East Porterville News

Freezing temperatures over the Christmas holiday weekend kept local citrus growers busy as lows dipped to 24 degrees in some areas of the citrus belt.

Guy Wollenman, a local grower and Lindsay-based Monte Vista Ranches' general manager, said the recent lows - which dipped to 33 degrees Friday, 31 degrees Saturday and 30 degrees Sunday in East Porterville, according to California Citrus Mutual's website - will improve the interior and exterior quality of the fruit.

The low Sunday night along the foothills in the Orange Belt was expected to be 30 degrees, but it is predicted to drop a degree or two lower over the next couple of nights.

Jobless rates may say a lot about the state of the local economy, but the fluctuating figures and shifting trends leave a lot to say about how far-reaching the problem really is.

East Porterville residents may soon enjoy brisk bicycle rides and leisurely evening strolls along the newest addition to the city's Rails to Trails Parkway.