Natali Carrera - 3/28

Cookies N Things Bakery has opened in downtown Fresno

October 17, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

As someone who works in downtown Fresno, my ears always perk up when I hear of a new business opening near my office, especially one that involves coffee or food. Just this week, I was excited to visit a brand-new business that offers both!

Cookies N Things opened just this month on Fulton Street

Cookies N Things is a new bakery located at 1239 Fulton Street just south of Fresno Street. Owner and operator Joshaya Joshua has been baking tasty cookies, brownies, breads, and granola for years, selling them at farmers markets in the Bay Area. However, having lived here before, she found herself pulled back to Fresno. She wanted to be part of an up-and-coming area. So, when a downtown storefront opened up, Joshaya felt it was the perfect time to settle back in Fresno and make her brick-and-mortar bakery dream a reality.

The interior of Cookies N Things is sleek and modern and features a pantry area with grab-and-go items to enjoy at home (like the granola) as well as a counter where guests can order freshly baked cookies, desserts, and drinks.

One of Joshaya’s tasty granolas

The sleek, cool interior of Cookies N Things on Fulton Street

Baked goods for every taste

Joshaya’s menu focuses on providing masterfully created baked goods with perfected textures and flavors, while cutting back on sugar, fat, and dairy ingredients. She offers more than 10 different varieties of freshly baked granola. I couldn’t resist grabbing a bag of ginger granola while I was there, though pumpkin was calling to me, too!

There are also six different types of cookies that are baked fresh several times during the day, including chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip, macadamia nut white chip, red velvet vanilla chip, fudge chocolate chip, oatmeal (vegan), and apple cinnamon (vegan).

My coworker Eric learns about the different cookies offered from Joshaya’s daughter

Additionally, Joshaya bakes brownies, cinnamon rolls, pound cake, cheesecake bites, several pies, and a variety of breads! To go along with your baked goods, Cookies N Things sells hot coffee, cocoa, tea, multiple types of milks (you’ve got to offer milk if you sell cookies!), and juices.

Where to find Cookies N Things

Cookies N Things is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Like most bakeries, you’ll get the best selection if you go early in the day. You can also follow Cookies N Things on Facebook and on Instagram.

“Enough” clothing shop wants to ensure families in need have just that—for free

October 10, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

I was absentmindedly scrolling through Facebook recently when I came upon an event invite for the grand opening of “Enough,” a “family-friendly, trendy thrift shop serving underprivileged families in our community.” This thrift shop was opening on the campus of NorthPointe Community Church, located on Milburn just north of Herndon Ave. in northwest Fresno.

The concept piqued my interest and I decided to check it out. In my day job, I work with families who are going through times of need and I always like to be aware of as many community resources as possible.

Enough is located in the NW corner bungalow on the NorthPointe Church campus

My plan for the grand opening was to attend, shop around, ask for more information from the people running the shop, and perhaps purchase a few items. However, once I arrived, I realized there was actually nothing for sale! The entire shop truly is dedicated to supporting anyone who has a need for quality, second-hand clothing for themselves or their family. Anyone in need can visit Enough during its open hours and select any ten items they like, and there is no charge or obligation whatsoever.

Enough seeks to provide in-style clothing that is in good condition to those who need it most for free

I spoke with Katie Fauntleroy, the visionary behind Enough, to learn more about her motivation to open the shop. “I’ve wanted to do this for ten years. I couldn’t rent a building, but recently, after a message in church where our pastor told us that, ‘We are the church,’ I felt compelled to ask for the space on the church grounds. I was told enthusiastically, to ‘Go for it!’ ”

Katie said she didn’t have the capital or infrastructure she needed to start a store, but with help from others in the church, she found the pieces coming together. She was able to purchase clothing racks from another thrift store that was closing its doors. Then, when she found she needed more racks, a trip to Home Depot and a conversation with an employee there inspired an affordable solution: fence piping and ladders would make for additional rack space and s-hooks could even hang accessories from ladder arms. People from the church learned of Fauntleroy’s goal to help those in need and began donating clothing. “The clothing was so nice, some of it with the tags still on, even. People just wanted to help,” Katie says.

