CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — THE HEART OF THE SOUTH VALLEY
MAGAZINE
VISALIA MEDICAL CLINIC
75 Years of Helping Visalia Be Well VIRTUAL VALLEY
Homework Cheats: Technology versus Teachers
FITNESS
Your Guide to Healthy Eating
JULY
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
INSIDE JULY 2016 P U B L I S H E D BY
DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 A D M I N I S T R AT I O N & E D I T O R I A L
Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Editorial Coordinator KELLY LAPADULA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON CO NTR I BUTI N G WR ITE R S
ANDY SALAZAR C. S. WYATT IMAGINEU JOSEPH PUBILLONES KELLEY PETTY LEE LITTLEWOOD MISSY YAVASILE MARY HUNT RYAN STILLWATER SHARON MOSLEY TODD OTO VALLEY OAK SPCA WARREN GUBLER GR APHIC DESIGNER
CHRIS BLY A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S
Account Executive MELISSA OLSON melissa@dmiagency.com 559.739.1747 SALES OFFICE
801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • fax 559.738.0909 email: direct@dmiagency.com B U S I N E S S M A N AG E M E N T
MALKASIAN ACCOUNTANCY LLP GARY MALKASIAN CPA JEFFREY MALKASIAN EA
Direct Magazine is published twelve times a year and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 33,000 homes in Visalia. An additional 2,000 magazines are circulated at distribution points around Visalia and Tulare. Views expressed in columns are those expressed by the columnist and not necessarily those of Direct Magazine. We are dedicated to serving the community. Please call us for questions, comments, article suggestions or for information about local events at 739-1747. Fax us at 738-0909 or email us: direct@dmiagency.com. Online Issue at: www.issuu.com/dmiagency © 2016 DMI Agency
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cover story
4 Visalia Medical Clinic Serving Visalia Through the Years features
8 Virtual Valley
departments 10 SPCA 12 Visalia Chamber 13 Tulare Chamber 19 Fitness 21 Kids’ Bookshelf 22 Visalia Rescue Mission 23 Easy Eating 24 Fashion
Homework Cheats: Technology versus Teachers
26 College Prep
14 VUSD
27 Interior Design
A Quick Look in the Rearview Mirror
15 Create Fourth of July Streamer
16 Community Dog Friendly Visalia 18 Gardening Indoor Summer Gardening Experiment!
20 Visalia First The Global Leadership Summit
25 Character Counts! The Six Pillars of Character
28 Money Matters 29 Crossword 30 Goings-On 32 Warren Reports
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VISALIA MEDICAL CLINIC
VMC staff and family gather to celebrate ‘Large Business of the Year,’ 2014
Visalia Medical Clinic:
Serving Visalia Through the Years
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isalia Medical Clinic has been part of the fabric of Visalia since 1941. This year, the largest physician-owned medical practice in the South Valley is honored to celebrate 75 years of caring for this community. Over the decades, we have seen huge changes in our industry, and change continues at a dramatic pace today. We are excited about the providers that have joined the VMC family recently. They are well trained, highly skilled, and caring. We will continue to grow and provide essential medical technologies as part of our commitment to our patients and this growing community.
Enjoy this look back in time! 4
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
SERVING VISALIA AND THE NATION When Visalia Medical Clinic began in 1941, there were just two medical practices, totaling three doctors, serving a population of less than 9,000 people. Dr. I.M. Lipson and his son-in-law Dr. William S. Neal formed a practice, and Dr. J. H. Brady soon joined them at the small office on Main Street. The practice grew quickly, and the doctors’ wives were often called upon to act as the night and weekend answering service. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 brought threats of conscription for the young physicians, but the doctors proceeded with plans to build a new clinic on South Floral Street, near the current Kaweah Delta Medical Center. The practice survived World War II, in spite of doctors being commissioned to serve around the world. THE 1950s: AN ERA OF GROWTH The 1950s saw the practice move to a new building on Meadow Lane, large enough to accommodate 12 physicians and offering an on-site pharmacy. The building was expanded again in 1957 as additional physicians joined. The practice now offered surgery, OB-GYN, internal medicine, psychiatry, and physiotherapy (now known as physical therapy). Technology was changing rapidly then, as well, leading the physician-owners to provide an on-site lab and X-ray – services that VMC continues to offer on-site as a convenience to patients. THE ‘60s AND ‘70s: THE BIG MOVE This was a time of big hairdos, big population growth, and a big move to the far outskirts of Visalia. The expansions continued at Meadow Lane, growing to 18 physicians to meet Visalia’s population of 20,000. The first ear, nose and throat, and hematology specialists joined, along with pediatrics and an ophthalmologist. In 1974, the physician-owners realized they couldn’t expand any further at the Meadow Lane location. They purchased the 41-acre Akers property, surrounded by agriculture and located far from the heart of town. With the massive move to the new site came a new name: Visalia Medical Clinic, Inc.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VISALIA MEDICAL CLINIC THE ‘80s TO TODAY: SPECIALISTS IN CARE This era saw Visalia’s population grow from about 70,000 to today’s 130,000. VMC’s family of providers has also grown, with more than 50 physicians today and a staff of about 300. New medical technology, including state-of-the-art CT scanner, mammography, and MRI, has been an ongoing focus along with patient-centered communications such as the patient portal. VMC changed with the medical industry during these years, responding to the need for specialty care by offering a physical therapy department, a sleep disorders center, cardiology, gastroenterology, QuickCare walk-in care, plastic surgery through The Aesthetic Center, and more.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Join Visalia Medical Clinic for the 75th Anniversary Health Festival this fall! Watch for details coming soon.
PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE: COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND COMMUNITY
Enjoy bike and helmet checks with Visalia Police Department, learn about car safety seats with the CHP, take advantage of health checkups, including blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol – and more.
Through all of the changes, the physicians and staff of VMC focus first on serving patients with compassion and expertise.
Visit all the booths and complete your checklist to be entered to win a prize!
Unlike any practice in the region, VMC offers a wide range of specialty care, a highly rated lab, state-of-the-art imaging technology, and a pharmacy all under one roof. Referrals are streamlined and physicians regularly collaborate on patient care. VMC is also committed to the community. Physicians volunteer in a wide range of local activities, from faith to sports physicals, from community education to surgeries that correct severe birth defects. Staff and physicians serve on boards, such as the Visalia Chamber of Commerce and local and statewide medical associations. Physicians volunteer their services to those in need, and the clinic supports Visalia’s schools and community events.
Thank you, Visalia, for allowing the staff and physicians to help you Be Well for 75 years. 6
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VIRTUAL VALLEY
Homework Cheats:
Technology versus Teachers
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echnology constantly offers new ways for students to avoid difficult work. I remember the first time a classmate was caught using a calculator watch during a test. The Casio CFX-400 scientific calculator watch could do everything a geometry student needed in 1986. Maybe it was intended for professional use, but the market it found was students. Casio still sells calculator watches, maybe for the nostalgic Gen X shopper. Cell phones have featured calculators since the flip-phone days, rendering the calculator watch a novelty item. Before cell phones became smartphones, personal digital
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assistants presented a challenge for teachers. A student with a PalmPilot might have a thesaurus, world map, graphing calculator, and language translator. Today’s smartphones offer those apps and much more. With access to the web, the smartphone is the ultimate handheld reference library. PDAs and watch calculators were good for multiple-choice tests. Math teachers asked students to show the process behind complex solutions, something devices couldn’t help a student do. Now, however, there are math apps that will show the steps toward a solution. Photomath, available for iOS and Android devices, takes “help” with math homework to a new extreme. Aim a smartphone camera at a math problem and the app solves the equation. You can also type equations into the app, in case a camera flash would attract attention. Yes, the application serves a useful purpose beyond homework, but it is marketed to students. Introduced in 2014, the app has increased in power and accuracy each year.
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
TEXT BY C. S. WYATT
Writing assignments present more of a challenge for cheaters and for teachers.
John Bates Clark Medal, an honor earned by economists as varied as Paul Krugman and Milton Friedman.
In the ancient past, before the 1990s, students cheated by copying and paraphrasing from books. There was some effort involved, especially if the paper had to be handwritten. I have colleagues who still require handwritten outlines and drafts because at least copying by hand reminds students of the information. You have to read to copy content by hand.
