November 17 guide to your winter fun 2014

FRESNO LEXUS • 777 W. PALMDON DRIVE • FRESNO, CA 93704 • WWW.FRESNOLEXUS.COM

THE COLLEGIAN

fun

to your

Guide

WINTER 2014

PAGE 2

GUIDE TO WINTER FUN 2014

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014

Table of Contents China Peak

..........

3

For the love of coffee ..........

4

Winter movies

..........

6

Hoops in the loop

..........

7

Winter video games

..........

7

Trips on a budget

..........

8

Day trips

..........

8

Pick up your Fresno State Exclusive

FREE 15% off Card TODAY

Kristina’s is a G.M.O. free store.

A go-to source for organic groceries, natural health products, vitamins, supplements and natural beauty products.

Show student ID and get

10% Off! except on sale items

TRY OUR:

Health snack foods Produce Dairy products

Meats Soda’s and juices Groceries Vitamins

Protein powders and drinks Health and beauty Herbs and spices Raw Milk

Sign up for our student discount card for a

FREE GIFT! 761 East Barstow Ave. 93710 Off First and Barstow. www.kristinasranchmarket.com

GUIDE TO WINTER FUN 2014

C

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014

Briana Montemayor @TheCollegian

China Peak Mountain Resort will be opening soon for this year’s winter season with some fresh ideas and different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

China Peak is a ski and snowboarding vacation spot where people of all ages can enjoy themselves. Children, young adults, family and friends are encouraged to visit.

Located just off of Highway 168, the resort is about 65 miles from Fresno, near Huntington Lake.

Assistant supervisor Kelly Reckas discusses the new highlights and improvements of China Peak Resort.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work in the

PAGE 3

A N I H

PEAK

base camp down at the bottom of Chair 1, and we are starting a Bombers Club for kids who are comfortable with blue runs.”

Reckas also says that the goal is to open China Peak this month.

On China Peak Mountain, there are different types of trails people can take if they want to ski or snowboard down the mountain. Blue runs are the intermediate level of those trails. The levels range from beginner to expert on the trail guide map of China Peak.

“It’s a great resort for families. We have a great variety of runs. It’s a good place,” said Reckas.

Another change at China Peak is the charter buses that will be transporting people to and from the resort. Three of those bus stops will be located at Willow International Community College Center in Clovis,

Fresno State and Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company.

Reckas says that the average snowfall each year is about 300 inches. But this year, a storm pattern that does not occur very often is expected to hit China Peak, creating a lot of snow. This will allow nature to take its course instead of bringing in man-made snow to the resort.

Eric Fantaski is a marketing representative for China Peak and promotes the resort at Fresno State.

“We’re trying to push the sport more as a social and cultural sport. So we’re trying to create more of a culture in Fresno of skiing and snowboarding.

The way we’re kind of doing that is pushing it to be more of a socialized sport to where you can go up and be with your friends and stuff, beyond skiing and snow-

boarding. Kind of a way to get out of the Valley and escape the Valley.”

Fresno State has a ski and snowboard club on campus, and new members are being added every semester. Members of the club are able to get season passes at China Peak at a discounted rate, in addition to discounts for winter clothing and snow gear.

The club is social and is the best way to communicate with other Fresno State students who like to ski and snowboard at China Peak, Fantaski said.

The club tries to make a fun and exciting experience for each member, especially those who want to socialize and make friends, he added.

To check out season prices and passes to China Peak Mountain Resort or to learn more, visit www.skichinapeak.com.

Guide to your winter fun Head of Presentation: Khlarissa Agee

Content Editor: Troy Pope

Fresno Lexus Photographer: Darlene Wendels

Production Manager:

Matt Schneider

PAGE 4

GUIDE TO WINTER FUN 2014

For

the

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014

Mia Cupp

LOVE

620 E. O

of coffee

Café Corazón 1306 N. Wishon Ave.

