Join us for the 94th Annual Conference of the California County Planning Commissioners’ Association (CCPCA), taking place October 24–25, 2025, in Tulare County. This statewide gathering is intended to be both informative and entertaining, and will bring together Planning Commissioners and regional leaders to explore how thoughtful land use decisions shape stronger, healthier communities.
Hampton Inn and Suites Tulare -- 1100 North Cherry Street -- Tulare, California
call: (559) 686-8700
or use this link for preferred CCPCA reservations:
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CCPCA -- "Knowledge through Education"
- Community Development: Housing and healthcare integration
- Environmental Concerns: Water, drought resilience, and SGMA compliance
- Rural Economic Development: Cross-sector collaboration with local, state, and federal partners
- Planning Commissioner 101: A foundational training for new commissioners
Tulare county has a rich heritage including railroad, agriculture, water resources and recreation. It is the gateway to Kings Canyon National Park, and extends to the crest of the Sierra Nevada range. This two-day educational and entertaining event will take us to a number of sites around Tulare County, featuring presentations, networking opportunities, and fascinating tours. Saturday evening will conclude with a Gala Banquet featuring a Keynote Speaker. Planning Commissioners from throughout the state are highly encouraged to attend, and may bring a spouse or guest to enjoy the social aspects of the event. The conference is also open to interested parties from government and private sectors, including students, planning staffers, business, community, and civic leaders.
Event Overview
The California County Planning Commissioners Association (CCPCA) 2025 General Conference is in its 94th year and will take place October 24–25, 2025, in Tulare County. The event is hosted by the County of Tulare with the support of the City of Tulare and local stakeholders.
This two-day statewide gathering brings together planning commissioners, civic leaders, and professionals from across California to explore how thoughtful land use, community development, and economic initiatives shape strong, resilient communities.
Attendees will participate in site tours, panel discussions, and trainings highlighting local projects, renewable energy, healthcare, housing, and rural economic development. The event also offers opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration with partners at the local, state, and federal level.
Event Itinerary Day 1
7:45 – 8:15 a.m.
(30 mins.) | Day 1 Check-In and Registration at Hotel
Location: Sequoia Room, Hampton Inn & Suites 1100 N Cherry St, Tulare, CA 93274
Description: Coffee and light refreshments provided by Hampton Inn.
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8:15 – 8:45 a.m.
(30 mins.) | Day 1 Welcome Remarks
Location: Sequoia Room, Hampton Inn & Suites 1100 N Cherry St, Tulare, CA 93274
Description: Conference check-in and a brief introductory session led by CCPCA President Jerry Morrow and Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian, followed by boarding for the morning tours.
Speaker(s):
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8:45 – 8:50 a.m.
(5 mins.)
| Bus Loading |
8:50 – 8:55 a.m.
(5 mins.)
| Bus Transport |
9 – 9:15 a.m.
(15 mins.) | Additional Welcome and Introductions Breakfast Refreshments sponsored by the City of Tulare.
Location: Tulare Business Innovation Zone (TBIZ) 425 East Kern, Tulare, CA 93274
Description: CCPCA Leadership & Local Dignitaries and Officials greet attendees.
Speaker(s):
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9:15 – 9:35 a.m.
(20 mins.) | Session 1: Tulare’s Incubator – Tulare Business Innovation Zone (TBIZ) Business accelerator & maker’s space in Downtown Tulare Location: Tulare Business Innovation Zone 425 East Kern, Tulare, CA 93274 Tulare Business Innovation Zone (TBIZ) - Donnette Silva-Carter, President/CEO, Tulare Chamber. The City of Tulare purchased the vacant former courthouse building adjacent to City Hall for the purpose of renovating the site into a Business Accelerator with an approximate 2,000sf Maker’s Space. The facility location in the center of Downtown Tulare offers space for a variety of start-up businesses (12-24 in total) including; transportation and logistics, technology, data processing, research and development and vocational trades such as wood working. TBIZ |
9:35 – 9:55 a.m.
(20 mins.) | Session 2: Business Support and Technical Assistance
Location: Tulare Business Innovation Zone 425 East Kern, Tulare, CA 93274
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9:55 – 10:15 a.m.
(20 mins) | Tour 1: Tour of Business Incubator
Tour Guide: Donnette Silva-Carter, President/CEO, Tulare Chamber of Commerce
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10:15 – 10:35 p.m.
