SUMMER 2018
Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2018
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TABLE of CONTENTS
SUMMER 2018 CONTENTS
RODEO FINALS Johnson competes in rodeo finals....................................... 4 Special cowboy moments.............................................................. 5 RODEO SCHOLARSHIPS California Rodeo Salinas announces scholarship........... 6 FEATURE Saddle Up: Santa Cruz County equestrian events......... 8 RANCH ROYALTY New Dairy Princess crowned................................................10 Program teaches children reading skills.................................. 11 RANCH LIFE Loftus Ranch Arena.................................................................. 12 COLUMN Everyone needs at least one animal by Lucy Jensen...........................................................................16
Cover Photo by TARMO HANNULA Story on page 8
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SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation
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RODEO FINALS
West Hills College rodeo athlete Caleb Johnson had a great season as a saddle bronc competitor this year for the Falcons Rodeo team. (Contributed photo)
Johnson competes in rodeo finals
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by
of
MICHAEL RAMIREZ Equine Enthusiast
est Hills College (Coalinga) freshman Caleb Johnson of King City had a fantastic season as a member of the rodeo team.
Johnson, the 19-year-old son of Marc and Amy Johnson, recently excelled as a saddle bronc competitor placing third in the West Coast Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association in Las Vegas, and was one of five freshmen to qualify for the College National Finals in Casper, Wyo. Johnson also competed in team roping at the collegiate level but became very efficient as a saddle bronc rider for the Falcons in his first season as a college student athlete. Johnson’s family has a long history in rodeo and Johnson began competing when he was 8 years old. “He has always wanted to do saddle bronc riding,” said Johnson’s mother Amy. “We always felt it was just a little more dangerous than the other rodeo events.”
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In saddle bronc competition, the competitors never ride or draw the same horse and must be ready right out of the game for the eight-second ride. “You will lose points once out of the chute if you don’t control the horse once it starts to buck,” Johnson said. “As a rider I have to have my heels in contact of the horse above his shoulders. I am scored as a rider and earn from 50 points or more on the ride and the horse is scored too if he bucks in a straight line.” Johnson is majoring in ag science and technology at West Hills and was an ag scholar this year, earning the prestigious ag scholarship at West Hills. He is a graduate of the Monterey County Home Charter School. This season Johnson won the saddle bronc event at home rodeo and was the Rookie Athlete of the Year at West Hills College. As a member of the rodeo team, Johnson is coached by head coach Justin Hampton and saddle bronc coach Uhuru Adem. “I would like to thank all my family, friends and my coaches,” Johnson said. “Without all the support and coaching, I would not have had the outstanding year I had.”
SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation
California Rodeo Salinas featured in RFD TV’s ‘Special Cowboy Moments’ series CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
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Barbara Balentine, sponsorship coordinator for California Rodeo Salinas, is interviewed for the ‘Special Cowboy Moments’ episode. (Contributed photo)
Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2018
SALINAS — California Rodeo Salinas received national television exposure in more than 55 million households July 11, as an episode of the series “Special Cowboy Moments” aired on RFD TV. Sponsored by MYCARS.com in Salinas, the episode featured interviews with individuals who are involved with or have competed at the California Rodeo Salinas. President of MYCARS.com, Darrick Hoskins jumped at the opportunity to underwrite the episode to help in spreading the word about the history and legacy of the California Rodeo Salinas. “I am happy to support anything to keep the sport of rodeo alive, and Salinas is my hometown rodeo so I was excited to be a part of this project,” Hoskins said. “Special Cowboy Moments” goes in-
side the story of 20th Century rodeo legends, up-and-comers, fourth generation ranchers and connoisseurs of western history in the half-hour docu-series that captures the heart of the steadfast western spirit. The series includes interviews with legends like Garry Leffew, Donny Gay, John W. Jones, Clint Johnson, Brad Gjermundson, Luke Branquinho and many more. “Special Cowboy Moments” is successful in telling the stories of those who embody the spirit of the west and events that preserve western heritage and traditions. Read more about “Special Cowboy Moments” at www.specialcowboymoments.com. Information about the California Rodeo and other events surrounding it can be found at www.CARODEO.com.
