bring back our smalltown feel,” Jones added.

Llanez asked about handicapped parking.

“It does include redesigning for accessibility. We do no need to address our curbs…before looking at any parking,”Jones moved to adopt the Downtown Master Plan, Lambert seconded the motion, and it passed on a 5-0 vote.

https://losbanosenterprise.com/uncategorized/2024/council-approves-94-million-los-banos-downtown-master-plan/

November 26, 2024 By Faughn Food Processing • New Developments 0 Comments

Lactalis USA Announces $55 Million Expansion to Increase Président® Feta Cheese Production in Tulare, California to Meet Growing Demand

Lactalis USA announces a major investment in its Tulare, California facility that will allow it to significantly increase the volume of Président Feta cheese produced in the United States. This comes as feta cheese continues to grow in popularity with American consumers. The $55 million investment creates Lactalis’ largest feta production line in the United States. Lactalis USA is a subsidiary of Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company.

This new, 38,000 square foot manufacturing line will bring additional capacity for Lactalis USA feta production in the United States at its facilities in Tulare and Belmont, Wisconsin. The project creates 20 full-time positions in Tulare along with 100 temporary or contract positions during construction. The construction timeline spans from 2023-2027, with the line becoming partially operational in May of this year. When completed in 2027, Lactalis USA will have increased its U.S. feta production capacity to address current and future customer and consumer demand.

“We are expanding to increase our cheese production capacity at our facility,” said Esteve Torrens, chief executive officer, Lactalis USA. “This investment into new jobs and expanding operations supports our local communities and demonstrates Lactalis’ long-term view for business success in the United States. This expansion helps us meet the growing demand for Président Feta cheese in the United States, which is good news for our retail customers and consumers who continue to choose Président Feta for cooking at home and creating new occasions to enjoy feta.”

The Tulare manufacturing facility is one of the most advanced of Lactalis’ 11 manufacturing facilities across the United States, incorporating the latest technologies from Lactalis Group. This new production line is outfitted based on a complete 3D ergonomic analysis to support worker well-being and safety, in addition to automated air flow control and in-line production. Lactalis USA produces a variety of products at its Tulare facility including Kraft® Parmesan, Knudsen® Cottage Cheese and Sour Cream, and Kraft sweet whey powder.

About Lactalis USA in California

Lactalis has a significant footprint in California with three locations and approximately 500 employees. The company has manufacturing facilities in Tulare and Turlock along with a corporate office in San Fernando. Lactalis manufacturers Kraft® Parmesan, Président® Feta, Knudsen® Cottage Cheese and Sour Cream, and Kraft sweet whey powder in Tulare, and specialty ethnic food and beverage products, including cheeses, yogurts, spreads and dips in Turlock under the Karoun®, Parmalat®, Gopi®, Arz®, Queso Del Valle®, Damavand® and Yanni® brands.

About Lactalis USA

Lactalis USA is committed to enriching lives by producing nutritious and great tasting dairy products. The company offers an unrivaled house of beloved dairy brands in the United States including Galbani® Italian cheeses, Président® specialty cheeses and gourmet butters, Kraft® brands in natural and grated cheeses, Breakstones® cottage cheese, ricotta and sour cream, Cracker Barrel® cheese, Black Diamond® cheddar cheese, Parmalat® milk, siggi’s® and Stonyfield Organic® yogurt brands. In the United States the company has approximately 4,000 employees, is present in eight states with 11 manufacturing facilities and corporate offices located in New York City and Buffalo, N.Y., Chicago, Ill., Bedford, N.H., and San Fernando, Calif. Lactalis USA is part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, a French family business founded in 1933 in Laval, France.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/29/2970995/0/en/Lactalis-USA-Announces-55-Million-Expansion-to-Increase-Pr%C3%A9sident-Feta-Cheese-Production-in-Tulare-California-to-Meet-Growing-Demand.html

November 26, 2024 By Faughn Top Stories 0 Comments

Council approves $1 sale of Old County Courthouse: Barrelhouse Brewing Company takes ownership

The Hanford City Council unanimously voted in favor of selling the Old Kings County Courthouse to Esteem Land Company LLC. for just $1 during their meeting on Tuesday night. Despite several requests from the community to table the discussion until every council seat was filled, the dais took the opportunity to rid the city of the financial responsibility of ongoing maintenance and operation.

Deputy City Manager Jason Waters briefly reviewed the building’s history and its ongoing issues, highlighting that the City is responsible for the current costs of maintenance and operation. Waters listed a slew of improvements needed throughout the building and said the revenues generated from the building’s tenants cover only the electricity. It has been estimated that the City would need $10M in private money to complete the improvements needed.

