Lifestyle Magazine February 2022 by Lifestyle Magazine

Inspiring Life In Our Community

Feb 2022

Local Wedding Guide Inside

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What’s Inside

The

Purposeful Living Issue

Features

In Every Issue

Wedding Look Book

Food: A Valentine’s Dinner In

Love of Earth Co

History: The Mysterious Tulare Lake

The Ugly Company

Salt + Light Village

Interest 22

Lessons Learned

Finding Purpose

Staff Picks

Also In This Issue 7

Editor’s Note

Contributors

Wedding of Taylor and Ryan O’Rorke at Taft Point in Yosemite

Cover Photo by Dakota Jacobi

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The Purposeful Living Issue

Thoughts from the Editor Okay, fair warning, I’m feeling pretty philosophical right now. This might go sideways because I’m no philosopher. This morning, as I was looking through my friend’s bookshelf, I stumbled across a book that caught my attention. I read and reread a title that grabbed me: The Answer to How is Yes: Acting on What Matters by Peter Block I was stopped in my tracks as I thought about the title. Consider this with me for a moment; answering the question “How do I do it?” may begin with “yes.” What if “yes” is the priority, not “how”? “Yes, I’ll do it.” or “Yes, I’ll start it.” or “Yes, I’ll lead it.” Our “yes” in the face of unanswered questions may be more important than knowing how. Saying yes when we don’t know how is what actually moves things forward. “Yes” has always been the answer of courageous heroes from history and storybooks. “Yes” is the way of the pioneer, the discoverer, the intrepid. Starting with yes is the doorway to discovering how. Upon reflection, every time I’ve paused to “know how” to do something before I’ve committed has only led me to feel stuck and stagnant. Maybe you’ve experienced the same. “How?” isn’t a bad question. In fact, most of the time when we ask “how?” we get the help we’re looking for. It’s a matter of prioritizing the right questions and not using “how?” as a deterrent to “yes” or to an even deeper question: “Why?” “Too often when a discussion is dominated by questions of How? we risk overvaluing what is practical and doable and postpone the questions of larger purpose and collective well being…[postponing the question: How?] would force us to engage in conversations about why we do what we do, as individuals and as institutions. It would create the space for longer discussions about purpose, about what is worth doing.” - Peter Block, The Answer to How is Yes: Acting on What Matters Purposeful Living is the theme of Lifestyle Magazine this month, and our hope is that it causes us each to pause and consider why we do what we do. Inside are some amazing local businesses and people living with intention. They’ve inspired me and I hope they inspire you to consider your purpose and act on what matters. Cheers,

Eric Riley Executive Editor Lifestyle Magazine President / Owner Topograph

Contributors

Contributors February 2022

Natalie Caudle

Rachel Trigueiro

Terry Ommen

WRITER

Natalie Caudle is a Visalia native and

Rachel Trigueiro, wife and mom of four,

Terry has a passion for Tulare County

graduate of Fresno State. As a freelance

spends her days homeschooling, dabbling in

history. Much of his time in retirement is

writer, Natalie finds beauty in storytelling

business ventures and chasing adventure

spent researching and writing about the

and believes freedom is found when living

with her family. As a child, she dreamed of

interesting historical morsels he discovers

authentically within a community. Though

being a talk show host. Today, she still

with Laraine, his talented wife of over 50

most of her time is spent wrangling

believes our stories hold power and are

years. Between history projects and visits

animals and her four kids, Natalie relishes

meant to be shared with others. When she’s

with their two grandchildren, the two are

everyday moments knowing seasons pass

not reheating her coffee or reading to her

on the road or in the air exploring whatever

all too quickly.

kids, she can be found stealing away for a

piques their interest.

moment to write.

Marissa Carpenter

Monica Fatica

Erin Householder

CONTENT EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

Marissa Carpenter has been a word nerd

After years of working in operations,

Erin Householder sought adventure when

for as long as she can remember—or at

merchandising, marketing and running her

moving from an Arizona small town to the

least since clinching her first Kings

own retail shops, Monica has found her

“big city” of Visalia. With her husband,

County spelling bee championship in

home in the world of publishing. With over

children, and trusty camera in tow, she’s

first grade. She’s happy to employ her

seven years of local editorial experience,

become a local day trip expert. A former

University of Chicago editing certificate,

she is grateful to work her dream job

birth videographer and current binge-

her B.A. in English, and her eagle eye for

keeping Valley happenings top of mind for

watcher of Real Housewives, intense,

extra spaces. When not slashing through

all its residents. Her brief moments of spare

emotional situations are Erin’s “comfort

text, she enjoys knitting, playing piano,

time are spent with family, food (still

zone.” Her self-taught photography

and driving her husband and two children

searching for the best chocolate croissant),

business has thrived for a decade through

absolutely bonkers.

her fur babies, and finding the next best

creating deep connections in a safe,

binge-worthy podcast.

authentic environment that allows her to capture raw emotion.

