The Board of Supervisors held their May 13 meeting in Earlimart, where RMA team members were there to help field community questions, as well as receive recognition for excellence in urban planning from the California American Planning Association.

LATEST UPDATES

FROM THE RMA

• Good News
• Professional & Academic Milestones
• Public Works
• Economic Development, Planning & Tourism
• Building & Permit Center
• Fiscal and Administrative Services & Human Resources
• Grants & Resources
• RMA Monthly Data Report

Leadership Visalia’s recent cohort completed their community project this May. RMA Planner IV Jose Saenz (center, far back) graduated from the program.

Professional Milestones at the RMA

A Culture of Continual Learning

With graduation season underway throughout high schools and colleges, we are immensely proud of our own graduates. In May, we celebrated the academic and professional milestones of RMA staff who attained Master's Degrees, and completed professional development programs: Leadership Visalia, and the County of Tulare's Supervisory Academy.

May also saw the arrival of our new Assistant Director of Public Works, Ahmad Alkhayyat, to the team. As a fellow Engineer, Ahmad will provide additional support and guidance to our crews focused on road infrastructure projects, with the goal of keeping Tulare County residents and visitors safe and enjoying everything our region has to offer.

Just as Ahmad begins his journey at RMA, we are also celebrating two of our long-time RMA team members and giving a recent retiree a warm sendoff. Their decades of service to the County of Tulare have helped create an environment at the RMA where thousands of hours of experience contribute to our ability to provide quality public services.

These workforce milestones reflect our commitment to serving our communities with excellence and subject matter expertise. Congratulations to all!

Best Regards,

Reed Schenke, PE

RMA Director

PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS

As our new Assistant Director of Public Works, Ahmad Alkhayyat, PE, brings over two decades of public works and engineering experience, including executive leadership roles in Madera County and, most recently, at the City of Fresno. He has built and led teams through complex infrastructure programs and understands the unique challenges and opportunities in rural counties like ours.

Ahmad's background in transportation networks, engineering management, and public works operations will be an asset to our agency. He will work closely with our engineers, planners, inspectors, administrators, and other team members to find ways in which the RMA Public Works team can further strengthen our public services. Please join us in welcoming Ahmad!

Ahmad says hello upon arrival to the RMA.

A recent photo dated March 21, 2025, showcases the emergency repair project along Avenue 56, which repaired damages resulting from flooding in 2023.

The Avenue 56 Interim Repair Project marks the final phase of emergency repairs for this road damaged by the severe storms of March 2023. Avenue 56 is a vital access road for the community of Alpaugh, and the storms left the road flooded and unusable in early 2023.

To restore access, CalFire assisted in raising the flooded portion of the road by placing layers of rock and earth fill material, elevating it by up to four feet. Once this work was completed, RMA crews applied a chip seal surface to reduce the dust from traffic along the road. This much-needed roadway is now back up and running.

[Left to right]: Land Surveyor 4, Paul Sutphin; Engineering Technician I, Jose Delgado; Land Surveyor II, Eric Niessink; County Surveyor, Robert Abrahamian; GIS Analyst II, Andrea Miranda; and Engineer II, Vanesa Sandoval.

The RMA's Public Works Division plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the County’s infrastructure. Within Public Works, operations are divided among several specialized groups. One of these is Management Group 4 (MG4), also known as the County Surveyor’s Office.

Led by County Surveyor Rob Abrahamian, PLS, PE, MG4 was organized as a land surveying-focused team but has expanded into a multidisciplinary team that serves not only RMA but other County departments as well. While land surveying remains the key focus for the team, MG4 plays an increasingly important role in engineering review and development support, ensuring that land use proposals meet County standards, legal requirements, and sound engineering practices. 

County of Tulare's Supervisory Academy

RMA Public Works staff celebrated their graduation from the County of Tulare’s Supervisor Academy alongside Board Chairman Pete Vander Poel. [Left to right]: Claudia Sanchez, Karla Arteaga, Ricardo Martin, Chairman Vander Poel.

The County of Tulare's Supervisor Academy equips employees with the tools, strategies, and insight needed to lead effectively in a public agency setting. Designed for those with supervisory responsibilities, the Supervisory Academy features a series of workshops focused on team management, conflict resolution, workplace safety, and more.

We are proud to celebrate three Public Works team members who recently completed the rigorous training: RMA Engineer IV, Claudia Sanchez; RMA Coordinator I, Karla Arteaga; and Heavy Equipment Mechanic IV, Ricardo Martin. Their commitment to professional growth reflects the excellence, dedication, and teamwork that keep our agency moving forward. Congratulations to each of them on this important milestone!

Jason Fite alongside Tulare County Board Chairman Pete Vander Poel.

This year, the County of Tulare proudly celebrated Jason Fite’s 20th work anniversary milestone, honoring his more than two decades of dedicated public service, personal growth, and resilience. Jason, now an Engineering Technician IV at the RMA, has built a remarkable career defined by perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to serving his community.

