Visalia Lifestyle Magazine - February 2019

STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY FEBRUARY 2019

TRAVELER’S TREK

BEYOND LONDON Page 20

Home Tour

THE HERRERA HOME

Page 32 EPICURE

LOVE AT FIRST BITE Page 44

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32 HOME TOUR

A LABOR OF LOVE For Adrian and Korrie Herrera and their family, a forever family home is a foreign concept. In the couple’s nearly nine years together, they’ve moved nine times and their journey with the latest home – affectionately called the Dump House – has been shared on Instagram.

Letter from the Executive Editor

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REFLECTIONS OF VISALIA

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Downtown Scene Literary Arts

VISALIA COWBOY, KING OF THE STABLE

YOU HAD ME AT 'HAIR'

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Word Play

54

In Fashion

56

Kudos

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Happenings

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44

WHAT'S INSIDE 8

Correction to January’s Traveler’s Trek: Although our photo caption implies it is located in Oaxaca, Puebla Cathedral is located in Puebla, Mexico.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

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LOVELY LIVING

TRAVELER'S TREK

EPICURE

BEYOND LONDON

LOVE AT FIRST BITE

Published By

DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291

Karen Tellalian

Executive Editor

Creative Director

Art Director

Senior Designer Web Designer/Designer

Assistant Editor

Text Editor

Greg Bitney Marcie Vagnino Frank Miramontes Kaci Hansen Sue Burns Melinda Brown

Contributing Writers

Operations Manager

Cheryl Levitan Diane Slocum Lisa McEwen Major Rogers Sharon Mosley Sue Burns Terry L. Ommen

Sales@DMIAgency.com

Advertising Sales

Sales Office

Maria Gaston

801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909

E-Mail Lifestyle@DMIAgency.com

WEBSITE www.VisaliaLifestyle.com

View The Mag Online Issuu.com/LifestyleMagazine Facebook.com/LifestyleMag Instagram: visalialifestyle

RACK LOCATIONS DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare

Exeter Chamber of Commerce Tazzaria Coffee & Tea The Lifestyle Center

Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Convention Center

COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS 210 Cafe AMCC Ashoori & Co. Jewelers Blend WIne Room California Fitness Academy Chad Clark Hair Salon Citizen's Bank Comfort Suites Downtown CreekSide Day Spa Skin & Laser Center Downtown Visalia Alliance Ed Dena Auto Center, Visalia Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Library Franey's Design Center

Glick's and Co. Holvik Family Health Center ImagineU Children’s Museum International Agri-Center Janeen’s Furniture Gallery Kaweah Delta Hospital Keller Williams Reality Max's Cookies Michael's Custom Jewelry Monét’s, Exeter Pacific Treasures Premier Medical Clinic PRO-PT Salon 525 Sherman & Associates

Sunmed Health & Weight Management The Aesthetic Center The Smoke House, Visalia Tulare County Library Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia First Assembly Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Watson's Wildflower Café, Exeter Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc. Wyndham Hotel

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,600 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around Visalia, Tulare, and Exeter.

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

Circulation of this issue: 15,600 © 2018 DMI Agency

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President/CEO CPM, Institute of Real Estate Management

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FROM THE

EDITOR Thank you, Visalia. The Lifestyle staff commends you and encourages the entire community to support these efforts by shopping and dining locally.

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

LOVE AND MAGIC.

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here are no better words to describe Visalia’s downtown as Lifestyle contributor Major Rogers explains in his article “We Are Downtown Visalia” on page 56. They say you will know a person’s character by how they act under stress, and we found this to be true when the fire alarm sounded downtown during the early morning hours following Christmas Day. Thankfully, no one was injured, but several businesses suffered extreme damage and others were destroyed. Owners rushed to save what they could or perhaps just to support one another.

Certainly businesses properly insured will recover, but what about the dozens of employees who found themselves without jobs at one of the worst times of the year? Visalia answered that question when several local business owners pulled together their resources to host “We Are Downtown Visalia Benefit Week,” where they donated funds or portions of their proceeds to assist those left financially devastated after losing their jobs. Although it may not make everyone whole, knowing that your neighbor and perhaps even your competitor stepped up to help will go a long way in the healing process.

Thank you, Visalia. The Lifestyle staff commends you and encourages the entire community to support these efforts by shopping and dining locally.

It is February, and we are really feeling the love around here.

Lobster, French 75 Champagne Cocktail, White Chocolate Mousse … Chef Elaine Dakessian and her talented sous chefs have our mouths watering over this month’s culinary feature.

If you are like us, and unapologetic about the love of food, you must turn to page 44 for recipes and photos.

This month calls for a love story extraordinaire, so we call your attention to “You Had Me at ‘Hair’,” a fascinating read about Tulare residents Les and Joyce Carlsen. After performing on opposite coasts in the Broadway musical “Hair,” the two met when they were cast in a national tour of the show. Life after love at first sight is full of chances and challenges; find out how the couple has met every one they’ve ever encountered by keeping their focus on family and the people they love. See page 14.

Our wish for our readers this month is that each one of you takes every opportunity to show others that they are important to you and that you have a place in their hearts. Sometimes that comes through action and other times through words. Our families, our friends, our neighbors – don’t wait for tragedy before letting those around you know that they make a difference.

Much love to you all.

KAREN TELLALIAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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We’re Moving!

After 9 exciting years at our Main Street office, DMI Agency is relocating. Beginning in March, you’ll find us at: 210 E. Center Street, Suite A. (Just north of Bank of America).

Call us or drop by!

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3300-square-foot office space coming available in March, 2019.

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For information on this and other properties.

Visit: www.home4rent.org or call 559-732-0313

D O W N T O W N

S C E N E

The Overland Stable was located on the northwest corner of Acequia Avenue and Court Street. Circa 1895.

VISALIA COWBOY, KING OF THE STABLE T E X T

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efore arrival of the automobile, livery stables provided important services to communities. They gave the horses of local and out-of-town travelers access to food, water and shelter, and when visitors arrived by train or stage and needed a rental horse or buggy, the livery provided that option too. Visalia had many stables over the years, but there was one, probably the most well-known and oldest, that stands out from the others. It was the Overland Livery Stable and was owned by Jacob V. Huffaker.

Visalia’s Overland Livery Stable probably traces the origin of its name to the Overland Mail Co. – a nationally known mail and passenger service that had a stage stop and office in Visalia.

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vacant on the east side of Court Street between Main Street and Acequia Avenue. Two local businessmen, Cady and Denny, purchased the property and opened what they called the Overland Stable. For the next decade, several different owners ran the business.

In March 1872, the stable burned to the ground. Flames were first spotted about 2 a.m. March 19 and, within a short time, “the building was one entire sheet of livid flames.” Firefighters worked hard to contain the blaze, but the wood-framed stable, owned by Claiburn Wright, was a total loss. All of the buggies, hearse, harnesses and robes were destroyed.

About 35 horses were inside at the time of the fire, and only a few could be rescued. Sixteen perished outright, and many others, although removed from the buildings, did not survive their injuries.

O M M E N

It was called one of the worst fires in the town’s 20-year history. That fire ended the livery business there.

At the time, a young man named Huffaker was starting his own livery in an old existing stable. The exact location is not known, but regardless, within a short time, Huffaker had taken over the name Overland Livery Stable and set up his operation on the northwest corner of Court and Acequia, almost directly across from the burned-out business. For the next three decades, his Overland Livery Stable and the name Huffaker would be linked.

Jacob Vaughter Huffaker, an Illinois native, was a natural for the livery business. His mother died when he was an infant, so he was raised by his father.

The two went to Texas, where the young boy learned the life of a cowboy and

everything that went with it, including shooting, riding horses, and branding and herding cattle. He spent most of his young life in the saddle. In 1861, he joined a large wagon train heading to California and served as a scout and sharpshooter for the wagon master. By the time the 17-year old lad came to Visalia in 1862, he was already an experienced cowboy.

So it was not surprising that when he first came to town, he worked as a “breaker of wild horses and a herder of wild cattle.”

By 1876, Huffaker had firmly established himself as a liveryman. He boasted that he had “fitted up the most complete livery stable establishment in this part of the state” and, according to him, he had “the finest turnouts and fastest teams ever brought to Tulare County.”

In 1871, he married a Tulare County woman named Palestine Downing.

Throughout his life, he was active in civic affairs. He joined the Four Creeks Lodge No. 94 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, served as city superintendent of streets and was a charter member of the Visalia Fire Department. There was even

a hint that at one time he was considering creation of a stage service to Mineral King. By 1898, Huffaker was a wellrespected community leader and his stable laid claim to being the oldest and most reliable livery in town.

But in 1905, the old landmark business suffered a setback. The stable barn burned to the ground and shut down the business for a time. Huffaker rebuilt it and opened his stable again later in the year.

By 1906, Huffaker, now 61 years old, was considering retirement and his two sons, Will and Arthur, were willing to take over operation of the business. On July 1, the brothers took control and the senior Huffaker began making plans to visit relatives in Illinois.

For the next few years, the brothers ran the stable, then the Huffaker family was hit with bad news. Jacob Huffaker, the patriarch of the family, died on June 18, 1909, at the age of 65, and his wife inherited the estate. He was interred in the Visalia Cemetery.

