Central California Life febmarch2015

Central California Life magazine February-March 2015

Central California’s Water Woes

Volume 2, Issue 1

Central California Life Magazine

FEB/MAR 2015

$3.95

by Bud Elliott

Everlasting love Fresno State wrestling Weekend in Paso Robles ... and more

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Reflections

L

ike many processes that are simultaneously enlightening and formidable, publishing is a labor of love. Each issue of this magazine begins as a concept and transforms into a body of work that we trust will reflect the effort and care that goes into it.

This issue – our fourth – shines a spotlight on several individuals and locations that make Central California special, from the remarkable student artists of UCP of Central California to Erna Kubin-Clanin, whose restaurant in Oakhurst was the first outside of Europe to be included in the Relais and Châteaux, a prestigious global association of the world’s finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs.

The cover story examines what it arguably the most pressing issue facing the state: water. Bud Elliott, an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist who retired in May after spending almost three decades behind the anchor desk at KSEE-TV, spent several weeks interviewing public officials, researchers, farmers and others directly affected by the shortage of California’s most precious resource. The result is storytelling – and journalism – at its best.

We also take a look at the wrestling program at Fresno State. Despite being popular with fans and racking up a series of impressive accomplishments, the sport was cut in 2006. It was a controversial decision – one current university officials have expressed a commitment to reversing. This story highlights a few of the individuals who have been working to keep the dream of the sport alive.

Finally, how can we have an issue that coincides with Valentine’s Day and not have a piece or two focusing on love? One, “Everlasting Love,” highlights four special couples who have figured out how to make their relationships last. Their individual stories are heartwarming and instructive. The other piece features reflections on love by men and women ranging in age from 21 to 61. Some of their words – funny, touching, sad – may resonate with you long after you’ve finished reading the piece.

It is an honor and a pleasure to bring you these and other stories about the people who call Central California home and make it a place of extraordinary wonder and depth. Thank you for going on this journey with us.

Cover Photo:

The Kings River at Highway 198, taken by Gary Kazanjian (February 2015) 2 |

Central California Life

Karen Maroot, Publisher Karen@CenCaliLife.com

Our Mission “The mission of Central California Life magazine is to spotlight what makes this region a unique and integral part of the Golden State.

We do this by telling the stories of the people who live, work and play here—artists and entrepreneurs, farmers and elected officials, educators and athletes, and so many others who call California’s heartland “home.” From short profiles of ordinary individuals who are making extraordinary differences to in-depth stories

For subscription information or advertising opportunities visit CenCaliLife.com or call 559.352.7439

about our history and more contemporary matters, our team of experienced writers produces content that is informative, relevant and interesting. Their work is complemented by talented photographers and graphic artists.

We also provide comprehensive event listings, restaurant reviews and art and entertainment news.

We are the only magazine that covers the central San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast, and count among our targeted readers those who live both within and outside the region.”

CenCaliLife @CenCaliLife CenCaliLife

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For subscription information or advertising opportunities visit CenCaliLife.com or call 559.352.7439

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Join Us At The Theatre!

April 24-26, May 1-3 • The Fresno ART Museum- Bonner Auditorium

Weaving together the music of Bach, with the memories of the Bosnian War and the universal conflicts between teacher and student, THE MUSIC LESSON tells the story of Irena and her husband Ivan, two musicians who escaped the war in Sarajevo to start a new life in Pittsburgh. While Irena's passion for music and the students she taught helped Irena survive the war, she now stands torn between Maja, the 12 year old prodigy she left behind in Sarajevo and Kat, the bright but angry American teenager who wants to learn but resists her teaching. Shifting elegantly from past to present and resonating with powerful music, this is the tale of two countries, two families and the ways they teach and heal each other. A Fresno Premiere!

July 2-19 • The Dan Pessano Theater

What happens after Happily Ever After? In Sondheim and Lapine’s beloved musical retelling of the Grimm classics, a parade of familiar folktale figures find their way “Into the Woods” and try to get home before dark. The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King's Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse.

Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

July 24-August 9 • The Dan Pessano Theater

It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.

- A Fresno Premiere!

September 11-20 • The Fresno ART Museum- Bonner Auditorium

Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs after a six‐year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents, her brother, and her aunt. Brooke announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family's history— a wound they don't want reopened. In effect, she draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it. "The most richly enjoyable new play for grown‐ups that New York has known in many seasons…In his most fully realized play to date, Mr. Baitz makes sure our sympathies keep shifting among themembers of the wounded family portrayed here.

Every one of them emerges as selfish, loving, cruel, compassionate, irritating, charming and just possibly heroic…leaves you feeling bothmoved and gratifyingly sated."

—NY Times.- A Fresno Premiere!

Season Subscriptions NOW on sale!

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Central California Life

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18 Central California’s Water Woes 44 Reflections on Love

What’s Inside Reflections

2 Publisher’s Letter

Contributors

8 Getting to Know Us

A Few Cool Things

10 What to Do in Central California

Keeping the Faith

12 A Few Thoughts About Language Faith Sidlow

48 Weekend in Paso Robles

Stories from the Heartland 14 Cattle Rancher Adjusts to Water Shortage Mike Scott 18 Central California’s Water Woes Bud Elliott

Our Valley

30 Hanford’s Clark Center Prepares for Closure Judith House Menezes

Everlasting Love

34 What Makes a Marriage Work?

Abigail Martin 6 |

Central California Life

The Wish List 38 Valentine’s Day

Reflections on Love

44 Sharing Memories of Longing, Discovery and Loss

Central Coast

48 Weekend in Paso Robles Amy Guerra

58 Fresno State Wrestling

64 UCP of Central California Artists

Health and Wellness 52

56

A Few Thoughts About Online Dating Dr. Bradley Wajda The Balanced Resolution Rhonda Murphy & Abigail Martin

Sports

58 Fresno State Wrestling: Keeping the Dream Alive Christopher Livingston

70 Erna’s Elderberry House

Arts and Entertainment

62 Book Review: “Rebound” Jeffery Williams 64 UCP of Central California Artists Rachel Taylor

Sip and Savor

68 Culinary Artist: Elena Corsini Mastro Katie Fries 70 Savor: Erna’s Elderberry House Reaches Milestone Amy Guerra 74 Sip: Cracked Pepper Bistro Wine Lounge Edgar E. Dunn III

Spotlight

76 Milestones and Events in Central California

Calendar of Events

88 February, March and April Happenings

Central California Life

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Contributors PUBLISHER Karen Maroot karen@cencalilife.com PUBLISHER/MARKETING & PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR Alyssa Boyles alyssa@cencalilife.com SALES DIRECTOR Bob Sieloff info@cencalilife.com EDITORIAL BOARD Alyssa Boyles, Karen Maroot, Kelley Campos McCoy, Richard Melella, Faith Sidlow EDITOR Kelley Campos McCoy kelley@cencalilife.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Abigail Martin abigail@cencalilife.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Edgar E. Dunn III, Bud Elliott, Katie Fries, Amy Guerra, Christopher Livingston, Abigail Martin, Judith House Menezes, Rhonda Murphy, Mike Scott, Faith Sidlow, Rachel Taylor, Dr. Bradley Wajda, Jeffery Williams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bud Elliott, Amy Guerra, Gary Kazanjian, Abigail Martin, Judith House Menezes, Dan Minkler, Roberta Minkler, Marty Solis, Rachel Taylor CREATIVE CONSULTANT Edgar E. Dunn III DESIGNERS Beth Greene, Gary Hoffman VOLUNTEER Trevor Boyles, Elaine Linder Copyright © 2015 by Central California Life magazine. All rights reserved.

Central California Life magazine accepts or assumes no liability for the material contained herein. This magazine is for entertainment only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any product or service.

All statements and expressions are the sole opinions of the writers. Central California Life magazine reserves the right to edit any editorial, photos or ad submissions for the purposes of clarity and space.

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Central California Life

Ed Dunn

Writer/Creative Consultant My favorite 2014 holiday memory is...of volunteering to play Santa for nearly a thousand children over several events. I’ve been the jolly big guy for more than 25 years and will continue for as long as I’m able.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions...I’ve made hundreds over the years with the best of intentions, usually failing more often than not. Now I make them more achievable, generally worded resolutions, like: be kinder to more people or get in better shape.

I think the most romantic place in Central California is ...at home with my wife, Janelle, doing activities together like watching Christmas-themed movies.

The most romantic gift I’ve ever given or received is ...I’ve enjoyed planting beautiful rose bushes for my wife and then picking fresh bouquets for her to enjoy.

People would probably be surprised to know that ... I do celebrity voice impressions (though not very well) on a weekly radio show.

Beth Greene Graphic Artist

My favorite 2014 holiday memory is ... My husband and I helped throw a big Chanukah party in my daughter’s 5th grade class. I made many latkes (traditional Jewish potato pancakes) and I smelled like a Jewish french fry for days after.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions … I don’t make them so no need to keep them. I think any time of year is a good time for other people to make big positive changes in their lives.

I think the most romantic place in Central California is … Carmel. The beaches and cliffs with those beautiful Cypress trees are incredible. I love to be there when it’s cold so I can bundle up and walk on the beach.

The most romantic gift I’ve ever given or received is … When I first met my husband, I lived in Southern California and he lived in Northern California. Every time he would fly down to visit me, he would come off the plane with flowers for me - twice a month for a year! Now he brings home beer every time he visits, but that’s not for me.

People would probably be surprised to know that ... I don’t really think your dog is cute. He’s gross.

Christopher Livingston Writer

My favorite 2014 holiday memory is ... of enjoying Thanksgiving with friends, and taking advantage of the leftovers!

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions … I tend to make ones I know I will be able to keep.

I think the most romantic place in Central California is ... Yosemite, especially during the late winter/early spring.

The most romantic gift I’ve ever given or received is … a handwritten letter. It’s always lovely to take time for a significant other by handwriting something special.

People would probably be surprised to know that … I am a big fan of metal music. •

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A Few Cool Things

Episcopal Church of the Saviour Concert Series Mark your calendars for a special concert series in one of the Central Valley’s most charming towns.

The Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford, known for its outstanding acoustics and Photo courtesy of the Episcopal Church of the Saviour. neo-Gothic architecture, is hosting three special performances during the next few months. On Feb. 8, Fresno Pacific’s University String Quartet will perform, followed by the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists on April 19. The St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble, composed of five professional musicians – all native Russians, each with a passion to share the music and culture of Russia with a wider audience – will perform Russian

folk songs as well as other secular and sacred compositions on May 31.

A $10 donation helps maintain the custom-built organ that has been an integral part of the building since 1913. It is the only standing organ in the Central Valley built by the “Father of Organ Building in the West,” Murray Harris.

The Episcopal Church of the Saviour is located in downtown Hanford, near the corner of Douty and East 11th streets.

For more information, visit saviourweb.com.

Fresno County Blossom Trail Central California’s orchards will be awash in vibrantly colored blossoms in a few weeks. The Fresno County Blossom Trail runs through Sanger, Reedley, Orange Cove, Selma, Clovis, Kingsburg, Fowler and Kings River.

Simonian Farms on Clovis Avenue is the official start of the trail, which showcases pink peach and nectarine blooms and white plum, almond and apple blossoms in all their splendor. Wildflowers such as the California Poppy and Baby Blue Eyes are also on display along the route.

If you’re an artist and enjoy the beauty of the springtime, consider entering the annual art contest for blossom trail photography and paintings, which is sponsored by the Fresno County Blossom Trail Committee. Call (888) 549-4900 for more information.

Blossom season begins in early February and runs through March.

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Central California Life

Pebble Beach Resorts golf course.

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Described as one of the PGA Tour’s “most exciting events,” the 2015 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is a not-to-miss golf tournament for both golf lovers and celebrity watchers.

With club-swinging regulars like Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady, celebrity sightings happen often.

This year’s list of celebrity players in-

cludes actors Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle and Chris O’Donnell, among others.

Players compete on three beautiful courses located on or near California’s cool Pacific coastline: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course. Considered one of the toughest courses in the world with a course rating

of 75.5 and a slope rating of 144, you don’t want to miss the action on Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

The tournament is scheduled to tee-off on Monday, Feb. 9 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 15.

For more information, visit attpbgolf.com.

Mardi Gras at the Tower Celebrate the start of Lent in the spirit and style of New Orleans at the Grand Mardi Gras Parade in Fresno’s Tower District.

Watch colorful, flamboyantly decorated floats drive by and listen to live jazz bands.

Get into the festival spirit by wearing an adorned mask and bead necklaces.

After the parade, stop by one of the many Tower District restaurants and bars to enjoy some Cajun and Creole dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo and po’boy sandwiches.

The parade will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, and will move east along Olive Avenue. • Photo by John Aldean japhotography.net.

For more information, visit towerdistrict.org.

Central California Life

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Keeping the Faith

A few thoughts about language

by Faith Sidlow

Faith Sidlow teaches broadcast journalism at Fresno State. She spent the last 28 years as a news reporter and morning anchor at KSEE-TV, where she produced a series called Extreme Faith.

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M

y daughter has had to live with a grammar nag her entire life. Of course, I’m referring to me. Even before I started teaching journalism classes at Fresno State, I was intrigued by the origin of words and the way language worked.

It probably had something to do with growing up with a father who constantly corrected my speech, which is why it seemed natural to do the same thing to my daughter.

For example, I subconsciously correct her grammar while simultaneously listening to her tell me a story. I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from interrupting until she finishes. Apparently, my facial expressions tell all – with a raised eyebrow. It drives her crazy.

As a result of my gentle reminders, Mallory was one of the few elementary school children who didn’t start a sentence with “me,” as in, “Me and Regan are going to the carnival.” I have to give a lot of credit to her third-grade teacher who would also respond, “Regan’s not mean!” As in “me ‘n Regan.”

By the time Mallory was in the sixth grade, she understood subject-verb agreement and she wasn’t ending sentences with prepositions – as in,

Central California Life

“Where’s the bathroom at?”

Now she’s a mini-me, silently clenching her teeth when someone makes a grammar faux pas, even though she still occasionally lapses into “Me and Audrey decided to…”

My grammar obsession is shared by some of my closest friends. My good friend Kelley McCoy (the editor of this publication) and I can sit and discuss grammar issues for hours, the way some people discuss football scores. And many of our discussions center around the language spoken or written by our students.

Now, in addition to my duties as a journalism instructor at Fresno State, I teach students the kind of grammar they missed in grammar school: plurals/possessives, commas and semicolons, and when to use who/whom, affect/effect and imply/ infer. I teach students how to conjugate irregular verbs and how to properly use words that are often confused.

My students constantly ask me, “Why didn’t they teach us this in high school?” I don’t have a good answer, although research suggests practical grammar lessons in public schools have been

“...good grammar may be on the way out socially and perhaps even academically, but journalistically we must stand firm.” reduced to a fraction of what was taught in the ‘60s.

A recent survey at Arizona State University found that only one in 10 college writing instructors included grammar instruction in his or her curriculum. There are conflicting opinions regarding not only proper usage but also whether proper grammar is even relevant in today’s digital world.

Professor Paul Matsuda at Arizona State is an expert in Second Language Writing. He points to research that shows grammar instruction doesn’t guarantee learning. He encourages instructors to avoid grading students on grammar and instead simply offer “feedback” on students’ writing.

Mignon Fogarty, the Donald W. Reynolds Chair in Media Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno has a different take.

“Part of a university’s role is to prepare students for the working world,” Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty, Fogarty says. “And in the founder of quickanddirtytips.com.

Photo courtesy of Mignon Fogarty working world, it’s still important to communicate using Standard English.”

You may know Fogarty as Grammar Girl. She’s made a career out of grammar. And she’s my grammar hero. Fogarty agrees that requiring Standard English may discriminate against smart students who have good ideas but just weren’t raised using proper English.

But, she says, in the working world, Standard English is a must.

“By not teaching students Standard English and forcing them to use it, we’re not preparing them to succeed in the broader world,” she says.

Fogarty says it troubles her that when instructors focus on students’ grammar issues “it’s often veiled in racism and classism and delivered in a way that devalues the students’ cultural background.”

“You have to teach it in a way that doesn’t say you’re stupid and bad because you don’t know this and therefore your culture is stupid and bad,” she says. “I think that is often the message that is used when people do try to teach it.”

Her philosophy is to lead by example in hopes that others will follow. One of her missions is to write about grammar in such a way that people will read and learn, which is why she produces her grammar podcasts. (Those podcasts have been downloaded more than twenty million times, according to Amazon.com.)

“It’s a way of getting that information out there about what is standard in a friendly and non-judgmental way,” she says.

As for my personal grammar woes, the tables have turned.

I have to be at the top of my game all the time. It’s not unusual for me to be in a conversation with my now 20-year old daughter and find myself on the receiving end of a grammar correction.

She’s always very polite about it, raising her eyebrows and whispering, “Are you sure that’s correct grammar?”

It often happens when I’m using the word further/farther, as in “I think the restaurant is a little further. I mean farther.

Further? Farther? Shoot!”

Mallory just laughs, satisfied that she’s caught me correcting my own grammar.

I have to admit I was nervous about writing this column.

It is inevitable that someone will find an error, no matter how thoroughly the piece is edited. That’s how my conversation with Grammar Girl ended: Fogarty: “Send me a link.”

Me: “I would love to. But just don’t correct my grammar, OK?” Fogarty: “I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t!”

As I tell my journalism students, good grammar may be on the way out socially and perhaps even academically, but journalistically we must stand firm. At least until the Associated Press Stylebook (the last word on grammar for journalists) tells us it’s OK to say, “Where’s it at?” • Central California Life

| 13

Stories from the Heartland

Cattle rancher

adjusts to “worst” drought in memory

by Mike Scott photos by Dan Minkler

Mike Preston and his brother have cut the size of their herd by more than 25 percent, and the original 5,000-acre ranch is down to just 640 acres due to the severe drought.