The city has searched for grant funding for historical buildings but has found opportunities few and far between. The use of funds from the General Fund to complete the wide-scope improvement project wouldn’t be feasible, and the city has considered looking into options for private partnerships.

“The most viable option that we looked at as far as partnering with a private developer is having a private developer acquire the building but have the city retaining, through an agreement, some control over how the building is developed and conditions that preserve the building and protect it and make sure that the improvements that are actually conducted are at a reasonable pace,” Waters said.

Kevin Nickell, co-owner of Esteemed Land Company, also co-owns Barrelhouse Brewing Company and Carvalho Construction, two businesses that will be key in the project. Nickell explained that through his business model, local small businesses like Hola Cafecito, Acai Bar, Divinity Clothing, and part of East Main Street in Visalia have transformed into thriving business areas.

“Businesses are going to go where they are going to make a profit. If they aren’t going to make a profit they don’t want to be there,” said Nickell. “They want an anchor. They need something that is successful, somebody that is willing to invest and take those risks in the community. We’ve been doing that and our business model seems to really be working… It’s been wildly successful. We have a great following. We have a 100% success rate in what we’ve been doing.”

Jason Carvalho, Nickell’s business partner and co-owner, said both he and Nickell are local men who were raised in the area and care about the community. He explained that together they opened their first brewery in a dilapidated building in Tin City where homelessness was high, similar to what is happening at the courthouse.

“The best deterrent for crime is activity and people,” said Carvalho. “So right now you see that at the courthouse has everything from homeless to crime to the defacing of the property. The best way to counter that is to have people and community there. The community then self-polices. People don’t want to commit crimes, people don’t want to loot and loiter when you have families around.”

Nickell said that his companies are heavily invested in Hanford and helped to build the fire and police stations, as well as many projects up and down the state. He and his team are familiar with the building processes and understand how to handle a project of the size and scope of the courthouse. It was explained that the sale price was only $1 because the developers would absorb all costs associated with the construction, renovation, and improvements to the building, as well as annual operation and maintenance costs.

“Our intention is to restore what is there, clean it up, make it viable, make it useable,” said Nickell. “We have no intentions of, nor could we do it because it is on the state’s register of historic buildings, we have no intentions to deface the building, change its structure, or anything like that. We just want that building operational, to clean it up and make it a safe building, meet the ADA requirements that are necessary, and get a place where we can bring in some small business.”

Nickell did mention that one of the goals of the project is to add a Barrelhouse Brewing on the top floor, and the second floor would be used to house other businesses. He said that their interest in beginning the project had spanned several years when they first considered the Bastille. When it was determined that buying the Bastille would not be viable, they slowly shifted view to the Old Courthouse.

Several members of the public were vocal in their thoughts on the seemingly sudden sale of the courthouse and claimed the price of $1 was a joke.

Dave Ayers verbalized his discontent with the timing of the sale, saying it was a poor choice to put the matter on the agenda on the same night as the General Election. He said the building was beautiful and belonged to the people and questioned the city’s reasons for the low price tag.

“I have a difficult time believing that is not a gift of public funds,” said Ayers. “You cannot tell me that building is only worth $1.”

He claimed that if it was really going to take $10M to fix the building, the developers would never consider the project and said that the developers were only in it for profit. He requested the council table the item and give the community time to be better informed.

Local resident Nick Wagner said he was concerned about the council’s transparency on the matter and listed several reasons he believed the item should be tabled including the fact that one district seat is empty and that candidates on the ballot for the seat may in favor of keeping the historical building in the city’s possession. He said this it the first time a transaction for the potential sale has been on the agenda and that to vote on the sale without letting the community know is sneaky.

Onan Champi and Jim Castleman rallied behind the idea of selling the courthouse to Esteem Land Company, saying that the business’ track record speaks for itself. It was noted that it isn’t often the city gets local people willing to invest vast amounts of money into the community.

“You have a hard time finding invested business people who are real estate investors in the city of Hanford who have the knowledge, the money, the wherewithal, and a business plan to turn a building like the [Courthouse] around,” said Champi.

Nickell said either way the council wanted to vote would not quell his adoration for the city and that he would continue to invest in the community, but that if the council did not decide on the sale immediately the offer would be pulled from the table.

“To be perfectly honest and totally candid, if you guys shot this down, you’re probably not going to hurt our feelings,” said Nickell. “We’re going to walk, it’s not going to harm us a lot. We can go to other cities where we are guaranteed a lot more success. This is an enormous risk for us to take… If the city wants to bear the burden of this for sure and the community thinks it’s best in their interest, then we respectfully honor that. Not a problem at all. We can definitely be successful elsewhere, but this is our hometown and we believe in it.”

