Central Valley September 2017 by McClatchy Custom Publications

Our First Families are Loving The Lodge District.

As more and more people move into Riverstone, they’re finding that family fun is right outside their front doors. Whether it’s action-packed parks, inviting hiking and biking trails or the new resort-style community clubhouse known as The Lodge, there’s plenty to Look Forward to Life at Riverstone. We’d love for you and your family to join us.

Riverstone Upon Completion

From Fresno, go north on Highway 41, turn left at Avenue 12 and follow the signs.

MODELS NOW OPEN 0003179550-01

Join the Interest List at RiverstoneCA.com

©2017 Riverstone Development, LLC. Obtain a copy of the Public Report as required by Federal law and/or the Public Report issued by the California Bureau of Real Estate and read them before signing any documents. No Federal or State agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This advertisement is not a solicitation to purchase or sell property in any state where prohibited by law. The stylized R logo is a service mark of Riverstone Development, LLC. Riverstone and Riverstone Development are trade names of Riverstone Development, LLC. The San Joaquin River and River Park are located approximately six miles from Riverstone. Anticipated date is approximate and subject to change.

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September 2017

30 years for women

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The Central California Women’s Conference is celebrating its 30th year of empowering women in the Valley.

Setting the stage Innovative company pairs home decorating with real estate, allowing the best version of a home to enter the market.

DIY design style Fresno’s design experts weigh in, offering their simple tips for stylish living on any budget.

Tiny homes pack a punch Homes the size of two average parking spaces are the new rage and will be coming to a neighborhood near you.

Let’s do lunch

8 Sneak peek 9 Believe it 10 Pastimes

14 Don’t Miss Calendar

Breakfast gets a lot of attention, but lunch is where it is at. We show you Fresno’s tasty spots to grab a bite.

16 25 Things You Didn’t Know About... 18 In the Spotlight 20 Milestones 24 Home Style 29-51 Five Star Professionals Special Advertising Section 52 Home Style 58 Real Estate

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62 Get Up & Go 68 Eat, Drink, Be Merry 74 Snapshots Kevin and Jennifer Large, owners of Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture, encourage consumers to buy real wood furniture, which will last for decades. PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian

6 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

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At Home

If home is where your heart is, make it someplace good ’ve always been a shopper. I love looking around the stores, searching for just the right item to add to my craft stash, my wardrobe or my home. As such, I’ve seen several knick knacks and Mary Engelbreit figurines proudly proclaiming “Home is where the heart is.” I’ve also seen knock-off images playing with that common saying: “Home is where your mom is.” I couldn’t agree more. My mom has always had a knack for making her home a place of warmth and love. It stems first from what’s within her heart — goodness and love. But, secondly, her design style is an inspiration because she has a way of taking everyday items and displaying them in a way that can take your breath away. She searches for fun things to decorate with and can spot an item and instantly know just what it will take to make it hers. If it is the second Saturday of the month, we can be found at Two Sisters Vintage Home & Garden on Academy and Shaw avenues. We search the store (and get lost in the book room) and then visit the vendors at the antique store’s monthly sale. We also run into friends there, more

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often than not, who are also taking advantage of the bargains. When we find treasures to take home, I generally add them to my to-do pile to repaint or restore. My mom, though, takes her treasures and actually gets the paint (or sweetly asks my dad to do it) and transforms her $5 or $10 purchases into decorator showpieces. These touches, and the fact her home is transformed depending on the time of year, make going into her home the very best experience every time. It is like a feast for the eyes and nourishment for my soul. Inside, read what writer Janessa Tyler learned when she asked several of our local design experts for their tips for simple ways to transform your home into showpieces like my parents’ home. She’s also discovered that even the most tiny of homes have great potential. Just wait until you hear what the City of Clovis has planned for its alleyways. I hope you enjoy our annual real estate edition. And, as always, let me know what you think.

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 7

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Autumn art

September 2017/ Vol. 6, Issue 9 ......................... 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 Gutirrez | 559-441-6127 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 Contributing Writers Cyndee Fontana-Ott, Douglas Hoagland, Janice Stevens Contributing Photographers Matthew Drake, Wayne Hutchison, Gary Kazanjian, Tomas Ovalle, Howard K. Watkins Design Carey Norton, Monica Stevens, Juan Vega, Dani Villalobos, 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

8 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

In most of our minds, September is synonymous with the start of football season. And, of course, the first day of autumn. But for lovers of the arts, the month of harvest brings Sierra Art Trails to the Central Valley. The nonprofit arts organization will host the 2017 Yosemite Foothills Open Studio Tour from Friday, Sept. 29 to Sunday, Oct. 1 at businesses, studios and galleries throughout Madera and Mariposa counties. It will feature more than 100 local artisans who work with a wide range of media including paint, wood, metal and glass. They will showcase pottery, quilts, photographs, paintings, sculptures and jewelry. Visitors receive a full-color, spiral-bound catalog with a list of artists and examples of their work.

The Sierra Art Trails Preview Exhibit will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Monday starting on Saturday, Sept. 2 and the Gala Reception and Annual Presentation of Awards will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Stellar Gallery, 40982 Highway 41, Oakhurst. In addition, Sierra Art Trails offers workshops, demonstrations, lectures and exhibits for local artists to showcase their work to the community. Admission costs $20 for two people. Details: www.sierraarttrails.org

Get in the games

Rhythm nation

In the Central Valley, we do our part to embrace the cuisine, music and literature of various cultures through family-friendly events. The Fresno Scottish Society presents the Fresno Highland Gathering and Games on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Kearney Park. While listening to Scottish folk music, watch men and women test their strength during the Highland games. And, of course, there will be plenty of Scottish cuisine. Details: www.fresnoscottishsociety.org

She’s back! Janet Jackson stepped away from the stage to focus on her personal life, giving birth to her son, Eissa, in January. But this month, Ms. Jackson is back in business. Her “STATE OF THE WORLD” tour is a continuation of the postponed “Unbreakable” tour. It will feature a combination of her chart-topping hits, her career’s socially conscious music and songs straight from her latest album. She will visit the Save Mart Center on Sunday, Sept. 24. Details: www.savemartcenter.com

Perspectives on Fresno’s Architectural History Join Janice Stevens and Pat Hunter, the author and illustrator of this magazine’s Pastimes column, as they discuss the history and origins of a selection of iconic structures in Downtown Fresno, beginning with the train depots, the Fresno Water Tower and select buildings on the former Fulton Mall. Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education is offering the four-week class starting in September. The class is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Downtown Center at Bitwise South Stadium, 700 Van Ness Ave. at Mono Street. The fee is $100. Registration is recommended by Aug. 29. For more information and to register, visit www.fresnostate.edu/cge/professional/downtown/perspectives.html.

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A Rudo awakening It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven months since the Fresno Chaffee Zoo welcomed its newest bundle of joy — a very big bundle, we might add — to African Adventure. A Southern white rhinoceros calf — the first in the zoo’s history — was born to Kayla and Tim on Jan. 24. Rudo, meaning “love” in the Shona language spoken in Zimbabwe, was named through a community contest. Guests purchased tokens for $1 and placed them into one of six slots labeled with the name of their choice. The contest raised $1,900 for the International Rhino Foundation, which protects wild rhinos, says Taylor Keddie, a zookeeper with the undulate — large mammals — team. The undulate team allowed Kayla to bond with her calf upon his birth, so there isn’t a birthweight on record, Keddie says, “but we estimate he was between 100 and 130 pounds at birth.” He has grown at a fast rate, which is normal for rhinos, and weighed 734 pounds in mid-July. “He gains about 35 pounds a day,” Keddie says, “but that will slow down as he gets older.” Male rhinos are full grown around age 4 or 5, and don’t breed until they are between 10 and 12 years old, Keddie says. Rudo will eventually be moved to another zoo within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, based on a breeding recommendation. Rudo can be seen daily in the main area of

African Adventure, along with ostriches, elands and wildebeests. “He’s a playful and mellow animal,” Keddie says. “He explores the exhibit and engages in enrichment activities. He also likes to play with his dad a lot. Kayla isn’t as playful as Tim.” Guests might see Rudo mock-sparring with his dad and likes to put his front legs on Tim’s head, Keddie says. But just like any baby, Rudo goes through periods of intense high-energy play, followed by long naps throughout the day, Keddie says. Other animals on the savanna typically keep their distance, because the rhinos are at the top of the hierarchy, Keddie says, but when he does engage in play with someone outside of his species, “it’s always Bantu, a wildebeest.” Details: www.fresnochaffeezoo.org

Labor of love Before you start thinking Labor Day isn’t more than an excuse for barbecues, discounts at retailers and poolside parties — think again. Considered as the “unofficial end of summer,” the public holiday honors the American labor movement — the contributions that workers have made to strengthen the economy in the United States. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. It was officially established as a federal holiday by 1887. Today, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September.

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The Fresno County Democratic Party is hosting the 2017 Labor Day Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, Sept. 4 at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Enjoy a plate of pancakes, sausage and fruit for $10 (children eat for free). Details: www.fresnocountydemocrats.org

Sky-high pride There’s a lot of Bulldog love in the greater Fresno area. Car decals, T-shirts, coozies — you name it, and Red Wave support is proudly displayed throughout the community on a regular basis. But Marvin Meyers wanted to do one better. The Fresno State graduate of the class of 1956 received the prestigious Top Dog Distinguished Alumnus award in 2012, and opened the Meyers Family Sports Medicine Center a year later — helping to provide student-athletes with physical exams, nutritional counseling, injury treatments, rehabilitation services and more. It’s Meyers’ Bulldog-inspired paint job, however, that literally has his commitment to his alma mater flying high for the world to see. His King Air 300 TurboProp aircraft is decked out with Fresno State-red and blue striping, complete with a four-paw logo on each wing. The gauntlet for most spirited has been thrown. Any challengers?

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Pastimes

The Romain home is a gold nugget in the midst of a mixed-use neighborhood BY: Janice Stevens | ILLUSTRATIONS: Pat Hunter | PHOTOGRAPHY: Fresno Bee archive

spacious home at 2055 San Joaquin St. in an upscale residential development in downtown Fresno was once owned by early Fresno pioneer Frank M. Romain. Architect Eugene Mathewson designed the Craftsman/Classical Revival hybrid with the Central Valley heat of summer in mind in 1905. Listed on the Local Register of Historic Resources, the information included on the register states, “The Romain Home also possesses significance through its representation of a typical house form and style of architecture that once was very prominent but has all but disappeared in Fresno. Its honest, non-eclectic approach to housing for upper-middle-class society is representative in form and material of much of early Fresno.” In the book, “Heritage Fresno Homes and People,” by the American Association of University Women, the author writes, “[The Romain Home] is distinguished by an elaborate bay window. A long porch on two sides of the house supported by boxed pillars offers protection from the hot summers. Mr. Romain, for whom Romain playground is named, pioneered in Fresno’s famous raisin industry.” Romain played a significant role in the development of the agriculture industry in the late 1880s and early 1900s and is recognized for the influence he had in the raisin industry. In “The History of Fresno County California,” published in 1919, author Paul E. Vandor writes, “Frank M. Romain — How much of the prosperity of a great business concern depends on the makeup of its leaders, and especially on the personality, as well as the very capacity of those actually managing the details, may be deduced from the perusal of the biography of Frank M. Romain, at this writing, manager of the California Packing Corporation. He is a Canadian who has helped to swell the vast number from over the border and among the most prominent enterprising

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.

10 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

AThe spacious home of Frank M. Romain at 2055 San Joaquin St. downtown Fresno was designed in 1905 as a Craftsman/Classical Revival hybrid with the Central Valley heat of summer in mind. DFrank M. Romain and his wife Lelia Quinn, who were married in 1892 in Riverside, were the socially elite of their era. Their beautiful home, perhaps, served them well as they entertained their friends and associates.

AThe Van Ness Avenue entrance of the Romain home.

developers of California and her countless interests.” Romain’s education and strong work ethic played him in good stead as he found employment with the Canadian Pacific Railroad and remained there for five years, before relocating to Riverside, California, at the packing house of Griffin & Skelly Company. “He went into the packing house, in a modest place at the start, commencing as it were, with the lowest rung of the ladder and slowly climbing to greater usefulness; and in one year he had charge of the Riverside plant. He looks back upon his days there with that satisfaction which one always feels who has done his duty,” writes Vandor. Fresno’s untapped potential beckoned, and Romain transferred to the Central Valley to expand the Griffin & Skelly Company. “It was the great, booming year of 1887, when all California, and especially the southern and central parts, was alive with a wave of new life and unparallel-

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ed development, that Mr. Romain fixed upon for his entry into Fresno; and once in this most favorite section, he established the Griffin & Skelly Company’s plant. It had to begin in a small way; but through his experience, enterprise, and hard work, his care to details and his satisfactory manner of doing business with others, Mr. Romain built up the business to immense proportions as a dry fruit-packing plant, employing 500 people during its busiest season. He installed the most approved methods and apparatus, and made it an enterprise in which Fresno may well be proud,” writes Vandor. Romain didn’t settle with his success with Griffin & Skelly, and by November 1916, unprecedented growth in the packing and fruit industries came under Ro-

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main’s direction. “On November 1, 1916, the Griffin & Skelly Company was merged with the J. K. Armsby Company and the California Fruit Canning Association, together with the Central California Canning Company and the Alaska Packers Association, and the great California Packing Corporation was brought into existence, with Mr. Romain as manager and director of the 16 packing houses in the San Joaquin Valley, employing, in their total, several thousand people,” writes Vandor. Not only did Romain make his mark in business, he and his wife Lelia Quinn, who were married in 1892 in Riverside, were the socially elite of their era with Please see next page

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Pastimes

The Romain home is a gold nugget in the midst of a mixed-use neighborhood BY: Janice Stevens | ILLUSTRATIONS: Pat Hunter | PHOTOGRAPHY: Fresno Bee archive

10 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

AThe Van Ness Avenue entrance of the Romain home.

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 11

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Frank’s memberships in the Odd Fellows and the Elks, the Sunnyside Country Club and the Sequoia and the Commercial clubs. Unfortunately, Mrs. Romain passed away on Feb. 6, 1917. Their beautiful home, perhaps, served them well as they entertained their friends and associates. “The Romain Home has been closely associated for some 75 AThe Frank Romain home is now the offices of Tax years with individuals who have Professionals Frank Wong, and his daughter Jayni made significant contributions to Wong-Placencia. the City of Fresno, the San Joaquin Valley, and the State of California. ... The erection of his fine residence in Wong did little to change the interior of the 1905 is an indication of Romain’s early success building. “It had to be changed inside for their and of his position of responsibility in the develbusiness. The Historic Resources Guidelines tell opment of the local economy,” writes the author us what we can do to the outside, we just needed in the Local Register of Historic Resources. to tell them what we want inside, but this place The spacious home has since served a variety was a ‘moved in place,’ we just did painting,” of unrelated businesses beginning with a mortuWong says. ary after Romain’s death. Many of those busiWong-Placencia concurs. “Once we pulled in nesses boasted prominent citizens in the comand saw what Assemi [developer Darius Assemi, munity much as Romain had in his era. who has led the revitalization of the neigh“Following Romain’s death in 1928, the resiborhood] has done, it is not what people think. dence functioned as the Sullivan, Burns, and We say, ‘Come and see.’ Being down here has Blair funeral home from 1929 to 1959. All three changed my whole perspective. Crime is no partners were involved in local community worse than north Fresno. It’s quiet, peaceful. affairs, and Hugh Burns was also a prominent People walk down here, and there’s camaraderie member of the California Legislature from 1936 of the neighborhood.” to 1970. … The Romain Home’s association with In a mixed-use neighborhood of professional prominent members of the community continbuildings, lofts and a Mexican restaurant, the ued after William Whitehurst leased it in 1959 for Wongs feel like they have struck gold with their use as a funeral home (he purchased it in 1970). purchase. In addition to his activities in the local commu“The house is huge. It’s been renovated many nity, William Whitehurst served for seven years times and had an addition built into one side, on the State Highway Commission. His son, which expanded its size from 4,700 square feet to Daniel Whitehurst, became in 1976 the youngest a little more than 5,500 square feet. ... A foyer person ever elected to the Fresno City Council. with a large gold chandelier welcomes guests In the following year, he became the youngest into the part Colonial revival, part Greek revival person ever elected Mayor of Fresno and also the home indicative of the houses that used to litter youngest elected mayor of a large American city,” the area,” writes BoNhia Lee in a 2014 Fresno writes the author of the Local Register of Historic Bee article. Resources. Basking in their find of a beautiful home Today, the home is occupied by Tax Profesconducive to their business, yet historic and sionals Frank Wong, and his daughter Jayni well-preserved, “We have 1,000 clients, and we Wong-Placencia, whose clients relish the opporwould go to their homes. Now they want to come tunity to visit the stately home to conduct their here to our place,” Wong says. consultations. The Romain Home, listed on the Local RegisFrank Wong describes his impression when he ter of Historic Resources, is a showplace and was first shown the house. “We parked outside statement to the preservation of historic buildand said we’ll take it. The Realtor asked, ‘You ings and yet continues to serve the needs of don’t want to see inside?’ I said, ‘I can tell it’s prominent business members of the communiwhat I want.’ ” ty. CV

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Win this House Built by De Young Properties in the De Young Holland Pointe Community in Clovis, CA, estimated value $425,000.