By 1910, the family decided to sell the stable property. It was sold to Jesse D. Pritchard, who owned two other stables

– City Stable at Court and Oak streets and Kaweah Stable at Main and Bridge streets. In May of 1915, Pritchard announced closing of the Overland Livery Stable. He commented that with more and more automobiles in use, the livery business was declining, and added that the old Huffaker property was showing its age. He sold the real estate to C.B. Lillie and R.F. Cross.

In January 1916, the property had another fire. By this time, the unoccupied stable was being called a fire trap and a breeding place for flies, so there was a push by the city to have what was left demolished. The owners considered repairing the buildings, but the city officials were not supportive and made it clear that the old wood-framed stable in the heart of town needed to go.

By the end of 1916, the city got its wish. The site was cleared to become an automobile parking lot. Huffaker’s stable was gone – the victim of progress and another sign that the car was replacing the horse.

By the way, Palestine lived to be 95 years old. She died in 1949 and was also buried in the Visalia Cemetery. L

Left: The Overland Livery Stable logo as used on stationery. Circa 1882. Right: Jacob Vaughter Huffaker. Circa 1900.

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FUELING FOR THE GREATER GOOD.

L O V E L Y

L I V I N G

YOU HAD ME AT 'HAIR' T E X T

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“I believe that I’ve discovered my life is full, my soul is covered; and as the world turns gravity still pulls us towards each other….”

– “I Believe,” lyrics by Les Carlsen and Don Cromwell 14

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es Carlsen was a handsome, charismatic singer. Joyce Macek was a beautiful, talented vocalist and dancer. Performing on opposite ends of the country in two companies of the Broadway show “Hair” – Les in Seattle and Miami and Joyce in Boston – it would seem unlikely that the two would meet.

That changed when both were cast in the “bus and truck” company of a nationwide tour of the production. Their connection was immediate and powerful. “When I first saw her, it was like a lightning bolt – it hit me real strong,” Les said. As for Joyce? “I was pretty enamored with him, too.”

As they performed eight shows each week at small theaters and colleges in different locations almost every night, their bond continued to grow. The constant close quarters and challenges of being part of a national company came with the benefit of the chance to solidify the relationship that had been undeniable from the start.

In 1971, Les took a break from the show and moved to Los Angeles to record an album produced by Michael Butler, the owner of “Hair,” who was attempting to produce another rock opera similar to the popular “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Joyce followed shortly after.

The new rock opera didn’t materialize, so in 1972, they moved to the Northwest and settled in with Jeff, Les’ young son from his first marriage. The two married in 1974.

Ever the creative musicians, Les put a band together and Joyce joined a ‘50s musical group. But the couple didn’t like spending so much time apart, so they combined both bands, with the women, Les and Don Cromwell (former bass player for Eddie Money and Air Supply).

The group changed backing musicians many times over the years as Les and Joyce performed all over the country in different venues as the Carlsen-Macek Band, evolving from stage to lounge and nightclub shows to more edgy duo songs.

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L O V E L Y

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In 1980, they were working as the house band at Meeker’s Landing and The Place in Seattle, continuing to write their own music and laying the groundwork for bigger things. The legendary Kenny Ortega (their friend from the “Hair” productions) put the steps together for one of the couple’s songs called “Against the Law,” which helped keep their band’s name forward in the industry. It was during that time that they were discovered by a record producer and offered a contract for performances and several record deals throughout the world, except in the U.S. The pair capitalized on their dynamic, romantic image, traveling to Italy, where they appeared on a television show called “How Far Is America?” highlighting the differences between the two countries. They sang a romantic song called “Can You Give Me Love?” which featured a kiss that the Italian press reported as the longest on-air kiss to occur on Italian television. During these years, Carlsen-Macek recorded three albums and opened for the bands Heart, The Beach Boys, B.B. King, Three Dog Night, Cliff Richards, Quiet Riot and Steppenwolf.

In the course of their rock ‘n’ roll life, which can throw a lot of curves to a couple, a young musician named Don Garberg joined their band, called Sticker at the time, and the way he spoke and lived his own life intrigued them. When asked what guided his principles, he shared a book called “More Than a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell with them.

This led in part to their decision to be born again, and committing to their Christian faith changed their lives in every way – they looked at each other differently, communicated differently, understood and perceived the world differently. “We got down on our knees to pray and when we got up, we were two different people,” Joyce said.

Along with these changes came a change in their lifestyle. For a time in the early ’80s, they put their musical careers aside to live differently, remaining open to “whatever God called us to do.”

Joyce gave haircuts and Les worked roofing houses. In an about-face from his lead singer days, he used his equipment and experiences to work as a roadie for local bands on tour.

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But their hiatus from music was short-lived. In 1985, their pastor entreated them to use their voices to share the words of God. Jeff, now 18, was a heavy metal fan who had amassed a sizable collection of records. When Joyce and Les “really listened to them,” they found several of the songs contained lyrics that they found to be rather shocking, and it occurred to Les that there might be a market for heavy metal music that was not so dark. He ultimately connected with Michael Bloodgood in Seattle and together they formed the band Bloodgood, with Les serving as the lead singer. They began writing original Christian “hard” metal songs in the style of Stryper, a hugely popular Christian metal band.

It wasn’t long before Bloodgood auditioned for a manager who needed a band to open for Stryper. Once selected, they quickly recorded a song that Joyce had written and drove it to the local Christian radio station, which obliged their request to play it immediately.

They performed for a small crowd in Bellingham on a Friday and in front of a much larger audience at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle the following night.

The positive reactions resulted in the band signing with Frontline Records in Orange County, California, and their first album, “Bloodgood,” sold 40,000 copies in the first month of its 1986 release.

Maximizing their success, the band hit the road with their families in 1987 on the “Detonation” tour. Joyce credits their road tour experience with “Hair” as a huge help to the whole group. In that same year, Joyce appeared in the movie “Salsa,” choreographed by Kenny Ortega.

She co-wrote a song for the movie with Cromwell and performed it as a duet with Bobby Caldwell. To this day, Carlsen and Cromwell continue to write together, recording an album in 2012, with Joyce singing background vocals.

Bloodgood recorded six studio albums, three live albums and toured the U.S. and Europe several times until 1993, and even played in Russia after the wall came down, where Les also sang in a Christian rock opera.

On the family side of things, after dedicating themselves to their faith, Les and Joyce tried for five years to have a baby, and they delightedly welcomed F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9 | L I F E S T Y L E

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their daughter Faith into the world in July 1989. She accompanied Les and Joyce on tour with the other families and their children in 1993. Not surprisingly, although in many ways it was an exciting life, it was not easy to provide a stable family environment on the road, so they stopped touring.

Looking to settle down in one place with their family, they moved to Southern California in 1994, where Les had been hired to run an art business.

During his 17 years in the position, they embarked on several excellent adventures, visiting faraway places, including Venice, Cairo, Spain for the running of the bulls, Amsterdam, Iceland, Ireland and France.

For 20 years, Joyce served as a children’s pastor at Water of Life Community Church in Fontana.

“We were focused on raising our child and providing a life that was good and consistent,” they said. Music never left their lives entirely, with performances here and there throughout the years.

This resulted in an award-winning documentary movie on Bloodgood, “Trenches of Rock,” which is scheduled for release in the U.S. this year.

In 2013, with the band members’ kids grown and in the midst of their own careers, Bloodgood ran a Kickstarter campaign to fund a new album. Jeff, who passed away unexpectedly in December that year, was able to hear the

finished album, a blessing that they cherish. With their desire to be close to family stronger than ever, Joyce retired from her position at the church and they sold their house, moving to Tulare in 2017.

Since the move, the couple has performed in three concerts overseas, but they generally stay close to home.

Every available moment is happily spent with Joyce’s 93-year-old mother, Dee, daughter Faith, son-in-law Joshua, and grandchildren Everly Love, Sequoia Jeffrey, Adalie Ember and baby River Ellen. Related to her former role at the Fontana church, Joyce will travel this winter to Australia to assist with starting a children's ministry at a new church at the YWAM base in Townsville, Queensland.

No question that this pair has made the most of every opportunity and challenge they’ve encountered; their life has been happy, busy and anything but boring,

but not without its tests. Through it all, they’ve kept their focus and their energies on the people they love.

Keeping two individuals with powerful personalities and distinct attitudes, perceptions and priorities together has been one of the biggest challenges they’ve faced in the last 44-plus years. Losing Jeff remains an unimaginable tragedy, drawing them back to their anchor of family. Les and Joyce agree that their unshakeable faith in Christ and each other has been the glue that holds them together. Just as the country song goes, Les drives Jeff’s truck and plays his drums to keep his spirit close. “Every time you get a chance to say I love you to someone, say it. Listen to people, to what they have to say,” Les advises. “Take joy in watching the people you love live their lives.”

Over the years, their musical message and style have changed. Their life experiences are reflected on their faces and in their eyes ... and so is the almost visible aura that surrounds and connects them, as it has been from the moment they met. Their commitment and strength as a couple is evident and inspiring.

