Community News · Porterville, CA
SEIU Local members voted 96.2% in favor of a one-day strike by California state workers on October 21, potentially disrupting services at the Porterville Development Center, DMV, and state employment and disability insurance offices throughout Tulare County. The state asked the Public Employees Relations Board for a temporary restraining order to halt the strike over an unresolved dispute about which workers are essential, while PERB declared a formal impasse in negotiations. Mediation between SEIU and the California Department of Human Resources was set to begin Thursday. The union has worked without a contract since July 1 and is seeking a 20% pay raise over three years plus improved telework conditions.
Local Politics · Porterville, CA
The Porterville City Council will consider rejecting bids for a $541,500 FAA-funded Airfield Electrical Improvements Project at Porterville Municipal Airport, citing conflicting provisions in bid documents; staff say rebidding won't jeopardize funding or deadlines. The council's consent calendar also includes public hearings on updating sidewalk-vendor and solicitor codes to comply with State Senate Bill 635, a $400,000 property purchase from Greg Shelton for water recharge and stormwater management, and approval of three community events: the Veterans Day Parade (Nov. 11), a Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil (Oct. 22 at Centennial Park), and the Tule River Powwow (Nov. 12–16 at Porterville Sports Complex). A flood-preparation presentation is scheduled in light of projected El Niño conditions.
Local Politics · Porterville, CA
The Porterville City Council will consider rejecting bids for a $541,500 FAA-funded Airfield Electrical Improvements Project at Porterville Municipal Airport, citing conflicting provisions in bid documents; staff determined rebidding will not jeopardize funding or deadlines. The council will also consider approving a $400,000 property purchase from Greg Shelton for water recharge and stormwater management, funded by the 2026-2027 Water Enterprise Fund. Code amendments to comply with State Senate Bill 635 on sidewalk vendors and clarify peddler/solicitor regulations are on the consent calendar. Three community events were set for approval: a Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil Oct. 22 at Centennial Park, a Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11 downtown, and the Tule River Powwow Nov. 12-16 at the Porterville Sports Complex. A flood-preparation presentation will be given in light of projected El Niño conditions.
Social Events · Porterville, CA
Promoting Self Worth (PSW), formerly the Porterville Sheltered Workshop, will celebrate its 70th anniversary on October 21 at 4 p.m. at 194 W. Poplar Ave., Porterville. As part of the event, longtime Executive Director Steven E. Tree will be honored with the dedication of the Steven E. Tree Administration Building. Founded in 1956 by Lupe and Dean Hahn, PSW now serves more than 500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Tulare and Kings Counties with approximately 228 employees. The organization's programs include employment and workforce development, adult day and behavioral services, transportation, independent living, and social and recreational opportunities.
Social Events · Porterville, CA
The Porterville College Foundation will host its first Auto Swap Meet on Saturday, October 17, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jamison Stadium in Porterville. Attendees can buy, sell, and trade cars, parts, tools, and automotive memorabilia; vendor spaces are $50 for a 20-by-20-foot area with day-of registration available starting at 5 a.m. The event supports the foundation's scholarship programs, including the PC First Scholarship Program, along with campus facilities and student resources.
