Inspiring Life In Our Community
Apr 2022
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What’s Inside
The
Celebrate Spring Issue
Features
In Every Issue
11
A Spring Picnic
16
Food: Brunch with Bella Rose Café
19
The Sisters Market
24
Travel: A Trip Around the Valley
31
Q&A with Pacific Treasures
35
History: Taming a Mighty River
42
Harvesting Hope
47
Garden: Building Your Garden
Interest
Also In This Issue
10
Spring Bucket List
7
Editor’s Note
38
Keep it Simple Syrup
8
Contributors
50
Staff Picks
42 florals by Beard and Bloom, photo by Erin Householder.
11
On the cover: Lauren Walters at The Gardens Venue,
38
Maternity & Delivery Care Centered on You. From prenatal planning to postpartum care, we are by your side with a full spectrum of care. • Family Planning • Reproductive Health • Prenatal Care • Labor & Delivery • Sweet Success Pregnancy Nutritional Program • Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program Call, text, or click:
(877) 960-3426 fhcn.org
Our Visalia Locations: 401 East School Avenue Visalia, CA 93291
2333 South Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277
400 East Oak Avenue Visalia, CA 93291
501 North Bridge Street Visalia, CA 93291
The Celebrate Spring Issue
Thoughts from the Editor The foothills are wild right now. They are truly spectacular, and I’ve been telling everyone I come across to go and see. I had the chance to take my family on a drive up to Three Rivers this past weekend, and it was an incredible experience to see poppy-covered peaks and blankets of white, golden, and purple wildflowers covering hills and meadows. Stop what you’re doing and treat yourself to a trip through our foothills. In the daily hustle, it’s easy to forget the simple and wonderful things available to us—particularly with the worries of life and current events filling our news feeds. War, inflation, gas prices and the possibility of another pandemic uptick all serve to stimulate our worst fears. Our adrenaline and cortisol levels are continuously redlining and it’s hard not to focus on what we perceive as a threat. Yet, in the midst of these very real concerns, we have access to some beautiful and hope-inspiring “medicine” at our fingertips. Some exciting recent studies have shown that just two hours a week “in nature…is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.” ¹ On our wildflower sight-seeing drive, my wife relayed something our friend told her. She shared that there are over 80 years’ worth of wildflower seed in the ground of our foothills. I’m not sure how she knows that, but the romantic in me fell in love with this idea. 80 years’ worth of beauty right beneath our feet. A generation of latent potential locked up and waiting for just the right time. She said it takes the right temperature, rainfall, sun, and altitude to release this hidden beauty. 80 years’ worth of hope and color and joy just waiting to provide their beauty and point us to their maker for a brief and bright moment. This April is a gift. I hope that you are able to see and savor the beauty beneath your feet, ready to burst forth at the right time. Cheers,
1 visalialifestyle.com/go/editor-source-04-2022/
Eric Riley Executive Editor Lifestyle Magazine President / Owner Topograph
P.S. This month’s issue features design elements from Ukrainian designers. We’re honored to showcase their creativity and support the people of Ukraine, even through this one small action.
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Contributors
Contributors April 2022
Natalie Caudle
Rachel Trigueiro
Terry Ommen
WRITER
WRITER
WRITER
Natalie Caudle is a Visalia native and
Rachel Trigueiro, wife and mom of four,
Terry has a passion for Tulare County
graduate of Fresno State. As a freelance
spends her days homeschooling, dabbling in
history. Much of his time in retirement is
writer, Natalie finds beauty in storytelling
business ventures and chasing adventure
spent researching and writing about the
and believes freedom is found when living
with her family. As a child, she dreamed of
interesting historical morsels he discovers
authentically within a community. Though
being a talk show host. Today, she still
with Laraine, his talented wife of over 50
most of her time is spent wrangling
believes our stories hold power and are
years. Between history projects and visits
animals and her four kids, Natalie relishes
meant to be shared with others. When she’s
with their two grandchildren, the two are
everyday moments knowing seasons pass
not reheating her coffee or reading to her
on the road or in the air exploring whatever
all too quickly.
kids, she can be found stealing away for a
piques their interest.
moment to write.
Marissa Carpenter
Monica Fatica
Jonna Dodge
CONTENT EDITOR
MANAGING EDITOR
DESIGNER | PHOTOGRAPHER | COORDINATOR
Marissa Carpenter has been a word nerd
After years of working in operations,
Jonna is a Central Valley native who
for as long as she can remember—or at
merchandising, marketing and running
recently graduated from Cal Poly, SLO.
least since clinching her first Kings
her own retail shops, Monica has found her
She has a creative eye for making things
County spelling bee championship in
home in the world of publishing. With over
look just right. In her free time, you can
first grade. She’s happy to employ her
seven years of local editorial experience, she
find her with a camera in hand, working out,
University of Chicago editing certificate,
is grateful to work her dream job keeping
or trying a new recipe. Her true hobby,
her B.A. in English, and her eagle eye for
Valley happenings top of mind for all its
however, is baking, and she’s known for
extra spaces. When not slashing through
residents. Her brief moments of spare time
surprising those around her with
text, she enjoys knitting, playing piano,
are spent with family, food (still searching
homemade treats.
and driving her husband and two children
for the best chocolate croissant), her fur
absolutely bonkers.
babies, and finding the next best bingeworthy podcast.