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Ticket Outlets: De Young Welcome Centers, Fresno Coin Gallery, Noble Credit Union Giveaway date: November 5, 2017 National Sponsors Local Sponsors

Giveaway is conducted by and benefits ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. St. Jude’s audited financial statement is available upon request to St. Jude by calling 1-800-822-6344 or by email at annual.report@stjude.org. Your payment may be deducted under Federal and State income tax laws only to the extent that it exceeds the cost of the tickets you purchase. Void where prohibited by law. State of California #R-0061. ©2017 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (31033)

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September 2017

Fall into the new season with Fresno State football, a timely play, tunes and events the whole family can enjoy.

Season opener

Meet and greet

09.02

09.09

The fall season is upon us. And for most Fresnans, that means one thing: It’s time for Fresno State football. Our support for the Bulldogs is something to be proud of, and everyone should try to take part in a home game at least once — even if it’s only for the famed tailgating experience beforehand. Watch the Bulldogs take on the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals at the Bulldog Stadium. Details: www.gobulldogs.com

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is rolling out its red carpet for some pretty famous celebs this month — PBS Kids characters, to be exact. The seventh annual ValleyPBS Kids Nite is set to feature meet and greets with select characters, as well as make and take crafts, an exclusive evening stroll through the zoo, a live entertainer and an outdoor broadcast of a PBS Kids program on the big screen for guests to enjoy. Details: www.valleypbs.org

A concert of gratitude

09.15

A Fresno premiere

09.08

For more complete calendar listings, go to planitfresno.com

Playwright Terrence McNally’s “Mothers and Sons” will make its local debut with StageWorks Fresno’s production of the 2013 Broadway play, which focuses on the estranged relationship between her and her late, gay son when she meets his former partner and sees for herself the life he might’ve had. Catch one of eight performances at the Bonner Auditorium. Details: www.stageworksfresno.com

14 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

Latin music icon Marc Anthony hits the Save Mart Center with his Full Circle tour — its title illustrating his desire to create a unique experience for fans who have supported Anthony throughout his career. Expect to hear the classics and newer tunes from his vast catalog of songs, as well as his personal favorites. Details: www.savemartcenter.com

Antiques, appraisals and automobiles

09.24

Old Town Clovis’ Antiques & Collectibles Fair & British Car Roundup is back — bringing with it its unique slate of unexpected finds from more than 90 vendors, free appraisals by Kathy Osterberg Sobelman and, of course, a chance to peruse the collection of vintage British cars that have rolled in for the 15th annual Clovis British Car Roundup hosted by the Valley British Auto Club. Details: www.oldtownclovis.org

Unscripted laughs

09.28

Comedian, author and podcaster Paula Poundstone has found a way to make her quick-witted brand of comedy work on any platform — NPR, published memoirs and, lucky for us, in the very flesh. Poundstone is set to grace the Tower Theatre for one unscripted, hilarious evening. Details: www.towertheatrefresno.com

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MORE of a Good Thing!

Benchmark Communities is now Century Communities. For years Benchmark Communities has provided Central Valley homebuyers the finest quality homes and neighborhoods at the best prices. Now we’re further expanding our nationwide presence by partnering with national homebuilder Century Communities to offer even more of the things you’ve come to expect in our homes – unmatched quality, timeless design, outstanding value and attentive customer care. Benchmark Communities is now Century Communities, and together we’re committed to a homebuying and homeownership experience that is second to none. Best of all, our homebuyers will benefit from our collective resources that will help ensure when you choose a Century Communities home one of your biggest decisions will be one of your best. Come see for yourself. Whether you’re looking for a new home in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Modesto, Ripon – or somewhere in between – you’ll find all roads now lead to Century Communities.

For community locations and information visit CenturyCommunities.com

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Built by Benchmark Communities, LLC. CA Real Estate Broker, License #01920450. General Contractor, License #971581. August 2017.

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PeopleProfile

Lee Ann Eager

ee Ann Eager describes herself as “vibrant.” No argument there. I’d also throw in “perky” — in the best possible way. And if we’re tossing around adjectives, let’s not forget “realistic.” As president and chief executive officer of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, Eager knows about poverty and unemployment in these parts. She’s all about bringing in new businesses and helping existing ones to grow so people find work and get better lives. Big job. Big personality.

BY: Doug Hoagland | PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison, Bee archive

1 America’s lure: Eager’s grandfather was 15 and alone when he came from Italy in the early 1900s. Decades later, she found his name in a book at Ellis Island and felt chills. 2 Memory lane: She built tree houses in Fresno’s fig orchards during the ’60s. A nice time to be a kid. 3 Profile at Hoover High (Class of ’74): Cheerleader. Would-be wrestler. Linus in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” 4 It’s a wrap. She was all thumbs putting paper and bows on Christmas presents at Sears. First job at 17. 5 Forever an inspiration: Her mom, Bette — 89 years young and teaching English to Syrian immigrants. 6 Teen times: Eager had a 1968 Volkswagen and lots of friends. Highest passenger count: Nine. Booyah! 7 Lines on her resume: Fresno State criminology major, Dean’s Medalist as an outstanding graduate, UC

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Davis law school, private practice, 2017 Fresno State Top Dog alumni award. 8 High ideals. Desire to be a lawyer grew from leading Rape Counseling Services in Fresno. Eager: “I saw injustices.” 9 More than a hole in the ground. Forestiere Underground Gardens is a favorite spot in Fresno. 10 Summer’s scorching temps don’t bother her. Anything under 90 degrees is cold. 11 Forget their trainwreck

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seasons. Eager remains a fan of the 49ers and Giants. 12 Framed Joe Montana jersey (autographed, no less) hangs in her office. She wrote the biggest check at an auction. 13 Fan of James Patterson’s crime stories because of strong female characters. She’s read “To Kill A Mockingbird” 20 times. 14 Youngest granddaughter named after “Mockingbird” author Harper Lee. Eager’s daughter, Kim, loves the book, too. 15 Got her three granddaughters (Jillian, Emerson and Harper) T-shirts with the saying: “I come from a long line of strong women.” 16 “Dead Man Walking” (nun befriends death row inmate) is a favorite film. 17 Sees Broadway shows in San Francisco. She raves about “Hamilton.” 18 Taking tap dance lessons with her oldest granddaughter, Jillian. Debut at Roger Rocka’s could be next. 19 Springtime is the best even with her darn allergies. 20 The Big Fresno Fair looms large. Loves the soft tacos. 21 Keeping track: Big supporter of high-speed rail. She believes it would lift local economy. 22 Appeared on “Wheel of Fortune” in the early ’80s. Did well but lost. Vanna, of course, kept smiling. 23 A time for tears. Eager cried when a dad with five sons thanked her for job

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13 training through the Economic Development Corporation. 24 Will eat anything — horse meat in Italy and a fish with an octopus-looking head in Thailand. 25 Hail to the chiefs. Eager has met four (or five, depending on your math) presidents — Kennedy (as a child), the elder Bush, Clinton and Obama. Saw Nixon at a campaign stop in Fresno. We think that counts. CV

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PeopleProfile

Lee Ann Eager

BY: Doug Hoagland | PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison, Bee archive

16 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

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InTheSpotlight

Films for everyone Fresno’s Reel Pride Film Festival finds strength in inclusivity BY: Farin Montañez | PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew J. Losh/ Reel Pride

resno’s Reel Pride Film Festival was a small seed that grew into a mighty oak, organizers say. Reel Pride has woven its rainbow colors into the fabric of the Valley, beginning 28 years ago in “a tiny classroom at Fresno State” and evolving into a five-day, premiere cultural event in Fresno’s Tower District. It’s the sixth oldest and one of the largest LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others) film festivals in the United States, says Reel Pride president Kat Reyna. “I’ve met three or four people who were there for that very first showing of films and they all tell me a similar story: ‘There were no more than 15 of us,’ and it grew and grew,” Reyna says. The film festival became large enough to move to Fig Garden Movie Theater, which no longer exists, and has found its home in Tower Theatre for at least the last 12 years, she says. It draws 8,000 to 10,000 attendees over the five days to watch 40 to 50 films. On the weekend, it takes over two venues: the Tower Theatre and Vista Theater, which are within walking distance of one another. Reyna first attended the festival as a law student in 1994. Since then, she has purchased a membership to financially support the event, even when she is unable to attend a screening. “I feel like it’s an investment in our community rather than a movie ticket,” she says. She and her wife

AFresno’s Reel Pride Film Festival welcomes everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

18 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

AFresno Reel Pride Film Festival has made Tower Theatre its home for the past dozen years.

AReel Pride president Kat Reyna and vice president Augie Blancas were longtime supporters of Fresno Reel Pride before leading its board of directors.

have continued with that tradition, as well as volunteering their time for the event. “When people buy a ticket, it doesn’t pay for our festival; it essentially pays for the film they’re watching,” Reyna explains. “When people start buying membership passes, they’re paying for other people to join them in the community atmosphere and allows us to get the venues, host the brunches and hold the events that bring people together. “The people who buy those memberships truly keep this festival going.” Local partnerships and sponsors have also been key to Reel Pride’s survival, as some films can cost up to $1,000 for just one showing, Reyna says. The Painted Table, Kaiser Permanente and Hedrick’s Chevrolet are some of the festival’s largest sponsors. Despite its growth over nearly three decades, Reel Pride’s mission has always stayed the same: “To create the conversation, promote diversity, promote acceptance and understanding of the LGBT community,” says vice president and communications director Augie Blancas. “But we do it through the universal language of film. Everybody loves to come to a movie. Yes, we are an LGBT film festival, but there are films for everyone.” Blancas himself attended Reel Pride for the first time as a gay teenager a decade ago; he brought a straight friend.

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“I still remember the movie,” he says. “We had a blast.” The theme this year is “Together,” Blancas says. “This is a place that is open, accepting and has been a home for members of the LGBT community for years,” he says, “but we also want to invite our allies, our friends, to enjoy a film with us.” A committee of half a dozen people watch about 200 film submissions to select the best to bring to Fresno. Nearly half are feature-length films, so it involves several volunteer hours of movie watching. “We get submissions from all over the world,” Reyna says. “There’s a lot of foreign films that are submitted that are of wonderful quality. Sometimes we get our members saying ‘we love foreign films, but we don’t always want to read our movies,’ which I totally understand. But sometimes you get so many wonderful foreign films that it’s like, ‘how can I possibly pass up that film?’ ” She recalls one that made a big impact in Fresno two years ago. “El Canto del Colibrí” (“The Song of the Hummingbird”) was so named because one doesn’t often hear the hummingbird sing, Reyna says, and “it interviewed Latin American fathers about their gay son or daughter. If anything, you hear from the mothers, you don’t often hear from the fathers. That was a huge, huge thing to bring to the Central Valley. I felt that it represented a demographic that typically does not see themselves on film.” One of Reyna’s biggest focuses in directing the film festival is to provide a place for LGBTQ+ youth to feel welcome in the community. “We’ve had a number of youth suicides because people feel somehow not connected, or different, or othered,” she says. “I think it’s important for our youth … to see other people not just at a community event,

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but it’s also important for them to see people in film. … “To show a film that has a character that’s on the other side of the world who is going through the exact same turmoil that they are here in the Central Valley — I think that’s important to show that they’re not alone, that this isn’t something unique to them. It’s a struggle that other people deal with.” To encourage youth attendance, those with student IDs get into the films at a reduced price. “It’s a big-city film festival with a smalltown feel,” Blancas says. “We bring mainstream films, documentaries and short Fresno Reel Pride films that wouldn’t necessarily hit the Sept. 20 through 24 mainstream movie theaters.” Tower Theater, While the festival brings plenty of in815 E. Olive Ave., ternational films, organizers are also cogFresno nizant of bringing art that has been crereelpride.com ated locally or by people with ties to the Valley. Fresno native Michael J. Willett, star of the film “G.B.F.” (Gay Best Friend) came to Reel Pride in 2013 for the screening of his film, Blancas says. “He was a Roger Rocka’s baby,” Blancas says, referring to Willett’s many years performing with Good Company Players on the Roger Rocka’s stage in Fresno’s Tower District. “He came and spoke to the theater on opening night. It was a great way to incorporate local stars and bring them home.” Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival will be held Sept. 20 through 24 this year. “We have a range of films that literally runs the gamut. We always say, ‘come laugh with us, come cry with us, come hope with us,’ ” Reyna says. “We think that honestly our films replicate our community and all of the personalities that are within it — not just LGBTQ, but also our straight allies.” CV

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 19

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InTheSpotlight

Films for everyone Fresno’s Reel Pride Film Festival finds strength in inclusivity BY: Farin Montañez | PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew J. Losh/ Reel Pride

AFresno’s Reel Pride Film Festival welcomes everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

18 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

AFresno Reel Pride Film Festival has made Tower Theatre its home for the past dozen years.

AReel Pride president Kat Reyna and vice president Augie Blancas were longtime supporters of Fresno Reel Pride before leading its board of directors.

centralvalley.com

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 19

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Milestones

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo

29 YEARS OF INSPIRING WOMEN

#NoLimits SE P TEMBE R 20, 2016

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

Lisa Ling

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

Leeza Gibbons

28 YEARS OF INSPIRING WOMEN

SEP TEMB ER 22, 2015 Presenting Sponsor

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo

26 YEARS OF EMPOWERING WOMEN

l i v e

YO U R C C W C 2 013 Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

September 17, 2013

CCWC

HELEN HUNT LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER

1988-2017 30 YEARS OF EMPOWERING VALLEY WOMEN & CHILDREN

Central California Women’s Conference

September 18, 2012

Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

CCWC 12

CELEBRATE

YOU

25 YEARS OF

EMPOWERING WOMEN

Ken Maddy 1934-2000 CCWC Founder

A place for women Central California Women’s Conference celebrates 30 years of educating and empowering women BY: Dani Villalobos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Central California Women’s Conference, Bee archive

o-Ann Taul Slinkard is tough to refuse. At 87 years old, the former chief of staff for the late state senator, Ken Maddy, recalls her career working for the Fresno State alum with unabashed pride. Times were different. Politics, at least from Maddy’s perspective, were best tackled as a bipartisan effort. And the impact of the feminist movement’s latest wave in the 1970s was definitely reverberating throughout the country.

J 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

“Women were beginning to have an agenda of their own,” Taul Slinkard says. “Women were much more educated and aware of our roles in this culture.” So when Senator William Campbell’s chief of staff, Jerry Haleva, floated the idea of forming a women’s conference similar to the one Campbell started in Hacienda Heights to Maddy and his staff, she was one of the first to immediately jump on board. Well, more like the only one. Maddy had recently been elected as the minority leader of the senate, and the conference

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signaled more work for his already busy staff. But Taul Slinkard kept pressing — this was too great of an opportunity to let pass them by. “I did as much research as I could do — I wasn’t computer literate at that time — and found out basically how it was running and what they did,” she explains. “After a week or two of talking about it, he finally said ‘OK ... let’s see what happens.’ ” Now, on the eve of the Central California Women’s Conference’s 30th year, the details, cobbled together through anecdotes and a jumble of dates, are slightly hazy for the core group of ladies behind its creation. But one thing remains a constant: its mission to educate, motivate and empower women is still as relevant today as it was then. The annual event has grown tremendously, kicking off with an impressive 800-plus attendees in 1988 to drawing a crowd of more than 3,500 to the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center for the past several years. And as a nonprofit, non-political organization, CCWC has donated more than $900,000 to local groups that benefit women and children within the past three decades. In sum: CCWC is a big deal — one that required inaugural conference coordinators, Janis DeBenedetto and Susan Forrester, to grasp on a steep learning curve. The two staff members traveled down to attend both the Hacienda Heights and San Diego women’s events in an effort to better understand what exactly they were getting into, and met with coordinator, Karen Lynette Smith. “We were blown away,” DeBenedetto says. “The facilities for the conferences were beautiful, and it was pretty overwhelming. We thought, ‘OK, this would be a great idea to bring to Fresno.’ ” Inspired, they rolled up their sleeves and got working. Smith acted as a guide for the first two years, helping DeBenedetto, Forrester, staff and volunteers plan the Central California Women’s Conference debut at downtown Fresno’s Holiday Inn. They pulled from her established bureau of available speakers, followed Smith’s sample letters to send to corporate sponsors and relied on Maddy’s capable duo at California’s Hilmar office to coordinate exhibitors for its marketplace trade show through cities’ chambers of commerce. Support from businesses like Gottschalks and airline companies worked to create marketing logos and banners for the conference, and even offered to fly in speakers at no additional cost to the burgeoning nonprofit. “We had a lot of support in the community, so it was great,” DeBene-

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detto says. Then, it was simply a waiting game. “It’s a lot of work, time and effort, and we’re all thinking, ‘Are people going to come?’ And they did,” says Mary Stabelfeld, CCWC’s current director and part of the former Hilmar office team. “We had a lot of breakout sessions and exhibitors — we filled it up.” The day’s successful format has largely stuck, with a few modifications made over the years to make the conference a leaner, more evolved product, explains both DeBenedetto and Stabelfeld. That short-lived fashion show? Not so

trendy, after all. Twelve speakers per breakout session was streamlined to a dynamic six or seven. And the afternoon cool-down speaker became a slot reserved for comedians, helping to make it a breezy, unwind-type of experience for attendees and a proven method of keeping more

DAAttendees of Central California Women’s Conference make their way from workshops to lunch and to hear keynote speaker TV journalist Lisa Ling during last year’s conference.

Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 21

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Milestones

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo

29 YEARS OF INSPIRING WOMEN

#NoLimits SE P TEMBE R 20, 2016

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

Lisa Ling

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

Leeza Gibbons

28 YEARS OF INSPIRING WOMEN

SEP TEMB ER 22, 2015 Presenting Sponsor

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo

26 YEARS OF EMPOWERING WOMEN

l i v e

YO U R C C W C 2 013 Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

September 17, 2013

CCWC

HELEN HUNT LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER

1988-2017 30 YEARS OF EMPOWERING VALLEY WOMEN & CHILDREN

Central California Women’s Conference

September 18, 2012

Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

CCWC 12

CELEBRATE

YOU

25 YEARS OF

EMPOWERING WOMEN

Ken Maddy 1934-2000 CCWC Founder

A place for women Central California Women’s Conference celebrates 30 years of educating and empowering women BY: Dani Villalobos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Central California Women’s Conference, Bee archive

J 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

centralvalley.com

DAAttendees of Central California Women’s Conference make their way from workshops to lunch and to hear keynote speaker TV journalist Lisa Ling during last year’s conference.

Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 21

AFDozens of informational booths are available for the crowds to peruse at the Central California Women’s Conference.

0003190623-01

continued ...

22 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

there through the duration of the event. The core intent behind CCWC, however, not only survived the past three decades, but is a key reason behind its continued success. “It had something for everybody,” DeBenedetto says. “We had speakers that had written books, and had local people, as well. You could find something that would interest you no matter what your stage in life or particular orientation, whether that is professional or homemaker.” Stabelfeld and conference consultants, Jan Edwards and Betsy Hays, begin preparing months in advance, coordinating with its long list of volunteers, small team of student marketing specialists, exhibitors and corporate sponsors to have everything in place for the guests of honor’s arrival each September. From Rita Moreno, Erin Brockovich and former first lady of Egypt, Jehan Sadat, to Sally Field, the late Debbie Reynolds and this year’s keynote speaker, Amy Purdy, the local event has brought an assorted collection of outstanding women to headline CCWC’s luncheon every year. A tough job, sure, but just as important: the breakout

session speakers. Hays wears both hats of speaker and public relations coordinator, drawing from surveys, informal focus groups and current events to generate each event’s slate of powerful lecturers that appeal to a diverse audience. Attendees range from the 18-24 crowd to 65-plus, and attract members from the regional AfricanAmerican, Asian-American, Caucasian, Hispanic/Latina, Native American and other ethnic communities that form the Central Valley’s

cultural landscape. Still, Stabelfeld would like to see more engagement with the younger generation in the coming years — that’s where Hays and Edwards’ expertise especially comes into play. The two have updated CCWC’s look with significant research to back it up, ensuring the guests’ needs are being met on an annual basis. Hays also reaches out to millennial speakers to provide an authentic voice for both the younger and older demographics to benefit from. And if that doesn’t work, there’s always social media. Hays and a small group of college interns take on the task of updating the nonprofit’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Last year, they used the recent Facebook Live capability to stream the conference, well, live so those unable to score a ticket were able to glean some insightful, encouraging pearls of wisdom, too. “We want to make sure the conference evolves as society does,” Hays says. “The board has been generous in giving us an opportunity to try new things and experiment, and that’s important because I want our audience to see us as they see themselves: a little bit brave, a little bit fearless and embrace everything we have available.” The pressure to keep things new and fresh with an event of this scale can be tiresome, notes Stabelfeld. But

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the moment the women start trickling in — that exhaustion goes straight out the window. Their excited smiles, chatter and general enthusiasm makes everything worth it, every single time. “We’ve heard from so many women how our conference has changed their life,” she says. “We’re putting a spread in our program to honor Ken Maddy, and we’re inviting a lot of Maddy staffers to come. I know he didn’t know the magnitude of what it was going to be, but I think he’s happy.” CV

AFresno State representative Jenny Toste speaks with Danielle Coelho and Jennifer Bliss while showing off their Bulldog Pride. DFrom the beginning, the women’s conference mission has been to educate, motivate and empower women, and that is still as relevant today.

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 23

AFDozens of informational booths are available for the crowds to peruse at the Central California Women’s Conference.

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 23

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HomeStyle

AFAbove and opposite page: Daniela Grigorieff embraced the various services Edinhart Realty & Design offers, relying on the company and its members to assist with renovations and interior design advice long after officially making her new residence home.

The home’s a stage

24 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

Local business bills itself as the Central Valley’s one-stop shop for all things home

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BY: Dani Villalobos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Tomas Ovalle

elisa Spolini’s story isn’t necessarily atypical — especially for the interior design-type. Experimentation with the location of her household’s furniture was a common occurrence growing up, earning Spolini a gentle, yet clear admonishment from her mother: “Someday you’re going to be able to do that in your own house. In the meantime, don’t move my stuff around.” But the tables have definitely turned. Spolini’s talented eye has many, including dear ol’ mom, fervent for her professional input. Because when it comes to home design, the concept is an entirely inclusive experience for the Fresno resident.

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“I’ve always had a passion for homes. I love everything about them — I wanted to look for them, I wanted to buy homes, I wanted to do the makeover,” she says. “It drives me nuts to know what the potential is and not be able to implement it. I love the transformation of a makeover; it’s all worth it when you see the very final product.” It came as no surprise then that the licensed Realtor and broker felt unfulfilled focusing on just one aspect of the extensive housing industry — real estate simply wasn’t enough. She wanted to find a way to incorporate her passion for interior design into her career, too. And, in 2014, she created it: Edinhart Realty & Design. Billed as a one-stop shop, the company’s approach Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 25

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HomeStyle

The home’s a stage

24 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

Local business bills itself as the Central Valley’s one-stop shop for all things home

centralvalley.com

BY: Dani Villalobos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Tomas Ovalle

centralvalley.com

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 25

S FDaniela Grigorieff loved that she was able to shop with Edinhart Realty & Design for her and her family’s new home, and that the staff worked within her budget.

continued ... to real estate is best reflected in the layout of its new digs. The building, set to open in the coming months, is a unique hybrid of sorts: part offices, part store. Spolini’s experience moonlighting as an interior designer served as inspiration for the idea, with past clients’ constant requests for unique inventory encouraging her to readily stock 9- to- 17-foot draperies and other remodeling products for immediate purchase. “It’s very different from what a traditional real estate company would be. ... It’s a literal home store,” Spolini explains. “Edinhart is a place where we can make our clients feel like they’re at home. They don’t have to do all of the research and put all of the pieces together because we do that for them.” The four components to Edinhart Realty & Design — real estate, property management,

26 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

Fall

interior design services and the sale of product — constantly intersect and feed into the other, helping to make each area’s function cohesive and seem not so separate after all. For instance, it’s not uncommon for Spolini and her proficient team of eight Realtors to have a single client who needs help selling a home, updating said home, renting out another home, buying a new residence and even assisting with the final, stylized touches in their new space. See, the best home designs challenge all of the senses, according to Spolini’s personal philosophy. The consideration of smell, textures and visual impact are not just a pleasant plus, but essential. Edinhart Realty & Design member Nicole Gough has been working with the local company since March 2016, and dubs herself as the queen

Now open to the public

Please see next page

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 27

S FDaniela Grigorieff loved that she was able to shop with Edinhart Realty & Design for her and her family’s new home, and that the staff worked within her budget.

26 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

Fall

Now open to the public

Please see next page

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 27

S Edinhart Realty & Design CEO, Melisa Spolini, believes the best home designs liven all the senses — incorporating smell, touch and visual impact to leave the ultimate lasting impression.

continued ... of all things color. Gough had a knack for interior design and natural DIY tendencies before joining Spolini’s team, and gradually began to take on a creative role as the need became more apparent with her clients. “The majority of clients I work for are first-time buyers, and need that extra help In the world of real to get started in making their home a estate, a picture says a home,” she says. “You build that relationship where they trust you. Then they start thousand words — and talking about things they need, and you think, ‘OK, I can provide that.’ ” then some. After all, in the world of real estate, a picture says a thousand words — and then some. When Edinhart Realty & Design receives a new listing, one of the first steps is scheduling a session with the company’s interior design coordinator or decorator: It’s mini-makeover time. They come equipped with its assortment of effective accessories, such as luxury towels, flowers, kitchenware and throw pillows, to spruce up the home’s overall appearance and help present the space in the best possible light. A contracted photographer ups the ante with professional photos, quickly turning the quality images in within 24 hours so the completed listing can be uploaded to the multiple listing service (MLS) and hundreds of other websites within a short time frame. “It’s the combination of a good photographer and an accessorized setup that make a big difference. We can always go in there and improve the space, even for the owners who have a really good eye,” Spolini says. “That, in turn, brings in more traffic. More traffic

28 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

means more offers, which means higher value and more money in your pocket.” This successful formula translates to its property management operation, as well. The added effort of a staging and photography consultation for rental properties may seem unusual, Gough adds, but can result in $200 more a month for rent just because of the way the home is marketed. A superficial transformation may be satisfactory for some clients, but Edinhart Realty & Design’s work is hardly finished after the sale on a new home is closed. First-time homeowner Daniela Grigorieff turned to Gough and Spolini to assist with her quest — finding Grigorieff and her family a fixer-upper in a favorable neighborhood at a great price. For the next three months, the house underwent significant renovations — but instead of overwhelmed, Grigorieff felt supported every step of the way. “It can be stressful buying a home, but that’s only the first step. The next step is making that house into a home, and they were able to do that for me,” she says. “During the design process, I love the fact that you can tell them your vision and then they execute it. You can shop together and they totally work within your budget.” Edinhart Realty & Design has industry professionals and resources at its fingertips — just more fodder to make Spolini’s unconventional business plan fit into her all-encompassing vision. “We work to come up with marketing ideas that make all of our clients comfortable, that they can come to one place and be helped,” she says. “We want to be the go-to place for all things home.” Details: www.edinhart.com, www.facebook.com/ edinhartrealty CV

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2017 Five Star Home Professionals

FRESNO R E AL E S TAT E AG E N T S

M OR T G AG E P R O F E S S I O NA L S

H O M E / AU TO I N S U R A N C E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Five Star Professional partnered with Central Valley Magazine to identify real estate, mortgage and insurance professionals in the Fresno area who deliver outstanding service and client satisfaction. The Five Star Professional research team contacted thousands of recent homebuyers, as well as other consumers. Clients may also submit evaluations online. Phone and online respondents rated their service professional on criteria such as overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the provider to a friend.

Research — How Our Winners Are Chosen • The 2017 Five Star Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Professionals and Home/Auto Insurance Professionals do not pay a fee to be included in the research or the final list. • Each professional is screened against state governing bodies to verify that licenses are current and no disciplinary actions are pending. • The inclusion of a real estate agent, mortgage professional or insurance professionals on the final lists should not be construed as an endorsement by Five Star Professional or Central Valley Magazine. • The research process incorporates a statistically valid sample in order to identify the professionals in the local market who score highest in overall satisfaction. These professionals are not included on the list unless their score is statistically valid.

Determination of Award Winners Professionals who satisfied each of the following objective criteria were named a Fresno-area 2017 Five Star Real Estate Agent, Five Star Mortgage Professional or Five Star Home/Auto Insurance Professional:

Evaluation Criteria: 1. Qualifying rating

Eligibility Criteria: 2. Holds an active license and employed in their field for a minimum of three years 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review 4. Satisfies minimum production on a one year and three year basis

5. Successful completion of a Blue Ribbon Panel review Real estate agents, mortgage professionals and home/auto professionals are pooled only with other candidates from their profession. To see the full list of winners visit www.fivestarprofessional.com. Rising Star Award Winners For our Rising Stars section, we identify up-and-coming real estate agents who provide exceptional service in the Fresno area. Five Star’s research team contacted hundreds of consumers and recognized outstanding real estate professionals with this year’s award. Rising Star winners must meet all previously cited criteria except number three. Rising Stars must have five years experience or less to be eligible. For a detailed look at each of our research methodologies, go to fivestarprofessional.com/public/research.

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Joetta Winter Realtor, Associate

Selling the Central Valley

I am so very honored to have been chosen for four consecutive years, for the prestigious Five Star Real Estate Agent award, by my clients! This award is very personal as it is the result of you, my clients and friends, responding with your honest opinion about your experience in working with me; not only as your real estate agent but also as your friend and advocate in one of the biggest decisions in your life. I have been actively and passionately selling real estate in the Central Valley area for over 25 years. I feel it is of the utmost importance to stay on the cutting edge of my education and knowledge of the current market and trends. I have served in many diﬀerent capacities in our local association of Realtors. I pride myself in having a professional reputation in our industry among my many colleagues. I am so very excited to have my husband, Simon DeGruchy, who has been a real estate broker for over 36 years, and joined me about a year ago in blending his expertise of land acquisition and infill lots with my expertise in residential and resale. We also love to invest in real estate! We are frequently tapped by friends and clients to assist them in the design and renovations of their homes. Simon is also an artist and his passion is metal sculpting. It is so very natural for us to encourage and dream along with our clients when we are on the hunt for that perfect property! Many of our dearest friends are from relationships we have developed during an exciting and personal purchase. We are dedicated, honest and hardworking. We would be honored and humbled to help you with the purchase or sale of your next property!

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HIGHLIGHTS Specializing in selling luxury homes

Left to right: Four-year winner Joetta Winter, Realtor, Associate; Simon DeGruchy

Experience in residential, units and land A top producing agent in the Central Valley

Realty Concepts LTD C O N TA C T

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Ann M. Lee CalBRE 1475485

C O N TA C T 1522 Shaw Avenue Clovis, CA 93611 Office: 559-298-0168 Cell: 559-999-4266 ann@universalrealty.org www.fresnorealtyservice.com

HIGHLIGHTS Guiding buyers from first-time to move-up and downsizing

Navigating and negotiating the complexity of contracts

Advising and guiding sellers how to sell for top dollar fast

8 YEAR WINNER

Left to right: Mo R. Mansour; Eight-year winner Ann M. Lee; Nathan Snider

I have been completely devoted to real estate full time for the past 12 years. I have met so many wonderful people during this process and have developed quite a number of friendships that will last a lifetime. That is one of the things I love most about my profession. It is an honor to help a client sell their home and to help them with buying a home. When my clients see the effort I put in, they see how much I care about my profession and how seriously I take each transaction. It is a huge responsibility and one I take to heart. My goal is to make sure I take the pressure off my clients and will go above and beyond to reach the final goal of turning over the keys. Whether it is giving the keys to a new home or the key to your new future, it is very satisfying. I believe earning your trust is far more important than simply getting your business. I extend my gratitude to all of my wonderful clients who have allowed me to be of service and have helped me become a better agent every day! My clients are the reason I do what I do, and I am blessed to know so many amazing people in my life. I look forward to continuing my association with past clients and colleagues, as well as meeting and helping new clients and friends.

