Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 1

If you think banks arent lending Youre not talking to the right bank.
No matter what your business needs, Visalia Community Bank is the right bank. We offer: Lines of credit for working capital Lines of credit for inventory Loans for purchase of commercial property Loans to help purchase equipment And, we are a Preferred Lender with the Small Business Administration, so we have a variety of programs to meet your financing needs.

Best of all, lending decisions are made locally.

Discover the advantage of doing business with a community bank.

VCB loan officers Beth Adler, Vernon Barr and Blayne Hammond bring a combined 63 years of banking experience to your business team. Call today to find out how we can help your business!

www.vcb.com
2 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Member FDIC

(559) 625-8733

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 3

4 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 5

VISALIA

EXPLORE

Inside This Issue

8. About Downtown Visalia 10. Annual Events Downtown 12. Downtown Map 14. Dining Guide 16. Shopping Guide 20. Activities 24. Sequoia Day Trips 26. Nightlife 28. Historic Walking Tour 30. A Remnant of Years Past 31. History of Visalia 32. DowntownVisalia.com 34. Key to a Secure Downtown 36. Tourists Arrested 37. Mother of the Year 38. Medical Center Keeps Leading

Every effort has been made to be accurate at the time of printing. Please accept our apology for any errors or omissions and report them to the Downtown Visalia Alliance info@downtownvisalia.com or call 559-732-7737. Please do not reproduce or use any of the materials in this publication. All Phone Numbers Are (559) Unless Otherwise Stated. Contributors Kelly Jawn Hauert, Elaine Martell, Terri Palomo, Michael Penner and Eric Cribbs
6 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Sales and Marketing Brittany Breviere, Business Development Representative Downtown Visalia Alliance Art & Production Eric Cribbs, www.cribbsproject.com 559-308-6277 Printing Services Jostens Commercial Printing 559-651-3300 or 800-332-9725

Visitor Centers Downtown Visalia Alliance

103 N. Court Street Visalia, CA 93291 559-732-7737 www.downtownvisalia.com Visalia Chamber of Commerce 220 N. Santa Fe Street Visalia, CA 93291 559-734-5876 www.visaliachamber.org Convention & Visitors Bureau 303 E. Acequia Avenue Visalia, CA 93292 559-334-0141 www.visitvisalia.org

Driving Directions
Coming from the North Take CA-99 South toward Bakersfield Take exit 97 for CA-198 West Merge onto CA-198 East Take exit 107A to merge onto CA-63 N/W Noble Ave toward Cutler Orosi/Kings Canyon Turn left at South Court Street Coming from the South Take CA-99 North toward Fresno Take exit 96 to merge onto CA-198 East toward Visalia/Sequoia National Park Take exit 107A to merge onto CA-63 N/W Noble Ave toward Cutler Orosi/Kings Canyon Turn left at South Court Street

Visalia Airport

Daily Non-Stop Flights Los Angeles & Las Vegas Great Lakes Airlines, flygreatlakes.com 800-554-5111
SACRAMENTO SAN FRANCISCO

FRESNO

Visalia
Visalia KINGS CANYON SEQUOIA N.P.

BAKERSFIELD

LOS ANGELES

SAN DIEGO

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 7

Downtown

About

Visalia
Who are we?

Downtown is microcosmic of the community reflecting image, pride and the prosperity of its residents. A vibrant healthy downtown is a powerful tool when recruiting new residents, businesses and professionals.

Visalia was rated in the top 100 communities by Relocate America for its great music, culture, arts and entertainment, as well as many shopping and dining venues. Visalias Downtown received an honorable mention as one of Californias Best Downtowns (by Urban Planning) on the Best and Worst Downtowns list saying, Its one to watch. Downtown is the transportation hub of the community. The newly enlarged Transit Center provides bus services, a downtown trolley, connection to Amtrak, and nationwide Greyhound Bus services. Visalia supports the use of alternative transportation. Visalia is a designated bicycle friendly community offering miles of bike routes and trails. Downtown scored Visalia successful. Downtown Visalians was a 98 out of a possible 100 rating for being a formed in 1963 by the merchants. They focus pedestrian-friendly downtown. on events and marketing campaigns which heighten awareness. The Downtown Visalia In a cultural arts survey conducted by the Property Owners Association, formed in 1998 City of Visalia, residents chose downtown as is concerned with business and economic their second favorite place to take visitdevelopment, public safety and maintenance ing friends and family. Their first selection of public and private properties. The newest was Mooney Grove Park. Downtown has association is the Downtown Visalia Founfour locations where the shuttle to Sequoia dation. Their primary goal is to increase National Park can be boarded; the Transit awareness of the arts and entertainment Center, Visalia Convention Center, downtown and to provide outdoor public art Marriott Hotel Visalia and the Comfort for everyone to enjoy. Suites Hotel. For more information on the Sequoia Shuttle call 1 (877) 287-4453.

