Business News 23 Summer 2015

A PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMMER 2015

THE SPIRIT OF ‘45 PARAMOUNT COURT CELEBRATES WWII VETS

ISSUE 23

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CONTENTS W.A.C.E. AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

115 S. Golden State Blvd.

Turlock, CA 95380

9

209-632-2221 Fax 209- 632-5289 Hours: Mon. - Fri. • 10am - 4pm

10 Community Fireworks return to CSUS 11 President’s Circle Award 12 Workforce Demand for ag majors 13 Water State water board restrictions 14 Scoreboars Legislative voting records 16 Economy Turlock economy growing 17 Valley Business Forecast 19 Legal ADA Lawsuit forum 20 Development Dust Bowl expansion 21 Events

PRESIDENT / CEO

Sharon Silva sharonsilva@turlockchamber.com OPERATIONS AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Amanda Theis amanda@turlockchamber.com

COVER PHOTO BY CANDY PADILLA ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON DR. SCOTT COLQUHOUN IS ONE OF THE MANY SPECIALISTS WHO PRACTICE AT THE TOWER HEALTH & WELLNESS.

First Annual Bacon Week New Chamber members Business Turlock’s New Vision Pharmacy The Udder Place Tri County Flooring

Real Estate Sidewalks and real estate Ribbon Cuttings Mixers

Chamber Chamber Ambassadors Members for 5 to 10 years

Health Heat-related illness

22 Published & designed by The Turlock Journal 138 S. Center St., Turlock, CA 95380 209-634-9141

23 25 26 27 28 29 30 BUSINESS NEWS

4

SUMMER 2015

over C Spirit of ‘45

CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO everyone who helps make this Chamber the success that it is, especially our Board of Directors, and our partners over the years.

Partnering with Emanuel Medical Center to inform small business owners of the impending changes in line with the Affordable Care Act, as well working with our legislators in hosting a forum to help our members learn what they can do to prevent frivolous Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits, are just two ways the Chamber has worked to help our members this year.

The Chamber’s sole focus has always been in advocacy for our members. This year the Chamber made a big decision after learning that our new city leadership was going to request a 90-day notice to cancel our contract to operate the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

After many weeks of conversation and consideration, the Chamber realized that moving out of the partnership and contract with the City would allow the Chamber to dedicate more time and resources to build a closer relationship with our members and aid in economic development initiatives.

I am also looking forward to watching the skies of Turlock once again light up on the Fourth of July, thanks to a partnership with California State University, Stanislaus. Together, we will bring the cherished holiday event back to the Turlock campus this year. I want to thank the City as well for its partnership in sponsorship and contribution for the event.

I am not sure what the next six months will bring, but as of June 30, I will be retiring as the President/CEO of the Chamber. At the request of the Board, I will be staying on in the executive role, as the CEO, to ensure a smooth transition of power to a new leader. The Chamber of Commerce will remain a passionate advocate for our members and a resource for the business community in education, legislative advocacy and economic development.

Thank you for the opportunity to give service for the past 20 years to this GREAT community.

Sharon Silva, IOM, ACE

Over the past sixteen and half years I have

had the honor of serving as the President/CEO of the Turlock Chamber, eight years as the director of the Downtown Association and the PBID, with three of those years serving as the CEO of all four organizations, which included the Convention and Visitors Bureau. I had the privilege of being a part of this wonderful community during a period of growth and through hard times when there was financial PRESIDENT & CEO restraints for our city, state and nation.

Having the privilege to work with outstanding leadership over the years is what made Turlock a community that was looked at all over the state of California as a star. The first six months of 2015 has brought a lot of changes, not only for the Chamber but our community at large, but some things remain constant — like the Chamber’s dedication to serving its members by putting them first. The mission of the Chamber is to promote a positive business environment in the greater Turlock area, by being the voice of business, staying on top legislative issues, and helping our members keep up with everchanging human resources laws.

Over the past several years the Turlock Chamber of Commerce has received many recognitions for its efforts to achieve our mission.

This year was no exception. Seventeen Chambers across the state received the President’s Circle Award. We were one of eight to have received the award all seven years it has been presented. The award is given to Chambers that excel in business advocacy and with helping members comply with employment laws. I am thankful for

SHARON SILVA

President/CEO

Watch.

209magazine.com BUSINESS NEWS

5

SUMMER 2015

2015 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KYLE KIRKES CHAIR Kirkes Electric

STEVE GEMPERLE TREASURER Gemperle Enteprises

JAMES BRENDA JKB Energy

MIKE ROMEO Romeo Medical Clinic

ANOKEEN VARANI Dental Spa

EILEEN HAMILTON Hamilton Farms

GUILLERMO RAMIREZ Las Casuelas Memo’s Cocina

JOHN LAZAR. Former Mayor of Turlock Century 21 Realtor

LAZAR PIRO Piro Trading International

JERRY POWELL PMZ Realtor

MIKE LYNCH Mike Lynch Consulting

ROBERT RODARTE US Bank

ASHOUR BADAL CSU Stanislaus

SAM DAVID Assyrian American Civic Club

PAUL PORTER Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green

2015 TURLOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

SHARON SILVA PRESIDENT/CEO IOM, Institute for Organization Management, University of Arizona, Bachelor Arts Organizational Communication

2015 CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

BA Government Sacramento State

UPCOMING EVENTS 4th of July Fireworks at CSU Stanislaus July 4

Allen Mortuary Emanuel Medical Center Garton Tractor, Inc. Gemperle Enterprises JKB Energy / Living Kirkes Electric MedicAlert Foundation Tower Health and Wellness Turlock Journal Turlock Scavenger Company / Turlock Recycling Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Oak Valley Community Bank BUSINESS NEWS

AMANDA THEIS OPERATIONS AND GOVERMENT RELATIONS

Mixer - Thorsen’s Plumbing Heat & Air July 21 Eggs and Issues Breakfast August 5 Mixer - Smith Chevrolet Cadillac August 18 Mixer - Prodigal Sons & Daughters September 15 6

SUMMER 2015

MeetAmanda Theis

STAFF

T

aking the position of Operations and Government Relations coordinator at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce is a homecoming for Amanda Theis.

The Turlock-raised Theis attended Sacred Heart School, Turlock High and two years at California State University, Stanislaus, before moving to the State Capital to finish her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Government at Sacramento State.

Theis’ interest in government landed her a position as a Senate Fellow for Senator Bob Dutton, before becoming a Legislative/Communications Aide for Assemblyman Jim Patterson. While working with Assemblyman Patterson, Theis managed the legislator’s 2013-14 Legislative Package, which included

11 pieces of legislation.

More recently Theis served as a Communications Consultant for the Assembly Republican Caucus, where she drafted speeches, press releases, media advisories and letters for 28 Assembly members. She also developed and executed communication strategies and social media plans in order to increase awareness of state-related issues.

Theis said she took the position at the Chamber of Commerce because it allows her to “combine her government experience with the business side of things and get more involved in the Turlock community.”

