Lifestyle Magazine May 2022 by Lifestyle Magazine

Inspiring Life In Our Community

May 2022

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What’s Inside

The

Turning a Page Issue

Features

In Every Issue

Central Valley Honor Flight

Editor’s Note

Flag Etiquette

Contributors

Sugar’s Succulents

At Home: The Simpsons

History: A Neighborhood with Enduring Charm

Garden: Learn Composting

Interest 15

Visalia’s First Fallen Hero

Food: Braised Kitchen

Summer Reads

Travel: Wandering Through Gold Country

Cover Photo by Dakota Jacobi. Story on page 25.

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Turning a Page

Thoughts from the Editor This past month was a whirlwind of activity and significance for my family. April is always a bit hectic for us, but this one was particularly momentous. In addition to our typical April festivities (three out of the five members of my little family have birthdays in April) we also marked two other meaningful moments. My oldest daughter entered her teen years and my last living grandparent passed away. It was a weird juxtaposition of events. One day we were celebrating a life well lived, and the next morning we were flying off on a special birthday trip. It was peculiar and moving to have these weighty, meaningful moments condensed into such a short time. We touched the past and leaned into our future, allowing each moment to give depth and height to our experiences. My Grandpa Gene would have been 96 on April 29th. We shared a birthday, which always made me feel uniquely connected to him. My grandpa was an incredible man—a great husband, father, entrepreneur, grandpa, and friend. He lived well and left an indelible mark on our family, passing on his most cherished possession to me: his faith in Jesus. In preparation for his memorial, I was digging through old photo albums and stumbled across some long-forgotten family memories. It was good to stop and remember. Far too often, life just trudges along and I often fail to miss the importance of pausing to celebrate, remember, or take note of a meaningful moment. In The Power of Moments: Why Certain Moments Have Extraordinary Impact, authors Chip and Dan Heath say, “This is the great trap of life: One day rolls into the next, and a year goes by, and we still haven’t had that conversation we always meant to have. Still haven’t created that peak moment for our students. Still haven’t seen the northern lights. We walk a flatland that could have been a mountain range.” As our daughter approached her teen years, my wife and I knew we wanted to be intentional with this moment in her life. So we saved and planned and prepared for a couple years to take Addie anywhere she wanted to go in the U.S. She chose Austin. Her first flight, first Broadway show, a time to explore a big city, get dressed up, and mark a milestone moment in her life. We gathered letters from people who know her well, and gave her gifts to remember this moment of transition towards adulthood. My hope is that this small investment into our beloved daughter will be part of a mountain range of significant events in her life. As we turn the page and head towards summer and a new season, take a moment to stop and remember the good of the past, and look forward with fresh hope. Cheers,

Eric Riley Executive Editor Lifestyle Magazine President / Owner Topograph

Contributors

Contributors May 2022

Natalie Caudle

Rachel Trigueiro

Terry Ommen

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

history. Much of his time in retirement is

writer, Natalie finds beauty in storytelling

in 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

piques their interest.

a moment to write.

Marissa Carpenter

Monica Fatica

Sue Burns

CONTENT EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

WRITER

Marissa Carpenter has been a word nerd

After years of working in operations,

Transplanted to Visalia from “the OC” in

for as long as she can remember—or at

merchandising, marketing and running

2015, Sue is a lifelong cook and budding

least since clinching her first Kings

her own retail shops, Monica has found her

horticulturist who loves creating garden-to-

County spelling bee championship in

home in the world of publishing. With over

table dishes to share with family and friends.

first grade. She’s happy to employ her

seven years of local editorial experience, she

A writer since she could hold a crayon, Sue

University of Chicago editing certificate,

is grateful to work her dream job keeping

was the home chef behind Direct Magazine’s

her B.A. in English, and her eagle eye for

Valley happenings top of mind for all its

The Recipe Box from 2016-2020. She has

extra spaces. When not slashing through

residents. Her brief moments of spare time

been blogging since 2010, and writing

text, she enjoys knitting, playing piano,

are spent with family, food (still searching

articles for Lifestyle and publications that

and driving her husband and two children

for the best chocolate croissant), her fur

share her passion for cooking, baking, and

absolutely bonkers.

babies, and finding the next best binge-

community involvement.

worthy podcast.

The SimplifyTurning & Cleana Issue Page

A Look Inside Last year, our editorial team sat down to consider our 2022 themes; for May we chose “Turning a Page.” As we considered the variety of transitions that happen during this time of year, we know this month is a time of remembrance and looking forward. It’s a good time to implement seasonal changes including composting best practices

Dakota Jacobi PHOTOGRAPHER

Dakota Jacobi has been capturing love stories for five years, photographing families, seniors and couples. She aims to document the candid, organic, and “unposed” moments of life. Her mission is to not just take great pictures, but to build relationships and create experiences for her clients. When she’s not adventuring around California, or editing in her favorite coffee shop, she spends her days at home with her two kids.

