\\\"\\\"

FresYes!

5 questions

Win Tickets to See David Sánchez Courtesy of CSU Summer Arts

by Leave a Comment

Jason Farris
Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES
Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

CSU Summer Arts has returned to Fresno State after a five-year hiatus, and we want to celebrate that by giving you the opportunity to win tickets to a few of its performances. (Read our story “CSU Summer Arts Returns to Fresno: Here’s What You Need to Know”.)

First up is your chance to win two (2) tickets to see David Sánchez and Friends on Wednesday, July 5.

summer arts giveaway sanchez

From CSU Summer Arts website:

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Sánchez is recognized as one of the finest of his generation. Wednesday, he is joined on stage by Miguel de Armas (piano), Carlitos Medrano (congas and percussion), Ernesto Mazar-Kindelán (bass), Colin Douglas (drums), and Kendrick Freeman (percussion).

To enter to win tickets to this performance, send an email with your first and last name to heather@fresyes.com. Must be 18 years or older to enter. One entry per person. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, July 4, at 3 p.m. PST. No purchase necessary.

Good luck!

Win Tickets to See Vicki Lewis Courtesy of CSU Summer Arts

by Leave a Comment

Jason Farris
Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES
Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

CSU Summer Arts has returned to Fresno State after a five-year hiatus, and we want to celebrate that by giving you the opportunity to win tickets to a few of its performances. (Read our story “CSU Summer Arts Returns to Fresno: Here’s What You Need to Know”.)

First up is your chance to win two (2) tickets to see Vicki Lewis on Saturday, July 1.

summer arts giveaway

From CSU Summer Arts website:

For one night only, Vicki Lewis will pull back the curtain and host an intimate conversation about her work and the methods behind her voiceover and acting career. Best known as Beth on the television show NewsRadio, Lewis is also well-known for her starring, recurring, and guest starring roles on programs such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Grey’s Anatomy, and Seinfeld. Vicki’s voice can be heard in several animated works including Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, King of the Hill, Rugrats, and as the voice of Wonder Woman in Batman: The Brave and the Bold.”

To enter to win tickets to this performance, send an email with your first and last name to heather@fresyes.com. Must be 18 years or older to enter. One entry per person. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Deadline to enter is Friday, June 30, at 3 p.m. PST. No purchase necessary.

In the next two weeks, we will host two more giveaways courtesy of CSU Summer Arts, one to see David Sánchez and Friends and the other for Percussion Discussion, so be sure to check back for those. Good luck!

5 Things You’re Missing By Not Being a FresYes Insider Subscriber

by Leave a Comment

Jason Farris
Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES
Latest posts by Jason Farris (see all)

So, you guys have seen me mention the FresYes Insider before. It’s my really cool weekly newsletter that gets sent out Saturday mornings.

I just wanted to remind you of what it’s all about, and give you a chance to take advantage of all the great stuff in it. Here are 5 things you’re missing by not being a FresYes Insider subscriber:

fresyes insider subscriber

I like to start off each newsletter with a weekly recap.

1. Weekly Recap

I start off each newsletter with a weekly recap of what’s been happening – sometimes in the world, but mostly in the FresYes office. We have a lot of fun, and I like to show that the people who sell your home and write the posts you love are just really cool, down-to-earth Fresnans.

2. First Look at Homes

Although the market is coming off a bit of a slow-down, I’ve been able to give Insiders a weekly first look at homes that have either just gone up for sale, or haven’t even gone on the market yet. So, you get to see the home before other buyers – if you’re subscribed.

I’ll also include info on the Fresno and Clovis market from time to time, so you know when the best time to buy or sell is.

fresyes insider subscriber

Sometimes I’ll include market info for the Fresno/Clovis area.

3. What We’re Writing About

Although you check out FresYes.com regularly, you may miss a story here or there. So I give Insiders a sampling of the amazing content that appears on our blog every week.

4. A Deal or Giveaway

We have so many great businesses in our area. I like to highlight at least one a week by giving Insiders a chance to either use a special, FresYes-only discount, or by having a contest or giveaway.

In tomorrow’s FresYes Insider, for example, I’m giving away Eureka! Fresno gift cards. Insiders also get 15% off class packages at RIDE54 throughout March. In past newsletters, I’ve given away tickets to the Grizzlies’ Hot Stove Gala, local wine, Fresno State Men’s Basketball, and more.

(By the way, if you’re a local business who wants to reach the FresYes Insider readership through a discount or giveaway, send me an email and I’ll see what I can do!)

fresyes insider subscriber

Deals and giveaways – who doesn’t love that?