Mike Scott was an Emmy award-winning anchor/ reporter for Channel 47 for almost 30 years. World traveler. Animal lover.

Central California Life Magazine columnist.

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“We need more rain, and lots of it!”

Eight simple words from cattle rancher Mike Preston, who’s thankful for the recent rains that have drenched the Central Valley but knows much more is needed.

Preston’s great-grandfather started raising cattle in Central California in the late 1800s.

At one point, the sprawling “Preston Ranch” covered 5,000 acres.

But after serious droughts – first in the early 1900s, then the mid-1970s, and now in the early part of the 21st century (“The worst I’ve seen,” says Preston) – the family’s property and herd of Angus/Brangus cattle is smaller than ever. Preston and his brother have cut the size of their herd by more than 25 percent, from more than 100 animals to about 75. The original huge ranch is down to just 640 acres.

The animals should gain “two-to-three pounds a day during grass season,” Preston says.

But the ongoing water shortage has resulted in

Central California Life

less natural grass, so he is having to spend money on other types of feed like alfalfa hay, liquid molasses and almond hulls to try and keep the animals’ weight up.

Drilling a new well to supply drinking water to his herd is far from a simple solution.

Preston figures that three years ago, such a project would cost around $8,000. Now, he says, it’s more like $20,000 to dig the same well – “if you can can get anybody to do it.”

Well diggers are in strong demand across the Central Valley. Merced County Agricultural Commissioner David Robinson says the number of permit requests to drill new wells in the area has doubled or even tripled in the past couple of years. Robinson says it’s not unusual for farmers or ranchers “to wait 12-to-18 months for new wells.” Some, desperate to get underground water flowing to the surface of their properties more quickly, have purchased their own drilling rigs.

Preston tossed out his trusted Farmers Almanac awhile back, no longer believing its overly optimistic weather forecasts for California. His wife, KellyAnn, doesn’t understand why some of her neighbors are continuing to plant thirsty pistachio and almond orchards in this current drought.

“It makes me mad,” she fumes.

“Everyone’s letting their lawns die here in Le Grand. I gave up on my garden.”

She fears that more deep wells in the area will dry up what’s left of the dwindling groundwater supplies.

Does 67-year-old Mike Preston ever think of retiring?

“Never!” he says emphatically.

“Even in rough times like now, I have too much fun!”

“Him and his buddies haven’t grown up yet,” his wife adds, chuckling.

“There’s guys out there in their 80s still ranching!”

Still, if the drought drags on, KellyAnn says, “We’re going to be looking for new jobs.”

Her husband agrees.

“You might find me back up in

Yosemite giving horseback rides,” he says, referring to one of the many jobs he had as a younger man, before he decided to return to the family ranch.

For the time being, Preston just keeps his fingers crossed for more rain.

Robinson, noting that California’s reservoirs are operating at 20-30 percent of capacity, cautions that it will take more than just one or two decent storms to get the state out of its current crisis.

But at least, he says, “We’re moving in the right direction.” •

Some farmers have purchased their own drilling rigs to open wells, desperate to get underground water flowing to the surface of their properties.

Central California Life

| 15

Winner of the

• People’s Choice Award • The Best of the Best Wedding Photographers, Central Valley • Bride’s Choice Awards • The Knot Magazine

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Southwest corner of Bullard and Marks next to Ovidio’s Italian Restaurant

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Stories from the Heartland

Central California’s water woes:

“This is a story about Mother Nature, an unsustainable water system and vastly different perspectives about who is being asked to make the greatest – and most unfair – sacrifices.”

O

n a white hot August afternoon, farm kids gather in the cool glare of an overhead lamp at King’s Boxing Club in Avenal. They come for the boxing lessons and a cold drink of water and to escape from the fields as did Jose Ramirez, their role model and mentor.

Now considered a genuine contender for the Light Welterweight boxing championship, the strapping 22-year-old Ramirez is undefeated in 13 professional fights. On Oct. 25, at a sold-out Selland Arena, he won the vacant North American Boxing Federation junior welterweight title, just 50 seconds into the first round, by stunning David Rodela with a flurry of left jabs and a laser-guided left hook. He named it “Fight for Water-3.”

“My dad came here to work the fields at 16. We’ve always worked in ag,” Ramirez says. “This is a part of me. This is who I am, and when I see my friends and families suffering, losing their jobs because of the drought, I want to help.”

The charismatic young fighter has become a symbol for the underdogs in the water wars, which have raged in California for more than 100 years.

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Central California Life

“Boxing has brought me to the table. I have to continue to be the voice of all those people through the Latino Water Coalition and through my fights,” Ramirez says, referring to the organization that was formed in 2007 by mostly Latino farmers and farm workers to advocate for common sense and effective long-term solutions to the state’s water crisis.

Late in September, just days before the municipal water supply would have run out, Ramirez’s small farming town on the western edge of Kings County got some good news for a change: The Bureau of Reclamation agreed to supply Avenal with an emergency allotment of 450 acre-feet of water from the San Luis Reservoir’s meager supply – enough to get them and the nearby Avenal State Prison through this March when annual allocations are announced.

Avenal, which has practiced strict water conservation measures since 1935, is wholly dependent upon water from the state and federally managed Central Valley Project.

However, last year surface water allocations from federal water reservoirs were squeezed to a trickle by four years of what many now recognize as the worst drought in California history.

Snapshots from the outskirts of HEAVEN

by Bud Elliott

Widespread trials and hardships The people in Avenal are not the only ones suffering. The entire state has been affected by a drought with no memory, no conscience, no scruples and no mercy. In Central California alone, tens of thousands of jobs simply evaporated into the hazy summer sky.

A half million acres of the nation’s most productive farmland have been taken out of production. Green trees, lawns and landscapes have been repainted an awful shade of brown in thousands of neighborhoods and public areas. California’s economy suffers a $2.2-billion dollar hit each year the drought drags on. (See By the Numbers).

Recent rains, while welcome, are projected to do very little to improve the overall situation. As reported by the Associated Press, state experts believe 75 inches of rain would need to fall during the next eight months for the state to recover from the current crisis – an improbable prospect, to say the least.

“We had better start acting as though this is not an unusual event, but in fact, is the new normal,” says Peter Gleick, president of the Oakland-based Pacific Institute, an organization that was founded in 1987 to address water shortages, habitat destruction and global warming through interdisciplinary research while advancing environmental protection, economic development and social equity. “There is no longer enough water to go around to meet everybody’s demand for everything they want in California.

“And I think we can no longer assume that the traditional solutions are going to bail us out.”

This is a story about Mother Nature, an unsustainable water system and vastly different perspectives about who is being asked to make the greatest – and most unfair – sacrifices. Public debate tends to be polarized into two camps, with farmers, municipalities and commercial water users on one side and environmentalists and various federal

This bodega in Avenal specializes in bottled drinking water and water filtering supplies. Photo by Bud Elliott

and state agencies on the other.

“I think almost everybody on the agricultural side, the urban side and the environmental side sort of sees a train wreck coming,” says Jay Lund, director of the Center for Watershed Science at UC Davis. “And they’ll always blame different people for it.”

Mostly, this is a story about how those most affected by the water shortage are experiencing the crisis in deeply personal ways, often with as much anguish as anger. Perhaps nowhere is that more apparent in Central California than among the region’s farmers.

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Central California’s water woes

Tulare dairy farmer Mark Watte refers to the Valley as the “Garden of Eden” for agriculture. Photo by Bud Elliott

Coburn uses this diesel pumping apparatus for one of many water wells throughout the region. Photo by Bud Elliott

“Just like heaven. Ever’body wants a little piece of lan’. I read plenty of books out here. Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land.”

gotten an actual water allocation this year,” Coburn says. He’s referring to the gigantic state and federal pumps near Tracy, part of the Central Valley Project, which are intended to move water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta into the California Aqueduct for delivery in the southern two-thirds of the state.

Increasingly in recent years, these pumps have been restricted by court rulings favoring fish habitat and river restoration environmental projects. Only three times in the last 20 years have Westlands Water District customers, like Coburn, received their full contractual allotment of water.

“Instead, bureaucrats stubbornly refused to run the pumps even though the regulations would have allowed it.

As a result, in late March (2013), another 300,000 acre-feet of water just flowed right out to the ocean, of no beneficial use to anyone,” Coburn says. “Incredible.”

In December 2012 and January 2013, another 812,000 acre-feet of water went straight to the ocean for the same reason.

These days, Coburn and countless other farmers spend most of their waking hours frantically looking for water.

“Back in May, a friend of mine was completely out of water and was desperate to keep his nut trees alive,” Coburn recalls. “I helped him find 400 Farmer Shawn Coburn stands in his almond acre-feet available in orchard near Firebaugh. Photo by Bud Elliott Southern California.

–John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath Eighty-five years ago, the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression pushed many families out of Oklahoma and Texas to what they saw as the Promised Land: the San Joaquin Valley.

Today, the mega-drought threatens to shove many of them back to where they came from.

“There are three things that come together to make this valley utterly unique, the finest agricultural district in the world,” explains dairy farmer Mark Watte of Tulare. “First, length of growing season and predictability of weather. Second, generally good soils throughout. And, third, water. Historically, we’ve had all three in abundance and that allowed us to become the world’s top producer of food and fiber in many, many categories.”

Watte’s face darkens slightly as he continues. “In many ways, this really is the Garden of Eden, but political and environmental overreach are about to throw us off the land,” he says. “I truly believe that some people want this rich farming heritage to simply go away.”

On the west side of the San Joaquin Valley from Los Banos to the Kettleman Hills, rancher Shawn Coburn points to occasional patches of green in an ocean of burnt umber.

“Everything you see along here that’s green is being grown with well water,” Coburn says.

Hundreds of thousands of acres of highly productive farmland lie dead and dry and deserted, taken out of production for lack of surface water. He is one of many who believe the current troubles are “man-made,” an unintended consequence of water-hungry environmental programs.

“If they had run the pumps one week longer we’d have 20 |

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by the numbers

DROUGHT 101

“If these trees die, I die,” almond rancher Juan Guadian said. The salty well water he has resorted to using has fried his crops due to boron and salt poisoning. Photo by Bud Elliott

“We out-bid several buyers, including the City of Santa Barbara, and paid $2,200 per acre-foot for water that would have been considered expensive at $200 an acre foot five years ago.” (An acre-foot of water is 325,851 gallons. To put this in perspective: The City of Fresno uses about 153,000 acre-feet of water per year and Millerton Lake holds 550,000 acre-feet.)

Coburn operates dozens of water wells to drip-irrigate his tomatoes, wine grapes, almonds and pomegranates.

He installed a new 1,200-foot well last summer that cost $500,000. Neighbors are drilling down 2,000 feet to find marginal quality water at a million dollars a hole. The expense of lifting deep water to the surface is staggering — brutish 450to-650 horsepower diesel or electric motors running full-out cost thousands of dollars a day to operate.

Well drilling outfits are booked solid for the next 24 months. If you want a well drilled or re-worked anywhere in the Central Valley, plan on a crew showing up in January 2017. Maybe.

Almond rancher Juan Guadian knows only too well that not all water is created equal. For his 150-acre grove near Manning Avenue and Interstate 5 – all highly efficient drip irrigated – he received virtually no surface water this year.

“We had to pump to keep the trees alive,” Guadian says.

“But well water is no good for these trees.”

He points to damaged, unhealthy leaves on his almond trees, a sure sign of salt poisoning.

“Too much boron, too much salts — it fries them,” he says. “These trees are very sensitive. They want cool mountain water.”

Guadian’s harvest was smaller this year and of inferior quality. The buds for next year’s crops are already on the trees.

They are puny and sparse and obviously stressed.

“If these trees die, I die,” Guadian says.

Nearby, at the sprawling 30,000-acre Harris Farms and Harris Ranch, the water crisis has upset and re-arranged the entire operation. One example: Harris farms simply did

• Eighteen percent of the nation’s GDP depends upon the reliable flow of water to the agricultural industry in California.

• The CVP normally supplies water to 3-million acres of farmland in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and Central Coast.

• California produces more than half of the U.S. supply of fresh fruit, vegetable and nut crops, dairy products, citrus, melons, premium cotton, wine and table grapes and raisins – more than 350 crops worth $46-billion in all.

• The CVP also supplies water to 25-million of urban residents from San Jose to San Diego.

• The entire state of California is in severe to critical drought.

• Jan. 17, 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency and ordered mandatory 20 percent reductions in water use.

• Nearly all of the nation’s tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, grapes, olives • Residential water use varies and figs come from California. widely around the state, from a • The last major drought in 1977 low of 45 gallons per day in Santa was actually drier than 2014.

Cruz to a high of 585 gallons per But the effects of the drought are day in the Santa Fe Irrigation far worse this time around simply District. because there are far more people • Americans flush 5.7-billion – 38-million -- to over-tax a sysgallons of clean drinking water tem built for 20-million people. down their toilets every day, • Statewide, 2013 was the driest more than is used for bathing, in terms of rain and snowfall on cooking, or washing. record.

• American power plants use 1.5 • Up to 800,000 acres of productive times the amount of water used farmland in the Central Valley by all the farms in the United have been fallowed due to the States. lack of water.

• Annual water supplies for envi• The economic loss to the overall ronmental programs have not California economy due to the been reduced. drought is $2.2-billion per year.

• 150 percent of average an• Tens of thousands of farm-related nual rain and snowfall will full-time, seasonal, part-time be required to re-fill depleted and allied industry jobs have reservoirs. been lost due to the drought.

• The drought is the direct cause of • The Central Valley Project began more severe wildfires. The money water year 2015 on Oct. 1 with to fight them was exhausted two 2 million acre feet of water LESS months before the end of the last than the start of water year 2014 fire season. at its six major reservoirs.

• Municipal water supplies have been severely impacted, and in some cases, depleted.

Sources: AccuWeather; California Department of Food and Agriculture; California Department of Water Resources; California Farm Bureau Federation; California Water Alliance; Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis; Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League; Charles Fishman, “The Big Thirst,” Free Press, 2011; Drought Status Map, Association of California Water Agencies; Dr. Peter Gleick, President and Water Program Co-Director, Pacific Institute; Alan Heathcock, “Matter, Zero Percent Water,” Sept. 2014; Huffington Post, June 15, 2014; Ron Jacobsma, General Manager, Friant Water Association; Mother Jones Magazine, April 2, 2014; New York Times, April 20, 2014; Reuters, “Drought forces California farmers to idle cropland,” Feb. 5, 2014; U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation; U.S. Drought Monitor, July 2014 Central California Life

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Central California’s water woes

Got Clouds? Milk ‘em.

David Zoldoske, director of the Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno. Photo by Rachel Taylor

not plant 3,000 acres of lettuce this year. Lettuce thrives on surface water but struggles on well water. In 2013, Harris Farms supplied lettuce for the entire “In ‘N Out” burger chain.

This year, nothing.

“Nobody’s gonna plant anything right now,” Shawn Coburn says.

“They’d be a fool to plant now.”

A little boy, Mother Nature and water storage Every Spring, the federal Climate Prediction Center tries to ascertain the intentions of El Niño, that fickle ghost that sometimes warms an equatorial portion of the Pacific Ocean sufficiently to influence the jet stream that can carry early and substantial rains to California and the West. This year the “little boy” appeared early, then ducked behind a cloud and hasn’t been seen since.

Climatologists do not agree on the exact description of our current dilemma; some say it’s a “100-year drought” and others call it a “12 hundred-year drought.”

David Zoldoske, director of the Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno, says simply, “We’re entering 22 |

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Year Four of a 10-year drought. And when people ask, ‘(10 years?) how do you know?’ I reply, ‘Because nobody knows that we’re not.’”

Mother Nature caused the drought, as she always does, by withholding ample rain and snow for a longer period of time than humans find convenient. Then again, she always relents and provides “normal” supplies of water in subsequent years.

“It is our fault and folly not to catch and store that bounty when it arrives,” says Ron Jacobsma, who runs the sprawling Friant Water Authority, supplier of water to 1,500 municipal and agricultural customers. “Year Four of the drought will be calamitous for many sectors of the California economy, unless we get smart and lucky.

“We have to capture the early storms and fill up these reservoirs, because once we get into January, pumping restrictions come in and the water is lost forever, and that will be devastating.”

Zoldoske agrees, but sees another aspect of the crisis.

“The general consensus is that the actual amount of precipitation falling in California won’t change much in the coming years, but, due

“Cloud seeding works,” exclaims Fred Clark.

“The science is proven, ‘has been for a long time.”

Clark, 83, of Fresno, should know. He helped develop the technology more than 50 years ago to increase rainfall in drought-stricken India, Africa, and elsewhere. Today, cloud seeding is used successfully in 40 countries, including the U.S. “Basically, you ‘seed’ the clouds either from above in an airplane, or from below by shooting high altitude rockets or a ground-based diffuser that sends tiny silver iodide crystals into the moisture-laden atmosphere,” Clark explains.

“Under the proper conditions of temperature, altitude, winds, humidity, etc., raindrops can be induced to form around those crystals and fall as rain or snow.”

Little known fact: Scientists still cannot fully explain how precipitation occurs but they do know that much of the rain and snow that falls in California is composed of raindrops that have coalesced around dust particles blown in from as far away as China.

PG&E and various water districts have been seeding clouds over the Sierra Nevada Range for many years during the rainy-season, October through April. The Kings River Conservation District began a $200,000 cloud seeding campaign in mid-November.

Steve Stadler, Deputy General Manager of the KRCD, says, “Long term averages indicate that we would expect a 4-to-6 percent increase in runoff for the Kings River watershed.”

The costs? CLOUD SEEDING:

$22 per acre-foot of water produced.

DESALINATION: $1,890 per acre-foot of water produced.

