Lifestyle Magazine - July 2016 by Lifestyle Magazine

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

HOME TOUR

EPICURE

ART NOW

UNEXPECTED MAKEOVER

A DUCK DELICACY

JOAN QUINN

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ART NOW

JOAN QUINN IN THE SAN JOAQUIN

24 HOME TOUR

BADGER HILL HOME An Unexpected Home Makeover

Fine Art Comes to Fresno Art Museum

Famous artists’ interpretations of Joan Agajanian Quinn will be on display at the Fresno Art Museum through Aug. 28.

8 Letter from the Executive Editor 10 Wordplay

EPICURE

A DUCK DELICACY Glick’s and Co. Chef Ryan Lucas of Glick’s & Co. prepares a delicious duck with smoked paprika pasta and ramen.

12 Reflections of Visalia: Deadly Spanish Influenza Arrives in Visalia 20 Community: Read for Life It Starts at Birth 46 Charity: The Guest Chef Series Preparation, Passion, and Pancetta 50 Business Profile: Ed Dena's Auto Center 54 Happenings

TRAVEL

VALENCIA, SPAIN The Old, the New, and the Unconventional

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Cheryl Levitan takes us on a tour of Valencia, Spain and its vibrant cultural epicenter.

COVER: The multi-level koi pond in the backyard is surrounded by dozens of varieties of plants, providing the perfect peaceful atmosphere. ABOVE: To give the exterior of the home a facelift, the homeowners replaced the stucco, added stone, installed new rustic garage doors, and painted the roof tiles.

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The backyard deck overlooks breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas. 6 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 6

FR O M TH E

EDITOR

t started as a one-day trip to Sacramento for the 4th of July, which turned into two, which turned into five in order to take advantage of how close we were in proximity to South Lake Tahoe. Close being a relative term, or in other words, only another two hours from our original destination. The last time I got out of the office for longer than a weekend was in 2013, so the additional 103 miles was not going to keep me away this time. In college I

Central California might be longsuffering when it comes to attracting world-class art exhibits, but good things come to those who wait. The Fresno Art Museum (FAM) is currently home to a new exhibit, Rendering Homage: Portraits of a Patron. Renowned artists such as Basquiat, Hockney, and Mapplethorpe, among others, all depict Joan Agajanian Quinn, who commissioned the works by the artists she most admires. Long time Visual

As we wrap up this July issue of Lifestyle, we are reminded of how blessed we are to live in Tulare County, surrounded by beauty and bounty. Our seasons and changing climates are largely responsible for much of what makes this area so special and our crops varied. E X E C U T I V E

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K A R E N

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

spent a lot of time in Tahoe, mostly to ski, but it has been nearly 20 years since my last visit. I had almost forgotten how extraordinarily beautiful and blue the lake is, and how mild the summer temperatures are. We booked a lakefront property and spent the next few days relaxing, dining, and perhaps making a few unwilling donations. It was great to get away, but it is also great to be back. In this issue of Lifestyle, Travel Feature Writer Cheryl Levitan transports us armchair travelers to Valencia, Spain, where historic preservation meets modern innovation. If you have not been to Spain, or are not familiar with much of its history, please turn to “Valencia, Spain: The Old, the New, and the Unconventional” on page 40.

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Arts Contributing Writer Aaron Collins’ feature, “Joan Quinn in the San Joaquin: Fine Art Comes to Fresno Art Museum” on page 16 gives more insight about the show and Quinn’s extensive cultural influence. As we wrap up this July issue of Lifestyle, we are reminded of how blessed we are to live in Tulare County, surrounded by beauty and bounty. Our seasons and changing climates are largely responsible for much of what makes this area so special and our crops varied. Cold temperatures create sweet and juicy oranges, and heat produces red, ripe watermelon. As temperatures continue to rise this month and next, remember that this too shall pass.

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

ummer is a popular time for people to move to a new community where sometimes they feel like a fish out of water (or a fried fish out of water in the San Joaquin). Here are three debut novels that toss their protagonists adrift in strange seas. Most literally filling this scenario is The Alaskan Laundry (Houghton Mifflin, April 2016) by Brendan Jones. Tara, a young woman at loose ends after her mother dies and her father kicks her out, takes off for Alaska to work in the fishing industry. Her teenage training as a boxer helps her survive the man’s world of the fish hatchery, processor, and finally a lobster boat, as well as the rugged country and its individuals she gradually grows to know and love. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend (Sourcebooks Landmark, January 2016) by Katarina Bivald drops a bookish Swedish visitor into the disintegrating Midwestern town of Broken Wheel. Sara plans to visit her penpal, Amy, for a few months of sharing their love of books, but it turns out she arrives just in time for Amy’s funeral. The town insists she stay anyway, and Sara finds a way to reinvigorate the community through Amy’s books. In The Atomic Weight of Love (Algonquin Books, May, 2016), by Elizabeth J. Church, Meridian is a budding ornithologist intent on pursuing her master’s degree at Cornell and her husband is a brilliant physicist who helped develop the atomic bomb at Los Alamos. Alden, who is almost twice her age, treats Meri as a subservient child as his critical work continues in the high desert after the war and she wonders where she fits in. 100 YEARS AGO The Battle of the Somme began on 10 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 6

July 1 and took the lives that day of poets W.N. Hodgson, Will Streets, Gilbert Waterhouse, Henry Field, Alfred Ratcliffe, Alexander Roberson, and Bernard White. As the battle continued until Oct. 18, other literary fatalities were Alan Seeger, Tom Kettle, Edward Wyndham Tennant, and Saki. Writers who were wounded or became ill were A.A. Milne, Robert Graves, Stuart Cloete, Arnold Ridley, and Ford Madox Hueffer. J.R.R. Tolkien served as a communications officer and

a generally upward trend (from 787 million to 857 million per year). Of those, e-books grew rapidly from 69 million in 2010 to 242 million in 2013. But since 2013, print book sales have grown from 620 million to 653 million, while e-books have dropped from 242 million to 204 million. However, the use of smart phones as reading devices continues to grow. VALLEY WRITERS

Siegfried Sassoon won a military cross. At age 15, in 1916, Margaret Mitchell wrote her first book. She sent it to a boyfriend named Henry Love Angel. It remained unknown until after Angel’s death, when his son discovered it. Lost Laysen was published in 1996 and features a love triangle in the South Pacific.

Dan Taylor, a former sports anchor at Fresno’s Channel 30, has two books out. His first, The Rise of the Bulldogs: The Untold Story of One of the Greatest Upsets of All Time, was published in 2008. His latest is A Scout’s Report: My 70 Years in Baseball, published last year. It is a biography of George Genovese, a legendary scout who played baseball for 16 years before originating a method to discern the best players to bring to his teams. The teams he scouted for included the Giants, Dodgers, and Cardinals. David Anthony Durham, a former associate professor at CSUF, is the author of seven science and historical fiction novels. He is also included in several anthologies. His most recent is The Risen: A Novel of Spartacus (Doubleday, May 2016), the story of the gladiator who led an uprising of slaves that nearly toppled the Roman Empire. The newest anthology, Unbound: Tales by Masters of Fantasy (Grim Oak Press, December 2015), edited by Shawn Speakman, includes Durham’s story, “All in a Night’s Work.”