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

Turning a aP ge

(page 35). In May, we remember U.S. Armed Forces

to capture raw emotion.

members who have courageously fallen in battle defending our liberties, and we share interesting facts and etiquette about the American flag. Meet the team behind Sugar’s Succulents who are celebrating five years in business. The Simpsons invite us into their guest cottage in one of Visalia’s first tract home neighborhoods; read up on the many notable people who once lived near there in our history story. Finally, enjoy a quick trip through Gold Country (on horse-drawn carriage!) in our travel feature. This month, before you turn the page on each occasion, savor the moments that make them.

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 Designer JJ Fry, Jonna Dodge 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

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Turning a Page

LET THEIR REMEMBRANCE BE AS LASTING AS THE LAND THEY HONORED.” – Daniel Webster

Memorial

Honoring Our Veterans Central Valley Honor Flight

entral Valley Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that celebrates WWII Veterans and Korean and Vietnam War

Veterans by taking them to the nation’s capitol in Washington D.C. to share in a day of honor, gratitude, and community. While there, they have the opportunity to visit and reflect in front of the memorials erected in their honor. Local Visalia organizers Bill and Janet Goodreau have spent countless hours over the years helping to honor the veterans in the Valley. Funds raised allow each veteran to be honorably accompanied by a guardian who assists them throughout the entire trip, in commemoration of their sacrifice and service for our country and freedom.

Turning a Page

cvhonorflight cvhonorflight.org

Photos provided by CV Honor Flight

Memorial

Turning a Page

Visalia’s

First Fallen Hero

A letter from Pfc. Garcia written to his sister in 1943.

PFC. DAVID E. GARCIA 1922-1944

Pfc. David E. Garcia is believed to be the first known Visalian soldier to have lost his life in the battle of Leyte Island during the Invasion of the Philippines on October 20, 1944. Pfc. Garcia attended Visalia Union High School before he entered the military service. According to his niece, Teresa DeLeon, the news of his passing was kept from his mother who was ill and laid to rest shortly after on December 12, 1944. Newspaper clipping from the Visalia Times Delta.

Flag Etiquette

HOW TO

Display OUR FLAG

Display the flag vertically or horizontally, only between sunrise and sunset unless it can be illuminated overnight. Only all-weather flags should be displayed in inclement weather. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously, and should never touch the ground. The flag should never be carried flat, horizontally or with things on top of it. According to the flag code, when the flag is raised or lowered during a ceremony, all except those in uniform should face the flag with the right hand over the heart. On Memorial Day, the flag can be displayed at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day. Before flying at half-staff, hoist to its peak for an instant before lowering it. Do not use the flag as clothing or a cover and do not write on it. When not displayed, fold the flag into a triangle, which symbolizes colonial soldiers’ tricorn hats. An unusable flag that can no longer be displayed should be destroyed in a dignified way by burning.

Did you Know? The colors red, white and blue were chosen to represent, respectively, valor, liberty, and purity.

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Turning a Page

Life’s Sweet at

Sugar’s Story by Natalie Caudle | Photos by Erin Householder

Local

ucked away in downtown Visalia is a secret garden; a tranquil space filled with terra cotta pots and California-grown plants. The

