May 2011 by Lifestyle Magazine

L I F E S T Y L E | M A Y May 2011

1 2011

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2744 West Main, Visalia, CA 93291

559-667-4304

Visaliasmiles.com

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22 The Radish Home:

Green Acres Mid-Century Modern Stays True to Form

HUMANITARIAN Make Pie, Not War Entrepreneur Shares Her Skill with Thailand

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16 CULINARY Muffuletta Sandwich for Dad

8. Letter from the Executive Editor 10. Business Cents: A Vast Land of Affordable Opportunity

12. Word Play 14. Local Adventure: Crystal Cave

44.

Wine: To Every Wine, There is a Season

46. 52. 54.

Charity: Make-A-Wish Foundation

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Faces & Places: The Ruiz Golf Invitational

58.

Happenings

Next Gen: Josh Levine Fashion: The “It” List for Spring 2011

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32 TRAVEL A Hidden Treasure The Galapagos Islands

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ON THE COVER: A glass basin atop a stone counter updates master bath while remaining true to the Mid-Century Modern roots of the Radishes’ Visalia residence. ABOVE: Glass curtain walls erase the line between exterior and interior, a characteristic feature of sleek Mid-Century Modern architectural design.

MAY 2011 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor DARA FISK-EKANGER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jillian Bos Aaron Collins Cheryl Dieter Crystal R. R. Edwards Lisa McEwen Diane Slocum BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Bookkeeper Marilyn Harris Office Administrator Maria Gaston ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com See us online at advertisewithdirect.com/lifestyle

RACK LOCATIONS

Borders Books Music & Cafè DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare Party City Tazzaria Coffee & Tea The Lifestyle Center Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Coffee Company Visalia Convention Center COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS

210 Cafe Advanced Laser Clinics Bravo Farms Cheese Factory Creekside Day Spa & Wellness Center Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Golf Course Holiday Inn Kaweah Delta Hospital Red Carpet Car Wash Sequoia Laser Aesthetics Smiles by Sullivan Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa Tulare Chamber of Commerce Tulare County Library V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Community Bank (Downtown) Visalia Eye Center Visalia Imaging & Open MRI Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Wildflower Cafe-Exeter Dr. Keith Williams Williams, Jordan, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc.

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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: A water feature adds a focal point to the garden of Ronnie and Pati Radish’s Visalia home.

LIFEST YLE | OC TOBER 2010

EDITOR NOTE

s we prepare to publish this month’s issue of Lifestyle, Mother’s Day has just passed. For many the day is one of celebration, family gatherings, and inspires a reflective look back on the special times shared throughout the year. Some (me included) have long since lost our mothers and find ourselves as the matriarchs of our own families. The traditions of how we celebrate are shaped by our society and whatever customs we’ve grown up with. For some, it’s a day for church, brunch, flowers or perhaps animal-shaped pancakes served in bed. For others, it might be a BBQ in the park; for others a quiet gathering in the backyard. But whatever style of celebration, one thing is certain, we mothers can put a lot of pressure on our families to get it right. But this year, as I read the stories that would fill the May issue of Lifestyle, it stood out to me just how much my children contribute to my life on a daily basis. Although all of our children are active in our lives, our daughter Taylor works with me every day. Her dedication and contribution to the magazines is immeasurable. For the past year, much of what you read and see every month has been a direct result of her efforts, and I just couldn’t let another Mother’s Day go by without acknowledging how proud I am of her and the young woman she’s become. Much of her contribution is behind the scenes, but you can often find her photos sprinkled throughout the pages of Lifestyle. With Mother’s Day behind us, our dads are looking forward to their special day, and what better way to celebrate than with food? This month we took a trip to Three Rivers and found a treasure in Sierra Subs and Salads. A favorite of New Orleans residents is the Muffuletta sandwich, but you won’t find one better than the recipe found on page 32. If you’re looking for a special treat for Father’s Day, this just might be the ticket. Or, how does a trip to Sequoia National Park sound? The more adventurous types will love the underground world of Crystal Cave, adorned with icicle-like stalactites and stalagmites. Details on how to get there and tour information start on page 14. Whatever your family traditions for celebrating special days, we’re sure you’ll find this issue filled with interesting features and the beautiful photos you’ve come to expect in Lifestyle. Take some time, enjoy reading, and make sure to let your family know it’s the little things they do every day that make the difference in your life. Photo by Becca Chavez | Hair and Make-up provided by Velvet Sky

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909. L I F E S T Y L E | M AY 2 0 1 1

LIFEST YLE | OC TOBER 2010

B BUSINESS CENTS

A Vast Land of

AFFORDABLE OPPORTUNITY Text by Jillian Bos, Keller Williams Realt y, Tul are County

estled between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it’s no wonder our Valley was the perfect pocket for growth and new development. In recent years, however, challenging economic times and unemployment highs have led to dramatic changes in our local real estate market. We recently discovered that 63 percent of real estate transactions in Tulare County last month involved a bank, versus dealing with a “real” seller. Distressed property sales (short sales and foreclosures) made up about 57 percent of California’s transactions last month. Additionally, we are seeing prices continue to slowly decrease when comparing end of the fourth quarter 2010 to end of the first quarter 2011. No doubt about it, as our world goes a “tad” crazy, we find an element of health in our local economy; a silver lining to the foreclosure-filled cloud. Today, we are in the midst of what the California Association of Realtors is calling a “Home Buying Trifecta.” We have months of housing inventory, the lowest prices in 10 years, and mortgage rates at their lowest levels in over 50 years. Our year-over-year volume has increased 27 percent, and the marketplace is more bustling than ever. Tulare County Multiple Listing Service reported 348 closed sales in March 2011. Please note, this is the highest number of closed sales ever recorded since they began keeping track in March 1989. Statewide, an estimated 36,417 homes were sold last month. This is a 33 percent increase from February, and just slightly lower from March 2010. California sales for the month of March have varied from a low of 24,565 in 2008 to a high of 68,848 in 2005. In California, the median price paid for a home in March 2011 was $249,000, up 2 percent from February 2011, and down 2.4 percent from March 2010. The year-over-year decrease was the sixth in a row after 11 months of increases. The bottom of the current cycle was $221,000 in April 2009, while the peak was at $484,000 in early 2007. Short sales – transactions where the sale price fell short of what was owed on the property – made up an estimated 17.6 percent of re-sales last month. That was down from an estimated 18.8 percent in February but the same as a year earlier, and up from 11.4 percent two years ago. In national news, home sales have fallen 9.6 percent compared to the previous month, and remain close to last year’s levels, showing only a 2.8 percent decline. Gradual improvement with bumps along the way has long been the anticipated road to full recovery. In fact, home sales remain 26.4 percent above the low last July.

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Many consumers are wondering if now is the right time to purchase a home, or if they should wait for prices to stabilize. For those who are reluctant to purchase a home today because they fear price depreciation, it is important to understand that real estate is cyclical and prices will increase again. They will! Calling the market low is a risky task, as “low” is most often spotted in the rear-view mirror. While prices in our market may not have yet hit the lowest point, the bottom could be near. Today, we know money is quite cheap, and interest rates are favorable, relative to previous markets. Securing cheap money is a tremendous hedge against further valuation downturn in our market in light of the inevitability that interest rates could be higher in the future. So, what’s in store for the rest of 2011? The California Association of Realtors anticipates 2011 to be a transition year, moving us further toward stabilization. Our local market is proving to be a sort of “wildcard” in comparison to statewide statistics as our recovery has yet to commence. Despite life’s uncertainties, we do know there are tremendous opportunities in the housing market for first-time buyers, investors, and long-time owners. Now, more than ever, those opportunities are right here at home. Jillian is a graduate of Pepperdine University (2005). She began her career in Real Estate in 2006 in West Los Angeles, and returned to her hometown, Visalia, in the spring of 2010. Jillian is a Team Leader at Keller Williams, Tulare County.

