CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE - THE HEART OF THE SOUTH VALLEY
April 2, 2011 WELL, THAT WAS FUN: F U N D R A I S E R
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
INSIDE March 2011 PUB LI S HE D BY
DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 BUS INE S S M ANAG E M E NT
Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JeffREy Malkasian EA Bookkeeper Marilyn Harris
6 From Guilt and
Silence to Hope and Healing
TKRL Paves the Way …
AD MIN I ST RAT I ON & E DI TO RI AL
Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Office Administrator MARIA GASTON
12 Virtual Valley Archives Aren’t Backups: Storing Data for the Future
18 Well, THAT Was Fun Bleak Rocks and Other Pursuits 20 Tommy Lasorda Baseball Embassador to the World
ADVE RT I S I NG SA LE S
Advertising Director Bridget Elmore 559.739.1747 SA LES O FF I C E
801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • fax 559.738.0909 email: direct@dmiagency.com
Direct Magazine is published twelve times a year and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 49,000 homes between Visalia and Tulare. An additional 1,500 magazines are circulated at distribution points around Visalia and Tulare. Views expressed in columns are those expressed by the columnist and not necessarily those of Direct Magazine. We are dedicated to serving the community. Please call us for questions, comments, article suggestions or for information about local events at 739-1747. Fax us at 738-0909 or email us: direct@dmiagency.com. Online Issue at: www.issuu.com/dmiagency ©2011 DMI Agency
Circulation of this Issue: 51,500
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14 Culinary 15 Fashion 16 Focus on Fitness 17 Décor 22 Education 23 VUSD
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
C. S. WYATT CRYSTAL R. R. EDWARDS CRAIG WHEATON WARREN GUBLER andy Salazar Elaine Dekassian Sharon Mosley Rose BenneTt Gilbert David MeNeNdian
10 Pet of the Month
26 Goings-On 28 Direct from Warren
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
Tulare-Kings Right to Life
From Guilt and Silence to Hope & Healing:
L p R a ve s K T T H E way
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
W
hen faced with an unexpected pregnancy, many women find themselves shocked, fearful and depressed at having to make the decision whether or not to terminate the pregnancy. Many women keep their pregnancy a secret from friends and family until after they make their decision, and sometimes even after it’s too late. Often, reasons for keeping it a secret stem from shame, guilt and even coercion from another person. Tulare-Kings Right to Life (TKRL) wants you to know that it doesn’t have to be a secret – and more importantly that you have options. TKRL and The IRMA (I Regret My Abortion) Network, an outreach of TKRL, are two ways used to reach out to women who have faced or are facing this difficult decision. April Kesterson, executive director of TKRL, and Diane Sellers, interim director of The IRMA Network, are responsible for guiding and counseling those in this position with support and hope. One woman who has benefited greatly from The IRMA Network's post-abortion outreach program is Anne*. Anne had an abortion nearly 20 years ago and to this day says it is her life’s biggest regret.
In her early 30s, Anne faced an unexpected pregnancy. At the time she was married with two children, but her husband was in prison. While her husband was locked away, Anne became involved with another man and got pregnant. Afraid to let anyone in on her secret, the only person she could turn to was the baby’s father – he immediately told her to get an abortion. With no other support system or knowledge of her options, that is exactly what Anne did. After the abortion, Anne thought that would be the end of it. Unfortunately, she was wrong. Years went by where Anne was riddled with guilt and anxiety – even having nightmares nightly of babies crying. Her life felt numb. It wasn’t until last Christmas when Anne went to visit her pregnant daughter that she admitted she couldn’t take it anymore. It was the most depressed she had ever felt. Not knowing if her emotions stemmed from her decision so many years ago, Anne knew she couldn’t live this way any longer and called TKRL hoping to meet with a counselor. It was then she met Diane Sellers. “Diane saved my life,” proclaims Anne. DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
Walk for Life FUNDRAISER Saturday, April 2; 9 a.m. Plaza Park, Visalia Hundreds will gather again this year for the 16th Annual TKRL Walk for Life – a two-mile family-friendly walk that seeks to raise funds for, and promote awareness in the community, of the programs offered through TKRL. Walkers and sponsors of all ages and abilities, from strollers to wheelchairs, are invited to join in this fun spring outing. There are prizes for the highest pledges and sponsorships, including a Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise for Two. For pledge forms: Call: (559) 732-5000, or Email: elaine@tkrl.org Click: www.trkl.org Bring the family for music, games, Tricky Tray Raffle, food, face painting, bounce house, rock wall, and other recreational activities for every age! 8
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After meeting with Diane and The IRMA Network team, Anne was able to take a breath – one breath finally not filled with pain and regret. Through The IRMA Network's “Silent Voices” retreat, Anne learned that it was important to be able to grieve. “Silent Voices” is a program that is offered to post-abortive women as a safe haven to grieve. After attending the retreat and forming relationships with the wonderful staff at The IRMA Network, Anne is happy to say the nightmares have stopped and she is better able to cope with the loss of her baby. Through TKRL and The IRMA Network, women are provided with a place to go and people to talk to so they know they are not alone. “It is important to know that you have options. Your life doesn’t have to end because you are pregnant. There are people who can help you make an informed decision that helps not only you, but your baby as well.” It is Anne’s hope, that through sharing her story, she will be able to convince at least one person not to end their pregnancy: “You will regret it,” Anne says. For more information about Tulare-Kings Right To Life, The IRMA Network, Silent Voices, and the other services provided by TKRL, please visit www.tkrl.org or call 732-5000. *Anne’s real name has been changed to protect her privacy.
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE - THE HEART OF THE SOUTH VALLEY
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
PET OF THE MONTH
A Dog
Down on
H i s Lu c k
A D O P TA B L E P E T O F T H E M O N T H MEET BRUTUS Meet Brutus. He is a handsome chocolate Shar Pei, approximately 3 1/2 yrs. old, up-to-date on routine vaccinations and friendly with people. Brutus is down on his luck, recently adopted but his new owner never came back for him. Our staff has tried many times to contact the person, but no luck in reaching his adopter. Therefore, he is back up for adoption. Brutus doesn’t do well in the hustle and bustle mall environment, so he stays in his own kennel at the Valley Oak SPCA shelter located at 29016 Highway 99 in Visalia. You can visit Brutus Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Valley Oak SPCA Kennel card number #38607. If you’re interested in meeting Brutus, please call (559) 713-4688 or email kstevens@vospca.org.
