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.<\/p>\n
![\"This](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ea14f94b4ba101f7ef880cd9e0a51638.jpeg\"\/)
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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Amazon to hire for 1,600 seasonal openings in Visalia<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Visalia<\/a>, we are hiring for just over 1,600 roles,\u201d said Natalie Banke, Amazon\u2019s California public relations manager. \u201cThere\u2019s a variety of roles, from picking and packing to manager roles.\u201d<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n New job opportunities will be posted weekly through December. Job alerts can be filtered by region at Amazon Jobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n USDA awards Tulare County nearly $4M to reduce wildfire risk<\/p>\n On Sept. 23, the USDA Forest Service announced that the Cycle 3 project awards for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are pleased and grateful for this funding, which will significantly enhance our fuel reduction efforts,\u201d said Doreen Alvez, Tulare County grants specialist and forest health coordinator. \u201cThis support helps us manage dense roadside vegetation, particularly in the foothill and mountain regions where wildfire risk is greatest.\u201d<\/p>\n Office of Traffic Safety awards $190,000 to Visalia Police Department<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,\u201d said Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar in the Oct. 9 press release. \u201cThrough a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”<\/p>\n The grant will provide funds for DUI checkpoints and patrols to stop suspected impaired drivers; distracted driving enforcement operations to enforce California\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n TCSO Turns Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month<\/p>\n The men and women of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office have \u201cturned pink\u201d 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.<\/p>\n The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has “gone pink” for the month of October.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s Foundation will be accepted.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Office, 833 S. Akers St., Visalia, CA 93277. For more information, call (559) 802-9412.<\/p>\n World Ag Expo names 2026 Chairman<\/p>\n World Ag Expo<\/a>, the largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition, has named Ron Clark as its 2026 Show Chairman.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to be selected by my peers in the community, and to follow a long line of respected leaders,\u201d Clark said in a press release. \u201cI look forward to representing the greatest ag show in the world and welcoming visitors to discover the latest in agriculture.\u201d<\/p>\n 2026 World Ag Expo Chairman Ron Clark with wife, Robyn Clark<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The theme for the 2026 World Ag Expo is \u201cGrounds for Innovation,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Quarantine in place for Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus<\/p>\n On Oct. 1, the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced a quarantine for Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus (CYVCV) and designated quarantine areas<\/a> in Tulare County. The new quarantine requirements<\/a> are similar to those for the Asian citrus psyllid.<\/p>\n This plant has the Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In April 2022, the first CYVCV cases were detected on a residential property in Tulare.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n High school dropout rate declines in several Tulare County school districts<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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%.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Arts Consortium designated as official arts council of Tulare County<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Also at the meeting, spoken word artist Michael Jasso was presented with a certificate recognizing him as \u201cTulare County Arts Consortium Artist of the Year.\u201d<\/p>\n California expands \u2018Medi-Medi Plans\u2019<\/p>\n As the 2025 Medicare open enrollment period opens, Californians with both Medicare and Medi-Cal now\u00a0have access to integrated \u201cMedi-Medi Plans\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The plans also include county-administered behavioral health programs and community supports, such as homemaker services, home modifications, and personal care.<\/p>\n Enrollment runs from through Dec. 7. Coverage for new enrollees will begin on Jan. 1, 2026.<\/p>\n Community round table to be held in Badger<\/p>\n A Badger Community Round Table will be held at the Sequoia Community Center in Badger on Oct. 29, beginning at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Many visitors to Sequoia and Kings National Park enjoy General Sherman Tree Trail.<\/p>\n New report shows 2024 a record year for local national parks<\/p>\n A National Park Service report released on Sept. 29 shows that\u00a0a record 2,008,962 people visited Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks<\/a> in 2024, spending about $192.5 million in communities near the park.<\/p>\n Their spending had an estimated cumulative benefit to the local economy of $230.9 million, parks service officials said.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople come to Sequoia and Kings Canyon to see the world\u2019s largest trees and end up supporting local economies along the way,\u201d Park Superintendent Clay Jordan said. \u201cWe\u2019re proud that these parks generate over $200 million in revenue to communities near the parks.\u201d<\/p>\n Kamryn Kasbergen and Ivy Hebgen of Tulare (in blue shirts) with their award-winning bovine.<\/p>\n Tulare heifer earns \u2018Junior Champion\u2019 honors at World Dairy Expo<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n She is owned by Kamryn Kasbergen and Ivy Hebgen of Tulare.