California Hot Springs, Tulare County | Community members and vendors celebrate the launch of the CA Hot Springs Capineros Farmers Market, at the foothills of the Sequoia National Forest. | | |
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LATEST UPDATES
FROM THE RMA
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- Good News
- Public Works
- Economic Development, Planning & Tourism
- Building & Permit Center
- Fiscal Services & Human Resources
- Grants & Resources
- RMA Monthly Data Report
| | Tulare County Board Chambers, Visalia, CA | The Tulare County Board of Supervisors presented a Building Safety Month proclamation to the RMA's Building Division at the May 5, 2026, Board of Supervisors Meeting. | |
Welcome Message
Serving Communities Through Infrastructure, Planning, and Public Service
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The month of May gave us the opportunity to recognize two essential areas of public service that often go unnoticed in everyday life.
During Building Safety Month and Public Works Week, we recognized the people who help keep our communities safe, functional, and prepared for the future. Whether maintaining roads, reviewing building plans and issuing building permits, inspecting construction projects, or helping deliver critical infrastructure, these services help create safe and reliable places to live, work, and grow. To further highlight the essential work of Public Works and Building professionals, we enjoyed the annual Tulare County Association of Government (TCAG) LocalMotion Awards, where the Tulare County Resource Management Agency was recognized for the County’s first employee-engineered roundabout in Tipton, off of State Route 190.
Our commitment to building a stronger Tulare County is rooted in serving our residents, visitors, and business owners through dedicated public service, carried forward by people who genuinely care about our communities and take pride in their work.
What I appreciate most about our teams is their commitment to service and accountability. While responsibilities vary across divisions, the common thread is a willingness to solve problems, support communities, and take pride in their role. We help communities grow sustainably, protect public safety, and support the systems people rely on every day.
This month also served as a reminder that progress depends on partnership. Collaboration among County staff, industry professionals, local agencies, and residents helps communities remain strong and resilient.
To our RMA staff and community partners, thank you for the professionalism, expertise, and care you bring to your work. This edition of our newsletter highlights your efforts to make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
With appreciation,
Reed Schenke, PE
Director, Tulare County Resource Management Agency
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PUBLIC WORKS
ROAD CREWS, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
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Public Works Week - May 17-23
Celebrating the Professionals Behind County Infrastructure
| | Sign Shop Team Members exhibit care and craftsmanship as they prepare traffic signage that guides and protects the traveling public. | | RMA Public Works employees gather with members of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors following the presentation of a resolution recognizing National Public Works Week at the May 12, 2026, Board of Supervisors Meeting. | RMA administrative and supervisory representatives from Porterville Road Yard 1, Visalia Central Shop Road Yard 2, Dinuba Road Yard 4, and Terra Bella Road Yard 5 pose for a photo. | | |
Public Works Week provides an opportunity to recognize the professionals who maintain the infrastructure and services communities rely on every day.
From roadway maintenance and engineering to operations and public services, Public Works professionals help keep Tulare County safe, connected, and moving forward. While much of their work takes place behind the scenes, its impact is visible across the roads, bridges, facilities, and systems that support daily life.
National Public Works Week is led by the American Public Works Association (APWA). This year's theme, "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community," reflects the dedication of RMA's Public Works professionals and field crews, a message highlighted by Assistant Director Ahmad Alkhayyat during a presentation to the Board of Supervisors. We thank our Public Works teams for their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to serving Tulare County.
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Keeping Our Wheels Turning
Where Reliability Meets the Road
| | RMA Tire Repairer Luis Yescas performs a field tire repair on a large off-road haul vehicle in support of fleet operations. | | |
Behind every County vehicle and piece of equipment is a team working to keep it operating safely and reliably. At RMA's Central Shop, tire repair and fleet support specialists help ensure vehicles are ready to serve communities across Tulare County, whether on local roads, construction sites, or in the field.
This month, we're highlighting the work of RMA Tire Repairer Luis Yescas and the Central Shop team, whose expertise and dedication help keep County operations moving every day.