“I am looking forward to getting more involved in the business community,” said Theis. ◆

BUSINESS NEWS

7

SUMMER 2015

COVER

Paramount Court

celebrates the Spirit of '45

BY SABRA STAFFORD

P

aramount Court Senior Living will be feting the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in patriotic fashion with the Spirit of ‘45 event.

This will mark the third year the facility has held the memorial celebration, but this will be the first time it will be open to the public at large. Since it is also the 70th anniversary, the celebration is going to be especially festive.

“We’re going to be going big for this one,” said Cheryl Fantazia Gerhardt, the marketing director of Paramount Court and one of the organizers of the exhibit.

On Aug. 14, 1945, the news broke that Japan had surrendered and the war was at an end. In cities and towns across the country there were spontaneous celebrations, including the now iconic image of the kiss in Times Square. The Spirit of ’45 is a national movement aimed at rekindling that feeling of pride. The celebration remembers and recognizes the service men and women who served their country in WWII. It also honors all the men and women who helped serve the war effort from the home front.

“They deserve this recognition,” Gerhardt said. “For so long many of them did not talk about their experiences, but now they get such joy out of educating the youth.”

The Turlock event will be held from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15 at Paramount Court at 3791 Crowell Road. The festivities at Paramount Court will include recognition of area WWII veterans from local dignitaries, including Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth.

There will also be a bevy of military vehicles on display and a keynote presentation from U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Charles Blanks, a motivational speaker and the brother of Billie Blanks, the Tae-Bo fitness guru.

The celebration also will include music from students at California State University, Stanislaus, activities for children, veteran and military organizations on site, a raffle and a lunch.

“We’re hoping to have a lot of community involvement and show the veterans how much we appreciate their service,” Gerhardt said.

The event is being sponsored in part by ER Vine, the Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Center, Dr. Robert Johns, Turlock VFW, Bristol Hospice and Whitehurst, Norton, and Dias Funeral Service. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Paramount Court is also taking registrations for area veterans interested in participating.

For more information contact Cheryl at 664-9500. ◆

BUSINESS NEWS

9

SUMMER 2015

“We’re hoping to have a lot of community involvement and show the veterans how much we appreciate their service.” ­—Cheryl Fantazia Gerhardt

COMMUNITY

BY ALYSSON AREDAS

“It’s great to bring the event back to campus, where it started decades ago.”

California State University, Stanislaus will once again host a Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

­­—Sharon Silva

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

I

f there is one thing that tough economic times cannot stop, it is tradition.

After a five year hiatus, the aweinspiring Fourth of July fireworks show will once again be welcomed at California State University, Stanislaus—thanks to a collaborative partnership between the Turlock Chamber of Commerce and the university.

“We’re really excited to partner with the university because it’s such a wonderful venue,” said Sharon Silva, president and CEO of the Chamber. “It’s great to bring the event back to campus, where it started decades ago.”

CSU Stanislaus President Joseph F. Sheley is not only excited to welcome back the longstanding fireworks show to campus, but to continue building an enduring relationship between the university and its community.

“We’re very happy to be partner-

ing with the Chamber to bring this tradition back to campus,” Sheley said. “We’ll be celebrating our nation’s history while at the same time providing the community a great place to have fun. In the past we’ve referred to ourselves as a hidden gem. With this event and others like it, I think you can get rid of ‘hidden.’ In still challenging budget times, we are committed to showing the community that this is their university.”

After running the celebration for 24 years, the university announced back in 2009 that it would no longer be able to host the annual fireworks show, which cost an approximate $50,000 to produce, due to lack of funding and sponsors.

Upon hearing news of the fireworks’ discontinuation, Silva stepped in to continue doing the annual show at a different venue— the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

“I felt that it was something that BUSINESS NEWS

10

SUMMER 2015

had been a tradition in Turlock for many years,” said Silva. “So when the university originally made the decision to no longer continue doing the fireworks, I wanted to make sure that the fireworks continued.”

Although the fireworks are moving back to their original venue at the university this year, Silva still emanates gratitude for the fairgrounds, which made sure the tradition continued in difficult economic times.

“We are just so grateful for the fairgrounds and how they worked with us to make sure the fireworks continued in our community,” said Silva. “If they hadn’t stepped forward, we would not have been able to have a fireworks show in Turlock for the last five years.”

The Fourth of July celebration will kick off at 7 p.m. at CSU Stanislaus.

The event will be free of charge and the university will provide parking at no cost. ◆

earns

statewide recognition for seventh consecutive year

BY KRISTINA HACKER

T

he California Chamber of Commerce recognizes the efforts of outstanding local chambers every year with the President's Circle Award.

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce was one of 28 chambers to receive the prestigious award this year and one of eight to have received the award all seven years it has been presented.

The award recognizes chambers for excellence in business advocacy by

publishing voting records of their state legislators on key business issues, generating letters to state elected officials on issues of interest to members and helping their members comply with California employment laws.

"The Turlock Chamber is very excited about the accomplishment of receiving this award, " said Turlock Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sharon Silva.

"We are a voice for the business community,

BUSINESS NEWS

through working with our legislators and being a part of a statewide business coalition," she continued.

Helping busin e s s e s n av i g at e t h e ever-changing laws and regulations regarding human resources is also something the Turlock Chamber takes pride in doing right.

"We help our members stay current with new labor laws, like the new paid sick leave law taking effect July 1 and offer

11

SUMMER 2015

them tools to be compliant," said Silva.

The President's Circle Award isn't the only award the Chamber has received this year. In February, the Turlock Chamber was recognized by the Western Assoc i at i on of C h amb e r Executives with an honorable mention for its 90-minute video communicating the value of the chamber. â—†

WORKFORCE

PHOTO BY ALYSSON AREDAS/ The Journal

G

BY ALYSSON AREDAS

raduating from college can be a scary concept for most students, especially for those who do not have a job lined up once they receive their diplomas.

However, a recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture is sure to take a load off the shoulders of 21 students who graduated from California State University, Stanislaus’ Agricultural Studies Department in May. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new report showing tremendous demand for recent college graduates with a degree in agricultural programs with an estimated 57,900 high-skilled job openings annually in the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and environment fields in the United States.

According to an employment outlook report released by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Purdue University, there is an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher in agriculture related fields, 22,500 short of the jobs available annually.

"There is incredible opportunity for highlyskilled jobs in agriculture," said Vilsack. "Those receiving degrees in agricultural fields can expect to have ample career opportunities. Not only will those who study agriculture be likely to get well-paying jobs upon graduation, they will also have the satisfaction of working in a field that addresses some of the world's most pressing challenges. These jobs will only become more important as we continue to develop solutions to feed more than 9 billion people by 2050."

The report projects almost half of the job opportunities will be in management and business. Another 27 percent will be in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics areas. Jobs in food and biomaterials produc-

CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies graduates are relieved to know that they will more than likely have a job right after graduation, thanks to a recent report by the USDA stating the number of high-skilled job openings in agriculture related fields throughout the nation outnumber the amount of new graduates by 22,500 annually.

tion will make up 15 percent, and 12 percent of the openings will be in education, communication, and governmental services. The report also shows that women make up more than half of the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment higher education graduates in the United States.

