Lifestyle Magazine - February 2016

STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY FEBRUARY 2016

ANNIVERSARY

CULINARY

TRAVEL

BUCKMANMITCHELL, INC.

ITALIAN AT HOME

CHINESE NEW YEAR GETAWAY

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GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR REFUND INVEST IN YOUR HOME

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917 N. American St. Visalia, CA 93291 ph. (559) 697-0742 www.vctile.com

ANNIVERSARY

BUCKMAN-MITCHELL, INC.

24 HOME TOUR

THE COLLINS HOME A Craftsman Dream

Celebrating 100 Years With Flying Colors

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Visalia insurance fi rm BuckmanMitchell, Inc. celebrates a historic milestone of 100 years in business.

8 Letter from the Executive Editor

EPICURE

10 Wordplay

ITALIAN AT HOME

12 Reflections of Visalia: Famous Feline

Recipes by Tazzaria

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Impress your guests with crispy calamari, rustic mushroom soup, and tomato infused tagliatelle pasta.

Roars Into Visalia 46 The Art of Interior: Brighter Days Ahead 48 Hidden Gem: Murphys – Quaint, Charming, and Full of History 52 Fashion Valley: Spring into a New Season

TRAVELER’S TREK

56 Happenings

CHINESE NEW YEAR INSPIRED GETAWAY San Francisco

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A group of Visalia women take a limo to experience San Francisco’s lively Chinese culture.

COVER: Christy Collins wanted to restore the home to its original Craftsman style, with the “gunshot view” looking from one end of the house to the other.

TOP: The 100-year-old Craftsman home was restored inside and out to show its true beauty.

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Executive Editor Editorial Coordinator Editorial Staff Editorial Staff Art Director Designer Designer Contributing Writers

Business Management

Operations Manager Advertising Sales

Sales Office

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DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 Karen Tellalian Kelly Lapadula Katie Presser Malynda Whitworth Ross Yukawa Chris Bly Kaci Hansen Aaron Collins Cheryl Levitan Joseph Pubillones Micah Waddell Ryan Lucas Sharon Mosley Terry L. Ommen Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA Jeffrey Malkasian EA Maria Gaston Melissa Olson Melissa@DMIAgency.com 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 Lifestyle@DMIAgency.com www.VisaliaLifestyle.com Issuu.com/LifestyleMagazine Facebook.com/LifestyleMag Instagram: visalialifestyle

RACK LOCATIONS DMI Agency

Tazzaria Coffee & Tea

Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare

The Lifestyle Center

Glick's Old Fashion Meats & Deli

Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Visalia Convention Center

COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS 210 Cafe Arts Consortium Ashoori & Co. Jewelers Avedian Properties Bravo Farms Smokehouse Café 225 California Fitness Academy Chicago Title CreekSide Day Spa Skin & Laser Center Courtyard Aesthetics Dale Bruder Law Offices Envie Boutique Exeter Chamber of Commerce Flow Studios Franey's Design Center

Fugazzis Hobbs-Potts Associates Wyndham Hotel Kaweah Delta Hospital Keller Williams Reality Lewis & Associates Max's Cookies Michaels Jewelry Monet's, Exeter Pacific Treasures Pro-PT Renaissance Salon Sequoia Prompt Care Sherman & Associates Smile Central Valley, Tulare Smile Visalia

Suncrest Bank The Gardens at Cal Turf V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Airport Visalia Business Bank (Downtown) Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia First Assembly Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Watsons Wildflower Café, Exeter Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc.

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia and Exeter. An additional 2,500 copies are distributed at various distribution points around both communities.

Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

Circulation of this issue: 15,500 © 2016 DMI Agency

Christy’s bathroom, displaying a beautiful spring flower arrangement from Peter Perkins Flower, Inc. 6 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

JOHN K. SULLIVAN, DDS JOSEPH M. MARVIZI, DDS

FR O M TH E

EDITOR

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here are so many great things about being a thread in the fabric of this community, but for me, one of the best aspects are the people who came before us with a vision for what Visalia is today.

Admittedly, I transplanted here in the 1980s, which is probably why I’m so inspired by the second and third generation Visalians who continue to carry on the traditions that make Visalia great. One would be hard pressed to

her trip to Cuba) took a 100-year-old Craftsman style home in Exeter and beautifully restored it to its authentic best. The Lifestyle staff thoroughly enjoyed their time with the mom and daughter duo, learning more about their journey of restoration. Turn to “A Craftsman Dream” on page 24 to read all about the home’s history and its newest inhabitant.

Since this seems to be the issue for milestones (no more blubber about

With clients reaching from San Francisco to Bakersfield, we are proud to have helped hundreds of clients grow their businesses and reach their own milestones. Several of our clients are also local supporters and fans of Lifestyle, so we doubly thank them for making us part of their successful business strategies.

E X E C U T I V E

E D I T O R

K A R E N

T E L L A L I A N

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT A STORY IDEA, CONTACT ME AT KAREN@DMIAGENCY.COM

find a more shining example of this than Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. insurance group. Exactly 100 years ago, BMI was founded by C.T. Buckman, grandfather of local businessman, Stanley Simpson, whose son-in-law, Cliff Dunbar, serves as the firms current Chairman and CEO. This year, BMI is celebrating 100 years in business, and we are delighted they chose Lifestyle Magazine to share their story. Please make sure to turn to page 16 to learn more about the history of BMI, their family, and their unwavering commitment to the east downtown extension of Visalia. Please join us in congratulating Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. on this historic and noteworthy milestone.

Speaking of anniversaries, the home featured in Lifestyle this month is also celebrating its centennial this year. Christy Collins and daughter Hayley Tashjian (you might remember Hayley’s recent Lifestyle feature about

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my grandson here, but stay tuned for future updates), we just celebrated one of our own. DMI Agency, our marketing firm and publisher of Lifestyle Magazine, just marked 10 years in Visalia. Ten years might pale in comparison to the 100-year longevity of BMI, but in the marketing and advertising world, it is a bit like dog years. With clients reaching from San Francisco to Bakersfield, we are proud to have helped hundreds of clients grow their businesses and reach their own milestones. Several of our clients are also local supporters and fans of Lifestyle, so we doubly thank them for making us part of their successful business strategies.

As we look forward to spring, we hope everyone has appreciated this winter’s much needed snow and rain; please continue to conserve so we have reserves when we’ll surely need them in the future.

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219 West Main Street • Visalia, CA 93291 • 559.733.0213 In Beautiful Downtown Visalia Since 1991

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WO R D PLAY News on writing, books + the world of publishing

W

hat is more unusual than having 29 days in February? How about a 30-day February? In 1712, Sweden added the extra days to make up for an error in changing from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. But even though we only have one extra day this month, it still gives us another 24-hours that we could spend reading.

We might even check out some of the books by Leap Year babies.

Novelist and historian Dee Alexander Brown, born Feb. 29, 1908, is best known for Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (1970), which describes the injustices and betrayals of Native Americans by the U.S. government. He is also the author of Gentle Tamers: Women of the Old Wild West (1958), Showdown at Little Big Horn (1964), and The Fetterman Massacre (1962).

1968 Leap Day Baby novelist, filmmaker, and economics writer Gonzalo Lira’s debut novel was Counterparts (1999), a spy thriller complete with plans to blow up the Vatican and a fiery-tempered divorced mother FBI agent who has to thwart the villain. In his later novel, Acrobat, CIA agents investigating malfeasance by higher-ups become the targets of the agency.

Sharon Webb, born Feb. 29, 1936, was a science fiction writer and a nurse.

She also wrote medically oriented thrillers. Her Earth Song Trilogy includes EarthChild (1982), Earth Song (1983), and Ram Song (1984). The series deals with the premise that everyone on earth will become immortal and the problems this raises.

VALLEY WRITERS READ You can catch Visalia’s Janet Nichols Lynch reading “The Favorite” on the Valley Writers Read website. Her story about the “favorite” who abandoned his family after receiving an inheritance aired on the program earlier this month.

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from past years. This week’s installment of the program on Valley Public Radio FM89 at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, features Charlotte Abrams reading “The Watcher.” Widowed Maddie develops a friendship with her 90-year-old neighbor who gets upset when she begins dating.