8
The Celebrate Spring Issue
A Look Inside Spring is a wonderful time of year—the days are longer and the evenings can be enjoyed outside. In this issue, we share gardening tips and tricks to have on hand while spending more time in your backyard. Enjoy a picnic brunch scene that may help sow the seeds of your own outdoor gathering. Be inspired by volunteers who harvest fresh fruit for those less fortunate through Harvesting Hope.
DESIGNER | PHOTOGRAPHER
JJ is a Central Valley local who loves taking photos in Sequoia National Park every chance he gets. He has been in the graphic design profession for over 10 years and thoroughly enjoys what he does on a daily basis. Whenever he’s not slinging design / photo / web work you can probably find JJ in a giant beanbag chair enjoying his favorite video games.
Erin Householder PHOTOGRAPHER
Erin Householder sought adventure when moving from an Arizona small town to the “big city” of Visalia. With her husband, children, and trusty camera in tow, she’s become a local day trip expert. A former birth videographer and current bingewatcher of Real Housewives, intense, emotional situations are Erin’s “comfort zone.” Her self-taught photography business has thrived for a decade through creating deep connections in a safe, authentic environment that allows her to capture raw emotion.
Read The Sisters Market story of a farm-to-door
Celebrate Spring
JJ Fry
9
delivery service sharing fresh homegrown citrus. Learn all about the impact of the 1955 Lake Kaweah Flood and the changes that were made to prevent future occurrences. We hope you gather with family and friends to enjoy the beautiful weather and create even more beautiful memories.
The Lifestyle Team
Need another copy? Scan the QR code below to see our list of rack locations or to sign up for a monthly subscription.
Published by Topograph LLC, 324 S. Santa Fe Street Visalia, CA 93291 Executive Editor Eric Riley Operations Manager Maria Gaston Advertising Sales lifestyle@tpgrph.com Sales Office 324 S. Santa Fe Street Visalia, CA 93291 559.471.0700 Email lifestyle@tpgrph.com View this Issue Online visalialifestyle.com Visalia’s Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to homes in Visalia. Additional copies are distributed at various rack and countertop locations around Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, and Kingsburg. Distribution is subject to change. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of Lifestyle Magazine, Topograph or its advertisers. © 2022 Topograph LLC
Spring Bucket List
Consider This For Your Spring Bucket List
Bake a seasonal pie
Pick and dry wildflowers
Dine outside
Make spring rolls
Feed the ducks
Set up your bird bath
Fly a kite
or feeder
Go berry picking
Make edible flower ice cubes
Go on a hike
(with nasturtiums, marigolds, lavender, rose petals)
Start a garden
Create a cheery
(see pg. 47 for our tips on raised bed gardens)
spring playlist
Have a picnic
Scan the QR code below to see our music mix.
10
The Celebrate Spring Issue
A Spring Picnic Photos by Erin Householder
11
Celebrate Spring Spring Picnic
To celebrate spring, we invited Plush Picnic and Party to style a girlfriends brunch at The Gardens Venue in Tulare. Beard & Bloom added his unique touch in the most beautiful spring colors of florals. We hope you’re inspired to create your own backyard garden party!
12
The Celebrate Spring Issue
13
Spring Picnic
plush.picnic beardandbloom thegardensvenue
14
We're here for all your Easter Basket needs!
Our Gorgeous Gift Wrapping is Our Gift to You! Kitchen • BBQ Accessories • Gift Baskets • Gift Certificates • Gourmet Food & Teas • Candles • Bath & Body Brighton Collection • Fashion Accessories • Bridal Registry • Baby Boutique • Garden • Pet Gifts • Great Gifts For All!
Come on in! We’re open Mon-Fri 10-6 & Sat 10-5. 114 East Main Street • Visalia, CA 93291 • 559.733.0213 • www.PacificTreasuresVisalia.com @PacificTreasures
Food
B R
16
The Celebrate Spring Issue
U N C H with Bella Recipes by Paula Coelho of Bella Rose Café, Kingsburg, CA | Photos by Jonna Dodge
Creamy Dill Salmon
Asparagus Risot to
Ingredients
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets or 1 large fillet,
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded carrot 1 cup arborio rice
2 lemons, juiced
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 asparagus spears
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup frozen peas 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
with salt. 3. Bake for 15-20 minutes. 4. While salmon is baking, combine butter, lemon juice, and heavy cream in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Set aside until ready to plate.
cutting into bite-sized pieces. Peas 1.