Fred Clark Photo by Bud Elliott

Signs blaming state, federal and local politicians for the mismanagement of water capture, storage and distribution can be spotted from many roads and highways throughout the Central Valley. Photo by Bud Elliott

to climate change, it will arrive in the form of rain rather than snow,” he says.

“That means faster runoff, not a slow, steady snow melt. And that means we must have more storage. It would be a very wise investment.”

The state’s water system was built four decades ago when the population was about 20 million, notes Aubrey Bettencourt, of the California Water Alliance (CalWA), an organization of roughly 4,000 statewide members of the agriculture and related industries which lobbies for short term relief and long term solutions to the on-going water emergency.

“Today it’s nearly 40 million,” she says, “yet the system of storage and conveyance has not been expanded at all.”

Will the $7.5 billion water bond passed by voters in November address the storage need?

“No, not at all,” says Lund at UC Davis. “Not for this issue.

“This is an issue of both the state and federal agencies as well as the local water districts being prepared to market water across jurisdictions under these kinds of dire circumstances.”

Moving water under any circumstances in California is a complicated process fraught with troubled relationships. The drought has made it worse.

Farmers, municipalities and commercial water users all blame various federal and

state agencies for incompetence in managing the state’s most fragile resource.

Some use a stronger word.

Karen Musson of GAR Tootelian, Inc. believes state and federal agencies are mismanaging their authority to operate water resources fairly and effectively. Photo by Bud Elliott

“Well, it is criminal,” says Karen Musson, managing partner of Gar Tootellian, Inc., one of the biggest ag consultancies in the state, “Yes, criminal in that the state and federal agencies with the power and authority to manage our water resources fairly and effectively simply haven’t done so.”

Lund agrees, up to a point.

“The regulators are in a terrible position because if they try to be flexible they are always subject to being sued by one of the other sides. If you’re a regulator, a bureaucrat, just doing your job, you’re sort of stuck,” he says. “The safest

thing to do is not be flexible.”

Water: Who uses what Restoring the Delta ecosystem was the purpose of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, which Congress passed in 1992. The legislation introduced a new, very thirsty water consumer: the environment.

“They’re first in line. They get nearly half of available water right off the top, every year,” says Jacobsma of the Friant Water Authority. “They’ve taken several million acre-feet of water every year for 20 years and yet the fish population hasn’t improved one bit.

“And the Delta ecosystem is no healthier today than it was 20 years ago.”

Of all the struggles over the state’s water resources, none is as impassioned as the one that pits agriculture interests against environmental ones.

Peter Gleick at the Pacific Institute believes blaming the water shortage on environmental priorities is misdirected.

“The shortage of water for agriculture is not because of environmental protection; you hear that from some of the lobbying groups in Sacramento. I think that’s misleading,” he says. “The amount of water that has been returned to the environment is very, very small compared to the amount of water that some people argue ought to be returned to the environment.”

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Central California’s water woes

Congressman Jim Costa (D) of the 16th district speaks at a rally for the California Latino Water Coalition. Photo courtesy of Congressman Jim Costa

Specific amounts aside, records show that agriculture receives less water than the environment. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, farmers use about 41 percent of the state’s available water (not 80 percent as is often cited by opponents), while environmental programs consume 48 percent. Fresno State’s Center for Irrigation Technology reports similar figures: Agriculture accounts for 39.8 percent of water use compared to 49.63 percent for environmental programs and 10.57 percent for all other use such as municipal and domestic water supplies.

In the past, farmers wasted some water through inefficient flood irrigation and other practices, but few appear to be wasting it now. In fact, they are often at the forefront of adopting and promoting water-saving innovations that are in use around the world, from drip irrigation, low flow emitters and super efficient overhead sprayers to recycling, recovery and conservation.

Zoldoske of Fresno State’s Water / Energy / Technology (WET) incubator says drip irrigation alone has significantly reduced on farm water use, but generally at a cost of increased energy demand.

“One big thing being developed is sensor/control technology that will allow growers to micro-manage water delivery to each individual plant, tree or vine, 24 |

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optimizing even more water and energy,” he said. “We like to look at every year as a drought year and plan accordingly.”

“People don’t realize that farmers are the original environmentalists, the genuine environmentalists,” Musson says.

“We are growing more food on less land using far less water than ever before.”

Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, shares Musson’s perspective.

“The farming community has done more on water conservation than anybody else could imagine, especially in this state, especially in this Valley,” he says.

“How much more can we do?” he asks. “I guess it’s not to grow any crops at all and not to feed the world.”

Cunha is adamant about agriculture’s contribution to the overall health of the California economy. He points to 2009, a year when agriculture generated $46 billion dollars.

“That $46-billion, as it rolled through the economy, had an impact of $680-billion dollars. Exactly half of the state’s $1.47-trillion economy,” he says.

“Why would you shut off the water to such a productive enterprise?”

Others, like farmer Mark Wadde, are asking a more pointed question, “How much water have the environmental programs been asked to do without lately?”

Farmers are becoming increasingly restive over this imbalance and what they view as the arrogance of the regulators and the rule makers who seem indifferent to the absurdity of diverting a million acre feet of cool, clean Northern Sierra snowmelt straight to the ocean, as farmer Shawn Coburn asserts, “To the benefit of no one, simply because at the time (January 2013), the Delta smelt were swimming far from the pumps and not accessible for census-taking and opinion-making.”

Several years ago, Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno), California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and others asked the National Academy of Science to review the biological opinions which, in effect, allow various water agencies to divert vast quantities of water for river restoration, fish protection and other environmental uses.

“They pointed out the flaws that existed in the biological opinions which overlooked current science,” Costa said recently. “They were peer reviewed by other real scientists – not a bunch of politicians – and they found that, in fact, the biological opinions are flawed.”

Yet these biological opinions remain the legal lynchpin that holds together the entire federal water regulatory structure which is the cause of such anger and despair.

Madrigal says they buy bottled water for drinking and cooking, but for everything else, the tank-in-atree “works great.”

This 250-gallon fiberglass tank-in-a-tree is snuggled into the arms of an oak tree 25 feet off the ground.

Photo by Bud Elliott

Communities in crisis An unintended consequence of the drought puts deficiencies in municipal water systems at center stage. The City of Fresno, dreaming of an ambitious $410-million infrastructure upgrade, held public hearings in October to explain the need.

Much of the city’s water pumping and distribution system was installed during Prohibition, when clean, safe water was required for newly-planted lawns and trees in the growing city and for distilling a particularly potent brand of spirits in the tunnels and dens beneath Fresno’s Chinatown. Now those old wooden – yes, wooden – and clay pipes are breaking down in Fresno and cities all over the state, losing millions of gallons of water to seepage, leakage and frequent mainline breaks.

Everyone agrees on the need for the upgrade, but many object to the cost. Lawsuits have slowed the project, which will be funded by rate hikes. More than 70,000 water meters have been installed in Fresno during the past five years, resulting in a reported 25 percent reduction in water use. Still, Fresnans consume far more water per capita than the statewide average.

Seventy-miles southeast of Fresno, 300 domestic wells petered out last summer in East Porterville, leaving nearly a thousand people without drinking water. “[Well drilling companies] wanted $10,000 to deepen our well,” says Debra Madrigal, whose 50-foot well, operating since the house was built in 1935, went dry in June. “It might just as well have been a million dollars – we don’t have it.”

What she does have is an enterprising husband who rigged up the neighborhood’s first tank-in-a-tree. It’s a 250-gallon fiberglass contraption snuggled into the arms of a sturdy oak tree 25-feet off the ground.

“It looks complicated, but it’s really simple,” Madrigal explains. “My husband brings home water from a relative in Tulare in a 250-gallon tank in his truck.

We pump it up to the tree tank. Gravity then feeds water back into the well where the pump pushes it into the house for washing, bathing, toilets, and so on.”

Madrigal says they buy bottled water for drinking and cooking, but for everything else, the tank-in-a-tree “works great.”

The rural towns of Farmersville, Munson, Springville, Lindsay and Terra Bella are also out of water. Their wells

have run dry because of heavy pumping from thousands of agricultural, residential and municipal wells scattered along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Range. So dire is the shortage of clean drinking water that the Red Cross was called several times last summer to deliver emergency supplies. One week before Thanksgiving, at a cost of $30,000 per month, the Tulare County Office of Emergency Services set up portable showers in an East Porterville church parking lot.

For the first time in months, residents could take hot showers.

“It’s because surface water deliveries from the normal water-holding reservoirs have been cut off this year by the feds,” says Jacobsma of the Friant Water Authority.

“For the first time in its 65-year history, Friant water users received exactly no water this year even though they paid for it. People are frustrated and angrier than I’ve ever seen. They’re ready to fight.”

On Oct. 24, the 15,000 clients of the Friant Water Authority, including 21 CVP water districts, filed a lawsuit against the state Water Resources Control Board, claiming it had illegally diverted a Central California Life

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Central California’s water woes

Jose Carlos Ramirez of Avenal won the vacant North American Boxing Federation junior welterweight title, just 50 seconds into the first round, by stunning David Rodela with a flurry of left jabs and a laser-guided left hook. (right) News Conference backdrop announcing Jose Ramirez’s “Fight For Water 3” at Selland Arena on Oct. 25, 2014. Photo by Bud Elliott

huge pool of water from Millerton Lake to serve environmental programs such as wildlife refuges, leaving cities and towns and farms with nothing. The move was illegal, they say, because the state bullied its way to the front of the line, leap-frogging over senior water rights owners who have valid claims dating back to the mid-1800s.

Exactly one week after the lawsuit was filed against state water regulators, the first substantial storm of the season brought rain and snow to the entire state.

It was late Halloween night, long after the trick-or-treaters were home in bed; a soaking, all-night rain event the likes of which had not been seen in many, many months.

Elusive solutions and a symbol of hope In late autumn, in a rare showing of bipartisanship, both Democrats and Republicans indicated they were quietly nearing agreement on legislation based on a bill authored by Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), which was approved last February by the House of Represen26 |

Central California Life

tatives but held up in the Senate. It would begin addressing inequities in the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992. On the table were new water storage projects, limits on certain aspects of environmental protections in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and removal of certain wild-and-scenic rivers protections in order to move along vital water projects.

Then, A week before Thanksgiving, under pressure from environmentalists, Feinstein abruptly pulled out. Those close to the negotiations, including Rep. Jim Costa, say certain environmental activists, including Senator Barbara Boxer, had reservations about loosening some of the water restrictions under the CVPIA. “We were 95 percent in agreement,” he says. “We got very close.”

While politicians scramble to re-start the crucial water negotiations as the next session of congress convenes in January, farmers struggle and consumers adjust, and boxer Jose Ramirez continues his meteoric rise. On December 13th, he won his 13th professional victory

with a sixth round TKO against Antonio Arellano at the Continental in Las Vegas.

Once again he won with a barrage of stinging body blows and incredibly fast and accurate head shots launched mainly from his left hand arsenal.

Two days before the bout, California was visited by a welcome stranger aboard the so-called “Pineapple Express.”

A substantial winter storm brought prodigious amounts of rain and snow. Not enough to end the drought of course, but enough to encourage thirsty Californians to fight on.

Jose’s next Fresno bout is scheduled for May 9 at Selland Arena. It will be a sellout. Again, Ramirez will share his name and fame and fortune with those still in the fields. It will be designated “Fight for Water-4.”

“I’m standing up for the people in the only way I can,” Ramirez says. “I fight.” • Bud Elliott retired in May 2014 from a broadcast journalism career that spanned 49 years, including 27 years at KSEE-TV in Fresno. He is currently a freelance writer.

Our healing ministry reaches beyond our hospital walls.

For more than 85 years, Saint Agnes Medical Center has been one of our Valley’s most trusted health care resources. But our promise to heal body, mind and spirit doesn’t begin or end on Herndon Avenue.

Our mission is alive and well in downtown Fresno at Saint Agnes Holy Cross Center for Women.

Together with the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Agnes is providing hope and healing to our community’s most vulnerable women and children.

To learn how you can join in making a difference, call (559) 237-3379.

www.samc.com

Fresno State’s farm-to-fork agricultural education prepares students to produce a bounty of products. www.FresnoState.edu

Our Valley

After 20 years world-renowned Clark Center says good-bye

by Judith House Menezes

S

ometimes in a spare moment, art collector and fifth-generation rancher Willard G. “Bill” Clark would sit alone in his museum with a martini and quietly enjoy his dream: the world renowned collection of Japanese art he had amassed over the years.

The museum he founded, the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture in rural Hanford, is one of a small number of museums in the U.S. dedicated solely to the promotion and study of Japanese art.

After a 20-year run, the Clark Center is closing for good June 30. In a combined gift and purchase, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts acquired the center’s collection as well as the Clark’s private collection in 2013. The Clarks received $5 million; the priceless objects have an estimated value of $25 million.

The Clarks, both in their 80s, did not want to worry about the future of the center, according to director Yoko Ueno, a native of Japan. The decision to close in 2015, the 20th anniversary, also had cultural significance. At age 20, children in Japan are recognized as adults and it is a meaningful year for family and community, Ueno explained.

The last exhibition in Hanford will open in February and is called “Elegant Pastime: Masterpieces of Japanese art from the Clark Collections at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.”

BILL CLARK’S DREAM The museum was the dream of Clark and his wife, Elizabeth “Libby.” They began seriously collecting Japanese art in the 1970s.

According to an interview he did in the late ’90s, Clark’s passion for the Japanese aesthetic began in sixth grade when he saw a picture of a Japanese garden in a geography book. He remembered nothing about the rest of the book, but he was

Photo by Judith House Menezes

The Clark Center’s permanent collection spanned 1,000 years of Japanese art and included more than 1,700 objects—paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics and bamboo works.

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Photo by Judith House Menezes

The Clark Center’s director Yoko Ueno and administrator Barbara McCasland

fascinated with Japan. Later, as a naval officer in Japan, he and his wife visited temples, gardens and old farmhouses and purchased their first Japanese art. He returned to Hanford to farm and run his family’s dairy, which he built into an industry leader with his founding of World Wide Sires, the world’s leading exporter of bovine semen.

He was honored twice by Japan, which is unusual, for improving its dairy industry and for promoting the study of Japanese art.

Clark designed their home in Hanford, a blend of the Japanese aesthetic and California Arts and Crafts. A beautiful Japanese garden with a pond surrounds the home.

A PLACE FOR THEIR ART When their acquisitions greatly accelerated in 1985 and the Clarks realized they did not have enough space to properly store and present the art, he designed the museum including the big Japanese gate at the entrance. It is located a stone’s throw away from their residence and near a building that houses a library, offices and a small gift shop.

At its peak, when there were four exhibitions a year, the center had about 5,000 visitors annually. About 2,000 visitors are expected this year.

The museum – intimate, impressive and climate controlled – is located down a gravel drive surrounded by almond trees and farmland, an unlikely place for acclaimed art. Despite its status in the art world, the museum has remained virtually unknown by most people in the Central Valley. Most of the visitors are from out of the area.

On a November Friday, a mother and daughter from Paso Robles and New York respectively, visited the museum for the first time. They wanted to see it before it closed.

“I don’t need to tell you it’s a pretty remarkable place,” said Janet Abraham of New York, who was there with her mother, Dalene Eimon. “It’s a privilege to be here. It’s known among people who know Japanese art.”

LOCATION IS A SURPRISE TO MANY “Almost everyone is surprised about the location of the Clark Center,”

said director Ueno. “ ‘Why is it located here?’” is the foremost question we hear.”

The short answer is that Bill Clark loves Japanese art and wanted a proper place for him and others to enjoy it. If an out-of-town visitor drove up on a day the museum was closed he would open it for them.

Administrator Barbara McCasland, with the museum for 18 years, almost since its start when it was just she and Bill Clark, remembered when entry to the museum was by appointment only.

She said that if Clark was around, he would greet visitors.

“He would go in a lot of times. He would sit and dictate letters to people,” she recalled. “Maybe take a martini in with him.”

SCHOLARLY PROGRAM AND EVENTS In September 1997, the center had its first curatorial intern who then became the museum’s first curator. The center received funding for interns who had their master’s in Japanese art and were working toward a doctorate. There were 18 interns over the years. They were given a stipend, an apartment on the grounds and the use of a car. The last intern left last March. The scholar programs made the museum special in the art world, McCasland said.

“It is sad,” McCasland said of the museum’s closing. “Over the years I’ve seen so many people come in.” She noted that many people stopped on the way from L.A. to San Francisco.

“We used to have such great events. A horrible foggy day and the people [still] came out,” she said. She described the spring festival with origami classes for children, calligraphy, taiko drummers, ikebana flower demonstrations and a Japanese orchestra from the Los Angeles area. A fundraising gala each year was a highlight, as was the two Central California Life

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All the collections will stay together in one place. That leaves it on a happy note.

Photos by Apolinar Fonseca/Hanford Sentinel The Clark Center for

Japanese Art and Culture is one of two museums in the United States solely dedicated to promoting Japanese art and the only one to combine an important art collection with scholarly work.

times she got to meet the artist Sueharu Fukami, who does large celadon ceramic pieces.

The Clark Center held lectures, seminars, workshops and performances often related to exhibitions. There were tea ceremonies and sake tastings, among other events.

CLARK: A PASSIONATE COLLECTOR McCasland described Bill Clark as an appreciative boss – a quiet, private man, respectful and grateful.

“He can tell stories about the pieces of art he bought. He can tell you how he acquired it,” she said.

She said it was “amazing” for her to experience the passion that Clark brought to collecting art and putting together the museum. She also said she was happy his collection would not be stored away.

“All the collections will stay together in one place,” she said, adding that it was a fitting legacy. “That leaves it on a happy note.”

Ueno said the crowning achievement for the Clark Center during her time was a samurai exhibition titled “Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and 32 |

Central California Life

Armor,” which toured the nation.