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WORD PLAY

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

ometimes greed seems to be the ruling passion. Yet, we can always find examples of compassion. The Gift of Passionaries: Changing the World (Passionaries Press 2009) by Barbara Metzler provides a book-full of them. A few of the examples are Ken Behring (Wheelchair Foundation), Chris Crane (Opportunity International) and Pat Blum (Corporate Angel Network). The Compassionate Diet by Arran Stephens and Eliot Jay Rosen (Rodale Books, May 2011) advocates eating vegetarian out of compassion for animals, humans and the planet. In How to Be Compassionate: A Handbook for Creating Inner Peace and a Happier World by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Jeffrey Hopkins (Atria, March 2011), the authors contend that the best way to avoid inner turmoil is to open our hearts and minds to others. Caring for others helps eradicate anger, fear and hatred and can help bring about a better world. Events David Mas Masumoto and 15 other Valley writers gathered last month to present readings of their works and raise money for the Japanese Red Cross for earthquake and tsunami victims. Writers for Japan was organized by Lee Herrick and held at Mr. Sushi Restaurant in the Tower District in Fresno. The event raised about $1,100. Herrick is the author of This Many Miles from Desire and Gardening Secrets of the Dead. Masumoto’s books include Wisdom of the Last Farmer and Letters to the Valley: A Harvest of Memories. Some of the other participants were Steven Church (The Day After the Day After: My Atomic Angst), Burlee Vang (The Dead I Know: Incantation for Rebirth), Michael Luis Medrano (Born in the Cavity of Sunsets), Corrine Clegg Hales (Separate Escapes) and Michelle Brittan (winner of 2010 Ernesto Trejo Poetry Prize). Rounding out the list of participants were Roberta Barton, Carleigh Takemoto, Christie Maki Dauden, David Campos, Marisol Teresa Baca, Cynthia Guardado, Bryan Medina, Andre Yang and Lisa Lee. Each of the 16 writers read two of their works, mostly poetry, to a packed house. Some also read poems by poets of Japanese heritage, such as David Mura. Conferences The Children’s Literature “The Body Electric” Summer Institute at Simmons University in Boston will be held July 28–31. Speakers include Corretta Scott King, award-winners Bryan Collier, Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon, Caldecott Medalist Mordicai Gerstein, Sibert Honor Awardees Sandra Jordan and Jan Greenberg and Printzwinning comic artist Gene Luen Yang. Registration is online at www. simmons.edu/institutes/childrens-lit and payment is due by June 15. The Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference will be held July 21–24 in Corte Madera, California. Besides editors, agents, publishers and authors, the conference includes detectives, forensic experts and other crime-fighting professionals to help mystery writers keep their works authentic. Participants include former District Attorney and author Marcia Clark, former private eye and author David Corbett, author Daniel Silva and at least 25 others. Basic registration fee is $540.

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Contests Each issue of Literary Laundry offers a competition for best poem, short story or one-act drama. The deadline for the third journal issue is June 1. Prizes are $500 for poems and short stories, $250 for dramas. No fee. Details: www. literarylaundry.com/submissions. The 2011 Anderbo Creative Nonfiction Prize will be awarded to an unpublished work of up to 1,500 words. Open to writers never published in Anderbo.com. Judged by Elizabeth Wortzel. Entries must be postmarked by June 15. Fee is $10. Prize is $500. Details: www.anderbo.com/anderbo1/andernonfictionprize2011.html. Read the Book The movie released this month, “Something Borrowed” is based on the book by the same name by Emily Giffin, published by St. Martin’s Griffin, March 2005. The book recently ranked in Amazon’s top 100 books and number 15 in the category of contemporary romance. Giffin’s debut novel deals with Rachel, a New York lawyer, her best friend, Darcy, and Darcy’s fiancé, Dex, who also happens to be an old friend of Rachel’s. Publishing Random House is reinstating its Hogarth Press imprint, which was initiated by Virginia and Leonard Woolf. It will publish about eight to 10 books a year that are contemporary and rich in character. One of the first books that will come out with the revived imprint will be a three-generation saga, I Am Forbidden, by Anouk Markovits. Another is The Watch by Joydeep RoyBhattacharya which follows an Afghan woman in Kandahar who attempts to retrieve her brother’s body from the American base. Great Valley Books A grant from the James Irvine Foundation allowed Heyday Books the means to publish an imprint of books dealing with the San Joaquin/Sacramento valleys. One of these is Mike Madison’s Walking the Flatlands: The Rural Landscape of the Lower Sacramento Valley. Madison raises 33 acres of flowers near Davis and describes the land around him with thoughtfulness and lyricism. The Last Word “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” —Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

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L LOCAL ADVENTURE

CRYSTAL CAVE IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

ost visit the Sequoia National Park to revel in the Giant Sequoias standing tall and strong, high overhead. But the park is also home to a vast underground world full of adventure and surprises you wouldn’t expect from the park in our very own “backyard.” This underground world consists of over 270 caves crisscrossing through Sequoia National Park, just beneath our feet. However, there is one cave in particular that draws visitors from all over the world. Crystal Cave was discovered on April 28, 1918, by Alex Medley and Cassius Webster, two trail workers exploring the land on their day off. After finding the cave’s opening, they reported it to the park’s superintendent, Walter Fry. The cave has been explored, mapped and researched ever since. Since 1941, Crystal Cave has been one of the park’s primary visitor attractions and it continues to be the park’s only commercialized cave. To reach the cave you must first drive down a seven-mile, twisty road, west of the General’s Highway, until you find the parking area. Once parked, it’s a half-mile hike down a steep trail to the cave entrance, where the unique and strangely haunting Spider Web Gate will greet you. The 48-degree temperature in the cave will be sure to cool you off after this worthwhile trek. Crystal Cave is adorned with curtains of icicle-like stalactites and stalagmites, impressively large rooms, and ornate marble, polished naturally by a subterranean stream. These features are only made visible from the lighted pathways and the flashlight of a guide, making a tour of Crystal Cave an unforgettable experience. A variety of tours are available depending on just how rugged visitors are willing to get. The 45-minute regular Daily Tour leads explorers from room to room on paved, lighted pathways. From time to time, lights are shut off as the group pauses to listen to water and echoes in the cave, immersed in total darkness. Looking for a more rustic adventure? Give the 1.5-hour Candlelight Tour a try, and explore the cave with only the light from a lantern – much like Medley and Webster did when they made their discovery. For a more in-depth experience, Discovery Tours are available for smaller groups. This 1.5-hour tour emphasizes the geology and biology of the cave environment, providing a fascinating educational opportunity. On your next trip to the Sequoias, don’t just stop and look up at the beautiful trees, be sure to venture down into the earth on one of the unique underground tours of Crystal Cave. Crystal Cave can only be toured in the summer. Cave temperature is a constant 48-degrees so a jacket or sweater is recommended. Tickets for Crystal Cave can be purchased only at the Lodgepole or Foothills visitor centers. For more information about Crystal Cave in California’s Sequoia National Park, visit: www.sequoiahistory.org

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Make Pie, Not War Entrepreneur Shares Her Skill with Thailand Tex t By Lisa McEwen

s the founder of a successful jewelry company, Alana Little is no stranger to obstacles and hard work. In fact, her company is growing steadily, creating a name for itself in fashion circles around the country. So when the opportunity arose in 2009 for Little to jet to Thailand to teach orphans jewelry-making skills, she immediately agreed to go. Getting there, and actually getting to the children, became a story in itself. After graduating in 2000 from Central Valley Christian High School in Visalia, Alana (pronounced a-lah-na) Sproles enrolled as a business administration major at CSU Fresno. She graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree and then graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2005. One of her first jobs out of college was working as an accountant at Univision, one of the nation’s largest communications companies. But corporate accounting didn’t light any fires in her soul. “It wasn’t for me,” she said matter-offactly. “I’m too creative and I don’t like being told what to do.” Married in 2006, Little decided to try her hand at being her own boss. Like that, her jewelry company was born. Coming up with a name for it was a piece of cake … or pie. “I love pie. I never met a dessert I didn’t like,” she said with a laugh. “There’s something social, loving and peaceful about pie. It brings people together.” So with a love for desserts and peace among people, Little found the name of her business – Make Pie Not War. 16

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“There’s something social, loving and peaceful about pie. It brings people together.”

