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October 2017
20 Bitwise building has a past
08 20 24 32 44
It took 100 years to transform a downtown buidling from a car dealership and garage to a 21st century technology hub.
Artist tries again 35 years later Julie Raymer didn’t like the criticism she got way back when, so she quit painting. Starting over has paid off.
Embrace your artistic self If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at art, but didn’t know where to start, you’re in luck. Adults, let’s get creative.
Hey kids, it is time to act up Children have options in this town. After all, Audra McDonald came from Fresno’s young theater scene. Who’s next?
Go ahead, we know you want to Sometimes, you just have to toss the diet out the window and indulge a little. Check out our guide to guilty pleasures.
38 6 Sneak peek 7 Believe It 8 Pastimes 11 Voices 12 Innovators 14 Don’t Miss Calendar 16 Make It 18 25 Things You Didn’t Know... 20 In The Spotlight 22 Innovators 24 Arts & Entertainment
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32 Arts & Entertainment
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38 Get Out & Go 44 Eat, Drink, Be Merry 52 Snapshots
Mia Carino as Rafiki performs during a production of Disney's “The Lion King Jr.” at the Fresno Memorial Auditorium. The play was presented by Children's Musical Theaterworks and was directed by Jenna Madden. PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian
4 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
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At Home
Don’t listen to voices telling you ‘no’
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n this month’s In The Spotlight feature, writer Dani Villalobos introduces us to Julie Raymer, a local artist who once let the negative voices around her stop her from doing what she was meant to do. The teachers who told Raymer her attention to detail was fighting with the nature of the watercolors she used didn’t mean harm, but to a fragile young artist, they cut deep. She put down her paintbrushes and didn’t paint again for 35 years. Raymer’s path back to her paintbrushes is on page 20. I won’t spoil it for you, but I’m certainly glad she’s painting again. As a fan of her Instagram page, I’ve watched some of her paintings take shape over the last year, and I’m impressed. She has a real talent and I’m glad she’s sharing it with the Central Valley. Her story should serve as a lesson to all of us. In this world, there is always somebody telling us what we’re doing isn’t OK — especially when it comes to creativity and selfexpression. Those critical voices can stop us from becoming our very best selves. People who take risks. People who aren’t afraid to try something new, and yes, sometimes even fail.
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What we need to do is pay attention to the voices that matter. Friends, family, trusted advisers — those voices are real. All the rest is just noise. In this Arts & Entertainment edition of Central Valley, make sure to check out our 25 Things feature about Junior Gonzales. With him, creativity seems to surround him at every turn. From a love of zombies (they’re not just for Halloween, you know) to cookies and Central Valley memorabilia, Gonzales’ story is a fun read. And, if you’re hoping to try your hand at something creative, check out our story about art classes for adults. It begins on page 24. And, not to be left behind, our story about performing arts for children begins on page 32. I hope the children involved in our local productions are surrounded by voices that are real and encouraging. I hope the voices that matter to them tell them that they’re doing a great job.
Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 5
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Big times are back ...
October 2017/ Vol. 6, Issue 10 ......................... Central Valley magazine is produced by the Custom Publications staff of The Fresno Bee and published by The Fresno Bee. It is inserted into The Fresno Bee on the fourth Saturday of the month in the Fresno/Clovis area. It can also be found in waiting rooms throughout Fresno/Clovis. Cover price $3.95 President & Publisher Tom Cullinan Vice President, Sales & Strategic Marketing John Coakley Editor Carey Norton | 559-441-6755 Advertising Sales Director Bill Gutierrez | 559-441-6405 Production Coordinator Anna Ramseier | 559-441-6751 Central Valley Sales Leader Sonia White | 559-441-6156 Assistant Editor Monica Stevens | 559-441-6149 Custom Publications Staff Janessa Tyler | 559-441-6764 Dani Villalobos | 559-441-6759 Gary Kazanjian Contributing Writers Cyndee Fontana-Ott, Douglas Hoagland, Farin Montañez, Janice Stevens Contributing Photographers Matt Drake, Wayne Hutchison, Tomas Ovalle, Howard K. Watkins Design Kristi Marinelly, Carey Norton, Monica Stevens, Janessa Tyler, Juan Vega, Lisa Vogt Contributing Artists Pat Hunter Reader inquiries Central Valley magazine 1626 E St., Fresno, CA 93786 www.centralvalley.com 559-441-6755 All content © The Fresno Bee To contribute, please contact Carey Norton at 559-441-6755 or cnorton@fresnobee.com
The Fresno Bee fresnobee.com
6 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
And so are the cinnamon rolls, soft tacos and corn dogs! The Big Fresno Fair runs Wednesday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 15 — bringing the action, entertainment and food that we’ve come to love. Chicken Charlie is back with everything deepfried, including Oreos, Twinkies and frog legs, plus the new Krispy Kreme Chicken Ice Cream Sandwich. And don’t miss new food vendors, like Eddie’s AsianInspired Cuisine and William Henry’s Hammertime Café, which features spaghetti, fettuccine and angel hair pastas along with yummy sauces, such as red, Alfredo, verde and garlic butter, plus meatballs, sausage and garlic/cheese bread. Looking for something a little more healthful? Get a fruit cup, cup of grapes and cup of yogurt with fruit from J.L.Q. Concessions in the Wells Fargo Agriculture Building or try a chicken or veggie gyro from Sleek Greek. The Spud Shack features Sweet potatoes, barbecued corn and baked potatoes. Get a glimpse into the past with The Big Fresno Fair Museum and the Fresno County Historical Museum. Located in O’Neill Hall, The Big Fresno Fair Museum walks you through the history of The Big Fresno Fair from the oldest Blue Ribbon given in 1909 to the first-ever built Cotton Candy Machine in 1921. It features more than 2,600 items related to the fair, Central Valley agriculture and more — including pictures by Claude C. “Pop” Laval, which include a description helping to tell a story about that moment in history. The Fresno County Historical Museum is an expansion of The Big Fresno Fair Museum, and showcases the broader history of Fresno County, providing a place for future generations to learn about and see diverse and rich history of years past.
Gates open 11 a.m., Monday through Friday 10 a.m., Saturday and Sunday
Gates close 11 p.m., Sunday though Thursday Midnight, Friday and Saturday
Carnival hours 3 p.m. to close, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to close, Saturday and Sunday
Kiddie Carnival hours Noon to close, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to close, Saturday and Sunday
Live Horse Racing 1:45 p.m., Monday, Thursday and Friday 12:45 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Nature at night Project Survival’s Cat Haven is a local innovative park dedicated to the preservation of wild cats. In 1998, the nonprofit organization was founded by Dale Anderson. His love and passion for wild cats started as a child when he met a mountain lion named Sam. As Anderson made the transition into adulthood, he didn’t forget about Sam. For 10 years, he was a pilot for United Express — traveling to zoological gardens around the world. With encouragement from Dr. Ronaldo Morato at the São Paulo Zoo in Brazil, Anderson decided to specialize in conservation and preservation of wild cats. Today, Project Survival’s Cat Haven boasts a wide variety of wild cats, including jaguarundis and snow leopards. On the agenda for the remainder of 2017: the Fall Twilight Tour from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7. The event (for ages 16 and up) is a self-guided tour that includes dinner and dessert. You’ll see the lot of wild cats playing with toys, eating treats and interacting with each other. Each enclosure will have a docent to answer questions. Tickets cost $75. Guided 11⁄2-hour tours are also available Thursday through Monday during the fall/winter (October to April). Details: www.cathaven.com c e n t r a lva lle y.c o m
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Sweet ol’ swap
Hairy, but not so scary With October at our doorstep, we recommend befriending tarantulas — natives to the rocky hillsides of the Sierra Nevada foothills — because they will be emerging from their burrows within two months. But don’t fret, tarantulas don’t want to hurt you — they want to mate. The eight-legged creatures play a vital role in the local ecosystem by eating insects that can destroy crops. And so, to educate the community about the importance of tarantulas, the Tarantula Awareness Festival is returning to Coarsegold. The festival is held on the Saturday before Halloween, giving you a chance to engage in
traditional (and free!) activities and contests. Of course, the hairy arachnids will make an appearance. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Coarsegold Historic Village along Highway 41. Details: www.coarsegoldhistoricvillage.com
Pumpkin 101 If you’re like us, as soon as the temperature dipped under 90 degrees, we started craving all things pumpkin. But if the annual pumpkinspice-everything has you overwhelmed, here’s a handy guide for your seasonal pumpkin carving pleasure. Use paint: Consider giving young children stickers, tempera paint or markers to decorate their pumpkins. It’s more safe, and the pumpkins will last longer. Consider a fake: If you get sad watching your jack-o’-lantern morph into a hideous shrunken head, consider a synthetic pumpkin. Available at most craft stores, carvable polyurethane pumpkins look like the real thing (they even come in different shapes and sizes) but last for years. Candles are off-limits, though, so if you want it to glow, use electric lights. Pick the perfect one: Whether you visit a pumpkin patch or the grocery store, look for pumpkins that are large and ripe and have smooth surfaces and at least a 2-inch stem. (Stemless, dented and bruised pumpkins may already be in decline.) If you plan to light your jack-o'-lantern with a candle, the pumpkin should be at least 9 inches high. Also, lightercolored pumpkins are easier to carve because they're softer. Carve it well: Here’s a pumpkin-carving prim-
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er from FamilyFun magazine. Draw your design on the pumpkin with a water-based marker. Mistakes can be erased easily with a damp sponge. Cut the lid at an angle so the outside diameter is larger than the inside. This prevents the top from falling into the pumpkin when it shrinks. Serrated metal saws, now widely available in carving kits, are a safer alternative to knives and allow younger children to help. But remember, kids should carve only under adult supervision. Scoop out seeds and stringy flesh with a large spoon or ice cream scoop. Carve facial features closest to the center first and work outward. Use an X-Acto knife for details and the tip of a potato peeler to make small circles and curves. If you accidentally remove a section, use a toothpick to pin it back in place. Flatten a spot in the base of the pumpkin for the candle, but avoid digging too deep. If you do, the pumpkin is prone to rot.
