[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6491099,"mediaKeyId","5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a","parentId",5738365,"title","Supervisors approve zone change for 4.5‑acre Spruce/Avenue 256 site to allow commercial mixed use","audioSeconds",731,"startMs",3040000,"endMs",3771000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a&start=3040&end=3771","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a/thumbnail_3040000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6491099/Tulare-County/California/Supervisors-approve-zone-change-for-45acre-SpruceAvenue-256-site-to-allow-commercial-mixed-use","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491099-0ef15d462c7a12207da791cfb9e2efe0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140198&Signature=S60rys3rvmToWHaZmSzvyUlZ-5mh2SeYlGNYkdETqWYQKoAXz1NOYKF-fKznvEwzVVGAwocop1eWUg8LqsV03MBwZzWo7KntFQx773Zn9KsztSw6RiGprpKdjFhEMbBdDAKPN1IyvZxXP~ZC-XtQvtVEFu29K4aENbfPO~xYNdcapTXxDKn-UKv9~7SdegjEIaV7Z3CWkeuUl1BdZJ87DVfIXsMj3YBFxXiIVdxhidMNBP8zFQ5nmKzV8BOalD3zYnBvuMRlsTul2LB7lkvBVrb6fp7YFMfDKuBjyXr0lEeG1t0d3pMTlydRW0WKr5i4EvsQpGwEOTNku74pYnZDlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tulare County","date","2025-09-09T15:40:15Z","article","The Tulare County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 approved a zone change request (PZC 24-007) that rezones a roughly 4.5-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Avenue 256 and Spruce from AE-20 (exclusive agriculture, 20-acre minimum) to C2-MU (general commercial, mixed-use overlay).

Mike Washam of the Resource Management Agency told the board the application from Duval Espinosa requests the change to allow future development such as a gas station and convenience store, agricultural auto repair service, storage area and a residence. Washam said the action before the board was a zone change only, not project approval, and that subsequent discretionary approvals could require additional CEQA review. Staff applied a Class 3 CEQA categorical exemption for construction of small commercial structures (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15303(a), (c)), noting the proposed convenience store/gas station would be approximately 2,500 sq. ft.

As part of the analysis, staff applied the Rural Valley Lands Plan (RVLP) scoring system and reported the parcel accumulated six points — below the threshold (11 points or less) typically considered appropriate for non‑agricultural zoning. Washam highlighted that the parcel is surrounded by commercial and industrial zoning to the north, west and south (including a restaurant, Amarillo Windmill, Waterman and nearby industrial suppliers) and that Southern California Edison is planning undergrounding in the corridor under Rule 20A (an $11.8 million project for about a half‑mile north and south of the intersection). He said intersection improvements, including signalization and left‑turn lanes, are planned and that construction timing will be influenced by utility undergrounding schedules; staff currently estimates intersection work in about five years.

No written or verbal comments had been received during the planning commission process or for the board hearing, Washam said. Supervisor Mercari moved approval; Supervisor Eddie Valero seconded. The motion passed 4–0, with Supervisor Dennis Townsend not voting because he was not present.

Because this action is a change of zone, Washam said additional discretionary project approvals (for example, special use permits for fueling infrastructure) could trigger additional environmental review and planning commission review at a later date.

Votes at a glance: motion to approve zone change PZC 24‑007 from AE‑20 to C2‑MU for parcel at SE corner of Avenue 256 and Spruce — mover Supervisor Mercari; second Supervisor Eddie Valero; outcome: approved 4–0; Supervisor Dennis Townsend not voting (absent).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors Meeting - 09/09/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Tulare County supervisors on Sept. 9 approved rezoning a roughly 4.5‑acre parcel near Exeter from agricultural to commercial mixed‑use to allow future development including a convenience store and auto service uses.","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},6491104,"Board adopts updated SB 552 water shortage and contingency plan; advocates urge clearer outreach and consolidation steps",326,2661000,2987000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a&start=2661&end=2987","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a/thumbnail_2661000.jpg","/articles/6491104/Tulare-County/California/Board-adopts-updated-SB-552-water-shortage-and-contingency-plan-advocates-urge-clearer-outreach-and-consolidation-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491104-5ebcf0e04589c08bf92b3f7cc0e35a3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140198&Signature=NWufQN5zWoyXa366zYNa7NHpQvFgYRQwrdVaQwtVudJb3q5EMyLZK9Hx0OXb6rcfD3-N0svcrY06PR29Kmd4jOySCOZCoBk1b3Vs6M5qMw0DHRfLMN7BwdrG7GNJkqgMckbUheeCqhn8915uOorGvHzdGgj-KTTP1NwdxDMZ7dG2WZnmL2YrJpOJAUxYFR3UbGgR~KG4eaGsSask21r9X49XeW~ByqgF9RH1qn4RlmbbfXvBkq3jbFIpw1QTCOjN-nubWjo9JJxZyydt~HwrGrfV7dF7gMKkvIM2XJ3tQyGF~FrnBf01J59mBZQQ53troTxTzYi~mQyaQ~qv3rQyvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted 4–0 on Sept. 9 to approve updates to the county's SB 552 water shortage and contingency plan, a drought-preparedness statute passed in 2021 that requires local governments to adopt plans describing actions during water shortages.

