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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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.

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Home Care In Visalia, CA

Home Care Visalia, CA

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 Hyde House in Visalia, 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 Visalia, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Visalia, CA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

William P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love the information the office provide and how wonderful the office looked. Chelsea provide me with enough information.”

Sarah R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jill M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Rick W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Visalia, CA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Visalia, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Visalia, CA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Visalia, CA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Visalia, CA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Blain Park in Visalia, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Visalia, CA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Tommy's Restaurant or visit End of the Trail, 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.

 In-Home Care Visalia, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Visalia, CA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Visalia, 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.

 Elderly Care Visalia, CA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Visalia, CA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Visalia, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Visalia, CA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Visalia, CA

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:

  • Prestige Assisted Living at Visalia
  • Quail Park on Cypress
  • Quail Park at Shannon Ranch
  • Glory Days Assisted Living Memory Care
  • Senior Living Alternatives
  • Westgate Gardens Care Center
Home Care Visalia, CA

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.

 In-Home Care Visalia, CA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Visalia, 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.

 Elderly Care Visalia, CA

Latest News in Visalia, CA

Amazon plans to open a 3rd warehouse in Visalia

VISALIA – Amazon plans to open a third distribution center in Visalia to improve faster delivery times throughout California.The logistics giant filed plans for its third site with the city of Visalia on Jan. 2, 2026. Plans include moving into an already constructed warehouse on 75 acres north of Riggin Avenue in the Visalia Industrial Park.The 1.27 million-square-foot warehouse was built by CapRock partners in 2024 and the proposed tenant was rumored to be Amazon. Now the rumor is fact with CapRock filing an operational ...

VISALIA – Amazon plans to open a third distribution center in Visalia to improve faster delivery times throughout California.

The logistics giant filed plans for its third site with the city of Visalia on Jan. 2, 2026. Plans include moving into an already constructed warehouse on 75 acres north of Riggin Avenue in the Visalia Industrial Park.

The 1.27 million-square-foot warehouse was built by CapRock partners in 2024 and the proposed tenant was rumored to be Amazon. Now the rumor is fact with CapRock filing an operational statement with the city that names Amazon as the tenant.

The new warehouse is the first new job creating development in the industrial park in a while. The operational statement states that Amazon plans to employ 471 people once the facility is open. Amazon is already the city’s fourth-largest employer and this new warehouse would put Amazon’s total employment at around 2,500, according to Visalia’s 2025 financial reports.

The huge building is ready for tenant improvements, making it likely that Amazon could begin operations at 4001 Plaza Drive later this year. On the outside the company rep noted, it only needs to paint their typical blue stripe around the building as they do at almost all Amazon warehouses.

Newport Beach-based CapRock was the developer of the two other Amazon warehouses in town, named FAT2 and HLA6. They own the land. The new building, labeled OGS9, will have associate parking for 731 cars with room to park truck trailers in 524 spaces.

The goal of the new project is “to improve efficiency and delivery speed” according to the operational statement filed with the city.

Amazon uses green hydrogen, produced by electrolyzers from water and renewable electricity, primarily to power fuel-cell forklifts in its fulfillment centers for cleaner operations, with plans to expand to heavy-duty trucks, aiming for net-zero carbon by 2040 through partnerships with companies like Plug Power to create onsite hydrogen production and secure supply.

The industrial project is part of the larger CapRock Central Point master plan that will be a total of a 2.7-million-square-foot of warehouse space across a four-building campus.

1.3Mft² building to employ hundreds in Visalia, city believes another Amazon could be coming to town

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's empty now, but in a few months, the 1.3 million square feet building on Plaza Drive and Riverway Avenue in Visalia is expected to create jobs for hundreds of local residents.The city of Visalia does not require company names in business applications, but it has a good sense of who may be expanding in town based on a few clues."There were some clues in there, they did say they wanted to paint it in Amazon blue, just like our Amazon one and Amazon two have, so we we do anticipate that will be a...

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's empty now, but in a few months, the 1.3 million square feet building on Plaza Drive and Riverway Avenue in Visalia is expected to create jobs for hundreds of local residents.

The city of Visalia does not require company names in business applications, but it has a good sense of who may be expanding in town based on a few clues.

"There were some clues in there, they did say they wanted to paint it in Amazon blue, just like our Amazon one and Amazon two have, so we we do anticipate that will be an Amazon Caprock. Actually built this building back in 2024. It's 1.3 million square feet, or just a hair underneath, and it mimics almost identically to the Amazon one and Amazon two we already have," explains Brett Taylor, Mayor for the City of Visalia.