We love a good bargain … and the numerous swap meets and flea markets held in the fourcounty area give us a lot of opportunities to find them. Residents gather at various established locations to buy, sell and swap items that they don’t need or use. But swap meets and flea markets are also so much more than buying and selling items — they’re a farmers market, food truck throwdown and massive multi-family yard sale. Local swap meets and flea markets include: Sunnyside Swap Meet, 5440 E. Olive Ave., Fresno. Open from sunrise to 3 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cherry Avenue Auction, Cherry and American avenues off Highway 41. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday and Saturday. Madera Flea Market at Madera Fairgrounds, corner of Highway 99 and Cleveland Avenue. Open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday and Sunday. Selma Flea Market, 10951 E. Mountain View Ave, Selma. Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday. Alma’s Flea Market, 8967 Lacey Blvd., Hanford. Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday. Visalia Sales Yard, 29660 Road 152, Visalia. Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Thursday and Sunday. Open Country Flea Market, 23090 Road 152, Tulare. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily except Saturday. For a change of scenery, head to the Old Town Flea Market at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, the extension of The Foundry Collective is a mixture of one-of-a-kind vintage finds, antiques, repurposed art and furniture, jewerly, clothing and handmade crafts. Details: www.oldtownflea.com
Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 7
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Pastimes
Phelan Garage now Bitwise South Stadium BY: Janice Stevens | ILLUSTRATIONS: Pat Hunter | PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael J. Semas Collection, Bitwise
B Janice Stevens is the author of multiple books on California history: Fresno’s Architectural Past, Vol. I and II, William Saroyan: Places in Time; Remembering the California Missions; and An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 (North, Central and South), plus Breaking Bread with William Saroyan, collaborations with her business partner, watercolorist Pat Hunter, and two volumes of Stories of Service, compilations of Valley veterans’ military memoirs. Ask Janice a Fresno history question by emailing custom@ fresnobee.com or posting your question on the Central Valley magazine Facebook page, www.facebook. com/CentralValleyMag.
8 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
itwise Industries introduces an innovative industry in a historic 1914 building in downtown Fresno. The transformation from a car dealership and garage built in 1914 a hundred years later to a 21st century technology hub might have seemed to be the stuff of science fiction to James C. Phelan, who built the Phelan Garage at 700 Van Ness Ave. in downtown Fresno. However, in the early years of the 20th century, the Phelan Garage and Dealership might have appeared futuristic to a culture accustomed to horse and buggy for transportation needs. “The automobile garage owned by James C. Phelan, and named after him, is cleverly planned, well-built, and managed according to up-to-date methods,” writes Paul E. Vandor in “History of Fresno County,” published in 1919. Phelan expanded his industry and within a couple of years had established a strong presence in California. “In May 1916, he built the finest and most complete auto establishment in California, spending $90,000 upon the same. He then became agent, for the San Joaquin Valley, of the Maxwell, Mitchell and Marmon automobiles, and the Kleiber and Maxwell Trucks. He employs from forty to fifty men to man the several departments, each of which is complete in itself.” “When he first came to California, in 1905, he worked for three years on the Fresno ranch; and then, getting into the automobile business in a modest way, he has made success after success. Mr. Phelan sold out in August 1919,” writes Vandor. The James Phelan Building is listed on the Local Register of Historic Resources for its architectural style of “Commercial Period Revival Influence.” The Local Register states, “This building was originally an automobile dealership and garage. It was vacant for many years before being transformed into a technology hub. The renovation of this building was honored with a 2016 City of Fresno Historic Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse of a Historic Property.” Talisha Brantley, Bitwise Community Liaison,
The iconic logo of entwined letters, JCP for James C. Phelan, provide an interesting detail on the historic Phelan Garage.
relates the history of the building from James Phelan’s grandson, Craig Phelan, and the changes Bitwise made in adapting the building for a tech hub. “Construction was started in 1914 and completed in 1915. The building was originally built to sell Model T’s. It was one of the first indoor car dealerships in California and one of the first to sell Model T’s. James switched from selling Fords to Dodges in or around the ’30s to ’40s and then to Cadillacs in ’60s to ’70s. The building had two ramps to transport cars from the basement garage to the first-floor show room and to the second-floor car wash. The car wash was on the second floor because they would use gravity to move the water out of the building and into the sewage system. This also makes for some very interesting offices that have rolling chairs in them as the floors are still sloped in some areas. At some point, there was a car lift installed but this was not in the original design of the building. The second ramp and lift area on the first floor is now our theater.” The historic automobile dealership and garage
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Fresno Motor Sales was one of the businesses operating out of the Phelan Garage.
has seen its share of tenants throughout the years and many of them had no connection to automobiles. “In the early ’70s, the family sold off the car dealership and the building to different people. In the mid ’70s the building became various different offices and businesses. The Grizzlies once used it as their temporary offices while the stadium was being built, and it sat dormant from that time until we [Bitwise] purchased the building,” notes Brantley. Bitwise Industries boasts the title and reputation as the “mothership of technological education, collaboration and innovation, in Fresno,” according to its website and is a contributor to the revitalization of downtown Fresno. Having outgrown its location in the Mural District, Bitwise purchased the site at Mono Street and Van Ness Avenue in early 2015. “Since Bitwise was established just last summer, it and its technology tenants have been shoehorned into an 8,400-square-foot building at San Joaquin and L streets, in the Mural District at the northern fringe of downtown Fresno. The new site, a couple of stones’ throw from the Chukchansi Park stadium and the Fresno Convention Center, will be branded as Bitwise
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South Stadium,” writes Tim Sheehan in a 2015 Fresno Bee article. Sheehan continues, “He hopes Bitwise can inspire other technology companies to make their own inPlease see next page
Bitwise is at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Mono Street in the historic Phelan Garage and Dealership building.
Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 9
A photo from the Michael J. Semas Collection shows the entrance the J.C. Phalen garage.
The excavation for the J.C. Phelan Garage started in 1914.
continued ... vestments in downtown. ‘The last thing I want to do is be a developer,’ Bitwise CEO Jake Soberal said. ‘My ambition is that after this, technology companies in Fresno will say, ‘We want our space to be downtown. We want our space to have that sort of culture. ‘So they start doing it on their own and there’s no longer a need for Bitwise to keep developing buildings. If it takes us doing three more buildings to do that, we’ll do that,’ he added. ‘If we do this one, and suddenly there’s this mass gravitational pull downtown, fantastic.’ ” Historic preservationists are encouraged by Bitwise’s attention to historical and architectural integrity even as the building has been adapted to accommodate the demands of a 21st century emphasis on technology. Catering to a community eager to learn the latest technological tools in a constantly changing business environment, Bitwise South Stadium accommodates
10 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
tech-sector businesses and has expanded its training to teach students from high school to adult. Classes are offered in web design, software programs and partnered with Fresno State’s Continuing and Global Education, beer making, painting and history classes. “Bitwise has been praised by the city as a leading example of adaptive reuse of an aging downtown building after it bought the 100-year old Phelan Garage building at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Mono Street and spent about $7 million to renovate it into Bitwise South Stadium, a 50,000-square-foot hub for technology startups, training classes and related businesses. The building opened in October 2015, even as Soberol promised additional expansion in the future,” writes Tim Sheehan in a 2016 Fresno Bee. And with the historic Phelan Garage preserved and reused as a technology hub, Bitwise marches on with the purchase of a 92-year-old warehouse in downtown Fresno, at Ventura and R streets near Highway 41. Bitwise continues to make its mark with technology industries contributing to the revitalization of downtown Fresno. In 1914 the first automobiles of the century were launched from the Phelan Garage and Dealership. A century later, Bitwise Industries has introduced an industry in downtown Fresno only hindsight will reveal its impact. CV
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Voices
BY: Janice Stevens | ILLUSTRATION: Pat Hunter
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he recent announcement stating the iconic downtown Water Tower could close in six months because of a lack in funds making it financially viable sent shock waves throughout a community proud of this historic symbol of Fresno. Currently managed by the Fresno Arts Council, and serving as a visitor and information center featuring the art and literature of the cultural community, the building is visited by upwards of 30,000 people a year eager to become acquainted with Fresno’s history and downtown. With skyrocketing operating costs, the Fresno Arts Council is seeing red, not able to meet those financial demands. The Fresno Water Tower is owned by the City, and whereas we can appreciate reining in out-ofcontrol spending, we can also look to mistakes the City has made in the past with regard to historic buildings. Do we remember the Fresno Courthouse? Yes, I’ve heard the laments from those who remember the classic building with such fond regard and regret at its demise. We all know what happens to a shuttered building: neglect resulting in deterioration, vandalism and unsavory occupants. Let’s revisit the significance of the Fresno Water Tower. Considered to be the defining landmark of downtown Fresno, its roots trace back to 1894 when this water tower was constructed. Prior to that, the first water system was established in 1876 four years after the birth of Fresno Station, forerunner to the city of Fresno. The building was designed by architect George Washington Maher for the 100-foot-tall Fresno Water Tower and was, perhaps, patterned after the 1890 Wasserturm of Worms, Germany, on the Rhine River. The architectural design is consistent with the Romanesque Revival Style. Original blueprints indicate it was first intended to include a library inside the tower.
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Historically significant, in 1973, the American Water Works Association designated the tower as American Water Landmark No. 17. In 1988, the Fresno City Council voted to officially name the historic landmark the Fresno Water Tower. The tower continues to be maintained as a key feature of the Fresno Civic Center. Besides the designation by the American Water Works Association, the Fresno Water Tower is listed on the Local Official Register of Historic Resources, the Fresno County Historic Landmarks and Records Advisory Commission List and the National Register of Historic Places. Its historic value is priceless. I serve on the Fresno County Historic Landmarks and Records Advisory Commission and along with my fellow commissioners, including Pat Hunter, whose art accompanies this article, our mission is to identify records and landmarks worthy of preserving. As both of us are members of Heritage Fresno as well, an organization dedicated to educating our community on historical properties and issues related to preserving our history, we are dismayed at the threat that looms over the preservation of the Fresno Water Tower. Perhaps a reminder of the historic significance of the Fresno Water Tower will provoke a solution to keeping the doors open. Revitalization is in full swing in downtown Fresno. Preservationists have diligently worked to preserve and maintain the integrity of Fresno’s landmark treasures. Our past creates our future, and retrospect reminds us of what could have been. Let’s not get to that point of regret, but look back and praise those whose vision for the future and preserving the past weighed heavily on their decisions to keep the doors open to our treasured Water Tower. Donate by visiting www.onemission.fund/ support/facwatertower CV
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Historic value of Fresno Water Tower is priceless
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Innovators
Christian Mattos is shown in the Henry Madden Library at Fresno State as she looks through the Central Valley Oral History Project archives. Mattos and many of her classmates interviewed military veterans and transcribed them into oral histories about wartime activities that are archived physically and digitally for research purposes.
From the mouths of veterans Memories are preserved through the Central Valley War Veterans Oral Histories Project BY: Farin Montañez | PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian
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here’s a lot of history walking around the Central Valley, archived beneath every military cap resting atop patches of white hair. But war anecdotes aren’t often told beyond the comforting, familiar walls of veteran organizations, among individuals who lived the same truths. Dr. Gary Rice, a Fresno State journalism professor and a big history buff, came up with a way to capture and archive these narratives in an innovative way — by assigning them to students in his Editing of Publications class. A typical editing class isn’t that exciting if you’re only going over punctuation, spelling and style, Rice says. So he sought a rigorous project “to challenge those skills, plus leave a valuable project to look back on when the student left Fresno State.”
