Welcome to another issue of Central California Life Magazine. Winter is the most starkly contrasted season — it is the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Our writers continue to best themselves as they bring stories from the heart of who we are. These stories reflect the change within the season. The Sweet Nectar Society reaches out to the youngest members of society as they face life-threatening illness and the Garden of Innocence memorializes those babies and children who passed away unnoticed. In contrast, local honor flights celebrate the freedom so dearly purchased by those in the December of their lives. Tony Robbins noted, “Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy.” Reading through these pages will reveal story after story describing how our friends and neighbors experience this joy through dedicating themselves to making life better here in Central California. This is what Central California Life is all about — real people and real life in Central California. Our resolution in the New Year is to continue to bring you inspiring — and accurate — stories. On that note, please visit our web site to see a revised story, “Leading in Love,” with updated information featuring Fresno State’s First Lady Mary Castro.

Karen Maroot

On the Cover

The General Grant tree at Kings Canyon National Park – Fresno’s tradional “National Tree.” Photo by Quang-Tuan Luong. terragalleria.com

Contributors

Brad Polzin, Photographer

Brad Polzin is a Fresno-based photographer and artist, drawing inspiration from a wide range of interests and experiences. He studied at the French École des Beaux Arts, The Arts Institute of Chicago and the Art Institute of Seattle, among others, and has taught photography, art and digital technology for more than 25 years. His travels have taken him to 30 countries, including Egypt, where he was a Fulbright Seminar Scholar.

My favorite thing about Central Valley winters is … I appreciate all the aspects of winter, from the crisp chill of the air, rain and fog to the warmth of winter festivities.

One thing that people don’t know about me is … I was once held hostage in Morocco.

The one person who most influenced my life is … My mother.

Cindy Wathen, Writer

Cindy Wathen is the public relations specialist for Fresno State’s Henry Madden Library and a Fresno Art Museum board member. She has degrees in marketing, psychology and a Juris Doctor of Law. She has worked as an editor and publicist for McGraw-Hill, The University of California Press, and Quill Driver Books. She’s also the co-author of Remembering Cesar: The Legacy of Cesar Chavez, the first book to be endorsed by the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation.

My favorite thing about Central Valley winters is … Snow on the mountains.

One thing that people don’t know about me is … Cindy Lane (aka Candy Cane Lane) is a street that my father, Spalding Wathen, originally named for me. He named one for each of his daughters and several of his family members. Who knew Cindy Lane in Clovis would become what it is today.

The one person who most influenced my life is … Like many people, my father was the most influential person in my life. He was a brilliant businessman, and I’m still in awe of everything that he achieved in his life.

Kim Leonard, Writer/Photographer

Kim Leonard is a Fresno native who has only lived elsewhere for two years, but she came running back to the open arms and open fields of the Central Valley as quickly as she could. This place has substance, promise and real, good people. She blogs (31 Days of Fresno, Downtown Fresno Blog,  Anzula and The Alpha Blonde), creates handmade books and has participated in panels and workshops about zinemaking and given zine readings as LA Zinefest as a featured writer. She works for Bertz-Rosa Strategy & Creative as a project manager, and she’s the owner of The Central Valley Buzz, a local television program that airs every weekday on KAIL. 

My favorite thing about Central Valley winters is … I’m a summer girl at heart, so I really appreciate that throughout most of winter, we can get away with wearing cardigans and leggings without having to have heavy jackets and boots for every trip out to the mailbox. I also love the colors of winter here. White Christmas doesn’t apply to us: We have bright, clear blue skies in the crisp afternoons, green and orange citrus trees, and that thick, velvety gray fog that turns everything into a monochromatic, Instagram-filtered scene.

One thing that people don’t know about me is … Don’t be fooled by my ultra-cool exterior (ha!):  I’m a huge fan of the ‘90s band Hanson. I’ve seen them live at least 10 times, have a Hanson tattoo, and even once asked Zac to predict the sex of my unborn baby. Thankfully, security was not called. 

The one person who most influenced my life is … My lovely best friend, Aurora, who has always been the best cheerleader, server of realness and source of inspiration for me. There’s not a single endeavor I even think of attempting without first consulting her. The way that she constantly works to keep her life artful and every action she takes ultimately fits into her personal philosophy makes me want to do the same. 

(www.auroralady.com)

A Few Cool Things

Keeping the Faith

Stories From the Heartland

 

 

 

 

Destinations

 

Health and Wellness

 

 

Savor

 

Sip

Arts and Entertainment

Spotlight

Calendar of Events

 

 

Check out our digital issue and insert below and keep checking back for articles to appear online to read one at a time!