Most Popular Drink:

Most Popu

Mexican mocha: an espress and almon

Hours: Monday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday thro to midnight, Saturday: 8 a.m. to m

The G

Café con leche: a “tweaker” blend of light and dark roasts with cinnamon, brown sugar and milk

1122 E. Cham

Seasonal Drink: Owner Leo Rios makes special blends on order for the winter season

Most Popu

Snickerdoodle: latte with va caramel in Hours: Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

Hours: Monday through Friday 6 a.m Sunday: 8 a

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014

GUIDE TO WINTER FUN 2014

pa Caffe’

Olive Ave.

Photos by Darlene Wendels • The Collegian

ular Drink:

so with chocolate, cinnamon nd flavoring

ough Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday: 7 a.m. midnight, Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Grind

mplain Drive

Kuppa Joy 518 Clovis Ave.

Most Popular Drink:

Kuppa Joy: mocha with crème brûlée infused milk

Seasonal Drink:

A pumpkin spice blend and a peppermint mocha drink served hot or cold

ular Drink:

anilla, hazelnut, cinnamon and ngredients

m. to 8 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

GUIDE TO WINTER FUN 2014

WINTER

MOVIE

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014

AVAILABL AVAILABL 1440 E. SHAW S W/ S W/ (559) 221-9700

AVAILABLE EVERY DAY W/ STUDENT I.D.

SEASON @ S W I G S F R @ S W I G S F R E S N O

S W I G S F R E S N O .

C O M

# S W I G S

SWIG SFRESNO.COM

By Alex Sheedy @aksheeds

AILABL AVAILABL AV S W/ S W/

For those people and families who want to sit back, relax and watch newly released films in theaters, this year’s holiday movie season is set to be a good one.

Fans of Jennifer Lawrence can see her return as Katniss Everdeen in the stellar “Hunger Games” franchise installment, the first part of the final film, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1.”

Katniss has survived the Quarter Quell and wakes up to find herself in District 13, reunited with Gale and her mother and sis@SWIGGSFRESNO #SWIGGS ter, but Peeta has been taken by the CapiSWIGGSFRESNO.COM tol. District 13, ruled over by President Coin (Julianne Moore of “Crazy, Stupid, Love”), seems eerily similar to the Capitol’s Presi- The film, starring Jamie Foxx, Cameron dent Snow. In the movie, Katniss is set to Diaz, Rose Byrne and Quvenzhané Wallis step up as the Mockingjay and embrace her as Annie, takes place in modern-day New role as the face of the rebellion, while trying York. Foxx stars as Will Stacks, an updatto save Peeta and figure out her feelings for ed version of Daddy Warbucks, a politician needing a feel-good story to boost his camGale at the same time.

The film hits the screen Nov. 21 and is paign for mayor when he has a chance enexpected to be a top competitor as the high- counter with Annie. Diaz picks up the role est-grossing film of the season along with of the mean Miss Hannigan.

SWIGGSFRESNO.COM If you like musicals and want to see “The Hobbit” and Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar,” released Nov. 7, starring Mat- something that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy, this musical film is sure to fill thew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.

Martin Freeman returns to the screen that void.

Some other films looking to draw atDec. 17 as Bilbo Baggins in the long-awaittention this December include “American ed final installment of “The Hobbit” trilogy, Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper, it is the “The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies.”

Elves, dwarves, wizards, men and dragons adaptation of the true story of U.S. Navy all draw together into the final film, where SEAL Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in the defeat of the dragon Smaug is essential U.S. military history. Reese Witherspoon to survival, and Thorin’s single-minded fo- stars in “Wild,” a film that has the potencus on the power of the Arkenstone could tial to showcase the finest emotional acting skills Witherspoon has to offer, as it’s just lead to more danger for everyone.

For fantasy-action fans and Tolkien fa- her, a backpack and a 1,100-mile hike.

