coalinga

introduction
Coalinga offers a full range of services to its 19,000 residents (population as of 2009), including an excellent school system, medical centers, parks and a two-year college.
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are about three hours away by car.
work environment
Employees who work in the Coalinga field office are required to live in the area.

housing
Employees can bring their own furniture or rent partially or fully furnished homes or apartments.
Rental agreements for homes are normally on a two- to three-year basis. The first month’s rent and a security deposit are due upfront.
Rental agreements for apartments are normally on a two- to three-year basis. The first month’s rent and a security deposit are due upfront.
- Power: All homes and apartments have electricity installed. Residents request that power be turned on with the local provider. Services are billed monthly. Electrical outlets are 110 volts with 220 volts for dryers and washing machines.
- Telephone: All homes and apartments are equipped for phone service. Multiple phone lines (for example, phone lines for fax machines or teenage children) can also be installed. Cell phone service is also available. Residents sign up for service through the phone company and are billed on a monthly basis.
- Gas: In most areas, one company provides gas and electric service. In certain areas of town, electricity and gas services are provided by separate companies. Some homes with acreage and on the outskirts of town may have propane tanks on the property. Propane tanks are filled at the resident’s expense, as needed. Residents should check with their landlord or realtor to find out what services are required for their home.
- Water: All water flowing to homes and apartments is filtered through city water systems. Water is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing clothes.
- Internet: In general, homes have Internet service capabilities. To reduce costs, most people bundle Internet, phone, and cable services through one service provider. Some apartment complexes provide free wireless Internet to their residents. Coffee shops often provide a free wireless connection for their customers. Local libraries have computers with Internet access for public use.
education
Coalinga has 11 schools: five elementary schools, two junior high schools, one high school, a junior college and two continuation schools.
More information about Coalinga schools is available on the Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District website.
special needs
Both the West Hills Community College and Cambridge Continuation School offer classes and resources for special-needs students.

Listen to a few minutes of a cultural orientation for an expatriate assignment in the United States (intranet access).
- Length: 6:20 minutes
shopping
Grocery shoppers have a choice of chain or locally owned supermarkets, including:
- SaveMart
- Celaya Market
- R-N Market
For a fee, you may find someone to landscape and care for your yard on a regular basis.
support services
Expatriate health insurance also covers certain mental health and substance abuse treatments for employees and their covered family members. Confidential counseling with certified psychologists and counselors is available through Employee Assistance and WorkLife Services. This can be helpful for families trying to adjust to a new country and culture.
Dentists, including orthodontists and pediatric dentists, are located throughout the Coalinga area and surrounding cities.
It is very important to interview and check references. The phone book, neighbors and other employees are good references for these services.
Chevron’s Coalinga field office also provides mail services to employees during regular business hours.
transportation
Transportation services, such as taxicabs, buses and area transit, are all available for a fee.
recreational and entertainment
The city of Coalinga hosts many fun events and activities for residents throughout the year, such as:
- The Plaza Market in the summer
- The Wham-O-Bass Hot Air Balloon Festival in November
- The Annual Horned Toad Derby every Memorial Day weekend (in May)
Coalinga’s Parks and Recreation facilities include:
- Swimming pools
- Ping-pong tables
- Playgrounds
- Basketball courts
- Softball diamonds and batting cages
However, all San Joaquin Valley Chevron locations offer a subsidized onsite massage therapy. Appointments are available for up to 30 minutes and can be made directly from your company computer.
additional information
California recognizes religious freedom. Eighty-six different denominations are celebrated and practice in the San Joaquin Valley.
Flights from Fresno’s Yosemite International Airport typically require connecting through a larger airport to get to many U.S. destinations. Bus and automobile are good alternatives to air travel. To operate a vehicle, drivers must obtain a state driver license.
- Hardships across the valley include the poor air quality and the hot weather during the summer months (June through September).
- Coalinga is a small community without quick access to major shopping malls and department stores. However, the cost of living is relatively lower than in the nearby larger cities.
plan documentation
contact
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