“We’ve done so many things; we’ve traveled all over the world and seen some amazing things ... having done all of that, the most amazing thing we’ve ever done is being grandparents to our grandchildren, spending time with our mom and family. Family is everything.” L

For more information on or to download the Carlsens’ music, visit: linktr.ee/lescarlsen

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T R A V E L E R ' S

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BEYOND LONDON T E X T

A N D P H O T O S S U B M I T T E D B Y C H E R Y L L E V I T A N

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ost international travelers eventually find themselves in London, often more than once. For more than 20 million visitors each year, it's a chosen destination, especially for people whose first language is English. (Note that “English speaking” here and “speaking English” in the U.S., however, has considerable variation!) Countless more pass through London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s largest and the busiest airline hub in Europe. Since airlines allow passengers to book connecting flights that include single or multi-day stopovers in London, often for no extra fee, travelers frequently opt to tour the area. And since London is also an embarkation point for many cruises (after a train or bus ride to Southampton), many passengers arrive early in order to experience the city.

London never disappoints. From the shows and lively pubs in the West End theater district or gawking at both the girth of Henry VIII’s suit of armor and the glittering Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, there’s always something to see or do.

We’re all familiar with the iconic sights of London, but there is nothing like the experience of actually standing next to them. Walking the banks of the River Thames racks up the steps on your fitness watch while affording amazing views of the city.

And when it rains, the museums are abundant. But if repeated visits have made the city feel a little “been there, done that,” it’s time to look beyond London.

Hotels and websites such as Viator, TripAdvisor and EvanEvansTours offer day trips beginning within London but venturing outside the city limits. Often quite good, these are led by individuals with varying experience and knowledge. Less recognized in the U.S., but a symbol of excellence in the U.K., are the Blue Badge Guides. Leading personalized tours throughout the British Isles, these official national guides are rigorously trained and fully insured.

Committed to delivering an experience to remember, Blue Badges feel more like a knowledgeable friend than a hired guide (britainsbestguides.org). They also offer “driver guides,” who pick up at your door – a wise choice in a country where the act of crossing the street can be tantamount to taking your life in your hands as you look one way while drivers come from the other. And renting a car?

The thought evokes memories of Clark Griswold in “European Vacation” driving round and round the same traffic circle for hours, unable to negotiate the exit!

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Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II spends most weekends, is about 45 minutes west of Central London. The medieval fortress has housed 39 monarchs over the past 1,000 years.

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HERE ARE SOME GREAT DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE THE “CITY BOX,” AND MANY CAN BE COMBINED: WIMBLEDON: The oldest tennis tournament in the world, it’s the only Grand Slam played on grass (the original surface of “lawn tennis” on modified croquet courts in the late 1800s).

Wimbledon honors many long-standing traditions, including a strict dress code, the eating of strawberries and cream, royal patronage, and no sponsors or advertisements surrounding the courts.

Instead, most of the work of the tournament is undertaken by members of the prestigious All England Lawn Tennis Club, site of the tournament 30 minutes southwest of London in the town of Wimbledon. The tour of the grounds and newscaster booths is surreal after years of watching it on TV, and the year-long process required to restore the grass after two weeks of rigorous play is a strong argument for going “lawn-free”!

THE COTSWOLDS: Located less than 2 hours south of London, the Cotswolds are 800 square miles of sheep-flocked rolling hills (the wolds), babbling streams and sweeping meadows dotted with picture-perfect, honey-colored stone villages. A tranquil spot that echoes of bygone times, the area is not without modern amenities and famous residents who appreciate the anonymity that their stately country homes and gardens provide. Charles (Prince of Wales) calls Highgrove House home, and Harry and Meghan (Duke and Duchess of Sussex) have rented a house. Royalty aside, David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Kate Winslet and Liz Hurley all have Cotswold countryside estates. And the meat, fish, vegetables and cheeses locally produced have given rise to gastropubs and fine restaurants.

Wimbledon: The article's author with Blue Badge Guide Peter Jamison.

Wimbledon: Centre Court #1 with retractable roof to left, Centre Court 2 without a roof to the right and a number of the other courts in the center background.

The Cotswolds: Considered Englands largest area of natural beauty, the Cotswolds are a series of rolling hills, sheepand lovely villages.

BATH: Just south of the Cotswolds, Bath’s hot springs were discovered by the Romans in 43 B.C. and developed as a thermal retreat. It was a center for the wool industry in medieval times. The rediscovery of the old Roman baths in the 1800s transformed it into the social destination for the Victorians. Also home

to Jane Austen, Bath was the setting for two of her romantic novels. The city draws visitors today for its great beauty, history, architecture, therapeutic springs and the stone bridge crossing the Avon River with shops to either side (one of only four bridges in the world with this design).

Bath: The Royal Crescent is a huge curved building of 30 homes and a five-star hotel, it's one of Bath's most iconic landmarks built in 1775 with a sweeping neoclassical facade.

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First Ever Storewide Sale!

We’re making room for new inventory, take advantage of never seen before prices and give your home the look you’ve always wanted.

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Lavender blooms on rolling hills outside London.

Greenwich: Five miles from central London, the town of Greenwich, with masts of the Cutty Sark Ship Museum in the background.

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WINDSOR CASTLE (OPENING PHOTO): Forty-five minutes west of Central London, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. It’s a medieval fortress and English royal home for 39 monarchs over the past 1,000 years. The queen spends most weekends here. It’s open to the public year-round; most visitors take a 30-minute free guided tour of the castle exterior before choosing to see the richly decorated State Apartments, the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard or St. George’s Chapel (site of the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle). The castle occupies 13 acres surrounded by 655 acres of parkland (Home Park).

Frogmore Cottage lies within Home Park and is undergoing renovation for Prince Harry and family. The compact city of Windsor (dominated by the castle) sits to one side of the River Thames and is filled with “one-off” (one-of-a-kind) shops, teahouses and pubs. The sister city of Eton (home to the elite boarding school of Eton College, established in 1440) sits on the other shore, and the two are connected

by Windsor Bridge.

LAVENDER FARMS: Located about an hour southeast of London, these fields may not rival those in Provence, but the sweeping carpets of vivid purple in the rolling English countryside are quite something to see and are well-known for their relaxing and healing properties. The area’s pervasive smell and visual beauty of row after row of explosive color alone soothe the soul. Castle Farm in Kent is the largest at 95 acres. Its shop is open year-round, but entrance to the fields and lavender oil distillery plant are by pre-booked, guided tour only. Mayfield Lavender in North Surrey is smaller at 25 acres, but its picturesque location is an original 1900s farm that supplied lavender for English products worldwide. It’s open to the public from early June to September (bloom to harvest); July to August is peak season for both bloom and visitors.

GREENWICH: Providing sweeping vistas of the city, a 5-mile cruise on the Thames brings London visitors to Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in maritime history. The 1869 Cutty Sark (the last surviving British tea clipper ship) is “docked” within a museum and available to be toured. The 1675 Royal Observatory is built on the Prime Meridian (zero longitude) and allows visitors to understand the concept of global time zones while straddling the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

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OXFORD: The oldest English language university in the world, Oxford lies about an hour northwest of London and is filled with galleries, shops, pubs and museums.

Composed of 38 individual colleges (each with its own distinct dorms, dining halls, chapels, gardens and classes), it is architecturally stunning and was the setting for the Harry Potter films. While Christ Church College’s Great Hall (dining hall) may be known as the model for Hogwarts, it has educated no less than 13 British prime ministers and countless world leaders. Oxford’s colleges have also inspired scenes and locations in C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia” and J.R.R. Tolkien's “Lord of the Rings.”

The nearby River Cherwell is the location for an old English pastime – punting, or sailing slowly in a flat-bottomed boat using a long pole to push off from the river bottom.

CAMBRIDGE: Farther north are the 31 distinct colleges that comprise Cambridge University, located in another picturesque city with similar amenities. More than 90 Nobel Prize winners, such scientists as Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, and such renowned poets as Byron and Wadsworth have all studied here. The architecture is equally as impressive, and the view from the river (dotted with punting boats) is magnificent. Visitors can drink at the pub where discovery of the structure of DNA was announced, visit the lab where the first atom was split, and see the university square that inspired the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire.”

The Kings College Chapel’s fan vault ceiling (intricate ribbing) is the largest of its kind in the world. The choir at the chapel is world famous and performs daily when school is in session.

BLENHEIM PALACE: This early 1700s country house is considered one of England’s grandest with its 200-footlong library, soaring entrance hall, lavish paintings, countless tapestries and priceless furniture. The birthplace of Winston Churchill (and home to the family for 250 years), it’s located one hour northwest of London. The gardens, considered some of the most important in England, were designed by England’s greatest landscape architect, Lancelot “Capability” Brown (who famously told clients that their gardens were capable of improvement).

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Oxford: Radcliffe Camera is the most iconic landmark in Oxford, a 250-year-old circular library that looks like a cathedral for knowledge. The streets are so narrow that the full picture can only be taken from a nearby church.

Oxford: Christchurch College Great Hall (or dining hall) was the model for the one at Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

Blenheim Palace: Its gardens were created by famous landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown and it was the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

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Hampton Court: This once was the palace of King Henry VIII, the maze at Hampton Court is the oldest in the world.

HAMPTON COURT: King Henry VIII’s palace is a grand blend of Tudor and baroque architecture. Located on the River Thames 40 minutes southwest of London, its gardens are extensive and include the world-famous Great Maze as well as the Great Vine planted in 1768 (today, the largest in the world). The Great Hall’s hammer beam timber roof and chapel’s royal blue fan vault ceiling are magnificent (and the chapel is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s beheaded fifth wife). The labyrinth kitchens, the largest of the time, had 200 cooks preparing upward of 800 meals each day. L

Hampton Court: The elaborate hammer beam entry hall ceiling utilizes a truss system combining beams, braces and rafters to support the large open roof's weight without posts.

