December 2011

December 2011

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

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20 THE STORY HOME

CULINARY ARTS

Holiday Harmony

New Ideas for the Holidays

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Letter from the Executive Editor

10 Business Cents 12 Word Play 14 Local Adventure: Snowshoeing 16 Visalia Visual Chronicle 18 Literary Arts: Luis Valdez

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40 Charity: Ruiz 4 Kids 50 Fashion

R O TA RY

52 Performances: Tulare County Symphony

Service Above Self

56 Happenings

Visalia Breakfast Rotary, Helping the Community

54 Kudos

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36 H U M A N I TA R I A N

Jen May Pastores

Teaching Photography to the Youth of Cambodia

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

COVER PHOTO: A circular used brick fireplace, at the Visalia home of Ken and Sandy Story, unites the contemporary addition with the residence’s more traditional original neo-Colonial roots.

DECEMBER 2011 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor DARA FISK-EKANGER Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA Senior Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aaron Collins CAROLE FIRSTMAN Diane Slocum ELAINE DEKASSIAN JEN MAY PASTORES Marsha Peltzer RANDY TELLALIAN Sharon Mosley BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Operations Manager Maria Gaston ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

RACK LOCATIONS

DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare Tazzaria Coffee & Tea Tulare County Library The Lifestyle Center Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Convention Center COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS

210 Cafe Advanced Body & Laser Center Creekside Day Spa & Wellness Center Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Golf Course Holiday Inn Kaweah Delta Hospital Red Carpet Car Wash Sequoia Laser Aesthetics Smiles by Sullivan Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa Tulare Chamber of Commerce V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Community Bank (Downtown) Visalia Eye Center Visalia Imaging & Open MRI Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Wildflower Cafe-Exeter Dr. Keith Williams Williams, Jordan, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc.

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/lifestylemagazine

Facebook.com/LifestyleMag

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia and Exeter. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around both communities. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

Circulation of this issue: 15,000 © 2011 DMI Agency

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

LEFT: The Colonial exterior of Ken and Sandy Story's Beverly Glen neighborhood home in Visalia.

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

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EDITOR NOTE

Photo by Becca Chavez | Hair and Make-up provided by Velvet Sky

A

s we’re working on the December issue of Lifestyle, the street in front of our office has been lined with chairs since early morning. People, both young and old have staked out their spot for tonight’s annual Candy Cane Lane Parade. Each year, thousands of bundled-up locals endure the freezing cold, or pouring rain, in order to kick-off the holiday season.

While these brave souls confront the season’s physical conditions, this year, I vow to tackle seasonal elements of another kind. As Christmas gets closer, traffic congestion and density of people create a lot of stress, emotions run high, and everyone is in a hurry. There’s no better time than the present for me to think of ways we can all have a better holiday season. Several ideas come to mind: The first is to be kind. It’s so easy to get angry when being treated rudely or in a disrespectful manner. When shopping, I’ll try to remember that this crazy time will soon pass, and the salesperson whom I can choose to treat (or not treat) badly could easily be my own child in another store, in another town.

Find someone to listen to. Many people feel isolated and alone all year, only to have those feelings exacerbated during the holidays. Taking a few extra minutes to listen won’t put my schedule that far behind.

Take time to laugh. We all have jobs that take a great deal of serious effort. It’s easy for me to focus on the task, rather than the fun. Taking a minute or two to laugh with someone might be the only light-hearted moment of their day.

Be generous with compliments. Oh boy. Not my core strength, not even with myself. Everyone needs to hear they look nice, or are doing a good job. And, compliments are free.

Remember to pray. And not just for myself. I have a list of people who need encouragement, healing, or financial blessings. If I took as much time to pray for them as they do for me, well, let’s just say I’ll never be able to repay what’s been given to me.

So, as we’re caught up in the hustle of shopping, baking and socializing, there are so many opportunities we shouldn’t let pass us by.

We all have benefited from random acts of kindness, or unexpected favors – Christmas is the perfect time to return those favors. One small gesture might be the difference between being pepper-sprayed or having a truly, glorious day.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

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B BUSINESS CENTS

Good News (at last) for the Real Estate and Mortgage Industry Text by Randy Tell alian

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hile the turnaround may be slow, very slow indeed, good news is starting to lift the ominous cloud that’s choked the real estate and mortgage industries for the past three years. The federal government finally woke up and extended two programs that were initiated through legislation and even went so far as to improve one of them. Loan limits and loan-to-value limits were both recently raised in certain segments of the mortgage industry that will provide additional relief and easing of restriction for financing residential properties.

The maximum loan limits allowed for FHA financing were raised in 2008 to allow more borrowers to take advantage of somewhat more liberal underwriting guidelines and requirements (including lower down payments). This piece of legislation also extended raised loan limits for conventional loans as well but all were set to expire October 1, 2011. The provision to extend these limits had been tied to various legislative bills that did not pass committees until finally HR2112 passed both the Senate and House and was signed by President Obama on November 18.

This extension will allow a maximum FHA loan amount in Tulare County of $325,000 versus the $271,050 maximum previously allowed.

The result of the extension is mainly two-fold. First, borrowers who have gone through a mortgage default (short sale with over 90 days late or a foreclosure) can purchase another home through FHA as long as a minimum three years has passed since the sale or transfer date. Some lenders may have more restrictive lending policies, but FHA will be a help to this group of borrowers who felt the mortgage collapse fairly early in the cycle.

With the higher loan limits, this allows a greater number of buyers to re-enter the market at what is now closer to (or in some areas, is) the high-end in Tulare County. More buyers equate to a higher demand for the supply of houses currently on the market, which still includes a glut of bank-owned properties and short sales.

Secondly, for those homeowners who currently have an FHA loan that was taken out with an interest rate high enough to warrant a refinance consideration, the FHA Streamline program allows a reduction of the interest rate through a refinance without the requirement of a new appraisal, income or asset verification. The higher FHA loan limit will allow a greater number of these refinances to occur, which, in lowering the monthly payment, increases disposable spending – sorely needed in this economic state.

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The higher temporary conventional loan limits that were allowed to expire and revert to the pre-2008 limits will not have an effect on the local market as the affordability of housing in Tulare County puts over 90 percent of the housing within the $417,000 maximum loan amount limit.

Another piece of good news is the enactment of the HARP2 (Home Affordable Refinance Program) of which details are still emerging. The HARP program (HARP2 is the enhanced version) allows homeowners with loans owned by Fannie Mae (FNMA) or Freddie Mac (FHLMC) to refinance at a loan amount greater than the current value. In the original version, this loan amount was limited to 125 percent of the current value. The new version, which should be available mid-late December, has no limit of the loan to value.

If a homeowner put 20 percent or more down toward the purchase of a house, that loan would not have required private mortgage insurance (PMI). But if the interest rate of that loan is significantly higher than the current pricing for HARP2 loans (special pricing applies) which do require PMI, a net savings could still be realized. By taking advantage of the lower HARP2 interest rates, the borrower may lower the monthly payment, increase disposable spending, or even keep themselves in the home by making it more affordable to stay, even when there is no equity to entice them to stay.

HAPR2 will slow the flow of homeowners who may choose to deliberately default on their mortgage to either entice the lender to modify the loan or in preparation of eventually walking away through foreclosure. This program is limited by the $417,000 loan amount and the borrower must fully qualify (credit, income, etc.), but it now allows for one late mortgage payment within the preceding 12 months (previous version did not allow any).

As with all mortgage and real estate needs, contacting a local professional should be the first step to determine one’s potential qualification for either a purchase or refinance. With all lenders, there are guidelines that may be instilled that are more restrictive and some may not offer certain programs due to the limited nature of the pool of potential purchasers of these loans.

Looking ahead to 2012, it seems like the more commonsense approach to helping the real estate market may continue to return, allowing perhaps a speedier recovery of values. With interest rate still historically low, this long bottom of the market, along with additional impetus by the government such as these two programs, gives every homeowner and potential homeowner a greater opportunity to better their options.

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W WORD PLAY

NEWS ON WRITING, BOOKS AND THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING Text by Diane Slocum

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ecember is a time for getting together with friends and family – whether it’s filled with rewards or fraught with challenges.

In South of Superior (Riverhead, June 2011), Ellen Airgood brings Madeline Stone to the south shore of the Great Lake to stay with the closest thing she has to relatives – her estranged, dead grandfather’s elderly mistress and her disabled sister. A small town-full of unforgettable characters alternatingly exasperate and win the heart of the city girl as she learns what it means to have a family.