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RODEO SCHOLARSHIPS 6
This year’s recipients (from left) are Rafael Mendoza, Emmilu Choy, Morgan Dawes, Tyler Thompson, Yajaira Garcia and Cynthia Chavez. (Contributed photo)
California Rodeo Salinas announces 2018 scholarship recipients Six students to receive a total of $9,750 CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SALINAS — Each year California Rodeo Salinas awards scholarships to students graduating from Salinas Valley high schools who are attending Hartnell Junior College or transferring from Hartnell to a university. Students of Salinas Valley high schools who are seniors in the fall may apply if they will be attending Hartnell the following fall. Students must be 17 years of age or older and special consideration is given to Rodeo Committee Members as well as children or grandchildren of Rodeo Committee Members in good standing. There are six recipients this year who earned a total of SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation
$9,750: Cynthia Chavez, Emmilu Choy, Morgan Dawes, Yajaira Garcia, Rafael Mendoza and Tyler Thompson. Three of these individuals had an affiliation with the California Rodeo Salinas. Chavez is attending Stanislaus State University, with hopes of enrolling into the graduate program for aspiring teachers. She plans to earn her credentials and return home to teach. This scholarship has helped to provide the support necessary for her to further her education. Choy recently graduated from Hartnell College with an Associate of Art degree and will begin her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing in the fall. She is looking forward to continuing her education with the help of this scholarship, and plans to work at a local community hospital following graduation. Dawes will be attending Fresno State University in the fall after having received an associate degree from Hartnell College in natural sciences. She hopes to become an equine veterinarian in Salinas, where she will also continue her work in the local FFA and 4-H groups. She is grateful that this scholarship will allow her to focus on her education at her new university. Garcia will be transferring to University of California Berkeley in the fall, after having received her associate de-
Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2018
gree from Hartnell College. She plans to attain a degree in political science at Berkeley, which she will use to become a prosecutor for the Monterey County Superior Court. She is looking forward to continuing her education, which this scholarship has helped to make possible. Mendoza is currently attending Hartnell College with hopes of attaining a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. He will use his degree to become an engineering executive, and is thankful for the opportunity that this scholarship provides. Thompson will be transferring to Fresno State University in the fall after completing three years at Hartnell College, and receiving Associate of Science degrees in sociology and social sciences. He hopes to attain a master’s degree in either history or political science, in order to pursue a career as a professor. He is excited about the opportunities this scholarship will provide while attending Fresno State. Since 1986, California Rodeo Salinas scholarships have been awarded to 68 students totaling over $73,000. The scholarship program is run through the Hartnell College Foundation, and more information can be found at www. hartnell.edu/scholarships. Applications are typically online in early January and due at the end of February each year.
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FEATURE
by of
TARMO HANNULA Equine Enthusiast
Saddle Up 8
SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation
Equestrian events lined up at SC County Fairgrounds
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s summer weather settles in, a long string of equestrian competitions are on deck at the horse arena at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. All of the events are free to the public, who are encouraged to come watch the drama unfold.
“I still remember showing in a horse event as a little kid here at the fairgrounds,” said Kendra Tasker of Martinez, who was competing July 6 in the annual Outback Cutting event at the fairgrounds. “I love horses and I love the people in the shows. My father raised cattle so I grew up around horses. Cutting really isn’t that difficult. I love the challenge.” Carine Schlesinger, show secretary, said great numbers of riders are drawn to the fairgrounds “for the fantastic weather and a great place to compete. They’ve really done a nice job with their grounds here and that’s what keeps people coming back.” Holly Royal of Australia said Cutting Outback (July 2-9) was her second time to visit the fairgrounds and compete. “Last year was my favorite show of the year, right here at this fairgrounds,” she said. As she taped the ankles of her quarter horse, Jessica, prior to a competition, Royal said she liked the way cutting, a maneuver that requires a rider and horse try to isolate a cow from a herd, made a rider constantly test herself. “Everything is changing constantly. It’s all about your trust with the horse; so much training goes into this.” On July 6, another group, the Redwood Riders, will visit the fairgrounds for their annual meet. Brenda Tealer, vice president of district board, said about 40 riders will compete on horses that span from ponies to Draft horses in a host of timed obstacle course events. “What’s nice about our events is that we get a lot of families coming out,” Tealer said. “Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you can still compete and win because of all the categories involved.” Tealer said the event this year is a “belt buckle show,” meaning each high point rider comes away with a belt buckle that features inscriptions specific that that show. She offered great esteem for the sponsors, like C&N Tractor and Chevrolet of Watsonville.
Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2018
“If we didn’t have these sponsors we couldn’t do this,” Tealer said. “They’re amazing. “We encourage families to come out to the show, where you wear your jeans, get dirty and become a part of the family fun.”
Also on the calendar:
On July 23 the annual American Quarter Horse Association will set up at the fairgrounds July 23 for the competition July 25-29. The WCASHA show sets up Aug. 2 and takes place Aug. 3-5. Look for the Fox N Horn event Aug. 17 with the event running Aug. 18-19. The event showcases entry level English jump, walk, trot, and championship medal finals. While classes run in the mornings, jumping events take place at noon to 5:30 p.m. The annual California State Horsemanship Association Show of Champs runs Oct. 9.
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RANCH ROYALTY
New dairy princess crowned
Sophia Vander Dussen of El Nido selected as District 6 Dairy Princess CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
TRACY - Sophia Vander Dussen of El Nido was selected as the 2018 Dairy Princess for the California Milk Advisory Board’s (CMAB) District 6. The crowning took place before a crowd of approximately 325 dairy industry members and their families and friends June 14 at Our Lady of Assumption Hall in Turlock. Retiring Dairy Princess Makayla Toste ended her reign by turning over the title to Vander Dussen and wished her well as she represents the California dairy industry throughout the coming year. Vander Dussen will represent District 6, which includes Alameda, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties.
As Dairy Princess, she will play an important role on the CMAB’s Communications Services team in meeting community relations objectives. Vander Dussen is the daughter of Michael and Wendy Vander Dussen of El Nido. She is a fourth-generation dairy farmer and has been involved in both Chowchilla 4-H and Stone Ridge FFA, where she served as the chapter reporter. She also participates in volleyball, soccer, basketball, swim and golf. She plans to attend California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and major in agriculture business. First Alternate, Caroline Lee, is the daughter of Ross and Gina Lee from Modesto. She is attending Modesto Junior College (MJC) and majoring in “PRINCESS” CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation
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Program teaches children reading skills
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APTOS - The Summer READ Program (Reading Equine Art Duo) is ongoing at Pregnant Mare Rescue on Larkin Valley Road. In this program, children will develop their reading skills by reading a story to a horse. After reading a book, the child will then create their own picture of the story through art. According to coordinator Lisa M. Algee, having a horse present while the child reads has shown to ameliorate the child’s anxiety or nervousness. Sessions are held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Once a week sessions are $75, twice a week is $135 and three times a week is $190. For information, contact Algee at 227-9847 or email algeelisa@gmail.com. Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2018
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RANCH LIFE
Loftus Ranch Arena
Warners make it all about family Team roping and sorting events open to public by of
BRIAN WILLIAMS Equine Enthusiast
TOP: The Warners family pose for a photo in front of Loftus Ranch Arena in Paso Robles. Pictured are Jason, Courtney, Caitlin, Camaryn and Carson. LEFT: The Warners host free team roping at their Loftus Ranch Arena on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. (Photos by Brian Williams)
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SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation
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oftus Ranch is all about family — no matter if its blood or extended.