Lisa McEwen WRITER

Lisa McEwen has a degree in journalism from Cal Poly, SLO and works as a freelance writer for a variety of publications. She has written for Lifestyle Magazine for nine years. Lisa enjoys hiking in Mineral King with her family. She and her husband, Matt, live in Exeter where they grow citrus and are adjusting to life as empty nesters.

Dakota Jacobi PHOTOGRAPHER

Dakota Jacobi has been capturing love stories for five years, photographing families, seniors and couples. She aims to document the candid, organic, and “unposed” moments of life. Her mission is to not just take great pictures, but to build relationships and create experiences for her clients. When she’s not adventuring around California, or editing in her favorite coffee shop, she spends her days at home with her two kids.

Purposeful Living

The Purposeful Living Issue

A Look Inside This month brings purposeful living into focus, with a little love to go around. Dig into our Bridal Lookbook, curated with local couples’ weddings from 2021, with plenty of tips and tricks to help the bridal couple celebrate the big day, along with all the local businesses who can assist with the details. Treat the one you love with a special ol’ Buckaroo sweetheart menu at home, or take a drive up to the hills in Three Rivers to enjoy some tranquility at their riverfront spot. You’ll also meet Kennedy Hammond of Visalia who started a business offering eco-friendly subscription boxes, after witnessing the amount of waste being spread across the earth. Local Kingsburg native Ben Moore details the story of saving less desirable fruit from being dumped and upcycling them into delicious dried fruit snack packs. We’ll share our visit with Adrianne Hillman, where we learned more about her passion project Salt + Light, which left us inspired by her purpose-driven life calling. Learn about the history of the mysterious and nowdisappeared Tulare Lake, which was once possibly the largest freshwater lake west of the Great Lakes. We hope to inspire you this month to find purpose, big or small, to strengthen your greater well being.

The Lifestyle Team Need another copy? Scan the QR code below to see our list of rack locations.

Published by Topograph LLC, 324 S. Santa Fe Street Visalia, CA 93291 Executive Editor Eric Riley Operations Manager Maria Gaston Designers JJ Fry, Jonna Dodge Advertising Sales lifestyle@tpgrph.com Sales Office 324 S. Santa Fe Street Visalia, CA 93291 559.471.0700 Email lifestyle@tpgrph.com View this Issue Online visalialifestyle.com Visalia’s Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to homes in Visalia. Additional copies are distributed at various rack and countertop locations around Visalia, Tulare, and Exeter. Distribution is subject to change. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of Lifestyle Magazine, Topograph or its advertisers. Circulation of this issue: 14,500 © 2022 Topograph LLC

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The Purposeful Living Issue

A Wedding

LOOK BOOK

Wedding Lookbook

DIANDRA + GEORGE

From the Couple It is so important to sit down as a couple and really decide on what you want from your day and what things are most important to you. Our best advice is to find vendors you trust to make your vision a reality and help simplify things without sacrificing creativity. Lastly, just remember this day is about celebrating your future with your favorite people, and not about the stresses of planning. Enjoy it!

The Purposeful Living Issue

Wedding Lookbook

GABRIELLE + THOMAS

From the Couple There will be times when things just won’t go your way, both while planning and on your big day. Focus your time and energy on what matters most to you. Laugh and reminisce with your bridesmaids. Hug your family tight. Take a deep breath, and look the love of your life in the eyes while reading your vows. Create special moments with your guests. Dance the night away with your new life partner. And take A MILLION pictures. Those are the memories that will last forever. P.S. I know it’s pricey, but hiring a videographer is worth it.

The Purposeful Living Issue

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The Purposeful Living Issue

JONNA + TRENT

From the Couple Have fun making your wedding a reflection of your personalities and the love you share with one another. Surround yourselves with those who matter most, and think about scooping ice cream instead of cutting cake.

Wedding Lookbook

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Lessons The Purposeful Learned Living Issue

2021 was quite the year to plan a wedding. It was a wonderful, yet challenging time to come together and celebrate. In looking back, there’s a number of things I wish someone would’ve told me. Here are a few nuggets of advice that can make a difference for your wedding.

Have a Helper— Or Two Choose your team players— a wedding planner was a must for me. Hire a day-of coordinator as

LESSONS LEARNED TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR OWN SPECIAL DAY

well and someone to clean up afterwards. You don’t want to get stuck doing that yourself.

Money, Money, Money Determine your budget, then stick to it. Save where you can—no harm in borrowing! I reused a friend’s veil

by Jonna Dodge

and saved some money. No one even noticed.

The Bounds of Creativity DIY what you can, but know when to ask for help. Pinterest and IG are your best friends in planning, but give yourself a reality check: Most of those photos come from styled shoots with all the bells and whistles. Be inspired by the pieces you can recreate, and design around the rest.

The Purposeful Living Issue

Prioritize what matters to you. For me, that was photography and flowers. Choose a few areas to beautify, and don’t worry about the rest. Your guests will have enough to look at with the spaces you’ve focused on.