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H HUMANITARIAN

Her husband, Cameron, runs his own clothing company, Ephraim Clothing, and they soon learned that the two businesses complimented each other well. While traveling with Cameron for his company, Little would bring along samples of her jewelry to various trade shows, networking with sales representatives and vendors. She soon had a following and most importantly, a presence on the Internet, the medium to which she credits 90 percent of her business; namely her storefront on Etsy.com, Facebook and her website, makepie.net. As a high school student, Little attended the youth group at Faith Baptist Church in Visalia, lead under the direction of youth pastors, Lisa and Rick Caynor. The Caynors were involved in overseas missions, and over the years, Little kept in touch with them and followed their travels, including their work in Thailand. In Thailand, where human trafficking and child prostitution are rampant, the Caynors wanted to give the children at Bethany Home orphanage in northern Thailand skills to help them earn money to keep the lure of street work at bay. A chance meeting at the wedding of a friend in March 2009 brought the pastors and pupil back together, and it was apparent that the missionaries had found the answer to their prayers in Little. “I told them I didn’t know how I was going to get there, but I was gonna do it!” Little said, her voice warming with excitement. Little didn’t know how she could afford to get to Thailand; with Make Pie Not War still in its infancy, and as a one-woman show, 18

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she was unsure how she could leave her business for the three weeks she planned to be gone. Then in May 2009, her profile among customers was raised when she was featured on the cover of Visalia’s Direct Magazine, and then – she still doesn’t know how – she was featured on the Lucky magazine, and orders began rolling in. Her business has been growing ever since. “When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re either poor or rich. Suddenly I had the financial prosperity to pay for a ticket [to Thailand]. It was like God wanted me to go.” So in November 2009, Little kissed her husband goodbye, climbed aboard a China Airlines jet and flew to Thailand. “Thailand has one of the highest human trafficking rates in the world, and to have something as precious as your virginity taken away from you hurts my heart,” Little said, as she explained her desire to help get human trafficking victims, especially children, off the street. She planned to purchase most of her jewelry supplies in Thailand, as she didn’t want to bring items that the children wouldn’t be able to get in their own country. When she landed, however, she learned that Lisa Caynor and the couple’s two children were in a serious car accident. “They were my mentors and I wanted to be able to help them,” she said. “The whole trip changed.” After spending most of her time with the family, Little decided she needed to find her jewelry supplies and get to the orphanage. She traversed Bangkok’s markets

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2010

H HUMANITARIAN

PAGE 18 & ABOVE: In an effort to make a difference in the world, Central Valley native Alana Little took her skills to Thailand in 2009 to teach kids how to make and sell jewelry, giving them an opportunity to earn a living and stay off the streets and out of the hands of human-traffickers.

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for several days with a translator but had no luck finding what she needed. Frustration quickly turned into what Little describes as, “freaking out.” She decided to try the Chinatown section of the city. “When I found that, I said ‘Hallelujah!’” “They were all wondering why this white girl was buying all this stuff!” Little said referring to the vendors she met. She purchased enough supplies to work with 10 children for three days, boarded a bus and took a “character-building” ride four hours north of Bangkok to Kampingpet. After meeting the children and realizing she likely didn’t have enough supplies for the kids swarming around her, she gave them a test to see if they could follow directions, and especially if they had the desire to learn about jewelry making. “The first thing I did was pull out a bunch of beads,” Little said. “We made bracelets, and they were thinking that it was all for them. The Thai love bling and it’s not a big deal if they wear 12 necklaces at once.” With that, feelings of disappointment and doubt began filling her mind. “I went in with one mindset, and that quickly changed. I wondered ‘Why am I here?’” But after the children displayed their creations, and Little pulled out money to buy some pieces from them, they quickly understood the value of Little’s presence. “That switched the light on in all their brains,” she said. “Everyone shops at the daily market. Most Thais are Buddhist, so buying jewelry from orphans would mean good karma for them.” She described her three-day stay at the orphanage as “intense.” “What we accomplished in three days is nothing short of a miracle,” she said. “We made all kinds of jewelry, and the boys were knocking them out. If you think making jewelry is a girl’s job, it’s not!” Little sat down with leaders at the orphanage to teach them how to run the business side of jewelry making; she is still in contact with those leaders through Facebook, keeping tabs on their progress. “God worked [through] people all over the globe to get me [to Thailand] ... the girl with a nothing company,” she said. “For me to do that, I figured I did what I was supposed to do.” The orphans’ upbringing and background are stories that will stay with Little forever. Many were abandoned by their parents who couldn’t afford to raise them; one little boy escaped an abusive father and absentee mother; and still others were found hungry on the street. Little won’t forget the moment on her second day at the orphanage when she met a little boy named Peter who had a tough exterior, but a sensitive heart. “We were working with charms and Peter was ashamed that one of the charms broke,” she said. “I wanted to teach them that there is always a use for something. So I broke off a branch of another piece and made something with those pieces. I looked at him and said, ‘Do you see there is no such thing as trash?' He gave me a little smile and then turned away. That was one of those sweet moments that I will never forget.” Within a few months of returning home to her husband, business and friends, Little’s experiences in Thailand became even more poignant when she learned she and her husband were expecting their first baby. The Littles welcomed baby Lucy seven months ago. “Now that I have a baby of my own, I feel that no child should have to go through what so many children go through,” she said. “I have a strong passion for the unloved, and I would like to start a nonprofit that focuses on adoption and foster care reform. Hopefully that is something that Make Pie Not War can fund.”

Tom

Seidler President, Visalia Rawhide

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like how Lifestyle Magazine does a terrific job reminding us of the abundant cultural, dining, and entertainment options in the community.â&#x20AC;?

559.739.1747 | visalialifestyle.com

H HOME TOUR

ON THE SPREAD: One can almost feel the Andaman Sea breezes wafting in to the Radish’s Mid-Century Modern home in Visalia’s well-established Old Green Acres section.

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The Radish Home

Green Acres

MID-CENTURY MODERN STAYS TRUE TO FORM Text by Aaron Collins | Photos by Kelly Petersen

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ith Tuscan-style and similar vaguely neo-classical residential trending toward a fin de siecle, more enduring Central California standbys like tried-and-true retro Brady Bunch Modern Ranch conjure a comparatively all-American wholesomeness. Such is that of Ronnie and Pati Radish’s 1957 Old Green Acres residence. Relative to the thin veneer of historicism that satisfies a certain midmarket niche via Tuscan Lite, the Radish home’s down-to-earth quality offers a welcome contrast for anyone in search of authenticity. And the Radish residential grounds, designed in harmony with the architecture, suggest that they were wrought by the hand (and eye) of a pro. That would be the handiwork of Ronnie Radish, landscape designer and resident of 20 years. Mr. Radish, who cofounded landscaping firm Rainscape, is an aficionado of 20th-century architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright and Midcentury Modern style in general. “He has always had a keen eye for design,” said wife Pati, “be it for architecture or automobile style.” Ronnie and Pati, who met on a blind date in 1965 as Fresno State students, collect ’50s and ’60s automobiles. They recently visited Scottsdale for an auto auction, where they took a side trip to visit Wright’s Taliesin West, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. It was the best of both worlds as Ronnie had the opportunity to indulge two passions at once.

LEFT: A koi pond with ingress from outdoors further dissolves the visual boundary between nature and artifice, exterior and interior at the Visalia Old Green Acres home of Ronnie and Pati Radish.

