Tale of the grape

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Published on 05/17/2013 - 11:04 am

Written by Chuck Harvey

T he Valley’s table and wine-grape acreage grew slightly in 2012 as raisin acres continued a slow, steady decline.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture reported in its 2012 acreage report that table grape acreage increased 2.1 percent with 98,000 acres harvested statewide in 2012. That compares to 96,000 acres in 2011 and 94,000 acres in 2010.

Growers on edge over water quality regulations

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Published on 05/17/2013 - 10:58 am

Written by Chuck Harvey

California’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program — currently slowed by lawsuits — would require farmers to protect the quality of their irrigation water.
Management and monitoring of irrigation water would be the primary requirements of the program developed by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Duo works to salvage Cedar Lanes

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Published on 05/17/2013 - 10:57 am

Written by Clay Moffitt

Allyson and Tim Schulz and their company, ReVive Industries, are leading a last-minute effort to salvage what wood, materials and memories still remain of the historic Cedar Lanes bowling alley in Fresno before it comes tumbling down permanently this month.

Wine producers build brand awareness in China

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Published on 05/17/2013 - 10:54 am

Written by Chuck Harvey

The Chinese may soon be popping corks on an increased volume and variety of California wines.
The San Francisco-based Wine Institute is in the third year of a brand-awareness campaign to help boost wine sales in China and counter a belief that California wines exported to China are “plonk” wines, meaning they are of poor quality and taste.

Still Swinging

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Published on 05/17/2013 - 10:43 am

Written by Clay Moffitt

Although it still remains to be seen if the golf industry will ever return to where it once was, the Valley’s courses are headed for their third straight year of growth.

New supermarket coming to shuttered Sanger Save Mart

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Published on 05/10/2013 - 2:16 pm

Written by Clay Moffitt

After a substantial renovation to repair the aftermath of vandals and thieves, State Foods will open a new location and move its corporate headquarters to the former Save Mart building in Sanger.

Alternative fuel stations gaining steam in Valley

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Published on 05/10/2013 - 2:15 pm

Written by Ben Keller

The Fresno area’s first public alternative fuel station opened last month, setting the stage for what could be a growing market for Valley drivers filling up with ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas and other alternative fuels.

US Cold Storage embarking on $1.5M expansion

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Published on 05/10/2013 - 2:12 pm

Written by Leah Canseco

Rod Noll, Western region manager for Florida-based United States Cold Storage, said the company recently decided to expand its Fresno facility.
The $1.5 million, 127,000 square-foot addition will have approximately 4.5 million cubic feet of refrigerated storage space, 20,000 racked pallet positions and an additional 80 blast freezer positions.

Grizzlies owner: Investors not ‘fleeing’ team ownership

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Published on 05/10/2013 - 2:11 pm

Written by Clay Moffitt

With annual losses piling and the organization perpetually behind on its rent payment, Fresno Grizzlies managing partner Chris Cummings recognizes the Triple-A baseball team must take a new path to financial viability.

Local biz site launches in Fresno market

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Published on 05/03/2013 - 12:00 pm

Written by Ben Keller

Kevin Peck learned long ago how hard it is to advertise as a small business owner and still earn a decent living.

Now, the former motorcycle shop owner from Roseville and his business partner Luke Paquin are hoping to help others meet that struggle with a new online business directory that aims to stand apart.

Since dreaming up the idea last year, Peck was hitting up small, locally owned businesses in earnest to sign on with WeBeLocals.com before its official launch on May 1.