Upcoming programs include stories

by Michael Bowler (“Dump Truck”), Joan Newcomb (“Bad Things Do Happen to Good People” and “A Journey of Courage”), Gene Zumwalt (“Beyond the Roses”), and Hope Nisly (“Cousins”).

must be posted through Submittable.

Details at: bhreview.org/contestsubmissions-guidelines.

WRITERS’ CONFERENCES A discounted rate is still available for the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference.

While not the early bird rate, registration is $399 through Apr. 1, after which it increases to $449. The Pitch Slam is an additional $99. Topics include Genre Studies, the Business of Being an Author, Craft, Getting Published, and Platform and Promotion. The conference runs Aug. 12-14 at the Hilton New York Midtown. Details at: writersdigest.com/conferencesevents.

The Idyllwild Arts Summer Program Writing and Poetry/ Writers’ Week will be held July 11-15. It includes daily craft talks, public readings, and the option to continue working with a faculty member throughout the year.

Fellowships are available. New this year is also a Spring Writers’ Retreat from Mar. 20-23. There are discounts for registration before Mar. 15. Registration prices vary.

Details at: idyllwildarts.org/page. cfm?p=729.

ONLINE CLASSES

WRITING CONTESTS The Ahsahta Press Sawtooth Poetry Prize is open to books of poetry written in English by one author. Manuscripts should be 50 to 100 pages. Deadline is Mar. 1. Prize is $1,500 and publication in Ahsahta Press. Final judge is Anne Boyer.

Entry fee is $25. Details at: ahsahtapress. org/secure/submissions.

March 15 is the deadline for the Tobias Wolff Award for Fiction, 49th Parallel Award for Poetry, and the Annie Dillard Award for Creative Nonfiction offered

by Bellingham Review. These contests each offer a $1,000 reward. Winners and many runners-up will be published in the magazine. Entry fee is $20 for either one story, one essay, or three poems. Entries

Writer’s Digest offers an on-going roster of classes online. Some of the recent topics have been “Writing the Mystery Novel,” “Becoming a Pulp Fiction Author in Just Four Weeks,” and “How to Craft Memoirs That Get Published.” Registration varies in the range of about $90 to $230. Details at: writersonlineworkshops.com, writersdigest.com, or writersdigestshop. com (live webinars tab).

THE LAST WORD “Use this day to do something daring, extraordinary and unlike yourself. Take a chance and shape a different pattern in your personal cloud of probability!” – Vera Nazarian (1966 - )

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FA M O U S F E L I N E

Roars Into Visalia S

ince Visalia began 164 years ago, the town has hosted many famous visitors. Whether it was the flamboyant Wild West showman, Buffalo Bill, the amusement park developer and animator, Walt Disney, or the well-known suffragette, Susan B. Anthony, Visalia has enjoyed celebrity guest appearances, and appreciated the excitement they brought. But not all the famous callers were of the human variety; some were animals. One was a rather large lion, weighing in reportedly at 735 pounds. His name was Leo. Actually, Leo's real name was "Slats,” but his name was less important than

his voice and his face. Those were the two things that mattered most to the public when he gave his opening growl, announcing the movie the audience was about to see.

Leo was the brainchild of advertising executive Howard Dietz in 1916, and from that time on, the lion became the trademark for the Goldwyn Picture Corporation – later to become MetroGoldwyn-Mayer (MGM). His face first appeared on film for the company in 1928 inside the now familiar wreath with the Latin words “Ars Gratia Artis” (art for art’s sake). Leo was taught to growl rather than roar for his acting T EXT

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debut. During the silent movie era, his ferocious voice did not come from the movie screen, but rather from a recording inside the theater played for the audience.

After retirement, Slats continued to work for MGM and went on tour with his longtime trainer, Volney Phifer. Captain Phifer, as he was often called, grew up with Vaudeville Productions and circus acts as his mother was an animal trainer. Because of that influence, Phifer became the chief handler for most of the animals used by MGM from the mid teens to the late 1950s.

In 1930, Slats, as Leo, and the captain

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Leo's impressive travelling cage.

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The Visalia Fox Theatre. Circa 1931.

went on what was called their world tour, promoting MGM and the movie business in general. In June, Visalia was scheduled to be one of the tour stops. Earlier that month, an “advance” member of the tour entourage stopped in Visalia to plan for the actual visit.

Local businesses were contacted and presumably paid for the privilege of having a promotional stop at their business by the famous lion on the day of the visit.

June 16, 1930 was set as the big day in Visalia for Leo's arrival. The new Visalia Fox Theatre had just opened its doors four months earlier, so in a way, the visit became part of its grand opening extravaganza. It was a nice reward for showing MGM films on the screen.

On schedule, Leo and his tour group entered Visalia on Tuesday afternoon.

The arrival was flashy and included two red and gold, highly decorated cars, one carrying a caliaphone (sometimes called a calliope). But clearly, the centerpiece of the celebrity caravan was the impressive guest of honor's “motorized travelling cage.” Leo's enclosure was built into an REO truck, and it too was decorated in red and gold. The truck was 24-feet long and the cage portion was 13-feet. In all, Leo's caravan was valued at more than $100,000, one of the most expensive collections of vehicles of this type in the world.

The first stop in town was at 1 p.m.

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at the Fox Theatre. The day before, the Fox had publicized Leo's arrival and invited parents to “bring the kiddies” to see the famous MGM lion, insured for $1,000,000. When Leo's palatial vehicle arrived, hundreds of boys and girls were anxiously waiting. Cameras were everywhere as children tried to get a close look at the superstar. Harry Hunsucker, manager of the Fox, helped set the mood by playing a recording of

“Chant of the Jungle” over the lobby loudspeaker. As the lion roared and growled, the children gasped with amazement.

City Manager Bill J. Pardee and Mayor Edward F. Lambert welcomed the honored guests to Visalia, as police officers Robert Abbott and Basil Hudson blocked traffic on Main Street to protect the crowd. The street was closed for nearly 30 minutes. Phifer put

Leo through his “repertoire of tricks and antics,” and convinced everyone that the lion had a more than ordinary intelligence. All of the show was performed with calliope music in the background, which Phifer claimed had a soothing effect on Leo. After leaving the Fox, the travelling troupe made its way around town. The first stop was at White's Garage at 108 N. Willis. In their publicity advertisement, the REO dealer boasted, “Hear him roar his approval of the REO truck in which he travels.” Fifteen minutes later, Leo's group was at the Baughn’s Tire Shop at 607 E. Main Street. Baughn’s proudly announced that “Leo travels on U.S. Tires.” Next, they arrived at the Bijou Theatre at 307 E. Main Street, and the final stop was at the nearby Willard Service Station at 313 E. Main Street, where they invited spectators to “Hear him roar his approval of Willard Batteries.”

Just as quickly as the celebrity caravan arrived, it departed, leaving a town grateful for the chance to see the famous king of the jungle.

In 1936, Slats, the first MGM lion mascot, died. Other lions followed, including Jackie and Tanner, who took Slats place as the company trademark, but for Visalians, none could compare to Slats, the one that honored them with a visit.

Image of Slats as Leo in the famous MGM trademark.

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(left to right): Todd C. Williams, Brent E. Swanson, Linda N. Loflin, Judy A. Fussel, Stephan I. Chrisman, Clifford H. Dunbar.

B U C K M A N  M I T C H E L L ,

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C E L E B R A T E S

100 YEARS WITH FLYING COLOR S

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n a Western U.S. town that is a little more than 160 years old – fairly old by California standards but still youthful by the world’s – a business that turns 100 years old readily stands out.

In the case of Visalia’s Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. (BMI), such a business unsurprisingly arises to the level of local institution.

BMI has been around well more than half of the city’s existence, a feat which the Tulare and Fresno County insurance and financial services firm aims to celebrate big on the occasion of its centennial.

“Someone, who happened to not be a client of the office, once said to me, ‘Buckman-Mitchell is Visalia,’” explained Brent Swanson, President of BuckmanMitchell, Inc. It’s tough, if not impossible, to think of a successful company that’s been around longer, predating many of Visalia’s more notable landmarks such as the Fox Theatre or The End of the Trail sculpture at Mooney Grove Park (the latter, which is a mere seven years older than BMI). Sequoia National Park was a youthful 26 years old when C.T. Buckman and Hyman Mitchell let their entrepreneurial instincts take over in still-burgeoning Central California.

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sophistication over the decades along with its market.