Visit Brutus and all his friends at Valley Oak SPCA shelter or online at www.vospca.org Follow-up from February: Raine, our special needs dog, has found a new home with a rescue group down in southern California. We wish him much happiness.
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VALLEY OAK SPCA 29016 HIGHWAY 99 VISALIA, CA 93277 Phone: (559) 651-1111 Web: www.vospca.org
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
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ABSOLUTELY NO FINANCIAL RISKS Our focus is on making the world safer and less toxic for our children and our grandchildren. We simply educate consumers about the dangers of toxins in the home and recommend safe alternatives. Our naturally safe products will: • Revolutionize the way you clean your home • Revitalize the way you think about taking vitamins • Restore your environment
Imagine how you can make a difference.
Call David 559.709.6882 www.CentralValleyEcoTeam.com DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
VIRTUAL VALLEY Archives Aren’t Backups: S toring Data Do you remember WordStar? Lotus 1-2-3? Harvard Graphics? If you’ve been using computers as long as I have, you created documents, spreadsheets and graphics in too many applications to remember. Yes, I have 25-year-old data. I have copied those files from floppies to Iomega Zip disks, from Zip disks to CDs, and most recently from CDs to a trio of external hard drives. Each time I upgrade computers, I migrate data to whatever happens to be the leading archival format. I migrate data every two to four years. That is important, because media do fail. However, what has enabled me to use old documents is a habit of storing data in two or three formats. In my “Documents” directory, I have created folders named “Archives of …” to store data in neutral formats. Recently, I wanted to use an old image created in a DOSbased application. I tried several applications, but none of them could import the image file. Thankfully, I had thought ahead nearly 20 years ago and stored copies of the image in standard formats. Before discussing archival storage, let me share my current data backup strategy. My wife and I have external hard drives attached to our systems for continuous backups of our data. In addition to Apple’s Time Machine, we copy some documents to an “iDisk” in the “cloud.” Cloud computing refers to remote storage. Copies of our data reside on servers at remote locations for safety and convenience. Apple, Google and Microsoft maintain “server farms” in several states. When my wife or I copy a file to the iDisk, we are really sending a copy of the file to one of Apple’s servers. We are depending on Apple or Google to not lose our copies. Most of my manuscripts are on the iDisk, as well as being on the external hard drive that sits on my desk. I don’t store any financial data remotely. The size of files, especially multimedia data, limits the practicality of storing backups to CDs or DVDs. External hard drives are larger and relatively cheap. Now let me offer some tips to ensure your data are useful for years or even decades. Each software developer believes their programmers have 12
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for the Future
developed the “best” format for saving your letters, photos or address book. Also, new technologies mean different types of data need to be stored by new and improved applications. WordStar for DOS didn’t need to store font information, for example, because there was one typeface. It was a glorified typewriter. Today’s word processors have to store font changes, images and dozens of other layout elements no simple textediting program could handle. New features lead to new file formats. As most of us learn the hard way, the old versions of our favorite applications cannot open files created by the new versions. Normally, Microsoft’s Word 2000 cannot open a Word 2007 document. Forget trying to open a poster created with the Adobe Illustrator CS5 in Illustrator CS2. Though you will sacrifice some features, you should save data in standard file formats for long-term archival purposes. These archival files are meant to store important information for emergencies. Standard file formats are good for sharing and archiving “raw” data, not for storing documents or other data for daily work. In most applications, you can create archival versions of data with “File, Save As” or “File, Export” menu choices. Read the online help for each specific program to determine how you can export different file formats. Word processing documents should be archived as “plain text” files, which usually have the file extension “TXT” at the end. A file extension informs applications what data format to expect. An alternative archive format for documents, which will store some formatting features, is “rich text format” (RTF). The Microsoft Word file formats, known as DOC and DOCX, are not standardized and should not be used for archives. Spreadsheets and databases usually support a file format known as “comma-separated values” (CSV). When you export data to a CSV file, only the raw data are stored. All functions, calculations and other features are lost. Thankfully, CSV data can be imported into almost every spreadsheet and database application in existence. Unfortunately, there is no open standard format for images that works flawlessly. I suggest storing images in Portable
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
Tex t by C. S. Wyat t
Network Graphics (PNG) and Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG or JPG) formats. Some programs do not open PNG files properly, while JPEG is a proprietary format that works by “losing” data to store smaller files. If you aren’t storing important data in archival formats, you should consider it. Today’s leading word processor or spreadsheet application might vanish tomorrow, as WordStar and Lotus 1-2-3 users know all too well. Archival Tips: 1. Store archival data in standard, open formats that several applications can read and write. Avoid archiving data in formats limited to one software developer. 2. Every time you upgrade computer systems, make sure the new system can read your old data. This is particularly important with DVDs and CDs, but even external hard drives can have issues on new systems. If your aging external drive requires a FireWire 400 port and your new computer only has USB 3.0 ports, you’ll need a plan to
migrate the data. 3. If you have data on CD-RW or DVD-RW discs, copy the data to write-once CD-R media. The “read-write” disc media (RW) have short lives of one to two years, compared to 15 years or more for write-once CD-R discs. Data DVDs have five-year life spans. 4. Flash USB drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and similar devices are not good archival media. Tests reveal they experience data loss more easily than hard drives or disc media. 5. A hard drive is the best external backup currently available, based on cost per megabyte and expected lifespan. Most hard drives are designed to last at least five years; you’ll be upgrading long before a good drive dies.
Valley native Scott Wyatt has a doctorate in scientific and technical communication, focusing on issues of education, literacy and technology. Contact Scott at cswyatt@tameri.com with questions or comments.
With Spring near… come in to
See Clear.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
CULINARY Recipe by Elaine Dekassian
Pistachio Pesto Ingredients: 2 C (lightly packed) flat-leaf parsley 3/4 C shelled and toasted pistachios, unsalted 1 T fresh thyme leaves 3 garlic cloves 3/4 C extra-virgin olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions: Combine the parsley, pistachios, thyme and garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor; blend until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually add the olive oil, processing until well blended. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bruschetta Ingredients: One loaf artisan bread (can be anything you like) cut into 1-inch slices on an angle 4 T olive oil 8 oz. burrata cheese 1 (8-oz.) container baby heirloom tomatoes or grape tomatoes if heirlooms are out of season salt and pepper to taste extra virgin olive oil to drizzle Directions: Cut tomatoes in half and place on baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in a 325 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Remove. While tomatoes are in the oven, prepare the bread slices. I use a stovetop grill pan. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in grill pan. Place bread slices in pan and grill to golden. Turn over and drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Don’t saturate the bread or it will be rubbery. Remove bread. Spread 1-2 tablespoons pesto on each bread slice. Top with 1-2 tablespoons burrata. Top with tomatoes.