The Crowd For the guestlist: Invite who you want—those who really matter. Don’t question yourself. Bigger isn’t always better.

Channel the Cub Scouts: Be Prepared Pack an emergency kit: Lip gloss, deodorant, dress tape, Advil, Band-Aids, sewing kit, handkerchief, floss, toothbrush… Have a personal attendant—someone who can carry your emergency kit, position your train and veil, and hold your dress in the bathroom.

The Sweet Stuff Challenge the status quo: You don’t have to cut cake! We scooped ice cream, and it tasted great.

Have Fun! In the few days before, let it go. Reflect on all the amazing things planned and don’t sweat the small stuff that didn’t get done. Your day truly will go by in the blink of an eye—cherish every moment.

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Finding Purpose

What does living with purpose and intention mean? You recognize and value your one life to live—making the most out of it. In contrast, feeling a lack of purpose can negatively impact your well being through stress and anxiety. Your actions can change you and the world around you. Take purposeful, proactive steps to find what small things you can change to make a larger impact. It can be as simple as consistently bringing your lunch to work, using reusable drinking containers in lieu of disposable ones, or committing to spend quality time with your loved ones without the distraction of electronic devices. We gathered by Lifestyle Staff

some ideas that we hope will inspire you to seek intentional habits for a more fulfilling life.

Decluttering and tidying your home and workspace can create self-confidence, restoring a sense of calm and order to your life. External order can help you feel internally motivated to take on new challenges and overcome any obstacles.

Take a moment to understand who you are and what makes you happy—defining your sense of self allows you to create helpful goals or make decisions that relate to the “mission” you’ve created for your life.

Who you choose to surround yourself with has an impact on how you feel and how you view the world. Spending time with those who challenge you to be better or who have an optimistic perception of life will positively impact you.

Planning your day in advance—especially with a goal in mind—helps to create a healthy and productive routine. By bringing your future into the present, you won’t have to worry about tomorrow, and you can work on the tasks that will help you fulfill your vision.

Food

A Valentine’s

Dinner In Recipe by Chef Chris Reynoso of ol’ Buckaroo, Three Rivers, CA Photos by Dakota Jacobi

Food

Nectarine-Thyme Champagne Cocktail Serves 2.

Ingredients Champagne or any dry sparkling wine 2 tablespoons nectarine simple syrup (recipe below) Thyme sprigs Ice cubes Directions 1.

Fill each glass with ice cubes.

2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup per glass. 3. Fill each glass with champagne. 4. Garnish with thyme sprigs.

Fre e

HELPFUL HINT

½ cup granulated sugar A few thyme sprigs Directions Combine ingredients in saucepan.

2. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, and cook for 30 minutes. 3. Stir with a wooden spoon every few minutes while smashing the nectarines. 4. Strain syrup into a bowl using a fine mesh sieve. Discard the solids. 5. Transfer syrup to a bottle or jar (keeps in fridge up to 1 week).

3 large nectarines, pitted and diced

Ingredients

e ym

Nectarine Simple Syrup

cubes with ice th ze

lie u o f t h e g a

The Purposeful Living Issue

Caramel Chocolate Brownie Trifle Serves 2.

Caramel Ingredients 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup cold water ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste Directions 1.

In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, stir to combine sugar with cold water.

2. Let it continue to cook, without stirring, until sugar is a deep amber hue (approx. 10-12 minutes). 3. Meanwhile, warm the cream in a small saucepan. 4. Slowly whisk the warm cream into the sugar-water mixture. Simmer until smooth (approx. 2-3 minutes). 5. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, and whisk in salt to taste.

Firm Whipped Cream Ingredients 1 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Directions Beat heavy whipping cream on high. Add

’ Buckaroo r ol ’s Fo

powdered sugar. Whip until firm.

Brownies Ingredients 1 box brownie mix

Directions

Any required ingredients (oil or eggs)

HOMEMADE BROWNIE RECIPE

Assemble the Trifle

vis

alialife st

.c yl e

Bake per package directions.

Add one layer of brownie pieces to the bottom of a small glass cup.

2. Cool and chop up, or break into bite-size pieces.

2. Drizzle some warm caramel.

Set aside.

3. Add some whipped cream. 4. Repeat layers, finishing with cream and caramel on top. 5. Garnish with heart-shaped strawberry slice. 29

Food

Seared Scallops with Fennel Puree Serves 2.

Ingredients 10 large diver scallops 1 Cara Cara orange (or your favorite citrus) ½ cup pistachios 1 garlic clove, unpeeled and smashed 1 bay leaf fresh thyme kosher salt, to taste neutral-flavored cooking oil (preferably grapeseed) extra virgin olive oil, for finishing

Puree Ingredients 2 large bulbs fennel (fist-sized) with stalks and fronds 1 large yellow onion 1 russet potato approximately 9 oz. (about the size of 1 fennel bulb) 2 cups heavy whipping cream Directions 1.