SECRETS OF BMI’S SUCCESS AND GROWTH

According to Cliff Dunbar, BMI’s Chairman and CEO, the firm has several plans in store for the months ahead.

BMI’s centerpiece event is planned for April 29 at its N. Santa Fe headquarters.

However, this celebration will be yearlong and has been in the planning stages for some time.

THE CELEBRATION In advance of the April fete, the building has been festooned with banners marking the centennial, and the company has produced some commemorative historical-themed merchandise featuring BMI's early-day company advertising.

“Some of those ads are pretty amusing,” admits Dunbar of the work produced in much simpler times.

BMI has grown in both scale and

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The Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. lobby and front desk.

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With $100-plus million premiums placed in 2010, and 90-plus employees, the firm also prides itself on client retention. Dunbar attributes BMI’s longevity to those plus a number of factors, a major one being the careful succession planning that ensures perpetuation. Dunbar himself is living proof of the career path available via the firm, having joined the firm as a broker in 1979 at age 25.

He joined the board of directors just six years later, a steep ascent by any organizational standards.

Another success factor is the extensive contribution of financial resources and volunteerism by BMI. The company appears on donor lists of nearly every major nonprofit in Visalia, from Visalia Rescue Mission to Visalia Emergency Aid, from FoodLink for Tulare County and Bethlehem Center to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias. And that’s just a short list. BMI is key to the success of numerous community benefit groups – corporate giving practices that will surely aid BMI’s recent expansion into the Fresno market with an office

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there.

Stan Simpson, grandson of C.T. Buckman and former Chairman of BMI, believes BMI’s 100 years were achieved in part “because insurance is maybe the most successful interpersonal business ever…and it is very important that in selling and buying, people understand and trust one another.” Therefore, the word trust becomes very valuable.

As well, BMI has, from day one, kept the perspective that service to the community is of utmost priority, both in terms of personal sacrifice and financial assistance.

Mr. Buckman was a native Visalian, born in 1889. He was a charter member of the Visalia Rotary Club and Visalia

Country Club, active in the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, President of The Independent Insurance Agents’ of California (1933-34), Visalia’s Man of the Year in 1952, and in the same year, Chairman of Visalia’s Centennial Committee. In 1925, he was Visalia Rotary Club President, national Champion Skeet Shooter in 1947, among other pursuits. He published a book entitled 75 Years with a Shotgun in the 1970s when he was in his 80s, with many longtime Visalians mentioned within. Hymie Mitchell, his original partner, was also cemented in a publication entitled The Visalia Tradition, but unfortunately passed away prematurely in 1947.

Buck, as he was known, was an inspiration to all around him. In 1947, BMI President Harold Barnhart served as President of The State Insurance Agent’s Association. Stan was privileged to serve in the same position in 2005 (three BMI personnel, including Simpson, were presidents). Buck was also a huge baseball fan, introducing Stan to the game. This introduction cites as a chief inspiration of Stan’s involvement in owning the Visalia Oaks in the 1980s.

As well, many other members of the firm have been very active in the community; BMI certainly earned their position of involvement and leadership.

Swanson points out that, “Part of

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Cliff Dunbar, Buckman-Mitchell’s Chairman and CEO, with Stan Simpson, grandson of C.T. Buckman and former Chairman of BMI.

100

Celebrating

Years

1916-2016

BuckmanMitchell, Inc.

Financial & Insurance Services

THANK YOU FOR THE TRUST YOU PUT IN US AND YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT

CO M M ER C I A L | B O N D | H O M E | A U T O | L I F E | H E A LT H | D I S A B I L I T Y 559.733.1181 www.bminc.com License #0011334, #0A96361

our mission statement at Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. focuses on relationships with our clients and our community mattering most. I believe Clem Buckman would have been as proud of that comment as we are today.

In the last five years or so, we have expanded to the Fresno area and we are anxious to bring the Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. way to that community and to potential clients in the Fresno and Clovis area.”

An equally important secret to BMI’s success has been its employee education and development program, says Dunbar, a sentiment echoed by agent and Vice President JoeAnna Todd, who joined the company in 2000. “As an employee of Buckman-Mitchell, Inc., I have many reasons why I’m excited about celebrating our 100th anniversary.

Personally, the opportunities I’ve been given during the 15 years I’ve been part of the BMI family are ones I will always appreciate. When I started, I was hired as an Account Coordinator.

I shared my interest in growing and moving up the career ladder and was given the opportunity as they recognized my hard work and efforts. The fact that the Board took a chance on me and allowed me to take a shot at my personal goals is something I will always be thankful for, and truly appreciate,” said Todd.

As an agent representing BMI, Todd says she is proud to be part of an agency in which integrity and honesty are held in the highest regard. The importance of doing what is best for the client and being their trusted advisor is of utmost importance. “I’m also proud of the way BMI promotes and encourages continuing education to its employees. Not many agencies offer to support and pay for continuing ANNIVERSARY

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education and designation courses like our agency does. We even have our own in-house instructor, Carol Jones, who was recently recognized for her numerous years of teaching and her success ratio with employees passing the exams.”

Perhaps the defining characteristic of BMI is its family culture. “Even as

our agency has experienced growth in number of team-members, I’m proud that we still consider one another family,” said Todd. “We celebrate the successes and milestones of our employees, and support those in need during the unfortunate times in ones’ lives, whether illness or even the passing of loved ones.”

THE FUTURE For what crystal balls are worth, what do BMI leaders see in the company’s future? “The insurance business is one of constant change, as we have seen in recent times with health insurance,” said Swanson. “We will continue to bring quality insurance products to our customers. We will continue to bring our customers the information they need. We will also look to continue our relationships with our local communities and clients with a mindset that expansion and growth are mandatory components to success.”

If Mr. Buckman and Mr. Mitchell could see what their vision has become, what might they think and feel?

“While any business person strives to build their project, I think Buck and Hymie would be blown away,” said Simpson, “first by the enormous growth in number of clients, personnel, and the infusion of so many dollars in the process today. As well, 100 years continuous of anything is dynamic. While the basic tenet of insurance remains unchanged – transfer of risk – the complexities involved now are just mindblowing. If there would be any description to sum up their feeling, I think it would be very, very proud of all involved, and thankful for everyone’s part and efforts.”

Perhaps one of the few disappointments for BMI stems from the slow rate of change despite their visionary investment in the northeast section of Downtown Visalia.

“There is no doubt that our business and those connected to the City of Visalia would have hoped the northeast downtown expansion would have been farther along by now,” said President Swanson.

“When we started work on our current building, the financial downturn of 2008

The grand staircase in the Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. office leading to the second floor offices.

Your Home. Your Look.

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ANNIVERSARY

had not yet occurred. However, I do believe that this firm being a pioneer in the northeast downtown expansion is a perfect example of our commitment to this community.

Certainly there have been challenges in taking on this location, but in time it will be best for Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. and best for the City of Visalia.”

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Dunbar remains steadfast in his belief that the northeast downtown revitalization will happen. “Many years ago a quote appeared in the Times-Delta where I said, ‘I support the City’s vision’ and I still feel that way.”

At a recent BMI staff retreat, Dunbar jokingly asked, “Who wants

to be on BMI’s 200th anniversary committee?” For a company successfully growing a business for 100 years, and Dunbar – having spent 40 years in the insurance business – there are perhaps few better than Dunbar and BMI who can afford to take the long view on these matters of longevity.

A water fountain invites guests into the Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. office.

THE COLLINS HOME

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The 100-year-old Craftsman home was restored inside and out to show its true beauty.

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HOME TOUR

The kitchen was one area of the house that needed the least amount of renovation and improvements.

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t had been a dream of mine to someday live in a Craftsman home, but I was sort of planning to live on a sailboat for a few years first,” chuckled Exeter native, Christy Collins. “I was going to do that, but my family was not really on board,” in more than one sense of the phrase.

Sailboat ambitions aside, Christy is currently living her version of “the dream” inside a restored, 100-yearold Craftsman style home. The sage green house in Exeter is celebrating its centennial this year, just in time for Christy to fully enjoy its rich history and restored charm.

Christy and her daughter, Hayley Tashjian, came across the Craftsman home nearly three years ago, and immediately fell in love. Despite it being “borderline dilapidated” with uneven floors, a caved-in front porch, and thousands of bats in the chimney, they 26 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

were up for the task of fixing it up.