5. Some Fun

If you know me, you know I’m a fun guy who likes to laugh, so I like to end each newsletter with a fun gif or video – something that’s either totally cool or funny.

And that’s what being a FresYes Insider is all about. I’m not trying to spam anyone; I just like to provide a little note to readers and clients of FresYes in order to keep in touch, and maybe introduce you to something cool happening in the Fresno area.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, fill out the form below and I’ll see you in your inbox tomorrow morning!

Newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

 

REMEMBER: Our newsletters are never spam, your email is never sold, rented or loaned out. We value your readership and your trust in us to deliver the best that FresYes has to offer.

 

FresYes Father’s Day Giveaway: Finalists

by Leave a Comment

Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her teenage son, her husband of 18 years and shopping small & local. She is the founder & CEO of parent support non-profit Success Together, Inc. and has been a freelance content creator for FresYes.com for 7 years. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident, unrelenting cheerleader and Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

***UPDATE***

Congratulations to our first prize winner, Jason Ward and our second place winner, Steve Melton! Please contact us via email (fresyesnat at gmail dot com) to claim your prizes! This entire group is so worthy of an amazingly Happy Father’s Day. Thanks for setting a great example gentlemen – and may you all find joy in this day. 

 

Well hello and welcome to the last week of Spring! Spring. Bet that word had already slipped your mind when we bravely faced a few 106-108 degree days last week! But, honestly, this Spring has been quite mild for Fresno and I personally enjoyed it quite a bit. I hope you did too! And now, moving on to something else I hope you’ll truly enjoy…

Last week, I asked for nominations for wonderful Fathers who are so deserving of a special Father’s Day gift from us here at FresYes. And, as always – you delivered some really great submissions and stories about the things these amazing men taught you. Please take the time to read the nominations below, then select the nomination you would like to see win one of our awesome prizes using the poll at the bottom of the page. Be sure to share this link via Facebook, email, carrier pigeon – because all of these men deserve lots of votes!

As a refresher, our fabulous Dad-centric prizes include:

And, our nominees (you will quickly see why I ask you all to vote, I could never choose! I need your help!):

Joe Coates

IMG_0182

“I would like to introduce my husband, Joe Coates for the nomination of some of the best lessons I have learned from a father, son, brother, husband, a good man. Joe and I met at work back in the late eighties. He was a counselor and I was a work evaluator. I at the time, admired his easy going presence and ability to relate and address the clientele’s needs we served. He had the largest and toughest case load but never showed stress or burn out known for the position.

Years later, Joe and I got married. In the past ten years he has suffered the loss of his mother and two sisters. He was also diagnosed with multiple health issues. Through out life stressors Joe continues to be calm and level headed. He takes each situation as it comes with patience, love and calmness. I’ve tried to emulate his calm demeanor but am not always successful. His compassion for others shines through when he shares his thoughts and feelings. I am a lucky woman to be married to him.” -nominated by Tamra Coates
Andrew Jepson
IMG_1326
“Perhaps you might have seen a short segment on the news recently about a Navy ship returning from a ten month deployment? My son-in law, Andrew Jepson was on that ship. Last Friday he surprised my four year old granddaughter at her dance recital. Since then she has been stuck like glue to his side. He has a two year old daughter too. Andrew and his family are adjusting to his recent return.

Andrew has been on three lengthy deployments during the six years he has been married to my daughter, Krystal. He continues to excel as an Electrician’s Mate. At home, Andrew is deeply devoted to his family. He has strong morals and leads by example. He encourages his girls to try whatever sports and interests they want. The girls are already good swimmers, and Mikaela enjoyed tee-ball last season. Andrew is a fine example of a hands on daddy and a proud father of two beautiful girls and a great husband to his wonderful wife. Watching Andrew juggle a career in the Navy, multiple deployments, moves, children and a strong marriage is a great example of today’s men in action.” -nominated by Tamra Coates
Mike Hurley
FB_IMG_1434030922333

Mike Hurley with granddaughter, Lizzie

“One of (the many) things my dad taught me is that you can never have too many friends. Being kind to everyone is just what you do. I don’t think he’s ever met a stranger.” -nominated by Mary Akina
Jason Ward
11406248_10205145077360185_9078558877027379188_o

Jason Ward and daughter

“5 years ago I was a 30 year old single mother of two beautiful children Niko 8 and Kylie 6.  I was happy being a single Mom and convinced being single was great.  Then one day my world came crashing down.  I found out I had a rare neurological condition and would need major brain surgery at Stanford University.  I was in shock.  How could I take care of my children when I didn’t even know if I would survive this horrific surgery?  That is when Jason came into my life.  Days before my surgery he decided I wasn’t going to go through this alone.  Just a few days before my surgery he took my kids and I on our first family date.  A man I barely knew suddenly became my rock during the most difficult time in my life.  He held my hand through it all, even meeting my parents for the first time at the cafeteria of the hospital!  He was the one who helped me take my first steps after having portions of my brain, skull and spine removed.  He was the one who took care of me during my recovery even though we had only been on just a couple dates.  He was the one who took care of my kids even though they were not his.  They quickly fell just as in love with him as I did.  Somehow I not only survived the surgery but I found love.

