By Faughn New Developments 0 Comments

Tulare plans for significant development projects

TULARE – From overpasses to parks to businesses, the city of Tulare is pushing ahead on developments set to reshape the community within the next year and beyond.

City Manager Marc Mondell explained in an interview with The Sun-Gazette that some of the major projects included the Zumwalt Park project, the city dog park and the business incubator project. Ongoing projects include the Agri-Center overpass, the emergency homeless shelter and construction of a new overpass on Paige Avenue. “We are going to do a lot of deals, we are going to try to get as many deals that make sense to go forward, but some of those deals might not,” Mondell said.

He cited the recently announced project at Mefford Field that could see the development of a heavy industry alternative energy fueling station as one of the major projects that could get underway in the next year.

“We have an opportunity and that is what we are doing, we are exploring an opportunity,” Mondell said of the preliminary plans. “We are in a really good position and I hope it happens. I know the guys with Cyclum are working their butts off to make it happen, so we will see.”

One of the major projects that will hopefully be completed in 2025 is the Agri-Center overpass project, which the city is not involved in directly. The project is spearheaded by Caltrans and is anticipated to be completed by winter of 2025. Environmental studies and planning are also underway for the proposed Paige Avenue off ramp, but that project won’t be complete for several years.

“Most city managers are lucky if they get one interchange built in their time frame and we are having four,” Mondell said. “We got Cartmill built, we have got J Street almost finished now, we have got the South interchange at the Ag Center under construction now, and then we will have Paige Ave.

“There probably isn’t another decade in Tulare history that has seen this much investment – plus the widening of Interstate 99, which is a $550 million investment by Caltrans.”

New development projects are also underway along Cartmill Avenue that will see housing and business construction begin during 2025. Two developers are working on two properties in the area but recently ran into complications related to infrastructure. The city was able to use a creative incentive deal to ensure the projects stay on target. Mondell explained that the developers identified the need for an additional gas line that was not originally anticipated.

The cost of the pipeline is $400,000. Rather than risk losing the development, the city brokered a deal with the developers who will front the cost of the pipeline, then recoup the cost through sales tax payments once the development is done. The project will include a Chick-Fil-A restaurant and a Maverick gas station, which will enable the city to repay the investment in about seven years.

A second issue with one of the two developments also arose after the developers learned that a program provided by Southern California Edison (SCE) to provide electricity had sunsetted in January. Now, the developer will need to pony up $350,000 additionally to get power. The city has arranged a similar incentive deal with the developer to ensure the project moves forward.

“We have been very hungry for development at Cartmill for a while, so it was very exciting to start getting projects going,” Mondell said. “Once we get one project going, others will follow. Nobody ever wants to be first, I don’t know why that is, but it is the way it goes.” The city uses a variety of metrics to determine estimates of sales tax that led to confidence in the ability of the developers completed projects to meet the repayment goals.

Mondell explained that the city looks at other similar projects in the state and nation and determines the amount of sales tax generated, then puts together a low estimate, an average estimate and a high estimate. The city typically bases its forecast somewhere between the low and the average estimate to give a conservative number. This helps when unexpected economic issues arise.

“Here is how I look at it; the city is making zero on that property now,” Mondell said. “If somebody is going to come in and say, ‘I can generate $100,000 in sales tax annually, but I need $50,000 back to recoup costs for a few years, then you can keep all of it,’ I will do that deal all day long.”

The city is using a variety of tools to drive economic growth and development throughout the city. Examples include grant funds that have allowed several downtown businesses to renovate and improve their properties, agreements with state and federal agencies to generate funds for projects such as the homeless shelter and creative uses of city monies and regional sponsorships to complete projects like the Zumwalt Park amphitheater.

“Cities have some great tools and we try to use all of them to encourage the right kind of development,” Mondell said. “Cities have the land use and zoning controls, cities have the permitting process, how efficient and affordable we can make that process, the city has the extension of infrastructure as far as where we put our roads, water and sewer, and of course, we have incentive programs.”

