This is a collection of local news concisely presented to provide a quick overview of what you might otherwise have missed.
New report shows danger of Tulare County intersections
“The Hidden Cost of Red Light Running in California,” the new report from Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE), found that Tulare County was the fifth most dangerous county in the state for red light running and other intersection violations for the period of the study, 2021-2023.
With a rate of 6.17 fatalities and severe injuries per 100,000 people, Tulare County was safer than Kings County, which placed second with a rate of 7.63, and Fresno County, which was third with a rate of 6.86.
This accident happened at the intersection of Riggin Avenue and Plaza Drive in Visalia, when one vehicle ran a red light on Aug. 30, 2025.
The highest rate of fatalities and severe injuries in the state was in Inyo County, which has a population under 19,000 but a rate of 10.78.
Amazon to hire for 1,600 seasonal openings in Visalia
Amazon has announced that it will be hiring for 250,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions across the United States, with almost 30,000 of the jobs in California.
“In Visalia, we are hiring for just over 1,600 roles,” said Natalie Banke, Amazon’s California public relations manager. “There’s a variety of roles, from picking and packing to manager roles.”
“Our seasonal roles provide a fantastic opportunity for people seeking additional income during the holidays while gaining valuable experience at Amazon,” said David Koneck, general manager of Amazon’s fulfillment center in Ontario, Cal. “What’s most rewarding is seeing how these seasonal positions often become the gateway to long-term careers with us.”
New job opportunities will be posted weekly through December. Job alerts can be filtered by region at Amazon Jobs.
USDA awards Tulare County nearly $4M to reduce wildfire risk
On Sept. 23, the USDA Forest Service announced that the Cycle 3 project awards for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program, which helps at-risk communities reduce the threat of wildfires, was awarding the Tulare County Resource Management Agency $3,996,126 to implement the Tulare County Roadside Hazardous Fuels Control Project.
The project will help mitigate wildfire risk across 2,910 acres by treating hazardous vegetation along 400 miles of county road rights-of-way. The effort will create a 30-foot buffer along roads in high and very high fire severity zones where the state is responsible.
“We are pleased and grateful for this funding, which will significantly enhance our fuel reduction efforts,” said Doreen Alvez, Tulare County grants specialist and forest health coordinator. “This support helps us manage dense roadside vegetation, particularly in the foothill and mountain regions where wildfire risk is greatest.”
Office of Traffic Safety awards $190,000 to Visalia Police Department
The Visalia Police Department announced that it has received a traffic safety grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to help fund programs that reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities through education and enforcement. The funding will continue through next September.
“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” said Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar in the Oct. 9 press release. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”
The grant will provide funds for DUI checkpoints and patrols to stop suspected impaired drivers; distracted driving enforcement operations to enforce California’s hands-free cell phone law; and operations focused on top violations that cause crashes, including speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
TCSO Turns Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The men and women of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office have “turned pink” for October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The purpose is to honor all those who have suffered through breast cancer diagnoses, treatments, and surgeries.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has “gone pink” for the month of October.
The TCSO is offering pink patches for purchase with proceeds going toward free mammograms and comfort items for breast cancer patients at Kaweah Health. The patches are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at either Tulare County Sheriff’s Headquarters, 833 S. Akers St., Visalia; or the TCSO Porterville Substation, 1839 S. Newcomb St., Porterville. Cash or checks made out to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Foundation will be accepted.
The patches are also available through the mail by sending a check or money order for $10, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Teresa Douglass, PIO, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, 833 S. Akers St., Visalia, CA 93277. For more information, call (559) 802-9412.
World Ag Expo names 2026 Chairman
World Ag Expo, the largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition, has named Ron Clark as its 2026 Show Chairman.
“It’s an honor to be selected by my peers in the community, and to follow a long line of respected leaders,” Clark said in a press release. “I look forward to representing the greatest ag show in the world and welcoming visitors to discover the latest in agriculture.”
2026 World Ag Expo Chairman Ron Clark with wife, Robyn Clark
Clark, a Tulare native, has worked on his family farm since he was in the third grade. He has managed his own farming operation and provided custom farming and farm management services. He was vice chairman of Mid Valley Co-op and a board member of numerous Kaweah Water Associations and the Tulare Joint Union High School District Ag Advisory Committee.
The theme for the 2026 World Ag Expo is “Grounds for Innovation,” highlighting its role as a showcase for the latest in agricultural technology. In February 2025, the World Ag Expo attracted more than 100,000 attendees from 49 states and 80 countries to see 1,200 exhibitors on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.
Quarantine in place for Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus
On Oct. 1, the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced a quarantine for Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus (CYVCV) and designated quarantine areas in Tulare County. The new quarantine requirements are similar to those for the Asian citrus psyllid.