“It was very hilly, but we saw beyond that and we saw that this was a true Craftsman home. It was perfect,” said Christy. “It was down the street from my 100-year-old grandma and down the street from my parents, and at the time, we thought Hayley might live in the upstairs apartment because she was in transition from college.”

While Hayley lives in her own home in Visalia now, she played a major role in helping her mom obtain and restore the Craftsman to its original glory. For Hayley, it has been a labor of love being able to see her mom finally live out her dream after years of watching her work so hard as a single parent.

“It’s pretty cool to see my mom in this house,” said Hayley. “You know how it is when you’re a single parent and you have to work crazy hours. Even when she lived at the coast, she didn’t have

much time for herself, let alone for her family.”

Christy and Hayley have a rare momand-daughter relationship that one might even equate to a “Gilmore Girls” scenario. They travel together, they go to concerts together (specifically Dwight Yoakam, but we’ll get to that later), and they even finish each other’s sentences.

When Hayley was a senior at a high school in Visalia, she and her mom one day decided they wanted to live in a new city, so 30 days later, they arrived in downtown Portland.

“I was a senior in high school and we shared a one bedroom apartment. It was like 600 sq. ft. and we even shared a bed…with our two cats. It sounds like we’re losers,” laughed Hayley, “but we’re not, we just wanted to go so bad and that’s how we could make it work.”

After Hayley went to college, Christy lived in Portland for a few more years

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PICTURED: The “Dwight Yoacam Room” was formerly known as the “sunroom” when B.F. and Daisy List built the house in 1916.

INSET: This movie booklet from 1933 was discovered inside a doorframe by Christy’s contractor.

before moving to the Central Coast, where she first got the idea about living on a boat.

Christy spent most of her time in Morro Bay and had several friends who resided on “liveaboards.”

“When you live on Morro Bay Harbor, you’re right there with the otters and the night herons,” said Christy. “I was wanting to be close to the animals and the peace of being on the water.”

But when plans suddenly changed for Hayley, they changed for Christy too.

After Hayley lost her dad, Tim Tashjian, to a heart attack in 2012, she was determined to have her mom close by.

“It all happened so suddenly,” said Christy.

“Life just changes in an instant. As far as my sailboat dreams, Hayley was like ‘mom, you’re my only parent now. I need you.’ That put things in a different perspective. It was decided that I was going to come back to Exeter to be with my family.

I kind of felt almost like they needed me in a way.”

Born and raised in Exeter, Christy never imagined she would be coming back there to live permanently. While it has changed significantly since she was a kid, it has kept some of the same charm, and Christy enjoys watching its growth.

“Exeter was so cute back then. It’s cute now, but it was cute in a different way then – it was a self-contained town, kind of like Mayberry,” said Christy.

“I spent a lot of time on the golf course and at the bowling alley. We had the big town pool

and the teenagers cruised Main Street in their hot rods and muscle cars.”

Now, Christy feels like she gets to be a part of Exeter’s history in her new home, and has been fascinated with learning the story behind its original inhabitants. Christy even met with Shirley Hickam and her cousin Betty, who are both nieces of B.F. and Daisy List, the couple who built the original dwelling in 1916.

If you’re from Exeter, it’s likely you’re familiar with the name B.F. List (1871–1953), as he was the owner of the Exeter Lumber Yard, grew emperor grapes, ran a filling station and garage, and even purchased several local schools from the state in order to donate them back to the town.

“He was a real pioneer,” said Christy.

“He was very active in the community and he didn’t agree with the State legislature giving the schools set curriculum. So to stop the State from mandating Exeter curriculum, he bought up the schools in town and donated them to the city.”

While Christy currently lives in the first home the Lists built, the family is better known in the Exeter community for a larger house they built near the city park. After many years in Exeter, B.F. eventually picked up and moved to Nevada to become a cattle rancher, where his grandson, Robert List, would one day become the 24th governor from 1979–1983.

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Python skin on display in the “sunroom,” which is now what Christy and Hayley call the “Dwight Yoakam Room.” The python had been procured by a member of the List family, and would often scare the children and their friends. Around the 1970s or 80s, the “sunroom” had

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been converted into a second bedroom, which wasn’t true to the layout of a traditional Craftsman home. Christy and Hayley were determined to bring it back to its original Craftsman style so that all of the rooms in the front of the house were for entertaining purposes (living room, family

room, and dining room).

“One thing we thought was really important, because it is a Craftsman home, was to restore the gunshot, so you can see from one end to the other,” said Christy.

“You would always have the public entertaining space in the front of the house.”

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Christy’s colorful bedroom is one of her favorite spots in the house.

Now, Christy has appropriately dubbed the old sunroom as her Dwight Yoakam room, lined with posters and pictures of the country star. This room also holds Christy’s grand piano, guitar, and extensive collection of vinyl records.

“I am on a musical exploration,” said Christy. “I’m constantly exploring all kinds of music. And that was my dream when I was younger. I knew I wanted to live in a Craftsman and listen to records all day. And now I am.”

Another token on display in the “Dwight” room is an old movie program from the 1930s, back when Exeter had a movie theatre. Christy’s contractor, Antonio Nieto, discovered the ticket as he was removing the doorframe to the kitchen to install a halfdoor – the ticket was curiously lodged within the doorframe.

“I started ‘Googling’ the dozen or so movies that were listed on there, and they are all from 1933,” said Christy. “How it got in the doorframe is so strange. The date listed on the bottom of the ticket is November 30, and Antonio found it on November 30, more than 80 years later. There are so many weird coincidences like that with this house.”

In addition to converting the sunroom back to its original style, Christy installed new wood flooring, converted a hallway and unfinished pantry into a larger bedroom closet and finished pantry, rebuilt the front porch, and added fresh paint. Most of the changes were cosmetic, as the electrical, heating, and insulation were already complete.

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While they worked with several contractors on the larger projects, Christy’s 80-year-old dad, Jim Collins, was there every day for months working on anything and everything.

“My dad did a ton of stuff around the house,” said Christy.

“I bet if I had a list, he did around 1,000 jobs to fix stuff. For months, my dad and I were just putting out fires everywhere.

We’ve had some amazing help, though, and I never could have done this without Hayley and my dad.”

Now, almost three years later, Christy is finally able to sit back and enjoy every aspect of her new home with her coffee, books, music, gardening, and of course, her four dogs.

“Sometimes, I just sit in this room and think about the original couple sitting here,” said Christy. “I try to imagine 1916 and what was going on back then, and I imagine this young couple and what this room looked like.

And that was the same year my grandmother was born, and my grandmother is now celebrating her 100th birthday.”

Though Christy never imaged her dream home would be in Exeter, she is so happy to be settled near her family, especially her daughter, Hayley.

“Our lives are very intertwined,” said Christy. “I could not have accomplished this on my own. Hayley has been amazing; like my angel. She is always thinking of other people.

And I never thought I’d say this, but I’m just excited to be back in Exeter. It’s really fun, and completely different. I guess I am living the dream; my dream.”

INSET: A table setting in Christy's dining room.

TOP LEFT: Christy and Hayley have multiple rescue dogs. Hayley’s dog Chase is lounging on the ottoman.

TOP CENTER: A cozy corner inside Christy’s bedroom.

TOP RIGHT: One of Hayley’s dogs, Minnie, posing regally for the camera.

CENTER: Christy’s front porch has ample seating for a pleasant evening with friends.

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N A I L A IT E M O H AT S P E C I R E

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, L L D E E D Y N W A C O H A C N A M I A N D O H A N J S B Y C A S L U T O O P H

EPICURE

CRISPY CALAMARI & RUSTIC PEPERONATA INGREDIENTS Calamari steaks (you can find calamari steaks at Glick’s) 2 eggs 1 C panko breadcrumbs 1 red bell pepper 1 green bell pepper 1 jalapeño ½ large red onion, diced ¼ C red wine 2 T red wine vinegar 1 tsp sugar Salt and pepper Olive oil DIRECTIONS Cut calamari steaks in strips and use a simple egg wash and Panko breadcrumbs to coat the strips. Once breaded, place on a sheet pan and refrigerate.

Slice all peppers uniformly into strips. Using a large sauté pan, place olive oil in pan and add peppers. Cook peppers on high heat for about five minutes, then add the onion and cook until all items are soft. Add the red wine and cook until absorbed. Then add the vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

Once breaded, fry calamari steaks in a heavy bottom sauté pan or a home deep fryer.