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Rice applied for a $20,000 grant to purchase some tape recorders and other materials and then asked his students to interview Central Valley war veterans and complete their oral histories — a word-for-word transcription of their tales of military service and wartime. A couple dozen oral histories were in spring 2010. “It was intended to be a one-semester project, but we had a little money leftover, so we did another semester,” Rice says. “And we’ve kept it going.” Six years later, the Central Valley War Veterans Oral Histories Project has produced nearly 600 transcripts and is said to be the largest collection of war veteran oral histories west of the Mississippi. The oral histories are archived in the Henry Madden Library at Fresno State, along with copies of discharge papers, letters and any other memorabilia veterans choose to donate.
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There, they are valuable to more people than just the family members of the veterans. “We know that researchers have already used some of them in projects they’ve done, like one on Agent Orange and how it affected Vietnam veterans,” Rice explains. “So they’re valuable for researchers, too, as a primary source.” Digital copies of each oral history are being built, as well, to make the search process easier. Completing an veteran’s oral history has also proven to be impactful on the students, Rice says. “It’s really valuable for the students to get to hear and experience history firsthand from the people who lived it,” he says. Students are matched up with a veteran, usually through local chapters of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Amvets and other veteran organizations. Students conduct a brief phone interview with the veteran to find out when and where they served in the military; then they research the time period and specifically the aircraft, ship or base on which their veteran served. There’s one stipulation: They can’t interview a friend or relative, because it changes the dynamic, Rice says. “I think for the historical value, we try to keep the impartial interviewer … a relative won’t be as honest with you as someone he doesn’t know.” The veterans and students then sit down for an in-person, audio-recorded interview. “It’s the veteran’s oral history, you’re just helping them tell it,” Rice explains. “They go into detail about early life, basic training, combat situations if they were in combat, overseas experiences. …” When the fun part is over, the dreaded transcription of the hours-long interview must take place, calling for all-nighters of rewinding, replaying and frantic typing. Daniel Ward, now a third-year medical student at UCSF, didn’t let the transcription deter him. He enjoyed his time with the veterans so much that he completed nine oral histories — a record for any one student — during his time at Fresno State. “With the exception of one Lt. Col. who served in the Gulf War and the OEF/OIF (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom), all of my interviewees were WWII veterans,” Ward says. “It’s very cool to talk with these veterans about their war experiences and how that has shaped their lives, because for some, it’s not something they discussed that often.” Some of the interviews turned into lasting friendships. Fresno resident Chuck Noll, who served as part of an Army Air Corps bomber crew in the Pacific Theater during WWII, became one of Ward’s good friends, inviting him over to his house and out to lunch, Ward says. “He and his wife came to my graduation party.” Ward was happy to record the veterans stories, if not for researchers, at least for future generations of their
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families, he says. “It was a way to appreciate history from the primary source level and to hear about stories that I would not have been exposed to otherwise,” Ward says. “There’s a difference between reading a book or watching a documentary and sitting down and talking to someone who has lived that experience.” Interviewing the veterans was a factor in Ward’s decision to accept a commission to join the U.S. Air Force, he says, which he did on his 24th birthday. Christian Mattos, who completed two oral histories during her junior year at Fresno State, says the project fit in with her interest in journalism, as she was able to tell the story of someone she most likely wouldn’t have spoken to otherwise. “I have no close family members who have served in the military,” Mattos says, “so I was grateful to be a part of the experience. Speaking to someone firsthand opens your eyes. The fact that they’ve gone overseas, risked their life and came back safely, it just puts it in perspective and I have a greater appreciation for that.” The project also helps bridge a gap between generations, says Dave Black, who retired from the U.S. Navy in 2010. He shared his history in 2015 and is the commander of Amvets Post 2011 in Clovis. “It’s an opportunity for young people to meet some of our WWII veterans, our Korean War veterans who are still living and to bridge that generation gap through life experience, through the experience of having to go serve for your country, something bigger than yourself,” Black says. “And, on the other side, veterans think young people don’t care. So it breaks down those perceptions and gives them to the opportunity to build those relationships and friendships. ... “Some of these old timers, they just want to share their experience and they enjoy the opportunity that someone is actually listening and documenting their story and taking the time to put it into a storyline.” The project culminates with an annual dinner in which the students introduce their veteran and the veterans are called onstage to briefly tell their story. “I don’t know who benefits more, the students, the people who show up at the event to hear the stories or the actual veteran,” Black says. Held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District and hosted by Amvets Post 2011, the event can become quite emotional, Rice says. “You rarely go through a ceremony without some tears.” Black encourages other veterans in his Amvets post and beyond to participate in the Central Valley War Veterans Oral Histories Project. “Do it for their families, do it for the generation that’s here now, to share those experiences,” he says. “We’re all getting older, so it’s better to capture those stories right away.” CV
Fresno State journalism professor Dr. Gary Rice started the Central Valley Oral History Project, in which military veterans are interviewed by students and their stories are transcribed into oral histories about wartime activities. The projects are then archived physically and digitally for research purposes in the Henry Madden Library.
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October 2017
October brings some of our favorite fall Ps: plays, pups and pumpkin-inspired events galore
One last respite
A Clovis tradition
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Say goodbye to Respite by the River — at least for 2017. The seasonal family-friendly event welcomes the community to enjoy the River Center for an evening of respite, relaxation, literature and live music, and culminates with a reading by Laura Sidsworth and musical performance by Kat. Details: www.riverparkway.org
Wild wonders
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The Fresno Chaffee Zoo embraces the holiday spirit with ZooBoo. The four-day event invites attendees to dress in their Halloween best as they trick-or-treat, play carnival games and experience live entertainment and animal attractions. Details: (559) 498-5910, www.fresnochaffeezoo.org
It’s ClovisFest time! For two days, locals and visitors alike can celebrate the “Gateway to the Sierras” with more than 250 vendors and booths, a car show, carnival and the most recent addition: the International Village. ClovisFest is held at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds and Old Town Clovis. Details: www.clovischamber.com
Becoming Carole
10.24 Puppy power
10.07
For more complete calendar listings, go to planitfresno.com
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Nickelodeon’s animated show, “PAW Patrol,” cutely addresses lessons in social skills, problem-solving and citizenship with a cast of furry pals. Younger audiences can catch their favorite characters at PAW Patrol Live!, which graces the Saroyan Theatre for two days. Details: (559) 445-8200, www.fresnoconventioncenter.com
Before she was Carole King, she was Carol Klein — a Brooklyn girl who would eventually become the voice of a generation. The Broadway hit “Beautiful - The Carole King Musical” retraces her path to stardom at the Saroyan Theatre, Oct. 24 through Oct. 29. Details: (559) 445-8200, www.fresnoconventioncenter.com
A party of pooches
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For Fresno doglovers, there’s only one Halloweeninspired event worth attending, and it’s right in the heart of the Tower District. The 10th annual Whitie’s Pets Pooch Parade, Canine Carnival and Costume Contest includes a variety of vendors, dog-food samples, live entertainment, a Beer and Bone Garden, and four costume contest categories for man — and woman’s — best friend to compete in. Details: www.towerdistrict.org
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MakeIt
A magical Halloween BY: Taryn Yancy | PHOTOGRAPHY: Teryn Yancy
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here is nothing more fun than thinking outside of the box when it comes to Halloween costumes and decorations. This year, trade the spooky for sweet by transforming a faux or locally grown pumpkin into a magical unicorn. With a few supplies and flowers in rainbow shades, you’ll turn your décor into something wow-worthy. These are easy to create, making them a fun project for older children or small kids with a little help from a crafty adult. DIY this fun and festive unicorn that your trick-or-treaters and Halloween guests will think is as sweet as candy.
Supplies White faux pumpkin or a pumpkin from a local farm Crayola Model Magic (a modeling compound that is easily manipulated and joined to make any form or shape)
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Faux flowers Metallic gold craft paint Small paint brush Hot glue gun Scissors Black paint pen White felt Pink felt
Instructions 1. Start by using your Model Magic to create the unicorn horn by rolling out two pieces of the clay-like dough into same length strips. Taper one end of each, to resemble a slight cone shape. 2. Twist the two tapered strips together starting with the smallest point and working your way down. 3. Flatten the bottom of the horn so that it will be able to stand up. 4. Let your horn dry overnight to harden. 5. Next day start by painting the horn metallic gold and let dry completely. 6. Wipe down your pumpkin then dry it off
with a towel. 7. Cut the white and pink felt into two triangular ear shapes and hot glue each set together. 8. Hot glue the horn in front of the pumpkin stem. 9. Hot glue one ear on each side of the horn so that they stand up. 10. Arrange and hot glue your cut faux flowers on the pumpkin continuing down the side to create a mane. 11. Using your black paint pen, draw your desired eye shape. Let completely dry. 12. Place your unicorn pumpkin in the desired spot and enjoy.