Directions Risotto 1.
Add a cup of water to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. Add frozen peas and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Drain water. 3. Turn the burner to low heat, add cheddar and parmesan cheese, and stir
In a large saucepan, add butter and sauté onion and carrots over medium heat for 15 minutes.
2. Add rice and stir until coated. 3. Add a half cup of broth, bring to a simmer, adding half a cup at a time until liquid is absorbed to a consistency you prefer. 4. Cover and set aside until ready to
brb_cafe
drizzle with olive oil.
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400. nonstick baking pan, then sprinkle
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then 3. Roast for 4 minutes. Let cool before
1/2 tablespoon butter
Directions Salmon
Preheat oven to 425. Trim ends of sheet.
1/2 cup butter
sliced into 4 pieces
2. Place salmon skin-side down on a
1.
asparagus spears, then add to baking
Olive oil for drizzling
1.
Asparagus
combine with asparagus and peas.
17
until melted. Plating 1.
Add cooked asparagus and peas to risotto and stir.
2. Add risotto to a serving dish. 3. Place cooked salmon fillets on top of risotto. 4. Drizzle sauce over salmon. 5. Sprinkle dill on top and garnish with lemon slices, if desired.
Food
Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes & Feta Cheese
Ingredients 1 bunch of asparagus 2 packages or 20 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup feta cheese 2 lemons 3 sprigs of fresh thyme 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt A shake or two of pepper 1 tablespoon sugar Directions Dressing 1.
In a bowl, add the juice of two lemons.
2. Remove leaves from thyme sprigs and add to the bowl. 3. Add olive oil, salt, a shake or two of pepper, and sugar, then whisk together. 4. Set aside until ready to serve. Note: Salad dressing can be chilled for two hours or overnight for best flavor. Salad 1.
Preheat oven to 425. Trim ends of asparagus spears and add them to a baking sheet.
2. Roast asparagus for 4 minutes. 3. Let cool then cut into bite-sized pieces. 4. Cut tomatoes in half. 5. To a serving bowl, add asparagus, tomatoes and feta. Drizzle dressing and toss to serve.
D E L I S H
The Celebrate Spring Issue
Sisters Sunshine & Citrus Story by Natalie Caudle Photos provided by The Sisters Market 19
The Sisters Market
N
estled in the heart of the Central Valley sits the Peltzer farm;
After a little brainstorming, the ladies decided to create a way to get
rows of orange and yellow citrus thriving under the California
ripe, juicy fruit into the consumer’s hands with efficiency. Fruit
sun. For five generations the farm has been a family operation,
stands and farmers markets offer hometown produce, but the larger,
managed by brothers as their children played at their feet, learning
more corporate supermarkets ship in fruit internationally. Jenna (a
the trade. The farmers’ daughters, Elise, Emily, and Jenna sprouted
self-proclaimed “produce snob”) remarks on the blessing of the local
alongside the citrus crops, getting dirt beneath their nails while
soil. “People in the Central Valley don’t realize what they have until
bonding in a way only family can.
they move away. There is nothing like the Central Valley and all of its
It is often said that good things come in threes and the Peltzer girls are no exception. Elise and Emily, born as twins, grew up three miles down the road from their cousin, Jenna Allison, who was born just three weeks after the duo. The proximity of space and age made for easy
bounty; so delicious and so fresh.” Most of the nation doesn’t know the authentic flavor of a freshly-picked orange: the sweetness, the zest, the ease of the peel. Elise, Emily, and Jenna set out to bring a little flavor to the table.
friendships. The three feel more like sisters than two sisters + a cousin.
The Sisters Market was slated to launch in the fall of 2020. But when
Jenna smiles as she remembers their childhood. “We’ve always acted
the pandemic hit and shops were shuttered, the girls took a plunge
like sisters, fought like sisters, grew up like sisters.”
and opened their online business in March of 2020. While most
Life pushed Elise, Emily, and Jenna in different directions, but in 2019 they felt the call to return home. “We had this pull back to our roots—we couldn’t escape it; there is something so nostalgic to
people were trying to make sense of new patterns and expectations, Elise, Emily, and Jenna were busy taking orders and building boxes full of bright citrus.
having that connection with our roots,” Jenna remarks. “We love
As a farm-direct enterprise, the fruit isn’t picked until the day it
being a part of our family’s story. Our family works hard to do what
ships. Customers receive a custom-designed box full of hand-picked
they do.” It was time for the girls to put their stamp on the family
California citrus, stone fruit, or berries directly to their door. The
business and introduce a fresh twist to produce sales.