PAPER VS. E-BOOKS

THE LAST WORD

The trend toward e-books has been dropping in recent years according to figures released by Nielsen last month. The number of books of both types sold from 2010 through 2015 has shown

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Visit airsunsolar.com or call 559-747-0111. 1 SunPower 345W compared to a Conventional Panel (250W, 15.3% efficient, approx. 1.6 m2), 9% more energy per watt, 0.75%/yr slower degradation. BEW/DNV Engineering “SunPower Yield Report,” 2013 with CFV Solar Test Lab Report #12063, temp. coef. calculation. Campeau, Z. et al. “SunPower Module Degradation Rate,” SunPower white paper, 2013. See www.sunpowercorp.com/facts for details. 2 Green, M. A., et. al. “Solar Cell Efficiency Tables (version 47),” Progress in Photovoltaics, 2017. ©2016 SunPower Corporation. All Rights Reserved. SUNPOWER, the SUNPOWER logo and DEMAND BETTER SOLAR are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corporation in the U.S. and other countries as well. California License #885073 (C-10 Electrical, C-46 Solar)

The Tulare County Hospital on the northeast corner of Bridge and North Streets (now Murray) where influenza patients were treated. Later this became a retirement home.

D E AD LY S PAN IS H I N FLU E NZ A

ARRIVES IN VISALIA

s the World War ended in 1918, another battle was standing by to take its place – one much more dangerous and one that would take many more lives. And yet in this conflict, no shots would be fired. It would be waged between the world’s population and a killer virus known as Spanish Influenza. The origin of the disease is not known, but at the time some speculated that it was the result of soldier exposure to a German bacteriological warfare agent. Others thought the virus may have been the result of exposure to smoke and fumes

during heavy trench fighting. But regardless of its cause, by the latter half of 1918, the disease was popping up throughout much of the world. Outbreaks were regular topics in newspapers around the globe, like the one in September when the San Francisco Chronicle reported entire families were dying in Boston. Most everyone expected the virus to reach Visalia, and on October 3, 1918, the Visalia Daily Times made the unsurprising announcement “Spanish Influenza Reaches Visalia.” It reported that seven victims were admitted to the Tulare County hospital

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in Visalia and that six of the cases were from the Rutherford family – husband, wife, three children, and a relative. The Rutherfords had just arrived by train from Oklahoma, and each member had a fever of 104 to 105°F. A week after admittance, the husband William died of pneumonia, a common ailment brought on by the deadly flu. He had the distinction of being Visalia’s first fatal victim of the virus. Visalia’s infected continued to grow. The newspaper reporting of new cases was a common feature and even included names. Elva Horsman of 1010 W. Center and the Power family

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on S. Garden Street had their names announced for all to see. Soon it became clear to local authorities that action was needed. Visalia Sanitary Inspector A.W. McWinnie ordered all soda fountain operators in the city to use boiling water or sodium phosphate when cleaning serving glasses. That was quickly followed up with more drastic action by the city trustees (city council) who ordered a ban on public gatherings at schools, churches, playgrounds, theaters, lodges, and dances. Despite these measures, the number of cases kept climbing when Visalians Mary Morrell and Angelo Sardis were added to the list of those infected. In late October, Dr. Gavin J. Telfer from the California State Board of Health visited the Visalia Board of Trustees with a strong suggestion. He recommended that Visalia adopt a requirement that everyone wear a face mask in public. The doctor confessed he hadn’t always been in favor of the universal wearing of masks, but he became convinced of their value when a “closeby” city had recently rejected masks and had 12 flu related deaths in one day. On Oct. 30, 1918, the Board of Trustees agreed with the doctor’s recommendation and announced the following emergency order: “Now therefore, it is ordered by the Board of Trustees of the City of Visalia that every person within or who comes within the City of Visalia during the prevalence of the present epidemic of influenza shall at all times and places within said city, wear a mask of a design approved by the Health Officer of said city; provided, however, that said mask may be removed at all reasonable times for the purpose of eating and drinking and

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provided, further, that the mask shall not be worn in private homes or private rooms unless a case of influenza shall exist in said place. This order shall be effective immediately.” Detailed instructions were given for the masks. They should be made of six to eight layers of coarse gauze or three layers of butter cloth sewn together and cut to about eight inches. An emergency mask could be made by using a clean, closely woven handkerchief. There was public complaining over the order and the Times responded, “If wearing a mask is positively unbearable to you, better remain at home. This is

no time to take any chances with this dreaded ailment.” City authorities meant business with the mask order. City Health Officer Dr. A. W. Preston, his aides, and City Marshal Ed Rowland were given enforcement authority. Violators were subject to a fine of $100 or imprisonment for 10 days, or both. New cases like Marjorie Holland, Roy Grant, and Harold MacKenzie continued to be reported. Other reports showed that Lemuel C. Hyde, Jr. and Robert Alexander had both succumbed to the disease. The infected number was putting

a strain on local hospitals. More beds were needed so the Portuguese Pavilion (I.D.E.S. building on E. Main Street) was converted into an emergency hospital. Wires were stretched across the main room and white muslin was suspended forming partitions creating space for 60 additional beds. Jefferson School, just built in 1916, was an ideal second emergency hospital. The school auditorium was partitioned off creating more bed space. Calls went out for more white rags, beds, and volunteer nurses. On Nov. 4, 1918, the two newly created emergency hospitals were ready and accepting those infected. By noon there were 33 patients at Jefferson and 34 at the Pavilion hospital. On January 4, 1919, a community meeting was held at city hall and Dr. Preston gave a cautiously optimistic outlook on the epidemic. He explained that most of the current cases were confined to a few families who had infected each other. As the year progressed, fewer cases were reported and the symptoms less severe. By February 1920, the Board of Trustees removed the ban on public gatherings. The action was a welcome step and the community gave a collective sigh of relief. Management of the Bijou Theater spoke for the community when they included in one of their movie ads, “We can gather together and rejoice at the passing of the flu danger.” Officially, the flu pandemic continued into 1920, however, the major impact seemed to be in 1918 and 1919. Based on Visalia Cemetery records, 44 people died in Visalia from Spanish Influenza during those two years.

The Visalia City Hall at Church and Acequia streets was an important headquarters for the fight against Spanish Influenza.

ART NOW

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Quinn depicted by Mapplethorpe.