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Photo by Marc Dwelle

THE RETURN OF THE CELLAR DOOR T E X T

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n an early 20th-century study of the most beautiful and pleasing words in the English language, conducted by several linguistic artists, including J.R.R. Tolkien, one strange word combo stood out. Cellar Door. It had a magic to the ears, creating a romantic connection with the heart, for whatever reason, not that reason ever plays much into the workings of the heart. Maybe that alone plays into the love that the community holds for our own Main Street Cellar Door, a location that has a magic appeal to both music, art and all that they entail.

Marc Dwelle grew up in Visalia, and like many Valley teens, enjoyed skating and listening to music. He tells me of times when he was looked down on, as with every up-and-coming generation, by the elders in the community who didn’t see the value in his passions. Luckily for our town, those attitudes only fanned the flames of passion in him. Along with the business sense, guts and hustle, he came up in the downtown scene by investing in it, and the rest is history.

In 1998, at the age of 26, Marc was given a golden opportunity to purchase

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the now-fabled downtown record store Ragin’ Records. The shop was a popular spot for the youth and young at heart to purchase records at a time when the record player was on the decline, but not the passion for the product.

Although business was booming in his dealings with the multiple car-washing enterprises that he was involved with, Marc called the record store purchase the “dumbest, most intelligent business decision I ever made.” He attributes this to the fact that he didn’t really want the business, but more so he didn’t want “some knucklehead buying the place and running it into the ground.” Through his gamble, he was rewarded with a successful business venture. Soon after, Marc aggressively put profits into another passion of producing and playing music.

He started Sound N Vision, and started promoting and making music of his creation, as well as that of other talents he came across.

Fast forward to 2018. Visalia’s hottest music venue, one that had supplied the spirits and live music for the past 14 years, was closing down. Main Street

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was losing a crown jewel, and a wave of sadness washed over the thousands who had experienced magical nights at the hot spot.

Marc and his wife Amy were no exception. “We went to the closing party that was thrown to get one last look at the place,” Marc says. Once inside, “it was nice to see so many faces from the past coming back to say goodbye.”

That’s when fate intervened. “I’m walking around and I see Ralph Bookout [the building owner] sitting at a table and he calls me over.” Bookout recognized Marc as the right person for the right offer, and that offer came with purchasing the entire building, roughly half a block of retail connected to the venue site. Soon after, Marc also purchased the business side of the Cellar Door, and there was renewed hope.

There is no other musical venue with the Cellar Door’s reputation between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and that’s a fact. That’s because in part of the hard work of Aaron Gomes, who is heavily involved in promotions through a continuance of Sound N Vision, which

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is now a nonprofit music and youth benefactor. The mystique of the venue was sold to acts that typically wouldn’t have batted an eye at the place – such acts as Billy Corgan, front man for the Smashing Pumpkins, along with Dave Navarro, the Cold War Kids, Foster the People and Chris Robinson, founder of the Black Crowes. All acts that directly or indirectly typically would play venues closer to the Save Mart Center in Fresno were drawn to the small-town Central California venue. Marc and crew are dedicated to continuing this trend to bring entertainment that we would normally have to drive hours to see.

But what’s new? What will be done differently through a fresh set of eyes and rekindled spirit? Well, in part, rekindled spirits. Marc’s crew includes two others: Culinary Institute of America New York-trained Tate Darwin, who is in charge of the culinary and mixology magic and culture, and Ryan Sullivan, a local attorney who keeps everything on the tracks.

“Cocktails are American,” Tate says.

“Other countries weren’t doing it,” following the statement with a brief history of the craft and its triumphant return of libation after Prohibition. The Cellar Door will be serving such cocktails as God Save the Queen, mixed from red berry Ciroc, Cherry Heering (a Danish liqueur flavored with cherry), lemon, blood orange and Grenadine. Or order a Sugar Magnolia: Maker’s Mark, lemon, Disaronno and Aperol (an Italian apertif).

The creative drink menu is captivating by description and will certainly offer a taste of the Old World born anew.

Photo by Marc Dwelle

Photo by Stephanie Barazza

Photo by Stephanie Barazza

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Photo by Stephanie Barazza

The next addition comes from the Cellar Door’s menu. Huge flavors and options coming out of a small, late-night kitchen, supplied in part by Visalia’s farmers market. Order a Mongolian Beef Empanada or the Rosemary Chicken Salad Cups. You can get side dishes like Crispy Szechwan Green Beans (which apparently are becoming the talk of the town) or a reboot of the classic Tater-Tot, found in the Tot-Choes, a fusion of nachos meets tots. For other tastes of Americana-reinvented cuisines, a hot-dog menu has been created, with red-hots such as the Maui’s Revenge, a hot-link with pineapple rings, spicy barbecue sauce and house-made bacon bits. Or the Porter-Bello Philly, made with portobello mushrooms, red and green bell peppers, and onions sautéed in a Barrelhouse porter sauce.

Marc doesn’t exactly know how the Cellar Door got its name. He assumes that it comes from the fact that when it originally opened, it was a wine bar, complete with a solid and stocked working wine cellar below street level.

What’s most important to him is that the place is available to represent all in the community. They recently hosted a musical venue to benefit employees affected by the downtown fires. The need for the event was summed up nicely by Marc’s wife Amy, who says, “Our downtown is family.”

Regardless of the name’s origin, it surely will grow into the other mystic aspects of the property, and the vibe that it puts out in music, spirits, art, food and memories. The Cellar Door – it’s beautiful, isn’t it? And it’s all ours. L

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HERRERA HOME T E X T P H O T O S

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Distressed wood flooring and unfinished beams mark an open room that includes a fireplace with seating, the kitchen and a dining area.

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A LABOR OF LOVE

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or some families, finding a house and making it into a home is a lifelong endeavor. Weekends are spent working in the yard, finding just the right decor and doing everything possible to settle in to a comfortable routine that creates lasting memories.

For the Herrera family, a forever family home is a foreign concept and, quite frankly, takes the fun out of life. In fact, it is safe to say that they love to move — all six of them!

Their latest home, affectionately called the Dump House (more on that in a bit) has been a labor of love. The extensive remodeling and permitting process has taken them on a journey of ups and downs that they in turn shared with hundreds via Instagram.

Tulare natives Adrian and Korrie Herrera have been married nearly nine years and have already moved nine times. To say that they thrive on the excitement and challenge of constantly pulling up their roots is an understatement. But even in this hectic routine, the couple finds comfort.

“It has never been our plan to move every year or so, but we have to remember how little control we actually have and ultimately it’s God’s plan that we follow,” Korrie said. “Since our kids are in school now, we’ll try not to move as often. But we’ve said that before!”

THEIR LATEST ADVENTURE Adrian, a real estate agent and investor, is constantly on the lookout for properties for clients as well as his own family.

Knowing that his family wanted to escape the city limits and settle in the countryside, he had his eye on an older home on Road 44 west of Tulare, near Korrie’s family.

It came on the market and, within minutes, he placed a call to Korrie, an elementary school teacher who has a zeal for interior design. The call rang through to her classroom, something she thought was a bit out of the ordinary.

“He told me the house had come up for sale and that he was selling our home and we were moving in with my brother, who was a newlywed,” she said.

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Unfazed and accustomed to this rapid lifestyle, she agreed and returned her attention to her students. When she arrived home that evening with their children in tow, Adrian and Korrie’s brother, Blake, were already packing boxes. “He is a man of action,” a smiling Korrie said of her husband.

But as transactions go, this one came with some unique hurdles. First, the home was in probate and the State of California decided to rehabilitate the home first before selling it to the Herreras. The previous resident shared the home with several cats who had 36 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9

made it uninhabitable, they said. “You couldn’t even walk in, your eyes would burn so bad.”

As hazardous materials teams cleaned out the home, filling Dumpsters in the driveway, the Herreras were excited nonetheless. But their children, Alec, Ava and Jack, weren’t so sure. Pulling up to the home one day and seeing the commotion, they expressed their disbelief.

Ava, then 6, said, “Oh no, we’re going to live at the dump!”

Going along for fun, Adrian and Korrie gave their new home an appropriate moniker: the Dump House.

It set the tone for the months ahead, as frustration set in with the lengthy probate and then permitting process for their remodel. What they estimated at a four-month endeavor stretched to two years. To document their journey (and make light of a frustrating situation), they created an Instagram account with the hashtag #thedumphouse, and today have more than 400 followers who have seen every stage of the project from demolition to rebirth. They even made T-shirts and hats emblazoned with #thedumphouse and wore them proudly around town.

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They designed a 2,300-square-foot home, and plans were drawn up and approved. They tried to persuade the state to ditch the rehabilitation plans so that they could get to work on their own design, but to no avail. Eventually, all the interior work done by the state had to be destroyed. The smell of feline urine was still so intense that they were forced to remove all the sheetrock and take the entire structure down to the studs for a complete, fresh start.

In the meantime, the family moved out of her brother’s home into a rental in Tulare, while waiting for construction

crews to work their magic on the new design. Not ones to slow down, they also welcomed a baby, Peter John, on July 14. As she neared the end of her pregnancy, Korrie shared her frustrations with the renovation by adding the hashtags #hormones #mybabyneedsahouse and #letsgeterdone to some of her posts.