Assemble in a shallow dish for easy eating.

RUSTIC MUSHROOM SOUP INGREDIENTS 1 C mushrooms per serving, roughly diced 1 ½ C water ½ C butter 1 ½ C chicken stock for every cup mushrooms 1 T rosemary 1 T thyme Herbs de Provence 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped ½ C onion, diced Heavy whipping cream (optional for thickening) DIRECTIONS Use one cup of diced mushrooms per serving.

Combine mushrooms, chopped garlic, onion, and butter in a large pot. Sweat the ingredients until mushrooms are cooked all the way through, add salt and pepper to taste. Once mushrooms are done, add 1 ½ cups of water to the pot, and your chicken stock to taste. Reduce the stock by about ¼, then blend with a stick blender. You can also add some heavy whipping cream to give it more of a luxurious feel. Blend and heat to your liking. Garnish with a crostini.

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ALL-TIME

559.732.6439

604 W. Murray Ave., Visalia

FAVORITES WWW.GLICKSANDCO.COM

559.732.6333

129 E. Main St., Visalia

TOMATO INFUSED TAGLIATELLE PASTA HOMEMADE PASTA INGREDIENTS 3 C double ground semolina flour 6 eggs Salt, a pinch 1 tsp olive oil.

DIRECTIONS Create a well with the flour. Beat eggs, salt, and oil together in bowl. Pour into center of the well of flour. Slowly, using your index finger in a circular pattern, incorporate the egg into the flour. Continue until you have a nice ball of dough. Kneed the dough ball for another 10 minutes, folding over on itself back and forth. After kneading the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and let rest for one hour or so. To make pasta, either use a rolling pin and knife, a pasta machine, or a hand turned pasta press.

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MARZANO TOMATO SAUCE (FOR PASTA)

INGREDIENTS 2 cans of Marzano tomatoes 1 yellow onion, diced 1 bunch of basil, chopped Garlic, chopped Red chili flakes White wine 2 T Butter Salt and pepper Fresh greens of your choice (spinach and artichokes are used in this recipe) Heavy whipping cream ½ C olive oil

DIRECTIONS First, add the basil, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper to a heavy bottom stockpot. Cook on medium heat until the onions are translucent, then add a touch of red chili flakes to the pot and deglaze with a splash of white wine. Once the alcohol has burned off, incorporate the Marzano tomatoes, turn heat to low, and let simmer for 30 minutes.

Once the sauce has cooked, let it cool and add to food processor or blender and puree until you reach the desired consistency (chunky or all the way puréed for a smoother sauce).

Once you’re ready to make the pasta sauce, heat your pan and add butter and diced garlic.

Once butter is melted and the garlic is slightly browned, add your tomato sauce and a splash of heavy whipping cream. Heat all the way through, and toss in any fresh greens (we used spinach and artichokes). Then boil your pasta (fresh pasta takes only minutes to cook).

Combine pasta with sauce, and toss.

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CHINESE NEW YEAR

INSPIRED GETAWAY A

lthough the start of the New Year is over for us, for a fifth of the world’s population, February is the celebratory month. Whether referred to as the Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, Tet, or the Spring Festival, this holiday encompasses weeks of celebration.

As home to the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia, San Francisco is the place to be this month. Having spent Lunar New Year in both Cambodia and Thailand, the chance to experience it so close to home seemed like the perfect way to enjoy a little faraway culture without the distant travel. It also increased the likelihood I’d recognize my food and more fully understand the experience.

Just in case, I asked a Chinese friend to join me. The two of us quickly became a group of five, all ready to be steeped in Asian culture while having the food and nightlife of North Beach and the shopping of Union Square next door.

If you think the logistics of coordinating five women’s schedules or choosing activities to please all would be the most difficult components of this getaway, think again. It was the actual “getting there” that proved to be the largest obstacle.

Born and raised on the East Coast, trains were often my choice for regional travel and shopping. Although Amtrak T E X T

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has spent time and money convincing Californians that trains are the easy and carefree way to travel, they should have invested more into ensuring that is so. Despite the availability of three daily trains from Hanford, only one guaranteed a connecting bus to travel the final 40 minutes into the city from Emeryville, which was not available that day. After much unsuccessful research,

we concluded the train, expensive flights, separate vehicles, and an excessively long Greyhound bus ride were all out of the question. I started researching car services, and albeit expensive, one local company, A Touch of Class, offered an eight passenger Lincoln Town Car for a reasonable price.

Despite evoking thoughts of a dramafilled “Real Housewives” episode, I was sold on the limo, especially since we were leaving on my birthday. After overhearing much of my “wheeling and dealing” to assure the ladies this was the best option, my knight in shining armor (a.k.a. husband, Dean) came to

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the rescue and offered to cover the limo cost as a birthday present, scoring a lot of points with me.

Arriving early afternoon after a stressfree mimosa and laughter-filled drive, our first day included some requisite Union Square shopping, followed by an Italian dinner and tickets for Beach Blanket Babylon. As the world’s longest running musical review, North Beach’s constantly updated political and pop culture spoofs and satire (along with those ridiculously huge hats) never fails to delight. An early spot in line, with tickets in hand, ensures you score the best seats within your purchased section.

Day two was devoted to all things Asian. Our first stop was a visit to the Asian Art Museum, followed by walking and eating our way through Chinatown. Located just blocks from Union Square and the Financial District, Chinatown seems both decades and cultures removed.

This densely packed area is home to more than 15,000 elderly and recent Chinese immigrants who speak little to no English.

Chinatown is also the cultural, retail, and spiritual hub for more than 250,000 bay area Chinese-Americans. Originally populated by immigrants working for the railroads and gold mines, Chinatown was located at water’s edge until landfill created much of the Embarcadero and Financial District. Almost completely L E V I T A N

Densely packed shops on Grant Avenue with good fortune banners and red lanterns.

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– Letizia Pingitore, Realtor Visalia I wanted to lose weight under the direction of a doctor. Thanks to this program and Dr. Sunio, I’ve lost 42.5 pounds plus I’ve changed how I eat so that I can continue to gradually lose. And it’s not just weight loss – my blood pressure has also dropped. I have energy and strength and I feel really good!

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Inside the popular Eastern Bakery.

There are densely packed shops everywhere in Chinatown.

Chinese moon cakes.

Although Chinatown isn’t large, it’s densely packed. Without research and planning, visitors can easily miss the history, architectural detail, and one-of-a-kind moments that turn an ordinary visit into an extraordinary visit.

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destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fire, Chinese businessmen organized to rebuild. The addition of pagoda rooflines and more touristpleasing facades convinced the city to allow Chinatown to remain in center city, rather than use the land to expand the financial district. Adding the iconic Dragon Gate in 1970 at Bush and Grant ensured that visitors were first greeted by tourist-friendly shops, as well as the first pagoda structures built after the quake.

Although Chinatown isn’t large, it’s densely packed. Without research and planning, visitors can easily miss the history, architectural detail, and one-ofa-kind moments that turn an ordinary visit into an extraordinary visit. The best route begins on Grant, east on Clay to reach Waverly Place and the Chinese Historical Society, north on Stockton (a local shopping area with

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fresh markets and live birds), and finally, east onto Washington to reach Ross Alley, the north end of Grant Street, and Portsmouth Square.

OUR FAVORITE SPOTS: Canton Bazaar: This store has every conceivable souvenir on its three floors.

Don’t miss the hand painted entry wall and display cases. (616 Grant) Where East Meets West: Along with its sister shop next door, Where East Meets West has the best selection of Chinese jackets. Directly outside is a Confucius fortune telling machine reminiscent of Zoltar in “Big,” starring Tom Hanks. (736 Grant) Eastern Bakery: Established in 1924, Eastern Bakery is the oldest bakery in Chinatown, renowned for its Coffee Crunch Cake (the only really sweet dessert there) and Lotus Mooncake.