Sisters Market has linked up with local businesses to create seasonal
The Celebrate Spring Issue
boxes; tea, Valley honey, and gourmet popcorn are beautifully packaged alongside nature’s sweetest, freshest picks of produce. Customers are spread far and wide with a large majority in the Midwest and on the East Coast. A favorite customer is Kalin Sheick of SweetWater Floral in Michigan. “When I buy from these ladies, I can guarantee an incredibly fresh product, and I’m supporting a family-owned and operated business that deserves all the success in the world,” says Sheick joyfully. “Living where winter is long, their citrus is like a bright spot in our dreary winter days. Plus, I’m convinced it shortens our colds!” Sheick’s exuberance is echoed on the national stage by another big fan, Ina Garten. Garten is known for her culinary expertise, cookbooks, and the ever-popular show, Barefoot Contessa, on the Food Network. Living on the East Coast, Garten longed
“There is something so nostalgic to having that connection with our roots, we love being a part of our family’s story.” Jenna Allison
The Sisters Market
thesistersmarketco thesistersmarket.com
Jenna, Emily, and Elise with their fathers.
for fresh farm-to-table produce and ordered from The Sisters Market. The three entrepreneurs were in shock. Jenna remembers, “We packed that box with the utmost care and wrote her a note saying, ‘We love you! Big fans!” Much to their surprise, Garten wrote back and a foodie friendship began. In December of 2021, Garten recommended The Sisters Market to her followers. The shout-out featured on sheknows.com and later picked up by Yahoo! gave the girls a run for their money. “We had 900 people on our site at one time; we got so many orders,” remembers Jenna. “We had a team of 10-15 people working sunup to sundown, boxes upon boxes. It was insanity, good insanity. We went viral. It was exhausting in the best possible way. A magical moment in time.” This trio is full of grace and grit, having endured both the beautiful and the hard. Elise faced excruciating pain when her husband was in a fatal accident just days before she began the process of a heart transplant. The family rallied together and supported Elise through her darkest and most challenging days. After handling life’s highs and lows, the girls have again spread their wings and established their own roots in new spaces—the three “sisters” now live apart, with one near the farm, one in southern California, and the third out of state. Despite the miles, the texting and talking never stops. The three are inseparably linked as they build a legacy, one fresh-picked bite at a time.
22
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Travel
A Trip Around Story & Photos by JJ Fry
24
The Celebrate Spring Issue
the Valley A photo journal of our home during the springtime.
25
Celebrate Spring Travel
26
The The Purposeful Celebrate Spring Living Issue
27
Travel
Yokohl Drive Remember when we recommended traveling Yokohl Valley Drive back in our February issue? Right now there are billions of wildflowers in bloom, making the drive more beautiful than ever. I highly recommend taking a few hours out of your day to experience the super bloom right in our backyard. The road can be a little bumpy at times, but that will encourage you to take it slow and enjoy the view. If you continue through Springville, you can take a left and continue up into Sequoia National Forest, or take a right and see Lake Success on your way to Porterville. If you’re hungry after the scenic drive, check out The Vault Bar & Grill in Porterville for an amazing hamburger.
Lake Kaweah Now is the time to enjoy Lake Kaweah at its fullest, before it’s used to irrigate the hundreds of acres in the Valley. Take a short drive up to the lake to enjoy a sunset, rent a houseboat, camp for a few nights, or simply see the sights. The foothills around the lake are covered in wildflowers, and some of the nearby mountains are painted orange with California poppies. Continue up the road into Three Rivers where you can enjoy lunch at Quesadilla Gorilla, or grab an ice cream cone at Reimer’s Candies. Keep going to see Sequoia National Park, where you can find iconic landmarks such as Moro Rock and General Sherman.
Kaweah Oaks Preserve Would you rather: Go to the gym and walk on a treadmill, or take a walk in a grove of giant oak trees? Whether your goal is to get in shape or just enjoy an afternoon stroll, Kaweah Oaks Preserve is a perfect little escape just minutes east of Visalia. The Preserve has several trails that wind along creeks, prairies, and forests, each with a variety of different plants and wildlife. The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, so grab a sandwich and head out there for a picnic under the sprawling shade of a Valley Oak. Sequoia Riverlands Trust is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep the Preserves open for the public. There is no fee to visit the Preserves, but visitor donations help maintain these spaces for generations to come. jjfryfry
The Celebrate Spring Issue
29
Celebrate Spring
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Learn more at AdventistHealth.org/CentralValleyER. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. 30
The Celebrate Spring Issue
A New Wave for Pacific Treasures & Gourmet
Pacific Treasures & Gourmet has been operating in downtown Visalia for more than 30 years—an impressive milestone. Original owner and founder Michelle Wiebe-Andrews shares this month about how her storefront began and the exciting new plans to pass the torch to new owners.