Ben Stiller re-enters the fray in yet annatics, Peter Jackson’s directing promises other “Night at the Museum” film. His an intense, humor-filled, action-packed adcharacter sets out on a global adventure venture that is sure to give insight into the progression of its sequel, “The Lord of the to save the magic of the museum before it runs out. This film is one of the last for the Rings.”

Following the story of some of the craft- late Robin Williams, who reprises his role iest penguins that ever lived, “Penguins of as Teddy Roosevelt. If anything, this film Madagascar,” also out on Nov. 26, plans is a must-see to pay tribute to the fantastic to be a family film that provides the fans career of Williams.

Anyone who doesn’t want to spend of the previous “Madagascar” films insight into the lives of Private, Skipper, Rico and time with family or friends on Christmas Kowalski. Fun fact: in addition to voicing Day can head to the local cinema and find Rico, Benedict Cumberbatch also voices a variety of new films on screen, including the dragon Smaug in “The Hobbit” trilogy “Big Eyes,” directed by Tim Burton; “Sel-- two wildly different characters. Check ma,” a drama about Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring Oprah Winfrey that is certain out both films to see the difference.

For those who are more inclined to com- to be well-received, and “The Interview,” edy, Thanksgiving weekend is bound to an action comedy starring Seth Rogen and supply laughs with “Horrible Bosses 2,” the James Franco.

Angelina Jolie directs “Unbroken,” a sequel to the hit 2011 comedy.

The film brings back the laughable trio chronicle of Olympic runner Louis ZamperJason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason ini who was taken prisoner by the Japanese Sudeikis as Nick, Dale and Kurt. They start in World War II. Promising to be a fantastical, actheir own business but are tricked by an investor (Christoph Waltz of “Django Un- tion-filled film, “Into the Woods” is a chained”). Once again, they find themselves Broadway musical turned movie, with a in desperate situations, including a mis- blockbuster cast including Emily Blunt, guided scheme to kidnap and hold the in- Johnny Depp, Chris Pine, Meryl Streep and vestor’s son for ransom (Chris Pine of “Star Anna Kendrick.

The holidays are always the best time of Trek into Darkness”).

Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx also the year to watch films, and this year is no reprise their roles. “Horrible Bosses 2” different. Grab your friends and family and head out to the local cinema for some accomes to theaters Nov. 26.

Nearing Christmas on Dec. 19, the feel- tion, comedy, drama, awesomeness before GURISGRUBHOUSE.COM good remake of “Annie” comes to theaters. it’s gone and you have to wait for the DVDs.

SWIGGSFRESNO.COM

ARTISAN PIZZA-$8 AVAILABLE W/ STUDENT I.D. 11AM-6PM MON-FRI

TIOGA SEQUOIA SPECIALS

HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR

1713 E. SHAW FRESNO CA 93710

(559) 225-2902

@

@

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014

GUIDE TO WINTER FUN 2014

PAGE 7

HOOPS IN THE

LOOP

By Colby Tibbet @robotmilk

For gamers, the fall season means more than vacation or seasonal lattes. It’s all about the games.

The last three months of every year is the summer blockbuster of the video game industry, and 2014 is one of the most memorable in recent history, with the new consoles one year into their life, developers are showing everything they this holiday season.

Here are some of the biggest titles coming out this fall for all platforms that are worth your time, and also some games I’ve been lucky to get some hands on at this year’s PAX Prime.

“Dragon Age: Inquisition” (Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 PS4, PC) Nov. 18 With “Skyrim” far behind us and “The Witcher 3” out next spring, Bioware’s third game in the “Dragon Age” series will be the perfect game to fix your open-world fantasy itch. Taking cues from mentioned titles and a good balance between the first and second “Dragon Age” iterations, and throwing in some co-op, you have yourself a great role-playing game to satiate your fantasy needs. I played the co-op mode at PAX Prime, and it looked great. The combat felt fresh and intuitive. Hopefully that can translate to a spanning, open-world adventure.