According to Agricultural Studies Department Rolland Starn Endowed Chair Oluwarotimi Odeh, this report, although it reflects national numbers, is also applicable to the local region.

“There is an increasing

BUSINESS NEWS

12

SUMMER 2015

number of ag-related job openings in the area, however, a majority of these openings require technical skills and versatility because of the increasing use of technology in the food and agricultural industry and the global scope of the industry,” said Odeh.

“Ag r ic u lture to d ay is changing and becoming more complex and data driven. It is quite different from the traditional, localized ‘farming’ that existed decades ago,” continued Odeh. “Hence, CSU Stanislaus has a big role to play in filling the openings.” ◆

WATER

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

T

BUSINESS NEWS

13

SUMMER 2015

amount required. Other nearby towns with the same reduction rate include Merced, Modesto and Riverbank.

“Turlock’s residents and businesses have done an excellent job of conserving water over the past seven years but it’s imperative that we do more,” said Cooke in April. “However, these are desperate times and require desperate measures.”

Some of these "desperate measures" instituted by the SWRCB for businesses include not only asking restaurant customers if they want water, but also requiring hotels and motels to offer their guests the option of not having their linens and towels laundered daily.

Commercial, industrial and institutional properties that use groundwater must also make some concessions as they are mandated to reduce their water by 25 percent or restrict outdoor irrigation to no more than two days a week. While no reporting is required of these properties, they must maintain documentation of their efforts.

"We have to face the reality that this drought may continue and prepare as if that's the case," stated SWRCB Chair Felicia Marcus in a release in May. "If it rains and snows next winter, we celebrate. If the drought continues, we’ll be glad we took difficult but prudent action today." ◆

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED/ The Journal

he days of sitting down at a restaurant and immediately being served a glass of water may be a thing of the past as the State Water Resources Control Board has instituted emergency conservation regulations restricting such luxuries in light of California’s worsening drought conditions.

On the heels of Governor Jerry Brown’s Executive Order issued on April 1 mandating a 25 percent reduction in potable urban water use statewide, the SWRCB released water use restrictions targeted at bringing the Governor's order to fruition in May. These regulations identify how much water communities in California must conserve based on their average residential water use.

Turlock’s per capita water consumption is at an all time low as the City is pumping the same volume of groundwater as it did 20 years ago, despite an increase in population by 20,000 residents said Director of Municipal Services Michael Cooke to the Turlock City Council in April. However, it is not conservative enough as a statewide comparison shows Turlock as one of the more than 100 towns that needs to conserve 35 percent, the highest

The State Water Resources Control Board has instituted emergency conservation regulations including mandating that restaurants ask customers first before pouring them a glass of water.

SCORECARDS

1.

03/10/2015 APPOINTING THE PARKS, ARTS & RECREATION COMMISSION Y NO VOTE Y TO ADMINISTER THE 2015 COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM FORMERLY ADMINISTERED BY THE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, WITH FINAL APPROVAL BY THE CITY COUNCIL.

GARY SOISETH

STEVEN NASCIMENTO

MATTHEW JACOB

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM

BILL DEHART

MEETING

AMY BUBLAK

TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL VOTING RECORD

Y

Y

2. 4/14/2015

APPROVING AN AMNESTY PROGRAM FOR CARGO CONTAINER PERMITS THAT WOULD DELAY THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE UPDATED TURLOCK MUNICIPAL CODE FOR A PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS.

Y Y Y Y Y

3. 4/14/2015

PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF A MOBILE FOOD FACILITY PERMIT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY LOCATED IN CERTAIN DOWNTOWN OVERLAY DISTRICTS.

Y Y Y Y Y

4 4/28/2015

DETERMINING NO CHANGE IN THE 200 BED CAP ON EMERGENCY SHELTER BEDS IN THE SB2 EMERGENCY SHELTER OVERLAY DISTRICT IS REQUIRED.

Y Y Y Y Y

5. 4/28/2015

Y Y Y Y Y APPROVING A LONG-TERM AGREEMENT WITH STANISLAUS COUNTY FOR THE REGIONAL SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN.

DISTRICT 5 JIM DEMARTINI

DISTRICT 4 DICK MONTEITH

DISTRICT 3 TERRY WITHROW

BOARD AGENDA ITEM

DISTRICT 2 VITO CHIESA

MEETING

DISTRICT 1 WILLIAM O'BRIEN

STAN. CO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTING RECORD

1.

3/10/15 AUTHORIZED THE SHERIFF TO APPLY FOR THE ADULT MENTALLY Y Y Y Y Y ILL OFFENDER CRIME REDUCTION (MIOCR) GRANT.

2.

Y 3/31/15 APPROVED THE REGIONAL SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN MOU Y Y Y Y WITH THE CITIES OF CERES, HUGHSON, NEWMAN, OAKDALE, PATTERSON, RIVERBANK, TURLOCK, AND WATERFORD; AUTHORIZED THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THE MOU.

3.

Y Y Y Y Y 4/12/15 ACCEPTED THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FY 2014-2015.RECOMMENDED IN THE 2014- 2015 MID-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT.

4.

Y 4/19/15 DETERMINED THAT THE ORDINANCE AMENDING PROVISIONS Y Y Y Y OF THE WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM (CHAPTER 14.12) TO STRENGTHEN WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES RELATED TO LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AND OUTDOOR WATER USE, IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE CEQA.

STAN CO. BOARD VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION

1. The Operating Budget at the Mid-Year point is $1,128,113,684, funded with $1,048,237,195 in estimated revenue (which includes $36,657,035 in CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 BUSINESS NEWS

14

SUMMER 2015

SENATOR FEINSTEIN

SENATOR BOXER

CONGRESSMAN DENHAM

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD

1.

H.R. 2: MEDICARE ACCESS AND CHIP REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2015

Y

Y

Y

2.

H.R. 1191: IRAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT REVIEW ACT OF 2015

Y

Y

NO VOTE

3.

H.R. 644: AMERICA GIVES MORE ACT OF 2015

Y

Y

Y

4.

H.R. 2048: USA FREEDOM ACT OF 2015

Y

Y

Y

5.

SB 852 2014-2015 BUDGET

Y

N

N

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AGENDA ITEM CONGRESSMAN JEFF DENHAM

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD STATE SENATE

SENATOR BERRYHILL 1.

SB 277: PUBLIC HEALTH: VACCINATIONS

NO VOTING

2.

SB 3: MININUM WAGE: ADJUSTMENT

N

3.

SB128: END OF LIFE OPTION ACT

N

4.

SB 350: CLEAN ENERGY AND POLLUTION REDUCTION ACT OF 2015

N

5.

SB 178: PRIVACY: ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS: SEARCH WARRANT

Y

STATE VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION

1. This bill would eliminate the exemption from existing specified immunization requirements based upon personal beliefs, but would allow exemption from future immunization requirements deemed appropriate by the State Department of Public Health for either medical reasons or personal beliefs.

1.