Other researchers discovered a correlation between the number of edits to an article and its accuracy. When an article has 2,000 edits, it is more likely to be balanced and accurate. The fewer contributors and editors to a Wikipedia article, the more likely it is to be factually flawed and ideologically biased. These results seem to suggest “crowdsourcing” works, when there is an actual “crowd” contributing. Unfortunately, most Wikipedia articles have only a few contributors and one or two active editors, according to a 2015 Forbes report.
The primary source of copied materials had been encyclopedias. Teaching college composition at Fresno State, I encountered variations of the encyclopedia problem that has plagued teachers for decades. Instead of copying entries from old-fashioned printed encyclopedias located in the campus library, students were copying and pasting text from CDROM editions of reference books. The pasted text was often in a different font. The “tell” that a student copied text into a paper was the straight “tick mark” quotes and apostrophes, instead of the curved typographer’s “smartquotes” word processors use. When I started teaching at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2006, Wikipedia and Wikibooks quickly replaced CD-ROM encyclopedias as the primary sources for plagiarized paragraphs. Though only five years old, Wikipedia was already the most popular online destination for general reference information. Thankfully for me and other teachers, Wikipedia articles in 2006 tended to be poorly edited. Not only did the cut-andpaste look obvious, but the plagiarized text was poorly written. Students seldom checked the spelling, grammar, and academic style of the text they copied. I recall correcting a draft paper only to have a student tell me, “It can’t be wrong. Lots of people edit Wikipedia.” Wikipedia improved quickly, especially articles on technical and scientific material. Studies soon found STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) articles on Wikipedia were as accurate as content from other general audience sources, including encyclopedias. Unfortunately, being “as accurate” as an encyclopedia wasn’t very good. In 2005, The journal Nature found serious errors in both Wikipedia and Encyclopædia Britannica. By 2011, studies of Wikipedia found improvement in the STEM articles, while Wikipedia articles on culture and politics had a decidedly left-leaning political bias. Former University of Chicago economist Matthew Gentzkow, now at Stanford, and his colleague Jesse Shapiro found the biases in Wikipedia articles resembled those of other media with similar readership: urban creatives with college degrees. In 2014 Gentzkow received the
As a teacher, I have students read articles on the issues of relying on reports of reports. Wikipedia, like a newspaper, can only report secondhand information. Instead of trusting these sources, I explain that citations should come from the original sources of research and information. A good Wikipedia article concludes with a list of verifiable sources. Instead of citing the Wikipedia article, I teach students to follow the links at the bottom of pages to the original sources. Read the original materials and cite only from those. Soon, students discover research journals, academic foundations, and government sources. Students might find valid sources from Wikipedia links, but that’s insufficient for writing a good academic paper. I have to teach students not to copy and paste from credible sources, too. Copying text or data from the Environmental Protection Agency or the Bureau of Labor Statistics without citing the source is still plagiarism. Every university at which I’ve taught since 2006 has allowed (or required) professors to use Turnitin.com to verify the originality of academic papers. As a student in a master of fine arts program, my classes have also used Turnitin to fight plagiarism. Submitted papers are compared to websites, journal articles, books, and other student papers. Many educators dislike Turnitin, though I have had to use it to prove a case of plagiarism. Grammarly.com also offers plagiarism detection and citation advice. For students, I like the idea of submitting a draft online to learn about citations and properly crediting sources. I dislike Turnitin and Grammarly for presuming that students are guilty of intentional plagiarism. Many students do not understand that copying and pasting is unacceptable. They come from a “mashup” generation, with clips and samples of existing works used to create “new” music and art. Teachers need to explain how and when to use tools like Wikipedia and Photomath, so those tools don’t became paths to cheating.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VALLEY OAK SPCA TEXT BY VALLEY OAK SPCA
Summer Safety for Pets
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uly 4 is no fun for your pets. Fireworks can be a nightmare for your animals and are responsible for countless lost pets every year. No matter how calm your dog usually is, the panic that those loud noises create is enough to have them dig under or jump over fences, run into traffic, chew through their leash, jump through windows or screens, and run off for miles. Keep your cats and dogs safely confined indoors and celebrate responsibly. Should you return home from your July 4th celebration or vacation and find your pet is missing, contact City of Visalia Animal Services: 713-4700. With school out and summer activities, watch out for open doors and sneaky pets. Ask guests to keep an eye out for pets under foot and remind them that sometimes your normally friendly dog or cat may be less than willing to deal with enthusiastic children and rooms full of unfamiliar people. Provide a special quiet place with a blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to when the festivities get too stressful. If you are a cat owner, note that a disruption such as the rearrangement of furniture around the house may cause your feline to stop using the litter box. One of the best things to do this summer is to make sure that your pet has a collar with ID tags, license, and/or microchip with current information on them, and that they are safely secured before summer vacations – and year round. Valley Oak SPCA offers pet microchips for $35 each at our Spay Neuter Clinic and can be done without an appointment Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Your veterinarian can also microchip your pet. It’s up to you to monitor your pet during playtime, especially in hot weather. Have a permanent place for your dog to go for shade if they will be spending any amount of time outdoors. Temperatures in the shade can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than in the sun. Doghouses provide protection from the sun, but not the heat. Make sure your dog has protection from both. Limit your dog’s outdoor time when it’s hot, and keep in mind the hottest hours are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Save walks on pavement for the early morning or evening hours. Hot asphalt can burn a dog’s pads. A good way to check if it’s too hot is to lay your hand or bare foot on the ground, and if you can’t keep it down for a few seconds, it’s probably too hot for your dog. Also, bring along plenty of water. Dogs, particularly ones that are pale and shorthaired, are more prone to sunburn and skin cancer, just like humans. Consider applying sunscreen to the bridge of the nose, ear tips, and skin around the lips if the dog will be spending time out in the sun.
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Do not leave your pet in your car while you work, visit, shop, or run other errands. Warm weather can literally be a killer for pets left inside a vehicle. On a warm day, the temperature inside a car can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes, even with the car windows partially open. A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101102.5°F. Dogs can withstand a body temperature of 107-108°F for a only a very short period of time before suffering brain damage or even death from heat stroke or suffocation. Leaving your pets unattended in a vehicle during extreme weather is not only dangerous, it’s also illegal. Per California Penal Code 597.7, a first conviction for violation is punishable by a fine not exceeding $100 per animal. Should you witness an animal in distress, call City of Visalia Animal Control at 713-4957. Heatstroke can strike a dog very quickly and be fatal within a matter of minutes. Signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, gasping for air, heavy salivating, rapid heart rate, staggered walking, muscle tremors, seizures or convulsions, glazed eyes, and noticeably darker tongue and gums. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, first wet him down with cool (not cold) water or cool compresses starting with the paws and working your way up, then seek veterinary care as soon as possible. A kiddie wading pool is a good alternative to your dog rolling around in the dirt to keep cool. Like children, do not leave your pet unattended in the pool. Chlorine, and other chemicals commonly used in swimming pools, can irritate some dogs’ skin, eyes, and coats. After your dogs go swimming in the pool, it is best if you can rinse them off with fresh, clean water. Also, if you notice your dogs are scratching or developing skin issues, you should keep them out of the pool. When the weather is dangerously hot, it is just best to keep ourselves and our pets inside. If you are uncomfortable in the heat, so are your pets.
PET OF THE MONTH “Hi, I’m Nahla. I like sunsets, long walks, and feeling the sand between my paws at the beach. My favorite color is brown.” Nahla is a playful, energetic 3-year-old female Retriever/Lab mix. Someone left her at a local church with a broken hind leg and huge gash on her neck approximately six months ago. Church staff brought her to Valley Oak SPCA. Despite her injuries, she is very sweet and loves to give kisses. She is fully healed and would be a great walking/running partner. She is smart, curious, and gets along great with other dogs. If you would like to meet Nahla, come visit her at Valley Oak SPCA Adoption Center, 29010 Highway 99, Visalia. Monday, Thursday, Friday 12 p.m.-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
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FAMILY F.O.C.U.S. Water Safety For Young Children
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e know water play during the summer months can be very rewarding for small children. However, there a many dangers for young children near or in the water. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between one and four years old, and it’s the third leading cause of injuryrelated death among children 19 and under. So how can you balance the dangers and the rewards of water play this year with your young ones? TOP TIPS 1. Never leave your child unattended (not even to run in and answer the phone) around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. Babies can drown in as little as one-inch of water and it only takes a moment. 2. Put your cell phone, laptop, and summer reading away. Forget about all the other things you have to do and give young children 100 percent of your attention when they are near or around water. 3. Empty all tubs, buckets, containers, and wading pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
VACATION RENTALS
4. Parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind. The more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. 5. All Children should wear a life vest when on a boat regardless of swimming ability.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VISALIA CHAMBER
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he Visalia Chamber of Commerce serves as the local “voice of business” as they advocate for businesses throughout Visalia. Each month, the Chamber facilitates a variety of events to support and further the success of the community. 1. Cathy Parker, Sharon Allison Crook, Shayna Nagle, and Tony Parker at the Century 21 Jordan-Link Business After Hours Mixer.