“Halo: Master Chief Collection” (Xbox One) Nov. 11 What seems like a deal too good to be true: Halos 1,2,3, and 4 all one disc, stories intact, and each multiplayer, with all maps and mechanics intact, for only $60 dollars.

But wait, there’s more: All games run at

1080p/60 frames per second, and “Halo 2” (its 10-year anniversary) gets updated multiplayer and a revamped campaign with new cinematics and story elements.

Halo fans: rejoice. For those who are too young or never got into the series, here is your ticket. I managed to play some Master Chief Collection at PAX Prime this year, and as a fan of the series, it felt like home.

“Assassin’s Creed Unity” (Xbox One, PS4, PC) Nov. 11 Just like the “Call of Duty” franchise, the “Assassin’s Creed” series has become a habitual scenario for gamers. Another November, another historical offering as an assassin trying to stop world domination.

This year’s installment, which is only on next-gen consoles, aims to reinvent the series, by adding four-player co-op and a new inventive storyline. I sat with one of the producers earlier this year for a hands-on demo and it was the most fun I’ve had with the series in five years. This one is not to be missed.

“Super Smash Bros.” (Wii U) Nov. 21 If you either bring this out during parties and family get-togethers or are one of those those who settle disputes with, “1v1, no items, final destination,” the Wii U version of “Super Smash Bros.” is the definitive version of this long-standing series. Featuring the largest list of Nintendo characters, both memorable and obscure, enlist on this roster. Nintendo has pulled no punches when it comes to this release.

With an intent to cater to the hardcore demographic and culture that has revolved around the series, this direction hopefully translates to people buying the console. It’s a lot of fun, hardcore or not, and will need to be on everyone’s list.

way to California over the season. Paul George of the Indiana Pacers could miss the entire season with a leg injury, but Greg Smith is active on the Dallas Mavericks’

roster. Two former Bulldogs will also hope to get called up from the D-League, Dominic McGuire and Tyler Johnson.

NHHAW Schedule

National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week

Monday, November 17th

ASI Helping Hams Campaign (Nov. 14-Dec 12), Hunger and Homelessness research displays 2nd Floor of Henry Madden Library 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tabling with information, food and clothing drives, visual displays and interactive activities, Free Speech Area 2-3:30 p.m. Student research presentations, Music 160 7-10 p.m. Student research presentations, HML 2206

Tuesday, November 18th

ASI Helping Hams Campaign (Nov. 14-Dec 12), Hunger and Homelessness research displays 2nd Floor of Henry Madden Library 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tabling with information, food and clothing drives, visual displays and interactive activities, Free Speech Area

GET INVOLVED!!!

Wintertime Video Games

Anda Chu • Bay Area News Group/TNS

The Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson (11) drives against the Los Angeles Lakers’ Wesley Johnson (11) in the first quarter at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Saturday, Nov. 1.

Wednesday, November 19th

ASI Helping Hams Campaign (Nov. 14-Dec 12), Hunger and Homelessness research displays 2nd Floor of Henry Madden Library 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tabling with information, food and clothing drives, visual displays and interactive activities, Free Speech Area 2-3 p.m. Student research presentations, Music 160 7-10 p.m. Student research presentations, HML 2206

Thursday, November 20th

ASI Helping Hams Campaign (Nov. 14-Dec 12), Hunger and Homelessness research displays 2nd Floor of Henry Madden Library 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tabling with information, food and clothing drives, visual displays and interactive activities, Free Speech Area 5:30-8:30 p.m. Film viewing Hunger in the Valley of Plenty and Lost Angels, and expert panel discussion Peters Education Center Auditorium

Friday, November 21st

ASI Helping Hams Campaign (Nov. 14-Dec 12), Hunger and Homelessness research displays 2nd Floor of Henry Madden Library 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tabling with information, food and clothing drives, visual displays and interactive activities, Free Speech Area

Saturday, November 22nd

“One Night Without a Home” at Fresno Rescue Mission Serve Fresno Day Departments involved - Agricultural Business, Business, Construction Management, Public Health, Sociology Offices involved - Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning, Student Organizations: Associated Students Inc., Fresno State Food Recovery Network, International Student Services and Programs, USU Productions Community Organizations - Bulldog Pantry, Community Food Bank, Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, Fresno Metro Ministry, Fresno Rescue Mission, Poverello House ate

The NBA season is here, and Fresno State students will be breaking out their Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry jerseys to represent their favorite teams. Fresno State students are a reasonable drive away from four NBA teams who play in three different venues.