Nickell re-emphasized the amount of money that will need to be spent to improve the building, but that his team has all the key components to make the project a success.

Mayor Travis Paden thanked the developers for being willing to take the risk and said he believes Esteem Land Company and Barrelhouse Brewing Company are ideal partners, and are ready and willing to make it work.

“I think they have proven themselves time and time again with the projects done already which gives me the confidence that you are going to make this a success,” said Paden.

Paden said he is concerned about the string of recent break-ins and would hate to see the courthouse fall to further dilapidation.

Vice Mayor Mark Kairis readily agreed with Paden and affirmed the need for local people to invest in the community. Councilman Martin Devine moved for the sale’s approval, and Paden seconded the motion. With a vote of 4-0, the old Kings County Courthouse

https://hanfordsentinel.com/business/council-approves-1-sale-of-old-county-courthouse-barrelhouse-brewing-company-takes-ownership/article_12d21500-9c96-11ef-9785-7f5ca2a049dc.html

November 26, 2024 By Faughn Health/Medical • New Developments 0 Comments

Valley Children’s Unveils Plans for “The Hill”

Valley Children’s Healthcare is excited to announce plans for “The Hill,” a 220-acre vibrant development comprised of a mixed-use community, world class medical facilities and outdoor spaces, located on our 443-acre main campus, all designed to enrich the lives of patients, families, staff and the broader community. This new development will bring together healthcare, housing, retail, recreation, office space and hospitality, all located on Valley Children’s main campus.

When complete, The Hill will integrate five districts – including retail, hospitality, recreation and residential – that surround the Healthcare District, which includes Valley Children’s Hospital and River Vista Behavioral Health, along with clinical, research and administrative facilities.

“Our patients and families need more than a hospital and we need to ensure there is a sustainable financial future for Valley Children’s,” said Valley Children’s President and CEO Todd Suntrapak. “The Hill is the perfect expansion of our main campus, designed to meet the needs of our patients and families, support our dedicated team and ensure a sustainable future for Valley Children’s.”

This new, multi-faceted community will provide the resources required to sustain and grow Valley Children’s world-class pediatric healthcare network far beyond what the hospital will receive in reimbursement from state/federal programs and commercial insurance payouts. According to a report published by The Advisory Board, 117 acute care hospitals closed across the United States between 2018 and 2023, with many occurring during the pandemic, and just last week, Becker’s Hospital Review reported

19 hospitals and emergency departments have closed nationwide so far this year. In California, rural communities have been particularly hit hard, with several hospitals closing – including Madera Community Hospital – or facing closure.

This trend underscores the importance of initiatives like The Hill, whose revenues will support hospital operations and patient care. This development will also contribute to Madera County’s economy, bringing new spending, tax revenue and additional tourism.

“I believe it is a brilliant idea to enhance revenue at Valley Children’s for those services necessary to take care of kids, and Madera County is excited about the opportunity to help Valley Children’s move forward with this development,” said Madera County Board of Supervisors Chair Rob Poythress. “It is always about the care – that is number one. But it is also about supporting employees and residents in the area.”

The Hill’s residential district will include 400 plus studios, and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in a wellness-centric natural environment. The retail district will incorporate more than 30 shops in a village-style environment, including a grocery store, lofts above retail spaces and other retail essentials. The Hill will also feature a series of planned scenic walking paths connected to larger areas and venues for different activities.

“We have spent the last decade creating a solid financial foundation for Valley Children’s, one that’s absolutely vital in an era when so many hospitals in the Valley have had to sell, reduce services or close,” Suntrapak said. “The Hill is a community that supports healthy living, the health of Valley Children’s and the care we provide to kids and the entire community.”

https://www.valleychildrens.org/news/news-story?news=1399

November 26, 2024 By Faughn Health/Medical • New Developments 0 Comments

New law directs UC to build Kern medical school branch

A new law directs the University of California to set up a new medical school branch in Kern County, thanks to a bill authored by Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, D-Delano.

Assembly Bill 2357, also known as the “Grow Our Own” bill, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom Sunday, creating a new endowment fund to finance the future school and its operations.

“This is dream that’s been a long time coming for Kern County,” Bains told The Californian. “This is an opportunity for our kids to uplift themselves and truly be the leaders in the medical world that the community needs them to be.”

Money in the fund — which can also accept public and private donations — will be invested with the goal of achieving a sufficient balance to support the school.

A family doctor, Bains said access to medical services in the Central Valley were lacking even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the problem.

“The real reality that we witnessed is our health-care workforce is suffering,” Bains said. “This is the first foundation of the something that would change the landscape.”