N

AB93: COMMITTEE ON BUDGET

STATE BUDGET EXPLANATION

A $117.5 billion budget plan that includes increased spending for kindergarten through community college programs, more money for public colleges and universities, and the creation of new social programs.

N

ASSEMBLYWOMAN OLSEN

STATE BUDGET

SENATOR BERRYHILL

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 

STATE ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLYWOMAN OLSEN 1.

AB 647: BENEFICIAL USE: STORING OF WATER UNDERGROUND

Y (CO-AUTHOR)

2.

AB 243 MEDICAL MARIJUANA CULTIVATION

Y

3.

AB 590: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION FUND

Y (CO-AUTHOR)

4.

AB 1461: VOTER REGISTRATION

N

5.

AB 953: LAW ENFORCEMENT: RACIAL PROFILING

N

STATE LEGISLATURE VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION BUSINESS NEWS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 

15

SUMMER 2015

ECONOMY

Help Fight Hunger invigorate other areas of Turlock, like the downtown.

"It is new money in addition to a resurgence in things like our downtown core," explained Pitt of the town’s positive numbers. "Our occupancies are under five percent downtown, so we have a strong retail component even in the downtown, and then the last piece is real estate sales continue to grow and we see a greater number of transactions."

Unemployment numbers are another good indicator of the town’s status and while the Central Valley's unemployment is comparatively higher than the state average, Turlock is performing better than the Stanislaus County overall.

"As of February 2015, Tu r l o c k ' s u n e mp l oy ment rate was 9.6 percent compared to the rest of Stanislaus County at 10.7 percent," said Pitt. "While the Central Valley is still tracking higher than the state average of 6.7 percent, our recovery can be attributed to getting people back to work either in one of our new industrial employers or in the expanding retail segment here." ◆ BUSINESS NEWS

16

Call (209) 668-4853 or visit our website at www.unitedsamaritans.org ENCLOSED IS MY GIFT TO UNITED SAMARITANS FOUNDATION Name Address City, State, Zip Enclosed is my gift of S Your Gift is Tax Deductible

220 S. Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380

Home • Auto • Health • Farm • Business

Teamwork makes the difference

600 E. Main Street • Suite 200 • Turlock PH 209.634.9031 • LIC# 0649647 WWW.WESTERNVALLEY.COM SUMMER 2015

47267_1

T

he fourth quarter sales tax numbers are in and one thing is clear: money is being spent in Turlock.

"Our local sales tax growth is a combination of not only increased sales, but also increasing the number of local retailers,” explained Assistant to the City Manager for Housing and Economic Development Maryn Pitt. “We have seen the downtown fill up with boutique retailing and unique dining and areas such as Monte Vista Crossings have added and expanded some of their retailers. All of these components add up to stronger retail sales and sales tax growth.”

Recent openings include Table 26 which opened its doors at the former Sweet River Bar and Grill location on Geer Road in March and interior design firm and boutique Dezingz which opened on Main Street in downtown Turlock in May. A host of other new businesses include Oak Barrel Ice and Creamery on Golden State Avenue and West Main Street additions like Planet Fitness and Dollar Tree. The success of new businesses has also helped

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

Business forecast strong, despite negative impact of drought

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

T

wice a year C a lifor nia St ate University, Stanislaus produces a San Joaquin Valley Business Forecast, the results of which were released this month. While the numbers are not significantly different than they were six months ago, there is one factor looming over the report: the drought.

California's ongoing historic drought, which has prompted mandatory conservation measures statewide and an executive order from the governor, has taken a toll on the agriculture sector. Some farmers have been forced to let fields fallow and negotiations over water storage are taking place at both the local and state levels.

Employment in agriculture related industries, such as manufacturing, have also remained stagnant states the report.

Howe ver, according to CSUS Foster Farms Endowed Professor of Business Economics and report contributor Gokce S oydemir, the overall numbers are better than he predicted. This is due in part to other non-farm related industries' growth which has mitigated the drought's influence on the regional economy overall.

"There is no doubt that this is an agricultural area.

You want to have a strong agricultural base, but you also want to diversify your industries so that when an external shock hits you're resilient to that," explained Soydemir.

A shock constitutes anything that could negatively influence supply, such as a hurricane that could affect the construction or housing industries in certain areas of the country, or the drought in California.

Industries that have mitigated the influence of this shock have been the leisure, hospitality and construction industries, which are the fastest growing in the San Joaquin Valley. As far as local development, the continual southward expansion of Monte Vista Crossings in Turlock has helped. Soydemir stated that recent growth in the construction industry is incremental and balanced which is ideal, compared to the exponential growth that created an unsustainable bubble prior to the recession.

One other surprising area of growth? The information industry.

"For the first time since the recession, information employment began posting two to three percent BUSINESS NEWS

17

annual growth, significantly above the negative 10 year benchmark rate, and is projected to grow even further, thus ending its categorization as a suffering sector in the Valley," states the report.

This industry's growth could be attributed to the computerization of health records, the influence of the Affordable Care Act, as well as an increase in government employment said Soydemir.

Looking forward, retail trade employment will likely continue to help mitigate the impact on farm-related areas as projections indicate a 2.8 percent average yearly growth in 2016 and 2017.

Whi le t hes e indus tries' growth have helped offset the overall strain the drought has predominantly posed on the agriculture and manufacturing industries, indirect ripple effects could eventually take shape in non-farm related areas. This is something the contributors will keep an eye on said Soydemir, who noted that the delayed influence of the drought in these areas is itself indicative of a strong regional economy "It shows how resilient the Valley economy is," said Soydemir. â—† SUMMER 2015

Looking forward, retail trade employment will likely continue to help mitigate the impact on farmrelated areas as projections indicate a 2.8 percent average yearly growth in 2016 and 2017.

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didn’t have a college degree. So he

they have a big claim – they care about

Our biggest opportunity is finding good,

started GDI Insurance Agency in 1989,

getting their house fixed. I always tell

reliable, personnel. We’re a relationship-

we became independent in 1999, and we

people to look at the car they’re driving.

type business, and without good people

incorporated in 2000. Now, arguably,

It’s probably not the cheapest car on the

we’re not going to grow. We’ve got great

we’re as successful as that other entity.

market, but it has features that make it

clients, and we want to continue servicing

right for them.

them at our current standard – or better.

founded the company. He started out

What has made GDI Insurance Agency, Inc successful?

Also, in the last two or three years,

We enjoy the competitive nature of our

staffing has been a challenge. It is hard

business. Everybody needs insurance,

to find people in insurance who are

but there’s a lot of competition, and 9

aggressive in learning. If they don’t have

times out of 10 another agency needs to

a basic enjoyment of our industry and

lose a customer for you to gain one. We

what we do, it’s hard to keep updated on

enjoy competitive areas; in the early/mid

new products, regulations, and how they

2000s we were one of the larger regional

impact clients.

agents and brokers for residential home development. We go against some of the

What do you enjoy about doing

largest brokerages in the nation or the

business locally?

world on a lot of accounts.