open-air cactarium is fresh with artistic flavor. Aloe, snake plants, and jade line handmade shelves like little toy soldiers. Reminiscent of coastal hideaways, the unique corner is simply transformative; time marches a little slower as customers step inside Sugar’s Succulents. Entertainers at heart, Bre and Rob Singleton find great joy in providing friends with an evening of food, drinks, and conversation. When first flexing their hospitality muscles, Bre focused on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere with landscape accents of perfectly placed succulents. A natural artist, Bre realized she had a knack for plants and outdoor landscapes, specifically succulents. As a giving person, Bre wanted to share her new love with others and began an Instagram account where she gave tips and showcased her beautiful plants. With Rob by her side, Bre’s hobby morphed into a passion, and before she knew it, the Singletons had opened a mom-and-pop shop. The team was eager to share a little plant love with the local community. Sowed in a downtown neighborhood, the heart of the business is to be a gathering place for locals by providing a creative corner where connections can thrive. The Singletons’ dream is for Sugar’s Succulents to be a destination, a place to unwind, and take a deep breath. “We want people to get a coffee, come in, walk around, and enjoy our shop. We personally love to provide a place for people to come and enjoy.” Bre adds, “We are that shop, a cool little place. Not something you’d expect when you walk in—a pleasant surprise.” Customers can find expert advice, a relaxing corner to pot plants, and, on specific evenings, even food truck tacos and conchas. Dreaming beyond the retail of the succulent shop and mercantile, the Singletons created Plant Parties and Plant Nights in an effort to deepen community roots. Customers can reserve private Plant Parties to celebrate in a unique way with friends. Attendees spend their time potting plants and creating an arrangement while sipping a local brew. Sugar’s is often booked for bridal showers and birthday parties, and, every now and then, a wedding proposal. Plant Nights are regular events where succulent lovers of all ages spend the evening getting their hands a little dirty. “We just wanted a thing where anyone could come and could afford it,” she says. “It’s to get the community together. I just love that small-town feel. It’s our way of inviting the community to come and hang out at our shop.” Rob and Bre happily open their doors and set up extra tables to accommodate larger crowds and local food trucks. In a recent endeavor, Bre teamed up with BarrelHouse on Main St. and Temblor Brewing, in Bakersfield, for a monthly event, Plants and Pints. Guests sign up for a pop-up plant shop, which includes a plant bar and a pint of local beer.

Turning a Page

sugarssuccs sugarssucculents.com

Local

Since opening their doors in 2017, Bre and Rob have expanded both

knowledgeable Bre is about her succulents. She will listen to the

their shop and family. Baby Callen was born in the summer of 2020

customers’ needs and come up with arrangements to meet them.

and now toddles around the space as Bre taps into her artistic side

It was fun to choose a container and watch her fill it with unique

creating budget-friendly arrangements.

plants and then top it off with rocks to make it clean and tidy. Bre

Like most businesses, the pandemic threw Sugar’s Succulents a

even provides her cell phone number to customers in case they have

curveball, causing a shift in how to best serve customers. Bre and

a question about the care of their plants!”

Rob began a plant delivery service from Clovis to Tulare giving

Bre and Rob see themselves as a unit, a package deal. Their talents

customers a convenient and unique option when needing something

and styles complement each other with a dynamic rhythm. Rob is

only a green thumb could supply.

fully invested in Bre’s passion for plants, a hobby that seeps into

Sugar’s Succulents is now celebrating nearly five years in business

both their professional and private lives. When Bre and Rob were

and is back to regular business hours—six days a week of living a

married in a surprise wedding at Watson’s Veggie Garden, Bre carried

plant lover’s dream. It’s the first succulent shop of its kind in Visalia,

a bouquet of succulents down the aisle—succulents that are now in

and Bre and Rob work hard to create a welcoming space. Stocked

her home garden, still thriving. For Bre, succulents are more than a

with countless varieties of plants and unique options for outdoor

business, they’re representative of a legacy that can be passed down.

spaces, there are a plethora of choices for every style.

When all is said and done, the Singletons may just be a couple

Customers love the made-to-order arrangements and the relaxing

of local kids with a fun dream, but to the community, Sugar’s

shopping experience when searching for the right plant to love.

Succulents is a local stop where strangers roll up their sleeves

Meghan Martin, a Visalia native remarks, “I love how friendly and

and become friends.

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Turning a Page

the carmel cottage

A COZY RETREAT Story by Rachel Trigueiro | Photos by Dakota Jacobi

hen the 1930s Dust Bowl pushed them out, thousands

In one of Visalia’s prominent downtown neighborhoods

of Great Plains residents sought out a new place to call

with towering Valley oaks and lush Ginkgo biloba sits Stan

home. Visalia’s fertile soil became a landing place for many,

and Wendy Simpson’s Spanish-style home. The well-

bringing diversity and an abundance of experience to the

known Buckman house was built by Stan’s grandparents, C. T. “Buck” and Edna Buckman, in 1931. In 1995, the

Central Valley. When discussing their beloved history-filled

Simpsons bought the two-story home, expanding it to fit

neighborhood, Stan Simpson says much of Visalia’s storied

their grand visions of hosting guests and celebrities

past was shaped into what it is today because of the vision of

visiting the Valley while keeping its recognizable front.

the forefathers and the promise of opportunity for those

From politicians to musicians, well-known athletes to

migrating from the Great Plains—a phenomenon that created

actors, the Buckman home has held countless events and

a gem, here in the heart of California.

fundraisers for local organizations. 25

Within you there is you can retreat at

a stillness and sanctuary to which any time and be yourself. hermann hesse

At Home

Turning a Page

East of the Buckman house lies a charming guest house,

use local merchants as much as possible, hiring Franey’s for

lovingly referred to by Stan and Wendy as the Carmel Cottage.