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R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T S

Tami Serpa CalBRE 1221900

Tami has the distinction of being a Five Star Real Estate Agent award recipient for six consecutive years. She responded to her winning of this distinguished award by stating, “If one is going to be truly successful in real estate, as well as in any business, it’s critical they are consistent year after year.”Tami, in order to serve her clients better, has continued her real estate education and has earned her CRS and ABR® credentials. “In our area there are several excellent real estate agents so I know you have many agents to choose from. It’s important for me to provide you with honest advice and great customer service so I can earn your confidence and trust. In my opinion, the only true measurement of being successful in this area is by the referrals one receives from current and past clients. My business is driven by referrals which I deem the best compliment I can receive. This is one of the main reasons my business has remained consistent over the years. The values of the real estate company one works for are a reflection of the agent. I’m proud to be a part of the professional agents and compassionate owners at Realty Concepts. Their mottos and mission statements are for everyone to see and witness when they visit our oﬃce: people before profits, work hard and be nice to people, quality before quantity, service before sales and you before us. When the time comes for you to make the decision of what real estate company and agent you want to be represented by I hope you allow me and my oﬃce the opportunity to work with you.” — Tami Serpa

HIGHLIGHTS Diamond Award winner and multimillion-dollar producer

Over 20 years of real estate sales and customer service

Expertise in family residential sales and marketing

YEAR WINNER

Over 10 years of new home sales for local builders with nearly 1,000 sales for Granville Homes alone

C O N TA C T

Six-year winner Tami Serpa

575 East Alluvial Avenue, Suite 101 • Fresno, CA 93720 Direct: 559-288-7067 • Office: 559-490-1500 tamiserpa.realtor@gmail.com • tamiserpa.com

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

#fivestarprofessionalaward F I V E S T A R P R O F E S S I O N A L . C O M

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R EA L E STAT E AG E N T S

Marie V. Theurich

“I Love Changing People’s Lives Through Real Estate and Scholarships” — The Real Estate Lady I’m honored to have received the Five Star Real Estate Agent award for the seventh consecutive year, assisting clients just like you. My experience and success rate, combined with 30 years as a bank executive, help me make my clients’ home dreams come true. But what I hear again and again from the referrals that make up the bulk of my business is that my enthusiasm and positive attitude make the homebuying or selling process a pleasure, not a chore. I have the following awards and achievements: • National Association of Realtors • California Association of Realtors • Fresno Association of Realtors • Executive director for Miss Fresno County Scholarship and Outstanding Teen Pageant since 2005 • H.O.W. member (helping one woman at a time) www.helpingonewoman.com • Seven-time consecutive Five Star Real Estate Agent award winner I have been helping clients realize their real estate dreams for a quarter of a century, and their confidence in me displays true success. I pride myself on the satisfaction of my homeowners just like you! Want to buy or sell a home? Let “the real estate lady” run the show!

7 YEAR WINNER

C O N TA C T

Seven-year winner Marie V.Theurich

3 River Park Place East Fresno, CA 93720 Cell: 559-269-9249 Office: 559-434-1600 therealestatelady@guarantee.com thefresnorealestatelady.com

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R EA L E STAT E AG E N T S

Deanna Marie DiMuro Realtor Associate, CalBRE 02007965

575 East Alluvial Avenue, Suite 101 • Fresno, CA 93720 Phone: 559-500-9855 • dmdimuro@realtyconcepts.com www.DeannaDiMuroHomes.com Facebook: Deanna DiMuro Real Estate Services: @Deannafresnoarearealtor LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deanna-dimuro-9640ab13

Provides extraordinary professional and personalized service; treats her clients like family Deanna’s service: honesty, integrity, vast experience of creative problem solving and negotiating skills and state of the art marketing Proud mother of an incredible 10-year-old son Former award-winning network news television producer: ABC News, Dateline NBC and CBS 48 Hours (Washington, D.C. and New York, N.Y.)

2017 winner Deanna DiMuro

Deanna’s favorite gift of all time, from her son, Aiden

Thank you so much to my clients and friends for nominating me for this award! It’s an honor to be recognized by you as a Rising Star Real Estate Agent! My focus is always my client’s needs. I am a hardworking full-time Realtor whose goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for my client … whether it’s finding my buyers the perfect home or achieving the highest market value for my sellers. This business is all about relationships and negotiating — and I love it! What clients say about Deanna: “Deanna is a smart, detail-oriented and highly competent Realtor who makes things happen! We are so happy she found our dream home!” — The Van Ornums “Deanna did an excellent job. She was always available and quick to answer all my questions. She worked very hard to make my homebuying experience as pleasant as possible. I would recommend her to anyone!” — M. Romero “Deanna always kept our best interests in mind. She was awesome at returning calls and made herself available at all hours. Deanna is very knowledgeable in her profession.” — The Barcenas “Deanna helped me find a terrific Realtor to sell my condo in Washington, D.C. He was competent, courteous and always on my side. I never doubted his advice because I knew Deanna had done a great job vetting him.” — Mary Casey of Dallas, Texas Rising Star Real Estate Agent Award Winner

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R E A L E STAT E AG E N T S

Chuck Miller Broker

Our Team Is Your Team Chuck Miller is a mentor and coach for all of his agents to assure quality of service to their clients.

HIGHLIGHTS “Virtual office” with a paperless system to expedite the customers’ needs and requirements when called upon

Service above self

C O N TA C T

134 Bullard Avenue • Clovis, CA 93612 • Direct: 559-260-5668 chuck@connectrealty.com • www.realestatebychuck.com

YEAR WINNER

FOLLOW Four-year winner Chuck Miller

www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-miller-b077214a Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Cheryle Harrison CalBRE 01495963, Company CalBRE 02032563

I Look Forward to Assisting in All of Your Real Estate Needs! My goal of exceptional service combined with professionalism, integrity, knowledge and care have resulted in me becoming a trusted real estate advisor. Client satisfaction is the best measure of my success — which is verified by repeat clients and their referrals. A big thank-you to all my clients who have honored me again with this award! I am never too busy for you or your referrals! As a premier real estate agent in Clovis and in Fresno, I’m here to provide you with all the resources and information you need to buy or sell real estate. I work with buyers and sellers in Clovis, Fresno and the surrounding areas, and I’ve had extensive training in the latest real estate marketing strategies. I’m confident that I can oﬀer you knowledge and tools other agents can’t.

4 2

YEAR WINNER

C O N TA C T Four-year winner Cheryle Harrison

Villaggio Shopping Center • 7945 North Blackstone Avenue • Fresno, CA 93720 Phone: 559-217-5008 • Cheryle.realtor@gmail.com LionRealtors.com • YourClovisHomeSource.com Real Estate Agent Award Winner

FIVES TARPROFES SIONA L .COM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R EA L E STAT E AG E N T S

Cathy Freeman Real Estate Broker

Superior marketing, negotiation and service Exceptional communication skills

4 YEAR

Top producer with proven results

WINNER

Your first choice for your real estate needs

Left to right: Deb Tillis, Elise Souza, Kristie Spencer, and Four-year winner Cathy Freeman

Let Us Be the Key to Your Next Move We are honored and humbled to be recognized for this award. Thank you to all of our clients, friends and family for your continued trust, confidence and referrals. We have a successful business because of all of you! We will continue to represent you with honesty, integrity and that special touch — always going the extra mile to ensure your complete satisfaction. Cathy Freeman & Co. oﬀers a team of professional agents and services and are ready to help you with all of your real estate transactions.

C O N TA C T 8050 North Palm Avenue, Suite 300 • Fresno, CA 93711 Phone: 559-389-5896 • Cell: 559-246-4824 • cathy@cfcorealty.com • www.cfcorealty.com Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Ming Ming Angouw Realtor

I Would Like to Be Your Realtor for Life I would like to thank my clients, who have given me their business and/or referrals. When you or someone you know is about to engage in a real estate transaction, please contact me for a personal service that you can trust. My commitment to you is to build a long-term relationship. “Ming Ming is extremely knowledgeable and has a great team of people who make the process of selling a home as easy as possible. She is quick to respond, available when you need her and very good at understanding your needs. I can honestly say Ming Ming is my Realtor for life because I could not imagine using anyone else.” — David Foxx, 09/06/2016

Guarantee Real Estate performance awards: 2015 – 2016 Platinum award; 2014 Diamond award; and 2013 Crystal award 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Five Star Real Estate Agent award winner

5 YEAR

C O N TA C T

WINNER

Five-year winner Ming Ming Angouw

5210 North Palm Avenue • Fresno, CA 93704 Phone: 559-797-2411 • angouws@sbcglobal.net • www.YourRealtorForLife.US Twitter: @Ming2A • #Your_Realtor_For_Life Real Estate Agent Award Winner

#fivestarprofessionalaward F I V E S T A R P R O F E S S I O N A L . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R E AL E S TATE AG E N T S

Hawkins Team Nanci Hawkins, Staging Specialist, Realtor; Dan Hawkins, GRI, CRS, SFR®, CDPE, Broker Associate

We Are Stronger,Together! This award Dan is receiving for the ninth year means so much to the Hawkins Team, we would like to thank our clients who have placed their trust and confidence in us. We sincerely appreciate our clients who have continued to allow us the privilege of serving them with their real estate needs. A wonderful thing has happened to us over the years as our clients have become friends and our friends have become family. We are a full-service team and are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process of homebuying or selling. As we reflect back on our many years in real estate we are always reminded of the amazing clients who have contributed to where we are at this point in our careers. As a referral business we sincerely appreciate every referral. Thank you all for being a part of our team! Hawkins Team looks forward to many more years of selling real estate in our community and continuing in our dedication to achieving maximum results for our clients.

9 YEAR WINNER

C O N TA C T

575 East Alluvial Avenue, Suite 101 • Fresno, CA 93720 Nanci: 559-304-9606 • Dan: 559-681-4551 dan@realtyconcepts.com • www.hawkinsteam.com

Facebook: DanandNanciHawkinsRealtyConcepts

Left to right: Nanci Hawkins, Staging Specialist, Realtor; Nine-year winner Dan Hawkins, GRI, CRS, SFR®, CDPE, Broker Associate

Nanci Hawkins, CalBRE 01430200; Dan Hawkins, CalBRE 00551242. Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Jared Kim Realtor, Lic. 01748940

Guarantee Real Estate Realtor • Advisor • Friend Whether you’re buying a home or gearing up to sell one, you have a lot of tools at your disposal but having a trusted agent to spearhead the process is key to the success of your overall experience. Jared Kim has worked as a realtor in the Clovis, CA market since 2006 and specializes in working with young and established families. “As an agent, I guide the process from start to finish to ensure a smooth ride and I work diligently to ensure all transactions are orchestrated with precision. My goal is to best position my clients for strategic negotiation and to make a deal that works in their favor. Above all, I care about the client experience and will go above and beyond to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.” Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, Jared is the choice Realtor for families in the Clovis area.

HIGHLIGHTS Specializing in the Clovis, California residential market

7 YEAR WINNER

Over 80 percent of his business comes from referrals of satisfied clients Seven-year winner Jared Kim

1275 North Willow Avenue • Clovis, CA 93619 Office: 559-325-4399 • Cell: 559-940-2084 • jaredkimrealtor@gmail.com • jaredkimrealtor.com Real Estate Agent Award Winner

FIVES TARPROFES SIONAL.COM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T S

Laura Magdaleno Parvanian Realtor, CalBRE 01316810

Boutique listing and buying services for all clients

Exceptional service with exceptional results

YEAR WINNER

16-plus years’ experience in resale/new construction Five-year winner Laura Magdaleno Parvanian;Sarah Oliveira, Broker

For over 16 years, Laura has given individuals and families peace of mind by making their selling or homebuying experience easy and convenient. She works hard to meet each customer’s unique needs by oﬀering just the right set of skills, from coordinating buying and selling homes simultaneously or finding the right home or builder for the buyer’s next home. Laura wants to make sure that each client is taken care of and her hard work and help go beyond the close of escrow. Laura prides herself on getting to know each client and taking a personal interest in their lives. Her clients are comforted to know that they can turn to someone that they trust to answer their questions and assist them with making the process as stress free as possible. Wathen Group Real Estate is a division of the well known Wathen Mansionettes Builder. They have been building quality homes for over three generations. Wathen Group Real Estate provides exceptional service and results to all home buyers and sellers, but no one knows a Wathen home better than we do. Since 2013, Laura has been awarded the Five Star Real Estate Agent Award each year!

C O N TA C T

1312 Hanson Avenue • Clovis, CA 93619 Phone: 559-903-4323 • WathenHomes@gmail.com • www.wathenhomes.com

@LauraParvanian

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Jason Farris Real Estate Broker/Owner of Fresyes Realty — Fresyes.com

A top listing agent in Fresno/Clovis Marketing at the forefront of technology Exacting attention to detail Tirelessly advocating for your success

Truly Dedicated to the Community and the People Who Live in It “Jason is thorough and candid. He has an amazing team that is always two steps ahead. Within a week, three offers were presented, and he walked me through each one of them, so my family could make a wise decision. Knowledge and experience go a long way, especially in these hard times.” — Natalie “Working with Jason is like having a champion in our corner. He advocated for us at every turn, and it’s because of his persistence and hard work that we have our dream home. He has assisted us both with a purchase and sale. If anyone can pull off your dream move, it’s him.” — Brandon

4 YEAR WINNER

C O N TA C T Four-year winner Jason Farris

7785 North Palm Avenue, Suite 108 • Fresno, CA 93711 Office: 559-286-0055 • Cell: 559-708-8768 • Jason@Fresyes.com • www.fresyes.com Real Estate Agent Award Winner

#fivestarprofessionalaward F I V E S T A R P R O F E S S I O N A L . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T S

8 YEAR WINNER

Robert Mitchell

Deanna P. Spellman

Realtor, GRI, SRES®, e-PRO®

Broker Associate, CRS, STAGENT®, CalBRE 01729604

• Nearly 17 years of experience — ranked in the top 1 percent (MLS)! • Professional photography for every listing! • 37-point aggressive marketing plan! • Over 87 percent referral rate! • Free staging services!

Turning Dreams Into Realty “I am honored and privileged to receive this Five Star Real Estate award for the eighth year in a row! I want to thank each and every one of my clients for taking the time to select me for this award and the opportunity to work with them! I am a firm believer in not only working hard but being passionate about everything I do in life — real estate is definitely no exception! I have dedicated my life to real estate and run my business very seriously, because buying or selling a home is the largest financial decision you will ever make and should not be taken lightly! I look forward to showing you the five-star service you deserve! Call me today!” — Robert

8 YEAR WINNER

Putting My Clients First

• Thank you to my clients for selecting me for eight years • I have the best clients; most of my business is by referral • 11-plus years’ experience as a full-time Realtor • Ranked in the top 10% of area agents (Fresno MLS) • 2015 President’s Club award recipient

There is nothing more rewarding then helping my clients achieve their real estate goals, whether it is their first home or their dream home. As an investor myself, I help coach my clients in building wealth through real estate investing. When selling their homes, I employ many advanced marketing methods, including staging the home, professional photography and 3-D home tours to help sell it quickly and for the best price.

7625 North Palm Avenue, Suite 106 • Fresno, CA 93711 Office: 559-250-3442 • Cell: 559-250-3442 Robert@RobertMitchellGroup.com • www.FresnoHouseHunter.com

575 East Alluvial Avenue • Fresno, CA 93720 Phone: 559-790-6964 • deannaspellman@att.net • www.deannaspellman.com

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Laurie Salvano

Jan Wright

Realtor

Real Estate Agent, CalBRE 1707133

Changing Lives by Unlocking Doors the “Wright”Way!

2 YEAR WINNER

• Dedicated • Personable • Professional

Live in the Home You Love, Love the Home You Live In Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this prestigious group as a Five Star Real Estate Agent. I’m very fortunate to have established a relationship with my clients, which allows them to refer family and friends to me with confidence. This is one of the nicest compliments I could have wished for as it really says a lot about how my clients feel about me and the service I provide. 575 East Alluvial Avenue, Suite 101 • Fresno, CA 93720 Cell: 559-999-7987 • Office: 559-490-1500 lauriesalvano@realtyconcepts.com • www.lauriesalvano.com Real Estate Agent Award Winner

5 YEAR WINNER

• • • • •

575 East Alluvial Avenue, Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93720 Cell: 559-288-6893 Janwright@realtyconcepts.com www.realtyconcepts.com

Much appreciation to my clients for their unending support Kudos to Realty Concepts and my brokers, John and JP Shamshoian Special recognition to Lennar Homes Central Valley Many thanks to my family and Ziggy for enduring my unruly schedule Special indebtedness to all my NHC’s and on-sites

At the end of the day, my reward is meeting the real estate needs of my clients, which is why my biggest thank-you for this recognition goes to you! My persistence and diligence is supported by my team, Liz and Lauren; together, we are able to attain your goals. As a Realtor, I understand the decisions clients make today aﬀect their lives for years to come. Real Estate Agent Award Winner

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R EA L E STAT E AG E N T S

Naglaa Sultan

Angelica Caldera

MBA, CRS, GRI, CDPE, CIAS, BPOR

Realtor

Universal Lending and Real Estate RE/MAX Gold 7050 North Fresno Street, Suite 204 Office: 559-940-7891 sultan.naglaa@gmail.com www.sultanarealty.com

3 YEAR WINNER

1522 Shaw Avenue Clovis, CA 93611 Phone: 559-213-6380 Fax: 559-298-0184 Office: 559-298-0180 caldera@comcast.net universallending.org

We Pursue Your Goal With Fierce Devotion

5 YEAR WINNER

With an extensive background in engineering and business administration, I have built upon my many years of experience to become a real estate expert with the extra sales experience necessary to make the most of real estate investments for both buyers and sellers. As technology is transforming the real estate business, so is my modern approach to home sales for all of my clients’and this is evident in the custom-tailored, web promotion programs that I develop for each and every property we represent on the market. My strong business background provides a solid foundation for favorable dealings with all involved parties. In fact, in today’s world, it is certainly true that excellent negotiating skills are critical. I believe that you will find that my years of experience have truly helped me learn how to negotiate in all matters with your best interest at heart.