Two years later, in 2012 we married on Father’s Day.  It couldn’t have been a more perfect fit since my kids already called him Dad.  His love for them has been the biggest blessing and I couldn’t have asked for a better Step Dad for my kids! But that isn’t the only reason I am nominating him.  This past year, despite all the odds against us given my health, we celebrated the birth of our beautiful daughter.  It wasn’t an easy pregnancy and the delivery came with risks because of my prior brain surgery.  But once again we beat the odds and delivered a healthy baby girl.  This year we will celebrate Father’s Day for the first time with our baby girl!  There are so many reasons this year is special.  So many things we have to be grateful for.  So many miracles have been given in our 5 years together.  But given all this, the most important lesson he has taught us is that it takes so much more than DNA to be a Father.  During my pregnancy I wondered what it would be like for my older children to have their Dad have a “biological” child in the house could make them feel left out, but the exact opposite happened.  He has not wavered in his love for my older children.  In fact, he has worked hard to make sure the older kids feel just as loved as our baby girl.  He has shown us all that DNA didn’t change how much he loves them.  Even though my older kids’ Dad is a great Father, Jason has shown them that he loves them just as much.

The tears flow as I type this.  There is no way I could ever convey just how grateful I am to my husband for all he has done.  I am grateful that he has taught us all that love for your children has nothing to do with mere DNA.  Love is a decision.  Love is a gift.  And most importantly love is what binds a family.” -nominated by Amy Ward

Steve Melton
“One of the Best things I learned from my Father Figure (I call him Papa Steve) is kindness. From 7th grade through high School, he was there for me when I needed a Father. I had it pretty rough and he always took care of me, sometimes without me realizing. Times when I had nothing to eat and he would casually  say, “Looks like we have way too much food, want to help me eat it?” Or if it was cold out and I didn’t have a jacket, he would let me try on one he had and say, “Looks pretty good on you ,you should keep it, I have too many.” He took me in and made me part of his family, even though he had two daughters of his own. When times were so hard, I didn’t think I could possibly smile, he found a way to make it happen. Like the time my shoes were so old and holey and he bought me a new pair and told me, “You don’t want to know how far I had to chase the kid to get these” and we would laugh and laugh. I remember one birthday, when my own family did nothing, and I was left home alone, Papa Steve delivered me pizza and a card. He took me on family trips and made me feel loved. There were times when I was so hurt I didn’t want to go home and he would always welcome me in. This all taught me that love and compassion is sometimes all one needs to make it through. Because of him I survived and am now a parent myself. He taught me to do for others in need and I do. He will always be my Papa and this would be a nice little way to say thanks Papa, for loving me.” -nominated by Katie Parra
Scott Smith
image

Scott Smith and Abby

“Hi, my name is Abigail Joyce and I’m three, so my mommy is helping me write this! I want to tell you why my daddy Scott Smith is the best! He stays home with me two days a week and it’s just Abby and Daddy day. He plays all sorts of games with me like tea party and dolls. He also has taught me about Star Wars figures and army men and how they can protect my princesses. He also lets me paint his toe nails and make his hair pretty (shhhh don’t tell anyone). When we go for walks in the park or by the river he puts me on his shoulder even when he is tired. He has taught me all sorts of things like how to be nice and polite to people but also to be strong and confident. He plays sports with me and says one day I’ll be awesome at soccer! There are lots of other things that make me daddy the best, but it is time for him to leave for work and I have to make sure I give him kisses before he leaves. I hope you pick my daddy for your contest because he is the best teacher!” -nominated by Abby Smith
Mike McKinsey
(in loving memory of his Father)
“My father was married to my mother for 57 years! The best thing he taught me was how to treat a woman. It was never a “here,  sit down” lesson, that wasn’t necessary — I learned by watching him. He passed away two years ago, so Father’s Day is bittersweet for me now. Happy Father’s Day to you!”
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nominee – these finalists are amazing representations of fatherhood. Please use the poll widget to submit your vote. Winners will be announced on Father’s Day both on this post and on FresYes’s Facebook page. You may vote once per day. Good luck to all of these great men!
[polldaddy poll=8935503]

FresYes Father’s Day Giveaway!

by Leave a Comment

FresYes Writing Team
Latest posts by FresYes Writing Team (see all)

If you were hanging out with us last month, you know that we treated two special moms to some of the things moms enjoy most – a day at the salon, updated family pictures and a delicious home cooked meal (that mom did not have to cook or clean up after preparing!).

