After months of controversy, Tulare County adopts 3 Rivers bear‑resistant cart ordinance over community objections
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Summary
The board adopted an ordinance designating a 3 Rivers bear management area and requiring bear‑resistant carts/enclosures; residents and community groups testified that the proposal was developed with inadequate community engagement and would raise residential rates 30–40% while shifting maintenance costs to customers. The board approved the ordinance 3–2.
Tulare County supervisors on Nov. 18 voted 3–2 to adopt an ordinance adding bear‑resistant cart and enclosure requirements in the designated 3 Rivers bear management zone. The decision followed extensive public comment from residents and advocates who said the ordinance was drafted without adequate community collaboration and would increase residential rates and customer costs.
Guillermo Hermosa, administrative services officer for Solid Waste, outlined the department’s requests: adoption of an ordinance to add article 14 to chapter 3 part 4 of the county code, designation of the 3 Rivers bear management zone, and directing the clerk to publish the required ordinance summary. The ordinance had been introduced Oct. 28 and was set for adoption at the Nov. 18 meeting.
Multiple residents told the board the ordinance would raise residential cart service rates “30 to 40%” and shift replacement and maintenance costs to customers while allowing commercial accounts different treatment. Elizabeth Holiday urged the board to consult counsel about alleged factual misstatements and contract inconsistencies. “If passed, it would raise residential cart service rates by 30 to 40% with no public benefit,” she said.
Solid Waste staff responded that designated cart models would be supplied by the hauler and that enforcement tools and time‑of‑placement rules (containers set out no earlier than 5 a.m. on pickup day) were included in the ordinance. Some board members said the ordinance aimed to reduce hazardous bear incidents; others raised concerns about affordability, warranty and long‑term surcharges.
Supervisor McCarrie, Supervisor Vanderpool and Supervisor Townsend voted in favor; Supervisors Shuckling and Valero voted against. The motion passed 3–2.
What’s next: Clerk will publish the ordinance summary as required by law; Solid Waste staff said they will continue working on implementation details and enforcement procedures.