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2. Chamber Ambassadors attending the Century 21 Jordan-Link Business After Hours Mixer celebrating 40 years in business. 3. The Young Professionals Networking Mixer, co-hosted by the Visalia Fox Theatre. 4. Leadership Visalia Graduation at the Lamp Liter Inn. 5. Fox Interpreting staff members at the YPN Mixer at the Visalia Fox Theatre.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
TULARE CHAMBER
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he Tulare Chamber of Commerce exists to serve its members and citizens by advocating for, and engaging in, efforts to encourage economic opportunity and business prosperity. The Tulare Chamber supports businesses by building partnerships, providing educational opportunities, and advocating for its members and community.
1. Leadership Tulare Class of 20152016 Graduated on May 26 at the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to the graduates, and thank you for all of your hard work. 2. As of June 1, Bravo Farms Restaurant & Cheese Shoppe has officially expanded their current location in Tulare. 3. Team Tulare visited more than 40 businesses on South K. St. on May 17 on their second Business Walk. Thank you to the volunteers that joined us and donated their time and energy. Team Tulare would also like to thank the business owners who took the time to speak with us. 4. The staff at Bravo Farms Restaurant & Cheese Shoppe pose for a photo on June 3, shortly after opening their new expanded location.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VUSD TEXT BY TODD OTO, ED. D, VUSD SUPERINTENDENT
A Quick Look in the Rearview Mirror
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ummer is a time when schools and districts pause for a few moments to look back and assess the accomplishments of the year. One of the things we do is look at data to help us understand how the work we have done with kids has helped prepare them for their lives beyond public school. This is important, for school is not an end in itself, but instead a means to an end: a productive life as an adult. In Visalia Unified, we received data recently from the state that gives us some insight regarding how we are doing in getting kids to graduation—one of the most foundational outcomes by which we are judged. Each year, we receive graduation rate data for the prior year and this year’s data are striking: for the sixth straight year, we have had a continued increase in our graduation rate. For the 2014-2015 school year, our graduation rate was 94.7 percent – an increase of 14.4 percent in our graduation rate from the 2009-2010 school year. From any perspective, this is excellent growth for our district. To provide some perspective through comparison: for 2014-2015, when the VUSD graduation rate was 94.7 percent, the county graduation rate was 85.4 percent, and the state graduation rate was 82.3 percent. It is important to note that these results represent cohort data. That is, the data reflect the percentage of students who enter high school in the ninth grade and who graduate as seniors four years later – not just the 14
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percentage of students who start the senior year and make it to graduation. Our increased graduation rate can be accounted for through four things, generally. First, our academic program has continued to develop, and it provides students with a more challenging curriculum and better support than ever before. Kids are working harder and learning more than ever before, and performing better than ever academically. Second, we have a district-wide focus on significance and belonging. This means that we are working actively and intentionally to help kids feel that they have a place and are important at school. This feeling leverages significantly the academic work of the schools. Third, we have a strong and diverse set of alternative education schools that provide options for kids that struggle in the traditional school setting. These schools provide options for independent study, smaller school settings, deeper behavior support, and truly work hard to keep kids on the path to graduation. Finally, it is important to note that the suspension of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) last year had some impact on graduation rates across the state, although our CAHSEE non-pass rate has traditionally been very low. So, although we celebrated the achievements of this year’s senior class across our district at our commencement events in June, we also have reason to be proud of the achievement of our schools at large. Graduation is the result of work at all levels of our organization, not just high schools. As we seek to provide an education that affords students limitless opportunities for the future, an important step in meeting that mission is getting every child to graduation. We are very, very excited that our data show that we are getting closer to that goal every year.
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
CREATE TEXT BY IMAGINEU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
DIRECTIONS: • Roll the blue construction paper into a tube and glue or staple it together. • Cut out stars from your red and white construction paper. • Cut the red, white, and blue crepe paper into 12 to 14 inch-long streamers. • Attach the red, white, and blue crepe paper to the inside of one end of tube. • Glue the stars on the tube. • Glue stars on the ends of the streamers. • Staple or glue a ribbon or string to form a handle to the other end of the tube. • When the glue has dried, find a place to hang your 4th of July streamer in the breeze.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July
Fourth of July Streamer
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ummer has arrived, which means it’s time for 4th of July parties. While you’re waiting for the fireworks, gather the children in the back yard to teach them this fun craft. WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR CRAFT: • Red, white, and blue construction paper • Red, white, and blue crepe paper • Scissors • Glue • Stapler (optional) • String or ribbon DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
COMMUNITY
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
Dog Friendly Visalia
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f you’re a dog owner in Visalia, it’s likely you’ve scouted out the best places to bring your furry friends. A few of us at Direct are enthusiastic dog owners, and we assume we aren’t the only ones around. We’ve compiled a list of local spots you and your pup will love to frequent this summer. DOGS THAT DINE Eating out with pets might seem counterintuitive to the dog novice (begging puppy dog eyes, anyone?), but if you are the type of dog owner who has a “puppy on board” bumper sticker, it’s likely you’re not opposed to bringing Spot along for date night. Visalia has a number of dining options with dog-friendly patios, and these are just a few of our favorites: • Tazzaria • El Tarasco (downtown location) • Charcuterie • Planing Mill • Pita Kabob • Figaro’s Mexican Grill • Pizanos • Quesadilla Gorilla • Le Boulevard • Farm Fresh Bowls • Watson’s Veggie Garden (front patio only) OUTDOORS WITH OTTO It doesn’t take much to get your dog’s tail wagging, and usually fresh air does the trick. These parks and low-impact walking trails are the perfect way to get your dog out and moving. Thankfully, the Visalia Parks and Recreation supports a dog-friendly community for Visalians: “Providing safe and fun spaces where pet owners can enjoy time with their four-legged friends is essential to building a healthy community.” – Jeannie Greenwood, Visalia Parks and Recreation Department Director.
Cody Kelly Bark Park – Located in Plaza Park on the West side of Visalia, this off-leash dog park provides ample space for both small and large breeds to socialize, play, and enjoy the outdoors in a fenced-off environment. Seven Oaks Park – On the East side of town, Seven Oaks Park has a fenced off area for dogs to run free off-leash. Kaweah Oaks Preserve – With miles of walking trails, Kaweah Oaks Preserve is a great place to explore our Valley’s natural habitat while taking the dog for a walk. Dogs must remain leashed at all times.
Slick Rock Trail in Three Rivers – This easy trail sits along the Kaweah River just outside of Three Rivers. Once entering the main parking lot, drive straight ahead and make a slight right to access the trail. Dogs must remain leashed at all times. Sequoia National Park – If you plan to take your pup up to the Sequoias for a weekend adventure, remember that dogs are not allowed on any trails within the park. They can, however, explore national forest land that surrounds the parks, as long as they are leashed. STAYING SOCIAL Just like people, dogs often need to get outside and socialize. In Visalia, there are several events and groups that promote socialization among pets and their owners. Bark in the Park Night at the Rawhide Stadium – Every Spring, the Rawhide stadium hosts a “Bark in the Park Night” where owners can bring their pups and enjoy a game of baseball. Yappy Hour at The Planing Mill Pizzeria – On the second Tuesday of every month, The Planing Mill holds a special Yappy Hour fundraiser for the Valley Oak SPCA. Bring your dog and an appetite, because a portion of all proceeds goes toward the SPCA. Central Valley Corgi Club – Yes, the rumors are true. Visalia has its own Corgi Club, where corgi owners gather at Cody Kelly Bark Park several times a year. Find them on Facebook to get the latest updates on when and where to meet. Valley Oak SPCA Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon – Every year, the Valley Oak SPCA hosts a fun event for dogs and their owners to walk 3-miles while raising funds for their services. DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
GARDENING TEXT BY KATIEDID LANGROCK TEXT BYBY TODD OTO,PLEIN, ED. D,UCCE VUSDMASTER SUPERINTENDENT TEXT SHARON GARDENER
Indoor Summer Gardening Experiment!