This month, we have the honor of celebrating amazing dads – and of course, we want to do so in a way that will give two lucky dads some fabulous loot to enjoy, too!

Father and Daughter at the beach

When I think about growing up with my dad, I see things differently now that I’m a parent. I remember the days of nagging him incessantly to “pleeeeeease play Barbies?” with my sister and I. We needed someone to be Ken, duh. When my dad would cave in and agree to play with us, Ken always knew karate and wanted to show Barbie and Skipper his crazy karate moves. These crazy moves often resulted in Barbie’s RV kitchen turning into a giant mess or occasionally, Skipper losing a leg from a sparring match gone wrong. After a few minutes of play, my sister and I would usually have a secret side conversation in order to determine the nicest way to let dad down easy regarding the fact that “um, Dad? We kind of want to just play Barbies by ourselves instead.” He never seemed too upset. Smart man my dad is. Rather than let on that playing Barbies was likely about as fun as watching paint dry to him, he’d go along with it, enthusiastically, and let us girls kick him out instead. Ha! This is especially amusing to me now that I frequently find myself thinking of ways to occasionally dissuade my son from the idea that I could become super good at Minecraft if I just played more…

Besides teaching me clever ways to escape playing those games you just don’t want to play sometimes with kids, my Dad taught me a million other things. Among them, you don’t quit in the second inning of a softball game, chocolate chip cookies will always be best under baked (though the dough is likely still better), and that maple bars and bacon are the most delicious weekend breakfast options. He also taught me the importance of work ethic, gratitude for work and earning a good, honest living and that for me, “college is just what you’ll do after high school. It’s not an option.” (He wanted me to be the first in the family to earn a BA, and I did.) He taught me to work hard first, then I’d enjoy relaxing even more, having nothing weighing on my shoulders. (Sometimes I wish I could turn that off, ha!)

Father and son sitting on a bench

I’m so grateful for the things my Dad taught me and I bet you are grateful for many things you learned from your father, grandfather or father figure as well. Here’s your chance to share your appreciation for him and win an awesome prize for him, to enjoy this year for Father’s Day.

For our 2015 FresYes Father’s Day Giveaway, we will be giving away two prizes. First prize will be a $50 gift card to Herb Bauer, the place every outdoors man and sportsman can appreciate a shopping trip to AND a four pack of tickets to enjoy a Fresno Grizzlies game of his choice! Our second prize winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Tioga Sequoia Brewery to enjoy a cold one on a warm day, perhaps with you – his kid, reminiscing about the funny things you did growing up.

To enter your father for a chance to win, please send a quick email to fresyesnat (at) gmail (dot) com sharing “one of the best things I learned from my dad/grandfather/father figure was…” and if at all possible, include a photo of the honoree. We will share our favorite stories next week on FresYes, then you’ll have the opportunity to help choose our winners via vote!

Good luck, and I can’t wait to read your entries!

Father and kid kayaking

Go Back to School with a new iPad!

by 1 Comment

Follow
Mike Mueller
Sr. Tech Elf at FresYes.com
A former professional hand model, Mike writes AreWeConnected.com, a blog dealing with social media and technology as it pertains towards real estate. He publishes articles in the San Francisco Examiner and the BusinessWeek Exchange.AreWeConnected is listed in Alltop and ranked by AdAge.He has been interviewed and quoted in articles for BankRate, Scripps, the San Jose Mercury News and others, (including the front page of The Wall Street Journal for writing mortgage related Haikus).
Follow
Latest posts by Mike Mueller (see all)

Green apple on stack of red books.I know. It’s way to early to be talking back to school but we wanted to give you enough time.

We’re giving away a brand new iPad Air to one of our Newsletter Subscribers!

The rules are in typical FresYes style.

All you have to do is be a current Subscriber on our email list and live in the Fresno / Clovis area (oh and be 18 years or older).

IMPORTANT: Even if you are currently a Subscriber – You can ENTER again!

We’ll even sweeten the pot and give you an additional 3 chances for every friend you refer to the contest as well!

Disclaimer: We’re not responsible for the dirty looks your kid will give you if you happen to win but decide to keep the iPad for yourself. (but hey, we wouldn’t blame you if you did)

Ready to enter?  CLICK HERE!