The Whole Package (Berkeley Books, August 2011) by Cynthia Ellingsen reunites three high school friends whose lives have taken them in different directions. Doris devotes herself to her marriage to her high school sweetheart; their daughter, Jackie, marries a rich man who gives her the opportunity to pursue her art, and Cheryl succeeds in the man’s world of marketing. That is, until all of their worlds come crashing down as they approach middle age. On a wild night out, they come up with the idea of opening a Hootersstyle restaurant aimed at women.

A family get-together might prove fatal for relatives of most any of the Caesar’s Wives (Free Press, 2010). Annelise Freisenbruch has compiled an in-depth and behind-the-doors account of 500 years of the distaff side of the rulers of the Roman Empire. Intrigue and formed and broken alliances – mostly broken by poisonings or stabbings – filled the imperial households during a good portion of those centuries. The wives, mistresses, mothers and sisters of the emperors often had far more involvement in the machinations of the court than older histories have accorded them.

Valley Writers How Do I Begin? A Hmong American Literary Anthology (Heyday, 2011) features 17 writers from the Hmong American Writers’ Circle (HAWC). Among them are Burlee Vang, Soul Vang, Mai Neng Moua, Pos L. Moua, Mai Der Vang and Ying Thao. The Hmong had no written language while they were in Laos until the 1950s when missionaries developed a system for interpreting Hmong sounds into the European alphabet. Hmong stories and traditions were passed down verbally or through visual arts. Therefore, this book is a pioneering work, as it is only the second collection of contemporary American Hmong works published. The first was published by the Minnesota Historical Society in 2002 titled Bamboo Among the Oaks.

To add more to Burlee Vang’s list of successes, he and his brother Abel Vang were named among the five winners of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences 2011 Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowships. Besides a $30,000 stipend, the award gave them the opportunity to attend meetings and dinners 12

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with Academy members. Their screenplay, “The Tiger’s Child,” deals with two brothers whose father is recruited into the CIA’s secret war in Laos. When the father dies, the 12-year-old must decide whether to become a soldier himself.

For a very different Hmong American experience, there is Jerry Yang and Mark Tabb’s All In: From Refugee Camp to Poker Champ (Medallion Press, July 2011). The authors tell Yang’s story from Thailand where he almost died in the refugee camp to his happiest day when he learned his family was coming to America, to his winning of the World Series of Poker in 2007.

Writing Contests Glimmer Train’s Very Short Story Contest (up to 3,000 words) is open for entries in January and July. No children’s stories.

Submit as many entries as desired. Fee: $15 per story. Submit through online procedure. First place, $1,200; second, $500; and third, $300. Details at: www.glimmertrain.com/writguid1.html.

The deadline for the WRITERS’ Journal Fiction Contest is January 30. The contest allows multiple entries with a $15 fee for each story. These entries must be mailed. Maximum length is 5,000 words. There hasn’t been a Southern San Joaquin winner since Sunny Frazier placed second in May 2003 with the short story called “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Details: www. writersjournal.com/CalendarofContests.htm.

Conferences Registration is open for the Fun in the Sun Conference 2013 from the Florida Romance Writers. It will take place onboard the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Sea, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale on January 24, 2013 and returning January 28. Details at: http:// frwfuninthesunmain.blogspot.com.

The Writer’s Digest Conference will be held January 20–22 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York. The conference promises to expand participants’ knowledge of the business, craft and future of publishing as well as providing opportunities to exchange ideas with publishing professionals and fellow writers. Speakers include James Scott Bell and Jane Friedman.

Details at: www.writersdigestconference.com/ehome/index. php?eventid=27962&tabid=44633&.

The Last Word “I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.”—John Steinbeck (1902 – 1968)

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

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L LOCAL ADVENTURE

Snowshoein' Anyone?

T

hink it’s harder to find outdoor activities in the snow without purchasing expensive snowboards, skis or other snow-trekking equipment? Well, think again.

Snowshoeing can be a great adventure for the whole family – and often at a cheaper price than paying for a pass at a ski lodge.

Wolverton Meadow in Sequoia National Park features a large snow play area, perfect for snowshoeing and other familyfun activities. Many say, if you can walk, you can snowshoe.

Snowshoes work by distributing the weight of the person over a larger area so that the person’s foot does not sink completely into the snow, a quality called “flotation.” They make exploring the powdery snow that much more enjoyable, and possible, without the over-exertion and soggy socks.

The park offers ranger-led walks; generally two-hour, one-mile walks which include free snowshoes for your group. These walks are favorites for those looking to make visiting the Sequoias in the winter an educational and insightful experience as well as just good old-fashioned fun in the snow.

For those looking to make their own adventure and go off on their own, the Wuksachi Lodge rents a variety of snowshoes at great prices. It’s important to keep in mind that for some children, snowshoeing can be strenuous, but for kids who’d like to try the sport, Wuksachi has Monster Dino™ snowshoes to make their time on the trail even more fun! There are plenty of trails to choose from to explore the beauty and serenity of the Sequoias and the helpful staff at Wuksachi are always happy to help you plan your adventure.

In addition to the lower price of rental equipment, snowshoeing is a safer sport than the typical snowboarding or skiing activities, and it’s easy to learn! It is a great way to keep up with physical fitness during the winter months and a perfect way to enjoy the mountain air at the same time. The go-at-your-own pace of snowshoeing provides views of the Sequoias one can’t get speeding down a mountainside or from a lodge window.

Although this activity is suggested for a fun experience with friends and family, many have taken to snowshoeing as a favorite hobby, notably runners and hikers. Snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing winter sports and one of the easiest to get started with. So, this local adventure could very likely end up a local pastime. The beauty and proximity of our very own Sequoia National Park surely make it a possibility.

For more information, call (559) 565-4480 for the Wuksachi walk and (559) 565-4307 for the Grant Grove walk, or visit the Sequoia National Park and Wuksachi Lodge website at www.visitsequoia.com.

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LOCAL ADVENTURE L

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V VISUAL CHRONICLE

A New Art for a New Era Text by Aaron Collins

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n a recent crisp fall night, Big Apple artists from Occupy Wall Street projected “Occupy Visalia” (the local OWS contingent) in a sequence with numerous other “occupied” city names, emblazoning them onto several stories of New York City’s Verizon skyscraper. For a moment, it appeared as if a veil separating two discrete realms had been pierced. While the thousands of New Yorkers witnessing the vertiginous spectacle might have thought, “Where’s Visalia?” those who knew the San Joaquin Valley city were likely surprised that OWS had resonated all the way across the country into one of California’s more staid agricultural regions.

Closer to home, even the normally impervious Central Valley is feeling the effects of upheaval, despite longstanding socioeconomic realities that have brought a certain cultural constancy akin to other rural regions in the Midwest and South, for better and worse.

There is no doubt that things played out very differently with the Occupy Davis effort due to the images and mass distribution via internet of docile student activists being pepper sprayed in the face at close range.

Not that far from Davis, in Visalia we find ourselves sandwiched between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, two of the world’s most significant and advanced art centers just a short hop away. Those urban creative magnets find artists preoccupied not only with their immediate surroundings but also engaged in an international dialogue taking place with fellow artists around the world.

Differences persist, but there is no question that the Web is shrinking cultural geography and uniting previously disenfranchised groups – such as artists. Just as the existence of an Occupy Visalia suggests that times have changed, the San Joaquin Valley city also has a new program established in 2011 to capture our city’s zeitgeist. The Visalia Visual Chronicle counts among its missions the goal of inspiring artists to capture their surroundings and their times, however peaceful or turbulent they may appear, in art to be preserved for future generations to consider and enjoy.

The upcoming 2012 Visalia Visual Chronicle Exhibition at Arts Visalia will showcase a new round of annual candidates for the city’s first publicly-owned, privately-funded art collection in January. The month-long show is the second annual installment of the collecting program, which is sponsored by the Arts Consortium, Tulare County’s regional affiliate of the California Arts Council. The Visalia Visual Chronicle collection is being built with the help of local, private sponsors who share the mission

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of capturing the multitude of experiences, peoples, cultures and locations that help define Visalia's culture and quality of life.

“The goal of creating a culturally relevant, artistically accomplished, and historically enduring record of life in the city is a natural fit for us,” says Arts Visalia Executive Director Kevin Bowman, an art instructor at College of the Sequoias.