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uring the heat in summer, here is a fun gardening activity that you can do inside. Have you ever wondered how plants drink? Transpiration, or the movement of water through a plant, is the key. Here is a simple science experiment that you can perform with your child that demonstrates this process. A few hours after performing this experiment, you will be able to observe plant transpiration at work. VOCABULARY WORDS THAT ARE GOOD TO KNOW:
Transpiration. The movements of water from the roots of a plant to the leaves. Xylem. Water conducting tubes, like straws, that bring water from the roots to leaves and flowers. Xylem also provides support for the stems. Stomata. Tiny openings or pores on the undersides of leaves that open to let water and gasses flow. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: •
Rib of celery with leaves
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Vegetable peeler and a knife**
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Bottle of red food coloring
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Sturdy, tall cup to support the celery stalk
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Water
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Solid surface or counter for the cup of water
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Protective saucer or dish **An adult needs to supervise or perform the duties with a peeler and knife.
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DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut the bottom off the rib of celery and peel off the tough strands with the vegetable peeler. This step will make it easier to see the movement of colored water through the celery rib’s tissues. 2. Half fill the sturdy cup with water and place it on a flat surface with the saucer or dish under it. 3. Add enough red food coloring to turn the water a dark red. 15 to 20 drops should be plenty. 4. Place the bottom of the prepared celery rib into cup of colored water. 5. Wait and observe. After a few hours you will notice that the rib and the leaves of the celery are beginning to turn red because the xylem tissue (like a straw) is drawing the colored water up through the celery. All plants draw water through their stems and transport it to their leaves and flowers. This process is similar to what happens when you drink water through a straw. Then, the tiny pores called stomata open over time and let the colored water evaporate. This creates pressure that draws more water into the plant. This process is called transpiration. The longer you leave the celery in the water, the deeper the red color in the leaves and rib will become. This experiment can also be done with white flowers like carnations. For an even more interesting result, split the stems of the plant and place them in separate cups with different colored dyes. Be prepared to be amazed by the resulting plant rainbow.
Happy Gardening!
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
FOCUS FITNESS ON
ANDY & ERYN SALAZAR, EMPOWER TEXT BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN, SMILE CENTRALFITNESS VALLEY TRAINING
Your Guide to Healthy Eating
Bonus Tip: Stay Hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially during these hot summer months. I recommend a minimum of four, 16 oz. glasses of water a day. Consuming plenty of water helps your digestive system work more efficiently, and overall helps you look and feel better.
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TACTICS
ne of the biggest obstacles, if not the biggest obstacle, that stands in our way of reaching our weight loss and health goals, is our nutritional choices. Wading your way through the overload of diet, nutritional information, and fads can be a daunting and confusing task. I’m going to eliminate the nutritional guessing game with three of my top tips and introduce two new little-known nutritional tactics that can work for you. HEALTHY EATING Plan for Your Success. Pre-plan your meals and snacks in advance and prepare more of your meals than you eat out each week. This allows you to control what you consume and make healthy choices. Moderation is the key. Eat Your Greens and Fruit. Eat plenty of green vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, asparagus, etc. These vegetables are loaded with vitamins and nutrients and a lot of fiber, which aids in weight loss. Fruit is a tasty sweet treat that also has fiber and helps curb your sweet tooth. Stick with apples, pears, oranges, and berries, which are higher in fiber and lower in sugar. Remember that moderation is the key. Eliminate Sugar from Your Diet. Sugar is the major culprit with our weight and health issues. Excess sugar in our diets is one of the biggest issues with our weight problems. Too much sugar in our diets causes energy crashes, has been linked to diabetes, depression, and generally is not good for our bodies. Start cutting sugar out of your diet by eliminating sugary drinks and avoiding processed foods. Does this mean you can never have a piece of cake or candy again? No, one piece of cake or candy is not the problem; it’s the over abundance of sugars from all the other foods we consume that is the issue.
Intermittent Fasting. This is a hot topic in the fitness and weight loss industry. This style of eating has different approaches, but the approach I recommend is a 16-hour fasting period, followed by an eight hour feeding window of time. Most of the fasting period takes place while you are sleeping. An example is eating your first meal at noon and having your last meal before eight. This style of eating limits the amount of time you have to consume calories and allows your body to work through the calories you have consumed before consuming again. Intermittent fasting is a very effective fat loss and weight loss plan. Do your own research and talk to your doctor about intermittent fasting to see if it’s right for you. Eat More Fat. I know this seems scary because we have always been told fat is bad. It turns out that healthy fats are actually really good for you and your body needs them. Good fats are essential to your wellbeing and physical health. Foods that contain omega-3 fats such as fish, flaxseed, and walnuts can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, improve your mood, and help prevent dementia. Other healthy fats you should be consuming are avocados, nuts, olive oil, and coconut oil. Having healthy fats in your diet will help you eat less and burn more calories. Well there you have it, my three healthy eating tips and my two little-known nutritional tactics. Try these tips out and let me know how they work for you. Do what works for you for the long haul. You can do this; choose today to get started on your health, fitness, and weight-loss journey.
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EmpowerFitnessTraining.com
The accountability you need to get the results your want, guaranteed! PICK UP THE PHONE TODAY AN CALL 559.636.FITT (3488) DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VISALIA FIRST The Global Leadership Summit “Awesome experience. I wish that I had attended sooner.”First-Time Summit Attender
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hirteen of the world’s most influential authors, business leaders, CEO’s, leadership strategists, pastors, and influential thinkers of the 21st century, all together at one conference. This year’s speakers include from the business sector, Leadership Guru John Maxwell; Nationally-acclaimed business thinker and author, Patrick Lencioni; Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally; Humanitarian Melinda Gates from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and Producer of the movie “Miracles from Heaven,” Bishop T.D. Jakes. Visalia First is excited to host The Global Leadership Summit on August 11 and 12, 2016. This is the fifth year Visalia First will be hosting the worldclass, worldwide leadership development and training simulcast. More than 300,000 people across the globe on six continents are expected to participate in this unique, oneof-a-kind experience. Although a world-class event, The Summit remains accessible and affordable for all those with the desire to attend. The Summit at Visalia First continues to rate among the nation’s highest-rated Summit sites year-after-year. “They did an excellent job hosting,” said an attendee of last year’s Summit. “There were plenty of volunteers to help you with anything you needed. The staff was great. They made my first summit experience a good one.” For two decades The Leadership Summit has been a source of inspiration for leaders across the world. Now the Willow Creek Association (WCA), the organization that launched the effort, has compelling evidence that the event is life-changing for leaders who attend the global gathering. “The Summit intends to give everyone an annual injection of inspiration, passion, and new skills,” says WCA President and CEO Gary Schwammlein. “When you look at the study, (these numbers) alone would support the fact that you ought to go to this event year after year.” Ninety-eight percent of all business leaders who attended last year’s Summit applied the team building skills they learned
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at The Summit. 86 percent of past Summit attendees report The Summit improved their “quality of work.” Eighty-one percent said it helped them to “manage people/their teams better,” while 87 percent surveyed report that it helped them achieve “increased job satisfaction.” Whether you are a manager of a business (or home), aspiring entrepreneur, non-profit director, church leader, or you just want to become a better-fulfilled version of yourself, this is the event you have been waiting for. The variety of speakers and topics made quite the impression on John Schouten, CEO of World Wide Sires Ltd. Schouten came to The Global Leadership Summit for the first time in 2013. He, along with six other individuals from his team, were greatly influenced by the Summit and have since made it an annual priority to attend. “I was fortunate to attend The Global Leadership Summit along with several of my co-workers,” Schouten said. “All of us enjoyed the chance to be together and be challenged by the various speakers throughout the conference.” He continued, “The variety of the topics made it interesting and these leadership skills can be used in all aspects of our lives. In particular, this conference was useful in that it focused on business and work skills. I encourage other local business groups to engage in this program.” If you have been thinking of a staff retreat or team building exercise, The Global Leadership Summit and Visalia First offer the perfect platform for such a gathering. During the session, you can listen and take in everything that these incredible motivators and world leaders discuss. After, you can use one of the conference rooms that Visalia First offers to come together as a group over a snack or lunch and immediately break down, discuss, and apply what was just said. Leading local organizations such as Visalia Chamber of Commerce, Fresno Pacific University, Visalia Rescue Mission, and San Joaquin Valley College value The Summit as a great tool to equip and inspire. Tami Olson, Academic Dean of the Visalia Campus for SJVC, said, “We were able to discuss what we heard and start putting together action plans immediately at the conference.” To learn more about The Global Leadership Summit and receive a special discount code or to register, visit www. willowcreek.com/summit or call Veronica Santacruz or Elvin Hayes at 559-733-9070, ext. 124 or email life@visaliafirst.com.