Joan Quinn in the San Joaquin

FINE ART COMES TO FRESNO ART MUSEUM T

o say that artworks by art world stars like Basquiat, Hockney, or Mapplethorpe are rarely seen in the San Joaquin Valley is both an understatement and statement of the obvious. Those world-renowned, household names regularly appear in broader urban cultural circles around the U.S. and abroad, yet these marquee museum-level artist names emblazon Central California art venues infrequently at most. But through Aug. 28 at Fresno Art Museum (FAM), the Valley’s museum of record, our region’s art audiences are in for a rare and unexpected treat; a mutual admiration society show of sorts, but one that is certainly not as insufferable as that might sound. The somewhat unusual exhibition entitled Rendering Homage: Portraits of a Patron, consists of works by the aforementioned artists and many other top art world names, all featuring Joan Agajanian Quinn, who commissioned the works by artists she admires and who admired her. If the show has a T E X T

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Quinn depicted by Sophia Gasparian, 2004.

message, it is that Quinn seems to have used her taste, wealth, influence, and access to turn up alongside most every important 20th Century cultural and visual arts figure, particularly Andy Warhol, whose Interview Magazine she once served as West Coast editor. That editorial post put her in touch with cultural luminaries of many art forms. Works by Mel Ramos, George Herms, Beatrice Wood, Larry Bell, Tony Berlant, Laddie John Dill, and Claire Falkenstein – even starchitect Frank Gehry – turn up among many others in the exhibition in what is an eclectic and highly personal, if occasionally uneven, retrospective of Quinn’s collecting life, friendships, and artistic predilections. Few collectors have commissioned such a vast documentary as an art collection of this scope and magnitude. Contrary to the exercise in vanity that the show’s premise might threaten, Quinn herself takes a different view. “Though I’ve played the role of a temporary muse, I consider myself as merely the subject matter, and I’ve |

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Quinn depicted by Ted Allan, circa 1980.

always been fascinated to see how these incredible artists interpret what they see in me. And it’s not an egodriven fascination. In fact, I want to see the hand of the artist in their pieces, not my own visage. Therein lies the difference,” Quinn states in the show’s documentation. She and her husband, attorney Jack Quinn, either commissioned or were gifted these artworks by some of the most prominent artists of the last six decades. The exhibition itself reveals a collection that – while focusing on Quinn in both figurative and abstract terms – perhaps say a thing or two about both the value of and privilege required for a life devoted to high caliber art. Without her life circumstances, beginning as the child of wealth (her father was the notable auto racing figure J.C. Agajanian, a onetime winner of the Indy 500), her Beverly Hills connections, her role with Interview, or husband’s career as an attorney, it is rather unlikely that the Quinns would have had the means to acquire blue chip art, or that famous O F

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Quinn depicted by Salomé Cihlarz, 1987. L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 6

artists would gift works of art to an arts journalist. The key difference would appear to be Quinn herself: As a true diehard lover of art and artists, as well as an artist herself, she likely would have sought and found her place in the art world regardless. Co-curated by relatively new FAM Executive Director and Chief Curator Michele Ellis Pracy and Assistant Curator Kristina Hornback, the show features 48 of roughly 300 portraits of Joan, commissioned between 1953 and 2013. That arc seems like an eternity in terms of the esthetic transitions of which the chronologically-arranged show portrays, creating something of a survey that illuminates the sheer diversity of art-making strategies that unfolded over six decades. But while that read of the show is irresistible, Pracy sees the show as having simpler intentions. “This is not an exhibition tracing the development of contemporary art trends, nor an exhibition comparing New York artists to L.A. artists over the decades demarcated in the show. This exhibition, Rendering Homage: Portraits of a Patron, is purely that: We focus on artists becoming known in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s who painted portraits of their patron, Joan Agajanian Quinn.” Each artist uses his or her own particular style and medium to portray Joan. If they are abstractionists, she appears abstract. If they are realists, realism prevails. If the artist is a sculptor, she is rendered in three dimensions; if the artist sees her simply as a beam of light, as Laddie Dill would, or via a patterned metal collage, the show’s artists mostly remain true to their own practice and vision. How does a show of these highoctane artists come to land in Fresno? If the show simply details portraits of a patron, its credit list also reveals much

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ART NOW

about the other form of patronage: The roster of influencers reveals a who’s who of art world impressarios, including the world’s most famous art dealer, Larry Gagosian; POM Wonderful and Fiji Water brands billionaires Stewart and

Linda Resnick of Paramount Farms; Rob Saroyan, and a variety of other luminary art world patrons. Those many connections certainly helped. If the sponsor list’s Armenian surnames seem prevalent even by Fresno standards, it is because many art world Armenian-Americans supported FAM’s 2015 Armenian-themed show with loaned artworks and/ or financial support, including Agajanian Quinn herself. It was from that first foray with Fresno that this portraiture show unfolded, thanks to her connections with other show sponsors Larry Balakian and Quinn’s cousin, Gary Agajanian, a Fresno area vintner. It takes a village of well-connected and well-heeled patrons to pull these things off, provided that village is a little less Fresno and a lot more Beverly Hills. Culture in the San Joaquin Valley can at times seem isolated from both popular and avant garde art currents elsewhere as if blocked by some unseen, impermeable membrane. That divide is possibly owing to having precious few regional art institutions that possess either the cachet, resources, or facilities to attract and exhibit art by big art world names. But it is also due to the lack of art collectors who love them. Regional reality is that its artists and arts institutions are limited career-wise without collectors’ sustaining patronage, but for the moment, it is a welcome relief to see some higher-level support come to Valley visual arts programming. Pracy and the FAM board are to be commended for playing the cards dealt them, like the deft Quinn has done for herself. Their collective willingness to share offers us a compelling glimpse into the life of this privileged but hard-working cultural mover and shaker and champion of the artists she has loved.

Quinn depicted by David Hockney, 1991.

COMMUNITY

I T S TA R T S AT B I R T H

ften times, children develop their best and worst habits at a very young age, which can mold and shape the people they become later in life. Reading is no exception. Read for Life believes that if a child is read to by a parent or guardian from infancy, they will become life-long readers. As a local nonprofit, Read for Life supports literacy in Tulare County by encouraging parents to read to their children, beginning at birth. “We give books and presentations on how to read to children, and what to read to children,” explained Deborah Lagomarsino, a past president of the group. Last year, Read for Life gave 15,000

books to Tulare County children, including distributing books through 40 Head Start locations in the county. “These are new books for the kids to take home,” said Deborah. “Many times this is the first book they can call their own.” “We calculate that we’ve given away a quarter of a million books to families who need books,” said founding member Joy Sakai, who is retiring this year after decades of service. Despite Read for Life’s accomplishments since it was founded in 1989, the organization is still “under the radar,” according to Joy. “We try to create community awareness, not of us but of the importance of T E X T

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reading to kids ages 0-5.” Read for Life also gives books and other information to teen parents. Its Books for Kids program collects “gently used” children’s books and distributes them to young children through 60 locations in the county, including medical clinics and battered women’s shelters. The group’s pre-school program improves education in migrant locations. Read for Life has also been involved in the effort to open a public library in Farmersville. The group was instrumental in the awarding of a $90,000 grant to develop the library and community center, and a $40,000

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grant to add a resource center with computers. Susan Graves, immediate past president, is among the Read for Life members who demonstrate how to read to children at presentations for teen parents. “A lot of parents never had that as part of their growing-up experience. A lot of young families think education starts when their child starts school. It’s so easy to put the child in front of the TV or hand them a cell phone to keep them occupied, but you need to be having the oneon-one interaction. The COMMUNITY greatest compliment I received from a parent was not just that I taught their child to read, but that I taught them to love to read,” said Susan, adding that she tries to make reading to children more fun by using different voices and making it funny. She will also stop before reading the last word of a rhyme so children get involved. Although Susan is proud that Read for Life is an all-volunteer organization, “it still takes thousands of dollars to run.” Its Books for Babies program currently distributes 1,000 packets that include the songbook Where’s Spot? and information about the importance of reading to young children. One of its goals is to increase the number of packets. “We know there are more than 1,000 babies who can benefit from this,” she said. “My hope is to see us distribute an additional 2,000 packets in the next year,” said Anne Fulmer, the current president of the group. Her years as a kindergarten teacher helped inspire her to join the group and work to increase its financial support and community awareness. “I would have kids come into my class who have never been read to,”