I like meeting people, helping them, and then getting to see them outside

To compete, our employees have to be

of work. 50 percent or more of what

subject matter experts in their fields. We

we do is fairly basic; there are a lot of

have to employ people who are hungry,

complex principles but the day-to-day

MATT DAVIS MBA, CPCU, AAI VICE PRESIDENT/ BROKER

presented by

FEB

1

LEGAL

CIVIL JUSTICE EXPERT HIGHLIGHTS

CHAMBER’S ADA COMPLIANCE FORUM

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

I

n the spirit of protecting small businesses in Turlock the Turlock Chamber of Commerce hosted the president of the Civil Justice Association of California in February to speak specifically about one issue plaguing businesses across the state: noncompliance with the “We are very, Americans with Disabilities Act. A rash of frivolous lawsuits that very lucky in stung Valley business owners with our district, hefty fines and even caused some busicommunity, and nesses to close their doors in recent started a local conversation region because months on what exactly it takes to become our legislators compliant.

The predatory nature of the lawsuits are really at is exactly what prompted CEO and work to get this President of the Chamber Sharon Silva legislation done to open up the town hall breakfast to correctly and as the public.

The abuse has even prompted local a Chamber we legislators to introduce legislation are supportive aimed at preventing predatory lawof that.” suits at the state and federal level.

“We are very, very lucky in our dis­—Sharon Silva trict, community, and region because our legislators are really at work to get this legislation done correctly and as a Chamber we are supportive of that,” said Silva.

While attending the town hall and asking the right questions of local legislators is beneficial to small business owners, Stone had more direct advice for the attendees: become compliant.

After highlighting nuance violations such as the height of door thresholds and number of signs in a handicapped parking lot space, she said that the “very technical and specific and non-intuitive” nature of the infringements is reason to turn to the professionals. Stone urged small business owners to hire a certified access specialist as a preventative measure.

Otherwise, the cost of violations and the additional attorney fees can be significant.

“Unlike fire code or building code violations there is no one in the government whose job it is to tell you if you are compliant. The burden is on you,” she said. ◆ BUSINESS NEWS

19

SUMMER 2015

Bob Rucker of Congressman Jeff Denham’s (R –Turlock) office, Turlock Chamber CEO and President Sharon Silva, local realtor Jim Theis, President of the Civil Justice Association of California Kimberly Stone, and Senator Tom Berry hill (R – Twain Harte) congregate at the Chamber event held in February aimed at helping small businesses equip themselves to combat predatory ADA lawsuits.

DEVELOPMENT

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

T

he empty dirt lot at the intersection of Fulkerth Avenue and Dianne Drive in Turlock will not be empty for long as Dust Bowl Brewing Company has officially begun construction on the brewery’s new site.

A downtown Turlock hotspot for years, the taproom and eatery portion of Dust Bowl Brewing Company is just one segment of the brewery’s operation. The new facility at Fulkerth and Dianne will house the company’s brewing, bottling, storage, shipping and business operations which will be open 24 hours a day.

However, the project is not all work and no play.

There will also be a tasting room, or retail visitor center, with a large patio area and the company intends to allow self-guided tours of the brewing process.

“There will be a lot of big windows so you can see the whole brewing process. We’ll have light fare and food,” said co-owner Brett Honoré. “There will be a lot of room to have fun.”

The owners, their friends, family and various stakeholders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the beer company’s expansion in early April.

“It’s going to be a place to gather socially. I think you will find anything that you want. Families, couples, friends, it will be for everybody,” added co-owner Brett

Tate at the groundbreaking.

Founded in 2009, Dust Bowl has been brewing beer at a 3,000 square foot facility in Turlock’s Industrial Park that allows the company to produce roughly 4,000 barrels of beer annually. With the expansion, the company projects that 17,000 barrels of beer a year will fulfill the initial capacity with sales projected to reach 10,000 barrels in the first year. Currently Dust Bowl is selling the maximum amount of beer it can – 5,400 barrels annually – at its present facility on Spengler Way in Turlock.

“Right now we only have three brews that are bottled year round available and we’ll take that up to about 15 to 18 in the first year,” said head brewmaster Don Oliver.

The company plans to extend its portfolio to produce six year round six-pack brews, four seasonal four-pack brews, four seasonal 22 ounce bombers, as well as packaged specialty releases.

“My favorite thing to say is that we haven’t even produced our best beer yet,” said Tate.

The company, which presently employs 50 employees, anticipates adding 15 to 25 new positions in the management, production and sales areas of operations and positions will be posted on www. dustbowlbrewing.com.

The new Dust Bowl “west” location is slated for completion in December. ◆ BUSINESS NEWS

20

SUMMER 2015

Founder and co-owner Brett Tate, Karen Tate, Camy Honoré, and co-owner Brett Honoré participate in the official groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Dust Bowl Brewing Company facility in April.

Connie Tate, the sister-in-law of founder Brett Tate and the person who is credited with conceiving of the company’s name, pulls some beer alongside her husband Mick Tate at the Dust Bowl groundbreaking ceremony in April

My favorite thing to say is that we haven’t even produced our best beer yet.

—Brett Tate

EVENTS

B

acon took center stage for four days in May, with downtown restaurants featuring the pork bellies in specialty dishes while also raising money for local charities.

Bacon-inspired dishes included “Bacon on a Stick” appetizers at Dust Bowl, and pork belly and waffles topped with a Dust Bowl Scotch Ale maple reduction at 10 East. Bistro 234 chef Leroy Walker offered Bacon Week visitors a crispy maple bacon appetizer topped with fig jam, apricot brandy pork belly entree, and vanilla maple bacon ice cream.

“From my perspective, I was surprised from the word of mouth advertising in the community.

Obviously everyone was excited about bacon, and I had multiple people commit on how great it was that the downtown restaurants were able to team up and

work together to create a downtown-only event. I think they were all excited at the possibility that maybe Turlock could put together a bigger and much grander version of what was put together. It's hard to say if we were busier because of the event but it just felt like there was a busier vibe in the restaurant because of the Bacon Week event,” said Bistro Chef Leroy Walker.

Over $1,600 was raised through the sale of bacon week T-shirts with the proceeds going to the Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter, Jessica’s House, Turlock Gospel Mission and Turlock Alzheimer's Support Group. 10 East raised over $1,000 alone for the Animal Shelter.

The Downtown Association still has Bacon Week T -shirts available which can be purchased for $20 in the downtown office located at 202 W. Main St. ◆

Red Brick Bar & Grill head chef Armando Fulgencio drizzles a sweet Hawaiian glaze on top of bacon wrapped shrimp in preparation for Downtown Turlock Bacon Week.

NEW MEMBERS Memo’s Cocina & Tequila Bar Turlock Feed and Livestock Supply Raymond James Turlock’s New Vision Pharmacy EMC Health, Inc Turlock Walnut Company Planet Fitness

800-44-Mocse www.Mocse.org

Senator Tom Berryhill Lander Auto Service Buffalo Wild Wings Kat Country Lola Bistro & Express BUSINESS NEWS

21

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS

TNV: A HOME-TOWN

Before officially donning their white jackets, pharmacists and owners John Piro and Eddie Isaac spend time in Turlock’s Vision Pharmacy.