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
FASHION Tex t by Sharon Mosley
The Power of the
C loset
P u r g e
words for the closet purge no matter what time of year: “Edit, edit, edit!” “Don’t let your head spin around,” said the clothes horse behind Gossip Girl. Instead, Daman suggests that a well-edited and “gloriously groomed closet is a glamour girl’s best style secret.” Listed below, are his steps to cleaning out the “demons” in your closet and creating a sanctuary:
Stuck indoors on a dreary day? It may be the perfect time to do some spring cleaning. Start tackling the deep dark hole that is your closet. “Get rid of those skeletons of seasons past and make room for your fashionable future,” said Eric Daman, Hollywood costume designer and stylist and author of You Know You Want It: Style-Inspiration-Confidence. These are Daman’s favorite three
• Tackle the easy stuff first. Set your “totally basic essentials” (TBEs) to one side. • Then separate your “absolute-to-diefor” favorites in another pile. • One more category of “keepers”: “Those would-be goodies except for runaway buttons, torn linings, stains, etc.” • Now for the hard part: the reject pile. “This might hurt,” said Daman, “but you’ll thank me later. Be merciless!” • Get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year.
• Ditto for “the clones.” We all have them. “If you love black pencil skirts, my guess is that you have way too many of them,” said Daman. “Choose the top three; ditch the rest.” • Just because it was expensive, doesn’t mean we should keep those luxury items. “If you’ve never worn it, you never will,” said Daman. “Consider doing consignment retail.” • “I love it, but it looks awful on me!” Don’t be fooled, said Daman, by those “jeans of torture” or the “dress from 10 pounds ago.” • Now that you have all of your clothing in four style piles, it’s time to hang, fold, purge and restore, according to the stylist.
• Hang your TBEs and your to-die-for favorites in your now-cavernous closet, first by type – shirts, skirts, pants, suits and dresses – and then by color. • Then give your tired, worn clothing the love it needs by calling in a master – the tailor – who can breathe new life into your old garments. • Say farewell and complete your ritual exorcism, said Daman. “Put all your rejects into a garbage bag to be gifted, sold or donated to a local charity.”
“Be bold, be tough,” said Daman. “Remember, you’ve got to be cruel to be kind!”
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
FOCUS ON fïTNESS Text by Andy & Eryn Salazar of Empower Fitness Training
v
Family Fun & Fit Time The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that adults and children get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. As busy parents, 30 minutes can seem impossible with the demands of everyday life. A perfect solution is to combine family time with fitness time. This will help you reach your fitness goals and create a life-long love of fitness for your children. Being physically active as a child plays a vital role in development. Exercise improves strength, coordination and endurance; it helps relieve stress and teaches self-discipline. With childhood obesity and Type 2 Diabetes on the rise, exercise is more important now than ever before. Studies show that there is a direct relationship between obesity and hours spent watching TV. With spring just around the corner, there is no better time to get away from the TV and outside to enjoy some family fun. Exercising as a family should be a time of playing, laughing and fun. It can be as simple as riding bikes to the neighborhood park or a family-made obstacle course that challenges both parent and child. Each child will be unique in their abilities and will vary in developmental stages. The goal for younger children (ages 5-8) will be different than with your preteen or teenager. Younger children should focus on basic motor skills such as kicking, throwing and catching. They will enjoy group activities such as T-ball and soccer. Also, introducing the concept of good sportsmanship is important
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at this age; parents can role model being a “good sport” along with enjoying physical activity. One fun game that young children will love is called, “Crazy Jumps.” Start in a straight line in an open space and see who can jump the farthest. While jumping make silly gestures, sounds and movements. Record who reaches the other side of the yard first. Your preteen or teenager might not enjoy a game of Crazy Jumps; instead, organize a family/friend softball game or train for a local fun run. Here are a few more ideas to aid in your family fitness journey: • Play a game of Tug-of-war • Hula-hoop to your favorite ’50s music • Relay race alternating movements; hop on one foot, bear crawl or skipping • Play basketball. Don’t make exercising a chore; it should be something you and your family look forward to doing. Set a weekly routine in motion and you and your family will be on your way to a healthier, fitter future. Remember to always warm up and stretch before any physical activity and to cool down when the activity is finished. Be creative, burn calories, and above all, have fun!
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
décor Text by Rose Bennett Gilbert
“Release
the
Diva
”
in an Ordinary Ranch House I bought a 1970s ranch-style house last year, but I was not at all clear on how I wanted to decorate it. At first, I thought I wanted traditional, but that can be pretty boring. I lived with traditional furniture growing up, and would like to do something more contemporary this time around. But how do you balance a modern look with midcentury architecture? One solution is to boldly go where not many have dared to go before – which is the approach designer John Lyle took when he conjured the pictured pop-art sitting room. Actually, it’s now a sunroom – a closed-in porch that is “out there” in more ways than one! According to Michael Lassell, author of Metropolitan Home’s 100 Design, Lyle “released the inner diva” of an ordinary ’70s ranch house and made it extraordinary with a black-painted floor and super-graphic zebra stripes in homage to the 1970s. The aluminum chairs are also retro: Russell Woodard designed them in the 1960s, and Lyle updated them beautifully with new polka-dot cushions and brilliant chrome andirons. And with their splashy yet subtle black-and-white pattern, the porcelain vases on the mantel add a quirky new dimension to the high-contrast color scheme. When designing the décor of a space, art objects can provide a beautiful focal point to tie a room together. Although your eye is always your best guide, here are some helpful hints for hanging works of art and integrating art objects into your home:
• A single painting or framed piece should be hung at eye-level when you’re standing. • A picture over a table should be hung so there is 8-12 inches between the bottom of the frame and the top of the table. • Avoid hanging two pictures side by side if they are exactly the same size. A better alternative is to hang one above the other. Even better: Introduce a third piece of a different size, and hang it between the other two. • Three pieces of like size are fine: hang them side by side, not stacked. •A rt over a mantel is more interesting if you hang three or more pieces: one large picture to one side, balanced by two or more stacked on the other. • I ntegrate dimensional artworks into a wall arrangement – small sculptures on a hanging pedestal, decorative plates, interesting architectural fragments, etc. And intersperse books on a shelf with decorative pieces, such as vases and sculptures.