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she said. Read for Life has 14 board members and about 40 volunteers. Its board members boast that their group has almost no overhead. “We’re a 100 percent volunteer organization except for one partially paid grant writer,” said Deborah. “Everything goes to books. For us right now it’s about expanding the existing programs. Our programs are pretty set for Tulare County. As a grass roots

organization, we can establish projects based on the needs of our county, which is what we’ve done. We established focus groups to see what each community specifically needs.” Although Read for Life focuses on working with underprivileged children, Joy wants all parents to read to their young children. “Read to your child every day, from birth on, until they won’t sit still for it,” she said. “Pick a book that a child will

listen to in a time and place that is set up to be comforting, and read 10 to 15 minutes every day. Once a kid loves books, there is no turning back.” As part of their outreach, Read for Life will present a talk by Dr. Dana Suskind, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago and director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, at the Visalia Fox Theatre on Monday, Sept. 19. Dr. Suskind is the founder of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, a program dedicated to using language to build a child’s brain, and improving his or her future. A University of Kansas study in 1995 found that some children heard thirty million fewer words in their first four years than other children did. Those who heard more words were better prepared for school, with bigger vocabularies and stronger reading skills. “Basically what they did was follow parents and children up to the age of three,” explained Dr. Suskind, who is looking forward to her visit to Central California. “They went into a home and recorded everything that was said, every interaction. They went in not knowing what they would find. Although it was along socio-economic lines, it wasn’t really socio-economic. It was about the power of language.” “We’re excited to bring her in to speak,” said Anne. “The message that Dr. Suskind has is one that people in our county really need to hear – teen parents, healthcare workers, and other people who work with young families.” For more information about Read for Life, visit www.readforlife.org.

Youthful Solutions

By Alex Lechtman, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board-Certified Plastic &Financing accepted ASPS CareCredit Reconstructive Surgeon

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HOME MA

The back of the house overlooks the expanse of the koi pond, surrounded by a lush garden. 24

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hen a flood comes eagerly knocking on a homeowner’s door, its victims rarely greet it with open arms. Floods, in any setting, are typically catastrophic. Even in the Central Valley, where water is often hard to come by, these determined torrents are not often welcomed by residents. One Central Valley home that sits on top of Badger Hill in Exeter, fell prey to an unexpected flood in 2008 while its occupants were away on vacation in Ireland. The results were devastating, costing the homeowners thousands of dollars in damage and displacing the residents for more than a year. The couple was halfway through their Ireland vacation when they received an email from a neighbor with the gutwrenching subject title, “House Flood.” For nearly two days water had been flowing throughout their home because of an upstairs waterline burst. When their neighbors discovered the flood, water was gushing out of the front door, it was raining in the kitchen, and there was a waterfall coming down the stairs. “I always say, everyone talks about

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how much it rains in Ireland, but really the only place it rained was in my kitchen at home,” laughed the homeowner. While the couple considered ending their vacation early to head home and assess the damage, they decided there wasn’t much they could do at that point. From their hotel they faxed paperwork back and forth with ServiceMaster so the crew could start pumping out water, ripping out damaged objects, and putting large fans in place. The crew even brought in two large generators on trailers to power multiple fans throughout the house. “Walking in for the first time, it was complete annihilation,” said the homeowner. “It was very noisy because they still had the fans going on in the house. It sounded like there was an airplane taking off right next to you.” The damage to the five-bedroom, 6,000 sq. ft. home reached every room except for the guest bedroom downstairs. The carpet had to be ripped out, walls were patched and repainted, cabinets had to be gutted and replaced;

it was a total home makeover. While the flood turned out to be an unwelcomed and unexpected guest, the couple found the silver lining. There were several aspects of the home they had always wanted to update, and decided there was no better opportunity than a flood to make it happen. Three years before the infamous flood, the family moved into their Mediterranean style home from another house down the road. For years they had admired the house from afar, so when it went on the market, they made an offer and moved in almost immediately. Little did they know they would experience a disastrous flood just three years later. “We liked the style of it,” said the homeowner. “It was more of a Mediterranean style, whereas our other house was traditional. We liked the yard, the spaciousness, its placement on the hill, how big the rooms were, and the storage was amazing.” Their first home on Badger Hill faced west and was greeted with harsh sunlight in the afternoons. The new house sits at a convenient angle with the

The master bedroom overlooks the koi pond trickling in the backyard.

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backyard facing a spectacular view of the mountains to the east, and much of the home is shaded by the hill above them, keeping it cool in the evenings. “We get a little bit of morning sun, but in the afternoon it is all shaded,” she described. “And we watch so many beautiful sunrises from our backyard. I have a lot of pictures of sunrises.” More than just the view, the couple was drawn to the home’s crown molding, tall baseboards, built in cabinetry, large master bedroom, garden room, and of course its beautiful yard. Of the entire house, the backyard is often the main topic of conversation

homeowner’s favorite flowers is the Alstroemeria, which she transplanted from a plant her mother gave her years ago from Los Altos. The backyard also overlooks the backside of Badger Hill Estates with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas. On a very clear day, you can even see part of Moro Rock peaking out from Sequoia National Park. “You just can’t beat the view,” said the homeowner. “A lot of times on a nice warm evening, we’ll sit outside after dinner and have our coffee and conversation out on the patio.” While there were many preexisting aspects of the

when guests visit. It features a stunningly serene, multilevel koi pond surrounded by dozens of species of plants, flowers, and trees. “Anything that beautiful is going to require some effort to maintain it, but it is beautiful,” said the homeowner. “The koi pond is very peaceful and a lot of people are fascinated by it, so it is worth the effort. And I just love all of the flowers. In the springtime, it is like an English Garden.” With varieties such as Wisteria, Bearded Iris, Amaryllis, Bougainvillea, and a number of Sago Palms, the backyard truly is a blooming paradise. One of the

house the couple were drawn to from the start, there were of course changes they implemented right away to make it more of their own. One of these initial updates was the master bathroom, which the occupants say was quite pink. The granite on the floor and counters had a pink tint, the tile in the tub and shower were a pale pink, the walls were a buff paint color, and all of the fixtures were shiny brass. Before the flood, the homeowners put in almond colored sinks, replaced the brass with brushed nickel fixtures, and painted the walls taupe to bring out the beige and white tones in the marble. They

TOP: Each stone tile in the kitchen had to be individually and carefully cut to fit the black granite inserts. BOTTOM LEFT: The office is decorated with pictures from the family’s many travels, including a trip to Africa. BOTTOM RIGHT: The formal sitting room, which the homeowners originally sponge painted themselves, had to be completely repainted after the flood. INSET: The master bathroom was pink when the homeowners first moved in, but updates to the walls, the counters, the fixtures, and the floors toned down the pink colors.

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also designed an intricate mosaic pattern for the tile above the bathtub. After the flood, the cabinets were damaged and had to be removed, so they took the opportunity to make the bathroom even more their own by installing cherry wood cabinets and updated marble.