Pro tips Use an array of colored flowers to create a rainbow or ombré mane. Add glitter to the horn. The thicker the strips of Model Magic, the bigger horn it creates. You can use a craft-cutting machine to create the perfect vinyl eyes for your unicorn. CV
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Junior Gonzales J
unior Gonzales describes himself as “a one-man creating machine.” No lie. He earned national buzz with his Britney Spears prayer candles featuring an angelic image of the pop star. Buzzfeed.com ranked them No. 1 on a list of “perfect gifts” for Spears’ fans. Gonzales also makes and sells coasters, magnets and pillows decorated with local iconic images. Fresno’s “Best Little City” arch and Warnor’s Theatre are two of many landmarks pictured. His business is called Casual Glitz, but it’s not his only gig. Gonzales also coordinates events (Craftapalooza Fresno), bakes (for fun and money) and dabbles in film making. Like he said. Creative. BY: Doug Hoagland | PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison, Bee archive, In-N-Out Burger
1 Name on the birth certificate: Larry Jr. His choice to go by Junior: “I don’t look like a Larry.” 2 He didn’t celebrate Halloween, Christmas or his birthday as a kid. Religious reasons. He loves those holidays today. 3 Cable TV was his babysitter in the early ’80s; “Thundercats” was a favorite show. It starred animated cat-like humanoid aliens. Sweet. 4 Phone home. A papier-mâché E.T. sat on a piano in his second-grade classroom in Selma. Teacher
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expected a lot. He liked that. 5 Move over Britney. His prayer candles for Prince (the late rock star, not your run-ofthe-mill royalty) are a big seller, too. 6 As a young boy, Gonzales made music videos with his father’s camera. His inspiration: George Romero and his zombie apocalypse films. 7 Zombies Part 2: He’s seen
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“Dawn of the Dead” 30-plus times. Two things to remember: Zombies are cold and smelly. Goes with being dead. 8 Zombies Part 3: Living in a mall — like characters in “Dawn of the Dead” — would be cool. One way to keep up with the latest trends. 9 Voted “Most Unique” at Merced County’s LeGrand High School. He had blue hair one month and a different color each month. 10 Burgers and fries cured his shyness. He worked at In-N-Out Burger for more than a decade. 11 Gonzales doesn’t drive. Fear took over after three wrecks while a passenger. His husband, Donovan, and friends handle the chauffeuring. 12 Good sport/bad sport. Likes basketball (“it’s simple”) but considers football “barbaric.” Yet he enjoys Super Bowl parties. 13 Pet cat, Humphrey, growls at strangers. 14 Yoshi Now! is a favorite Fresno hangout. His home is filled with the thrift store’s vintage furniture. 15 Loves Las Vegas (the architecture, the shows, the people), but doesn’t gamble. 16 Gonzales liked gritty downtown Fresno (“it had personality”) before revitalization began. Neat and clean isn’t his thing. 17 Good karaoke memories at Fresno’s Tokyo Gardens. Watch him sing “Creep” by Radiohead and
“Summer Days” from “Grease.” 18 Not much of a reader because his imagination gets in the way of plots. His favorite book: “James and the Giant Peach.” 19 Best advice from someone: “Be mean.” Translation: Stop giving away your crafts — it’s no way to make a living. 20 Fan of “Roseanne” — owns all nine seasons on DVD. Gonzales: “Let’s just say, that’s my family right there.” 21 October is the best month because of his birthday (he’ll be 40) and Halloween. His favorite costume: a zombie, of course. 22 Success means acknowledgment — being known. 23 Learned to bake from YouTube. Specialty: Sugar cookies that he sells. He wants to be on a TV baking show — any of them would do. 24 Worked as a personal assistant on low-budget film, “Lake of Shadows: The Legend of Avocado Lake.” He shot footage for DVD extras. 25 Gonzales loves nightmares, especially about zombies. His waking thought: “My god, that was cool! Why can’t they make a movie like that?” CV
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InTheSpotlight
Julie Raymer is rediscovering her artistic side, after having walked away from it more than 35 years ago. Now, she has picked up her paintbrushes again and is receiving awards for her watercolor glimpses into the Central Valley life.
She walked away, but art called her back BY: Dani Villalobos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison, Julie Raymer
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wo weeks before the end of her sophomore year at San Jose State University, Julie Raymer walked out of her watercolor class — leaving the school and her professional pursuit of art at the door. Barely scratching the surface of her studies within the major, Raymer spent her brief college career balancing her rigorous academic and work schedules. The feedback she’d received from the few art courses she’d enrolled in was less than positive, and her watercolor professor’s dismissal of her final assignment felt more like rejection than constructive criticism. So, she quit. Right on the spot. “I was too detailed. I had a couple other professors say, ‘Maybe you should go into technical design.’ But as a kid, that felt more as a rejection — they weren’t going to like anything I did,” Raymer recalls. “Like my
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watercolor was way out there. It was something you could totally recognize, but had off-colors. To me, that was stepping out.” The Fresno resident soon found a steady, wellpaying job with Pacific Bell Telephone Company, met and married her husband, Dan Raymer, and the two eventually settled in the Central Valley community to raise their two children, Brianne and Michael. For 35 years, the extent of her artistic expression was revealed through the painting of school play sets or a mural for her church’s children’s room. And while the appropriate mixture of colors to capture a flower or picture that caught her eye continued to swirl in her subconscious, she considered art to be a completed chapter of her life. Dan, on the other hand, didn’t see it that way. His constant encouragement to start painting again was met on deaf ears until their kids were grown,
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married and out of the house. Raymer was out of excuses, and she was ready to try — but with a small stipulation. “I felt like I never really got started in college, and I didn’t really know if I had any talent or could do anything,” she says. “I didn’t want to start and have him looking over my shoulder, so I said, ‘I’m going away for a week.’ ” At a friend’s Nipomo beach house in June 2014, Raymer sketched the potted succulents arranged atop of the home’s back patio table, aptly labeling the piece “Patio Table 1” for what would be the first of more than 200 works created in the next 31⁄2 years. Or, as the artist describes it: “all those years have been pouring out of me since.” She joined two local art groups, Alliance of California Artists and the Clovis Art Guild, soaked up all the tips and new methods from guest demonstration artists and workshops and entered her work in various shows and competitions in the greater community — rediscovering the natural talent she first explored as a high school student, and then some. Instead of resisting, Raymer was able to push past her detailed self and embrace the disorder of abstract art, even if she had to literally close her eyes at first. “I’m older and more mature, and not as stubborn by thinking ‘that’s not what I want to do,’ ” the 58-year-old says. “It’s fun. I’m doing things I like; I’m doing it for me.” Raymer’s placed in nearly every show she’s entered, and most recently, received her first Best of Show in the Clovis Art Guild’s Small Works Fine Art Show for her watercolor painting, “Rainbow Garden.” Two of her agriculture-inspired works, “Cukes and Toes” and “Chicken Coop,” can be seen in Madera County Arts Council’s Celebrate Agriculture with the Arts Competition and Exhibition, which runs through Oct. 28 at Circle Gallery in Madera. She also rents a space at Fresno Art Hub, housing around 20 pieces of Raymer’s at any given time that are available for purchase. Sure, making a sale is great, she admits, but sharing her art with others has a deeper, personal significance. “A good friend, his wife passed away. So I gave him her favorite painting of mine,” she says. “Sometimes I feel like it’s my gift. ... It’s something that’s mine that I can use for different things — I can use it to help people through hard times or just as something fun.” Details: www.julieraymerart.com, www.instagram.com/ julieraymer CV
Julie Raymer’s art can be found at Fresno Art Hub and at www.julieraymerart.com.
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Innovators
Empowering our future
Instructor Laura Eropkin helps children like Andrew Vananne learn to sew at Kiki’s Quilt Shack, which gives sewing machines to children so that the craft of sewing and quilt-making continues on in future generations.
Local businesses focus on building up youth BY: Farin Montañez | PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian
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udrey Davis’ brow furrows as she watches the Russian nesting doll-patterned fabric glide over the base of her Anna sewing machine. She adjusts the pressure she applies to the foot pedal as she gets close to the fabric’s edge, watching intently as the needle bobs up and down, carefully stitching the border on a chalkboard placemat. At just 8 years old, and in a total of 15 hours, Audrey has learned to wind a bobbin, thread a sewing machine, stitch a straight line and create a cinch bag,
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placemat and 54-inch-square quilt. The week-long Kids Camp at Kiki’s Quilt Shack is part of Ketty “Kiki” Massengale’s vision of keeping the art of quilting and sewing alive into future generations. “We need the younger generation to continue to enjoy these wonderful things. It helps motivate your creativity,” Massengale says. The children’s classes are taught by Laura Eropkin, a Fresno native who worked in the fashion design industry in Laguna Beach, where she specialized in bridalwear. After working for top designers, Eropkin decided to
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return home because “something just didn’t feel right,” she says. Before long, Eropkin found her calling in educating youth in the local sewing shop. “We have a lot of fun and I come up with new projects all the time,” she says. “I got thrown into it, but I love it.” The classes accept boys and girls ages 8 to 16, although the oldest student Eropkin has had was a 14-year-old boy. At the end of the week-long, three-hour-a-day camp, the students take home their own Anna sewing machine, “a wonderful beginner machine that has all of the features necessary for sewing,” Massengale says. “It has decorative stitches, it can do buttonholes, zippers; you can make anything you want on it.” Students can then return to Kiki’s Quilt Shack, sewing machine in tow, for once-a-month classes to learn new projects. Being able to create items from scratch “helps with their self-esteem,” Eropkin says. “It helps inspire them to do something different. Kids that are shy who come to these classes, I notice they become more outgoing. It builds up their confidence.” The classes also provide something that seems to have been cut out of traditional education, Eropkin adds. “I think schools don’t support the arts as much as they used to when I was growing up around here, and I think kids need that creative outlet,” she says. “Sometimes, in my class, they’re doing something a little different and I’ll tell them, ‘Just go with it!’ You can do something 20 different ways to get the same result when you’re doing creative work — there’s no wrong or right answer.” The kids are also naturally supportive of one another, and find themselves becoming part of a community. “Quilting and sewing together as a group is a wonderful way to make new friends,” Massengale says. “It’s like a quilting bee, which was done years and years ago, when everyone gathered at the quilting bee and stitched and sewed and talked and joked and ate together. It was kind of like their release and a friendship group.” The children get excited when one of their classmates finishes a quilt block, or completes a big step in their project. “Our whole goal is to enlighten and encourage and to excite the young generation to begin doing these type of things,” Massengale says. “They get a feeling of accomplishment and they get very excited when they have made something themselves that is a beautiful piece of artwork that is also functional.” Audrey’s favorite project from summer camp was “The quilt, because you get to sleep in it,” she says. She returned to Kiki’s Quilt Shack the next week to pick up a new book of sewing projects and buy some fabric. Her next project? “Clothes.”
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A tree is known by its fruit Some people work to live and some people live to work. Curt Blank works to give back. Creating a top-notch tree service company, A-1 Expert Tree Service Inc. in Fresno, has helped fund Blank’s passion for Christian ministry and empowering youth. “Our most important work is the ministry — especially with kids,” Blank says. “Children are the most vulnerable members of our society.” Blank runs Christian Youth Club, which helps atrisk, inner-city youth to get out into nature and enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and playing in the snow at nearby outdoor venues and national parks. “We use the outdoors as a tool for reaching innercity kids at risk, kids who want to get out of the ghetto,” Blank says. “We want to be positive mentors.” Blank and his wife, Leah, went a step further and turned their home into a licensed foster home. They’ve even adopted two children, Blank says. For a time, the Blanks also picked up disadvantaged kids from their homes and took them to church with them on Sundays. “Our hearts go out to the kids who really need that love,” he says. “They need people to lift them up, to believe in them.” Since 1989, Blank has also worked with Youth Missions International, a nonprofit whose goal is to develop young leaders through ministry experience. He has gone on several ministry trips to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean for construction projects, delivery of supplies and food relief. “Over the years, we’ve been able to accomplish quite a lot,” he says. The Blanks do this all while running a full-service tree company, which includes consultations, appraisals, tree care, bracing, cabling, transplanting, stump grinding and land clearing. “We do everything from large, hazardous removals to meticulous pruning,” Blank says. “I still climb trees with a master’s degree.” Blank enjoys the work, and the fact that it enables him to help others. “I don’t know how many hundreds of thousands of dollars we’ve pumped into helping others — to build clinics, to build schools, for food relief,” he says. “We’ve had some exciting, awesome experiences with God’s help.” CV
Audrey Davis practices on a sewing machine at Kiki’s Quilt Shack.