How do we do it?
8 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Three dedicated volunteer non-profit organizations work together to make Downtown

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 9

GET UP TO DATE EVENTS BY VISITING

Annual Events Downtown

January Orchestra Tulare County Symphony
The Tulare County Symphony begins their season of world class performances and each with a different theme. The year begins and ends at the Historic Fox Theater and there are also concerts held beneath the stars in outdoor settings such as Mooney Grove Park. www.tcsymphony.org

WWW.DOWNTOWNVISALIA.COM

February Art Trolley Tour Sofa Art Tour & Sofa

Arts Visalia describes it as a playful depiction of art. In response to an unflattering article by a newspaper about the local art scene, a class of college students was challenged to make real sofa art for an exhibition and what emerged was a popular event now in its 17th year. www.artsvisalia.org

March Farmers Market (thru October) Tulare County

Every Thursday there is a live band, specialty handmade gifts, nuts, fruits, jams and of course; fresh produce straight from the farm. Dont miss special events like the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest in August and Art in the Alley. Thursdays on Church Street at Main from 5 to 8 p.m. www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

April & BBQ; FREE Music-First Friday (thru Oct) Blues, Brews
Your Friday Nights Just Got A Whole Lot Better. This well respected music event provides blues music by regionally touring bands in an outdoor setting at the Garden Street Plaza. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and includes barbeque and refreshments for sale. www.DowntownVisalia.com

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May Lions Club Car Show on Main Street September Breakfast The Original Taste of Downtown Visalia
There is perfect weather for the largest car show in the Central Valley. It begins with a $5 pancake breakfast by the Boy Scouts and ends with a custom car cruise. www.visaliabreakfastlions.org

June (Tour Our Urban & Rural Sites) Visalia TOURS

This annual event moves to the third Tuesday in September. A trick or treat for adults this palate pleasing event offers 30 tastes from main courses to desserts. It is from 5 to 9 p.m. with a wine and beer tasting until 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. Preorder by phone with a Visa or MasterCard 732-7737. www.DowntownVisalia.com

The weather is usually in the 80s and 90s (low humidity) which makes it a great time to explore the unique things only found in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Tours available include murals, historic sites, the Kaweah Oaks Preserve, Farm Tours 2011-12 and the Farm Trails Tour. You can also receive a copy of Visalias Bicycle Paths & Trails (self-guided brochure) and make a tour of your own. As the Gateway to the Sequoias, Visalia is only 45 minutes from the majestic Sequoia National Park which offers more than 15 programs for visitors. Information is available at all visitor centers and online. www.DowntownVisalia.com

October and Taste the Arts The Waiters Race

This wacky event Waiters Race, is fun for the entire family. There are plenty of spills, cheers and jeers as servers take to the streets to compete for prizes by running with trays of beverages in hand. The event is sponsored by Events Visalia. The next two days the arts align with agriculture to create and demonstrate for participants in Taste The Arts, an event now in its 2nd year. The events are held Thursday thru Saturday. www.artsvisalia.org and www.visaliaarts.com

JulyCelebration July 4th

The Mineral King Bowl on Conyer at Mineral King lights up as the City of Visalia sponsors a spectacular display of fireworks and sounds with a tremendous finale second to none. www.ci.visalia.ca.us/depts/parks_n_recreation

November Candy Cane Lane Parade

August Series Baseball Cal Ripken World

August 11 through 20 Visalia will host the World Series Championship for 12 year-olds, a title they won in 2002. The Riverway Sports Park is a new 80 acre complex which boasts 4 lighted baseball fields. To the east is a beautiful view of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Visitors will be welcomed with more than 50 restaurant choices and plenty of shopping Downtown; plus two major malls in Visalia. www.baberuthleague.org/world-serieslocations.html

The largest and longest running nighttime holiday parade in the Central Valley is viewed by an audience of approximately 30,000. It is held on the Monday following Thanksgiving. There are 100 parade entries including horse drawn carriages, floats, antique cars, bands and clowns. The event begins at 7 p.m. and ends with the arrival of jolly Saint Nick. Chairs and blankets are encouraged. www.DowntownVisalia.com

December Every Thursday Holiday Open House

Explore the magic of Downtown Visalia for the holidays. Each Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. guests will enjoy horse drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa Claus, caroling and strolling musicians. There is always exceptional service as you shop and take a break to savor the cuisine and specialty beverages at one of our more than 50 restaurants. www.DowntownVisalia.com
Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 11

Welcome to Downtown Visalia

1. Pacic Employers 2. Visalia Community Bank 3. Valley Bible Fellowship at the Fox Theatre 4. Janeens Furniture Gallery
STEVENSON ON JOHNSON CONYER
16

Provident Skate Park SCHOOL

5. Marcelas Home Store 6. Quality Jewelers 7. Annabelles Bridal Boutique 8. Kaweah Delta Hospital 9. p.s. i love you too 10. Downtown Visitor Center 11. Marriott Hotel Visalia 12. Pampering by Cindy, Maggie and Breanna 13. Comfort Suites 14. Las Palmas Restaurant 15. Downtown Rookies Sports Bar & Grill 16. Rawhide Baseball 17. Hobbs-Potts & Associates
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12 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Library
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HIGHWAY 198
To Sequoia National Park To Kaweah Oaks Preserve To Lake Kaweah & Three Rivers

Emergency: 9-1-1 Downtown Security: 559-804-9634 Downtown Information: 559-732-7737 Visalia Transit : 877-404-6473
Downtown Visalia Is Bicycle Friendly Log on to: www.ci.visalia.ca.us/depts/parks_n_recreation for bike path maps.