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Our region’s decade-long fascination with all things northern Italian has eclipsed earlier tastes for more authentic indigenous Golden State styles such as folksy Arts & Crafts and slick California Modernism which – despite that word’s ring – is no longer the new new thing. Conversely, we can’t help but think fondly of Midcentury Modern and its original era of wide-eyed optimism that was accompanied … by actual prosperity! The nostalgia-driven home market is ripe to renew its affections for the integrity of Arts & Crafts or the uncluttered simplicity of Modernism. Greene and Greene, Neutra, Schindler, and Eichler are but a few illustrious architects’ names of yesteryear in current demand. Visalia’s Old Green Acres neighborhood continues to offer some of the region’s most diverse architectural styles, from Cape Cod and Colonial to Spanish Revival to California Modern Ranch – an eclectic mix harmonized by mature grounds and stately Valley Oaks that equate with desirable addresses. The old maxim “location, location, location” is shorthand for all these factors, all well in play in Old Green Acres. The houses in the area are unique and have their own personalities. They are individualistic and the lots are estate size. “It is a very mature, well-kept and peaceful area,” Pati said. And being golfers, the Radishes enjoy the proximity to the Visalia Country Club. 26

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Even following renovation, the Radish home’s bones show a faithfulness to the tenets of Modernism, while the furnishings add an eclectic touch, tied together by the colors of nature found just outside.

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TOP: Open-plan, casual floor plans can be attributed to 20th Century architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright, a favorite of Ronnie Radish, whose Visalia kitchen reveals the hand of Wright. ABOVE LEFT: Ronnie and Pati Radish, who met on a blind date while both were students at Fresno State in 1965.

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The integrity of the Radish home has been kept intact by Ronnie’s love of the 1950s style and décor, with the exterior grounds designed to coordinate with the interior, even featuring a koi pond that literally connects the indoors with nature outside, running beneath an exterior wall giving the fish the run of the place. A friend of the Radishes bought the Eichleresque glass and slate home, intending to remodel it for sale, but the Radishes saw a chance to preserve a ’50s gem of Midcentury Modern style and ended up purchasing it from their friend in 1991. A galley-style kitchen was updated with painted wood cabinets. But the Midcentury qualities elsewhere remain true, thanks in large part to the generous use of glass curtain walls so characteristic of the era. “People can’t usually tell what’s inside a home from looking at the outside. But our home is extremely open. The glass in every room lets you see the outside and the space becomes extraordinary. Sometimes you can’t tell where one space starts and another ends,” Pati said. What might they change if they were to tackle another remodel? Not much. The style is inviolate and despite a desire for a few layout alterations, for now they’re not touching what they consider to be their permanent home. Over the years, the Radishes have had the opportunity to put their landscaping expertise to use in charitable efforts such as the St. Jude’s home giveaway event. Beyond landscaping, the couple are also supporters of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Tulare County, and help with its annual Elks Lodge Wine Tasting event held each March.

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H HOME TOUR

Wine events are more than just the occasional charitable pursuit for the Radishes. Ronnie is also an avid winemaker. Of Italian and Yugoslavian heritage, winemaking is part of Ronnie's life. A restored grape crusher in the home’s entry was once used by his father in the early 1930s when Ronnie and his dad made wine together at their Clovis ranch. The Radishes’ son, Stephen, also had a hand in making wine alongside his dad when the two put their Old Green Acres backyard to use a generation later. An outdoor pizza oven was added to the grounds last year, making the venue quite a draw when the couple entertains. Ronnie, a native of Clovis, and Pati, a native of Fresno, also have a recently remodeled home on the Central California coast in Cayucos and one in the desert in La Quinta, which provides the couple a golf getaway during foggy San Joaquin Valley winter months. When they return to the Old Green Acres house, cats Reggie and Garfield await. Here their son’s room is now a playroom for the grandkids. Here their daughter Rhonda’s former bedroom is something of a shrine to their parents, with mementos and portraits that tell the family story to the next generation, and remind them how far they’ve come since that blind date so long ago. For now, as long as Ronnie’s preservationist sensibilities prevail, this Mid-century Modern castle belongs to the Radishes, and the only thing Italian about the place will remain Ronnie himself.

ON THE SPREAD: Indoor comforts and Ronnie Radish’s expert grounds lure guests out to the gardens of the Visalia home of Radish and wife Pati. Mr. Radish is a professional landscaper.

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HOME TOUR H

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C CULINARY ARTS

Muffuletta Sandwich for Dad Recipes by Sierra Subs and Salads Photos by Taylor Vaughn

It’s an annual dilemma – what to give him for Father’s Day? Books, DVDs, magazine subscriptions, outdoor equipment, tools, and gift certificates are all passable gifts, but you’ve done them before, haven’t you? It’s time to think outside the box. While it’s an old cliché that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, it’s a rare man who will deny that the saying contains at least a sliver of truth. So this year, avoid the last minute rush to the tie department and head to the grocery store instead. Pick up the ingredients for these recipes and invite that special man in your life to join you for some quality time, a good drink, and a meal he’ll not soon forget. He’ll treasure the fact that you took the time and effort to give something from your heart to his … by way of his stomach.

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CULINARY ARTS C Muffuletta Sandwich Makes 4 sandwiches Ingredients: 12 slices sourdough bread, toasted 1 C muffuletta spread 1 lb. Black Forrest ham, thinly sliced 1 lb. turkey, thinly sliced 12 slices bacon, cooked until crispy 2 avocados, halved and sliced 1/2 lb. Genoa salami, sliced

8 slices provolone cheese 1 head green leaf lettuce 2 tomatoes, sliced mayonnaise salt and pepper 8-16 very long sandwich picks, or kabob skewers

Directions: Toast the sourdough until it is nice and crispy and set aside; prepare all your ingredients. When you are ready to assemble, cover four slices of the bread with the muffuletta spread, the rest of the slices should be spread with mayonnaise. Layer the sandwiches in the following order, from bottom to top: sourdough with the muffuletta spread, turkey, bacon, tomato, avocado, bread, ham, provolone, salami, lettuce, salt and pepper and top with bread. Skewer your sandwich with 2-4 sandwich picks and cut into halves or quarters.

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C CULINARY ARTS Muffuletta Spread Makes 2 cups Ingredients: 1/2 C pimento-stuffed green olives 1/2 C black olives 1/2 C pepperoncini 1/2 C roasted red peppers (jarred are okay) 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1/4 C Italian parsley, stems and leaves, chopped 2 T red wine vinegar 2 T olive oil Directions: Drain and measure the first four ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, add the remaining ingredients and pulse until everything is chopped to the size of small peas. This mixture will keep in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. Dilly Red Potato Salad Ingredients: 5 lb. sack baby red potatoes 1 1/2 C celery, leaves included 1 C dill pickles 1 C red onion 1 bunch green onions 1/3 C fresh dill 1 C mayonnaise 1 C sour cream 1 T deli mustard 1/4 C pickle juice 2 tsp. garlic powder salt and pepper Directions: Wash and scrub the red potatoes. Start them in a pot of cold water and bring them to a boil, cooking until fork tender, approximately 25 minutes. Allow the potatoes to cool and then dice them into bite-size pieces. Chop the celery, pickles, and both types of onion, and combine them with the potatoes. In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients and whisk until smooth. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and stir until everything is coated. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to combine. Garnish with extra dill sprigs or parsley.