Soon after Pete’s birth, the family was able to move in and Korrie explained in a post that he naturally reminded them to take breaks in between unpacking boxes. Adorable photos of Little Pete even got the hashtag #dumphousebaby.

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Functionality is key for the family of six, which includes a baby. Surfaces are designed to handle the Herreras’ hectic pace, with open spaces featuring distressed wood flooring and concrete countertops to deal with meal preparation and children’s art projects. Large picture windows facing east and west enable the family to enjoy watching the sunrise and sunset.

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T O U R “From the tile to the baseboards to the beams, every piece of this house was carefully picked out,” says Korrie Herrera, an elementary school teacher and mother of four.

SETTLING IN – FOR NOW With Korrie’s insatiable appetite for gorgeous living spaces, it is evident that her design and decorating style draws comparisons to the Magnolia Home line created by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame. Clean lines, unfinished raw beams, bright walls and expertly placed decor ties the entire house together into a farmhouse motif.

“A lot of my inspiration comes from following hashtags on Instagram and looking at very old homes on Zillow and sometimes Pinterest,” Korrie said.

“I screenshot what I like and then sketch out what I’d do differently. I have so many notebooks with sketches of kitchens and bathrooms. That’s really the fun part for me.”

The design of the home is a reflection of what works for the Herrera family.

Because they’re a busy family of six, functionality is key. Moving on average once a year has helped them figure out what works and what doesn’t.

“All bedrooms must be on the same floor,” Korrie said. “And we actually prefer smaller houses.”

Surfaces are built to handle the family’s hectic pace – distressed wood flooring is no match for the bouncy seat for baby Pete, and concrete countertops withstand meal prep and art projects.

The Dump House is surrounded by farmland, cared for by a lifelong family friend, and next door is an equipment yard filled with farm implements owned

by Korrie’s father. Seeing “Papa” roll

The 2,300-square-foot home on Road 44 west of Tulare is surrounded by farmland.

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by on the tractor has been a real treat for everyone. Fields of bright green oats stretch low and wide around the home.

Large picture windows to the east and west provide proof to guests that the only traces of animals left on the property are those that belong to the family – in this case, a sheep, a goat and the family dog, an adorable Weimaraner named Charlie. (Every farmhouse needs a dog, right?) If Ava is lucky, she may also get a pony, every little girl’s dream.

The windows also allow the family to follow one of their favorite – if not grounding – activities: watching the sunrise and sunset. Their unobstructed views are priceless.

Korrie and Adrian also give much

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credit to their contractors and subcontractors, who understood their vision from the get-go and put a lot of effort into bringing it all to fruition. Daily visits and good connections with local businesses were also key.

“We would head out to the job site almost every day to check on progress and measure, mark things with chalk and sketch more pictures,” Korrie said.

“Sometimes we would go just to have a little picnic and try to envision what would look best in a space. The great thing about working with local artisans is that we could take our time and really tailor what we wanted for the house.

From the tile to the baseboards to the beams, every piece of this house was carefully picked out.”

They also asked their children for their ideas, which yielded one of the home’s most creative features: a secret doorway between their bedrooms. The doors on each side are actually 100-year-old cabinet doors from their grandparents’ home.

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The Herreras’ three older children were asked for their ideas, and one is a secret doorway between their bedrooms. The doors came from 100-year-old cabinets.

UP NEXT: ANOTHER MOVE? The Herreras stunned their Instagram family when they announced in January that the Dump House was up for sale.

Another property just a few miles away has caught their eye with its potential to help them grow a vacation rental business that they’ve recently started, called Guest Equity.

“People are shocked that we already put it up for sale,” Adrian said. “Our viewers are more emotionally invested than we are.”

Korrie agreed, saying, “We truly felt God’s hand pushing us in this direction.

We’re looking forward to big things.

“We love this house, but it is just a house. What matters to us is the people inside.” L

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VISALIA WRITER FINDS UNIVERSAL THEMES IN HOMETOWN’S ESSENCE T E X T

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or Jacqueline Huertaz, Visalia is a family affair. She is part of the fourth generation of her family to live in Visalia, while some of her younger cousins are maybe a couple of generations later.

Her great-grandfather Filoberto moved from Guadalajara, Mexico, and married her great-grandmother Emma in Texas before leaving for the Central Valley to work in the fields. They followed the harvests throughout the Valley, moving from one migrant camp to another. Eventually, they bought their first home and settled in Visalia near Court Street and Holy Family Catholic Church.

Huertaz’ grandmother is the oldest of 13 children. Huertaz is the oldest of four. Besides Visalia, she has family scattered throughout the county, in Lindsay, Tulare and more.

“I really can’t go anywhere without running into a cousin,” she said.

Huertaz attended Divisadero Middle School and Redwood High School before

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becoming the first person in her immediate family to go on to higher education.

She credits her mother with helping her have the determination to pursue college.

“She was a young mom, like 15-16,” Huertaz said. “She did not want me to be a young mother. She wanted me to have a more secure future for myself – to travel and see the world and have new experiences, have more opportunities.”

Huertaz was also motivated by watching her very young parents struggle to support their family.

“I just wanted a different life,” she said.

Going to school was not easy for her.

Money was always a factor. She had to work multiple jobs, her car would break down, hours at work would be cut. It took four years to get her A.A. degree from College of the Sequoias. She then attended Sonoma State for one year, but living there was too expensive, so she returned to the Valley to attend Fresno State.

After she was well on her way to a business degree, she decided that

literature was her real interest and switched to being an English major. This meant that she would need many more classes, and it turned out that she was 29 years old by the time she completed her bachelor’s degree.

She had always believed that she needed to pick a practical job, such as being an accountant, but then she realized that was not who she was.

“I was always writing in my head,” she said. “I said I’m just going to do this for myself. I applied for the master’s program and I was really surprised that I got in.

I was like in shock.”

The program would take three years and she loved it. She said she had never been a straight-A student until she was in the master of fine arts program at Fresno State.

“I met my people there, too,” she said.

“You find the people there that like the things you like and love literature and like to write.”

While in the program, she was an editor for The Normal School and the

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San Joaquin Review. She also has been a member of the Chicano Writers and Artists Association.

Her writing reflects the mundane and the struggles of the working class, she said. One of her satirical poems describes how her mother came home and caught her running the air conditioner and grounded her for two weeks because they couldn’t afford the expense and she knew it.

In an essay that was recently sold to Quail Bell, “The Cutlass That Could Sing,” she describes the joy of the family cruising in her dad’s Cutlass after trading in their cramped Suzuki.

Her essays in Entropy include “Free Fall,” which describes her breaking free from what was expected of her as a young Mexican-American girl.

“There is definitely a lot of expectation for Mexican women in general to be more of the mother-wife role,” she said.

“Anything pushing against that is an abnormality. You want to be more than just one thing.”

In 45th Parallel, her essay, “Public Notice,” is on mental illness and how her brother and her family suffered because of his illness. She said no one talks about mental illness in their culture, where it is viewed as a sign of weakness.

She has also been published in Memoir Mixtapes, Razorhouse Magazine, and Flies Cockroaches and Poets.

Huertaz credits Stephen Church of the MFA program at Fresno State as one of the writers who has had a positive influence on her.

“He definitely took my writing to the next level in my craft,” she said. “We all have universal topics, but it’s our craft that makes our narrative stand out.”

Some other writers who have influenced and inspired her include Claudia Rankine and Lauren Slater. She was impressed by Slater’s essay about being a patient in a mental institution and later returning as a doctor.

Huertaz also relates to Natalie Diaz, who wrote the poem “My Brother Was an Aztec.”

“I love that poem because I really resonated with it on various levels,” she said. “She writes about her family and her brother. He was addicted to drugs

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and going through those challenges.”

Roxanne Gay is another of her inspirations. Huertaz uses Gay’s best-selling essay collection “Bad Feminist” in all the classes she teaches.

Huertaz has been an adjunct professor at College of the Sequoias, Reedley College, Porterville College and in Richgrove, where she is teaching English as a Second Language for the first time.

She is interested in transitioning into teaching ESL at one campus.

“Commuting can be very challenging,” she said. “The winter weather, fog, the cold. It’s unpredictable.”

As in her essay, “Free Fall,” she finds that her students, especially girls, don’t have a strong support system for their desire for further education.

“The ideas that they share are not always validated,” she said. “This is your place and you’re going to stay there is the attitude. It is a struggle of identity.”

She said the culture and the religion have expectations that women will take care of their husbands and children.

“And even for me, I don’t have children, but I felt as if I was a mother by default,” she said. “You’re having to help out with your cousins, your brothers and sisters.

You can’t go to the after-school Girl Scouts because you have to watch so-and-so.”

Angela Morales, originally from Merced, is another of the writers she teaches in her classes that speaks to these issues and other challenges these girls are faced with.

“It’s not always easy,” Huertaz said.

“A lot of the students in my class are young single moms. Things fall through, and they have to bring their kids to class. All you can do is be accommodating if you want your students to succeed.”

Besides teaching, with fewer classes this semester, Huertaz is returning to look at her master’s thesis in hopes of finding a publisher. She tested the waters with it twice and it was rejected.

She realizes that it needs work.

“But there are a lot of pieces that are ready that I can send out independently,” she said.