the floors and fabrics, Janeen’s for the cottage’s furnishings,

After the home passed through several owners’ hands

and Jordon Long for custom artwork.

following its initial 1935 build, the Simpsons purchased it with

Pieces of history can be found around every corner, starting

plans to remodel the interior. Once demolition was underway,

in the dining room. Stan’s grandparents’ chairs from the

unforeseen problems required the house to be leveled and

1930s, now reupholstered, flank the extended dining table

rebuilt; the Simpsons, however, maintained its original

bordering the wall of windows to the backyard.

footprint, elevation, and 400 sq ft basement. The lines of the home and the unique Carmel stone covering the façade

Over the years, Stan has collected local historical photos

fulfilled, in part, Wendy’s dream of owning a Carmel cottage.

and documents. To commemorate this significant

Purchased in 2018, construction on the house finished just

memorabilia, he created a floor-to-ceiling museum-style room, displaying some of Visalia’s greatest recorded

before Covid in 2020, making for a perfect mini-

moments and events, and the people who

getaway. “When everything shut down, Stan

were part of them. With signed art

and I would come over to the cottage to

pieces, autographed pictures, and

have dinner. It was nice to have a little place to escape,” Wendy says. With the large main bedroom overlooking a covered porch and a backyard perfect for entertaining, the 1700 sq ft cottage holds two bedrooms and two baths, with a gate connecting the two landmark properties. The Simpsons’ dream for the Carmel Cottage was to be a

Visalia will always be home. I could never leave by any stretch.

central place for friends and family to

Stan Simpson

newspaper clippings, it’s become a treasured space for Stan to share his love of Visalia with others. With a great-grandfather born in 1857 in the Oval (neighborhood), a grandfather born in 1884 in the Oval, and another grandfather on his mother’s side born in 1889 near the Oval, Stan’s Valley roots run four generations deep. Stan’s

grandfather opened Buckman-Mitchell

enjoy life together over good food and

Insurance in 1916. Forty-one years later,

drink, and that’s precisely what it’s become.

Stan’s first involvement at Buckman-Mitchell

The cottage has already hosted many special

began one summer when he was in high school. After

occasions, from Wendy’s Canasta nights to baby showers,

graduating college, he made his way back to the company,

Rotary meetings, and live music with Run 4 Cover.

creating a life-long career.

Wendy discovered her love for the building process in 1987 while building their first house. She has since been part of

Stan and Wendy’s Valley heritage flourishes both historically

the process many times, including the Carmel Cottage,

and socially. Terry Ommen, local author and historian, says

where she worked closely with local contractor Kevin

many affectionately refer to Stan as “Mr. Visalia.” The title

Fistolera. With a fresh, airy kitchen of blues, yellows, and

fits, as he was named Visalia’s Man of the Year in 1995,

whites, Wendy says these colors have always been her

following closely in the footsteps of his grandfather (voted

favorite, “taking the house from its original cutesy-cottage

Visalia’s first Man of the Year in 1952). This is only one of

to a more contemporary-cottage feel.” The couple tries to

many titles Stan has carried throughout his life in Visalia.

At Home

In one of the first graduating classes of Redwood High School, Stan was student body president in 1958, which was a precursor to the life he would lead in Visalia. He went on to become President of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Kings and Tulare Counties in ’73-’74, Visalia Rotary Club President in ’79, President of Independent Insurance Brokers – Agents Association of the West in ’05, and President of Tulare County Historical Society in ’20-’22. They were also owners of the Visalia Oaks Baseball Club from ’83-’88, “to keep baseball alive in Visalia,” Stan says. While the Simpsons’ social life is one of enjoyment, their involvement in the community has reached beyond their careers and hobbies, benefitting Visalia in ways still seen today. Wherever the Simpsons go, their investment of time and energy helps areas thrive. When a good friend began an insurance company in Monterey in 1989, the Simpsons moved north to help it launch and bought their first house in the area in 1999. Since then, they’ve created a community in Pebble Beach along with other Visalians. Though no longer in the insurance business, with several houses, three daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, the Simpsons find plenty to fill their time. They often spend it traveling the long road between Visalia and Pebble Beach, looking for the next best place to stop for lunch. Locally, some of their favorite spots are Alejandra’s, Vintage Press, and Elderwood. Stan is still involved in Rotary and the Historical Society, while Wendy gives much of her time to Las Madrinas Guild for Valley Children’s. While the two enjoy the change of scenery and social life up north, Stan says, “Visalia will always be home. I could never leave by any stretch.” Wendy goes on to say there’s no place quite like Visalia. “I know people who have visited or moved here from the Midwest and say it reminds them of home with its small-town feel and values. It really is a special place to live.”

