[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6611100,"mediaKeyId","2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178","parentId",2899322,"title","HHSA announces appointment of Gilbert Rivas as deputy director for child welfare services","audioSeconds",195,"startMs",2661000,"endMs",2856000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178&start=2661&end=2856","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178/thumbnail_2661000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611100/Tulare-County/California/HHSA-announces-appointment-of-Gilbert-Rivas-as-deputy-director-for-child-welfare-services","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611100-9998cf6420c450d422ea3f6dbc643362/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157486&Signature=CqqTFquy-f2IOrhX6lE~zPNuqJ2zcJtDdddbM-pYcknU-i5Vzl7JySOltBOcVkIb7KyIPCBl-EtB3Z1vtE3S5ntR5itw6UAb~RPzmmszXWBfjJ3p5OakdHhSF94Z7AVfp7UqWJ6L7PFr61IJ00OpsSttFnXxFyehsXFQKKuGP7Jk41cnMqPnXSMC~bGmbPRHP5~fXrIULTfcAxOYfivJA6xGlgc4Ka1AfFlIVzaxxSgVLL6v-8kXuCm9UEimwQJatjgwy1HBwITXXUbJSOr8S7l9Ray8~UYGjPwfH37Ow6AAT~mhXIGHVpYXBA6O6zhY7gFZ9Vu2g-yy6nZ0Kc7tiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tulare County","date","2025-04-08T18:08:38.72Z","article","During the April 8 meeting, Francina Martinez, director of Human Services at the Health & Human Services Agency, publicly introduced Gilbert Rivas as the new deputy director of Child Welfare Services (CWS). Martinez said Rivas’s appointment filled a year‑long vacancy and was effective the previous day.

“Gilbert brings a plethora of experience that surrounds a lot of children’s services in Tulare County as well as our surrounding counties,” Martinez said. She noted Rivas’s background in behavioral health, public speaking on children’s services and clinical experience.

Rivas addressed the board and said he was honored for the opportunity. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work alongside such fabulous leaders in behavioral health,” he said, and added that child abuse prevention and awareness is a continuous priority: “We every day, we need to be able to do that. And everybody, we need to obviously protect our children.”

Why it matters: The deputy director role is a senior operational position within CWS and carries responsibility for coordination between child welfare and behavioral health services. Martinez and Rivas said the appointment strengthens the connection between behavioral health resources and child welfare operations.

No formal vote was required for the announcement; the remarks were made during the public comment period as a staffing announcement and were received by the board.

Sources: Public comment by Francina Martinez, Director of Human Services, HHSA; remarks by Gilbert Rivas; Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting, April 8, 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors Meeting - 04/08/20025","oneSentenceSummary","Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency announced Gilbert Rivas has joined the Child Welfare Services team as deputy director, effective the day before the April 8 board meeting. Rivas, transitioning from behavioral health, said he will focus on protecting children and supporting families.","taxTitle","Tulare County, California","taxId",7749,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611105,"Library advisory board presents annual report; board proclaims April 6–12, 2025 National Library Week",1560,4346000,5906000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178&start=4346&end=5906","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178/thumbnail_4346000.jpg","/articles/6611105/Tulare-County/California/Library-advisory-board-presents-annual-report-board-proclaims-April-612-2025-National-Library-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611105-4828319de8e50b9495046d2888380426/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157486&Signature=RUF4mZUjXpjwcNBMq9fcT86q37htRJAY34wlU~jmrEWp9pgEOuxvwRZIMA~b5LcxTt4C0V9YszWCf3nssWTfnHzuB3rho4O~sHk~IbmRkpdw0HrLNMa2DNeH1csfiZCt~MBQT~nHT0ri73WUzb9MHyhPhmGsAyxugFLCALf4iC~vNIYslqKep~wEO8q4SEhLZWxStd~SeSXMIwPw2H6bWZVDrxLipSs0uJ4JpkzfGgyQ4L4PRwB0SkHfcXqclfHncNfZaSEWXry-TTed91GuathwfmWLYVA7ch9DtbtCSg7pZ2VDLhsh3e3JNshccDJ5xffDM6cx4qUWxjGp79NZ2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tulare County Library Advisory Board presented its annual report on April 8, highlighting circulation, programs, digital history projects and ongoing building work, and the Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025.

County Librarian Darla Wagner and advisory board members reviewed accomplishments including 256,000 circulated physical and digital items during the fiscal year, more than 45,000 program participants across roughly 3,500 events, expansion of a digital local history collection to more than 24,000 files, continued literacy services and meal programs, and capital projects in design for Springville and Alpaugh/Rosalejo branches.

“We continuously strive to maximize resources to ensure library services efficiently meet the changing needs of Tulare County’s population,” Amy King‑Sanderson, chair of the advisory board, said during the presentation. She and other board members described branch visits, the board’s membership structure and goals to review library policies and visit branches across the county.