Trim stalks from the fennel bulb. Reserve stalks and 1/4 of one bulb for garnish salad.

2. Dice fennel bulb and onion. 3. Add olive oil to a pot and heat on high until barely smoking. 4. Add diced onions, fennel, and a large pinch of kosher salt. Stir with rubber spatula, cooking fennel and onions until soft and translucent. 5. Add cream and bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Simmer until fennel can be easily pierced with a knife (cream will boil over if heat is too high). Take off heat and set aside. 6. While cream, fennel, and onions are simmering, peel and cut your russet potato into 2-in. chunks. Place in pot with water to cover (add a large pinch of salt to the water), turn on high heat, bring water to boil, then reduce to simmer. Simmer potatoes until they can be easily pierced. 7. While potatoes are cooking, place cooked cream, fennel, and onions in a blender and blend until smooth.

The Purposeful Living Issue

8. Strain potatoes and place through a ricer, or use a

4. Once the pan just begins to smoke, place each

mesh strainer to push your potatoes through to

scallop, flattest (“presentation”) side down, in the

“mash” them without lumps in your final puree.

pan, evenly spaced to achieve a golden-brown crust.

9. Mix in about 3/4 of the fennel-onion cream, to

A large (2-in.) scallop will take about 3 minutes to

create a puree that holds together. Add more or less

sear; a smaller scallop takes less time.

of the cream to achieve the right consistency. (Any

5. Once the outer portion of the scallop is a nice

extra cream can be stored in the fridge for 5 days or

golden brown, gently lift each one to see if the

the freezer for 6 months.)

scallop has an even crust. Cook the scallop about

10. Once the right consistency is achieved, store puree

80% of the way on the presentation side.

in a pot on the stove until ready to plate.

6. Once scallops lift freely off pan, flip and add a large lump of butter to the pan with some fresh thyme, a smashed clove of garlic, and a bay leaf.

Scallops

7. Lift the pan handle at an angle, so the pan bottom

Directions 1.

is still over the heat but the butter collects at the

Remove scallops from fridge about 15 minutes

tilted bottom of the pan. Gently spoon the hot

before cooking.

butter over the presentation side of the scallops

2. Season liberally with kosher salt on each side.

for about 1 minute. Remove scallops from pan when

3. Place a flat-bottomed sauté pan on high heat.

they are about 90% cooked.

Drizzle just enough cooking oil on the bottom to

8. Keep warm until ready to plate with puree and

coat. (Choose a high burn point- and neutral flavor

fennel-citrus salad. Enjoy!

oil: grapeseed or vegetable oil.)

olbuckaroo olbuckaroo.com

amera a ur c nd yo s n. ca

Op e

Cooking to Impress?

Find the plating directions on our website.

Love of Earth Co

Happier Planet A Locally-Owned Zero-Waste Subscription Business Story by Lisa McEwen | Photos by Erin Householder

The Purposeful Living Issue

Travel can take us around the world, opening doors to new cultures

“I decided when I got back to the States that I would make a

and ideas. For Kennedy Hammond, traveling opened her eyes to the

change,” she says.

amount of trash humans produce.

Shortly thereafter, her company, Love of Earth Co., was born. Its

In 2018, Hammond was traveling solo in Mexico, Europe, and India,

mission? To guide people into choosing a more eco-friendly lifestyle

spurred by a decision to leave college without a degree and see what

by producing less waste. She does this by offering a monthly

else the world had to offer her. It was in India that she experienced

subscription box service—one of the first of its kind to provide 100

a paradigm shift that forever changed the way she viewed the

percent zero-waste products that people can use in their daily lives.

world—and led her to a new career.

Out of a two-bedroom Visalia apartment she shares with boyfriend

“My heart was in an entanglement with this country, its culture and

DiVori Darkins, Hammond is sharing her message around the

the people within it,” she says. “India is beautiful. It’s dirty, but it’s

world, one box and one social media post at a time. She posts daily

beautiful. Trash everywhere you go.”

on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, addressing her 200,000 followers as Earthlings.

She recognized American brands among the trash and asked a local to explain. She was told the trash arrives on massive ships and is

Already, the 2015 Redwood High School graduate has many

dropped off along the Indian coastline.

subscribers in the United States and continues to grow her reach with subscription boxes being shipped to Canada, England, and even

Confused, she researched the topic and discovered the for-profit

Italy. (Five boxes sold within the span of our one-hour interview.)

global waste trade, in which first world countries ship their trash to

Her background as a communications major at CSU Fullerton (she

poorer nations. According to the World Bank, as nations and cities

initially wanted to be a newscaster) propels her business—she is a

urbanize, develop economically, and grow in terms of population,

natural, both in front of the camera and with photo styling,

waste generation will increase worldwide from 2 billion tons in 2016

videography, and writing.

to 3.4 billion tons in 2050.