Jason and Courtney Warner purchased the ranch two years ago to give their children, Carson, Caitlin and Camaryn, the chance to live a country way of life — riding horses, and raising cows and pigs for their 4-H projects. The couple agrees it was one of their best moves and that it takes the entire family to keep it going. “We just love being able to raise our kids in this atmosphere,” said Courtney, who in addition to being mom on the ranch is also going to college. “It really takes a family. It’s a complete family operation. We all make it a way of life.” Jason adds, “We are very lucky to have this place. We are really blessed to have this facility right here.” The three children all have chores to do in the morning and afternoon. “All of the kids help,” said Jason, who works for a construction company. “The ranch and livestock all come before anything else.” Jason’s father owns a large cattle ranch in Arizona and said when his kids visit their granddad they are able to help out because of what they have learned at home. The kids said they enjoy living on the ranch and having their friends over to ride horses and play on the ranch. The original owner of the expansive ranch
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“LOFTUS” CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Published by News Media Corporation | SUMMER 2018
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“LOFTUS” CONTINUED from page 13
located at the end of Buena Vista Drive south of Paso Robles decided to leave the area, opening the door for the Warners, Courtney explained. Loftus Ranch is known for its lighted arena, complete with a covered announcers stand, and the Warners have freely opened it up to the public, hosting team roping on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and team sorting on Sundays. Next to the arena is a feedlot with holding pens for cattle. The Warners take great pride in being able to open the arena up to the public and enjoy sharing their way of life with others. Jason recalled a story of a family staying at a local hotel with children who had never been on a horse. “They were visiting the area and we got a call asking if they could come out,” Jason said. “We said sure and they never stopped smiling when they were riding. It was really satisfying to see that.” “People get to do things here that they normally wouldn’t get to do,” Jason said. The Warners have also hosted fundraising events at the arena, as well as kids days, barrel racing, Charro rodeos, and goat tying, just to name a few — anything that promotes family, the Warners said. “We are very lucky to be able to give to the community and their kids,” Jason said. The Warners also board horses and offer riding (any discipline) and roping lessons and clinics. “It’s all very basic. We can only take them to a certain point,” Jason said. “We hope they can enjoy their time and smile. It’s all for fun.” Heath Scoville of Templeton was doing some team roping at the arena one Tuesday in July. He also brings his younger children out to ride and applauded the Warners for opening it up to to the public. “They are a nice family,” Scoville said. “It’s a great facility. It’s nice to be able to come out and practice.” Sorting begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays and the team roping begins between 6:30 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Loftus Ranch Arena is located at 3965 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles. For more information, call 805-610-2999, or visit their Facebook pages, Loftus Ranch 2 Man Sorting, Loftus Ranch Barrel Racers or Loftus Ranch Arena. 14
SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation
“PRINCESS” CONTINUED from page 10
dairy science, where she is active in the dairy science group. She was a member of the dairy judging team and competed at contests all over the United States. Lee also served as the co-chair for the 2018 FFA Dairy Judging contest at the MJC Field Day. She plans to transfer to a four-year university after receiving her associate’s degree from MJC. Lee will assist the new District 6 Dairy Princess in her duties, which include speaking on behalf of the California dairy industry at schools, service clubs, with the media and at numerous public events throughout the year. In addition, the Dairy Princess and her Alternate will attend a training session with workshops on presentation development, promoting the California dairy industry and leadership and etiquette tools. Along with the excitement of naming the new Dairy Princess, the District 6 Dairy Princess committee celebrated its 60th anniversary of the program and 32 past Dairy Princesses attended the event. The committee also awarded over $2,700 in scholarships to the four contestants. Finally, the contestants themselves voted for the Miss Vitality Award. This award is given to a young lady whom each contestant felt had the most spirit throughout the Dairy Princess experience; Lee was selected as Miss Vitality 2018. The Master of Ceremonies for the contest was Frank Borba of Escalon. Contestants were judged on poise, personality, speaking ability, education and dairy background. Judges for the contest were Brad Barham of Hughson, Diane Coderniz Jackson of Fresno and Natalie Silva of Tracy. The event chairperson was Linda Teixeira. The Dairy Princess Contest was catered by Mike’s Branding Iron of Modesto, music was provided by Sounds in Motion of Modesto and the photographer for the evening was Stephanie Baker Photography of Turlock. California is the nation’s leading milk producer. It also produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. Dairy products made with Real California Milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms by California dairy farm families.