Board members praised staff outreach, the summer meals program and a newly opened memory lab that lets residents digitize home photos, VHS tapes and film. The advisory board said it is pursuing book‑locker installations at four branches, plans to keep in‑person and virtual services and noted federal funding uncertainties affecting statewide programs.

“In last fiscal year we served 2,674 summer meals at 15 pop‑ups and also our branches,” Wagner said, and library staff noted strong summer reading participation and adult education activity.

The county issued a proclamation read by Supervisor Larry McCarty recognizing the week and noting the library’s 115 years of service and Read to Success’s 25 years. The proclamation was signed by the board and presented to advisory board members and library staff.

Why it matters: The report underscores the library’s role beyond book lending — as a community hub for literacy, digital access, meals and local history preservation — and it updates the board on capital projects and fundraising partners.

Sources: Presentation by Darla Wagner, County Librarian, and members of the Tulare County Library Advisory Board; Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting, April 8, 2025.","Tulare County’s library advisory board reported on programming, circulation and facility projects, and the board issued a proclamation recognizing National Library Week and the library’s 115 years of service.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611110,"Board approves 10-year lease with Kaweah Delta at Tulare Acres Professional Center; county to amortize tenant improvements",331,6118000,6449000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178&start=6118&end=6449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178/thumbnail_6118000.jpg","/articles/6611110/Tulare-County/California/Board-approves-10-year-lease-with-Kaweah-Delta-at-Tulare-Acres-Professional-Center-county-to-amortize-tenant-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611110-1faf0afe54c123a93c32397a36cf5eb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157486&Signature=WAD3KH2dNPZDZEaWHT6l0U8816bangVQM~oJZ0ROYualCmlP~L80MNaIf-oSitTtJnDz80dDJ4WAOEfH-z6TMADhtUpb5xP4YU~l4KpSVdnLh5XsqdiF05lut3nzJInXK3fuAgUw4h8aqPZe-hPbpmIOqiP4EkuVfDJrW7H7tbCQhLjr67UPH9eHGJMqfJuM5fcU9mEYCC-2-qzxQVONVbYvK5ucgHc2Pt~fKVohsSU4vkH~GAR27xC8wn-W92m0pQ9bRrxaS63-ul8fOvYgdgzFEXSLOYesu~T04PpV-8ocHUD9S~Pstqhrlxz5JAIjnfxoUQNanO0mqM~da~vtLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tulare County Board of Supervisors on April 8 approved a lease with Kaweah Delta Health Care District for space at the county‑owned Tulare Acres Professional Center (TAPC) in Visalia, a move county staff said will stabilize occupancy and allow Kaweah to begin tenant improvements.

The lease covers roughly 13,000 square feet on the TAPC first floor, is retroactive to Jan. 15, 2025, and includes a total initial term of 10 years plus two separate five‑year renewal options. Under the agreement, base rent starts at $1.50 per square foot with a 2.5% annual escalator; operating expenses are payable and subject to an annual true‑up with a 5% cap on controllable costs.

County negotiators said the lease also provides a tenant improvement package and repayment terms. “County will provide a tenant prudent allowance of $40 per square foot or $520,000 and an amortized tenant improvement allowance up to $3,000,000 reimbursable to the county over the initial 10 year term at 5% interest,” Jacqueline Wells, General Services property manager, reported in the staff presentation.

The lease grants Kaweah the right of first refusal if the county offers roughly 59,000 square feet of vacant second‑floor space, and provides an exclusivity period for medical care, imaging or surgical services through Jan. 14, 2027; that exclusivity can extend to Jan. 14, 2029, if Kaweah leases an additional minimum of 15,000 square feet.

Board action and vote: The board approved termination of an earlier preoccupancy agreement and the final lease, and authorized payment of the real estate broker’s commission to MD Graham & Associates not to exceed $61,499.04. The motion passed 4–0 with Supervisor Pete Vanderpool recused.

Board members asked staff questions about the tenant’s planned use and the anticipated opening timetable. County staff said Kaweah requested early access to begin demolition and construction and that Kaweah hoped to open by Aug. 1. Matt Graham, the county-contracted real estate broker, was present; Kaweah Delta’s representative was not available for the hearing.

Why it matters: County staff said the lease provides long‑term occupancy stability, enables the county to recover its investment in tenant improvements over time and produces ongoing revenue to support TAPC maintenance and future improvements.