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Harvesting Hope History

The beautiful home of Wendy and Stan Simpson was built in 1931

A Neighborhood with Enduring Charm

Story & Photos provided by Terry Ommen

In 1983, travel writers for the Los Angeles Times called Visalia a

South and west of the cottage are two lovely homes on nearby

“place of enduring charm.” They touted the town’s rich history and

streets that at one time were owned by two former Visalia mayors:

nice neighborhoods, encouraging readers to take a look.

George Tschumy and Jack Davis. Also nearby lived the Blessings, whose son Don attended Visalia Union High School. Don went on

And these journalists were right. Visalia is fortunate to have an

to compete in 1928 as coxswain for the U.S. rowing team in the

abundance of interesting and beautiful neighborhoods. One of them

Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam.

lies between Mooney Blvd. and downtown with Wendy and Stan Simpson’s “Carmel Cottage” near the center. In all directions, there is

Directly north of the Simpson’s cottage is Mill Creek, one of the four

an eclectic array of unique and historical treasures that, when linked

main creeks that flows through Visalia. The city was built on this

together, make for an enjoyable stroll. Here are some of the highlights.

seasonal channel’s banks, making it an important part of Visalia’s beginning. Here, the creek is shaded by a stand of large trees, and

Using the cute cottage as the starting point, one discovers that

when flowing, the water moves westward, meandering under

Sierra Ave. is a short block—maybe the shortest in town. Next door

streets and through other neighborhoods on its journey out of town.

to the west is the stately home built by Edna and Clem “Buck” Buckman, Stan’s grandparents. Built in 1931, the two-story Spanish

On Mill Creek’s north bank is a small shaded grassy area known as

Colonial Monterey-style beauty is the dominant structure on the

Mayors Park. Acquired by the city in 1916, the park is home to trees

street, and it transports imaginations to the days of the Californios.

planted in honor of several past mayors. The last one was an oak tree

Today, this architectural beauty that has been in the family for over

planted in 1994 to honor former Mayor Peter Carey. In 1934, the park

90 years is home to Wendy and Stan.

was also chosen by the Visalia Civic Club to be home to a tiled birdbath. Reportedly, the water feature was designed by a

To the east is a home at 1502 W. Sierra Ave that at one time was owned

“prominent” but unnamed Fresno architect for William R. Spalding

by Clyde and Lois Lary. Lynford “Lyn” Lary, their son, was a star athlete

and his wife Carolyne for their home on Encina Street, but it was

at Visalia High and went on to play professional baseball, both in the

never built. Instead, the widow of Spalding had it built in Mayors Park.

Pacific Coast and major leagues. Lynford began in the big leagues with

Though the birdbath is now missing several of its original elements,

the New York Yankees. In all, the powerful hitter and well-respected

including the figure of a small boy, a dolphin, and two frogs that

shortstop played with seven different major league teams.

spouted water, it is still worth seeing. 32

Turning a Page

East of the park is a wonderful example of an old building transformed for contemporary use. Built by the county in 1921 as the Tulare County Health Center, the building is now home to an orthodontic office, and this century-old treasure adds historic beauty to the neighborhood. Directly across Main Street from Mayors Park is Memorial Park. There, prominently placed on the corner of Main and Hall streets, is an obelisk, commissioned by the Visalia American Legion Auxiliary. Originally, in 1929, it was placed at the “Y” near the intersection of Mooney Blvd. and Main Street. When the streets were redesigned, the patriotic marker was moved to its current location and stands as a tribute to the veterans who served in several wars and conflicts. Next to the obelisk is the beautiful Ralph S. Moore Rose Garden. Dedicated in 2004, the garden honors the Visalia man known as the “father of the modern miniature rose.” Moore received international This trulli is a replica of an architectural feature in Putignano, Italy.

recognition for his hybridization of hundreds of new varieties of roses, several of which he named after respected local people including Mary Hill, Doris Bennett, and Annie R. Mitchell. He died in 2009 at the age of 102. Next to the garden to the west is a small and interesting rock and block building called a “trulli.” It was built in 1986 by the Visalia Sister City Committee as a representation of the architecture found around Putignano, Italy, a Visalia Sister City. The replica serves as a reminder of the Italian heritage of many Visalians and acknowledges the close relationship Visalia has with Putignano. Crossing back over Main Street, Dollner Street marks the east edge of the neighborhood and is where the Visalia Elementary School was built in 1939, later renamed Sierra Vista. The art deco style structure was designed by well-known Fresno architect Ernest J. Kump and was financed in part by the federal Public Works Administration (PWA). Part of the building included a school theater and today,