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Arts&Entertainment
Pat Hunter teaches adult art classes at Gallery II as she talks with Tisha Schafer and Donald Hodges works on his piece of art.
Art foradults
Connect with your inner artist BY: Dani Villalobos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Tomas Ovalle, Natasha Holland Hayes, Door Art Gallery, Diane Abbott
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here’s a common perception that as we age, the creativity, courage and spontaneity that came so naturally gradually gives way to more, well, adult-like grievances. Once puberty hits, hello new world of insecurities and paralyzing self-doubt. It seems Fresno’s creative class begs to differ. The Central Valley’s flourishing arts community is home to galleries, museums and other venues that not only display outstanding visual art, but nurture it — offering various classes and workshops to adults who are interested in finding or reconnecting with their inner artist. You may just find that fearless child along the way. Consider this to be a starting point — a mere sam-
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pling of the vast net of visual art opportunities for adults here in Fresno.
Master the abstract One of the first things Natasha Holland Hayes likes to clear up right off the bat is this: abstract art has rules. At least, any good abstract work does. Hang an abstract piece on the wall, and if there are certain elements amiss, it’ll completely fall apart. The Lemoore-based watercolor and acrylic artist offers intro to abstract painting workshops at various Central Valley venues each month, helping the most experienced and novice of artists compose works of art that can proudly be displayed in their own home.
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“The biggest thing is I want people to learn something, so they can tackle another painting on their own,” Hayes says. “I provide a checklist of the process and samples of compositions. I break it down so they can create a successful abstract painting.” Hayes is no stranger to the varied aspects of visual arts, earning a degree in architecture and design in 2010 before branching off and opening her own company, Natasha Holland Studio, that focuses on her love for the fine arts. She first taught classes in Guam when she and her husband, a navy man, were stationed there before relocating to California two years ago. Those classes highlighted the depiction of Guam’s tropical environment, and while different, Hayes also brings customization into her new intro to abstract workshops. She likes to keep classes small, capping them at eight or nine people. Once registered, Hayes sends an email in advance for participants to select their canvas size, preliminary color scheme and optional gold/silver leaf instruction. So when you’re actually at the workshop, it’s solely about the creation process — all packaged in a fun, comfortable setting with provided food and drinks to snack on. “We start with group instruction, but 60 percent of
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the class is one-on-one,” Hayes says. “It’s focused at your skill level to help you create something that’s unique to your personality and style.” Hayes hosts classes once a month at Visalia’s Enjoy Makerie and Young Chefs Academy in Fresno, with plans to add more venues and a new watercolor workshop to her schedule. Register for classes online at www.eventbrite.com/o/ natasha-holland-studio-12726823485. Each workshop costs $65, which includes materials. Details: www.facebook.com/natashahollandstudio
Natasha Holland Hayes provides intro to abstract art classes in the Central Valley.
Find your perspective Everyone can draw — just ask Pat Hunter. The watercolor artist and co-founder of Fresno’s Gallery II got her professional start working as a high school art teacher, successfully melding her earned master’s in the subject from California State University, Los Angeles and longtime passion for teaching. She eventually settled in the Central Valley in 1978, became an adjunct professor for the State Center Community College District and developed a distinct perspective of capturing historical landmarks that help Please see next page
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Maggui Ledbetter works on her painting during a class with Pat Hunter at Gallery II.
define our region’s past and the beautiful surrounding national parks in her work. While the journey to opening the gallery more than 30 years ago began as somewhat of a naive, fun venture between two old friends, Hunter’s career has come full circle. Sandwiched between Gallery II’s two gallery spaces, guests will find a table and an assortment of chairs — class remains in session. “It’s always been a teaching gallery,” she says. “Art is such a wonderful business, occupation, pastime — it’s relaxing and self-fulfilling. Once you find that you can draw — once you get these skills and know perspective, go through those fundamentals — there’s a certain pride you feel when you know, ‘Hey, I can do that.’ ” Gallery II offers weekly private and group instruction opportunities to the greater community, capping the group classes at eight students to comfortably accommodate each artists’ individual needs. See, there’s no set lesson plan or fixed curriculum to follow in Hunter’s classes. It’s up to the individual to set the pace. “Everyone is doing something different and works independently. I move around the room, and give
advice to everyone on what they’re doing,” she explains. “I teach whatever they want to know. If they just want to take art classes, I’ll start with the basics of drawing.” Hunter’s typical roster of students ranges from those ages 40 to 80-plus, beginners to advanced and watercolor to pencil and pen-and-ink artists. Some are looking to try something new, some are brushing up on old skills, while others are seeking more of a social fulfillment. Whatever the reason, she’s happy to help. “You don’t get a grade here,” Hunter says. “If you can see, you can draw. And seeing is perception, so not just opening your eyes. It’s understanding what you’re looking at — trust me, I’ve done it a long time.” Private lessons cost $20 per hour and group instruction costs $12.50 per 21⁄2-hour session. Details: (559) 222-4443, www.gallery2fresno.com
Experiment with mediums Big kids can go back to school, too. And when they do, they’ll find a welcoming, artistic home in Door Art Gallery. The 22-year-old Fresno art space began as a collaborative of nine artists, notes artistic director Chris Hays, with that synergistic atmosphere continuing to set the tone for its decades-long operation. “I feel like we’ve turned into a little art center,” Hays says. “We sell plenty of art, but I also feel a huge part of
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why we are who we are is because we offer all of these classes.” It’s not unusual to find an eclectic group of people working in Door Art Gallery at any given time. There might be a retired artist working in one medium here, Fresno State students using another there and passing transplants that are simply enjoying the venue while in town — all happy to share their knowledge and talent with one another. This ever-present learning environment lends nicely to a series of offered classes and workshops held at the gallery, focusing on areas of oil painting, pastels, life drawing and painting and watercolor. And the best part? Participants of all skill levels are welcome. Take Gary Langdon’s oil painting classes, for instance. The retired painter and teacher instructs five weekly classes at Door Art Gallery for a reasonable fee of $70 per month, and is happy to guide beginners through the process. Pastel artist, Suzie Stach, hosts a class on the first Saturday of each month at $50 per session — her enthusiasm catering to pastel novices, experts and everything in between. “She’s perfectly comfortable with beginners, and always has a demo going while you’re working,” Hays says. “She’s a lot of fun and is a great teacher. She can take you from how to treat the paper and handle your pastels to people that are very talented and just want to have the opportunity to sit down and concentrate.”
Watercolor sessions are also available through Door Art Gallery artists, Janice Leppke and Kathy Langdon. Call the gallery to learn more about upcoming classes and pricing. Life drawing and painting classes with guest models are self-guided, with opportunities scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays and 5:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays. Fees are $10 per session or $35 per month. “A lot of people think, ‘I can’t do art; I’m not creative.’ But when you toss them into a situation and
Door Art Gallery offers various workshops and classes in different artistic mediums.
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continued ... hand them something, it’s really fun to watch,” Hays says. “A huge part of my life is about sharing art, making people understand art, having an appreciation for art and encouraging people to try it. Not to be afraid.” Details: (559) 261-1610, www.doorartgallery.com
Get into the Greek
CELEBRATE THE ARTS AT FRESNO CITY COLLEGE ART SPACE GALLERY Faculty Biennial Exhibit: In the Making
August 24 – October 12 • Reception August 24 5:00–8:00 pm
THEATRE AND DANCE Green Day's American Idiot
October 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm • 8, 13, 14 at 2:00pm • Theatre
Silent Sky
Nov. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 pm • 12, 17, 18 at 2:00 pm • Studio 105
City Dance Fall Workshop
November 10, 11 at 7:30pm • 12 at 2:00pm • Theatre
MUSIC Community Symphony Orchestra October 3 • OAB Auditorium • 7:30 pm
Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Singers October 18 • Theatre • 7:30pm
FUNDRAISERS CityFest
September 29 • 5:30pm Old Administration Building Courtyard Tickets $35 each www.eventbrite.com
Toasting the Arts
October 20 • 6:00pm Old Administration Building Courtyard Tickets $45 each, $85 for two or $325 per Table
Fresno City College Theatre Box Office: (559) 442-8221 For ticket information and to see all upcoming events, visit www.fresnocitycollege.edu/boxofficetickets
State Center Community College District
30 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
Diane Abbott’s favorite thing about being a flight attendant: visiting the world’s art galleries. Layovers became an opportunity to take in the most beautiful artwork around the globe — even if it came in the most unexpected of venues. In the entranceway of a building in Seattle, Abbott spotted a unique piece created with a medium the former art student wasn’t familiar with. So, she researched it. “It was so different. It was encaustic,” she says. “I was in awe, and I had to start looking for new information on that art.” An ancient GrecoRoman technique, encaustic incorporates the combination of natural beeswax and dammar resin — creating a shiny, durable and versatile mixture that is gradually picking Local artist Diane Abbott offers encaustic up more interest painting workshops at various art venues in the amongst visual artists. Abbott’s investigation community. led her to Santa Cruz County’s Wax Works West, which provides a working space for creative people interested in learning more about encaustic and exploring how it can be applied to many different types of artwork. Now, more than 10 years since she first stumbled on the ancient art form, the collage, acrylic, mixed media, watercolor and encaustic artist is hosting workshops herself — right here in the Central Valley. She likes to keep the workshops small, allowing Abbott to thoroughly dive into the safety, set up and basics behind encaustic painting so they can easily complete three to four pieces by the end of the session. The $135, one-day classes include all materials, and even a breakdown of how participants can securely outfit a home studio with simple, everyday resources. The medium can be used in its natural, clear appearance or can have pigments (or paint) added to it to give color. The application process involves heat, where the medium is melted and then layered onto the artwork with a brush or tool of the artist’s choosing. “There are a variety of materials that you can paint wax onto — basically anything that’s porous,” Abbott explains. “You can also use a lot of materials with the wax, like watercolor, pastel, oils and collaging. … Some people are now, instead of framing watercolors, putting the wax medium over it so you don’t have to frame it.” She welcomes participants of all experience levels — you never know what you’ll be able to create. “It’s something new, and it’s a way that if you’re doing any other art, you can add this,” Abbott says. “It gives your own art new direction.” Details: Search for Creative Wax Stuidios on Facebook. CV
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December 19–20, 2017
Jan. 31–Feb. 1, 2018
March 14–15, 2018
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Arts&Entertainment
3 places your kids can act up
Mia Carino plays Rafiki in “The Lion King Jr.” The two-act musical adaption was presented by Children’s Musical Theaterworks.