The themed monthly “Earthling Boxes” include items sourced from zero-waste companies in the United States—think bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste tablets, reusable water bottles, shampoo bars and rechargeable lighters. She also offers sustainable fashion, such as wooden earrings. All of the items in each box are either certified compostable or biodegradable, or the product is long lasting. Additionally, all items are vegan. February’s box follows a self-love theme and contains an Eco-Wax Rose and Vanilla candle, an electric rechargeable lighter, loose leaf tea, a copper tea steeper, lip balm in a plantable casing, and more. Customers can also order à la carte from her website: loveofearthco.com.

Kennedy Hammond, founder and owner of Love of Earth Company.

Love of Earth Co

In a spare bedroom crammed with products, Hammond packages each box by hand, including a hand-written note to thank each customer for their business. The crinkled stuffing that protects items in transit is made from cardboard boxes that originally carried the zero-waste products she ordered. She simply shreds each box and then repurposes the stuffing. Hammond says she spends much of her time educating the public on what “zero-waste” actually means and how they can adopt a less wasteful lifestyle. She has a simple recommendation: “Buy less. Only buy what you need,” she says. “I encourage my followers to use self-discipline when shopping. And when you do have to buy something, look for eco-friendly alternatives.” Often, choosing a zero-waste product allows consumers to spend less money overall, she says, as products regularly last longer. The Visalia native says her parents Sidney and Michelle Hammond have been some of her biggest supporters, although they were a bit skeptical of her business plan initially. “I use my dad as my test dummy for my male products, and he always gives me an honest review,” she says. “And my mom was my first subscriber.”

There is no ‘away.’ When you throw something away, it must go somewhere.

She gives a lot of credit to Darkins for helping her establish her business, noting his 13 years of service in the Army and his profession as a business consultant. She also encourages her followers to consider growing as much of their own food as possible, noting that she and Darkins have a backyard garden. The couple made the jump to a vegan diet together in 2020. “You can’t be in this business and not be vegan,” she says. Hammond is excited about the future of her business and its growth. All the long days are paying off, and she confided that she will need to hire help if the trajectory continues. Reflecting on her decision to leave college and travel to India, where she found herself surrounded by imported trash, she says,

- Annie Leonard, co-Executive Director of Greenpeace USA

“When you throw something away, there is no destination for ‘away.’ Where is that? I am thankful I trusted my gut because that took a lot of courage.”

loveofearthco loveofearthco.com 34

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The Purposeful Living Issue

The Beauty inside

This Central Valley company is reducing food waste one ugly fruit at a time. Story by Natalie Caudle Photos by Dakota Jacobi 37

The Ugly Co

We all love the story of an unlikely hero. We root for the misfit, the underdog, the outsider. Stories of ugly ducklings give us hope and force us to dig deeper. We long to be reminded that sometimes

packofugly theugly.company

what’s on the inside really does count. Unfortunately, we too often judge a book—or a fruit, in this case—by its cover. Consumers want picture-perfect produce. But, as Mother Nature

Tons of fruit are regularly dumped because they don’t make quality standards. The Ugly Co. upcycled half a million pounds just last year.

would have it, fruit doesn’t grow in uniformity—some are cosmetically unappealing. Though edible, lopsided kiwis and too-small peaches don’t make the cut. Dimpled apricots and misshapen nectarines aren’t retail-friendly. Despite the enormous agricultural production in the Central Valley, not all fruit is sent to market. Food insecurity impacts families daily, demanding a new way to approach food production. Keenly aware of the waste produced in the Valley, Ben Moore, a fourth-generation farmer from Kingsburg, experienced a watershed moment while globetrotting five years ago. Moore remembers, “I’ve backpacked and traveled across quite a bit of the world, and eventually I came to realize the amount of produce we throw out in the United States, for aesthetic reasons, is 100% not normal. The light bulb went off and I felt called to action during the summer of 2017.”

“We believe every fruit should be given a chance to be enjoyed, even if it looks a little funny.” Ben Moore, Ugly Company founder and 4th generation farmer

The Purposeful Living Issue

Soon thereafter, hurricanes hit both Texas and Puerto Rico, leaving

Farm waste repurposing is an endeavor that requires cooperation

residents hungry, while at the same moment, Moore was discarding

between both the farm and the upcycler. “The most important

more than 300 tons of edible fruit from his farm. “The aftermath that

part of this process is building relationships with farmers and

followed caused me to reflect. There was a massive food shortage in

the people working at the packing sheds,” remarks Moore.

