[{"_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",6568125,"mediaKeyId","3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42","parentId",3207704,"title","Porterville council denies liability claim of Aldo Gutierrez in closed session 5‑0","audioSeconds",11,"startMs",4213000,"endMs",4224000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42&start=4213&end=4224","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42/thumbnail_4213000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568125/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Porterville-council-denies-liability-claim-of-Aldo-Gutierrez-in-closed-session-50","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568125-0bf8c9940bc79c2f84d041498d944381/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156272&Signature=as~l4x2miuxACLwyrll-qL~BaUKBkk2YGWVsJATjHoG7EhqPzy8m~e4BU25n9Cdfx4QHYIOLqO1ZRSkCZVLsM--s8SG131182DDhkDqv7oOdrv4maOEgzk8DbNgrh8p61pvsE5dEFJ6hDh7EA-rbz-Ah6kA-3GD~lH7ScgNy4V5dhJVTrTFzemb57PZDtWQAEwcjYjRnJucWLxvBTdnDhmXL9msU32bpLoF4js783l8HiSfWgTojMSAsdisbNwDVsuUs5KJpeKYbFf9EanArOT7JQOUPF8sP4Jyik3Ma~sqMW3xERzdUmhVyZ2KxMUKQ-EYVs5e1r0r~4-DUQVVfiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Porterville City","date","2025-05-07T06:41:50.317Z","article","During a closed session, Porterville City Council considered a liability claim filed by Aldo Gutierrez and voted to deny the claim. The council voted 5‑0 on a motion by Vice Mayor McCurvey, seconded by Council Member Green.

The denial was announced when the council returned to open session and was recorded in the meeting minutes and by staff. The claim denial was taken under Government Code provisions listed on the closed session agenda and was the only reportable action from the closed session.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Porterville - City Council Meeting of May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","In closed session the City Council denied a liability claim filed by Aldo Gutierrez; the denial was made on a motion by Vice Mayor McCurvey, seconded by Council Member Green, and carried unanimously.","taxTitle","Porterville, Tulare County, California","taxId",3952,"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},6568130,"Porterville pauses enforcement of backyard shipping containers pending new standards; council seeks public hearings and code amendments",2234,17113000,19347000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42&start=17113&end=19347","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42/thumbnail_17113000.jpg","/articles/6568130/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Porterville-pauses-enforcement-of-backyard-shipping-containers-pending-new-standards-council-seeks-public-hearings-and-code-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568130-0e8eede8885d247b9ff153bfa86af5cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156272&Signature=iTeUCCJUISPh9awbaorFJ7I6PJnKtvURciHpFieDneEbivmqfrrJ8mXKruRWSZEWiQ4aSt0iITJEJ5bKAaopX7xiU22XX8KURRHwpbVKvpuC324fHWbJMScg6ULEWHhwxhTNARMVm31WXfBfuxd1TGMebQX-0xH-GLIDkLihLk39CasmXHOpMCnpcTzoCI~nM4n5QfzI0ulKCNHi5hFgJACNgjPjQ9i03MMrVc9enQUUf4Tefm-VOuTjk1vzy-z68dSbrbL1mNvtOtQJzbg6ajVAgrXHorOBP1JpJVmqR~F-YFNKd5h57fMBuKcdufMb834zKpLY6wDUbNhMIGKzmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Porterville City Council voted to temporarily suspend enforcement against shipping containers placed in rear yards while staff prepares formal local regulations and a proposed local amendment to the state building code addressing permanent container storage and limited conversion.

Background: staff presented draft regulations to consolidate local rules (rescinding older fee resolutions), to permit certain cargo containers as permanent structures in industrial and commercial zones and, with new local rules and a building code amendment, in residential rear yards as storage only. Building Division staff noted that the 2022 California Building Code introduced a specific section on shipping containers and that containers intended for anything beyond basic storage trigger a fuller permit and structural review.

Public comment and council concerns: community members and councilors described strong differences of opinion. Some council members argued for minimal local regulation to allow residents a practical storage option; others warned against creating enforcement ambiguities and urged limits on driveway or front‑yard placement and standards for setbacks, lot coverage and screening. Several speakers favored a simple standard for rear‑yard storage; others favored stronger safety and foundation requirements.

Compromise and council direction: the council adopted a compromise motion to suspend enforcement only for cargo containers located entirely in rear yards (not front‑yard or driveway placements) during the period staff prepares proposed permanent regulations and a local building code amendment and schedules the required public hearings. The motion also retained existing enforcement authority for containers that present immediate health or safety hazards.