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
KIDS’ BOOKSHELF TEXT BY LEE LITTLEWOOD
Bedtime Books to Charm and Relax
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eading aloud at bedtime is very important. Young children thrive on rituals, parental closeness, and imagination. These tales will calm them down and enthrall them with magic and gentle inspiration. Good Night, Baddies by Deborah Underwood Children are eternal optimists with kind hearts. They can’t possibly believe that all evil characters in classic storybooks are all bad all the time. So, they’ll be relieved to find out that the “baddies” can be friendly, fun, and nice, especially at night in the comfort of their own homes or castles. Deborah Underwood’s imaginative tale stars famous mischief-makers, (wicked witches, stern queens, giants, and trolls), who meet at the end of one day and share thoughtful greetings and concerned updates. The rhyming text is lively, witty, and sympathetic. One character says, “Poor old troll, your life is tough: a muddy wait for three goats gruff” as Juli Kangas’ hairy, green creature tiredly scrubs his back in a soapy bath. Kangas’ warm, homey, and detailed pictures paint a cozy castle life any child would want to be a part of. On my favorite page, youngsters will relate to a huge giant who is scared that a princess may be hiding under his bed, and giggle at the witches soothing him. Good Night, Baddies is that rare bedtime tale that has it all: humor, rhyming text that’s kind and rolls easily off tired tongues, and relatable characters that prove even the baddies of literature – or society – can have worthy potential. Go to Sleep, Monster! by Kevin Cornell George is afraid of a purple monster under his bed, who’s afraid of an orange, one-eyed creature under the floor, who’s afraid of another monster under the room. As George, his sister Anna, and the rounded, funny creatures explore each layer underneath his room, they discover a bespectacled character “In the center-most center...of the center of the earth!” When they admonish the character to stop scaring everyone, saying that he’s the “underest under something someone can be!” he confesses that even he is scared of being alone. And then they all saw logs
happily together. Kevin Cornell’s glowingly dark blue, brooding, yet funny pages have a lighthearted, sinister feel. The text is brief and nearly all quotations, with no narration necessary. Go to Sleep, Monster! is an adventurous bedtime tale that’s quick to read and satisfying. How to Put Your Parents to Bed by Mylisa Larsen A wise cat narrates this fun tale about a little girl who’s not tired, but her parents are exhausted. It’s suggested that she puts them to bed, but there are a slew of obstacles: they need to put in a load of laundry, do the dishes, and answer one more email. The cat, we think, gives the girl step-by-step instructions – “Start with brushing teeth. Help them if you can. Those back molars can be hard to reach.” – and tells her to be patient when they become unruly. “Tiny things upset them. Remain calm. Do not negotiate,” the cat says, as the tutu-wearing tot steadfastly wrangles her parents to bed. Babette Cole’s whimsically flowing illustrations are hilarious, as usual, while Mylisa Larsen’s unique take on a common dilemma is smileinducing and tongue-incheek. Good Night Owl by Greg Pizzoli Owl hears a noise and can’t sleep. He repeatedly gets out of bed to look for the noise, and slowly demolishes his whole house during the extensive search. While preschool readers will see where the mouse is on each page, Owl has no clue and gets more and more agitated. He finally spots Mouse, and they all sleep happily ever after. This is a winning trifecta of a book: It’s a funny bedtime read, a spot-the-character tale, and an exploration of how to accept anxiety to get peace, (or how not to!). Greg Pizzoli’s bright pastels look vintage and mid-century, resulting in a real nighttime winner. Monster & Son by David LaRochelle Though not really a bedtime tale, this tale tells of the end of a monster and son’s fun day, as they jump into their jammies and give each other tight, fearsome hugs and good night whispers. Friendly, retro yetis, blobs, giant lizards, and happy mummies show young readers that monsters are no different than humans and have plenty of good times together, all the while sharing love and humor. Not one bit of this adorable tale is scary, and it’s a lighthearted look at relationships that will happily bring any day to an end. DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
VISALIA RESCUE MISSION TEXT BY RYAN STILLWATER
Soup, Soap, and Salvation
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or decades, “soup, soap, and salvation” was the general model for Gospel Rescue Missions like us. Even Al Capone was on board for the soup part, having opened a soup kitchen in Chicago in the 1930s to “clean up his shady image.” And don’t forget Jesus, who broke bread a few times to feed the multitudes with a miracle meal. In 2016, however, soup and soap isn’t enough when it comes to egregious drug use and mental health conditions running rampant all over the world. For the past couple years, I’ve had the pleasure of getting some one-on-one time with our Life Change Academy graduates. In April, one of our graduates painted a vivid picture of what his drug addiction really looked like, as well as the impact it had on his family. “So I’ve realized my addiction is just a symptom of what’s wrong with me. All of the other programs just taught me how to
not use. They didn’t talk about pride, ego, shame, or judgement. They didn’t talk about Jesus Christ.” In February, another graduate opened up similarly: “When I found out it [Academy] was faith-based, I had a plan to fake it to make it and that just doesn’t happen here. I see families being reunited, I’ve seen kids being reunited with their parents. I’ve got one year of sobriety and I could have never done that on my own.” The feedback we get like this continues for all of our graduates and it’s become perfectly clear — our guests need more than soup and soap. Salvation, in a general sense, is Bible-speak for deliverance, and that’s precisely what our guests are seeking — deliverance from what’s really wrong, not just from the symptoms. In a 2004 National Association for Healthcare Quality article, Dr. Lisa A. Burke wrote, “Although the medical community has long relied on psychiatric therapy and treatment for substance abusers, religious organizations have quietly operated their own parallel system for more than 40 years. These faith-based programs have largely gone unnoticed by healthcare professionals and health insurers. Yet, preliminary studies show them to be markedly more successful (60-80 percent) than secular programs (6-13 percent).
SUNDAY, JULY 17TH 3PM - 6PM
WYNDHAM HOTEL // VISALIA
BENEFITTING
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These stats are more than numbers to me, but real-life stories taking place in our community. I look at many of our graduates who are now on staff and have a constant reminder of what is at stake when we talk about Rescue work. We’re talking about real situations, real obstacles, real families. On July 17, you’re invited to attend our 8th Annual Food Fight for Families. For the past seven years, we were foodfighting against hunger. This year is no different. We’re merely broadening the scope and narrowing our target in order to provide deeper resources our guests and residents need to live life on life’s terms. Join us. Ryan Stillwater is the Director of Development for Visalia Rescue Mission. Contact him by e-mail: ryan@vrmhope.org. If you or someone you know is in need of life-change, call 559-740-4178 or visit vrmhope.org/academy
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
EASY EATING
Fruit Popsicles for Summer
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ith temperatures rising to triple digits these past few weeks, we all feel the need for a refreshing snack to keep us cool and satisfied. Instead of grabbing ice cream or store-bought popsicles, involve the kids in making this delicious and healthy summer snack.
SUPPLIES
INGREDIENTS
Place your desired fruit into popsicle molds (or plastic cups if you do not have molds). Pour watermelon puree and coconut water to fill each cup or mold. Place popsicle stick in mold and freeze for 6–8 hours. When ready to serve, you may need to run mold under warm water to loosen.
• 3 C watermelon puree (seedless) • 2 C coconut water • 1/2 C fresh blueberries • 1/3 C fresh strawberries, chopped
• Popsicle molds (or plastic cups) • Popsicle sticks DIRECTIONS
Happy eating!