“It’s super fun to watch the games live,” said Johnny Leal, a Fresno State business student. “It goes by extremely fast. And actually, it doesn’t even feel like when you watch it on TV. It’s completely different, and it’s awesome.”

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers play in the Staples Center, 226 miles away from campus. The Golden State Warriors play at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, 176 miles away from Fresno State.

The Sacramento Kings are 181 miles away and play in the Sleep Train Arena.

Fans of the four California teams, can attend games at any of the three venues and return home in a single day.

The Warriors and Clippers are the two playoff contenders of the four in recent years. The Lakers are historically one of the best franchises in the NBA and have all-time great Bryant still playing in purple and gold.

“It was surreal to see him in person,” said Javier Carrillo, a Fresno State senior.

“The whole vibe and excitement, it was good that they were super close.”

If you’re a fan of any of the other 26 NBA teams or are just looking to catch a game, each location has its pros and cons.

o st

@JacksonMoore_BB

One team many NBA fans want to see is the Cleveland Cavaliers after they acquired LeBron James and Kevin Love. Every NBA team plays at least one game in every NBA arena throughout the season, so there will be at least four chances to see any out-ofstate team.

“It’s actually really cool,” Leal said. “I want to go see LeBron. I want to see the Cavs play. But it’s kind of nice that we have a team close enough, and I don’t have to go to LA to see somebody play.”

Sacramento has the easiest drive and parking of the four, and with the franchise’s lack of success in recent years, ticket prices are usually quite affordable.

The Kings also play in an arena with the lowest capacity at 17,317 seats, meaning the nosebleed seats will be much closer to the action.

You can also see the Warriors without traveling into the heart of Bay Area traffic.

The team plays an exciting brand of basketball and is on an upswing, but that also means that tickets are at a premium.

Lakers tickets are the priciest of the four, and despite having Bryant, the team does not have much talent worth watching behind him. The Clippers are one of the most exciting teams in the NBA, and tickets can often be found for under $10 on ticket resellers like StubHub.com.

The drive to Los Angeles is much longer than traveling to see the two teams to the north. Staples Center is also right in the heart of L.A. Live, an area in downtown with many attractions and restaurants.

There are two former Fresno State players in the NBA who will also make their

fre sn

By Jackson Moore

associated students inc.

PAGE 8

GUIDE TO WINTER FUN 2014

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014

N U F

TRIPS

A B UDGET N O

By Colby Tibbet @robotmilk

Although Fresno might not be the most appealing in terms of a destination vacation, it is the best place in California if you want to get anywhere else in the state both quickly and cheaply. Here are some tips and great places to go when you are on that financial aid-fueled student budget.

Airbnb is your best friend Hotels are an antiquated way of staying somewhere out of town. Why spend hundreds of dollars a day for a place you are going to spend as little time as you possibly can while you are on a trip? Airbnb cuts that expense sometimes almost in half by renting out a part of a person’s house, apartment, or even renting out the whole property.

I’ve had several successful trips in Seattle, the Bay Area, and the Central Coast by using Airbnb, and the people who

are hosting you are generally inviting and pleasant, and are excited to share their home with you. You can meet some great new friends along the way.

Amtrak all the way Depending on where you want to go, taking the Amtrak is a simpler, more efficient way to get to your destination.

Wanting to head to the Bay Area but hate the traffic? Spend $50 for a round-trip ticket and you can be there in four hours, without the traffic, stops for gas, or finding a ride.