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 13

Dining
American
AcequiA on Main 211 W. Main 739-1039 Lunch Box, The 112 N. Court Main Street Caf 233 W. Main Steves Place 112 W. Main Tazzaria Bistro 208 W. Main Valhalla 314 W. Center Brewbakers Brewing Co. 219 E. Main 627-2739 Crawdaddys 333 E. Main 625-5300 Double LL Steak House 401 E. Center 627-1126 Downtown Rookies Sports Bar & Grill 215 E. Main 732-1200 Jack & Charlies 204 E. Oak 738-5752

Downtown Visalia

635-8624 741-1171 741-9901 636-1618 627-2113

Asian
Akamaru Japanese Restaurant 120 W. Main 739-8227 Canton Chinese Restaurant 419 E. Main 732-5716 Gumbo Chinese Buffet Express 101 S. Court 732-4263 Hong Kong Restaurant 417 E. Center 734-5393 Lum Lums 417 E. Center Visalia Tea Garden 325 E. Main 733-5292 734-3604

Watsons Veggie Garden 615 W. Main 635-7355 Zhuo at the Marriott 300 S. Court 636-1111

14 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Bakery
Bothofs Bakery 221 E. Main Frosted Muffin, The 108 S. Church 734-9458 786-2886

Subway Sandwich Shop 110 W. Main 625-5000 Taco Bell #1029 421 W. Acequia Taqueria El Mejor 129 N. Court 732-0395 635-0600

Italian
Fugazzis 127 W. Main 625-0496

Little Italy Restaurant & Caf 303 W. Main 734-2906 Rosas Italian Restaurant 314 S. Johnson 732-6707

Gourmet Desserts and Wedding Cakes 110 S. Church 318-7658 Picnic Shop Bakery 114 W. Main 734-1847

Taylor Bros. Hot Dogs 206 N. Encina 732-2781 Togos/Baskin Robbins 423 W. Main 733-7448

Mexican/Southwestern
Alejanrdras Restaurant 314 W. Main 636-3215 Boleros Mexican Cocina 229 E. Main 732-2535 Colima Mexican Restaurant 111 E. Main 733-7078 El Tarasco #2 208 W. Main 622-8525

Casual
A & W Drive In 301 N. Willis Checkers Restaurant 401 W. Acequia 625-1513 733-4227

Coffee House/Juice Bar

210 210 W. Center Juice Appeal 211 W. Main 739-9010 741-1455

Main Street Stone Creamery 211 W. Main 741-1455 Montes Express 316 N. Court 733-4102

Pizanos & Visalia Coffee Co. 129 E. Main 732-6333 Starbucks 110 W. Main 625-4750

Henry Salazars Fresh Mex Grill 123 W. Main 741-7060 Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant 309 E. Main 734-5405

Picnic Sandwich Shop 114 W. Main 734-1847 Quiznos 200 E. Acequia 738-9505

Continental
Caf 225 225 W. Main Depot, The 207 E. Oak Tommys Restaurant 130 N. Encina Vintage Press, The 216 N. Willis 733-2967 732-8611 627-6077 733-3033

Rio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse 104 E. Main 625-1155

Smittys Awesome Hot Dogs 302 W. Main 738-8817 S.P.s Burgers & Mexican Food 100 S. Church 627-9777

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 15

Shopping
Apparel/Shoes
Browns Shoe Fit Co. 201 W. Main 734-4152 Discovery Shop, American Cancer Society 110 W. Main 627-1955 Diva Chic Boutique 202 E. Acequia Essentials 110 W. Main Girlfriends Boutique 110 E. Main Hot Gossip 119 N. Court 636-3482 738-8444 635-9900 624-1902 Links Mens & Womens Wear 115 E. Main 732-4858 Rendezvous 312 W. Main 734-3422 Chelsea Street Boutique 114 E. Main 734-7467 Claudias Closet 202 W. Main 627-8000 Simply Chic Boutique 100 E. Main 735-3184 Sugar Plums Boutique 218 W. Main 624-0103 Trendz Boutique 207 W. Main 636-8739 Diamonds & Pearls Fashion Boutique 207 W. Main #B 734-1061

Downtown Visalia

16 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Bridal/Tux
Annabelles Bridal Boutique 200 W. Main 625-2303 Brides N Maidens 205 W. Main Janeths Bridal 125 N. Court Tux 4 You 112 S. Locust Tux N Tails 111 S. Locust Whats Up Europe 125 E. Main 733-3472 627-4200 635-9600 627-3104 625-0335

Main Street Coin Co. Inc. 204 W. Main 734-8840 p.s. i love you too 119 W. Main 734-9647

Franeys Design Center 121 N. Encina 733-9990 Janeens Furniture Gallery 220 W. Main 625-8884 Marcelas Home Store 214 W. Main 622-0987 Ziayas Uniq Imports 215 W. Main 636-8647

Pacific Treasures & Gourmet 219 W. Main 733-0213 Sequoia Cigar Company 111 N. Locust 738-8115 Ultimate Aquarium, The 217 W. Main 741-1745 Valhalla Gifts 314 W. Center Velouria Records 109 E. Main 627-2113 625-8000