Mondell said that the city leverages opportunities with state and federal programs to encourage development and he said the city will continue to use its leverage in 2025 to identify opportunities to continue development in the city in the coming years.

https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2025/01/13/tulare-plans-for-significant-development-projects/

By Faughn Economy • Workforce 0 Comments

MCITD Overview

The Mid-California International Trade District is strategically located in central California in Merced County, located just to the east and adjacent to Silicon Valley. Collocated with the Castle Airport, this location is advantaged by proximity and quick road and rail connections to San Francisco and the Bay Area and to key San Joaquin Valley urban markets such as Stockton, Modesto and Fresno. With immediate access to a labor shed of about 2.5M people and an extended labor shed of over 8M people, the MCITD is extremely well-positioned to accommodate a range of technical skill requirements.

On the site of a former Strategic Air Command Air Force Base, the MCITD is being transformed into a state-of-the-art master planned business environment for global business. The project site is a unique state of the art 2,000-acre multimodal industrial development that is designed to house about approximately 8 million square feet of modern technology-oriented industrial development.

The project’s underlying objective is to develop a next-generation eco-friendly Central California business environment due to its design, planned uses and streamlined connectivity to key supply chain points. Already home to over 60 tenants, including Google and the University of California-Merced, the project is designed to be a bustling hub of economic activity with about 10,000 people working onsite.

https://www.midcalitd.com/mcitd-overview/

By Faughn Economy • Quality of Life • Workforce 0 Comments

Studies focus on 3,400-acre development in Stanislaus County. Process raises some eyebrows

Salida’s 3,383-acre expansion plan is finally under environmental review to study traffic impacts, basic infrastructure needs, effects on wildlife, and the feasibility of city incorporation.

In 2007, the Salida Community Plan was an initiative proposed for a countywide vote, but county supervisors in a 3-2 decision that August approved the contents of the initiative, rather than putting it on the ballot. The plan included land use areas just north of Modesto capable of producing 27,800 jobs and 5,000 homes, possibly adding 15,000 residents.

By December 2007, the nation was in the grips of the Great Recession and a home mortgage crisis. The Salida Community Plan remained on the books during the recovery years. Today, there’s renewed interest in development, such as the 145-acre Scannell Properties project, proposing 2.5 million square feet of warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing at the northwest corner of Kiernan Avenue and Dale Road.

County leaders agreed early last year that a programmatic environmental study was needed to consider the overall impacts of the Salida plan, before individual projects like Scannell can move forward.

In July, county supervisors approved a $900,000 agreement for Sacramento-based Ascent Environmental to prepare the overarching environmental study and also include a feasibility analysis on city incorporation of Salida. One purpose of the 2007 initiative was a larger tax base for Salida and fiscal self-sufficiency for the unincorporated town of 14,800 residents.

Questions of conflict of interest have arisen because Ascent also is preparing an environmental study looking at the specific impacts of the Scannell project.

County Counsel Thomas Boze said Tuesday there is no conflict. Ascent is capable of doing objective work for both studies. When a county hires outside consultants to prepare an EIR under the California Environmental Quality Act, the consultants are essentially assisting county staff members in completing the work, Boze said.

The developer is paying for costs of the study, but the county retains control over the document, Boze said. “The document is ours,” Boze explained. “The report has to be approved by the Board of Supervisors.”

In another legal question, the county contracted with Ascent for the Salida Plan EIR without first requesting proposals from consulting firms. A county staff report justified the decision, noting that overlapping technical assessments are needed for both the Salida Plan and Scannell project environmental studies, and Ascent was already conducting some of that work.

“It is not time or cost effective to bring in another consultant that will be duplicating work already being performed,” the county report said.

Sean McMorris of Common Cause California, a nonprofit focused on promoting accountability in government, said the downside of the RFP process for local governments is it takes more time. But the process serves to build trust with the public.

“The upside is: They can get the best deal and also can set parameters for participants in the RFP,” said McMorris, the transparency, ethics and accountability program manager for Common Cause.

McMorris said he didn’t think it’s illegal for the same consulting firm to prepare the programmatic EIR while handling the environmental work for a project in the Salida development area. But the public may think something is awry.

“We hope that people who do EIRs are ethical and don’t have predisposed outcomes before they come in,” McMorris said. “For the people who do these EIRs, it is a business. They want to have happy clients so the clients use them over and over again.”