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced • 1 peach or nectarine, sliced • Any other fruit of choice DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
FASHION TEXT BY SHARON MOSLEY
Packing List
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hether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or just taking in the sights of a new city, packing for your vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. And no, you really don’t need all five pieces of that Louis Vuitton luggage, either. In this modern age of long wait lines and delays at the airport, the old adage of “less is more” is even more true when it comes to a travel wardrobe. So before your next trip, take a little think time and do some planning. Here are some tips on what to pack and what to leave at home: Think about your destination. Yes, we all know that packing for a trip to Cabo San Lucas will be different than packing for a hiking trip in the Rocky Mountains. But you’ll need to plan accordingly and think ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. If you need a pair of new walking sandals or hiking shoes, build in plenty of shopping time. Think about making a list. If you know how you’ll be spending most of your vacation time, then you can make a daily wardrobe plan. If you’re going to be lounging by a pool most of the time, you’ll need several swimsuits and cover-ups. You can leave some of your jeans at home, and just take several pairs of white shorts and capris. You may need one dress for dining out at night. Think about multitasking. Make sure your clothes can do double duty. Wear that floral maxi dress as a cover-up to the beach one day, and out to dinner the next day. There are lots of tunic tops that can also double as cover-ups too. Some swimwear, especially rash guards can also easily double as chic tops when worn with loose linen pants. And don’t forget to pack an extra scarf or two. An oversized scarf has lots of versatility and can double as a sarong or shawl on a chilly plane. Think about color. Stick to one or two colors that you’ll be able to mix and match to create new looks throughout your trip. I like to use black and white as base colors, and then add turquoise accessories, like a handbag and shoes. Then I just wear silver jewelry with everything. It keeps dressing simple and packing is much easier too. I can leave all my gold jewelry at home. Think about layering. If you’ve packed the basics, then you can always add or subtract extra layers. So start with a long tank top or T-shirt in a neutral color that will go with everything in your travel wardrobe. Then you can wear the tank by itself or layer it under shorter tops or cardigans. Dresses, vests, even skirts all offer layering possibilities. Thin fine-gauge knits work best for layering.
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Think about downsizing. Leave bulky items at home. You might be tempted to pack your latest Gucci satchel or your kneehigh boots, but these items will only take up tons of space in your suitcase. Ditto for large hair dryers and large cans of hair spray. Opt for a foldable “crushable” hat instead of a huge straw one that will probably end up getting “crushed” anyway. It’s time to streamline and travel light. You’ll be glad you did when you’re lugging it all through the airport.
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
CHARACTER COUNTS! TEXT BY KELLEY PETTY, CHARACTER COUNTS! COORDINATOR, TULARE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
RUDY VASQUEZ
JOSE CASTRO
2016 GRADUATE
2016 GRADUATE
TULARE WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL, TULARE
LA SIERRA MILITARY ACADEMY, VISALIA
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ince childhood, Rudy Vasquez always enjoyed watching Tulare Western baseball and knew he wanted to play there someday. He noticed a difference in Mustang baseball – how the players carried themselves and worked together. Now as a 2016 graduate of the school, Rudy looks back at his high school baseball experience and the life lessons learned. In the beginning, Rudy realized fulfilling his baseball dreams wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought it would be. He admits, “I didn’t have it – the vibe, the respect for the program. I didn’t take it seriously.” Early on, the coaches were aware of Rudy’s lack of trust and commitment as he struggled with the work it took to be a team member. Coach Searcy recalls, “There were days that Rudy and I would pass on campus and he would not acknowledge me or even look my way. He didn’t like the idea of people always watching over him – people caring about his character and academics and holding him accountable beyond the ball field.” Year after year, the Tulare Western coaching staff continued enforcing their expectations, believing that Rudy would mature and learn how to be a team player. By the end of his junior year, Rudy was ready to see playing baseball through a different lens. “I realized as coaches and players, we all have confidence in each other, and not just on the field. We care about each other and what we are doing in class, at home, and on the field. I finally figured it out – they have faith in me as a person.” Coach Searcy shares, “Rudy’s turnaround was huge – from baseball, academics, and choices in his personal life to his work ethic in the community. He has truly changed his entire character. He is someone I can always use as a motivating factor for players who might be heading down the wrong path.” Rudy will continue his baseball career at College of Sequoias and plans to become a psychologist. For now, it seems natural for Rudy to put his story of struggle to good use and provide a humble leadership to others. As a result, Rudy will continue to excel in all avenues that will prepare him to compete in the real world.
Five years ago Jose Castro would have never believed he would be graduating from La Sierra Military Academy (LSMA) as Battalion Commanding Officer, with five scholarships and recognitions in hand. Jose joined LSMA out of curiosity for the strict physical regime. As a cadet he realized, “This was an opportunity to fix the situation I was in. LSMA provided me the power to change. Everything I thought defined me was stripped. LSMA built me back up to the man I am today. I had the support to change and learn what positive power and respect truly means.” Chief Joseph Andrade, the school’s commandant of cadets, quickly noticed Jose’s physical work ethic and his ability to lead others. By Jose’s sophomore year, Chief promoted him to 1st Sergeant in charge of 30 cadets. Jose was tasked with their adherence to grooming, uniform standards, and implementing discipline within his company. This opportunity gave him the ability to learn and practice peer leadership, peer conflict resolution, empathy, and delegation. Jose continued to prosper and was swiftly commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant. Chief Andrade recalls, “When I asked Jose if he was up to the task, he quickly answered, ‘I am always up for new adventures, Chief.’ This position required a new set of skills – learning to delegate more and trusting in his subordinates. I have always shared my belief that no one is born a leader – it is learned by trying your best, learning from your mistakes, telling the truth, and searching for answers to problems.” Jose readily admits poor choices dominated his world twice in his sophomore and junior years. Jose’s unfortunate decisions reminded him that he can never allow himself to be too comfortable or depend on a routine. After his discipline meeting, Jose excelled in community service, leadership involvement, and mentoring. He openly shared his story with peers, hoping to use his experiences to better others. Jose flourished during his upperclassman years. By the end of his junior year, Jose was promoted to the rank of Captain, earning the position of Battalion Commanding Officer, the highest position for any cadet, for his senior year. Chief Andrade believes, “Jose has a bright future. He has had the opportunity to practice real world life skills at LSMA. The ups and downs that he has been through allowed him to gain valuable life experience at no real detrimental cost. The comradery built by LSMA’s military program will serve Jose for the rest of his life.” DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
COLLEGE PREP TEXT BY MISSY YAVASILE, INDEPENDENT COLLEGE CONSULTANT, SOAR COLLEGE PLANNING AND CONSULTING
Big Changes for the University of California Application
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he University of California has changed their ways when it comes to their application essays. Actually, they no longer call them essays. They now call them questions, and they want answers. This is the first revision to the application in 10 years. The UC’s felt that they were not learning what they needed to know about their applicants and felt that part of the problem was due to their personal statement prompts. So now, the former personal statement essays, totaling 1,000 words, is gone, and instead, freshman applicants will have to answer eight “personal insight questions,” which will ask about leadership, creativity, special talents, educational opportunities, challenges, favorite subjects, community involvement, and unique qualities. The students will choose four of the eight questions to answer, with a maximum of 350 words each for a total of 1,400 words. Each question will be weighed equally, so the student may choose the topics that are most relevant to their personal situation (transfer students have a slightly different requirement).
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The good news about this is that students will be able to choose questions that are more personally applicable, and the UC’s will be able to learn more about the student. The two prompts from previous years often failed to reveal what the UC’s were seeking to learn about the student. With more direct questions, they hope to get more direct answers about the student instead of a lengthy essay about the student’s grandfather (as one admissions officer stated at a recent conference I attended). With more than 200,000 applicants to the UC’s, the admissions office is looking for ways to get to know the students better as they make the “yes” or “no” decision regarding a student’s future. Although the variety of questions seems like an improvement, there are a couple of disadvantages as well. Students can no longer adapt their personal statement to other college application prompts. In the past, many essays could be “recycled” and adapted to various prompts. Now, much to the angst of the applicants, they will have to come up with four topics that will likely be unusable for other college essays. For most students we work with, this seems to be the most challenging task when crafting the essays: “What shall I write about?” As the college application process becomes more and more competitive, colleges are looking for ways to learn more about their applicants. It is hoped that these new questions (not essays, according to a UC panel) will draw out information about the student that relates closely to the UC comprehensive review criteria. Summer is a great time to get started on these new “Personal Insight Questions,” so if you have not started them yet and you plan to apply to the UC’s, then you better get started.