Jewelers
Acapulco Jewelers 221 W. Main Bernays Jewelers 123 S. Church J. A. Burgess Jewelry 125 S. Church Luis Jewelers 112 W. Main 732-9336 733-4027 732-4854 625-1788

Crafts/Gifts/Florists
Beverlys Fabrics & Crafts 217 E. Main 627-5456 Central Valley Healthy Snacks 209 W. Main #C 624-1233 Chavez Balloons 329 E. Main ColorSpot 112 E. Main Clay Cafe 225 E. Main Clay Studio Art Zone 316 S. Bridge Creative Flowers 124 N. Willis Estate Sale Central 114 W. Main 738-0577 625-4677 733-2022 739-2789 627-0370 625-0512

Health
Center for Integrated Medicine 725 W. Main 625-4246 Jons Optique 114 W. Main 734-2020

Michaels Custom Jewelry 316 W. Main 734-7079 Quality Jewelers 213 W. Main 734-0606

Kaweah Delta Medical Center 400 W. Mineral King 624-2000 Natures Pharmacy 207 W. Main #A 734-2478

Raphaels Fine Jewelry & Design 109 W. Main 625-2080 Stephens Jewelry 105 W. Main 627-6565

Town Center Pharmacy 535 W. Acequia 734-5893 Watsons Nutrition Center 617 W. Main 732-3866

Photography/Framing
Mikes Quality Cameras 105 E. Main 733-3882 Photography & Video by TMc 111 W. Main 732-5895

Home/Office Furnishings
Fantastic Furniture 115 S. Locust 627-3858

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 17

PhotoMeneage/CJ Hopper Photography 208 W. Main 595-9691 Roy Dressel Photography 115 W. Main 734-2110 Third Element Studios 121 E. Main #303 967-2453 Sharples Frames, Art & Awards 118 S. Court 733-4304

Hair Unlimited 122 N. Willis Ka-Lazh Hair Designs 121 S. Church Kymms Day Spa 210 S. Johnson #C Loft, The 111 S. Court #101 Metropolis Body Spa 115 W. Main #B Metropolis Salon 117 W. Main Nails by Farrah 113 N. Church #305 Our Place Salon 210 N. Floral

732-1832 627-4742 739-1523 734-5638 622-0208 622-0808 972-2009 739-0479

Sporting Equip./Apparel
Beat Wear 411 W. Main Midtown Sports Inc. 117 E. Main 627-5722 733-1818

Palominos Music & NFL Shop 218 N. Floral 635-7560 Sierra Bicycle Werks 123 E. Main Surplus City 315 E. Main 741-0700 734-8113

Salons/Day Spas
Akari Skin & Body Care 113 N. Church #219 679-4484 Art of Nails 113 N. Church #407 Bliss Essentials 108 S. Court Bolings Barber Shop 112 S. Church 300-8063 280-6220 679-8816

Hospitality
Americas Best Value Inn 623 W. Main 636-3171 Comfort Suites 210 E. Acequia 738-1700

Renaissance Salon & Day Spa 421 W. Main 627-1174 Sacred Tiki Studio 607 W. Main Salon 525 525 W. Main #E Salon de Estee 111 N. Bridge 741-9070 738-9940 735-0111

Cindy Rouch Massage 113 N. Church #408 909-2802 Color Me This 113 N. Church #416 972-3485

Marriott Hotel Visalia 300 S. Court 636-1111

Miscellaneous Services
Midtown News (convenience store) 129 S. Church 734-3533 One Hour Martinizing 717 W. Main 732-6254 Paragon Cleaners 119 S. Willis 734-3424

East to West Hair Artistry 225 E. Main 635-1466 Eclectic Chic 207 W. Main 627-5411

Salon Envy & Boutique 809 W. Main 732-7900 Serenity Salon & Spa 319 W. School Skin Lab 114 S. Locust Velvet Sky 208 W. Main #8 732-7256 732-7546 635-7590

Estes Institute of Cosmetology 324 E. Main 733-3617 Estillo Salon 106 S. Church Exotica Hair Studio 301 W. Main 731-7972 635-1360

Smart & Final (grocery) 600 W. Center 625-9044 UPS Store, The (postal & shipping) 120 S. Church 625-5710

FREE BAKERY ITEM

WITH PURCHASE OF A SPECIALTY DRINK

Cultivating Life Through Conversation, Art, and Music

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210 HAS THREE UNIQUE MEETING SPACES EACH ONE HAS ITS OWN STYLE & FEATURES IMPRESS THE MASSES WITH OUR UNIQUE ATOMOSPHERE & STYLE. IF ITS 5 OR 205, WE HAVE AN AMAZING STAFF THAT LOVES CARING FOR PEOPLE. NEED CATERING... WE CAN DO THAT TOO. MENTION DVMSPACE

NEED SPACE?
TAKE 50% YOUR FIRST TIME

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210life.com

18 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

COFFEE | CLAYTON

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 19

Activities in

Visalia
www.rollertowne.com Roller Town 520 S. Linwood Street 733-8686 Special skate night every Friday with door prizes, games.