Perhaps one of the biggest projects was the kitchen floor. While they left most of the kitchen the same upon moving in, they updated the white tile floors to a polished and filled travertine with black granite inserts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the tile guy saw the job that my husband wanted to do,

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The homeowners always dreamed of having a garden room where they could grow plants and herbs.

We are Celebrating the Continued Growth of Our League with a Community Celebration on Opening Day Enjoy Food, Snacks, & Fun from: 4 Seasons BBQ, Kona Ice & More

he said ‘I don’t think I’ve ever worked with tile that big and I don’t think I’ve ever had to do a job where every single tile that I lay down has to be cut.’ But he did a very good job, and we hired him back to do the mosaics in the master bathroom.” After the flood, the couple decided to update the kitchen, though the stone floors remained the same since they were not damaged. They added new cabinets and modern fixtures, installed a custom mosaic backsplash, added a half dishwasher in the island, and put in a double oven. While the granite countertops were updated after being damaged during

damage. “The only furniture in this house that was really destroyed was the kitchen table, which completely disintegrated,” said the homeowner. “But a lot of the furniture just had what they called wet feet and simply had to be refinished.” More recently, the homeowners decided to revamp the exterior of the house by redoing the stucco, adding stone accents, installing rustic style garage doors, staining the cement, and painting the roof tiles. “Before, the exterior had a Spanish or Mission style, but it looks more Tuscan now, which is kind of the look INSET: A peaceful footbridge ascends over the upper level of the koi pond. TOP LEFT: The homeowners built a “man cave” between the laundry room and the garage. TOP RIGHT: The African themed guest bathroom in the main hallway is decorated in photos from the family’s trip to Africa. BOTTOM: The built-in wall unit, wet bar, and flooring were all updated in the family room after the flood.

demolition, they kept it the same exact black granite as before in order to match the floors. The occupants also made several additional updates to the home that weren’t directly affected by the flood, including removing the kitchen window that overlooked the garden room and adding granite to several of the outside windowsills. “I thought that as long as I have all of these contractors here, I might as well figure out everything I want to have done,” said the homeowner. Even though the house needed many cosmetic changes after the flood, much of the furniture remained intact despite minor water 32 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 6

we were going for,” said the homeowner. “You could say we just gave it a little facelift.” While the couple never imagined they would be dealing with a devastating flood in their home, there were several positive changes that resulted from it, including an entire home makeover. Throughout the whole process, they have been able to find the good, as well as the humor, that came along with the flood. Now, they can sit back and enjoy their home in its new, updated state. As the homeowner put it, “at times it was even a blessing in disguise.” Note: Homeowners requested to remain anonymous.

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CRISPY DUCK INGREDIENTS 4 duck breasts (1 per person) 3 cloves garlic, smashed 1 sprig thyme DIRECTIONS Lightly score the skin of the duck breasts and season well. Place a non-stick pan over medium heat, then lay the duck in the pan, skin side down. Start with a cool pan and cook until the fat starts to come from the duck, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme. Flip the duck over, cook on the flesh side for 3 minutes until browned, then turn off the heat and place in an oven heated to 275°F for about 6 minutes (cook a few minutes longer if you like it well done). Leave the duck in the pan to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

DUCK RAMEN INGREDIENTS 4 duck breasts (1 per person) 4 C chicken stock 6 oz ramen noodles 2 T soy sauce 1 tsp chili oil 1 tsp chili paste ½ C sliced scallions (save half for garnish) 1 T fresh ginger, smashed 1 T cilantro 3 hard boiled eggs DIRECTIONS To cook the duck, follow the directions for the Crispy Duck, but add fresh ginger and scallions to the pan instead of thyme and garlic. For the ramen, start with sautéing the ginger, chili paste, and scallions (reserve some for garnish) in light chili oil. Once fragrant, deglaze the pan with your chicken stock and add the soy sauce to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes, bringing to a boil. Use a large strainer so that you are left with a clear broth. Add your ramen noodles and cook until tender. Transfer to noodle bowl. Add the remaining scallions, duck (thinly sliced), chili paste, and cilantro to the bowl, and arrange nicely.

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SMOKED PAPRIKA PASTA INGREDIENTS 2 C semolina flour 2 T smoked paprika 7 large egg yolks 1 large egg 1 Â˝ tsp olive oil DIRECTIONS Add the flour and the paprika to a large mixing bowl, and combine together. Paprika should be uniformly distributed throughout the flour. Make a well in the middle of the flour. Add the wet ingredients to the middle of the well. Begin slowly swirling the eggs and flour with your finger. Make sure not to move too fast or the dough will become lumpy and uneven. Once it is all combined, take the pasta dough out of the bowl and continue to knead for another five minutes. Make sure the dough is smooth and properly kneaded (the kneading creates the texture). Use a pasta roller to form the pasta. Toss the pasta with whatever you like. I sautĂŠed some fresh garlic, cherry tomatoes, and tossed it with fresh parsley. Combine the duck with the pasta and plate.

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TREK

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK IMAGES

V A L E N C I A ,

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THE OLD, THE NEW, & THE UNCONVENTIONAL F or sheer vitality and passion for life, food, and fun, the Spaniards have few equals. They are fiercely loyal to their family, community, and regional heritage, yet warmly welcome visitors, especially when those visitors embrace their culture. On my first visit to Spain as a teenager, my luggage was lost for more than a week. Faced with the immediate need for many items, my first purchase was a frivolous one – a flat-brimmed flamenco hat. That hat, and the warm reception both it and I received, was my first glimpse into the heart and soul of the people. I’ve been back many times since and have come to appreciate the vast differences within this country. Of all my favorite spots, it’s the city of Valencia that most deserves a ‘tip of my hat’ for their unique way of preserving the past while leaping headfirst into the future. To appreciate Spain, it helps to understand its decentralized government. By granting considerable self-governance to each of its 17 autonomous communities or nationalities (regions), this country has created a people with stronger loyalty to heritage rather than a collective Spanish identity. Not too long ago, this could leave visitors with rudimentary Spanish language skills struggling to decipher directions,

T E X T City of Arts and Sciences

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menus, and signs in regional dialects. Thanks to globalization, most residents now speak English. Even though the Valencia region and its largest namesake city were absorbed into the Kingdom of Spain in the 1700s, other factors have influenced its character. Though founded as ‘Valentia’ by the Romans in 138 BC, six centuries of Muslim rule, a Christian conquest, a 14th-15th century Golden Age driven by the silk trade, and modernist architecture have each left their mark. Few cities have invested so much in the preservation and restoration of their history. Older buildings, most often found in the city center of El Carmen, undergo periodic stability assessments. Whenever possible, interior walls, tiles, and ceiling elements are restored, often transforming humdrum offices into rooms with magnificently carved wood ceilings and Middle Eastern tiles. When damage is deemed too

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severe, buildings are gutted. Then these facades are reinforced and restored with a freestanding new building constructed within the old exterior shell. Historic El Carmen is where everyone congregates. Small enough so that visitors never feel overwhelmed, its wide street corners have squares where these naturally gregarious people meet and children play. As Valencia’s creative center, these streets are lined with galleries, unique shops, and restaurants with patios that pour out into the squares. The architecture here showcases Valencia’s eclectic and rich history: Plaza Ayuntamiento - Dominating the town square, this palatial city hall chimes out the hours and is an excellent starting point to tour the old quarter. Surrounded by buildings from the Golden Age, this square’s central fountain is ringed with flower stalls. La Lonja de la Seda - This 15th century silk exchange was the financial center for international silk merchants and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its twisted columns supporting 55-foot-tall ceilings, bizarre exterior gargoyles, and optical illusion floor tiles make it a must-see. Mercado Central - Opposite the Silk Exchange is one of the most beautiful markets in Europe. Its vaulted ceilings,

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Valencia Cathedral's odd mixture of architectural styles.