What staff will do next: staff will draft the local ordinance language that would (a) specify allowed placement (rear yard only), (b) require minimum screening or painting and compliance with setback rules, and (c) propose a local building code amendment to the California Building Standards Commission for simplified storage‑only permitting. Staff said any changes to the building code would require separate public hearings and state review timelines; the city is planning to bring the proposed local amendments for council consideration and hearings before the adoption cycle for the 2025/2026 code updates.

","After months of debate, the council agreed to a compromise: suspend enforcement of rules against rear‑yard shipping containers while staff drafts and schedules public hearings on a local regulation and a proposed Building Code amendment for storage use and permanent placement in residential zones.",{"_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},6568135,"Council approves Dela Farms subdivision, authorizes annexation request and directs water‑share negotiations",1868,14403000,16271000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42&start=14403&end=16271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42/thumbnail_14403000.jpg","/articles/6568135/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Council-approves-Dela-Farms-subdivision-authorizes-annexation-request-and-directs-watershare-negotiations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568135-2446359f8ac329ad795ee9003d053a8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156272&Signature=VFPv947k8fAPp~FZqO-3Jo26g4GbYnXOre4PRl1anwnwIsP9G4vz4QtfJcG5YPtoYuqVZqmQV~XFaq3YlR7rozZcIFVmNYsirL~Ie-t0hJZlPD8Zn3vc1H6UvzqOlLNhTWdeSGKv3umsg1IP~k3JAMaTZglBY3F4rSYWjtBf9eugC5W65Qq2Uju0U4L1mOUfFQpO~3bBbSNfd1wkJv2u9-0fMiIBBzZ2ve6i-qEltQrukBbsyubhehUSiWsjfhOaUW8Jo-koR7guJo4j2YvJJHRcMHzf677aRAdLQ7BOo3nQ--j2UOx5oczdVJeG~Nq0B2yD4NfDtKEQuUQicSambg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Porterville City Council voted to approve the Dela Farms residential subdivision entitlements and to request that Tulare LAFCO begin proceedings for annexation, while directing staff to enter limited negotiations with the applicant about water shares tied to the property.

The project, presented by Senior Planner O'Neil, would convert two county parcels totaling 25.47 acres (an unincorporated island surrounded by the city) to a low‑medium density residential land use and create a tentative map for 160 single‑family lots and a 0.88‑acre park. O'Neil told the council the proposed buildout density would be about 6.25 units per acre, below the zone maximum, and that two tribal consultation notices were conducted with no comments.

Why it matters: the site is subject to a Williamson Act land‑conservation contract. Because the city earlier successfully protested that Williamson Act contract, the county contract would be cancelled automatically upon annexation if LAFCO approves it; staff told the council that cancellation would not require a separate cancellation application. The city's urban water management plan shows the subdivision would require more urban water than the site uses in agricultural (citrus) use, and staff proposed mitigation measures and a Mitigated Negative Declaration under CEQA with standard mitigation monitoring.

Applicant and council exchange: the applicant, Drew Della, asked the council to reconsider a draft condition requiring the surrender or sale of water shares; he said previous annexations did not require the applicant to relinquish water shares and asked that the council allow negotiation rather than a mandated forfeiture. Council discussion focused on precedent and taxpayer risk: Council Member Beltran noted risks if water shares are sold and the city later must construct new water infrastructure for annexed areas; other council members said a negotiated approach could be appropriate.

Council action: the council voted to adopt the staff recommendations (adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and mitigation monitoring and reporting program; approve the general plan amendment; approve the conditional use permit for reduced lot sizes; approve the tentative subdivision map; and direct staff to request Tulare LAFCO initiate annexation), with one amendment that gave staff authority to negotiate the disposition of the applicant's water shares and to return with recommended terms. The vote passed with four yes votes and one member absent.

Next steps: staff will work with the applicant and LAFCO to process annexation materials and to document the negotiated approach on water shares; staff will also coordinate with the city's water utility to ensure water capacity and to implement the mitigation monitoring program under CEQA.

