CALIFORNIA - A wet weather update is coming in from California as a deep plume of moisture sparks potential hazards from localized flooding and tornadoes to gusty winds and snow in the mountains.

“It will be a wet week across California as a series of storm systems slam into the state. Multiple inches of rain will fall across much of the state, with several feet of snow expected in the Sierra," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Kai Kerkow, in a recent report.

Three separate storms are tracking into the Western region this week, with the first storm landing on Sunday, followed by a second storm that brought consistent rain from the Pacific Northwest into California Monday night into Tuesday night.

A third and final storm is expected by late this week, mostly impacting the central coast and parts of Southern California. Cumulative rainfall amounts are forecasted to reach 1-2 inches across Southern California and the Central Valley, and 2-4 inches along the central coast and into Northern California.

While the incoming storms may create hazards, they will also offer much-needed moisture, the source noted.

In addition to the ongoing rainstorms, roughly 8-12 feet of snow is expected to pile up through the end of the week over the high country of the Sierra Nevada.

"The state’s snowpack is running well below average for this time of year due to a dry and warm weather pattern that lasted from the middle of January through the beginning of February, so the active weather pattern will be beneficial for the summer water supply,” added Kerkow.

ANUK will continue to relay the latest weather updates, so stay tuned.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Giumarra Companies announces that its current President, Tim Riley, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. In this expanded role, he will assume full executive leadership responsibility for the company’s strategic direction, external partnerships, operations, and long-term growth.

Riley joined The Giumarra Companies in 1991 following a career in the U.S. Navy and as a federal employee. His initial role in the information technology department paved the way for various vice president positions prior to his appointment as President in 2015. As President, he has focused on streamlining the company’s operations while developing new, technology-driven services designed to meet the evolving needs of the fresh produce industry.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) and Agriwise, a press release stated. In 2013, he served as Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), now International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). He has served on various other committees and boards throughout his 35-year career in fresh produce.

The company also named Anthony Stallings as Chief Financial Officer. Stallings has worked with The Giumarra Companies since 2001 in various accounting and finance capacities, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Finance.

Stallings will lead the company’s overall financial strategy and operations, including accounting, budget, reporting, tax, compliance, and forecasting. He will also oversee capital structure, risk management, and banking relationships.

“I am honored to serve as President and CEO of The Giumarra Companies as we enter the next evolution of our business,” said Riley. “Building on our strong foundation, I look forward to working with our Board of Directors and exceptional leadership team, including Anthony at the head of our financial operations, to drive the next stage of our growth.”

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Vista Vineyards announced the launch of a leadership owned table grape company built to deliver a consistent, 52-week supply through integrated farming, packing, and sales operations. By following the sun across California, Mexico, and South America, Vista coordinates timing, varietal performance, and volume to support uninterrupted retail programs throughout the year.

The company brings together long-standing operations under one structure focused exclusively on table grapes, with key members of Vista's leadership team having company ownership. According to a press release, this ownership structure reinforces long-term alignment, clear accountability, and commitment to retailer partners.

Vista Vineyards operates as a grower, packer, and shipper with proprietary licensed access to Sun World® and BLOOM FRESH™ varieties across its growing regions. This integrated model allows Vista to coordinate production decisions in service of consistent, retail-ready programs year-round.

"Buyers want continuity and accountability," said Oliver Sill, Vice President of Sales at Vista Vineyards. "Our leadership team has worked together for years across these regions. Now we're operating as one company, with clear execution and responsibility behind every shipment."

Integrated Operations Built for Year-Round Supply

Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, Vista Vineyards operates across complementary growing regions to stay in season year-round, maintaining consistent supply and quality:

• California (July–December): Established domestic acreage supporting peak U.S. production.
• South America (November–April): Growing operations that extend supply beyond North America, with further information coming soon.
• Mexico (May–July): Licensed partner growers operating under Vista Vineyards' proprietary variety sales rights.

This investment structure supports consistent availability of premium green, red, and black seedless grapes throughout the year, with production decisions aligned to retail demand, varietal performance, and shelf consistency.

"We've spent years building relationships and infrastructure across these regions," said Kevin Andrew, CEO. "This structure lets us operate the way we've always believed the business should run — with ownership, accountability, and a long-term view. We're building something we believe in."

Portfolio and Retail Programs

Vista Vineyards' commercial program includes proprietary brands such as Autumncrisp®, Sweet Globe™, Applause™, Sweet Celebration™, Scarlotta Seedless®, Ruby Rush®, Midnight Beauty®, Jack's Salute™, Adora Seedless®, Epic Crisp®, Honey Pop, Sweet Sapphire™, Candy Hearts™, Candy Snaps™, and Berry Snaps™.

Retail partners work directly with Vista Vineyards' leadership to develop seasonal and year-round programs aligned with volume planning, varietal mix, and consistent quality standards.

Ongoing Investment

The company continues to invest in both its best-performing proprietary varieties and promising new releases from the IP pipeline, including Sugra-60®, Sugra-62®, and Sugra-63® to support long-term growth and expanded retail programs.

New York-based firm Farmers Gate has sponsored the establishment of Vista Vineyards. “Vista represents a compelling opportunity to vertically integrate our existing table grape platform, drive long-term growth, and create secure, scalable supply programs. We're excited to support this top-tier management team to build this business for the long term,” said Dan Fabian, Partner, Farmers Gate.

Farmers Gate is an agricultural investment platform focused on farmland and farming operations, targeting high-value specialty crops and selective midstream investments to support vertical integration and long-term value creation.