But even as the Internet’s reach redraws and expands certain boundaries, the Visalia Visual Chronicle is intentionally focused in theme and narrow in scope – dedicated exclusively to things about Visalia. Featured artists may live either locally or afar – as long as inclusions meet the Visual Chronicle criteria, as determined annually by the Visalia Visual Chronicle jury, comprised of local cultural community members Bowman, local historian Terry Ommen, Arts Consortium coordinator Caroline Koontz (along with this Lifestyle arts writer, Aaron Collins).

The Visalia Visual Chronicle was launched in March 2011 as a result of the McMillin Homes-sponsored exhibition entitled Land/ Marks: A Visual Chronicle of Visalia’s Places, People and Cultures.

From there arose the concept of a permanent collection focused on local themes.

The Visalia Chamber of Commerce will be among the first ongoing host venues to exhibit the Chronicle, which will be shown at public venues throughout the city.

Artists whose artworks were chosen in the 2011 acquisition cycle by sponsors including Jeff and Sandy Carl and DMI Agency, Inc. include Ellen Milinich, Matthew Rangel, and Ernie Weerasinghe, all of Visalia.

It’s perhaps too soon to tell just how vastly the times are changing how artists see things, but in a decade or two, the Visalia Visual Chronicle will offer clues that help tell our story to future generations.

For more information, contact Visalia Visual Chronicle founder Aaron Collins (559) 359-1305, or Kevin Bowman, Arts Visalia, (559) 739-0905.

ABOVE: Summer Morning on Main (2011; pastel on paper) by Visalia artist Ellen Milinich is one of the artworks that will be featured in the upcoming 2012 Visalia Visual Chronicle Exhibition at Arts Visalia (opening reception Friday, January 6). The piece features a view down Visalia’s Main Street looking east toward the Sierra Nevada. The piece will be among those offered to sponsors for permanent inclusion in the Chronicle, a publicly-owned, privately funded art collection for the people of Visalia. (Image: courtesy of the artist.)

L LITERARY ARTS

LUIS VALDEZ:

Bringing Chicano Theater From Papier-Mâché to President’s Medals Text By Diane Slocum

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uis Valdez is called the father of Chicano theater. He is also a son of the San Joaquin. Both Valdez and his theater movement, El Teatro Campesino, were born in Delano. From these beginnings, Valdez went on to write, direct and produce plays and movies such as Zoot Suit and La Bamba and he continues to mentor new talent at the teatro in its current location in San Juan Bautista, 46 years after its inception.

Valdez’ family came to the San Joaquin from Arizona in the 1920s when Valley agriculture was transitioning from wheat to cotton and grapes, necessitating a great increase in the workforce to harvest the crops. By the time Luis was born in 1940, the second of 10 children of Francisco and Armeda Valdez, the family was following the harvest from labor camps to small towns across the Valley.

One fall, when Luis was six years old, his family was stranded near Stratford – on the San Joaquin. The name of the community, not of significance to him then, seemed to carry a tinge of fate as he looked back on it from later years. The harvest was complete, 18

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but the family truck wouldn’t run. To survive, the Valdezes lived on the fish they could catch in the river – fish tacos before they were trendy, he said. One day, little Luis fell into the river and almost drowned. His mother said she would rather have him in school than in the river, so the next time the yellow bus came by, he hopped on. Every day, he brought his lunch to school in the same paper bag, which he would carefully fold and bring home in the afternoon. One day, the bag was missing and he was shocked to see that his teacher – apparently gone crazy – had ripped it to shreds and soaked the bits in a basin of water. She dipped them in paste and asked him to help smooth the bits onto a mold.

“It was at that moment I discovered one of the secrets of the universe,” he said. “It’s called papier-mâché.”

Luis was chosen to be one of only two first graders in a play the school was to put on. They would wear those molded papiermâché masks, complete with costumes. He could hardly contain his excitement. But when the week for the presentations came, his mother told him they had been evicted and had to leave the next day. No matter how he cried, the situation couldn’t be changed.

LITERARY ARTS L

“I’ll never forget pulling out of Stratford. I felt this hole open in my chest. It could have destroyed me, but I’ve always believed you can take the negatives and turn them into positives. That hole became the hungry mouth of my creativity. I took with me the desire to do theater.”

As a six-year-old in school for only 30 days, he didn’t remember the name of this teacher. Years later, someone helped trace the old school records and he learned she was Ruth Tremaine, but he never discovered if she ever realized how her brief encounter with this migrant child influenced his life.

“You never know what an impact you’re going to have,” he said.

“I’m grateful to this teacher. She launched me on my career.”

From then on, with his cousins and friends, he made masks and put on plays. At first, they were impromptu. When the others didn’t know what to say, he wrote lines for them.

“I didn’t know it, but I was becoming a playwright,” he said.

When Luis was 13, the family settled in San Jose. His laborer father gave him a tremendous high school graduation gift – he relieved him of any responsibility to help support his six younger

siblings, a typical expectation in their day. His parents would continue to support their brood while Luis concentrated on putting himself through college. The straight-A math and physics major soon realized that his real calling was the written and spoken word.

He graduated as an English major, but he was already receiving accolades for his theatrical work. His one-act play “The Theft” won the 1960 San Jose Theater Guild award and was his first official production. He wrote and directed his first full-length play, “The Shrunken Head of Pancho Villa,” while a student at San Jose State College.

After graduation, he joined the San Francisco Mime Troupe but in the turbulent mid-60s, his heart returned to his roots in the San Joaquin and an idea that grew from his childhood games.

That haunted day when he had left Stratford, he said, “I also took with me the frustration and anger of being evicted and that I blamed on the owners of that camp, who turned out to be a large corporation. All of that fueled my activism. It motivated me to come back to Delano and help Cesar Chavez organize a union for farm workers.”

When Chavez made a tour through the Bay area, Valdez dogged him until he could pitch his idea for putting on plays for and by the farm workers who were involved in Chavez’ labor movement. With Chavez’s approval, Valdez returned to his native Delano, the hotbed of the United Farmworkers strikes and grape boycott. He announced his intentions of putting together plays and a large crowd showed up. It turned out that they came to see a play, not to be in one. Even so, it underscored the interest of the workers and strikers in what he intended to do.

In the early days, the actors played their roles of workers, strikers, scabs and related parts, on the back of a truck. Later, Valdez moved his El Teatro Campesino to a cultural center in Del Rey, and subsequently to Fresno.

Along the way, Valdez met another woman who greatly influenced his life, Lupe Trujillo (now Valdez). She became the first college-educated Chicana in his theater troupe and for the past 42 years has been his wife. Together they have three sons, Anahuac, Kinan and Lakin, all of whom followed their father’s footsteps into theater and film careers, including work with El Teatro.

“Without my wife and sons, I couldn’t have the life that I have,” he said. “Really, I’m a family guy.”

Valdez’s Zoot Suit became a family affair when it was recorded for National Public Radio in 2001. Kinan and Lakin played the Reyna brothers, Luis’ brother Daniel played their father, and Daniel’s daughters also had roles. Zoot Suit originally played at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 1978. It was the first Chicano play to become a mainstream success and ran for a record number of performances at the forum. It later became the first Broadway play written and directed by a Chicano. The central role of El Pachuco introduced Edward James Olmos to a broad audience in the play and subsequent movie.

La Bamba, the tragic story of Richie Valens’ short-lived rockand-roll career, brought Valdez even more popular recognition.

With awards ranging from an Emmy and a Golden Globe, to numerous Drama Critics awards and an Obie, two stand out with special interest – the Presidential Awards for the Arts from both the United States and Mexico. While the politics at the time of the awards – 1984 and 1994, respectively – might have given him pause, he appreciates the convergence of the two awards as a celebration of the worth and dignity of all people on the continent.

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H HOME TOUR

Wall-to-Wall Redo:

A STORY OF A HOME

Text by Aaron Collins | Photos by Forrest Cavale, Third Element Studios

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HOME TOUR H

ABOVE: “I have done most of the work myself, that way it gets done the way I like it,” says longtime remodeler and cabinetmaker Ken Story of his Visalia home, which was completely remodeled when he and his wife Sandy purchased the 4100-sq. ft. home in 2008. The kitchen, shown here, features Ken’s locally-renowned handiwork. “Friends and wine should be old,” reads the saying over the archway.

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

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H HOME TOUR

F

or better or worse, homes featuring quirky amenities or exotic details are often slapped with names that just stick.

But residential real estate, as the foremost vessel of social aspiration, is expected to behave according to a narrow system of signs and symbols. When it deviates, derision ensues.

When Ken and Sandy Story purchased their 1930s-era Colonial-style residence in October 2008, their neighbors in the Beverly Glen section of Visalia had long referred to their home as “The Carpet House.”