Rawhide Baseball 300 N. Giddings Street 732-4433 Class A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The new park was named 3rd best in the nation in 2010. www.rawhidebaseball.com Regal Cinema Stadium 10 120 S. Bridge Street 741-7290 The latest first run movies. An Independent & Alternative Film Series (Spring, March-April & Fall, Sept-Oct). Free parking. www.regmovies.com Plaza Park Sprint Car Racing 700 S. Plaza Drive 651-5114 Sprint car racing at its best April through November www.plazaparkraceway.com Sam B. Pea Planetarium 2500 W. Burrel Avenue 733-6871 Warped-Media digital projection system, 360-degree full-dome video. www.tcoe.org/ImpactCenter/Planetarium.shtm Clay Cafe 225 E. Main Street 733-2022 Ceramic artistry by you. Art classes are available. www.claycafevisalia.com

Clay Studio Art Zone 316 S. Bridge 739-2789 A variety of activities for all age groups. Clay, Potters Wheel, Kids Party Zone, Pinching or Coil Hand-building. www.claystudioartz.com Provident Skate Park 345 N. Jacob Street 713-4586 Beginners thru advanced skaters. Full pads and head gear required. No charge. www.ci.visalia.ca.us/depts/parks_n_recreation/ Tulare County Library 200 W. Oak Street 713-2700 Childrens Library wing restored. Computer and internet access. www.tularecountylibrary.org Visalia Adventure Park Highway 198 at Akers Avenue 5600 W. Cypress 635-7275 Batting cages, bumper boats, lazer tag, miniature golf and arcade games, plus all in one location. www.adventurepark.com ImagineU Interactive Childrens Museum 700 E. Main Street 733-5975 Fun multicultural hands-on learning experiences. www.imagineumuseum.org

AMF Visalia Lanes 1740 W. Caldwell Avenue 625-2100 Fun, active, casual entertainment for the whole family. Join a league, have a party or a family night out. www.amf.com/visalialanes

20 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Galleries
Arts Visalia 214 E. Oak Avenue: 739-0905 www.artsvisalia.org Brandon-Mitchell Art Gallery 117 So. Locust Street : 625-2441 www.spiritualawarenesscenter.com Jon Ginsburg Gallery 606 N. Bridge Street : 733-9329 www.thecreativecenter-visalia.org

Enchanted Playhouse Theater 307 E. Main Street: 739-4600 Childrens theatre featuring delightful plays like The Phantom Tollbooth and A Walk in the Park www.enchantedplayhouse.org Fox Theatre 300 W. Main Street: 625-1369 Historic theatre hosts everything from the latest concerts to the Tulare County Symphony. www.foxvisalia.org Ice House Theater 410 E. Race Avenue: 734-3900 Plays range from provocative subjects and varying formats to musicals and humor. www.visaliaplayers.org Visalia Convention Center 303 E. Acequia Avenue: 713-4000 Home to everything from luncheons, dances and concerts to the largest home shows and business expos in the region. www.visitvisalia.org

Multifunctional Venues
210 210 W. Center Street: 739-9010 Hosts and produces a number of different venues from concerts to poetry reading in a comfortable coffee house setting. www.210life.com

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 21

Pacific Employers
306 N. Willis Street Visalia, CA 93291 Phone 559-733-4256 Fax 559-733-8953 Toll Free 800-288-0441

www.pacificemployers.com peinfo@pacificemployers.com

Labor & Safety Consulting

22 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 23

The National Parks are just 45 minutes away including: Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Cedar Grove, Grant Grove, Giant Sequoia National Monument. About The Parks:
The three sisters is composed of Kings Canyon National Park to the north, Sequoia National Park above Visalia and Sequoia National Forest to the south. The parks feature 38 giant Sequoia groves, hundreds of caves, 865,000 acres of wilderness, and 850 miles of trails. The General Grant Tree is a sight to see at 30 feet in diameter, 275 feet tall and 2,300 years old. It was named the National Christmas tree by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926.

DAY TRIPS

SEQUOIA

Getting There:

By car go East on 198 from Highway 99. The Sequoia Shuttle runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. $15 per person round trip & includes park fee. Call 1-877-BusHike (877-287-4453) for reservations.

Locations Downtown to board the Sequoia Shuttle are:

Visalia Convention Center 303 E. Acequia Ave. Downtown Visalia Transit Center 425 E. Oak Ave. Downtown Visalia Comfort Suites 210 E. Acequia Ave. Marriott Hotel - Visalia 300 S. Court St. Road Conditions & Weather: 565-3341

Discover:

Boyden Cavern - 888.965.8243 Delve into a marble canyon below ground. Crystal Cave - 559.565.3759 Explore underground beauty. General Grant Grove - 559.565.3341 Trek the General Grant Tree Trail to Fallen Monarch. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway - 559.565.3341 Rivers and redwoods along Highway 180. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park: www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Park Entrance Fees:

The parks are open year round. (Access to some areas may be closed due to weather.) Entrance fees are $20 per vehicle or $10 per person for a 7 day pass. An annual pass is $30 and admits all passengers in a private vehicle.