(20 min.) | Session 3: Saving the Tulare Hospital – Adventist Health in the Central Valley Location: Tulare Business Innovation Zone 425 East Kern, Tulare, CA 93274
Saving the Tulare Hospital – Adventist Health played a crucial role in saving Tulare Regional Medical Center by leasing and managing it after a period of closure and financial difficulty. The hospital, now known as Adventist Health Tulare, reopened in October 2018 under Adventist Health's management after a nearly year-long closure. The transition involved a lease agreement with the Tulare Local Healthcare District and a name change to reflect the new ownership. The reopening was supported by the community, with voters approving Measure H to finalize the lease agreement. |
10:35 – 10:55 a.m.
(20 mins.) | Session 4: Downtown Revitalization and Local Entertainment Venue (Zumwalt Park and Adventist Health Ampitheater)
Location: Tulare Business Innovation Zone 425 East Kern, Tulare, CA 93274
Zumwalt Park/Adventist Health Amphitheater – Marc Mondell, City Manager, City of Tulare. The City has completed the renovation of Zumwalt Park, establishing it as a premier regional destination with diverse recreational and entertainment amenities. Highlights include the newly constructed Adventist Health Amphitheater, featuring a stage, tiered seating, enhanced lighting, and landscaping, as well as a playground and splash pad. Zumwalt Park |
10:55 – 11:30 a.m.
(35 mins.) | Tour 2: Tour of Adventist Health Amphitheater
Tour Guide: Marc Mondell, City Manager, City of Tulare
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11:30 – 11:35 a.m.
(5 mins.)
| Bus Loading |
11:35 – 12:15 p.m.
(40 mins.)
| Bus Transport to Porterville, CA |
12:15 p.m. | Arrival at Eagle Mountain Casino |
12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
(15 mins.)
| Lunch Served Sponsored by the Tule River Tribe (Eagle Mountain Casino).
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12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
Remarks (30 mins.) | Session 5: Relocation of Eagle Mountain Casino from the Tule River Tribe’s Mountain Location to the City of Porterville
Location: 1850 West St, Porterville, CA 93257
Speaker(s):
Description: The relocation of Eagle Mountain Casino marks one of Tulare County’s most significant intergovernmental collaborations. After years of advocacy, the Tule River Tribe of California placed a 40-acre site in the City of Porterville into federal trust, relocating the casino from its mountain reservation to address water and infrastructure challenges. The City established the Porterville Area Development Authority (PADA) to coordinate planning and infrastructure for the project. The new facility features a gaming floor, multiple restaurants, and a 2,000-seat event center, with plans for a future hotel and convention space. The project stands as a model of tribal, city, and county partnership.
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1:15 – 1:45 p.m.
(30 mins.)
| Networking |
1:45 – 1:50 p.m.
(5 mins.)
| Load Bus |
1:50 – 2:15 p.m.
(25 mins.)
| Bus Travel to Ducor, CA |
2:15 – 2: 35 p.m.
(20 mins.) | Tour 2: Rexford Solar Project Drive-Through
Location: 2832 Richgrove Dr, Ducor, CA 93218
Speaker(s): Frank Silva, Rexford Project Field Operation Team Lead, AES Corporation
Description: The Rexford Solar + Storage Facility near Ducor in Tulare County spans a total of 3,800 acres, planned for phased expansion. The first phase was developed by AES Corporation and has been operational since February 2025, delivering 300 MW of solar power and 240 MW of battery storage—enough to power about 135,000 homes annually—while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 210,000 tons per year. At full buildout, the Rexford complex could grow to as much as 1,200 MW of solar generation paired with 1,200 MW of storage. The project has already created about 400 construction jobs and will continue to provide long-term economic and tax benefits to the local community.
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2:35 – 2:55 p.m.
(20 mins.)
| Bus Travel to Terra Bella, CA |
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
(1.5 hrs.) | Tour 3: Setton Pistachios
Location: 9370 Rd 234, Terra Bella, CA 93270
Speaker(s): Harris Lee Cohen, General Manager, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella
Description: Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella is a family-owned, vertically integrated grower, processor, and distributor of pistachios. Based on a 135-acre site in Terra Bella, California, it is the nation’s second-largest pistachio processor, handling over 250 million pounds annually. The company is recognized for sustainable farming practices, large-scale solar energy use, and innovative recycling of byproducts, while also expanding into organic production and global distribution.
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4:30 p.m. – 4:35 p.m.
(5 mins.)
| Load Buses |
4:35 – 5:20 p.m.
(35 mins.)
| Bus Travel to Tulare, CA |
5:30 – 6 p.m.
(30 mins.) | Evening Refreshments Courtesy of CCPCA.
Location: Apple Annie’s 1165 N Blackstone St, Tulare, CA 93274
Description: Guests are invited to mingle at Apple Annie’s for complimentary refreshments courtesy of CCPCA.
Dinner: Guests are invited to enjoy dinner on their own in Tulare or nearby Tulare County communities. Tulare Outlets is nearby for an engaging shopping experience near the Hampton Inn hotel.