32 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
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BY: Janessa Tyler | PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian
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s a way to combine the performing arts, musical theater allows children to express creativity by making a scene. Whether children are singing classic tunes from the most famous and iconic musicals like “West Side Story” (1957) and “Wicked” (2003), they’re gaining confidence, perseverance and responsibility with each and every step. Luckily, you don’t have to travel to New York City to catch a Broadway-like performance. The Central Valley plays host to a bevvy of theater companies including StageWorks Fresno and Good Company Players. But where do you turn for theater companies that cater to children? Look no further than Children’s Musical Theaterworks, Good Company Players’ Junior Company and CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre.
Top: Eliot Karle Bonetto gets ready before performing as Young Nala in “The Lion King Jr.” Middle: Diego Sosa as Timon, Olivia Monson as Young Simba and Madison McFarland as Pumba during “The Lion King Jr.” Below: Matthew Cabello and Anna Smith perform as part of the Junior Company before the headline show of “Sister Act” at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater.
Children’s Musical Theaterworks For more than 20 years, Children’s Musical Theaterworks has remained dedicated to the training of children in the area of musical theater. Thousands of children have played a role in more than 30 productions like “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Little Mermaid Jr.” The beginning of August was celebrated with the premiere of “The Lion King Jr.” For two weeks, the inspirational lyrics of “Hakuna Matata” were heard filling the halls of the Fresno Memorial Auditorium. “It means no worries, for the rest of your days ...” Instead of adults portraying the cast, children filled the roles of main characters like Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumba. Prior to the two-act musical adaption, tweens and teens played the roles of Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Claude Frollo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Each year, CMT produces four productions for children, tweens and teens — ages 6 to 20. They rehearse for eight weeks — five days a week — before the premiere of a show. The commitment required for musical theater is familiar to K.C. Rutiaga. In addition to serving on the board of directors, she has two children who have been a part of CMT for six years. The experience of being part of musical theater has been beneficial on multiple levels, she says. Please see next page
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Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 33
Eliot Karle Bonetto as Young Nala and Olivia Monson as Young Simba perform with Jazlyn Montañez and members of the cast during “The Lion King Jr.”
continued ... “It helps them in life — regardless of what career they go into,” Rutiaga adds. In addition to learning about teamwork, Rutiaga says children learn to think on their feet. Musical theater also helps children overcome fears of public speaking. “It gives children a place to be themselves,” Rutiaga says. “You’re around children who are like you.” Typically, she adds, the cast is split into two parts for large-scale productions like “The Lion King Jr.” It gives children an equal amount of time on stage. There are about a handful of main characters and dozens of parts in the ensemble. The best part of CMT? Every child who auditions receives a role — no matter what. On the horizon: “Annie,” which runs Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 10. Auditions will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24 at Sierra Vista Mall. Details: www.cmtworks.org
Good Company Players’ Junior Company In 1973, Good Company Players was founded by local actors and musicians, including Dan Pessano, Chris Moad, Cathy Glenn and Ronald J. Harlan. In the beginning, GCP was a summer dinner theater at the Fresno Hilton Hotel in downtown Fresno. Five years later, Pessano joined forces with Roger Rocka to give GCP a permanent home on the corner of Olive and Wishon avenues in the Tower District. Along with a permanent home, GCP gained the Junior Company — a group of 20 children who perform a miniature revue before shows at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater and 2nd Space Theatre. The Junior Company is directed by Pessano’s wife, Laurie. For more than three decades, she has watched dozens of children transition into professional careers as directors, actors, choreographers and playwrights — Please see next page
34 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
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Anna Smith performs as part of the Junior Company before the headline show of “Sister Act” at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater.
continued ... leaving Fresno to make their way to Hollywood or New York City. Notable alumni includes Audra McDonald, Chris Colfer, Todd Decker, Heidi Blickenstaff, Alicia O’Neill, Christopher Gorham and Clint Higham. GCP produces six shows — and holds three auditions — each year. Children don’t need to be within close proximity to Clovis or Fresno to join the ranks of GCP. “We have had children from Porterville, Coalinga and Hanford,” Pessano says. Before the start of a show, they rehearse on a weekly basis for six weeks. More than likely, children can audition for two productions at a time. Pessano says formal training isn’t a prerequisite for acceptance. “We look to see how well they focus and what kind of listening skills they have,” she says. Auditions for “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and “Annie” are set for Saturday, Sept. 23 at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. Pessano says the most important part to remember about auditions is to stay optimistic: “If you don’t get cast, you
should come back — even Audra McDonald wasn’t cast the first time.” Details: www.gcplayers.com
CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre Previously known as Center Stage Productions, CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre provides children and adults with an opportunity to partake in musical theater. Founded in 1991, dozens of musicals — like “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The Music Man,” “Mary Poppins,” “Beauty and the Beast” and most recently, “Fiddler on the Roof” — have entertained audience members in the Mercedes Edwards Theatre and the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. The coolest part: CenterStage is the only theater company in the Central Valley that features a live orchestra, which is conducted by Pete van der Paardt. It typically produces one production each year, with auditions being held in May, but a rendition of an Off-Broadway musical revue is being added to the agenda for 2017.
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Tickets starting at $45
Jonathan Aguirre gives an Elvis rendition as part of the Junior Company.
BOX OFFICE / 815 E. OLIVE / 559.485.9050 Directed by Scott Hancock, CenterStage is currently preparing for “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” at the end of November. “The original is called ‘Forever Plaid’ — a throwback to the late 1950s and early 1960s,” Hancock says. “It’s really funny and very touching at the same time.” Hancock says auditions, which are open to children and adults, are held in May. “We have callbacks a few days later,” he adds. They rehearse for six weeks, Monday through Thursday, prior to the beginning of a show. “We try to do a show that allows every age to audition,” Hancock says. Hancock says musical theater cultivates a list of skills for children who are stepping into the spotlight for the first time, including creativity, improvisation, punctuality, responsibility and working within a timeline. “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” will run Thursday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. Details: www.centerstageclovis.com CV
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www.towertheatrefresno.com
November 1st / 7pm “Fiddler on the Roof” was produced by CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre in July.
Tickets starting at $25
Joy Smith performs as part of the Junior Company.
Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 37
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GetUp&Go
California’s BIG apple When fall comes around, so do opportunities to pick your own apples right from the orchard BY: Cyndee Fontana-Ott | PHOTOGRAPHY: Cyndee Fontana-Ott, Thinkstock
38 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
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n the 19th century, it was the California gold rush that helped put Placerville on the map. But today’s golden temptation comes from a different and more digestible source. We’re talking apples of the Golden Delicious and other varieties, of course. Large chunks of acreage in and around the foothill town of Placerville are home to dozens of orchards, farms and more that celebrate one of autumn’s favorite fruits. The area dubbed Apple Hill fans out along Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. It includes blink-and-you’ll-miss-it burgs like Camino and Pollock Pines along with plenty of places where you can stock up on fresh-from-the-orchard
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Granny Smith apples ripen in Rainbow Orchards. Granny Smith and other varieties, like Golden Delicious and Jonathan apples, are ready for tasting in Apple Hill, near the foothill community of Placerville.
apples, baked goods (pies, doughnuts, cobblers, etc.) and even hard cider. You’ll find dozens of apple varieties ranging from the familiar (Golden Delicious and Granny Smith) to the more exotic (Winesap and Arkansas Black). Many Apple Hill growers sell other products such as seasonal berries, greens, pumpkins, corn, Christmas trees, wine and, well, a whole lot more. Some stands and bake shops are open year-round but the prime season for many — and for apples themselves — is right now. Where to start? You really do need a map because some destinations are located pretty far off the highway and on windy two-lane roads. So check out the Apple
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Hill Growers website (www.applehill.com), which offers a printable map, a trip planner, descriptions of farms/ranches, links to individual web pages and more. (Some growers have websites, some don’t.) The association, which began in the mid-1960s, has grown from the original 16 ranchers to more than 55 today. The organization helps market Apple Hill and, while driving through the area, you’ll notice bright red and white signs identifying the stops. On the growers’ website, you’ll find guidance on seasonal offerings — all apples don’t ripen at the same time, for example — along with answers to questions like “can I bring my dog?” (Most places are accommodating as long as he/she stays with you and on a leash.) Each farm property has its own charm so you’ll have to choose based on your interests. Sadly, some growers say Mother Nature’s fickle winter means they don’t expect a banner apple crop this year. A few — like Jim Zeek at Goodness Orchard — have been shut out completely, but he sells other products on his organic farm. Just before apple season, we set out to eyeball some trees — starting with Rainbow Orchards in Camino. This farm (www.rainboworchards.net), with the whimsically painted barn, is known for apples and especially its hot apple cider doughnuts.
Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 39
Early Jonathan apples, also known as Prime Red, bask in summer sunshine at Rainbow Orchards.
Rainbow Orchards Apple Crisp
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2 pounds tart Rainbow Orchards golden delicious apples (51⁄2 cups) 1 ⁄4 cup water 1 ⁄2 cup sugar 1 ⁄2 cup brown sugar 1 ⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 ⁄4 teaspoon salt 1 ⁄2 cup flour 1 ⁄3 cup rolled oats 1 ⁄2 cup butter
40 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
Peel and slice apples. Place in a shallow 1 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with the water. Set aside. Combine dry ingredients. Cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles small clumps. (Do NOT stir together.) Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples. Do not mix the two. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes. Topping should be “crisp” over the steaming hot apple layer. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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continued ... Christa Campbell, who is front-and-center at the third-generation family farm, lives the doughnuts life. She’s got a wardrobe of punny, themed T-shirts – (“Keep Calm and Donut On,” “Donut Worry. Be Happy”) like the “Hole Foods” version she sported on the day of our visit. (On Sundays in season, the staff wears Donut Rapid Response Team shirts.) Rainbow Orchards grows about 20 varieties of apples, ranging from Jonathan and Granny Smith to Braeburn and Pink Lady. Campbell says customers love seeing — and buying — heirloom or less-familiar types of apples. “People want more variety in apples than you can get in grocery stores,” she says. On busy fall days, the Rainbow barn bustles with customers salivating for doughnuts along with freshfrom-the-orchard apples and other produce, jams and jellies, bakery treats and fresh apple cider. Lucky visitors will see the on-site cider mill in action. Cider is the foundation for several products. It’s made with a blend of sweet and tart apples and is the base for hard cider. Also, when the fresh cider starts to “turn” or ferment in about two weeks, it’s the perfect “fizzy” ingredient for apple cider doughnuts. Rainbow Orchards is celebrating its 40th season this
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year. Campbell says visitors to the farm like the quality of the products — and especially the doughnuts — along with the non-commercial atmosphere. “They also appreciate returning to greet the same family and staff who have been here over the years,” she says. In Pollock Pines, the Harris Family Farm and Harris Tree Farm has been in business for 150 years and seven generations. Some of the apple trees you’ll see were planted many decades ago; the Christmas tree farm took root in the 1950s. Today, Jane Harris runs the business (www.harristreefarm.com) along with family members like son Blair. His son, and her grandson, Matthew, is part of the seventh generation. The Harris family tends dozens of Golden Delicious trees along with other crops, including marion berries and you-pick blackberries (seasonal jam-making classes also are offered). Harris says berry-loving family pooch Buster — named for San Francisco Giants’ catcher Buster Posey — also has a nose for picking (and eating) the fruit. A picnic area is conveniently situated in the apple orchard and is the home for “high tea” events offered mainly in the summer. The farm includes a cozy pie shop where you’ll find a variety of baked goods. Another diverse and multi-generational destination is Delfino Farms (formerly Kids Inc.) in Camino. Edio Delfino, who started the farm in 1964 with wife Joan and their seven children, was one of the founding members of the Apple Hill growers association. Today, their son Chris and his four children own and run the farm (www.delfinofarms.com) that’s grown to include pies, hard cider, and, in a few years, a winery. Christine (Delfino) Noonan, part of the third gener-
When you visit Rainbow Orchards, “doughnut” forget that in addition to apples, seen growing above, puns and pastries are in great demand.