Your Satisfaction Is Our Priority! • • • •

Dedicated and passionate about every transaction Experience with buyers, sellers, investors, REOs and short sales Every client has my undivided attention; your schedule is my schedule Bilingual in Spanish

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Alison Uremovic

Sandy Duncan

Realtor

CalBRE 01052860

9 YEAR WINNER

10 Left to right: Nine-year winner Alison Uremovic, Realtor, CalBRE 01246060; Michael Uremovic, Realtor, CalBRE 01457216

YEAR WINNER

Your Realtor for Life

Two Generations to Serve You! Alison (Five Star Real Estate Agent award winner for nine years) and Michael, secondand third-generation Realtors, with 30 years of combined experience. We are full-time professionals who take pride in our communication skills, quick response time, knowledge of the local market and the frequency in which our clients return or refer their friends to us.

Sandy represents her clients with enthusiastic support and expert knowledge to attain their goals. She maintains high standards of professionalism and expertise to ensure that any real estate transaction is efficient and successful. “I love my job almost as much as I love my clients,” says Sandy. “Thank you for allowing me to represent you.”

• • • •

Awarded the Five Star Real Estate Agent award for 10 years One of the top-producing agents in the valley for over 30 years Highly recommended by past clients High energy and integrity

575 East Alluvial Avenue, Suite 101 • Fresno, CA 93720 Alison: 559-281-0887 • alison@realtyconcepts.com Michael: 559-285-1981 • michaeluremovic@realtyconcepts.com

3 River Park Plaza East • Fresno, CA 93720 Phone: 559-906-7549 • sandy@guarantee.com • sandysellsfresnohomes.com

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

#fivestarprofessionalaward F I V E S T A R P R O F E S S I O N A L . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T S

Linda Pierre Coelho

Gloria Scarazzo

Broker, Owner

CRS, ALHS, CalBRE 0906834

Guarantee Real Estate Fresno, CA 93720 Phone: 559-439-5716 LindaCoelho@comcast.net www.BBRealty.Biz

3 River Park Plaza East Fresno, CA 93720 Office: 559-434-1600 Cell: 559-905-1848 glorias@guarantee.com

I am celebrating my 41st year in real estate, and my goal has always been for my clients to feel complete trust and confidence during every sale transaction. Knowing that I always have their best interests in mind, past clients and their referrals continue to comprise 98 percent of my business every year. I’m honored and delighted to receive this award for a eighth straight year. Thank you. CalBRE 00626998.

5 YEAR WINNER

• • • • •

8 YEAR WINNER

Celebrating 31 years in real estate with Guarantee GRI designation Certified relocation specialist Luxury home specialist Guarantee short-sale specialist

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

“Always be honest. It can take a lifetime to build a reputation, but it can only take a second to destroy it.”

Gloria has represented many of Fresno’s finest homes throughout her career. When you are represented by Gloria, you are represented by the best. The sign in front of your home says it and the real estate community knows it. She is dedicated to making her clients her friends with quality service, meticulous negotiating skills and the utmost integrity.

— Five Star award winner Real Estate Agent Award Winner

W. Harvey Boganwright

Dolores Leon

Darryl Wong

Realtor, CalBRE 01469848

Realtor

Boganwright, Real Estate 4262 North Quail Lake Drive Clovis, CA 93619 Cell: 559-999-2401 whbogie@sbcglobal.net

8 YEAR WINNER

6710 North West Avenue, Suite 108 Fresno, CA 93711 Phone: 559-916-5576 dleonrealtor@gmail.com www.guarantee.com/doloresleon Your Real Estate Consultant for Life

265 West Bullard Avenue, Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93704 Phone: 559-577-6518 dwhotline@yahoo.com www.dwhotline.com 8 YEAR WINNER

Five Star Real Estate Agent Equals Five-Star Results I am deeply honored to be selected for the Five Star Real Estate Agent award for the eighth year. My great joy is helping people with all their real estate needs as well as experiencing clients becoming friends! Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your business and support. Real Estate Agent Award Winner

5 YEAR WINNER

No. 1 Name in Real Estate Is You, My Client

Lic. 01154818.

My main goal every morning is to best serve my clients. To achieve this task, everyone involved in the transaction — my fellow Realtors, loan officers, inspectors, title and escrow officers — must all work in harmony. Winning this award for the last five years in a row allows me to know this is being accomplished. Thank you. Lic. 1825171.

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Thank you to all my clients for selecting me for the Five Star Real Estate Agent award for eight-straight years. I am grateful to you for your business and referrals of family and friends. There is nothing more rewarding to me than helping you achieve your real estate goals. Thank you for your trust and confidence.

“Do everything you can to assist your clients and remember it is all an investment in your future success.” — Five Star award winner

FIVES TARPROFES SIONAL.COM

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R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T S

Sharon Tuck

3 River Park Plaza East Fresno, CA 93720 Office: 559-434-1600 Cell: 559-960-7517 STuck@guarantee.com

Debra Piccolo Myers

Kristine Sorrells

Realtor

3 River Park Place East Fresno, CA 93720 Cell: 559-284-6575 debramyers@pacbell.net

10 YEAR WINNER

Looking Out for Your Best! Sharon considers herself a problem solver, not a salesperson. If you have a housing problem and you need to buy a house, Sharon can help you solve that problem. If you have a real estate problem and you need to sell something, Sharon can help you with that problem, like she has helped hundreds of others. Give her a call.

7625 North Palm,Suite 106 Fresno,CA 93711 Cell: 559-307-5917 ksorrells@kw.com www.ksorrells.kwrealty.com

6 YEAR WINNER

Celebrating 15 Years in Real Estate!

Serving the Central Valley for Over a Decade

Selecting the right real estate professional to help you find your dream home is probably the second most important decision you make. The person you choose has to know the area and the market, and should provide the highest level of service. With over 15 years of experience, that person is me, Debra Piccolo Myers! I’ll be with you every step of the way. I hope to always surpass your expectations.

As a successful Realtor for over 13 years, specializing in making the homebuying and selling process as smooth and streamlined as possible. Kristine’s goal and objective is to listen and hear the needs of each client. With her systems and organization skills in place, clients receive the best real estate transaction.

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Sheila Urbanek

Colleen Meehan

Susan Gates

CalBRE 01445569

Real Estate Agent

Realtor, CRS, ABR®, SFR®

CalBRE 01088195.

Realty Concepts, Ltd.

Guarantee Real Estate

575 East Alluvial Avenue, Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93720 Office: 559-490-1564 Cell: 559-259-9225 sheila@realtyconcepts.com www.realtyconcepts.com

575 East Alluvial Avenue Fresno, CA 93720 Phone: 559-270-5535 colleen@realtyconcepts.com cmeehan.realtyconcepts.com/contact 8

5210 North Palm Avenue Fresno CA 93704 Phone: 559-360-9400 sgates4re@gmail.com www.guarantee.com/susangates #smgates

6 YEAR WINNER

YEAR WINNER

Many thanks to my clients for your trust and confidence. I take pride in listening to your needs and believe that a focus on commitment and integrity is key to a business relationship that lasts.

Never Give Up On Your Dream of Home Ownership My commitment is to always put my clients needs first. I have 39 years of experience, extensive market knowledge, strong work ethic, exceptional customer service, a relocation expert, impeccable reputation and am a consistent top producer with proven results. I am honored and thank all my clients in the valley and on the central coast.

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Kathy Nation

Mark Glenn

Tawnya Stevens

Real Estate Agent

Owner/Broker, CalBRE 00430538

Real Estate Broker, GRI

YEAR WINNER

Vida Glenn & Son Real Estate Office: 559-224-2771 Cell: 559-289-7934 gglenn@west-co.com

Phone: 559-647-2682 tawnyastevens@sbcglobal.net www.coalingamidstaterealty.com

Lic. 1471152

Great Service and a Little Humor Will Take You a Long Way! 46 Years and Counting

License 01202124

Real Estate Agent Award Winner

Office: 559-974-2463 kathrynnation@yahoo.com I Go the Extra Mile to Help You Find Your Dream Home

Get Results!

#fivestarprofessionalaward F I V E S T A R P R O F E S S I O N A L . C O M

10 YEAR WINNER

10-Year Winner I am proud and honored to earn the Five Start Real Estate Agent award for 10 consecutive years. I am grateful to be acknowledged for my commitment to my profession and my clients’ best interests. Thank you so much. Lic. 824365. Real Estate Agent Award Winner

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3 YEAR WINNER

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Terry Coleman Loan Consultant, NMLS 257645

8 YEAR WINNER

Left to right: 2015 winner Haley Chavez; Eight-year winner Terry Coleman; Linda Barnes

Same Great People, Same Great Service, One Lending Powerhouse HIGHLIGHTS My 20-plus years in the lending business and affiliation with loanDepot as the second largest non-bank lender in the country, has allowed me to give my clients the best possible homebuying experience. The expertise of my team to achieve this goal is by being trustworthy and professional, while maintaining a high level of integrity to get the job done for our clients and business partners. I appreciate the recognition and believe it to be an honor to have this award bestowed upon me. I look forward to providing many more years of service to my partners and clients.

$100 billion funded since 2010

No. 5 retail lender in the United States

Second largest non-bank lender

C O N TA C T

1111 East Herndon Avenue, Suite 111 • Fresno, CA 93720 Office: 559-256-9829 • Cell: 559-355-4300 TColeman@loandepot.com • www.loanDepot.com/tcoleman

@loanDepot facebook.com/loandepotdotcom

loanDepot.com, LLC. NMLS 174457 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act 4131040. For more licensing, please visit www.loandepot.com/licensing. Mortgage Professional Award Winner

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Kim Bryant Loan Officer, NMLS 335826

Kim A. Bryant is one of central California’s most established and reputable leaders in real estate financing. The path to homeownership is never a straight line, but when you meet Kim, you recognize immediately how passionate she is about her industry and her clients. It is her keen attention to detail and proven strategies that help her clients become homeowners. Because of her commitment to building honest and clear relationships with her clients, her business is solely based on referrals from existing clients. That thoughtful approach has shown her clients that she values being a partner and is invested in the entire process from start to finish. “Helping guide future homeowners towards one of life’s greatest milestone has been the cornerstone of my career and I look forward to working hand in hand with new clients to secure eﬀective financing.” — Kim A. Bryant

HIGHLIGHTS More than 20 years of experience in residential, commercial and consumer lending

Strategic mortgage financing advisor in central California

Specialist in homebuyer, jumbo, conventional, FHA and VA

A strong new client base that is built exclusively from referrals of existing clients

YEAR WINNER

Three-year winner Kim Bryant

Bay Equity Home Loans

C O N TA C T 740 West Alluvial Street, Suite 102 • Fresno, CA 93711 Direct: 559-779-2000 • kbryant@bayeq.com • www.kimbryantloans.com Mortgage Professional Award Winner

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Michelle Glass Senior Loan Officer/Operations Manager

Promises Made. Promises Kept. My name is Michelle Glass. I began my career in Sacramento working in a support staﬀ position for a local mortgage company. I now have over 25 years of experience in mortgage lending which includes being a loan processor for over 15 of those years in the Fresno/Clovis area. Having the processing experience has helped me become a very detailed, proactive loan oﬃcer. I am committed in providing the utmost service for first-time homebuyers, seasoned purchasers and those who are looking to refinance. I appreciate the honor of being named a Five Star Mortgage Professional and wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my business partners and clients. Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. provides quality mortgage lending services throughout the United States. Incorporated in 1986, we are a privately held company and have originated and funded nearly $100 billion in residential loans. Sierra Pacific Mortgage is committed to delivering consistent, competitive pricing and to exceeding the needs of our customers and clients. This promise, combined with our commitment to the company’s future, is why our customers choose Sierra Pacific Mortgage as their trusted lender.

4 YEAR WINNER

1080 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 101 • Fresno, CA 93711 Phone: 559-779-8057 • Office: 559-490-0470 • michelle.glass@spmc.com Four-year winner Michelle Glass, NMLS 307279

Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. NMLS 1788. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Not all borrowers will qualify. This is not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Lender. Mortgage Professional Award Winner

Paul Salazar Mortgage Professional

Allow Me and My Team Help You Succeed My name is Paul Salazar. I was born and raised in Fresno, California and have over 19 years of mortgage experience. My knowledge of both the Central Valley and the ever changing mortgage industry, uniquely qualifies me to help individuals obtain the best loan for their particular situation and needs. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a move-up purchaser or someone needing to refinance, I can help. I pride myself in always being available to clients and agents, making sure all are informed and understand every step of the loan process. In addition, because of the way I work, and my knowledge of the industry, I have been regularly featured on KFSN channel 30 as a mortgage expert for their news programs. At Sierra Pacific Mortgage, I work with a team of respected individuals with over 105 years of combined knowledge of real estate and mortgage experience. Our goal is to do the best job we can for our clients. Sierra Pacific Mortgage is a national leader, and a direct lender, dealing with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae. We oﬀer low competitive interest rates and fees, faster underwriting and funding times, as well the ability to broker loans. What does that mean? It means we have the resources to find a loan for our clients to achieve their objective.

3 YEAR WINNER

1080 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 101 • Fresno, CA 93711 Phone: 559-360-2763 • Office: 559-490-0470 • paul.salazar@spm1.com Three -year winner Paul Salazar, NMLS 349562

Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc., NMLS 1788. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Not all borrowers will qualify. This is not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Lender. Mortgage Professional Award Winner

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Lisa Sasaki Branch Manager, NMLS 250114

Committed to Customer Satisfaction

6 YEAR WINNER Six-year winner Lisa Sasaki

Dedicated to meeting your goals

Local market knowledge and experience

Tirelessly working on your behalf

Exceptional customer service

Attention to detail

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my valued clients, devoted real estate agents and incredible operations team for helping me achieve this special honor. I believe in doing things well. As a mortgage professional for more than 16 years, my greatest privilege is helping clients realize their dreams through careful planning — planning strategically to fit their individual lifestyles and expectations. Specialized service and well-thoughtout solutions are what I oﬀer for all, from first-time homebuyers to experienced real estate investors. My main focus is to educate, assist in understanding and make the homebuying process as stress-free as possible. I am determined to be the single best source of home financing for all my clients’ needs.

7485 North Palm Avenue, Suite 105 • Fresno, CA 93711 Office: 559-389-5828, Ext. 102 • Cell: 559-246-3828 • lisa.sasaki@academymortgage.com • academymortgage.com/lisasasaki Mortgage Professional Award Winner

Joni Davis Loan Officer, NMLS 339506

Royal Charter Mortgage’s top-producing loan officer again in 2016, for the ninth year 30 years experience

8 YEAR

Consistent top producer

WINNER

Dedicated to service

Eight-year winner Joni Davis

Defining Professional Excellence

Driven by results

One of the greatest measures of success lies in the level of satisfaction felt by those you have been fortunate to serve. I am grateful to have received this honor for the eighth consecutive year. I share this recognition with my staﬀ, without whom I couldn’t enjoy such accomplishments. I truly value each real estate agent and client I have had the privilege of working with. My 30 years experience is only as valuable as my opportunities to use it to help others.

C O N TA C T 6440 North Maroa • Fresno, CA 93704 • Office: 559-436-4020 • jonidavis@royalcharter.com Mortgage Professional Award Winner

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Bobby Campos

I would like to thank all of my clients, as well as the Realtors and professional colleagues who have helped me achieve this prestigious award. My staﬀ and I are extremely knowledgeable on underwriting guidelines and all aspects of mortgage lending. At Benchmark Mortgage, we understand that in today’s market, home financing requires a company with a proven track record, financial strength and integrity. Our unwavering commitment to excellence in these three key areas has earned us a reputation as one of the most respected companies in the industry. Our team is passionate about lending, and we hope you choose us as your lender for life!