Mercado Central Market

I’ve been back many times since and have come to appreciate the vast differences within this country. Of all my favorite spots, it’s the city of Valencia that most deserves a ‘tip of my hat’ for their unique way of preserving the past while leaping headfirst into the future. C H E R Y L

domed roof, and stained glass panels showcase its Modernist architecture while the activity within offers a glimpse into the life of locals. Torres de Serranos - As one of the original 12 gates in the medieval city’s walls, a climb up these dual towers provides panoramic views. Valencia Cathedral - With such an array and hodgepodge of architectural styles, this isn’t the most beautiful of cathedrals. Built on top of a Muslim mosque, which was built over a Visigoth Basilica that had formerly been a Roman temple, its elements coexist in fragile harmony. Home to what is reputed to be the Holy Grail, this Roman Catholic cathedral still holds services. The back wall allows entry into the Almoina Archeological Center where glass floors cover an excavation of Roman ruins with scale models and videos that explain the history. While intent on preserving its past, Valencia has also shown remarkable creativity in shaping its future with a monumental and transformational project. Sitting next to the Turia River, the source for this city’s water was also responsible for many floods. After devastating damage in 1957, much 42 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 6

L E V I T A N

of the river was diverted south of the city into agricultural irrigation canals. The remaining dry riverbed became a 4.3-mile-long green space full of parks, gardens, athletic fields, and bike trails. Its many bridges, which once spanned the river, now carry traffic over the park. Located at the eastern end of this park is a huge complex collectively called the City of Arts and Sciences. As a real-life location for the filming of the 2015 movie “Tomorrowland,” the complex has an eclectic and futuristic style. The Hemisfèric IMAX movie theater and planetarium building resembles a huge eye surrounded by a glass bottomed pool. The Umbracle is a beautifully landscaped, arched entrance to the complex. Serving as an openair art gallery, it displays sculptures by contemporary artists. The Science Museum is constructed to resemble the skeleton of a whale. As much entertainment oriented as educational, its first floor has a large basketball court. The Oceanográfic is the largest aquarium in Europe. Built in the shape of a water lily, it is home to more than 500 water animals and wetland birds. The Palau de les Arts is an opera house and performing arts center. With curved

concrete plates covered in pieces of broken white tile, a Mohawk-shaped metal canopy, portholes, and roof gardens, it is actually pleasing to look at. Guided walking tours are the best way to view this remarkable complex. Although much about the architecture of this city is unconventional, the Falles Festival tops it all. Its origin comes from the traditional winter’s-end burning of scrap wood to honor the patron saint of carpenters, and has morphed into a 19-day spectacle and yearlong project. Approximately 750 different neighborhoods hold parties and dinners to pay for the design and building of huge and elaborate wood-framed structures (Falles) with characters (pinots). Originally beautiful and often religious creations, now most pinots satirically mock modern society. In this highly Roman Catholic city, a religious element still remains with an oversized Virgin Mary displayed at City Hall. Each Falles is paraded around the city by members of the neighborhood dressed in costume, accompanied by local bands. Finally, mounted on an elaborate firecracker-filled cardboard and papermâché monument in the neighborhood that created it, a contest follows. The

The hall of the Silk Exchange

Medieval wall of Torres de Serranos city

Historic El Carmen is where everyone congregates…As Valencia’s creative center, these streets are lined with galleries, unique shops, and restaurants with patios that pour out into the squares. The architecture here showcases Valencia’s eclectic and rich history. C H E R Y L

winning structure has small pinots removed, which are given to the Falles Museum for display. The rest of these amazing works of art are burned on the festival’s final night, often scorching the neighborhood buildings. After all of the fires have extinguished, the winning Falles is burned outside city hall for all to watch. This open-air party occurs each March with incessant (and occasionally deafening) fireworks. Once a simple ceremony begun in 1860, it is now the largest annual celebration in Spain. Creating a cottage industry of artists and designers, it has no doubt increased the size and need for the fire department as well. Spaniards love their food, and Valencia is no exception. You shouldn't visit without indulging in local specialties, but don’t expect to eat in restaurants at familiar times unless you want to dine alone. All meals occur about two hours later with more casual 44 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 6

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bocata (baguette) sandwich shops, cafes, and tapas bars open all day. Aqua de Valencia - Known for their sweet and particularly juicy ‘Excelsior’ oranges, a California agronomist renamed these oranges ‘Valencias’ after this Spanish city. The name stuck. This is the orange used for juice, but be careful ordering a glass to wake up in this city since it carries quite a kick. Mixed with sparkling wine, vodka, and gin, it might put you right back in bed. Paella - As the birthplace city of this dish, it’s traditionally made with rice, saffron, chicken, rabbit, and vegetables cooked and served in a shallow metal pan. Near the beach (El Cabanyal), seafood is added with La Pepica Restaurante claiming to have the best version. Close by, Restaurante L'Estimat specializes in the traditional Paella Valenciana. While there, check out the surrounding neighborhood’s 20th century Modernist architecture.

Fideuà - Seafood paella, with thick spaghetti noodles rather than rice. Puchero - Soup or stew using local proteins, vegetables, and chickpeas. Turron – A nougat cake of honey, sugar, egg whites, and nuts. Orxata - Cold milk-like beverage made of ground tiger nuts, the tuber root of nut grass (which we consider a weed). Brought to Valencia by the Arabs in the 8th century, it’s often served with long cakes called fartons. As a common port of call, many tourists visit Valencia while on a cruise around Spain and Portugal. With the completion of a high-speed railway from Madrid in 2010, many also visit as part of a land tour. With delightful weather most of the year, skip hot and humid August when everyone leaves town. Before you go, purchase a Valencia Travel Card (available online) for discounted entry fees. Be forewarned that visits here can be addictive – you’ll be back!

CHARITY

THE GUEST CHEF SERIES

PREPARATION, PASSION, AND PANCETTA

assion comes in many forms, and when united in community support, it is a force that promotes positive change. The 8th Annual Guest Chef Series to support Family Services of Tulare County brought together a passionate cuisine, a chef with a passion for creating it, and a group of people with a passion for helping others. “I’ve never done anything this big,” said Chef Ryan Lucas of The Chef's Table and Glick's & Co., when asked what it means to be a part of an event that has such a positive community T E X T

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Chef Ryan Lucas of The Chef’s Table and Glick’s & Co.

impact. “I’m thankful and humbled by the opportunity,” he continued. Ryan admits that he was initially overwhelmed by the idea of preparing food and hosting a cooking demonstration for such a large crowd. After having just over 250 community members in attendance last year, the 2016 Guest Chef Series tipped the scale at 300. But once he became more comfortable with the idea, any anxiety turned to organization and focus. Few people get to witness behind the scenes of such an important event. “It’s R I C E

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an organic process,” said Caity Meader, executive director of Family Services. Caity adds that some years the group has chosen a chef and then decided on the theme. This year, they settled on the Italian theme and then went looking for a chef. Expertly trained in Italian cuisine, they found the perfect fit in Ryan. The planning is no simple affair. Weeks before the event, the Family Services food committee, wine committee, Chef Ryan Lucas, and caterer, Chef David Vartanian of The Vintage Press in Visalia, began meeting to discuss the details. S A

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Once the plan was in place, Ryan had his own work to do in the form of a 12-hour day of food prep prior to the event. Early Friday morning before the Saturday event, Ryan’s “light” prep began (if you can call peeling more than 400 prawns “light” prep). That is not to mention the hours put into stirring creamy, tender risotto. As for the day of the event, Ryan says, “Organization is key.” He adds that there is a lot of strategic planning that takes the form of standing and thinking. Tackling a food demo for a large group is no small feat. All the preparation and organization proved its worth that Saturday evening as servers passed around aromatic trays of beautifully cooked pan fried tiger prawns lightly coated in a sauce made of rosemary, pancetta, and roasted garlic. It paired beautifully with the Pinot Grigio hand-selected by the Family Services wine committee. Not to be outdone were the crunchy, cheesy oven-baked risotto balls. As guests enjoyed each bite, Ryan explained some of the similarities between local rice found in nearby Sacramento and the Italian short-grain Arborio rice traditionally used to make risotto. The hard work, passion, and Italian theme held true as the dinner course arrived and guests were presented with stuffed chicken amatriciana with spicy soft polenta, alongside freshly baked focaccia bread. Stuffed with thinly sliced Italian meats, the tender chicken with its crunchy coating joined the flavorful red sauce for a meal that rang of true culinary delight. While enjoying the meal, it was clear that no detail was overlooked. The red plaid tablecloths created an oldfashioned Italian ambiance. Each table was adorned with flower arrangements set in upcycled Italian tomato cans next to full tins of imported Italian olive oil, which were available to

attendees for a donation to the organization. A beautiful melody performed by Visalia Opera Company complemented the Italian theme and passion behind the grand evening. The meal, entertainment, and cause left no question why this event grows year-after-year. As a private, non-profit organization, Family Services works to build a community of safe homes, safe relationships, and safe children in an effort to create safer, healthier communities for everyone. It is what one might refer to as achieving La Dolce Vita, the sweet life, a message presented to each attendee on the event brochures. All proceeds from the Guest Chef Series went to support the organization’s efforts. After a glance at the work that goes into this event, it is evident that its success is truly a team effort. Ryan is quick to mention that none of his work as Guest Chef would be possible without his supportive team. Caity echoed that sentiment with gratitude in her voice as she mentioned Family Services’ incredible group of volunteers and board members that came together for this event. With that same gratitude, she also singles out an essential segment of their team, the community donors. The group consists of those who have generously donated to the event every year, as well as welcomed newcomers. “None of it would be possible without the support of our donors in the community,” said Caity. It appears there is little rest for the weary. After a recovery time of about two weeks, the wheels will start turning with ideas for the theme of next year’s event and a chef to maintain the high standard of excellence of the yearly fundraiser. From the food to monetary support, the Annual Guest Chef Series is an example of how the passions of many come together to support the invaluable work of a local organization.

ED DENA'S A U T O

“ Ed Dena, The Dealer in Dinuba that Does.”

f you live in Tulare County, it’s likely you’ve heard this jingle a time or two, whether on the radio, on television, or even from a co-worker humming it around the office. But Ed Dena doesn’t need a jingle to get customers into his auto centers in Dinuba and Visalia; his reputation does the talking for him. Ed Dena got his start in the car dealership business right out of high school when he moved from Tulare to Oxnard, CA for his first salesman position. “I knew I was meant to do it right away, because my first month I was top salesman and the income was really great,” said Ed. “I fell in love with the business.” Now, more than thirty-five years later, Ed is the owner of Ed Dena’s Auto Center in Dinuba and opened up a used car dealership in Visalia in July 2015. His success and popularity in Tulare County stems from his sales approach, which he calls “non-confrontational selling.” “I learned very young not to be pushy, to listen to the customer’s needs, just make friends with them, and earn their trust,” said Ed. “Customers go through a period of temporary insanity when they are buying a car because it can seem so expensive and they're being asked to make a big, split-second decision. I learned how to ease people through that process, and it worked for me. I still teach it to my guys today.” At his Dinuba auto center, Ed sells new GMC and Chevrolet vehicles, and he can

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C E N T E R sell them well because he is confident in the quality of the product. “The car business is probably the best it has been in all the years I've been doing it,” said Ed. “The quality of the product has gotten so good, and there is parity among the makes. Everybody figured out the quality, and the cars they are building now are just amazing and the technology is amazing.” Ed even commits himself to selling the best and newest used cars possible at his Visalia location on the corner of East Main and Ben Maddox streets. He recognized a need for a quality used car

BUSINESS PROFILE

dealership in Visalia, and he has brought just that to the community. “All of our customers tell us that we are different than everywhere else, and that's actually a good thing because that was our goal,” said Ed. “A highend, couple-year-old used car lot didn’t exist here, so we wanted to be that for Visalia.” Within the first year of opening, the Visalia Auto Center has doubled their original goal for selling cars. They average selling between seventy-five and eighty cars per month, which is

more than double their original goal. In their best month, they sold more than 100 cars. Another aspect that has made Ed Dena so successful is his marketing strategy. While most dealerships make it all about the deals and the price customers are going to get, Ed makes it about their brand and the reputation they have in the community. “I don't think it's about the deal for most customers,” said Ed. “They know if they do their research, they are going to get a good deal wherever they go. Where do they feel comfortable buying a car? I want to be top of mind. It’s always about who we are and why you should come here.” Many might wonder where the famous Ed Dena pink came from. “I inherited it,” said Ed. When he took over Brett’s Auto Center in Dinuba, he decided to keep the color, and the rest is history. Another aspect of Ed Dena’s branding that is recognizable is their involvement in the community. From their involvement in the Happy Hearts Car Show in Dinuba benefitting Valley Children’s Hospital, to donating a vehicle to a United Way auction earlier this year, to sponsoring dozens of golf tournaments, they are always giving back to the community. “This community means everything to us,” said Ed. “We want to be part of the family, part of the community, and our people and employees are our most important asset. I say we love our customers, and we try to let them know that they are part of a family and that we are going to take care of them here, or

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ED DENA'S AUTO CENTER

IN VISALIA FOR YOUR NEXT CAR OR TRUCK? ONLY HIGH QUALITY USED VEHICLES ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECONDITIONED AND CERTIFIED BY A NEW CAR DEALERSHIP LOWER MILEAGE THAN MOST USED CARS ON THE MARKET ACCESS TO MORE AND BETTER FINANCING OPTIONS THAN MOST USED CAR DEALERS HAVE AVAILABLE TO THEM UNSURPASSED SERVICE AND SELECTION

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down the road. It means a lot to be a part of the community.” Ed also credits much of his success to a strong family backbone, including his wife of 34 years, Ida, and his daughter, Ashley, who has been working at the Dinuba location. “My excitement right now is the fact that my daughter is in the business,” said Ed. “She loves the car business, and I see myself in her. She is working full time at the Dinuba store, she is doing my TV commercials, she has hired and trained employees for our business development center, and she

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oversees the fixed operations. She is really good at it, and it is just neat to see her in action.” No matter where their success comes from, Ed Dena's Auto Center is honored to be part of both the Dinuba and Visalia communities, and hope to continually earn the trust of its residents. “To have this kind of success instantly is not very common, that is for sure,” said Ed. “We are honored to be part of this community, and we don't take it lightly. We really do want to be good representatives of our business and of this town.”