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Curb and Sidewalk Reimbursement Program (CSRP)
Funding Available for Residential Repairs in Unincorporated Communities
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Tulare County’s CSRP offers financial assistance to property owners in unincorporated residential areas for installing or repairing curbs, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and driveway approaches.
Reimbursement is first-come, first-served until annual funds are exhausted:
- Curb & Gutter: $25/linear ft.
- Sidewalk: $15/linear ft.
- ADA Ramp: $1,400/ramp (excludes gutter).
- Total reimbursement is capped at $4,000.
Questions? Email EncroachmentPermits@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7073.
| | | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM | | |
Fostering a Community of Urban Planners
June 2026 Planners Lunch Is Around the Corner
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As part of its commitment to professional development and regional collaboration, the RMA is hosting a series of Planner Lunches throughout 2026, led by RMA Planning Director Aaron Bock and Planning and Permit Manager Jason Garcia-LoBue.
The June session will focus on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and feature a panel of regional water experts, including RMA Grants & Resources Manager Denise England, who will discuss the region's water challenges and opportunities related to our agricultural economy and future economic growth in the Central Valley.
The event will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is $18 (cash only).
| | Lindsay, CA | View of the Friant-Kern Canal, which supplies much of the water needed to support agricultural activity in Tulare County. | Are you an urban planner, government employee, consultant, or community development professional interested in attending? Learn more and register online. | | |
Community in Bloom - First CA Hot Springs Farmers Market
Local Vendors and Visitors Celebrate Community and Local Discovery
| | California Hot Springs, Tulare County | Local vendors and community members came together at the CA Hot Springs Capineros Farmers Market, creating a welcoming space to connect and explore. | | The Discover Tulare County team joined marketgoers in CA Hot Springs, showcasing the region and supporting a growing destination experience. | | |
The CA Hot Springs Capineros Farmers Market marked a new chapter for California Hot Springs, bringing together visitors, vendors, and community partners for the area's first farmers market gathering. The RMA's Discover Tulare County tourism marketing team helped get the word out about the event, with local vendors highlighting the character and hospitality of this mountain community while creating space for connection, local commerce, and shared experiences.
As California Hot Springs continues to see renewed interest, including ongoing restoration efforts tied to the historic resort set to relaunch later this year, gatherings like this help celebrate the area's identity and growing momentum.
The California Hot Springs Farmers Market Will Continue Every second Sunday of the Month from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: 41766 Hot Springs Rd, California Hot Springs, CA 93207
| | Learn More About Some of the Locally Owned Small Businesses at the California Hot Springs Farmers Market | | Edgar's Honey Bees is a Southeastern Tulare County honey vendor featuring locally-produced honey at Farmers Markets throughout the region. | | Coffee vendor Pine Flat Roastery launched in 2025 and provides high-quality artisanal coffee beans for coffee aficionados. | | Sweets By Miss Elise is based in Porterville and sweetened the day for California Hot Springs, including by providing pastry samples. | | |
Communicating With Everyone in Mind
RMA represented at CAPIO 2026
| | CAPIO keynote speaker Joe Little of NBC 7 San Diego encouraged communicators to think beyond information and consider the lasting impact of how messages are experienced and remembered. | | |
Meet RMA's New Media Specialist
Kevyn Tinoco
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RMA Media Specialist Kevyn Tinoco joined the RMA team earlier this year and recently represented the agency at the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) 2026 Conference. Alongside public-sector communicators from throughout Tulare County and across California, she explored emerging practices in accessibility, storytelling, digital engagement, and public information.