Denise England, grants and resources manager for the Resource Management Agency, told the board Tulare County was the first county in California to adopt a plan in 2023 and has since used a $125,000 Department of Water Resources grant to incorporate additional DWR tools and to update the county’s private domestic well database for improved predictive analysis of where wells may go dry.

Lorena Muñoz, a policy advocate with Community Water Center, thanked staff for the update but urged the county to attach a clear outreach plan to the drought plan, to identify potential water-system consolidation projects and to commit to proactive funding strategies rather than waiting until drought conditions are critical. Muñoz cited the 2012–2016 and 2021 droughts, when hundreds of Tulare County wells went dry, and said residents need clarity on how the county will coordinate with groundwater sustainability agencies and community organizations.

Staff noted one written public comment had been received for the record. Supervisor Amy Shuckley moved approval; Supervisor Larry Macari seconded. The motion passed 4–0, with Supervisor Dennis Townsend not voting because he was not present. Public hearings for related items were also set for 9:30 a.m., per the clerk’s instructions.

The approved update directs ongoing work to incorporate DWR tools, maintain and expand the private well database and to use grant funds for both planning and database improvements. Community advocates at the hearing recommended adding an outreach appendix, mapping candidate consolidation projects and pursuing local funding to expedite resiliency measures.

Votes at a glance: motion to adopt SB 552 water shortage and contingency plan update — mover Supervisor Amy Shuckley; second Supervisor Larry Macari; outcome: approved 4–0; Supervisor Dennis Townsend not voting (absent).","Tulare County supervisors approved an update to the county's SB 552 water shortage and contingency plan that incorporates Department of Water Resources tools and uses grant funds to improve a private well database; community advocates urged the county to add clearer outreach steps, identify consolidation projects and pursue local funding.",{"_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},6491108,"Tulare County approves two-year tentative agreement with SEIU covering multiple bargaining units",268,2392000,2660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a&start=2392&end=2660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a/thumbnail_2392000.jpg","/articles/6491108/Tulare-County/California/Tulare-County-approves-two-year-tentative-agreement-with-SEIU-covering-multiple-bargaining-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491108-050e70e0aaddf1794959c85ae0e79d00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140198&Signature=aeStxK7or-UDzgPh~ZahWvZ9yYekot6MZns8wudrIz5RNzG~ElcCfajP4KsqKQXIZwF4Ul2BUzuGeV65kuQXHVS~athAfeuFSBt5MFs~J~GR5uh8agDwm4FMECFTyyk2rGb45ElwJEV~~Q6ehjon-jaisKF7M3ziUpsA2t2hyyhjqcngSUSePldnomUsbmVxrF5ZeblvdjcknhbCZTRl-ALqaAKiXZfE5JAK0k6nIFmaeUhDut6BEKz4g-SrsO1efs~OA6klvKzVRQ4AL82Sm1UwU774nRYnFFJdwoeXzHsnmnittBlFlfUWnZL3xzqXl5rO~VLJA0EOkTWDM0T5Lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tulare County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 approved a two-year tentative memorandum of understanding with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) representing multiple county bargaining units, adopting across-the-board salary increases, equity adjustments for several job classes and stepped increases to county health-plan contributions.

County human resources director Lupi Garza presented the agreement, saying the MOU term is retroactive to July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, and that economic terms take effect the first full pay period following board adoption. Garza described a 4% salary increase effective Sept. 21, 2025, and another 4% increase effective June 28, 2026, plus class-specific equity increases and a new career incentive pay schedule that begins Sept. 21, 2025 (3% at five years, 5% at 10 years, 8% at 15 years and 10% at 20 years of county service).

Garza also told the board the county will increase its contribution by $50 per pay period for employee+spouse, employee+children and family tiers of the SJVIE health plan for the 2026 plan year and add another $50 per tier in 2027; the county will continue to contribute at least enough to cover the Anthem 750 PPO deductible plan for single coverage. She reported the county will increase its eligible maximum contribution by $500 per calendar year up to $2,500 effective Jan. 1, 2026. Probationary periods will be extended from six to 12 months for several classifications, including building and code compliance inspector I, sheriff security officer and detention services officer. Garza estimated the combined salary, equity, health-plan and deferred-compensation costs at approximately $29–30 million over the two-year term; departments will account for increases in FY 2025–26 and 2026–27 budgets.

Supervisor Amy Shuckley moved approval; Supervisor Larry Macari seconded. The board approved the tentative agreement 4–0, with Supervisor Dennis Townsend recorded as not voting because he was absent.

The action approves the MOU only. Garza and staff said additional administrative steps will follow to implement pay changes and to reflect the added benefit contributions in 2026 and 2027.

Votes at a glance: motion to approve tentative agreement with SEIU (Bargaining Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7) — mover Supervisor Amy Shuckley; second Supervisor Larry Macari; outcome: approved 4–0; Supervisor Dennis Townsend not voting (absent).","The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted 4–0 to adopt a tentative memorandum of understanding with SEIU bargaining units covering salary increases, equity adjustments, benefit contribution increases and extended probationary periods; county officials estimate the two-year cost at about $29–30 million.",{"_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},6491089,"Tulare County reports $8.4 million in energy savings to date from solar and efficiency projects; lifetime benefits projected at roughly $73 million",1308,5348000,6656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a&start=5348&end=6656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a/thumbnail_5348000.jpg","/articles/6491089/Tulare-County/California/Tulare-County-reports-84-million-in-energy-savings-to-date-from-solar-and-efficiency-projects-lifetime-benefits-projected-at-roughly-73-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491089-44d0403d064a48c4d353c7cbb45ca188/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140198&Signature=BEtDWKlFA8vvMwyi7K3YzG6Fz2NnVunwv-pdFmnC1ZjZhOA8YJzY~5tw8LN~dUKBT03GG8WFNayQhqO4kHKuKSyoP8pOPGuE2mGV3YMjwZJ2SN2pDsyozG8WU7YOK2Of95JMoDMV1BBqWIQBn9mFeqiYq9Hw8jYBURUUMlAaHSphKe-By3ZiohrqKqhKDw6atoVr8PY8MTpcdVktnpGslH0f0F0sNDo26FGY7HW-Y9BKGh79G0DqotwiaO6PfHcbP9zx2rgw-oHOjiizxQ-CszoLJZOZXzYOhw7FKOhHjoy9It-Be8IRRxZensYjfXiIfL277ogdsTsqPLAPOnMeVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tulare County’s energy-efficiency and renewable-energy program has produced multimillion‑dollar savings and ongoing revenue, county officials reported Sept. 9.

Brooke Sisk, general services agency director, and Russell Driver of ARC Alternatives reviewed a multi‑phase program that includes power‑purchase‑agreement (PPA)‑funded solar carports and rooftop systems, third‑party financed and county‑purchased solar and energy‑efficiency measures (LED lighting and HVAC replacements), tax credits obtained under the Inflation Reduction Act and recent utility‑bill analysis work.

Phase 1 included seven solar sites installed under an ENGIE PPA; the county purchases power at a fixed rate “just under 11¢ per kilowatt‑hour” for 25 years, Sisk said. ARC reported the phase‑1 systems have generated roughly $7.3 million in net savings to date and projected about $65 million in savings over the PPA term. Phase 2 combined purchased and financed solar with LED lighting and HVAC upgrades; the county contributed $1.2 million cash and financed about $9.5 million under a 20‑year taxable lease for those projects. Combined phase 1 and 2 projects have produced about $8.5 million in savings to date with lifetime projections in the neighborhood of $73 million, the consultants said.

Additional program results cited in the presentation: the county secured just under $1.8 million in tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act; the renewable energy certificates (RECs) from county systems have produced about $36,000 in revenue to date with an expected roughly $170,000 per year and $850,000 total under the current sales agreement; and a recent utility‑account review by Procure America identified approximately $441,000 in potential ongoing annual bill reductions plus about $24,000 in one‑time reimbursements.

Consultants cautioned that market and regulatory changes — notably revisions to California’s net‑energy‑metering rules — make future solar projects harder to justify purely on savings. Russell Driver said NEM changes have reduced export credits and that future projects may shift toward decarbonization or electrification goals rather than short paybacks. Drivers also described PPA end‑of‑term options: the county may require ENGIE to remove systems, may purchase the systems at then‑negotiated price or negotiate an extension of the PPA.