Jason's journey with the County began in May 2003, not as part of a long-term plan, but through an unexpected life change. After 14 years of working on his family's farm, Jason and his family relocated to Tulare. Since then, Jason has been committed to the RMA's mission of providing quality services to our constituents.

Did you know you may be eligible to receive assistance with repairs to curbs and gutters in your residence?

The County of Tulare's Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program may provide up to $4,000 to eligible homeowners in unincorporated areas for the following repairs:

curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ADA ramp repairs. To be eligible, residents must live outside of City Limits in Tulare County.

Please see the related materials and help us spread the word.

Questions? Please call (559) 624-7073.

National Travel and Tourism Proclamation

At their May 6, 2025 meeting, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors officially recognized May 4–10 as National Travel and Tourism Week with a special proclamation. The proclamation was proudly received by the Discover Tulare County team, the tourism initiative led by the RMA's Economic Development Office.

This recognition highlights the vital role travel and tourism play in driving economic growth, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the beauty and culture of Tulare County.

Our Economic Development Office team officially launched the Tulare County Taco Trail on May 1, celebrating more than 30 community-nominated taco spots across the county. The campaign boosts local businesses while inviting residents and visitors to explore Tulare County’s taco scene.

Participants can use the Discover Tulare County mobile app, which was recently re-launched, to check in at locations for a chance to win prizes throughout the campaign, which runs through July 31.

Let’s help spread the word, one delicious taco at a time!

(No purchase is necessary. Participants may check in at any location without making a purchase.)

Attendees listen to Tulare Chamber staff speak about local events, activities, and more.

Concierge College is a yearly seminar series hosted by the Sequoia Tourism Council (STC) to empower hospitality workers in the Central Valley with knowledge about the Sequoia Region. The goal is to build capacity for local ambassadors, enabling them to serve visitors and residents better while fostering a deeper understanding of the region's offerings.



Earlier in May, Concierge College took place at the Tulare County Museum, within Mooney Grove Park. Attendees participated in sessions focused on the value of visitor traffic to Tulare County cities and communities, businesses, local parks, and entertainment venues, with a special focus on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the Sequoia National Forest, and the Tulare County Museum, which is part of the Museum Alliance of Tulare and Kings Counties.

Attendees listens to community partners' presentations.

Attendees visit city and community tables to learn more about local initiatives and activities.

The RMA team stands for a picture as they receive recognition for the California American Planning Association Award of Excellence. [Left to right]: Supervisor Larry Micari; RMA Planner III, Russell Kashiwa. RMA Assistant Director of Economic Development & Planning, Aaron Bock; Supervisor Amy Shuklian; Supervisor Larry Micari; RMA Planner III, Emily Gage; RMA Associate Director Mike Washam; Central California APA Awards Chair, Carolina Ilic. Not Pictured: RMA Planning and Permit Manager, Jason Garcia-LoBue.

Our planners are getting noticed. At their May 13 meeting in Earlimart, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors received a presentation from the American Planning Association Central California Chapter to recognize the RMA with the 2025 Central Section Award of Excellence in Implementation for regional successes related to our SB 2 Funding Implementation Program.

Planner III Russell Kashiwa and Planner III Emily Gage receive recognition for their work related to SB 2 funding at a Planning Commission meeting on May 14.

The award recognizes Tulare County’s strategic use of SB 2 and related state funds to streamline development processes, advance housing initiatives, update planning documents, and unlock millions in additional grants for housing and infrastructure in rural communities. SB 2, or Senate Bill 2, is also known as the Building Homes and Jobs Act, and was enacted in 2017. The County of Tulare's effort, coordinated by the RMA's Economic Development and Planning Branch, enabled the County to achieve a Prohousing Designation, develop an ADU ordinance exceeding state requirements, update its Housing Element and General Plan, and lead regional collaborations across multiple jurisdictions.

After nearly three decades of dedication, Mike Anderson closed an extraordinary chapter with the RMA. For 28 and a half years, Mike has been a steady and vital presence, supporting the agency through technological change and troubleshooting.

Mike’s journey with the RMA began in the field of technology. Starting as an Information Technology (IT) worker, he quickly became known for his technical expertise. Whether it involved troubleshooting a complex network issue or helping navigate new software, Mike was the go-to person for anything and everything related to computer systems. Over time, his role expanded to include that of administrator over the RMA’s Enterprise Permitting & Licensing Software, a role he fulfilled concurrently with his other duties until retirement. We wish you the best in retirement, Mike!

A commitment to architecture, urban planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) led RMA Planner II Nebeyu Menkir to enroll in a Master's of Professional Studies program with a focus on Geodesign.

Currently, Nebeyu's area of responsibility in the RMA includes assisting with Project Review Committee coordination, which means that he has a hand in moving projects along, including Minor Modifications (MIMs), Special Use Permits, and other administrative tasks related to approving the use of land for residential and commercial projects. With his expanded skillset, Nebeyu's mapmaking abilities will help Tulare County residents and investors in our region move projects along faster. Congratulations, Nebeyu!