","Porterville City Council approved the Dela Farms residential subdivision, a 160‑lot project that requires annexation and cancellation of a Williamson Act contract; the council directed staff to proceed while authorizing negotiation on water shares to address urban water supply impacts.",{"_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},6568141,"Porterville council backs phased change to transit service, shifts low‑ridership riders toward on‑demand transport",4748,3238000,7986000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42&start=3238&end=7986","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3207704-5a84f3675cc941988746577e93e13e42/thumbnail_3238000.jpg","/articles/6568141/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Porterville-council-backs-phased-change-to-transit-service-shifts-lowridership-riders-toward-ondemand-transport","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568141-0c5ed29ddd19e352aaf70d46ac4c88e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156272&Signature=cXawMiUct6qlIUybl425N7fZNlLxqXOjsEUNg-zW9yXfN0v-dyxEc-NzVVSZvTSVfSqtO8u~oFJjquMvC8dqzjL1NN9BnxjXOHsp5QYxHm7RrbqA0JnSN3RFBqklgPzGV2URW53pfSE85ct~jhbf0fKuaFodKQNBllJ6qQoNuYIL8BbT3K32GYTzhVhcs03EwLV7~dJSl4i7WTVLT~b0oukaC0XAIL2gx8GUkTUWlGSYmFSo~cqdeRodA5lygGQGtwEqZsU0CcA9TJjfG7YvdqPpAK-ai0dzWnjzv5tZECvR-Jf7AE2CHyNx-xbIl73kj20ylcmtLjQCLoe~Oxy~nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Porterville City Council voted to pursue a phased change to public transit that will remove or consolidate low‑ridership fixed routes and shift some service to the city's on‑demand \"transport\" program as staff and riders warned of a roughly $1.2 million funding shortfall.

The council's action follows a staff presentation that outlined three options and urged a middle path to preserve access while reducing operating costs. Director of Transportation Tree said the city faces an \"anticipated $1,200,000 reduction in combined Federal Transit Administration ... and Local Transportation Fund allocations\" and presented three alternatives that traded savings against coverage. Staff recommended Option 1, a phased transition away from Routes 4 and 6, reduced Saturday hours and a new Saturday shuttle for the swap meet, with affected riders served by transport.

Why it matters: council members and many public commenters said the city must close a sizable funding gap while trying to avoid cutting travel for students, seniors and patients who rely on buses. Riders and college students testified that Routes 4 and 6 connect Porterville College, elementary and middle schools, clinics and other trip generators and that moving those riders fully to on‑demand service would raise cost or reduce reliability for people who lack other options.

Fixed route services account for the largest share of the transit budget; staff said fixed routes represent roughly 68 percent of operating costs with an average of 15.5 passengers per vehicle hour and a cost around $8.90 per ride. Transport operates with higher passenger satisfaction and faster travel times but much higher cost per trip (around $54 per trip and about 3.1 passengers per hour). Staff projected Option 1 would save roughly $1.4 million annually; Option 2 about $1.2 million and Option 3 about $1.6 million, the latter consolidating the two routes and eliminating transport.

During the public hearing more than a dozen riders, students and a transport driver urged the council to preserve Routes 4 and 6 or to guarantee reliable alternative service. \"Low ridership does not equal low need,\" said Alexis Diaz, a college employee and former student, who described Route 4 as \"a lifeline for many students, staff and community members year round.\" Veronica Garza, a transport driver, said transport is popular and that software improvements could raise vehicle productivity.

Council discussion focused on balancing efficiency and equity. Council Member Beltran proposed combining Routes 4 and 6 into a single restructured fixed route (reducing frequency but preserving a direct option) and applying other Option 1 measures; Vice Mayor McCurvey described Option 1 as \"the middle ground\" that minimizes disruption while preserving critical access. The council asked staff to continue talks with Porterville College and Family Health Care Network about partnerships and targeted service for low‑income riders.

Outcome and next steps: Council voted to adopt the staff recommendation (Option 1) and directed staff to implement the phased changes, monitor results, and report back. Staff will also continue to pursue outreach and partnerships with Porterville College and Family Health Care Network to preserve critical trips and explore software and operational improvements for transport. Councilmembers said the changes will be monitored and adjusted as needed.

The council's motion followed a lengthy public hearing in which riders described how transit affects education, health care and work; the city will begin phased changes and provide regular financial and operational updates to the council while pursuing partnerships to mitigate impacts.

","After a public hearing with more than a dozen riders and transit employees speaking, the Porterville City Council selected a phased plan to address a roughly $1.2 million transit funding shortfall by reducing underperforming fixed routes and expanding use of the city's on‑demand service.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Porterville council denies liability claim of Aldo Gutierrez in closed session 5‑0

Porterville pauses enforcement of backyard shipping containers pending new standards; council seeks public hearings and code amendments

Council approves Dela Farms subdivision, authorizes annexation request and directs water‑share negotiations

Porterville council backs phased change to transit service, shifts low‑ridership riders toward on‑demand transport