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C CULINARY ARTS Chipotle Pasta Salad

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manâ&#x20AC;?zanella Salad (Panzanella Salad)

Ingredients: 1 lb. fusilli pasta (or your favorite shape) 5 C broccoli, blanched 1 C diced green chilies 2 C sliced black olives 1 C red onion, diced 1 C cooked bacon, crumbled 1 bunch cilantro, a few sprigs reserved 1 1/2 C mayonnaise 1 C buttermilk 3 cloves garlic 2 T cumin 1/4 C fresh lime juice 2 T chipotle chilies in adobo salt and pepper

Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, about 10 C 3 cucumbers, peeled 6 large tomatoes 4 bell peppers, assorted colors 1 C kalamata olives 1 red onion, finely chopped 1/4 C red wine vinegar 1/4 C fresh lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, crushed 3/4 C olive oil 3/4 C parsley leaves 1 C basil, thinly sliced 1 C Parmesan cheese, shredded salt and pepper

Directions: Cook the pasta until it is al dente; drain and set aside. To blanch the broccoli, cut it into bite-size pieces and cook in boiling, salted water for three minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and then drain. Combine the broccoli, green chilies, olives, red onion and 3/4 C bacon with the pasta and mix thoroughly. In a blender, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, cilantro (leaves and stems), garlic, cumin, lime juice and chipotle chilies, and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix until everything is coated. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 C bacon and garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Directions: Cut the French bread into 1 1/2-inch cubes and toast in a 350-degree oven until golden brown; set aside to cool. Chop the cucumbers, tomatoes (keep all the juices) and peppers into bite-size cubes, and combine with the olives and red onion. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil; set aside. Just before serving, toss the vegetables with the bread cubes. Add the vinegar and oil mixture and continue to gently mix in the parsley, basil and cheese. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

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pictured on pg. 32

CULINARY ARTS C

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T TRAVEL

A Hidden Treasure

THE GALAPAGOS

ISLAN Tex t By Cheryl L. Dieter

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NDS Photo By Joan Ticknor

T TRAVEL

s a little girl growing up in Kansas, Joan Ticknor always wanted to go somewhere else. She wanted to explore countries and have big adventures. When she was eight or nine Ticknor read something about the Galapagos Islands and it went straight to the top of her bucket list before she even knew what a bucket list was. Flying from Los Angeles to 600 miles west of Ecuador, Ticknor finally landed on one of the islands of her dreams, Isla Baltra, where she joined a National Geographic Lindblad Expedition aboard the ship Endeavor. Originally built as

a North Sea fishing troller in 1966, it has recently been refurbished by National Geographic Lindblad, and employs world famous marine biologist CT Ticknor (Joan’s daughter) and photographers such as Catherine Karnow, who shoots stills for the magazine and TV shows. The ship offers various expeditions throughout the world: Ticknor’s excursion was designed to pair knowledge of both animals and one’s own camera in order to capture award-winning photographs, like those that National Geographic is known for. Visiting four to five islands a week, guests were kept busy with daily hikes, snorkeling, kayaking and Zodiac boat adventures.

Photo By Joan Ticknor

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“You could do as many activities as you wanted, and rather quickly we learned that morning light is best for photographing the wildlife, so every day we would get up earlier than the previous in an attempt to get the ‘perfect’ picture. In the evening, we enjoyed an evening cocktail hour where we told stories about what happened that day and showed off our pictures. Nightly movies and seminars were also featured. And the food was fantastic,” Ticknor said as she licked the last trace of a magical passion fruit mousse from her lips. Galapagos National Park controls where all boats go and no private boats are allowed. Great care has been taken to ensure that the animals stay protected and undisturbed. In fact, each boat is required to have a national park naturalist accompany it as it traverses the islands. And since the wildlife throughout the islands have no natural predators, it turns out they are very curious about the people who visit them. “We were instructed not to use flash photography, to keep a distance and not to touch the animals,” said Ticknor with a warm chuckle as she reminisced. “But it is almost impossible as they keep coming towards you. One day I was snorkeling when two sea lions decided to play a game with some of us. They would swim right

ABOVE: Joan with Wild Giant Tortoise, Santa Cruz Island. Photo by CT Ticknor.

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up to our faces, look us in the masks, and then they would swim around us, give us a gentle touch; then whip around and zoom off only to return and play the game over and over again.” Another amazing experience for Ticknor was swimming with the Galapagos sharks, along with whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. The many different types of iguanas that inhabit the islands also enchanted her. Marine iguanas eat algae off the slippery rocks, and Christmas iguanas (they are red and green) live on Isla Espanola; different species of marine iguanas are being found all the time including a new discovery – the pink land iguana – that lives at Wolf Volcano. During one afternoon’s photo safari, Ticknor learned that iguanas would pile on top of one another to stay warm. Opened in 1964, the Charles Darwin Research Center’s continuing mission has been to research the 11 remaining varieties of the Galapagos giant tortoise while providing for their safety and breeding habitat. While there, Ticknor learned there are two main types of tortoise in the area: the dome and the saddleback. According to Ticknor, if the tortoise has to get its food from up high, it’s a long neck saddleback; dome species eats its food off the ground, and all tortoises are some version of the two. Yet, one tortoise in particular captured her heart.

TRAVEL T

“Back in 1971, on Isla Pinta, a tortoise was found that was starving to death and they brought him to the center. As it turned out, he had never been with another tortoise, and attempts to set him up with the ladies scared him so that he stayed alone in a corner of the enclosure. After several years the team gave up and took the females away. Just recently they again tried to interest ‘Lonesome George’ in the ladies and this time he enjoyed their company. Unfortunately, it appears that he is sterile and is therefore the last giant tortoise of the Pinta species,” Ticknor explained. While different animal species abound on the islands, it is the various types of birds and fauna that many people travel to the Galapagos to see. Frigate birds with their unmistakable bright red pouches, Galapagos Short-eared Owls and tropical penguins were abundant. Shearwaters, Red- and Blue-footed Boobies abound while ground and tree finches are everywhere. In fact, it is the finches and their rapid life span that got Darwin thinking about the origin of species. In addition, wild orchids, passion flowers and magical cactus in rainbow colors were abundant and in bloom. From sleepy islands to sleepy little towns such as the muchtouted Spanish Colonial architecture of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos is a type of place for humans and critters alike to live

simply and keep stress at bay. But perhaps it is the sea lions and pelicans that have made stress-free, easy-living an art. According to Ticknor, they wait at fish markets for the catch to be cleaned and then eagerly slurp the innards as the locals and tourists gather 'round. For Ticknor, the opportunity to learn from the pros was one of the impetuses for going on the trip. The most important things she gleaned from the experts was to know your camera, try different settings, and when you are with the wildlife keep the camera on continuous shoot as you never know what types of photographic opportunities might present themselves. “Before I went I knew there would be lots of animals, lots of diversity of species and beautiful scenery,” Ticknor said. “Yet, before long I ran out of adjectives to describe all I had seen. Even words like ‘spiritual’ and ‘magical’ don’t even begin to tell how you perceive all that is happening around you. Everything is just so unique that you soon realize only God could create such a place for man and animal to co-exist in a sort of inner harmony. Truly, humans could learn a lot about how to treat one another if everyone had the ability to visit this amazing place.” Photos by Joan Ticknor TOP LEFT: Short-eared Owl on Genovesa Island. BOTTOM LEFT: Sea Lion pup at Gardner Bay, Espanola Island. RIGHT: Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of the Pinta species. L I F E S T Y L E | M AY 2 0 1 1

W WINE

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WINE W

To Every W ine,

THERE IS A SEASON Text By Robert Whitley

ince it is now the middle of May, it must be time for a glass of lightly chilled Beaujolais, or perhaps a slightly tart Picpoul de Pinet. Maybe even a fruity rosado from Navarra, Spain. What these wines share in common is freshness; that and the fact that they are typically at their best when served young. They are the wines of spring. The most precarious and short-lived of spring wines is rose. Rose wines — called rosado in Spain, rosato in Italy and rose throughout France and the rest of the world — tend to be delicate, with subtle fruit and spice nuances that fade quickly after spring and summer. Some of the best rose wines are made in the south of France, the Rioja and Navarra regions of Spain, and throughout the coastal valleys of the western United States. That's not to say that credible roses aren't made in other places, but all else being equal, if you could only choose one or two regions as a resource for good rose, these would make an excellent starting point. For example, if confronted with several dozen choices at the typical wine emporium, all unknown to the buyer, a bottle of Julian Chivite from Navarra will always make for a happy customer. Australia's Robert Oatley is another solid performer with its Rose of Sangiovese, while domestically Vina Robles Roseum, Quivira Mourvedre Rose, Simi Roseto and Sanford Vin Gris are very nice options. No doubt the quintessential spring wine is Beaujolais – the light, fruity red wine of Burgundy made from the Gamay grape. Beaujolais is enjoying a renewed embrace by wine enthusiasts the world over, thanks to the exceptional quality of the 2009 vintage. Beaujolais doesn't age well, and it certainly has a shorter lifespan than its kissing cousin, red Burgundy (made from Pinot Noir) but that is its strongest selling point: it tastes best when it is young and fresh. And because it is a short-lived wine, it retails for a modest price. The finest Beaujolais, usually made from one of the village crus, such as Morgon or Fleury, occasionally fetch in the neighborhood of $20 a bottle. But the more ubiquitous Beaujolais Villages, a perfectly acceptable drink, generally falls into the $10-$12 range. There are dozens if not hundreds of Beaujolais producers, but the easiest to find in the U.S. market are the big negociants: Georges Duboeuf, Maison Louis Jadot and Maison Joseph Drouhin.