This plant has the Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus.
According to the CDFA, the virus is transmitted by two types of aphids and one species of whitefly, all of which are present and widespread in California.
In April 2022, the first CYVCV cases were detected on a residential property in Tulare.
Since then, the virus has only been found in Tulare and Visalia, as well as in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles County. So far, all cases have been on residential properties and no commercial citrus groves or nurseries have yet been affected.
High school dropout rate declines in several Tulare County school districts
The rate of high school students ending their education during the 2023-24 school year was significantly lower than the state average (8.9%) at several school districts in Tulare County, according to recently released numbers from the California Department of Education.
The dropout rate in Farmersville Unified School District fell to 1.1% in the 2023-24 school year, translating to 26 students out of 2,405 quitting school before completing their education. The rate in Lindsay School District was 1.3% for the same schoolyear. Tulare Joint Union High School District had a 1.4% rate, and the rate for Woodlake Unified School District was 1.7%.
Members of the Arts Consortium with Tulare County Supervisors on Oct. 7, 2025. Holding the certificate is Tulare County Arts Consortium Artist of the Year Michael Jasso.
Arts Consortium designated as official arts council of Tulare County
At its Oct. 7 meeting, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors designated Arts Consortium as the official arts council of Tulare County, effective Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027.
Also at the meeting, spoken word artist Michael Jasso was presented with a certificate recognizing him as “Tulare County Arts Consortium Artist of the Year.”
California expands ‘Medi-Medi Plans’
As the 2025 Medicare open enrollment period opens, Californians with both Medicare and Medi-Cal now have access to integrated “Medi-Medi Plans” in 29 additional counties, including Tulare County. The expansion combines the benefits of the two programs into a single program designed to improve care for people with complex medical, behavioral, or long-term care needs.
Medi-Medi plans are for individuals who have both Medicare Parts A and B, are enrolled in Medi-Cal, and are age 21 or older. These plans integrate services include primary and specialty care, hospital services, prescription drugs, long-term care, non-emergency medical transportation, and in-home supportive services.
The plans also include county-administered behavioral health programs and community supports, such as homemaker services, home modifications, and personal care.
Enrollment runs from through Dec. 7. Coverage for new enrollees will begin on Jan. 1, 2026.
Community round table to be held in Badger
A Badger Community Round Table will be held at the Sequoia Community Center in Badger on Oct. 29, beginning at 5 p.m.
Tulare County Supervisor Eddie Valero and representatives of county agencies will be present to discuss topics such as fire, illegal grows, road maintenance and waste disposal.
Many visitors to Sequoia and Kings National Park enjoy General Sherman Tree Trail.
New report shows 2024 a record year for local national parks
A National Park Service report released on Sept. 29 shows that a record 2,008,962 people visited Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2024, spending about $192.5 million in communities near the park.
Their spending had an estimated cumulative benefit to the local economy of $230.9 million, parks service officials said.
“People come to Sequoia and Kings Canyon to see the world’s largest trees and end up supporting local economies along the way,” Park Superintendent Clay Jordan said. “We’re proud that these parks generate over $200 million in revenue to communities near the parks.”
Kamryn Kasbergen and Ivy Hebgen of Tulare (in blue shirts) with their award-winning bovine.
Tulare heifer earns ‘Junior Champion’ honors at World Dairy Expo
Kash-In Video Stop and Stare-ET, a winter yearling heifer, took home Junior Champion honors in the International Junior Jersey Show at World Dairy Expo.
She is owned by Kamryn Kasbergen and Ivy Hebgen of Tulare.
World Dairy Expo, which describes itself as the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, was held in Madison, Wis., from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3. The event included a dairy cattle show, seminars, meetings and presentations.
Winter 2025 Live & Play Guide cover photo contest announced
The City of Visalia has announced a contest to attract “captivating photos” of Visalia or local Visalians in the winter for the cover of its winter 2025 Live & Play Guide. The contest is open to photographers of any age who are Visalia residents.
“The images should highlight local people and places in Visalia, capturing the essence of our vibrant community,” according to the announcement. “As our guide is family-centric, showcasing fun programs and events for everyone, the front cover must reflect this spirit of inclusiveness and enjoyment.”
Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. Contest rules and entry form are available online.
Tulare County Public Health wins award
Tulare County Public Health was honored with the Business Services Award from the Tulare County Workforce Investment Board at the INNOVATORS by Design Conference at the Visalia Convention Center on Oct. 8.
Tulare County Public Health received the Business Services Award at the INNOVATORS by Design Conference at the Visalia Convention Center on Oct. 8.
