Page 1 - Parlier Post 1-3-18 E-edition

VOL. 35 NO. 1, PARLIER (FRESNO COUNTY) 93648 1 SECTION, 8 PAGES WEDNESDAY, January 3, 2018
Council approves marijuana cultivation, manufacturing business
Staff report
The Parlier City Council voted 4-0 on Dec. 22 to allow Genezen, LLP — a commercial marijuana manufacturing business — to build and operate an indoor marijuana growing facility in the city's Industrial Park.
The city heard residents' input during a number of workshops that were held in August. Council members then approved a "Commercial Cannabis Control Ordinance" in November. That
ordinance, which allows such developments and operation within the city, became effective on Dec. 15.
"We've taken into account a lot of the concerns that have been brought forward by the public and also city concerns that we have and we incorporated those into the city ordinance and a development agreement," said City Manager Sam Escobar.
Escobar said that ordinance gives strict regulation to the operation of cannabis cultivation. Distribution
and sale will not the allowed at the facility or within city limits.
According to the proposed plan, the development would consist of 240,000 square feet of growing area. That grow area would comprise of 24 mixed-light greenhouse structures of 10,000 square feet each.
A security plan also calls for 10-foot walls surrounding the facility, 24-hour security officers, surveillance cameras and motion detectors.
A detailed security plan can be
found online included in the Dec. 29 special meeting agenda.
Concerns
Owners from surrounding businesses not only expressed security and public safety concerns, but were disappointed with the way the council handled the notifying process.
Dan Gonzalez, owner of Custom Woods Products, a business adjacent to the facility, said he and owners of other surrounding businesses "had no idea" the city was working on this development.
"I understand there's a business — I'm a businessman. There's money to be made," Gonzalez said. "I just think you guys are seeing a deal here — you could make millions of dollars on taxes for permits and you're blinded by the impact that the city's going to have."
Gonzalez believes the city does not have the provisions necessary in case violent crime goes up as are a result of the operation.
COUNCIL...Continued on Page 8
Youth Centers of America hosts toy giveaway
Isabelle Gonzales, pictured with Parlier council members, was awarded a key to the city on Dec. 22.
Gonzales awarded key to city
Youth Centers of America (YCA) brought smiles to children in Parlier on Dec. 23 with its annual toy giveaway. Nearly 755 toys were given out to 275 Parlier families.
Residents were able to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies donated by the Parlier Chamber of Commerce as they picked up toys.
The Parlier Lions Club, Parlier High School Leo Club, and other community members volunteered to make the event possible.
The organization also received 12 bikes that were raffled off.
Maxco Supply Co, Parlier Family Den- tistry, Fred & Judy McNairy, Mid Valley Disposal, Juan and Fabiola Montaño, Ron Nishinaka, and Julio Diaz from Parlier Fitness Center and Jiu Jitsu were some of those who donated to the event.
"Mr. and Mrs. Claus" were not only ready to hear Christmas wishes from children, but also took photos with them during the day-long event.
The event was hosted at YCA's new location at 13700 E. Parlier Ave.
ABOVE: Parlier Lions Club members volunteered to assist YCA during the annual toy giveaway.
LEFT: A Parlier family poses for a photo after winning one of the 12 bicycles that were raffled off during YCA's toy giveaway on Dec. 23.
Photos Contributed
By Karina Vargas
parlierpost@midvalleypublishing.com
Isabelle "Belle" Gonzales, 15, was awarded they key to the city on Dec. 22 during the city's annual holiday dinner and toy giveaway.
Gonzales was recognized for her partnership with Transitions Children's Services, a foster care nonprofit organization in Fresno.
Gonzales partnered with Transitions four years ago to help foster children and youth receive presents for Christmas. She receives a number of ornaments from the organization with the child or teen's name, age and a wish list. Her goal is then to get those children a an item from that wish list if possible.
This year, Gonzales — with the help
GONZALES...Continued on Page 8
Photo Contributed
Man arrested on DUI charge after hitting pedestrian
Jesus Ramirez Hernandez was booked into the Fresno County Jail
on multiple violations, in- cluding unsafe speed and two counts
of felony DUI with bodily injury.
Staff report
Parlier police said a drunk driver was arrested after he struck a pedestrian on Dec. 23.
Police said officer Jonathan Pierro and other assisting Parlier police officers responded to the intersection of Orit and Erick Streets in reference to a pedestrian being struck be a vehicle.
When they arrived, officers found a male subject lying on his back, bleeding from his
PUSD...Continued on Page 8
Parlier police spread holiday cheer delivering donated toys
In an effort to spread holiday cheer, Parlier police officers delivered toys to children in the community during the Christmas holiday.
Toys were donated by the Central California Women's Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla. The local Family Dollar also donated toys to the department.
ABOVE: Central California Women's Facility staff and Parlier Custodial Officer Juan Cano on Dec. 20.
RIGHT: Some of the toys donated by the Chowchilla Women's Facility. Donated toys included
THE PARLIER POST, A MID-VALLEY PUBLISHING NEWSPAPER • www.reedleyexponent.com/parlier_post • (559) 638-2244 • (559) 638-5021 fax
superhero action figures, bicycles and other items.
Photos Contributed