24 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Activities:

Snow play areas include Wolverton, Big Stump and Columbine. Snow shoe and skiing equipment information & rentals: 559-565-4480 Fishing is plentiful in the summer. Fishing permits are required and can be obtained at most sporting goods stores. Camping in the Sequoia National Forest is allowed in designated areas. There are 14 camp grounds and 800 camp sites. Most are first come, first served. Some take reservations up to 6 months in advance. 1-877-444-6777. A wilderness permit is $15 for activities outside of designated areas.

Tours:

Blue Sky Aviation - 559.685.7405 www.bluesky-aviation.com Sequoia Sightseeing Tours - 559.651.4189 www.sequoiatours.com

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 25

Nightlife
The after-hours place to be is Downtown Visalia. Throughout the week, a variety of live music from local artists and international talent can be found at one of the many eclectic hot spots downtown. Going out with friends gets more exciting with extensive wine lists, specialty bars and award winning bartenders all located within walking distance. Whether interested in a quiet night out or a high energy evening adventure, Downtown Visalia has what you need.
Boleros Mexican Restaurant, Bar 229 E. Main - 732-2535 *Blitz Sport Bar 115 N. Locust - 627-2239 *Brewbakers Brewing Company 219 E. Main - 627-2739 www.brewbakersbrewingco.com Caf 225 California Bar & Grill 225 W. Main - 733-2967 www.cafe225.com *The Cellar Door 101 W. Main - 636-9463 www.cellardoorvisalia.com
26 Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012

Downtown Visalia

Fugazzis 127 W. Main - 625-0496 www.fugazzisbistro.com Henry Salazars Fresh Mex 123 W. Main - 741-7060 www.henrysalazars.com Jack & Charlies 204 E. Oak - 738-5752 www.jackandcharlies.com, *Lum Lums Chinese Restaurant, Bar 417 E. Center - 733-5292 Tommys 130 N. Encina - 627-6077 www.tommysdowntown.com The Vintage Press 216 W. Willis - 733-3033 www.thevintagepress.com *Visalia Brewing Company 112 W. Main - 734-2739 Zhuo at the Visalia Marriott 300 S. Court - 636-1111 www.zhuomarriott.com *Live Entertainment Offered.

*Crawdaddys 333 E. Main - 625-5300 www.crawdaddysvisalia.com *The Depot 207 E. Oak - 732-8611 www.depotvisalia.com Double LL Steak House 401 E. Center - 627-1126 Downtown Rookies Sports Bar & Grill 215 E. Main - 732-1200 El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant, Bar 208 W. Main - 622-8525

Destination Visalia, CA | 2011 / 2012 27

Walking Tour
As you peruse this shortened version of the self-guided walking tour of Downtown Visalia, your imagination will come alive as you read about the visual and collective memory of Visalias rich heritage. A copy of the full self-guided walking brochure is available at the Downtown Visalia Alliance office at 103 North Court, just north of Starbucks on Court and Main, and on our web site www.DowntownVisalia.com

Historic

Fort Visalia: Oak and Santa Fe

In the fall of 1852 a group of pioneers built a stockade known as Fort Visalia on the north bank of Mill Creek. One of the builders describes the structure: The lumber for this stockade was obtained by cutting down mammoth oak trees which grew in great profusion, splitting them in half, and setting them on end, side by side, in a trench three feet deep. The turned sides of the logs were turned to the outside and the earth tapped in around the bottom in such a manner as to make them secure against a battering ram. The stockade was about 60 feet square and tents were pitched inside the walls. A tunnel was dug underneath the wall for admittance and emergency exit.

Visalia Saddle

219 East Main is the location of the still famous Visalia Saddle shop. In the 1860s Mexican saddle makers of this area developed a new saddle for the working vaquero. In 1887 a local newspaper described the shop as The largest of its kind with saddles, bridles, spurs, bits and harnesses displayed and of the best kind. Saddles are being shipped to all parts of the country. The Visalia Saddle is still known and much sought after among collectors and lovers of western lore.

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Visalias First Hotel

100 East Main is the site of one of the first hotels in Visalia appropriately named Visalia House. It has been reported to have had a dining room on the first floor and a large open sleeping area on the second floor. Patrons brought their own pallets or bedrolls and didnt require any furniture. In the 1600s the second floor was remodeled and small individual sleeping rooms were added. In 1879 L.A. Johnson purchased the hotel, razed it and rebuilt, naming it Hotel Johnson which burned down in 1968. It was replaced by a very modern hotel structure which was eventually replaced by the Bank of America building you see today.

Butterfield Stage Stop

The Butterfield Stage arrived in Visalia October 8, 1858 with the US mail from St. Louis via San Francisco. The stage had only one

passenger, a special correspondent for the New York Herald. The following is an excerpt from his article. The next town of importance is Visalia, which is 47 miles from White River and about 100 miles from Tejon and the first town from Tejon. There are a few adobe houses, and the population is about 500. The place is situated in an oak grove, sometimes called Four Creeks, which seldom have much water. There are a number of New Yorkers in the town, and I took a glass of lager, which made me feel quite at home. Though it was nearly midnight when we arrived the news spread rapidly and we soon had a cordial greeting. Before we left they gave us the anvil salute, which was quite new to me. This is the first evidence of any enthusiasm along the route since we left Fort Smith and the rousing cheers they gave us as we drove off ought to be remembered in the history of the town, so I hereby immortalize them. It is believed that the stage station was located inside in a hotel known both as the Exchange House and the Overland Hotel.