Puerto Rico. Yet here I was, hauling perfectly edible fruit to landfills

“Upcycling truly requires everyone to see the value of our

while people were in need. After that week, I decided to…help our

zero-waste vision. Without the relationships we’ve built and

farms find a home for their ugly fruit,” and The Ugly Company was born.

maintained, upcycling would not be possible.” In 2021, The Ugly

The Ugly Company upcycles unwanted peaches, kiwis, white

Company upcycled more than half a million pounds of fruit,

nectarines, and apricots. The not-so-pretty fruits are dried and diced

and for 2022, their ambitious goal is to upcycle 1.5 million pounds.

without the use of sugars, sulfur or additives. “We believe every fruit

That’s a lot of ugly.

should be given a chance to be enjoyed, even if it looks a little

Like so many Valley natives, most locals have never considered

funny,” comments Moore. What was once considered an undesirable

what happens to the produce that doesn’t make it to the grocery

piece of produce is now a perfectly upcycled and sustainable snack.

store shelf. Liz Salazar, The Ugly Company Chief Operations Officer,

Typically, farmers have to pay for their rejected pieces of fruit, also

grew up in the Central Valley. Despite her husband hauling culls for

known as culls, to be hauled away and dumped. When The Ugly

over a decade, Salazar was oblivious to the magnitude of fruit being

Company steps in, the farmer gets paid for their misfit fruit. Not

wasted. “Every year, the state of California throws away more

only does this approach benefit both parties, but by giving new

peaches than the state of Georgia produces—all simply because

purpose to the unwanted produce, the carbon footprint is reduced.

they look ‘ugly’. It wasn’t until I started working for The Ugly

Local food banks get the first pick of the culls while the leftovers

Company that I realized it was perfectly good fruit. So many

head to The Ugly Company for an upcycling makeover.

people still have no idea the amount that is thrown away.”

The Ugly Co

Each snack is made up of only one ingredient: dehydrated fruit. Fans have their favorite go-to flavors. Moore and Salazar agree that while the kiwi snack may be the ugliest, it’s the best to naturally gratify that sour candy hankering. “With the ingredients being just fruit, I can satisfy my snack time cravings or hand it to my kids with a guilt-free conscience,” Salazar notes. By living purposefully, Moore chose not to ignore food insecurity and massive farm waste. His small step of upcycling has led to a significant reduction in agricultural waste and has shaped his lifestyle. “When you commit yourself to doing work like this, you start to challenge all of your decisions in all parts of your life. If you’re trying to do something good with your work, your personal life needs to reflect that as well. One of the reasons why I started the company was to regain purpose in my work,” remembers Moore. “Now I want to empower everyday people to be a part of the solution and prevent this waste. It takes everybody involved to solve a problem of this magnitude.” Perhaps there’s a misfit in all of us. Maybe a little ugly reminds us of ourselves in some small way; it reminds us that true beauty is really found on the inside. The mission is simple: prevent food waste and add value back to farms, one unwanted fruit at a time. At the end of the day, it’s nice to know that even forgotten fruit can have a happily ever after. Sustainable snacks can be purchased online at theugly.company; subscription boxes available. Check the website to find a retailer near you.

The

Good The

Bad

The

Ugly Co 40

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The Purposeful Living Issue

DIGNIFIED LIVING Salt + Light’s Call for Community Story by Rachel Trigueiro | Photos by Lifestyle Staff

A photo rendering of the housing units Salt + Light is planning to build.

“Housing will never solve homelessness, but community will,” says

Christmas morning, Adrianne, along with her husband and three

Adrianne Hillman, founder and CEO of Salt + Light.

boys, rallied together bringing Gabriel a warm home-cooked breakfast, hand warmers, and chocolates (her sons’ request).

Adrianne’s voice trembles when sharing about Gabriel, a man she recently met on the food truck. “He was a really sweet guy, only 42.

As her sons gathered around him in a hug, she said, “I know you asked

He came from Mexico to pick grapes with his brother, but his brother

for a family for Christmas, so here are my boys. They love you and we

died and they lost their home. I asked how long ago; he said six years.”

love you.” Everyone there was moved to tears.

Adrianne’s approach to the less fortunate is radical, and her response

Balancing the compassion and heartbreak with real boots on the

to Gabriel is a living testimony.

ground is difficult; the needs are real and never-ending. People are

“I know I can’t give you a home yet, we’re working as fast as we can.

hungry, but work must also be done in order to keep moving forward

But if I could give you anything for Christmas, what would it be?”

to change the story of homelessness through creating homes.

she asked him.

Salt + Light began with a huge vision in 2019, prior to Covid.

Gabriel’s reply: “A family.”

The originally-planned 51 acres with 200 homes shifted to 6 acres and 52 homes. That still means 52 lives off the street,

Adrianne weeps as she recalls the story. “They don’t have a family to

being touched and changed.

hold them up, and that’s our job.”

Salt + Light Village

Their mission to cultivate community through dignified homes,

food and pivoted to address it. She found a rusted-out truck in

jobs, and healing hinges on the culture that’s created within The

Oregon, fixed it up, and got on the road in February 2021.