BUSINESS PROFILE

Custom built! Comes with two ovens, two dishwashers, two microwaves, two washers and two dryers. Large mud room. Lots of cupboards for storage. Two Jack and Jill bathrooms. Sherman & Associates specializes in upscale Visalia residential properties. With over 30 years experience Nola Sherman is “the recommended realtor.” Sold on real experience.

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HAPPENINGS

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

“THE SECRET GARDEN” Based on the 1911 novel of the same name, the story is set in the early years of the 20th century. Mary Lennox, a young English girl is orphaned by a cholera outbreak when she is ten years old and is sent away from India to Yorkshire, England, to live with relatives whom she has never met. Her own personality blossoms as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden, as well as to her sickly cousin and uncle. This beautiful tale is brought to life by the TCOE Theatre Company and the students of Tulare County. When: July 22-23, July 28-30, 7:30 p.m., July 23 & 30, 2 p.m. Where: L.J. Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: tcoe.org/theatreco or 651-1482

WOODWARD PARK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: HAMLET Directed by Broderic Beard, Shakespeare’s greatest drama is presented in Woodward Park in a compelling new production that explores the complexity of the human condition. This live and outdoor production gives “Hamlet” an immediacy and vibrancy that no other form can claim to do. When: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Where: Woodward Park, WSF Stage, 7775 Friant Rd., Fresno Contact: woodwardshakespeare.org or 927-3485

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR Don’t miss your chance to relive the legendary music of the ‘60s and ‘70s, featuring the talents of The Turtles, Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night), Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere & the Raiders), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cowsills, and The Spencer Davis Group. Check the Visalia Fox theatre website for ticket information. When: July 17, 7 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: foxvisalia.org

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CELEBRANT SINGERS LIVE IN CONCERT Come worship, open your hearts to His presence and take part in sending Celebrant Singers off to share the Gospel in Central America. An inspirational and free night hearing from Celebrants who have traveled the globe, sharing God's love where His light is dim and His voice is heard small. When: Friday, July 29, 7 p.m. Where: Woodland Drive Baptist Church, 1436 S. Woodland St., Visalia Contact: celebrants.org or 740-4000

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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS Healthy teeth feel great and function well. Dr. Bodensteiner delivers unsurpassed comfortable dental care. Get to know Dr. B by checking out our webiste at www.visaliacadentist.com. Please call us at 635-0900 for questions and convenient appointments. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY 1993

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ART EXHIBITS FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN VISALIA The Arts Consortium is pleased to present Downtown Visalia’s monthly art hop. Each first Friday of the month, explore the Visalia Art District to experience exhibitions, performances, activities, and more. Catch a guided tour on the Visalia Towne Trolley. When: Every first Friday, 5-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia (check each month for details) Contact: artsconsortium.org

TRACY HARRIS’ “FLUTE FANTASTIQUE” Enjoy an evening of flute and piano music with Yahama flute artist Tracy Harris, featuring pianist Svetlana Harris and Tracy’s Wyndfall Flute Orchestra. Harris will perform at the Center for Spiritual Awareness. Wine and cheese hors d’oeuvres will be served at intermission. Harris’ Flute Finery Jewelry will be available for purchase at the concert. Tickets are $35. When: July 30, 7 p.m. Where: Center for Spiritual Awareness, 117 S. Locust, Visalia Contact: 625-2441 or cslvisalia.org

DISNEY’S “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” Theater Arts Alliance presents Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” A musical full of magic for the entire family, “Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of a young prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel and selfish ways, when a young woman named Belle trades her father’s life for her own and is imprisoned in the castle. In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle’s love before it’s too late. Tickets are $22.50 for adults, $17 for kids. When: August 18-21 at 7 p.m., August 20-21 at 2 p.m. Where: L.J. Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 972-8417 or theaterartsalliance. com

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DOWN BY THE SEA Feel the ocean breeze and sand beneath your feet through art at The Creative Center. The Creative Center has invited talented artists in our area to bring the coastal breezes and sandy beaches of their art for a “Down by the Sea” show. When: Now-July 29, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Jon Ginsburg Gallery, Creative Center, 606 N. Bridge St., Visalia Contact: facebook.com/ JonGingsburgGallery or 733-9329

HAPPENINGS

FORM & FUNCTION AT ARTS VISALIA Three local artists will be on display at Arts Visalia during their July exhibition, Form & Function. Artwork will include stained glass by Moni Mauch, funky sculptures by Koen Vrij, and wooden bowls by Mark Dillon. When: Now – July 29 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: artsvisalia.org

DIVERSIONS & EXCU R S I O N S DOWNTOWN VISALIA FARMER’S MARKET Thursday nights in downtown Visalia are booming with activity during the Farmer’s Market. From fresh, locally grown produce to handcrafted goods, there’s a little something for everyone. This year there will even be cooking demonstrations, workshops, art exhibits, and more. When: Thursdays, 5-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: VisaliaFarmersMarket.com

DEEP IN THE CELLAR Have all of your senses simulated with us at Deep in the Cellar: a night filled with a visual show synched to various branches of electronic dance music. Bring good vibes and your best dance moves. Free entry, no cover (21+ older). When: Every Thursday, 9 p.m. Where: The Cellar Door, 101 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: cellardoor101.com

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DARK SKY FESTIVAL

HAPPENINGS

WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY Get the backyard basics to stargazing on this free tour of the night sky. Listen to ancient and cultural stories about the constellations as you enjoy an evening under one of Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most brilliant skies. Dress appropriately for the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weather. Co-Sponsored by Wuksachi Lodge. When: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in July and August, 9-10 p.m. Where: Wukaschi Lodge, 64740 Wuksachi Way, Sequoia National Park Contact: 565-3759

STEPS 4 PETS WALKING GROUP Join the SPCA to help better the mind, body, and spirit of homeless animals by walking approximately a mile every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (weather permitting). Participants 12-15 must walk with a parent. When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 a.m. Where: SPCA Adoption Center, 29010 California 99, Visalia Contact: 651-1111

Seeing millions of stars wheeling in a sky free of natural light stands as one of the greatest experiences in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. As most of the world is faced with the effects of artificial light pollution, the Dark Sky Festival aims to educate visitors about the importance of this park resource and inspire them to take action in their own community. A weekend of events designed to inform and delight, includes meeting astronomers, using large telescopes for deep-sky viewing, making solar observations, and more. When: August 5-7 Where: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Contact: ExploreSequoiaKingsCanyon.com

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