Appliance Repair in Hanford, CA

A brief "Special Meeting" was called by the Kings County Board of Supervisors for routine business. It was not brief, and it was anything but routine.

Supervisors heard 90 minutes of comments from residents about the controversial Northstar Courts affordable-housing project before a unanimous vote pertaining to AB 361, which extends abbreviated teleconferencing provisions.

Prior to the meeting, Supervisor and Board Chairman Joe Neves (District 1) said he could not comment on any topic regarding litigation.

Diane Freeman, Kings County administrative officer and counsel, also made clear she could not discuss the closed session portion of the meeting.

Public Speaks Up

About 100 people attended the meeting. Dozens spoke within the allotted two-minute limit. Nearly all of them voiced opposition to the project — primarily the location and what they perceive as insufficient opportunities to participate in planning, accepting or rejecting Northstar Courts.

Mariane Lewis of Hanford said she was "highly concerned" about the project.

"If UpHoldings wanted to do something for the community, they certainly did not go about it the right way," she said. "Deceit, secrecy and bait and switch ... I'm urging the board of supervisors to draw the line. Please hear our voices."

The project will reportedly cost $32M. The county will provide $1M, according to a spokesperson for UPholdings, one of two developers involved in the affordable-housing effort. The bulk of the funding will come from federal grants and state money, UPholdings has stated.

Brian Knoll, who identified himself as the owner of a local pest-control company, said affordable-housing projects like Northstar — in his experience — cause problems.

"With this program, I don't see it as a hand up to get people on their feet," he said. "To me, it sounds like a social experiment we don't need to participate in."

Mike Rodriguez called the project a "firestorm." He questioned whether it was deliberately hidden from the public.

"I'm very disappointed about the decision of not letting us know what was happening," Rodriguez said, adding that he believes millions of people are coming into the United States in search of low-income housing built by U.S. taxpayers.

Beverly Rodriguez, Mike's wife, asked whether the project is a private-public partnership between UPholdings and various government entities.

"It is absolutely government overreach," she said. "And that is the problem."

Rebecca Bell of Hanford is one of the few people who attended the Feb. 24 meeting to speak in favor of the Northstar project.

"I was originally against the location because it didn't make sense," Bell said. "Then I found out there was a need for low-income housing in the community. We deserve some help."

At issue is why Kings County and Hanford officials did not seek public input during the initial phase of the proposal. Dozens of people also questioned why the designated location was selected.

One by one, Kings County citizens politely admonished public officials and private individuals for approving Northstar Courts without seeking sufficient feedback from Hanford residents.

They also voiced concerns about safety issues and tenants. Residents and business owners from the surrounding neighborhood where Northstar Courts is planned expressed displeasure about reports many renters could have mental-health issues.

"I'm in favor of helping the homeless," said Mike of Hanford. "Good project. Wrong neighborhood. He added, "I love my community," he said. "I want it to stay the way it is."

When the public comments session concluded, Chairman Neves thanked everyone for participating. Supervisor Doug Verboon (District 3) also applauded people who spoke.

"I just want to thank the community for coming out and being professional today," Verboon said. "I'm really impressed ... We need to work with the city to come up with a plan.

"I believe we may have missed the mark on this" he continued. "We work for you. And without you, we are nothing."

The evening prior to Thursday's meeting, Verboon said the Northstar project changed from the time it was initially presented to the Kings County Board of Supervisors.

Kings County was involved in approving the overall concept of offering affordable housing within the community, Verboon confirmed. However, he clarified local public officials are limited by certain federal mandates and state laws that address providing low-income rentals within specific neighborhoods.

"It's not our project," Verboon said. "The county [supervisors] did not pick the location, did not pick the builder, did not pick the site."

He also took issue with the state legislature.

"The state of California puts the elected officials against the community when they force these projects on us," Verboon said. "The people are upset because they are surprised. The community is up in arms because they felt they should know what's going up around them."

Verboon said he empathizes with citizens who feel blindsided by the project.

Because it is now in the hands of legal staff, the project must be addressed in a closed session, the supervisor explained. However, Verboon said he remains optimistic that Kings County and Hanford leaders can address some of the concerns people expressed during a recent Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Hanford City Council.