Seemingly an eatery that the health

inspectors missed, we left the cranky saleswoman to our intrepid Chinese friend, Margaret. Although we had lumps in our stomachs for hours afterwards, we wouldn’t have missed the experience of eating red bean and lotus paste inside deep-fried sticky rice and pastry. The Chinese say that a desserts’ sweet taste encourages you to say something nice, and its stickiness is meant to keep your mouth closed to uttering anything bad. I guess we needed a little more sweet or a lot more paste after getting a glimpse of the bathroom and kitchen! (720 Grant) Waverly Place: Dubbed the “street of painted balconies,” these three to four story colorful facades are home to many Kongsi (Chinese Associations or clan halls). Known as sites for “tongs” and criminal activity in the past, these associations are now benevolent organizations for immigrants with the same surname. Tin How Temple (125

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Waverly Place) with its ceiling of golden lanterns is the oldest Taoist temple in America.

Believers make offerings of joss sticks (incense) and use divinity sticks in a container to gain insight into their problems. Once shaken, whichever numbered stick falls is exchanged for a correspondingly numbered slip of paper with answers and advice.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company: This tiny factory has circa 1940 conveyor belts

Tai Chi in the morning and play chess or cards later in the day.

UPCOMING AND ONGOING EVENTS Chinese New Year Parade: Feb. 20, 5:15–8 p.m. Named one of the world’s top 10 parades, this is the largest annual celebration of its kind outside Asia. With elaborate costumes, lion dancers, acrobats, a 200 ft. golden dragon, and 600,000 firecrackers, the route begins at Market Street and winds

Located just blocks from Union Square and the Financial District, Chinatown seems both decades and cultures removed. This densely packed area is home to more than 15,000 elderly and recent Chinese immigrants who speak little to no English.

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making freshly-pressed round wafer cookies every day. As the manager repeatedly invites tourists to sample a wafer, hot off the press, women insert messages and fold the cooling cookies into their iconic shape. Photos inside cost $.50, personalized messages can be inserted and boxed for $1, and small bags of cookies in both vanilla and chocolate are $2. (56 Ross Alley) Great China Herb Company: This herb company may be lacking the glitz of some other apothecaries, but it’s the oldest and most respected in Chinatown.

Rows of small wooden drawers hold medicinal herbs and roots, which are compounded to fill prescriptions packaged in white paper. (857 Washington) Portsmouth Square: Located over the visitor-parking garage at Washington and Kearny, Portsmouth Square is a gathering spot for locals. Groups practice

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its way throughout Chinatown.

Chinatown Community Street Fair: Feb. 20-21. Offering a wide variety of Chinese cultural arts, this event attracts 500,000 visitors.

Asian Art Museum: Three floors of well organized, permanent displays and touring exhibits cover 6,000 years of diverse art and culture. The gift shop is excellent. Visit asianart.org for more information.

Chinese Historical Society of America Museum: The first organization dedicated to the study of Chinese American history, it’s located in the historic Julia Morgan-designed Chinese YWCA building.

Walking Tours of Chinatown: Many excellent self-guided walking tours and maps appear online. For a guided tour (with or without dim sum), go to allaboutchinatown.com.

Dragon Beard Candy's thin strands of rice flour is a complex process dating back to the Han Dynasty.

Chinese Terra Cota warriors decorate wall on Grant Ave.

Docents telling stories to both adults and children at the Asian Art Museum.

INTERIOR DESIGN

THE ART OF INTERIOR

BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD U

sing light to your advantage is fundamental to designing a home to make it the very best it can be. Your home can be completely transformed by changing your lighting. Although designing a lighting plan that suits you can seem like an arduous task, there are many simple solutions that can make a real difference. I recommend beginning with a basic lighting scheme. Create a small floor plan and highlight where tasks are going to take place. Determine a favorite chair for reading a book or the daily newspaper. Is there an area that needs general lighting improvement?

No matter your budget and ability, there is always room for improvement.

Bring your room to life. Begin by taking advantage of the natural light available. Often, the darkest rooms can be enhanced with basic alterations.

For example, installing mirrors will bounce light around the house. This can be effective for highlighting long, dark halls or staircases. Try multiple compositions of different shapes and sizes, but always place mirrors in T E X T

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relation to windows or lamps to make sure they capture and bounce the light.

Replace heavy drapery. A common element found in dark rooms is heavy drapery. Sometimes, the fix is merely replacing dark, heavy curtains with light, gauzy sheers. This should be at the top of your list of ways to bring more light into your home – and depending on the privacy of your home, you could even consider doing away with drapes all together.

Mixing pales and darks. Lighter colors do not always create lighter rooms, but they do help. Today, there is a trend of throwing dramatic colors onto walls. However, it is often the contrast and combination of a pale hue with a darker shade that can be far more effective than whitewashing everything within reach.

Accessories and wallpapers. A dark color or statement wallpaper should not be ruled out. A dramatic wall can lend a room strong character, whilst still complementing lighter colors elsewhere. Complete your room B Y

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makeover with bright and colorful accessories: simple, clean-lined vases or colorful, decorative pillows could be the right touch.

Matte finish. It’s not just the color choice that requires delicate consideration, but the selection of the paint itself. A mistake often made when looking to brighten a room is to use a gloss or semi-gloss paint finish.

However, this can create a horrible glare, highlighting every imperfection of a wall – a sheen that can appear artificial and cheap. A simple flat or matte finish reflects light and offers a warmer, softer rendition.

Declutter. Creating a brighter room can often be a matter of decluttering, which can easily be solved by seeking out space-saving storage solutions.

High, over-packed bookshelves are certainly a conversation point, but cluttering a room does not reinforce the impression of a bright, stressfree space. It is important to make the distinction between storage and display when designing any room – when that line blurs, clutter collects.

P U B I L L O N E S

HIDDEN GEM

M UR PHYS

QUAINT, CHARMING, & FULL OF HISTORY

Mitchler Hotel.

T

ucked along the Sierra Nevada’s, Murphys, CA might be the ideal place for a weekend escape. The charming mountain town is idyllic, as if time has stood still for years, boasting locally-owned ‘mom and pop’ eateries and shops, almost all residing in buildings from the 1900s.

Although not an incorporated town, Murphys is full of rich history, dating back to the late 1800s. Murphys was recognized as a gold mining hotspot in 1848 when John and Daniel Murphy settled there in search of the precious metal. Having paved the way for westward migration, the Murphy brothers were the first to “strike it rich” in the town, welcoming several others who were seeking the same fortune.

After the glamour of gold mining had

Main Street Murphys.

diminished, the town began to grow as families opened up shops and gardens, and as ranchers and dairies made way.

Churches, schoolhouses, and other establishments began popping up around the small town, and so Murphys came into fruition.

Similar to downtown Visalia in a way, present day Murphys is all about community, history, shopping local, and events. Historic buildings that once housed the most prominent businesses are now home to locally-owned eateries, boutiques, tasting rooms, and antique stores.

On a recent trip to Murphys, we found ourselves strolling the tree-lined Main Street, walking in and out of boutique and antique shops, restaurants, and more. Here are a few of the highlights: P H O T O S

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Main Street Murphys.

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Stephens Brothers Cash Store.

GROUNDS Situated right in the heart of downtown Murphys, Grounds is a great restaurant to sit, relax, and have a cold or warm beverage (depending on the season). If you are able to, take the twoseater table out in front, or sit on their back patio. Grounds is known for serving fresh, locally-grown produce, and it is truly a farm-to- table experience.

MURPHYS HISTORIC HOTEL & SALOON Easily one of the most historic buildings in town, Murphys Hotel has housed, and continues to house, travelers and tourists who come to the area looking for history. For more than 150 years, the Murphys Hotel has been home to community meetings,

YEARS

Ten years in business. Wow. As we look back on the past decade, we’re so grateful for the people we’ve met, the clients we’ve worked with, and the businesses we’ve helped grow. From logo and website design, to marketing strategy and media placement, we continue to approach each project like it is the most important thing we do, and it is. It’s why we exist. Thank you to our clients for trusting us with the task of helping your business on its way to success.

Murphys Hotel.

Firewood Restaurant.

Murphys Vineyard.

The Arbors on Main Street.

HIDDEN GEM

events, and banquets, serving as a local tradition for many. Stop in and take a look around, anyone who works there can give you some history on the building and the area of Murphys.

THE LUCKY PENNY Live music, great food, and wonderful service greeted us at The Lucky Penny.

Just off Main Street, this local eatery and bar has a sophisticated pub menu with handcrafted cocktails and a beautifully crafted porch, ideal for outdoor seating. Head to this place on a Friday or Saturday night, and you are sure to catch a local band playing.