“This recognition celebrates our department’s leadership in strengthening the local health care workforce through innovation, collaboration, and community partnerships,” stated Kathi Chastain, Tulare County Health and Human Services deputy director of public health operations. “Through the Tulare Kings Health Care Partnership, and our incredible partners in education and the health care industry, we’re helping to build the next generation of public health and health care professionals.”
A Visalia Starbucks has closed its doors
The Starbucks at 3927 W. Caldwell Ave. in Visalia, has permanently closed. Four locations in Fresno were closed in the same round of cutbacks.
Visalia now has one less Starbucks.
The valley closures are the result of Starbucks “carefully reviewing our North America coffeehouse portfolio,” according to Brian Niccol, the company’s chairman and CEO.
“During the review, we identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed,” Niccol wrote in a message on the Starbucks website. “Each year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from financial performance to lease expirations.”
Exeter resident among recipients of MacArthur genius grant
Exeter photographer Matt Black is among the 22 people selected for the 2025 MacArthur Fellows Program, which comes with an $800,000 award. The Chicago-based private foundation award, better known as the MacArthur genius grant, is awarded to individuals for their creativity, promise and potential.
The money is given over five years with no strings attached. It can be used for projects, travel, or whatever else the “fellow” decides is important.
“The 2025 MacArthur Fellows expand the boundaries of knowledge, artistry, and human understanding,” said Kristen Mack, foundation vice president of communications. “With virtuosity, persistence, and courage, they chart new paths toward collaborative, creative, and flourishing futures.”
Black’s photography focuses on migrants, poverty, and the environment.
Twenty people were taken into custody by the 22nd annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail on Oct. 15, 2025.
29 domestic violence suspects arrested in Tulare County
Seventy-seven Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers from other agencies served warrants for domestic violence throughout Tulare County on Oct. 15, as part of the 22nd annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail.
Law enforcement teams attempted to serve more than 100 felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants, resulting in 20 people being taken into custody for their warrants and unrelated charges.
Other participating agencies included the Visalia Police Department, the Lindsay Police Department, the Tulare Police Department, the Porterville Police Department, the Dinuba Police Department, the Department of Justice, the T.A.R.G.E.T. Taskforce, the California Department of Parole, the Tulare County Probation Department, and the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.
Since Oct. 1, when the operation started, officers have made a total of 29 domestic violence arrests in the county.
Tulare County DA’s Office warns about new tax board scam
The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office is reporting a new scam where someone claims to be with the California Franchise Tax Board.
If you receive an unsolicited text message from someone claiming to be from the state tax board, the TCDA’s Office warns you not to respond or click on any links. The text is most likely a “phishing” scam trying to obtain your usernames, passwords, payments, credit and debit card numbers, banking information, PINs, and/or social security numbers.
The TCDA’s Office wants people to know that the California Franchise Tax Board does not send text messages asking for personal or financial information, including account numbers.
Central Valley invests $300K in California Men’s Service Challenge
After California awarded $5 million to support the California Men’s Service Challenge, which seeks 10,000 men to serve as mentors, coaches, and tutors, the 300 Club Committee in the Central Valley has announced $300,000 in local investment to the program. Funds will go to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California in recruiting mentors.
Tulare County Supervisors Eddie Valero and Larry Micari were among the officials participating in the announcement of Central Valley’s investment.
“Here in the Central Valley, the need is clear and urgent,” said Nick Lutton, vice president and chief operating officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Central California. “When men step up to mentor, they help change the direction of a young person’s life. We are calling on men from every background to join us in building a stronger future for our children.”
Tulare County residents see higher electric bills
Southern California Edison, which serves much of Tulare County, raised its rates on Oct. 1.
The “SCE Rate Advisory” on the utility’s website shows that residential customers with a current monthly bill of $171.17 could see a 12.9% increase to $193.23. California Climate Credit customers could see their bills increase by 13.6% or 14.5%, if they are income qualified.
SCE serves Visalia, Tulare, Farmersville, Porterville, Springville, Exeter, Lindsay, Three Rivers and Strathmore, among other county communities.
‘The best chicken wings in California’ are in Visalia
The best chicken wings in California are at Wimpy’s Hamburgers in Visalia, according to Family Destinations Guide.
Wimpy’s Hamburgers in Visalia is now also known for its chicken wings.
“These aren’t your standard, afterthought wings that restaurants add to menus just to have another appetizer option,” writes Lyam Lavigne. “These are the result of someone who understands that chicken wings deserve respect, attention, and perfect execution.”
She also offered praise to Wimpy’s chicken sandwiches, pastramis, hamburgers, breakfast burritos, milkshakes, and banana splits.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Amazon hiring, Tulare County electric bills up, more top news in brief