Please see next page
Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 41
continued ... Signs like this one at Goyette’s North Canyon Ranch in Camino help visitors spot orchards. Goyette’s is one of several you-pick stops. Three generations of the Harris Family Farm/Harris Tree Farm in Pollock Pines are pictured outside the bake shop: Jane Harris, son Blair and his son (her grandson), Matthew. Christa Campbell stands next to the signature barn at Rainbow Orchards in Camino. Apples are for sale and farms are open seasonally. For best results, visit applehill.com for a list of farms open now.
ation that helps operate the family business, says the orchards produce about a half-dozen different apple varieties. You can buy fruit at the apple barn, but the top attraction here is the pie shop. Named Joan’s Apple Bakery in honor of the family matriarch, the shop turns out an assortment of mainly apple-based pies. But if you’re wandering the grounds, you’re probably going to need to pick up the famous “walkin’ pie.” As Noonan explained, her grandmother created the pie for her seven children who often made a mess with traditional slices. The mini and portable pie seemed a bit more like a hamburger with its formation of baked dough, apples and more dough. It quickly became known as the “walkin’ pie,” as the kids dubbed it. Today, the treat is served on a plate with a cider sauce and ice cream. But you can still walk while eating it. “It’s the No. 1 thing that people eat while at the farm,” Noonan says. “And it’s grown over the years to where it could easily feed two people.” If you’re a different kind of hands-on type, perhaps a
42 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
“you-pick” experience tops the list. One option is Goyette’s North Canyon Ranch in Camino, where the picking tools are provided and you provide the labor. Barbara and Larry Goyette bought the ranch in 1972 and moved there in 1973. They grow five varieties of apples: Golden Delicious, Empire, Fuji, Granny Smith and Winesap. The Winesap apple is kind of tart but good for baking; Barbara Goyette says she likes to combine them with Granny Smith in baked goods. Along with apples, the Goyettes offer seasonal products such as Christmas trees, a few pumpkins and Indian corn, for example. But we’re fixated on picking our own apples. Goyette says the fruit stand is open on weekends and stocked with long-handled apple pickers. Armed with those, visitors go out into the orchards and pluck what they please. Apples are sold in half-bushel baskets (about 20 pounds) or paper bags (5- and 10pound increments). In a good year, “we have as many customers as we can handle,” she says. Goyette thinks some visitors stop by “just for the experience” of picking their own fruit. CV
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EatDrinkBeMerry
Forget the diet, sometimes you just need ...
BY: Cyndee Fontana-Ott | PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison, Gary Kazanjian
T
ake a break from counting calories. Ditch the sensible diet and that scale (at least temporarily). This month, we’re embracing guilty pleasures of the food variety in our Central Valley restaurants. These are indulgences that you might ordinarily bypass with a wistful sigh. But everyone needs a cheat day or at least a cheat hour — right? Here, we’ve got you covered from sun-up to sundown with meals, sweets and even a cocktail to help you make memories that will last until the next time. One note: Each of the restaurants mentioned here has healthy — or at least healthier — offerings on the menu. So you don’t need to wait for a break in your regular routine to pay them a visit. For guilty pleasures, let’s start at the top with breakfast. One of the kings of our a.m. food scene is Batter Up Pancakes at Cedar and Nees avenues in northeast Fresno. This super-popular restaurant (they serve lunch, too) is a perennial favorite due to those from-scratch pancakes, omelets, burgers and more. Just as the name suggests, buttermilk pancakes are the headliner. But these aren’t necessarily your grandmother’s pancakes — unless she made them with Oreos, chocolate chips, bananas, macadamia nuts Please see next page
44 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
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Aubrey Blau eats an ice cream sandwich made with G’s sweet buns at G’s Creamery. Batter Up Pancakes recently introduced a decadent cheesecake pancake.
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Tessa Cate’s cinnamon roll pancakes are a specialty item on the menu at Batter Up Pancakes.
Perfect for this Holiday Season!
April 13-22, 2018
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continued ... and/or ice cream, for example. Owners Jeff and Becci Colla have a gift for pairing pancakes with interesting and mouth-watering flavors that put the yum in yummy. Consider The Oreo (a pancake stuffed with crushed Oreos and drizzled with chocolate sauce and whipped cream), the Ice Cream Sundae (a pancake topped with vanilla ice cream, your choice of boysenberry, strawberry or chocolate syrup, whipped cream, pecans and sprinkles) or the Coco’s Cake (a chocolate buttermilk pancake stuffed with chocolate chips and crowned with chocolate sauce and whipped cream). “The Coco’s Cake is almost like a lava cake without the lava,” says Jeff Colla of its chocolatey goodness. Then there’s the newer Cheesecake Pancake, introduced right around Mother’s Day and a definite hit. This one features a pancake topped with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting, crushed graham crackers and a drizzle of a blend of sour cream, vanilla extract, housemade lemon syrup and powdered sugar. For our money, the top guilty pleasure here is Tessa Cate’s Cinnamon Roll Pancake (many of the menu items, like this one, are named for family members). This starts with pancake batter placed on the grill then topped with a generous swirl of brown sugar, butter
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and cinnamon that begins at the edge. Once flipped, the sweet and spicy mix caramelizes and provides a home for the sweet layer of cream cheese frosting that later completes the creation. “What makes the cinnamon roll pancake so outrageous is that when you eat a cinnamon roll, you have to get to the center to get the good part,” Becci Colla says. “This is good from the outside in.” The cinnamon roll pancake is “by far” the most popular of the sweeter pancakes on the menu, the Collas say. Some folks think about adding syrup but Jeff Colla always suggests that they first try a bite without it. “It’s sweet enough,” he says. If your guilty pleasure tilts more toward the carnivore, we’ve got you covered. One of the Central Valley’s bigger burgers reigns supreme at Bulldog Burger (located near Fresno State on Barstow Avenue near Cedar Avenue). Here, the major indulgence is the Big Bulldog — two one-third-pound Angus beef patties topped with cheddar and American cheese, pastrami, bacon and all the usual veggie fixings. The patties are “all fresh, never frozen,” says Matias
The Big Bulldog from Bulldog Burger Bistro consists of two one-third-pound Angus beef patties topped with cheddar and American cheese, pastrami, bacon and all the usual veggie fixings.
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continued ... Smith, who owns the place with brother Antonio and business partner Alfredo Casillas. This beefy beast is so big and nap-worthy that Smith often jokingly asks customers: “You don’t have any plans for the rest of the day, or you’re not planning on operating any heavy machinery ...” Smith said the Big Bulldog is one of the more popular items on the menu. The burger is “big and full of flavor — it needs to be loaded up with everything you love,” he says. And it is. Any list of guilty pleasures must include dessert, and we bow to this idea. One over-the-top option is the Shakebon at the Bon Goût Gelato Lounge in northeast Fresno on the northwest corner of Willow and Nees avenues. The lounge (bon goût means “good taste” in French) is more modern, laid back and diversified than an ordinary ice cream shop. The menu also includes crêpes, paninis and coffee, for example. Owner Javier Sara also says that his icy delights pack fewer calories and grams of fat than most other ice creams. But there’s no denying that the popular Shakebon is a major treat. What is it? Well, a shake (you choose from an array of homemade flavors) served in a mason jar, and then topped with a waffle cone filled with your choice of gelato, fruit and topping. Sara says most people like to share a Shakebon. But, “I’ve had customers who bought that and a crêpe, and they ate everything,” he says with a hint of admiration and disbelief. Another spot for a cool indulgence is G’s Creamery, with locations in northwest (Bullard
Holiday Open House
Saturday, October 28, 2017 9:00am-5:00pm Free demonstrations and Special Promos
The ShakeBon from Bon Gout Gelato Lounge is a shake served in a mason jar, and then topped with a waffle cone filled with your choice of gelato, fruit and topping.
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www.designerflowercenter.com 48 OCTOBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine
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Avenue near West Avenue) and northeast (Sommerville Drive near Perrin Avenue) Fresno. These sweet shops offer up organic and unique flavors of ice cream — including dairy-free and vegan varieties – in cups, cones and buns. Buns? Yep, G’s is the home of “sweet buns” — a kind of doughnut sandwich with your choice of ice cream and topping or sauce as the filling. While the concoction is sweet and satisfying, shop owner Gary Sangha promised that “it’s not going to put you into a food coma.” Sangha, who owns the creameries with Felix Reynaga, notes that the homemade bun is lighter and less dense than a traditional pastry. The ice cream options are both familiar and exotic, ranging from Indian cardamom chai to salted caramel pretzel to sweet honey (flavors rotate through the case). “We like to create a good quality product,” Sangha says. You might think the “G” in G’s Creamery stands for Gary, but it doesn’t. Sangha says that “g” is slang for
neighbor and friend — pretty much everyone who crosses the threshold. Finally, the idea of a guilty pleasure also extends to cocktails — at least in our minds. At Vino Grille & Spirits in northeast Fresno (1440 E. Champlain Drive north of Shepherd Avenue), you can complement a great dinner with dessert and a delightful drink. Owner Chuck Van Fleet singled out a famous homemade dessert along with the Creamsicle cocktail — an adult treat that includes Solerno blood orange liqueur, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, rosewater, egg whites and Hangar 1 mandarin vodka. “It’s really good,” he says. As for dessert, his wife Jen (chef and co-owner) is renowned for her signature Twix bar. It’s a magical combination of shortbread cookie, caramel, chocolate and sea salt served three-bars-to-a-frozen-plate over caramel sea salt ice cream. So, is that dessert meant to be eaten solo or shared? “Yes,” he says cheerfully. CV
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Far left: G’s Creamery’s sweet buns are homemade, lighter and less dense than a traditional pastry. Middle: The Creamsicle cocktail at Vino Grille & Spirits includes Solerno blood orange liqueur, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, rosewater, egg whites and Hangar 1 mandarin vodka. Below: Vino Grille & Spirits owner Jen Van Fleet’s signature Twix bar is a combination of shortbread cookie, caramel, chocolate and sea salt served three-bars-to-a-frozen-plate over caramel sea salt ice cream.