The conference highlighted innovative approaches to community outreach and reinforced RMA's commitment to sharing information that is clear, accessible, and responsive to the communities we serve. From newsletters and social media to public outreach and project communications, the RMA's media team works alongside County partners to help keep residents informed about the programs, projects, and services that support Tulare County's infrastructure, economic growth, and quality of life.
| | County of Tulare professionals participate in a session on public information best practices. | A CAPIO 2026 session on digital accessibility highlighted practical strategies for creating more inclusive, ADA-conscious online communications. | | |
Celebrating Building Safety Month in May
Working in the Background to Safeguard Quality of Life in Residential and Commercial Construction Projects
| | Members of RMA's Building team approach the dais to receive a resolution from the Tulare County Board of Supervisors recognizing Building Safety Month and their contributions to protecting public health and safety throughout Tulare County. | | |
When checking into a hotel on vacation, the last thing RMA Director Reed Schenke worries about is whether there are adequate emergency exits. When he visits a restaurant, he does not have to wonder whether carbon monoxide detectors are in place. And when he purchased his home, the last thing he worried about was whether there were hidden structural issues. And that, he says, is because building professionals like RMA's Building Inspectors have already done the work behind the scenes to help ensure those structures meet safety standards.
Throughout the month of May, Building Professionals were recognized for their role in helping keep homes, businesses, and public spaces safe. Through plan review, permitting, and inspections, building officials help verify that new construction complies with building codes designed to protect occupants and reduce the risk of structural failures and other hazards.
Earlier in the month, Building Official Hector Ramos, Assistant Building Official Kevin Sullivan, and members of the RMA Building team were presented with a resolution by the Board of Supervisors recognizing their contributions to building a safer Tulare County.
| | The Building Division team gathers outside the Government Plaza in Visalia. Building professionals support residential and commercial construction across nearly 5,000 square miles of Tulare County. | | Building Administrative staff provide the behind-the-scenes support that helps keep permits, inspections, and customer service moving efficiently throughout the county. | | Building inspectors regularly visit construction sites throughout Tulare County to help ensure projects are built safely and in compliance with building codes. District 5 Supervisor Dennis Townsend joined staff to observe the inspection process firsthand. | | FISCAL SERVICES & HUMAN RESOURCES | |
Hard at Work Budgeting for the Next Fiscal
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Comes to an End in June
| | The Fiscal Services and Human Resources teams collaborate on budget development and workforce planning for the year ahead. | | As Fiscal Year 2025-26 comes to a close, RMA's Fiscal Services Team is preparing the agency's Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. Working closely with RMA Leadership, Human Resources, and the County Administrative Office, the team is evaluating staffing, equipment, operational needs, and upcoming priorities to help ensure the agency remains well-positioned to support permitting, planning, public works, and economic development services throughout Tulare County. | |
County of Tulare Career Opportunities Here at the RMA
We're Hiring: Economic Development Analyst I/I
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Are you passionate about research, data analysis, business growth, and helping communities thrive?
The County of Tulare Resource Management Agency is seeking an Economic Development Analyst I/II to support business attraction, business retention, site selection, economic development programs, and strategic initiatives throughout Tulare County. This role works out of the Economic Development Office within the RMA and provides support for the GROW Tulare County regional business marketing initiative, and interfaces with the Discover Tulare County tourism program.
• Location: Visalia, California
• Annual Salary: $62,575.75 – $87,996.38 annually
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
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CAL FIRE Highlights RMA's Doreen Alvez for Wildfire Resilience Efforts
Local Collaborative Efforts Yield Impactful Results
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CAL FIRE recently highlighted Tulare County Resource Management Agency Grants Specialist and Forest Health Coordinator Doreen Alvez for her work advancing wildfire preparedness and resilience throughout the region.
Alvez works with CAL FIRE, the California Fire Safe Council, local agencies, and community partners to support wildfire prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts. Her work helps connect residents to resources on defensible space, home hardening, and Firewise principles, while fostering collaboration across communities.
CAL FIRE also recognized Alvez's leadership in local outreach efforts and ongoing work to improve coordination and tracking of wildfire mitigation projects throughout Tulare County.
| | RMA Grants Specialist / Forest Health Coordinator Doreen Alvez speaks about her collaborative work. | | 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.
| | Send over your story idea, and it may just make it into a future edition of this publication! To learn more, please contact the County of Tulare's Economic Development Office (EDO) by emailing (economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov). The EDO is a division of the RMA, maintaining the agency's media and communications efforts, including public information outreach. | | RMA Contact Information and Quick Links | | | | |