Ladders and pipe shelving provided a creative and affordable solution when additional clothing racks weren’t available.

According to Guest Services Director Tanya Nichols, Enough is part of NorthPointe’s plan for serving the community, a plan that is based on a successful community outreach model piloted by Saddleback Church (a mega-church located in Southern California). Their plan is to serve by eliminating “spiritual emptiness, corrupt church leadership, poverty, illiteracy, and disease.” Thus, their community outreach work will focus on providing spiritual support, strong and transparent leadership, aid to those in need, assistance with education, and health needs. “Saddleback is offering recovery programs for addiction, ESL classes, health clinics, a thrift store, and a food pantry for their community. We’re not there yet, but that’s what we’re working towards! At this point, we have ESL classes, one of the largest Celebrate Recovery groups in the area, and now we have Enough.”

Shoppers can visit Enough on Monday evenings or in the morning on the first Saturday of each month

Enough offers formal and business attire and shoes for those in need of work clothes or interview attire

While I was speaking with Katie and Tanya, a woman carrying a toddler on her shoulders overheard our conversation and excitedly told me, “I’m so grateful for this! I’m a single mom and I was starting to wonder what I was going to do. It’s getting colder and he’s outgrowing everything. This came at the perfect time! I got here a half hour before they opened, and I’m just so glad they’re doing this. This means the world to me!” She happily perused the racks, her toddler content on her shoulders.

Enough hours and information

If you know of an individual or family in need who could benefit from the gift of free clothing, Enough is open on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Shoppers do not have to have any specific religious affiliation or attend the church to receive clothing.

If you have gently used clothing from size 0-3 months up to 3X in adults that you’d like to donate, Enough is happy to accept your donations during its operating hours, or by appointment if you call the main church office at (559) 276-2300. Enough is also happy to accept donations of clothing racks, store shelving, and hangers.

The Big Fresno Fair is back! Here’s what’s hot and what’s new

October 5, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

From exhibits to live horse racing, entertainment to livestock and everything in between, The Big Fresno Fair is back and promises to be BIGGER and BETTER than ever as gates open for twelve days and over 600,000 Valley residents flood in.

Vintage Fresno neon signs surround the Paul Paul Theater

Chicken Charlie’s always has new fried creations to try!

The midway is always a hit, especially if you get to go when it’s lit up at night.

This week, my husband and I, along with a crew of 6th grade boys we chaperoned, got a first-hand look at what’s new at the fair. I also have info for you on even more that we didn’t get to in our short field trip.

The Big Fresno Fair runs from October 3rd through October 14th this year.

Gates Open:
11:00 a.m. Monday – Friday
10:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday

Gates Close:
11:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday
Midnight Friday & Saturday

New and must-see spots at the 2018 Big Fresno Fair

Events/activities for all ages:

Ag Ventureland Upgrade

Ag Ventureland has always been a must-see for fair-goers with young kids. This year, the fair is proud to debut an entirely new setup with new activities, all designed to teach about the fascinating world of agriculture. This area is located on the northeast side of the Livestock Pavilion.

Pass this building to find Ag Ventureland

Let’s Play! Exhibit in Kids’ Town

The fair is all about having fun and playing, and that’s just what this new exhibit is all about. Kids and grown-up kids alike can enjoy a variety of giant-sized games like Connect Four, Operation, Jenga, and more! This exhibit is free of charge with your fair admission.

The New Let’s Play! Exhibit entrance

The Let’s Play! Exhibit features giant bubble wands and solution pools

Let’s Play! was a big hit with our crew of kids.

The Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show

The Nerveless Nocks are descendants of the Swiss Circus Family Nock and are among the most respected aerial stunt artists in the world today. Since 1954, The Nerveless Nocks have been thrilling audiences worldwide. Their thrill-seeking show features Sensational Sky-High Swaypoles with a breathtaking aerial exchange from pole to pole and a headfirst free-fall back to the ground, the Nocks Globe of Fear, a giant 17 ft. steel globe in which 1-3 motorcycle stunt riders race at high speeds narrowly missing each other inside it, and the Tower of Chairs.