PHARMACY

T

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

urlock natives and pharmacists Eddie Isaac and John Piro said Turlock’s New Vision Pharmacy, or TNV, is a community pharmacy for locals. Near to several schools as well as places like Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, the pharmacy is a convenient location for individuals to swing by between running errands or picking up their kids from school said Isaac.

“Basically, it is Eddie and my’s vision of what a pharmacy should be,” explained Piro of the store’s title. “It is your home town pharmacy where we

know our customers names and schedules and we can accommodate them. That is what we are going for.”

Other than filling prescriptions, TNV also has a range of drugstore products for sale from arm braces and bandages to snacks.TNV Pharmacy is also unique from other local independent pharmacies as it will be open seven days a week.

Turlock’s New Vision Pharmacy is located at 2016 W. Monte Vista Ave. and is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. ◆

T

PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN/ The Journal

BY ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN

Owner Jerry Powell, middle, enjoys a drink with Ron Anderson, left, and Joe Peterson of Crown Painting. Crown Painting painted the interior of the space and stained the bar with a glossy finish.

BUSINESS NEWS

22

he nightlife in downtown Turlock is now a little bit country with the addition of the Udder Place.

In a humorous play on words, the Udder Place opened its doors in the former Vintage Lounge location on West Main Street in January. After originally considering opening up a wine bar at the downtown space, owners Jerry Powell and Shayne Heine decided to tap into the agricultural environment of Turlock and the Valley to offer residents a unique twist on the country bar: western but tasteful.

“We wanted to create a warm, safe environment for people to come and have fun,” said Powell.

The duo kept it local

SUMMER 2015

w hen f ur nishing t he space with Heine prov i d i ng c ow h i d e s to accent the walls and table tops which are actually converted barrels.

Sew Creative on Lander Avenue framed the cow hides that hang on the walls and the interior was painted by local company Crown Painting, which also stained the bar with a new, glossy finish. Turlock company Mann Electric installed the crafty lighting fixtures and “All of the wood used came from a church in San Francisco that was built in 1906,” said Powell who sourced it from a company in North Fork.

The Udder Place is located at 110 W. Main St. and is open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. ◆

PHOTO BYALYSSON AREDAS/ The Journal

J

ust one trip to Tri County Flooring America in Turlock is more than enough to make any customer wonder why they ever considered anybody else for their flooring needs.

“We are a full service flooring store, so if you can put it on the floor, we can do it,” said general manager Mario Herrera. “We handle every aspect of the project from sale to install.”

Herrera reported that it was due to the success of the flooring store’s Atwater location over the last ten years that finally prompted owners in September to expand the business to Turlock.

“We are new to Turlock, but definitely not new to flooring,” said Herrera.

While customers can rest assured knowing that they will find the standard variety of carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl flooring options, they will also be pleasantly surprised to find out that the store also carries a number of exclusive and unique options, including COREtec Plus Engineered Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring and Tigressá.

“COREtec is a waterproof laminate, and anybody who’s had laminate knows you can’t wet mop it or spill water on it,” said Herrera.

“This eases all of those worries—you can wet mop it, your dishwasher can blow up on it, and it will actually make it through.”

Another exclusive waterproof option is Tigressá H2O carpets, which have a waterproof backing, making them kid- and pet-friendly.

Herrera also noted that the carpets were durable and could easily be steam cleaned.

Once a customer purchases flooring from Tri County, the company provides installation as well, a rare amenity according to Herrera.

“You go into other stores and you’ll buy the product and then they’ll hand you somebody’s card and say call this person for the install,” said Herrera. “We don’t do that.”

“Any installer we send out to your house is going to be top of the industry, so we know we’re going to do the job right the first time,” continued Herrera.

Tri County Flooring America is located at 1630 Fulkerth Road. The store is open from 9

Stanislaus County Sheriff

1854

Keeping the Peace since

/

BY ALYSSON AREDAS

General manager Mario Herrera stands next to Tigressá H2O carpets, which are waterproof and durable flooring options exclusive to Tri County Flooring America.

a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and is closed on Sunday.

For more information, visit tricountyflooringamericaturlock. com. ◆

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23

SUMMER 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

STATE BUDGET

FEDERAL VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION

revenue from the General Fund to non-General Fund departments) and $79,876,489 in fund balance and one-time funding sources. The use of fund balance includes $16,154,499 of prior year appropriations and $12,345,632 of net county cost carryover savings. The balance is funded with one-time funding sources. The Mid-Year Financial Report includes an overall appropriation increase to the Operating Budget, for all funds, of $9,892,079. The report further recommends $10,283,928 in increased departmental revenue, resulting in a decreased use of fund balance/retained earnings by $391,849. In the General Fund, discretionary revenue estimates are recommended to be increased by $1,897,225. The report includes a recommendation of $3,936,195 to be transferred from Appropriations for Contingencies of which $2 million is dedicated to Public Safety Restoration, $700,000 is identified to support increased costs in Indigent Defense, primarily due to an increase in the complexity of cases that have gone to trial, and the remainder, approximately $1.2 million is recommended to support increased costs in departmental operations such as salary and benefit increases due to negotiated labor agreements and retirement cash outs.

1. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare sustainable growth rate and strengthen Medicare access by improving physician payments and making other improvements, to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

2. A bill to provide for congressional review and oversight of agreements relating to Iran’s nuclear program, and for other purposes.

3. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate and make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions of food by any trade or business, regardless of whether the contributions are made by a C corporation. The food must be apparently wholesome food as defined by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. 4. A bill to reform the authorities of the Federal Government to require the production of certain business records, conduct electronic surveillance, use pen registers and trap and trace devices, and use other forms of information gathering for foreign intelligence, counterterrorism, and criminal purposes, and for other purposes.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

STATE VOTING RECORD EXPLANATION

STATE ASSEMBLY

2. This bill would increase the minimum wage, on and after Jan. 1, 2016, to not less than $11 per hour, and on and after July 1, 2017, to not less than $13 per hour.

3. This bill would authorize an adult who meets certain qualifications, and who has been determined by his or her attending physician to be suffering from a terminal disease, as defined, to make a request for a drug prescribed pursuant to these provisions for the purpose of ending his or her life. The bill would establish the procedures for making these requests.

4. This bill would additionally express the intent of the Legislature for the purposes of the Renewables Portfolio Standard program that the amount of electricity generated per year from eligible renewable energy resources be increased to an amount equal to at least 50 percent by Dec. 31, 2030, and would require the Public Utilities Commission, by Jan. 1, 2017, to establish the quantity of electricity products from eligible renewable energy resources be procured by each retail seller for specified compliance periods sufficient to ensure that the procurement of electricity products from eligible renewable energy resources achieves 50 percent of retail sales by Dec. 31, 2030.

5. This bill would prohibit a government entity from compelling the production of or access to electronic communication information or electronic device information, as defined, without a search warrant or wiretap order, except for emergency situations, as defined.

1. This bill would declare that the storing of water underground constitutes a beneficial use of water if the diverted water is used while it is in underground storage for specified purposes.