Plus, for for those who are 21 and over, having a glass of wine en route to your vacation is something you can’t complain about.

Sacramento can be fun, too, guys!

While most college kids will head to the coast, San Francisco or Los Angeles for a weekend getaway, a cheaper, faster and sometimes more fun destination can be found within our state capital. Sacramento boasts a lot of things found within bigger cities, at a fraction of the cost. Like clubs?

How about craft beer? What about hip, artisan restaurants

that will leave all your friends jealous? Sacramento’s Midtown area near the Capitol building is a thriving area for culture and the arts, and has that big city feeling. And if you still feel like heading to the Bay, it’s only a 40-minute drive to the city.

Skip Pismo, Head to Big Sur Ever hear someone call Pismo “Beach Fresno”? There is a reason for that; one of the shortest routes to the Pacific Ocean leads Fresnans right to Pismo (and Avila), but there are some great beach towns and coastlines that many Fresno residents simply overlook, with sometimes cheaper results.

Big Sur is about a four-hour drive, but simply by driving along its coastline you can stop and see some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Pacific Coast. If you wanted to see all of the stops along Highway 1 around Big Sur, it would take a day and a half to fully grasp it all. Pack a lunch and head out early, and have a great, cheap trip only a few hours away.

Lodi Sacramento Stockton

Am

tra

k

Amtrak

Huntington Lake

Big Sur

FRESNO Kern River Valley

Pinnacles National Park

Bakersfield

Illustration by Diana Williams • The Collegian

FOR THE DAY

By Alexandria Garcia @TheCollegian

You don’t need an entire night out to have fun. Day trips can be just as exciting, minus the expense and hassle of finding a hotel. Whether you decide to go east, west, south or north, there is something you can experience and conquer in a day.

Located 80 miles northeast from Fresno in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, you will find Huntington Lake. The lake consists of four dams and feeds into Shaver Lake just southwest. This is the perfect destination for those who enjoy the outdoors and like to reconnect with Mother Nature. There are several campgrounds and many popular water sports to get you in the groove of things and to help you stay active.

There is also Stockton for you northern day-trippers. It is located in the middle of the rolling hills and bucolic vistas of the San Joaquin Valley’s farm and vineyard country.

Stockton offers many outdoor adventures by waterways

and rivers, cultural centers, and unique shopping.

One main attraction that Stockton shares is the active Cambodian Buddhist Temple at 3732 Carpenter Road. The temple has over 90 colorful, jewel-colored and jewel-encrusted statues, some of which are as high as 50 ft.

East of Salinas Valley is Pinnacles National Park. The park is ideal for day hikers and is divided into two main entrances, east and west. It offers exclusive rock formations and trails that lead you to both the park’s numerous caves and peaks. Each trail has its own uniqueities that are short enough for you to become familiar with more than just one.

For animal lovers, head south and you can visit the California Living Museum covering 17 acres of land in Bakersfield. It encompasses both a zoo and a botanical garden.

All of the animals and plants are native to California, and the zoo cares for about 300 to 500 animals per year, preparing for them to be released back into the wild.

If that’s not enough excitement, head to Kern River Valley and tour the Silver City ghost town located in the small town of Bodfish, just a short drive away on Highway 155.

Experience what it was like to have lived and worked in the days of California gold and silver mining while navigating over 20 historic buildings filled with thousands of treasures from the mining camps and other local frontier settlements.

Visitors can look forward to seeing old western buffs, history enthusiasts, and ghost hunters. These authentic structures include scary mannequins where many believe spirits roam from the past and even the present. This is the reason for its spot on the “National Directory for Haunted Places.”

For those interested in letting loose, visit Lodi and have a taste of California’s most prestigious foods and wine; however, the city is more than just a wine town. The area has other attractions like their three unique museums: Hill House Museum, San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum and lastly, the World of Wonders located in the heart of Downtown Lodi.

Remember, folks, whatever captivates your heart, have fun and drive safe!