That’s an odd name for a Colonial, you might be thinking. And most houses have at least some carpet. So what merits that moniker?

The answer suggests it wasn’t such a compliment. Corroborating that view might be the house’s precipitous price drop of $100,000 and considerable time spent languishing on the market for more than two years – some of which was pre-housing market crash.

“A lot of people had looked at it but did not see the potential we saw in the home. It had carpet mosaic on all of the floors, walls and ceilings,” Ken said.

That’s right: carpet on the walls. And carpet on the ceilings.

Carpet pieced together everywhere throughout the 4100-squarefoot dwelling.

(We’re seeing a big liquidation sale at the carpet store. Or a ’60s trip that left somebody to climb the walls. Or someone who just really, really, really got their groove on from vacuuming, perhaps the home of a Kirby salesman.)

But wait; there’s more. Several walls had carpet mosaic scenes

featuring the rather disparate themes of mountains and a skier, a tropical bird, and some with just patterns. “Some rooms had decoupage walls and ceilings, wood paneling and mirrors, plastic beads, or rough pecky Cedar paneling,” Ken recalled. (This might be a good point to remind of the adage that if nature abhors a vacuum, homebuyers really hate carpeted ceilings and walls.)

All that carpet and tacked-on – shall we call it “non-Colonial décor” – might have spooked potential buyers in what is a well-established, traditional neighborhood that attracts mostly tradition-seeking residents to its leafy streets. But for a reputable cabinetmaker and remodeler like Ken – whose line of work accustoms him to seeing potential – the home beckoned like a diamond in the rough, even on that miserably hot August day in 2008. The Storys were unfazed by both the smothering heat and blanket of carpet.

“We looked at this house and made an offer the same day. We both thought it was a mess but we knew we could make something out of it,” Ken said. “We both have the ability to look through dirt and bad design and come up with ways to improve it.”

Of that ability Ken recalled when his wife and daughter visited a psychic in Carmel Valley, of whom Ken said, “Even though he had never met me he told them both that I have a rare ability to see through homes and see things that very few people can visualize,” he recalled. “I told an Asian lady the story and she said I have what the Asians call a ‘third eye.’ And I kind of go along with that idea.”

So off on the creative adventure he and Sandy went, with gusto.

ABOVE: Sandy and Ken Story enjoy the fruits of their labor in the rear garden of their recently remodeled Visalia home. Their travels to Greece inspired the curtained pergola, a familiar feature of many Grecian homes.

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H HOME TOUR “When we bought the house I had to take sleeping pills because I was so wired up, designing everything at night, I couldn’t sleep,” Ken said. Off came the dated cosmetics.

Out came the carpet. No more tacky Hooverville. And they moved in a mere three months later.

But of course, as the Storys know, not every quirk is a negative in real estate, if good taste or a certain restraint prevails. “The hardwood flooring contractors we contacted wanted to tear out the floors and replace them with new wood. But we were lucky enough to find one who would patch some areas and refinish them. And they look great,” Ken said of what once lurked beneath all that carpet. “We like it better than a new floor because it has character, dings and squeaks.” So a patina of age in a historical-style home can be a plus. Tatty carpet wall mosaics with skiers and tropical birds? Not so much.

Their remodel brought along other excesses for the Storys to address. If carpet was smothering the interior, the front yard appeared to have been hit by a large if smooth concrete meteor. “The landscaping was a challenge since the front yard was covered in concrete with nothing green,” Ken said. So they removed some of the offending mass but retained a circular driveway and wrought iron fence. They built planters with bricks the prior owners had left behind, softening the lot with more plants. They added arbors to the rear garden with sun cloths to help cool them and the house.

“The curtains on the arbor give it a feeling of another room and is something we saw in Greece,” Ken said.

Other travels have influenced the home’s design as well.

A couple of New Orleans visits brought back some of the Crescent City’s style to Visalia in the form of a balcony near the master bedroom that overlooks the great room. The jazzloving Storys will be returning to The Big Easy for the New Orleans Jazz Festival and will embark on a Caribbean cruise this fall.

“We love living in Beverly Glen and have met several new friends that we would never had known had we not purchased this house. People walk in the neighborhood with their kids and dogs and it is just a very friendly place,” Ken said. “Originally, we thought we would take three to five years to remodel the home then move to something smaller. But now we are not sure about leaving the area. We love the 26-foot-high ceiling and all the closet space.” The Storys will be completing a wine cellar this next year, further suggesting it might be tougher to leave with the more time and creativity they invest.

TOP: The formal living room of the Story home features box-beam ceilings and a mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings. While Ken is the remodeling expert, Sandy handles interior décor duties, a complementary team.

MIDDLE: The remodeled master bath of the Story home incorporates extensive use of stone and earthy tile work.

BOTTOM: The master suite opens onto a view of the family room below.

Ken and Sandy Story found inspiration for the balcony during their many travels, in this case to New Orleans.

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H HOME TOUR

The kids will soon return for the annual Christmas visit, bringing their own history to the place. A recent memorial service for a friend brought 150 friends and family members to the home, a place that the Storys agree is a bit too large for just the two of them, plus their two dogs. So there may be one more remodel in their future as they downsize and find a new, more suitably scaled home, Ken said.

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“We love our house and are proud of what we have accomplished with it,” said Sandy, who was raised in Tipton but has called Visalia home since the young couple made it home back in 1970. Ken is a 1962 graduate of Redwood High School and attended COS and Mt. San Antonio College. The couple have a daughter, Michelle, 39, in the Salinas area and a son Scott, 37, an engineer for a company in Folsom that makes cryogenic equipment.

The only thing they might have done differently this time around is add more lighting, they said. “I hope I only remodel one more house or find one that just fits. I am getting too old for this but it is sure more fun remodeling for yourself instead of for a customer.

We have been lucky to have the money and ability to do what we wanted to do on this house. It was not going to be a Flip; I like to call it a ‘slow roll,’” Ken said.

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“People are amazed with what we have done with our house, especially those that looked at it before the remodel. People who knew it as ‘The Carpet House’ thought we were nuts, but now they think we might have known what we were doing.”

PAGE 26: The Ken and Sandy Story home in Visalia’s Beverly Glen section, all done up for the holidays. The Colonial exterior was in tact, but before the Storys bought the home, the interior floors, walls – and ceilings – had been covered with carpet remnants to create a variety of multi-hued murals depicting tropical birds, snow skiers, and other “non-Colonial” scenery and abstractions.

TOP: The dining area is adorned in Holiday décor at the Beverly Glen home of Ken and Sandy Story in Visalia. While newer parts of the home have a “Tahoe cabin” feel, as Ken Story describes it, wainscotting and crown molding in the home’s original section stay truer to the home’s neo-Colonial roots.

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H oliday H armony Recipes by Elaine Dakessian, Tre Bien | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

T hick-cut Bone-in Pork Chop with Apricot and Maple Glaze Serves 6-8 6 bone-in pork chops – ask your butcher to cut these or buy a rack of pork and cut them yourself by just following between the bones.

Ingredients Glaze (We adapted this to make it our own from a Bobby Flay recipe) 1 C apricot preserves 1/4 C pure maple syrup (don’t skimp on this, buy the real stuff) 1 T ancho chile powder 3 T freshly squeezed orange juice

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Directions Stir together the preserves, maple syrup, ancho chile powder and orange juice in a medium bowl.

You can use your outdoor grill or grill indoor in a ridged grill pan on the stovetop. Heat your grill to high or if cooking in grill pan, use one T of olive oil and one T of butter and get your pan nice and hot. Grill the pork for about two to three minutes on each side to get nice grill marks, basting the pork with the glaze. Transfer the pork to a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 155 degrees. (I like to glaze it again while it is cooking in the oven and then again right before plating it. Serve atop rosemary foccacia stuffing.)

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Rosemary Foccacia and Italian Sausage Stuffing Ingredients 1/2 sheet rosemary foccacia (I purchase it from Max’s bakery in Fresno) 4 links mild Italian sausage, removed from casings (run knife down the center to break the casing, remove and crumble the sausage) 1 T butter 1 T olive oil 1 small to medium yellow onion, chopped 3 celery stalks, chopped 1 T chopped fresh thyme 2 T chopped garlic 2 (14-1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth 1 C roasted, unsalted pistachios 2 eggs, whisked in small bowl

Directions I leave the bread out overnight to let it dry out a bit. Cube it into 2-inch cubes and put in large mixing bowl.