The Tulare County Health Center, as it appeared in about 1936.

thanks to the generosity of Visalia Rotary, the town has a beautifully restored entertainment venue called the Rotary Theater. To the west of the school is the historic Home Builders Tract No. 2, opened in 1936. In the early years of the 20th Century, Visalia and other communities in the country were experiencing a housing shortage caused in part by limited and restricted financing opportunities. In 1919, a group of civic-minded Visalia investors created a corporation called Visalia Home Builders. The company pooled investment funds and purchased large parcels for subdividing making it easier to buy homes. As part of the subdivision promotion in 1936 the company built a model home they called the “Monterey” on the northwest corner of Dollner and Burrel streets, and it still stands today. The neighborhood around the “Carmel Cottage” is worth a visit. It’s a wonderful example of Visalia at its best. It’s easy to imagine that this area inspired travel writers when they called Visalia a

The Tulare County Health Center, as it appears today.

place of enduring charm.

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FROM

Kitchen Waste TO

Garden Gold Story by Sue Burns

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells and…kitchen scraps? Yes, indeed! Locals: You can recycle kitchen waste into your green bins with yard trimmings. This waste is turned into compost used for ag and landscaping. We know this is a good thing, but why? Tulare-Kings County Master Gardener Nancy Hawkins shares the whys and hows of composting.

Garden

~2500

What is composting?

tons of food waste goes into the landfill each month in Visalia.

Nancy defined it simply as “…the decomposition or rotting of waste through the release of heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.” The end product is rich in nutrients important for plant growth. Backyard composting is a great way to put some of your kitchen and yard waste to work in your own gardens.

Why should I compost? Composting is good for garden soil and the environment. Adding this organic matter to feed your plants requires less commercial fertilizer and water, resulting in less waste in the landfill.

What can I compost? Composting requires four ingredients: carbon, nitrogen, moisture and air circulation. Water is added to materials, and turned regularly to facilitate airflow within the mixture. Carbon comes from “brown” materials: dried leaves, twigs, shredded paper, cardboard, and old potting mix. Nitrogen is found in “green” materials: grass, leaves, stems, fruit and vegetable scraps and rinds, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, and wilted flowers. Don’t add ashes, animal proteins, dairy products, peanut butter, diseased plants or seed-bearing weeds, plastics, or painted, stained, or treated wood to your compost.

How do I get started? Composting requires minimal tools and equipment. Bins can be simple or complex (with one or more sections) and purchased ready-made. Or, construct your own bin with chicken wire or wood, measuring at least 3’ x 3’ x 3’. You’ll also need a compost aerator; a pitchfork will do. Choose a space that is near a water source in the shade, facing away from afternoon sun.

mgtularekings gogreenvisalia.com

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Now you’re ready to start! There are two methods of composting: rapid (hot) and slow (cold). For rapid composting, chop greens and browns into small pieces (the smaller the pieces, the faster the decomposition). Place the pieces in your bin in 4-6” layers, beginning with browns and alternating with greens, until the pile is 2’ high. Water the middle between each layer; they should stick together when squeezed and feel moist like a sponge. Turn the pile every few days with a pitchfork. Don’t add any more materials to the pile. In 6-8 weeks, your compost will be ready. Slow composting begins with the same process, but layer it as high as you’d like, leaving room to turn the mixture; and you’ll bury food scraps in the middle of the pile. Add brown and green materials to the pile, turn every few days, and water as needed for a good level of moisture. This compost will be ready in 12-18 months.

What can I do with compost? Add compost to ground and potting soil in a 20-80% ratio (its high

For the kids:

nitrogen can burn roots if added alone). Compost can also be used as mulch on top of soil to help retain water and prevent weeds.

Getting the kids involved: Composting teaches kids about growing food and taking care of the environment! They can help with prepping scraps, watering and turning the compost pile, and adding the compost to the garden. Harvesting their homegrown fruits and vegetables gets them more invested in eating healthy, too. There are fun books available for all ages to get you started.

Composting takes time and effort, but the benefits are worth it! See the difference composting can make: Participate in Visalia’s next “Dump On Us” event for residents, co-sponsored by Caltrans and the Clean California Initiative. Drop off appropriate household recyclables and take away a load of ready-to-use compost for free. You’ll help reduce materials taken to landfills by 75% and augment your gardens with compost your green waste has contributed to. The next scheduled event is Saturday, May 21, from 7:00am–noon.