The city says the other two nearby Amazon facilities employ about 1,000 people each, and that this one is expected to provide about 500 local jobs, possibly meaning more career options for the next generation.

"Our unemployment rates here in the Central Valley have always been kind of higher than the rest of the nation, and Visalia is now at some of the lowest unemployment rates that we've ever had. It's because great companies like Amazon are coming in and they're hiring our young people. Visalia offers a great work-life balance," expresses Taylor.

The cost is unknown but is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

City leaders say 97% of the West Coast can be reached in one day from Visalia, thanks to nearby access to highways, making the area even more desirable.

"Visalia specifically has been first. We're very easy to work with, with a lot of these big companies, and that's what they're looking for. They're looking for cities that are eager to have them come. We are essentially located in the state of California, so our folks here, they can wake up in their own beds, and they can make a delivery down in LA or go pick up a shipment out of the docks," mentions Taylor.

Plus, the central location could mean faster delivery times for local shoppers while boosting the local economy.

"A real good economic addition to the city of Visalia and the economic situation for people in Visalia. So overall, I think it's a win-win. I think it's a good location for Amazon. We're centrally located, and the whole idea behind it is to create faster service for the people that partake in Amazon. Yhis is a good addition," says Steve Nelson with the City of Visalia and Downtown Visalians.

Action News is waiting to hear back from Amazon on confirmation.

Meanwhile, the city says there are a few other major retailers, like a Costco in North Visalia, plus Sam's Club and Chick-fil-A, near Texas Roadhouse, coming to town in the coming years.

The city of Visalia says it is excited to continue growing, which encourages companies to want to work and develop locally.

The city says the location could open possibly by the end of the year.

For South Valley news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, X and Instagram.

YouTuber, Woodlake native Adin Ross makes long-awaited return to Tulare County

After rumors circulated of an appearance in his home region of Central California, YouTuber Adin Ross is set to make his long-awaited return to Visalia on Sunday, Dec. 21.According to an Instagram story posted earlier this month, Ross will host an event at the Visalia Convention Center.Ross has over 4.59 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, with millions across other platforms ...

After rumors circulated of an appearance in his home region of Central California, YouTuber Adin Ross is set to make his long-awaited return to Visalia on Sunday, Dec. 21.

According to an Instagram story posted earlier this month, Ross will host an event at the Visalia Convention Center.

Ross has over 4.59 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, with millions across other platforms such as Instagram, Kick and Twitch.

Adin Ross’s history in the Central Valley

Although this is his first "official" event in the area, the Woodlake native has frequently mentioned returning to his hometown or the Central Valley at large. In May, the 25-year-old streamer announced a "back-to-school" giveaway in Fresno; however, he was ultimately unable to make the trip.

Ross graduated from Woodlake High School in 2019 and moved to Los Angeles before purchasing a home in Florida in 2025.

The inspiration to return to Visalia came not just from his fans, but from another local resident. Nineteen-year-old Jacob Coburn, known as "BBJake" on social media, was cited as a primary reason for Ross's visit.

"Adin was an inspiration to me and my career, so to bring him back to my own hometown is pretty cool," Coburn said. "I feel that Visalia has been needing something exciting like this for a while, and now it’s finally here."

Event location & information

Visalia Convention Center staff report that the event will take place in the main hall. While no official start time appeared on the promotional flyer, sources close to the event suggest it will begin between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event will also be streamed live on Ross’s Kick account.

In videos posted earlier this week, Ross confirmed he is bringing fellow streamer Neon and high-profile boxer Ryan Garcia to the event, significantly increasing the star power focused on the convention center this Sunday.

On Saturday afternoon, Garcia announced his visit to Visalia on Instagram.

"Guess where we are headed?" We are headed to the 559," Garcia stated in a post. "Giving back and having a great time see you guys there with my favorites."

Like many "pop-up" events hosted by the streamer, this will more than likely be a community outreach effort. Based on the flyer, over $100,000 in prizes and gifts will be given away to those in attendance.

Beloved Lum Lums saying good-bye after 26 years of serving in Visalia

VISALIA, CA. (FOX26) — Lum Lums has served drinks, dishes, and memories for 26 years, but will be closing its doors at the end of the month.Workers who have been here for decades said why the owners made that tough decision.At the corner of Center Avenue and Santa Fe streets in Visalia is Lum Lum."It's a welcome place. It's a really big part of the community. And people just love coming here," said Kay, a customer.People like Kay, who stopped by hoping to grab one of her favorite meals before the c...

VISALIA, CA. (FOX26) — Lum Lums has served drinks, dishes, and memories for 26 years, but will be closing its doors at the end of the month.

Workers who have been here for decades said why the owners made that tough decision.