Q. How did your shop come to be? A. I opened my interior design studio, Wiebe Interiors, in 1988 and I loved doing interior design, but I found that it lacked the social interaction I so enjoy. So, after three years of doing that, I felt a retail location made perfect sense; and I felt it needed to be more than just design and decor to make the business flourish. That’s where Pacific Treasures was born. I did start out selling higher-end kitchenware, tabletop and gourmet foods, and over the years I added additional facets, including garden items, candles, bath accessories, barbecue accessories, a men’s section, the pet section, the baby and kids’ boutique and all the other fun stuff! Q. What key things have contributed to your success? A. First of all, our wonderful customers, my awesome staff, and all the behind-the-scenes people: my wonderful husband Jack, the many sales reps and companies that keep us supplied with great merchandise, and all of you who love and support me on a daily basis. Q. Did you originally envision it to be what it is today or was there a natural progression? A. I would have to say natural progression. Back in 1991, I never dreamed that Pacific Treasures would become what it is today. Every day in retail is a different day, meaning you never know what’s going to happen when you open the door in the morning. And every style and every hot item that comes along and everything that just happens along the path—they all contribute to how the store has evolved.
31
Q&A
Shopping at Pacific Treasures is an experience: Great music, wonderful aromas, happy people, and tons of things to look at and interact with. Plus, gorgeous gift wrapping and a good vibe all around from top to bottom!
32
The Celebrate Spring Issue
Q. What was the biggest thing that Pacific Treasures had to
Q. What have you enjoyed most about owning a retail storefront
overcome?
in downtown Visalia?
A. Christmas night of 2018. That night changed everything forever.
A. I have loved everything—all the friendships made here, for sure!
There was a big fire on Main Street and we lost our location and all
Most of you know that I grew up in downtown Visalia in my dad’s
of our inventory to smoke and fire damage.
(Arnold Wiebe) car dealership. My old joke is that I was raised by
The next evening, all of us PT (Pacific Treasures) sisters gathered on
car salesmen on Main Street! Having been downtown for most of
December 26 for our planned Christmas party. It turned out not to
my life, I have to say that I love our downtown dearly. I have always
be so much of a party, but a time for us all to just be together and
been very happy to be part of it.
think about what was next. As we grieved our beloved store during
Q. What is on the horizon for Pacific Treasures & Gourmet?
the next few weeks, we all jumped into action together. We found
A. After 31 years of owning Pacific Treasures (and at times being
a new location, remodeled it, and all the while, I was ordering
owned by it) I am ready to catch up on home life, be with my
merchandise like a crazy person! We banded together and took all
family, cook, garden, and do all kinds of other fun stuff. Melinda
the knowledge from being in business that many years and made a
Kuhnel, who has worked for me for seven years, will now take the
whole new store! It took awhile to love the new store as much as
wheel as she and her husband Aaron have purchased the business.
the old one, but I can honestly say now that I absolutely adore the
I am more than confident that they will do an outstanding job
new store! Rebuilding the store helped all of us PT sisters to bond
moving forward. I now have the opportunity to be a “PT employee”
in such a very special way. On March 29, 2019, Pacific Treasures was
which means I get to do all the fun stuff that I enjoy so much, like
the first business destroyed by the fire to reopen on Main Street.
wrapping beautiful gifts and designing gift baskets—my absolute
Q. What are the advantages of shopping in person in regards to
favorite things to do! (And of course visiting with all of you.) Thank
the customer experience?
you all so much for your friendship, support, love, and being part of
A. I personally love to shop in person. I want to see it, touch it and
this big Pacific Treasures family for 31 wonderful years! Cheers to
take it home immediately with me! I love the instant gratification
another 30 years with Melinda and Aaron! See you soon!
of shopping in person. Shopping at Pacific Treasures is an experience: Great music, wonderful aromas, happy people, and tons of things to look at and interact with. Plus, gorgeous gift
pacifictreasures pacifictreasuresvisalia.com
wrapping and a good vibe all around from top to bottom!
Michelle Wiebe-Andrews, original owner and founder
33
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The Celebrate Spring Issue
The 1955 flood was devastating, especially for Visalia. This view is looking east on Main near Garden Street. Note the Visalia Theater on the right.
Taming A Mighty River
T
Story & Photos provided by Terry Ommen
he Kaweah River of old was like the wild mustang that once
The lake began with the river by the same name. For hundreds,
roamed our valley—uncontrolled, free spirited, and dangerous,
possibly thousands of years, indigenous people fished its waters and
often running at breakneck speed on the Valley floor. And just like
lived on its banks. It wasn’t always called Kaweah River. According
the early bronco buster who tamed the wild steed, in 1962,
to some sources, the native people called it Pi-piyunna. When the
engineers harnessed this wild river by building Terminus Dam and
Spanish explorers came, they called it Rio San Francisco, and still
creating Lake Kaweah—an act that, for the most part, put an end to
other Spaniards named it Rio San Gabriel. When U.S. Army
the destructive force of the river. Its reign of terror was finally over,
Lieutenant George Derby surveyed the area in 1850, he referred to it
and there was a collective sigh of relief. And for the last 60 years,
as the River Francis (or Frances). As American settlers arrived, the
this much-anticipated man-made body of water has been on the
name changed again, this time to Kaweah, named in honor of the
map of Tulare County.
