July 2014 by Lifestyle Magazine

HOME TOUR

THE VIZZOLINI HOME

A Sunday Dream Becomes Reality

TRAVEL

KERALA

The Completely Unexpected India

CULINARY

THE TASTE OF A FRESH SUMMER

Blackened Pork Chops

July 2014

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER LOCAL

Presort Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Las Vegas, NV Permit No. 2543

PAGE

24 HOME TOUR The Vizzolini Home

CULINARY

Letter from the Executive Editor

The Taste of a Fresh Summer

10 Word Play

Blackened Pork Chops

12 History: A Look Back at the Tulare County Jail 16 Hidden Gem: Los Olivos, California 20 Freedom: Happy 238th Birthday, America

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22 Fashion 54 Happenings

T R AV E L

The Completely Unexpected India Kerala, India PAGE

40 CHARITY

Family Services’ Guest Chef Series A Patriotic Affair PAGE

48 4

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ON THE COVER: The Vizzolini’s backyard gazebo is decorated with an American flag, perfect for the July holiday. PICTURED: The high-ceiling living room serves as the heart of the home and is a great place for entertaining friends and family.

JULY 2014 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY Graphic Designer KACI HANSEN EDITORIAL Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Content Coordinator KATIE PRESSER Editorial Staff SHANNON SMITH Marketing Manager KIM BATTY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHERYL LEVITAN DIANE SLOCUM JAMES JESSEN JORDAN VENEMA RYAN LUCAS SHARON MOSLEY TERRY L. OMMEN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MALKASIAN ACCOUNTANCY LLP GARY MALKASIAN CPA JEFFREY MALKASIAN EA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON ADVERTISING SALES BRYCE McDONALD bryce@dmiagency.com SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com

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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.

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LEFT: The guest bathroom, just off the kitchen, features a pedestal sink and custom tile work.

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E EDITOR’S NOTE

Photo by Becca Chavez | Hair and Make-up provided by Velvet Sky

This week, while walking down Main Street, I happened to cross paths with two different families who were both tourists to our area. Although I know Visalia is a popular pass-through for vacationers headed to the Giant Sequoias, it seemed odd watching them search for a lunch place and travel necessities, such as hairspray. When visiting other countries, I too have found myself in unfamiliar surroundings without a solid command of the language and feeling a little lost. Similar to what happens when you lose one sense and the others seemed heightened, you’re forced to explore things from a different perspective. The moment caused me to pause, if only briefly, to imagine what visitors might see as they stroll through downtown Visalia. As I looked in every direction, the benefits of our downtown were abundant. Rarely can one walk a few short blocks and find almost any and everything you’d need to live; you can buy furniture, shop for clothes and shoes, see a movie or maybe even a live show, get a hair cut, nails done or have a massage, sign up for insurance, have your clothes cleaned in a hour, ride a trolley, stop in for a cold beer, or two, buy a wedding dress, attend church, find a doctor, have a picture taken and practically eat your way around the world. It was pretty amazing. About the only thing missing was a little corner market (sans the fabulous farmer’s market on Thursday nights May through October) with fresh produce and sundries aplenty. With that one addition, there’d really be no need to ever leave downtown or have a car. If there’s a negative here, I’m missing it. Although Visalia could very well be another magazine’s “Hidden Gem,” this month we feature the quaint little town of Los Olivos, tucked away in the hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. With a population of just over 1,100 there are almost as many wine tasting rooms as adults in this town. For a colorful glimpse of this charming destination, turn to page 16 inside. If you feel like staying in town, there are so many wonderful choices in the Central Valley over the summer. Check them out in the “Happenings” starting on page 54. One of the most exciting events is the upcoming Frampton’s Guitar Circus at Oval Park in August. This is a “can’t miss” for a couple of reasons…first, is it’s Peter Frampton and that’s reason enough alone. But equally cool is how our Oval Park will be transformed for this event, bringing much attention to the renovations underway on the north side. This is positive for the residents and businesses near the Oval, and that’s nothing but good news for our entire community. The next time you’re in downtown, take a long look around and see if there’s something you’ve been taking for granted. I know I have, but thankfully a few tourists gave me a different perspective… they traveled thousands of miles to spend a few short hours where we are every day and I think that’s nothing short of magnificent.

KAREN TELLALIAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleMag call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

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W WORD PLAY

NEWS ON WRITING, BOOKS AND THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING Text by Diane Slocum

s the San Joaquin Valley continues to suffer from drought, some authors have water as a central aspect in their stories. In The Book of Jonah by Joshua Max Feldman, Jonah is a modern-day visionary, but the vision he sees of a great flood washing over New York serves only to wash away his own life as a rising star in a prestigious law firm. Over-achieving graduate student Judith sees her life come crashing down with the Twin Towers. With their lives spinning out of control, both go on odd odysseys until their paths cross in Amsterdam and then again in Las Vegas. The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman begins with a boat washing up on shore near a remote lighthouse, carrying a baby and its dead father. The childless couple that tend the lighthouse agree to postpone reporting the incident for just a little while. Tom Sherbourne is a survivor of the trenches of World War I who has chosen the isolated life of a lighthouse keeper, until he is assigned to Janus Rock, off the southwestern coast of Australia. He brings his new bride to this lonely outpost where they try unsuccessfully to have children, until the mysterious boat drifts in. Valley Writers Former Fresnan Christopher Allen Poe was interviewed on “Good Day Sacramento” about his latest creepy novel, Dark Sight, a story that blurs the lines between life and death. Go to http://vimeo.com/97296464 to watch the interview. Book of the Month The Las Comadres and Friends National Latino Book Club have chosen Chasing the Sun by Natalia Sylvester as the book of the month for July. The story takes place in Peru during political upheaval. The unhappy wife of a businessman may have run away, unless she was kidnapped. The club also selects academic and business books of the month. To learn more about these, go to http://lascomadres.com/latinolit Corporate Feud With Amazon and Hatchette Book Group engaged in a dispute over e-book revenue, authors may find it difficult to cheer for either side. In a NPR On Point interview, Author’s Guild president Roxana Robinson pointed out that the big publishers often play the role of the bully toward their authors on e-book contracts. Author Sherman Alexie joined the fray on “The Colbert Report” saying that there are other places to shop. Independent bookstores are emphasizing that they are truly independent and sell books from all publishers. Writers’ Conferences The 3rd Annual Comadres & Compadres Latino Writers Conference will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Medgar Evers

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College in Brooklyn, NY. Esmeralda Santiago, a film producer, writer of memoirs and debut novelist, is the keynote speaker. Early-bird registration is $125 until Sept. 1. One-on-one sessions with editors or agents are $30 each. Details at: http://lascomadres.com/latinolit. The 2014 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference will be held Sept. 5-7 at The Westin in Westminster, CO. The conference focuses on craft improvement, genre knowledge, career management, industry savvy, continuing education and professional development for published authors. The keynote speaker will be Mark Coker, the CEO of Smashwords, the world’s largest distributor of self-published e-books. Mystery and suspense author William Kent Krueger is another of the 18 presenters. Early-bird registration is $345 through July 31 for non-members. Details: http://rmfw.org/ conference. Writing Contests The Terrain.org 5th Annual Contest will accept fiction, nonfiction and poetry until Sept. 1. Any entries received after Sept. 1 will be held for the following year’s contest. First place winners in each genre will receive $250 plus publication. All submissions will be considered for publication. Fee: $10 for each prose entry or up to five poems. Terrain.org is an online magazine that has been publishing since 1997. Issues sometimes follow a theme. Its description states that it is “a celebration of the symbiosis between the built and natural environments.” Details at http://terrain.org. The Aurorean offers four contests for each edition. Deadlines are Feb. 15 and Aug. 15 each year. For the Seasonal Poetic Quote, submit four lines maximum from a poem related to the season. Winner receives copies. For Editor’s Chap/Book Choice, submit a chapbook or book of poetry that is no more than 50 pages. Undergraduate students may enter the Creative Writing Student Outstanding Haiku Contest. Entrants in the fourth contest are limited to those who have published in The Aurorean. Details: http://www.encirclepub.com. The Last Words on Water “We never know the worth of water ‘til the well is dry.” – Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) “You can bail water 24/7, and no matter how good you are at not sinking, you still have a hole in your boat.” –Kelli Jae Baeli, Crossing Paths (1962 - )

H HISTORY

Reflections OF VISALIA A LOOK BACK AT TH E TUL A R E COUNT Y JAIL

Text by Terry L. Ommen

hen it was first built, the Visalia Weekly Delta called the new county jail “architecturally perfect” and bragged that it would serve as a model for jails all over the coast. But not everyone agreed. James Hume, chief of detectives for the Wells Fargo Company, called it the worst built jail he had ever seen, and this famed lawman had seen plenty. Which assessment was correct is difficult to say, but for the next quarter century the county lockup became a major topic of conversation and, just 27 years after it was built, it was torn down and replaced with another – a building that still occupies the site today. Visalia has been home to the Tulare County Jail since the 1850s. Since that time, and up until 1890, each of the jail buildings housed not only the lockup, but also the courthouse and county offices. In

the 1876 courthouse building, the jail was in the basement. By the late 1880s, the jail space was needed for other uses, so plans were made to build a separate jail and sheriff ’s office. In 1889, the county purchased two lots on the northeast corner of Church and Oak streets. Nathaniel P. Rogers, a Visalia architect and county engineer, designed the building and local contractor M. J. Byrnes was awarded the contract for its construction. Work was slow on the two-story building so the county granted the contactor an extension for its completion. In August 1890, the building was finally finished and Byrnes handed it over to the county. The local newspaper raved about the new structure, obviously proud of the addition to Visalia’s landscape. The building did not have the harsh exterior of most jails. The Italian design gave PICTURED: The Tulare County Jail at Oak and Church streets, circa 1895.

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H HISTORY

PICTURED: The Tulare County Jail, circa 1920.

it a “happy and pleasing” look. Bars on windows were kept to a minimum in order to play down its appearance as a jail. After it officially opened, prisoners began filling the new cells. One was Gratton Dalton, who had been found guilty of a Tulare County train robbery and was waiting to be transported to state prison to serve out his sentence. Defiant, Dalton made it clear from the outset that he would not be going to state prison and he and his confederates began working on a jail escape. Using a knife and file, they began cutting the jail bars. On September 27, 1891, Dalton and two others escaped from the brand new Tulare County jail. Three months later, suspected murderer Thomas Hill also sawed his way out of the jail. After these escapes, there was serious scrutiny of the jail’s operation and construction. The use of prisoners as trustees was questioned, as was the practice of using a deputy during the day in the courtroom, and then using the same deputy as a jailor at night. But most criticism seemed to focus on the jail design and materials used in the construction. For example, the mortar between the bricks easily crumbled to the touch and the steel used for the cells was found to be inferior. Changes and improvements to the building were made over the years. In some cases, walls were removed and new, better quality steel was added, but these modifications would not save the beleaguered building. Its fate was sealed. In 1916, Tulare County made the decision to tear down the 25-year-old jail and replace it with a new one. In November, the cash-strapped county went out to bid, hoping to keep costs down by using some of the condemned building’s walls and basement. Ernest J. Kump, a Fresno architect, drew up plans for the new facility and Trewhitt & Shields, a Fresno contractor, submitted the low bid and got the construction job. 14

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Because the new jail was going to be built on the same site, the old one had to be demolished first and, as a result, the prisoners needed to be temporarily placed elsewhere. The poorly-constructed and condemned Tipton Lindsey School seemed to fit the bill perfectly and it was only a couple of blocks away. Work was started to get the abandoned schoolhouse ready. Bars were placed on the windows and the steel “cage” was removed from the old jail and installed in the school building. Six cells were placed on the ground floor, as were the offices for Sheriff Court Smith and his staff. Equipment, supplies and records were then moved to the new location. For the next year, the Tipton Lindsey School was the Tulare County Jail. Three serious offenders were taken to the county jail in Hanford as an extra security measure and 21 prisoners were marched to their temporary new home. In August 1917, the jail was demolished. With the move, prisoners and sheriff’s department personnel had given up one defective building for another. In September 1918, the new jail was finished and accepted by the county, and the school was again vacated. Over the years, the new $50,000 jail also had its share of problems, including prisoner escapes and overcrowding, but it never seemed to attract the criticism of its predecessor. The Renaissance Revival building served as the Tulare County Jail for 44 years. In 1962, a new one was built on Burrel Avenue, just west of the courthouse, and the old building was empty. Since then, the jail building at Oak and Church streets has been used for various purposes, including an art gallery, private and government offices and restaurants. Today, this nearly centuryold building looks much like it did when it was Tulare County’s lockup. A granite marker was placed on the grounds and serves as a reminder of the site’s historical significance.

H HIDDEN GEM

Text by Shannon Smith Photos by Tenley Fohl Photography & the Los Olivos Business Organization

ucked away in the hills just north of Santa Barbara lies the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley and the quaint little town of Los Olivos. With a population of just over 1,100, don’t let the quietness and small size of this town fool you. Boasting more than 35 wineries and tasting rooms, unique shopping, incredible restaurants and bakeries, fun annual festivals and stunning views of Santa Barbara County, Los Olivos is only a four hour drive from Tulare County and well worth the weekend trip. Named after a nearby 5,000-acre olive ranch, Los Olivos dates back to the 1860s when stagecoaches passed through town. The town really got its start, though, in the late 1800s when it became a stop along the Pacific Coast Railroad. In 1887, Felix Mattei opened a hotel to accommodate passengers. The building is still standing today as a popular restaurant called Mattei’s Tavern. The oldest wooden structure in town was built in 1882 and many of the other

buildings in Los Olivos have also been around for over a hundred years. While the history of the town is ever-present in the Victorian architecture, what makes this place a popular tourist destination is the wide range of things to do in the area. With so many wineries and tasting rooms in Los Olivos, it’s hard to know where to begin. While most of the major wineries lay on the outskirts of town, you can find numerous tasting rooms just walking through the streets of Los Olivos. If you’re more adventurous and would like to wander out of the town, we recommend taking a guided wine tour either via limousine, bus or, our favorite, on horseback. There are also maps available that show locations of all local wineries and provide driving routes to get there if you have a designated driver. You’ll also find quite a few famous names amongst the wineries of Los Olivos such as Firestone, Fess Parker (who played Daniel Boone), Carhartt and many more. PICTURED: The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa located in the quaint town of Los Olivos serves as the perfect spot to enjoy a weekend away from home. INSET: A couple enjoys each other’s company and a glass of wine while spending the day in Los Olivos.

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H HIDDEN GEM

Los Olivos is known more for wineries than shopping, but there are definitely a few stores that you don’t want to miss while you’re there. Mostly local boutiques, the storefronts along the main streets are filled with handcrafted, colorful and unique creations. From leather shops and the general store to shops that are dedicated to stationary, local olive oil, home décor and even current fashion, there is literally something for everyone in this town. One of our favorite stores to visit is J. Woeste, a charming building with both indoor and outdoor space dotted with décor items, gifts, garden trinkets and many other musthaves. But please be warned, if you stop by this store, you’ll probably spend hours inside and walk away with at least one or two new treasures. After wandering around the streets wine tasting and shopping, you’re sure to build up quite the appetite. Thankfully, there are plenty of dining options in this small town. If you’re looking for something sweet, try Enjoy Cupcakes. If you’d rather have a sandwich and cup of coffee, Corner House Coffee is a local favorite. Los Olivos Cafe & Wine Merchant has great options for every meal and frequently features live music. And, of course, there’s the famous Mattei’s Tavern. This historic building is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and incorporates locally-sourced products into every delectable dish. If you’re looking for a little taste of home, head over to the old water tower that hosts Stafford’s Chocolate. Stafford’s originated in Porterville and all of its products still come out of that shop today. There are only two Stafford’s in the world – Porterville and Los Olivos. With the town’s small size, Los Olivos really only has one major hotel – the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa. While this stunning, elegant and luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Los Olivos and is great for a romantic weekend, it could be a little pricey for those traveling with

TOP: The Staffords Chocolate House water tower stands in downtown Los Olivos. Here you will find all your favorite chocolates and truffles straight from the San Joaquin Valley. BOTTOM: Tourists enjoy the outdoors and local wineries as they stroll through downtown.

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a family. But, not to worry, there are tons of other lodging options throughout the Santa Ynez Valley that will fit within every budget. Most are only a 15 minute drive from Los Olivos. Make sure you book your hotel room early if you’re going to visit Los Olivos over a festival weekend – which we highly recommend. Los Olivos has a handful of fun, annual festivals and a number of onetime only events, as well, that draw quite the crowd to town. Notable festivals are the Jazz and Olive Festival in early June, Bacon and Barrels in mid-July (could it get any better?) and the 28th Annual Los Olivos Quick Draw & Arts Festival, which takes place on August 16th this year. Although there is an endless list of things to do in Los Olivos, if you have the time you should check out the rest of the scenic Santa Ynez Valley comprised of five towns: Los Alamos, Buellton, Ballard, Solvang, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos. Los Alamos is an old western town that keeps its classic vibe even today; the Danish-American town of Solvang is both charming and welcoming to tourists of all ages; the flagship town of Santa Ynez is a traditional cowboy town with modern conveniences like the Chumash Casino; Buellton is a friendly and accommodating gateway town to the rest of the Valley and where the popular 2004 movie “Sideways” was filmed; and Ballard is a tiny, rural town full of romance.

N OT H I N G M A K E S A W O M A N M O R E B E A U T I F U L T H A N T H E B E L I E F T H AT S H E I S B E A U T I F U L

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F FREEDOM

HAPPY 238TH BIRTHDAY

america

rom watermelon eating contests, snow cones and hot dogs to baseball, live music and lots and lots of fireworks, Tulare County sure knows how to celebrate Independence Day with a bang! Check out these snapshots from a few of our favorite local celebrations: PORTERVILLE FREEDOM FEST The earliest of the celebrations, Porterville’s Freedom Fest was held on Saturday, June 28th. Taking place at the Porterville Sports Complex, the 4th Annual Freedom Fest featured vendor booths, local food, kids’ zone, bloodline, live music and a beer garden to ensure the event was fun for those of all ages. The evening wrapped up with a spectacular firework display that was enjoyed by many who spread their own chairs and blankets across the lawn. With temperatures well into the triple digits, the numerous water games and cool water shooting from the top of the Porterville Fire Department ladder truck in the kids’ zone was the perfect remedy for a hot day. BASEBALL AND FIREWORKS AT VISALIA RAWHIDE What’s more all-American than baseball, hot dogs and fireworks? Visalia Rawhide pulled out all of the stops for its Independence Day celebration at the ballpark on July 3rd. From the team’s special-edition red, white and blue uniforms to the extra-long firework display post-game, the Rawhide’s Independence Day game was a festive affair that perfectly celebrated America’s birthday; even if the team was bested by the Bakersfield Blaze 5-0.

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EXETER CHAMBER’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Unique in the fact that it took place during the daytime on the 4th, the Exeter Chamber of Commerce’s celebration began with a 10K run and two-mile walk followed by a pancake breakfast at Exeter City Park. The event also featured a petting zoo and delicious food including tri-tip sandwiches, tacos, caramel apples, funnel cake, corn dogs and more. At dusk, the crowd met again at Lion’s Stadium on Rocky Hill Drive for a fantastic firework show courtesy of the Exeter Lion’s club. TULARE’S 49TH ANNUAL FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR The Tulare Kiwanis Club’s 49th Annual Fireworks Spectacular took place at the Tulare County Fairgrounds with familyfriendly activities including a watermelon eating contest and traditional 4th of July food such as hot dogs, snow cones, churros and nachos. The culmination of the evening was a 45-minute firework display packed full of bright colors, fun patterns and drought-safe fireworks. VISALIA FREEDOM CELEBRATION Organized by the Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation, Visalia’s July 4th Freedom Celebration celebrated its last year as the nonprofit foundation – and perhaps its last year in general – this year. This event at the Giant Chevrolet-Cadillac Mineral King Bowl celebrated Independence Day with live music from Visalia’s Run 4 Cover, snacks like cotton candy and kettle corn, an introductory presentation by local Boy Scouts Color Guard troops and a 30-minute firework display that lit up the night sky for miles.

F FASHION

SUMMER SHOE TRENDS

Text by Sharon Mosley

tep up your shoe game this summer and try on a few of these trends for a quick style change. Here are some of my picks for the hottest (and not so hot) ways to put your best feet forward this summer:

GET SPORTY. Sneakers are hot, hot, hot fashion picks right now. Take your cues from the fluorescent hues showing up on the soccer field. From tropical bright florals from Puma to neon leather lace-ups from Nike, there are plenty of ways to stand out in these spirited athletic shoes. Even sporty sneakers from Chanel get their kicks from Day-Glo colors. And you can’t beat the old favorites like high-top sneakers and canvas slip-ons that just keep getting better and better with updated styles. Check out the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star in vintage pop art prints or the classic canvas slipons from Bucket Feet designed by artists from around the world. Trés chic. On the flop side, sky-high wedge sneakers. They may be a “high” fashion design, but they don’t seem much like comforting soles to me. I like my sneakers a little more down to earth, thank you. THONGS. Thongs are definitely part of the summer shoe scene. From the lowly rubber flip-flop to the jeweled kitten heel, they are the staples most of us turn to when we want to beat the heat. The newest flip-flops are anything but boring. Check out the kaleidoscopic prints on my favorite – Havaianas. The flops? Jelly thongs. Dressed up with bows and baubles, they may be the cutest things ever, but in steamy weather, you get steamy feet. Talk about slip-sliding away. 22

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RESORT TO SANDALS. Another classic summer footwear basic, sandals come in all shapes and sizes this year. There really is something for everyone. If you’re into comfort and style, you’ll love the newly-designed sport sandals. Teva, an old favorite developed by a Grand Canyon river guide over 30 years ago, has reintroduced the “Original Universal” nylon webbed sport sandal in a host of colors. Birkenstock, another classic company that’s been in the shoe business for 230 years, has spruced up its iconic comfort brand with colorful choices that are still easy on the feet with cork foot-bed sandals. Some of the “hottest” sandals of the season are hybrid styles – half boot/half sandal. But to me, these booties need to be worn in the cooler months. Even though wearing biker boots to the beach with your miniskirt may seem like the cool thing to do, it makes me sweat just to think about it. Not much breathing room there – definitely a “hot” flop. SHINE ON. The metallics are brimming over in summer shoe news. From Vans metallic leather slip-ons and sequined Napa leather espadrilles from Jimmy Choo to glittering high-tops from Gucci and mirrored leather pumps from Alice and Olivia, shimmer is stepping out for all occasions – both casual and formal. And while you may want to try these sparklers out at work, be warned: wearing those designer stilettos to an outdoor wedding can be treacherous. You can sink to all kinds of new lows fast, and you don’t want to get stuck with that shoe flop, now do you?

H HOME TOUR

A SUN

THE VIZZOLINI HOME:

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HOME TOUR H

DAY DREAM BECOMES REALITY Text by Jordan Venema, Photos by Taylor Johnson

PICTURED: The formal living room, or what the family calls “the Christmas Room,” is beautifully decorated with oil paintings and a black grand piano. L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 014

H HOME TOUR

t all began with a simple Sunday drive. Most families have done it: a drive through their favorite neighborhood to admire the homes, choose that one dream house and wonder what it would be like to live there. For Kristina and Matt Vizzolini, that neighborhood was Green Acres near the Visalia Country Club, and that house was a gray ranch style home with a gabled roof. “We would always drive around the area and there were a few lots I liked,” says Matt. “Then one Sunday after church we drove by here and the house was for sale.” Matt’s reaction was simple: “Uh oh.” Matt and Kristina had their two children, Kyle and Lindsey, with them and Kristina remembers Matt firing the kids up about the house. “It was a Sunday drive that turned into–” Kristina didn’t finish the sentence; she only smiled. “I loved the home,” says Matt, “and I knew the guy that lived here. So I called him up and said, ‘what are you doing selling your house without telling me?’” Kristina recalls, “as soon as I saw the ‘for sale’ sign, I told the kids, ‘this has always been your dad’s dream home, we won’t even have to see inside.’” After that phone call, things moved quickly and conveniently. The seller of the house, who was ready to move within two weeks of their phone conversation, decided to buy the Vizzolini’s current home for his parents. How soon had they moved into their new home after that innocent Sunday drive? “About 30, maybe 40 days,” says Kristina. The houses were swapped, done deal; Matt and his family had their dream house. When Matt and Kristina first met in college, they had a long road to travel before they could even dream of owning their first home. While both took classes at Fresno State University, they worked part time, Kristina at a bank and Matt as a delivery driver at Dominos. “I was a teller and he would make deposits,” says Kristina, “and I

TOP: The two-sided fireplace is an instant crowd pleaser having two ledge seats and modern tile inlays to give an inviting feel.

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BOTTOM: The kitchen and dining areas are highlighted with box framed windows and dark wood cabinets that replaced the original oak.

H HOME TOUR

would see this cute guy holding a pizza box.” Matt’s part-time job as a driver soon turned into a management position and by the time they had married and Matt turned 25, an opportunity opened for him to own a franchise in Tulare. “She would work at the bank and help at Dominos at night,” explains Matt. “It was a rough few years there for a while, but it paid off.” More than 20 years later, Matt is still as involved as the day he first started. Every day he is there rolling dough and answering phones. “If I didn’t like doing it, I wouldn’t be there,” says Matt. All that hard work put the Vizzolinis in the position, while on a spontaneous Sunday drive, to buy the house they had always wanted and admired. That was just about 10 years ago, and if things were a little rushed then, the Vizzolinis have had time to settle since. Like any home built in the 70s, there were some details that needed attention: the bathrooms were outdated, the washer and dryer were visible from the kitchen and the family didn’t love all of the oak cabinets. “Every house we’ve had has had oak cabinets,” laughed Kristina. So over the course of three different renovations, Matt and Kristina began to improve their space. The heart of the home is a high-ceiling living room with exposed rafters. Separating the living room from the kitchen was a narrow walkway beside a two-sided brick fireplace. They removed an oak bookshelf that was adjacent to the fireplace, creating a second walkway between the living room and kitchen, and widened the original walkway by another foot. They also retiled the fireplace

with a diamond-patterned inlay that complements the lighter tones of the home. In addition to widening the walkway between the kitchen and living room, the central living space is also unified by large box-framed windows along the southern side of the home. The small individual frames amplify the home’s traditional, almost country feel. The large windows provide light and atmosphere to the Tuscan-style kitchen. The cabinetry throughout the kitchen has been “skinned” with a wood surface wallpaper to cover the original oak. In order to expand the walkway beside the fireplace, the Vizzolinis had to sacrifice space from their front room. Fortunately, that space is used mostly during the holidays. “We call it the Christmas room,” says Matt. Heavy patterned drapes hang from the windows and oil landscapes hang on the walls; a black grand piano sits in a far corner and a chess set in another. The front parlor conjoins with the formal dining room, which also leads into kitchen. One of the other small renovations was the laundry room, which opens from the kitchen. Since the washer and dryer were plainly visible from the kitchen, Matt and Kristina purchased smaller units that could be stacked neatly in a closet. The space, which doubles as an entry to the guest room and bath, was completely retiled and refitted with a wooden bench and “skinned” wooden surface to match the kitchen cabinets. PICTURED: Custom wood furniture and molding give the master suite warmth and personality.

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H HOME TOUR The rest of the home is divided between the master suite and upstairs area, which includes the kids’ bedrooms. As with the rest of the home, the upstairs bathroom was entirely remodeled: the toilet was moved, dual sinks were added and the linoleum floor was replaced with tile. The Vizzolinis also took the third bedroom and converted it into a common space where the kids can play video games or bang on the drums. Matt and Kristina removed the sliding closet doors and added permanent cabinets into the closet recess, a clever and efficient use of the room’s space. They also commissioned an Exeter artist to paint a colorful and modern mural that matches the design of an ottoman. The master suite is the downstairs portion of the home that includes the master bed and bath. Along the hallway are a bathroom and two bedrooms, one of which has been converted into a small gym and the other a master study. “This is where I like to kick back and watch TV,” says Matt. The study also houses the evidence of Matt and Kristina’s hobby: golf. Trophies, won both individually and as a couple, stand on display in recessed shelves within the study. A black and white photo shows Kristina’s father on the green, his club high above his shoulder and his gaze following the path of his swing. The bathrooms in the master suite were also remodeled. “It was the old 70s style bathroom,” says Kristina, with gold hardware and green wallpaper. They removed the gold hardware and, as with the other bathrooms, laid similar tile. They also added a glass block, step-down wall along the side of the shower for a more modern touch. The Vizzolinis also renovated outside the house, including the backyard, garage and the guesthouse. They laid stamp concrete around the pool and converted a little corner garden into a small pitching mound, where Matt helped coach his son. They transformed the guesthouse, which has its own AC, kitchenette and bathroom, into a game room with a jukebox that Matt bought in Bakersfield. There were some significant structural additions to the garage, including adding a black and white checkered floor. They extended the roofline of the garage and added a smaller section for a golf cart. Matt, also an avid fisherman and hunter, turned a small shack adjoining the garage into a shop with a tool bench, dozens of fishing pools lined up in a row and a taxidermy trophy mounted on the wall.

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TOP: The Vizzolini’s daughter, Lindsey, has a beautifully decorated room with pieces of art that give the space a youthful touch. MIDDLE: The upstairs game room is the perfect place for the children to enjoy playing video games, making music or just hanging out. BOTTOM: One of Matt’s favorite hobbies is fishing. Pictured here are a couple of his poles that are kept in his shop, along with all his other hobby-related toys.

H HOME TOUR

The backyard of the Vizzolini home is their own personal sanctuary. The swimming pool, jacuzzi, fire pit and outdoor barbeque are just a few of the things the family is able to enjoy on the gorgeous evenings spent outdoors.

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HOME TOUR H

After gutting each bathroom, tearing down yards of wallpaper and refiguring the dimensions of their living space, the Vizzolinis are content with the renovations they have made. “We had a lot to do,” says Kristina, “but I think we are about done.” Do the Vizzolinis think they might do a little more? “She hasn’t broken the news to me yet,” says Matt. All that’s left for the Vizzolinis, really, is to enjoy the space they have and to take advantage – as they regularly do – of the location of their neighborhood. “We golf a lot,” says Matt. “I play on Wednesdays and she plays just about every day,” he laughs. They also enjoy playing as a family on Sundays after church. And since they live across the street from the course, they can still enjoy those Sunday “drives” without ever setting foot in a car.

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C CULINARY

summ the taste of a fresh

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mer

CULINARY C

s you look to cool down this summer, fire up your palate with these bold, fresh flavors.

Perfect for a backyard barbeque or a cool dinner in front of the blasting AC, these flavor-packed culinary creations sum up sweet, spice and everything nice.

Recipes by James Jessen & Ryan Lucas, Tazzaria | Photos by Taylor Johnson L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 014

C CULINARY

blackened pork chops (Serves 4)

ingredients: 4 center-cut pork chops 1 T paprika 2 tsp black pepper 1 ½ tsp salt 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp oregano ½ tsp thyme Pinch of cayenne pepper 1 T olive oil directions: In a small bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Rub mixture on each side of pork chops. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Serve immediately.

optional: Serve on top of fresh “shoestring” potatoes. Thinly slice two potatoes into shoestring size, as small as you can get them. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick sauté pan and add potatoes once oil is hot, about 375°F. Fry until golden; use paper towels to drain excess oils.

mango salsa ingredients: 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced (about 1 ½ cup) ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 Jalapeño, minced (include ribs and seeds for a hotter taste, if desired) 1 small cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1 cup) 3 T fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 3 T fresh lime juice Salt and pepper to taste (Also good with diced red bell pepper, strawberries and jicama)

directions: Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Tip: If the salsa ends up being a little too hot or acidic for your taste, you can temper it by adding some diced avocado or strawberries.

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C CULINARY

limoncello ingredients: 1 C water 6 T sugar 1 C fresh lemon juice, squeezed and strained Â˝ C limoncello

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directions: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When the sugar has completely dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool. (This preparation is called a simple syrup and is a foundation ingredient in the preparation of sorbet.) In a bowl, combine the simple syrup and lemon juice, whisk to combine and refrigerate until chilled. Pour the sorbet base in an ice cream freezer and freeze according to manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directions. Remove the lemon sorbet and store in an airtight container until ready to serve. Divide the lemon sorbet between 8 chilled glasses, drizzle with the limoncello and serve.

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T TRAVEL

KERALA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED INDIA Text by Cheryl Levitan

PICTURED: Originally invented to carry bulk cargo, the Kettuvallam (or houseboats) have been redesigned in modern times to allow tourists to experience the backwaters of Kerala in comfort.

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Text by Marsha Roberts

Our trip began in India’s southwest corner. Arriving late afternoon in Kerala’s largest city, we were advised that cruising Kochi’s harbor by houseboat should be activity number one. Hastily unpacking, we expected to find some rendition of Lake Kaweah vessels at the dock. Instead, a bizarre woven boat called a Kettuvallam, awaited. Using no nails, its wooden planks are tied together with coconut fiber ropes coated in cashew nut resin. It honestly looked more like a big brown whale with a rudder for a tail and an upper deck for a blowhole. Ready for an adventure, we were soon puttering along with a witty crew who kept us laughing. That upper deck proved to be the perfect perch to view the harbor’s beautifully preserved Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture. Despite being historic rivals as nations, these churches, palaces and warehouses now sit side-by-side in silent testimony to Kochi’s long

history as a trade port that allowed Europe to circumvent Arabiancontrolled spice routes. As we came closer to what had originally appeared to be jumbles of poles, we realized they were the city’s best-known and most photographed feature – the Chinese fishing nets. Four hundred years old, the structures’ levers and counterweights allow teams of four to easily catch large volumes of fish. Working in synchronization to lower and raise the nets, we watched as each catch was taken to nearby stands to be bought, cooked and then eaten by walk-up customers. Now that’s a fresh meal. Akin to today’s food trucks, these “fast food franchises” have existed virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. Farther out in the harbor, we could see men in brightly painted fishing boats slowly hauling in their nets and icing their catch. L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 014

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As the sun began to set, it brought with it a cool breeze and welcome temperature drop – one oddly out of place with the growing red-orange glow of the sky. The tranquil pace, the wisdom of centuries-old designs made current, and the seemingly incongruous architecture looking at home halfway around the world was nothing like the frenetic and chaotic India I had expected. No one hurried, everyone smiled and the energy was one of people and history working in unison and cooperation. Even stray cats were welcomed with morsels at the fish stands and sea birds were allowed a “last catch of the day” as they swooped down from heated updrafts to “steal” fish from men who seemed content to allow the taking. Feeling less like a tourist and more like a player in an old scene, I experienced a timelessness and sense of being completely at peace. Maybe it was the simple act of traveling exotic waters in an ancient boat with no other obligation but to be. Maybe India itself has a magical ability to center the mind, helping explain why many travel there for a religious retreat. Whatever the reason, this feeling of being completely in the moment was so moving that my inner glow was at least as impressive as the one in the sky. With an endless supply of huge, sweet cashews and an ice cold drink in hand, I continued to sit and watch the descent of that radiating sphere as it sank slowly into tranquil waters. The quiet energy of India became part of me that day. The place I had imagined and so eagerly anticipated wasn’t at all what I expected – and that reality was repeated over and over as the country found ways to surprise and delight me each and every day. Divided into 29 states, originally formed to cluster people by dominant spoken language, traveling throughout the country

illustrates more differences than similarities. With 22 official languages, and huge diversity of religion, geography, architecture, customs and food, each state can seem more like its own country. I was shocked to find that just as many states worship cows as place them on the menu! The truth is that India defies stereotyping. With three times the population of the U.S. in about a third of the space, I expected chaos. But in the state of Kerala, calm reigned. As part of one of the five major regions in India, Kerala has the sea as a western and southern neighbor. The rolling hills and mountains (ghats) to the east add to its relative insulation from the rest of the country. These ghats are also the reason most of the monsoon rain falls within Kerala, making it the only state with a tropical climate. A fertile paradise, agriculture is the number one industry. Rice, sugarcane, cashews, coconuts and tropical fruit grow in the lowlands and its rolling hills are covered with tea estates and spice plantations. With the international spice industry valued at more than 1.5 billion dollars, much of that is grown in Kerala. Those lush green hills are also home to 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks. With the largest population of Asian elephants still roaming freely, this state also has the greatest number of domesticated elephants. Used for processions and festival displays, all 700 domesticated elephants are in high demand as the state is known as the “Land of the Festivals.” Fairly diverse in religion, Kerala still has little sectarianism. Unlike most other areas, the entire population tends to eat the same types of prepared dishes that rely heavily on rice, spices, tropical fruits and flavoring from the all-pervasive coconut. Kerala has the highest life expectancy and literacy rates in India – and its schools have an equal number of boys and girls. In part due to a history PICTURED: Kathakali dancers spend hours applying make-up and assembling costumes that could weigh between 45 and 70 pounds. Male dancers are required to learn elaborate hand, facial and eye movements. Each dance gesture is meant to convey a specific thought and is accompanied by an expression that conveys an emotion.

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T TRAVEL of matrilineal inheritance, it is also one of the few states where females slightly outnumber males. So vastly different from India as a whole, Kerala also has little in common with its only accessible bordering state, Karnataka, a fast-paced technology and manufacturing center. Yet with all those factors distinguishing Kerala from India, it has another topographical feature that truly sets it apart and influences its pace of life – the backwaters. A series of canals, lakes and rivers create 560 miles of backwaters. Used for transport, food and washing, this system of waterways derives its name from the fact that it has little or no current. Beyond their practical uses, the backwaters are central to the pace of life and accepting attitudes. Driven, type “A” personalities don’t survive long where travel is slow and commerce occurs only when boats float by. Realizing that the backwaters could be capitalized upon, Kerala was the first Indian state to declare tourism as an industry. Combined with Ayurvedic tourism (a healing blend of spa, medicine, meditation and yoga) as well as mountain hiking and bird watching, the area saw 10 million visitors in 2011. In 2012, Kerala overtook the Taj Mahal as the number one travel destination in India. Thinking our first houseboat cruise was unique, I was in for a surprise once we reached the backwaters. Located just outside Kochi, tourists often spend their vacation on houseboats. Single

story, many of these Kettuvallam have glass windows, satellite dishes and air conditioning. Manned by a captain and cook, occupants spend lazy days floating past villages, rice paddies and lush landscapes. Buying necessities from small boats, sampling fruit from trees, eating at local restaurants and biking in villages makes for full but restful days. Travel by Kettuvallam is a quiet and intimate experience of village life; the thwack of a sari being washed against a stone, splashing from a bath along the shore, women’s voices negotiating purchases from small boats and the chatter of school children from passing school transport boats. Having seen tourist boat oil slicks in many countries, the cleanliness of the water and absence of litter was truly impressive (aided by seasonal flooding and water hyacinths.) With well over 2,000 houseboats and other boats for commerce and transport, the backwaters still feel unspoiled. It is impossible to fully describe all that is unique to Kerala. One area deserving mention is Kochi’s Jew Town. As my husband is Jewish, one might expect we’d consider that name improper or insulting. In actuality, the Jewish population of Kochi is the oldest continuously living Jewish community in the world, arriving from Judea 2,500 years ago. First coming for trade, many more Jews came to escape persecution by the colonial Portuguese and later after being expelled from Spain. Given special protection by INSET: The Chinese fishing nets are 400-year-old structures and Kochi harbor is the only place they are located outside China. BOTTOM: With the system of weights and levers, a team of four men methodically lower and raise the Chinese fishing nets that fill with fish, octopus and crustaceans for sale at the market located next to the nets.

Photo by Cheryl Levitan

L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 0 1 4

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T TRAVEL

Photo by Cheryl Levitan

TOP: The backwaters of Kerala provide water for crops, bathing, food, transport, tourism and everyday commerce. The children ride in boats that serve as a school bus. BOTTOM: Three wheeled taxis, called rickshaws in India, are painted black and yellow and are also adorned with bright paint and the driver’s family name. The small, enclosed area for passengers is embellished to appear like a lovely decorated room.

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local rulers, this Jewish community developed a merchant district proudly bearing the name of Jew Town. Few families remain today as most have moved to Israel. But the shops of Jew Town sell the finest art, antiques, rugs, clothing and fabrics – hands down! And where else could I photograph a smiling husband standing next to a sign for “Jew Town?” Also unique to Kerala is the extraordinary “Kathakali.” Meaning “story play,” it’s an ancient classical dance with elaborate costumes and facial makeup. The actors (all male) don’t speak or sing; they tell the story through highly structured hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions. A minimum of six years of training is required to accomplish the movements. The final feature that makes this dance simply spectacular is the eye rolling. Twirling, bouncing, shaking – those eyes and expressions had us laughing. But attempting to imitate them was a fast track to a headache! From day one, India grabbed my heart and never let go. We traveled to a number of areas, each distinctly different and completely fascinating. True, abject poverty abounds along with a number of other issues, but those things pale in comparison to this country’s vibrancy, color and lively energy.

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C CHARITY

FAMILY SERVICES’ GUEST CHEF SERIES

A PATRIOTIC AFFAIR Text by Jordan Venema, Photos by Aimee Sa

ot even a month has passed since Family Services’ sixth annual Guest Chef Series, but Colleen Richards, board member and event chair, is already thinking about next year. “I don’t know how to top it,” she says, “I just don’t know.” She probably wondered the same thing last year, when she was asked to fill the shoes of Teresa LoBue, who chaired the event for its first five years. “Each year we’ve upped the ante with entertainment, and last year we had Brazilian dancers from LA,” says Richards. “How on Earth am I supposed to top Brazilian dancers?” On June 21, more than 200 guests witnessed her answer. Each year the Guest Chef Series invites a chef to demonstrate and share dishes inspired by a central theme. This year’s chef, Michael Ratzlaff, a Reedley native and former steward to the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, prepared and paired three dishes based on a presidential theme: Thomas Jefferson’s Vichyssoise, James Buchanan’s stuffed pork roast with wine sauce and Abraham Lincoln’s pecan pie. “This is our biggest fundraising event of the year,” explains Caity Meader, Family Services’ executive director, “so we try to bring something unique that we don’t always get [locally].” The outdoor event wasn’t just restricted to the shade of a large white tent, where chef Ratzlaff gave his demonstration; guests also enjoyed an array of entertainment ranging from presidents’ favorite snacks to a photo booth replete with patriotic props, the live music of Fritz and the Cats and a plated meal catered by the Vintage Press. And then there was the cannon – yes, a cannon. Following the final course, a lemon drop crème brulée, was an even sweeter display of all the pomp and circumstance befitting An Evening in Washington D.C. Amid a shower of 200 sparklers, punctuating the climax of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture was the live blast of a cannon, the evening’s coup de grace. Did Richards feel she topped last year’s event? “I didn’t get my Blue Angels flying over,” she admits, “but I guess you can’t get everything.” Even without the flyover, the event was nothing short of a blast, and the Family Services board and staff did everything possible to make the event worth every penny. “Of course it’s a great party and a lot of fun,” says Meader, “but at the end of the day, we’re here to raise money TOP: Jeff and JoeAnna Todd enjoying each other’s company on the summer evening. MIDDLE: Jon Chessum and Aki Peterson are having a few hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine at beginning of the event. BOTTOM: Guest chef, Michael Ratzlaff, gave guests a cooking demonstration based on the presidential theme.

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CHARITY C

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C CHARITY for our programs.” Had Richards or Meader any doubts that they could improve upon last year’s Guest Chef Series, they need only compare numbers. They sold 60 more tickets and doubled their table sponsors, while business sponsorship increased by 35 percent. “We had hoped to gross $60,000 and we’re already there,” said Meader prior to the event. “Anything else will be icing on the cake.” The money raised from the Guest Chef Series ticket sales goes directly to funding Family Services programs, which help more than 3,000 men, women and children in Tulare County who have experienced domestic violence. “Historically, a lot of our money has [come from] government grants,” says Meader, “but we’re looking to diversify our funding sources because it makes our programs more stable.” Since grant funding is usually restricted to one specific area or aspect of a program, the money raised by the Guest Chef Series is “unrestricted dollars;” funds that comprehensively cover programs like counseling, parenting classes, supportive housing and health services – “tangible, concrete things,” says Meader. “It really needs to be a community effort,” explains Meader. “Not everyone is equipped to help a women in crisis who has dealt with domestic violence.” Which is why the Guest Chef Series is vital not only to Family Services, but also to the community as a whole. It’s an opportunity for locals to support other families, which is the fundamental building block to any community. The Guest Chef Series, explains Meader, “is our chance to give people [who aren’t trained therapists] an opportunity to use their other resources to contribute so that we don’t have to cut programs or reduce services as soon as a government grant changes or goes away.” TOP: Jamie Hitchcock (right), who impersonated Frank Sinatra as part of the evening’s entertainment, poses with his wife Tami. BOTTOM LEFT: Marty and Cindy Prah posing in front of the cannon, a classic decoration at the event. BOTTOM RIGHT: Family Services board member and event chair Colleen Richards with her husband, David.

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CHARITY C

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C CHARITY

The Sixth Annual Guest Chef Series will be hard to top. There are few symphonic movements bolder than the 1812 Overture, and what can punctuate an evening louder than a cannon? The artillery, the sparklers, the food, the music – “it’s a lighthearted way to raise money for our programs,” explains Meader. But that doesn’t mean that the real issue was deafened by the crash or lost in the smoke. The highlight of the event wasn’t the crescendo of an overture or the bang of a cannon; the evening’s real defining moment came when one woman quietly, almost shyly stood up to receive an ovation from more than 200 guests. She had been the victim of domestic abuse and currently participates in programs provided by Family Services. She bravely permitted her story to be retold and shown in a video at the Guest Chef Series. Her statement was louder than a cannon, bolder than a symphony and, on that evening, under a single tent, members of the community got the answer to Richards’ question.

TOP: Vocalist Jordyn White sang a few numbers as part of the evening’s entertainment. MIDDLE: Event co-chair, Kim Lebo, accepts flowers at the Guest Chef Series event. BOTTOM: Under a large tent, guests enjoy a catered dinner by the Vintage Press.

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THE SEINE: PARIS TO NORMANDY Pre & post trip options in France and England

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March 17-29, 2015 For pricing or registration details call the Visalia Chamber of Commerce at 559-734-5876 or visit www.visaliachamber.org Grand Circle CST#2041 626-40 L I F E S T Y L E | J U LY 2 014

H HAPPENINGS

CELEBRANT SINGERS HOMECOMING CONCERT After an exciting summer of ministry and travel around the United States, France and Guatemala, the Celebrant Singers return to Visalia on August 9. They welcome you to their 37th Anniversary 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.

When: Aug. 9, 7p Where: L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 740-4000, www.celebrants.org

THEATRE & PERFORMANCES

JUL 20

SUMMERLAND 2014

Don’t miss some of your favorite 90’s bands at this year’s national tour. Featured artists are Everclear, Soul Asylum, Eve 6 and Spacehog. The concert benefits Visalia Opera Company and the Arts Consortium. Tickets are $25-$55. When: Jul. 20, 7p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369

UNSPOKEN

After breaking into the Billboard’s Top 20 Album Chart with their self-titled new album, Unspoken now has launched their fastest charting single with “Start a Fire.” They have been climbing the Christian music charts with their infections songs of hope and faith. When: Jul. 20, 7p Where: GateWay Church, 1100 S. Sowell St., Visalia Contact: 732-4787

JUL 24

CHASE RICE

American country music singer and songwriter Chase Rice has released two albums and co-wrote the number one single “Cruise,” performed by Florida Georgia Line. Hear his single “Ready, Set, Roll” at this free, outdoor concert. When: Jul. 24, 7p Where: Exeter City Park, E. Chestnut and S. E St., Exeter Contact: 627-5584

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JUL 25

AUG 12

AUG 29

GOO GOO DOLLS, DAUGHTRY AND PLAIN WHITE T’S

Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated bands Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry will be touring this summer and making a stop in Bakersfield. The acoustic band, Plain White T’s, will also be performing. Tickets are $45-$80. When: Jul. 25, 7:30p Where: Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield Contact: 661-852-7777

CELEBRANT SINGERS 37TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET

We invite you to our 37th Anniversary WorldTouch Partner’s Banquet on August 12. Enjoy a delicious dinner while hearing testimonies and inspiring music from the summer teams. Purchase a whole table or attend as an individual. Please call the Celebrant office for reservations. When: Aug. 12, 7p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 740-4000 for reservations

FRAMPTON’S GUITAR CIRCUS

Don’t miss an amazing night of rhythm and blues! Grammy award winning guitarist, Peter Frampton, and Rock-andRoll Hall of Fame inductee, Buddy Guy, set the night on fire with indelible searing performances. Special guest, Randy Bachman, will also take the stage. Tickets are $60. When: Aug. 29, 6p Where: Oval Park, 808 N. Court St., Visalia Contact: 627-OVAL (6825) or www.ovalpark.org

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H HAPPENINGS

FRESNO FOOD EXPO Showcasing 140 exhibitors ranging from food producers, manufacturers and growers, to winemakers and brewers from California’s agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley is the Fresno Food Expo. Meet with food enthusiasts looking to discover local products, ranging from retail chains and food service distributors to CA-based restaurants/chefs.

When: Jul. 24, 5p Where: Fresno Convention Center, 848 M. St., Fresno Contact: 445-8100

JUL 2

ART EXHIBITS

DIVERSIONS & EXCURSIONS

FIRST SATURDAY

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GUN SHOW

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. 2, 10a-5p Where: Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or www.1stSaturdayTR.com

BEAUTY RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Join the Jon Ginsburg Gallery in welcoming Milli and Lesli Pepper and viewing the rare opportunity to enjoy the art of a mother and daughter. Opening reception is Jul. 11 from 6-8p. When: Through Aug. 29 Where: Jon Ginsburg Gallery, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 733-9329

This event offers something for every outdoor adventurer, gun enthusiast and hunter. Purchase medical and first-aid kits, gun safes, ammo, hunting gear and more! Tickets are $11 at the door. When: Jul. 19, 9a-6p; Jul. 20, 9a-5:30p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 300 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: www.rockymountaingunshow.com

AUG 1

BLUES, BREWS AND BBQ

Beat the summer heat by attending this event where you can purchase soft drinks, brews, delicious BBQ and other summertime favorites. This family-oriented free music event will benefit the Visalia Emergency Aid Council. Music by Mofo Party Band. When: Aug. 1, 6-10p Where: Garden Street Plaza, Visalia Contact: 732-7737

THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Join Visalia First in their two-day summit that is guaranteed to refresh and inspire you. Being a better leader isn’t just for professional lives. He’s also about being a better husband or wife, parent and friend. Sharpen your leadership skills and unleash your full potential in an environment of Christ-centered leadership. When: Aug. 14-15, 8a-5p Where: Visalia First Assembly, 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia Contact: 733-9070

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H HAPPENINGS

6TH ANNUAL GOLF SKILLS CHALLENGE Get out and show your golf skills with a 9-hole scramble plus a skills challenge course. All proceeds go to the Visalia Rescue Mission. Sponsorships are available. See contact information below for questions.

When: Aug. 15, 7:30a-3p Where: Valley Oaks Golf Course, 1800 S. Plaza St., Visalia Contact: 740-4178

AUG 16

HELL OF A HALF MARATHON

Face this challenging course through heat and two great hill climbs in Exeter. Come out if you want to test your strength and determination on this adventure. Registration is now open. When: Aug. 16, 7a Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Park, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: www.hellofahalf.com

THE COLOR RUN

Are you ready for the craziest, colorful 5K of your life? You bet you are. Race it solo or form a Color Team and be a part of the Kaleidoscope Tour. Get pumped before your race with music, dancing, warm-up stretching and giveaways. When: Aug. 16, 8a Where: Woodward Park, 7775 N. Friant Rd., Fresno Contact: www.thecolorrun.com

AUG 17

PREMIER BRIDAL SHOWPLACE

At this event, brides will find valuable information to help with all your wedding planning. Brides will have the opportunity to enjoy an elegant fashion show featuring beautiful bridal gowns and meet some of the finest wedding professionals in the area. When: Aug. 17, 10a-4p Where: Fresno Convention Center, 848 M. St., Fresno Contact: bride@pbshowplace.com

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VISALIA FARMER’S MARKET HARVEST OF THE VALLEY

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. When: Thursdays, 5-8p; Saturdays, 8-11:30a Where: Thursdays, Downtown Visalia; Saturdays, Sears parking lot Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

TULARE FARMER’S MARKET

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. When: Tuesdays; 5-8p Where: 1407 Retherford Street, Tulare Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

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H HAPPENINGS

CHARITABLE EVENTS

JUL 20

AUG 3

6TH ANNUAL FOOD FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER

Join the Visalia Rescue Mission and the California Restaurant Association as they host the 6th annual Food Fight Against Hunger. There will be a live cooking demo presented by The Vintage Pressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; David Vartanian, and amateur chefs competing for top honors in the cooking competitions! Enjoy the prizes, delicious food and drinks, and live music. Tickets are $25. When: Jul. 20, 3-6p Where: Holiday Inn Visalia Ballroom, 9000 W. Airport Dr., Visalia Contact: 740-4178

THE TASTE OF VINO

The balance between fun and fundraising, The Taste of Vino is an annual event benefiting the Make-A-Wish Central California foundation. 40 wineries and a variety of restaurants will be in attendance. To purchase tickets before the event, please visit Vino & Friends located at 1560 E. Champlain Dr. #101 Fresno, CA 93720. Tickets are $70 prior the event; $80 at the door. When: Aug. 3, 1-5p Where: The Savemart Center, 2650 E Shaw Ave., Fresno Contact: 434-1771 or www.centralca.wish.org

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AUG 8

26TH ANNUAL TOMMY ELLIOTT MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC

The Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation will hold its annual golf tournament. Proceeds will go to funding the Delivering Our Future campaign, a project that will create a state-of-the-art birthing center at Kaweah Delta Medical Center. When: Aug. 8, 10a Where: Visalia Country Club, 625 Ranch Rd., Visalia Contact: 624-2359

HAPPENINGS H

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Local retailers return over 50% of their revenue to the local economy, compared to just 16% from national chains.* At Suncrest Bank, we think buying local is a pretty smart choice, and one you can take pride in.

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*Civic Economics Survey, 2012

Local people know the value of a local bank. Suncrest is proud to be locally owned and operated, offering a full range of business and personal deposit products and loans.