EVENTS With events happening all year long, there are a few that have put Murphys

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on the map, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the state. Each year on the third Saturday in March, community members spend one day celebrating its Irish heritage. The day features an annual Irish Day parade, full of bagpipes and performers, classic cars, and community organizations, and continues with a full street faire, filled with locals and visitors in the Irish spirit.

Murphys has been named “The Next Napa,” and rightfully so. With more than two-dozen family-owned wineries taking up stake in Murphys, there are plenty of varieties for any wine connoisseur’s liking. Many wineries have tasting rooms on Main St., making it easy to stroll from one tasting room to the next.

The first Saturday in October is designated to the Calaveras County

Grape Stomp and Gold Rush Street Faire, which brings wine lovers from all over the state. In addition to a great street faire filled with crafts and food vendors, the grape stomp competition is the main attraction to the event. In teams of two, with a unique name (“The Grapeful Dead, Don’t Stomp ‘Till You Get Enough, 50 Shades of Grape,” were a few creative names from this past Stomp), each team stomps to get the most juice out of a measured amount of grapes.

Next time you want to get away for the weekend, spend a few days in Murphys strolling the tree-lined Main Street, or cuddling up in one of the many cottages or vacation rentals available.

Full of excursions, Murphys is great for a getaway year-round.

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T

here may still be a little chill outside, but you can stay warm and toasty inside and do some browsing online while you daydream about warmer days ahead, and a new season of fresh fashion right at your fingertips. Check out some of these spring trends: IT'S ALL ABOUT LACE. Spring is the perfect time to lace up in dresses, midi skirts, jackets, and even shoes and handbags. This airy trend isn't all sugar and spice. Give the delicate look a little tough chic with a touch of leather.

BARE THOSE SHOULDERS.

SPRING I N T O

A

N E W

SEASON FASHION VALLEY

The off-the-shoulder tops and dresses are a spring and summer favorite this year.

Whether it's a one-shoulder knit top or a flouncy ruffled dress that slides nonchalantly down your upper arms, the shoulder is the erogenous zone of the season.

WEAR STRIPED ANYTHING. The nautical effect has always been one of spring's traditional trends in navy and white, but this year stripes go way beyond the classic Breton T-shirt. Think graphic and colorful, even when printed on handbags.

WHIP OUT WIDE-LEG PANTS. We saw them last fall, but expect to see them in even more abundance this spring.

Lightened up in free-flowing fabrics, the slouchier pants show up in everything from cropped culottes to flared jeans to drag-the-floor pajama styles.

GO GLOBAL. Step out of those American classics and explore the world in fashion. Get inspired

by African tribal details, Spanish influences, and tropical florals.

T E X T

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B Y

Embrace eclectic style and mix it all up. Keep it interesting.

SLIP INTO A SLIP DRESS. Slinky is back and this easy dress silhouette is one of the most versatile ways to welcome warm weather. Layered over T-shirts and even pants, the latest slip dresses are much more substantial than their boudoir cousins. In metallic leather, they make even more of a trendsetting statement.

LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE. Designers may love to reinterpret the '60s and the '70s, but this spring, they also love to put a futuristic twist on their clothes and accessories.

Watch for these details: shiny patent leather, metallic fabrics, mirrored jewelry and lots of Lucite.

DRESS UP THOSE SWEATS. The "ath-leisure" trend is taken to a new level this spring and summer. Those comfy active-wear pieces like sweat shirts, hoodies, and track pants are getting a makeover and dressing up... even making an entrance into the office.

ADD A STATEMENT JACKET. The boxy jacket returns for those in-between chilly days in and out of the air conditioning.

From military-style aviator bomber jackets to graphic printed knee-length trench coats, a special outerwear piece may be best way to update your basic wardrobe this spring.

SHIMMER AND SHINE. Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean you have to put the sequins away.

This spring and summer, the shine is still bold and bright.

The glittering dresses may be in lighter-weight fabrics, but they're still ready to shimmy into the day or night. Glow on.

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559.740.7676 CosmeticSurgeryByKhademi.com L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

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HAPPENINGS

T H E AT R E & M U S I C

JOHNNY RIVERS ROCK AND ROLL LEGEND

BRIAN REGAN COMEDY CONCERT EVENT

The Rock ‘n’ Roll legend, Johnny Rivers, will be performing at the Visalia Fox Theatre in support of Hands in the Community. The singer/songwriter/ producer continues to perform before sellout crowds worldwide.

The “Secret Agent Man” has many other accomplishments and has made significant contributions to the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Come support a charitable cause in the community while listening to great music.

When: Feb 27, 8 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: Lester Moon, 625-3822 or FoxVisalia.org

Join Brian Regan as he makes mountains out of the mundane, poking fun at the directions on a box of Pop-Tarts, and the clichés of postgame interviews.

Mr. Regan doesn’t just work clean, he steers clear of anything topical, sexual, or remotely confessional. He has sold out on two previous events at the Fox Theatre. To purchase tickets, go to ticketfly.com/purchase/event/958841 or contact the Visalia Emergency Aid Food Pantry.

When: Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 732-0101 or info@veac.org

TULARE COUNTY SYMPHONY PRESENTS LOCALS NIGHT TCSO members step forward to solo with the orchestra in their popular “Locals Night” series. They complete their exploration of the final three symphonies of Tchaikovsky with his triumphant and victorious Fifth Symphony. Standing proud alongside the other great 5th symphonies of Beethoven and Mahler, this is a surefire winner. Tickets are between $30 and $40.

When: Mar. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: FoxVisalia.com 54 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

ART EXHIBITS SHANE GUFFOGG ART EXHIBIT AT PORTERVILLE COLLEGE ART GALLERY The public is invited to see the exhibition of the watercolors of Shane Guffogg at the Porterville College Art Gallery.

Guffogg, a former Porterville College art student, has made a name for himself in the art world. He has just had a major 27-year retrospective of his work at the Imperial Academia National Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, featuring 73 paintings and three glass sculptures.

Now he has come back to Porterville College to mount an exhibition of his watercolors.

When: Now – Feb. 25 Where: Porterville College, 100 E. College Ave., Porterville Contact: Jim Entz, 791-2257

SPECIALTY MEDICAL GROUP, INC.

Visalia Women’s Specialty Medical Group, Inc. welcomes Julie Howison, FNP & Andrea Boone, MD N O W A C C E P T IN G N E W PAT IE N T S & MOST IN S U R AN C E

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During my senior year volleyball season I was injured during one of our games. I was diagnosed with a severely sprained ankle and referred to PRO-PT. I’ve never seen so many people work so hard to get me back on the court. After 2 ½ weeks I was back on the court better than ever.

- Karlie Pennington

EXETER 134 South E Street Exeter, CA 93221 559-592-9000

TULARE 1132 E. Leland Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 684-0611

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PORTERVILLE LINDSAY DINUBA 368 W. Olive Ave. 860 Sequoia St., Suite A 1401 W. El Monte Way, Ste. 107 Porterville, CA 92357 Lindsay, CA 93247 Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 782-1501 (559) 562-9040 (559) 315-5203

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ARTS VISALIA 21ST ANNUAL SOFA ART

THE LOOKING GLASS CRAFTER'S FAIR

Sofa Art turns 21 in February and you're invited to the party. Equal parts community event and art exhibition, the Sofa Art Show is a highly-anticipated annual art show where any person who has an artistic inclination may display their creation. Sofa art will be on display nearly the whole month of February.

Attendance is free and open to the public.

Come down to the corner of Garden and Caldwell for The Looking Glass Crafter’s Fair. The Craft Fair features more than 30 valley residents and their handcrafted goods. To become a vendor, pick up an application at The Looking Glass, 242 E. Caldwell, Visalia.

When: Now – Feb 26 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: ArtsVisalia.org

When: March 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Corner of Garden and Caldwell Contact: 559.732.2787 or email the_lookingglass@att.net

DIVERSIONS & EXCU R S I O N S

SOUTH VALLEY ARTISTS’ TOUR

Q COMMONS

The Arts Consortium is offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the world of local artists with the South Valley Artists’ Studio Tour: Opening Doors / Opening Minds. Over the course of three days, numerous Tulare County artists will open their personal studio doors to the public, demonstrating their individual creative processes and sharing different phases and facets of their work. Ticket holders can ask questions, watch the artists in action, and build a more personalized relationship with the creative forces in our community. Tickets are $15.