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
INTERIOR DESIGN TEXT BY JOSEPH PUBILLONES
Basic Rules for Beautiful Rooms
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henever I am out socially and people ask me what I do for a living, when I tell them I am an Interior Designer, they always tell me: “I know what I like, but I am completely confused on how to pull it all together” or “Oh, one day when I can afford to hire a designer I will call you.” Creating a room that feels designed isn’t rocket science. It’s actually quite simple. I am going to share with you a few rules for the basic design of any room.
with most things in life, the novelty of painting a room in a really vibrant color, will wear away and you’ll be left with the desire to repaint the room again. Second rule: Stick to two main upholstery fabrics. Colors, patterns, and prints should be complimentary. One fabric can be a solid, while the other fabric might take on a pattern or print such as a floral, plaid, animal spots, or stripes. If you like a more simple and tailored room, use the solid on the principal upholstery items such as a sofa or pair of club chairs. The other printed fabric can be used on smaller chairs or benches. If you prefer a bolder look, try the opposite and use the printed fabric on the larger main upholstery, and solids on the occasional pieces.
Everyone down deep inside knows what colors they generally prefer. Take inspiration from anywhere and everything. It can come from the color of a favorite shirt or your car, or the color of the sky at a particular time.
Third rule: Bring in up to three other colors/prints/motifs to the room. This is your opportunity to personalize and jazz up the style of a room. Select other colors such as a stronger version of the wall color that will enhance and underline that original color you loved. These additional colors can be introduced in pillows, rugs, and accessories. You can also spike interest in a room by selecting a motif, which you repeat over and over in different ways, color and sizes.
Whatever your preferred color is, select a pale, light version of that color. For example: If the color you love is orange, consider using a soft peach or light apricot color for the walls. This will introduce the color palette of your preference into the room without overwhelming it. Of course, any woodwork or millwork in the room can be painted in another color. My favorite color for millwork is a soft white that is not too stark or bright white. As
Following these three simple rules should take the mystery out of designing a room. Creating a beautiful room doesn’t necessarily mean every item has to match. As a matter of fact, there is something to be learned from slightly mismatched or a quirky pairings...this is what gives homes their personality. Be confident and select what you really love. Your room will shine with your personality and style.
First rule: Select a beautiful color for your walls. Every room needn’t be the same, but colors should engage or relate from one room to another for continuity.
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
MONEY MATTERS TEXT BY MARY HUNT
How to Get Fiscally Fit
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e all know about getting physically fit: Participate in aerobic exercise; do some weight training; walk whenever you can. But how much do you know about getting fiscally fit? It’s not difficult, but it does require a plan. Record Your Spending. Sounds like a silly instruction, especially if you feel overwhelmed and under-deposited. Nonetheless, if you begin keeping a written record of every expenditure, I can promise you a couple of things: 1) You’ll hesitate before making silly, impulsive purchases. 2) You’ll start taking back control once you see where all of your money goes. Give Back. I know. You’re broke. You have mountains of debt and some idiot is suggesting you give money away. That’s right (except for the “idiot” part). Giving is a mysterious, miraculous activity that, when practiced regularly, will transform your life. Giving away part of what you have is the antidote for that wretched trend toward excess and self-indulgence. Pay Yourself. Ideally, you should pay yourself 10 percent of what you earn. If you can’t do 10 percent, start with something. Even if it’s a dollar a week, start saving. Even if you are heavily in debt, start saving. Saving money is a great attitude-booster. If you’re discouraged and down in the dumps, start saving money. Don’t Spend What You Don’t Have. There are only two ways to spend what you don’t have: steal or borrow. If too much of the latter has landed you in financial bondage, there is a way to get out. 28
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Stop Debting. Just stop. Determine from this moment on you will not go one more dollar into debt. You may need to part with some credit cards and even shed a few tears, but you can stop. No one can force you any further into debt. Reduce Expenses. If your income is less than your outgo, reduce the outgo. There’s no better way to make money than to cut expenses. The results are immediate, and the proceeds are tax-free. Rapidly Repay Debt. If you continue paying your creditors according to their payment schedule, you may never get out of “perma-debt.” Prepaying principal and incurring no new debt are the keys to rapid debt reduction. See “Rapid Debt-Repayment Plan” at DebtProofLiving.com. Sell Assets. With careful consideration, selling assets to raise funds to get out of debt may be a wise choice. If you own things of value that aren’t useful to you, or that could be replaced at a later date, selling them could ease your financial situation. Seek Solvency. Solvency means being content with the money you have. It’s that confident feeling of being prepared for any circumstance, of having joy and peace of living beneath your means. If you are approaching the future determined to get rich quick so you can fix your situation, I have bad news for you: Unless you are destitute and below the poverty line, more money is not going to fix anything. Until you learn how to control and care for the money you have already, more money will only exacerbate the problem. Just as you have in the past, you will see more money as the down payment on what you feel entitled to have.
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
CROSSWORD 10 Predicament 11 Be ominously near 12 Drooping 13 Chatters incessantly 18 Muscat and ___ 19 Lunar feature 23 Famous couturier 24 Import 25 Como or Garda: It. 26 Cause to soar, as a ball 27 Walk ___ 28 Game bird 29 ___ over: delivers 30 Etymons 31 Switch over 33 Showers 35 Palm leaves: var. 37 ___ fuss: causes trouble 38 Inky 39 Poetic units 44 Used the teeth 45 Certain siblings 46 Preposition 48 World-weary 49 Stints
Alternatives
50 De novo 51 Ancient Persian 60 English monk
ACROSS
32 ___ account!
1 Craft
33 Scope
61 Be
5 Copter part
34 Exclamation of triumph
62 Servicewoman
10 Kill
36 Sinister synonym of 56 Across
63 Where Malmo is: abbr.
40 Cue feature
65 Comply
14 With the bow: mus. 15 Sky blue 16 Beverage
41 Tolerate
17 Vigorous synonym of 56 Across
42 Sicilian scenery
20 Tiverton’s river
45 Searches
21 Where Duluth is: abbr.
47 Layers
22 Terminus facilities
48 Baseball stratagem
23 Native of Odense
49 Creator of Daisy Miller
24 Rebuff
52 Got down
26 Mislaying
53 Skill
29 Car accessories
56 No matter what
43 Calculates
LOOK FOR YOUR ANSWERS IN THE NEXT ISSUE
64 Lumps DOWN 1 Inexperienced one
52 Droughty 53 Whale hunter 54 Dream: Fr. 55 Card 57 Longing 58 Chemical prefix 59 Brace PROLIFERATING “P’S” - JUNE ISSUE
2 African antelope 3 Throb 4 Overmuch 5 Yard chore 6 Fresh air 7 Detour 8 Symbol of power 9 Alfonso XIII DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
GOINGS-ON DOWNTOWN VISALIA FARMERS’ MARKET Thursday nights in Downtown Visalia are a lot more colorful! The Visalia Farmers’ Market is back with all the fresh produce, delicious food, and handmade items you love. This year, there will be cooking demos, workshops, art exhibits, and more. When: Thursdays, 5-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: visaliafarmersmarket.com FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN VISALIA
WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY
YOGA BACKPACK TRIP
Get the backyard basics to stargazing on this free tour of the night sky. Listen to ancient and cultural stories about the constellations as you enjoy an evening under one of California’s most brilliant skies. Dress appropriately for the evening’s weather. Co-Sponsored by Wuksachi Lodge.
Connect with the mountains and tap into your inner wild child with this yogainspired backpacking trip. Through daily yoga sessions and opportunities to meditate both alone and with new friends you will leave this trip feeling rejuvenated. The trip may give you the opportunity to see giant sequoia trees, alpine lakes, rivers and the best of what Sequoia National Park has to offer-its wilderness. Price: $250 for SPC members; $287.50 for non-members.
When: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in July and August, 9-10 p.m. Where: Wukaschi Lodge in the Sequoia National Park, 64740 Wuksachi Way, Sequoia National Park Contact: 565-3759
The Arts Consortium is pleased to present Downtown Visalia’s monthly art hop. Each first Friday of the month, explore the Visalia Art District to experience exhibitions, performances, activities, and more. Catch a guided tour on the Visalia Towne Trolley.