In a sauté pan, cook the sausage until browned. Remove from pan and drain onto paper towel. Do not wash the pan. Wipe with a paper towel and continue in the same pan. Melt butter and olive oil over medium high heat. Sauté the onions, celery and thyme until translucent but not browned. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes more. Remove from heat and let cool.

Add to mixing bowl with cubed bread along with the chicken stock, pistachios and Italian sausage and eggs. Knead with hands to mix all ingredients thoroughly and place in greased heavy casserole dish. Bake in a 375 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes. Serve with pork.

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Bread Pudding

Ingredients 3/4 C sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg 3 medium eggs 1 C heavy cream 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 5 C day-old bread; Max’s cinnamon raisin bread with streusel is my favorite but French or brioche works well too.

Bourbon Sauce 1 1/2 C heavy cream 2 tsp. cornstarch 2 T cold water 1/3 C sugar 1/3 C bourbon

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Directions Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

To make the bread pudding, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Then work in the heavy cream. Add the vanilla, then the bread cubes. Allow the bread to soak up the custard. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until the pudding has a golden color and is firm to the touch. If a toothpick inserted in the pudding comes out clean, it is done. Let cool to room temperature.

To make the sauce, bring the cream to a boil, combine the cornstarch and water, and add the mixture to the boiling cream, stirring constantly.

Return to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the mixture. Add the sugar and bourbon, and stir. Let cool to room temperature.

For a more interesting presentation, use a biscuit or cookie cutter and cut out rounds. Drizzle sauce over and add a mint leaf.

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Sweet Potatoes

Peppercorn, Blue Cheese But ter

Directions Wash potatoes, stab with a fork three or four times and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment (helps with the sticking). Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool a bit, cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the pulp. These peel very easily. Mash with potato masher and add the brown sugar, nutmeg and butter. Serve alongside the pork and stuffing topped with blue cheese butter.

Directions Add butter cube to food processor, shallots, blue cheese and peppercorns (to taste). Pulse until smooth. Scrape onto sheet of parchment or plastic wrap with a spatula.

Smooth into a log shape, roll and wrap with paper or wrap. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into rings and place atop the hot sweet potatoes and let it melt.

Ingredients 6 sweet potatoes 3 T brown sugar 1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg 2 T butter

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Ingredients 1 cube unsalted butter, brought to room temperature 1 small shallot, finely diced 2-3 ounces blue cheese Black peppercorns to taste

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For more information, Call Jodi or Margo 741-9484 www.sequoiacrossing.net Summit Homebuilders Inc. Lic. #961587

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

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SERVICE Text by Carole Firstman | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

T

he bad news: Tulare County’s unemployment rate hovered around 16 percent this past year, compared to the state average of about 12 percent and the national average of about 9 percent. Scores of Tulare County residents struggle with needs for food, shelter, clothing, education and health care. And according to a report by county officials, local unemployment is expected to be in the double digits well into 2013.

The good news: Those who can, do offer a helping hand. One local group that stands out is Visalia Breakfast Rotary (VBR). “As Rotarians we acknowledge that what affects one directly affects all indirectly,” said Bob Dickey, past club president.

For two decades VBR has made significant, far-reaching contributions to our community. “It is about ‘Service Above Self,’” said Marv Hansen, who is also past VBR club president, referring to Rotary’s overarching motto. Hansen explained that true service to the community is not self-serving. It’s about putting aside any issues regarding religion or politics for the betterment of the community.

Rotary, which represents a cross-section of the community’s business and professional men and women, is a non-religious, nonpolitical organization, open to all cultures, races and creeds.

Service Above Self – The Rotary Motto in Action Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to 30,000+ Rotary clubs in more than 160 countries, providing humanitarian service

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and building goodwill around the globe. Since the 1980s all members have been united in PolioPlus, a campaign for the global eradication of polio.

In addition to tackling such international projects, individual clubs also develop community projects addressing critical issues closer to home. One of several Visalia-based clubs, VBR recognizes the diverse needs of Visalia and the surrounding area.

“I would estimate that over 25 percent of our [local] population is in need of some sort of assistance,” said Hansen. “Our members give freely their time, talent and money. Annually the club disburses cash and materials in excess of $75,000 to local nonprofits, various scholarships and other causes. Over the past 20 years we have focused most of our giving towards kids and young adults.”

It’s not surprising that requests for support have increased in the current economic environment. “It really is easy to give money away but to give it effectively takes some work. When we believe money isn’t the critical need, we do our best to give time and/or materials,” said Hansen.

Community Projects In addition to monetary donations, the club also sustains several community service projects. The Heart Safe Community Project has been VBR’s biggest long-term financial commitment. Now 11 years old, this endeavor typically utilizes 30 percent of the group’s

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annual fundraising profits. For $20,000-$30,000 a year the project places Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at sites where large numbers of people congregate; trains site individuals on the use of AEDs as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and oversees ongoing monthly monitoring of the AED units, replacement parts and updated training to ensure their effective maintenance.

Some other past and current VBR projects include: Riverbend School – Purchase and installation of playground equipment for students with special physical needs.

Visalia Emergency Aid – Annually purchase, assemble and give away 150 children’s bikes at Visalia Emergency Aid’s Christmas Eve event.

Camp Royal – A Rotary-sponsored weeklong leadership camp at Lake Sequoia for 300+ high school juniors from Central California.

Washington School – A new project started by past president Bob Dickey that entails going to a Southern California clothing distribution facility to purchase new clothing for students at Washington School.

Mentoring Middle School Students – Members are assigned one or two students who have an interest in their line of work to “shadow” them for a day; students then attend a Rotary meeting and share their learning experience.

Youth Exchange – Each year VBR sponsors one or two local high school juniors who travel to foreign countries for approximately nine months. They live with Rotarian families and attend school. At the same time VBR receives one or two students from the same country for a similar experience.

Four-Way Test (Student Discussions) – Members visit a local high school or middle school and spend the day discussing the FourWay Test; it is a way of connecting with students and delivering a message about choosing “right” vs. “wrong” in life experiences.

The Four-Way Test – Effective Discourse That Gets Results Since its inclusion in 1932 during the Great Depression, the Four-Way Test has become one of the hallmarks of Rotary. It is a simple code of ethics; four brief questions created for members’ use in the professional world: Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

This list of questions is the cornerstone for both personal and intra-club decision-making, a checklist that transcends generations, culture and national borders.

ABOVE: Mike Ashoori and fellow Rotarians listen attentively to a guest speaker at their weekly meeting.

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It may also explain how an organization like Rotary pulls together people from such diverse backgrounds to achieve such positive outcomes for the community.

“I think we all agree that ethics is not about race, religion or national borders,” said Hansen of the FourWay Test. “It is simply about being honest with your fellow man and yourself. Any issue you may be faced with, business or personal, if it is first approached by answering these four questions positively, the end result will be an ethical decision.”Each president sets the tone for their year, bringing their own personality to the podium. Some are serious, some are funny; they all try to do something different.

Hansen explained, “It seems that the club’s diversity has been beneficial in that it brings members closer to each other regardless of personal backgrounds. There are many opportunities for deeper understanding.

“If you understand someone’s background and gain that understanding mutually, it can’t help but bring individuals closer.” Members are more inclined to work together, which will result in more being accomplished by the club.

“Like I said before, it’s about ‘Service Above Self,’” Hansen said. When individual club members embrace the Service About Self philosophy in their daily lives, the results are twofold: “We not only have positive personal and business effects which result in real accomplishments, but we also create a better community to live in.”

TOP: Past President of Visalia Breakfast Rotary, Marv Hansen.

LEFT: Current Visalia Breakfast Rotary President, Mike Sheltzer.

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teaching photography to the youth of

CAMBODIA Text and Photos by Jen May Pastores

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T

he Kingdom of Cambodia was never a place I daydreamed about visiting. But life is funny sometimes, bringing unimaginable opportunities. I didn’t know the language, nor had I ever studied its people’s history, but I found myself teaching photography at a drop-in youth center in the middle of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

It all started a month before when my calendar showed I had no work booked for the summer. Instead, I had an invitation to volunteer and teach.

“How are you going to plan this out?” asked my friend Lisa, the director of Tiny Toones Cambodia. I knew how I would do it – I would ask for help, ask people to support me and donate money. I also decided to teach a workshop in Los Angeles, which was a success! The entirety of my fundraising efforts allowed for the purchase of 10 digital cameras and their accessories, my plane ticket, and a food budget of $3/day for a month, which is plenty to eat well there.