Lorikeets Encounter

Stroll through the open aviary within the greenhouse exhibit while beautiful parrots fly overhead. You’ll even have the chance to feed them!

Big Fresno Fair Tractor Tree

The “Tractor Tree,” located on the south side of the Paul Paul Theater, stands 32 ft. tall and features 22 various-sized tractors welded to a metal frame to create a “tree.” Integrated into the design are two tractor cabs in which kids (and adults) can sit in and steer the tractor, pose for pictures, and, most importantly, learn about the incredible impact of tractors on agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. Surrounding the Tractor Tree are storyboards telling the evolution in farming in the Valley from early mule-pulled plows to the modern day tractor, accompanied by an educational video.

Events/activities for adults:

Fall Wine Festival

The Big Fresno Fair is excited to host its new Fall Wine Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13, inside the race track during live horse racing. The fair has partnered with the San Joaquin Valley Wine Growers Association to bring in more than a dozen wineries from the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast for attendees to sample, enjoy, and learn more about. Wine lovers will also enjoy betting stations, music and food trucks, art and luxury car displays, and shopping. Ticket prices for the Fall Wine Festival are $50 for an all-inclusive ticket (event and fair admission, VIP parking), $35 event-only ticket, and $25 designated driver ticket. If it doesn’t sell out (1,200 tickets), then tickets will be sold at the gate for $60.

Craft Brew Court

The popular Craft Brew Court, located just north of the Wells Fargo Agriculture Building, is back for a third year. The Craft Brew Court features 14 rotating handles with various craft beers. Enjoy live music daily and even a barber shop challenge on Sun, 10/7 on the Craft Brew Court Stage.

Save Mart Wine Garden

Pull up a chair and unwind in the Save Mart Wine Garden, located southeast of the Paul Paul Theater. As one of the most popular places on the fairgrounds, the Save Mart Wine Garden features local and regional wines, wine slushies, craft beer, and daily live entertainment. At its entry is a 20-ft. tall old mission style archway that represents the vibrant grape industry of the San Joaquin Valley. The flooring is made of recycled California tires, making it a very comfy place to stop for those feet that have been walking all over the fairgrounds.

Sports Zone presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts

Enjoy plenty of shaded seating and great fair food from the Sports Zone, located between the Infield Tunnel Entrance and the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to sit and relax, planning your next adventure in the carnival, waiting for the races to start, or casually listening to great music coming from the Pavilion Stage, all while being able to watch a variety of sports on TVs, the Sports Zone is the place for you.

Miller Lite Starter’s Sports Bar

The Miller Lite Starter’s Sports Bar is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts who want to catch their favorite teams playing while still enjoying the fun of the fair and the excitement of live horse racing. Located just off of the paddock in the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand.

Behind the scenes with the Davis Family Light Show

October 4, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

For many of us, it may seem too early to be thinking about Christmas and the holiday season. But that’s not the case not for Scott Davis, who’s been preparing for months. Why? Because Scott Davis is one of the few, the brave, the talented who put on an elaborate, synced music and light shows on their property for all of us to enjoy.

I had the opportunity to interview Scott about what it takes to pull off a synced-light holiday display, and what you can look forward to this year if you visit the Davis home. (Spoiler alert: you’re going to want to visit—both at Christmas and Halloween.)

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FresYes: What made you decide to start going all out at your home for Christmas?

Scott Davis: Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved lights. During the holiday season, my brother and I would spend hours planning how we were going to decorate our house. After getting married and buying a house of my own, I continued the tradition of decorating my house to the limit.

I was initially inspired by a video posted by electrical engineer Carson Williams, who set his Christmas lights to the song “Wizards in Winter” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2005. At that point, however, we couldn’t afford the hardware required to do an animated display.

How many years have you been doing these displays, and how did you learn how to do it?

My first year animating my lights was in 2016, where I synchronized 7,800 lights to 16 songs. Our 2018 display will be our third. When I initially began looking into it, I was able to get assistance from several people that run similar displays. The Light-O-Rama community is also very helpful (Light-O-Rama is the company that makes the controller, hardware, and software for my display).