Sources: Staff presentation by Jacqueline Wells, General Services Agency; remarks by Matt Graham (MD Graham & Associates); Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting, April 8, 2025.","The Tulare County Board approved a long-term lease with Kaweah Delta Health Care District for 13,000 square feet at the Tulare Acres Professional Center. Lease is retroactive to Jan. 15, 2025; the county will provide tenant allowances and amortize up to $3 million in tenant improvements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611115,"Tulare County adopts broad Health & Human Services fee changes, raises clinic rates to 200% of Medicare",1313,2954000,4267000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178&start=2954&end=4267","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2899322-8e33534f1b651cb7d7af0ca214ad0178/thumbnail_2954000.jpg","/articles/6611115/Tulare-County/California/Tulare-County-adopts-broad-Health-Human-Services-fee-changes-raises-clinic-rates-to-200-of-Medicare","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611115-b57cc2a243d6f78b80e1ce3feeca0918/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157486&Signature=L9Gry0LdJZmkBtCV2WrXabqBY8rfyCttoULDTNncgMnMYWJDE4Lb5CzDdfVchgCa2gVGCpKl~SGM6SngTu83Nv1JIDgwsbDQOmhs28UE32Gi7d1sduAYS2V9uqj3TU2aDOj0dCQX0nqYfJzS4nR2r8zmzdiJ6io-91pqKYNPmRF5adrANVGVaIqf~McOhFb55KXZMVeHXYYtvaOscHVyfX6zQ7aAe4-28oGfvuWpjgnuKaJ-zebrtgvhGuM~Gs5ERjLelmWQNX9-9KU6warIx9reVDFxHyP-9k8s5vy3IMc0kkkihpw3d2ZmCFczZbIdKwF5J75gvc~M35826ixJDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tulare County supervisors voted unanimously on April 8 to adopt a set of fee changes proposed by the county Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA), approving 392 adjustments that agency staff said are needed to better match program costs.

The changes affect public guardian representative-payee services, the county-operated health care centers, immunization services and environmental health permitting and inspections. Rob Stewart, HHSA fiscal operations director, told the board the package includes 69 new fees, 249 increases, 60 decreases, 5 deletes and 9 description updates.

Why it matters: county staff said the last comprehensive update to the clinic fee methodology was in 2012 and that many fees have not kept pace with the actual cost of providing services. The board approved the package and authorized HHSA to implement the fees effective July 1, 2025.

“What you’ll see today is a sample,” Rob Stewart said during the hearing. “All of the proposals that you’ll see today, we have submitted and had our methodologies and proposals reviewed by the county auditor controller’s office, county counsel, and the CEO’s office, and obtained approval to proceed to the hearing today.”

Key changes and examples:
- Health care centers: Staff proposed increasing the county’s prevailing clinic rates from 150% of the Medicare fee schedule to 200% of Medicare. For services not on the Medicare schedule, the county’s Medi‑Cal-based charge would rise from 100% to 200% of published Medi‑Cal rates. Stewart said the increase stays “at the low end” of comparable regional providers based on an informal survey.
- Public guardian (representative payee): The monthly payee administrative fee would rise from $54 to $55 to reflect a Social Security Administration change.
- Environmental Health: HHSA proposed a new annual application fee of $68 to replace several highly specialized plan‑review fees, a missed‑inspection charge for re‑scheduling inspections, and other permit adjustments. Two larger environmental fee increases highlighted in the presentation: the small‑quantity hazardous‑waste generator annual fee would increase from $266 to $346 (affecting about 680 facilities), and above‑ground tank facility permits would increase from $133 to $200 (about 150 facilities). Stewart said the environmental increases were generally capped near 15% except for a few categories where staff proposed higher adjustments to bring cost recovery closer to actual expense.

Board discussion focused on transparency and the potential impact on residents and businesses. “You mentioned a few times, Rob, specifically, the number of facilities, the number of individuals that would be impacted… It’d be nice to see those numbers on the slides,” Supervisor Larry McCarty said. Supervisor Amy Shuckling asked staff to create an FAQ and confirmed that HHSA conducts outreach to trade organizations and impacted businesses; HHSA staff said they would post an FAQ and continue outreach.

The board then closed the hearing and approved the package by a 5–0 vote. HHSA may implement the new fees beginning July 1, 2025, and Stewart said the full fee schedules and methodologies are included in the meeting agenda packet attachment labeled “summary proposed fees.”

What remains: Stewart said HHSA’s methodology and many individual fee lines are in the agenda materials and that the department will publish details and continue outreach to regulated parties and community partners. The board recorded no formal public opposition during the hearing.

Votes at a glance: The board approved adoption of the HHSA fee schedule changes, effective July 1, 2025, by a 5–0 vote.

Sources: Presentation and public hearing by Rob Stewart, Fiscal Operations Director, HHSA; Tulare County Board of Supervisors public hearing, April 8, 2025.","The Tulare County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and voted unanimously to adopt 392 fee adjustments proposed by the Health & Human Services Agency, including raising county clinic rates to 200% of Medicare and new environmental health charges. Changes take effect July 1, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

HHSA announces appointment of Gilbert Rivas as deputy director for child welfare services

Library advisory board presents annual report; board proclaims April 6–12, 2025 National Library Week

Board approves 10-year lease with Kaweah Delta at Tulare Acres Professional Center; county to amortize tenant improvements

Tulare County adopts broad Health & Human Services fee changes, raises clinic rates to 200% of Medicare