Neighborhood Village. Adrianne says the process is complex and

Although the food truck wasn’t part of the initial vision, she says it

takes a lot of time. It’s not just about building small homes.

will probably always continue. “What I love about the food truck is

One of the guiding principles of Salt + Light is dignity. “Providing

we’re breaking down barriers and rehumanizing people….It’s bringing

choices for people, whether it’s living spaces, jobs, or food, is how

people face-to-face with those facing homelessness.”

you empower and return them to themselves. Telling people

Salt + Light serves 600 meals a week from the food truck.

what to do creates behavioral change that might last, but it

Locally-owned restaurant, Fugazzis, generously donates

doesn’t empower,” she says. The goal of building small

100 hot meals a day, three days a week, and

homes is not to remove people from the streets.

volunteers make and give out an additional

It’s to provide a community for those who have lost it, so they can settle, rest, and rediscover themselves. “Many times, I’ve questioned this call, but it’s been so cool watching God work; it’s nothing short of a miracle. He’s woven people together inside and outside our community. There’s no reason we should still be breaking ground in March 2022, but we are on track.” One of those answered prayers is Self-Help Enterprises, a local nonprofit developer that’s built

100 sack lunches to be eaten later.

“Housing will never solve homelessness, but community will.” - Alan Graham, founder of Community First Village in Austin, TX. Adopted by Adrianne Hillman.

Adrianne has learned that the greatest need for food in the homeless community hits mid-week. Finding volunteers Tuesday-Thursday nights for meal distribution may prove harder than the weekend, but she is committed to filling the gap for those hungry and without homes. While one side of the truck contains food, the other side stands as a mini-store. Hygiene kits, sanitizer, hand warmers, masks, underwear

affordable housing in the Valley for

and the most requested item:

years. They joined forces with

socks—all free for the taking. Salt +

Salt + Light, bringing knowledge

Light accepts cash donations, but

and understanding to the

not used items. Adrianne says, “God

monumental task. “They came with

gives us his first fruits, we don’t get

this little slice of land, saying they’d

the trash. None of us want to wear

love to partner with our innovative

used socks and underwear, right?” In

project. Self-Help Enterprises truly

that spirit, the organization provides

was the rising tide that lifted this

new clothes, new socks, and new

ship,” Adrianne says. In addition,

underwear, as a reminder to those

the small houses will be

facing homelessness that they have

manufactured out of Lindsay,

worth, and they too deserve to be

providing more local jobs and

treated with dignity.

connection within the community.

Another communal aspect built

2021 was not an easy year to have a nonprofit and raise money.

into The Neighborhood Village is missional residents, made up of

Needs on the streets also became greater after Covid, especially

people from the community answering the unique call to live in the

access to food. Adrianne has previous experience feeding the

village. “They are the glue of the village,” Adrianne says. The

homeless community, but was initially laser-focused on building

missional residents will stand as liaison between law enforcement

homes. However, after Covid hit, she saw the immediate need for

and the community, keeping a pulse on the neighbors and becoming

The Purposeful Living Issue

their friends. The village offers residents permanent housing. “Expecting people who are extraordinarily traumatized to heal in X amount of days, while in transitional housing is irrational. Home is a place of permanence.” Offering residents a lasting community unlocks the door to healing and freedom. Purposeful work is another powerful tool towards healing. In addition to housing, micro-enterprise jobs are available for all residents. Maintenance jobs onsite, culinary duties, gardening, artisan goods, and a coffee shop are a few ways for residents to contribute and find purpose. Salt + Light is always looking for more volunteers to prep food, fold socks, or serve with the food truck. Adrianne laughs and says she always envisioned a “call” in life to be something one felt naturally excited about. In her experience, the telltale sign of being called to this movement was an initial feeling of unwillingness and inability. However, her mantra, “God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called,” is one she visibly lives by and inspires others to live by as well.

100% of hot meals are donated by Fugazzis for Salt+ Light’s food truck program.

saltandlight.works saltandlightworks.org

Adrianne Hillman, founder and CEO of Salt + Light.

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The Purposeful Living Issue

The Mysterious Tulare Lake

Story & Photos by Terry Ommen

For thousands of years on land that was once part of Tulare County,

The huge freshwater inland lake was fed by numerous waterways

there was a large mysterious lake. It’s gone today, but in its prime,

that delivered melting snow from the Sierra Nevada. When the

the west shoreline of Tulare Lake stretched nearly to what is now

winter snowpack was deep, the melted snow came rushing down,

Kettleman City, and the east edge was close to the city of Tulare.

expanding the lake’s shoreline. A lighter snowpack meant less

It spread north almost to Lemoore, and its southern shoreline

water. Therefore, from year to year, Tulare Lake’s size would

approached the current Kern County boundary. It was said to be

fluctuate. Eventually, water from the Sierra Nevada was diverted

larger than the Great Salt Lake—perhaps even the largest freshwater

and the lake disappeared.

lake west of the Great Lakes.

Though it frequently changed in size and shape, the lake was always

The lake was a mystical “shape-shifter,” frequently changing in size

large enough to be an awe-inspiring feature. For at least a millennium,

and shape. Annie R. Mitchell, Tulare County’s premier historian,

native people known as Yokuts lived there, calling the lake Chintache.

called it a “phantom.” Even though it has disappeared, the story

The inviting habitat provided them with fish, game, and tule plants for

of Tulare Lake is worth another look.

making baskets, boats and shelter. When Spanish explorers arrived several hundred years ago, they called the lake La Laguna de los

First, Tulare Lake’s mystery and disappearance should be explained.