Tiny Toones (not the cartoon adventure from my childhood) is a non-governmental organization that uses breakdancing, hip-hop music, and contemporary arts to empower youth to live healthier lives and be a positive role model in the community. The average wage in Cambodia is $30 a month, and many of the children who attend the Center are the primary source of income for their families. Many of them are obligated to drop out of school to find work or beg on the streets – a reality easy to sympathize with, but one troubling to get used to.

Upon arrival in the city, I was greeted by my friend and taken to a volunteer house where I settled in. I had only packed two bags, one with clothes and other everyday necessities, and another with the camera gear. My room was simple. A bed with a mosquito net over it, a rotating fan that quickly became my favorite item in the house, and a bookshelf for my belongings.

Tiny Toones provided me two classrooms and over 50 students. The classrooms were also simple, but more bare than my bedroom. With 20 students in it, the classroom on the ground floor of the building felt like a cargo elevator. It had no windows, but did have a whiteboard and a few long tables with benches. In the mornings, this is where I met with my younger students, who were 10-14 years old. Every day I had the students pair up (even triple up) and share a digital camera, since there were only 10, but they didn’t mind sharing.

The second classroom was on the second floor of the Center, and we had to climb up the staircase that wrapped around on the outside of the building to get to it. On days when it rained we would get wet from going up and down them. Even with the

TOP: Some days Jen would take her class to a market nearby to have them capture colors, texture, portraits…whatever caught their interest. In this image, Mara is reviewing a photo she took of the lady in front of her.

BOTTOM LEFT: Kun, a student, was always the first to arrive and last to leave from class. His eagerness to learn photography helped him to discover a creative side to him he hadn't explored before with a camera.

BOTTOM MIDDLE: For all of the students, this was their first time learning how to use a digital camera.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Chep Puntiya captured this photo of his friend doing a headstand during class, a normal sight at the Center where there is nonstop breakdancing.

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summer heat, the rain was usually welcomed. I met with my older students, who were 15-24 years old, later in the day. This room was a little bigger, more elbow room to sit 20 grown students on long tables and benches, a green chalkboard and a lot of sunlight coming through the windows.

In between classes, there was a 30-minute window to transfer images from the cameras to my laptop and reformat the memory cards, change out the batteries, and have cameras ready for the next class. I prepared a slide show so the students could see their work and talk about it as a class. Originally, the plan was to print out photos on the donated paper I received, but the Center’s printer was outdated and stopped working after a couple of prints. So, I took a tuk-tuk (an auto-rickshaw) to the business side of town, but they didn’t have any of the parts needed to fix it. Doing without a printer was one the many challenges I adapted to.

Another challenge was the language barrier. Learning about the camera’s f-stop scale, what an aperture is – the things to know when taking photos manually – can be ABOVE: Students of Jen's photography class in Cambodia.

RIGHT: One of the class assignments was to explore the neighborhood outside the Center and find an object that represented them. Naturally, a student named Vandi found something that reflected him the best in his self-portrait.

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confusing at first, especially when trying to teach it to people who literally can’t understand what was being said. It was a fortunate thing that I was provided a translator. She did her best to interpret my stick figure drawings and diagrams on the board to the class. It was certainly a fun learning experience to pause after a couple of sentences, hear the translation, and see the class nod in understanding.

I designed the photography program around the idea of storytelling, and how it is not just taking a photo, but more like making a photo. Students showed excitement to explore their surroundings with their new found perspective, especially when they saw the differences between their own photos and the photos of their peers. The students did well in finding the right light and the right place to stand, which some say is all you need to make a good photograph. The sun’s golden rays lit the colorful murals of the Center’s walls, and clouds in the sky helped to diffuse any harsh light. It lit the poverty stricken neighborhoods in a beautiful way. It might have been that I was in a different hemisphere of the world, but the sunlight I saw there was amazing.

We met every day for almost a month. At the end of the program the class was invited to showcase their work in an exhibit at the biggest gallery in the city. I negotiated with a print lab in town, and had the students sign their names on the back of their prints. It was a spectacular honor and awesome to see the excitement of the students when they discovered their photos would be seen by the public – and even purchased. Best of all, a portion of the sale went directly to the students and their families.

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Even though I couldn’t communicate with them in the same language – though, I did teach them all to high-five each other – it was easy to share the photos I captured of them. Those images spoke more volume than I could have ever said myself. Photography can break barriers of language or culture, and communicate in a way where words aren’t really needed.

Since her time in Cambodia, Jen has been able to share the work of her students and teach the same program in Philadelphia, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and here locally in Visalia. A short video documenting her Cambodian experience can be watched online at http://cambodia. jenmayphotography.com and a book of all the students’ images will be available to purchase this holiday season.

TOP: Outside of the classroom was the basketball court and murals that students helped to paint. Marany captured this shot of her classmates.

ABOVE: Jen (front and center) and her students.

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Serving you in a spirit of excellence with HONESTY. INTEGRITY. TRUST.

DARCY R. STABERG Broker Associate / GRI DRE LIC. 01820923 559.827.5757 darcy@tkre.net www.darcystaberg.com T R IC IA K IR KS E Y R E A L E STAT E

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Embracing Children’s Dreams: Text by Carole Firstman | Photos by Jen May Pastores

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uiz 4 Kids believes in the power of dreams. This year’s “Embracing Children’s Dreams Fiesta” event raised $250,000 for several outstanding organizations: Blind Babies Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, Family Services of Tulare County, and Visalia PAL. Also during the event, the 2011 Danza Award was given to Karen Cooper, Executive Director for Family Services of Tulare County, who has made remarkable contributions to the lives of countless children for over two decades.

On October 21, the Visalia Convention Center came alive with the exciting sounds and aromas of Mexico. Over 800 people attended the event, which included a performance by Ballet Folklorico de Lago, music by Kemaya, live and silent auctions, and an abundance of Mexican cuisine. While the scrumptious food and Latin rhythms certainly set the tone for fun and frolic, each attendee knew that their presence and financial contribution represented an investment in hope for Central Valley children.

For more than 20 years, Ruiz 4 Kids has played a major role in

the philanthropic community. The nonprofit was founded in 1990 when Ruiz Foods employees approached Fred Ruiz, asking him to help them explore ways to assist families with children in need.

Since then, Ruiz 4 Kids has organized two annual fundraising events – a spring Golf Invitational raises money for scholarships, and a fall Embracing Children’s Dreams Fiesta raises money for children-focused nonprofits.

Of this year’s Fiesta, Kim Ruiz Beck, President of Ruiz 4 Kids and Chairman of Ruiz Foods, said the fundraising exceeded her expectations. Even in this tight economic climate, the event raised $60,000 more than last year’s total. “We are thrilled with this year’s final numbers,” Beck said. “The magic of the Fiesta is that it’s a combined effort of Ruiz 4 Kids, the beneficiary organizations, [contributing] companies from across the United States, and the local community. When all these entities come together for children, the outcome is powerful.”

Since its inception, Ruiz 4 Kids has awarded more than $1,800,000 to youth-centered organizations. Each year, four

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Family Services Honoree, K aren Cooper

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nonprofits are chosen as beneficiaries. “The choices are made from applications submitted,” said Susan Manuel, Executive Director for Ruiz 4 Kids. Applicants must meet stringent criteria, submit a detailed proposal showing specifically how funding will be used, and explain how their program targets the needs of local children.

Describing the programs of this year’s Fiesta recipients, Manuel said, “Visalia PAL provides a mentoring program between law enforcement officers and youth. Family Services of Tulare County provides services to kids subjected to violence. Blind Babies Foundation is focused on providing services to local children with visual impairments. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias runs a program aimed at education completion for at-risk youth.”

The annual Danza Award, which is presented each year during the Fiesta event, derives its name from the Mayan terra cotta folk art commonly known as a “circle of friends,” which symbolizes hard work, collaboration and social empowerment. “The goal of the Danza Award is to pay tribute to a person who has made exceptional contributions to the community,” said Manuel.

Karen Cooper of Family Services was this year’s honoree. If the Danza Award is about bringing people together, few individuals could compete with Cooper, who has been instrumental in the longevity and growth of Family Services. When she first started her work there, the facilities consisted of a 16-bed battered women’s shelter and a small counseling center. Today, Family Services is an organization deeply involved in the prevention and effective response to relationship and family violence. “For over 22 years, Karen’s tireless energy and amazing leadership have raised awareness regarding domestic violence. She has changed the lives of countless individuals, both here in the Central Valley and throughout California,” Manuel said.