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Downtown

Murals
Downtown is home to a variety of murals many of which were painted by students as a summer project. Murals and their locations can be found at www.DowntownVisalia.com.

A Remnant of Years Past

On some curbs downtown, you will find a number of horse rings. There are still 12 of these remnants of very early Visalia embedded into the original granite curbs. Since horses were the means of transportation to early settlers, a secure parking place was required for their horses, so hand-forged iron rings were the solution to this problem. As the 19th century approached, Visalia had nearly 3,000 inhabitants who quickly embraced a new mode of transportation and automobiles quickly outnumbered horses. Get a Historic Walking Tour brochure and a map of horse ring locations at the Downtown Visalia Alliance at 103 N. Court or check: www.downtownvisalia.com

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History of Visalia
NATHANIEL VISE gave his name (or the name of Visalia, Kentucky which is the town he came from) to this fair city around 1852. In a letter of that year he wrote, The town contains from 60 to 80 inhabitants, 30 of whom are children who already attend school. The town is located upon one of the subdivisions of the Kaweah (River) and is destined to be the county seat of Tulare. In the easy-going days between 1856 and 1860 it is estimated that about 6,000 miners passed through Visalia en route to the gold fields up north. According to legend and some old photos, the town was a ramshackle collection of buildings. There were no sidewalks, paving, sewers or streetlights. Dwellings were separated by dense growths of brush, weeds, briars and a general tangle of wild vegetation. Residents took advantage of the mining traffic by providing accommodations and transportation for these hardy and often rowdy souls. The miners, whether successful or down on their luck, were always thirsty and willing to take another chance. Building upon this trade, saloons and gambling halls flourished. Dance halls were encouraged so travelers could avail themselves of any number of games and companionship designed to relieve them of their coin. Just when the gold rush had begun to slack off, the Civil War took its place. Soldiers, supply trains, scouts and quartermasters replaced the miners in the saloons and dance halls. As business increased through these hectic years, there became an obvious need for keen lawyers, shrewd merchants, skilled physicians, teachers and preachers.

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DowntownVisalia.com
By Michael Penner
There is so much that goes on in Downtown Visalia that its easy to get lost in the wilderness of flyers and ads that abound when things start to really kick into gear. The downtownvisalia. com website is like the Discovery Channel of our citys heartland, without the subscription fee or commercials. The website is constantly updated, making it easy to learn about all that goes on in the downtown area so that people can find exactly what they are looking for. While everything about the site is helpful and informative, there is also a strong fun factor in its socially interactive areas such as uploading photos and videos, commenting on restaurants and shops, and participating in online contests. One such contest, Downtown Showdown, drew hundreds of submissions and thousands of visits to the site. It also garnered the Downtown Visalians (DTV) an award by CalFest, an organization that strictly evaluates downtown websites on a number of aspects with fun being high on the list. The site also reaches out to businesses as a means to help them compete and succeed online. Research shows that, as of 2009, less than 46% of small businesses have a website*. This means it is still impossible for the browsing public to get a true view online of all a city has to offer. It also means that those owning websites are in a very strong strategic position on a wide open field. Downtownvisalia.com decided to turn this
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situation into an advantage for its members by providing a fully interactive web page for every business it lists. Resources it offers businesses are at least as extensive as what it offers to the general public, and both aspects of the site continue to grow at a rapid pace.

Does it work?

The DTV can tell you, definitively, yes. They closely track visitor statistics, including what pages get the most visits and when those visits occur. For example, during the period leading up to Prom Night, two businesses that cater to young ladies in this regard received a significant amount of traffic to their downtownvisalia.com pages. The traffic spike was so pronounced it clearly identified which downtown businesses are considered the best for Prom Night success. Downtownvisalia.com continues on an aggressive evolutionary path with the completion of an ambitious phase II rollout that makes improvements to both what the public experiences and how the site is managed by DTV staff. Like any competitive venture, the website will continue to remain sensitive to its marketing environment, anticipating where improvements are needed, and adapting to assure that downtown businesses and their patrons are well served online. *Ad-Ology.com

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Downtown

Key to a Secure

Security; according to Webster it is defined as The state or feeling of being safe and protected. It is a key ingredient for having and maintaining a viable downtown. For the past 12 years, bike patrols have been performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days a year throughout the 72-square block area which is the heart of downtown. These men and women are the eyes and ears of the Visalia Police Department. There is not a better witness to a crime than these trained security officers. says, Downtown Commercial Policing Officer Dominic Mena. Downtown Visalia has one of the most progressive crime prevention programs in the United States. One of their most important functions is to control
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Their dedication to downtown, the safety of business owners and visitors, along with their professional demeanor, set us apart from all other downtown programs. Kelly Hauert, C.E.O. Downtown Visalia Alliance

Most of our security officers take a security position to gain experience to eventually become a police officer. According to Downtown Security Coordinator Scotty Shewman, 8 of our security officers have gone on to work in some form of law enforcement either as police or sheriff officers or as guards at incarceration facilities. Operations meetings are held monthly with a representative from each group made up of police, hospital, business and property owners, and the City of Visalia. They share reports on criminal activity, maintenance and graffiti removals. This allows adjustments to be made in the programs and issues to be handled quickly. With this type of coordination and cooperation, Downtown Security and the Commercial Policing Program are as effective as possible. It shows in the annual numbers where both graffiti and security incidences have continued to decline. The group is proactive and works together as a team. This is why downtown has continued to be safe and friendly. said Operations Chairman Fred Biane. You can tell a city is healthy if it has a vital downtown full of public activity and Downtown Visalia is certainly full of life, day and night, said Operations Director Elaine Martell. I think we have our Downtown Security, at least partially, to thank for our success.

nuisance crimes. These are things like panhandling, loitering, graffiti, skate boarding and bicycling in posted zones. All of this is done by knowing what to look for and incorporating preventative measures. Problems are usually handled by officers through the use of counseling. In this way, the security officer is able to diffuse 99% of the problems. Another big part of their job is public relations. They must be visible and interact with business owners as well as visitors.

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Arrested
It starts in the morning with a stakeout along Highway 198. A Visalia Optimist and a Visalia City Police Officer watch for out-of-state license plates. What are they looking for? A law abiding traveler out to explore new adventures. As part of the Out-of-Towner program a traffic stop is initiated and the visitor is invited to be a guest for 24 hours to experience Visalias hospitality. Generally we look for a vehicle with two or more occupants that might accept an invitation to spend some time as our guests. says Jack Hayslett, program Chairman. The experience includes a free tour of downtown on the Visalia Towne Trolley, gifts of local products, Downtown Gift Checks for a downtown shopping spree and a dinner in the guests honor. The day ends with a free night stay at the luxurious Visalia Marriott. The following morning, the guests enjoy breakfast at Valhallas Restaurant and are then released on their way. For the past 30 years families from all over the country as well as Europe, the Middle East, Mexico, Canada and Holland have been guests of the Optimists. One couple was so excited about the program that they took the newspaper clipping home to implement a similar program in their community. So if it is early fall and you have an out of state license plate, keep your fingers crossed that you are stopped by the Visalia Police Department and an Optimist Club member so you can be the lucky Out-of-Towner. For additional information contact Jack Hayslett, Out-of-Towner program chairman, at 732-9808 or visit: www.visaliaoptimist.com.

Tourists

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Mother
Meet Gretchen one of the nicest, friendliest German Shepherds youll ever meet in spite of her cruel treatment from humans. When she was found, she was tied to a tree, abandoned, pregnant and starving yet , beyond all reason, she loves everyone. While at Valley Oak SPCA she gave birth to seven healthy puppies. Gretchen and her brood were able to get into foster care but because Gretchen was very dehydrated and depleted of nutrients, she had to be hospitalized for a time (she weighed just 46 lbs). She joined her puppies and all are flourishing. Gretchen will be going to her new forever home as soon as she is spayed and the puppies are weaned. The puppies are a part of a Puppy Starting pilot program. During this socialization and training time they will have two puppy vaccinations, learn to wear collars, be introduced to a leash, know how to sit and will be socialized with men, women, children, other dogs and even cats. After graduation, they will be ready for their very own forever home. For more information about adoptions and other services offered through Valley Oak SPCA visit them online at www.vospca.org.

SPCA:

of the

Year

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Services Key

State-of-the-Art

To Hospital

Success
The Kaweah Delta Health Care District consists of 4 campuses and has the largest acute care hospital in the county. Anchored by a 452 bed Level III trauma center, the hospital is equipped to provide comprehensive emergency medical services. It is the only Level III trauma center in Kings and Tulare Counties and recently received another prestigious designation bestowed to only the best facilities in the world. In April 2011, the American Nurses Credentialing Center recognized Kaweah Delta Health Care District through their Magnet Recognition Program. Magnet designation honors health care organizations that provide nursing excellence. Kaweah Delta is only the 23rd organization in California to earn the award, the only facility in the San Joaquin Valley serving adults and children with the status and it is one of little more than 380 facilities worldwide to achieved this designation.

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Medical Center Keeps Leading

There are several significant projects planned by the hospital over the next few years. Below is a short list of some of those improvements slated for the Downtown Visalia campus. Completion of the 5th and 6th floor of the Acequia Wing in 2013 will add 48 beds. The operating room expansion will add 3 surgery rooms increasing capacity from 10 to 13. This is scheduled to be completed in 2013. Applications and the design for construction of a helipad is working its way through the planning process. The hospital is trying to start and complete construction in 2012. Everything is contingent on gaining a number of approvals from agencies which include: Cal Trans, the Federal Aviation Association, the Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development and the City of Visalia. A remodel of the existing outpatient surgery, patient prep and recovery areas located in the main hospital are part of an ambulatory surgery (outpatient) expansion project expected to be completed in 2013. The next tower on Acequia Street will begin to go through the planning stages. The hospital anticipates completion of the construction within 10 years. This and other development projects by the hospital are dependent on demand, technology advances, physician recruitment and funding. The Graduate Medical Education Program, a medical residency, is scheduled to accept the first residents in 2013. The first two specialties are family and emergency medicine. The applications have been submitted and hospital officials anticipate site visits to start next year.

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