The Davis Family Christmas 2017 display with all lights on. The 2017 display had 18,419 lights.

At what point in the year do you have to get started working on your display?

Putting on a display like this takes a lot of time, and I have to plan ahead. By the time July came around this year, I had already finalized my song list for 2019 (this year’s song list was done last summer). I already know what lights I will be adding to my 2019 display, and I started doing the actual programming of this year’s display back in February. I hope to finish by mid-October. The lights go up during mid-October, so I have ample time to test and adjust my programming until everything is just right.

What does it really take to pull it all off?

Time, money, and patience. Almost every feature on my house is decorated with four colors of lights—red, white, blue, and green. The individual strings are zip-tied together to keep it looking uniform, which takes time. We buy bulk wire and plugs and make all of our extension cords to length, which saves money, but also takes time.

Our 2018 display will have almost two miles of extension cord! At the core of everything are the controllers. Each one controls 16 channels (think of a channel as a string of lights). For the 2018 show, I will be using 16 controllers because of the number of channels I have, and it will have somewhere between 25,000 and 26,000 lights.

The programming software is very user-friendly, but it also takes time. I spend hours listening to the music, visualizing in my head what the lights might be doing, taking notes, then I sit down with the software and start programming, which takes me between three and four hours per minute of music.

I then spend additional time playing it back, getting feedback from my wife, and making adjustments, before considering a song “done.” Of course, I also do additional testing once the lights are up and make even more adjustments. Before the show is viewed by the public, the programming must be perfect.

The Sequencer is the program Scott uses to program the light show. The columns across the top represent the time, and each row represents a channel of lights. Filling in the blocks, like a spreadsheet, makes the lights do things. In this case, you can see channels off, channels on, fade-ins, and fade-outs.

It would be very difficult to judge the programming when the lights aren’t up if it weren’t for the Visualizer, says Scott. This simulation allows him to see an approximation of what the lights are doing, so that he can make sure the color choices work and the synchronization with the music is good.

Of course, in order to run the show we must also get the lights up, which can take a lot of time as well. Last year, a good friend of mine assisted me and it took the two of us nine hours to get everything set up. The setup requires testing every string of lights to make sure they’re working, running the extension cords, hanging the lights, staking some things down so they don’t blow over, and testing the lights again to make sure each string of lights is plugged into the correct channel on the controllers.

This year I have additional lights, so it will probably take a bit longer to get everything set up. Like many things, the key is being very organized and taking your time so that everything is set up properly.

Your display takes an incredible amount of time and dedication to make happen! What do you hope people will take away from seeing your home?

Our lives today are filled with stress—some of our own making, some not. When I look at Christmas lights (whether at my house or another’s) the beauty of the lights and music provides a much-needed distraction and, for a few minutes, I can simply enjoy the view as if I were a carefree child again. It is my hope that those who view my display have the same experience, being able to forget about their worries for just a little while, and experience nothing but pure child-like happiness.

Halloween is also a big deal in your neighborhood. Tell us about that.

Last year we were startled by how many people came into our neighborhood for Halloween, and how many houses decorated. We went through 300 pieces of candy in just over an hour.

This year, our Halloween display will feature five songs. We’ll run the Halloween show from 6-8 p.m. starting on Friday, Oct. 26. The final night will be Halloween night, where we will start the show at 6 p.m. and it will run until we are out of candy!

That leads me to my next question. What should we know about opening night?

We will begin our Christmas show the Monday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 19). Our show runs every night from 6-10pm through New Year’s Eve. Those who want to learn a bit more about how everything works can show up at 5:40pm, where I will be giving a short talk about the hardware and software driving the show!

For opening night, we will be having a free raffle to win your very own miniature Christmas tree (like the ones we use in the show) with 400 lights and your choice of colors! We will also be joined by a Bobby Salazar’s taco truck. The raffle and taco truck will be available between 6pm and 8pm (the entire event goes until 10pm). You do need to be present to enter the raffle, but you do not need to be present to win.

What else would you like readers to know that I haven’t already asked?