Jessica Babcock, senior project manager for Ascent, said at a Salida Municipal Advisory Council meeting in late September the project EIR is being prepared under a three-party agreement with the county, Scannell Properties and Ascent Environmental. She said both of the environmental studies will contain unbiased information.

Study considers a variety of issues

The programmatic EIR is looking at larger planning considerations and ways to address overarching issues of developing the 3,383-acre Salida expansion.

Babcock said there’s no clear picture on whether to expand the wastewater treatment plant of Salida Sanitary District or build new facilities to serve Salida’s expansion area. The study also will consider needs such as a Sheriff’s Department satellite office combined with a fire station.

A number of “sub-consultants” are working on the program EIR, including: Fehr & Peers, doing traffic modeling; West Yost Associates, looking at water and wastewater infrastructure; and Economics & Planning Systems, analyzing incorporation feasibility.

County Supervisor Terry Withrow has said the Salida Community Plan could be a possible location for an innovation campus supporting the county’s bioindustrial initiative.

The Salida Plan, situated along the Kiernan Avenue traffic corridor, between Sisk and Dale roads, also could attract proposals for distribution centers, raising issues of air pollution and whether the lower pay scale of that industry is desirable for the county.

The community plan includes land designated for 5,000 homes and about 1,260 acres for industrial development, 490 acres for business parks and 280 acres of commercial uses.

Timeline for completing EIR

A draft environmental report should be ready for release in the spring. That will trigger the start of a 60-day period for public comments on the study’s findings. The final EIR, with responses to public comments, will be completed roughly a year from now.

The final study requires approval from the Board of Supervisors.

Katherine Borges, a Salida resident, said at the September Salida MAC meeting that new projects should not use septic tank systems because of the high water table in Salida.

Brad Johnson, a Salida municipal council member, asked skeptically if any other area of the county has a plan for 27,800 jobs.

To cover costs of the program EIR, the county will pull $682,785 from the General Fund, $291,220 from the Salida Planning Fund and $75,000 from the Salida Incorporation Study fund balance. As the Salida plan is developed over time, the county will collect fees from individual development projects to reimburse for the General Fund money.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/studies-focus-3-400-acre-003052285.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJGYxEaZ_gWJQ3RpLw-YbMsCm6tp3MaCHz7rns3pFGQc4sFHwNOUHZpn3dPkKiQzQZjIrR3e9vqo9ceUL1TOrPsKKhCnYyGNGvjfcISKNp6e5JUos39dFkDRGyuebNfcEZvDtlG6Z1x5F0qiIYmYwnoBNOECA4sqrsTFtU8dLD0h

By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 air service and airport highlights

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

2025 FAT air service preview

Added capacity through FAT planned later this year includes:

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

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

By Faughn Economy 0 Comments

Kings County 2025 Forecast: Open for business, ready to fight

The Nov. 29 print edition of The Business Journal included economic forecasts for each of the four counties we cover. We will be sharing them throughout the week.

Kings County is rich in agriculture and manufacturing, with millions of pounds of cheese produced by suppliers large and small each day. Next year retail, hotels and even industrial are coming to a new development off Interstate 5. Cities including Hanford and Lemoore are positioning themselves to attract new businesses — and succeeding. Economic development leaders there have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about 2025.

But on the farm production side, the last few years haven’t been easy. In March 2023 the country and the world marveled at the return of the ancient Tulare Lake, the result of a historically wet water year. The lakebed cotton fields near Corcoran took the biggest hit, with the most recent crop report for 2023 showing annual crop receipts down 17%.

Kings County growers, led by the Kings County Farm Bureau and its Executive Director Dusty Ference, are currently engaged in a fierce legal battle with the state’s water board that could ultimately decide how much it will cost them to pump water from the ground.

All signs point to an eventful 2025 for Kings County.

Open for business

The Kings County Economic Development Corp. has been on the frontline of attracting new businesses to the area. The team meets with national site selectors, collaborates regionally and coordinates locally to put Kings County’s best foot forward.

“All projects and collaborative efforts strive for similar goals: to create jobs, to upskill employees, to expand capacity and to infuse resources into the local economy,” said Julieta Martinez, Kings EDC president and CEO, in the recently released 2024 annual report.

