Paper Trail Podcast

Paul and Ryan begin the single topic show by describing the fraying tensions on the Tulare County Regional Transit Authority, leading to it's potential collapse. Porterville, one of TCRTA's largest members chose to withdraw from the authority following a potential conflict of interest baked into an agreement that provided the city with transportation. Without Porterville the county and other cities and the county will have to find a way to provide their own transportation services.

In light of issues in the TCRTA and it's board, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors elected to remove their designee, Eddie Valero, from his position, and replace him with Larry Micari. The discussion became personal and racially charged, still leaving the fate of the TCRTA unknown.

Exeter Rocky Hill Community Church Pastor, David Welch, joins Paul on the podcast.

David became the lead pastor for his congregation just prior to the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020. What was a challenging time for everyone became a bewildering time for him. However, David's life has been rife with obstacles since a young age.

David discusses his life in poverty, his road to religion and how so he sees Christianity as a philosophy instead of a list of rules.

You can find out more about Rocky Hill Community Church here.

You can also read more about David Welch in The Sun-Gazette, here.

In this episode, Paul and Ryan dive deep into the latest demographic and environmental shifts impacting Tulare County. They explore the county's growing population trends alongside a critical look at the first subbasin in the state to be placed under probation under the Sustainability Groundwater Management Act.

Join us as we unpack the implications of these developments for local communities, industries, and policymakers.

Segment 1: Population Surge in Tulare County

We begin by examining Tulare County's position as one of the fastest-growing counties in California, with a notable population increase of 0.9% over the past year. Key Points: Population Growth: Discussion of Tulare and Visalia's growth rates, including a 1.77% increase in Tulare and a 1.09% increase in Visalia. Migration Patterns: Analysis of the potential migration of residents from the Bay Area to Tulare County amid broader population shifts in California. Economic Implications: Insight from Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics on the need for further population growth to meet workforce demands. State vs. National Trends: Contrast between California's slight population uptick and the broader national trend of slowing population growth.

Segment 2: Water Woes – The Tulare Lake Subbasin on Probation

A focused look at the probation status of the Tulare Lake Subbasin, marking a significant moment in California's water management history. Key Points: Probation Background: Explanation of why the Tulare Lake Subbasin was the first to be placed under probation and the implications for local agriculture and water governance. Regulatory Responses: Commentary from local leaders like Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel and Eric Limas on the necessary steps for compliance and future planning. Economic Impact and Community Response: Discussion on the financial and operational challenges facing the subbasin, including the defeat of proposed local fees and the call for a more transparent process.

Beacon Economics' forecaster, Dr. Chris Thornberg, joins Paul on the podcast today.

Dr. Thornberg has made several trips to Tulare County thanks to the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation. Over the last several years he has presented a global to local view of the economy, and given sobering analysis over inflation, California's housing crisis, immigration and the local cost of living in Tulare County. To those who attend, they find his presentations to often run contrary to the overarching narratives in the news.

He leave the crowd with a parting message to avoid the "weapons of mass distraction" when considering the economy. That slide is made of the logos of major social media companies overlayed on cartoonish atomic bombs. For the purposes of this episode Paul and Dr. Thornberg discuss how the average citizen (and consumer) adopts narratives in their everyday lives. Even more, how those narratives influence their decision making power.

Listeners can find more at Beacon Economics' website. And for more on Dr. Thornberg, The Sun-Gazette links are below:

https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2024/03/05/2024-economic-outlook-has-tulare-county-on-the-right-track/

https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2023/02/14/local-economy-is-situated-well-for-expansion/

https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2022/02/22/economist-chris-thornberg-tells-tulare-county-to-focus-on-workers-workers-workers

https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2021/05/05/economy-rebounds-from-pandemic-inflation-looms/

Welcome to this week's edition of the Paper Trail Podcast! Host Paul Myers, executive editor of Mineral King Publishing, and co-host Ryan Clark, a seasoned local with deep roots in both the Central Valley and Silicon Valley, delve into the latest happenings around Fresno and Tulare Counties. In today's episode, we unpack the recent upheaval in Farmersville, where the city council controversially decided not to renew City Manager Jennifer Gomez's contract. We also explore the resolute efforts that led to the successful reopening of the Visalia Farmers Market in its traditional downtown location, overcoming significant regulatory challenges.

Stick around for insightful discussions on local governance and community engagement. Discover how Farmersville is navigating its leadership transition and what the future holds for the city under new management. Then, hear how April Lancaster, who played a pivotal role in keeping the Visalia Farmers Market afloat through a loophole in the city's special permit street closure ordinance.

Don't forget to join us at the News and Brews event at Rock Yard Tavern on May 23 and follow our journey on social media at @thesungazette and @midvalleytimes.

For those passionate about local journalism, consider subscribing to The Sun-Gazette or the Mid Valley Times for comprehensive news coverage. Enjoy the episode and let us know your thoughts by rating and leaving a comment!

Paul interviews Visalia native David Lombardi.

Together they talk about how David went from Visalia to announcing games for the Stanford Cardinals. Now he covers the San Francisco 49ers as a beat reporter for the Athletic.

In his role as a beat reporter David has taken a "long game" approach to sports journalism with contextual analysis. Meanwhile incentives point to outlandish claims often contrary to statistical evidence, and draws predictable, erroneous narratives.

Paul and Ryan talk about Congressman Jim Costa's visit to Reedley to announce the introduction of a new piece of legislation that would close the gaps in federal surveilance of biolabs; then they talk about a new ballot initative that intends to curb 2014's Proposition 47.

Paul and Ryan talk about Alpaugh's growing dog problem that has begun to plague residents in the community.

Then they discuss the decisive ruling that will allow Assemblyman Vince Fong to remain on the ballot for both is Assembly seat, and his race to replace Congressman Kevin McCarthy.

Paul and Ryan talk about the handmade BMX biking park that was demolished by the city of Visalia. As a result BMX bikers along with Olympic rider Brook Craine lobbied the council to come up with a plan to build a proper bike park.

Then they discuss the odd stand off between the United Farm Workers union and Wonderful Nursuries following a vote to unionize. Wonderful is claiming that the workers were misled in order for the UFW to increase its ranks. However, UFW is claiming in a law suit that Wonderful is engaging in an unfair labor practice.

Paul and Ryan talk about the recent "dismantling" of a major drug operation in the Central Valley; then they go over Ryan's trip to the Nvidia Conference in San Jose, and how Silicon Valley startups are seeking ways to incorporate AI into their products.