23 years of mortgage lending experience; a combined team experience of 92 years Approved lender for conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo and DPA programs Committed to communication throughout the loan process

4 YEAR WINNER Left to right: Renee Younkin, Processor; Marlowe Campos, Loan Originator Assistant; Missi Lucente, Loan Officer, NMLS 247837; Four-year winner Bobby Campos, NMLS 289428; 2017 winner Kristin Lucas, Loan Officer; NMLS 827889

1575 Shaw Avenue, Suite 104 • Clovis, CA 93611 • Office: 559-900-1516 Cell: 559-269-6326 • bobby.campos@benchmark.us • www.bobbycampos.benchmark.us Benchmark Mortgage, Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS 2143. All loans subject to approval. Mortgage Professional Award Winner

Sean Connolly Area Manager 20-plus years in this industry 15-plus years as a top-producer Specializing in Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA lending programs Experts in down payment assistance programs and first-time homebuyers Sean Connolly and his team have aligned themselves with Supreme Lending and their platform to become fast and eﬃcient in closing loans in an environment where government regulations have stifled the loan process and slowed it down.

3 YEAR WINNER Left to right:Yesenia Ballesteros, Sr. Processor;Three- year winner Sean Connolly, Producing Area Manager; Carrie Parshall, Production Manager; Diana Morris, Loan Officer

We have the resources and open mind to optimize the loan process, thus creating a pleasant experience for the homebuying and refinance borrowers. With this partnership, we truly are the “supreme of lending.”

8050 North Palm Avenue, Suite 308, Fresno, CA 93711 Cell: 559-905-0728 • eFax: 559-785-3916 sean.connolly@supremelending.com • www.seanconnolly.supremelending.com Mortgage Professional Award Winner

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Angel Santiago Renovation Specialist, CalBRE 639777

We Aim to Give the Best Customer Service!

3 YEAR WINNER

Left to right: Moises Magana; 2013, 2014 and 2017 winner Angel Santiago; Lisa Flores; 2014 – 2016 winner Pablo Estrada

HIGHLIGHTS One of the top teams in United States (Mortgage Executive Magazine)

C O N TA C T

I’ve been in the mortgage business for over 12 years. For the past six years, I’ve completed solely renovation home loans (203k/conventional homestyle standard) and have had the opportunity to complete over 250 renovation projects. Through this experience, I’ve had the pleasure of serving my clients as we’ve worked to complete their custom vision. I truly believe that one must do on to others as you want done to yourself, and I have strived to go the extra mile on every transaction. I would like to thank my business partners and clients for recognizing my work with this prestigious accolade.

Excellent customer service

7480 North Palm Avenue, Suite 103 • Fresno, CA 93711 Phone: 559-490-2711 • Cell: 559-761-4832 • angel.santiago@homebridge.com

Bilingual — English and Spanish

Twitter • Facebook: @TeamPablo2016

Mortgage Professional Award Winner

Brandon Humrick NMLS 333337, CalBRE 01280213

Financial stewardship Commitment to communicate

8 YEAR

Smooth and complete loan process

WINNER

Competitive rate/fee combination Close-on-time guarantee

Eight-year winner Brandon Humrick

Brandon has been serving the lending needs of Californians since 1994 and is the CEO of L.O.A.N. Services, Inc., an A+ rated BBB Accredited Business. A known problem solver, Brandon is an expert on underwriting guidelines and all aspects of mortgage lending, including: conventional, VA and FHA loan programs. All of us at L.O.A.N. Services work tirelessly to deliver the right loan product and best value through a customer-focused, eﬃcient and measurable process tailored for each client. We are fluent in the latest guidelines, innovative in structuring loans and experts in navigating clients through an overly complicated process. We are humbled and grateful to all who have entrusted us as their financial steward.

C O N TA C T

7067 North Mariposa Street, Suite 105 • Fresno, CA 93720 Direct: 559-375-7067 • Cell: 559-709-1180 • bhumrick@loanservices.com • www.loanservices.com

@BrandonHumrick

Mortgage Professional Award Winner

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M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Brian Werner

Linda F. East

NMLS 336225, CalBRE 01708876

President, NMLS 327415, CalBRE 01065261

East Financial Services Celebrating 27 Years • Committed to excellence • Dedicated to outstanding service • 30 years’ experience • Reliable and trustworthy

YEAR WINNER

Your Mortgage Consultant for Life! I am thankful and blessed to be able to serve my clients and Realtor partners. My goal is to exceed the expectations of every client by combining knowledge and skill in the industry, offering superior consultative advice, excellent products and competitive rates. I am humbled and grateful to all who have entrusted me as their mortgage consultant.

• • • •

6535 North Palm Avenue, Suite 104 Fresno, CA 93704 Office: 559-435-5593 Cell: 559-259-9499 linda@eastfinancial.com www.eastfinancial.com

FHA, VA, conventional and jumbo loans Portfolio loan products Purchase and refinance loans Competitive rates and fees

Celebrating 27 years of providing mortgage lending services. Having the right lender makes the difference in getting your offer accepted, closed on time and as promised. Thank you to our clients and Realtors who have contributed to our continuing success.

755 North Peach Avenue, Suite A-16 • Clovis, CA 93611 Office: 559-326-7060 • Cell: 559-790-7275 • chlfresno@yahoo.com Mortgage Professional Award Winner

Mortgage Professional Award Winner

“Make sure you’re dealing with someone who is knowledgeable and ethical.” — Five Star award winner

Sue Mettee

“

Loan Officer, NMLS 289742

6495 North Palm, Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93704 Cell: 559-307-4503 sue.mettee@primelending.com Thank you to all my clients for recognizing me as a Five Star Mortgage Professional for the eighth year.

Loan Officer, NMLS 242762

”

Royal Charter Mortgage 6440 North Maroa Avenue Fresno, CA 93704 Phone: 559-349-4480 smorgan@royalcharter.com

8 YEAR WINNER

All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Mortgage financing provided by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. Equal Housing Lender. ©2017 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS: 13649). PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS: 13649) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is licensed by: Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996. v021216. Mortgage Professional Award Winner

Steve Morgan

#fivestarprofessionalaward F I V E S T A R P R O F E S S I O N A L . C O M

Integrity • Service • Communication My philosophy is to provide a high level of customer service, clear and constant communication and up-to-the-minute knowledge of the industry. I pride myself on guiding my clients through the home loan process, keeping them informed every step of the way. Mortgage Professional Award Winner

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R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T S M O R T G AG E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

H O M E / AU TO I N S U R A N C E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

Five Star Professional surveyed residents in the Fresno area who purchased a home priced at more than $150,000 within a 24-month period (December 2014 to January 2017) to identify real estate, mortgage and insurance professionals. Evaluations were collected by phone and online at www.fivestarprofessional.com/homesurvey. The final list of 2017 Fresno Five Star Real Estate Agents, Five Star Mortgage Professionals and Five Star Home/ Auto Insurance Professionals is a select group, representing less than 1 percent of real estate agents in the area, less than 1 percent of mortgage professionals and less than 1 percent of insurance professionals in the area.

All award winners are sorted by profession, city and listed alphabetically by last name.

Real Estate Agents

Fresno

Sheila Urbanek ∙ Realty Concepts Page 14

Mike Angelos ∙ Keller Williams Realty

Alison Uremovic ∙ Realty Concepts Page 12

Angelica Caldera ∙ Universal Lending and Real Estate Page 12

Darryl Wong ∙ Landmark Properties Page 13

All Areas Mingming Angouw ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 8 Harvey Boganwright ∙ Boganwright, Real Estate Page 13 Linda Coelho ∙ B & B Realty Page 13 Rachel Engle ∙ Keller Williams Susan Gates ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 14 Na Landseadal ∙ Realty Concepts Malinda McGurk ∙ Realty Concepts Colleen Meehan ∙ Realty Concepts Page 14 Chuck Miller ∙ Connect Realty Page 7 Robert Mitchell ∙ Keller Williams Realty Page 11 Laura Magdaleno Parvanian ∙ Wathen Group Real Estate Page 10 Tamara Serpa ∙ Realty Concepts Page 4 Deanna Spellman ∙ Realty Concepts Page 11 Merle Vaughn ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Faye Wearin ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Joetta Winter ∙ Realty Concepts Page 2 Jan Wright ∙ Realty Concepts Page 11

Central Valley

Bobby Campos ∙ Benchmark Mortgage Page 20 Clarissa Campos ∙ Freedom Mortgage Corporation Terry Coleman ∙ Loan Depot Page 15

Bazil Zin ∙ Realty International Sandy Duncan ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 12

Sean Connolly ∙ Eagle Home Mortgage Page 20

Los Banos Christine Kinsley ∙ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Cherry Englert ∙ Realty Concepts Jason Farris ∙ Fresyes Realty Page 10 Annie Foreman ∙ Guarantee Real Estate

Mayra Delgado ∙ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Madera Kristen McIntosh ∙ Realty 559

Cathy Freeman ∙ Cathy Freeman & Company Page 8

Nada Stijovic ∙ Pro Z Realty

Anthony Gamber ∙ Realty Concepts

Sanger

Mark Glenn ∙ Vida Glenn & Son Real Estate Page 14

Janice Rodriguez ∙ Connect Realty

Linda East ∙ East Financial Services Page 22 Michelle Glass ∙ Sierra Pacific Mortgage Page 18 Tony Gonsalves ∙ Country Club Mortgage Linda Holman ∙ Pacific Union Financial

Visalia Dan Hawkins ∙ Realty Concepts Page 9

Joni Davis ∙ Royal Charter Mortgage Page 19

Linda Good ∙ Good Company, Realtors

Kelly Holcomb ∙ California Property

Brandon Humrick ∙ L.O.A.N. Services Page 21 Sue Mettee ∙ Prime Lending Page 22

Ann Lee ∙ Universal Lending and Real Estate Page 3 Dolores Leon ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 13

Rising Star Real Estate Agents All Areas

Steve Morgan ∙ Royal Charter Mortgage Page 22

Deanna DiMuro ∙ Realty Concepts Page 6

Monica Reyes-Aguilar ∙ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Fresno

Paul Salazar ∙ Sierra Pacific Mortgage Page 18

Dena Amador ∙ California Property

Angel Santiago ∙ Home Bridge Financial Services Page 21

Portia Luttrell ∙ London Properties Sherry Montemagni ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Debra Piccolo Myers ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 14

Anthony Bishop ∙ Guarantee Real Estate

Kathy Nation ∙ CENTURY 21 C Watson Page 14

Carol MacNeill ∙ Guarantee Real Estate

Catherine Sawatsky ∙ CENTURY 21

Cash Thomas ∙ CMT Properties

Lisa Sasaki ∙ Academy Mortgage Page 19 Luke Slivkoff ∙ Primary Residential Mortgage Keith Swinger ∙ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Gloria Scarazzo ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 13

Mortgage Professionals

Justin Tiso ∙ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Kristine Sorrells ∙ Keller Williams

Gregory Benafield ∙ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Brian Werner ∙ Omni Fund Page 22

Naglaa Sultan ∙ RE/MAX Page 12

Caleb Berry ∙ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Marie V. Theurich ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 5

Karol Bourdet ∙ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Page 17

Home/Auto Insurance Professionals

Coalinga

Nikki Thomas ∙ CENTURY 21

Kim Bryant ∙ Bay Equity Home Loans Page 16

Tawnya Stevens ∙ Mid State Realty Page 14

Sharon Tuck ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 14

Laurie Salvano ∙ Realty Concepts Page 11

Clovis Brent Cate ∙ Modern Broker Cheryle Harrison ∙ Lion Real Estate Page 7 Jared Kim ∙ Guarantee Real Estate Page 9

Page 14

Michael Hewett ∙ Farmers Financial Services Vince Prince ∙ AAA

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HomeStyle

Simple ideas for

luxurious living BY: Janessa Tyler | PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian, Carey Norton

hen you think about a vacation, where does your mind take you? What colors do you see? What feelings does that place evoke? If you’re like most people, your vacation is a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. Even though most of us can’t be on vacation every day (unfortunately), your home can provide you with those same feelings of peace. We’ve asked some of Fresno’s design experts to share with us their simple ideas to make luxurious living something we can attain, no matter our address. Whether you’re living a life of luxury in a palace or sticking to the basic necessities in a townhouse, one thing holds true: You need to furnish your home with décor that brings a smile to your face.

Designer Flower Center Lisa Hirayama doesn’t shy away from a challenge. For more than 30 years, she has helped with the dayto-day operations of Designer Flower Center.

The 10,000-square-foot warehouse is owned by her parents, Barney and Mae Sano. It doubles as a floral and décor store for your home. The front portion showcases décor for various themes and color schemes. Do you crave the feeling of simplicity? You can transform your kitchen into a farmhouse with merchandise by the Park Hill Collection. Do you desire to live in a house that resembles a beachfront property? Incorporate natural elements — seashells and driftwood — from the Central Coast. The best place to start? Your living room. Fireplace mantels tend to be the focal point in your living room, Hirayama says. The best part is fireplace mantels are easy to decorate for the holidays. You can add candles of various sizes, lanterns and a garland for layers. Place a tray or pile of books underneath picture frames, trinkets and a vase of artificial flowers. “Layers are very, very important,” she says. Lanterns, along with big and small chalkboards, are staple pieces of décor that are versatile for the holidays. Not only are lanterns functional, they’re a vessel for other items. Hirayama recommends placing a variety of gourds and fruits in the center of a lantern. You can also add a sprig of holly and ivy — tied with ribbon — for a festive display. Chalkboards are great because you can change the message to coordinate with the season. Speaking of versatile, add a pop of champagne to your color scheme for pizzazz. We aren’t talking about the alcoholic beverage, we’re suggesting the color that includes tints of

D Lisa Hirayama and her mom, Mae Sano, operate Designer Flower Center, a floral and décor store tucked in an industrial area of northwest Fresno. The shop is filled with accents, artificial flowers, holiday décor and inspiration, including whimsical kitchen items, far left.

Please see next page

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HomeStyle

Simple ideas for

luxurious living BY: Janessa Tyler | PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Kazanjian, Carey Norton

Designer Flower Center Lisa Hirayama doesn’t shy away from a challenge. For more than 30 years, she has helped with the dayto-day operations of Designer Flower Center.

Please see next page

52 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

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continued ...

SLanterns, magnolias and succulents are in style at Designer Flower Center.

Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture

gold and beige. It can be mixed with gold and silver because the color softens and elevates the look of your home. “If you’re going with bronze, you can add champagne,” Hirayama says. “It softens. It gives much more dimension.” As you move to the back portion of Designer Flower Center, you’ll be surrounded by merchandise for parties and floral design — including artificial flowers and supplies. The list of artificial flowers include the peony and hydrangea. Leaves from the lemon, magnolia and eucalyptus trees are also very popular, she says. For texture, she says to incorporate foliage — a cluster of leaves and twigs from flowers and trees — into bouquets, wreaths and arrangements. She says the most popular foliage are mother-in-law’s tongue, dusty miller and curly willow twigs. “Foliage is the forefront of floral design,” Hirayama says. Hirayama recommends mixing pine sprays, stems of berries and curly willow twigs. The combination can adorn a tablescape, doorway or shelf. If you need help with changing the look and feel of your home, the center will host a few classes starting with “Enhancing Your Home for Fall” in a few weeks. Details: (559) 228-3300, www.designerflowercenter.com

Let us help you finance your dream home. Call us today!