tribe of Yokuts Indians called Kaweah, or Gawea, who lived nearby. 35
History For likely a millennium or more, the river was a natural channel for
a dam on the Kaweah River—in fact, not just one dam, the county
Sierra Nevada snow runoff. Once the water reached the Valley floor,
was getting two. Funds for a Tule River dam were also included.
several tributaries split off, forming a fertile delta—a feature that
On February 19, 1959, ground was broken for the much-anticipated
earned the area the name Four Creeks in the early 1850s.
project on the Kaweah River called Terminus Dam—named for the
Although water flowed on the Kaweah year-round, some winters
end of the line of the Visalia Electric Railroad at the popular
caused the river and its tributaries to overflow due to massive
recreation area known as Terminus Beach. The kickoff ceremony
runoff from considerable snowfall in the mountains. These high
was led by Master of Ceremonies, Visalia Mayor Ira Chrisman, who
water years occurred frequently, causing widespread flooding which
was also President of the Terminus-Success Flood Control Dams
resulted in considerable property damage and substantial misery.
Association. About 1,000 people watched and listened as Harry
Because it was the most populated community in its path, Visalia
Holley, longtime watermaster of the Kaweah River, pushed the
was the target of many deluges. The early years (1853, 1858, 1861,
plunger, setting off the first dynamite blast.
1867, 1880, 1884, and 1890) were some of the worst, and 1906,
For the next three years, the Winston Brothers and Green
1945, and 1955 weren’t any better.
Construction companies from Monrovia, California worked on the
The flood year of 1906 was an especially bad year for Visalia, with an
“rolled earth fill” Terminus Dam. Excavation equipment moved dirt,
unthinkable five floods happening within the first half of the year.
workers rerouted Highway 198, and concrete was poured. In 1962,
The town was traumatized and rowboats could be seen on city
the $24 million project was finished with 560 square miles of
streets. The business community was hit especially hard. The
Kaweah River drainage now harnessed.
Merchant’s Association reflected on the devastation of the multiple
On May 18th, dedication ceremonies were held on Lemon Hill near
floods and the Visalia Daily Times captured the organization’s
the completed dam with nearly 1,000 people in attendance. Major
sentiment, reporting, “At the meeting last night, they [Merchant’s
General William F. Cassidy, the Deputy Chief Engineer for the U.S.
Association] decided that a future inundation must be avoided,
Army Corps of Engineers, gave the keynote address, calling the
whatever the cost. They were unanimous in saying that they were
project a monument that will be as “durable as the pyramids of
going to keep the water out of Visalia next spring and the question
Egypt.” Later that day, the group moved south and Success Dam
of funds is a secondary consideration. They say there will be no more
was also dedicated.
floods and there will be no more.” That year, Ben Maddox, publisher of
Referring to Terminus, the Visalia Times-Delta expressed the
the same newspaper, editorialized about the problem and concluded
sentiment of many, noting that Tulare County could now “look
that damming the Kaweah for flood control was the answer. He was
forward to wet years without the fear of repetition of the nearly
probably the first person with clout to suggest it, but many others followed. Unfortunately, everyone would have to wait.
$20 million damage done by the 1955 flood.”
In 1917, the California State Legislature discussed the possibility of a
Today, the popular Lake Kaweah offers recreational activities like camping, fishing, boating, and waterskiing, while providing needed
dam on the Kaweah for water “storage and conserving,” but no action
water storage and a more efficient water distribution system for
was taken. The dam idea continued to surface now and then,
crop irrigation. But to many, more importantly, completion of the
becoming louder after each terrible flood. Voices grew stronger after
reservoir and dam meant flood protection from an untamed and
the 1937 flood, so the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tested Limekiln
sometimes dangerous Kaweah River. Today, the river shows little
Hill and Bell’s Bluff near Lemon Cove to determine their suitability as
evidence of its wilder days.
“anchor” hills for a future dam. Although tests proved positive, no dam was built, and floods continued along with cries for action. During the years of World War II, the idea for a dam again gained traction, but funding proved difficult. The expensive war effort was gobbling up most of the state’s extra money, so the mighty Kaweah continued to flow freely. The record-breaking 1955 flood proved to be a true watershed moment for the dam project. In April 1958, federal money for the Kaweah River dam was put into the budget. Finally, Tulare County was going to have
36
Y O U ' R E
I N V I T E D
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Drink
Keep it Simple Syrup Photos by Jonna Dodge
Flavored simple syrup is a cinch to make and creates awesome mocktails (or cocktails—depending on the time of day)! It’s made using water, a natural sweetener, and your choice of herbs, spices, or fruit. You can create refreshing spring drinks using club soda, ginger beer, iced tea or lemonade. Chilled white wine, gin, or vodka can be used for adult beverages. Turn the page for some recipes to help you create your own.
