Podcasting is not just for big news now
By Paul Myers
Editor, Vice President of The Sun-Gazette
Podcasting has taken the power of radio and put it into the hands of entertainers, pundits and big time news outlets. Its profit margins have grown by the hundreds of millions over recent years. And while podcasts can reach anyone all over the world with internet access, there is a massive gap in the industry.

Local news outlets have struggled for years to crack the code on creating engagement while still making ends meet. Many have tried and failed a number of strategies before shutting their doors. But as of late local news podcasting about Visalia and Visalia's neighboring communities has been welcomed by interested listeners wanting to know the latest about what's going on in their backyard. It's askew of what podcasting has always been: casting a net to capture as many ears as possible. But there isn't a rule saying that news podcasters have to throw their voices into the digital ether.

According to the U.S. Census roughly 21% of the country lives in rural America. The scenery and environment is most akin to Tulare County, and their local news options are limited to a Sinclair Broadcasting syndicate or a corporate daily newspaper rerunning Associated Press articles. Perhaps the next new thing for the independent locally owned outlet is to bring the technology meant to spread the spoken word across the globe and apply it to the granular level of coverage. After all there's no rule that because you can broadcast your voice to the world that you have to.

As of late this next new thing in podcasting is making its way to the ears of influential members of Tulare County and Visalia. Reading The Sun-Gazette newspaper but also listening to the Paper Trail Podcast, residents have been able to stay in the know about what is being reported, why it is being reported and what is to come next in the story. It also comes with the added benefit of keeping those who have moved away in the know.



August 23rd 5:30 - 7:30 pm 
Burgerim 2226 S. Mooney Blvd Suite A-5
______________________________________________


The next YPN Meet Up will be held
5:30 pm
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Come out to meet new people and enjoy a drink after work
__________________________________________________________

YPN Kickball Game

August 11

August 11th
10:00 am
Plaza Park

Join the Visalia YPN for a fun pick up game of kickball.  Bring a friend and meet some new people.

Non-Profit Spotlight ...

Who are you, and what is your non-profit about?
 
Today's United Way is about bringing people, organizations, and communities together and building up the cornerstones of education, financial stability and health-and the only organization bringing people together from all walks of life to be a part of local solutions. United Way of Tulare County (UWTC) is a local, independent 501C3 nonprofit established in 1981 and incorporated in 1986. Governed by a diverse board of directors, UWTC is a member of United Way Worldwide.

In Tulare County, United Way is both a proactive and reactive force. While UWTC funds 18 nonprofit organizations in Tulare County, it also operates crucial programming. From our       2-1-1 resource center to our literacy project providing books to local classrooms, UWTC is at the forefront. The organization was also in the trenches providing crucial intake and water hauling services to those adversely affected by the drought. Whether it is making sure high school students know how to continue into secondary education, or setting up a family to receive water for their basic needs, UWTC makes it happen. When you partner and support United Way of Tulare County, you create change for a stronger community.

What are some things you are doing in our community?
Resource Development
Provides financial support to affiliated organizations that nurture children and support youth, strengthen and support individuals and families, and promote the health and wellbeing of the elderly and people with disabilities. Fundraisers such as the World Ag Expo Food Booth and Golf Tournaments contribute to these funds.
211 Tulare County
Provides comprehensive information and referral regarding health and human services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
College Access Initiative
A collaborative project of organizations dedicated to enhancing the college going rate of       Tulare County students and young adults.
Organizational Management Services
Helps build the capacity of nonprofit organizations in areas such as program development, fundraising, board development, budget, and finances. Promotes non-profit operating Standards of Excellence. Offers grant administration and program management for community based organizations.
Community Building Initiative (CBI)
Assists unincorporated, rural communities develop & implement asset based community plans of action.
Direct Assistance
Provides emergency food, shelter, and utility assistance to families in Tulare County through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). Offers individuals and businesses an opportunity to assist families with food and gifts during the holiday season through Adopt-a-Family.
Public Policy
Works collaboratively with partners in the private and public sector to affect lasting community changes.
Drought
Through partnership with the County OES, provide resources for victims of drought including water delivery.
 
What specific asks do you have of young professionals? 
We are always looking for committee members to help review applications for Tulare County non-profits and Board members to advocate, assist and participate. We are always looking for active participants that want to be engaged in the process of making United Way better and not be a rubber stamp.

  • The Service Master by Benevento expansion project continues to move through the entitlement process. The project consists of adding 4 new buildings at their existing location.
  • A Jack in the Box is being proposed near the corner of Plaza and Crowley in the master planned, Gateway Business Park. This would be the first project of this development but most recent of many projects moving forward in the Business Research Park.
  • Three City of Visalia Council seats are up in the 2018 election. Prospective candidates can pick-up the Declaration of Candidacy paperwork and other nomination documents from the Tulare County Registrar of Voters starting Monday, July 16th. To determine which district you are in, visit www.visalia.city/districtelections and use the "Find Your Council District By Address" tool.