If you are seriously considering looking into doing an animated display for your own home and need some pointers, please contact me through our website and I’d be happy to show you how everything comes together. You can also watch our entire 2017 light show if you’re interested in seeing what we’ve done in the past (http://tinyurl.com/davislights2017). We hope to see you soon!

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Keep up with the Davis family light adventures and share your kudos and compliments for all their hard work on behalf of all of our enjoyment on their Facebook page. And be sure to stop by and see the 2018 show on opening night, Nov. 19, 2018!

Meet the local police officer who balances career, family, and an amazing BBQ business

September 19, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Do you ever meet a business owner and think, “There’s got to be an interesting story behind this business”? I do. I love learning about the passion people have for what they do—especially when it comes to local, family-owned businesses.

Over the past couple of years, my family and I have crossed paths with a family whose children attend the same school as my son. I had a feeling their business story was an interesting one. My hunch was right.

If you like amazing barbecue, ribs, and homemade rubs and barbecue sauces that will knock your socks off, you’re going to want to learn more about Sheepdog BBQ. Read on, hungry friends, for my interview with John Banuelos, founder and owner of Sheepdog BBQ.

Meet local business owner John Banuelos of Sheepdog BBQ

FresYes: What made you want to start Sheepdog BBQ?

John Banuelos: It all began in 2008 when my wife and I were on vacation in Lake Tahoe. We attended a cooking class that was being offered at the resort we were staying at, and they taught us how to cook the “perfect” steak. The class planted a seed, which grew into a passion for me.

A few months later, I attended a training class that offered barbecue food as their lunch they prepared for us. They had a barbecue sauce which was excellent. I’d asked the caterer what brand the sauce was and they told me they made their own. It never occurred to me before that you can make your own barbecue sauce.

After that class, I went home and started putting some ingredients together to come up with my own homemade barbecue sauce. I had gone through about 15 different versions and finally came up with the one that I have today. I started to make it in small batches and would give it as gifts during the holidays. Everyone who had tried the barbecue sauce kept suggesting to me that I should sell it. At the time it didn’t interest me because I didn’t think of myself as a business person. I was just a cop.

In 2012, word got around on my shift about my barbecue sauce. People started asking me to bring them some the next time I made it, so I did. After a while I was making batch after batch and giving it away. I finally decided that I needed to stop making it for free and start making money from it. I sat down and began to break down the costs to make it and to see if it would be profitable. It took about six months to figure it out, and in September of 2013, I officially launched Sheepdog BBQ.

What was your first product?

My first products were my Smokin’ Sweet BBQ Sauce and Smokin’ Sweet BBQ rub. Both have the same flavor profile.

Okay, I have to know: Where did the name Sheepdog come from?

When I started the business, the term “sheepdog” was not very well known outside of the law enforcement arena. However, within it, the term sheepdog refers to people in law enforcement and military. Sheepdogs (law enforcement/military) protect the “sheep” (law-abiding citizens) from the wolves (non-law-abiding citizens).

So I knew naming my business this would appeal to the law enforcement community, while the non-law enforcement community would think it was just a cool sounding name because the term sheepdog also relates to the old cowboy days of herding sheep with actual sheepdogs, and what cowboys did to prepare food—barbecue!

You’ve just celebrated your fifth year in business. What is your product line like now?

A year after launch, I created my second barbecue seasoning, which was inspired by the cooking class that we’d taken in Lake Tahoe. Garlic Dog is an all-purpose seasoning, great for steak, chicken, and vegetables.

A year after that, in 2016, I created my third rub which was a Mexican-inspired seasoning. This rub goes great on carne asada, chicken, shrimp, and corn on the cob.

The current lineup of Sheepdog BBQ products

What are your most popular products, and do you have a personal favorite?

I always get asked which seasoning is most popular; honestly, they all seem to have their own amazing following. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, but the one I use the most is the Smokin’ Sweet Rub. I use it on my tri-tip, ribs, and pulled pork.

So, in addition to being a law enforcement officer and making great barbecue sauces and seasonings, you also do catering?