Personally, her proudest moment came at a well-known gallery in Kyoto as she searched for a teacup, similar to her own, to purchase for her daughter.

“Without knowing that I work at the Clark Center, the owner introduced a cup by a ceramic artist to me and mentioned the name of the Clark Center as a place that collected his works,” she recalled.

The Clark Center’s permanent collection spanned 1,000 years of Japanese art and included more than 1,700 objects – paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics and bamboo works. One highlight of the collection is an exquisite Buddhist sculpture and painting from the Kamakura period.

The trees from the bonsai garden adjacent to the museum, the only public display of its kind in the Central Valley, have been donated to the Shinzen Garden in Fresno’s Woodward Park. The 8,000-volume library of books has also been given to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Though Bill Clark no longer collects Japanese art, he still owns some

pieces. (Some of the Clark’s private collection also went to Minneapolis.)

“I think Bill cannot live without Japanese art,” Ueno observed.

She said the lasting legacy of the center is the generosity of the Clarks.

“I don’t know anyone or any art collector who built a building and made it an organization to share a great collection with the public, but Bill and Libby Clark did,” she said.

Ueno said the closing is a loss for the Valley.

“There are so few places (in the Valley) where you can see high-level art,” she said.

But, she added, “The collection is now in good hands and the bonsai trees will be too. And we should be happy that we all had this opportunity to experience the Clark Center and see so many interesting exhibitions there.” • Judith House Menezes is a professor of journalism and adviser to the student newspaper at College of the Sequoias in Visalia.

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Everlasting Love

What makes a marriage work?

by Abigail Martin

I

n a time when four out of every six marriages end in divorce in this country, one can’t help but wonder, “What makes a longterm marriage work?”

The experiences of four Central Valley couples suggest that the key to marital success is an incalculable formula consisting of familiar variables such as adaptability, sacrifice, respect, communication and independence. What’s not so apparent is that these variables must be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided to suit each individual’s needs and each circumstance a couple may face.

Bruce and Pearl Harr

Pearl, 70, first caught Bruce’s, 71, eye in drama class at Roosevelt High School in the early ‘60s.

Bruce recalled his initial attraction to his now wife of 49 years, “She was very pretty, but she’s also very nice.”

Pearl smiled and added, “I think I liked Bruce’s sense of humor and his loyalty.”

(above) High school sweethearts Pearl and Bruce Harr. Photo by Dan Minkler (below) Pearl and Bruce at Roosevelt High School’s prom in the early ‘60s.

Photo courtesy of Bruce and Pearl Harr

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The pair became in item in high school, dating on and off through their college years at Fresno State.

“To me, that’s one of the reasons I think our marriage has worked, is that we knew each other fairly well by then,” Bruce said.

“Not nearly as well as we do now, through the trials and tribulations of 50 years of marriage, but we certainly knew each other better than just having dated a few times and impulsively deciding to get married.”

They married in 1965. After Bruce graduated from college in 1966, both focused on their careers. Pearl was an actress in San Francisco and a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Bruce made a career in the investment business. The pair raised two children together, one of whom they lost in an accident last year.

“What I think that has kept us together for so many years, is that even though we have our together time, we also are free to do other interests that we have,” Pearl said. “The space between is just as important as the space together.

Bruce concurred, “She has time with lots of girlfriends, I have times with my guy friends and then we have times that we do things jointly with couples. Neither one of us feels like we have to always entertain the other person – we’re free to be our own people.”

Bruce said he enjoys riding bikes with his friends and Pearl greatly enjoys movies and theatre. Together, they travel and spend time in their Santa Cruz home. But independence isn’t the only variable the pair attributes to a successful marriage.

“I think that we both are adaptable,” Bruce said. “For me, that was a key ingredient because every year that you get older things change – there’s nothing that’s constant and life is change.

"You have baggage,everybody has baggage. And you can take it to someone else and be happy with them,but your baggage is still going to be there."

–Jeannette Dewazien

“If you don’t adapt, you could be going a little in different directions… if you can’t see a common ground, your marriage might be in trouble.”

Pearl agreed. “Life never stays the same, things happen.”

Karl and Jeannette Dewazien

(above) Jeannette and Karl Dewazien. Photo by Dan Minkler (left) Jeannette and Karl Dewazien met at Pacific College, now Fresno Pacific University, in the late ‘60s. Photo courtesy of Karl and Jeannette Dewazien

Karl, 69, stumbled upon Jeannette, 66, as she was playing the piano in a chapel at Pacific College, now Fresno Pacific University, almost 50 years ago.

“I walk inside and there’s this person and she’s playing piano with one hand only, she couldn’t get the other hand to cooperate,” Karl said. “And it turned out to be her.”

Jeannette said her friends set her up with Karl after their initial meeting.

“She [Jeannette] was telling me that evidently because I

got dumped by all the other Mennonite girls, and I was the only Catholic on campus, that none of the other girls would go out with me,” Karl said.

And the setup worked. The couple dated for four years before getting married. They waited 11 years to have their only daughter because Karl was often gone from home for extended periods of time due to his job – he consulted soccer teams and leagues around the world. Seven years into their relationship, the couple faced a test to the strength of their marriage.

“I was on the road sometimes up to three, four months,” Karl said. “And to have somebody all of a sudden show affection, pay attention and listen and laugh and do all those things – it was different than coming home where all of a sudden, ‘Well how come you’re not doing this or how come you’re not doing that?’”

Karl had an affair.

“So I just went along with it, as it happened at the time,” Karl said. “But it didn’t mean anything.”

Karl was open with Jeannette about what happened.

“It just crushed me ‘cause I couldn’t imagine. I couldn’t imagine,” Jeannette said. “After I’m doing all these things for him and feel like I’m putting myself out even further than I should, that somehow someone else got his attention and I couldn’t.”

They decided to go to counseling to overcome the affair.

Jeannette said she initially blamed herself – she thought she had been doing something wrong. It was during therapy that she realized she wasn’t the one to blame, and she became angry after realizing Karl was in the wrong. Through the counseling, however, she decided that her love for Karl was strong enough to forgive him.

“You have baggage, everybody has baggage,” Jeannette said. “And you can take it to someone else and be happy with them, but your baggage is still going to be there.

“So if you don’t find out what the problems are, you’re going to take them with you in any relationship you go to.”

Karl also made his own discoveries – in particular, that his actions were caused by his own insecurities and not knowing how to deal with positive attention. Originally from Poland, he grew up in Germany right after World War II and his parents were both in concentration camps. He was severely mistreated by teenagers connected to the Hitler Youth moveCentral California Life

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Everlasting Love ment, something he never fully processed.

“The key was for me to be happy with myself first,” Karl said.

For both, the success of their relationship came down to learning how to communicate with each other.

“I’d have to ask her, ‘What is it that you want?’” Karl said.

“Because she assumed, she had it in her mind as to ‘OK he should be doing this,’ and I didn’t know what she wanted me to do, so I just did my own thing.”

Jeannette said, “It was just an adjustment over the years of learning what the other person’s needs are and how to make those known to the other person.”

Ellis Vance and Robin Griener

Ellis Vance and Robin Griener. Photo by Dan Minkler (inset) Ellis Vance and Robin Griener at Crater Lake, Oregon, in the late ‘60s. Photo courtesy of Ellis Vance and Robin Griener

When describing the night he met his husband, Ellis sang, “Some enchanted evening, across the crowded room, you’ll see a stranger and you know, you know even then” – a slight variation on the classic song “Some Enchanted Evening.”

Mutual friends introduced Ellis, 74, and Robin, 82, in 1966 at a dinner party. Ellis had recently ended his marriage to

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"It helps that you pick somebody that has the same values, I think that 's the main thing."

–Robin Griener

his high school sweetheart, a woman.

“I had suddenly realized that I was homosexual,” Ellis said. “It was just playing a useless game denying that to myself.”

The two hit it off right away, and have been together for 48 years. They got married in June 2008, when California first legalized gay marriage.

“It helps that you pick somebody that has the same values, I think that’s the main thing,” Robin, 82, said.

Ellis added, “We may have disagreements but I think we always respect one another. I think too there has to be a deep and abiding love there that no matter how difficult the times may get, you still can hang on to that, that you know that the person does love you and care about you and has your best interest at heart.”

Times did get difficult for them. The couple lived their love life in secrecy for almost three decades, sometimes telling others that Robin was a live-in uncle to their three children, whom Ellis had during his first marriage.

In the mid-90s, they came out through an op-ed piece Ellis wrote for The Fresno Bee. “I think it was a turning point for us to say, ‘We’re out, we’re proud, we’re not going to hide anymore and we’re going to be who we are,’” Ellis said. “I think that strengthened our relationship too.”

In addition to living their truth in public, Ellis and Robin credited their success to raising children together and most recently, their renewed faith in God. But to them, it all boils down to one thing: luck.

“It’s certainly not calculated,” Ellis said. “Even the fact that I was married and had the children was luck in sense, finding the right person was certainly luck.

“These are all things that could have turned one way or the other – either you believe it’s luck or you believe there’s this higher power up there that’s kind of like, you’re a marionette and they’re deciding, you just don’t know it.”

Charles and Dympna Ogwu-Oju

The couple initiated a courtship as soon as Dympna returned to Nigeria after finishing school. They married in 1981 and soon after that had their first child.

The family moved to the U.S. in 1985 and eventually became a family of five.

Dympna said one of the greatest challenges during their marriage was agreeing on how to raise their children.

She and Charles viewed the woman’s role in a family differently, as Dympna saw her only daughter through modern eyes

"The main thing is that you must place yourself in the shoes of the person you are having the obstacle with."

–Charles Ogwu-Oju

(above) Charles and Dympna Ogwu-Oju. Photo by Dan Minkler (left) Charles and Dympna Ogwu-Oju’s wedding in Nigeria. They have been married for 33 years. Photo courtesy of Charles and Dympna Ogwu-Oju

Charles, 60, and Dympna, 58 grew up together in Aku, a town in Nigeria.

“We lived less than half a mile away from each other,” Dympna said. “I never really thought of him as a romantic interest – almost felt like we were siblings.”

After spending her childhood in Aku, Dympna left Nigeria to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the United States. Meanwhile, Charles studied medicine in Nigeria. During this time, Charles said it came time for him to court a woman in preparation for marriage – he began writing to Dympna while she was in school. Charles said he started to see Dympna as someone he wanted to share his life with.

“I saw her as more of friend, then it progressed to, you know, I felt that she was somebody I was comfortable living my life with,” Charles said. “It’s good to have a longer time knowing each other, knowing where you come from, knowing backgrounds.”

Dympna laughed as she recalled the first letter she received from her husband.

“It was a huge surprise to me when Charles wrote to me all of a sudden to say – you know it’s funny, not the most romantic of letters – but to say, ‘Well, my parents have said I should start narrowing down my list of people to consider for marriage and you are at the top of the list,’” Dympna said.

and Charles remained loyal to his cultural roots. They had serious disagreements about how to raise her among two brothers.

Charles said that in dealing with conflict he tried to see Dympna’s side.

“The main thing is that you must place yourself in the shoes of the person you are having the obstacle with,” Charles said. “How do you want the person to feel?”

Dympna added what she thought was necessary to progress the conversation.

“Patience, but also, a clear definition of your role and his role in the relationship so that we are not always colliding,” Dympna said. “I know my responsibilities and I know my strengths and that’s what I bring into the marriage.”

Dympna also explained what she thinks the problems with most marriages are nowadays.

“It’s the little things that wear down a marriage like ‘You didn’t take out the garbage,’ or ‘You didn’t help with washing the dishes, you didn’t make the bed, you didn’t…’” Dympna said.

“Those things need not come in a marriage as long as there is an understanding about who is responsible for this and who is responsible for that.”

Charles said one must never let the relationship peak, as it can only spiral down once it’s reached its highest point. To him, love isn’t what you see on TV and movies.

“Love is how you live with your partner, respect the person, do everything together as much as possible and keep moving forward,” Charles said. • Abigail Martin is the editorial assistant for Central California Life and a recent mass communication and journalism graduate from Fresno State, where she was a contributing writer for The Collegian.

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The Wish List

Valentine’s Day

Ara Karkazian Watch & Jewelry Co.

Gifts

1776 W Bullard Ave, Fresno (559) 431-0900

Photos courtesy of Ara Karkazian Watch & Jewelry Co.

Engagement Ring $9,900 (center stone not included)

Express your desire to commit to the love of your life with this Tacori engagement ring. This ribbon twist “RoyalT” ring takes a spin on vintage design. Featuring a four-carat diamond at the center, pave diamond details scintillate along the intricate details of this platinum setting, including the gallery underneath the center diamond.

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Blue Gem Earrings $4,720

Blue Gem Necklace $4,400

Surprise her with these Golden Bay Collection earrings by Tacori. Two cushion-cut, sky blue topaz stones over hematite gemstones are nestled in a bed of yellow gold and brilliant diamonds, for a luxuriously feminine look.

Another piece to Tacori’s Golden Bay Collection, this necklace compliments the earrings to create a timeless, elegant look. A sparkling, cushion-cut, sky blue topaz over a hematite gem rests gently within a vibrant yellow gold frame and brilliant diamonds.

Belmont Nursery

7730 E Belmont Ave, Fresno (559) 255-6860

As your love blooms, so can your gift, chosen among the limitless combinations of plants and containers at Belmont Nursery, Fresno area’s largest locally owned retail nursery. Bring that someone special so that he or she can help pick the gift that will keep on giving. Plant selections vary with the seasons and availability. Gift choices start at under $10.

Photos by Dan Minkler

Ficklin Vineyards

30246 Avenue 7 ½ , Madera (559) 674-4598

Vintage Port with Glass Bottle $400 Imprinted Glass $6 Ficklin’s most coveted vintage Port comes from the 1957 harvest. Made 100% from Tinta Madeira grapes and aged for over half a century in our adobe building, this extremely rare Port is available in limited quantity for the sophisticated collector.

The perfect way to savor a fine Port, the custom-designed and logo-imprinted 4-ounce glass highlights the special nature of the Ports it holds.

Tawny Port with Cigar Bottle $30, Cigar $20 The aged, 10-year Tawny is a blend of Ficklin’s four estate grapes: Tinta Madeira, Tinta Cao, Touriga, and Souzao.

In a special process begun in 1984 by current Winemaker and President, Peter Ficklin, this fine Port is barrel-aged between 10 to 14 years in a Tawny Solera System. This extended aging caramelizes the natural sugars in the grapes, which brings out flavors of brown sugar, toasted nuts and butterscotch, along with the rich taste of cognac and spice from the developed brandy.

Cigar aficionados know well that this Tawny Port makes for a perfect pairing with a quality cigar; especially a Payne-Mason Puro Porto Cigar. This fine cigar was developed especially for Ficklin Vineyards by Payne-Mason’s owner, Bob Payne. This signature Port cigar features a Maduro cap.

Photos by Dan Minkler

Old Vine Tinta Port and Chocolates Bottle $18 Chocolates $7.95 per six-count box $14.95 per 12-count box Ficklin’s flagship port, Old Vine Tinta, is the most awarded Port in the United States.

Originating from the first harvest in 1948, a little of that vintage and every year that followed is added to over 250 barrels. Each bottle then contains traces of all those vintages producing a unique combination of flavors, including fig, dark cherry, chocolate and raisin; making the ideal complement to dark chocolate, blueveined cheeses, and fresh fruits, to name a few.

Ficklin also has its own brand of chocolates.

These delicious dark chocolates are made by renowned chocolatier, G. Debbas. Imagine Old Vine Tinta Port ensconced in rich, dark chocolate. Your first bite into the dark chocolate shell and liquid Port center will be a memorable act of self-indulgence.

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Valentine’s Day Gifts Simply Frosted 3367 W Shaw, Fresno (559) 229-2225

Chandelier Display of Cupcakes one dozen $28 (chandelier rental per day $20)

Brighten any party, family gathering or business event with this chandelier display of tasty cupcakes. Holds two dozen large cupcakes.

Photos by Dan Minkler

Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Mini Cake $11.95

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries $10

The most-loved cake that’s simply delicious and comes in a Valentine’s Day box upon request.

Eight chocolate-covered strawberries in a Valentine’s Day box are the perfect sweets for someone sweet. Can be ordered upon request.

Call ahead to ensure your order.

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Central California Life

Â

Red Ruby Salon Full Service Salon 1778 W Bullard Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 Monday - Saturday Call for an appointment 559-449-0909 Manicurist/Esthetician Irene Riley Hair Stylist Victoria Foreman

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Valentine’s Day Gifts Sumner Peck Ranch Fruit Stand, Winery & Tasting Room

Verdalee 2054 W Bullard Ave, Fresno (559) 439-6844

14439 N Friant Rd, Friant (559) 822-4433

Wine and Chocolates $42.78 Sumner Peck’s special Valentine’s Day gift basket contains our new and bubbly sparkling wine complemented by two boxes of scrumptious chocolates.

Heart-Shaped Box $89.95 This stunning Swarovski crystal-covered, heart-shaped box is sure to please your sweetheart!

Scented Candles $29.95 per candle

Photos by Dan Minkler

What a sweet smell that lasts; just like your relationship.

Picture Frame $115

3 Bottles of Wine $58

Fresh grapes pictured are only available in season.

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Central California Life

Photos by Dan Minkler

What a lovely choice; you and your loved one get to pick from a variety of Sumner Peck wines. The three you choose will be included in an adorned gift basket.

Picture your loved one smiling from within this beautifully constructed frame.

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(Herndon & West) Fresno, CA 93711 Tel: 559.436.1650 Fax: 559.436.1680

http://diciccos.com/7038west.php Central California Life

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Reflections on love: Longing. Discovery. Loss.

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he caught my eye when I was playing pool in the college recreation room. I asked her, “Would you go out with me?” She replied, “No, I have a boyfriend.”

