It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting FAC Water Tower in Fresno, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fresno, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family has been fortunate to have Always Best Care provide care for my elderly”
“Love the information the office provide and how wonderful the office looked. Chelsea provide me”
“I am writing in regards to my husband’s caregiver, Angeles. We appreciate her so much.”
“My mother was under the care of Always Best Care from 2018 until her untimely”
“My family has been fortunate to have Always Best Care provide care for my elderly mother for approximately two years. My mother is in her late 80s and not an easy person to deal with at times. Subsequent to her hospitalization and release, we coordinated with Always Best Care for caregiver, Chelsea to come into her home every week to assist my mother with her daily life, chores, etc. Chelsea has literally been a gift from God to us. I honestly don’t know what we would do without the professional help of Chelsea. She handled my mother’s many needs and moods with a very delicate and compassionate touch. She is simply the best. I cannot recommend her professional qualities and services highly enough. Please feel free to contact me should you require any additional information. Thank you very much.”
“Love the information the office provide and how wonderful the office looked. Chelsea provide me with enough information.”
“I am writing in regards to my husband’s caregiver, Angeles. We appreciate her so much. When she first started caring for my husband, he was not sure he liked her and would call me to send her home. She worked really hard to try to work with him as he can be stubborn and angry at times. Over time they have developed a real bond. She is attentive and wherever he is, she is right behind him. When I get home from work , my husband is always in a good mood and I’m very appreciative of the relationship Angeles have built with my husband and the care she has provided him. Also, Angeles went above and beyond the tasks assigned to her and I have nothing but praise for all the Caregivers that Always Best Care Senior Services have.”
“My mother was under the care of Always Best Care from 2018 until her untimely passing in 2022. She had a number of physical disabilities and the staff from Always Best Care provided quality care in assisting with her hygienic needs, attending to light housekeeping, food preparation and providing transportation to and from medical appointments. My mother always felt well cared for by the staff of Always Best Care. When my mother passed away in mid-December 2022, the staff at Always Best Care recognized the emotionally vulnerable position of my 87 year old Father and decided to continue assigning a compassionate Caregiver for him. Their ability to recognize the importance of this continuum of care is greatly appreciated by our family. Ultimately, our family has been very satisfied and pleased with the service that Always Best Care has provided to both our parents. They have demonstrated sincere concern, care and compassion when it comes to our parents’ physical and emotional care and we would recommend their services to anyone.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Woodward Park in Fresno, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit Van Ness Arch (Fresno entrance gate), don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fresno, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fresno, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fresno, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Over half a million people across central California continue to go without SNAP benefits, also known as CalFresh in California, as federal funding ran out over the weekend.Fresno County says its households' benefits typically amount to $46 million per month."So far, none of that has been issued, and we are awaiting state and federal guidance to see what happens next," said Sanja Bugay, Fresno County Department of Social Services director.The Central California Food Bank (CCFB) says it'...
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Over half a million people across central California continue to go without SNAP benefits, also known as CalFresh in California, as federal funding ran out over the weekend.
Fresno County says its households' benefits typically amount to $46 million per month.
"So far, none of that has been issued, and we are awaiting state and federal guidance to see what happens next," said Sanja Bugay, Fresno County Department of Social Services director.
The Central California Food Bank (CCFB) says it's been inundated with people in need.
"We had so many individuals reaching out to us that our phone lines actually crashed," said Kym Dildine, CCFB co-CEO.
On Tuesday, President Trump announced on social media that SNAP benefits will not go out until the government is back open.
But the day before, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration use emergency funds to partially pay for the benefits.
"We are in an unprecedented, uncharted territory," Bugay stated.
In Fresno County more than 246,000 people rely on CalFresh benefits, which is just over 24% of the population. In Tulare County, it's close to 27% and in Madera County, it's a stark 37%.
All of which now don't know when they could see benefits return, as there's no end in sight for the government shutdown.
The Central California Food Bank is stepping up to meet the need in the meantime.
"Our online appointment grocery pickup, we increase service hours by two hours a day. An additional 80 households per day through the end of November," Dildine explained. "We are increasing food access at all our distribution sites."
The food bank says it is well-positioned to help in the short term, but long-term would be difficult.
Fresno County is still processing CalFresh applications and suggests that anyone needing help in the meantime turn to local food banks.
Anyone wishing to donate their time, money or food can do so on the food bank's website.
FRESNO COUNTY, CA - According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a preliminary 2.0 magnitude quake struck near Toms Place Wednesday evening.The tremor shook the area at 7:45 p.m. It occurred at a depth of 4 miles with the epicenter located about 12 miles southwest of Toms Place.Did you feel it? If you noticed the earthquake, you can share your experience using the USGS Felt Report form.What to know about earthquakes Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U. S. ...