Catering was never in the plans at first, but the more I cooked and the more I posted my food on social media, people became intrigued. I had friends ask if I could make food for them, so I did, then word of mouth got around and the catering branch of my company took off.

There are a lot of barbecue caterers here in Fresno. I will never say my food is better than someone else’s, but what separates my food is everything on my menu is flavored with my own products.

Being an LEO and owning a business has to be challenging. What makes both possible, and what advice do you have for others who have demanding jobs, but also really feel called to entrepreneurship?

I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur. I never set out to be one. I refer to myself as the “accidental entrepreneur.” I began my business for two reasons:

One, to have an outlet from my job. I’ve been a police officer for 15 1/2 years. The last 5 or so years have been tough for law enforcement. So, I needed something outside of the crazy cop world to occupy my mind. I have definitely done that (with Sheepdog BBQ). While I love my job, I try not to let it consume me like it started to, so I focus on my family and business.

Which brings me to the second reason I started Sheepdog BBQ: I wanted to build a family business, something my kids could grow into and maybe get involved with as they get older. Already, my oldest, Darren, loves to help me. He’ll go shopping for ingredients with me or watch as I prepare food. Even my youngest, Audrina, likes to peel labels for me so I can label my bottles of sauce.

It has been difficult at times, juggling a full-time job, side business, and raising a family, but it’s all about making time and working as a team. My wife is a huge help when it comes to promoting the business and keeping me organized.

You have a rib competition coming up. Tell us about that. Can the public attend/buy tickets?

I’ve learned there are two types of barbecuers: those who compete and those who cater. I love the catering aspect, and competitions are very intense. I’ve never competed before, but thought I’d give it a try.

I will be competing Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Rib Battle Royale at Full Circle Brewery. The event begins at 7 a.m. and rib turn-in is at 2 p.m. The event is open to the public, and I’m excited about this new adventure.

So, now that everyone who’s read this interview is drooling at the thought of amazing barbecue, where can we shop Sheepdog BBQ products and stay in the loop regarding products and services?

All of my products are available for sale through my website, www.sheepdogbbq.com, and you can also find me and my food on Facebook and Instagram.

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(Image credit: Sheepdog BBQ)

10 things you didn’t know about H&M, Fashion Fair’s newest retail store

September 12, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

This Thursday, Sept. 13, Fashion Fair Mall will welcome clothing retailer H&M to its family of stores. This will be Fresno’s second H&M location—the first opened in River Park in 2014.

H&M is still a relatively new retailer to the area, so I thought it would be fun to learn a bit more about the store. In my research, I learned not only about their exciting grand opening plans, but also how much the chain of stores cares not just about fashion, but also sustainability and resource conservation.

H&M is known around the world for affordable, stylish clothing

10 Fun Facts About H&M

1. H&M stores are known around the world for offering affordable and sustainable ready-to-wear fashion clothing in a wide range of styles and sizes.

2. The H stands for Hennes, which is Swedish for “hers” as well as the name of a women’s clothing store founded in Sweden in 1947 by Erling Persson. Later, Persson purchased the building and inventory of a hunting store called Mauritz Widforss. After the acquisition, Perrson decided to begin selling men’s clothing as well as women’s, so he renamed his store Hennes & Mauritz, which later was shortened to H&M.

3. H&M prides itself in treating employees well and providing career paths. In 2017, the store earned the ranking of #1 Employer in the fashion industry by Forbes.

4. Every single U.S. H&M store is powered by renewable energy, including all 78 California locations.

5. H&M cares about sustainability and the impact the fashion and textile industry has on landfills. The chain of stores was the first in the world to launch an across-the-board textile recycling program. Shoppers can bring bags of no longer needed clothing or textiles, in any condition, to their local H&M store and they will be recycled responsibly.

6. In 2017 alone, H&M stopped more than 2.5 million pounds of unwanted clothing and textiles from being added to U.S. landfills.

7. The new 22,000 square foot Fashion Fair H&M location will be located at 559 E. Shaw Ave. next to the Disney store, between Macy’s for Men and JC Penney.

8. The Fashion Fair H&M store will carry clothing for men, women, children, and infants, plus offer a separate “store-in-store” accessories selection.

9. To celebrate the new store, customers at the H&M at Fashion Fair can line up before noon on opening day for a chance to win an H&M Fashion Pass valued up to $500, while supplies last, in addition to other surprise offers for the whole family.

10. Customers who participate in the clothing and textile recycling program by bringing unwanted items on opening day will have a chance to win gift cards from $50–$500 in value.

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So, will you be recycling and shopping this Thursday, Sept 13, at H&M in Fashion Fair, and possibly winning prizes? I hope so! Have fun and good luck!

Tower’s new Bocca Taqueria satisfies your cravings for flavorful tacos

September 5, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

Living in the Taco Capital, Fresnans are lucky to have tacos available on numerous street corners throughout the city. Sometimes, however, you want to go out for tacos and have a place to sit and relax while you eat, as well as a wide variety of meat and filling options to choose from—like those you enjoy from your favorite taco truck.

Bocca Taqueria, a newly opened Tower District restaurant, satisfies both of those needs!

Bocca Taqueria is located on E. Olive in the Tower District

Menu options are plentiful

Bocca Taqueria is located at 568 E. Olive Avenue in the former Castillo’s location. Their menu offers a whopping 16 different meat choices for taco lovers to enjoy. From popular favorites like asada and al pastor, to less common, specialty choices like suadero (aka “rose meat,” a flavorful cut of beef neck) and cachete (beef cheek), there are options for all.

Bocca offers waited service in two dining areas with updated, modern décor. The environment is casual and family friendly.

Bocca offers a variety of meats for taco lovers to enjoy (pictured clockwise from top: asada, saudero, al pastor)

Bocca’s interior is updated and inviting

Bocca’s taco selfie wall is ‘Gram-worthy on purpose

Menu highlights

My husband and I recently visited Bocca for the first time, and really enjoyed the food and experience. Here are some of the highlights from our visit:

Salsa Flights for $3.99. You can try six different types of super flavorful and fresh, house-made salsa. On the day we went, we were served pineapple habanero, fresh red tomato, crushed peanut, molcajete, green tomatillo, and pumpkin seed salsa. Every single one of them was good; however, I enjoyed the molcajete best and my husband loved the peanut salsa. Chip refills were provided at no additional cost.

Bocca’s salsa flight and chips

Mulitas, a cross between a street taco and a cheese quesadilla. These tasty, melty stacks of deliciousness are available with al pastor (pork), chuleta (pork chop), bistec (steak), ribeye, arrachera (skirt steak) or pollo (chicken). I had an arrachera mulita and have been craving another since the moment I finished eating it.

My skirt steak mulita (on the left)

Choriqueso, another hybrid dish, is a hearty appetizer featuring melted cheese and crumbled chorizo, and is served with corn or flour tortillas.
Pricing. All menu prices are fairly reasonable, especially given the quality and selection of ingredients. Depending on how hungry you are, you’ll likely want to piece together 2-4 items to create a full meal, but at $2.75-$4 a pop, the total cost is very inline with, if not slightly below, most casual, sit-down restaurants.

Bocca’s current menu

Where to find Bocca Taqueria

Though it’s been open just over a month, Bocca has already garnered a solid 4-star average on Yelp and 4.4 star average on Facebook. Reviewers point out how much they enjoyed the multitude of salsa and meat choices, and how good the asada and ribeye are.

If you’re looking for some tasty tacos in a pleasant, sit-down atmosphere and friendly customer service, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Bocca Taqueria. I recommend putting them on your “to try” list and visiting soon!

Bocca Taqueria

568 E. Olive Ave.
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 374-5100

Hours: Closed Sun and Mon. Open Tues-Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Find them on Facebook here

Learn about the Central Valley Red Cross, their work, and how you can help

August 29, 2018 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

With all of the fires occurring in California this summer, as well as in the Pacific Northwest, the Red Cross is a name we frequently see in the news consistently providing help to those in their time of greatest need.

As you may know, the Central Valley is home to its own very active Red Cross chapter. I wanted to take some time to learn more about what its staff and volunteers are doing to help others, plus find out how we, as fellow Valley residents, can be of assistance to their work. I spoke with Taylor Poisall, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist at the American Red Cross Central Valley, to learn more.

FresYes: Can you tell me a bit about your position with the local Red Cross, and what drew you to the work?

Taylor Poisall: I am the Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, which means I have the incredible opportunity to speak with our community members about how they can volunteer with the Red Cross throughout the Central Valley. I originally started as a volunteer during my senior year of college, and thankfully found a role in the Red Cross.

Working with volunteers is a truly enjoyable experience, and they continue to inspire me. It is incredible work that our volunteers do, whether it be helping communities prepare for emergencies, assisting people affected by disasters, connecting families or simply lending a helping hand to members of the community. Every day is different and exciting and our volunteers make it very enjoyable.

The Red Cross sends Disaster Relief teams to help after a disaster on average 64,000 times per year

FY: What type of work is our local Red Cross most involved in?

TP: Our Disaster Services team is extremely busy in the Central Valley. Our Disaster Action Team responds to almost one home fire a day to support victims of household fires. To combat this, the Red Cross has a “Sound the Alarm” campaign where volunteers and partners canvass high-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, and help families create escape plans. Residents looking to take part in our free smoke alarm program can call our chapter office and make an appointment to have free smoke alarms installed.

Our Service to Armed Forces volunteers work with the VA Hospital to provide support to veterans and participate in Reconnection Workshops with active duty members and their families.

Lastly, we are always training for ongoing disaster seasons. We deployed trained disaster volunteers to several wildfire responses this summer, and we are preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.

The work of the Red Cross is carried out largely by teams of trained volunteers. Read on to learn how you can help!

FY: Are there elements of the work our local Red Cross does that you were surprised to learn of, that you didn’t know about prior to your work with the organization?

TP: Before I started, I knew that Red Cross taught Health and Safety classes and that they were there in big disasters I saw on the news.

After working with the Red Cross for three years, I am constantly encouraged by what our volunteers can do. Almost every day in Fresno County, Disaster Action Team members are waking up in the middle of the night to go support victims of home fires. Nationwide, Red Cross volunteers respond to over 64,000 natural disasters a year, and most of them are home fires.

FY: What are the greatest needs currently for the Central Valley Red Cross, and how can Fresnans help?

TP: Volunteer at the American Red Cross of Central California to make an impact today! People can volunteer at our office working on administrative projects big and small, teach education classes to prepared students and community groups, train to be on a disaster team, work with our VA and other veteran groups—the list goes on.

You can also help people affected by disasters big and small, like wildfires and countless other crises, by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters. Click, call, or text to give: visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

FY: I know there are events coming up that support the Red Cross. Tell me what’s ahead on the calendar.

TP: Local Red Cross of Central Valley volunteers are excited to support A Taste of River Park 2018, a volunteer favorite. You can join us on Sept. 8 from 6-10 p.m. for a 21+ event in the River Park shopping center. This 9th annual event consists of food, wine, fashion, and lots of fun. Located throughout the event will also be two bars, various vendors, wine sampling, and of course food tasting! Guests will receive one taste from each winery and restaurant. The American Red Cross Central Valley is the proud beneficiary of this year’s event. A portion of the proceeds will support disaster relief. To purchase tickets, you can visit atasteofriverpark.com.

Additionally, you can join us this fall as the American Red Cross of Central California introduces Shelter of Hope, a major regional fundraising campaign to raise funds and awareness to support disaster relief by simulating the experience of staying in a Red Cross shelter. The Shelter of Hope will be in Fresno on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at River Park. There will be plenty of events for the entire family. For more information, visit redcross.org/hope.

FY: Anything else you’d like FresYes readers to know??

Whether it’s a wildfire, a call for help after a devastating home fire, a call from a service member or military family in need, the Red Cross is there. All Red Cross assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money. The Red Cross delivers help to whoever needs it regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or citizenship status. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and people who have disaster-caused needs do not need to be American citizens to access Red Cross services.

If you have an interest in volunteering or learning more about our programs, you can contact me at taylor.poisall2@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/centralvalley to learn more!