Given the history of Ruiz Foods, it’s not surprising that the company supports the local community with such verve. In true American Dream fashion, the company began in 1964 when Louis Ruiz decided to sell frozen Mexican foods based on the family recipes of Grandma Rosie, Louis’s wife. The family operation first supplied mom-and-pop grocery stores with burritos, enchiladas and tamales. The small company eventually expanded to 1,900 employees and established the national El Monterey brand. Today Ruiz employs over 2,500 people and operates several facilities. In 1983 Fred and Louis Ruiz received the United States Small Business Person of the Year Award from President Reagan; in 2003 President Bush visited the California plant following the company’s induction into the United States Small Business Administration’s Hall of Fame; and later that year, El Monterey Burritos were featured on the Food Network’s show “Unwrapped.” What started as a humble dream has evolved into a model of success.

It seems fitting then, that the Ruiz family business should not only support the dreams of children in need, but also recognize individuals and organizations that fight to improve the lives of those children. Many private businesses give generously to good causes, but by creating a whole separate nonprofit for kids, Ruiz goes above and beyond simple giving. Staying true to the family values upon which Louis founded his business, Ruiz 4 Kids nurtures local youth through the long-term support offered to Fiesta beneficiaries. Each of the four beneficiary organizations selected is assured donations for three consecutive years, which allows the groups to plan their programs knowing they will have on-going support. For example, this is the third and final year Family Services will receive money from Ruiz 4 Kids. For the past two years, funding has helped subsidize counseling for children who have been abused sexually, physically, mentally or emotionally.

The folks who attended the Fiesta night on October 21 were well aware of the crucial need to support these four organizations, each of which makes a difference in the lives of children, one step and one dollar at a time. When it comes to building a better life for kids, no dream is too big or too small.

“Ruiz 4 Kids’ mission is to provide opportunities – to inspire hope and change in children’s lives,” said Beck. “Whether we are supporting education, bringing awareness, or helping to build stronger communities, we are proud of our community involvement.”

CHARITY C

We thank Tulare County and all of our valued customers for the past year of business and making us Agribusiness of the Year.

Agribusiness of the year 2011

4 GENERATIONS SERVING

AGRIBUSINESS FOR 87 YEARS

559. 651.1760 LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

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F FASHION

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

FASHION F

Signature Style:

Statement Pieces for the Holidays Text by Sharon Mosley

A

ll I want for Christmas is a gorgeous lace dress, a shiny new pair of boots and a fabulous fur coat ... that’s all. Well, some of us may have big dreams when it comes to finding the ultimate fashion gift (for ourselves, of course!), but there are ways to give yourself the gift of style without going into debt to Santa for years to come.

Let’s just say that you need to keep in mind that basic can be very boring. So instead of being oh-so-practical all the time, this holiday season seek out a signature piece – a unique dress, coat or pair of shoes that is so out of the ordinary you’ll want to wear them every day. And if you do find a show-stopping piece that is worth investing in, do the math – that is the cost per wear – sometimes it may be a good time to splurge for the long-term value.

Yes, the Cartier watch, the Hermes handbag or the Chanel jacket can last a lifetime. But you can always take the less expensive route to signature style. Keep your eyes open when you shop the stores and browse online. Go for one great look.

Here are a few statement pieces that may get your attention (and everyone else’s) – taking you from basic, boring and so ho-hohum to fun, fabulous and va-va-voom all year long.

A statement dress. It’s a good idea to have at least one of these in your closet, especially at holiday time. Having at least one “go-to” dress that you love to wear year after year (to different parties of course!) is a wardrobe must-have. This season, choose a special cocktail sheath in all-over lace to make a stunning entrance to any festive occasion. Shiny sparkly sequin dresses can also be standouts at holiday galas.

A statement pair of shoes. If you’re not in the market for a new dress, how about stepping out in a glittering pair of haute heels?

Shoes can set the tone for the whole outfit. Let’s face it; we all love to shop for a new pair of shoes ... especially for evening shoes or boots. I have a pair of Donald J. Pliner red and black suede mules emblazoned with a Celtic cross that I have almost worn out. They are my “go-to” holiday shoes. I buy outfits around them! So check out the shoe salon first: The shoes that

are getting all the raves this holiday season are pumped up with platforms, glazed with exotic skins and studded with jewels.

Over-the-knee boots with stiletto heels are definitely investment pieces that will work with your wardrobe for years.

A statement jacket. Check out the new leather jackets. Yes, dressing up or down has never been easier. With the new burnished metallic leathers out there, it’s easy to do. Team with a frilly ruffled shirt and pencil skirt for dressier outings or with jeans and T-shirts for casual days. This is one place you will not want to skimp on price, however. Soft and supple are the key words, nothing stiff – ever!

A statement clutch. This is where the fun is this season in handbags ... we all have to lug around the totes during the workweek, but come the weekend, it’s time for clutching something a little more frivolous. Now I have to admit, I love Nicolas Ghesquiere’s white leather clutch in winter white for Balenciaga, but for almost $1,000, I’m going to have to pass this time around. I think perhaps something else in leopard print with feathers ...

A statement ring or cuff. This is so easy! Check out the jewelry counter in just about every store you visit. You’ll find a huge selection of chunky cocktail rings in all shapes and sizes, most with adjustable bands. No ring sizes to worry about. Just slip on and blast a little bling with your holiday outfits.

Another no-brainer way to add instant signature style to your holiday wardrobe is the statement cuff. This bracelet is best when big and bold, whether in metallic gold and shimmering with crystals or in a dramatic, dark hematite pewter that wraps and twists around the wrist. A lot of wow factor for a little price!

A statement coat. The holidays are the perfect time to find an evening coat that is over-the-top. Look for drama in colorful furry, knee-length jackets, a wonderful printed brocade blazer or a glittering velvet wrap that ties in front. You may not want to take this one off even after you arrive at the party!

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

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& PLACES F FACES PERFORMANCES P Text By Marsha Peltzer

AMERICAN JOURNEYS CONTINUE January 14, 2012, 7:30 p.m. – Visalia Fox Theatre

Ansel Adams:

T

America

he Tulare County Symphony’s January concert will pay tribute to American music greats Dave Brubeck and his son Chris Brubeck and worldrenowned photographer Ansel Adams. The Brubeck composition “Ansel Adams: America” will be accompanied by the projection of majestic images taken by the famous photographer.

Music Director Bruce Kiesling has achieved another musical triumph for the Symphony. It is only recently that permission has been given by the Ansel Adams Trust to allow his masterful American photographs to be used in a concert setting, and Chris Brubeck will be on hand to work on the performance, which promises to be “a unique convergence of iconic images and symphonic grandeur.” (See http:// anseladamsamerica.com for further information.)

Few people realize that Adams trained to be a classical musician, a fact which greatly influenced the work. It has consistently played to full houses and has succeeded in its mission to bring new and larger audiences to orchestra concerts.

Chris Brubeck (son of jazz pianist Dave Brubeck) is a worldrenowned performer and composer in his own right, having composed recent works for some of music’s greatest popular and classical artists.

“As majestic images of Half Dome and Horsetrail Falls fade in and out on a giant screen, the music builds and then melts to mirror the majesty of a church or echoes the Southwestern style as a mission takes the screen.” This partial concert description

by J.T. Long of the Sacramento Press is one of many rave reviews of recent performances.

While Adams was able to capture this almost archetypical image we have of the idyllic America, Chris Brubeck is known

for his rhythmic play and his inventive approach to music.

What a winning combination!

BRUBECK: TROMBONE CONCERTO No. 1 Brubeck will also be performing his “From the Blues to Beyond” – a concerto for trombone and trumpet. The Symphony’s own trumpet principal, Cooper Walden, will join Brubeck. It will be a real “tour de force.”

COPLAND: BILLY THE KID SUITE It was ballet impresario Lincoln Kirstein who had the inspiration to bring together composer Aaron Copland and choreographer Eugene Loring to create a work based on the legend of Billy the Kid. Billy, as related by Walter Noble Burns’ 1925 bestseller The Saga of Billy the Kid was a gambler, cattle rustler and vigilante frontiersman, and altogether unsavory but fascinating character.

Copland, having already composed works evocative of the American West and Mexico was well prepared for this “cowboy suite” incorporating six cowboy tunes into the score.

He provides a vivid sonic depiction of prairie life distinguished by his trademark widely spaced “open” woodwind harmonies, followed by a bass figure centered on a syncopated two-note motive – just for starters. In 1940 Copland extracted a concert suite from the ballet, the form in which the music is today most frequently heard. Bruce Kiesling will undoubtedly provide the audience with suitable descriptions of the parts of the suite. His before-concert talks have become quite popular.