As the days grow warmer in the summer months, it is encouraged to chill Beaujolais prior to serving; Beaujolais is so grapey and refreshing that it is often served after dinner in the Burgundy region. Dolcetto, sometimes called the Beaujolais of Italy, is another beautiful spring red that can be served slightly chilled. As with Beaujolais, Dolcetto is not a wine meant for posterity, and most of it is consumed within a few years of the vintage. It is fruity, though not as fruity as Beaujolais, and low in alcohol and tannin. Dolcetto is typically served with tapas in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, or with light pastas cooked with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and perhaps a pinch of garlic. One of the beauties of Dolcetto and Beaujolais is that both are red wines that can easily be paired with fish or seafood stews. Other red wines that are versatile in this manner and can be consumed young are Rioja Crianza (often made from a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha) and Barbera. Good producers of Rioja Crianza abound, but other great choices are Montecillo and El Coto. Both are fruity and delicious and generally retail for about $12. It should be noted that Barbera, unlike Beaujolais and Dolcetto, can improve with age and cellars quite well under the right conditions. A favorite spring white is the citrusy Picpoul de Pinet of France's Languedoc region. Picpoul de Pinet is a slightly tart, lime-centric, high acid white from the Coteaux du Languedoc region in the south of France. Very little comes to the United States, and there is no single brand that has any prominent shelf presence. But it is so inexpensive ($9$11) that almost any Picpoul you find at the retail level would be worth a shot. In the Languedoc, it is typically served with freshly shucked oysters, but can also served with steamed shellfish or simply as an aperitif.

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C CHARITY

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Make-A-Wish Foundation The greatest wish granted; Joy restored Text By Kyndal Kennedy, Staff Writer

t first glance, Joseph Schultz appears to be just like any other 17-year-old kid – smiling, joking and clad in the gear of his favorite sports team, the New York Yankees. But beneath Joseph's joyful exterior, his body is at war with a life-threatening medical condition. At the age of nine Joseph was diagnosed with the chronic, incurable autoimmune disease known as Lupus. And at the age of 12, he lost the function of his kidneys and was forced to go on dialysis; not easy on an adult, dialysis is an especially hard process for a young boy with his whole life ahead of him. It was at this stage that Steven Baicsh, a pediatric social worker at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, approached Joseph about the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish Foundation (MAWF) started in 1980 with the wish of Christopher James Greicius, a seven-year old boy from Phoenix, Arizona, who was diagnosed with Leukemia. Chris always dreamed of being a police officer, so when his condition worsened, police officials in his area got together to make him one – complete with a custom uniform, helicopter patrol ride, and other activities to make him the first honorary Department of Public Safety patrolman

in Arizona state history. The day after receiving his motorcycle wings to pin on his uniform, Chris passed away with all of his police gear surrounding him. After seeing what joy and happiness this experience brought to Chris and his family, plans were put into action to make the dreams of other sick children come to life. Since the time of Chris' wish-come-true over three decades ago, more than 198,012 wishes have been granted to children with lifethreatening medical conditions in the United States. The Central California chapter of MAWF was founded in 1986, and since that time, the chapter has granted more than 1,400 wishes, including Joseph's. After Baicsh's referral, the Foundation worked with Joseph's physician, Dr. Anthony Portale, to determine his medical eligibility. (For a wish to be granted, the child must be diagnosed with a lifethreatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.) Although Joseph was deemed eligible, he was still on dialysis and not able to participate in any activity that would keep him away from his doctor, the hospital or his home. So, Joseph had to wait, giving him plenty of time to figure out exactly what wish to make.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Make-A-Wish Foundation "wish kid", Joseph Schultz, had his wish granted when he met his favorite sports team, the New York Yankees, including star player Alex Rodriguez. L I F E S T Y L E | M AY 2 0 1 1

C C CHARITY

On the day after his 15th birthday, October 14, 2008, he received a kidney transplant. Now it was time to plan. “If you could wish for anything, what would it be?” That's the one question the Foundation bases its existence on. Volunteers of the MAWF meet with the “wish kids” (as they are called) to learn the child’s one true wish. These passionate volunteers connect with “wish kids” and help explore their imaginations for an experience that will delight and inspire them. Joseph knew exactly what his was going to be and was ready to make it. He wanted to meet the New York Yankees – and he did, just a few months later in May of 2009. Once the wish is decided upon, the fun starts. In Joseph's case, MAWF of the Central Valley not only flew him and his family out to New York for free, but also allotted them a couple thousand dollars spending money. They were set up in a nice hotel, and Joseph got to choose from a list of additional outings the Foundation was happy to include. He chose a tour of the Madison Square Garden and the Statue of Liberty. “It was cool because I actually got to see a lot of New York City. We even ate dinner at a really nice restaurant that my doctor's brother owns,” said Joseph. After a couple of days exploring the city, it was time to make Joseph's wish a reality. The Foundation worked with one of the Yankees PR staff to grant Joseph access to the dugout before the game, a tour of the stadium, and of course a meet-and-greet with the players. “We joked around and just talked...they were really nice,” said Joseph, smiling. Joseph's story is just one example of how MAWF continues to bring joy to kids and their families in the Central Valley. Laurie Steinman, Program Service Manager at the Fresno MAWF office, noted 18 percent of wishes granted last year in the U.S. were in Tulare County. “I am willing to bet we will beat that this year,” she said emphatically.

Joseph with some of the players from his favorite team, the New York Yankees:

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TOP LEFT: Joseph with Nick Swisher, NY Yankees outfielder. CENTER: Joseph with Mark Teixeira, NY Yankees first baseman. BOTTOM LEFT: Joseph with Chien-Ming Wang, former NY Yankees pitcher.

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WALK JOG RUN.

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C CHARITY

Although the idea of more sick children in the area is nothing to be happy about, the fact that the Foundation is able to make a difference in the lives of the sick children is something to celebrate. One way MAWF can achieve the goal of making wishes come true is through the help of volunteers; each year, more volunteers are needed. Steinman said there is currently a real need for Spanishspeaking volunteers in the Valley, but positions vary depending on the volunteer's skills and area of passion to serve. The average cost of a wish in 2010 was $7,205. One aspect that makes MAWF of the Central Valley special is that “all money raised comes from local fundraisers and donors, and stays here in the Valley to grant wishes to kids in our communities,” explained Steinman. In fact,Visalia Christian Academy raised the funds for

Joseph's trip, making the experience even more special to know the support came from his own community. Joseph's experience with Make-A-Wish Foundation not only brought him close to his sports heroes, but also taught him something about living life with, and in spite of, a disease. “Just because I have something that keeps me from living a normal life, I still have opportunities and people that can help me accomplish goals and help me do what I want to do,” said Joseph. “It's a great thing for kids, it gives them a chance to be happy and live outside of their condition.” To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and volunteer positions at the Central Valley chapter, visit www.wish.org.

ABOVE: Jay, Joseph, Dan and Maria Schultz, were lead around stadium with the help of Yankee PR staff.