Nebeyu Menkir, RMA Planner II

Academic Achievement:

Master of Professional Studies (MPS) on Geodesign

Jose Saenz, RMA Planner IV

Professional Achievement:

Leadership Visalia Graduation

Jose Saenz, Planner IV with the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA), recently graduated from the Leadership Visalia program, a nine-month leadership development program offered through the Visalia Chamber of Commerce. His graduation marks a milestone in both his personal and professional growth.

“What made this journey truly special was the support, collaboration, and friendships built with my classmates and our amazing facilitator, Jena Rodriguez,” Jose said.

With this accomplishment, Jose joins a network of emerging leaders dedicated to making a lasting impact in Tulare County and beyond.

BUILDING & PERMIT CENTER

May is Building and Safety Month, and throughout the month, the RMA celebrated the hard work and dedication of our Building and Code team, led by County of Tulare Building Official Hector Ramos and Assistant Building Official Kevin Sullivan.

This observance highlights the essential role building professionals play in maintaining safe, sustainable, and resilient communities. From plan reviews and inspections to ensuring code compliance, our team works diligently behind the scenes to protect the public and support responsible development throughout the county.

We thank our Building and Code staff for their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to safety—this month and every month.

Samantha Franks being recognized by Supervisor Eddie Valero at the May 20 Board of Supervisor Meeting.

The County of Tulare recently honored Samantha Franks, RMA Planner IV, for reaching an extraordinary milestone—35 years of dedicated public service.

Known for her deep expertise, collaborative spirit, and steadfast commitment to excellence, Samantha's career has been marked by growth, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to the communities she serves.

Samantha began her career on October 9, 1989, at the Tulare County Assessor’s Office. Initially performing general office work, she soon advanced to the role of Legal Document Examiner I. Those skills, and many others picked up along the way, came in handy when Samantha became a member of the RMA team in 2005. Working her way through roles of increasing responsibility, she currently helps oversee daily operations at the RMA's Permit Center, helping to facilitate residential and commercial development in the region.

As we move into the next fiscal year, the RMA continues prioritizing responsible financial stewardship while advancing key initiatives that serve Tulare County residents through the upcoming budget.

The upcoming RMA budget continues to reflect a balance between maintaining essential services and investing in long-term infrastructure, innovation, and community.

Funding allocations support ongoing efforts such as roadway maintenance, planning and permitting, environmental programs, and more. Staff input and interdepartmental collaboration have been instrumental throughout the budgeting process, and we remain committed to transparency, efficiency, and delivering high-impact results within our available resources. The FY 25/26 budget will be available to the public later this year.

Doreen Alvez, RMA Grants Specialist

Academic Achievement:

Master of Arts (MA) in Geography with a Concentration in Natural Resources

Driven by a commitment to understand the complex social-ecological dynamics of the landscape, RMA Grants Specialist Doreen Alvez recently earned a Master’s in Geography with a concentration in Natural Resources. This advanced education deepened her expertise on how escalating fuel loading has reshaped the wildland-urban interface and strengthened her leadership in proactive landscape planning, stewardship initiatives, and community wildfire prevention and education. With a diverse background in paralegal work and administrative leadership, Doreen has advanced through multiple roles to become Tulare County’s Forest Health Coordinator and project lead.  Congratulations, Doreen!

Prepare California Kings River AA Flood Mitigation Project

The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) is seeking qualified applicants to provide engineering and environmental services for the Prepare California Kings River AA Flood Mitigation Project (“Kings River Project”). The County may award a contract for professional and project-based services under this project.



Learn More on our website by clicking on the Public Notices tab.

Submittal Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025, 5 p.m.

Latest RMA Data Packet Now Available

RMA Data is now available in a single data packet including information regarding:

• Project Status Updates
• Public Works Field Operations
• Monthly Planning Report
• Building and Housing Report

Follow Us On Social Media

Several RMA initiatives also have an online presence. Search for the following accounts to keep up to date with the latest at our agency.

• Tulare County RMA: Facebook • Instagram
• Economic Development Office (Grow Tulare County): Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn
• Tourism News: (Discover Tulare County): Facebook • Instagram

Have a Story in Mind?

Send over your story idea and it may just make it into a future edition of this publication! To learn more, contact RMA Media Specialist Lacey Patrick by email (lpatrick@tularecounty.ca.gov).

RMA Contact Information and Quick Links

Government Plaza (RMA Headquarters)

5961 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93277

Phone: (559) 624-7000 • FAX: (559) 615-3002

Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov

Building Permit Center Hours:

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Porterville Permit Center

 346 N. Porter Road, Porterville, CA

Phone: 559-782-6800 • 559-782-6801

Building Zone Information

Phone: (559) 624-7105

E-mail: Zone-Information@tularecounty.ca.gov

Public Information Requests

Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov