Regional Roundup

Planning Commission to discuss Wal-Mart

The Lodi Planning Commission will hold its regular session meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Carnegie Forum, 305 W. Pine St. The majority of the meeting will focus on the approval of the Wal-Mart Supercenter project on the southwest corner of Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road.

If approved, the new shopping center, which would include 13 buildings in addition to Wal-Mart, would cover 340,000 square feet. However, it would still need approval from the San Joaquin Superior court after any appeals were filed and processed.

During the public meeting, the commission will also discuss the permit allowing Wal-Mart to sell alcoholic beverages upon project approval, and a revised environmental impact report regarding the Supercenter project.

The Planning Commission will also discuss actions of the City Council, the General Plan update and Development Code update and Art in Public Places.

Accident victim remains in critical condition

Frank Alegre Jr., who turns 52 this week, remained in critical condition Tuesday evening at San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Alegre was injured shortly before noon Monday after he crashed into a power pole on Turner Road at Willow Glen Drive.

He was trapped in his pick-up truck and had to be extricated and transported by helicopter to the hospital.

LOEL Center remodels its Web site

The LOEL Center and Gardens has provided a new way for its patrons and supporters to access information about the center with its newly remodeled Web site at www.loelcenter.net. The site has an all-new look featuring a wide variety of programs the center offers along with its banquet facilities.

Visitors to the site will be able to access current and past calendars, newsletters and an archive of photos dating back several years. Seniors and their families can find information on programs such as dance, travel, financial planning and Meals on Wheels.

Tracy Williams, president and CEO of the center, helped outline the goals of the site and provided much of its content.

"I'm really excited about the new Web site. Now anyone anywhere will be able to see what great things are happening at LOEL," she said in a press release.

Other features of the site include secure online donations in partnership with PayPal, a list of ways volunteers can help at the center and new pages dedicated to facility rentals including rental rates, photos and rental contracts.

The Web site was designed by David Diskin, whose work was donated by his business, Applied Office. Diskin has also created free Web sites for Lodi House, the Women's Center and the World of Wonders Science Museum.

Galt Market rental fee to be discussed

The Galt Park and Recreation Commission will discuss whether to recommend adjusting fees for the Galt Market, at its meeting beginning at 5 p.m. today at City Hall, 380 Civic Drive.

Park plan contract to be considered

The Lockeford Community Services District board will consider awarding a contract for Calendar Associates to develop plans for the town's first community park east of Jack Tone Road at its meeting Thursday.

Board members will also review insurance options to operate the Lockeford Community Center and park and discuss an update for the district's water master plan.

Thursday's board meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the old Lockeford schoolhouse, 19456 N. Jack Tone Road.

Board to discuss close of water season

The Woodbridge Irrigation District board will hear a report on the close of the water season at 9 a.m. Thursday at the district office, 18777 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Woodbridge.

The board will also hear a report on improvements to a gauge control downstream from Woodbridge Dam and a water summit planned for Nov. 20 by Business Council, Inc.