When making your next décor decision, don’t be afraid to get artistic and adventurous. Your living space is a canvas, so make it your own with the art of décor. From adventurous design to the heart of art objects, there are so many beautiful ways to bring your home’s inner fabulousness out for all to enjoy. DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
WELL, THAT WAS FUN
“Give a man the secure possession of a bleak rock, and he will turn it into a garden; give him a nine years’ lease of a garden, and he will convert it into a desert.”
Arthur Young, 1741-1820
It’s springtime again, which means my marriage is in peril. Every year, Donald’s vegetable garden goes in just about the time I’m beset by increased schedule demands and deadlines. I’ve already told him that if we get divorced, I want over 50 percent custody of the children, 15 years of alimony, and a court-mandated stipulation that he will not try to palm off extra tomatoes and zucchini to me come summer. He was okay until that last part. Now he figures it’s easier to just stay married to me and buy me canning supplies. Overplanting has done more to strengthen our relationship than all the self-help books this world can offer. I need to explain a bit about Donald and how he operates under usual circumstances. He is laid back, generous, kind and possessed of such strong ethics that even Aristotle would be amazed. He is brilliant, perhaps the most wise and intelligent person I’ve ever known. His abilities with logic and reasoning are astonishing, his calm in the face of upset is legendary, and he exhibits humility on par with that of Gandhi. And then January comes ’round again and our planting calendar says to start the seedlings. At this point, the man absolutely loses his brains. This year I was kicked out of our shared home office. My desk was cleared completely off and became populated with bin after bin of little cups holding dirt and his dreams of a backyard jungle. Worse, this indoor garden migrates so as to catch the best light at any given part of the day. For all I know, tomorrow I’ll be kicked out of my temporary workspace in our bedroom to make way for some 18
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weird vegetable I’ve never even heard of and wouldn’t care to meet in a dark alley. I don’t know what happens inside that guy’s head every year, but it becomes a strange, frightening place to me. Early in the planting season this year, he put a few rows of lettuce out to enjoy the cold weather. Within a week we had a cold snap and he was in a lather. Was it too cold? Were the little shoots of mescaline and arugula going to make it? Were they longing for a kind word and soothing music? I was in the kitchen one afternoon, rationing out Goldfish crackers and juice boxes to the troops when I saw him walk quickly by and out the back door. I figured he was going to go read the seedlings a bedtime story so didn’t pay much attention. He came back in a short while later to say he covered the garden because we were due to have a frost. I nodded and pulled a child off a bookshelf and signed a school permission slip for a kid that I’m not even sure lives here. I couldn’t have cared less. The next morning I trotted out the back door to throw something in the compost bin and glanced at the garden. He had, indeed, covered it against the frost ... with my 1,200-thread count white Egyptian cotton sheets! Small cement blocks secured the sheets which had been lovingly tucked in around the newly planted greens. The blocks had sunk in the wet soil, grinding the dirt into the sheets. Folded neatly beside the garden was one of his unused, sturdy blue tarps. My head spun around five times and my hair turned into snakes and the Earth trembled in fear for, lo! the wrath of the Crystal was mighty indeed. Donald’s guardian angel put in for a transfer, packed up and moved, and didn’t leave a forwarding address. It was a very busy eight seconds for worlds both seen and unseen.
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
Tex t by Crystal R. R. Edwards
The resulting discussion via text message wasn’t heated so much as geothermic, and it ended when I told him that if this lettuce doesn’t taste like manna from Heaven he was personally going to spin, weave and sew me new luxury sheets out of the down of very, very small thistles and he wasn’t allowed to bleed on them. I was no longer interested in salads. I was going to get a religious experience out of this or I was going to be compensated. He started a new flat of edible hare thistle that night, and placed the new bin on my already-crowded desk. He said he was hedging his bets. I sat in the bedroom with my laptop and posted a recipe online for roasted almonds. I’ll remind you only that almonds are nuts, and let you do the rest of the mental work on that one. Since then, he and the children have added beets, onions, rutabaga, four different varieties of tomatoes, and melons to the office garden. In time these will all be moved to the back yard and I can begin steam cleaning the carpet every day to get the mud up. By Easter we’ll have put enough money into the garden to fully outstrip our means. Last year we spent $850 on gardening supplies, seeds, soil, chicken poo fertilizer and enough gin to keep me quiet and happy. The harvest saved us a total of $93.78 on our grocery bill by year’s end. But I’m getting him back. The thousands of dollars of yarn I have stored in my closet are once again seeing the light of day. I’ve been crocheting again, you see, after nearly four years of still hands, and I have a notion to use $23 balls of silk-and-alpaca yarn to create little cozies he can plop down atop each and every precious little plant. Each night, he trips over baskets and bags of my handwork as he shuffles bins of dirt and prayer around the house to catch the best starlight for his %&@!* radicchio. His normally serious and quiet wife (that’s me) natters on incessantly about hook size, the history of lace-making, and yarn gauge. At this rate, our garden will be better-decorated than any five-star hotel. Lush fabrics and ornate handcrafted specialty pieces will adorn our humble rows of flowering and fruiting green. Each onion will have a market value in the tens of dollars, and we will only divulge the asking price of a cantaloupe to private buyers by special appointment after a credit check. Wish me luck, dear reader. I’m not bending on the alimony or decreed vegetable restraining order.