<\/p>\n World Dairy Expo, which describes itself as the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Winter 2025 Live & Play Guide cover photo contest announced<\/p>\n The City of Visalia has announced a contest to attract \u201ccaptivating photos\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe images should highlight local people and places in Visalia, capturing the essence of our vibrant community,\u201d according to the announcement. \u201cAs our guide is family-centric, showcasing fun programs and events for everyone, the front cover must reflect this spirit of inclusiveness and enjoyment.\u201d<\/p>\n Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. Contest rules and entry form are available online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tulare County Public Health wins award<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tulare County Public Health received the Business Services Award at the INNOVATORS by Design Conference at the Visalia Convention Center on Oct. 8.<\/p>\n \u201cThis recognition celebrates our department\u2019s leadership in strengthening the local health care workforce through innovation, collaboration, and community partnerships,\u201d stated Kathi Chastain, Tulare County Health and Human Services deputy director of public health operations. \u201cThrough the Tulare Kings Health Care Partnership, and our incredible partners in education and the health care industry, we\u2019re helping to build the next generation of public health and health care professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n A Visalia Starbucks has closed its doors<\/p>\n The Starbucks at 3927 W. Caldwell Ave. in Visalia, has permanently closed. Four locations in Fresno were closed in the same round of cutbacks.<\/p>\n Visalia now has one less Starbucks.<\/p>\n The valley closures are the result of Starbucks \u201ccarefully reviewing our North America coffeehouse portfolio,\u201d according to Brian\u00a0Niccol, the company\u2019s chairman and CEO.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the review, we identified coffeehouses where we\u2019re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don\u2019t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed,\u201d Niccol wrote in a message<\/a> on the Starbucks website. \u201cEach year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from financial performance to lease expirations.\u201d<\/p>\n Exeter resident among recipients of MacArthur genius grant<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The money is given over five years with no strings attached. It can be used for projects, travel, or whatever else the \u201cfellow\u201d decides is important.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 2025 MacArthur Fellows expand the boundaries of knowledge, artistry, and human understanding,\u201d said Kristen Mack, foundation vice president of communications. \u201cWith virtuosity, persistence, and courage, they chart new paths toward collaborative, creative, and flourishing futures.\u201d<\/p>\n Black\u2019s photography<\/a> focuses on migrants, poverty, and the environment.<\/p>\n Twenty people were taken into custody by the 22nd annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail on Oct. 15, 2025.<\/p>\n 29 domestic violence suspects arrested in Tulare County<\/p>\n Seventy-seven Tulare County Sheriff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n Since Oct. 1, when the operation started, officers have made a total of 29 domestic violence arrests in the county.<\/p>\n Tulare County DA\u2019s Office warns about new tax board scam<\/p>\n The Tulare County District Attorney\u2019s Office is reporting a new scam where someone claims to be with the California Franchise Tax Board.<\/p>\n If you receive an unsolicited text message from someone claiming to be from the state tax board, the TCDA\u2019s Office warns you not to respond or click on any links. The text is most likely a \u201cphishing\u201d scam trying to obtain your usernames, passwords, payments, credit and debit card numbers, banking information, PINs, and\/or social security numbers.<\/p>\n The TCDA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Central Valley invests $300K in California Men\u2019s Service Challenge<\/p>\n After California awarded $5 million to support the California Men\u2019s Service Challenge<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Tulare County Supervisors Eddie Valero and Larry Micari were among the officials participating in the announcement of Central Valley’s investment.<\/p>\n \u201cHere in the Central Valley, the need is clear and urgent,\u201d said Nick Lutton, vice president and chief operating officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Central California. \u201cWhen men step up to mentor, they help change the direction of a young person\u2019s life. We are calling on men from every background to join us in building a stronger future for our children.\u201d<\/p>\n Tulare County residents see higher electric bills<\/p>\n Southern California Edison, which serves much of Tulare County, raised its rates on Oct. 1.<\/p>\n The \u201cSCE Rate Advisory<\/a>\u201d on the utility\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n SCE serves Visalia, Tulare, Farmersville, Porterville, Springville, Exeter, Lindsay, Three Rivers and Strathmore, among other county communities.<\/p>\n \u2018The best chicken wings in California\u2019 are in Visalia<\/p>\n The best chicken wings in California are at Wimpy\u2019s Hamburgers in Visalia, according to Family Destinations Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Wimpy’s Hamburgers in Visalia is now also known for its chicken wings.<\/p>\n \u201cThese aren\u2019t your standard, afterthought wings that restaurants add to menus just to have another appetizer option,\u201d writes Lyam Lavigne. \u201cThese are the result of someone who understands that chicken wings deserve respect, attention, and perfect execution.\u201d<\/p>\n She also offered praise to Wimpy\u2019s chicken sandwiches, pastramis, hamburgers, breakfast burritos, milkshakes, and banana splits.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/8481f744f25afd85aa7df18e568bb527.jpeg\"\/)
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