ARTS VISALIA CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES
Where: Downtown Visalia (check each month for details) MOVIES IN THE PARK Come to the only place in Visalia where the stars in the sky are rivaled by those on the screen. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and sit back and enjoy the show. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic dinner or cooler filled with food and drinks (no alcoholic beverages allowed). Check visitvisalia.org to see the full list of movies that will be shown each week. When: Fridays from June 10-July 22, 7:45-10 p.m. Where: Riverway Sportspark, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia Contact: visitvisalia.org
STEPS 4 PETS WALKING GROUP Join the SPCA to help better the mind, body, and spirit of homeless animals by walking approximately a mile every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (weather permitting). Participants 12-15 must walk with a parent. When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 a.m. Where: SPCA Adoption Center, 29010 Highway 99, Visalia Contact: 651-1111 LUC CAPTURES A LEGACY Come experience “Luc Captures a Legacy,” a photo exhibit by the late Major Lucas Gruenther, USAF, grandson of Tulare Olympic legend, Bob Mathias. When: Now-July 9, Thursday-Saturday, 10-4 p.m. Where: Tulare Historical Museum, 444 W. Tulare Ave., Tulare Contact: tularehistoricalmuseum.org or 686-2074
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Where: Sequoia National Park, call for details Contact: 565-4251
When: Every first Friday, 5-8 p.m.
Contact: artsconsortium.org
When: July 5-10
Arts Visalia’s will hold week-long children’s summer art classes through July 22. Classes are broken up into three age groups and include ceramics, street art, collage/abstract, abstract landscapes, screen printing, pre-Columbian masks, and soft sculpture. Scholarships are available. For the complete schedule of classes and how to register, visit their website or call the number below. When: Now-July 22 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak, Visalia Contact: artsvisalia.org or call 739-0905 IMAGINEU SUMMER CAMP Come join ImagineU in their Summer Camp, perfect for kids ages Kindergarten through 6th grade! Take part in one - or all- of their weekly programs that focus on a range of topic from “Superhero Science” to “Geology Rocks!” to “Time Machine.” Registration starts at just $85 for a ½ day camp, and $150 for a full day camp. When: Now-July 29, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Where: ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia Contact: imagineumuseum.org or 733-5975
CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK 4TH OF JULY PARADE Enjoy the beauty of our nation while watching a parade among the Giant Sequoias in Kings Canyon National Park. This parade starts in the community of Wilsonia in celebration of our nation’s independence. All park visitors are invited to enjoy the festivities at this free event. Contact the Kings Canyon Visitors Center for more information. When: July 4, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
THE SECRET GARDEN
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Mary Lennox, a young English girl is orphaned by a cholera outbreak when she is ten years old and is sent away from India to Yorkshire, England, to live with relatives whom she has never met. This beautiful tale is brought to life by the TCOE Theatre Company and the students of Tulare County.
Join Visalia First as they host the Global Leadership Summit, the world-class, worldwide leadership development and training simulcast. More than 300,000 people from across the globe on six continents will participate in the unique, one of a kind experience. This world-class event is accessible and affordable for those with the desire to attend. But hurry, the Early Bird rate ends June 28.
When: July 22-23, July 28-30, 7:30 p.m., July 23 & 30, 2 p.m. Where: L.J. Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia
When: August 11-12
Contact: tcoe.org/theatreco or 651-1482
Where: Visalia First, 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia
HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR
CELEBRANT SINGERS LIVE IN CONCERT
DARK SKY FESTIVAL
Don’t miss your chance to relive the legendary music of the ‘60s and ‘70s, featuring the talents of The Turtles, Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night), Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere & the Raiders), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cowsills, and The Spencer Davis Group. Check the Visalia Fox website for ticket information.
Come worship, open your hearts to His presence, and take part in sending Celebrant Singers off to share the Gospel in Central America. An inspirational and free night hearing from Celebrants who have traveled the globe, sharing God’s love where His light is dim and His voice is heard small.
When: July 17, 7 p.m.
When: Friday, July 29, 7 p.m.
Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia
Where: Woodland Drive Baptist Church, 1436 S. Woodland St., Visalia
Contact: foxvisalia.org
Contact: celebrants.org or 740-4000
Where: Wilsonia and Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park Contact: 565-4307
“GIRLFRIENDS… LOL” AT VISALIA FIRST Ladies of all ages join us for our Girlfriends event. Our theme is “… LOL,” so grab your girlfriends and join us for a fun night of shopping, laughter, food vendors, and chocolate. Shopping will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at the website below. When: July 22, 7 p.m. Where: Visalia First, 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia Contact: girlfriendsevent.com or 733-9070
28TH ANNUAL KAWEAH DELTA GOLF CLASSIC Come join Kaweah Delta for a day of golf, goodies, and giving at the 28th Kaweah Delta Golf Classic. All proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to fund the Building Tomorrow’s Hospital Today campaign. Get involved through sponsoring, golfing, or volunteering. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and registration will begin at 7 a.m.
Contact: visaliafirst.com/gls Seeing millions of stars wheeling in a sky free of natural light stands as one of the greatest experiences in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. As most of the world is faced with the effects of artificial light pollution, the Dark Sky Festival aims to educate visitors about the importance of this park resource and inspire them to take action in their own community. A weekend of events designed to inform and delight, includes meeting astronomers, using large telescopes for deep-sky viewing, making solar observations, and more. When: August 5-7 Where: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Contact: exploresequoiakingscanyon.com
When: August 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Visalia Country Club, 625 N. Ranch St., Visalia Contact: donate.kaweahdelta.org/golfclassic or kdhfoundationgolf@kdhcd.org
If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Goings-On” section, please email your submission to direct@dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, attention Goings-On. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions must be received six (6) weeks before publication. DIRECT MAGAZINE
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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y
WARREN REPORTS TEXT BY WARREN GUBLER, VICE MAYOR
What Happens in Vegas:
ICSC Recon Convention
I
n late May 2016, City Manager Mike Olmos, Economic Development Manager Devon Jones, and I attended the ICSC Recon Convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Recon is the world’s largest retail real estate exhibition and conference and is a must-attend event for shopping center industry executives, retailers, financial companies, and product and service suppliers. Estimated attendance was 36,000. Every commercial retailer and franchise company you can imagine was in attendance. We made some cold calls on those that we thought might be nice additions to Visalia. We handed out city pamphlets and brochures, and extolled the virtues of doing business in Visalia. While visiting these retailers was interesting and fun, I would suggest that our most effective work was done while meeting with various developers and getting updates on their local projects. We met with Colliers; commercial real estate agents who have listed some property on South Mooney Blvd.; the Orosco Group, which developed Packwood Creek; Dave Paynter and his associates, which I will discuss hereafter; General Growth Properties, which owns the Visalia Mall; Foothill Partners, which is seeking to develop some property on South Mooney; and Donahue Schriber, developers of Orchard Walk, east and west projects in north Visalia. They each gave us updates on their development projects, and we assured them that the city will do whatever is possible to assist and support them in building our retail base here. As to Mr. Paynter, you may remember that he was the developer of the successful Kohl’s shopping center (formerly Sin City). He currently owns properties on three corners of Caldwell and Mooney Blvd., including the Walmart Center, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Center, and the Sequoia Mall. As for the Walmart Center, the last large puzzle piece going in will be JoAnn’s in the old Circuit City location (with a second Smart & Final stepping into JoAnn’s current location). For me personally,
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the most interesting discussion had to do with the rehabilitation and redevelopment of Sequoia Mall. While at this time I am not at liberty to share specifics, I will say that I predict that this mixeduse project will have an appearance and feel like River Park in Fresno when completed. Look for some major announcements and the beginning of construction, hopefully in the next 12 months. After two days of meetings, it was good to leave the big city and return home to Visalia. SEQUOIA SHUTTLE 10TH ANNIVERSARY The Sequoia Shuttle began in 2007 through a partnership between the City of Visalia and the National Park Service. It has provided 2,770,533 passenger trips inside Sequoia National Park and 71,252 passenger trips to and from Sequoia National Park. The Sequoia Shuttle provides a convenient, comfortable, and car-free way of traveling to and within Sequoia National Park. It kicked off its 10th year on May 26 and will run this year through September 11. It runs seven days a week, and all shuttles are equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair seating. On May 16, 2016, the city council recognized the Sequoia Shuttle program for its success and presented it with a resolution of commendation. I have personally used the shuttle system with my family and highly recommend it to everyone, particularly during the dog days of summer when you want to escape the valley heat. KUDOS TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT To wrap up this article, I’ll add a Facebook post that the city recently received from Shelley Brewer-Martell: “Just wanted to give a special thanks to Engine E-54. A little boy at Baskin Robbins waved out the window to a passing fireman. The fireman took the time to walk in to see the little boy and give him a sticker. I was just watching this little guy’s face light up, it was a wonderful moment. Just wanted you to know what wonderful people you have on staff.” If you have questions or topics regarding the city, which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
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