The title is “Living Life in a Series of Lines” and includes essays on identity, family and father-daughter relationships with underlying similarities in themes. L

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hef Elaine Dakessian gave her talented sous chefs Brett Lakey and Chris Reynoso creative license for a flavorful romantic dinner, and they rose to the challenge admirably.

A classic French 75 Champagne Cocktail is followed by a refreshing Citrus Salad With Avocado Vinaigrette using fresh winter citrus and jalapeĂąo for a bit of heat. Butter-basted Lobster Tails With Herb Butter and Skordalia, a Greek garlic and potato dish, are balanced with SautĂŠed Swiss Chard, and a friends favorite smooth White Chocolate Mousse garnished with chocolate-dipped strawberries is the perfect finish to this decadent meal.

Did you make these tasty dishes?

Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We look forward to seeing you online!

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@visalialifestyle

Use #LifestyleVisaliaEpicure F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9 | L I F E S T Y L E

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CITRUS SALAD WITH AVOCADO VINAIGRETTE

AVOCADO VINAIGRETTE

Serves 4

Yields 2 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

1 ruby red grapefruit 2 blood oranges 2 navel oranges 2 Meyer lemons 1 fennel bulb 1 small red onion A few leaves of cilantro A couple of sprigs dill 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts 1 cup avocado vinaigrette

1 Haas avocado 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, small dice 1/2 bunch cilantro; reserve a few stems with leaves for garnish 1/4 cup champagne vinegar 2 cups water 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS Peel all citrus with a knife; slice the grapefruit and oranges into rounds.

Segment the Meyer lemons.

Thinly slice red onions and fennel.

Layer citrus on a plate, drizzle with vinaigrette, garnish with dill, cilantro, onion and fennel.

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DIRECTIONS Quarter the avocado and purée in a food processor.

Add vinegar and pulse.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify.

Slowly add in the water to bring to proper consistency, not too runny – you may not need to use all of it.

Fold in the cilantro and jalapeño and pulse a few times.

Season with salt to taste.

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LOBSTER WITH HERB BUTTER Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 4 small lobster tails 1 stick unsalted butter 4 skewers (I use a thicker wooden skewer from Smart & Final) DIRECTIONS Using kitchen shears, on the underside of the lobster, cut down both sides to remove the thin membrane.

Get your fingers under the lobster at the top end and slowly pull out the lobster tail from the shell.

Insert a skewer down the center from top to bottom to keep the lobster straight. (They have a tendency to curl when cooking; this helps hold the shape.)

Reserve the shells for plate presentation if desired.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan to fit the tails.

Add the 4 small tails and baste over medium heat, turning constantly for about 8-10 minutes so they cook through evenly. (You don’t want to brown the lobster or burn the butter.)

When done, top liberally with herb butter. (Don’t be stingy; it’s really good!)

HERB BUTTER INGREDIENTS 1/2 pound unsalted butter 1 tablespoon lemon thyme, finely chopped (use regular thyme if you can’t find the lemon variety) 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped 1/4 cup garlic, finely chopped (food processor works well) 1 tablespoon red chile flakes Salt to taste DIRECTIONS Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.

Chill until ready to use.

Can be made in advance.

SKORDALIA – GREEK GARLIC AND POTATO DISH

' SAUTEED SWISS CHARD

Serves 4

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

1 pound russet potatoes 4 cups whole milk 1/2 stick butter 1 tablespoon garlic 2 teaspoons almond paste Salt

2 bunches Swiss chard, leaves and stems separated; reserve stems 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Small dice the chard stems.

Over high heat, add olive oil to a large sauté pan and bring to smoking point.

Add the chard stems and sweat until translucent.

Add garlic and sauté for another minute or two.

Add the chard leaves and sauté until just wilted.

Season with salt and pepper.

Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes.

Place in a stockpot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil for about 10 minutes or until fork tender.

Warm the milk.

Drain the potatoes and place in a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment or use a ricer to purée the potatoes.

Add butter, garlic and almond paste to the potatoes, then slowly add the warmed milk a little at a time until potatoes are creamy and smooth to desired consistency.

Season with salt to taste.

DIRECTIONS

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WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE (Recipe courtesy of Claire Robinson) Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 7 ounces white chocolate wafers or chips, chopped into small pieces 2 egg yolks 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup plus 1/4 cup heavy cream divided DIRECTIONS In a large glass bowl, place the chopped white chocolate and set aside.

Add the egg yolks and sugar to a small bowl and whisk until thick and pale in color.

In a saucepan over low heat, bring 1/4 cup of the cream to a simmer, and slowly add the cream into the yolk and sugar mixture to temper.

Pour the creamy mixture back into the pan and stir with a wooden spoon until it coats the back of it.

Pour hot mix into a fine mesh sieve placed directly over bowl with the chopped chocolate.

Stir until completely smooth.

In another bowl, whip remaining 1 cup of the cream to almost stiff peaks; fold half the whipped cream into the white chocolate mix to lighten, then fold in the remaining whipped cream.

Spoon the mousse into 4 serving cups and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

Garnish with any kind of berry and mint, if desired.

Use chocolate-dipped strawberries for an extraspecial Valentine treat.

FRENCH 75 CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL The French 75 packs a punch and has been around since World War I. There is history to this cocktail!

INGREDIENTS 1 lemon 1 1/2 ounces gin 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon simple syrup 1 cup ice cubes 1 cup brut champagne, chilled Lemon zest to garnish DIRECTIONS Using a zester or paring knife, slice peel from lemon in a long, thin spiral and reserve the lemon for the required fresh juice.

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup.

Add ice and shake vigorously.

Strain into chilled champagne flute and top with champagne; garnish with the lemon peel. L

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Celebrating 5 Years!

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F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9 | L I F E S T Y L E

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WO R D PLAY

T E X T

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News on writing, books + the world of publishing

W

ith Valentine’s Day at its center, in February, thoughts of love drift on Cupid’s arrows in songs, cards and books.

“An American Marriage” (Algonquin Books, 2018), by Tayari Jones, is an Oprah Book Club selection, a New York Times bestseller and a competitor for the National Book Award. Celestial and Roy are embarking on their happily ever after life in the New South when Roy is arrested for a crime that he didn’t commit and sentenced to 12 years in prison. As the years go by, Celestial tries to hold on to her love for Roy, but complications intervene, especially one named Andre.

“The Prince and the Dressmaker” (First Second, 2018), written and illustrated by Jen Wang, tells the story of Prince Sebastian and Frances, the dressmaker he hires to provide him with his secret passion – dresses. Sebastian’s alter ego, Lady Crystallia, takes Paris by storm, while Frances, who deserves the credit, must remain hidden to protect the prince. Can she keep it up, and how does romance enter the picture?

“That Kind of Mother” (Ecco, 2018),

by Rumaan Alam, explores a different kind of love – from a mother for her children.

When Rebecca gives birth to her son, she feels completely inadequate and asks Priscilla to come live with them and be her son’s nanny. The two develop a deep connection, but Priscilla dies in childbirth and Rebecca adopts the baby.

Rebecca loves both children with a fierce equality, but finds with one being white and one black, the world does not.

THE NAME GAME If you want to set your romance about 20 years in the future, your young lovers might well be named Liam and Emma, with best friends Noah and Olivia. At least, that’s what behindthename.com says are the most popular names for babies born in the U.S. in 2017. If he’s French, he could be Gabriel, but she’ll still be Emma. “Outlander’s” historic hunk may have been Jamie, but a future 52 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9

Scot hero could be Jack (and he is romancing Olivia). On the other hand, your Italian leading man in 1427 could be Giovanni, Antonio or Piero. His less-thanstellar sidekick could be Vannozzo or Pandolpho. A bevy of babies from around the world could be Zeynap (Turkey), Aleksandr (Russia), Alice (Sweden), Zuzanna (Poland), Ximena (Mexico) and Oliver (New Zealand). To find suitable names for characters, look up that site or many others listed at www.aboutnames.ch/lists.htm.

ROGUE FESTIVAL Valley writers who are part of the master of fine arts program at Fresno State – faculty, students and alumni – will read their stories, essays and poems at the Rogue Festival in Fresno. Venita Blackburn, David Campos and Jer Xiong will perform on Friday, March 1, at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 2, Joseph Cassara, Carole A. Firstman (of Visalia) and Esmeralda Gamez will read at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. is the time set for Stephen Church, Ronald Dzerigian and Danielle Potter. Brynn Saito, Ethan Chatagnier and Kimberly Horg will share their works on Saturday, March 9, at 4:15 p.m. Admission: $7.

More information on the festival at fresnoroguefestival.com.

YONSEI MEMORY PROJECT The Yonsei Memory Project began as the idea of Brynn Saito and Nikiko Masumoto as a way to remember the Japanese community’s history through arts, storytelling, memory mapping and intergenerational dialogue.

“Storytelling for Change” offered an opportunity to hear these stories and performances earlier this

month at Fresno State. More information is at www.yonseimemoryproject.com.

WRITING CONTESTS You can find upcoming contests on The Writer’s website at www.writermag.com/contests. The deadline for the magazine’s own 2019 Essay Contest is March 1. Some others coming soon are Rhyming Poetry, ABC Poetry, Flash Fiction, Loop Poetry and SPR Book Award. They also offer some advice on entering contests in articles such as Win Big With Writing Contests.

THE LAST WORDS “If I were to live a thousand years, I would belong to you for all of them.

If we were to live a thousand lives, I would want to make you mine in each one.” – “The Evolution of Mara Dyer” by Michelle Hodkin “To love or have loved, that is enough.

Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.”

– “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo L

It’s healthy heart month

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F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9 | L I F E S T Y L E

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MEN'S SPRING FASHION TRENDS 2019: THE CHECKLIST TEXT BY SHARON MOSELY

W

hen you come out of hibernation, there will be plenty of shopping to do for spring. A change of seasons calls for a fresh start to update tried-and-true basics that are sometimes more “tired” than new. Here's a shopping list of fresh fashion items to try for warmer days ahead:

SHORT SHORTS Think back to the ’80s and the shorts that showed up on the tennis courts and city streets. Then came the long and longer board shorts. So, of course, in fashion's repetitive cycle, the shorter shorts are back. You determine how short ... a trend many guys may want to skip this spring.

UTILITY VESTS Who doesn't like pockets and more pockets? These military-inspired vests and other jackets may become a favorite new basic in your wardrobe. With all the tech devices we carry around daily, this is one fashion trend that makes sense.

DOUBLE-BREASTED SPORT COATS With tailoring making a comeback, the double-breasted jacket can give suits and trousers a debonair twist. In slightly oversized silhouettes, the doublebreasted jacket is something to think

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about adding to your closet of classic staples. And you can decide whether to bare your chest under a suit jacket ... another new trend many may want to pass on.

THE TRENCH COAT

LEATHER ANYTHING

The trench is easy to dress up or down

This is one trend that you can start wearing now. Leather biker jackets, leather vests, leather trousers ... wear them separately or together from head to toe. Embossed leather in snakeskin prints is also trending. This is the way to take your wardrobe into the rock star category – or at least give traditional clothing more of a stage presence.

with casual denim or more tailored pieces.

THE PATTERNED SHIRT If you've been a stripes and checks kind of guy for the past few years, it may be time to give that up for a shirt with an artistic vibe. Think graphic patterns in colorful prints that will make your stonewashed jeans, leather pants or even suits come alive.

This is your new overcoat for spring. In slightly slouchy shapes, the trench coat, especially in earthy tan or sage green colors, will be a go-to for years to come.

RETRO ADD-ONS What's old is new again: tie-dye prints, Day-Glo neons and lots of updates on the ’90s grunge trend. Neoprene shines in patent pants, and chunky dad sneakers and white socks are still going strong.

MORE ACCESSORY ADD-ONS Don't forget all the new extras. Accessories are the easiest way to update your favorite basics. From bucket hats to cycling sunglasses to “necklace” bags, cowboy boots and hiking sandals, these fashion signs all lead the way to sunny days ahead. Start your browsing now.

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K U D O S

WE ARE DOWNTOWN VISALIA T E X T

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e all know – and those who visit here for the first time discover – that our downtown is different, better than most in the Valley and even statewide.

But what makes it work? Love and magic. The magic comes as the result of the love and pride we have for the location within our town.

A fire and its effects ripped through roughly half a dozen downtown businesses, crippling them. And although there are plenty of competing businesses within a mile of the location, “competitors” came together to do what they could to help the damaged businesses and their employees.

In this month’s Kudos, we would like to list the establishments that participated

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in the We Are Downtown Visalia Benefit Week, an event put together by Downtown Visalians. Various establishments either directly or indirectly produced funds to donate to the cause the week of Jan. 21-27. Many did this by hosting a day where a portion of their proceeds were donated. All the money raised went to help those left financially devastated by the flames.

Participating groups were The Planing Mill, Downtown Rookies, Cellar Door plus Sound N Vision, Visalia Fox Theatre, Akari Skin & Body Care, Sol Bol, A&W Restaurant, Component Coffee Lab, Quesadilla Gorilla, Gourmet Desserts and Wedding Cakes, Brewbakers Brewing Company, Alejandra’s Mexican Restaurant, Velouria Records, Panini Nut House,

Sequoia Brewing Company, P.S. I Love You Too, Visalia Rawhide, Ziaya’s, Henry Salazar’s Fresh Mex Grill and Visalia Brewing Company.

Steve Nelsen, executive director of Downtown Visalians, was ecstatic about the support given. “We had people coming in who couldn’t make any of the events, so they just dropped off donations,” he says of the community support. He even tells of a business from the other side of town that wished to remain anonymous that dropped off a sizable donation.

He sums up the event and donations by saying how amazing it was to see how quickly people came together to help. “It really shows how big the heart of Visalia is.” L

K U D O S

HELPING OTHERS IS A GIFT IN ITSELF T E X T

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t’s a fact that Visalians are extraordinarily generous with their time, talents and treasures. Nowhere was this more evident that at the Visalia Emergency Aid Council’s holiday food distributions in December. As families around the city celebrated together with an abundance of food and gifts, it was heartwarming to see members of the community gather to support the efforts of VEAC to bring some of those celebrations to families in need.

Working throughout the year to “… help low-income households stabilize the family environment by relieving the stress of food insecurity ...,” VEAC partners with several area agencies to distribute food to 1,000 families each week, and provides clothing and household necessities as well.

For the holiday distributions, extra community support was key. Various businesses accepted empty VEAC barrels that they returned full of nonperishable food items donated by their employees and customers. FoodLink of Tulare County donated a large amount of food, and generous Visalians dropped off food donations throughout the month. Local businesses and charitable organizations gathered toys and bikes that brought much joy to many children.

As a result of these combined efforts, hundreds of people from Visalia, Goshen, Ivanhoe and unincorporated areas of

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Tulare County were able to fill their pantries and see their kids’ eyes light up as they picked a toy or were fitted for bikes and helmets. One hundred baskets of food were given out at Family HealthCare Network in Goshen and Ivanhoe. Senior citizens – 93 to be exact – had a special pickup date at the VEAC office, where they received food as well as blankets donated by Senior Pride Bingo. The following day, another 200 families received food for their holiday tables, and their children received stockings filled with special treats. Bikes and helmets donated by the Visalia Breakfast Lions Club sent 162 boys and girls on their merry way with their siblings, who chose toys from a large selection.

The many volunteers serving at each event helped the distributions run smoothly so that the families were able to receive their food and gifts in a relaxed and happy, rather than crowded and chaotic, atmosphere.

This writer was honored to have helped at one of those events.

I think that all the volunteers would agree that the smiles on the faces of the children and their parents and the appreciation we heard expressed over and over brought more joy than could be expressed in words, and serves as a reminder for us all to appreciate the blessings in our lives and share our time and caring each day of the year.

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HAPPENINGS Healthy Living Expo The second annual Healthy Living Expo, sponsored by Kaweah Delta, will provide information about programs, services and opportunities available in the area, with health, fitness and wellness in mind.

Meet with instructors and experts, ask questions, take part in fitness classes and learn how to have a healthier lifestyle.

Free admission sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross.

When: Feb. 24, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: (559) 713-4456, www.visalia.org

FEBRUARY Father-Daughter Dance Dads and other father figures are invited to escort the little ladies in their lives (ages 4 to 16) to the "Masquerade Ball," where they will enjoy a night of music, dancing and refreshments. Tickets are on sale for Visalia residents and can be purchased at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St. $50 per couple, $25 for each added guest.

When: Feb. 16, 6-9 p.m. (photo booth opens at 5 p.m.)

Where: Visalia Convention Center Exhibit Hall, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: (559) 713-4365 or email recreation@visalia.city Texican Concert Los Lonely Boys, a Grammy-winning American-Chicano rock trio, will perform their “Texican Rock ’n’ Roll” at the Visalia Fox Theatre. The opening act will be singer-songwriter Lisa Morales. Tickets: $35-$45.

When: Feb. 16, 8 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: www.foxvisalia.org, (559) 625-1369 Children’s Day Camp ImagineU Children’s Museum will hold a day camp to mark Presidents Day. Imagineers ages 5 to 11 will do special projects related to the day. Full day $90; half day $60 (10 percent discount for members).

When: Feb. 18 Where: ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia Contact: (559) 733-5975, www.imagineumsueum.org Empty Bowls The Visalia Rescue Mission will present its 10th annual Empty Bowls dinner. The benefit will be catered by the Vintage Press and include live music, raffle prizes, locally handcrafted bowls and on-site bowl throwing. Tickets: $35.

When: Feb. 19, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Rescue Mission Community Center, 741 N. Santa Fe St., Visalia Contact: www.vrmhope.org/events 58 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9

‘Art Is Healing’ Art as a healing mechanism, dealing with artists’ experiences with traumatic physical injuries and emotional stresses, will be the focus of Arts Visalia’s exhibit in March, which is also Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month.

When: Feb. 27-March 29; opening reception, March 1, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia Visual Arts Center, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: www.artsvisalia.org, (559) 739-0905

MARCH ‘World Music Concert’ The Fresno Pacific University Women’s Chorale and Crescendudes men’s choir will perform a “World Music Concert.” $5 general, payable at the door; free for FPU community and alumni ID cardholders.

When: Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Bitwise South Stadium, 700 Van Ness Ave., Fresno Contact: music@fresno.edu, (559) 453-2267 ‘Night at the Museum’ On the last Friday of the month, ImagineU Children’s Museum holds “Night at the Museum” for its imagineers.

Children can be dropped off for a night of fun, crafts, games and imagination.

Members $20, guests $25.

When: Feb. 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia Contact: (559) 733-5975, www.imagineumsueum.org

1st Saturday Artists, restaurants and merchants of Three Rivers invite the public to join in a town-wide celebration. Pick up a map at the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Drive, or Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive. Cost to participate is $10, with deadline the 15th of the previous month.

When: March 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Three Rivers Contact: (559) 561-3463 or www.1stsaturdaytr.com ‘Great Movies/Great Music’ The Sequoia Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual film concert celebrating favorite movie themes from our heroes and heroines. Tickets: $22-$45.

When: March 2, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: Tickets: (559) 632-8600, www.sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com

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‘Grease’ “Grease” is a 1978 American musical romantic comedy film based on the 1971 musical of the same name. The film depicts the lives of two high school seniors: a bad boy and a good girl in the late 1950s. $5.

When: March 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

HAPPENI NGS

‘Honky Tonk Angels’ Country classics combine with a hilarious story about three good ol’ gals who follow their dreams to Nashville, presented by the Visalia Players. Tickets: adults $20, students $16.

When: March 22, 23, 29, 30, April 5, 6, 12, 13, 7:30 p.m.; March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 2 p.m.

Where: Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: (559) 734-3900, www.visaliaplayers.org

Cancer Fundraiser The annual More Than 4 Fundraiser Market to raise awareness for children and adults fighting cancer will feature 30 handmade and direct sales vendors, a taco truck, performances and raffles.

Free admission.

When: March 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: shopping center at Court Street and Caldwell Avenue, Visalia Contact: www.facebook.com/ TheLookingGlassVisalia/ St. Patrick’s Day Parade The Visalia Breakfast Lions has announced that Marybeth Lyles-Porter Higuera will be the grand marshal of the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Visalia. Five school bands will be offered $500 each to participate in the annual parade. The Lions are also seeking parade participants. Entry fee is $25 before March 11 and $35 for late entries. Band sponsors are also being sought. The parade will start at Main and Church streets, travel west to Willis Street then head north, disbanding in front of the Vintage Press. The Visalia Towne Trolley will offer rides to Rawhide Park for the Irish Fest.

Major parade sponsors include A&W Restaurants, Southern Pacific Depot, Vintage Press, Jack & Charlie’s, Le Boulevard, Citizens Business Bank and Budweiser. Free to watch.

When: March 16, 10 a.m.

Where: Main Street, running between Church and Willis streets Contact: www.VisaliaBreakfastLions.org 60 L I F E S T Y L E | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9

Impact Leadership Conference The Visalia Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a full-day Impact Leadership Conference featuring two nationally recognized keynote speakers, Justin Patton and David Carr, and breakout sessions facilitated by local industry experts and community leaders. Tickets are available through March 14.

When: March 21, registration 8 a.m., conference 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: www.visaliachamber.org/ impact; Jon Bueno at (559) 734-5876 or jon@visaliachamber.org

Irish Fest The Visalia Breakfast Lions will present the eighth annual Irish Fest following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Visalia. At the fest, guests can listen to local band Borrowed Time, drink wine and sample craft beers from breweries, including Bueno Distributing, Donaghy, Wort Hog Brewing Co., TC Hops Home Brewers, Sequoia Brewing Co., Tactical Ops Brewing, Valleywide Distributing, Temblor Brewing Co., House of Pendragon Brewery, Dust Bowl Brewing Co. and Firestone Walker. Food truck vendors will be available. The event is open to those 21 and older, with net proceeds benefiting local charities.

Advance tickets are $40 and $50 at the door.

When: March 16, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Rawhide Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings St., Visalia Contact: Terry Culotta (559) 909-0091; www.visaliabreakfastlions.org/contact/

Senior Games The Central Valley’s only Senior Games, an Olympic-style competition for adults ages 50 and “better,” is scheduled in Visalia over two weekends. Events include archery, basketball, bowling, cycling, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, pickle ball, road race, softball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, and trap shoot. Try your hand at such sports as corn hole, darts or billiards at two social events. $25 When: March 23-24, 30-31 Where: various locations Contact: (559) 713-4365; register in person at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St., Visalia or online at apm.activecommunities.com/visalia/ Activity_Search/visalia-senior-gamesathlete-registration/3139

South Valley Art Tour The nonprofit Arts Consortium is rebranding the South Valley Artists’ Studio Tour. This year’s event will feature more than 25 Tulare County artists with studios south of Highway 198. The tour features a range of artwork from painters and woodcarvers to basket weavers and sculptors. Tickets at $25 will admit two people. (Artists whose studios are north of Highway 198 will be featured in 2020.)

When: March 30-31 Where: Artists’ studios south of Highway 198 Contact: (559) 802-3266 or hello@artsconsortium.org.

Tickets at bit.ly/ACSVAT2019

‘Black and White Gala’ The Tulare County Symphony League will hold its annual “Black and White Gala” fundraiser to benefit the Youth Music Education Program and Sequoia Symphony Orchestra. The event will include live entertainment and auction.

When: March 23, 6 p.m.

Where: Visalia Country Club, 625 N. Ranch Road, Visalia Contact: Angela Biscotti (559) 635-7675 or Faye Zeeb (559) 734-6501

‘Night at the Museum’ On the last Friday of the month, ImagineU Children’s Museum holds “Night at the Museum” for its imagineers. Children can be dropped off for a night of fun, crafts, games and imagination. Members $20, guests $25.

When: March 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia Contact: (559) 733-5975, www.imagineumsueum.org

‘Batteries Not Included’ “Batteries Not Included” is a 1987 American comic science fiction film directed by Matthew Robbins about small extraterrestrial living spaceships that save an apartment block under threat from property development. $5.

When: March 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

Murder Mystery Dinner The Visalia Host Lions will present “Crime and Pun-ishment in the Roaring ’20s,” their second annual fundraising murder mystery dinner. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best 1920s attire. Tickets: $75 per person.

When: March 30, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: www.visaliahostlions.org/; Lauri Aguilar, (559) 936-5712 or laguilar@thelockwoodagency.net

HAPPENI NGS

Room to Spare Acoustic Tour Country music singer-songwriter Kip Moore's Room to Spare Acoustic Tour will perform at the Hanford Fox Theatre.

Tickets at $55, $45, $30 plus fees. VIP tickets are available online.

When: March 30, 8 p.m.

Where: Hanford Fox Theatre, 326 N. Irwin St., Hanford Contact: (559) 584-7823, www.foxhanford.com F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9 | L I F E S T Y L E

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APRIL ‘Big’ “Big” is a 1988 American fantasy comedy film directed by Penny Marshall, and stars Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin, a young boy who makes a wish "to be big" and is then aged to adulthood overnight. $5.

When: April 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org ‘For the Love of Art’ The Visalia Education Foundation presents “For the Love of Art,” Visalia high schools’ art show, dinner and auction, including painting, pottery, sculpture, leatherwork, woodworking, jewelry, fashion and welding. Entries are limited to two per Visalia high school student; applications must be submitted

by March 25. Auction proceeds will be divided between the student and foundation for grants, scholarships and projects to benefit students. Event and dinner tickets $20 per person.

When: April 5, exhibit opens 6 p.m., buffet dinner 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Ridgeview Middle School, 3315 N. Akers St., Visalia Contact: www.visaliaedfoundation.org Spring Fling The nonprofit Genesis House will present its Spring Fling With Boots & Bling, with proceeds benefiting efforts to help runaway and homeless youths in Tulare County. The event will include contests for blingiest boots, blingiest hat and blingiest outfit, tricky trays, country store, silent auction and special buy-in cake walk. Tickets: $50 each or $400 for a table of eight.

When: April 6, 10 a.m.

Where: Koetsier Ranch, 8230 Ave. 272, Visalia Contact: tickets at Genesis House, 841-A W. Walnut Ave., Visalia, or call (559) 280-4619

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1st Saturday Artists, restaurants and merchants of Three Rivers invite the public to join in a town-wide celebration. Pick up a map at the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Drive, or Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive. Cost to participate is $10, with deadline the 15th of the previous month.

When: April 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Three Rivers Contact: (559) 561-3463 or www.1stsaturdaytr.com Bakersfield Sound Tribute “The Okie From Muskogee: A Tribute to the Bakersfield Sound,” a sub-genre of country music, will honor some of the artists who helped Bakersfield become known as “The Country Music Capital of the West Coast” and “Nashville West.”

The concert, which will include Kris Korsgaden, is presented by Greater Entertainment of California and BK50 Productions. Tickets: $15-$30.

When: April 6, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: www.foxvisalia.org, (559) 625-1369)

HAPPENI NGS

Book Festival The Tulare County Library will hold its 2019 Book Festival.

When: April 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Visalia Branch Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: (559) 713-2700 ‘Wonders of Europe’ The Sequoia Symphony Orchestra will present a concert featuring “Wonders of Europe,” including a quick trip through Italy and Spain, featuring Rodrigo’s guitar concerto and the debut of soloist Jiji. Tickets: $22-$45.

When: April 13, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: Tickets: (559) 632-8600, sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com ‘Chinatown’ “Chinatown” is a 1974 American neonoir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski from a screenplay by Robert Towne, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. The film was inspired by the California water wars. $5.

When: April 17, 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

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