Join us for a live, two-hour, fast-paced national and local talk educating us on how to thoughtfully engage our city and our cultural movement. Q Commons is a live learning experience that challenges all of us to stay curious, think well, and advance the good in our communities.

Hear from local speakers from our community and national speakers!

Tickets are on sale online.

When: Mar. 3, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Pipeline Church, Linda Loma Ranch Campus, 4912 S. Santa Fe Ave., Visalia Contact: qcommons.com/Visalia

When: Mar. 18-20 Where: Various artists’ studios throughout Tulare County Contact: 802-3266, artsconsortium/svast.org

HAPPENINGS

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Visalia Breakfast Lions Club invites you to join them for the fun and festivities of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Downtown will be filled with folks taking in the Irish cheer, so arrive early to stake out your spot along the parade route.

The parade will begin at Garden Street Plaza, head West on Main Street, and then North on Willis, ending just north of Center Street. With so many events going on throughout the day, we have partnered with the Visalia Towne Trolley and will be offering FREE trolley rides from 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

When: Mar. 12, 10 a.m.

Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: visaliabreakfastlions.org

DOWNTOWN VISALIA FARMERS’ MARKET Thursday nights in Downtown Visalia are about to get a lot more colorful. The Visalia Farmers’ Market is back with all the fresh produce, delicious food, and handmade items you love. This year, there will be cooking demos, workshops, art exhibits, and more.

When: Mar. 17, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: VisaliaFarmersMarket.com

Investigative Services SPECIA L IZ ING I N

Criminal Defense & Civil Investigations

Immerse yourself in the beauty of this custom contemporary design by Stan Canby on a spacious lot in Cobblestone 1. Three out of the four inviting bedrooms have convenient en suites and hardwood floors throughout. In the luxurious upgraded kitchen you will find exquisite top of the line stainless steel appliances, and elegant granite countertops. Let the warmth of the fireplace in the living room envelope you as you make yourself at home.

You will be delighted with the works of Robert Boro, Landscape architect, when you step into this one of a kind backyard that houses over 20 different kinds of trees and plants.

Sherman & Associates specializes in upscale Visalia residential properties. With over 30 years experience Nola Sherman is “the recommended realtor.�

Sold on real experience.

SC OT T R . JA M ES I I PRIVATE INV ESTIG ATO R

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We Help Patients Make Good Decisions Dr. Michael Bodensteiner has provided dental care to families in Visalia and surrounding areas for over 20 years. We deliver unsurpassed comfortable dental care in a clean, safe and relaxing atmosphere.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Bodensteiner at our website www.visaliacadentist.com or call us at 559-635-0900. Our office will answer questions and make scheduling an appointment easy.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY 1993

Michael T. Bodensteiner, DDS 559.635.0900 4148 S. Demaree St., Visalia, Ca 93277 just south of Caldwell in Carmel Plaza

Get to know Dr. B L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

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C H A R I TA B L E EVENTS

SECOND ANNUAL LAWN-FREE GARDEN TOUR As more of us are determined to do our part to conserve water, Sequoia Garden Club will have five beautiful lawn-free landscapes on view. Come see eye-catching gardening ideas – and be inspired. COS Ornamental Horticulture Club will have a drought-tolerant plant sale. Also on hand will be the Master Gardeners, the City of Visalia’s Natural Resources Conservation Dept., and Cal Water. This is a self-guided tour, so you can come and go as you please. Tickets are $15 per person, available at Leo’s Nursery, Sequoia Plaza Flowers, Luis’s Nursery, and Curry Copy.

When: Apr. 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Homes throughout Visalia Contact: 733-4832

WINE AND DINE FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

VISALIA 2016 EARTH DAY CELEBRATION The Visalia Environmental Committee, Natural Resource Conservation and Parks & Urban Forestry Division are hosting the 2016 Earth Day Celebration at the St. John’s Riverwalk Park at Ben Maddox and the St. Johns River. This year’s event will focus on sustainability, conservation, and energy efficiency and will include live music, exhibitors, vendors, food booths, and multiple demonstration workshops.

Karl Merten, chef and owner of Café 225, is hosting a fundraising dinner to support Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County. Carl Rana, from Stefanelli Distributing Company, will pair wine with each course to provide the best flavor experience. Join Habitat for Humanity at Café 225 for a wonderful evening of great food, great wine, and a great cause.

When: Feb. 21, 5–7 p.m.

Were: Café 225, 225 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 734-4040

When: Apr. 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: St. John’s River Parkway Trailhead, North Ben Maddox at the St. Johns River in Visalia Contact: Visalia.City

HAPPENINGS

TRUE

GREEN HOMES FOR YOUR FAMILY.

HURRY!! Almost Sold Out!

Buyer incentive on available homes.

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Move-in Ready Homes

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Akers Rd.

W. Caldwell Ave.

Ironwood Ave.

Redding Ave.

Concord Ave.

www.sequoiacrossing.net Summit Homebuilders Inc. Lic. #961587

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Serving you in a spirit of excellence with honesty, integrity and trust.

Melany Gambini 559.786.2274

gambini@dsrealtyinc.com BRE#01979616

Now booking for private events!

gifts, outdoor event space, nursery & design

Eyebrow Shaping Tinting and Maintaining Lash Tinting Lash Extensions Airbrush Makeup Traditional Makeup Weddings Photography Parties Special Events Makeup Lessons

JENNIFER JANNAK 208 W. Main St., Suite 3a Visalia, Ca. 93291 (562) 619.2163 IN STUDIO AS WELL AS ON LOCATION SERVICES AVAILABLE

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*At participating franchises only. Ask for details on local special offers in your area. Some restrictions may apply.

8TH ANNUAL JOHN PAUL MOTORCYCLE RIDE 2016 Join your fellow Visalia bikers and ride for a good cause. The John Paul Magao Memorial Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit public charity providing scholarships to local schools. There will be food, prizes, and more. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and “kick stands up” at 10 a.m. A $10 lunch will be served at 12 p.m., and there is an open donation.

When: Mar. 5, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Plaza Park, from 198 Freeway Exit to S. Plaza Dr., Visalia Contact: johnmagaoscholarship.org or 972-2388

©2016 Tailored Living, LLC. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage is a trademark of Tailored Living, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts brand. Franchise opportunities available.

BARK ‘N’ BID BENEFIT

HAPPENINGS

END OF THE TRAIL ½ MARATHON & 10K Register today for Visalia’s one and only historic End of the Trail Half-Marathon or 10K race. Whether you walk or run, join the Visalia Runners for a memorable experience.

When: Mar. 12, 6:30-7:30 a.m., and 8 a.m.

Where: Downtown Visalia, 315 E Main St., Visalia Contact: Joshua.hickey@gmail.com

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559-334-6996 www.TailoredLiving.com/visalia

Join the Central Valley Rescue Railroad for their 5th annual fundraiser, where it’s all about the dogs. There will be a nohost beer and wine bar, dinner, music, dancing, a raffle, and a silent and live auction. All proceeds benefit Central Valley Rescue Railroad, a volunteer-run nonprofit, no-kill dog rescue. Tickets are $50 per person.

When: Apr. 30, 5 p.m.

Where: Whitney Barn, 30162 Road 192, Exeter Contact: Hayley, 731-0757

5427 W. Grove Ct.

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COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES Janitorial Service For dependable commercial cleaning service ServiceMaster Clean can help. daily, weekly, or monthly janitorial service Medical & professional office cleaning

Office system cleaning

Aggregate floor cleaning

Nearly any other cleaning you want

Tile & grout cleaning

Window washing

Carpet cleaning using various processes

ServiceMaster by Hellstern

Ron Hellstern owner 559.738.8927 Serving the Visalia area | Locally owned and operated for over 25 years L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

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VISALIA

RV& TRUCK STORAGE

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Tropics by design 62 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Interior plantscaping and some simple design elements can make your place of business or home more warm and inviting.

Call 559.734.4920 to see what we can do for your interior.

February is Healthy Heart Month SHAVER LAKE & MORRO BAY VACATION RENTALS

It’s Healthy Heart Month Let Visalia Medical Clinic’s cardiologists help keep your heart strong and healthy.

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The natural beauty of Victorian Garden provides the perfect location for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

Booking Now for 2016 and 2017 Events www.VictorianGardenVenue.com (559) 308-2577

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