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Event Itinerary Day 2
7:45 – 8:15 a.m.
(30 mins.) | Day 2 Check-In and Registration at Hotel
Location: Sequoia Room, Hampton Inn & Suites 1100 N Cherry St, Tulare, CA 93274
Description: Coffee and light refreshments provided by Hampton Inn.
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8:15 – 8:30 a.m.
(30 mins.) | Day 2 Welcome Remarks
Location: Sequoia Room, Hampton Inn & Suites 1100 N Cherry St, Tulare, CA 93274
Description: Conference check-in and a brief welcome led by CCPCA President Jerry Morrow.
Speaker(s):
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8:30 – 8:35 a.m.
(5 mins.)
| Bus Loading |
8:35 – 8:55 a.m.
(20 mins.)
| Bus Travel to Goshen, CA |
9 – 9:10 a.m.
(10 mins.) | Day 2 Welcome Remarks Breakfast Refreshments
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Description: CCPCA Leadership & Local Dignitaries/Officials greet attendees and give look ahead for the day.
Speaker(s):
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9:10 – 9:30 a.m.
(20 mins.) | Session 1: Tulare County Homelessness Taskforce Regional collaborative focused on issues surrounding homelessness, from housing to wraparound services.
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Task Force on Homelessness - Noah Whitaker, Homelessness Taskforce Coordinator. The Task Force is focused on identifying, developing, and implementing innovative strategies. It is intended to serve as the platform for coordinating existing local services and programs for homeless populations, leading to an increase in service-delivery efficiency and an overall reduction of homelessness in Tulare County.Tulare County Homelessness Taskforce
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9:30 – 9:50 a.m.
(20 mins.) | Session 2: Salt + Light (Non-Profit) Transforming lives through housing, community, and purpose.
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
The Neighborhood Village – Adrianne Hillman, CEO, Salt+Light. Erin Garner-Ford, COO, Salt+Light The Neighborhood Village is a community of 50 permanent supportive housing units with onsite whole-person care. We believe that stable, safe, and dignified living conditions are the first step to breaking cycles of poverty and homelessness. True healing happens in community, and The Neighborhood Village is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and community integration of individuals transitioning from homelessness.Salt & Light Description: Salt + Light Works is a Central California nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness through community, dignity, and purpose. Its flagship project, the Neighborhood Village, is Tulare County’s first master-planned permanent supportive housing community, offering stable homes with wraparound services, job training, and holistic care. By combining housing, outreach, and purposeful work, Salt + Light Works helps restore hope and belonging for neighbors experiencing chronic homelessness. Salt & Light
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9:50 – 10:10 a.m. (20 mins.) | Tour 1: Salt + Light’s Neighborhood Village Supportive housing community with wraparound, whole-person care
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Speaker(s):
Description: The Neighborhood Village is a community of 50 permanent supportive housing units with onsite whole-person care. We believe that stable, safe, and dignified living conditions are the first step to breaking cycles of poverty and homelessness. True healing happens in community, and The Neighborhood Village is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and community integration of individuals transitioning from homelessness. Salt + Light’s Neighborhood Village
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10:15 – 10: 35 a.m.
(20 mins.) | Session 3: Self-Help Enterprises Nationally recognized nonprofit building healthy homes and communities
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Speaker(s):
Self-Help Enterprises – Betsy McGovern-Garcia, Vice President, Self Help Enterprises Self-Help Enterprises is a nationally recognized community development organization whose mission is to work together with low-income families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities. Since 1965, Self-Help Enterprises’ efforts have touched the lives of over 65,000 families.Self-Help Enterprises
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10:40 – 11:10 a.m.
(30 mins.)
| Tour 2: Self-Help Housing and Sequoia Commons
Location: Sequoia Commons Apartments, 31161 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
Description: Sequoia Commons is a 126-unit multifamily housing development that include one, two and three-bedroom units and features an outdoor common area with playground, barbecue pit, picnic tables, basketball court and a 3072 square feet community room equipped with a kitchen, bathrooms, laundry facility, computer lab and separate management office.
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11:10 – 11:20 a.m. | Return to Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) |
11:20 – 11: 35 a.m.
(15 mins.) | Session 4: Environmental Concerns Water, drought resilience, and SGMA compliance.
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Speaker(s):
Description: This session explores how Tulare County and its partners are working to secure sustainable water resources through data-driven planning, conservation practices, and collaboration with local water districts. Learn how regional coordination under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is helping strengthen drought resilience, protect agriculture, and support long-term community sustainability.
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11:35 – 11:50 a.m.