The idea of using high-quality products is the foundation of Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture. The shop sells unfinished and finished furniture made with real wood. That’s right, you won’t find particle board or plywood in the shop. The shop was established by Ed and Fran Arnold in 1960. It was sold to Lou and Bess Caradonna about 17 years later. In the late 1990s, Kevin Large started working at the shop — developing a love and passion for real wood. He and his wife, Jennifer, took ownership of the shop in 2015. Jennifer says high-quality products — AKA made with real wood — equal longevity. “We’re trying to maintain a sense of integrity ... a sense of pride,” she says. “You’ve worked very hard for your money.” The first half of the shop is dedicated to unfinished furniture, whereas the second half is finished furniture. The best part? The shop sells furniture that can be customized and tailored to your liking. “We sell the products that we use on furniture,” Jennifer says. The shop sells the full line of General Finishes, a professional water-based finish for do-it-yourself customers. It includes a line of milk paints in an array of colors like Driftwood, Klein Blue, Lamp Black, Linen, Halcyon Blue, Emerald and Antique White. There are also chalk-style paints in colors like French Vanilla, Slate Gray, Limestone, Black Pepper, Summertime Blue, Moroccan Yellow, Apricot and Cardamom Brown. For oil-based stains, there are colors such as Light Oak, Candlelight, Mahogany, Danish Teak, Antique Please see next page

Toby Petrucelli

Michelle Brunn

Jessica Gerkin

Tammy Suntrapak

Cameron Malan

Branch Manager | Sr. Mortgage Advisor NMLS 251061

Mortgage Advisor NMLS 1426116

Mortgage Advisor NMLS 243435

Mortgage Advisor NMLS 336884

Mortgage Advisor NMLS 1611973

559.269.6677

559.977.9229

559.312.7189

559.540.9110

559.540.9111

Sharon Virk

Becky Jacinto

Tiffanie Hemsath

Carson Mawyer

MA Production Manager NMLS 1138378

MA Production Assistant

Admin. Assistant

559.540.9106

559.540.9109

559.540.9107

Need inspiration? Buy local for the home of your dreams Furnishing your home doesn’t have to be difficult. Fresno’s local businesses can help you with big and small projects. And, if you want simple tips and tricks, they have you covered, too. t First, start at the beginning — or the front. Your front door should reflect the interior of your home. Adorn your front door with a wreath to match the season. Designer Flower Center is a great place to start. Details: www.designerflowercenter.net t Buy silk florals, designed by Tyler Mackey Designs, at Wit’s End Antique and Vintage Marketplace. Place a bundle in a basket for a splash of color. While you’re shopping for a bouquet of lavender, don’t forget to add a piece of history to your cart. The vintage shop features nooks and crannies filled with antiques, re-purposed furniture, décor, jewelry and trinkets. Details: www.facebook.com/witsendclovisca t Update a piece of furniture with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. Various colors and supplies are sold at 3 Oaks Studio, located in northwest Fresno and Old Town Clovis. Details: www.3oaksstudio.com t If your carpet, tile or hardwood floors need coverage, consider purchasing a rug by Joanna Gaines — from HGTV’s hit remodeling show, “Fixer Upper” — at The Foundry Collective in Old Town Clovis. Details: www.thefoundrycollective.myshopify.com t Change the theme or color scheme in your living room. Start by asking yourself, “What makes me happy?” Do you crave a seaside retreat? Add décor that matches the natural elements along the Central Coast. If you love the garden, look for greenery that makes you smile. If you need inspiration, head to Jude’s Fantasyland in northwest Fresno. Details: www.judesfantasyland.com

DAA simple greenery wreath from Designer Flower Center, Chalk Paint and Soft Wax by Annie Sloan from 3 Oaks Studio and a bouquet of lavender from Wit’s End Antique and Vintage Market.

Holiday Decor & Accessories Specialty Gifts & Collectibles Custom Holiday Centerpieces & Floral Arrangements Seasonal Decorating

0003191951-01

Great loans, excellent rates and outstanding customer service.

559.348.8474

(559) 549-6700

opesadvisors.com | 7815 North Palm Avenue, Suite 440 | Fresno, CA 93711 | 559.540.9101 Opes Advisors, Inc. 19330 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. 877-700-6737. NMLS 235584. Licensed by the CA Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act License #4150089. CA Bureau of Real Estate License #01458652. Residential mortgage loans made pursuant to Opes Advisors, Inc.’s Residential Mortgage Lending Act License. CO Mortgage Company Registration. ID #MBL-8530. MT Mortgage Lender/Servicer License #235584. OR #ML-4902. WA #CL-235584. WY Mortgage Lender/Broker License #2667. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Opes Advisors is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). © 2017 Opes Advisors, Inc. All rights reserved.

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PAVILION WEST SHOPPING CENTER

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(Bullard & West) 2047 W. Bullard | Fresno | Jude@judesfantasyland.com centralvalley.com

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continued ...

SLanterns, magnolias and succulents are in style at Designer Flower Center.

Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture

Let us help you finance your dream home. Call us today!

Toby Petrucelli

Michelle Brunn

Jessica Gerkin

Tammy Suntrapak

Cameron Malan

Branch Manager | Sr. Mortgage Advisor NMLS 251061

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Mortgage Advisor NMLS 336884

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Sharon Virk

Becky Jacinto

Tiffanie Hemsath

Carson Mawyer

MA Production Manager NMLS 1138378

MA Production Assistant

Admin. Assistant

559.540.9106

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DAA simple greenery wreath from Designer Flower Center, Chalk Paint and Soft Wax by Annie Sloan from 3 Oaks Studio and a bouquet of lavender from Wit’s End Antique and Vintage Market.

Holiday Decor & Accessories Specialty Gifts & Collectibles Custom Holiday Centerpieces & Floral Arrangements Seasonal Decorating

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Great loans, excellent rates and outstanding customer service.

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54 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

GIFTS & MORE

PAVILION WEST SHOPPING CENTER

Like us!

(Bullard & West) 2047 W. Bullard | Fresno | Jude@judesfantasyland.com centralvalley.com

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 55

In addition, the shop sells accessories and décor to enhance your home. There are wall accents like hooks, magnets and signs, picture frames, mirrors and a line of candles by Surf’s Up Candle. Details: www.beautiwoodunfinishedfurniture.com

Jude’s Fantasy Land Owned by Jude Lanfranco, Jude’s Fantasy Land is a whimsical wonderland of décor for your home and garden. During the holidays, Christmas trees are decked with ornaments, ribbon, tinsel and sparkling lights; the smell of gingerbread tickles your senses; and the feeling of warmth surrounds you. You see, creating a place of euphoria has been her love and passion for decades. In 2012, Lanfranco fulfilled her dream of opening the store in the Pavilion West Shopping Center. The store features products from world-renowned artists like Darren Gygi, Arthur Court and Mark Roberts. It also features brands like The GG Collection (also known as Gracious Goods), Casafina, Gracie Candles and Byers’ Choice LTD. Not only does Lanfranco manage the shop, she helps customers decorate and design their homes into works of art.

AInteresting knick knacks are in abundance at Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture in northeast Fresno. AKevin and Jennifer Large, owners of Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture, encourage consumers to buy real wood furniture, which will last for decades.

continued ... Cherry and Honey Maple. If you haven’t used General Finishes before, don’t worry — you aren’t alone. “We’ll give you a brief demonstration in the corner,” she says. Also for do-it-yourself customers, the shops sells

handcrafted bookcases, cabinets and entertainment centers by Arthur W. Brown. You can change the size, style, color and hardware, she says. And, since they are not built into your home, “if you leave your home, you can take it with you,” Jennifer says.

CALIFORNIA Wine Month CELEBRATION

She starts by getting the feel of your home. What’s your style? Modern? Contemporary? Traditional? Eclectic? “I look at their color scheme. I give them pointers,” she says. “You want your home to flow.” Her color scheme of choice: shades of burgundy, yellow-gold, brown and red. Her home is decorated with bronze statues, vases and easels, which are great for displaying large pictures and chalkboards. Lanfranco says accessories are important to add charm and character to your home. She recommends hanging decorative plates for depth on the walls. To add dimension to her kitchen, she uses canisters on the countertop. “I use different types of glassware for nuts and sweet treats,” she says. An easy fix to boost the look of your kitchen and bathroom? Change the linens and soaps in your kitchen and bathrooms to match the holidays. In your living room and bedroom, use artificial flowers — like the hydrangea and orchid — in a vase on the table. The stores sells a wide range of artificial flowers, which bring your home to life. Boxwood wreaths are perfect for displaying on a door or mirror. Details: www.judesfantasyland.com CV

School Starts August 21!

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Hosted by the Madera Vintners Association

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WHERE: BIRDSTONE WINERY 9400 Road 36, Madera

THE EVENT: WINE TASTING from local vintners

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6721 N Milburn Avenue, Suite 130 | Fresno, CA 93722 *Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible , Edible Arrangements , the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2016 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved. ®

56 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

LIVE MUSIC by Jazz Xperiment

TICKETS: Tickets are $35 ea. Available at www. MaderaWineTrail.com Includes your wine tasting, food and entertainment!

California’s school attendance laws allow for those living or working within the boundaries of Clovis Unified to attend our schools.

Learn more at cusd.com/enroll

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Shareable Caramel Apples

More event details at www.MaderaWineTrail.com centralvalley.com

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 57

CALIFORNIA Wine Month CELEBRATION

School Starts August 21!

expe the flrience avor

Hosted by the Madera Vintners Association

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 6:00 pm- 9:00 PM

SAVE $4 on any order of $25.00 or more

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WHERE: BIRDSTONE WINERY 9400 Road 36, Madera

THE EVENT: WINE TASTING from local vintners

Code: CVGG0660 Expires: 12/31/2017

Exceptional educators, outstanding schools and world class facilities in a family friendly setting.

APPETIZERS by Fine Local Restaurants & Caterers ™

559-323-2030 559-449-1462

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF AWARDS in the Wine Industry and for Fresno State Student Grants

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1215 North Willow Avenue, Suite 180, N. Willow & E. Nees | Clovis, CA 93619

56 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

LIVE MUSIC by Jazz Xperiment

TICKETS: Tickets are $35 ea. Available at www. MaderaWineTrail.com Includes your wine tasting, food and entertainment!

California’s school attendance laws allow for those living or working within the boundaries of Clovis Unified to attend our schools.

Learn more at cusd.com/enroll

0003174931-01

Shareable Caramel Apples

More event details at www.MaderaWineTrail.com centralvalley.com

centralvalley.com

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 57

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RealEstate

DAModel 1, left, and model 2, above, of the Old Town Cottage Home Program. The program will allow tiny homes to be built in the highly desirable area of Old Town Clovis.

A “tiny” home is considered to be less than 400 square feet — the size of two standard parking spaces.

Pint-size luxury Clovis to turn underused alleyways into miniature masterpieces BY: Janessa Tyler | ILLUSTRATIONS: City of Clovis

t doesn’t sound like a lot of space, but a singlefamily cottage can be cavernous when you ditch the nonessential parts of a house. (Example: a basement). Tiny homes allow you to live a life of luxury on a smaller scale. Thanks to television shows like HGTV’s “Tiny House Builders,” the movement of downsizing

58 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

into tiny homes is becoming popular and fashionable. Derek “Deek” Diedricksen, the author and designer behind the reality show, creates miniature masterpieces from salvaged materials. If you’ve been wondering when the Central Valley was going to join the movement, you can put your mind to rest.

Cozy quarters The concept of “less is more” can be related to the

centralvalley.com

Old Town Cottage Home Program, developed by the City of Clovis. When Old Town Clovis was developed more than 50 years ago, homes were built on narrow lots that encompass alleyways. The hope is to refresh the landscape by adding tiny homes to underused alleyways. Dwight Kroll, director of Clovis’ Planning and Development Services Department, defines “tiny” as less than 400 square feet — the size of two standard parking spaces. . As of a few weeks ago, three designs — approved by the Planning and Development Services Department — were presented to applicants whose properties meet five qualifications: t The property needs to be located within the

centralvalley.com

boundaries of Old Town Clovis. t The property needs to be accessed by an alley. t The property needs to provide adequate space for an uncovered parking stall. t The property needs to have access to utilities. t The primary residence needs to have two covered parking stalls, which can be accessed from an alley or frontage road. According to Kroll, there are 150 applicants who meet the criteria in Old Town Clovis. So far, nearly a dozen applicants have shown interest in the program. “The value to them is they can derive income or

Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 59

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RealEstate

DAModel 1, left, and model 2, above, of the Old Town Cottage Home Program. The program will allow tiny homes to be built in the highly desirable area of Old Town Clovis.

A “tiny” home is considered to be less than 400 square feet — the size of two standard parking spaces.

Pint-size luxury Clovis to turn underused alleyways into miniature masterpieces BY: Janessa Tyler | ILLUSTRATIONS: City of Clovis

58 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

Cozy quarters The concept of “less is more” can be related to the

centralvalley.com

Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 59

Wondering if you can make that move? Ask me … I will help you. SOLD IN 2017 3439 Park Avenue, Clovis, CA 93611 5672 W. Floradora Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 21885 Mary Rebecca Lane, Friant, CA 93626 226 N. Shirley Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727 7906 N. Meridian Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720 4004 E. Fedora Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726 6415 E Heaton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727 4039 W. Weldon Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 453 4th Street Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702

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continued ... they can provide additional living for a family member,” Kroll says. He believes the interest of people wanting to live in Old Town Clovis, which will heighten the value of homes in the area, will increase with the program. “We’re interested in cleaning alleyways and helping strengthen Old Town Clovis,” Kroll says. “But I think from their perspective, there’s real financial gain. And also probably raising the value of their property.” The three designs were created by Bill Barnes, owner and architect of CWB Designs. Each of the three floor plans can be customized with one of three architectural styles designed to integrate with the close-knit charm and style of Old Town Clovis. The program is free for applicants, Kroll says, but they will need to pay development fees. The first step is to meet with the City of Clovis, Kroll adds, to discuss the nuts and bolts. To schedule an appointment, call Becky Cheever at (559) 324-2340.

Petite with a purpose If you want to own a tiny home but don’t meet the criteria for the Old Town Cottage Home Program, you can turn to California Tiny House. The company specializes in the construction of tiny homes on wheels — customized to the needs and wants of clients. Co-owners Patrick and Nick Mosley started the company in 2014. The father-and-son team brings more than five decades of experience to the company. “We did high-end kitchen and bathroom remodeling,” Nick says. “Prior to that, my dad was a custom homebuilder in Fresno.” In addition to his dad, Nick has four brothers who help with the company. His mother and wife also assist with the day-to-day operations. Nick was inspired to start the company while taking a vacation near the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. There were supposed to be 12 cottages for rent, but there were only two cottages available due to restrictions with the zoning laws in California. The idea of building tiny homes on wheels, which can be moved to avoid breaking the zoning laws, became obvious to Nick when he spoke to his brother, Tyler. It didn’t take a lot of convincing for them to bring the idea to Fresno. After doing their homework, which included attending seminars and workshops, they started taking custom orders for clients. “I do a huge interview process — in-depth lifestyle questions,” he says. There are two options that serve as a base for ordering: the California Starter and the California Custom. The units are built on a heavy-duty trailer. High-end amenities and options can be added to the units, Nick says. They include a staircase, porch or deck, wood-burning stove, cedar-lined closet, skylight, farmhouse-style sink, granite or bamboo countertops, solar panels and ceiling fans. A fire extinguisher, smoke alarm and CO2 sensor are installed for your safety. “When we do our design, it’s like we’re designing it for someone we know,” he says. Depending on your lifestyle, appliances can be added or omitted. For extra space, you can opt for 11-feet-high ceilings and/or a wall-bed system. The units are also built to sustain natural disasters, Nick says. “The units are very heavy, they’re built to last a very long time but they still meet the same requirements to travel down the road,” he adds. “You just need bigger trucks to haul them.” Details: www.californiatinyhouse.com CV

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When ordinary just won’t do...

Store Hours Mon–Sat 10:30am – 6:00pm Closed Sundays

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FThe Culinary Institute of America at Copia is in downtown Napa. Opened to the public, you can take a class on a variety of topics.

SNapa’s Riverfront offers a gorgeous view of downtown Napa.

Napa Napa Valley Valley offers offers visitors visitors aa taste taste of of relaxation, relaxation, luxury luxury and and award-winning award-winning wines wines

FIn the Napa Valley, having just one glass of wine is nonsense. FFTake a stroll through ancient oaks, majestic hills and a rock-hewn stream at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley.

BY: Cyndee Fontana-Ott | PHOTOGRAPHY: David Collier/Visit California, Victor M. Samuel, Bob McClenahan, Sorel Klein, Adrian Gregorutti

ith hundreds of wineries and thousands of acres of vineyards, the Napa Valley is a dream destination for lovers of fermented grapes. After all, wine tasting is rated the most popular experience by the roughly 3.5 million visitors annually. Yet, the acclaimed Northern California region has more to offer. Sure, the Napa Valley goes with wine like peanut butter hugs jelly. But the area has plenty of other charms that may be as fun as a few glasses of wine. There are a half-dozen distinct burgs in the Napa Valley, located about 225 miles and a roughly four-hour drive from Fresno. This is one of the world’s most well-known wine regions but it’s also one of the smallest — the valley floor is only 30 miles long and 5 miles

62 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

centralvalley.com

across at its widest point. Most wineries are family-owned. Tourism is one of the region’s biggest industries — that means you’ve got a variety of choices if you want to stay the night (more than 100 options ranging from luxury resorts to bed and breakfasts) along with dining options that include about 150 restaurants. You can get help planning your trip by exploring

ALearn to prepare fare such as garden tomatoes and basil with burrata and copia olive at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.

Please see next page

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 63

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GetUp&Go

FThe Culinary Institute of America at Copia is in downtown Napa. Opened to the public, you can take a class on a variety of topics.

SNapa’s Riverfront offers a gorgeous view of downtown Napa.