Supervisor Amy Shuckley and others praised the program as a fiscal win. Staff said the projects also addressed deferred maintenance and created long‑term price stability against utility rate increases. No formal action was required; the presentation was provided for the board’s information.","County staff and consultants told supervisors the county’s solar, LED and HVAC projects have produced about $8.4 million in net savings to date with projected lifetime benefits of roughly $73 million; the presentation covered PPA terms, tax credits, REC sales and future challenges posed by changes to California net-energy metering rules.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491095,"County reports 13% overall vacancy rate; five bargaining units exceed 20% during AB 2561 hearing",1420,3805000,5225000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a&start=3805&end=5225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5738365-36c3bb1bab1ae628821859a1bf72a43a/thumbnail_3805000.jpg","/articles/6491095/Tulare-County/California/County-reports-13-overall-vacancy-rate-five-bargaining-units-exceed-20-during-AB-2561-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491095-62f07220b258c516d74e81c21a46c7a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140198&Signature=P0Ck-6D-Eetsqx09OuK9adHw~jbcXIFYvzpR4rQc4V6JT~5OivUQugkQweF5UJDvdVEjCXqKbjYLqQRlbNHT~07rsPxIOIKoT4fuv3GoYwmpKXUV5skK1PElvkOaT2EOJLjN5x8sw4pjb2lapKo~5N~AMhRxIu~ua4QALddwydfGMYiSno7z8I9MMzaE7CYmZT7Tqcl5Fx275K7mJje9~smAdSVogr~GO7zK-hJb7tCHLDp2-6VHnizASv0NzhKKan3bwBU3JwcBI-Tu1Z63pu1erflVa0VOrFTmy-phRLhi2D9kyfMRO3Hm3X37y64BBVVDddk0fNV9VxuIi4hWbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tulare County held a public hearing on Sept. 9 required by Assembly Bill 2561 to report on job vacancy rates, recruitment and retention efforts. County human resources director Lupi Garza presented workforce metrics and recruitment activity for the period July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 (vacancy data reported as of July 31, 2025).

Garza reported the county’s overall vacancy rate was 13% (about 600 vacant positions of 5,157 allocated). Five bargaining units exceeded the 20% threshold identified in state law: the Professional Association of Tulare County Physicians (57%), Tulare County Probation Association (31%), Government Lawyers (24%), Unrepresented bargaining unit (23%), and SEIU (21%). Garza said 245 full‑time employees separated during the period and the county hired 580 new full‑time employees; 201 employees were promoted internally. The county received nearly 15,000 job applications, conducted 55 written exams, 692 live scans and 109 bilingual exams. Garza corrected an earlier metric to state the average time‑to‑fill for a vacancy is 101 days (from department request to filled vacancy); the 28‑day figure cited elsewhere reflects the time to supply a hiring department with a certified list after posting.

Garza summarized recruitment and retention strategies: expanded learning and development programs, targeted marketing materials for difficult-to-fill classes, attending over 15 job fairs, implementation of a career incentive pay schedule, improvements to health benefits and a homebuyers down-payment assistance program for county employees.

Representatives of employee organizations described operational impacts. Lino Khan, speaking for the Probation Association (bargaining unit 12), said severe staffing shortages are causing frequent mandates to cover juvenile‑hall shifts, forcing probation officers off community caseloads and creating mandatory overtime that disrupts supervision and rehabilitation programming; Khan said juvenile hall staff turnover is high and up to 80% of juvenile hall staff have under two years’ experience. A speaker identifying as “Dr. C,” representing the county physicians’ association, warned physician staffing has dropped to three members in the bargaining unit and said county physician salaries are ‘‘about 25% below the average,’’ creating recruiting difficulties for replacements.

No formal collective bargaining action occurred during the hearing; the AB 2561 presentation was informational and will be used as part of the county’s annual budget and workforce planning processes. Supervisors and the CAO acknowledged the persistent staffing challenges and pointed to recent measures — including the career incentive pay — aimed at improving retention.

No formal vote was reported as part of the AB 2561 presentation; the hearing fulfilled the statutory requirement to report on vacancies and recruitment efforts.","At a statutorily required AB 2561 hearing, Tulare County human resources reported an overall vacancy rate of 13% (about 600 vacant positions) and five bargaining units with vacancy rates above 20%; union representatives testified that shortages are affecting juvenile hall, probation supervision and physician staffing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Supervisors approve zone change for 4.5‑acre Spruce/Avenue 256 site to allow commercial mixed use

Board adopts updated SB 552 water shortage and contingency plan; advocates urge clearer outreach and consolidation steps

Tulare County approves two-year tentative agreement with SEIU covering multiple bargaining units

Tulare County reports $8.4 million in energy savings to date from solar and efficiency projects; lifetime benefits projected at roughly $73 million

County reports 13% overall vacancy rate; five bargaining units exceed 20% during AB 2561 hearing