"Nothing's ever a done deal," Verboon said, adding the Northstar project has become more complex as a result of the Town Hall Meeting.

"Now we have attorneys involved, so it could take a little longer," he said.

Verboon said he would like the board of supervisors to be given more time to review projects like Northstar.

"In the future, any project that has public assistance should be brought to the public for review, for public comment," Verboon said. "We need to hear what the taxpayer has to say. People have had enough."

Matt Tall, VP of Manufacturing for FF reviewing the progress & layout of the construction site with the FF team and the Mayor of Hanford (Photo: Business Wire)

HANFORD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (“FF”) (NASDAQ: FFIE), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, recently welcomed Hanford Mayor Francisco Ramirez and City Manager Mario Cifuentez to its production facility in the Central Valley of California to share current and future progress updates related to its production plans. FF invited the local officials as a part of a recent executive update session at its Hanford plant that detailed upcoming milestones in its manufacturing process for the ultimate intelligent techluxury FF 91 EV. FF remains on-target to launch the FF 91 in July 2022.

“This facility will be a first-rate production hub for their vehicles and will allow local qualified residents to be part of the workforce they are bringing in now and the near future to help deliver the FF 91 to the market next summer.”

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“I want to thank FF for giving me a very straightforward and thorough update tour of their FF 91 factory here in Hanford last week. I was able to see firsthand just how far they have come in a short time and also hear about their strategic milestones, including local hiring plans, as they ramp up to fully complete their production facility in the coming months,” said Hanford Mayor Ramirez. “This facility will be a first-rate production hub for their vehicles and will allow local qualified residents to be part of the workforce they are bringing in now and the near future to help deliver the FF 91 to the market next summer.”

A video interview with Hanford Mayor Ramirez with more detail on his visit to FF’s manufacturing facility can be found here: https://ev.ff.com/3BXpYet

The FF 91 production goals are modest, focusing on smaller volume and specific clientele, ensuring a smooth roll out of the FF 91 and future vehicles. FF’s Hanford facility will adopt a bespoke, high-quality, luxury-focused production setup for its flagship FF 91 EV, engineered and designed for superior craftsmanship befitting FF’s exclusive, high-end, luxury vehicles. This is one of the many FF differentiators compared to traditional OEM mass production.

“FF represents a true anchor on which to attract additional technology and EV companies. The Economic Development Corp. (EDC) was involved in helping to recruit FF to Kings County, and we have maintained a positive relationship with the company,” said Kings County EDC President Lance Lippincott. “We are confident their success will encourage suppliers and other businesses to locate in Kings County. We are ready to help them be successful.”

Since going public in July, FF has kicked off construction at the Hanford plant and has completed the pilot line systems to support FF pre-production builds. A video link with more detail on FF’s Hanford manufacturing facility including a detailed walk through conducted by Matt Tall, FF’s VP of manufacturing can be viewed here: https://ev.ff.com/3E0mt7I

The FF 91 Futurist Alliance Edition and FF 91 Futurist models represent the next generation of intelligent techluxury EVs. They are high-performance EVs, all-in-one all-ability cars, and ultimate robotic vehicles that allow users to experience a third internet living space beyond their home and office. The models encompass extreme technology, an ultimate user experience and a complete ecosystem. Users can reserve an FF 91 Futurist model now via the FF intelligent APP or FF.com at: https://www.ff.com/us/reserve

Download the new FF intelligent APP at: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1454187098 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.faradayfuture.online

ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE

Established in May 2014, FF is a global shared intelligent mobility ecosystem company, headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Since its inception, FF has implemented numerous innovations relating to its products, technology, business model, profit model, user ecosystem, and governance structure. On July 22, 2021, FF was listed on NASDAQ with the new company name “Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc.”, and the ticker symbols “FFIE” for its Class A common stock and “FFIEW” for its warrants. FF aims to perpetually improve the way people move by creating a forward-thinking mobility ecosystem that integrates clean energy, AI, the Internet and new usership models. With the ultimate intelligent techluxury brand positioning, FF’s first flagship product FF 91 Futurist is equipped with unbeatable product power. It is not just a high-performance EV, an all-ability car, and an ultimate robotic vehicle, but also the third internet living space.

FOLLOW FARADAY FUTURE:

https://www.ff.com/ http://appdownload.ff.com https://twitter.com/FaradayFuture https://www.facebook.com/faradayfuture/ https://www.instagram.com/faradayfuture/ www.linkedin.com/company/faradayfuture

NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION

This communication shall neither constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside FF’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include FF’s ability to execute on its plans to develop and market its vehicles and the timing of these development programs; FF’s estimates of the size of the markets for its vehicles and costs to bring its vehicles to market; the rate and degree of market acceptance of FF’s vehicles; the success of other competing manufacturers; the performance and security of FF’s vehicles; potential litigation involving FF; the result of future financing efforts and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for FF’s products. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the preliminary registration statement on Form S-1 recently filed by FF and other documents filed by FF from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and FF does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

After numerous fits and starts, Southern California-based electric vehicle (EV) company Faraday Future is gearing up to launch its long-anticipated Central Valley production facility, according to a company press release.

To showcase the Hanford manufacturing plant, Faraday Future (FF) invited Mayor Diane Sharp to tour the facility this week.

"I found the plant to be clean, organized and buzzing with activity," Sharp said of her FF tour. "We are pleased to have Faraday Future in the neighborhood, and appreciate the myriad of ways they contribute to the local economy."

Sharp met with John Lehn, director of government affairs at FF, established in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles.

"Hosting Mayor Diane Sharp at our facility was a great honor, especially with the launch of the FF 91 [EV] this summer," stated Matt Tall, vice president of manufacturing for Faraday Future. "We are working to make the city of Hanford proud to have FF here and look forward to welcoming our city officials back to our plant on a regular basis."

Sharp was given an "introductory walk-through" of the EV plant, which uses cutting-edge manufacturing processes to produce "all-ability cars, and ultimate robotic vehicles," the company announced.

FF has been plagued by a variety of issues over the years, causing employee layoffs and the delay of its much-touted Hanford manufacturing plant.

Most of FF's issues revolve around financing including an "arbitration case against the car maker's largest financial backer and shareholder, Chinese real estate group, Evergrande," as reported by the Hanford Sentinel in September 2021.

"Faraday Future claims its financial crisis was brought about by Evergrande's refusal to make scheduled payments," according to the 2021 Hanford Sentinel article.

The difficulties have not deterred FF from moving forward with its planned facility in Hanford, which is projected to benefit from the hiring of more than 300 workers.

For her part, Hanford's newly appointed mayor indicated she is excited by the EV company's plans to ramp up production and bring potential revenues to the area.

"It is great to see so many people at Faraday Future's Hanford plant working to bring the plant to full production," Sharp stated. "Faraday Future is an exciting company. I am thrilled with the investment that is being made in our community, and am honored to have been invited to tour their very impressive facility."

A week after a contentious Hanford City Council meeting surrounding a proposed affordable housing project, the developer of the project is moving full steam ahead.

Illinois-based developer UPHoldings – which has a local regional office in the Central Valley – has partnered with Self-Help Enterprises to construct Northstar Courts, a 72 unit complex in north Hanford.

Over 500 people attended a special council meeting last week, the majority of which were in opposition to the project, which will set aside 22 units for vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health services, which is currently set to be provided by Kings County.

Despite the public outcry, UPHoldings co-owner Jessica Hoff Berzac told The Sun that the project is moving ahead as planned with no consideration to move to a different location.

“We’ve invested over $1 million in this project,” Hoff Berzac said. “We own the land. It’s fully entitled. We’ve secured $34 million that is tied to this location. The site was designated by the state. There’s no way without abandoning all of that financing that’s been secured and all of the investments we’ve made. You can’t just switch locations. That’s not possible.”

While last week’s meeting was raucous with opposition, Hoff Berzac said UPHoldings has been flooded with phone calls in support of the project, as well as people asking to put in an application to live in one of the units, which is expected to be completed by November 2023.

She also noted the concerns that some people have with the project housing mental health patients, saying that it has not been an issue with any other developments that UPHoldings owns and manages.

“We’re just trying to hear people out. There’s still just this unbelievable assumption that because someone has a disability they’re inherently going to ruin a neighborhood. It’s based on Hollywood, right? That’s just a false, false statement,” Hoff Berzac said.

