The County of Tulare has engineered its first roundabout on a County-maintained road. Located in the unincorporated community of Tipton, CA, the project is designed to ease congestion and improve roadway safety. | | |
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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 and Administrative Services & Human Resources
- Grants & Resources
- RMA Monthly Data Report
| | RMA's Grants & Resources Manager Denise England (fourth from the right) joins Supervisor Eddie Valero (center) and the Community Water Center, along with multiple stakeholders and community members, to celebrate the arrival of clean drinking water to West Goshen, to be serviced by CalWater. | |
Welcome Message
Plenty of Positive Momentum Throughout Tulare County
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June marked a month of meaningful progress and impactful projects that are helping shape the future of our communities.
One of the most exciting developments was the groundbreaking celebration in West Goshen, where residents came together to mark the start of a project that will soon deliver safe, clean drinking water to the area. Near the Betty Drive / Highway 99 interchange, new retail businesses are taking shape, and nearby housing developments are gaining momentum—both signaling continued investment and growth.
In Tipton, our Public Works engineers have made significant strides toward completing Tulare County’s first roundabout in an unincorporated community. Designed to enhance roadway safety and reliability, the roundabout is a great example of how thoughtful infrastructure planning supports everyday life.
| | In addition to roads and infrastructure projects, the RMA's teams continue to promote regional tourism and business opportunities. | The RMA celebrated International Women Engineers Day in June, highlighting the amazing projects that our women engineers have contributed to. | | |
Our teams continue working across sectors with multiple stakeholders and community partners to drive regional economic vitality. With agriculture as both our foundation and leading economic driver, the Planning Division recently presented an update to the Agricultural Zoning Ordinance to the Planning Commission. This update modernizes a section of the zoning ordinance that has remained unchanged for decades, aligning it with current trends and practices in the ag sector.
Together, these projects reflect our long-term commitment to intentional planning and community-focused progress. Thank you for staying engaged as we work to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities across Tulare County.
Best Regards,
Michael Washam, ACE
RMA Associate Director
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Filming in Tulare County
Film, Photography and Arts Creation in Our Breathtaking Region
| | | | Did you know that the County of Tulare has a Film Commission? It does! The Tulare County Film Commission provides guidance to filmmakers and content creators choosing to film right here in Tulare County. Our Economic Development Office team is working to relaunch the Tulare County Film Commission's social media presence. If you are creating content in Tulare County, please contact us to share what you're working on by emailing us (TCFilmCommission@tularecounty.ca.gov). | | |
PUBLIC WORKS
ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
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Significant Improvements in the Communities of Dinuba, Farmersville, Visalia, and Ivanhoe
2023 Road Repair and Accountability Act (RRAA) / Senate Bill 1 – Project 1
| | Before Roadwork - Road 144 (Visalia-area, near Ivanhoe, CA) | After Roadwork - Road 144 (Visalia-area, near Ivanhoe, CA) | | |
The 2023 Road Repair and Accountability Act (RRAA), also known as Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), has significantly improved road conditions in key areas of Tulare County. The RMA’s RRAA Project 1 pertains to the communities of Dinuba, Farmersville, Visalia, and Ivanhoe and is focused on much-needed resurfacing and repairs to extend the life of local roadways.
As a result, drivers can now enjoy safer, smoother, and more reliable travel, benefiting daily commuters, residents, and agricultural transport alike.
The project was finished April 15, 2025, but the Delta team.
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In addition to enhancing road safety, these improvements are expected to reduce long-term maintenance costs for the County by protecting and strengthening existing infrastructure. This effort reflects Tulare County’s ongoing commitment to investing in transportation systems that support the region’s economic vitality and quality of life for all who live and work here.
To learn more about RRAA funding, please visit the Caltrans website.
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First Roundabout on a County-Maintained Road in Unincorporated Tulare County
Construction Nearing Completion at Avenue 144 and Road 96 in Tipton, CA
| | Photo taken on June 6, 2025 shows marked progress along the site of the new roundabout construction at the intersection of Avenue 144 and Road 96 in Tipton, CA. | | RMA's Public Works team oversees contractors pouring concrete for the roundabout in Tipton, CA, a reality. | | |
The County of Tulare’s first roundabout on a County-maintained road is progressing well and is currently about 65% complete. A recent milestone was the transition from two-way traffic on Avenue 144 to a four-way stop configuration at Avenue 144 and Road 96, in Tipton, CA, improving traffic flow and safety as construction continues.
At this stage, the contractor is focusing on building concrete medians, the center apron, roadside drainage features, and installing lighting improvements.
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FUNDING STILL AVAILABLE:
Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program
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Funds are still available! 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.
Questions? Please call (559) 624-7073.
| | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM | |
County of Tulare Zoning Ordinance No. 352
Agricultural Zones Update
| | The Tulare County Planning Commission receives a presentation regarding an amendment to the County of Tulare Zoning Ordinance delivered by RMA Staff. | | Tulare County Ag Advisory Chairman Jim Sullins provides public comments related to the guidance presented by RMA Staff regarding current needs in agriculture, including the raising of animals in our region. | | |
For the past year, RMA Planning Director Aaron Bock and his Planning Project Processing Division team have diligently worked on updating the County of Tulare Zoning Ordinance No. 352, a multi-phase process.