In 2021, the California Health Care Foundation reported the San Joaquin Valley had 47 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, short of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommended supply ratio of 60 to 80 per 100,000 and the state average of 60 per 100,000 residents.

While Bains declined to name an amount, she said messages of support and financial commitments started arriving shortly after the bill was introduced.

The fund will also be used to finance a feasibility study for the school, which according to the University of California has an unknown cost but could be in the “low millions.”

“The UC estimates one-time General Fund costs of about $300 million for a new medical education building and ongoing operational General Fund costs of between $40 million and $45 million each year,” a Senate summary of the bill said. “These costs could be lower to the extent that donations or other non-state funds are provided.”

Bains said her next step is raising fundraising; the sooner the endowment is sufficiently funded, the sooner the study can begin.

“This is where the momentum starts,” Bains said.

The bill passed with overwhelming support in both chambers, and one of the few organizations in opposition to the bill was the UC itself, which stated there were already a number of programs aimed at increasing medical access in the San Joaquin Valley.

“Launching a medical school and obtaining accreditation from the Licensing Committee on Medical Education requires a substantial investment of time, financial support, faculty development, and a strong foundation of clinical partnerships to support student rotations,” the UC said in an “oppose unless amended” letter.

The UC did not immediately respond to request for comment, but Bains said the feasibility study was added at the request of the university.

It’s not yet clear where the school will be, when it will open, or which UC it will be affiliated with. There is a regional campus of the UC San Francisco School of Medicine in Fresno, and UC Merced is developing an undergraduate program to serve as a feeder to UCSF-Fresno.

The university also has UC PRIME, or Programs in Medical Education, which supplements standard medical training with additional curriculum tailored to meet the needs of underserved populations. PRIME programs are affiliated with different UCs depending on their locations in the state; the San Joaquin Valley’s program is housed at UCSF-Fresno.

In a statement, Emily Duran, chief executive officer of Kern Health Systems, said the school — which she referred to as “the UC Kern Medical School” — is needed to alleviate the current provider shortage that impacts the overall health outcomes of residents.

“Today marks the first step in creating a UC Medical School in Kern County to empower the next generation of doctors that reflect the demographics of our community,” Duran said. “(The bill) is a step in the right direction to build on the current infrastructure to train, recruit, and retain health professionals to address the medical needs of Kern County.”

Bains said the bill received skepticism from its very beginning but that the law now requires that a medical school branch be built in Kern County once funds are available — and she is determined to see the project done.

“This is the time where people do really believe that this is possible,” Bains said. “This is the time where we get together, roll up our sleeves and believe that this is possible.”

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/new-law-directs-uc-to-build-kern-medical-school-branch/article_73b5cd52-7f69-11ef-a5be-63dab12bb3fa.html

November 26, 2024 By Faughn Economy 0 Comments

City of Modesto Bond Rating Upgrades: Signals Financial Strength and Stability

A stable outlook, and a bond rating upgrade, was assigned to the City of Modesto which reflects the City’s commitment to strong financial management principles. Moody’s is one of the United States big three credit rating agencies (the other two being S&P and Fitch) for municipal government finance that defines credit ratings for the government bonds.

Moody’s recently conducted a bond credit rating review for the Water bonds and the Lease Revenue bonds (funded by the General Fund and Successor Redevelopment Agency) which resulted in the City receiving an upgrade to our current bond ratings. For the Lease Revenue bonds, the City received a bond rating upgrade from A1 to Aa3; the first upgrade since 2018. For the Water bonds the City received a rating upgrade from an Aa3 to Aa2; this bond rating has not been upgraded since 2008.

The Lease Revenue Bonds upgrade is evaluated based on the financial review of the City’s General Fund which factors in the recent voter approved Measure H 1% local sales tax. The City’s substantial increase in its reserves both from the General Fund Emergency Reserves and the newly received Measure H fund reserves demonstrates a strong commitment to a healthy financial foundation. The City was able to show financial stability and economic growth despite rising inflation and ongoing supply chain challenges impacting both the Water Fund and General Fund.

The Water bonds upgrade was based on the results of the strong debt coverage ratio maintained for the Water Fund and healthy fund reserves. This upgrade will further improve the City’s bond credit rating score with the benefit of obtaining better interest rates for the future financing needs of the City.

This accomplishment was made possible by the dedicated actions of the Mayor and the City Council to improve our financial standing through the years despite many difficult decisions. Prior to the passing of Measure H, this Council was faced with heavy implications of lost revenue and increasing costs. Their commitment never wavered in ensuring the financial stability of the City for the future. The City of Modesto is now seeing the positive impacts of some difficult decisions that were made and that have paved the way for financial flexibility for years to come.

https://www.modestogov.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1561

1-888-998-2345