2. This bill would generally require all persons who cultivate marijuana for medical purposes, except those cultivating for personal use, as specified, to obtain a permit to cultivate marijuana from the county, city, city and county, or from a state agency to be designated by the Governor if the county, city, or city and county chooses not to be the responsible entity for these purposes. The bill would allow the county, city, city and county, or state agency to charge a fee in an amount sufficient to cover the reasonable cost of issuing the permits and carrying out the program.

The bill would prohibit marijuana from being cultivated within 100 feet of an occupied legal residential home or school if grown outdoors, or within 100 feet of a school if grown at a residence.

3. This bill would provide that moneys in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, upon appropriation, may be made available for expenditure by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission for the purposes of maintaining the current level of biomass power generation in the state and revitalizing currently idle facilities in strategically located regions. The bill would establish requirements for an applicant to receive available funding for a facility’s eligible electrical generation.

4. This bill would require the Secretary of State and the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish the California New Motor Voter Program for the purpose of increasing opportunities for voter registration by any person who is qualified to be a voter.

5. This bill, which would be known as the Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015, would, among other changes, revise the definition of racial profiling to instead refer to racial or identity profiling, would make a conforming change to the prohibition against law enforcement officers engaging in that practice, and would make the prohibition specifically applicable to probation and parole officers. The bill would also require a law enforcement officer who is the subject of a complaint of racial or identity profiling that is sustained to participate in training to correct racial and identity profiling at least every 6 months for 2 years, starting from the date a complaint is found to have been sustained.

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BUSINESS NEWS

24

SUMMER 2015

REAL ESTATE

I

n recent City budget meetings, the issue of sidewalk and street tree maintenance became a topic of discussion. Current City ordinance specifies that property owners are responsible for maintaining frontage improvements in a safe condition, including sidewalks, street trees, curbs, gutters, driveway approaches, or other works adjacent to the property.

The ordinance further states that the sidewalk area will remain in a condition that is not dangerous to property or to persons using the sidewalk in a reasonable manner and “If, as a result of the failure of any property owner to maintain the sidewalk area in such a nondangerous condition as required, any person suffers injury or damage to person or property, the property owner shall be liable to such person for the resulting damages or injury.”

Under present procedures, once it has been brought to the attention to the City that a potential unsafe sidewalk condition exists, the property owner will receive a written notice advising that it is the property owner’s responsibility to repair the sidewalk and root prune the tree (if applicable) within ten (10) days. Since sidewalks and parkways are located within the public right of way easements, any repairs will require an Encroachment Permit from the City of Turlock. The City Manager or his designee may extend the repair period up to 90 days for sufficient cause.

If the requested repairs are not completed by the property owner, the work may be done by City Staff

BY JIM THEIS

and full charges for the cost of labor and materials involved in the repair will be billed to the property owner and shall become a lien on the property. Similar procedures are in place to deal with unsafe conditions created by dead or diseased trees.

It has been suggested by several City Council Members, that a “point of sale” requirement be adopted which would require property owners to have a City Inspector do an on-site inspection and certify that sidewalks and street trees are in safe condition before the sale and transfer ownership to a buyer could occur.

If deficiencies were identified, repairs or replacement of sidewalks/street trees would have to be completed and re-inspected prior to close of escrow.

The “point of sale” concept may seem like an easy solution, but anyone that has bought or sold a home, has experienced the stress in dealing with all of the factors associated with this time-sensitive transaction. “Point of Sale” is not the best answer to maintaining safe sidewalks for the following reasons: 1. Adds complications to a time sensitive process – additional steps will create delays and more stress to both the home seller and buyer.

2. Requiring additional inspections, repairs, and re-inspection during the narrow window provided in most purchase contracts could lead to delays and additional costs to all involved in the process.

3. City lacks the staffing required to perform the inspections in a timely manner.

4. Not every home that is offered BUSINESS NEWS

25

SUMMER 2015

for sale actually closes – buyer or seller making the repairs may not recover the cost or have the ability to pay for the completed work.

5. There are instances that a seller has limited or negative equity (short sales) and any additional expenses will prevent the sale from closing.

6. The sellers of bank-owned properties (REO) typically will not pay for any repairs and end up transferring the costs of required repairs to the buyer.

7. Not every home that has an unsafe sidewalk/tree condition is for sale.

8. Inefficient – based on current sales rate, it would take approximately 20 years to turn over the bulk of the housing supply in Turlock.

9. Unfair – To place the burden of safe sidewalks/trees of the whole community on homebuyers and sellers is inequitable. Why should only a segment of the population be required to shoulder the burden for something that impacts the whole community?

The Mayor has announced that he will be establishing an ad hoc subcommittee and appointing two (2) members of the Council to serve on the committee to address sidewalk repairs and tree issues.

I would encourage residents to engage in the process and become a participant in finding a commonsense solution that is fair to all of the residents of Turlock. A safe community is a better community.

— Jim Theis, CA Broker License 01290827 ◆

R I B B O N

BEEHIVE BEAUTY SALON APRIL 6

STEELE INSURANCE AGENCY JUNE 5

C U T T I N G S

TURLOCK NEW VISION PHARMACY MAY 8

CYCLEFIT MAY 14

SENATOR TOM BERRYHILL’S OAKDALE DISTRICT OFFICE JUNE 11

“Where Turlock Gets Engaged!”

340 E. Main St., Turlock (209) 668-GOLD Find us on Facebook BUSINESS NEWS

26

SUMMER 2015

M

I

X

E

R

S

NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT APRIL

N THE UDDER PLACE MAY

U

Supporting valley agriculture for over 125 years

www.tid.com 333 E. Canal Dr. Turlock, CA 95380 | (209) 883-8300 | www.tid.org BUSINESS NEWS

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SUMMER 2015

CHAMBER

2015 CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Jilbert Gevargizi Steele Insurance Agency

Joy Biddle Creative Alternatives

S

Janet Lopez Umpqua Bank

Bella Youri Edward Jones

tate Farm insurance agent Brad Humble has only been a Chamber Ambassador for six months. During that time, however, he has taken every opportunity to foster a better relationship between the Chamber of Commerce and its members and in doing so earned the honor of being named Ambassador of the Quarter.

"Insurance is a new occupation for me and I'm new to working in Turlock. Being an Ambassador is a great way to get out and meet people and at the same time promote the Chamber of Commerce," he said.

Cheryl Gerhardt Paramount Court

Brad Humble State Farm

Anokeen Varani Dental Spa

Robert Rodarte US Bank

Kathy Hobby Stanislaus Office of Education

Jim Liberto Gold Star Referral Club

Mary Mathews iHeart Radio

Daniel Perez Mo-Cal Office Solutions

BY KRISTINA HACKER

Throughout his visits to different businesses around town, Humble said the one thing that remained consistent was a real "positive vibe."

"The people I met were all passionate about what they do and the product or service they represent, whether they work in a home and garden store or a boutique," said Humble. "Even though the town has grown, they comment about the small town feel. They all like to go to work every day.

"They make you feel welcomed in the community."