Broker/Owner NMLS #252789 Broker/Owner NMLS #252789
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
tommy lasorda Text by David Menendian
The man most loved, hated and respected in baseball today, Tommy Lasorda, Baseball Hall of Fame’s former manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
10, n 20 ace you i o t t e a e n e ” t pl it io gr ia, “It’s to Visal his elect s Comm e. Every . d crow g back ring to Veteran elievabl the b in er ho is lub w com d. In ref e by the nce “un am.” , t e i ia c ie m lbo he sa all of Fa he exper into a dr Bob Ta cal Visal a couple he t o t t t d o go hear the H y called stepping include for the l t played rly ears: e o 20 y I had to a have a a o e y r o f Harv w it’s lik ctees als e to pla vel. Talb , but cle n the gers . When ’s gonn for 20 d v e u . 4 o i o l t he 5 i D t y go n e six ind unty nat highest 953- WII, w s first g the nute of i , this gu Dodgers . I loved 1 n i n s i o g ’ W l Th t’ a s are C basebal go Cubs ust after n. Talbo to be man very mi ght, ‘Oh ing the ny stres ’” l r u o T f e As ital. anag hou only ake it to he Chica Visalia j 47 seaso honored a ve a ve d d l t “I lo people t ress of m didn’t h the hosp y m 9 o g and sons for y days in in the 1 “I’m ver ppy.” to a st in ?I tal, s e i e s m l h a ler e p a . a s r t r m s t te ho of se d his ea ,000 fan a month ld man h om Seid d ball f ro m s a i d , ‘ S t h a t p u t n e s k A a e c T . l b 0 o l a s att ’ And I e ways pic ban reca drew 10 im $150 akes an nephew that has e s. Olym e Cu ympic h h 0 t 0 t ye a r t h o s e f r team act paid aid. “It m ribute to he game ommy’s ea 20 : Ol ubans b e s e h d a t t t . h l s r t f C lia ou ng It w cont ted,” he lley paid elebrate mily. “T lley said nagi y, Austra obody c anager o d if the , l a l a c a e c a f m e r W e indu ter O’M pacity to ’Malley ia,” O’M by the As fo in Sydn e that n to be m on, I ask I said, ‘ seen. I a al d O d m l Pe i r o e t a e s i t d d v s l ’ o an lia’s c h to the ob in Vis l-receive more to ne es, po me h a w s Y y i e d w ‘ e y a h , l V l t l j “Th y I rea et has now said sIh and t so muc rdinary ’s we h did g nd they 4 player I don’t k ether d he t tonight han I’ve I n o w n a a s a n r ’ e h ‘ t t e e a 2 t , m w tha So wh game, an ex ving her s banque baseball ave sold I had nd I said ’t know thing, e . . n a n i o h m i i l t r d a n e a h tea ver los loves y. And t assion fo ey could ts of our se ag Diego, gle. I do l you on ho you l o e l e a H d h “ o w n it tel nn sin ha bal ore p ss ro ink t the mun in Sa base t I’ll know d or ’re go com siasm, m ime. I th is the gra alia and they ith them e marrie bad. Bu ’s gonna edal in the t s u s i r i m g ’r w d ” t th met re, if you ediocre o ole worl the gold represen ing over en in a lon ckets. Th ies like V f credit. t h o i n i h a t t g e c u t m a w e e n u o d s lo d, yo on e gonn he bri ates. Y e, so usan ve a e goo t g to a do ’r ver, t a tho al pastim ue deser you’r it’s all o u’re goin nited S ot gonn All you baseball n g U n y. natio rnia Lea Don when ecause yo s, in the . You’re r countr Because we’re o king Visalia f i ? d a n g l b u c a n n a n i i fl o , r o A C el are rda layer in his me elf or y onna w game. Laso p e it b of A s and league ong with Talbot y wher d States ass your you’re g ; it’s our e b arv minor ia,) al y r s e H r h t u : a d Bo i e l E w to Un to emb know OV former in Visa se frien h for th s B g A n t ( o s o l o l r e c o e b u e o r d n e j i d y o e b Y th It Alfa till res ate an to pla the ma er m to th s e s.” win. m m me. ily I’ yalty who r team lia nativ am and ken (for o m l a do is erica’s ga se Cuban f d e e e a y c t n nt h s m a e a a t i e r l r t o n fo cC sis ly V agu ’Mal manage e is Am beat th ectio e on inor le inton M now As r the O n h t e n ( h o h u o m a t c Q t fo lia ks – salia for t for me t t it, in s gonn time s: g Visa es,) and ondbac lopmen r the Vi e f n i i l u r e h s o u o ab nyt dger r hi sible leag na Diam yer Dev layed f nage As fo geles Do can do a de it pos ou think 210 ma had a izo r of Pla who p r A ) n r , y I a e e ks cto Los A ny time They m d when here wer and Pet Dire ondbac 93. . , 19 n m t a d “A n i A s m i e , r e . D r rs rs ge th o eti a hise d j r r e c a o y o I n f a . D 0 fr the M there ers for 2 aged the sn’t fired g in eball a g n n i w d r a i o I s p a D nt I m . And nal B .” eside of um ears 20 y ere fired g for me 0 years he Natio urrent r tive c 3 t w ia n that on waiti teran of ected to lle and a n apprec e l i i a posit arvey, a v mpires e f Porterv rmth of u o a H e e w n v sts, of ni e. A nati ed in the e l gue ey. a n i c o m is spe g Harv ask two u of Fa he b h his and Do t Hall odlake, i w a , r d e r o Seild my Laso of W Tom T:
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
San Joaquin Valley College
Corrections Officer Training is Smart Career Move – and Fun The “Criminal Justice – Corrections” program at San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) in Fresno, Visalia and Hanford provides top-notch education and training – as well as enjoyable ways to learn, according to the Visalia CJC Program Director, Mitchell Villegas. “We have fun in the classroom,” said Villegas. “Whether it is a spirited debate, a mock cell extraction (removal of inmate who refuses to comply with an order), or vigorous physical training exercises, it is uncommon to complete a class without some laughter,” he said. But SJVC’s Correction program has its serious sides, as well. “Our program places a lot of emphasis on ethics,” said Villegas. “It is the cornerstone of the law enforcement industry, and we want our students to know that they have a vital responsibility to demonstrate appropriate ethical behavior at all times.” “Our Criminal Justice program graduates are head and shoulders above other candidates applying for positions with the Department of Corrections, Police or Sheriff’s Department,” said Villegas. “Our emphasis on scholastic achievement and physical conditioning makes them job-ready for positions at detention facilities.” Robert Knox has been a student in the Criminal Justice program for seven months and is excelling in his studies and training. Robert especially enjoys the program’s field trips, which include visits to both county and state lock-up facilities. “We get to see firsthand what we’re getting into and get a better feel for how our training will be used,” he said. And, the hands-on training is extensive. “We train with SWAT teams and put in time at the gun range,” said Knox. “Not everyone in the CJ program has even shot a gun, so we get a feel for how to hold and fire a weapon.” “Prison hiring freezes have relaxed somewhat, and as prison guards retire, relocate or move into other areas of responsibility, positions are opening up,” said Villegas. “But they are only taking the cream of the crop – which means applicants with either a military background or an Associate’s degree will have the advantage. Our graduates will have a definite edge.” With corrections and detention facilities springing up at an astounding pace and crime on the rise, well-trained detention and corrections officers and other security personnel are in serious demand. San Joaquin Valley College in Fresno, Visalia and Hanford is meeting that demand with an accelerated Criminal Justice program designed to make graduates job-ready in just 14 months. During training, students are certified with PC 832 (Penal Code), which is required for peace officer status and CDC-R (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) correctional officer Core academy. Program graduates are finding that they are well-positioned to compete in this hot job market. Job security isn’t the only reason so many are making Criminal Justice – Corrections their career move. A national increase in 22