History

In 1882, James W. A. Wright of Hanford joined Captain T. J. Conley, the skipper of the Water Witch, on a sightseeing excursion on Tulare Lake. Courtesy Wallace Elliott’s 1883 History of Tulare County. Drawing of the sailing schooner named Water Witch on Tulare Lake. It operated on the lake in the 1870s and 1880s, eventually sinking in a storm. Courtesy Tulare County Library History Room

Tulares—or roughly: “place where tules grow.” As American settlers

and cattle rustler—known as “a dangerous man who would shoot to

arrived, it became Tulare Lake. Early American settlers also found the

kill upon the slightest provocation.” This reputation earned him a

lake to be a valuable resource—especially cattlemen, who found

place on Tulare Lake known as Gordon Point.

prime grazing land with grass for cattle and tule roots for hogs.

In 1864, Jose Jesus Stenner axed three of his traveling companions to

Allen J. Atwell, one of the early stockmen, took advantage of the

death while camped on the shores of the lake. The mentally disturbed

bountiful lake. At the south end of present-day Alpaugh, there was a

teenage sheep herder was arrested, convicted, and hanged at

large island known as Root Island. He claimed it and ferried cattle and

courthouse square in Visalia—Tulare County’s first legal execution.

hogs out to it for grazing. The 7 mile-long, 1 ½ mile-wide area became

Finally, the story of Lakeview: In 1885, a San Francisco schemer by

known as Atwell’s Island. When the lake’s water level was low, hogs

the name of Michael O’Brien bought a large parcel of land, divided

would wander off the island and live in the tules on the shoreline. For

the parcel into 7,912 lots, and advertised this new community as

many years, chasing and hunting these wild pigs became a great sport.

modern, complete with streets, and boasted it even had a public

Tulare Lake became a sportsman’s paradise for other reasons, too.

fountain. One St. Louis, Missouri man even purchased 192 lots.

It attracted wildlife of all kinds: ducks, geese, and many varieties of

In 1889, the Visalia Weekly Delta exposed O’Brien as a fraud and

water fowl visited. Bears, deer, elk, antelope, and other animals were

Lakeview as a hoax, revealing that the town only existed on paper.

also drawn to this watery oasis. This menagerie of visitors brought

Sarcastically, the Delta reported that in all probability Lakeview’s

out scores of hunters anxious to bag prey for sport and table.

lots would “remain for years to come a favorite rendezvous for the hog, the frog and the slimy snail.”

There was another critter that found Tulare Lake appealing—the terrapin, also known as the pond turtle. They were everywhere

Tulare Lake remained as part of Tulare County until 1893, when it

in and around the water, with a concentration of them about six

became part of the newly-created Kings County. By this time, the

miles from what is now Kettleman City. It became known as

lake water was already rapidly receding, as more irrigation ditches

Terrapin Bay. Commercial turtle fishermen frequented the area and

upstream diverted the water for crops before it reached the lake.

caught all they wanted for hungry consumers who saw turtle soup

Exactly when the lake went totally dry is difficult to determine, but

as a delicacy. Fishing the waters reaped other huge rewards besides

by the start of the 20th Century, it had all but disappeared. Today,

turtles: salmon, trout, perch, catfish, and other varieties of fish

the dry lake bottom is productive agricultural land, crisscrossed with

eagerly took fisherman’s bait or were caught in their nets.

irrigation canals and ditches. From time to time when the Sierra is

Though the lake was a great resource for many, it also provided a

heavy with snowpack, the lake comes back, but doesn’t stay long.

backdrop for crime and violence. In the 1860s, Jack Gordon ran his

Beyond those appearances, there is very little evidence that the

hogs and lived on the lake. He was a gunfighter, murderer, robber,

mystery lake ever existed.

Staff Picks

TAKE IT FROM THE TEAM

Staff Picks The month of February finds us sharing the love and getting you up to speed on our favorites for this month. Here are a few things we have

Ooni Pizza Oven

Yokohl Valley Drive

Gather with friends and family for an

Take a drive through Yokohl Valley all

interactive outside dinner. These pizza

the way to Springville to see lush, green

ovens make for a flavorful night with the

foothills, granite boulders, and beautiful

crust just the way you like it. See who can

landscapes. Look for any early blooming

toss the best pizza—we’ve found it’s

wildflowers along the drive, too. The road

harder than it looks.

can be a little bumpy, but the views make up for it.

Rooted Valley

For anyone feeling stuck or frustrated with

Staying healthy is vital this time of year.

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Turn to a decades-old health craze to help

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Lifestyle Magazine February 2022

Articles inside

The Ugly Company

History

Salt + Light Village

Wedding Look Book

Finding Purpose

Love of Earth Co

Lessons Learned

Food: A Valentine’s Dinner In

Editor’s Note

Contributors