March 2015 - Lemoore Chamber of Commerce

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LEMOORE DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Lemoore LifeStyle
300 E. STREET LEMOORE, CA 93245
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
It is the mission of Lemoore Chamber of Commerce to be the leader in our community for building sustainable economic growth, advocating for a pro-business
climate and enhancing Lemoore’s working relationships with Lemoore Naval Air Station, City, Education, Tourism Business and Agricultural interests.
300 E Street, Lemoore, CA 93245 • (559) 924-6401 • www.lemoorechamberofcommerce.com
March 2015
Labor dispute at ports hits state manufacturers, farmers, even recyclers
By SHAN LI & DIANA MARCUM
LA Times Feb 17, 2015
A months-long labor dispute
between dockworkers and employers has snarled ports along the West
Coast. Some 20,000 members of
the International Longshore and
Warehouse Union have been working since July without a contract
while their union negotiates with
the Pacific Maritime Assn., which
represents major shipping lines and
cargo terminal operators.
The stalemate is hobbling businesses in California and beyond
— manufacturers, farmers, retailers and even trash recyclers waiting to receive goods or export
products using ships idling at 29
ports along the coast.
Automakers have warned that
the port impasse would slow production at U.S. factories while they
wait for parts. A Midwest fruit
distributor tweeted that it fears
running short of blueberries and
pineapples because products are
stuck on the docks. Meat and poultry exporters are being hit with an
estimated $40 million a week in
lost sales and extra costs, with up to
$45 million in weekly hide and skin
export sales lost, according to the
North American Meat Institute.
It’s a serious problem especially
for those who depend on the Los
Angeles and Long Beach ports,
the nation’s largest cargo container complex, which handles
about 40% of U.S. imports and
moves about $1 billion in goods a
day during normal operations.
Over the [Presidents Day] holiday
weekend, employers halted cargo
unloading, a move that the union
contended was to pressure dockworkers into agreeing on a contract.
Unloading resumed Tuesday as
Labor Secretary Thomas Perez met
with negotiators in San Francisco,
but dozens of huge cargo ships
remained stranded off the coast
from San Diego to Seattle.
The port stalemate is devastating for some farmers, particularly
in California’s $2.4-billion citrus
industry.
This time of the year, more
than 25% of the crop is meant
for export. But delayed shipping
has left navel oranges and lemons
rotting on ships. Chinese officials
have started refusing all citrus
trade group. “This is a train wreck.”
Companies are scrambling to figure out a Plan B and are bracing for
huge losses if the fight continues or
escalates into a lockout or strike.
On the East Coast, ports are
also slammed with companies
desperate for an alternative —
prices have shot up from an average of $2,000 per container to
more than $6,000, Nature USA’s
President, Mike Farid said.
“Even if you are willing to pay
that, and we are willing to pay,
they can’t give us a date because
they are booked up,” he said. “We
from Tulare County because they can’t give delivery dates to our
received decayed fruit, said Joel customers, our customer can’t
Nelsen, president of California
Citrus Mutual.
“This is one of the most challenging seasons we’ve faced in a quarter of
a century,” he said, noting that exports
are down 60% from the same time
Save the dates for the 15th
two years ago, when growers exported
Annual Central Valley Pizza
$385 million worth of oranges and
Festival: April 17th-19th. The
$109 million of lemons.
event will be at the City Park
Packers have cut worker
on Bush and Fox Streets in
hours, and picking has slowed or
Lemoore beginning Friday evestopped. Stranded fruit may flood
ning at 5pm.
the U.S. market, dragging down
Vendor applications, sponprices. Other countries are movsorship opportunities and
ing into foreign markets that U.S.
Giant Pizza Competition
growers can’t reach because of the
entry forms are available on
port logjam; Egypt, for example, is
the Chamber’s website: www.
shipping oranges to South Korea.
lemoorechamberofcommerce.
“When we lose customers, it takes
com, at the Chamber office on
us years to get them back. We’ve
E Street or by calling: 559-924seen that after the freezes,” said Bob
6401.
Blakely, vice president of the citrus
Saturday, March 7th, 6-9pm
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Lemoore Civic Auditorium
Sunday, March 8th
See Labor; Page 6
Pizza Fest Planning In Progress
Chamber Luncheon
Lemoore Lions Club
Mongolian BBQ
give delivery dates to retailers,
you are in this utter chaos.”
The company is looking at a
partial shutdown if it doesn’t get
more yarn in the next four weeks.
“There aren’t any options, there
are no contingency plans,” Farid
said. “There is nothing we can do.”
Pacific Play Tents and Stansport
Inc., based in Los Angeles, are in a
similar bind. The camping equipment companies have more than
$2 million tied up in tents and
other gear stacked inside 38 containers on the water near the L.A.
and Long Beach ports, said Brian
Jablon, executive vice president
The fun filled three day event
will feature children’s rides,
food and craft vendors, live
music and several special contests, including the Giant Pizza
Competition and Pizza Eating
Competition!
Wednesday, March 11th, Noon-1pm
American Legion Corned
Beef & Cabbage Dinner
Tachi Palace Willow &
Sequoia Banquet Rooms
Tuesday, March 17th, 4-6pm
Veteran’s Memorial Bldg.
PAGE 2 – March 2015
Lemoore LifeStyle
A Message from Jenny Mac
I
n the play, Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare
penned the immortal line…”Beware the Ides of
March.” Since then, superstitious people tend to dread
March 15th, (I for one don’t subscribe to the fear of
dates, though I do get a little anxious come April 15th…)
Since the assassination of the Roman dictator in 44
B.C., some other tragedies and noteworthy events have
taken place on March 15th:
In 1917, Russian Czar Nicholas II abdicated the
throne which started Bolshevik rule and ended a 304
year dynasty.
In 1939, German troops marched into Bohemia
and Moravia with little resistance, thus ending
Czechoslovakian independence.
In 1952, a world record of 73.62 inches of rain fell on
the Indian Ocean island of La Réunion during a 24 hour
period. (We sure could use some rain in the Central
Valley, but not like that.)
In 1971, CBS cancels the Ed Sullivan Show after a 23
year run on the network.
In 2003, the acronym SARS, (Sudden Acute
Respiratory Syndrome) became a household name and
created a global health crisis.
But not everything is dreadful in the month of March.
March is also National Women’s History month. It’s an
ideal time to consider the many ways in which women
have changed our nation. There was a time when a
woman’s only identifiers were mother, sister or wife.
Over the years, due to the efforts of many, women have
gained widespread recognition for their contributions
to our society. Today, women are our doctors, attorneys, pilots, engineers, law enforcement officers, art-
ists, authors, musicians, educators as well as legislators
that make our laws. That was an extreme rarity 100
years ago. The number of women-owned businesses
has grown at one and a half times the national average
for new businesses during the last decade, according to
a recent study by the National Association of Women
Business Owners.
In Lemoore alone, we can boast that we have Mayor
Lois Wynne and Superintendent of Lemoore Union
High School District, Debbie Muro. We also have many
women business owners and general managers here
in Lemoore. Just to name a few: Mariela O’LearyElite Performance, Aracely Salas- Reyna’s Restaurant,
Tracy Bressler- Bressler & Company CPAs, Virginia
Lee- Lincoln Center Market, Lynda Lahodny- Décor
a Lemoore, Gloria Morgan- Morgan & Slates, Ayla
Tidwell & Grace Garst- Blue Door Massage & Spa, Lisa
Babb- Scentsy Star Director, Tara Weaver & Bernadetta
Ruch- Navy Federal Credit Union, Frances PerkinsBest Western Inn & Suites Lemoore, Lisa Munde- Lisa
Munde Photography, Jane Barlow- Jane Barlow Real
Estate, Wendy Raygoza- Fatte Albert’s Pizza Company,
and so many more!
As CEO of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce and a
woman, I am grateful that there are influential women
who have, and continue to be, pioneers in working to
make women full participants in Lemoore and in all
parts of our society.
Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Chairperson
Victor Rosa - Lemoore Middle College High School
Chairman-Elect
Frances Perkins - Best Western Inn & Suites Lemoore
Vice Chairman
William A. Parry - Hammerschmidt Broughton
Past Chairman
Michele Costa - DaCosta Farms
CFO
Jeff Babb - Agusa, Inc.
Directors
John Miller - Ramblin' Rose Florist
John Roush - Lemoore Stadium Cinemas
Dustin Fuller - Civic Minded Individual
Deanna Patterson - Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino
Johnny Perez - Best Buy Market
Jody Ruble - West Hills College
David Endo - Lemoore Union High School District
Ex- Officio Directors
Marlana Brown - NAS Lemoore
Judy Holwell - City of Lemoore
Amy Ward - Lincoln Military Housing
2015 Labor
Law Update &
Business Library
The Chamber knows how difficult it can be to keep
in compliance with the ever shifting labor laws each
year. If you’d like to come to our office, we have a listing and explanation of each new law in our Business
Library that you can read. In fact, we have a number of
books, magazines and newsletters that we are compiling
in our Business Library that all of our Chamber Members
have access to during regular office hours. Stop by the
Chamber today and see how we can help you succeed!
Chamber
Staff
Jenny MacMurdo
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Diana Perez
Membership Coordinator
[email protected]
Brenda Martin
Events Coordinator
[email protected]
Phone: (559) 924-6401
Fax: (559) 924-4520
Website
lemoorechamberofcommerce.com
Lemoore LifeStyle
March 2015 – PAGE 3
MARCH 6th - CHAMBER TRAIN DEPOT
Members
Non-Members
$35 after January 9th
Team Building is an ongoing process that helps a work group evolve into a
cohesive unit.
DATE: March 6th, 2015
TIME: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Train Depot/Lemoore Chamber
MAY 8
DIVERSITY TRAINING...Is to increase participants cultural awareness, knowledge, and communication.
SEPTEMBER 4 DE-ESCALATION ………….……..…….…...How you respond to difficult behavior is key to defusing it.
OCTOBER 9 SALES & MARKETING……..….Your future clients are looking for you everywhere, will they find you?
March 2015
EDUCATION
is
Sunday
BACK
Monday
1
Tuesday
Wednesday
2
3
City Council Meeting
7:30 p.m.
Mooney Museum
Open Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Young Artist
Spring Concert
Kings Symphony
Orchestra- 7pm
FOURTH ANNUAL TEACHER JOB FAIR
Bring your resumes and Dress for Success!
When: Thursday, March 5, 2015
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Brandman
Hanford Campus
Mall Dr.
325
Hanford, CA 93230
15
9
10
Ambassador Mtg
1pm, Freight Room
BINGO
6:00 p.m., Senior Center
11
12
16
17
Corned Beef & Cabbage
Dinner- American Legion
Vets Memorial Bldg
18
19
BINGO
6:00 p.m., Senior Center
22
23
24
Mooney Museum
Open Noon- 3:00pm
Brandman University, a part of the Chapman University System, is a private,
nonprofit institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges (WASC) that offers academic programs both online and at over
25 campuses throughout California and Washington.
29
Mooney Museum
Open Noon- 3:00pm
1719-1209-2014
Community Swap Meet
Lemoore City Park 1
Lemoore Lions
Mongolian BBQ
Lemoore Civic, 6-9pm
25
BINGO
6:00 p.m., Senior Center
30
31
CBOD Mtg
7am
13
20
14
Shamrock Shuffle
7am check-in
21
Vets/Seniors Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Bldg.
City Council Meeting
7:30 p.m.
Contact Us
At 559-587-3446 or [email protected]
or visit us at brandman.edu/hanford
7
Vets/Seniors Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Bldg.
Vets/Seniors Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Bldg.
Chamber Luncheon
Noon-1pm
Tachi Palace
BINGO
6:00 p.m., Senior Center
Mooney Museum
Open Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Event is open to applicants seeking a teaching
position in Kings County.
Saturday
6
Business Seminar
Daylight Savings Begins
Mooney Museum
Open Noon – 3:00 p.m.
nd
2 Sunday Seminar
2-3pm
Event Details
Friday
5
Train Depot, 3:30-5pm
8
If you hold a BA degree and want to teach,
this is the event for you.
Thursday
4
26
27
Vets/Seniors Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Bldg.
Community Breakfast
8:30-10am, Tachi Palace
28
PAGE 4 – March 2015
Lemoore LifeStyle
Ron Hoggard
Above: Students of the Month Recognized at February Chamber Luncheon.
Pictured in front: Student of the Month
for January, Ethan Fouts from Akers
Elementary School for “Responsibility”. 2nd row from left to right: Student
of the Month for February, Aaron Edwards from Akers Elementary School
for “Fairness”, Overall Student of the
Month for January, Sophia Madrid
from Lemoore High School, Student of
the Month for January, Xavier Gonzales from Central Elementary School for
“Caring”, Overall Student of the Month
for January, Elizabeth Torres from
Lemoore Middle College High School.
In back: Dameane Douglas, Field Representative for Assemblyman Rudy
Salas. Left: Guest Speaker at February
Chamber Luncheon: Lemoore Police
Chief Darrell Smith and Kings County
District Attorney Keith Fagundes.
Lemoore’s New
Interim City Manager
On Tuesday, February 17th, at the Lemoore City
Council meeting, the council appointed Ron Hoggard
as interim city manager.
The council began searching for an interim manager in January of 2015, after City Manager Jeff Laws
announced that he will be retiring on March 6. Hoggard
will start work on March 2, 2015 and continue until
the council hires a permanent city manager, or he has
worked 960 hours, whichever comes first.
Hoggard previously served as an assistant city manager in Lemoore for 10 years before he was hired as
Corcoran’s city manager in 2002. After retiring in 2011,
Hoggard also briefly served as interim city manager in
Hanford in 2012.
“We were very pleased to be able to offer the interim
position to Mr. Hoggard,” said Lemoore Mayor Lois
Wynne. “He is familiar with the city departments and
staff, its history and the community. I believe he will
fit in great and be a good match for us during his time
here.”
“Ron Hoggard has a history of having a pro-economic
development approach, which is very important to our
city,” says City Planner Judy Holwell.
The Chamber is looking forward to working with Mr.
Hoggard through his time as interim and wish him all
the best.
Lemoore LifeStyle
March 2015 – PAGE 5
PAGE 6 – March 2015
Lemoore LifeStyle
California weighs new drought
rules at restaurants, hotels
By Fenit Nirappil
Associated Press
13th ANNUAL
Happy Hearts Program
In loving memory of Heather Nugent
Dear Corporate Sponsor,
The Happy Hearts Day Program began in 2003 in loving memory of Heather Nugent. She was
tragically killed in a car accident in October of 2002, just two days before her 18th birthday. The
last days of her life were spent in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Valley Children’s Hospital.
As a memorial to Heather, and in appreciation of the care and kindness that was given to her in the
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Valley Children’s Hospital (PICU), the Nugent family decided to
give something back to the Hospital.
Happy Heart’s Day at Best Buy Market IGA, Hanford, May 2nd and Best Buy Market IGA, Visalia,
May 9th
Skip will remain at his desk in the respective parking lots until he has raised $10,000 dollars with
the help of numerous volunteers. The Happy Hearts Program raised over $140,000 last year for the
Valley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in memory of Heather. Valley Children's
Hospital Mission is to provide comprehensive health care services to the Children of Central
California, regardless of ability to pay.
In addition to Happy Heart Day, we will also have The Eighth Annual Happy Heart Golf
Tournament,
The Ninth Annual Happy Heart Bowling Tournament, as well as The Second Annual Happy
Heart Car Show
(All Dates to be announced) All money raised goes directly to:
Valley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
It is our great pleasure to announce that through Council Resolution/Proclamations both
Visalia City Council and Hanford City Council will recognize the Happy Heart Program as a major
fundraiser for Valley Children’s Hospital.
Visalia City Council will declare May 9th, 2015 Happy Heart Day in the City of Visalia
Hanford City Council will declare May 2nd, 2015 Happy Heart Day in the City of Hanford
As a 3,000.00, Corporate Sponsor for Happy Hearts Program you will receive:
Your logo on the Happy Heart T-shirts worn by all Best Buy Market IGA Employees for the
month of April
Your logo on all Happy Heart Posters and Flyers
A 4 player team in our Happy Heart Golf Tournament
As a $1500.00, Corporate Sponsor for Happy Hearts Program you will receive:
Your logo on the Happy Heart T-shirts worn by all Best Buy Market IGA Employees for the
month of April
Your logo on all Happy Heart Posters and Flyers
Recognition in the Happy Heart media coverage
Our Corporate Sponsors have been truly a blessing to Happy Hearts. In the past 12 years, we
have raised over $1,000,000.00
Please join us and help raise funds for Valley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Care Unit
Respectfully,
Happy Heart’s
February 17, 2015
SACRAMENTO — Officials are considering new water restrictions as California's
drought drags on, possibly forcing residents to ask for water at restaurants and
for fresh towels and sheets at hotels.
The State Water Resources Control
Board floated the ideas at an informational
hearing Tuesday as it considers extending
and expanding mandatory water-use rules.
The board last summer imposed
emergency regulations prohibiting
Californians from washing their cars with
hoses that don't shut off and limiting how
often they can water their lawns. Board
members appeared ready to extend those
rules and add new ones Tuesday.
"I find it galling when whole sets of water
glasses end up on a (restaurant) table, even
in Sacramento," said Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the board. "The key is to get away
from very light mandatory restrictions."
The board has the sweeping power to
define when water use is unreasonable,
and it could eventually expand the definition to include using drinking water
Labor
Continued from page 1
of the businesses.
“You basically are held hostage until
you get your containers,” said Jablon,
adding that shipping companies are also
charging an extra $1,000 per container to
cover extra expenses on ships idling in the
water and unable to unload.
Redirecting ships through the Panama
Canal to Houston or elsewhere costs an
additional $2,000 a container for extra
freight and trucking costs, he said.
Uncertainty is the worst part, Jablon
said. “It’s like trying to drive a car with
a blindfold,” he said. “When my retailers
say, ‘When are you going to deliver?’ My
response is, ‘I don’t have any more crystals in my crystal ball.’”
Stansport and Pacific Play Tents are
considering tapping into a line of credit
at their bank, the first time in their history, Jablon said. Other options include
voluntary furlough days for the 46 or so
workers, or requiring employee contributions to health insurance, which is 100%
employer funded now.
to maintain golf courses and cemeteries.
Marcus said the board would likely take
smaller steps first, such as prohibiting
decorative outdoor water fountains.
Existing emergency regulations have
authorized agencies to fine water wasters
up to $500 a day, though such stringent
enforcement has been rare.
For homeowners, new rules also could
include a ban on watering lawns during
cold and rainy periods.
Some proposals presented Tuesday
targeted businesses, such as requiring
restaurants to only serve water on request
and telling hotels not to automatically
provide guests with fresh towels and
sheets every day. Some cities have similar
rules already in place.
The board has considered making some
water restrictions permanent with the
prospect of future droughts looming.
"We definitely need permanent regulations," said Frances Spivy-Weber, the
board vice-chairwoman. "I just don't see
how we can enter the next 30 years with
climate change without them."
The board could consider the extension
of restrictions next month and take up
other possible regulations later in the year.
“We told them you are probably not
going to get bonuses,” Jablon said. The
goal is to avoid layoffs, he said.
Port congestion is clogging operations
of typically under-the-radar industries — such as recyclers. City Fibers,
which ships massive amounts of paper,
plastic and metal all over the world, has
been renting extra space since autumn to
house the backlogged material, said Brett
Jones, director of sales and procurement.
The Los Angeles company usually
exports about 10,000 tons a month, but
that fell about 40% in the last three months
of 2014, Jones said. The sales decline combined with the extra warehouse costs meant
City Fibers lost money in the last quarter.
If the stalemate drags on into spring,
City Fibers may be forced to cut employee
hours, and potentially even stop accepting the lowest-value materials that only
countries in Asia will accept.
“China consumes the developed world’s
scrap and raw commodities,” he said. “If
you can’t get to the world’s largest consumer, then it becomes a problem.”
[email protected]
[email protected]
Copyright © 2015, Los Angeles Times
Lemoore LifeStyle
March 2015 – PAGE 7
Veterans Corner:
California Veterans Benefits
C
alifornia offers many benefits
to its veterans. The College
Fee Waiver Program offers
children and dependents of serviceconnected disabled or service-related
deceased veterans a waiver of tuition
fees for California Universities, and
State and Community Colleges.
Benefits are awarded on an "academic
year" basis, and are based on the stuJoe
dent’s income. Students are required
Wright
to reapply each year for continued benefits.
CAL-VET Loan Programs provides
low-cost, low interest financing to eligible, qualified veterans to purchase homes, farms or mobile homes for use
as their primary residence. State Veterans Homes are
available to veterans and their spouses. The veteran must
be a California resident at the time of application; must be
honorably discharged and must have served during a time
of war; must be at least 62 or disabled; must be self reliant
at the time of entry and able to live with minimal support
in residential care. Fees are assessed based upon income.
Fishing/Hunting Licenses and State Parks and Recreation
Passes are available at reduced fees. Additional Benefits
include employment and unemployment insurance assistance, business license/tax and fee waivers, property tax
exemptions, and waiver of motor vehicle registration fees.
The Kings County Veterans Service Office issues Veteran
I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Joe
Wright if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits
and programs available to veterans and their dependents.
To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit
or call our office. We can and will assist you in completing
all required application forms. You can get information on
the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service
Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com.
Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the
Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd,
Hanford, CA 93230; call 852-2669; or e-mail joe.wright@
co.kings.ca.us.
New Members
Artistic Designs
Michael Daniel
214 Heinlen St.
Lemoore, CA 93245
559-924-3476
[email protected]
Liberty Tax Service
Tim Ceballos
55 East D St, Unit G
Lemoore, CA 93245
559-345-6951
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.libertytax.com
As gas tax funds dwindle, California
looks to test charging for miles traveled
By Steve Scauzillo,
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
In the past, states could rely on the federal gasoline tax fund
to build freeway and expressway projects and also for general
upkeep of America’s ribbon of highways.
But those days are gone.
The federal gasoline tax, stuck at 18.4 cents per gallons for
more than 20 years, is being overtaken by increased demand
for new roads and repairs on the existing ones. The fund is also
quickly dwindling as less revenue is generated by the current
generation of fuel-efficient cars and electric cars.
As a result, the amount of money available to states from
the Federal Highway Trust Fund for highway construction has
declined 3.5 percent between 2008 and 2013, according to figures
compiled by The Associated Press. Highway Trust Fund (HTF)
spending dropped in 48 states, with Alaska and New York the
exceptions. In California, per capita spending from the HTF fell
during that five-year period by 10.9 percent, figures show.
A combination of smaller cars and more cars on the road with gasoline-battery hybrid technology, plus fewer people driving during the
recent Great Recession, has kept federal gasoline tax revenues stagnant
since 2007, figures show. In fact, the HTF actually has declined when
adjusted for inflation, economists say, at a time when America’s highway infrastructure is aging and desperately needs repair.
In short, states and cities can no longer count on the gas tax
funds to pay for highway projects. As a result, many states, counties and cities have upped sales tax, borrowed billions by selling
general obligation bonds and raided state coffers to pay what the
federal HTF used to fund in order to keep people and goods moving. Washington, Oregon and soon, California, are experimenting
with new ways to raise money for road repairs.
Without enough gas-tax money for filling potholes or
strengthening old freeway bridges, California turned to its own
residents and held out the hat.
In November 2006, voters in California approved $19.9 billion in
transportation funding as part of Proposition 1B. That was just the
beginning. Five Southern California counties have passed a local
transportation sales tax measure. In 2008 in Los Angeles County,
voters approved a $40 billion fund for 30 years by increasing the
sales tax by a half-cent. Most of Measure R is going to fund new
rail projects aimed at eliminating cars from freeways and roadways,
including the extension of the Purple Line subway under Wilshire
Boulevard from mid-city to Westwood; the extension of the Expo
Line Phase 2 from Culver City to Santa Monica; the extension of the
foothills Metro Gold Line from east Pasadena to Azusa/Glendora;
a future Gold Line east-side extension from East Los Angeles to
South El Monte and Whittier; and the Crenshaw/LAX line.
The funding picture turnaround is startling, local officials said.
“In the 1970s and 1980s, 90 percent of transportation funding came from the federal government. Now, 17 percent is from
the federal government and the rest is generated by sales taxes or
from the state,” Ikhrata said regarding the six counties in SCAG.
People, tired of spending time sitting in clogged freeways, are
voting overwhelmingly to fund alternatives to cars and in some
cases, freeway carpool and express lanes, he said.
New rail projects — five currently being built in L.A. County —
have consumed Measure R funds. That’s why plans are underway
to put another transit-related sales tax increase or an extension
of Measure R, nicknamed Measure R-squared, on the November
2016 ballot in L.A. County.
“Even that wouldn’t come close (to filling all of the county’s transportation needs),” Ikhrata said. “We need a federal gas fund fix. We
need a state fund fix. We need local measures to go hand-in-hand.”
California faces nearly a $300 billion bill in the next 10 years
just to bring its highways, freeways and bridges to an acceptable
state of repair, Ikhrata said.
California is preparing a VMT pilot project that would test a system that charges each driver by the vehicle miles traveled (VMT),
instead of paying the 52.9 cents per gallon state gas tax at the pump.
Washington and Oregon have already tested such as system. Last
year, SCAG estimated a VMT of $0.05 per mile would raise $110.3
billion a year for six Southern California counties: Los Angeles,
Ventura, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial.
Lawmakers in Minnesota, Utah and Missouri also are expected
to consider proposals this year that could levy a sales tax on fuel,
allowing the states to reap more revenue from rising gasoline
prices. And Michigan voters will decide in May on a 1 percent
general sales tax for transportation.
Most state are simply looking to maintain their current highway system rather than add to it, said Jim Tyman, director of
policy and management at the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials.
David A. Lieb of The Associated Press contributed to this
report.
Renewing Members
Lifeway Church A.O.G// Total Childcare Center
Bank of the Sierra
Lucky’s Mini Storage
Jane Barlow Real Estate
Morgan & Slates Manufacturing & Supply, Inc.
Brandman University
Newman-Garcia Photographic Studio & Gallery
Cash Zone, Inc. (DBA Cash Stop)
Reyna’s Restaurant
Central California Blood Center
State Farm Insurance-Fred Harrell
David A. Bush
Stoney’s Sand & Gravel
Gopher Grabbers, LLC
Thirty One Gifts
Kings Mortgage Services, Inc.
Owens Valley Career Development Center
Heritage Realtors & Property Management
Quad Knopf
Lemoore Odd Fellows
Quick and EZ
Lemoore Stadium Cinemas
PAGE 8 – March 2015
Lemoore LifeStyle
CHAMBER
MEMBERS
Instead of choosing just one business to
highlight this month, we’d like to say thank
you to all of our Chamber Members for you
support, involvement and for doing business
in our community. We encourage everyone
to shop local, shop Lemoore. With your help,
the Chamber is committed to protecting and
securing the future of Lemoore.
AAA Northern California Insurance
AAA Quality Services, Inc.
Addington Partnership, The
Advanced Pest Control
Adventist Health Community Care Lemoore
Adventist Medical Center - Hanford
Agusa, Inc.
Alderwood Apartments
All Sports Therapy
All Valley Printing
American Cancer Society-Relay for Life
American Income Life Ins. Co., Julia Cantu
American Legion Post 100
Archie & Associates
Artistic Designs
Assemblyman Rudy Salas
B & D Quality Cleaners
Bacome Insurance
Bank of the Sierra
Barlow, Jane Real Estate
Bennett & Bennett Irrigation Systems
Best Buy Market/IGA
Best Western Inn & Suites
Better Business Bureau
Big Orange Shaved Ice
Billingsley Tire, Inc.
Blair Air,Ground&Helicopter Services, Inc.
Blair Harlan Catering
Blue Door Massage & Spa
Boeing Company, Lemoore
Boston House of Pizza
Brandman University
Bressler & Company, CPAs
Burrows, Gary V. Inc.
Bush, David
C & H Productions
Cal's Catering
Carl Nelson Insurance Agency, Inc.
Carolina Evangelo Communications
Cash Zone, Inc.
Central California Blood Center
Central Coast Public Safety
Central Unified School District
Central Valley General Hospital
Central Valley Wowballs
Choice Communications
Cinnamon Square Mall
Cinnamon Villas Apartments
Clean Time Laundry
College Park Apt. Homes
Collins Air
Columbia College
Comcast Business
IN THE
Comfort Inn
CrisCom Company, The
DaCosta Farms
Daley Enterprises
Dassel's Petroleum
Dataflow Business Systems, Inc.
Décor a Lemoore
Deli-Delicious
Dominion Resources
Dutra & Silviera Properties
Education & Agriculture Together Foundation
Educational Employees Credit Union
Elite Performance
Embry Riddle Aeronautical
Ensignal, Inc.
Esajian Farming Company
Evangelho Seed/Farm Store
Family Dental Care of Lemoore
Faber, Renee
Family Eye Care
Family Health Care Network
Farm Credit West
FAST Federal Credit Union
Fatte Alberts Pizza Company
Filipino American Association of Kings Co.
First Command Financial Planning
First United Methodist Church
Foster's Freeze
Generations/Lemoore Adult Day Care
Gibson Gates & Fencing
Goodwill Industries of South Central CA
Gopher Grabbers LLC
Gordon, John W. DBA Law Office
Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP
Gunny's Sandwich Shop
Hammerschmidt & Broughton Law Corp.
Hanford Hyundai
Hanford Mall
Hanford Sentinel
Hanford Toyota
Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant
Heritage Apartments
Heritage Realtors & Property Management
J.E.R. - Dan, Inc.
Jam with Briana, Jamberry Nails
Jay's Construction, Inc.
JC Diversified Enterprises, Inc.
