Chafic Dada and Tommy Caprelian met at a Visalia craft beer event in 2013. Chafic was part of a Visalia family that had opened three Mediterranean restaurants that all featured craft beer. Tommy was from Sanger and had just started making beer commercially—in fact, this was the first event he had brought his beer to. The two entrepreneurs quickly decided that someday they would … [Read more...]
Valley allergy sufferers: Get into the Neti Pot, and get some relief
Spring is here and with it comes blossoms on our trees, like the Elberta peach in my backyard. If you suffer from allergies, sinus infections or other ailments from pollen, dust or air pollution, the bright colors can also bring a hint of dread. I’ve had allergies and asthma for as long as I can remember. In fact, I used to get weekly allergy shots and had the occasional night time … [Read more...]
What does it take to make Fresno a Blue Zone?
Last year, I read a book that has really changed my perspective. It’s titled The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. In the book, Dan Buettner and National Geographic set out to find the places on the planet where people live the longest and have the healthiest lives. They found five regions that met their criteria and colored them blue on … [Read more...]
Live Again Fresno helps kids living in motels on Parkway Drive
FresYes.com is a wonderful vehicle for telling everyone about the great things that are happening in our region. It’s a positive force of nature. But we all know there are problems in our community. I often think of that well-worn phrase “creative problem solving” when I hear the word "problem." It's in the middle of the phrase, but it’s surrounded by the words "creative" and "solving." There is … [Read more...]
Soak up mountain charm at distillery and art gallery Oakhurst Spirits
Last month, I headed to Oakhurst Spirits with two of my Oakhurst friends. I'd seen the place a few times as I drove past on my way to hike nearby. Craft distilleries are a growing trend with about 180 licensed in California. Oakhurst Spirits is the first in the Fresno, Madera, and Mariposa region, and 411 Ales & Spirits is working on their license to open a brewery and distillery in … [Read more...]
Timaree Hagenburger’s healthy cooking demo is your first step toward change
Getting the whole family involved with healthy meals is Timaree Hagenburger’s mission. Sometimes it’s difficult for people who cook for their kids or even for their aging parents to get their family’s support and cooperation, and that's where she comes in. Timaree will be in Fresno for a free cooking demonstration and talk Saturday, Jan. 6. She’ll even have her kids with her to show how to make … [Read more...]
Doctor visits without the hassle? They exist
I like simplicity. Any time there is a government process, a legal system, an insurance form, medical bureaucracy, or a big box store, I freak out. So when a friend told me about her wonderful doctor and how simple it was to use her services, it had my attention. And when she told me that it was Dr. Karen Hansen-Smith, I was extra happy, because I've known her and her husband for several years, … [Read more...]
Fulton Street is open! Now what?
On Oct. 21, we celebrated the re-opening of Fulton Street, downtown Fresno’s main street. It was quite a party. We started with the obligatory speeches from elected officials and yours truly. We had a Draggin’ the Main car cruise. There were 14 pop-up businesses in vacant storefronts. Twenty-five local bands donated their time and talent to get us singing and dancing. We had a beer and … [Read more...]