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CHARITY C

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N NEXT GEN

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NEXT GEN N

Josh Levine Text by Crystal R.R. Edwards | Photo By Daniel J. Murphy

eet Josh Levine: a 27-year old filmmaker who started his own production company at the age of 20, building a successful career from very humble beginnings. “Don’t waste your talent on garbage that no one will remember.” This opening line of the trailer for Breathe – the first short film by the Visalia native about a struggling artist trying to find his way – simultaneously inspires and chastises the protagonist and, in many ways, Levine himself. In the beginning, Levine didn’t own one piece of equipment. “I didn’t have a camera, a computer for editing,” he said. “I went to the city and filed for my business license for video production as ‘Jay Matthews & Company.’ I would get jobs and then have to find ways to get a camera, get it edited.” From there, it grew. He now owns cameras, editing equipment, and has a new understanding of the phrase “bootstrap enterprise.” Levine was living and working in downtown LA for the Fitness Channel, doing many different fitness shows, cooking shows, and talk shows, when the message behind Breathe stirred a new passion in him. “After 18 months I moved to Santa Monica. I had an intern working for me who wrote scripts. I read one that had a different name then, and many messages. I felt like I didn’t have the time to do it, but I read it again. After the third reading, I was blown away. It resonated with me and I felt like if it was talking to me, it would talk to others.” Rewrites of the script began at that point, but there were still additional challenges to overcome. As Levine moved forward, he never knew if the money was going to come in. “I was looking at the budget and we had a month left before we were going to begin shooting,” he said. “I had a professional portfolio made of the film, describing every shot, every location, all the actors, all the gear we need – everything was organized, ready to propose to someone. I went and proposed to my aunt and uncle, and the next thing I know they were giving me a check for $10,000 to make the film. I’m very lucky and blessed to have an aunt and uncle who believe in me. I probably put another $5,000 or $6,000 of my own money into it as well.”

If starting from nothing seems to be a habit of Levine, so does growth of character. “I learned nothing stresses me out to the point where I want to quit something. I realized that I can turn any bad situation and make good of it somehow.” Roadblocks were constantly appearing, but he pressed on and figured out how to turn all the negative situations into positive situations somehow. “That was a hard thing to do, but I learned a lot of things about not just film-making, but also dealing with people and managing it all and trying to keep everyone happy, on the same page.” Along with this growth came a challenge: forgiveness. “When someone would screw up, promise something, or if someone would back out of [a commitment], it was hard for me to forgive them at first. And then I realized that I have to [forgive] and move on. It’s not that serious. This and that, all these little details, I just have to shake it off.” Throughout the journey of creating Breathe, Levine has learned much about himself, about staying positive when things look dim, and about investing in things that really matter. “There’s a lot of garbage out there. I want to try to inspire hope and life,” Levine said. “You can’t stop. You have to keep motivated.” Obviously, he did. Breathe premieres June 4 at the Visalia Fox Theater. For tickets, call (559) 625-1369, or visit FoxVisalia.org.

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F FASHION

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FASHION F

THE “IT” LIST FOR

BY SHARON MOSLEY

SPRING 2011 Tex t by Sharon Mosley

s models parade down the New York runways showing off the latest designs for next fall, this season’s top trends are quickly taking over the online sites and the floors of your favorite stores. This is bringing much needed relief to winter-weary shoppers. So, if you’ve been saving your holiday stash to buy something easy and breezy, now’s the time to get your fashion engines revved up and ready to go. Here are a few “it” items to put on your shopping lists: Wide leg pants. With skinny jeans and leggings ruling the top 10 trend list for the past few seasons, it’s no wonder that the newest pants are headed in a totally different direction. Think ’70s and going with the flow ... high waists and all. The suit. Menswear is back in a big way. And once again, matching pantsuits and skirt suits are chic and sleek. This is an easy way to dress, ladies, so snap them up! The sport jacket. A little slouchy and oversized, like your man’s casual favorite, this new jacket tops off preppy basics – chinos and V-neck sweaters – or more dressy options, such as short skirts and sheer tops. Long skirts. From maxis that sweep the floor to calf-length hemlines, skirts are going longer and longer. Remember to choose soft fabrics and top them off with crocheted sweaters or fitted tunic tops. The novelty printed dress. Florals are making a big splash this spring in longer versions – with the printed dress showing up mostly in below-the-knee lengths. A little bit bohemian, a little bit garden party, and a little bit Studio 54, this is one-step and no-fuss dressing at its best. Sheer anything. Don’t worry, you can always cover up a little bit, but sheer tops, skirts and dresses are perfect for spring and summer. Whether it’s a lacy shift, an organza skirt, or a long and flowing transparent maxi dress, layer on other pieces in the “appropriate” places and have some fun with this diaphanous trend. Billowy blouses. Part of the “pajama” trend – clothes that are loose and easy – these blouses often have ruffles or drape in gentle folds over satiny pants. It’s a great spring look when teamed with jeans. The A-line coat. Think ladylike and ’60s, but forget the pillbox hat. This boxy, little structured coat is one of the season’s most interesting ways to cover up on those still-chilly spring days. Buy one in a bright color and pop it over everything. Intense color. Forget soft pastels for now. Instead, choose one new piece or a new pair of shoes or a handbag in a bright neon or electric color. One color-saturated jacket or skirt will usually give you this season’s color fix, but many designers kick it up a notch and combine many colorful elements in the same outfit. Don’t be afraid to be daring this spring! Head-to-toe white. If bright colors are too intense for you, then how about going for a whiteout? From white handbags to white sandals to white cropped jeans and even white pantsuits, this crisp palette is coming on strong as an alternative to all black for spring. And we all know it’s time to come out of the dark, right? L I F E S T Y L E | M A Y 2 0 1 1 55

F FACES & PLACES

The Ruiz Golf

Invitational

ach spring, Valley Oaks Golf Course in Visalia is filled to capacity, and this year was no different. Over 250 golfers were in attendance at the March 25, 2011, Ruiz Golf Invitational, gathering from all corners of the US: Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, Washington and of course, California. The Ruiz Golf Invitational directly fuels the Ruiz 4 Kids Scholarship Program. Over the past 25 years, Ruiz 4 Kids has awarded over $1M in scholarships. This year’s event allowed Ruiz 4 Kids to award a record-setting $188,000 in scholarships to 176 college-bound high school seniors (from Lemoore to Sanger, and Porterville to Woodlake). Ruiz 4 Kids and Ruiz Foods are dedicated to making the dream of education a reality. “Education is the foundation of the pillars of hope, integrity, expertise, and leadership we need in our communities,” said Chairman of Ruiz Foods and Ruiz 4 Kids President, Kim Ruiz Beck. “By awarding these scholarships we are letting these students know we believe in their ability to succeed.”

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Stifel Nicolas 1012.pdf

3/28/11

1:38 PM

FACES & PLACES F

CMY

Front L-to-R: Monica Peterson, Amy Gunn, Penney Sick, Jim Wohlford Back L-to-R: Sherri Rigney, David Sharp, Lupe Sanchez

Jim Wohlford – Branch Manager & Senior Vice President/Investments Lupe Sanchez – Vice President/Investments David Sharp – Vice President/Investments Penney Sick – Vice President/Investments Amy Gunn – Client Service Associate Monica Peterson – Office Coordinator Sherri Rigney – Wire Operator

(559) 622-1040 • (866) 950-5516 217 East Caldwell • Visalia, California 93277 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC and NYSE

Bring Your Garden Into The Party

9 1. Brian Ruffino, John Duwe, Henry Gill 2. Dave Theno, Bryce Ruiz, Brandon Carlson, Terry Kizziar 3. Jon Polkinghorn, Rene Fonseca, Jaime Perez, Frank Saulsbury. 4. Justin Rushing, John Miller, Mike Nicoletti 5. Jerry James, Adam Gleich, Matt Ruiz, Derek Franks 6. Steve Little, Scott Herman, Blair Jensen 7. Cipriano Garcia, Diego Haro, Jesse Renteria, Serapio Martinez 8. Sal Ruiz, Rey Roman, Rick Spiak, Steve Doepke 9. Robert Paige, Mike Insalaco, Chris Whiteside, Jim Revell