Call today for tickets to the concert as it may well be a sellout.

Symphony Office: 732-8600.

PICTURED ABOVE: Chris Brubeck

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

Stifel Nicolas 1012.pdf

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3/28/11

1:38 PM

PERFORMANCES P

Front L-to-R: Monica Peterson, Amy Gunn, Penney Sick, Jim Wohlford Back L-to-R: Sherri Rigney, David Sharp, Lupe Sanchez

Jim Wohlford – Branch Manager & Senior Vice President/Investments Lupe Sanchez – Vice President/Investments David Sharp – Vice President/Investments Penney Sick – Vice President/Investments Amy Gunn – Client Service Associate Monica Peterson – Office Coordinator Sherri Rigney – Wire Operator

(559) 622-1040 • (866) 950-5516 217 East Caldwell • Visalia, California 93277 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC and NYSE

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K KUDOS

a tip of the hat to...

Habitat for Humanity

On November 3, 2011, Habitat for Humanity dedicated their 12th "Rescued Homes" project and celebrated with homeowner Christopher Nuno and his family. Nuno said of Habitat, "This world can be a better place and I firmly believe that with programs like this and those who sponsor them, it will be!

Thank you for everything!"

Do you know of someone or something that deserves kudos?

Let us know about it! Email us at lifestyle@dmiagency.com, or Fax: 559.738.0909

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

KUDOS K

All of us at AIR SUN wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

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Broker/Owner NMLS #252789

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December 2011 Theater & Performances

DEC 2

DEC 13

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EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical popculture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! By Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez. Directed by Sylvia Tejerian Garoian and Gary Benjamin.

When: Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 7:30p evenings; 2p Sunday matinee Where: The Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-3900 MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER Mannheim Steamroller brings a family tradition to the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno! Grammy Award winner and mastermind behind the group, Chip Davis will direct and co-produce both the East Coast and West Coast tour ensembles of Mannheim Steamroller. The show will feature the favorite Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state-of-theart multimedia effects in an intimate setting.

Tickets: $30 - $75.

When: Dec. 13, 7:30p Where: William Saroyan Theatre, 700 M St., Fresno Contact: 445-8200

LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

DEC 17 DEC 31

JAN 11

SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN The Sons of the San Joaquin are back for their annual Christmas show at the Visalia Fox Theatre. The Sons of the San Joaquin are a family trio composed of brothers, Joe and Jack Hannah, and Joe’s son, Lon, who sing western music, songs which celebrate the life and work and the geographical setting of the American Cowboy. Tickets: $20, $22, $24.

When: Dec. 17, 2p & 7p Where: Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: 625-1369 STRAIGHT NO CHASER Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Saroyan Theatre with the fabulous male a cappella group Straight No Chaser! The group, originally formed over a dozen years ago while students together at Indiana University, has reassembled and reemerged as a phenomenon – with a massive fan base, more than 20 million views on YouTube, numerous national TV appearances and proven success. Straight No Chaser is also offering fans a unique New Year’s Eve experience with a special Platinum Dinner Package. Go to ticketmaster.com for details.

When: Dec. 31, 8p Where: William Saroyan Theatre, 700 M St., Fresno Contact: 445-8200 MY FAIR LADY Don’t miss this classic Broadway play as part of the Broadway In Fresno 2011-2012 Season!

The story of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins will delight audiences and is often referred to as “the perfect musical.”

When: Jan. 11-12, 7:30p Where: William Saroyan Theatre, 700 M St., Fresno Contact: 445-8200

HAPPENINGS H

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET The dancers of Central California Ballet present The Nutcracker. This iconic performance tells the enchanting fairy tale of a Christmas come to life with traditional ballet, and the music of Tchaikovsky. A holiday dream for all ages! Reserved seating, ticket prices: $20-$50.

When: Dec. 10, 2p and 7:30p; Dec. 11, 2p Where: William Saroyan Theatre, 700 M St., Fresno Contact: 877-608-5883

JAN 14

JAN 12

TULARE COUNTY SYMPHONY: AMERICAN JOURNEYS CONTINUE Trombonist Chris Brubeck, son of jazz pianist Dave Brubeck is a world renowned performer and composer. Chris and Dave Brubeck’s “Ansel Adams–America” will be accompanied by the projection of majestic images taken by the famous photographer. Also on the program are Copland’s “Billy the Kid Suite” and Brubeck’s “Trombone Concerto No. 1.”

When: Jan. 14, 7:30p Where: Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: 732-8600 ERIC JOHNSON AT THE FOX Best known for his success in the instrumental rock format, Johnson regularly incorporates jazz, fusion, gospel and country-western music into his recordings. With special guest Peppino D’Agostino, this night will be full of great music and fun.

When: Jan. 21, 7:30p Where: Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: 625-1369

Art Exhibits

NOV 3

CHEERS! MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS BY KATHLEEN MATTOX Mattox specializes in watercolor as well as mixed media paintings. Each new painting is a thrill in itself as well as a jumping-off point for the next step in the creative process.

When: Nov. 3–Jan. 7 Where: Tulare Historical Museum, Heritage Room, 444 W. Tulare Ave., Tulare Contact: 686-2074

NOV 30 JAN 7

THE CHINESE BRUSH – WORKS BY JOY HARVEY & STUDENTS Joy Harvey has studied the history and philosophy of Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy for over 30 years. Works by her and her students will be on display for the public to view.

When: Nov. 30–Dec. 23 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905 1ST SATURDAY IN THREE RIVERS Celebrate art, music, dance, storytelling, food and drink as you browse the art galleries, studios and gift shops of Downtown Three Rivers. For discounts and participants visit website.

When: Jan. 7, 10a–5p Where: Maps at Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or visit www.1stSaturdayTR.com

Diversions & Excursions

DEC 17

2011 TINSEL TOY RUN/WALK PRESENTED BY TULARE OUTLET CENTER Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the Salvation ArmyTulare’s toy drive. Proceeds to be used to purchase additional toys for the toy drive. Early registration, $20 for 5K Run/Walk, $15 for 1-mile Walk. After Dec. 9 and race day, $25 for 5K Run/Walk and $20 for 1-mile Walk.

When: Dec. 17, 9:30a Where: Tulare Outlet Center, 1407 Retherford St., Tulare Contact: 684-9091

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TULE FOG RUN The Tule Fog run offers a beautiful backdrop to a unique event. Join us in the fog as we run the St. John’s River.

Last year’s event attracted nearly 500 participants. The event provides participants with a t-shirt, goodie bags and healthy snacks. Kick off your New Year the right way!

When: Jan. 21, 7a Where: Parking at Cutler Park Contact: Visalia Parks & Recreation, 713-4365

JAN 15

A BRIDAL ODYSSEY Come and connect with the wedding professionals you need to help you create your perfect day. This bridal show gives you an opportunity to meet dozens of great wedding vendors, see (and taste!) their work, sign up for great prizes and discounts, and enjoy a beautiful multi-media fashion show.

When: Jan. 15, 11a-4p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 733-0741 or debbie@ abridalodyssey.com HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Every Thursday in December. Explore the magic of Downtown Visalia for the holidays.

Each Thursday night, guests will enjoy horsedrawn carriage rides, photos with Santa Claus, caroling and strolling musicians. There is always exceptional service as you shop and take a break to savor the cuisine and specialty beverages at one of our more than 50 restaurants.

When: Thursdays, 5–8p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: www.DowntownVisalia.com VISALIA FARMERS’ MARKET – HARVEST OF THE VALLEY Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase.

When: Saturdays, Sequoia Mall – Sears parking lot, 8–11:30a Where: Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www. visaliafarmersmarket.com.

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LIFESTYLE | DECEMBER 2011

Charitable Events

DEC 23

CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY MEAL AT VRM Come out to support the Visalia Rescue Mission in their mission to provide hope and restoration through Jesus Christ and serve food to the homeless and needy in our very own community. Please call to sign up to volunteer early.

When: Dec. 23, 11a-1p Where: Visalia Rescue Mission, 322 NE First Ave., Visalia Contact: Janelle, 740-4178 Ext. 14 or janelle@visaliarescue.org

Writers & Readers TULARE COUNTY LIBRARY Mystery Readers (Dec. 21 and Jan. 18, 6:30p) Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org

Event Listings If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Happenings” section, please email your submission to lifestyle@ dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, Attention Happenings. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission.

Submissions are due six weeks prior to publication.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing like the sparkle and shine of a brand new home!