Humble said he enjoys meeting with members of the business BUSINESS NEWS

28

SUMMER 2015

community and hearing what challenges they may face. He also makes sure they know all the benefits and services available to them by being a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

He also takes time to promote the Chamber to nonmembers he comes across in his work day or home life.

"I think what's nice about the Chamber of Commerce is that as an employer or an employee, there's always something going on, whether it's a mixer or ribbon cutting or other event. It's an outlet for networking with one another," Humble said. â—†

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize businesses that have been members for 5-10 years!

We thank you for your continued support!

Henry’s Restaurant

Event Extravagant Group

Holiday Inn Express

Prodigal Sons & Daughters

Paul’s Glass Co.

Yonan’s Floral

Tower Ear Nose & Throat

Sushi Garden II

Stanislaus Business Alliance

Exit Realty Consultants

Better Business Bureau

US Bank

Community Hospice Inc.

Curtis Insurance Agency

Turlock Memorial Park

Mocal Office Solutions

State Farm Insurance - Dee

Blakemore Center for

H2o Pro Swimming Pool

Hearing & Balance

Business Admin.

and Pam Hernandez

Service

Stewart Schulze Photographic Artist

William H Behrens CPA

Tower Pharmacy

Paul’s Paint Co.

Gallo Center for the Arts

Turlock Imaging Services

Dental Spa - Antoine Varani,

American Association of

Concrete by Hallack The Flowery Glitz Fine Clothing Alfred Matthews Inc. Collision Center Brenda Athletic Clubs Turlock Downtown P.O.A. Balswick Quick Smog Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball Mundo’s Latin Grill Pet Extreme, Inc. Chiesa Ranch Metro PCS Tower Physical Therapy, Inc Children’s Crisis Center Turlock Elegant Events 2000 & Ribbons

B&B Manufacturer and B&B Fluid Power J. D. Almond Farms, Inc. Clean ‘N’ Go Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial Services

Staley’s Club

Creation Lab, The

BloodSource

University Women

DDS

Turlock Family Network Pine Creek Nutrition Service, Inc. Tri Counties Bank Anderson’s Tow Day’s Inn

Active 20/30 Turlock #68

TLC Educational Facility

Old Republic Title Company

Rex Klein Insurance Services

JenJil Packaging, Inc.

Covenant Care at Home and

Alhambra-Sierra Springs

Creative Alternatives

Water

Turlock Living Magazine

Community Continuum

Ash Pirayou - Rutan & Tucker,

College

LLP

Hospice Latif’s Restaurant The Vieira Company Pet Avenue

Les Schwab Tire Center

Chili’s Grill & Bar

Kevin Wright Productions

Sizzler Restaurant

ServiceMaster CLEAN

Cal-Green Recycling

Warden’s

Varco Pruden Buildings, Inc.

Gold Star Referral Clubs

Mocse Credit Union

Candlewood Suites

Dr. Douglas H. Decker

Comfort Suites

Fairfield Inn & Suites by

Dr. Craig A. Loudenslager

Marriott

Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse/Saloon

Paramount Court Senior Living

Joseph O. Calderon Wire Guys Alarm

Rabobank - Turlock

Delta Blood Bank

Toscana’s

Storage Auction Experts

Mike Lynch Consulting

Evergreen Packing, Inc.

Las Casuelas Restaurants, Inc.

CSU Stanislaus- College of

JKB Energy

BUSINESS NEWS

29

SUMMER 2015

Dr. Duc H. Nguyen Wingstop BNI Business Builders Valley Tool & Mfg Apollo Pool Service Milestone Association Management Muller Berry Farms

HEALTH

S

BY SUE MICHELETTI CEO, Emanuel Medical Center

ummer is here in the Central Valley and that means hot days are upon us. As individuals and employers, we need to be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses to protect ourselves and our workers.

Our Chief of Staff, Dr. Kulmeet Dang, who also is the Medical Director of our Emergency Department, offers this important information for summer safety: For most people, there are warning signs that the heat is beginning to affect you. The first sign can be muscle cramps in the stomach, arms or legs, and you may notice swelling in your feet, legs and ankles. Another early warning sign can be dizziness or feeling faint. People taking certain medications including beta-blockers can be more prone to heat-related dizziness. If you notice these early signs of heat illnesses, here are some steps you can take: • Stop any physical activity and move to a cooler, shady area.

• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

• Put your legs up if you notice swelling or feel dizzy.

If these measures don’t work, contact your doctor.

Heat exhaustion is the second stage of heat illness. This means that your body can’t keep itself cool. Symptoms may include thirst, dizziness, weakness, lack of coordination, nausea and profuse sweating. Your body temperature will be normal, but your skin will feel cold and clammy. If you start feeling the signs of heat exhaustion, follow the steps listed above. If you don’t start feeling better soon, you should seek emergency medical care.

The final stage is heat stroke, which requires immediate emergency care. This is a life-threatening illness where your body can’t regulate its temperature by sweating. If this occurs, your temperature rises so high that brain damage or death may occur. During heat stroke, your internal temperature may reach 106 degree within 10 to 15 minutes. The warning signs of heat stroke include: • Body temperature of 103 or more • Skin that is red, hot and dry • Lack of sweating • Throbbing headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Mental confusion • Unconsciousness Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you encounter someone with these symptoms, call 911 for emergency assistance and start trying to cool the person until help arrives.

BUSINESS NEWS

As with most illnesses, prevention is the best medicine. Smart steps like scheduling shifts to minimize outdoor work in the hottest part of the day and providing plenty of cold water and shade can keep heat-related illness at bay.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers excellent information on heat-related employee safety, including downloadable resources to share with your employees. You can access this free information here https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/ heat_stress.pdf.

Here’s to a safe summer! ◆

30

SUMMER 2015

Breathe.

We’ve got you covered.

We understand a diagnosis of lung cancer can be scary. We also understand that having a caring, compassionate team of oncologists like those found at Emanuel Cancer Center can be a real comfort to those battling the disease. Offering comprehensive individualized care close to home, Emanuel is fully staffed with a team of doctors and nurses highly-skilled in the treatment of lung cancer. And it’s this expertise, coupled with the close, comfortable setting offered by Emanuel, that will help you and your family breathe more easily.

For physician referral, call (209) 250-5350.

880 E. Tuolumne Road, Turlock | emanuelmedicalcenter.org/cancer

“Tomorrow’s Medicine for Today’s Lifestyle”

Located within The Tower Health & Wellness Center Tower Center for Better Hearing

Gary L. Thiele, DDS “Symphony of Smiles”

Tower Cosmetic Surgery & Laser

Gateway Kidney & Hypertension

Tower Ear Nose & Throat (E.N.T)

Romeo Medical Clinic

Tower Pathology, Inc

Romeo Orthopedic Surgery

Tower Pharmacy

The Flowery

Tower Physical Therapy

Toscana’s Catering & Event Center

Tower Surgery Center

Toscana’s Ristorante

Eterna Medi-Spa & Salon

Turlock Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists

Fatemeh Pazouki, M.D. OB/GYN

Work Wellness

1801 Colorado Ave. • Turlock, CA • (209) 216-3400