No matter. Persistence would pay off. “Well, since you are dating, how about we just go out for a Coke?” I asked. “I guess there is no harm in that,” she smiled. A month later she broke up with her boyfriend and asked me if I still wanted to go out. Of course I said yes. At that point I knew she was mine forever.

- Bernie, 52

Discovering love is something you never expect – it just happens without you realizing it. Out of nowhere, you are in a relationship with your best friend and you look at this person and think, “God, I love you.” You have someone to share your life and every special moment with. You are happy, with a happiness so pure that just thinking of this person makes you smile.

- Veronica, 21

I once understood love to be care, comfort, friendship and fire – boundless, with an undefined give and take. I knew love would lose focus and trusted that it would again burn bright.

I believed love would always exist. From head to heart, I finally felt what love was when it took over my thoughts and spoke directly to my soul. Finally saying, “My love, I choose you.”

- Kathleen, 44

When I realized that I was falling in love with my wife, it was a feeling of knowing that she was my soul mate. We balance one another. We laugh often, and that is so important.

I know this sounds like a cliché, but at times we actually finish each other’s sentences. There is a connection so strong that we sometimes do not need to speak; it is just known. We are friends, partners and lovers for life.

- Kelty, 55

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When I fell in love it was like feeling gravity for the first time. The attraction was irresistible and steady. My heart knew what it wanted but I wasn’t convinced it was even possible until time and circumstance showed me the way to her heart. Yes, we argue some days – about who loved who first, or said it first, or who loves who the most, but most days we’re still just falling in love. I know it seems unreal, but it’s true. Even as I write these words she abducts my thoughts with memories of our firsts: our first touch, our first embrace, our first kiss and our last.

There is no logic to explain us; we just are in love. I am hers and she is mine and together we are lost in love.

- Rick, 61

I knew I was in love when I would look at the time and could not wait any longer to see you. I knew I was in love when I would worry too much about you. We are young, but I know our love is true because, with time, our love keeps growing.

- Anna, 21

My heart found comfort and happiness the day Nathalie came into my life. We spent countless hours talking as if we were on a mission to discover everything we could about each other. We are complete opposites. I love that we have nothing in common yet have learned to appreciate and be enamored of each other’s interests. What we do share is a similar heart – a kindness and caring that made us fall deeply in love with each other. I am present when I am with her, being my best self, a better person.

- Anderson, 31

Falling in love used to be a scary thing for me, but there is something about Kelty that has made falling in love with her a sacred, 15-year journey. Perhaps it is her eyes. They reveal all of who she is: her joy, her pain, her loving spirit, her passion. When I look into her eyes, I see a beautiful goddess. I look into her eyes every day, and I fall deeper in love every day.

- April, 50

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Not until I met my spouse did I experience love of the truest kind. When I met him, it was uneventful. There were no bells or whistles. Fireworks didn’t go off, either literally or figuratively. I simply liked him. As our friendship bloomed, so did my respect for him. It took a few months before we both realized we had become “best friends” and were, indeed, dating. A few months after that we realized we were experiencing a solid and healthy kind of romantic love. Yes, we fell SOFTLY in love. Thirteen years ago we wed just 10 months after we met. It has been nice. It has been real. It has been love of the truest and most unconditional kind.

- Dana, 52

I always had an image of what my ideal partner would be: how she’d look, what her education and her philosophies would be, her age, even the color of her hair. I never found that woman. I looked – constantly – and found others like her, worked hard to make relationships function and suffered the loneliness that ensued when they would end. My wife was everything I never wanted in a bride, in a partner and so very much more than I could have asked for. I married up. The years have sometimes brought more challenges than I thought we’d survive and there were moments when neither of us felt much love for the other. But we nearly always liked each other and that (and effort and perseverance) helped us endure the occasional darkness.

- John, 53

I was married for 20 years and I should have divorced at the 10-year mark.

I kept saying the same thing to everyone who knew our situation: “I can’t believe he’s doing this!” The experience devastated me. It left me feeling embarrassed, angry, alone … It was something I didn’t want to put my kids through. It changed my life. I don’t trust anyone completely anymore. I am in a very good relationship now with a man who is perfect for me in every way, but I test him from time to time to make sure that he is being real with me. Maybe the experience with my ex-husband changed me for the better. I know I’m stronger now and not scared to be alone, something that I was before.

- Cynthia, 55 46 |

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The pain of losing someone to whom you entrusted your heart and soul is unimaginable.

I may have lost a piece of myself to him I will never get back, but what I’ve gained is greater than any heartbreak. I have learned how to love myself first and, in turn, how to better love others. I’ve realized it’s OK to let people in, and that it’s even OK if you give a piece of yourself over to them. Isn’t that what love is all about? Generosity. Risk. Vulnerability. Discovery. We may give a little bit of ourselves over to someone we love even though there is a chance of getting left out in the cold, only to feel naked and alone all over again, but what we gain from that experience is far greater than anything they can take from us.

- Ashley, 21

I think I fell in love one time in my life, about five years ago or so. I still remember the first time I saw her and what she was wearing: a blue polka dot dress with a pearl necklace. She had the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. I talk to her every now and then; she has since moved on with a marriage and family. One thing no one can take away from us are the memories, the laughs and the tears. Those will always be our secrets.

If I can I can share tears with her and have no shame, and remember what she wore the first time I met her – or even just that she liked extra volcano sauce with her Taco Bell – and that’s not called love, then I don’t know what love is.

Thanks, Sarah, for the time we shared. It meant the world to me. • - Steve, 28

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Central Coast

A weekend in Paso Robles... and seven spots you can’t afford to miss Story and photos by Amy Guerra

I

arrived at the Paso Robles Inn early on a Saturday morning. It was less than two hours away from my home in Fresno – an easy drive along Highway 41 – and I couldn’t remember why I thought it was longer and had waited so long to come back.

“Paso,” as it is affectionately known, is bordered by grapevines and other signs of agriculture. Its food and wine industries have exploded during the past 10 years, making the small Central Coast city a prime destination for tourists.

On this weekend, I would be visiting seven of the city’s food and wine businesses. My first stop was the quaint inn with the brick façade on Spring Street. The newly renovated Paso Robles Inn is the only hotel in the area where guests have access to private Jacuzzis fed by mineral hot springs renowned for their therapeutic power. (It is said that John Wayne, Judy Garland and Clark Gable are among those who have sought rest and healing at the hot springs.) The core of the hotel is home to the Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse, the Cattlemen’s Lounge and a small coffee shop. Outside, a large patio with fire pits overlooks the courtyard where one of the chefs grows a small garden. Rumor has it that the ballroom above is haunted.

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By mid-morning, we were making our way toward Panolivo Family Bistro, a small brightly decorated restaurant within walking distance of the inn. Co-owner Didier Cop and his wife Beatrice greeted us. The menu, a collection of French and California fusion, featured housemade muesli, Croque Madame, tartiflette (touted as a “French melt”) and brioche French toast. The restaurant and the food were comfortable – the perfect way to start a long day of food and wine decadence.

We were met by winemaker Tom Lane, who believes the most rewarding part of his job is enjoying “a great bottle of wine among friends over good conversation and laughter.”

We took a short drive from the inn to Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room, located on the east side of Paso Robles. The grounds of Bianchi are distinct from other wineries; the tasting room overlooks a small lake surrounded by stone. Remote controlled sailboats and a summer concert series draw a wide crowd, but it’s the collection of award-winning wine that keeps people coming back.

We were met by winemaker Tom Lane, who believes the most rewarding part of his job is enjoying “a great bottle of wine among friends over good conversation and laughter.” As we walked through the vineyards, testing the sugar content of the grapes still on the vine, then later through the plant where we see grapes being moved from various points in the fermentation process, two things became apparent:

winemaking is hard work, and passion like Lane’s goes a long way in determining the ultimate product.

After the tour, we sat lakeside for a catered lunch that began with an organic apple-avocado salad composed of field greens, basil, quinoa, pea shoots, oranges, pumpkin seeds and finished with Olivas de Oro olive oil.

It was paired with a 2012 Chardonnay.

An olive oil sous vide salmon accompanied a 2012 Pinot Noir. It was served with baby potatoes, curried cauliflower puree and charred tomato relish and was finished with smoked paprika oil.

For dessert, we were treated to a dark chocolate creme fraiche panna cotta paired with a 2010 Petite Sirah. Each pairing underscored the versatility and complexity of Bianchi’s wine. The laughter and good conversation that Lane finds so rewarding was ever-present.

A few minutes up the road by car, we reached the edge of Paso Robles, very close to where Spanish Lt. Col. Juan Batista de Anza led a frontier group from New Spain to Alta, Calif. in 1776. Just up the street is BarrelHouse Brewing Co. “Liberty and Justice for Ale” is painted prominently on the metal walls of this warehouse-like brewery known for its sweeping views and inimitable half-acre beer garden.

Hoppy ales with background flavors of peach, lemongrass and mango brighten the menu. Favorites include reserve beers with names like “BrazzMonkey” (described as a “delicious tropical blonde with Clementine orange blossom honey”) and seasonal favorites like “Harvest Ale” (described as imparting “all of the chocolate and roasted nut flavors of a classic porter with a BarrelHouse twist – fresh Central California Life

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Liberty and Justice for Ale is painted prominently on the metal walls of this warehouse-like brewery known for its sweeping views and inimitable half-acre beer garden. vanilla beans, local organic spice and fresh roasted pumpkins for a roasty, spicy, vanilla porter experience”).

The owners of BarrelHouse Brewery are Central Valley transplants; all three co-owners went to high school together in Lemoore.

The growing popularity of establishments like BarrelHouse Brewing Co. is proof that the wine industry is not the only alcohol-related industry enjoying growth in Paso Robles. Re:Find Handcrafted Spirits, Paso Robles’ first craft distillery, is another sign. Owners Alex and Monica Villicana said the idea behind Re:Find is to reuse saignée, the prized free-run juice removed prior to fermentation to enhance wine quality, and refine it into top-shelf spirits like gin, vodka and Limoncello. The results we sampled – cocktails made with a local farmer’s Bloody Mary mix – were authentic and impressive. Re:Find’s outstanding flavors and quaint and rustic tasting room made this a favorite stop.

After a few hours relaxing back at the inn, we walked to our second restaurant – Artisan. Seated with some of the area’s most prominent wine makers, we enjoyed a selection of wines with each dish: Terry Hoage’s 2013 Cuvee Blanc with Artisan’s oysters Rockefeller; Windward’s 2012 Pinot Noir Monople with California duck, farro, chantrelles and summer squash; and finally, Hearst Ranch’s 2012 Three Sisters Cuvee with Mongolian barbecued pork wings, Carolina rice grits and herb salad.

Consistent with the other establishments we revisited that day, the food 50 |

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Guests can partake of small, seasonally-inspired dishes from antipasti to housemade pizzas to complement the wines.

A true destination, SanJuliette is a must-see. and drinks were outstanding – catalysts for deep laughter and memorable conversation.

Before driving home the next day, we drove into San Miguel for brunch at the luxurious Villa San-Juliette Winery, owned by reality TV star Nigel Lythgoe (best known for his role on So You Think You Can Dance) and American Idol producer Ken Warwick. The expansive, 168-acre grounds are beautiful, framed by large trees and vineyards with an unrivaled Mediterranean feel. Guests can partake of small, seasonally-inspired dishes from antipasti to housemade pizzas to complement the wines. A true destination, San-Juliette is a must-see.

Paso Robles, long regarded as “that city you pass as you’re heading to Cambria, Cayucos and Morro Bay,” has emerged as a place to be reckoned with – a place with friendly people, a wonderful character and a dynamic food and beverage scene that is second to none. I look forward to spending more time here in the future. • Amy Guerra is a criminal defense attorney practicing in Fresno. She has written for several publications throughout California and enjoys writing about the law, food, travel and all things Fresno.

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Health and Wellness

A few thoughts about online dating

by Bradley T. Wajda, D.O.

During his 25 years of practicing in the Central Valley, Dr. Bradley T. Wajda (aka “Dr. Brad”) has amassed extensive experience in adult and child psychiatry, as well as comprehensive substance abuse treatment. Catch “Dr. Brad” at RadioPsyched.com.

You can also read more from “Dr. Brad” at EsanoHealth.com.

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nline dating is getting a lot of attention these days, and for good reason. Research has shown that that one in three Americans meets his or her spouse online and experiences more marital satisfaction and fewer divorces than those whose relationships begin more traditionally.

With traditional dating we are limited to those available individuals in our immediate proximity. The number of potential romantic interests is vastly larger online. (How large is too large to manage effectively? The work of British anthropologist Robin Dunbar might give us a clue. His studies suggest we can comfortably maintain, at most, 150 friendships – about the same number of friends many of us have on Facebook.)

Central California Life

Entering into online dating begins with deciding in advance what kind of person you are looking for, because every compromise you make now will be amplified under the relationship microscope later. While it may seem counter-intuitive, you are more likely to successfully assess the suitability of a stranger for a relationship than someone you already have some degree of a relationship with. More to the point, you’re less likely to compromise when you don’t have a pre-existing emotional investment.

With this in mind, honesty is always the best policy.

The linchpin of online dating is, of course, the profile. Your profile is the only chance you get to make an impression enticing enough to invite further contact. Be aware that your potential matches likely

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Research shows that people who meet their spouses online marry sooner and have happier marriages than those whose relationships begin more traditionally.

Don’t substitute online communication for actual communication.

Communicating face-to-face not only allows us to establish stronger connections, it also makes it exceedingly difficult for people to misrepresent themselves and their intentions. put as much image management into how they describe themselves as you did.

This is where the “Forer effect,” named after American psychologist Bertram R. Forer (1914-2000), comes into play.

The term refers to our tendency to interpret vague and general personality descriptions as unique to us even though they can be applied equally to anyone. The Internet was decades away when Forer conducted the 1948 experiment that gave rise to this observation, but his assertions are strikingly relevant to online dating today, particularly when it comes to our need to see what might not be there: “When you want to believe something, when you need something to be true, you will look for patterns; you connect the dots like the stars of a constellation. You 54 |

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will take the random and give it purpose, transmutate the chaotic into the systemic, see chance as fate.” Being aware of a common human desire to attach meaning to vague generalizations may help you to avoid having a false sense of compatibility with someone based on his or her online profile alone.

If you plan to venture into the world of online dating, there are at least three important precautions to keep in mind. First, don’t share personal information over the Internet. Second, don’t meet strangers in secluded or unfamiliar areas. Finally, don’t substitute online communication for actual communication. Communicating face to face not only allows us to establish stronger connections, it also makes it exceedingly difficult

for people to misrepresent themselves and their intentions.

In conclusion, there is much to recommend online dating. In addition to the reports of greater marital satisfaction and lower divorce rates mentioned earlier, courtship originating online averages 18.5 months before resulting in marriage, compared to 42 months in a traditional courtship.

This doesn’t mean you should only look online for love and companionship.

Couples who met at social events, were introduced by friends, or initially crossed paths while in line at grocery stores or coffee houses are proof of an important truth: Cupid can strike anywhere. •

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559-224-2469 or namiwalks@namifresno.org Website: www.namiwalks.org

Health and Wellness

The balanced resolution

by Rhonda Murphy as told to Abigail Martin

T

he new year is here and you’ve made a resolution to lose weight and inches. You already know what you need to do to live a healthier lifestyle: build muscle strength and lose fat by eating well and exercising.

What many people don’t realize is that there is a third and equally important element to maintaining a fit body.

That element is balance.

Having good balance prevents injuries, builds abdominal strength (which protects your spine) and allows your body to effectively carry out any physical activity. I see more injuries to 20 to 80-year-olds because of trips and falls than any other reason, simply because their bodies lack balance. These injuries can debilitate a person for life.

Practicing balance is easy to incorporate into your daily life. Try standing on one foot while you brush your teeth in the morning. You’ll notice your body struggle the first time you As a certified member of AFAA (Aerobics and do it, but give it some time and Fitness Association eventually you’ll be standing on of America), Rhonda one foot with ease.

Murphy is part of the To incorporate balance world’s largest fitness exercises into your workouts, education association.

With over 25 years of concentrate on keeping your experience, Rhonda abdominal muscles tight and has become one of your body frame steady. This the most sought after movement not only increases fitness consultants in your balance, but it also gives Central California. She you better fat-blasting results is the owner of Rhonda’s Fitness Center and hosts than traditional tummy-toning “Workout Wednesdays” exercises such as crunches. on ABC 30. As a personal Weight training allows trainer, she motivates and you to build muscle as well as gives inspiration to anyone work on your balance. (A big who wants to gain a higher level of health and fitness. misconception among exerFor more information, cise beginners is that cardio visit rhofit.com or call workouts, such as running or (559) 431-3600.

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Having good balance prevents injuries, builds abdominal strength (which protects your spine) and allows your body to effectively carry out any physical activity.

climbing stairs, are the most effective way to lose fat. A more effective way to lose fat is to train with weights.)

Weight training can also cut your workout time in half if you continuously move from one repetition to the next, taking only short breaks between cycles if necessary. A repetition is a single exercise that focuses on one or two muscles. A cycle is a combination of repetitions. (To give you an example, 12 bicep curls, 12 tricep kicks and a one-minute plank can make up one cycle.)

Workouts that integrate balance, strength training and cardio are called circuit workouts. Circuit workouts are a smarter and quicker way to train your way to a strong and balanced body.

Here are a few examples to help you get started: • Bring one knee up and bend it at a 90-degree angle and set the other foot on the ground, while completing 12-16 bicep curls on the arm opposite the bent knee.

• Bend forward slightly at your hips, back straight, with one foot on the ground and its knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Push the other leg back and hold it up, while completing 12-16 tricep kicks on the arm opposite the leg raised behind you.

Try these exercises and see the difference standing on one leg makes.

You’ll feel it in your belly, where balance is sustained.

Cheers to the new year and the new, balanced you! •

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Kristina’s Tip of the Month 10 Healthy Tips For Taking Care Of Yourself 1.

2.

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Take control and learn to love yourself.

Don’t eat just because food’s there.

Make sure you’re walking – park far from the entrance.

Stop being concerned about aging. You can’t change the fact that you have a birthday every year.

5. Have as much fun as possible.

6. Drink green juice – 16 ounces can contain as much as half your daily vitamins and nutrients.

7. You have to put time for yourself on your calendar.

8. Even if you don’t adopt a raw foods diet, include more of them in your diet.

9. Don’t eat processed foods.

10. If you eat the box, a lot of times you’d actually get more fiber than what is in the product inside.

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Sports

Fresno State’s 1968 wrestling team. Dennis DeLiddo is pictured third from the right, on the top row.

Photo courtesy of Dennis DeLiddo

Fresno State wrestling: Keeping the dream alive

by Christopher Livingston

Editor’s note: Fresno State was expected to make an announcement in January about when the popular sport of wrestling would return to the university. At the time this issue went to press, that announcement had yet to be made. This story looks at a few of the individuals who have played key roles in keeping the dream of wrestling alive, both at the university and in the Central Valley.

T

he room is like a museum, telling a tale of history, success, heartbreak and hope. Pictures of student-athletes hang on every wall. Trophies and memorabilia sit on tables near the window.

Dennis DeLiddo excitedly points to one of the pictures. It is of the 1985 Fresno State wrestling team he coached that won the PCAA Championship.

“One! Two! Three! Four!” he excitedly calls out. Like a roll call, he points at the members of the team who wound up as wrestling coaches in the Central Valley. It is one of his many proud accomplishments: not just to coach title-winning teams, but also to keep the sport alive.

And everyone in every picture has something in common: He is part of a genuine Central Valley tradition.

In August 2014, Fresno State president Joseph I. Castro announced his intention to bring back intercollegiate wrestling 58 |

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to the university, saying that “it’s no longer a question” whether the sport will be reinstated.

Wrestling is the most successful sport in the Valley, DeLiddo says. The No. 1 high school in the state in the sport has been from the Central Valley five years in a row. Clovis High School is currently on a four-season streak as champions.

The emergence of a collegiate wrestling program In the early days, high school football coaches encouraged their players to participate in wrestling during the offseason. That’s how DeLiddo got involved in the sport.

“I went out for wrestling my junior and senior years and started really liking it,” he said. “Then I went to Fresno City College and I tried football, but I wasn’t good enough. I went out for the wrestling team, and I really loved the coaches.”

After getting a scholarship to Fresno State – tuition was

Then on June 15, 2006, the unthinkable happened. Fresno State announced that it was cutting the wrestling program.

Fresno State Wrestling Club member Amanda Ortiz (left) competes against Melissa Ortiz (right) from Southwestern Oregon Community College at Menlo College in Santa Clara, Calif. on Jan. 3.

Fresno State Wrestling Club member Dylan McCombs (right) competes against Alberto Jaramillo (right) from York College at Menlo College in Santa Clara, Calif. on Jan. 3.

a whopping $50 per semester at that time – DeLiddo became more involved with the sport and decided to go into coaching. First, he led a turnaround at Clovis High School and then was hired to lead Fresno State.

While at the helm of the Fresno State program, DeLiddo led the team to 11 top-25 NCAA finishes, 10 in a row from 1992-2002. His resume boasts 33 All-Americans, 101 individual conference champions and at least one NCAA appearance for 21 straight years. He retired from the program in 2004, and Shawn Charles took over as coach.

Then on June 15, 2006, the unthinkable happened. Fresno State announced that it was cutting the wrestling program. The university blamed cost-cutting measures, the lack of adequate facilities, “low-level” academic performance and no comparable women’s program.

DeLiddo was shocked when he found out the program was canceled, but he figured such a drastic change would be reversed.

“You took an opportunity for a kid from, let’s say, Selma High, who’s not good enough to get a scholarship somewhere,” he said. “Now he has to make a decision, ‘Do I go somewhere else? Do I go to Bakersfield? Do I move to Illinois? Where do I go where I can wrestle and afford college?”

The reactions were not silent. Four days after the announcement, fans gathered outside the home of then-Fresno State president John Welty to protest the university’s decision. It was a peaceful demonstration. Protesters wanted to show Welty the community supported the sport.

An attempt to keep the tradition For Adam Wong, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

After finishing high school in Modesto, he was set to continue his wrestling career at Fresno State.

But one month after graduation, the university’s wrestling program ended.

“I was telling myself that Fresno State was the only one in the area,” Wong said. “UC Davis was going on, but I didn’t feel like my grades were up to par, so I didn’t work toward going there.”

Instead of moving out of the area and pursuing a collegiate wrestling career, Wong decided to go to Modesto Junior College close to home. It was not a Division-I school, but he still enjoyed the opportunity to compete.

Once he transferred to Fresno State, he wanted to wrestle. He wasn’t alone. Two other students, Jovany Gonzalez and Daniel Avalos, joined him to start a club at the university geared toward raising awareness of the sport. Wong is the club’s president.

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Photos courtesy of Adam Wong

Fresno State Wrestling Club members.

Coach Dennis DeLiddo stands proudly in front of his winning team photographs.

Photo by Dan Minkler

This was not the first time Fresno State had a wrestling club. After the intercollegiate program was shuttered in 2006, there was an attempt to continue competing as a club. However, with lack of funding and heavy out-of-pocket travel expenses, a norm in intermural sports, the club faded away.

Today, the relaunched wrestling club does the same thing as its predecessor: it puts money together to participate in matches with other clubs in the Valley.

However, there are shortfalls: the school doesn’t allow the club to practice or hold meets on campus, and that can be seen as a burden to potential wrestlers.

“There’s a lot of freshmen who want to wrestle, but there is no program,” Wong said. “They find out about us, but it’s a mile-and-a-half away from campus, and they don’t have cars.

“If we were on campus, I’m pretty sure our turnout would be double what we have.”

But the club still tries to keep the Valley’s passion strong. By renting a high school gym to practice and hold clinics, the club works with members of the community.

“It’s such a big wrestling area,” Wong said. “I want to stay here and be a part of it.”

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“Wrestling isn’t just what happens on the mat; it’s off the mat, before you get on the mat and after you’re done with your eligibility. It’s just such a learning tool for kids.”

Community support for reinstatement Since the goal of reinstating wrestling was announced, there has been an outpouring of support from the Fresno State fans.

Before a Fresno State homecoming game in 2014, the university’s sports marketing department hosted a tailgate, “Pins for Wins,” to support wrestling’s reinstatement.

“The idea came from our Sports Marketing 161 class,” said Fresno State student Jonathan Maertens, one of the tailgate’s creators. “We had to do a project for the course. We originally didn’t choose wrestling, but realized that wrestling in the Valley had more draw to it.

“As a class, we came to the conclusion that a wrestling fundraiser would have the most impact on Fresno State and the community.”

DeLiddo says the tailgate was a success, earning as much as $10,000 that night.

“I was real leery of the tailgate,” he said. “I was hoping someone would show up, or I would be a little embarrassed.

But when I showed up, they had hors d’oeuvres, smiles on their faces and lots of people there. It was fantastic.”

“This fundraiser has demonstrated to the whole class that wrestling is not

only wanted back at Fresno State, but plays a crucial role in keeping valley athletes in the valley,” Maertens said.

“From my point of view, wrestling has been huge,” Wong said. “There were lots of fans coming to watch our tournaments back in Modesto. After my two years here at Fresno, I’ve seen so much support for wrestling – especially at the highschool level.”

With wrestling having been out of the picture for so long, DeLiddo says that once the program is back, it could attract large crowds. After all, as the old adage goes, “You don’t know what you have till it’s gone.”

Even then, apathy could kick in after a while, and low attendance could still be a possibility in wrestling matches. After all, it was one of the reasons the program was cut in the first place.

But it is more than just getting a crowd to see a meet. It’s also about helping the young athletes develop, mature, and spread the Central Valley’s wrestling tradition.

“Wrestling isn’t just what happens on the mat,” DeLiddo said.

“It’s off the mat, before you get on the mat and after you’re done with your eligibility. It’s just such a learning tool for kids.”

For now, DeLiddo waits anxiously for Castro to make the official announcement that sports fans in the region want to hear: the date when Fresno State can roll out its mat.

“I’m still nervous and have knots in my stomach,” he said. “But once he tells us exactly when the program will come back, then I can exhale and say, ‘Yes, we did it.’” • Christopher Livingston is a student majoring in mass communication and journalism at Fresno State, where he is sports editor of the campus newspaper.

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Arts & Entertainment

Book Review

Karl Johnson:

It’s never too late to “Rebound”

by Jeffery Williams

T

Photo courtesy of Karl Johnson.

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wenty years behind prison bars. Twenty years of self-inflicted, scarring memories, including a bullet lodged in his leg to never forget.

Twenty years of losing his hopes and dreams through his own broken promises and poor choices.

For many people, those details describe a life to be written off, a sad existence that underscores the point that some people never get it together, never figure it out.

For many people, a man who has wasted 20 years of his life in hard time is to be given up on, not given more chances to make right.

But for a few people, Karl Johnson represents the principle that it’s never too late to start doing what is good and right.

Johnson, a valet at the Downtown Club and owner of Anytime Shoe Shine, has been emerging as an increasingly popular fixture in downtown Fresno for the past four years.

After 20 years of prison and a subsequent year of homelessness, Johnson now works full-time and serves on two boards that seek to help Fresno’s homeless – United Way and the City Housing Authority Commission.

“I guess my background has given me credentials and credibility,” Johnson says while shining shoes at his shop in the T.W. Patterson Building on Tulare Avenue.

Johnson also recently published an account of his life story titled “Rebound: An inspiring comeback story that explores the mystery of the human spirit” (CreateSpace).

Co-written with Samantha Bauer, the book is in development for a screenplay as well, Johnson says.

While Johnson works shining shoes, he

Central California Life

frequently tosses spirited shout-outs to people walking by. Johnson’s warm and friendly manner prompts many to stop and chat for a spell.

Attorney at law Timothy Cox lingers to share a few moments of playful banter with Johnson.

“Karl has come a long way,” Cox says, who met Johnson when the author was homeless. “He wasn’t asking for a handout.

He wanted to work and make his way. I saw his character, we became friends, and now I help him when I can.”

Cox worked with the owners of the T.W. Patterson Building, Rick and Jeff Rouse, to give Johnson a chance and allow him to set up a shoeshine shop there. Two years later, Johnson’s business continues to go well.

By his own admission, Johnson’s young adult years were drowned in drug addiction and crime. He did a few short stints in jail before being arrested and charged for transporting narcotics. He was sentenced to 22 years.

But the first 15 years of jail and prison had virtually no impact on his hardened attitude or character.

“I had been completely out of control.

Once you start that pattern, it is so hard to break it,” Johnson says.

But then in 2006 a turning point occurred in Johnson’s life. His mother had died of a heart attack.

“Even though everyone else had written me off, my mother had still sent me a letter every month. She gave everything she had to her 16 kids. My mom was my best friend.”

Johnson pauses in his work of buffing out a scuff on a boot. “Did you know she had 76 grand and great-grandchildren? When she

“Even though everyone else had written me off, my mother had still sent me a letter every month. She gave everything she had to her 16 kids. My mom was my best friend.”

Karl Johnson, photographed by Dan Minkler.

passed away I was so broke up.”

Adding to his sorrow, his brother Dennis Johnson died of a heart attack one year later. Dennis Johnson played for 14 seasons with the Boston Celtics.

“He had never given up on me. He believed to his last day that I would turn my life around.

“That tore me up. Right then I knew it was time to stop, time to turn my life around with what time I had left,” Johnson says.

He started following the rules, began seeing a chaplain, took up a pencil and began to write his story. The book is a tribute to the goodness of his parents Charles Lynn and Margaret Johnson, his brother Dennis, and his other 14 siblings, as well as the potential and power of change.

Five years later Johnson was released from prison and landed on the same Los Angeles streets where he had been busted.

“I needed a change so I bought a bus ticket to Seattle where a friend lived, but when the bus stopped for a layover in Fresno, I never left,” Johnson says with a smile. “Fresno turned out to be the best thing that happened to me.”

Johnson had four cans of shoe polish with him. He offered to shine people’s shoes and earned $200 that first day.

“My father taught me how to shine shoes and I hated it,” Johnson chuckles. “And here I am making a living with it.”

“I’m grateful to those who helped me find work and a home. I meet great people every day,” he continues. “I know there are people who don’t believe I’ve changed, but I have good friends who are my checks and balances in life.”

His future plans are simple and direct: “Now my focus is helping instead of hurting people.”

The issue of homelessness remains an ongoing concern for him.

In addition to serving on the boards at United Way and the housing authority, Johnson recently participated in the making of a training video for Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) in San Diego to lend insight to cadets who work with the homeless. Through the housing authority, he will be going to Washington D.C. this month to meet with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and congressional members concerning the plight of the homeless and the need for creating affordable housing for all.

Johnson speaks highly of those willing to draw near and help him. He credits Victor Salazar, former County Clerk; Mayor Ashley Swearengin; Attorney Timothy Cox and writer Samantha Bauer with influencing his life.

And now Johnson finds himself being asked to make speaking engagements.

“Fifteen so far. I’ll talk to anyone who wants to listen. I have to pay it forward,” he says. “Life can be so good when you’re doing it right.” • Jeffery Williams has been a high school English teacher for 27 years. He is also a freelance writer and the award-winning author of the novel “Pirate Spirit.”

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Arts & Entertainment

Life Without Limits: UCP of Central California arts center promotes freedom of expression, personal choice

by Rachel Taylor photos by Dan Minkler

I

t’s another busy day at UCP’s Center for the Arts and Technology in Fresno, and Diana Salinas is quick on her feet.

Salinas, visual arts department head, energetically strides around a back room of the center’s art lab, monitoring and encouraging her students as music reverberates off the brightly colored walls.

The art lab is cozy and welcoming. Past art projects and happy snapshots of smiling students line the walls. Ceramic wind chimes hang from the ceiling.

It’s here that more than 100 adult students with disabilities create beautiful works of art for themselves and the community.

The arts center, founded in 1997, is a branch of UCP of Central California, a nonprofit that serves more than 1,000 children and adults with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities each year.

The nonprofit welcomes people from Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare counties.

For UCP, there is one simple, overarching goal: Provide equal opportunities to those with disabilities.

That principal extends to the arts center, which offers a community college environment for about 130 adult students with an interest in visual arts, performing arts, life skills and technology.

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Director of visual arts Diana Salinas.

Here, personal choice is emphasized – students get to choose the courses they’d like to pursue and create their own schedule each trimester.

The visual arts curriculum, which is the most popular among students, offers courses ranging from watercolor and drawing to ceramics and candle making.

In the campus art lab, students are able to exercise freedom of expression.

Though assistance is readily available from instructors like Salinas, it is the students who determine the final outcome of their projects.

“I won’t make them do anything that they do not want to do,” Salinas said. “I will encourage, but I will not make them.”

“...for many students, when a piece of their art sells, it might be the only paycheck they ever receive.”

Barry Falke is the director of corporate giving and mission driven business for UCP of Central California.

Salinas, who has been with UCP for 27 years, said the classes also help the students develop hand-eye coordination skills.

“I’ve had some students who couldn’t hold a paintbrush, a pencil, a spoon,” Salinas said.

Salinas and her staff take note of the students’ personal difficulties and incorporate various grasping exercises into the creative process whenever they can.

During candle making, for example, students must use tools to break up chunks of wax before placing them into a mold.

“For some of our students, it may take an hour to fill the mold, and that’s OK,” Salinas said.

“Yeah, we can help them, but what’s the use of helping them when they’re able to do it even if it takes them an hour? Those are grasping skills.”

Salinas beamed with joy when she described how a student who once used his mouth to paint now uses his hands. He can even write his own name.

“There’s no such thing as, ‘They can’t’ – they can,” Salinas said. “We’re going to make it work.”

When a student gets frustrated, Salinas said, “Let’s not worry about getting a piece done.”

For Salinas, making an effort is what counts.

There’s no pressure.

“You have to make it fun,” she said. “If you don’t make it fun, you don’t be creative, well of course they’re not going to be inspired.”

Salinas said she encourages laughter and socialization during class. She frequently plays music and doesn’t mind when the students get a little loud.

“It’s something that I do not get tired of, and I’m still learning from them,” Salinas said.

Encouragement and positive reinforcement are also important motivational tools Salinas uses in the classroom.

“I praise them, I tell them and I show them how far they’ve come – especially when I show them their pictures,” she said. “To me, that’s the rewarding part.”

Student Sandy Sekiya, 56, has been developing her artistic skills at the center for about 12 years.

Today, she’s putting a fifth layer of glaze on her most recent piece: a ceramic leopard.

Sekiya looks at home in her seat at the head of the ceramics table. She’s in her element.

Of all the center’s classes, Sekiya said ceramics is her favorite – she enjoys the before-and-after process of painting a piece and watching it change color as it’s pulled out of the kiln.

“It relaxes me,” she said.

Sekiya said the process is fun and easy for her – when she’s painting or glazing, she can let her mind relax.

Aside from the creative benefits of the art projects, students can also sell their work by appointment at the center, located at 4224 N. Cedar Ave., through independent commissions or during community events.

Salinas said Sekiya receives many commissions.

“A lot of her pieces do sell,” Salinas said. “She sells wind chimes, candles, mosaic pieces, ceramic pieces…”

Sekiya said it’s exciting when a piece of her art sells.

When she receives her paycheck, Sekiya frequently uses the money to buy her peers’ artwork. Other times, she uses the money for a personal art project.

Recently, she purchased a ceramic angel that she will paint for herself.

Barry Falke, director of corporate giving and mission driven Central California Life

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Sandy Sekiya, 56, has been a student at the center for about 12 years.

business, said that for many students, when a piece of their art sells, it might be the only paycheck they ever receive.

While a portion of the money is used to offset the cost of supplies, the remainder goes directly to the artist.

“For many of them, this has become a source of income that they are very happy to have,” Falke said.

“It’s certainly something that we’re very proud of here at UCP – that we’re able to really foster ideas of independence, productivity and full citizenship through providing a program like this.”

Salinas has seen firsthand how the students react when they receive a paycheck.

“Oh my goodness, they get so happy,” Salinas said. “That’s the most exciting thing for me and fulfillment that I have. Maybe that’s why I’m still here – I get that joy from them.”

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During the past year, Falke said the center has been working hard to get its students’ artwork out into the community.

In March, Peeve’s Public House in Fulton Mall displayed the center’s artwork for ArtHop. The show was successful.

In addition to raising awareness about the center, an out-of-state businessman purchased four pieces.

“He saw the art, fell in love with a couple of pieces and, as it turned out, he was actually from New Orleans,” Falke said. “Our students’ artwork is now hanging in Louisiana, which is kind of neat.”

Because of overwhelming support from the community, Falke said the nonprofit plans to launch a website featuring the students’ art in early 2015.

“One of the things that we have seen time and time again is that when people see our students’ artwork, they don’t see the artwork and think, ‘Oh, that’s made by a student with a disability,’” Falke said. “What they think when they see the artwork is, ‘Oh, wow, that’s incredible artwork.’”

Salinas echoes this sentiment: “You know, it’s funny – I work with a lot of students, and I’ve been here for 27 years, but I don’t see them with a disability.” • To make an appointment with UCP’s Center for the Arts and Technology, call (559) 2218272. To learn more about UCP of Central California, visit ccucp.org.

Rachel Taylor is a recent graduate of Fresno State, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism. Her writing and photography has appeared in several local newspapers.

Savor

Culinary Artist Chef Elena Corsini Mastro

by Katie Fries photo by Dan Minkler

Parma chef Elena Corsini Mastro

E

lena Corsini Mastro bustles about, a queen in control of her empire.

Though pulled in several different directions, she manages to direct her attention wherever she’s needed at a moment’s notice: She converses with a server, disappears into the kitchen and warmly hugs satisfied and grateful diners as they depart her restaurant, promising to return soon.

Since its opening in 1999, Parma has been cited by Fresnans as one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in the Valley. Originally trained as a physical therapist and teacher, the owner and chef 68 |

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is proud to share the flavors and culture of her native Parma, Italy with local diners.

Corsini Mastro says she grew up in a family where “everybody was cooking.”

She learned to cook under the tutelage of her mother and other relatives and remained passionate about food despite initially pursuing a different career.

“You’re out of your mind,” Corsini Mastro’s husband told her when she announced her intention to open a restaurant. He pointed out statistics that most restaurants fail within their first

year of operation.

But her gamble paid off; Parma is now known as one of the finest restaurants in the Valley. Originally located off of Marks and Herndon, Corsini Mastro moved the restaurant in 2011 to its current location in the North Pointe Shopping Center at Palm and Herndon.

The restaurant pays tribute to the food and culinary traditions of both the Parma region of Italy and the Central Valley, which are remarkably similar. In Parma, Corsini Mastro says, “Everything grows the same as in the San Joaquin

“You’re out of your mind,” Corsini Mastro’s husband told her when she announced her intention to open a restaurant.

Valley. Tomatoes, fruit … We have a respect for the food. Here in California everything grows, so why buy it frozen when you have plenty to use?”

She’s proud of the special touches that set Parma apart from other Valley restaurants, including handmade pasta and one menu item that may seem particularly unconventional.

“No other restaurant in Fresno has rabbit on their menu,” she reveals with a playful gleam in her eye.

Corsini Mastro’s customers appreciate her commitment to using ingredients that are fresh and in season, more so now than when she opened 15 years ago. Ingredients that may once have seemed exotic to Fresnans, like goat cheese and chard,

have become en vogue as local diners have embraced foodie trends that took root in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

“People have become more attentive,” she says. “I think they have more of a refined palate. They have a different approach to food right now.”

Because everything is made fresh daily, menus are planned around the seasons. “The season tells you what you need to cook. In the winter I do polenta with sausage because it’s nice and warm and makes you happy when you eat it. In the summer we do more tomatoes, cantaloupe, eggplant.”

With the current cool winter nights in mind, Corsini Mastro shares her recipe for porcini mushroom risotto. •

Porcini Mushroom Risotto Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 2 oz. dried porcini mushrooms 6 cups meat stock/veg broth 3 T butter 3 T olive oil 2 garlic cloves 1 shallot, finely chopped 3.5 cups Arborio rice 3/4 cup dry white wine 6 T grated Parmesan cheese 2 T parsley Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Soak mushrooms in warm water. When softened, remove mushrooms and rinse with fresh water. Filter the soaking water through a cheesecloth and reserve; this will be used later.

Smash the garlic and sauté in olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Remove the garlic from pan. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms to prevent them from sticking and sauté in the garlic butter.

Add a tiny amount of white wine, let evaporate. Deglaze with small amount of the reserved mushroom water.

Remove the mushrooms from pan.

Sauté the shallot in the leftover butter and oil that was used to sauté the mushrooms. Add rice, mixing with a wooden spoon. Pour in the rest of white wine. Let evaporate. Over low heat, add boiling broth a bit at a time, each time mixing until absorbed before adding more. When the rice is slightly al dente, add the sautéed mushrooms.

Remove from pan and let sit for two minutes.

Mix in 1 tablespoon of butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover and let rest. Sprinkle with parsley and salt and pepper to taste before serving.

In a separate saucepan, bring the broth to a boil.

Parma Ristorante is located in Fresno at 6729 N. Palm Ave., #101. It is open Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. For more information, call (559) 432-3389 or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/parma-ristorante.

Katie Fries is a Fresno native and graduate of Fresno Pacific University. Formerly based in Chicago and the Bay Area, where she wrote and edited for several publications, she returned to Fresno in 2013, where she continues to freelance on various topics.

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Savor

Erna’s Elderberry House turns 30 in glamour, style Story and photos by Amy Guerra

H

er black hair perfectly cropped, the impeccably dressed Erna Kubin-Clanin escorted me back into the kitchen, her heels clicking rhythmically across the tile floor of Erna’s Elderberry House. Although we’d never met, she greeted me the same way she greeted all her guests that night – with a familiarity, a smile and warmth.

I’d been to the world-renowned restaurant and châteaux before, but tonight was different. Tonight was a culmination of the last 30 years of Kubin-Clanin’s life and, coincidentally, the 60-year anniversary of Relais and Châteaux, a global association of 520 of the world’s finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs, each united by their commitment to the “Art de Vivre,” (or the “Art of Living”).

It was impossible not be drawn to Kubin-Clanin.

Her Austrian lilt melodic, she gently adjusted the shoulder of my shirt when I wasn’t looking, drawing me into the flawless world she’d created.

Proprietress Erna Kubin-Clanin and chef Toni Mörwald of Austria greeted guests by “Don’t mind me. I do it to everyone.” ringing a small gong.

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A painting of Erna overlooked patrons as they enjoyed dinner and drinks.

Guests received gift bags containing cookies, Elderberry jam, a bottle of wine and a tiny teddy bear donning a chef’s hat and wearing a Châteaux du Sureau apron.

Although I’d been to the world-renowned restaurant and châteaux before, tonight was different.

(above) Children played a key role in the evening’s festivities. The girls dressed like chambermaids danced across the estate to two accomplished vocalists crooning “Be Our Guest.” (below) Medallion of wild char, a cross between trout and salmon, in a grapeseed bath with chamomile and marigold over cararmelized cabbage noodles and lovage.

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She motioned me to follow her into the immaculate kitchen where Chef Toni Mörwald was working, and I did, not wanting to disappoint my new muse.

Leaning over, she whispered in my ear, “He’s one of the world’s most exciting chefs!”

Indeed, the excitement was palatable as he stood, dressed in all white, his name embroidered on his chest. Surrounded by staff, he moved from the stove, to the preparation area, to garnishing plates with a distinct and captivating grace.

Like Ms. Erna, his passion was contagious. Mörwald, widely regarded as one of Austria’s finest chefs, is an accomplished author and has written or contributed to more than 10 cookbooks. A regular on Austrian TV and radio, he was nominated Chef of the Year in 2004 and named “Euro Toques Master Chef ” in 2008. He is also on the list of Relais & Châteaux Grand Chefs.

Erna’s Elderberry House and Châteaux de Sureau was the first property outside of Europe to be included among the elite members of the 60-year-old hospitality group.

Chef Toni Mörwald

Kubin-Clanin was the cook at the tiny Redwood Inn inside Yosemite Park when she began dreaming of owning her own place. In 1984, she made that dream come true and purchased the Elderberry Estate, named for the multitude of elderberry bushes that grow across the property.

Three years later, Craig Claiborne, a formidable New York Times critic ate a clandestine meal at the restaurant, and brought national recognition to the restaurant, and eventually the châteaux, which Kubin-Clanin, seeing that there was a lack of luxury accommodations in the area, created to accommodate her patrons.

Now home to the Spa Sureau, and Villa Sureau, its been recognized as a “five star” resort by Forbes, a “five diamond” resort by AAA and has made Conde Nast’s “Gold List” nearly

Salat von Avocado, an avocado salad, paired with sweet peas, young leeks, scrambled eggs and a wax-soft quail egg.

every year since 2006, (including this year). The destination is a favorite among foodies, critics and celebrities.

There is no doubt that “Ms. Erna,” as so many have come to know her, is a star. She is a perfect host, an accomplished businesswoman and a magician – turning fairy tales and dreams into reality and food, wine and hospitality into an art form. • Erna’s Elderberry House is located at 48688 Victoria Lane in Oakhurst.

To make a reservation or learn more about the restaurant and Châteaux du Sureau, call (559) 683-6800 or visit chateausureau.com.

Amy Guerra is a criminal defense attorney practicing in Fresno.

She has written for several publications throughout California and enjoys writing about the law, food, travel and all things Fresno.

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Sip

Cracked Pepper Bistro Wine Lounge: Keeping it fresh with a love libation

by Edgar E. Dunn III photos by Dan Minkler

I

s it finally the perfect time to pop that all-important question you’ve wanted to ask your loved one: “Sweetheart, would you like to go to the Cracked Pepper Bistro Wine Lounge for Valentine’s Day?” Assuming your partner is pleased with your query and the answer is yes, then he or she will likely be thrilled with the experience.

Appreciated by loyal patrons for its superbly prepared cuisine and a diverse wine selection, the Cracked Pepper’s bestkept secret may be its cozy bar and lounge. Subtly lit with rich, dark woods complemented by rose-colored, button-tufted, thick fabric-covered walls, the setting is ideal for keeping romantic conversations private while enjoying some of the finest wines and cocktails available anywhere.

“I don’t like a bar that’s so noisy it’s distracting to my dining customers,” stresses proprietor and culinary school-trained head chef, Vatche Moukhtarian.

That respectful philosophy is consistent with why he doesn’t promote Happy Hours.

“My bar and lounge and my extensive wine cellar exist only to offer my loyal patrons the very best quality spirits and wine they deserve to enhance their experience here, and not to attract a bunch of rowdy, hard drinkers,” Moukhtarian says.

As I relaxed at the end of the inviting, curved bar on a recent Friday night, I ordered the “Amber Flush,” a Valentine’s Day special cocktail. Had I not been familiar with the stellar reputation of the bistro’s dishes and the extensive cellar of choice wines, I might have expected the traditional pink Champagne cocktail with a floating strawberry from the bar. Instead, I was not disappointed. Like his tasteful cuisine, Moukhtarian’s hand-crafted and creative libations feature fresh fruits and vegetables; freshly squeezed, seasonal juices; and in-house produced syrups, many containing locally grown ingredients.

Head bartender Alicia Quinn helps ensure consistency with every drink she and her bar staff create. That commitment to excellence was immediately evident when I was served the “Amber Flush.” Before I could even take a sip, the refreshing scent attracted me as if I had passed by one of my favorite rose bushes in my garden, catching a whiff of something pleasantly familiar yet not over-powering. The captivating aroma was due in large part to the combination of a fresh rose petal garnish

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along with St. Germaine French Liqueur made from freshly hand-picked elderflower blossoms. My attentive and skilled bartender, Nick, blended the fine liqueur with quality Don Julio Blanco Tequila. He added just-squeezed lemon, a splash of hand-crafted grenadine and fresh cranberry juice. Once the contents were briskly shaken, Nick finished with a rose water spritz and Bocelli Prosecco sparkling wine.

The taste, with a slight hint of tequila, was flavorful, yet not too sweet, as one might expect from many Valentine-themed concoctions. Equally stimulating was the texture which seemed to change with each sip – beginning with tongue-tickling, effervescent bubbles of the Prosecco at the top, followed closely by slightly crunchy ice crystals and then transitioning into a cool and fanciful liquid escape from the mundane and predictable Valentine’s cocktail fare.

You may find that just one Amber Flush each is not quite enough for you and your Valentine. •

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Spotlight

by Abigail Martin

Mollie’s House celebrates one-year anniversary Photos by Dan Minkler

M

ollie’s House, a nonprofit organization devoted to restoring the lives of girls and young women who have been involved in sex trafficking, celebrated its one-year anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 24, with a fundraising dinner.

Torella Minor, the organization’s founder and director, said Mollie’s House fills a vital need in the community.

“There [are] a lot of resources in terms of just kind of talking with survivors, but there was no safe place for them to be put in order to come off of the street – no real trauma-focused therapy for them to have,” Minor said.

Mollie’s House provides 24hour residential care and mental health services to girls and young women between the ages of 12-17. It also offers them a safe place to experience, in part, the childhoods denied them on the streets.

“One of the big things not just

Founder Torella Minor and her husband Rob Minor.

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Tiawny Barnes, program director for Mollie’s Day Treatment Program.

Fresno Police Department Chaplain Craig Eischen, a Mollie’s House board member.

about Mollie’s House but about sex trafficking/human trafficking in general is that the girls that are victims of trafficking are deprived of their childhood,” Minor said. “And so when they come into Mollie’s House, they’re able to be kids.

They are able to be silly and funny and goofy.”

Minor said every girl and young woman who has come to Mollie’s House has told her she wants to stay because she feels like she’s at home. Christian principles are central to the mission of the organization, which Minor said she felt called by God to establish.

Curt Chastain and FBI Agent Nicholas Potrattz, who work to fight human trafficking.

Spotlight

Fresno State freshman places third in the world Robinson rides at the Reining by the Bay show in Woodside, Calif. Photo courtesy of Hailey Robinson.

F

resno State equestrian team member and first-year student Hailey Robinson took third place in the novice horse, non-pro, Level 1 event for the National Reigning Horse Association in January. Her ranking as third in the world was calculated by adding up the entire points she earned during the association’s 2014 shows.

“It felt really amazing actually.

I didn’t think I could go that far,” Robinson said. “I definitely developed more as a rider.”

The novice horse, non-pro, Level 1 rank features non-professional 78 |

Central California Life

equestrians who ride horses that have not previously won in a race.

Originally from Petaluma, Calif., Robinson started riding when she was a young girl. While she always had the support of her family, she said, her high school community did not offer the same encouragement.

“I used to be told that [equestrianism] and riding horses wasn’t a sport from my teachers,” Robinson said. “It was kind of upsetting because I believe it’s ranked second to swimming in physical exertion. It’s a pretty competitive, athletic sport.”

Robinson described the athleticism required of equestrians.

“It’s a lot of effort to keep yourself up and hold yourself up where you need to be on the horse,” she said.

“You use a lot of your core muscles, and you use a lot of your leg muscles to hold on.”

Robinson said she’s looking forward to being a student and equestrian team member at Fresno State, where she is majoring in animal science.

Spotlight

The Battle of the Bay

Photos by Marty Solis

T

he Oakland Raiders battled the San Francisco 49ers in December in what was no doubt one of the most, if not the most, watched NFL game of the season for Central California football fans.

Fans at the Coliseum cheered as Oakland quarterback Derek Carr fought his way to his second NFL career win. Carr’s near-iconic status in the Central Valley after his tenure at Fresno State only increased interest in the game, as football fans in the Valley tend to be either 49er faithful fans or members of the Raider Nation.

The Raiders upset the 49ers, 24-13. In the best performance of his rookie season, Carr threw 254 yards and completed 22 of 28 passes, outplaying San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick threw 174 yards and completed 18 of 33 passes, with two interceptions and five sacks.

Carr scrambling away from a 49er rush.

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Derek Carr waiting for the snap.

“There’s going to be bumps in the road here and there, and there always will be – that’s just the craziness of this game,” Carr said in a postgame interview with the NFL Network.

“I just work my tail off and whatever the result is, I know I gave it everything I have.”

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Spotlight

Fresno Monsters 6th Annual Teddy Bear Toss Photos by Roberta Minkler

T

he Fresno Monsters hockey team held its 6th annual Teddy Bear Toss to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at the Gateway Ice Center on Dec. 6.

Fans had the chance to celebrate the Monsters’ first goal of the game by throwing stuffed animals onto the ice. The team collected new toys for children in the Central Valley who may not have received a gift from Santa otherwise.

The Toys for Tots foundation was established by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1991. The foundation collects new, unwrapped toys at collections sites in communities all across the U.S. beginning in October of each year. Marines and volunteers distribute the toys in December.

The Monsters outscored their opponents, the Valencia Flyers, 5-3. Central California Life was there to cheer on the Monsters and give away two $50 Build-A-Bear Workshop Certificates and two large teddy bears.