Garden Art with a Purpose! A handcrafted wrought iron table that easily attaches to pots, urns and even wine barrels. For information on how to order, contact info@ilovetheledge.com or call 559-294-3344

www.ilovetheledge.com

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“Breathe” June 4

A short film produced and directed by Visalia native Josh Levine. The film stars Jaz Martin (who recently landed a pilot film series called Home Game, produced by Mark Wahlberg), and Lucy Walsh (daughter of rock legend Joe Walsh from The Eagles). Together the two embark on a journey to find the source of inspiration. Tickets: $5. When: June 4, 7p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: Box Office, 625-1369

THEATER & PERFORMANCES M A Y Flash Cadillac Traditional roots Rock n’ Roll since 1969! Tickets: $20-25. When: May 21, 8:30p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: Box Office, 625-1369

M A Y The Moody Blues A British rock band, The Moody Blues, has sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide and has been awarded 14 platinum and gold discs. Tickets: $55-75. When: May 25, 7:30p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: Box Office, 625-1369

J U N E Tommy Emmanuel Grammy-nominated Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel is best known for his complex fingerpicking style, energetic performances and the use of percussive effects on the guitar. Tickets: $30-75 (VIP). When: June 9, 7:30p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: Box Office, 625-1369

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ART EXHIBITS J U N E Edwin McCain With special guest David Ryan Harris (rhythm guitarist for John Mayer). McCain, an alternative rock singersongwriter lights up the stage with his hits. Tickets: $20-25. When: June 11, 7:30p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: Box Office, 625-1369

John Sundstrom: Between Back & Forth This event is a solo exhibition of new works by John Sundstrom. A prolific and versatile artist, Sundstrom frequently shifts his creative focus between painting and drawing, printmaking, collage and sculpture. When: May 4-27, 6-8p Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Avenue, Visalia Contact: 739-0905

A Taffeta Wedding Return to the music of a simpler time. You’ll hear tunes from the ’50s and ’60s in this laugh-filled sequel to The Taffetas. Performed by the Visalia Community Players. By Rick Lewis. Directed by Leeni Mitchell. Call for ticket information. When: June 17-19, 24-26; July 1-3, Fri-Sat evening 7:30p; Sun matinee 2p Where: Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race Avenue, Visalia Contact: 734-3900

Writers & Readers Tulare County Library First Tuesday Book Club (June 7, 6:30p) Mystery Readers (June 15, 6:30) Baby/Toddler Time (Tues. 10a) Preschool Storytime (Wed. 10am) When: Call or visit website to confirm times. Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org

MAY

ART al fresco Featuring 10 artists, this art show and sale will exhibit arts of several different mediums including paintings, pottery, sculpture, and more. When: May 21, 12-5p Where: Sundstrom Studio, 37736 Road 197, Elderwood Contact: Chris Sundstrom, 564-2331

HAPPENINGS H

OF TULARE COUNTY

2 15 W. T ULA RE AV E | V IS ALIA, C A 9 3 2 7 7 P HON E 55 9. 62 5. 44 22 | FAX 5 59 . 6 2 5 .1 3 7 9 W W W. B G C LUBTC . OR G C AMPAIGN ENDS IN JUNE, PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

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Charitable Events MAY

Exeter’s 3rd Annual Relay for Life The American Cancer Society’s event Relay For Life comes to Exeter. Enjoy a day in the sun and celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. When: May 21, 8:30a Where: Exeter High School, 820 San Juan Avenue, Exeter Contact: visit www.tinyurl.com/3lyscxy

MAY

Evening with the Stars The public is invited to join the American Legion Sierra Post 785 as they honor recipients of the Silver Star Medal from Tulare, Kings and Fresno Counties at this semi-formal event. The Silver Star Medal is awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces for valor in the face of the enemy. When: May 21, 6-10p Where: Holiday Inn, 9000 W. Airport Drive, Visalia Contact: Bob McNabb, 901-0734

JUNE

Happy Trails Riding Academy Presents: Night at the Races Come have a great night with dinner, horse racing, and some great prizes! Happy Trails Riding Academy provides equinefacilitated therapy to children and adults with disabilities. When: June 3, 6p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Street. Visalia Contact: 688-8685 or email happytrailsridingacademy@ yahoo.com 9th Annual Golf for Life Tulare-Kings Right to Life invites you to participate in this year’s Golf for Life event. Registration for the fourperson shot-gun scramble begins at 10:30 am; tee off at noon. Entry fee $150, which includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, practice balls, course beverages, a dinner, and the opportunity to win a wide array of awards, prizes and a “hole-in-one car”! When: June 13, 10:30a-8p Where: Visalia Country Club, 625 N. Ranch Street, Visalia Contact: April, 732-5000

J U N E 3rd Annual Guest Chef Series featuring Chef Todd Downs Family Services presents awardwinning Chef Todd Downs as he takes guests on an adventure exploring the culture and cuisine of India, highlighting the subtle elements of the California Raisin. Tickets are $125 and include cooking demonstration, tasting, dinner, beverages, entertainment, recipes and gift. When: June 25, 6p Where: Badger Hill Estates, home of Johnny and Stephanie Amaral Contact: Theresa, 280-3888 or tiateresa@aol.com

Diversions & Excursions JUNE

Blues, Brews & BBQ Join in on live music, refreshing beverages and delicious barbeque at this fun Downtown event. When: June 3, 6-10p Where: Garden Street Plaza, Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or visit www.bluesbrewsandbbq.net

JUNE

Kids Vi-Tri Jumpstart your kid’s summer with the inaugural Kids’ Triathlon. Each child will swim, bike and run a distance according to age in a closed course event. When: June 11, 6:30-7:30a (day of registration check-in & pick-up); 8:30a start time Where: Golden West High School, 1717 N. McAuliff, Visalia Contact: 713-4365 or visit www.liveandplayvisalia.com

JUNE

Porterville Airfaire This year’s event includes aircraft displays, hot air balloons, a kids’ area, pilot participation events, air drags, classic car displays, local vendors and of course, incredible aerobatics! When: June 11, 6a Where: Porterville Municipal Airport Contact: Porterville Chamber of Commerce, 784-7502

Visalia Farmers’ 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. When: Thursday, Downtown Visalia 5-8p; Saturdays, Sequoia Mall, Sears parking lot 8-11:30a Where: Main Street, Visalia; Sears parking Contact: 967-6722 or www. visaliafarmersmarket.com

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Art Workshop: The Flaming Easter Eye Doodle Sketch Book Taught by Woodlake artist Kim Elia. This two-day workshop has two parts, the first day will be on Sunday, May 22, and the second day will be on June 5. Expert book maker Kim Elia will help you explore your creativity. She will teach combining paper mache with book-making to create a personalized sketch/artist journal. Register online. When: May 22 & June 5, 10a Where: The Art Co-Op Gallery, Three Rivers Contact: Elsah Cort, 561-4671, www.artsthreerivers.org/workshops/elia.html

lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia

Classes & Workshops

Sound N Vision Foundation: Summer Youth Music & Art Exploration 2011 Do your kids want to get a taste for the Arts this summer? SNV Foundation’s Free Summer Youth Music & Art Exploration gives kids a chance to participate in the following classes: Beginner’s Art, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Rockin’ Guitar for Beginners, Intro to Afro-Cuban Conga Drumming, and Piano Presto. For more information, visit www.snvfoundation.org When: Dates vary; visit link above Where: Boys & Girls Club, 215 W. Tulare Avenue, Visalia Contact: Stephanie Gomes via email stephaniemgomes@gmail.com

If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Happenings” section, please email your submission to lifestyle@dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, Attention Happenings. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions are due 6 weeks prior to publication.

HAPPENINGS H

Serving the Central Valley for 14 years.

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