Food

Recipes by Chef Christian Romeo of Braised Kitchen, Tulare, CA Photos by Jonna Dodge

Chicken Roulade

with Mango Chutney & Pomme Bouchon 38

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Serves 4.

Chicken

Pomme Bouchon

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

4 large potatoes

6 carrot sticks

1/2 cup butter

6 asparagus spears

1/2 cup water

1 cup pistachios, finely crushed

Salt & pepper to taste

Chicken stock, to attach pistachios to chicken Olive oil

Directions 1.

Peel potatoes, cut the top and bottom, then cut with a 3” round cookie cutter or trim with a knife

Preheat oven to 350°F.

to make a round cylinder shape.

2. Butterfly and pound chicken breasts to your

2. Place flat end down in a pan with butter, salt,

desired thickness.

pepper, and water. Cook until water evaporates

3. Chop carrots and asparagus into approximately 3”

and butter has browned the bottom of the

sticks. Divide into four equal parts.

potatoes.

4. Place carrots and asparagus on each chicken

3. Serve potato browned side up. Set aside until

breast and roll tightly to make a roulade.

ready to serve.

5. Sear roulade with oil until browned on all sides.

Mango Chutney

6. Finish cooking in preheated oven, about 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Ingredients

7. Baste chicken with chicken stock and roll chicken breasts in pistachios before serving. Set aside

2 tablespoons olive oil

until ready to serve.

1/2 onion, minced 1/2 red bell pepper, diced small

Sauce

1 teaspoon ginger, minced 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Ingredients

1 fresh mango, diced

1 shallot, minced

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

zest and juice from one lemon

Cilantro sprouts, optional

zest and juice from one lime zest and juice from one orange

Directions

1 cup white wine

1/2 cup heavy cream

light brown color. 2. Add mango, cook for 5 minutes.

Directions 1.

Sauté vegetables, ginger and garlic in oil until a

3. Add sugar and caramelize until it reaches a golden

Sauté shallot in oil.

brown color.

2. Add citrus juices and wine, cooking until

4. Add vinegar and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.

reduced to half.

Set aside until ready to serve.

3. Add zest and heavy cream then simmer until

Plating

warmed, approximately 3 minutes.

Set aside until ready to serve.

Add a quarter of the sauce to a plate. Arrange chicken on top of the sauce, with the potato next to it.

2. Garnish with mango chutney and sprouts (if using).

Food

Blood Orange Flip

braisedfoods braisedfood.com

Serves 2.

Honey Syrup Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup honey Directions 1.

Simmer honey and water in a saucepan for five minutes until honey is dissolved.

2. Cool before using.

Cocktail Ingredients 3 oz fresh squeezed blood orange juice 1 oz honey syrup 4 oz whiskey 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters 1 egg white Cocktail shaker Luxardo maraschino cherry Burnt candied blood orange Directions 1.

In a cocktail shaker, combine blood orange juice, honey syrup, whiskey, bitters, and egg white. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds (egg white should be frothy).

2. Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again, then strain into a glass. 3. Garnish with orange and cherry. Enjoy!

Burnt Candied Blood Orange Directions 1.

Cut the orange into 1/4” slices.

2. Sprinkle with sugar, then use a torch or broiler to caramelize sugar onto orange. Cocktail by Mixologist Elliot Martinez of Braised Kitchen, Tulare, CA 40

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Serves 10.

Chantilly Cream

Flourless

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup powdered sugar Directions 1.

Combine ingredients and whip with mixer until stiff peaks form.

Chocolate Cake Ingredients 180 grams butter 250 grams dark chocolate chips 6 egg yolks 200 grams granulated sugar, divided 1/2 tablespoon baking powder 6 egg whites Powdered sugar (for sprinkling) 1⁄2 lb. fresh strawberries* 1⁄2 lb. fresh blackberries* *Substitute with seasonal fruit when not available.

Directions 1.

Preheat oven to 360°F.

2. Melt the butter and chocolate in a bain-marie (water bath/double boiler, or melt in microwave). 3. Beat the egg yolks with 100 grams granulated sugar until stiff. 4. Add the butter chocolate mixture to the egg yolk/ sugar then mix. 5. Adding a little at a time, incorporate the baking powder to the chocolate mix. 6. Meanwhile, beat the egg whites until they form firm peaks and add 100 grams granulated sugar a little at a time until you form a firm meringue. 7. Add a third of the meringue at a time into the chocolate mix, folding after each addition. 8. Pour the batter into a 8- or 9-inch greased and floured springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. The center of the cake should be moist. Let cake cool in the pan for approximately 20 minutes. 9. Decorate with Chantilly cream and fresh berries, and sprinkle powdered sugar over top.

