County News 2010

December 23, 2010

Tulare County Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught issued the following statement Wednesday regarding potential health risks for flood and standing water:

With all flooding, potential health risks may be present.  In general, flood and standing water may be contaminated by sewage, animal feces, pesticides/insecticides, fertilizers, oil/gasoline, and other hazards.  Flood and standing water contaminants could lead to infectious diseases, chemical exposures, and injuries. 

There have been more than 30 road closures throughout unincorporated Tulare County in the past week due to flooding. Ten of the roads have been reopened. Click on "read more" to view list of closures and openings.

December 20, 2010

Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) officials announced today there are a number of road closures throughout unincorporated areas in Tulare County due to major storm systems passing through the San Joaquin Valley.

Below is a list of road closures in Tulare County due to flooding. Additional road closures will be provided as they are identified.

December 15, 2010

Tulare County is taking precautionary measures in anticipation of a series of winter storms, forecast by the National Weather Service to begin impacting the area on Friday and last well into next week.  Heavy precipitation and localized flooding in flood-prone areas are possible with this series of storms.  To properly prepare residents for the incoming storms, Tulare County is providing locations where residents can obtain sandbags, and is taking extra steps to identify potential problem areas. 

Sandbag materials are available at the following Tulare County facilities, beginning on Thursday, December 16th, through the duration of the storms:

December 14, 2010

Multiple Tulare County government offices will observe their furlough days beginning next week through the end of December.

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved the 40-hour unpaid furlough program for themselves and approximately 500 unrepresented employees on July 21. Last year, the Board of Supervisors also approved a 40-hour unpaid furlough program for employees represented by unions that extend into the 2010-11 fiscal year. The 40-hour - equivalent to five 8-hour days in one fiscal year - unpaid furlough equates to a 1.923 percent salary reduction for the 2010-11 fiscal year.

On Dec. 24, all County offices, with the exception of essential services, will be closed for the holidays.

December 14, 2010

Tulare County Human Resources & Development Director Tim Huntley announced today at the Board of Supervisors meeting that he will retire after more than 40 years of public service. Huntley said his last day will be Friday, December 17.

Rhonda Sjostrom, who has served as the county's assistant human resources director for the past year, has been named the interim Human Resources & Development Director, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors announced today. Sjostrom has been with Tulare County since 1987, where she has held management positions in the County Administrative Office and Human Resources.

"We appreciate the wealth of experience that Tim brought to Tulare County and believe the county benefitted tremendously under his leadership," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Worthley.

December 13, 2010

The Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB) announced last week the awarding of $115,000 to fund training for employees of manufacturing companies in Tulare County.  The training will be in several areas, including technology, leadership, communications, and sanitary procedures.

“The manufacturing sector in Tulare County offers great economic impacts for the region,” said Adam Peck, Executive Director of the WIB.  “We are very pleased to be able to assist these companies by improving their existing workforce.”

December 7, 2010

Tulare County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, Rita A. Woodard, would like to remind tax payers that the first installment of secured property taxes delinquent date is December 10, and of the convenient payment options available.  

December 7, 2010

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors today awarded $100,000 in grant funding to eleven non-profit organizations throughout Tulare County through the Step Up Youth Activities Grant Program.

The County-sponsored program is intended to foster prevention and intervention programs that work with gang affiliated or gang exposed youth in Tulare County. 

"The Board of Supervisors is pleased to fund these programs that provide positive experiences for Tulare County’s youth," Chairman Worthley said. "I commend each organization for the hard work that they do in making a difference for our youth."

December 7, 2010

Tulare County took an important step to replace an aging water distribution system in the unincorporated community of Seville.

At its Dec. 7 meeting, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the submission of a grant application to seek more than $1 million in Federal funding for the replacement of deteriorating distribution lines and water storage facilities in Seville, otherwise known as the Seville Water System Rehabilitation Project.

November 24, 2010

District Four Supervisor Steve Worthley was reappointed Nov. 23 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve an additional four-year term on the Commission on State Mandates.

The objective of the Commission on State Mandates is to fairly and impartially hear and determine if local agencies, including counties, cities, and school districts are entitled to reimbursement for increased costs mandated by the State.

Supervisor Worthley said he appreciates the opportunity to be just one of two members’ statewide representing local governments to be appointed by the governor to serve on the commission. Laguna Niguel City Councilmember Paul Glaab is the other official representing local government on the commission.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve local government on this commission which deals with critical issues of finance and fairness,” Supervisor Worthley said.

November 24, 2010

Rita A. Woodard, Tulare County Registrar of Voters, would like to announce to all Tulare County residents that the final results for the November 2, 2010 General Election have been certified.  The certification was completed today.

All results and Vote By Mail status lookup can be located at www.tularecoelections.org

November 24, 2010

Tulare County is currently experiencing colder temperatures, and is working with both State and local agencies on advising how residents can prepare themselves, their family members, and their animals for the possible effects of the inclement weather by providing information for shelter and care. 

Tulare County Office of Emergency Services is closely monitoring reports issued by The National Weather Service, and is advising residents to take precautionary measures against the cold. To protect yourself in extremely cold weather wear several layers of clothing, travel with caution and be alert for the symptoms of exposure.   Monitor family members and those around you who are at greatest risk from exposure, such as seniors, young children and people with underlying illnesses or chronic conditions.