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Everyone needs at least one animal by
LUCY JENSEN Equine Enthusiast
for
For many of us — animals have been an important part of our therapy throughout our lives. They have shared joy, given delight and laughter and dried many a tear in their determination to be everything to you, their human. (Unless your main animal is a cat, however. They are more self-absorbed and make it all about them.) I love the animals’ honesty and simplicity of sorts — their extreme loyalty and lack of judgement, their pure hearts. In my world, a house is not a home without being surrounded by various kinds of animals — and I know I shall be forever around them. They are my sanctuary and my happy place. I feel calm and capable around them. When I was ill and the axles of my life turned inside out, it was the animals that brought me back around to living without fear or desperation. From cats and kittens to goats, dogs, turtles, birds, llamas and my magical horse called Winston … they gave me back my quality of life in a sense; but in a, strangely, much richer way than before. Not only did I still have animals in my life, I went on to rescue animals and help them onto better lives, as they had assisted me back on the pathway to mine. My love became a quest and grew from there into a mission that I shall likely never quit. It is a circle of gratitude I’m still trying to understand. There is all measure of examples where animals heal — from the parrots at Serenity Park to the dogs at SCAR. It has been proven time and time again that animals can help fix humans and vice versa. Our animal rescue became recently involved in the possibility of a very special dog training program and, from there, we were asked about K-9 therapy dogs and whether we could provide them. We decided that this was a service we needed to accommodate. The patients in question had, previously, enjoyed the benefit of a therapy dog who had died and morale and behavior had significantly declined from thereon. For one reason or another, they had never been able to get another one. Now we were going to be able to bring a dog or two back into their lives, we were very curious about how we would be received. “Oh, I remember Winston, the therapy dog. He died though.” “I haven’t petted a dog since Winston died. Will you come every week? Will you come back? I miss Winston.” These patients of the hard knocks in life talked about their old therapy dog Winston, as they cradled my dog Tucker’s head in their hands and I didn’t worry for his safety — they were so gentle with him and grateful for his presence. Some wrapped their arms around his neck, some just smiled and watched his every move, took his paw, scratched his belly. All responded to him in a positive way, even if they didn’t wish to engage with him 16
COLUMN
this particular time. One patient told me … “Next time, I will talk to him. Next time.” And I saw that as progress. “What’s his name, how old is he? Will you come back next week?” They asked over and over. “Thank you for bringing him, thank you for taking time out of your week to bring him to us. Can I pet him again? I wish he could stay here with us.” Tucker, my big old rescue Border Collie-McNab, had never had so much attention, not even when he visited the rehab center for the elderly and that was quite the captive audience. Everyone here wanted to feel him, touch him, give him a treat — he lit up each room that he visited and his body swayed with positive feeling and pride as he, as I told him, went “to work.” “I haven’t petted a dog in 13 years.” “I haven’t seen a dog in 18 years.” “I haven’t touched a dog in 24 years.” Whatever their problems and their issues with the outside world, they all seemed to remember the last time they had done such a simple thing as touch a dog, the last time they had felt the warmth of an animal’s body, seen the happy wag of the tail and the big, unjudging smile on the dog’s face. “He’s so happy,” said one patient, stroking Tucker’s head and giving him a small piece of jerky. “Yes, he is happy to see you,” I replied. “Happy to see me? No one is happy to see me,” the patient remarked, eyes cast downwards. “Well Tucker is. He loves everyone,” I said and I witnessed a glimmer of a smile in return. There were some valuable dialogues I soaked in that day, as we made our rounds with some of the scarred of society and watched how an animal can transform a day, lift a mood and give someone a bit of happiness and hope of an afternoon, necessary components of the human condition. “I like petting him,” this was a younger patient. “I’ve been going through a lot recently and he helps me feel calm.” I felt almost euphoric. As we left the patients for the day and returned to our regular lives, I was left with many voices in my head, a certain amount of aching in my heart, but also a sense of joy that my Tucker had lifted some spirits today and would be doing so indefinitely, every week, as long as he was invited to go visit. Everyone needs an animal in their lives — I am even more convinced of that than I was before. To see the desperate and the downtrodden respond in such a warm and loving way to my big old rescue dog gave my soul an indescribable feeling of peace. Sometimes, it is along the darker corridors that the purpose of your journey becomes clear. Lucy Jensen is an Animal Champion of South County Animal Rescue. Contact her at Lumajen1@aol.com. SUMMER 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation