STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY JULY 2015
HOME TOUR
CULINARY
TRAVEL
THE HILL ESTATE
IT'S AMORÉ
MONACO: FRENCH RIVIERA
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LIVELY LIVING
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24 HOME TOUR
LIFE ON THE EDGE
THE HILL ESTATE
The Morrison’s Adventure at Sea
A Home Built to Last
Climb aboard deck and cruise along the San Diego Harbor with Visalia residents, Dr. Peter and Debbie Morrison.
8 Letter from the Executive Editor
CULINARY
IT’S AMORE A Slice of Italy at Home Learn how to create three authentic Italian pizzas from the chef at Pizanos.
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10 Wordplay 12 History: Tipton Lindsey Schoolhouse - No Match For the Man 22 Fashion: Hot Fashion Picks for Summer 40 Travel: Monaco - Only One Destination on the French Rivera 50 Literary Arts: Terry L. Ommen 54 Hidden Gem: Coastal Crave 56 Kudos: Business is Booming in Visalia
CHARITY
58 Happenings
GUEST CHEF SERIES A Taste of Armenia Family Services of Tulare County hosts an Armenian banquet for their annual Guest Chef Series fundraiser.
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COVER: The entrance to the Hill home welcomes guests with a door completely made of glass. TOP: The outdoor patio and backyard is an ideal setting for enjoying a nice summer evening.
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DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 Karen Tellalian Katie Presser Kelly Lapadula Ross Yukawa Chris Bly Kaci Hansen
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Camilo Hernandez Christopher Wilder Cheryl Levitan Diane Slocum Terry L. Ommen
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Maria Gaston Leah Perez Leah@DMIAgency.com 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 Lifestyle@DMIAgency.com www.VisaliaLifestyle.com Issuu.com/LifestyleMagazine Facebook.com/LifestyleMag Instagram:_visalialifestyle
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Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia and Exeter. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around both communities. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers. Circulation of this issue: 15,500 © 2015 DMI Agency
LEFT: The entrance to the grandchildren’s playroom features a ladder up to a loft, and a “fireman” pole to slide down. 6 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
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FR O M TH E
EDITOR
Y
ou may remember my last trip to the Pacific Northwest – Hat Island to be exact – to visit my friend Cindy and spend a few days unplugged. I always love it there; walking the sandy perimeter of the island, spending some time on the water catching our own dinner, laughing until our sides hurt. Being in such a remote location (not exactly Gilligan’s Island remote, but certainly without commercial services) and far from home, you wouldn’t expect anyone to “knock” on the door. But, that is exactly what happened, marine style. After
a little trip to sunny Southern California and learn more about the Morrison’s houseboat lifestyle. Be sure to look for “Life on the Edge“ on page 16, and see if doesn’t make you yearn for the open seas. I haven’t had a chance to break away much this summer, but I have been stealing a few moments to learn how to mosaic. Although the mosaic instructor is highly-skilled and has nearly every appropriate tool handy to form perfectly crafted pieces, I prefer to use the hammer and glue gun; there’s something incredibly satisfying about
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spending the day in the pouring rain setting and retrieving crab traps, there was a “knock” – or rather, the sound of a loud horn coming from several yards offshore. It was Dr. Peter and Debbie Morrison trying to get our attention from their recently renovated 72-foot-long fishing trawler, anchored as close as they could get after noticing lights and activity on the island. We grabbed our rain jackets, made a run for the dingy, and upon reaching the Morrison’s, asked for permission to come aboard. It had been years since I’d seen Peter, but I had worked with him considerably during my years in marketing at Kaweah Delta Health Care District. Climbing aboard to get a “boat” tour was so much fun, and it was great to catch up with him after all these years. Peter and Debbie had been traveling through the Puget Sound on their way to Southern California. Now parked in San Diego, we thought it would the perfect opportunity for Lifestyle to take 8 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
making a commitment and then gluing it together. With enough glue, you can make just about anything your mind can imagine. One night when I was in the zone, gluing away, it occurred to me that my attitude toward mosaic is not unlike my attitude about life… that sometimes it takes a lot of glue to hold it together. We all need to find what our individual glue is; for me, it is my Christian faith, my family, and a job that is unbelievably rewarding when it all comes together. Like my new mosaic tabletop, it may not be perfect, but as long as the glue holds, it looks pretty darnn good. For Lifestyle Magazine, our glue is our advertisers, many whom have supported us for years, making our printing and distribution possible. As you browse, shop, or use their services, please take an extra moment to thank them for allowing us to do what we’ve been doing for nearly 12 years. They will certainly appreciate you as much as we do.
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T E X T
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WO R D PLAY News on writing, books + the world of publishing
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arper Lee’s second novel to be published, Go Set a Watchman, which she actually wrote before To Kill a Mockingbird, comes out this month. It tells the story of Scout as an adult woman. Lee’s 1950s publisher liked her flashbacks of Scout as a child so much he suggested she write the childhood as her novel. The first novel was lost for nearly 60 years. We the Animals (Mariner books, 2012) is Justin Torres’ debut novel of a tumultuous childhood. The 7-year-old narrator describes his life as he runs wild with his brothers, mostly untended by their dysfunctional parents. The boys get into scrapes of one kind or another as they try to navigate the ups and downs of their family life. The Girls from Corona del Mar (Knopf, 2014) don’t fare much better as they are growing up. In Rufi Thorpe’s debut novel, Mia is the one with a dysfunctional mother and a bad attitude. Her best friend, Lorrie Ann, seems to have it all with a close-knit religious family. But Lorrie Ann’s life soon unravels and the girls bounce from the best to the worst they can be as their lives and their friendship come together and fall apart. VALLEY WRITERS The Central Valley has done it again. One of our own, Juan Filipe Herrera, has been named the Poet Laureate of the United States. The Fowler native spent his early years as an only child of migrant workers following the crops in the San Joaquin. When he began school in Southern California in the 1950s, impatient teachers slapped him when he couldn’t understand English. Later, teachers turned the tables by being kind and encouraging his creativity. High school counselors pointed him toward a four-year scholarship to UCLA. A multi-faceted artist, Herrera has to his
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credit poetry, short stories, children’s picture books, and young adult novels. He’s written a musical that played in New York City and ensemble performance pieces featuring jazz, percussion, spoken word, and more. His list of awards range from a Hungry Mind of Distinction to a Guggenheim Fellowship. He served as the California Poet Laureate from 2012-2015.
WRITERS CONFERENCES The Georgia Romance Writers conference – Moonlight and Magnolias – will be held Oct. 1-4 with the theme of “Pen the Magic, Inspire the Unique You.” The keynote speaker will be Chris Marie Green, with featured speaker Jana Oliver, and a special craft workshop by Candace Havens. Early registration deadline is Aug. 1, no registrations after Sept. 1. The conference will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest. General attendees fee is $239. Details at: www. georgiaromancewriters.org. Bouchercon 2015: Murder under the Oaks – a world mystery convention – will be held in Raleigh, NC, from Oct. 8-11. This crime fiction event attracts more than 1,000 authors, fans, publishers, reviewers, booksellers, and editors. Registration is $195. Details at: www.bouchercon2015. org. WRITING CONTESTS
Herrera taught at Fresno State from 1990 to 2004. There he crossed paths with one of the Valley’s other preeminent poets, Phillip Levine. Levine served as Poet Laureate from 2011-2012. A native of Detroit, Levine spent most of his career as the legendary Fresno State professor who inspired a generation or two of Fresno poets who have achieved acclaim in their own right. Oildale native, Kay Ryan, is another poet with valley ties who achieved the honor of United States Poet Laureate, serving in 2008-2009. Herrera (2011 to present), Levine (2000-06), and Ryan (2005-11) have also served as chancellors of the Academy of American Poets.
The 3 Day Novel Contest challenges writers to produce a novel in three days. The contest will be held over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-7. Ideas and outlines may be developed ahead of time, but all writing must take place during the 71 hours and 58 minutes of the contest. Entry fee is $50. Deadline is Sept. 4. Details at: www.3daynovel.com. Submissions to The Indiana Review 1/2 K Prize may be made through Aug. 15. Submit up to three entries in any genre (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or a combination), but not more than eight pages. The winner receives $1,000 and publication. Entry fee is $20. Details at: www.indianareview.org/contests. THE LAST WORD “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai (1997 -)
TI PTO N LI N DSEY SCHO O LHO USE
No Match for the Man TEXT BY TERRY L. OMMEN
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ipton Lindsey was born in Indiana in 1829. As a young man he “read law” under the honorable Thomas S. Stanfield, who later became a circuit judge in the Hoosier state. In 1849, the bright young man caught the gold bug and joined the multitudes heading west, seeking his fortune in the California goldfields. He did reasonably well finding the precious metal near Placerville, but decided to move to Santa Clara to pursue agricultural interests. By 1860, wanderlust again took over and this time Lindsey drove a herd of cattle to Tulare County, lured by the promise of good grazing land. He stayed in the cattle business for a few years, until drought forced him
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out. Despite the hard luck, he landed on his feet. President Andrew Johnson picked him to be the receiver at the U. S. Land Office in Visalia. Tipton Lindsey became very active in civic life, serving as a state senator, Visalia City Council member and mayor, member of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, and school trustee. In 1894, this wellrespected 65-year-old man died after suffering from poor health for more than a year. The San Francisco Call newspaper reported on his passing saying, “There was perhaps no man in the upper San Joaquin Valley better known or more highly respected than this pioneer…” But Visalia wasn’t ready to let the name Tipton Lindsey disappear from
the public eye. The community decided to rename the newly built Visalia Public Grammar School in his honor. Although the gesture was flattering, it proved to be just the opposite for the revered pioneer. The inferior school building could not match Lindsey’s stature and after less than 30 years, the school was condemned and had to be demolished. But despite its short life, the beautiful but poorly constructed building had an interesting history. In the late 1880s, enrollment in Visalia’s Public Grammar School was growing rapidly. The school couldn’t keep up, so a new one was planned. Visalia architect N. P. Rogers drew up the plans, and in 1890, Frederick Banta, a Fresno contractor, built a beautiful
Tipton Lindsey School at Oak and Locust Streets, looking northwest.
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schoolhouse on the northwest corner of Oak and Locust streets. Made of brick and artificial stone, the handsome building cost $30,000 and it became the pride of the community. It had spacious rooms on the ground floor, the second floor had a 40 ft. by 80 ft. assembly room, and the third was equipped to be the high school. After Tipton Lindsey’s death in 1894, the new Visalia Grammar School was renamed in his honor. For the next dozen years, it not only served as the center for education in the community, it also served as a center for events and activities. Construction and design problems surfaced early on, many of which were not minor. In 1911, for example, the
the Board of Education for the city of Berkeley, to inspect the school. What he found confirmed all the complaints heard earlier. It seemed like everything about the 25-year-old building was a problem. A well-known local builder also took a look at the building. After his tour, the unidentified contractor concurred with the earlier assessment and announced, “This building is in such a condition as to make it almost criminal to send little children to school there.” W. D. Trewhitt, a respected Fresno contractor, was also asked to look at the building, and he too concluded that it was unsafe and should be condemned at once. Once all the reports were in, the
Tipton Lindsey School just two blocks away became the obvious temporary home. But work was needed to get it ready. Bars were placed on the windows and the steel framework “cage” was removed from the old jail and installed in the schoolhouse. The “cage” and six cells were configured on the ground floor in the southwest corner. Offices for Sheriff Court Smith and his staff members were located on the ground floor on the northwest corner. Equipment, supplies, and records were moved to the school, and by August 1917, the demolition of the old jail had finally forced prisoners and staff to the school building. Three serious offenders were taken to the
brick foundation under the lavatory collapsed when poor plumbing caused water damage, requiring a new foundation to be built under the affected area. Another problem was the poor placement of the furnace. It had been installed near the only stairway in the building, and if the stairs caught fire, those in the upper floors had no way out. Floors and doors were sagging, walls were cracking, and the toilets in the building had been improperly installed. By 1916, the Visalia Board of Education had heard enough and decided to act. They asked Professor W. M. Herms, a bacteriologist of the State Board of Health and President of
Board of Education wasted no time. The building could not be repaired and had to go. They immediately cancelled plans for the May 1916 graduation ceremonies scheduled to be held at the school, and declared that the condemned building would never host students in it again. But despite the abandoned schoolhouse’s dismal assessment, it wasn’t finished yet. While it sat vacant, Tulare County began making plans for the construction of a new county jail. The first step was the demolition of the existing jail as the new one was going to be built on the same site. Prisoners and staff needed to vacate and relocate temporarily. The abandoned
county jail in Hanford as an extra security measure. For the next year, the Tipton Lindsey School served as Tulare County’s jail. On Thursday evening, September 5, 1918, the 21 prisoners serving their time in the school building were removed and marched two blocks east to the just-completed county jail. The Tipton Lindsey School had served for the last time, and in 1919 it was demolished.
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LEFT: An unidentified class at Tipton Lindsey School. RIGHT: A bird's-eye view of the Tipton Lindsey School in the distance from the top of the Tulare County Courthouse.
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LIVELY LIVING
The Morrison’s took their first-class expedition yacht, the Limit Stalker, for a cruise around the San Diego Harbor. 16 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
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ith no ocean or water for miles, sea vessels aren’t high up on many people’s wish lists in the Central Valley; but that didn’t stop Dr. Peter and Debbie Morrison from putting their sea legs on and transforming a 72-foot-long fishing trawler into a first-class expedition yacht. For the Morrison’s, adventure isn’t an optional feature they tack on to life; adventure is in their very being. Just a few months before Peter and Debbie met in 2006, Peter happened upon an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up; a friend informed him about a fishing trawler he could purchase for close to nothing. With his love of the sea and fishing motivating him, he made the
purchase and is now the owner of the “Limit Stalker.” After spending six months a year for seven years on the Limit Stalker in the Pacific Northwest, Peter and Debbie decided it was time for a slightly warmer change of venue. Currently residing in the beautiful San Diego Harbor, the Limit Stalker is unlike any neighboring vessel on its dock. On the right sits the dock’s most luxurious multi-million dollar yacht, while on its left, a humble sailboat. And there in the center is the Limit Stalker – bold, blue, beautiful, and just a little bit ambiguous; at first glance, she may appear to be a heavy duty, deepsea fishing vessel, but once on deck, she lends herself to be a first-class
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lounging space any vacationer would enjoy. In fact, its deck, fit with a colorful sitting area, serves as a great spot for visitors to doze off in hammocks under the night sky. While the outdoor deck may provide the perfect ambiance for a sunny San Diego vacation, the interior brings visitors back up to the Sierra Nevada’s with its woodsy feel, thanks to a major renovation the Morrisons undertook in 2009. The Brazilian cherry wood floors, stainless steel appliances, and granite features in the three heads (bathrooms) achieve a cabin-in-thewoods atmosphere. The centerpiece of the boat, however, has to be its freestanding wood-stove, which Peter says has come in very handy
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during their cold months in the Pacific Northwest. “We wanted a floating cabin since we had spent our winters in a cabin Peter built on Shaver Lake,” said Debbie. “We didn’t want a yacht that you had to worry about your shoes. We wanted to be able to have our shoes aboard and be able to go fishing with plenty of room to clean the fish right on the deck and hose it off. We went with as much of the original design of the vessel, but rather than making it utilitarian, we wanted to make it feel a little bit more like home because we do spend six months a year on her.” With so much time spent on the boat each year, Debbie and Peter needed enough space to house family and guests aboard.
ton vessel, training to become a Coast Guard Merchant Mariner. She is now one of the few women in the U.S. with the credentials to captain a 100-ton vessel. “It was definitely a labor of love,” said Debbie. “Our insurance actually decreased $30,000 a year with a licensed captain on a boat, so it was worth it. Not only do you want to be safe because this is a huge vessel to operate without training, but it’s incredibly expensive insurance-wise if you don’t have a licensed captain.” Before retirement, Debbie was an accountant by trade, but she has sailed her whole life and knew a thing or two about operating a boat, so the transition felt natural. “I’ve sailed since I was 19, but always on small sail boats, nothing quite like
The Limit Stalker in the San Diego Harbor.
The salon contains a bar and an extra bunk for guests.
We went with as much of the original design of the vessel, but rather than making it utilitarian, we wanted to make it feel a little bit more like home because we do spend six months a year on her. D E B B I E
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The outdoor deck seating area.
Below deck they transformed several fish holds into three berths (bedrooms) with two additional bunks throughout the boat, sleeping a total of 10 guests. During a typical season, they host anywhere between 30 to 50 guests. A few years back, they donated a cruise to the County Center Rotary auction and hosted five Tulare County dairymen, taking them through the San Juan Islands up to Canada and around the edge of Alaska. As one might assume, operating such a hefty boat requires an experienced skipper, but unfortunately, a licensed captain wasn’t included in the price of the Limit Stalker. Knowing the challenge it would be to operate the vessel, Debbie embarked on an even wilder adventure; in 2008, she spent 365, 8-hour days of sea-time on a 10018 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
this.” It’s astonishingly impressive to watch Debbie in action as she steers the 20-foot-wide Limit Stalker out of its stall, with only seven inches of clearance between the boat and the dock. One wrong move, and the trawler would take out the entire dock, and possibly its million-dollar neighbor. It takes skill, concentration, and a trusty sidekick to keep an eye on things up above and down in the engine room. That’s where Peter comes in. “Peter has always loved boating and has always had off-shore fishing vessels,” said Debbie. “For 30 years his family came to the La Jolla area [in San Diego] for the first two weeks in July to vacation, and he would fish out here.” Back in Visalia, Peter was a wellknown orthopedic surgeon for 40 Debbie on the Limit Stalker.
years. After his retirement in 2002, he sought after the sea, which eventually led him to the Limit Stalker, formerly referred to as a “dragger.” In their past life, these models of fishing vessels were used to drag a net at the bottom of the ocean, catching anything and everything in their path. “A friend told me, ‘you can buy them really cheap because they can never be used again in the fishing industry.’ Our federal government did not want the draggers to do what they were doing, so it was a government buy-back program. When it came to market, it was almost given away,” said Peter. For almost 10 years, Debbie and Peter have fished, crabbed, cruised, shrimped, and done just about anything they could aboard the Limit Stalker. Recently, they decided it was time for a new adventure, so they are selling the Limit Stalker and permanently relocating to San Diego. Though Debbie and Peter are moving
South, their Visalia family will keep them coming back to the Central Valley, so they aren’t saying goodbye for good. “We’re getting older,” said Debbie. “It’s been a great life, but we want to plan for the next 20 years, and considering health, we just felt like while we’re still strong and able, we should go on to the next adventure. We really want to do some traveling.” Aboard the Limit Stalker, Debbie will never forget how she felt when a pod of whales surrounded them as they were leaving Oak Harbor, heading to San Juan Island. They turned off the engine and watched in amazement as 12 adult whales circled the boat, coming right up next to them. Debbie noticed one adult male far off by itself, which, after 45 minutes, swam up next to the boat and lifted up a baby whale for everyone to see. “I felt so privileged, I almost cried,” said Debbie. “It was like they were
all making sure we were okay before showing us the baby.” Peter’s best memories aboard the Limit Stalker tend to involve fishing, much like the time he had been trying to catch a halibut to no avail. After weeks with no luck, a group of young commercial fishermen gave Peter a 45 lb. halibut as a gift, which he cooked and shared with everyone at their marina. No matter what they experienced at sea, Debbie and Peter will always be most thankful for the interesting people they met along the way and the quality time they’ve spent together. “We’ve had some marvelous adventures,” said Debbie. “We were in some pretty private, serene places where we met some of the coolest people that have remained friends we still communicate with and see to this day. That’s always nice, to become lifelong friends with people; to make a true connection.”
LIVELY LIVING
Peter taking the wheel in the helm.
Debbie with her grandson.
The galley is complete with stainless steel appliances. 20 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
The view from the helm.
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HOT FASHION PICKS FOR SUMMER T E X T
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rom bangles to bucket bags, fedoras to flatforms, it's time to pack it all in and escape, even if it's to your own backyard or the little outdoor cafe down the street. Lighten up your wardrobe and lighten up your attitude. Here are 10 hot picks to chill out in this summer:
FASHION
BANGLE AND JANGLE
over shorts and a tank top, a filmy sheer caftan worn over swim separates, or a pullover knit sundress, the long maxi is a wardrobe winner this summer. In all its many variations, this dress is a fashion-forward option for a host of warm-weather occasions, from parties by the pool to cover-ups at the beach.
Skip the heavy, clunky cuffs, and arm yourself with a few slivers of your favorite gold or silver bangles, or rock them in leather. Layer on these little bracelets in multiples, the more the better. Mix your metals and your gemstones. Add your favorite charms (I love to find these at vintage flea markets) and you've got the latest fashion jingle.
LACE UP THE SHORTS
BOATERS UP
Think your little black dress is just a little too dark to soak up all that summer fun? Then think the little white dress. In form-fitting sheath styles or flattering A-lines, the LWD is the perfect backdrop for colorful accessories, even ones in black.
Hats are always a favorite summer fashion accessory and often a necessity if you spend hours in the sun. Big floppy-brimmed hats may do a great job of shading your face, but snappy straw fedoras are another way to jazz it up in the sun and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. TOTE IT We all seem to have more “stuff” to keep up with in the summer, so when it comes to stashing it all, a great tote bag is essential. This season, there are plenty of ways to load up the beach towels and the sunscreen. From satchels in artsy prints to bucket bags in lightweight leathers to straw tote bags, bigger is better when you've got a lot to stow away. If you're just swinging into town for dinner, then switch to smaller “pouch” cross-body bags; the newest are trimmed with fringe.
Yes, we're talking about wearing lace shorts. Jean shorts are still a summer favorite, especially if they are on the distressed side, and rompers are all the rage, but if you really want to dress up and show off your legs this summer, try putting on a pair of lacy shorts, lined, of course. WHITEN UP
one of the fastest ways to change your image. Colored mirrored lenses in retro aviator styles are the way to go this
for it.
Oversized silk or cotton scarves are one of summer's must-haves. These versatile accessories are easy to pack and easy to wear as a sexy sarong cover-up, a head wrap on sunny days, or layered over bare shoulders on a chilly night. Pick one up in your favorite color or bold print to give your summer basics a stylish update.
SLIP SLIDE AWAY
PULL OFF PALAZZOS
Give your feet a breather this summer
Wide-leg pants are a big hit this summer, giving us all an easy breezy option when we want to get out of the skinny jeans and capris. Try them in geometric and floral prints for even more knockout style. Pair them with crop tops or layered tanks and dress them up or down. Now all you need are a few bangles to pull off some great summertime flair.
summer if you want the latest lenses. Cat-eyes, anyone? Round frames are also trending. And remember: You may want to skip the cheapies when it comes to sunglasses. Invest in a pair of good ones that have 100 percent UVB and UVA protection. Your eyes will thank you
and slip into some snazzy sandals. Flipflops may be de rigueur for some of us in the summer, but it's time to take it up a notch. Try a pair of sturdy flatforms (the
GET THE SPECS
hottest new wedge), crisscross slides, or
Sunglasses are a year-round accessory now, but in the summer, they are a daily staple, so why not make them a fashion statement? They're probably
strappy gladiator sandals.
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SCARF IT UP
GO TO THE MAXI Whether it's a long “shirtdress” layered
Just out of the living room doors sits the open back patio and large backyard. 24
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T E X T BY C H R I S T O P H E R W I L D E R | P H O T O S BY TAY L O R J O H N S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
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n many ways, the home they built together was long in the making. After spending most their life in Tulare, Bob and Francene bought a piece of property in partnership with their daughter and son-in-law north of Visalia near Venice Hill. Once upon a time, Francene dreamt of building her own home, maybe even one inspired by Santa Barbara architecture, “but I never did dream it would actually come true,” she tells Lifestyle Magazine. But in May of 2014, that dream was realized when the Hills settled into their new home, just in time to celebrate 50 years of marriage. What better way to celebrate an anniversary, since a home, especially the building of one, is a kind of metaphor for marriage. Like matrimony, a home synthesizes diverse tastes, bringing
we built this house and found a picture of myself as a toddler, and I could see the back of Venice Hill in the picture,” explains Francene. “It was really fun to realize I had come home.” It was a long road, though, before Francene made the trip back. Her family moved to Tulare when she started the first grade. “At the time,” she explains, “Tulare had the most pure water of any place in the Valley.” Francene couldn’t have known it then, but Tulare would be where she would later meet her future husband. Bob’s family settled in Tulare from Arkansas, and both he and Francene grew up in the same school system, though they didn’t meet, “until he showed up at the door one day,” laughs Francene. Bob says he was only testing
Bob wanted to marry, but Francene went to college. That, she says, “gave us a chance to be apart and figure out what’s important.” Back from college, back from the races, Francene and Bob met at a drug store, “and the heart started fluttering again,” recalls Bob. This time around, he was sure to stay his course. “She asked me if I’d give her a call and I said –” “Oh, no,” Francene puts on the breaks. “It wasn’t that way?” asks Bob. Francene jump-starts his memory: “When you told me you had sold your racecar, then I said you could call me,” she says, laughing. Bob knew he’d found the better prize, and giving up that race car was never a question. He traded the speedway for the
his salesmanship skills, but truthfully, he was smitten with her from the start. “I saw her around town and thought she was beautiful, so I tracked her down.” The pursuit might have come naturally to Bob, who for many years raced and built dragsters. But Francene moved at a slower pace, and when Bob asked her for a date, she responded, “I don’t even know you.” “So I told her,” says Bob, “what better way to get to know me than to have a Coke?” Thus began a seven-year relationship with its share of pit stops and red lights.
carpool lane, and the Hills have kept pace together ever since. They admit things weren’t always easy, but “God has walked with us through our trials and our triumphs,” Francene says confidently. Their road together, with all its curves and hills, brought them here, to these 30 acres near Venice Hill. “We didn’t plan it that way,” says Bob, “but I wouldn’t want it any other way.” The idea to purchase a larger property was spurred by their son-in-law, who insisted they live near one another. He told the Hills, “I can’t imagine my children growing up without their grandparents.”
HOME TOUR
together multiple elements, ideas, and influences under a single roof. Sometimes there’s compromise, but ultimately these fundamentally different materials come together for a single purpose. And while the home they built was both a celebration and a symbol of their marriage, for Francene it was also a roundabout way of coming home. “I was born in Visalia,” she says, “and came home in my mother’s arms to a location right across Venice Hill from where we are now. We lived in a little white house in the middle of a citrus grove.” “I didn’t even realize it at the time until 26 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
The open floor plan of the living room features many seating areas.
Tay lor Johns onP ho to.com
HOME TOUR
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The dining room with views of the front yard.
HOME TOUR
PICTURED: The long island in the kitchen is perfect for cooking and entertaining, while the large window over looking the front yard is ideal for watching country sunsets. RIGHT: The master bathroom features crystal light fixtures and a contemporary bathtub. 30 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
They began looking for property large enough for two homes. When they found the land in Venice Hill, they knew they could stop looking. “All the green, the beautiful white fence, and hundreds of oak trees,” Bob muses. “And the wild fig trees, wild berries, and trees with great vines going up to the oaks.” That day, they said, “We need to bring the ladies out and have a look at this.” “We call it Thomas-Hill Estate,” says Francene, “and it’s a joint venture” – that is, a venture between the Hills and their daughter and son-in-law’s family (whose last name is Thomas). As for building the home, the Hills split responsibilities. “We have a real good friend who told
the past. “Really, I had wanted to build 35 years ago,” she admits. “When we were on our honeymoon 50 years ago, we stopped in Santa Barbara, and I immediately fell in love with the architecture.” Francene sums up that style as “a classic look, dark wood on white.” The aesthetic is not unique to Santa Barbara, however. That classically California style – simple, clean, comfortable, open – is an influence of Spanish Colonial, which in turn is Moorish by degrees. White walls and open spaces are almost characteristically Mediterranean, found near oceans, suitable for breezes. In a sense, the Hill house is simple, a mingling of basic
us that building a house isn’t the easiest thing to do for a couple,” says Bob. “So I just said [to Francene], okay, you take care of the inside and I’ll take care of the outside.” Bob arranged the plumbing, electrical, water – “all that stuff,” he says – while Francene set to designing the interior, showing the architect photographs of homes she’d found in magazines. “She had the vision, the idea for open space, the sliding doors that would open up to the patio,” explains Bob. Building that home coincided with their retirement, had the Hills looking forward, but it also got Francene thinking about
colors and elements: light wooden floors, expansive windows with dark wood trim, exposed rafters, and white walls throughout. The exterior, from certain angles, is both traditional –with a gabled roof– but also hints at the modern, with flat and cubed excrescences. Unique chandeliers hang throughout the home – the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and living room. These candelabras and globes, iron wrought casings are only peripheral luminaries, but Francene says they’re, “like the jewelry you wear, it’s the jewelry of the house” – a subtle L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
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statement. Yet another hallmark of California style, the Hills created a movable space between their enclosed patio and interior space. Their interior windows, “open all the way back,” explains Bob, “so when you’re in the patio, it almost feels like you’re in the living room.” Windows play prominently in the Hill home. Above the kitchen sink is a large picture window, a single pane of glass. “I don’t know how wide it is, but it’s big,” laughs Francene, who says the window offers the best kind of views of the sun setting or her grandchildren playing. By paying attention to small details, the Hills combined elements of California style both simply and elegantly. In the kitchen, a natural quartzite countertop complements the dominant white throughout the home. They used more natural wood colors for the upper cabinets, “because we didn’t want the dark to overshadow the dark trim of the windows and the doors.” The furniture is mostly shades of white and beige, lighter fabrics with blue and teal accents – pillows and potted plants. With the windows open and a breeze running through the house, the whites conjure memories of clean linens, crisp sheets hanging from a clothesline, a breath of fresh air. Which the home is, a breath of fresh air, ease and comfort. That was the Hills’ plan from the beginning, to create a space, “warm and welcoming.” Because according to Bob, “we never meet strangers.”
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From the moment you set foot on the property, says Bob, it welcomes you, beginning with a 150-yearold oak tree. “Then you drive through pistachio [trees], then the oaks, and when you walk up to the front of the house, the front entry is so welcoming.” Their front door is made entirely of glass panes, set in a white, arched entryway, ready to welcome both guests and sun alike. But the thing the Hills welcome most is family, their grandchildren. Their daughter's and son-in-law's home will be built later this year, but in the meantime, the grandkids visit often, and Francene says for them it’s a vacation. Bob may not race anymore, but as anybody with grandkids knows, there’s nothing slow about being a grandparent. And who needs racecars? “I’m teaching my little grandchildren how to ride the big lawnmower and to mow the lawns,” Bob laughs. But if there was ever a question of Bob slowing down, Francene says, “that’s why we had to give him 20 acres of pistachios.” For the Hills, fast pace or slow pace, they’ve gone the distance together. They didn’t take the route they might have imagined for themselves, but if family is evidence of anything, it’s evidence they’ve arrived where they wanted to be. They’ve built a home they’d only dreamed about so many years ago, in true California style on true California land. It’s a place to raise their families, and a place they again can call home. And to that, Bob and Francene both emphatically agree, “yes, God is good.”
TOP LEFT: The outdoor kitchen features a full sink, fridge, and Big Green Egg barbecue. TOP RIGHT: Bob with their three dogs, Addy, Zoe, and Chloe. PICTURED: The full outdoor patio is the idyllic setting for a family get together, which Bob and Francene have often.
The modern kitchen features granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom features it’s own door to the backyard, along with custom portraits by local artist, Ellen Milinich.
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AMORÉ! IT’S
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reat pizza can always be found at every corner, but nothing beats true Italian pizza cooked right in a wood-fired pizza oven. Pizanos restaurant in downtown Visalia has shared with us a few of their signature pizza recipes so you can make them right in your own home. Even without a pizza oven, you can still create these Italian masterpieces using a traditional oven. Use as much or as little of the ingredients in each recipe according to your preferences.
R E C I P E S B Y C H E F C A M I L O H E R N A N D E Z + N I C K G A LVA N , P I Z A N O S – P H O T O S B Y TAY L O R J O H N S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
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PIZZA MARGHERITA INGREDIENTS Olive oil Imported tomato sauce Mozzarella cheese Fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced Fresh basil leaves, chopped Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste Favorite pizza dough recipe DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 450째F. Before adding your sauce, drizzle olive oil on the pizza dough, spreading it around with a brush. Add a light amount of the tomato sauce to the dough and spread the mozzarella cheese on top. Place anywhere between 6 to 8 thin slices of tomato across the pizza. Lightly salt and pepper the tomatoes to add flavor. Top your pizza with fresh basil leaves and cook in the oven for 9-10 minutes or until crispy. 36
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FEATURING 6 0 4 W . M U R R A Y A V E . , V I S A L I A , C A 9 3 2 9 1 W W W . G L I C K S A N D C O . C O M _ 5 5 9 . 7 3 2 . 6 4 3 9
TRIPLE SALAMI PIZZA INGREDIENTS Fennel salami Salami piccante Red wine salami Red tomato sauce Mozzarella cheese Green olives, sliced Favorite pizza dough recipe DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 450째F. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough and cover in mozzarella cheese. Thinly slice the salami and place several pieces of each type across the pizza. Top with green olives and bake in the oven for 9-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
NECTARINE PROSCIUTTO PIZZA INGREDIENTS Olive oil Goat cheese Cheddar cheese Red pepper flakes Fresh basil leaves Fresh white nectarines, sliced Prosciutto Favorite pizza dough recipe DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 450째F. Lightly drizzle olive oil on the pizza dough, being sure to spread it around the crust with a brush. Base the pizza with cheddar cheese. Add the rest of the ingredients (basil leaves, nectarine slices, prosciutto, and goat cheese) to the pizza and lightly sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Cook the pizza in the oven for 9-10 minutes, or until crispy and melted.
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TRAVELER'S
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PICTURED: The Cathedral of Monaco. RIGHT: A water taxi is used to travel from one side of Monaco to the other.
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MONACO
Only One Destination on the French Riviera
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ocated along the French Riviera in an area the French call the Cote d’Azur, present day Monaco is synonymous with wealth and privilege. Its early desirability, however, was due to it’s 460 ft. tall rocky cliff with it’s sheer drop to the sea. As such, it made an easily defensible site for a fortress. This area was also located along a well-traveled coastal path (supposedly constructed by Hercules) that began in Spain and then stretched through France and into Italy. This rock, named the Rock of Monaco by early Genoan tribes, provided shelter for early man and a fortress later for a dizzying succession of rivaling Romans, Italians, and French. Just over 3/4 sq. miles in size, the principality of Monaco (a principality rather than a kingdom since it is ruled by princes, not kings) is one of the very few independent city-states in the world and the second smallest country after Vatican City (which is a minuscule .2 sq. miles in size). The entire country of Monaco is about the same size as Central Park in NYC with a permanent population of about 35,000. The country is divided into four neighborhoods or quarters. On the western end, Fontvieille is recently constructed on .15 sq. miles of reclaimed land. As the largest area of flat land, it’s also the location of the most affordable housing (if you consider $3.5 million for a 700 sq. ft. single-bedroom affordable). MonacoVille is the original old city just to the east of that, and La Condamine is the area around the port. But it is
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the quarter of Monte Carlo on the far eastern side (which borders Italy) that is the most well known. As the main resort, residential, and administrative area, it is located on the prominent rocky cliff of past castles and fortresses. As a constitutional monarchy, Monaco has been ruled by one family, the House of Grimaldi, for the last 700 years. That reign began in the 1200s after an ingenious ancestor dressed himself and a small group of men as Franciscan monks and claimed the city after sneaking into the fortress at night. Despite that questionable start and rumors of scandals and intrigue since, this family has made a series of savvy business decisions that have served the population well. Building a casino in order to avoid near-bankruptcy in the mid-1800s was the foundation for the Monaco of today. Wildly successful, the casino’s revenues freed citizens from paying income taxes and created a playground and refuge for the rich and famous. In a move to diversify the economy from its dependence on gambling revenue,
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emphasis was placed on increasing tourism. A Formula One racetrack was added in 1929 and is now one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. Alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it forms the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The narrow course is laid out along the port and streets of Monaco with many elevation changes, tight corners, and a tunnel. Considered one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One, the danger only adds to its allure. And although Monaco nightlife is a bit staid and sedate compared to other parts of the French Riviera, during Grand Prix week it rivals the world’s wildest VIP parties. More recent decisions to create a financial and banking center and attract clean light industry has made Monaco one of the world’s richest countries, and the Grimaldi family has benefited financially as well. As the operators of the casino, as well as many of the other entertainment and tourist venues, the family and current Prince Albert II are some of the wealthiest royals in the world. Monaco would certainly appear to have all the components of the ideal spot. The weather is mild all year with little humidity and an average of three to six rainy days each month. The sparkling blue harbor is filled with magnificent yachts and the Azure Sea and coastline are picture perfect in their beauty. For tourists, the country’s compactness allows visitors to “see it all” and the signs and directions are also in English, easing any concerns regarding communication. The place is sparkling clean and crime-free with the
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Dean eating lunch in Old Town.
A narrow rocky peak in the medieval village of Eze.
The easiest way to travel from one side of Monaco to the other is by water taxi. The many steep hills, narrow walkways next to fast moving traffic, and confusing crosswalks make getting around by foot difficult and occasionally dangerous. C H E R Y L
added allure of royalty, something we Americans have always found intriguing. Monaco even has its own fairy tale story of found and lost love. Prince Rainier III (father to current Prince Albert) followed his heart and broke from tradition to marry American film star, Grace Kelly, in 1956, only to lose her in a tragic car accident along the winding, narrow roads of Monaco. The appeal and magnetism of this place has also made it the setting for a long list of movies, TV episodes, and video games for the last 60 years. And if that weren’t enough, the Chevrolet automobile company was so convinced of its allure that it introduced the Chevrolet Monte Carlo car in 1970. Clearly Americans agreed, making production of this car profitable until 2007. So why can’t I get on board and idolize this place as much as everyone else? I could chalk it up to the fact that I tend to follow my own drumbeat - with 42 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
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the absolute exception of dancing! On the dance floor, the music (and occasionally the threat of my partner’s feet) dictates that I follow rather than lead. But the fact that my husband shares my reluctance to be completely smitten with Monaco gives greater weight to my assessment that there’s something less than perfect about this seemingly perfect place. First, although it’s compact, Monaco is pedestrian unfriendly. In fact, the easiest way to travel from one side of Monaco to the other is by water taxi. The many steep hills, narrow walkways next to fast moving traffic, and confusing crosswalks make getting around by foot difficult and occasionally dangerous. This reality is illustrated each morning as mothers drive prestigious autos to their children’s schools (often located just blocks away). They dutifully wait in a long line as each one delivers their child to an adult at the front door. There
is simply no easy or safe way to walk to school. Combined with the ever growing number of tourists (thank the cruiseline industry), this issue of getting around is only more difficult. And although the residents and ruler of Monaco aren’t overtly ostentatious in dress or actions, there are constant reminders that this is a place for the “have’s” and we tourists are the “have-nots,” snooping on them in this lavish fish bowl. Monaco has a way of making the average visitors feel just a little inadequate and transparent as they are reduced to the level of lookyloos. I never could quite find that happy medium between interest and gawking as Lamborghinis and Bugattis passed by, and yacht owners walked down their private docks to boats the size of a small cruise ship. Add to that the private gambling rooms, private Opera House, and other haunts only open to the rich and famous, and you begin to feel like a child stuck outside a candy
store window as others gobble down treats within. Finally, the country’s coat of arms is just a bit bizarre. Representing the legend of Francois Grimaldi seizing control of Monaco, it displays monks on either side of the crest who look more like cartoon characters with Duck Dynasty beards performing some sort of sword dance. By now you might be wondering why this area is so famous. The beauty is here - it just isn’t always in the better known destinations like Monaco, nearby Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez. Nice, for instance, (pronounced “niece”) is a large city that’s interesting and quite pretty, but the beaches are more a ‘relative’ to a beach and not that ‘nice’ (sorry for the puns) since they are covered in small, round painful rocks. Clearly the French derrieres and feet are tougher
than mine! But in-between these famous spots are some amazingly lovely gems like Eze (an old village clinging resolutely to the sides of its steep slopes), Grasse (France’s perfume capitol), Antibes (a beach with sand!), Villefranche sur Mer (a lovely harbor lined with cafés), and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat (location of the most expensive and beautiful homes in the area with a tour the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild). So given all that, should you even visit Monaco? Absolutely! Start in MonacoVille (Old Town) with a walk through the St. Martin Gardens and St. Nicholas Cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married and now are buried. Pick up some souvenirs, have an affordable meal, and finish at the palace (Place du Palais) for the 11:55 a.m. changing of the guards. Then, walk down
the hill to gawk at the port’s amazing yachts and take a water taxi to the Monte Carlo quarter since no visit would be complete without at least seeing the casino. Save your quarters and entry fee though! The stakes are high and most of the casino is unfortunately closed to the public. Do look inside the Hotel de Paris next door, check out the luxury cars parked or driving by, and peek in a few of the high-end designer stores at Métropole Shopping Centre across the plaza. Before leaving, be sure to go around the outside of the casino to see the magnificent Opera House with its green domed roofline. From there, look down to see the Fairmont Hairpin, the tightest turn in the Formula One race course. Then hightail it out of Monaco and spend time in nearby towns to experience the true beauty of the Cote d’Azur!
I never could quite find that happy medium between interest and gawking as Lamborghinis and Bugattis passed by, and yacht owners walked down their private docks to boats the size of a small cruise ship. C H E R Y L
The Cote d’Azur harbor.
Cathedral of Monaco.
A castle located high up on the original Rock of Monaco. 44 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
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The opulent lobby of the Hotel de Paris.
Cookies, Cakes, and Pies…
Oh my!
M A X ' S C O O K I E C O M PA N Y – B O T H O F ' S
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CHARITY
GUEST CHEF SERIES
A TASTE OF ARMENIA P H O T O S
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cross continents, cultures, and nations, food has always been a staple that gives people a reason to gather to form common ground with family, friends, and even strangers. Family Services of Tulare County understands the importance of bringing people together in community, and their annual Guest Chef Series event seems to embody these traditions that unite people across the globe. For this year’s seventh annual event, the colorful culture and flavorful cuisine of Armenia came to life in the Agricenter Heritage Complex in Tulare. Guest chef, David Vartanian of The Vintage Press in Visalia, created the night’s Armenian menu and performed a live cooking demonstration while guests indulged in his tasty creations. A few items native to Armenia included Yalanchi (stuffed grape leaves), Cheese Borag (a savory, hot pastry with melted mozzarella and feta cheese), Hummus, and the evening’s main course, Lulu Kebob (a mixture of lamb and chuck with Mediterranean spices). Dessert was, of course, traditional Armenian Baklava with chocolate-dipped figs and apricots. Along with each course, wine was
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selected to perfectly compliment each tasting – Qupe Marsanne for the appetizers, Red Soles Ruby Slippers for the main course, and Quady Essenisa Orange Muscat to go with dessert. Attendees experienced not only the tastes of Armenia, but the sights and sounds as well. The Dorian Ensemble played Armenian folk music throughout the night, and Armenian dancers graced the stage with their exquisite costumes that complimented the traditional movements of Armenian cultural dance. “We wanted to make sure we were honoring the Armenian culture and the Armenian experience,” said Caity Meader, executive director of Family Services. “David Vartanian has actually been our catering chef for the dinner component every year. He always does a fabulous job, so we really wanted to give him a chance to highlight something different, and this was our way of getting him out of the kitchen and on to the stage. He always does a great job with dinner, but I think he went above and beyond this year.” As Family Services largest fundraiser yet, 256 people attended the sold-out event. While it was originally scheduled
to take place at the beautiful home of Charlie and Nancy Pitigliano, the planning committee made the quick decision to move the series indoors the very week of the event due to 100-degree temperatures. After hundreds of phone calls and a few late nights of re-planning, the Guest Chef Series went on without a hitch. Caity credits the evening’s success to many of the board members, especially Colleen Richards and Kim Lebo, the event chairs. “We had a really strong committee headed up by Colleen and Kim. They really pulled out all of the stops this year.” At the end of the night, everyone left with full bellies and a new sense of traditional Armenian culture, but they also left the event with a deeper understanding of Family Services of Tulare County’s mission. While Tulare County residents may be familiar with Family Services, they might not grasp the scope of the services they provide. Karen’s House, a 30-bed emergency shelter for women and children, may have been the start of Family Services back in 1983, but they now have a whole system of supportive
From left to right: Linda Farsakian-Wall, Kim Lebo, Nohemi Becerra, and Melissa Campbell stand with two of the Armenian dancers at the Guest Chef Series fundraiser.
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CHARITY
The Armenian dancers showed off several dances and costumes true to their culture.
Chef David Vartanian of The Vintage Press gave a live cooking demonstration of his Armenian menu.
services to help guide families along the process of healing from violence and thriving in healthy relationships. “We have a lot of services, but what ties them all together is physical and emotional safety, so we really work to provide safe homes, safe relationships, and safe children,” said Erica Tootle, director of development. “We have domestic violence shelters, supportive housing for victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as people who have been homeless or have disabilities; we have counseling services, the rape crisis center, supervised visitation and safe exchange, and violence and abuse intervention.” In Tulare County, domestic violence rates are significantly higher than the rest of the state, and Family Services remains at the forefront, addressing these needs through a variety of avenues. “Over the years, we’ve added these services and programs to be able to fully support families in crisis,” said Caity. “Tulare County has a lot of unique challenges. Our population tends to spew lower income, so access to affordable services is important. We also have 48 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
high incidences of in-home and community violence, so our rates of domestic violence are 25 percent higher than the average in the state. ” Without the generous donors, corporate partners, and events like the sold-out Guest Chef Series that raised more than $88,000, many Tulare County families might not be able to escape life-threatening situations that take place within their own homes. Family Services is able to employ a staff of more than 90 to work alongside families to rebuild lives and promote safety in the community. Considering all that Family Services does in Visalia, it was fitting for them to be awarded the Visalia Chamber of Commerce Business Award’s “Nonprofit of the Year” in June. “We were definitely not expecting it, but we were really proud,” said Caity. “It was great to have a lot of our staff and our board members there that night and to celebrate in that. It’s hard work, and it’s really our staff that does the heavy lifting as far as the day-to-day with our clients. Supporting families is not easy work.”
The main course, prepared by Chef David Vartanian, featured lulu kebab, cucumber salad, rice pilaf, and cheese borag.
The fundraising event chairs, Colleen Richards (L) and Kim Lebo (R), were given flowers for their hard work in bringing the Guest Chef Series together.
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LITERARY ARTS
TER RY L . O M M EN
TELLING STORIES TOO GOOD TO KEEP TO ONESELF
C
PICTURED: Writer Terry L. Ommen. RIGHT: Ommen's book Wild Tulare County - Outlaws, Rogues & Rebels.
alifornia gets shortchanged when it comes to telling the stories of the bad guys in our Old Wild West. Terry L. Ommen and a handful of others have been out to rectify that situation, especially regarding the outlaws and lawmen of Visalia and other Valley communities. Ommen has had an interest in outlaw history for a long time — the Billie the Kid, Wyatt Earp, and Doc Holliday stories that have been popularized from dime novel days to recent Hollywood productions. When he came to Visalia, he found there was a treasure trove of stories that were far less well-known. “All at once, I focused my attention on the outlaws and lawmen, here,” Ommen said. “And I found so much interesting history here that I couldn’t get enough of it. Then, my interest expanded beyond the outlaws and lawmen and I found other things almost as interesting. I began realizing this is too good to keep to myself and I really wanted to share it.” Since then, he has written two books, countless magazine and newspaper articles, and is currently working on a third book. In addition, he gives talks to T E X T
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B Y
groups about local history and writes a blog called “Historical Happenings.” “I really enjoy sharing it and hope to get other people enthusiastic about it,” he said. With his knowledge and enthusiasm for Visalia history, people are often surprised that he is not a native Visalian. Ommen was born in a farming community in southern Minnesota and came West with his family to the Los Angeles area. He graduated from high school in Hawthorne and attended junior college before enlisting in the Army, where he served as a military police officer. Upon his discharge, he graduated from junior college and then received his bachelor’s degree from Long Beach State before he was hired as a police officer in Manhattan Beach. The big city life never felt quite right to the midwestern country boy, so when he found Visalia, he decided this was the place for him. His introduction to the area came when he and his wife, Laraine, traveled through Visalia on their way to their church camp. “We liked the mountains,” he said. “We thought instead of driving from LA to the
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mountains, why not be someplace closer?” He applied and was accepted for a position with the Visalia Police Department in 1972, where he continued to work throughout his career, retiring as a police captain in 1997. “I guess leaving the Los Angeles area was sort of coming home to roots because I grew up on a farm and in agriculture,” he said. “I needed to get back to some dirt, and that’s how I got here.” Besides the agriculture and the mountains, Ommen found kindred spirits in the area who shared his interest in history. He joined the Tulare County Historical Society soon after moving here and met Annie Mitchell. Mitchell was born to a pioneer family in White River in 1860 and preserved much of the early history of Tulare County through her interviews with pioneers and her books such as King of the Tulares (published in 1941) and Visalia: Her First Fifty Years. “Annie Mitchell is probably my
2009, tells the history of the city from its beginnings in 1852 when it was the only Valley town between Stockton and Los Angeles. Historic photos help show the way things were. “That was one that I did sort of on a lark because I have so many images, and so much history in my files that it wasn’t a huge project,” Ommen said. He said Arcadia fills a niche by publishing short local histories that are not highly scholarly, but do capture the interest of communities throughout the country. With the success of this first book, Arcadia asked Ommen if he would do one for another of their book series. This will be Images of America – Visalia. This is more of a book of random, historic photographs with captions, rather than following a chronology. This book should be completed in September. Between the two Arcadia books, Ommen wrote Wild Tulare County: Outlaws, Rogues & Rebels for The History Press, published in 2012. This book reveals the deeds of some of the bad men who escaped notice in many
pictures on the wall, not for décor, but just because that’s where they had been for many years.” Ommen also followed in the footsteps of Chris Brewer, the William B. Secrests, senior and junior, Hu Maxwell, and John Bossenecker in writing about the Valley bandits and badges. “Bill Secrest is another one of my heroes, really, in that I have similar interest to his and he has been writing lawmen and outlaw history probably since the 1960s, if not earlier,” Ommen said. Ommen said that he and some of these other writers ponder as to why California seems to be left out of the popular stories of the Old West since the American frontier period lasted a long time in this area. Only two years after California joined the Union in 1850, Tulare became a county. “Like I jokingly tell people, we were killing and maiming long before a lot of these other states were even states,” he said. Settling disputes with a gun, knife, or fist came early, with three of the
If I can get Visalia folks to enjoy our history, it builds a good, solid citizen. The more you know about it, the more you feel a bond, a connection to the town in which you live. LOCAL
biggest inspiration,” Ommen said. “I used to spend time with her asking her for her insights in some of our history. She was an amazing lady. She was so knowledgeable and enlightened about our history. She just became contagious.” After he became a board member, he often visited in her home where she shared information that couldn’t be found in text books, because she personally knew the people she talked about who lived in the early 20th century. “It was an amazing experience to sit in her home here in Visalia, because it kind of looked like a museum,” he said. “She lived that historical life with old
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WRITER
TERRY
members of the expedition that organized the county, James D. Savage, Dr. C.E. Everett, and L.D.F. Edwards, becoming victims of violence soon after. California’s Wild West period continued into the 1870s, ‘80s, and even ‘90s with infamous outlaws such as Tiburcio Vasquez, Black Bart, John Sontag, and Chris Evans. The Dalton brothers, whose gang is usually associated with Coffeyville, Kansas, also played out their nefarious schemes in the Visalia area. As much as these stories of gunmen have fascinated Ommen, his first published book actually came after he discovered other stories worthy of telling in the Visalia area. Then and Now Visalia from Arcadia Publishing in
L.
OMMEN
of the other histories. Some of these, as described in the table of contents are, “Ruggles Brothers: Two Bad Tulare County Boys,” “Keener and Dowdle, Stage Careers that Went Bad,” and “John Schipe: the Most Dangerous Man on the Pacific Coast.” Ommen said that the main reason he writes, is because he enjoys Visalia history and enjoys sharing what has happened in the past. “If I can get Visalia folks to enjoy our history, it builds a good, solid citizen,” he said. “The more you know about it, the more you feel a bond, a connection to the town in which you live.” ABOVE: Ommen's book Visalia, Then & Now.
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HIDDEN
GEM
COASTAL CRAVE E A T I N G
O U R
W
W A Y
D O W N
henever we spend a weekend away at the coast, our trips typically start and end with food. From coastal dives to fancy “fives,” you’ll find something to satisfy your palate. Check out a few of our personal Lifestyle picks along our beautiful Central Coast.
company of friends and family. The
TACO TEMPLE IN MORRO BAY
is the perfect place to unwind with
Don’t be fooled by the looks of this taco joint. It's casual atmosphere is just a sidebar when it comes to the outstanding tastes to be experienced. You may have to wait in line, but the complimentary chips and salsa bar will keep you occupied. Whether you order fish tacos, a tostada, a burrito, or a seafood plate, expect huge portions that are delicious down to the last bite. Tip: It is cash or check only, so don’t forget to bring a few Lincolns along.
Rooster Creek Tavern has a laid back atmosphere that both picky eaters and risky feeders will all find something to indulge. Some come to enjoy appetizers and cocktails, while others dive full force into the extensive American fusion menu. This indoor-outdoor restaurant comfort after a day in the sun. RUDDELL’S SMOKEHOUSE IN CAYUCOS This spot is popular with both the locals and the tourists, and once you try their smoked fish, you’ll understand why. Jim, the “smoker,” has studied and perfected the art of smoking fish over many years. You may hear people refer to Ruddell’s as a “hole-in-the-wall shack,” because, well, it is, but the menu will not disappoint. For $6, order the famous
ROOSTER CREEK TAVERN IN ARROYO GRANDE
smoked shrimp or albacore tacos and
Sit back, have a beer, and enjoy the
ocean while you’re at it.
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enjoy the sights and sounds of the
T H E
C O A S T
WINDOWS ON THE WATER IN MORRO BAY The name might not leave much to the imagination, but a first-class dining experience awaits you at this awardwinning restaurant. Gorgeous views of Morro Bay, fresh seafood with local ingredients, and delicious Paso Robles and SLO wine are all part of what will make Windows on the Water the highlight of your weekend on the coast. SEA CHEST RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR IN CAMBRIA Quaint, cozy, and inviting, this restaurant reminds us of a New England cottage, and that’s exactly what they were going for. In addition to their extensive seafood menu and fresh oysters, the restaurant serves a variety of local California wines right from the Central Coast. Enjoy the ocean views from inside while you eat, and then stroll onto the deck with a glass of wine in one hand and your partner’s in the other.
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KUDOS
BUSINESS IS BOOMING IN VISALIA VISALIA CHAM BER OF COMMERCE 2015 ANNUAL AWARD CELEBR ATION
E
very year, the Visalia Chamber of Commerce honors the local businesses and individual leaders that make this community thrive. On June 18, the Visalia Convention Center was filled to the brim with hundreds of employees and leaders from Visalia’s best businesses and organizations. Before the nominees and winners were announced, guests mingled with cocktails and enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Sue Sa's. Each year, businesses have the opportunity to decorate a table in order to promote their business and showcase their talents to the community, so every attendee went home with a small favor, and one lucky member of each table won the elaborate centerpiece. At the end of the night, the following winners were announced to the Visalia community:
PHOTOS
BY
THE
VISALIA
CHAMBER
OF
COMMERCE
&
Man of the Year – Donn Ritter Woman of the Year – Barbara Mayeda Emerging Leader – Matt Seals Small Business of the Year – Companion Animal Medical Center Medium Business of the Year – Seals/Biehle Inc. Large Business of the Year – JoAnn Fabric & Craft Store, West Coast Distribution Non-Profit of the Year – Family Services of Tulare County ROY
DRESSEL
PHOTOGRAPHY
T
he Downtown Visalians invited local businesses to their annual luncheon on Tuesday, June 30 to recognize several downtown organizations and discuss strategic plans for the growth of the downtown community. During the luncheon, they unveiled their new mission, logo, and strategic plan meant to enhance Visalia’s downtown district. Downtown Visalians recognized the following individuals and organizations during a special presentation:
Retailer of the Year – Michael Phelps, Michael’s Custom Jewelry Restaurant of the Year – Ray Ransberger, Heidi Ransberger, Picnic Sandwich Shop & Bakery Professional of the Year – David Miller, Pacific Employers
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N AT U R A L WO N D E R S O F
COSTA RICA For pricing or registration details call the Visalia Chamber of Commerce at 559-734-5876 or visit www.visaliachamber.org VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 222 N. Garden St. Suite 300, Visalia
FEBRUARY 17 - 25, 2016 FEATURES:
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Join the Chamber for a slideshow presentation August 5th 12:00 p.m. at the Chamber office Roundtrip airfare from Fresno, 18 meals, professional tour director L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 5
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HAPPENINGS
T H E AT R E & M U S I C
CELEBRANT SINGERS HOMECOMING CONCERT
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
After an exciting summer of ministry and travel around the United States, Malta, and Guatemala, Celebrant Singers return to Visalia on August 7 for the 38th Annual Grand Homecoming Concert. Hear testimonies from their time of ministry and listen to inspiring music. All seats are free and a love offering will be taken.
Spend an evening outdoors with family at this free concert event. Each Wednesday of the month will feature a new band. When: July 22: Filarmonica de Portuguesa Tulare (Traditional); July 29: Richard Frost, Marco Rodriguez and Billy (country), 7:30-9 p.m. Where: Zumwalt Park, Tulare Ave. & M St., Tulare Contact: 684-4313
BROADS OF BROADWAY The Visalia Players present a musical revue of the Broadway musicals and the history and stories behind them. This compilation features songs from Showboat, Carousel, Finian’s Rainbow, Guys and Dolls, Funny Girl, Camelot, Damn Yankees, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for students. When: July, 31, Aug. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 2, 9, 16, 2 p.m. Where: The Ice House Theatre 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-3375
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When: Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Where: L.J. Williams, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 740-4000
BLUES, BREWS, AND BBQS
COMEDY JAM WITH WILLIE BARCENA, DARYL WRIGHT, QUINN DAHLE, AND RICK IZQUIETA
Beat the summer heat by attending this event where you can purchase soft drinks, brews, delicious BBQ, and other summertime favorite treats. This familyoriented free music event will benefit the Visalia Emergency Aid Council. Music by MoFo Party Band.
Enjoy a comedy show with 20-year comedy veteran, Willie Barcena. Barcena has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” 12 times which is more than any other Latino comedian in the history of the Tonight Show. Tickets are $20.
When: Aug. 7, 6-10 p.m. Where: Garden Street Plaza, Visalia Contact: 732-7737
When: Aug. 8, 8 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369
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HAPPENINGS
DIVERSIONS & EXCU R S I O N S VISALIA FARMER’S MARKET
CELEBRANT SINGERS 38TH ANNUAL WORLDTOUCH PARTNER’S BANQUET Enjoy a delicious dinner while hearing testimonies and inspiring music from the summer Celebrant Singers Teams. Featuring 3 CELEBRANT teams, international guests and video reports, the event is a major fundraiser for the ministry. Purchase a whole table or attend as an individual. Please call the Celebrant office for ticket reservations. When: Aug. 11, 7 p.m. Where: GateWay Church, 1100 S. Sowell St., Visalia Contact: 740-4000
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Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations, and local, fresh produce available for purchase. The market also accepts EBT and WIC. The Visalia Farmers Market will feature a monthly cooking demonstration by our market chef on the first Saturday of each month. Learn new recipes and nutrition information about fresh market produce. When: Thursdays – Downtown Visalia, 5-8 p.m. / Saturdays – Sequoia Mall, Sears parking lot 8-11:30 a.m. Where: Church & Main/Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www. visaliafarmersmarket.com
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK SUMMER MIXER Come eat, mingle, and have light refreshments while meeting some of the young, bright professionals in our community. With a few networking activities, this is a great event for meeting other young-minded professionals. Tickets are $10, ages 21 and up. When: Jul. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: 400 N. Willis St., Visalia Contact: 734-5876
FRESNO FOOD EXPO Come sample the Valley’s best food producers, brewers, and winemakers at the 4th annual Fresno Food Expo. Support local businesses and taste 140 of the best food, beverage, and summer produce companies. Tickets are $40 at FresnoFoodExpo.com with discounts available via the Fresno Food Expo Facebook page. When: Jul. 24, 5-8 p.m. Where: Fresno Convention Center – Valdez Hall 700 M St., Fresno Contact: FresnoFoodExpo.com
PRODUCERS DAIRY ICE CREAM ZOOFARI
THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Sharpen and develop your leadership skills by attending this summit broadcasted from Chicago to Visalia First Assembly Church. The summit promotes teamwork, effectiveness, and feeling of significance for those in leadership positions in their lives. Tickets are $209 for individuals or $189 each for a team of 10 or more.
Raise funds for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and enjoy a fun evening of all-you-caneat ice cream, frozen yogurt, sundaes, sherbets, and smoothies all renamed for the zoo theme. Have a sweet treat and wander through the zoo, listen to live music, and meet the kids’ favorite mascots. Tickets are $12 for children and $16 for adults with a discount for Fresno Chaffee Zoo Members. When: Aug. 8, 6-9 p.m. Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno Contact: 498-5910
When: Aug. 6-7, 8:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. Where: 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia Contact: 733-9070
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HELL OF A HALF MARATHON This half marathon is a challenging race, running on a paved route around Exeter and up Rocky Hill. The race concludes with a complimentary post-race breakfast. Registration before race day is $85. When: Aug. 15, 7 a.m. Where: 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: hellofahalf.com
ART EXHIBITS FIRST FRIDAY Explore the multi-sensory art events featured throughout the Downtown Visalia area. Stroll Main Street and see, hear, taste, and smell the art while spending the evening outdoors, engrossed in the cultivating arts scene here in Visalia. When: Aug. 7, 6-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: firstfridayvisalia.com
FIRST SATURDAY Food, fun, and fabulous art. Every first Saturday of the month, the artists, restaurants, and merchants of Three Rivers open their doors and invite you to join in a town-wide celebration. You can pick up a map and schedule at Anne Lang’s Emporium or the Historical Museum – art to see, locations, and times for special events. When: Aug 8, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or www.1stSaturdayTR. com
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C H A R I TA B L E EVENTS PIZZA WITH A PURPOSE Every last Monday of the month in 2015, The Planing Mill will donate a portion of the evening’s revenue to the Visalia Rescue Mission. Enjoy a great dinner while supporting a local cause. When: Jul. 27, 5-9 p.m. Where: The Planing Mill, 513 E. Center St., Visalia Contact: vrmhope.org/events
NEON VIBE For all the joggers, runners, and walkers, Neon Vibe is a fun, family-friendly 5K in the dark. Participants will get a Neon Vibe shirt, and a glow color kit in addition to the blasts of color throughout the event. Funds raised will support the Children’s Hospital. Registration costs $39 before July 24 and $45 before July 30. When: Jul. 31, 4 p.m. (race begins after sunset) Where: Big Fresno Fair, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno Contact: info@theneonvibe.com
HAPPENINGS
BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS WALK AND CELEBRATION Walk through Woodward Park in Fresno to celebrate breastfeeding and raise funds and awareness for this cause. There will be a raffle, music, refreshments, and children’s activities at this family-friendly free event. Register now online at babiesfirstfresno.com When: Aug. 1, 8:30- 11:30 a.m. Where: Woodward Park-Mountain View Shelter, 7775 Friant Rd., Fresno Contact: 600-3330
6TH ANNUAL GOLF SKILLS CHALLENGE Come out to the Visalia Oaks Golf Course for a fun day full of golf, friendly competition, great food, and prizes while raising awareness and funds for the Visalia Recuse Mission. There will be a 9-hole regular course and a 9-hole skills challenge course with obstacles. When: Aug. 21, 7:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. Where: 1800 S. Plaza St., Visalia Contact: vrmhope.org/events
Local Drive
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Jan and Charlie Crissman, Owners Porterville Collision Center