Napa Napa Valley Valley offers offers visitors visitors aa taste taste of of relaxation, relaxation, luxury luxury and and award-winning award-winning wines wines

FIn the Napa Valley, having just one glass of wine is nonsense. FFTake a stroll through ancient oaks, majestic hills and a rock-hewn stream at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley.

BY: Cyndee Fontana-Ott | PHOTOGRAPHY: David Collier/Visit California, Victor M. Samuel, Bob McClenahan, Sorel Klein, Adrian Gregorutti

62 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

centralvalley.com

ALearn to prepare fare such as garden tomatoes and basil with burrata and copia olive at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.

Please see next page

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 63

continued ...

SThe Napa Valley Wine Train takes you on a trip from Napa to St. Helena.

www.visitnapavalley.com, the official tourism marketing organization for the Napa Valley and on the ground at the Napa Valley Welcome Center, located on Main Street along with riverfront in downtown Napa. “Any time is a great time to visit the Napa Valley,” says Angela Jackson, director of media relations for Visit Napa Valley. “Every season is different.” She did note that “Cabernet Season” (November through April) is on the horizon — and one of the best times to set your GPS for the region. Partly because the vines are in dormancy, the pace is more relaxed and chefs serve up heartier dishes that pair well with local Cabernet Sauvignon. According to Jackson, it’s “easier to get into hotels and restaurants because it’s not as busy.” In addition, winemakers are more likely to drop in on tasting rooms because they aren’t spending as much time in the vineyards. If the season suits your travel plans, you might want to check out the Napa Valley Film Festival (Nov. 8-12), which features more than 100 new independent films and studio sneak previews shown in a variety of venues.

There’s also a truffle festival (Jan. 12-15) and restaurant week (Jan. 21-28) on the calendar of events. If you simply can’t wait that long, we’ve got a few ideas mainly focused around the region’s biggest city (Napa, population roughly 80,000) and one of the small towns (St. Helena, population about 6,000). Both places feature some extraordinary places to eat — ranging from Acacia House at St. Helena’s new, luxurious Las Alcobas hotel to downtown Napa’s Model Bakery, known for its super-popular English muffin — along with countless wine (and beer) tasting venues. We can’t name them all. One unique and interactive spot is the Culinary Institute of America at Copia (www.ciaatcopia.com) in downtown Napa. The property opened last year and is the first geared toward the general public. So you can spend an hour or so taking a class — topics range from the ultimate BLT to basic flavor interactions — and also go shopping in the lifestyle store, pause for wine tasting or book a table at the restaurant. In St. Helena — dubbed “Napa Valley’s Main Street” for its small-town charm — the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone recently opened the Gatehouse Restaurant on its historic property.

DActive Wine Adventures pairs wine with a hike or cultural experience. SThe Napa Valley offers picturesque views like Newton Vineyard in St. Helena.

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64 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

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For the best of both worlds, consider pairing wine-tasting with a hike or cultural experience. Active Wine Adventures (www.activewineadventures.com) is a newer company that offers personalized tours. Owner/operator Sorel Klein said the business specializes in tours of around two to four people. You could hike a few miles in the morning before settling in for wine or beer tasting (Napa is an up-and-coming area for craft beer) and then lunch. Round-trip transportation in the area is provided. There’s an art and wine tour and also a literary tour that echoes the more than centuryold footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent his honeymoon in the area and chron-

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At lunch and dinner (Tuesday through Saturday), you can sample work of faculty-supervised students who are finishing several years of training in the culinary arts. A different kind of cultural experience is the Napa Art Walk (www.napaartwalk.org), a rotating two-year juried exhibit of original artwork displayed in public areas around downtown Napa and the Oxbow District. Sculptures represent the work of artists from the region and Western states; the “Shifting Perspective” exhibit opened this summer. Other outdoorsy choices connect with the Napa River, which winds through downtown Napa and provides a different perspective of the city. You can kayak or paddleboard, while landlubbers can go sightseeing on bicycle (see the options on www.visitnapavalley.com).

(559) 838-0500 kissmeci.com

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 65

continued ...

SThe Napa Valley Wine Train takes you on a trip from Napa to St. Helena.

DActive Wine Adventures pairs wine with a hike or cultural experience. SThe Napa Valley offers picturesque views like Newton Vineyard in St. Helena.

Kiss Me Cosmetic Injectables proudly introduces

64 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

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(559) 838-0500 kissmeci.com

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Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 65

Proudly Serving Families in The Valley for Over 20 Years

Suzie Guluzian Broker • Realtor®

continued ... icled that time in “The Silverado Squatters.” The Robert Louis Stevenson museum in St. Helena is one potential stop. Klein says the hike and wine tour is the most popular choice of visitors. “It appeals to a lot of people who are active and who want to see a different side of Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley,” he says. And, of course, there’s wine. You can start to tailor the countless options by exploring the general visitor websites we’ve already mentioned. And if you’re driving Highway 29, which cuts through much of the valley, you simply might be lured in by a giant bunny or a distinctly orange building. The 35-foot, polished stainless-steel rabbit — AKA Bunny Foo Foo — is one of several art installations that distinguish the HALL St. Helena vineyard. HALL (www.hallwines.com) produces well-respected and acclaimed varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, and blends the tour and tasting experience with history and art. More than 35 pieces of contemporary art are on the grounds. And the distinctive bunny, which appears in smaller scale on most HALL labels, has been known to dress for special occasions like Easter and Christmas. Another standout in the lush landscape is the historic Trefethen winery, noted for its pumpkin or orange hue. Then the Eshcol winery (a biblical reference to a large cluster of grapes), the wooden building was constructed in 1886 and first operated on a gravity-flow system. Grapes were crushed on the third floor, the juice was collected for fermentation on the second floor and wine was bottled and aged on the first floor. Over the decades, the Great Depression,

Prohibition, World Wars I and II, pests and more took a toll on the Napa Valley wine industry — including the old Eshcol property between Napa and Yountville. Hailey Trefethen, an owner in the family-run business, says the winery was part of a property purchase by her grandparents in the 1960s. They brought hundreds of acres of vineyards back to

ATrefethen Family Vineyards produces a wide range of award-winning varietal, blended and reserve wines.

life and sold grapes to other winemakers. Her parents embraced the historic building — one of the oldest wineries in the Napa Valley — when they began making wine in the 1970s. Today, Trefethen Family Vineyards (www.trefethen.com) produces a wide range of awardwinning varietal, blended and reserve wines. The landmark winery is on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a survivor — although that was in doubt a few years ago after an earthquake left it leaning four feet to the west. A restoration project was completed this year and the old building with the signature style is open as the Trefethen tasting room. “We weren’t sure we would be able to save it, but we did,” she says. “For a lot of people, that has been their connection to Trefethen.” CV

SThe scenery of the Napa Valley is beyond beautiful in the fall.

sguluzian@sbcglobal.net www.seefresnohomes.com CalBRE#01209311 66 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

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260•2326 centralvalley.com

BundtinisÂŽ and our new birthday bundtini toppers are sold by the dozen.

Fresno-Clovis 635 W. Herndon Avenue, Ste. 100 Clovis, CA 93612 (559) 298-7698

with purchase of a bundtlet NothingBundtCakes.com

HOURS OF OPERATION Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm Sat: 9am-6pm Sun: 11am-4pm

Expires 10/31/17. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Limit only one free bundtlet with the purchase of one bundtlet per guest. Multiple free bundtlets with purchase of multiple bundtlets is not permitted. Valid only at the bakery listed. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid with any other offer.

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EatDrinkBeMerry

Out to

lunch ATraditional Mediterranean food (dine-in or takeout) like kefta and chicken kebob are served at Mediterranean to Go.

Mid-day munchies? Satisfy your cravings BY: Cyndee Fontana-Ott | PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison

f you’re a believer in three square meals a day, then you embrace lunch — even if you race through the bites in a rush to complete the day’s chores. Relax a little because it’s possible to indulge in something both yummy and relatively quick to eat. Our Central Valley favorites turn out delicious classics that cut across the culinary landscape with burgers, bowls and buffets for lunch.

Mediterranean to Go Let’s start with Mediterranean to Go in northwest Fresno. The lunchtime-only restaurant has a charming back story that begins with a bit of boredom and ends in a new business. You see owners Maha and Elias Muhawi were pretty much retired when he became restless. She said they could make hummus to sell at the farmers’ market,

68 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

centralvalley.com

and soon they were making (and selling) that and a whole lot more. The couple rented kitchen space to prep at Shaw and West avenues, where salivating passersby were drawn in by the yummy Mediterranean aromas. “They would say: ‘It smells so good in here. What are you selling?’ ” Maha Muhawi says. Initially, they weren’t selling anything. But eventually, the couple decided to work a few more hours a day and open the kitchen for lunch (from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays). Just as the name promises, the restaurant serves up traditional Mediterranean food (dine-in or takeout) like gyro sandwiches, kebobs and chicken bowls with veggies or veggies and rice pilaf. All the food is made fresh and usually with organic vegetables and a topsecret blend of spices and marinades.

DThe Weekend Dream burger at Weekend Dreams Burgers & Grill is its biggest burger. It features two old-school ground beef patties (hand-packed and seasoned), pastrami, bacon and a hot link.

Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 69

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EatDrinkBeMerry

Out to

lunch ATraditional Mediterranean food (dine-in or takeout) like kefta and chicken kebob are served at Mediterranean to Go.

Mid-day munchies? Satisfy your cravings BY: Cyndee Fontana-Ott | PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison

68 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

centralvalley.com

DThe Weekend Dream burger at Weekend Dreams Burgers & Grill is its biggest burger. It features two old-school ground beef patties (hand-packed and seasoned), pastrami, bacon and a hot link.

Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 69

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AThe Sam’s Special is a tasty sandwich featuring ham, turkey, mortadella, salami and jack cheese along with the trimmings of your choice.

continued ... Happily, you don’t have to worry too much about dragon breath when you’re back at work. They often skip the onions and also make a friendlier garlic sauce with granules rather than fresh garlic. “You get the flavor without all the side effects,” she says.

Sam’s Italian Deli and Market Sam’s Italian Deli and Market is a can’t-miss destination if your go-to lunch is a sandwich. The iconic deli and market offers much more than simple sandwiches — such as microwaveable take-home or take-to-work Italian specialties like ravioli, lasagna and eggplant Parmesan. But we love the creative ingenuity behind layers of bread, meat, cheese, veggies and other fixings. Open at First and Clinton avenues, the eatery is a Fresno landmark that began as a grocery story. That changed when a few workers at the neighboring post office wandered in to ask for a sandwich. Pretty soon, owner Sam Marziliano was feeding more than just postal workers at lunchtime. Marziliano, who passed away a few years ago, is the genius behind the Sam’s Special — a tasty sandwich featuring ham, turkey, mortadella,

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ANick Marziliano owns and runs Sam’s Italian Deli and Market with his mother, Angela.

salami and jack cheese along with the trimmings of your choice. “Thirty-seven years later, it’s still the No. 1 sandwich,” says son Nick Marziliano, who owns and runs the business with his mother, Angela. Not far behind in customer favorites is the New Yorker hot pastrami sandwich featuring beef brisket, grilled onions, provolone and a signature Dijon sauce packed onto a crusty baguette roll. The eatery is a super-popular lunch spot where “we always have a line out the door,” Marziliano says. Please see next page

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 71

AElias Muhawi owns Mediterrannean to Go with his wife, Maha.

Quesadilla Gorilla

AThe Evan Boling at Quesadilla Gorilla features cilantro lime chicken, crisp bacon, fresh jalapeños and cheese.

continued ... But don’t be discouraged — there’s an army of workers at the counter and the line moves quickly and efficiently, he says. The eatery (www.samsitaliandeli.com) also employs the online Chow-Now app that allows people to order and pick up at a prescribed time — all without doing the line dance. “More and more people are using the app,” Marziliano says.

Weekend Dreams Burgers and Grill Sometimes lunch just isn’t complete without a burger. Weekend Dreams Burgers and Grill has you covered — especially on weekdays. The family-owned restaurant sits just west of Highway 99 at Ashlan and Blythe avenues. Here, you’ll find burgers galore along with other items like rice plates, Mexican specialties and hoagies. Manager Jay Shelton says customers are in love with the burgers — “they sell all day long” — as well as the tacos and hot wings (check for weekly specials on both). Topping the extensive menu is the Weekend Dream — “our biggest burger,” he says. It isn’t for calorie counters. It features two old-school ground beef patties (hand-packed and seasoned), pastrami, bacon and a hot link. Napping is optional.

72 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

AMiguel Reyes, pictured, and wife Mikayla Reyes describe themselves as owners of Quesadilla Gorilla and “chief dilla dealers.”

While you can certainly satisfy that carnivore craving at the restaurant, there’s some lighter fare such as wraps, salads and rice plates. Shelton says the chicken teriyaki rice plate is “a lot of the customers’ favorite.”

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Finally, we’ve got a suggestion if you’re looking for complete creative control of your lunch. The buildyour-own Quesadilla Gorilla (www.quesadillagorilla.net) has locations in Visalia and Fresno (on Weldon Avenue near Fresno High School) and also operates a popular food truck. Some customers construct their own quesadillas by selecting a protein, cheese and vegetables. But if that’s too much pressure, you can order from a menu of tried-and-true classics or select occasional specials like the Spaghetti & Meatball Dilla, house-smoked pastrami quesadilla or fresh strawberry cheesecake quesadilla. According to Miguel Reyes — he and wife Mikayla Reyes describe themselves as owners and “chief dilla dealers” — the most popular order is the “Evan Boling.” This blend of cilantro lime chicken, crisp bacon, fresh jalapeños and cheese honors Miguel’s barber and longtime friend who came up with the business name during a haircut. “As a small thank you, we named the most popular quesadilla after him,” Reyes says. For newbies, Reyes usually recommends the option of build-your-own quesadilla. The “Chef’s Special” is cilantro lime chicken, bacon, white cheeses, whole black beans, pico de gallo and fresh jalapeños served with cilantro cream and liquid gold salsa. He says the chefs get inspiration from just about anywhere. Now, the business encourages customers to send in their favorite ideas for a quesadilla at whatsyourquesidea@quesadillagorilla.net. CV

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AManager Jay Shelton says customers are in love with the burgers from Weekend Dreams Burgers & Grill. DWe think the rice plate looks pretty good, too.

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 73

AElias Muhawi owns Mediterrannean to Go with his wife, Maha.

Quesadilla Gorilla

AThe Evan Boling at Quesadilla Gorilla features cilantro lime chicken, crisp bacon, fresh jalapeños and cheese.

72 SEPTEMBER 2017 | Central Valley Magazine

AMiguel Reyes, pictured, and wife Mikayla Reyes describe themselves as owners of Quesadilla Gorilla and “chief dilla dealers.”

centralvalley.com

AManager Jay Shelton says customers are in love with the burgers from Weekend Dreams Burgers & Grill. DWe think the rice plate looks pretty good, too.

Central Valley Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 73

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OutAndAbout

Fresno County Historical Museum Fundraiser On June 23, the award-winning museum hosted a fundraising event at the Fresno Fairgrounds. The 14,000-square-foot space features historical artifacts and stories of Fresno County for visitors to enjoy, with the benefit helping to ensure its survival for future Central Valley generations.

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1 John Alkire and Brian Tatarian 2 Janice Stevens and Pat Hunter 3 Ken Ramos, Suzy Ramos and Jerry Pacheco 4 Karen Bravo and Anthony Bravo 5 Ray Jacobsen and Megan Jacobsen 6 Ike Morris and Gwen Morris 7 Dale Ikeda, Deborah Ikeda, Louis Brosi and Tracey Brosi PHOTOGRAPHY: Howard K. Watkins

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OutAndAbout

25 A Tribute to Jack Kelley and the African-American Law Enforcement Officers of the Central Valley The African-American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley recognized its founder, Jack Kelley, and his work serving the Fresno Police Department, as well as other African-American men and women in law enforcement, on July 8. The pictorial exhibit was available to the public through July 29.

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Kids on a Mission

On July 15, Fresno’s Chosen Yogurt partnered with Kids on a Mission to host a fun fundraising event that featured a car show and a giant ice cream sandwich created by Doc Burnstein’s. All proceeds went toward three Kids on a Mission initiatives: providing backpacks, clean water and children’s homes.

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1 Julia, Alyssa and Vern Kelzer 2 Jenna Jones and Rachel Limeburner 3 Michelle Gyle, Madi Gyle and Challie Lichti 4 Kids on a Mission with Kim Lichti and Greg Stienberger 5 Christy Moran and Dave Clark 6 Kim Lichti and Kate Bosse 7 Mikayla Riffeo, Bradley Ackley and Ethan Goldsmith 8 Susan, Greg and Tyler Osse PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Hutchison

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