Note For perfect measurement, use a digital scale to weigh out your ingredients.

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Wandering Through

GOLD COUNTRY Story & Photos by Lifestyle Staff

Surrounded by Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest, and situated within the two highest passes (Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass) through the Sierra Nevadas, Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties are filled with thriving historic gold rush towns that are reminiscent of the bygone days of the Old West. Gold was first discovered here in 1848 and yielded $600 million in mined gold. With scenic trails and natural vistas, the area is an outdoor playground for adults and kids alike with activities including hiking, horseback riding, water skiing, rafting, camping, boating, snowmobiling, and more. For those wanting a more leisurely experience, there’s plenty to choose from. Stay at one of the many restored historic hotels or charming bed-and-breakfasts. Enjoy golf courses, wine tasting, arts, shopping, museums, restaurants, and historic parks. Local industries include tourism, recreation, lumber, mining, cattle, turkeys, agriculture, and research. 45

Travel

Enjoy a horse carriage ride through town while pondering the prospects of gold.

Jamestown visittuolumne.com/jamestown Gold prospecting is still practiced and taught in Jamestown. The National Hotel was built in 1859 and is still operating with period accommodations, even accepting gold and gold dust payments for rooms and meals. The historic downtown boasts antique shops, a horse-drawn carriage ride, a cigar lounge, and restaurants. The Railtown 1897 State Historic Park offers steam locomotive rides that have been featured in movie productions for “Unforgiven,” “High Noon,” “Back to the Future III,” and “Petticoat Junction.”

Find one-ofa-kind gems at the many antique shops.

Travelers’ Tip: Stop at the Columbia State Historic Park on your way to Murphys, where the kids can enjoy gold panning. Bring your furry family member too!

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Take a peek into 1856 at Murphys Historic Hotel, one of California’s longest operating hotels.

Visit Darby Red Apple Ranch for the tastiest apple pies and doughnuts.

Get refreshed with some flavored champagne from Pop the Bubbly.

Murphys visitmurphys.com Further north in Calaveras County, lies Murphys. It’s a hidden gem village in the heart of Gold Country, boasting over two dozen wine tasting rooms along its main street. It’s a lively town with delicious eateries and shops that offer champagne flights, pasta tasting, books, unique spices, olive oil tasting, and more. Stay in a beautiful bed-and-breakfast, trendy remodeled roadside motel or a vacation cottage, all within walking distance to many activities. Stroll the historic park, complete with a stream running along a playground, museum and bocce ball courts. It’s one of the most welcoming places to visit.

Spoil yourself with handcrafted deliciousness from JoMa’s Artisan Ice Cream.

Travel

Barn painting with a matching 3D model, viewed during Art Night.

Sonora sonoraca.com/visit-sonora/

Built in 1859, St. James Episcopal is one of the oldest churches in California, also known as the “Red Church.”

Mexican miners named the town after Sonora, Mexico when settling in the area during the early gold rush days. After the gold rush dwindled, it evolved into a vital commercial and transportation center. There are many preserved mid-1800s and turn of the century Victorian homes and buildings. Visit on the second Saturday of the month when merchants host a blend of different artists creating live music, performances, and art demonstrations. You’ll also find a collection of lovely shops and restaurants including a dried flower bouquetmaking bar and a nostalgic candy shop.

Simply southern chicken sandwich from Emberz.

Pear and basil cocktail from Emberz. 48

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Summer Reads

COMING SOON

Books Adapted for the Screen Summer is the perfect time to turn the page and read those books you’ve been meaning to get to. Whether or not you’re hoping to brag that “the book was better” when you see the movie version with friends, find something that will keep your attention and let you escape or feel inspired—no matter where you are!

The Nightingale

Daisy Jones & The Six

Author Kristin Hannah’s arguably most popular

Become entrenched in the 70s LA music

novel comes to the screen later this year,

scene while you read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s

starring two real-life actress sisters Elle and

interview-format faux biography of a

Dakota Fanning as sisters in France, who are

fledgling-to-fame band—before it hits Amazon

torn apart when WWII begins.

Prime later this year.

Peter Pan & Wendy

Blonde

Slated for release this year as a live action movie,

“Blonde” is written by Joyce Carol Oates and

this is the original fantasy story, from J.M. Barrie’s

tells the straight to the truth life of Marilyn Monroe.

novel. Let your imagination run free and dive into

The film will feature Ana de Armas as Monroe

the pages of this classic this summer.

alongside Adrien Brody and Bobby Cannavale.

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Lifestyle Magazine May 2022

Articles inside

Garden