FRESNO COUNTY, CA - According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a preliminary 2.0 magnitude quake struck near Toms Place Wednesday evening.
The tremor shook the area at 7:45 p.m. It occurred at a depth of 4 miles with the epicenter located about 12 miles southwest of Toms Place.
Did you feel it?
If you noticed the earthquake, you can share your experience using the USGS Felt Report form.
What to know about earthquakes
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U. S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale. Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Earthquakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but are most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. 100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage.
What to do during an earthquake
If an earthquake strikes, it's best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:
If you're in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you're in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
If you're outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don't go inside.
If you're inside: Stay and don't run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. "Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy," officials say. "If you're using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops." Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
"There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines," officials say. "Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock."
Source: The U.S. Geological Survey
This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. No human journalist was harmed in this experiment. You can report errors or bugs to [email protected].
FRESNO COUNTY, CA - Sunday evening, a preliminary 2.6 magnitude quake was reported near Toms Place, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.The tremor rattled at 8:35 p.m., with its epicenter located roughly 14 miles southwest of Toms Place and a depth of just 3 miles.Did you feel it? If you felt the earthquake, you can report it through the USGS Felt Report form.Tremors last week During the past week, there have been three tremors of magnitude 2.5 or above centered nearby. The largest, measur...
FRESNO COUNTY, CA - Sunday evening, a preliminary 2.6 magnitude quake was reported near Toms Place, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The tremor rattled at 8:35 p.m., with its epicenter located roughly 14 miles southwest of Toms Place and a depth of just 3 miles.
Did you feel it?
If you felt the earthquake, you can report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
Tremors last week
During the past week, there have been three tremors of magnitude 2.5 or above centered nearby. The largest, measuring 2.6, occurred in the same region prior to this quake.
The three largest earthquakes nearby in the last week:
What to know about earthquakes
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U. S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale. Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Earthquakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but are most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. 100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage.
What to do during an earthquake
If an earthquake strikes, it's best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:
If you're in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you're in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
If you're outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don't go inside.
If you're inside: Stay and don't run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. "Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy," officials say. "If you're using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops." Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
"There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines," officials say. "Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock."
Source: The U.S. Geological Survey
This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. No human journalist was harmed in this experiment. You can report errors or bugs to [email protected].
The California High-Speed Rail Authority says it wants a sales tax exemption on in-state purchases, a first-ever move for the project that could tighten timelines and save money but also mean fewer dollars returning to state revenue pools.The rail authority told The Fresno Bee that a sales tax exemption would decrease the project’s overall costs on in-state materials and equipment purchases and could also help build the train faster by removing some financial barriers.Though state agencies are generally not exempt from pa...
The California High-Speed Rail Authority says it wants a sales tax exemption on in-state purchases, a first-ever move for the project that could tighten timelines and save money but also mean fewer dollars returning to state revenue pools.
The rail authority told The Fresno Bee that a sales tax exemption would decrease the project’s overall costs on in-state materials and equipment purchases and could also help build the train faster by removing some financial barriers.
Though state agencies are generally not exempt from paying sales tax, the concept is not entirely new in California, where the law allows such exemptions for qualified manufacturers — typically private firms — in the greenhouse gas reduction space.
“We’re just saying, ‘Keep the money in the project,’ “ Henry R. Perea, a rail authority board member from Fresno, told The Bee in a phone interview.
It’s not immediately clear how much of the sales tax normally imposed in the state would be exempted under the plan. The agency told The Bee it cannot yet talk specifics about what it is seeking or how much money it expects to save. The rail authority said it’s still discussing a proposal it sent to California’s Legislature for next year’s session.
Sales in California are taxed at a minimum of 7.25%. According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s website, 6% of that generates revenue that pays for statewide programs and resources, such as public safety and other core government responsibilities. The other 1.25% goes to the cities and counties where a sale takes place, and local governments can also add and collect more sales tax.
The rail authority’s argument is that the exemption would prevent “shuffling” of state money within state accounts. Because state dollars are paying for the project, California sales tax collected on purchases effectively causes the rail authority to return some of those dollars to the state, Perea said.
The push for a sales tax exemption, announced by rail authority CEO Ian Choudri during an August board meeting, comes as part of the agency’s list of new cost-cutting and time-saving strategies requiring the state’s approval. It also comes as the agency battles the Trump administration — which has long criticized California high-speed rail’s history of delays and cost increases — in court over a decision to pull $4 billion of the project’s federal money.
California voters approved $9.95 billion in bonds in 2008 to help fund a railway from San Francisco to Los Angeles by 2020. The state estimated then that the entire system would cost $45 billion to build. But today the focus is a 171-mile Merced-to-Bakersfield line that could be operational by 2032 and cost $36.75 billion — if things go according to plan.
