The Valley Forklift team, along with members from the Tulare County Economic Development Office and the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, cut the ribbon at Valley Forklift’s grand opening in Earlimart.

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FROM THE RMA

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• Building Division
• Fiscal and Administrative Services
• Human Resources: Career Opportunities
• Grants Division
• RMA Monthly Data Report

As we enter this holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes to our residents and the Resource Management Agency (RMA) staff. While we celebrate, let’s prioritize safety, especially on the roads. With icy, wet conditions and foggy weather this winter, I urge everyone to drive cautiously. Our dedicated Public Works Roads Department is working tirelessly to ensure our roads remain safe for all.

This year has brought the RMA team meaningful opportunities to collaborate, whether rebuilding after natural disasters, enhancing public services, or fostering economic growth. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to innovation, sustainability, and creating spaces that create a sense of place and belonging.

Thank you for your continued trust as we strive to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors across Tulare County.

On behalf of the RMA team, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and peaceful holiday season.

Best regards,

Reed Schenke, P.E.

Director

Resource Management Agency

RMA Directors recently judged an RMA Holiday Decorating Contest. Staff had the option to participate on their own time and show their interpretation of the holiday spirit.

On Dec. 5, Valley Forklift unveiled its new 13,200 sq. ft. facility in Earlimart with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held alongside the Tulare County Economic Development Office and the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Gerry Hudson, a Central Valley businessman, founded Wholesale Equipment in 1981 and has been in business in California for more than 40 years, including through his six Valley Forklift locations.

The direct service area for the new Earlimart location will strengthen the company’s support for the territory stretching from Highway 198 and State Route 99 in Tulare County and nearby Kings County all the way southward toward Kern County. Valley Forklift supports 150 California families, and the company will create an additional 10 jobs through the Earlimart expansion.

Tulare County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Pete Vander Poel presents a Certificate of Recognition to business owner Gerry Hudson.

Branch Manager Jared Casey expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the community of Earlimart and Valley Fokrlift's dedication to its customers.

PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS

After a series of atmospheric rivers devastated areas of Tulare County in early 2023, the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) began repairing damaged road and bridge infrastructure in unincorporated areas of Tulare County. Part of the recovery work includes finding industrial partners to work with to ensure the safety of our communities. As a result, the RMA has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for two distinct categories of projects. Of the approximately 250 repair projects initiated following the massive 2023 flood, about 55 active projects remain, organized into two groups: roads and bridges.  

The group of road projects includes five projects related to mountain road damage, landslides, and excessive rain. The group of bridge projects includes nine locations of damaged bridges. Public Works team members, including Engineer I Sukhvir Kaur and Engineer IV Grey Tompkins, oversee these projects. The Engineering team works closely with the Fiscal and Administrative Services team to ensure that projects are adequately billed and that the RMA can successfully recover available funding for services rendered, including from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

RMA employees participating in a FEMA training. Photo taken by Chris Zimmerman.

Driving in fog and rain can be extremely dangerous, especially in the Central Valley, which has mountainous terrain and sparse streetlights in some areas. In his interview with ABC30 last month, Tulare County Resource Management Agency’s Chief Engineer Johnny Wong alerted Tulare County drivers to slow down, adhere to road closures, and watch out for areas of isolated flooding when it rains.

The National Weather Service states that drivers in the fog should: 

• Slow down and plan ahead of schedule in order to reach your destination on time. 
• Use your fog lights if you have them. If not, use your low beams and ensure your taillights are working properly. 
• Never use high-beam lights in the fog, as it causes glare. 
• Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern. 
• In areas where fog gives zero visibility, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location, such as a parking lot, and wait until the fog has subsided a bit. If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible, and ensure that your hazard and brake lights are visible. 

Drivers can check road closures and conditions for roads in unincorporated areas of Tulare County by clicking the button below.

As the new year rolls around, we are kicking off the year with a spicy resolution, which is to find the best taco spots in Tulare County. To do that, we need your help!  

We’re setting out on a mouthwatering journey we’re calling the Tulare County Taco Trail, where we will travel through the county visiting the best taco trucks, brick-and-mortar restaurants, and everything in between. Along the way, we’ll be posting reviews, sharing photos, and letting you know if we’ve found a new favorite or a taco that truly stands out. Whether it’s the perfect carne asada, a crispy fish taco, or a unique take on a classic recipe, we’ll be showcasing the variety of flavors that make Tulare County’s taco scene so special. 

Taco Trail Map: Share the Best Taco Spots With Us!

All you have to do is fill out the form below, which will help us identify another location on our map of must-taste taco spots. To have your preferred spot be considered for the Official Tulare County Taco Trail Map, please submit your locations by January 31. Then, prepare to follow us along on our Taco Trail Journey throughout the year! 

Questions? Contact our Economic Development Office team at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov

BUILDING & PERMIT CENTER

Submitting a building permit online is a swift and easy process. The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) now provides the Citizen Self-Service Portal (CSS) to residents, developers, and builders interested in obtaining permits. To make this process even easier, we have compiled a list of steps that need to be taken before, during, and after applying online.

Steps on Obtaining a Permit 

1. Speak with an RMA Planner to determine if use is allowed. To reach a Planner, please call (559) 624-7000. 
2. Go to our Permits page online.
3. Under Building Permits, click on “apply”. 
4. Login/Register 
5. Begin the Application and fill in the form. 
6. Provide/Upload a plot plan. 
7. Provide/Upload Building plans (structural)
8. Additional Requirements: Please note any additional information required and submit it with your application.  

Whatever your permitting needs, the RMA is with you ... RMA is with you every step of the way. If any step is unclear, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Permit Center team. For assistance, please call (559) 624-7000 or visit our website at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/rma/permits/.   

The Human Resources Department has posted new positions for the Resource Management Agency (RMA). These positions will play a crucial role in the daily operations of the RMA, ensuring efficient and timely customer service.

The Tulare County Resource Management Agency’s Grants and Resources team continues to support the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Emergency Repair Program, which assists residents of unincorporated communities with emergency home repairs. The Emergency Repair Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and in 2022, the Grants and Resources team successfully secured $500,000 in grant funding for it.

The RMA partnered with Self Help Enterprises (SHE), to administer the grant, finds applicants, and coordinate with contractors to complete repair projects.

Grant Specialist III Sandra Sabin discussing the Community Development Block Grant with the Grants & Resources Team.

The program provides financial support for repairs related to health and safety concerns, such as mold, accessibility issues, broken windows or doors, leaking ceilings, and other issues. So far, the program has helped 5 homeowners, with 8 more home repairs under construction. 

The program offers up to $30,000 in grant funding to eligible recipients. 

Eligibility:

• Property must be owner-occupied 
• Applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines. 
• Eligible recipients must reside in the home for over three years after construction/repair work is completed. 

The Emergency Repair Program’s grant funding does not act like a loan. Instead, it provides funding that goes directly into the property owner’s project. However, the funding will need to be paid back if the owner moves out of the home before the three-year mark following the project’s completion. The program ends in June 2027, or when funds run out.

Contact rma@tularecounty.ca.gov

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