Mocktail 1 ounce simple syrup 2 ounces club soda, ginger beer or carbonated water
Cocktail 1 ounce simple syrup 2 ounces clear spirit
Garnish Fresh herbs Fresh fruit Edible flowers Sliced citrus 38
The Celebrate Spring Issue
1:1 ratio water + Sugar Our Fav Combos Honey-peach simple syrup + chilled white wine + fresh basil garnish Hibiscus simple syrup + club soda + lemon peels + edible flowers Jalapeno-lime simple syrup + ginger beer + vodka + lime wedge Blue-lavender simple syrup + limoncello-flavored carbonated water
39
Blue-Lavender
Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup honey 2 peeled, pitted peaches, chopped Directions 1.
Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat until the honey is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and allow mixture to steep for 20 minutes. 3. Once the mixture has cooled, strain the syrup, and use a funnel to pour the syrup into a lidded glass container (you can save the peaches for your morning oatmeal or yogurt). 4. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Jalapeño-lime
Honey-Peach
Celebrate Spring
Hibiscus
Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup raw sugar 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers Directions 1.
Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes. 3. Once the mixture has cooled, strain the syrup, and use a funnel to pour the syrup into a lidded glass container. 4. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
40
Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup raw sugar 1/2 cup blueberries 3/4 teaspoon dried food-grade lavender Directions 1.
Add water, sugar, and blueberries to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir to help sugar dissolve, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Add dried lavender and simmer for 10 minutes. 3. Once the mixture has cooled, pour through a strainer into a bowl, pressing blueberries to release juice. 4. Pour the syrup through a funnel into a lidded glass container. 5. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup raw sugar 1 jalapeño, no stems and roughly chopped* 1 lime, quartered Pinch of salt Directions 1.
Add all ingredients to a small non-reactive saucepan (stainless steel, tin or enamel), bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
2. Once the mixture has cooled, strain the syrup, and pour the syrup through a funnel into a lidded glass container. 3. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month. *For less heat, jalapeño seeds can be removed before adding to the saucepan.
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Harvesting Hope
d e k c i P H a nd
H O P E Story by Rachel Trigueiro Photos by Lifestyle Staff
14% of kids at Mission Oak have gone to bed hungry.
The Celebrate Spring Issue
What began as a class project evolved into a nonprofit fairytale
project. In its second year, newly enrolled students decided not only
called Harvesting Hope.
to maintain the current class project, but to expand it and invite other schools to participate. With all Tulare high schools, middle
Tulare Mission Oak High School teacher Michaelpaul Mendoza
schools, and elementary schools invited, 500 students joined the
founded Cultural History, an ethnic studies course focusing on
initial second-year harvest, loading an entire semi-truck four bins
stories rarely told throughout history. Students learn about
high with a total of 24 bins of sweet corn—a phenomenal feat,
struggle, injustice, and equity, and brainstorm a group project
Michaelpaul says.
to make a difference in their school or community. In its year of inception, 2013, students kept coming back to one theme: food
As momentum grew, Michaelpaul approached United Way. They
drives. With the help of their teacher, the class found an
made Harvesting Hope’s explosive growth possible through offering
organization that picked fruit from trees in the backyards of homes
liability insurance and hosting a website with volunteer forms.
in Tulare County. This organization was in its final year, nearing its
Additionally, United Way also makes donating to Harvesting Hope
end, when students jumped in, helping pick fruit from residents’
simple through their website.
homes and donating to food banks. “Every time we picked an
Fast-forward to today: Harvesting Hope (aptly named by students),
orange, it was directly helping feed somebody. And that was real
spread throughout the entire county. “This class project turned into
for students, it was something we could actually touch,”
a county-wide student movement to fight hunger,” Michaelpaul says.
Michaelpaul recalls. Before long, the organization was restored with
No longer is it just students involved; parents and adults from the
the exuberance of youth and the hope of making a difference.
community have joined and are welcomed. The movement has also
As time went on, word got out about the student-led movement and
grown with the addition of two more coordinators: Leonard Houser,
local growers began donating fruit and vegetables from their fields.
a chemistry teacher from Tulare Western High School and James
Students requested to invite the entire school for the first five-acre
Williams, a financial advisor from Exeter. On any particular Saturday,
field harvest. With 80 kids loaded on the bus to a local ranch,
volunteers show up, give their time, and handpick nearly 4,000
students harvested 3,000 pounds of tangerines in two hours. Joy
pounds of (mostly citrus) fruit that is directly donated to local food
spread like wildfire. The local grower and farmer was so moved by
banks. Students from all over Tulare County have picked upwards of
the students’ enthusiasm and willingness to put in hard work with
400,000 pounds since its first year in 2013.
their own hands, he offered them the opportunity to come back the
With the abundance of food grown in Tulare County, much of it is
following Saturday. “From then on, it took off and turned into
shipped overseas. Unfortunately, approximately 25% of people in
something we never thought possible,” Michaelpaul says. “By the
Tulare County live under the poverty level with food insecurity.
end of the first year, ranchers with larger properties were coming in,
In Harvesting Hope’s early years, a student survey showed 14% of
and the students had picked nearly 20,000 pounds of produce.”
kids from Mission Oak have gone to bed hungry. This statistic
Kids started joining the class just to be part of the Harvesting Hope
inspires students to keep going out each Saturday.