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crime rates translates into mobility for those well-trained in the criminal justice field. Most cities, nationwide, have corrections, detention and security positions to fill, which makes job transfers or relocations much easier. Those well-trained in this field can find work in cities across the nation. Career ladder advancements and promotions are more attainable when a field, such as corrections, experiences so much growth. This expansion also results in stronger compensation and benefits packages. Corrections students are frequently making contacts with program guest speakers and other prominent people within their industry, from both private and state facilities, who might one day employ them. SJVC’s Career Services Departments on each of the campuses also work with students to prepare them for their eventual job search by assisting with resume preparation, job interview techniques, and job referrals and placement. “I see changes occurring in our students’ confidence – some from the first day,” said Villegas. “Our program builds on that confidence and provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” he said. “During our field trips to detention facilities, students begin to picture themselves working in that environment and realize they made a solid career choice.” San Joaquin Valley College’s Criminal Justice program goes beyond the minimum training required by law with coursework that includes criminal law, evidence collection and preservation, report-writing and criminal procedures. A balance of classroom instruction and hands-on experience gives students the greatest opportunity for successful learning. Learn: • Arrest/Control Techniques • Firearms Use • CPR/First Aid • Weaponless Defense Tactics Graduates of SJVC’s Criminal Justice program can enter the law enforcement and correctional fields in such capacities as Corrections Officer, Detention Officer, Jail Transport Officer, Detention Specialist or Deputy Corrections Officer. With additional education or training those positions could continue on to roles such as Corrections Sergeant, Administrative Supervisor, Parole Officer, Warden or Deputy Sheriff. The Criminal Justice program is offered evenings, Monday through Thursday. Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are prepared to step into a position within the criminal justice or detention arena with the confidence gained through their quality training and education. For more information about San Joaquin Valley College’s Criminal Justice program or other business, medical or technical career training program, please call toll free (866) 391-3804.
CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
VUSD Is Education the #1 Priority? Text by Craig Wheaton, Ed.D. Superintendent
How many times have you heard a politician say, “Education is our number one priority!”? Article after article promotes the importance of education and often as an “investment in our future.” During my “fact check,” I found that education is far from the number one budget priority. In fact, it has borne the brunt of California’s budget balancing axe. Our revenue per student has decreased from $5,821 in 2007-08 to a low of $4,981 in 2009-10, a decrease of $840 per student – a 14.4 percent decrease. At Visalia Unified School District, our budget has decreased by over $20 million during that same period of time. Over the last 10 years, K-14 education has had the smallest percentage increase in funding of any major segment in the state’s budget. Conversely, over the last three years of budget cutting at the state, that same K-14 segment has had the highest percentage of cuts. In summary, education grew the least during good economic years yet took the highest share of cuts during the bad economic years. For this coming 2011-12 year, Visalia Unified School District is preparing two budget scenarios based solely on Governor Brown’s budget proposal released in January. Acknowledging
the disparity in prior year cuts, his proposal balances the state budget on three separate actions; and if successful, is designed to minimize additional cuts to education. First, he must get his own party to accept $12.5 billion in cuts to many social programs. Next, he has to get the Republicans in the legislature to agree to put on the June ballot a five-year extension to taxes that are set to expire. Lastly, he has to convince all of us to vote for that tax extension package at the June general election. So, in our budget planning for 2011-12, we are preparing two plans: (Plan 1) the tax extension passes, in which case our revenue reduction will be a modest $500,000; (Plan 2) the tax extension doesn’t make it on the ballot or fails, our reduction will be an additional $8.5 million. Regardless, there’s lots of hard budget work ahead. We will work on these scenarios and refine them as the state’s budget process wears on toward the eventual budget adoption. The state’s budget adoption process and the consequent funding for schools is a lot like watching sausage get made; it’s not a pretty sight. Unfortunately, our students often get caught up in that process.
Helping ADHD/ADD Students Passion in Education Teams with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jackie HarrisGroeber
For Parents: Location Holiday Inn Redwood Room Saturday, March 19, 2011 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Registration is $30.00 due by March 10, 2011 Includes Book and Continental Breakfast.
For Educators: Location Holiday Inn Plaza Room Thursday, March 24, 2011 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Registration Fee is $75.00 due by March 10, 2011 Includes Book, Continental Breakfast and Lunch.
Register with scarl@passionineducation.com 559.375.4805 | http://passionineducation.com Passion In Education • PO Box 6215 • Visalia, CA 93291
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation. And Dr. Yoho gives away free Botox! For new patients for a limited time Dr. Yoho does not charge an injection fee. You pay only his cost of the Botox. This results in about a 50 percent savings! 24
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
Visalia Life Charter School
“ Developing Community Leaders, One Student at a Time.”