The Toys for Tots foundation was established by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

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Fans tossed stuffed animals on to the ice after the Monsters scored their first goals.

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Spotlight

Gibson Elementary School Participates in ArtHop Photos by Dan Minkler

T

he lobby of the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts was adorned with snowmen-covered walls, tables of colorful ceramic flowers and fourth-grade Picasso impressions during Gibson Elementary School’s art exhibit on Dec. 4.

The exhibit, part of the Fresno Arts Council’s monthly ArtHop event, attracted families and art enthusiasts alike.

Gibson’s Vice Principal Erin Bohigian said the artwork was created by the school’s students and teachers.

“The idea was to do something that would really showcase all the great things that our students do, all of the artwork that they do,” she said.

More than 1,000 pieces were showcased, with every student at the school being represented. The exhibit also included performances by Gibson’s choir and band.

Bohigian, who organized the art show, said, “I believe in the downtown being revitalized and I thought this was a fantastic opportunity to bring our community down to an incredible historic venue that some of these kids have probably never been to.”

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The pieces displayed varied in style, color, shape and size. Most children were able to complete their projects thanks to the assistance of their teachers and volunteer parents and staff.

“Our librarian, who is incredibly talented, has done work that focuses on the masters and has the kids learning some of the same style of artwork,” Bohigian said. “So for example, Picasso and cubism – you see some of that replicated here, in their style, not just copying the master’s work.”

Fourth-grader Kathleen Robinson proudly pointed to her Christmas Tree mosaic, explaining that a similar one displayed next to it was made by her kindergarten reading buddy.

“I feel really happy that all of these people, all of these adults, came to see how we do our art at Gibson School,” Robinson said.

The exhibit was part of a Bullard High regional schools program called Enrichment Wheel, in which students have the opportunity to participate in arts, music and athletics – subjects that expand beyond the regular educational experience.

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Spotlight

Central Valley Race for the Cure Photos by Abigail Martin

T

he Susan G. Komen foundation held its annual Central Valley Race for the Cure on the Fresno State campus on Oct. 25. Thousands of people sporting pink gathered at the Maple Mall on campus to volunteer or participate in the 5k run, 5k walk, 1.75-mile walk or 1-mile walk.

The first Central Valley Race for the Cure was held in 1999. The event was started by breast cancer survivor Carolyn Jorgensen, who passed away from the disease in 2007.

Sharon Johnson, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Central Valley, said the race is part of Jorgensen’s legacy. The foundation board’s mission is to ensure that people are living healthier lifestyles that can aid in cancer prevention.

This year, the race raised about $250,000. Seventy-five percent of the profits fund local education, screening and treatment programs.

“When we talk about what we’re funding, we’re funding critical, lifesaving services such as diagnostic mammograms, screening mammograms, patient navigation, ultrasounds, lymphedema treatments and culturally appropriate breast cancer education,” Johnson said.

The other 25 percent of the profits is given to the national Susan G. Komen foundation to fund breast cancer research.

Central California Life was there to support the race participants and survivors. The staff pinned the attendees with pink ribbons to symbolize the magazine’s support for the organization. •

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Cheryl Whisenhunt, 54 and Charice Shaynes, 43, (on the far right and third from the right, respectively) started the The Bald and the Beautiful, a team that has won awards for having the most members and survivors.

Central California Life publisher Karen Maroot pinning a child participant.

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Central California Life

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Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY

Central Valley FRESNO Juan Gabriel: Feb. 7 Latin sensation Juan Gabriel will continue his Volver tour in to 2015. The talented Mexican singer, songwriter and producer will perform at 7 p.m. in the Save Mart Center. Gabriel has been making hits for more than 40 years, writing some all-time Latin classics such as “Querida,” “Amor Eterno” and “Hasta Que Te Conocí.” Gabriel has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and produced more than 100.

This show is a can’t-miss for romantics. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.

MADERA Wine and Chocolate Weekend: Feb. 14 – 15 The Madera Wine Trail will host Wine and Chocolate Weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Purchase a Passport Wine Glass for $25 in advance or $30 on both event days that will get you a glass poured at the participating wineries. In addition to sampling newly-released vintages, you’ll indulge in mouthwatering chocolate desserts, food, art and live music. For more information, visit maderawinetrail.com.

SELMA Chris Curtis & The Wild Horses: Feb. 10 Chris Curtis & The Wild Horses is a country music band that originated in Clovis, CA in 1997. The band has toured the Western United States since, and will be performing at the Selma Arts Center. Enjoy great music from these local musicians for only $17. For more information, visit chriscurticemusic.com.

Courtesy of World Ag Expo

TULARE 2015 World Ag Expo: Feb. 10 – 12 With the Central Valley being the world’s largest producer of agricultural products, the World Ag Expo in Tulare attracts farmers, business and educators alike. The expo showcases the newest 88 |

Central California Life

and most innovating farming tools and techniques, educates school children on agriculture and promotes the future of the industry. More than 1,400 exhibitors will be present. Come see the heart of the Valley’s economy like never before, and learn how your food gets to your plate. For more information, visit worldagexpo.com.

VISALIA Betsy Wolfe: Feb. 13 Hands in the Community presents Betsy Wolfe and Friends at the Visalia Fox Theatre. Wolfe has been a guest soloist for the New York City Ballet, performed on Broadway in numerous shows and has been a guest artist for more than 25 symphony, pops and philharmonic orchestras both in the U.S. and internationally. Her newest releases include “Stage Door Canteen,” “35MM” and “Merrily We Roll Along.” For more information, visit foxvisalia.org.

FRESNO Rogue Festival: Feb. 26 – Mar. 7 This annual performance and arts festival celebrates theatre, music, dance and visual art. Artists and audiences come together at different venues in Fresno’s Tower District and surrounding areas to explore human creativity. The festival has grown tremendously over the years, now selling more than 10,000 tickets for its two-week run and includes more than 70 performers and 300 performances per year. For more information, visit roguefestival.com.

FRESNO Alice in Wonderland: Feb. 28 The State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and Fresno Ballet Theatre will perform this whimsical story Alice’s adventures with her nutty friends in a land of dreams. This ballet-version of the classic children’s tale will be performed at the Saroyan Theatre. Your children won’t want to miss this fun and magical show.

For more information, visit fresnoconventioncenter.com.

FRESNO Mike Epps: Feb. 28 With sold-out shows across the nation, big screen hits and television shows, Mike Epps is one of America’s hottest comedians. Epps is currently starring in the Starz series, “Survivor’s Remorse” and is working on the production of the film “Bessie” alongside Queen Latifah. “The Real Deal Tour” is for an adult audi-

For more events, visit CenCaliLife.com

ence and is sure to get everyone laughing out loud. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.

FRESNO Fresno Tattoo Expo: Feb. 28 – March 1 The 11th annual Fresno Tattoo Expo will take place at the Fresno Convention Center, featuring work from some of the best tattoo artists in the business. There will be a tattoo contest, freak show, burlesque show, art show, music and food.

Tattoo and art enthusiasts alike are sure to enjoy this expo, which celebrates artistic expression. For more information, visit centralvalleytattoo.com.

Central Coast SANTA CRUZ Migration Festival: Feb. 14 Take the children out to the Migration Festival, which celebrates the migration of whales, butterflies, birds and other animals. The event will include talks, games, crafts and music and is free to attend. The festival will take place at Natural Bridges State Park. For more information, visit santacruz.org.

PASO ROBLES Rhone Rangers Experience: Feb. 15 Join the Paso Robles Rhone Rangers for a day of fun and informational sessions on what makes Paso Robles perfect for the Rhone grapes and wines. Taste the best of Paso Robles Rhone wines and attend a seminar panel from grape growers and winemakers. After feasting on a gourmet lunch by local Chef Maegen Loring, participants have to opportunity to taste more than 150 wines during the Grand Tasting and Silent Auction. The event will take place at Broken Earth Winery, off of Highway 46, east of Paso Robles. For more information, visit pasorobleschamber.com.

SANTA CRUZ Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-off: Feb. 21 Walk along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as cooking teams compete for not only the best-tasting clam chowder, but the most creative booth. Described as a “wacky” event, attending the cook-off is a fun and different way to experience the boardwalk. You can purchase tasting kits to sample the chowders from both amateur and professional chefs. For more information, visit santacruz.org.

Mountain Areas

MARIPOSA Bootjack Stompers Line Dancing: Feb. 22 Join the Bootjack Stompers Square Dance Club for a night of heel-clicking fun on the dance floor. Wear your red, white and blue to join along with the patriotic theme. The caller will be Bill Silver and the cuer Mirdza Ward. The event will take place at the Bootjack Stompers Hall. For more information, visit facebook. com/MariposaSquareDance.

OAKHURST Mountain Community Women 25th Annual Mardi Gras Card Party & Luncheon: Feb. 27 Join the Mountain Community Women for this annual event at the Oakhurst Community Center. All card games are welcome, and a donation of $10 is requested. The fun will include lunch and raffle prizes. For more information, visit yosemitethisyear. com.

Central California Life

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Calendar of Events

MARCH

Central Valley

FRESNO Professional Bull Riders: March 7 – 8

The PBR: Built Ford Tough Series is coming to Fresno. This jam-packed, adrenaline-rushed show is for animal and thrill-seekers alike. Take the Photo by Andy Watson / BullStockMedia.com family out to cheer on the bull riders, as they run from the dangerous horns. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.

VISALIA STEPS 4 PETS: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday This event is perfect for animal lovers and those looking to volunteer. STEPS 4 PETS is a tri-weekly, one-mile walk during which volunteers take the shelter pets out for a walk and some socialization. Be part of this group of individuals who want to help the lift the spirits of the homeless animals. The groups meets from 8 – 9 a.m. For more information, visit vospca.org.

SANGER Sanger Blossom Trail 10k Run: March 7 The Sanger Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the annual Blossom Days Festival on March 7 with the 10k run.

The course takes runners through Sanger’s downtown and then the blossoming outskirts. The celebrations will also include live entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts and much more. To sign up and more information, visit runsignup.com.

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FRESNO Cirque du Soleil: Varekai: March 25 – 29 The world of Varekai is set within a forest at the summit of a volcano, where a young man sets off on a quest during which he encounters mystical creatures. Take a date or your family out to this spectacular acrobatic show and be enchanted by the magic of the forest. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.

CLOVIS Antiques & Collectibles Fair: March 29 Visit Old Town Clovis on Pollasky Avenue, 4th and 5th streets to shop for antique items from more than 90 vendors, where you will find anything from old toys to army memorabilia.

Bring your treasured items to receive free appraisals from Kathy Osterberg-Sobelman from 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. For more information, visit oldtownclovis.org.

Central Coast PEBBLE BEACH Annual Great Taste of Pacific Grove: March 23 This event will showcase Pacific Grove’s finest restaurants and wineries to benefit PG PRIDE and Pacific Grove Unified School District. In addition, there will be a live and silent auction held at the Grand Ballroom on the Inn at Spanish Bay. For more information, visit monterey.com.

Cirque du Soleil: Varekai

MONTEREY Next Generation Jazz Festival: March 28 – 30 During this three-day event, the Monterey Jazz Festival invites the top student musicians in the nation and around the world to play. Performances include middle school through college-level ensembles and competitions. High school-aged composers and even younger composers can compete in the festival’s annual Composition Competition. For more information, visit montereyjazzfestival.org.

Mountain Areas COARSEGOLD Spring Handcrafted Fair: March 14 Visit the Community Center of Coarsegold from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. where local artists will show their handcrafted art. For more information, visit yosemitethisyear.com.

SPRINGVILLE 54th Annual Sequoia Foothills Art Exhibit: March 14 – 15 Join the city of Springville as it celebrates 54 years of art and creativity. The Exhibit will include art from local artisans, craft demonstrations and a silent auction. In addition to still demonstrations, artists give live demonstrations in techniques such as watercolor and acrylics. For more information, visit springville.ca.us.

Photo by Rick Diamond Central California Life

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Calendar of Events

APRIL

Broadway phenomenon Mamma Mia is coming to Fresno.

Central Valley FRESNO Mamma Mia!: April 1 – 2 Take the family out for a night of ABBA’s disco dance songs in this world-renowned Broadway musical at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno. This is the story of a young woman who takes on a quest of finding her father among three of her mother’s past lovers.

Set on a Greek island, this story is colorful, fun and full of sing-along moments. For more information, visit fresnoconventioncenter.com.

Photo courtesy of Masters of Souls Show

MODESTO Masters of Soul: April 4 Visit the Gallo Center to experience what has been called as one of the most entertaining history lessons ever performed. Reproducing the works of The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Marvin Gaye and The Jackson Five, among many others, Masters of Soul authentically represents the choreography, style and sound of soul music. For more information, visit tickets.galloarts.org.

TULARE Cars at the Park: April 4 One of the Central Valley’s premier car shows, Cars at the Park draws almost 200 exhibitors and thousands of onlookers to Zumwalt Park in Tulare. This annual car show takes place every first Saturday of April and showcases exotic automobiles from new to old. For more information, visit tularechamber.org.

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FRESNO Iggy Azalea: The Great Escape Tour: April 14 Australian hip-hop music sensation Iggy Azalea will perform some of her chart-topping hits such as “Fancy,” “Black Widow” and “Problem.” Arguably the most famous Jonas brother, Nick Jonas, will open the show and perform some of the hottest tracks in the U.S., including “Jealous.” This show is a must-see for teenagers and young adults alike. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.

MERCED Merced Art Hop: April 18 With more than 20 events thus far, the Merced Art Hop non-profit foundation seeks to promote art rich in culture, live music, interactive displays and performances to the community of Merced. The goal of the foundation is to support local artists who have little opportunity to showcase their work. This event is not only culturally enriching, but entertaining for people of all ages. For more information, visit mercedarthop.org.

PISMO BEACH Taste of Pismo: April 25 This is the 10th annual Taste of Pismo event, which features local music, wine, food and entertainment for wine and food enthusiasts. This is a perfect coastal getaway for couples and friends – can be romantic, fun or both! Tickets are $50 per person and $25 for those who will not be consuming alcohol. For more information, visit pismochamber.com.

Mountain Areas

Photo by Lloyd Baggs.

Singer/songwriter Janis Ian.

FRESNO Janis Ian: April 30 Described as a “spellbinding storyteller of a remarkable life”

by The London Times, Janis Ian has been nominated for nine Grammy awards. Ian wrote some of the most critically acclaimed songs of the last 40 years, including “Stars,” “At Seventeen” and “Jesse.” Ian has worked with artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Bette Midler and Ella Fitzgerald. This show is for true lyric lovers, set in Fresno’s classic Tower Theatre. For more information, visit towertheatrefresno.com.

Central Coast CAPITOLA – SOQUEL Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt: April 4 Bring the family to the beach in front of the Capitola Venetian Hotel, where children 12 years of age and younger can dig through the sand for candy-filled eggs. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance to take holiday photos with the children. This event is sponsored by Whole Foods Market and the grocery chain will be providing healthy and yummy snacks for participants.

For more information, visit capitolachamber.com.

MAMMOTH LAKES Guided Snowshoe Walks: April 4, 5 & 11 For nature lovers and adventurers! Take a guided snowshoe walk along the Nordic Trial System led by a naturalist. The walk lasts about an hour and a half, and explores topics such as winter survival, orienteering and snow science. Snowshoes are available for free for adults on a first-come, firstserved basis. Warm up and relax after the walk with a complimentary hot chocolate at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. For more information, visit visitmammoth.com.

OAKHURST “Oakminster” Dog Show: April 26 Dog-lovers unite at the 3rd annual “Oakminster” Dog Show, held at the Oakhurst Community Park to benefit the Eastern Madera Country SPCA. The event is sponsored by the Oakhurst Mountain Lions Club. All species are all welcome for entry. Entry cost is $10 and increases to $15 on the day of the event. There will be judges for the obedience competition. For more information, visit yosemitethisyear.com.

Central California Life

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I N T R O D U C I N G …

THE CALIFORNIA AUTISM CENTER & Learning Group

Imagine new possibilities for children with a diagnosis on the ASD spectrum!

T

he new California Autism Center originated in the central valley to offer families a home for comprehensive, flexible, and scientificallyproven behavioral treatment for children and youth on the autism spectrum. The heart of our program is a center based ABA program, but our comprehensive mission includes much more. Our CEO and clinical director, Dr. Amanda Nicolson Adams (formerly with Fresno State) has over 20 years of experience training and researching the latest breakthroughs in autism treatment. The California Autism Center’s state-of the-art model combines all the rigor of science without losing sight of what really makes it all work; a tender and caring approach.

• Our Team consists of highly experienced and extensively trained therapists. Our multi-disciplinary dream team of consultants includes a credentialed teacher, a school psychologist, a speech therapist, a marriage/family counselor and our own developmental pediatrician.

• Center-based programs: provide expertly delivered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment with constant supervision and support.

• Parent seminars and sibling programs create a wraparound model of care and fun for the whole family!

• Comprehensive programs blend evidenced-based teaching strategies in careful balance to ignite each child’s potential.

• Potty Training Clinics: Our group seminar followed by individual consultation in home will get your child preschool ready!

• The Enrichment Program is our approach to social skill development. Through activities like sports, art, music, drama, and drum circles we will capture every child’s interests in the context of natural social interaction with peers.

A new kind of center – a new kind of hope!

www.calautismcenter.org Amanda@calautismcenter.org

(559) 385-3954

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• Substance Abuse Treatment • Adult & Child Psychiatry

Psychiatry and Psychology Re-designed

Fresno Office 1312 W Herndon Ave Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93711 559.493.5544 email: info@esanohealth.com esanohealth.com fresnotmstherapy.com radiopsyched.com Like us on facebook

1312 W Herndon Ave, Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93711