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People Profile
Grilled bavette steak paired with agretti chimichurri on Parmesan crostini, made by Max’s Bistro & Bar.
Bon appétit! Local restaurants prepare appetizers and entrées using products featured during the Fresno Food Expo BY: Janessa Tyler | PHOTOGRAPHY: McKinzie Klein, Meza Films
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McKinzie Klein, executive chef of Max’s Bistro & Bar in northwest Fresno
he Fresno Food Expo recently invited the community to mingle with farmers, ranchers and business owners while sampling delicious treats from more than 150 exhibitors and restaurants. On Thursday, July 27, “Expolicious — A Celebration of Central California’s Vibrant Food Scene” was held to celebrate the flavors of the Central Valley at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center. But the day before was reserved for pre-registered buyers and sponsors to listen to Phil Lempert as he addressed consumer trends and the new retail environment. Known as the “Supermarket Guru,” Lempert has been featured on “20/20,” “The Dr. Oz Show” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” It also featured a handful of local restaurants, serving a variety of appetizers and entrées as part of exclusive event known as “Pairings.” Max’s Bistro & Bar, The Painted Table, Erna’s Elderberry House Restaurant, Trelio Restaurant and Pardini’s Catering and Banquets prepared a wide variety of appetizers and entrées using products featured during the Fresno Food Expo. At the helm of Max’s Bistro & Bar is McKinzie Klein, executive chef for two years.
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Originally from Fresno, she showcased her skills and knowledge by serving two dishes: 1. Grilled bavette steak paired with agretti chimichurri on Parmesan crostini 2. Watermelon and heirloom tomato gazpacho topped with shaved watermelon radish, hibiscus fennel and herb granules She incorporated products from Certified Meat Products (JD Foods), Enzo Olive Oil Company, First Quality Produce, Max’s Artisan Breads, Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company and Fresno State. About 10 years ago, Klein got her start in the culinary industry by attending Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts – San Francisco. She left the Bay Area to embark on a journey in Seattle and New York City before returning to Fresno. “I moved around a lot to get as much experience as possible,” Klein says. “From restaurants to full-service, multimillion-dollar catering companies.” Max’s Bistro & Bar caught her eye. Located at Bullard and West avenues, Max’s Bistro & Bar leads the way for a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The menu includes entrées such as almond-crusted ahi tuna, filet mignon and cheeseburgers, and delicacies like grilled asparagus and heirloom carrots.
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Although the menu changes with the seasons and availability, Klein says she favors a plate of short ribs (braised for 24 hours) and made-from-scratch soups. “Who doesn’t want a cup of soup when it’s cold?” she says with a laugh. She has also created a vegetarian-friendly dish using purple cauliflower — an ingredient that she loves to incorporate whenever she can. The Kung Pao Cauliflower combines roasted cauliflower, peanuts, scallions, Sichuan chili peppers, fried wonton chips and a spicy sauce. Details: www.maxsbistro.com On the opposite side of Fresno, The Painted Table is a full-service catering company. During “Pairings,” The Painted Table was led by Matthew Moore, executive sous-chef for one year. He served two dishes: 1. Pork cheek and Spanish potatoes, topped with a sauce that called for Highgarden, a hibiscus pale ale brewed by House of Pendragon In addition to House of Pendragon, he used products from Certified Meat Products (JD Foods) and Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company. It was awarded “Best Food and Beverage Pairing” at the Fresno Food Expo. 2. Chicken wings made with Mary’s Free Range Chicken
PORK CHEEK
Pork: 20 pounds pork cheek 3 white onions, julienne 21⁄2 garlic cloves, minced 21⁄2 green apples, julienne 1 cinnamon sticks 21⁄2 allspice berries 21⁄2 bottles of Tioga-Sequoia’s Golden 99 2 bottles of Tioga-Sequoia’s FireFall Red 4 ounces of Sherry Vinegar Sauce: 8-ounce bottle of House of Pendragon’s Highgarden 1 ⁄4 cup sugar Salt and pepper to taste
Three years ago, Moore received his start in the culinary industry by attending Institute of Technology in Clovis. He decided to put his education to the test by working with Michael Chiarello in Napa Valley. When he returned to Fresno, he heard about an opportunity to be sous-chef at The Painted Table. It was an opportunity that he couldn’t refuse. Today, Moore can be found incorporating his Italian heritage into dishes like deep-fried risotto bites with mozzarella and pizza topped with a slice of filet mignon. “I’ve always gravitated toward Italian cuisine,” Moore says. The menu includes home-style dishes like baconwrapped Italian plums, lamb chops tossed with a variety of herbs and bite-size cheeseburgers. Moore says the No. 1 dish is short ribs, which is braised in port wine, herbs and spices. “It comes with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus,” he says. Despite his love for the cuisine of Italy, he enjoys cooking with pumpkins for the fall. Like Max’s Bistro & Bar, the menu changes with the seasons and availability. On the horizon: curry pumpkin soup topped with crème fraîche and toasted pumpkin seeds. Details: www.paintedtablecatering.com CV
Watermelon and heirloom tomato gazpacho topped with shaved watermelon radish, hibiscus fennel and herb granules, made by Max’s Bistro & Bar.
The Painted Table was awarded “Best Food and Beverage Pairing” at the Fresno Food Expo.
Pork: First, put generous amounts of salt and pepper on the pork cheeks. In a large pan over medium-high heat, brown the pork cheeks on each side. Once the pork cheeks are browned, remove them from the pan and set aside. Add the onions and apples to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the onions start to become soft and translucent. Next, add the liquids into the pan, including spices. Bring mixture to a boil. Once brought to a boil, you can add the pork cheek back into the pan. Summer until soft and tender. Sauce: Pour the bottle of House of Pendragon’s Highgarden into a pot, add sugar and reduce until thick enough to stick to the pork cheek.
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Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 51
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OutAndAbout
2 Central Valley Community Foundation 50th Anniversary The Central Valley Community Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 18 at its offices in the Fig Garden Financial District. Founded as the Fresno Regional Foundation in 1966, the foundation has grown to advance effective philanthropy and build stronger communities throughout the Central Valley.
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1 Karen Chao-Bushoven, Yvette Jones, Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. Linda Hoff 2 Lori Wall Hamada, Wilma Hashimoto and Sandra Flores 3 Elizabeth Franco and Jesse Leyva IV 4 Anna Hecker and Chris Hecker 5 Eric Von Berg, Ashley Swearengin and Rod Thornton 6 David “Mas” Masumoto 7 DJ Leonard and Larry Powell PHOTOGRAPHY: Howard K. Watkins
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1 Fresno Food Expo 2017 On July 27, the public was invited to connect with more than 150 of the Central California’s finest food growers, manufacturers, chefs and restauranteurs during the two-day annual event’s “Expolicious — a Celebration of Central California’s Vibrant Food Scene” at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center.
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1 Joe Holland 2 Emily Dale 3 Onman Lay 4 Vicki Duncan and Wes Imoto 5 Adrian Velasco of Cardella Winery pours a sample for Peter Vasquez. 6 Reagan Roach 7 Kristin Lopez, center, serves up some samples. 8 Julianna Foglio PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian
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Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 53
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2 Taco Truck Throwdown 7
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The popular, tasty event extended to two days for its seventh annual year, taking place on July 27 and 28 at Chuckchansi Park in downtown Fresno. There was tough competition among local taco truck competitors, but only one could be named as the judges’ choice winner — congratulations, El Mexicano!
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1 Maxyne Soto 2 El Mexicano food truck 3 Annette Martinez, Adam Pacheco and Adriana Meja 4 Rene Diaz, Kay Rich, Franklin Simmons and Jason Hall 5 Alexis Hernandez, Sara Nevarez and Alex Holguin 6 Drea Stone, Luci Escamilla, Steph Garza Meza and Phat Meza 7 Simon Vang, Addam Xiong, Cher Thao, Chu Phanh and Luis Vang 8 Beatrice Romero, Jamie Chavez and Tiffany Calhoun PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessica Rogozinski
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OutAndAbout
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A Night at the Chef’s Table American Cancer Society hosted a benefit gala on Aug. 13 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. The evening included a live and silent auction, live music and a six-course progressive dining experience provided by REV’S.
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1 David Kaun, Peter Scaparo, Charles Hoskins and Maureen Scaparo 2 Gary Hughes and Pauline Phillips 3 Mary Navarro and Cyndie Davila 4 Stephen Zimmerman and Emily Ford 5 Andrea and Tai Kosiyangkakul 6 Krista Skelton, Ryan Skelton and Melodie Polsgrove 7 Aaron and Andrea Samansky 8 Julie Van Dooren and Jennifer Giese 9 Judy Eriksen and Robin Eriksen PHOTOGRAPHY: Matthew Drake
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(559) 273-8271 Central Valley Magazine | OCTOBER 2017 55
FRESNO
PHILHARMONIC A New Era Begins 2017–2018 SEASON
Rei Hotoda, Music Director DANIEL R. MARTIN MASTERWORKS SERIES A NEW ERA BEGINS Sunday October 15, 2017 | 3pm Rei Hotoda, conductor Natasha Paremski, piano
HOMAGE: BEETHOVEN FIFTH Sunday November 12, 2017 | 3pm Rei Hotoda, conductor Orion Weiss, piano
TCHAIKOVSKY FOURTH Sunday January 28, 2018 | 3pm Rei Hotoda, conductor Awadagin Pratt, piano
BERNSTEIN @100
Sunday February 25, 2018 | 3pm Rei Hotoda, conductor Jennifer Koh, violin
THE VIRTUOSO ORCHESTRA Sunday March 18, 2018 | 3pm Rei Hotoda, conductor Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, violin
OF HEAVEN AND EARTH Sunday April 15, 2018 | 3pm Rei Hotoda, conductor Jessica Rivera, soprano Fresno Master Chorale
POPS SERIES
MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS
STAR WARS AND MORE! Saturday September 16, 2017 | 7:30pm Stuart Chafetz, conductor
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday December 2, 2017 | 7:30pm Rei Hotoda, conductor Michel Bell, bass-baritone Fresno Master Chorale
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
Saturday May 12, 2018 | 7:30pm Carl Topilow, conductor Tony DeSare, piano and vocals
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