A new kind of school will be opening their doors in Visalia for the 2011-2012 school year: Valley Life Charter School (VLCS). The founding members (composed of educators, parents, and community members) are eager to introduce Visalia to this new learning alternative. The school will be the first sitebased, independent charter school in all of Tulare County. Charter schools are free public schools, created to fill an educational need, which can direct their resources where their students need them most. VLCS’s focus will be on leadership, as well as visual and performing arts. Focus on the performing arts is supported by a “Needs Assessment” survey where 86 percent of parents stated that it was very important to them; and 93 percent specifically of those parents preferred instrumental music instruction. Although schools in Tulare County offer these types of music and art courses, having it as a main curriculum is a new concept in much of Tulare County. The school was created with a vision to “develop community leaders, one student at a time” by building and developing character in youth – which supports the core values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The school's mission is to identify and build on
the strengths of their students so they may reach their full potential. VLCS also believes that students learn best when they are placed in a safe, loving and nurturing environment, and where they can actively participate in their education through "hands on" activities. Unique features of VLCS include longer school days, before and after school tutoring, spanish language classes beginning in Kindergarten, targeted after school programs, as well as a substantial visual and performing arts program. Parents, potential staff and interested community members are invited to attend an informational meeting to learn about the culture of the school on Friday, March 23, 6 p.m., at 3737 W. Walnut Avenue in Visalia. Valley Life Charter Schools will be seeking qualified teachers in the core subjects, along with experts in the arts fields and are accepting applications for enrollment at this time. For more information, contact the school at (559) 761-1299, or visit: www.ValleyLifeCharterSchools.com
CARPET CLEANING BASICS
Everyone knows that it is regular vacuuming and quick attention to the expected spots and stains that keep a carpet looking its best. But even with the most diligent attention to regular carpet care, all carpets will need a deep extraction cleaning every once in awhile to remove stubborn and embedded soil. These deep cleaning methods will keep carpets looking, feeling and smelling fresh and new. • A clean carpet will last much longer than a dirty one. Soil is abrasive and the longer it is on your carpet the more it will abrade your fibers. Get rid of it as soon as possible and save your carpet. • Carpet is a giant air filter and traps contaminants from the air. You must clean this filter on a regular basis to keep it working well. So clean your carpets often and enjoy relief from allergies. Clean carpets keeps your home smelling and looking fresh.
Call Manzanita Carpet Cleaners today!
Call One of our Professionals today! “If the Stain comes back… so do we” ** **(may not apply to all stains)
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
gOINgS-ON Mardi Gras Jungle Safari
The Creative Center Foundation is celebrating Mardi Gras with a safari of fun that spans Visalia’s downtown, and offers something for the whole family. 11a-2p is the free Kids Karnivale at Visalia Fire Station #5 (6921 W. Ferguson Ave. at Shirk) with bounce houses, crafts, games and more. 7:30p-10p is the free street dance, where you can groove to the live tunes of the St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band at the Garden Street Plaza. Or get swanky from 6:30p-midnight at the Grand Ball, where you can enjoy catering by Fugazzi’s, the crowning of the King and Queen, and dancing until midnight at the Visalia Convention Center. Tickets for the Grand Ball are $125 per person, or $1,000 a table. Proceeds benefit the Creative Center and its mission to use the arts to serve developmentally disabled adults. When: Saturday, March 5 Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: For event information, or to reserve your table, call the Creative Center Foundation Office at 733-4400
Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Education and Scholarship Gala
The Tulare County Farm Bureau’s annual event returns to the Visalia Convention Center for its 24th year of fundraising for our community. The gala’s proceeds directly benefit programs including the highly successful youth leadership program, school garden grants, and $20,000 in annual scholarships. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, wine raffle and entertainment by award-winning comedy juggling team The Passing Zone. Tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased in advance. When: Saturday, March 5. Cocktail hour @ 6:15p, dinner @ 7:30p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 732-8301, or tcfb@tulcofb.org
1st Saturday in Three Rivers
Celebrate art, music, dance, storytelling, food and drink as you browse the art galleries, studios and gift shops of Downtown Three Rivers. For discounts and participants visit website. When: Saturday, March 5, 10a-5p Where: Maps at Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or visit: www.1stSaturdayTR.com
3rd Annual John Paul Magao Memorial Motorcycle Ride
Join other motorcycle enthusiasts for a day of riding and fun that gives back. Proceeds benefit the John Paul Magao Memorial Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization and public charity that provides scholarships to local schools. Riders must pre-register by March 4, 2011. The $25 registration fee includes lunch, a t-shirt, and tickets for the day’s raffle. When: Sunday, March 6. Registration @ 8:30a, race @ 10a Where: Ride starts at Mesquite Motorsports, 7029 W. Pershing Ave., Visalia. Race finishes at Plaza Park, Plaza Drive and Airport Road. Contact: 734-1953 or 972-2388
2011 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Events Visalia Foundation will celebrate all Central Valley cultures with this year’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The event will also feature live music, and food and vendor booths. Pre and post-parade festivities will be held at the Vintage Press. When: Saturday, March 12, 10a Where: Main Street, Visalia Contact: 730-1808 or visit www.eventsvisalia.org
Visalia Elks Lodge Annual Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting
The Visalia Elks Lodge is gearing up for its 7th annual event to benefit the Elk’s Children’s Charities, and C.A.S.A. of Tulare County. Come and enjoy a delicious wine and culinary tasting, as well as musical entertainment, and a live and silent auction. Tickets: $25 per person. When: Saturday, March 12, 6p-8:30p Where: Visalia Elks Lodge, 3100 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: The Visalia Elks Lodge at 734-6762 or 936-0489
Beyond Therapy
This farcical comedy follows two Manhattanites who are seeking stable romantic relationships with the help of their psychiatrists. Follow the crazy antics of this unlikely duo, and find out whether there can be life and love beyond therapy. Contains adult language or content. Admission: Regular $12, Student $6. When: March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:30p; March 11 & 18 at 2p Where: Ice House Theatre, Race and Sante Fe, Visalia Contact: Reservations 734-3900
Complete Restorative Dentistry | Implant Dentistry | Cosmetic Dentistry | Family Dentistry | Oral Surgery | Endodontics
Happy St. Patrick’s D ay! We now do Implants.