“We don’t have a single project where someone’s disability has ruined the neighborhood. We’ve never had tenants do some of the things that people are assuming and guessing. My hope is just that people will continue to hear the stories of people, talk to their neighbors and friends that also might have a mental illness and really kind of understand the human side of this, because that’s the way that some of those stigmatizing comments and assumptions are going to be broken down.”

Hoff Berzac expects the building permits to be finalized within the next couple of months, and she will continue to engage with the community and prove that Northstar Courts will be a good neighbor.

She has not heard anything of concern that the city may try to prevent the project from going through.

“I don’t have reason to think that they would back away from that position,” Hoff Berzac said. “I think they know how desperately housing is needed for all the people they serve.”

There could be potential hiccups with the project starting this week, however.

The Kings County Board of Supervisors is holding a special meeting Thursday and will discuss a closed session item related to the project.

The closed session item revolves around potential litigation over the county’s Whole Person Care Program funds, which is the behavioral health piece that the county has committed to Northstar Courts.

When asked, Hoff Berzac said she was unaware of any potential litigation against the County of Kings over Northstar Courts.

Face masks will no longer be required in public schools to combat COVID-19 throughout Kings County beginning March 12.

At least, that seems to be the consensus.

"I met with 12 of the 13 superintendents this morning, and nobody indicated they are extending the mask policy," said Todd Barlow, superintendent of schools for Kings County Office of Education. "I'm quite sure the [superintendent] that wasn't there isn't extending it either."

Barlow clarified that the county's education department does not have the authority to dictate face mask policies. It is up to the superintendents of each school district within the county to make autonomous decisions about healthcare policies.

"The realm of responsibilities and authority is theirs," Barlow said. "Every indication is they're not going to be requiring masks as of midnight on the 12th."

"The role of the county office is to support them," he said of individual superintendents. "My job is to make sure they have all the information they need in order to make the decisions that they do."

Barlow said the 12 superintendents at Monday's policy meeting will continue to follow guidelines set forth in the tier system regarding masks: 1. required, 2. strongly recommended; 3. recommended; and 4. optional.

"They're going with a 'strongly recommended' language in their system," Barlow said.

Dr. Victor Rosa, superintendent of the Hanford Joint Union High School District (HJUHSD), confirmed the district is following state guidelines.

"We do not intend to implement any added restrictions on masking, apart from the state guideline," said Rosa.

The HJUHSD superintendent said he is unaware of any displeasure on the part of teachers or administrative staff pertaining to the decision to no longer require face masks.

"There has not been any reluctance communicated to me about the removal," Rosa said. "I am sure there will still be many who choose to mask for their own safety, but they have not expressed any desire to be more restrictive than the state guidelines."

Superintendent Barlow, Kings County Office of Education, said students and staff who remain concerned about catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus may continue to voluntarily wear masks.

"Anyone that wants to wear a mask, they're welcome to do so," Barlow said. "I think everybody seems to understand we're in a phase right now where if someone is concerned, they can get self-vaccinated and wear a mask if they choose."

Dr. Rosa concurred: "We will continue to provide masks to those who choose to wear one and will support any student or staff members' choice to do so."

In a website post, the HJUHSD informed students, parents and staff of its updated policy on masks to combat the COVID-19 virus.

Referring to a statement from Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Superintendent Rosa informed everyone the governor's statement effectively "ends the mask mandate for all students and staff in the school setting on March 11."

In keeping with a statement from Gov. Newsom, California announced schools and child-care facilities are not requiring vaccinated or unvaccinated children to wear masks because of falling COVID-19 cases.

However, it is strongly recommended that children continue to wear masks, especially indoors.

"California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science," Gov. Newsom stated in lifting the mandate. "Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high."

The statement on California classrooms comes after the state lifted its mask mandate for most indoor settings, beginning March 1.

"We cannot predict the future of the virus," Gov. Newsom stated, "but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward."

A press release issued by the governor's office made clear local jurisdictions may choose to implement their own face covering policies and requirements pertaining to COVID-19. However, the state will continue to require face masks in certain settings.

"Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities," a California-issued press release stated.

"We know this has been a very difficult mandate for many students and families," HJUHSD Superintendent Rosa stated. "For some, this change comes too late and for some too early. However, as a district and county, we have worked hard to abide by state law regardless of our personal beliefs about those laws."