(15 mins.)
| Session 5: Rural Economic Development Cross-sector collaboration with local, state, and federal partners
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Speaker(s):
Description: This discussion highlights how cross-sector partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies are driving economic opportunity in rural Tulare County. Topics include small business development, infrastructure investment, and workforce initiatives that build community resilience, attract private investment, and expand access to resources for rural and unincorporated areas.
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11:50 – 12:15 p.m.
(25 mins.) | Session 6: Planning Commissioner 101 A foundational training for new planning commissioners
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Speaker(s):
Description: Designed for new and prospective planning commissioners, this foundational session covers the basics of land use planning, public hearing procedures, and the decision-making process. Participants will gain insight into the legal and ethical considerations that guide planning bodies and learn how to effectively balance growth, environmental stewardship, and community input.
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12:15 p.m. | Day 2 Lunch Served Sponsored by Calgren Renewable Fuels.
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
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12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
(45 mins.) | Session 7: Lunchtime Discussion & Roundtable Roundtable topics including:
Location: Salt + Light Neighborhood Village (Unity Hall) 7571 Florence Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (Goshen)
Speaker(s):
Description: An open roundtable where participants will discuss key planning issues such as AB 52 and Tribal Cultural Resources, as well as updates to the Goshen Community Plan. This session encourages knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and forward-thinking approaches to local planning challenges.
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12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
(30 mins.)
| Networking |
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
(45 mins.)
| CCPCA Annual General Membership Meeting
Description: The CCPCA is a nonprofit educational organization serving California’s county planning commissioners, staff, elected officials, and the public. Its mission is to support continuous learning in land use, planning, and resource management, offering conferences, training, and informational resources on emerging challenges and best practices. At this meeting, the voting CCPCA county commissioners attending along with the attending members of the CCPCA Executive Committee will form a General Membership Meeting as required in our organizational bylaws. Financial status, strategic initiatives for training and conferences, and member outreach efforts may be reviewed, while upholding CCPCA’s role as a non-advocacy educational forum. The primary objective of the General Membership meeting each year is to plan for next year, by electing the person who will become CCPCA President who will be in charge of organizing the General Conference event for the upcoming program year, usually in their own home county.
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2:35 p.m. | Bus Loading |
2:25 – 3 p.m.
| Bus Travel to Pixley, CA |
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
(1.5 hrs.) | Tour 3: Calgren Plant Tour
Location: Calgren Renewable Fuels 11704 Rd 120, Pixley, CA 93256
Speaker(s): Tim Morillo, Plant Manager, Calgren
Calgren Renewable Fuels in Pixley, CA, produces over 55 million gallons of low-carbon ethanol annually while capturing methane from nearby dairies to generate renewable natural gas, electricity, and valuable co-products like animal feed and corn oil. The facility powers its own operations, supplies excess energy to the grid, and is advancing carbon capture, making it a leading model of sustainable, circular bioenergy in California.
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4:45 p.m. | Bus Loading |
4:50 – 5:15 p.m.
(25 mins.)
| Bus Travel to Tulare, CA |
5:30 – 5:45 p.m.
(15 mins.) | Arrival at Farewell Gala Guests arrive at Farewell Gala event.
Location: Apple Annie’s 1165 N Blackstone St, Tulare, CA 93274
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5:45 – 6 p.m.
(15 mins.)
| Dinner Served |
6 p.m. – 6:10 p.m.
(10 mins.) | Gala Welcome Gala welcome remarks and introduction of guest speaker.
Location: Apple Annie’s 1165 N Blackstone St, Tulare, CA 93274
Speaker(s):
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6:15 – 6:35 p.m.
(20 mins.) | Gala Keynote Gala welcome remarks and introduction of guest speaker.
Location: Apple Annie’s 1165 N Blackstone St, Tulare, CA 93274
Keynote Speaker: Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, California AD 33
Born and raised in Tulare, Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo comes from a family with deep roots in agriculture. A proud graduate of Tulare Union High School and California State University, Northridge, she earned her B.S. in Business Law before completing her Juris Doctor at San Joaquin College of Law in 2021.
Before joining the State Assembly, Alexandra led Macedo Environmental Consulting, Inc., providing environmental compliance and project management services to dairy and crop producers throughout the Central Valley. She has worked closely with regional and state agencies on matters related to water, air quality, and agricultural sustainability. A fourth-generation member of her family’s Tulare Sales Yard and almond farming operation, Assemblywoman Macedo has dedicated her career to advancing policies that strengthen California’s agricultural and dairy industries. Her lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and public service continues to reflect her deep pride in the Valley and its people. |
7:30 – 7:45 p.m.
(15 mins.) | Closing Remarks
Location: Apple Annie’s 1165 N Blackstone St, Tulare, CA 93274
Speaker(s):
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