3445 S. Demaree St., Visalia 559.733.4478 26
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
Wo•man•Ful•ly: National Juried Exhibition
This group juried show at Arts Visalia is a collaboration of several female artists and celebrates Women’s History Month. The exhibition work is diverse and explores cultural ideals of femininity, identity, and beauty within society. When: March 2-March 25. Reception: Friday, March 4, 6-8p Where: Arts Visalia, 214 East Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: Arts Visalia, 739-0905
Art Workshop: Creating a Well-Being Mandala
Artist Judy Shintani will conduct a workshop that uses art therapy, healing mediation, and the theme of the mandala (the sacred symbol of the circle) to create a theme of story and wellness through art. A variety of materials will be provided for participants to create their installations. Cost: $65 for Arts Alliance members, $95 for non-members who sign up before March 5. When: Saturday, March 26, 10a-4p Where: Three Rivers Arts Center, 198 & N Fork Drive, Three Rivers Contact: Elsah Cort, 561-4671
Mystery Readers Book Exchange
The Mystery Readers group will have a book exchange. Buy a paperback mystery and bring it to exchange with other whodunit enthusiasts. When: Wednesday, March 16, 6:30p Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: Judith Wood, 559-713-2706
Phantom of the Opera
The College of Sequoias Department of theater is proud to bring this haunting classic to Visalia. Come and get swept away by its epic story and iconic songs. When: March 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 at 7:30p; March 20 at 2:00p Where: COS Theater, 915 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: COS Theatre Box Office at 730-3907
Tulare County Symphony presents: Love Stories and Legends The Symphony continues its “Festival of Favorites” with a concert that includes ever-popular selections from Carmen, Rachmanioff’s romantic Paganini Variations, and Stravinsky’s most cinematic ballet suite, The Firebird. When: Saturday, March 19, 7:30p Where: Fox Theater, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 732-8600 or visit www.tcsymphony.org/default-1.html
Music at the Main – The Best of Colburn
One of the world’s most renowned performing arts academies, The Colburn School produces some of today’s most talented young musicians. This last concert of the season will feature “The Best of Colburn,” an ensemble of Colburn’s best students, many of whom have already played with symphonies around the world. When: Friday, April 1, 7p Where: Main Street Theater, 307 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 635-1761
The Gas Company Challenge for Student Entrepreneurs
Students with bright ideas about new business enterprises can now apply for The Gas Company Challenge for Student Entrepreneurs – a challenge that allows students to compete in one or all three categories: presentation, written business plan, or visual display. Teams can present their entries at the March exposition, where cash prizes are available in all categories. Registration is due a week prior to the exposition. For more information on entering, visit www.tcoe.org/challenge. When: Thursday, March 10. Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: Randy Wallace at randyw@tcoe.org, or call 733-6101
Figure Drawing
Arts Visalia offers a variety of art classes for adults, where you can enjoy a creative outlet and familiarize yourself with new techniques. This class is intended for beginning and advanced drawing students to practice their techniques by observing a live model. Please call in advance to confirm meeting dates and times, as they are subject to change. When: Mondays, 6:30-9p Where: Arts Visalia, 214 East Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: Joy Harvey, 539-6123.
Downtown Visalia Farmers’ Market
As spring approaches, the Downtown farmer’s market reopens! Featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase. When: Thursdays, 5p-8p, Downtown Visalia. Saturdays, 8a-11:30a, Sequoia Mall, Sears parking lot Where: Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket.com
Tulare County Library Children’s Storytime
Baby/Toddler Time (Tues. 10a), Preschool Storytime (Wed. 10a). When: Call Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: Children’s desk 733-6954 ext. 209 or www.tularecountylibrary.org
If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Goings-On” section, please email your submission todirect@dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, Attention Goings-On. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions must be received six (6) weeks prior to publication.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T h e H e a r t O f T h e S o u t h V a l l e y
DIREct FROm WARREN Text by Warren Gubler, Visalia City Councilmember
recovering from december rains Last month, I briefly touched upon our December rainstorms. This month, I want to address the topic again in more detail. Visalia experienced 6.27 inches of rain in December 2010. We received 1.55 inches of rain on December 18-19 alone, with another big storm passing through the following week. All told, it was the wettest December in Visalia’s history! And yet, not a single home or business flooded thanks to lessons learned from prior severe storm experiences. This time around, city staff became aware of the pending storms based upon a National Weather Service forecast issued on December 12. Staff met on December 16 to discuss how to respond, and at 4:15 a.m. on December 19, Fire Chief Mark Nelson ordered the opening of an emergency operation center (EOC) in the basement of the downtown police station. The EOC remained open for five days to deal with the impact of the storms on the community. At approximately 10 a.m. on December 19, City Manager Steve Salomon made a declaration of local emergency. Our city has over 40 ponding basins. Currently, we own three portable, trailer-mounted pumps, but in this particular emergency, it was necessary to locate and rent 10 additional ones. These machines can pump 3,000-4,000 gallons of water per minute and were used to shift water from the ponding basins into adjacent creeks and ditches. One of the major priorities for water redirection occurred at the Mineral King and Linwood basin, located at Bruce McDermott Park. Due to Caltrans pumping rainwater from the adjacent Highway 198, this basin was quickly filled to overflowing. In order to stop the water from spilling over into neighboring properties, city staff members were able to convince Caltrans to temporarily pause in their water redirection process. Once the Caltrans pumps were turned off, rainwater filled the section of Highway 198 between Akers and Demaree, which resulted in the closure of this stretch of highway for approximately eight hours. This reprieve from Caltrans pumping allowed city staff to operate an excavator and break the north bank of the McDermott basin. The break allowed water to flow from the basin into the adjacent Persian ditch, and from there, west out of the city. After the water level lowered in the basin, the highway pumps were turned back 28
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on so that the water in the Highway 198 depression could be pumped into the basin and out through the Persian ditch. This is but one example of the swift city responses to emergency situations throughout the community. Several small basins overflowed or reached capacity, but did not cause significant damage to private property. In most cases, these basins overflowed because lift station pumps were not able to move the water from the basins to canals. All functioned, but some were moving water very slowly because pumps became plugged with leaves. The Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District and Tulare Irrigation District worked with the city to provide capacity in the channels for city storm water runoff. If this storm had occurred in the spring when there was simultaneous snow runoff, there would have been substantially more flooding problems to handle. At the January 17 city council meeting, the council appropriated $968,000 from its general fund reserves to temporarily fund needed repairs, with the majority ($650,000) allocated to repair the sink hole at Ferguson and Shirk near Fire Station 55. We believe a large portion of these monies will be reimbursed from state and federal emergency funds. Staff will continue to assess our emergency response, and will bring a report to a future city council meeting for further direction. Included in these considerations is the recommendation to purchase seven additional portable pumps with hoses for use in future such emergencies. Again, I applaud the efforts of the city’s emergency response personnel in dealing with these storms and in minimizing the potential damage that could have been caused thereby. Perhaps FEMA could take some lessons from Visalia as to how to respond to such natural disasters! If you have questions or topics regarding the city that you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. Warren Gubler Visalia City Council Member