JC Online Herbal Products
Jeb’s Bluberry Hill
Jones, Riley
Jones Towing & Storage
Just Fit Apparel
Kathy's Tax & Notary Service
Keller Motors
King Kone Shaved Ice, King Korn/Bounce
Kings Art Center Foundation
Kings Community Action Org
Kings County Area Public Transit Agency
Kings County Association of Governments
Kings County Board of Realtors
Kings Co. Board of Supervisors, Joe Neves
Kings Co. Economic Development Corp.
Kings County Farm Bureau
Kings County Tax Assessor
Kings County Trophy & Engraving
Kings Dental Group
Kings Eye Center
Kings Fair
Kings Lions Club
Kings Mortgage Services, Inc.
Kings Rehab Center. Inc.
Kings Symphony Orchestra
Kings United Way
Kiwanis Club of Lemoore
LaChatita
Lakeview Apartments/Abra Management
Lemoore Assembly of God
Lemoore Auto Supply, Inc.
Lemoore BMX Raceway
Lemoore Canal & Irrigation Co.
Lemoore Christian Aid
Lemoore City Councilman, Ray Madrigal
Lemoore Dental, Mark Davis DDS
Lemoore Elderly Apartments
Lemoore Elementary School District
Lemoore Food Locker
Lemoore Hardware
Lemoore Leader
Lemoore Lions Club
Lemoore Mini Storage
Lemoore Oddfellows Lodge #280
Lemoore Presbyterian Church
Lemoore Real Estate & Prop Mgmt
Lemoore Recycling
Lemoore Seniors Inc.
Lemoore Stadium Cinemas
Lemoore Tax Service
Lemoore Union Elementary School Dist.
Lemoore Union High School Dist.
Lemoore Van & Storage
Lemoore Villa Apartments
Lemoore Youth Soccer
Leprino Foods
Liberty Tax Service
Lincoln Center Market
Lisa Munde Photography
Liscomb Jr., Dr. Jesse R., M.D.,
Lost Sock, The
Lucky's Mini Storage
Lucky Star Ranch
Luis, Manuel
M. Green & Company, LLP
MIQ School Parent’s Club
Master Storage
McCann & Sons
Meyer Valley Farms/Farmer’s Fury
Motel 6
Momentum Broadcasting
Montgomery Crossing Apartments
Morgan & Slates Mfg/Sply
N.E.P.P.S. Mini Health Spa
Navy Federal Credit Union
Nelson, Carl Insurance Agency, Inc.
New Boba Island
Newman Garcia Photographic Studio
Newton Farms
Olam Spices & Vegetable Ingredients, Inc
Owens Valley Career Development Center
Pacific Employers
Palermo, Kathy
Peace Officers Down Benefit
Pedersen Farms
People's Funeral Chapel
Pereira Farms
Pereira's Jewelry & Design
PG&E
Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel
Plain Insane Graphix
Proteus, Inc
Quad Knopf
Quick & EZ
R & J's Machine Shop
R. S. Martinez Hay Sales Inc.
Ramblin' Rose Florist
Recurrent Energy, LLC
Reed Electric
Remington, The
Rent-A-Toilet
Reyna’s Restaurant
Robinson's Interiors-Carpet One
Rodrigues Pump Company
Ron's Auto Shop
Rossiter Realty Group
Rotary Club of Lemoore
Royal Car Care, Inc.
Sasser Specialties
Scentsy Ind. Consultant, Lisa Babb
Senor Pancho's
Sequoia Beverage Co.
Sequoia Inn
ServiceMaster by Benevento
Shaw’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
SHRM of Tulare-Kings County
Sissy’s BBQ & More
Son, Bill Picker Service
South-West Private Patrol, Inc.
South Valley Real Estate
St. Peter's Catholic Church
State Farm Insurance Co., Fred Harrell
Stoney's Sand & Gravel LLC
Sushi Table Asian Bistro
Super Mercado Leon
Tachi Palace Hotel/Casino
Tanglewood Apartments
Thirty One Gifts
Travelodge Lemoore
TTL Computer Networking
Tule Trash Company
Union Bank of California
United Rentals
United Health Centers
Valley Animal Haven
Valley Business Bank
Valley Gutters
Verheul, Eric W. P.T.
Villa San Joaquin Apartments
Visalia Emergency Aid Council
Visalia Rawhide Baseball
West Hills Community College District
West Valley Supply
Yahne, Robert J. P.T.