On June 25, RMA Planner IV Emily Gage provided an Agriculture Zones Update to the Tulare County Planning Commission, which she worked closely on with RMA Planner IV Russell Kashiwa.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a text amendment to the ordinance. The RMA team will continue focusing on other areas of the Zoning Ordinance.
| | Rexford Solar Project Marks Milestone in Tulare County’s Clean Energy Growth in Ducor, CA | | RMA Chief Planner Sandy Roper (second from right) visits the site of the Rexford Solar Project in Ducor, CA, where he played a key role in permitting and regulatory oversight. | | |
Earlier this year, Tulare County celebrated the continued progress of the Rexford Solar Project, one of California’s largest multi-phase solar-plus-storage developments. The most recent milestone involved the completion of the first phase of the original Rexford Project, which was first approved in 2019 and has been in operation since early 2025. This phase, currently owned by AES Energy, includes 300 megawatts of solar capacity and 240 megawatts of battery storage and is located in southern Tulare County, near the community of Ducor, CA.
The County of Tulare’s Resource Management Agency (RMA) played a critical role in advancing the project. RMA staff worked closely with AES to guide the project through the permitting process, ensuring compliance with local and state requirements while maintaining an efficient timeline. A structured sales tax agreement was also developed to ensure that Tulare County communities benefit economically from the project’s construction and operations.
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The Taco Trail is Heating Up!
Grand Prize Winners To Be Announced in July
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With only one month to go before we announce our 5 winning Tulare County Taco Trail participants, there is still time to join in on the fun!
Thanks to the growing popularity of the Discover Tulare County Mobile Application, more users than ever are hitting the trail, exploring the county’s best taco spots, and enjoying all the delicious flavors our local eateries have to offer.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there — we’re also giving weekly prizes to lucky users actively checking in and participating. Whether you’re in it for the rewards, the adventure, or simply the amazing tacos, the trail is a fun and tasty way to experience the best of Tulare County’s food scene.
Questions? Please email discover@tularecounty.ca.gov.
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A Day in the Life of a Building Inspector at the RMA | | RMA Building Official Hector Ramos (right) discusses a demolition project with Building Inspector Norma Esparza. Joining them for any demolition project is Tulare County Fire and other partners to ensure a safe process. | | |
Norma Esparza
RMA Building / Code Compliance Inspector II
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Ever wonder what a typical day looks like for a Tulare County Building Inspector? Norma Esparza, one of the dedicated inspectors at the RMA, recently gave us an inside look at her fast-paced and varied role, and no two days are ever the same.
Demolition Project in June
Norma’s day began with the demolition of an abandoned home deemed beyond repair.
When structures throughout Tulare County need to be removed, a demolition request is created, and Norma and her team work with Building Official Hector Ramos to evaluate the next steps to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and communities.
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For the property in question, Norma and the team visited the property, coordinated with law enforcement, and oversaw the careful demolition process.
Heavy equipment, including demolition excavators, is on scene for the demolitions. As the crane tore down the building’s crumbling walls, it made way for a fresh start, with the land now cleared and ready for future development.
From ensuring public safety to preparing properties for new beginnings, building inspectors like Norma play a vital role in maintaining the safety, growth, and future development of Tulare County.
To report any dangerous structures in Tulare County, residents may fill out a Citizen Request Form and provide details regarding the property to be evaluated.
| | Heavy equipment like the pictured demolition excavator is a tool of the trade for demolition work. | | FISCAL SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES | | | | |
The RMA leads projects of all sizes that make lasting impacts, and our Public Works Division is currently hiring. If you’re passionate about solving complex challenges, we encourage you to apply.
Position: ENGINEER IV
Annual Salary Range: $115,862 to $141,205
Location: Visalia, CA
All job applications are handled through the County of Tulare Human Resources & Development team.
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West Goshen Water Groundbreaking | | Community members and community partners alike celebrate the upcoming arrival of clean drinking water service through CalWater for local residents in West Goshen. | | |
After a decade of planning, collaboration, and determination, the community of West Goshen in Tulare County is finally breaking ground on a project that will provide fresh, reliable drinking water to residents. CalWater will service the community.
At a special groundbreaking event on June 5, community members, local leaders, and policymakers gathered to mark this milestone moment — the result of more than 10 years of hard work and advocacy to secure clean water access for West Goshen families. RMA Grants & Resources Manager Denise England and her team worked closely with numerous partners, including the Community Water Center and the Department of Water Resources, to secure much-needed funding to make this vital project possible. County Supervisor for District 4, Eddie Valero, supported and advocated for the project.
“This is about investing in people, it’s about recognizing that every family, every child, every elder in West Goshen, matters. It’s about the belief that no community should be left behind,” said Supervisor Valero.
| | Supervisor Eddie Valero, District 4, spoke about the critical importance of ensuring access to clean, potable water for Tulare County communities. | CalWater District Manager Stephen Johnson addressed attendees during the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the project’s significance. | | 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, 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
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