25%
4,000
of people in Tulare County live under the poverty level with food insecurity.
pounds of (mostly citrus) fruit is picked each Saturday and donated to local food banks. 43
“I’ve seen Harvesting Hope as an opportunity to help educate the heart, not just the mind. Helping students learn something outside the classroom that they’d never learn inside.” Michaelpaul Mendoza Founder of Harvesting Hope, pictured below
Harvesting takes place every Saturday during citrus season. To come out and dedicate a Saturday morning to help feed other people takes a special student. Michaelpaul recalls picking fruit one Saturday when he noticed a student crying. As he approached her, she said, “I’m okay, I’m happy. It’s just that these students are picking the fruit for people and my family goes to the food bank and gets this fruit.” Harvesting Hope’s impact is felt not only by the families receiving the food, but also those picking it. “I’ve seen Harvesting Hope as an opportunity to help educate the heart, not just the mind,” Michaelpaul says. “Helping students learn something outside the classroom that they’d never learn inside is the value of giving back and making a difference in the community.” Harvesting Hope welcomes all who’d like to join them during citrus season on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. Volunteering information is announced through social pages, with a text number for more information. Follow Harvesting Hope Tulare County on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date harvest details.
harvestinghopetc unitedwaytc.org/harvesting-hope 44
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Celebrate Spring
Building Your Garden Story by Lifestyle Staff
Spring is the perfect time to start your raised garden bed. Open frames allow roots to reach down into your soil’s nutrients, while weeds can’t easily get over the barrier. Space-saving, easily-draining raised beds make plant rotation easy throughout the season. Here are our best tips for creating your own:
Choosing a Location Make sure it’s sunny and drains well.
Building You can either purchase prefabricated planter boxes or buy treated lumber to create the right shape for your space. Rectangles are a classic shape; aim to have 6” tall sides at least. Line the bottom with weed-blocking fabric.
Soil and Seeds Get a good combination of topsoil and fertilizer. Depending on your plants’ pH needs, you can determine which fertilizer will work best for your plants. Check plant tags for spacing out your starts or seeds, and don’t forget to mark what you planted and where!
Watering and Weeding Good rule of [green] thumb: 1 inch of water and regular weeding every week. (Tip: Raised beds dry out more quickly!) Check for bugs and pests under leaves and make sure the weeds you’re pulling aren’t your precious seedlings.
Supports and Mulching Train vining plants (like cucumbers) to grow up a support, or use string tied between two dowels to grow snap peas. Once your seedlings have pushed through the dirt, cover the area around them with mulch or pinned-down newspaper, keeping weeds away and warmth in the soil.
Learning Track your progress in a journal or binder, so you can learn what works well for your plants, and what doesn’t. Pretty soon, you’ll be the master gardener on your block. 47
Garden
Outdoor Essentials Maybe all your green thumb was missing
was the right tools— time to dig in!
Sun hat Spade hand trowel Work gloves Cultivator Gathering bag
Magnesium cream
Hori hori knife set
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Staff Picks
TAKE IT FROM THE TEAM
Staff Picks To reflect the changing seasons this April, we’ve switched out our must-haves this month. Here are a few things helping us take in all that spring has to offer.
Local Honey Drizzle raw local honey on your yogurt and granola each morning, or make simple syrup (see p. 38). It’s not only delicious, but can also be vital this time of year to manage allergy symptoms. bradshawhoney
Bike Riding Riding your bike to work, to the farmers market, or with your family helps keep you
Acrylic Glasses
active while absorbing some natural vitamin D. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful weather while the days
These acrylic “glasses” are a great option to
grow longer. Be safe: wear your helmet and
enjoy your drinks on the patio or poolside
check nearby bike trails for the best routes.
without fear of broken glass. Choose from many stylish shapes and designs available on the market today including wine or
Aloe Plants The succulent-like leaves of the aloe plant contain a clear gel full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, salicylic acids, and amino acids. These compounds can provide relief and healing for sunburned or dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema. Plus, they’re really easy to grow! 50
Photo Source: Fluted Acrylic Glassware, westelm.com
champagne glasses.
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These accreditations demonstrate that we have met proven standards and the highest levels of expertise for surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures. Patients benefit with less pain, less scarring, and faster recovery times. Simply put, you and your family can look to Kaweah Health for excellent surgical care.
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