Fabio Ianni is the Kings EDC economic development manager. In the last year and a half, he has digitally and physically attended more than a dozen events across the country, meeting with site selectors, commercial real estate brokers and development decision makers. Broker missions took the Kings EDC to the Bay Area, Southern California and even Atlanta, Georgia, where they met with nearly 100 brokers and site selectors. From the Kings EDC perspective, everything is looking up for Kings County, including population, employment growth and productivity in agriculture and manufacturing.

The pipeline

Truck stops and fueling facilities with retail are hot, with Maverik building a new facility in Lemoore. It includes a 6,000 square-foot convenience store and drive-thru restaurant. Construction workers will be busy in Lemoore working on the new Visual Arts and Applied Science instructional building at Lemoore College. At two stories and more than 44,00 square feet, it is expected to open in spring 2026. Tennessee-based Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC, is building a new fertilizer and crop input products storage facility in Lemoore that should be completed before the end of 2025.

The long-anticipated Jackson Ranch development, and its master-planned 415 acres of retail, hotels and industrial, will finally get its wings in 2025. The first businesses there (a Chevron and Shell fueling station) are expected to open in Q1 — maybe even within weeks. Phase 1 plans include restaurant pads and a pair of hotels. Jackson Ranch is located on Utica Avenue in Kettleman City along Interstate 5 — one of the state’s busiest freeways.

“It’s a very strategic location,” Ianni said.

There are also milestones coming in the new year. Kings County agricultural powerhouse J.G. Boswell will celebrate its 100th anniversary in business in the second quarter of 2025. The family-owned and operated company specializes in the production, processing, and marketing of cotton, tomatoes and more.

Courthouse to tap room

One of the City of Hanford’s historical buildings has found a new purpose with the council’s decision earlier to sell the original courthouse building from 1896 to BarrelHouse Brewing Co. for $1. Though based in Paso Robles, BarrelHouse Brewing has made itself at home in the Valley with taprooms in Visalia and Fresno’s River Park. The Hanford location would be a Kings County homecoming, as BarrelHouse co-owners Jason Carvalho and Kevin Nickell were both raised in Lemoore.

“We’re a gathering place for friends and family,” Carvalho said earlier this month during a council meeting. “We want to be the spot that you can just come after work, bring your friends and family, have a good time. And that’s something that’s missing in Hanford.”

Nickell said their goal is to have a Barrelhouse business on the Courthouse’s top floor along with other tenants in the building. Renovation work is expected to continue through to a possible 2026 opening.

Neat streets

The East Lacey Boulevard Corridor Improvement Project is moving forward in Hanford — currently in the design phase, said Brian Johnson, City of Hanford community relations manager. Final construction documents scheduled to be completed soon. The $7.3 million project is expected to turn the “gritty industrial road to a multi-use, landscaped street that will open up opportunities for residential and commercial development,” reported the Hanford Sentinel in August. Construction could begin next year. Hanford also recently passed a 1% sales tax — the first in the City’s history, said Johnson. This new revenue stream will allow the City to maintain and improve essential services, which they hope will contribute to the City’s overall economic growth.

“You don’t get many developers that come into a town they want to invest in that’s not willing to invest in itself,” said Public Works Director Russ Sterling.

Farm bureau fight

The Kings County Farm Bureau is fighting a designation of the Tulare Lake Subbasin as under probation by the State Water Resources Control Board. As part of the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), growers in the Tulare Lake Subbasin would have to pay $20 per acre foot of water pumped as part of their probation. The Farm Bureau scored a legal victory in September when Kings County Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini granted a preliminary injunction against the State Water Board.

“Today’s ruling highlights the validity of our claims and showcases our likelihood to win in court in the future,” Dusty Ference, executive director of the Farm Bureau, said in a statement.

It has been an expensive effort for the Farm Bureau, with more than $257,000 in legal fees to date. On Jan. 10, 2025, the Farm Bureau will be in court for a second case management system. A trial date could be set for later in the year. Water agencies across the state are watching the legal matter for its implications for the implementation of SGMA.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/kings-county-open-for-business-ready-to-fight/

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

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

By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

Stockton Metro adding flights to Denver in 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Faughn 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/

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/