The rail authority this year secured $1 billion annually through 2045 for the project from the state’s Cap-and-Invest program, which generates public dollars from companies that buy credits at state auctions to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. The agency is hoping to lay the Central Valley’s first tracks next year and has moved toward buying materials straight from manufacturers rather than from contractors to save money and time.
In August, the rail authority moved to start taking bids from manufacturers who want to supply the rail materials — such as poles, tracks and ballast — for the 119-mile segment between Shafter and Madera. The $507.1 million budget for the rail materials is 100% state-funded.
It’s not yet known how many of those purchases will be made in-state or whether the rail authority can obtain a sales tax exemption before it starts buying the materials for the Shafter-to-Madera stretch.
“They’re giving us $1 billion dollars a year, and we’re going to be using monies to purchase these products,” he said. “Why charge us tax and cause us to give it back to the state when it’s really money the state has already given us to continue the project?”
H.D. Palmer, spokesperson for California’s Department of Finance, said in a statement to The Bee that there is a history of manufacturers receiving sales tax exemptions through the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA).
That program, based on a competitive application process, allocates up to $100 million in sales tax exemptions each year to manufacturers that work on clean energy and transportation products, he said.
Christina Sarron, executive director of the CAEATFA, said the exemption is available to manufacturers for “qualified property.” That includes machinery and equipment, information technology, and also personal property required for infrastructure improvements to the manufacturing facility.”
She said a public entity could qualify, but the project would need to meet the eligibility requirements and compete with other applicants to the program.
“Companies experience the benefits immediately,” Sarron said. “This immediate financial relief can improve cash flow, encourage quicker decision-making, and make capital investments more attractive.”
Palmer said that outside of this program, the state “has generally not provided sales tax exemptions to specific projects.” But he said the state does provide partial sales tax exemptions for certain types of goods, including manufacturing and farming equipment.
When summer scorches California's Central Valley, cooling off at an inland lake is an unbeatable form of respite. About a 30-minute drive from Fresno, the underrated Central Valley city with quirky attractions, and a bit over an hour from Sequoia National Park, Avocado Lake has filled that role for many park visitors and Fresno residents alike. In fact, the lake was artificially created specifically to provide a spot for people to swim and fish in, encircled by a relaxing park with picnic areas and a playground. Unfortunately, though, the la...
When summer scorches California's Central Valley, cooling off at an inland lake is an unbeatable form of respite. About a 30-minute drive from Fresno, the underrated Central Valley city with quirky attractions, and a bit over an hour from Sequoia National Park, Avocado Lake has filled that role for many park visitors and Fresno residents alike. In fact, the lake was artificially created specifically to provide a spot for people to swim and fish in, encircled by a relaxing park with picnic areas and a playground. Unfortunately, though, the lake is one you should think twice about before swimming in, since it's faced repeated issues with bacteria contamination.
For two years in a row (2024 and 2025), high levels of the bacteria E. coli were found in Avocado Lake's waters. Most E. coli strains aren't themselves dangerous; instead, the presence of E. coli indicates that water is likely contaminated by feces and runoff that contains other, more harmful pathogens, according to the Clean Lakes Alliance. High levels of E. coli in the water are a common reason for lake closures and advisories. Swimming in contaminated water means you expose your body to potential pathogens, which mostly affect your gastrointestinal system, causing vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea. It's unclear exactly what's causing the recurring E. coli presence in Avocado Lake, though officials of Fresno County suspect it's connected to the King's River, which flows into the lake, potentially carrying in runoff or stormwater. Officials recommend that visitors avoid swimming in the lake when bacteria levels are high, though the levels vary from week to week.
As of this writing, Avocado Lake Park, including the lake itself, remains open to the public, and there's currently no advisory against swimming in the water. Still, bacteria levels fluctuate quite a bit; the lake is tested for E. coli weekly, with updates posted on a water quality map by the Central Valley Water Board. Since unsafe levels were detected for some weeks in 2025, it's a good idea to check the most recent status before going for a dip. Fresno County Parks Manager Chris Bernal told ABC 30 that if the E. coli levels are above a safe limit, "Do not drink the water. Do not cook with the water or use it to wash your dishes." Additionally, you should wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with the water.
Even if there's an advisory against swimming in Avocado Lake, there's no reason not to visit the park, water activities aside. There's a small parking fee, and the park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer months and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the winter. On its 210 acres, you'll find picnic tables and barbecues, plus some dirt trails and a small sandy beach to sprawl out on. The park is just about a 30-minute drive from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. If you're looking for some other options for a swim, head about an hour north from Avocado Lake to Shaver Lake, a secret spot in the California mountains for charming, lake town living.
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