At the corner of Center Avenue and Santa Fe streets in Visalia is Lum Lum.

"It's a welcome place. It's a really big part of the community. And people just love coming here," said Kay, a customer.

People like Kay, who stopped by hoping to grab one of her favorite meals before the closure.

"I came here in '85 and then started going with Willa Dean and Betty in 2005, and this was our place. And we would come here for dinner every, not once a month, twice a month. At least once a month, yeah," said Kay

One of the workers, Ronnie, has been there since the beginning.

He has formed bonds not just with his co-workers but also with the community.

"I've seen kids grow without the years that I've been here, too. There's a lot of generational that comes through here. Everybody has something connected to this place." He said.

Ronnie says the owners are ready to retire and won't be extending their lease on the property.

As the restaurant prepares to close its doors, workers say they're grateful for the loyalty, love, and community that supported them for more than two decades.

"Now it's just going to feel weird knowing that after 28, my second home is here every day. It just feels weird knowing that I won't be doing that anymore," said Cassidy Osegera.

The restaurant will close on the 28th, and they are inviting the community to come in one last time.

Workers say they hope the final days are filled with familiar faces before turning the lights off for good.

Visalia man gets back pay after unpaid benefits, questions EDD accountability

VISALIA, Calif. (FOX26) — A Visalia family is facing an unimaginable reality after a family member is diagnosed terminally ill.A husband and father has been given just two months to live.As time ran out, so did the family's income when disability payments suddenly stopped, leaving his family struggling to make ends meet.The family says that assistance was arriving up until about 7 weeks ago, when they all of a sudden stopped seeing that money, despite qualifying for it.And with about two months left to live,...

VISALIA, Calif. (FOX26) — A Visalia family is facing an unimaginable reality after a family member is diagnosed terminally ill.

A husband and father has been given just two months to live.

As time ran out, so did the family's income when disability payments suddenly stopped, leaving his family struggling to make ends meet.

The family says that assistance was arriving up until about 7 weeks ago, when they all of a sudden stopped seeing that money, despite qualifying for it.

And with about two months left to live, instead of worrying about his final moments, he is worried about what will happen to his family.

"Things should not be this challenging when people are on disability," said Chad Hatfield, who is suffering from terminal illness.

In his Visalia home, Chad Hatfield sits next to his wife, thanking her for standing by his side since he was diagnosed with a terminal illness in May.

They discovered at that time that he had cirrhosis and ascites.

"I can't swallow. I can't, my feet are numb. At least I could still feel my hands and my lips," he said.

Doctors told Chad he has about two months left to live.

The terminal illness has left him unable to work and completely dependent on disability benefits.

"Once it started, we didn't have to worry about any bills. We had all our money coming in, so nothing was late." Hatfield said.

But about seven weeks ago, payments stopped without warning.

"Yeah, it's been since November 2nd was the last payment. They do say that we are still eligible. We just aren't receiving the benefits," he said.

Chad had a list of activities planned for his family before he left, but now it feels like a dream impossible to reach.

"I wanna take my family, they've never been on a plane. I wanna take them to Hawaii." Hatfield said.

Instead of focusing on the final moments as a family, the stress of not receiving payments weighs heavily on Chad.

"After calling hundreds and hundreds, no joking, because I have to type in my social every time, they got a record of it. It's just really sad how many people are putting into, you know, we're taxed, this comes out of our check, and it's put aside for a meaningful day. Where does that money go?"

Meanwhile, FOX26 contacted the EDD to get answers.

Late Monday afternoon, EDD responded almost at the same time, and they called Chad.

Chad told FOX26 the EDD is now getting him $10,000 in back pay that should hit his account just in time for Christmas.

Chad and Cara live in Assembly member Stan Ellis' district.

In a statement, he says:

“The Employment Development Department continues to fail Californians, with constituents unable to get timely help—yet again. Just last week, a desperate caller reached my office seeking assistance because EDD wouldn't respond while she's caring for her terminally ill husband. EDD cases make up 60% of our office's state agency casework, taking two weeks to resolve on average—twice as long as any other agency. People in dire circumstances are forced to seek help from my office because EDD ignores their direct pleas. These breakdowns persist despite years of promises for reform by EDD leadership and Governor Newsom. This is unacceptable. My office will continue to fight for every single constituent in need. EDD leadership must be held accountable, and Californians deserve better—now.”

For this family, timing is everything.

"He could have this little as a few months left. And struggling, we already have a tremendous amount of struggles emotionally, physically," Hatfield's wife said.

Chad says he is grateful to have finally heard back from EDD and will get back pay, but is still left wondering why they had stopped the payments in the first place.

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